Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (2/11/19)
The Man returns to Raw! But isn’t she still suspended?!
The McMahons invite The Man back to Raw to respond to her controversial actions both last week and on SmackDown! Will this end well for Becky Lynch?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Triple Threat Tag: Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Nia Jax & Tamina VS The Riott Squad; Nia & Tamina win, Bayley & Banks must enter the Elimination Chamber first.
- Finn Balor VS Drew McIntyre; Finn wins, by disqualification.
- Six Man Tag: Finn Balor, Kurt Angle & Braun Strowman VS Drew McIntyre, Baron Corbin & Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush; Finn, Angle & Strowman win.
- Nikki Cross VS Ruby Riott; Riott wins.
- Dean Ambrose VS EC3; Ambrose wins.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Revival; The Revival win and become the new Raw Tag Team Champions.
PLAY BY PLAY
Stephanie and Triple H start off Raw!
The power couple of the McMahon administration welcome Grand Rapids and the rest of the WWE Universe to the show and the Road to Wrestlemania. But the Road takes a quick detour into the Elimination Chamber, where there will be the first ever Women’s Tag Team Championship match! Plus, SmackDown’s Daniel Bryan will have to be the best he’s ever been in an Elimination Chamber WWE Championship match! As for Raw, the Baddest Woman must take her own detour when she defends against the Squad leader, Ruby Riott. If Ronda Rousey succeeds, she will continue on to Wrestlemania to defend against The Man, Becky Lynch! Well, that was the plan until last week.
Footage plays of Stephanie confronting Becky about her bad leg. Stephanie told Becky to get checked out or be suspended. Becky threatened Stephanie not to do that, but the suspension came down. And Becky went after Stephanie with a vengeance! But the suspension wouldn’t keep Becky away, because she would show up on SmackDown the next night. HHH told Becky the same thing: see the doctor, and you get to face Ronda. Becky rubbed in the beat down on Stephanie, and that’s when HHH went on a rant about knowing the truth. Becky doesn’t want to get checked out, because she’s afraid she can compete against Ronda, and will then lose to Ronda. And much like Raw before, Becky would disrespect the boss when she SLAPPED HHH!
Fans still cheer Becky in the present. Stephanie says she and HHH are still going to give us what’s best for business. Becky went to the doctor and we will hear the results. But before Stephanie can continue, Becky appears! Becky still has her leg brace as she walks out and joins the Authority in the ring. Grand Rapids cheers Becky on as she says it’s nice to see them both looking so well. She teases she’ll hit Stephanie harder next time. HHH wants them all to put this behind them. He crossed the line accusing her of being afraid, and now he apologizes. Becky saw her personal doctor, and the WWE doctors actually agree. There are no injuries or structural damage, Becky can simply rehab and be 100% cleared. In other words, the suspension is lifted and Becky has her Wrestlemania match with Ronda.
Everyone is happy to hear that and Becky shakes hands with the bosses. Perhaps the greatest match in Wrestlemania will happen, “if and only if” Becky can still do something else. Of course there’s a catch. No, no, this is no catch. But every action has a consequence. Becky can easily do this. Her match is on and her suspension is lifted, if she apologizes to them. Then they can put this all behind them. Fans say “No! No!” but Becky did attack Steph and slap HHH. But they were forcing her to do something she didn’t want to. She went to see the doctors like they wanted! Stephanie doesn’t want Becky to be stubborn, but Becky tells Stephanie to shut up!
Becky does not trust the McMahons, that family has screwed so many people over the decades! They’re still trying to steal Becky’s opportunity! Becky will fight anyone to get to Mania! Even if it’s Stephanie or Vince! But apologize? “Hell no!!” Take the apologies and shove them up your arse! Becky and Stephanie argue, but HHH keeps the peace.
HHH tells Becky this is not the hill she wants to die on. Just think about it. Put the pride and stubbornness aside. Does Becky want to fight here? Or at Wrestlemania? Does Becky want that fight of her dreams? Does she want everything she fought for to matter? Or is she going to throw it all away in one night? HHH isn’t telling, he is giving her a choice. She needs to make a decision tonight. Will she go to Wrestlemania and fight Ronda, to show the world she’s The Man? Or will she choose to throw it all away? Becky has her future in her hands, but will she let it slip through her fingers?
Triple Threat Tag: Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Nia Jax & Tamina VS The Riott Squad!
The BFF’s have been through so much in the last year, but nothing is gonna break them. The Boss & Hug Connection are ready to become the inaugural WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, but will they be ready for this high stakes match? The team that takes the pin has to be the very first team in the Chamber! Who will end up facing the gauntlet this Sunday?
Raw returns as the Samoan Dynasty make their entrance. The Riott Squad’s Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan are already in the ring, so teams simply sort out and we begin. Sasha starts against Nia with the Squad content to wait it out. Nia lunges but Sasha dodges and SLAPS her! Then she tags out to Liv! Liv doesn’t want to but she has to come in. Nia and Liv circle and Liv runs. But Nia knocks her right down! Liv wants a tag but the #LegitHuggable duo don’t go anywhere near her. Nia runs at Liv but Liv dodges and enziguris! Tag to Sarah, and she fires off forearms and a headbutt. Nia staggers and comes back, but Sarah runs, into a fireman’s carry! She slips out but gets a headbutt from Nia!
Nia drags Sarah over and tags in Tamina. Tamina stomps a mudhole into the Kentucky Viking, then throws in big knees. Tamina has Sarah in a facelock but Sarah powers her towards the squad corner. Sarah gets free and dodges Tamina to tackle her! Tag to Liv and she covers, TWO! Liv keeps on Tamina with a facelock of her own, but Tamina powers her way out. Tamina uppercuts Liv off her feet! Tamina drags Liv up for a big scoop slam, then covers, TWO! Liv lives but Tamina keeps on her with a chinlock. Fans rally as Liv endures. Grand Rapids says “We Want Bayley!” Liv gets up but Tamina throws her down! Tag to Nia, and the Samoan Dynasty mug Liv. Nia toys with Liv as she crawls for Sarah, then yanks her back.
Liv fires off forearms and a kick, then runs to dropkick the leg! Nia stays up so Liv keeps dropkick-ing her! Liv runs but Bayley tags in! Bayley hotshots Liv but runs into Nia! The Squad goes after Sasha, Sarah gives her a BIG knee against barriers! The Boss & Hug Connection’s plan has backfired, but we go to break.
Raw returns and Liv has Bayley in a chinlock. Sasha’s shoulder is being checked by medics while Bayley fights her way up. Fans rally and Bayley feeds off the energy. Bayley arm-drags out but Tamina tags off Liv. Tamina goes after Bayley, who looks to be alone as Sasha is taken to the back! Tamina drags Bayley by her ponytail and headbutts her back down. Sasha doesn’t want to leave but the officials aren’t giving her much choice. Tamina kicks Bayley around then goes to Superkick, but Bayley rolls her! TWO, and Bayley jawbreakers! Jackknife cover, TWO! Bayley gets up and flapjack hotshots Tamina! She tags out to Liv! Liv tags Sarah and the Squad double dropkick Tamina! Liv enziguris, Sarah hits that knee! Tag back to Liv and the Squad work together on Tamina, wheelbarrow splash! Cover, TWO!
The Squad is furious but they tag back. Sarah stands on Tamina’s leg and then throws down hands. Sarah drags Tamina up and reaches, but Tamina whips and elbows Sarah down! Tamina stomps and clubs Sarah down, then drags her over. Tag to Nia and Nia tosses Sarah across the way! Big corner splash! Nia drops an elbow, then gets between Sarah and Liv. Nia drags Sarah up in a cobra clutch and thrashes her about. Sarah fights otu with her free arm, but Nia powers her to the corner! Nia runs but misses, hitting only post! Tamina tags in and hits Liv down! Tamina fireman’s carry, Samoan Drop! Sarah is down in a drop zone and Tamina climbs up. SUPERFLY hits knees! Liv returns, but so does Bayley, and they tag in!
Bayley rallies on Liv with lariats! And a tackle to fast hands! Bayley powers Liv to a corner and rams her shoulder. Wacky waving knee strike! Bayley puts Liv on the apron but Tamina runs in. Tamina ends up on the apron, DOUBLE hotshot! Fans fire up as Bayley follows them outside. Bayley dropkicks Liv through the corner! Bayley does the same to Nia! She hits Ruby before Ruby can hit her! Bayley runs, knee strike to Liv! She drags Liv to a drop zone then climbs up. Bayley aims, and hits the MACHO ELBOW! Cover, but Sarah breaks it! Sarah swings on Bayley but gets a saido suplex. Bayley goes to Liv but gets caught in a cradle! TWO, but Liv kicks Bayley. Liv whips but Bayley reverses, Bayley2Belly! Cover, but Tamina SUPERKICKS Bayley away!
Tamina has her pick, and drags Liv over. Tag to Nia and Nia gets Bayley with a Samoan Drop! Cover, the Samoan Dynasty wins!
Winners: Nia Jax & Tamina, Nia pinning; Bayley & Sasha must start the Elimination Chamber
The Samoan Dynasty shows they’re the favorites for Raw, and perhaps the entire match. And now the #LegitHuggable team, they must be the first Raw team to start that grueling match. Who from SmackDown will also be the first team to start?
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is in Grand Rapids, but Becky Lynch talks with Finn backstage. He knows her situation is tough, but he has been too proud for his own good. Don’t let it get the better of you. Finn wants to slap Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush, but it’s better to bide your time. Because when the time comes, Finn will take that Intercontinental Championship. So, apologize? He’s not telling Becky what to do, but he is warning her that pride can get the better of many men. Just don’t let it get the better of THE Man. Becky thanks him for the talk, and compliments his awesome abs.
The Drifter tries again, but then a video package comes up for Seth Rollins! #MondayNightRollins has done nothing but #BurnItDown since the amazing Gauntlet Match last year where Rollins pinned both Roman Reigns and John Cena! Rollins did it again at last year’s Wrestlemania when he won the Intercontinental Championship to complete his Grand Slam. And he did it week after week as a fighting champion. He even did it the night he and Dean Ambrose took the Raw Tag Team Championships back! Rollins’ streak continues on this Road to Wrestlemania because he’s heading to the main event against the Universal Champion, Brock Lesnar!
Elias wants a third try, but the Lucha House Party appears?! What is going on with scheduling tonight? Kalisto, Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado bring pinatas and matracas to start a fiesta! Elias is as confused as we are, while we go to break.
Raw returns and Elias is furious! He has the LHP music stop and tells them to quit with the matracas. Elias tells them that he is the biggest musical act on planet Earth! But he’s been interrupted every week, and multiple times tonight! What’s worse, he didn’t get nominated for the Grammy’s! What are these three doing out here?! Well unlike Elias, the LHP are here to entertain the fans. But tonight, they actually want to #WalkWithElias. Well fine. Elias sits back down and wants everyone to silence phones, hold applause and shut mouths so he can perform.
He begins, and sings that he has nothing left to give. When he comes to Grand Rapids, he immediately loses the will to live. Some moron says this is Beer City, which makes sense, because beer goggles are needed to see anyone as pretty. This city is full of losers and the people are the same. But it’s not the kids’ fault, it’s the parents who are to blame.
Fans boo, and Lince clears his “ear”. What did they think of the song? Thumbs… DOWN! Grand Rapids also chant “You Suck! You Suck!” Oh so it’s like that?! They think they can do better!? Do they have any idea how hard it is to be him? Lince can dance. What about Metalik? He likes to sing. Kalisto will take care of this. Oh he thinks he can play as well as Elias? Fine, take the stool, and the guitar, and Elias proudly presents: Kalisto. Kalisto begins playing, and yes he’s rather good. Elias is surprised, and impressed. He asks Kalisto to do a duet. Kalisto agrees and Elias grabs the other guitar, TO SMASH Kalisto! Elias gets away while Metalik and Lince checks on Kalisto. Elias gets the last laugh, but will he give us a repeat performance?
Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose speak.
SmackDown’s #Fire&Desire have already been a part of many firsts in the WWE. They were in the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble match, the inaugural Wrestlemania Women’s Battle Royal, so being in the inaugural Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber is only natural. They won’t shy away from this opportunity, and are ready to take those titles. Will Sonya and Mandy have enough fire and desire to win it all?
Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush head to the ring.
The Rocky Mountain Machine and his Hype Man of the Hour want to be ringside for this upcoming match.
Finn Balor VS Drew McIntyre!
The Extraordinary Man gets what he wants: he will compete for the Intercontinental Championship this Sunday at the Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View. However, he won’t be facing just Bobby Lashley. It will be a special Handicap match where Lio Rush will be involved! Either opponent can defeat him to retain, or he can defeat either opponent to win! Of course, that’s Sunday. Tonight, he’ll have to first fight the Scottish Terminator, which is a tall task for any superstar. Can Finn survive to then get even with Lashley and Lio? Or will McIntyre soften Finn up to make him easy pickings for the Almighty and the 24 Year Old Piece of Gold?
Raw returns as Finn makes his entrance. He sees Lashley & Lio ringside, but soon turns his attention to McIntyre as the Scotsman makes his entrance. The bell rings, and we begin! McIntyre and Finn circle, but Lashley and Lio distract! McIntyre clobbers Finn then puts him in a corner for CHOPS! Finn staggers but McIntyre whips him hard into buckles! McIntyre rains down rights while Lio and Lashley watch on. McIntyre grins as he gives Finn one last haymaker. Finn crawls and McIntyre dares him to get up. McIntyre stands Finn up for a CHOP, then mocks the Too Sweet. McIntyre grinds Finn with a mounted armbar. Finn endures but refuses to quit. Fans rally and Finn stands up, but McIntyre uses the chinbar to bring Finn back down.
McIntyre grinds a forearm in Finn’s face. Fans still rally and Finn fights his way up. Finn pries free but McIntyre knees low! McIntyre runs but into a dropkick! Finn dumps McIntyre out but McIntyre drags Finn up and over. Finn fights back and dodges McIntyre, sending him into the post! McIntyre crashes and burns while Finn gets back in. Finn builds speed but Lio swipes his feet! So Finn wrecks Lio with a dropkick! Finn gets back in, runs at McIntyre for a slingblade! And a shotgun dropkick to the back! McIntyre hits buckles and falls, so Finn heads up! But Lashley shoves him down!
Winner; Finn Balor, by disqualification
Lashley keeps going after Finn with stomps! McIntyre joins him and they drag Finn up. Lashley puts Finn into buckles while McIntyre fetches steel steps. But here comes Kurt Angle! Angle throws hands with McIntyre, then hurries to the ring. Angle dodges Lashley to German Suplex him! McIntyre returns but he gets a German! Lio runs in, but into the Ankle Lock! Angle twists Lio’s ankle, but Baron Corbin blindsides him! Fans boo as Corbin gathers again with his old buddies. They drag Angle up for Lashley to mug. So here comes BRAUN!! The Monster Among Men doesn’t like any of these three. McIntyre runs and throws hands, but Strowman gets through him and Lashley! Strowman throws each of them into barriers!
Corbin sees Strowman and decides to run at him. Strwwman headbutts Corbin back, but Corbin throws hands. Corbin runs but Strowman scoops him! McIntyre saves Corbin and they regroup with Lashley and a limping Lio. Strowman stands tall with Finn and Angle, but is this fight far from over?
Six Man Tag: Finn Balor, Kurt Angle & Braun Strowman VS Drew McIntyre, Baron Corbin & Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush!
Raw returns, and the two trios are having a match! Will Finn and friends be able to get instant payback on Corbin and his crew?
McIntyre throws hands on Strowman, but Strowman runs him over! Strowman drags McIntyre over to his corner and tags in Angle. Angle stomps away on McIntyre, but backs off at 4. Angle wrenches McIntyre’s arm then tags in Finn. Finn climbs and drops ax handles! Finn wrenches but McIntyre knees low. McIntyre puts Finn in the corner and tags in Corbin. They stomp a mudhole into Finn, then tag to Lashley. Lashley clubs away on Finn then chokes him against the ropes! The ref backs Lashley off and Lashley tags Corbin. Corbin mugs Finn then throws a knee. Tag to McIntyre, and McIntyre stomps Finn down. McIntyre looms over Finn as fans rally. Finn fights back with forearms but McIntyre keeps him form the corner. McIntyre whips but Finn tilt-o-whirls for a reverse DDT!
Both men are down and fans fire up. Finn hurries to his feet, hot tag to Angle! Angle German Suplexes McIntyre! He holds on and does it again! And then again for the hat trick! Angle stalks McIntyre, but McIntyre escapes the Angle Slam to whip McIntyre. McIntyre runs into a boot, and Angle hits a missile dropkick! Angle hits the Angle Slam! Cover, but Corbin breaks it! Strowman chases Corbin off but has to go back to his corner. Lashley comes in for a complete shot outta nowhere! McIntyre covers, TWO! McIntyre tags to Corbin and Corbin goes after Angle with elbows to the neck and shoulders. Corbin puts Angle in a half nelson but fans rally up again. Angle powers up and hits back with body shots, but runs into a big back elbow! Cover, ONE!
Corbin drags Angle up and over and tags in Lashley. Lashley mugs Angle then bumps him off buckles. Lashley rams his shoulder into Angle, then throws more forearms. He snapmares Angle into a chinlock but fans rally up. Angle powers up and fights out again. Lashley knees low then whips Angle to a corner. Lashley runs in but into a boot! Angle and Lashely crawl, McIntyre tags in! McIntyre cuts Angle off and rains down rights. McIntyre throws Angle out hard, but the ref keeps him from pursuing. Angle is in trouble while we go to break.
Raw returns again and McIntyre mocks Angle as an embarrassment. Angle SLAPS McIntyre! Hot tags to Corbin and Finn! Finn rallies on all there opponents! Finn CHOPS Corbin int he corner, then whips. Corbin reverses but Finn goes up and over. Finn runs into a boot but swing kicks Corbin off the ropes! Corbin denies the Slingblade for a Choke Slam Backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Corbin drags Finn up to rain down rights. Fans boo as Corbin tags Lashley. Lashley drags Finn up to knock him down. Lashley flexes and Lio flexes with him. Finn fights out of the powerbomb lift, and back drops Lashley. Lashley sunset flips but Finn rolls through and dropkicks! Both Finn and Lashley are down, but crawling.
Corbin just runs in to hit Angle, and McIntyre comes around the outside to go after Strowman. Strowman uppercuts McIntyre and grabs Corbin! CLAYMORE! Lashley aims at Finn from the corner while Finn slowly stands. Corbin and McIntyre head back to their corner, having left Finn without a partner. Lashley runs in but Finn dodges! Finn FLIES onto McIntyre and Corbin! Finn shoulders and kicks Lashley back. Lashley’s down, Finn climbs up! Lio hops up but Finn knocks him away. Lashley trips Finn on the top rope! Lashley drags Finn off the corner for the Dominator! Cover, Lashley wins! But Finn had his foot on the ropes!!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, Baron Corbin & Drew McIntyre, Lashley pinning
But the ropebreak was completely missed! The referee already made the call, but wait, a second referee comes out! They discuss the ropebreak, and Corbin argues back it doesn’t matter. But that was how things were done. This match will continue! Lashley is the most furious of them all, but it is happening, after the break.
Raw returns and the restarted match has Corbin dragging Finn in off the apron. Cover, TWO! Finn is still alone after what McIntyre did to Strowman during commercial. Finn endures the half nelson but fans rally up. He fights his way up and out but Corbin shoves him to a corner. Finn goes up but Corbin slides out to slide in. Finn was ready, elbow drop DDT! Corbin tags Lashley and Lashley drags Finn up to club him down. Lio cheers Lashley on as Lashley whips Finn to a corner hard. Lashley runs in and rams his shoulder into Finn’s abs. Fans boo as Lashley toys with Finn. Lashley gut wrenches Finn but Finn slips out! Finn trips Lashley, double stomps! Finn and Lashley are both down, but Finn has no partners to tag. He still crawls that way, but Lashley drags Finn away. Finn enziguris free!
Fans rally up, and the Monster rises! Strowman drags himself up and to the corner! Finn crawls, hot tag to Strowman! Strowman rallies on Lashley, then blasts Corbin and McIntyre! Strowman shoves Lashley and hits a big corner splash! Then he clubs Lashley down! Corbin runs in but gets clubbed won! McIntyre, too! Strowman clears the ring and decides to take some laps! Strowman barrels into McIntyre! And into Corbin! And into Lashley AND Lio! He’s The Monster Truck Among Men! Strowman puts Lashley in but Corbin grabs his feet! Angle returns to German Suplex Corbin! Strowman goes after Lashley, but McIntyre comes in. Strowman clotheslines McIntyre out but Lashley clubs Strowman to a corner. Lashley runs in, but into a MONSTER SLAM!! Tag to Finn! COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn and team win!
Winners: Finn Balor, Kurt Angle & Braun Strowman, Finn pinning
The Extraordinary Man proves he can outlast numbers and win big! But this was an even 3v3 match. Can Finn do it all again when it’s 2v1? Or will the Man of the Hour be the key to Lashley staying champion?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“Y’know, for the last four months, I’ve been recovering from my knee injury and my recent surgery.” He’s giving an update to the WWE Universe. Kevin’s been spending as much time as possible with his family, but he also watches Raw. IT’s been rough to watch, because he’s watching other people do what he does best. But good news: Kevin doesn’t know which brand it will be, but he knows when. One month remains before the Kevin Owens Show returns! And check this: Kevin bowls… a gutter ball. Well okay he’s not a great bowler, but he is a great wrestler. Where will we see the Prizefighter return?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.
The Man has her choice to make. If she refuses to apologize, what will she tell the fans when we no longer get Becky VS Ronda? None of Charly’s damn business.
WWE and Raw celebrate Black History Month.
Segregation was a major issue but the protests to end it were not segregated. Many people of many cultures shared Martin Luther King’s dream. And now, anyone is allowed to go anywhere and socialize with anyone. #LongLivetheDream.
Nikki Cross VS Ruby Riott!
SAnitY’s Twisted Sister has a rematch from her NXT days as she takes on the Squad Leader! Ruby has a chance to shock the world and take Ronda Rousey’s championship to deny us the anticipated Raw Women’s Championship match regardless of what Becky chooses! Will the Road to Wrestlemania take some wild detours?
Raw returns and the bell rings. Nikki and Ruby circle and tie up. Ruby pushes Nikki to ropes but Nikki turns it around. Nikki pushes Ruby to the other side of the ring before they break. Nikki is wild as ever, but Ruby doesn’t shy away. She does run into a roll-up, TWO! Nikki puts on a headlock but Ruby fights out. Ruby reels Nikki in for a forearm, but then Nikki hits a big crossbody! Cover, TWO! Nikki gets on Ruby again with a facelock, but Ruby fights out. Ruby runs but into Nikki’s thrashing sleeper hold! Nikki becomes a backpack but Ruby backs her into buckles. Ruby gets free, then runs back in, only for Nikki to dodge. Nikki runs into Deadly Nightshade! Cover, TWO!
Ruby keeps on Nikki as Ronda and Becky encounter each other backstage. Ronda wants Becky to say which is more important: history or ego? Their match is bigger than just the two of them. They could break ground for women in wrestling, if Becky would just stop being a baby. Ronda wants Becky to man up. Just apologize, even if it isn’t genuine. Because otherwise, she’s just a coward. Becky holds in her desire to slap Ronda, but does Ronda have a point?
Back in the ring, Nikki arm-drags out and then throws a throat chop! Ruby still gets Nikki in an STO! Cover, TWO! Ruby grows frustrated as she glares down at Nikki. She slams Nikki’s face off the mat, then drops a knee on Nikki’s shoulders! Ruby drags Nikki up and whips her to a corner. Nikki elbows Ruby away then boots her. Nikki throws forearms and whips but Ruby reverses. Ruby ducks and the crossbody misses! Ruby kicks Nikki in the ribs! Nikki gets on the apron but Ruby follows her out there. Ruby declares herself the next champion already, then drags Nikki up. Nikki blocks the STO and turns Ruby around, inverted DDT on the apron! Ruby crawls away but Nikki fires up. Nikki aims at Ruby, big crossbody! Nikki tackles Ruby down and fans fire up with the Loony Lass!
Ruby crawls away again but Nikki traps her in the apron skirt! Nikki clubs away on Ruby, and Ruby falls to the floor. Nikki drags Ruby back up and in then climbs up top. Ruby SUPERKICKS Nikki right down! Ruby drags Nikki up for the Riott Kick! Cover, Ruby wins!
Winner: Ruby Riott, by pinfall
Ruby may have had to share airtime with Ronda and Becky, but will the Squad Leader stand between them? Or will the Rowdy One retain through Elimination Chamber?
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
Grand Rapids is ready to #BurnItDown with The Architect! Rollins hears out the fans and says he was going to talk about Brock Lesnar and Wrestlemania, but he watched his highlight reel from earlier. He speaks on the last 12 months, “what a ride, right?” From the Gauntlet to Wrestlemania 34 to defending the Intercontinental Championship around the world. 2018 was crazy, and to be honest, Rollins is glad to share it with the WWE Universe. 2018 helped him feel like “Seth Freakin’ Rollins”. And then Rollins won the Men’s Rumble and achieved a childhood dream. He was on top of the world, until he confronted The Beast and got six F5’s. Rollins went home to rest up and think. He has bad news and good news.
Bad news: he took those six F5’s and he’s sore. The pain from those F5’s was unlike anything he ever felt. The good news: he’s still here. Lesnar gave Rollins six F5’s but he’s still standing! And if he’s standing, he can fight. If he can fight, he can Curb Stmop. And if he can Curb Stomp, he will beat Brock Lesnar! Many people asked him, “What is it worth to you? What does it cost?” Rollins’ answer: it doesn’t matter. If this Wrestlemania ends up being his last match- “Ladies and gentlemen!” Paul Heyman comes out gives his usual introduction. And he has a Mania level surprise for us, because the “reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion, BROCK! LESNAR!” is not here. And Grand Rapids boos that. Great “surprise”, Paul. But it gets them every time, because ignorance is bliss.
But have no fear, fans. Heyman is here to educate fans and especially educate Rollins. Rollins is “pontificating” a misguided notion that all men are created equal. They’re not. Does anyone honestly believe that Rollins’ DNA matches up to Lesnar’s? Admittedly, Rollins is a great athlete, a top-tier performer and a Wrestlemania main event player. Rollins might be the best Heyman has ever seen. But Lesnar is a Beast. Lesnar is a predator. Lesnar is a “career killer” sadist with an “unrepentant soul”. If Rollins goes in saying he’ll do anything and everything, including taking a beating so bad it’s his last match ever, that is a “suicide mission”. Heyman gives Rollins fair warning: If Rollins walks in and tries to take the title from Lesnar, he will only be The Architect of his own demise. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler.
Rollins tells Heyman that he’s right. But what no one understands is that Rollins doesn’t care. Lesnar has held the industry that Rollins loves more than anything, Lesnar has held it hostage for two long years and he refuses to stand for it! Rollins doesn’t care if Wrestlemania is a suicide mission, because Rollins will be the martyr that sacrifices body, heart and soul, and burn in Hell, so long as Lesnar does not leave Mania the champion. That’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler. Rollins is deadly serious, but will it take that and more to finally #SlayTheBeast?
But wait! Dean Ambrose appears! The Lunatic Fringe arrives before The Architect has even left. Rollins is wary as Ambrose joins him in the ring. But Ambrose simply holds out a hand. Rollings hands over the mic, and Ambrose has just one thing to say. “Slay the Beast.” Ambrose leaves the ring to sit ringside. Rollins grins, and takes his leave. Ambrose has a match next, but against who?
The IIconics speak.
Being the inaugural WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions would bring Peyton Royce & Billie Kay full circle in their 14 year career. It would be the perfect thing for them, but will they be able to survive five other teams to do it?
Dean Ambrose VS EC3!
Ambrose called out The Top One Percent last week during A Moment of Bliss, but then lost to him in EC3’s first Raw match! They have a rematch already, but will EC3 get a 2-0 sweep on Ambrose? Or will #VictoryAfterVictory have to wait?
The bell rings, and Ambrose runs right at EC3! He throws hands in a corner then CHOPS against the ropes. Ambrose whips but EC3 bails out. Ambrose gives chase but EC3 gets him on the return. EC3 stomps and throws haymakers on Ambrose, thenw hips. Ambrose elbows EC3 down! EC3 gets to a corner and dodges Ambrose to hit a big clothesline! EC3 grounds ‘n’ pounds but Ambrose covers up. The ref backs EC3 off but EC3 comes back to bump Ambrose on buckles. EC3 CHOPS Ambrose and then whips Ambrose back in for a clothesline. He rolls Ambrose out and hits a big missile dropkick! Fans fire up for EC3 as he drags Ambrose up. EC3 suplexes and holds Ambrose to then slam him down! Cover, TWO!
EC3 stays on Ambrose with a nerve hold. Ambrose endures as fans rally up. Ambrose fights up but EC3 knees low. EC3 turns Ambrose but Ambrose CHOPS! They trade chops, Ambrose runs but into a scoop slam! EC3 has everyone “Say My Name!” He drops the elbow! EC3 scoops but Ambrose slips out. Ambrose dodges and sends EC3 into the post! EC3 tumbles out of the ring and a ring count begins. EC3 sits up at 5 and gets in, but Ambrose is on him with a clothesline! Ambrose rallies and whips, but EC3 kicks him away. EC3 runs but into a scrapbuster! Cover, TWO! Ambrose gets to a corner and climbs up, but EC3 trips him up! Both men are down but EC3 is up quick. EC3 smirks but gets caught in a cradle! Ambrose wins!
Winner: Dean Ambrose, by pinfall
And just like that, the series is tied up! EC3 got caught off guard much like Ambrose last week. When and where will we see the tiebreaker?
Alexa Bliss finds Becky Lynch backstage.
The Goddess tells The Man not to do it. The moment she apologizes, she shows weakness. Becky isn’t weak, she’s The Man. And many superstars look up to her. So don’t say you’re sorry. Why? Because if she doesn’t, someone else can go after Ronda at Wrestlemania? Alexa, this advice you’re giving, this has nothing to do with that, right? She’d never do that! Alexa just wants Becky to be true to herself. And yet there’s not one genuine bone in Alexa’s body. Fine, apologize! Be the same ol’ Becky. But then she won’t be The Man. She’ll just be that sell-out. If Becky does apologize, the only thing she’ll sell out is Mania. Becky heads out, but what will she do?
Raw Tag Team Championships: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Revival!
The GLORIOUS Duo once again face Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson. There was controversy the first few times, but surely the #TopGuys will get fair treatment while also playing fair. Will Dash & Dawson finally #SayYeah to a tag title reign on the main roster?
Raw returns and the introductions are made. The belts are raised and the teams sort out. Gable starts against Dash with the bell. They tie up and Dash gets a headlock. Gable endures and powers out. Dash runs Gable over then speeds things up. Gable hip tosses Dash down! Gable gets Dash in a mounted armlock, but Dash works his way out quick. Dash pulls hair but Gable wrenches, only for Dash to scoop slam! Tag to Dawson but Gable pushes him away. Gable arm-drags Dawson to an armlock, but Dawson gets up. Dawson reaches but Gable wrenches. Dawson rolls and reverses to a wristlock but Gable avoids a takedown. Gable endures as Dawson wrenches more. Fans rally up and Gable rolls to bridge and spin and handspring. Gable spins and spins and gets a drop toehold, back to the armlock!
Gable wrenches but Dawson pulls hair and hits a big uppercut! Roode tags in but Dawson rocks Roode with a cheap shot right. Dawson whips but Roode reverses. Dawson goes up and over and Roode has to fight off Dash. Roode still gets Dash, and Gable leaps in for double clotheslines! The champs double EXPLODER the Revival out of the ring! Fans fire up as Gable builds speed. Roode helps Gable lift off, but Gable has to stop when the Revival get clear. Gable jumps over Dash and Roode dropkicks Dash into Dawson! Gable climbs up high, SUPER MOONSAULT onto The Revival! The champions are in control while we go to break.
Raw returns and Dash has Roode down with a cobra clutch. Roode fights up as fans rally. Roode fights back with body shots but Dash shoves and rams into Roode’s stomach. Tag to Dawson and The Revival double whip. Roode holds ropes and boots Dash away. Roode tosses Dawson out and dodges Dash in the corner! Dash tumbles down but Roode has to crawl a long way towards Gable. Dawson crawls back in but Gable stags in! Gable rallies on Dawson! Dash runs in but gets an arm-drag! Gable goes back to Dawson for corner punches. Dash stops Gable at 7 but gets a crossbody! Dawson runs into an atomic drop and Dash runs into an overhead suplex! Gable fires up as he targets Dawson. Dawson elbows and runs, but into an Electric Chair. Gable lets him down, German Suplex with a bridge! TWO!!
Gable keeps his cool as he drags Dawson back up. He whips but Dawson sunset flips. Gable sits on it, TWO! Dash returns but misses. Roode throws Dash out but Dash stays on the apron. The ref tells Roode to go to his corner, but Gable runs into a Revival flapjack hotshot! Cover, TWO!! Gable survives and Dawson is furious! Dawson drops legs and elbows and a headbutt! He drags Gable up for a big back suplex! Tag to Dash, and Dash becomes a human weapon for the assisted leg drop! Cover, TWO! Tag back and The Revival mug Gable. Dawson snapmares Gable to a chinlock and puts on the squeeze. Fans rally up as Gable stands up.
Gable arm-drags Dawson off but Dawson shoves him back. Gable fights out and slips out of the suplex. Dawson grabs hair to keep Gable away! Gable runs into Dash and back suplexes Dawson! Both men are down but fans fire up. Dash trips Roode but Roode pushes him away. Roode chases Dash but Gable misses his tag. Dawson blasts Roode and then drags Gable over! Tag to Dash and they give Gable an elbow drop backbreaker! Cover, TWO!! Gable still lives but Dash throws hands. Dash drags Gable up but Gable slips out. Dawson tags in, CHAOS THEORY for Dash! German Suplex for Dawson! But Roode is still down so Gable can’t tag out! We go to break while all four men are down.
Raw returns once again, and Gable slams Dawson down to catapult him into buckles! Fans rally up, hot tags to Dash and Roode! Roode rallies on The Revival, and gives Dash a big back drop! Dawson runs into a urenage! Dash runs into a gourd buster onto Dawson! Roode fires up as he tackles them both in the corner! Roode hops up and aims at Dash, but Dash gets clear. He clotheslines Dawson instead, then gives Dash a GLORIOUS Spinebuster! Cover, TWO! Roode is shocked but The Revival still lives. Dash crawls away but Roode winds it up. GLORIOUS but Dawson saves Dash from the DDT! Dash rolls Roode, TWO! Tag and Dash bucks Roode off. Gory Special, BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!! Roode lives and The Revival can’t believe it!
Dawson tags Dash and they double whip. Roode sunset flips, Gable crossbodies! Cover, TWO! Dash runs into boots and Roode tags to Gable. Gable hops up, but dash scoops. Roode slips out, Gable moonsaults but misses. Gable waistlocks Dash while Roode climbs, GLORIOUS Blockbuster and German Suplex combo! Cover, but Dawson breaks it just in time! Fans realize “This is Awesome!” as all four men catch their breath. Roode runs at Dawson but Dawson tosses him out. Gable hits Dawson with a rolling kick, then wheelbarrows Dash to a victory roll! TWO and Dash gets to the apron. Dash shoulders back then climbs up, but Gable leaps up to join him! They fight, Dawson tags. Dash sunset flips and Dawson climbs, Doomsday Device! Cover, but Roode pushes Dash into it! All four men are down and fans are loving it!
Fans again declare “This is Awesome!” as the teams regroup. The Revival stand up first and drag Gable up. They double suplex but Roode saves Gable. Roode ducks their clotheslines and shoves Dash into Dawson. Roode then tosses Dawson out and Gable climbs up. Dawson DDT’s Roode! Gable leaps for a sunset flip with jackknife bridge! TWO!! Dash tags in even as Gable atomic drops Dawson. Gable is ready with haymakers, then whips Dawson. Dawson reverses, but Gable leaps, INTO SHATTER MACHINE!! Cover, The Revival win!!
Winners: The Revival, Dash Wilder pinning; NEW Raw Tag Team Champions
Vindication for Dash & Dawson! They faced controversy and even cleaned up their act, and now they are champions!
Backstage interview with The Revival.
It took them quite awhile, but here they are with the titles! Dash & Dawson love the sound of new Raw Tag Team Champions. They’ve been saying it for years that they are THE best tag team ever! It doesn’t matter if it’s Raw, SmackDown or around the world, they are THE best. They are truly #TopGuys, will they go all the way to Wrestlemania with the gold?
Becky Lynch heads to the ring!
The Man stands in the ring as Raw returns, and is joined by HHH and Stephanie. It’s the moment of truth, and after this long night, will cooler heads prevail? Is Becky going to live the dream or not? HHH wants Becky to believe that they want this as much as her. Stephanie says she meant it that Becky VS Ronda could be the biggest match ever! They could make history! But like in anything, you must accept the consequences of your actions. They apologized to her, but will she do the same to them? It’s just two little words against a chance at history. Fans don’t want Becky to do it, but HHH tells her to ignore them. This isn’t the fans’ time, it’s just the three of them. Don’t let strangers dictate your future. What does Becky want? Does she want Wrestlemania? It’s time. What is her decision?
Becky still thinks the Authority is against her. And everyone’s been telling her things whether she wants advice or not. She admits she got defensive, and she admits the fans wanted to see her fight them. Becky hit Stephanie and slapped HHH, but if Becky just has to say two little words, then… Fans sense a certain alternative, but HHH again wants Becky to ignore it. Becky looks Stephanie and HHH in the eyes and says, “I’m sorry.” But with that out of the way, the deal is set. Becky gets to go right after Ronda, right? Because if anyone tries to take this dream from her now, they’ll be in the fight of their lives. It doesn’t matter who it is, no one is taking the dream from Becky. HHH says he wouldn’t have it any other way. “Congratulations, you’re going to Wrestlemania.” They shake hands, and that’s it.
Wait, that’s it? Yes, really. Becky finally feels great! “Ron-Ron”, it’s you and The Man! Metlife in New York, 70 thousand people! And speaking of, here comes Ronda! Becky and Ronda stare down but VINCE McMahon appears?! Before anything silly happens, Vince agrees with Stephanie. This match could be one of the greatest matches of all time. Emphasis on “could be”. But Becky thinks she’s bigger than WWE, and so does Ronda. Becky’s not The Man, Vince is! And The Man makes tough decisions. Here’s one: Becky’s still suspended! He doesn’t accept that apology, and the 60 days means Becky misses Mania. That means someone needs to replace her to face Ronda.
Vince chooses a woman who will stay in her lane but still take Ronda to the limit. That woman is CHARLOTTE FLAIR! The Queen steps up and neither Ronda nor Becky is happy about this. Vince wants Ronda to get used to this, because Charlotte’s hand will be raised! Vince already declares Charlotte the winner, but will that really be the case? Will Becky find away around Vince’s executive screwjob?
My Thoughts:
Well this was a haphazard episode. It started off rather well with The Authority trying to treat Becky Lynch like she’s somewhere between Stone Code and the Old Daniel Bryan. Becky having to make the decision became the main thread of the show, to where it unfortunately derailed from other segments. I honestly thought Elias being interrupted by her talk with Finn was a miscue of the production team. But then Elias kept having to deal with distractions and I almost thought it was Road Dogg messing with him. Instead, it’s Elias’ new carry-over feud until he, Roadie and Double J meet again. I’m thinking Elias splits the Lucha House Party but with him coming out on top to be strong going into his true feud with Jarrett.
I enjoyed the Triple Threat Tag, that stipulation was a good idea. But of course, the top Faces of the entire match end up behind the 8-ball. Bayley and Sasha starting and running the gauntlet will definitely legitimize them as winning as opposed to coming in somewhere in the middle, since it’s almost a given they’ll win anyway. Though, Sasha being taken out of action again is a bad sign for her actual ability to compete. Hopefully they’re just letting her take it easy so that she’ll actually be 100% for the Chamber. Ruby VS Nikki was good, but the feel of it was ruined by the Becky-Ronda segment. We know Ruby won’t win, but it’s not like Vince didn’t throw a monkey wrench into the plan.
Finn’s story was a huge chunk of the middle, and was fairly solid. McIntyre being his opponent obviously brings in the story of Angle and Strowman. The resulting Six Man Tag match was really good, but I was surprised it took two referees to change the decision. The primary official noticed Finn had the ropebreak, he could’ve just waved it off and said the matched continued then and there. But that aside, of course Finn and the Faces win. Now Finn can do that weird Handicap Intercontinental Championship match. The only reason for that would be so that Finn can pin Lio to get the title instead of overcoming Lashley. Which is stupid, Finn needs to show he can beat Lashley directly, but I guess that’s just Vince not thinking Finn is good enough.
Rollins and Heyman had a good segment together, I really like this all-or-nothing attitude in Rollins. That level of determination might be what Rollins needs in story to be the one to truly overcome Lesnar. Ambrose giving Rollins a slightly encouraging talk was an interesting choice. But perhaps with their story finished and Ambrose possibly on his way out, they might as well let bygones be bygones and be somewhat friendly with each other. Ambrose VS EC3 II was pretty good, but another quick pinfall means we’re getting round 3 in the future. I don’t know about at Elimination Chamber, that’s almost too soon. I’m hoping for a full story where EC3 actually gets to give promos, and we settle this at Fastlane.
The Raw Tag Team Championship match was great! Probably the best thing of the night, and the best tag match on Raw’s side of things in months. And at last, The Revival gets to be champions! Granted, this is about WWE not wanting to lose potential stars to AEW, but hey, title reigns are still title reigns. Fans are happy, The Revival should be happy, and hopefully The Revival retain all the way to Wrestlemania and beyond. But of course, this also all has to happen with fair treatment of Raw’s Tag Team Division. Though speaking of that, it’s literally not fair in both kayfabe and in reality for Vince to pull such executive shenanigans.
Becky apologizes, even if it was just for show, but then Vince just pulls the rug out from under everyone. I knew the Triple Threat was inevitable but Vince can’t even do it the smart way. Make Charlotte earn it, make her reestablish herself. Vince literally does what fans have always accused him of doing for others and he makes Charlotte his chosen one. Becky will still get in, raising Hell in the process, and I would hope she gets to put Vince in a Disarm-Her and forces him to put her back in the match. As a match, the Triple Threat will still be great, but now we have no idea what Asuka does for Mania. SmackDown will need to build up someone fast. Perhaps Lacey Evans as the one call-up that hasn’t done anything yet.
My Score: 7.5/10
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Pick and choose, sit and lose, all you different crews…
Night two of the WWE Draft continues here on Monday Night Raw, even as The Judgment Day take on Jey Uso, Ricochet & Andrade! Will Main Event Jey’s team put a YEET Down on Damian, Finn & JD?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Gunther w/ Ludwig Kaiser VS Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston; Gunther wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn VS Bronson Reed; Sami wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.
- Maxxine Dupri VS Candice LeRae w/ Indi Hartwell; Candice wins.
- Liv Morgan VS Nia Jax; Liv wins.
- WWE World Tag Team Championships: The Awesome Truth VS The Alpha Academy; The Awesome Truth wins and retains the title.
- Six Man Tag: The Judgment Day VS Jey Uso, Ricochet & Andrade; Jey, Ricochet & Andrade win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Logan Paul arrives!
The Maverick United States Champion rolls up, also with IShowSpeed, and they’re greeted by Patrick Mahomes! And Judgment Day, too! Damian Priest says hey to Logan, congratulates Mahomes on his success, and from champion to champion, Priest wants to say that Logan looks good with the title. Logan appreciates that. Nick Aldis invited Logan to Raw to help with the WWE Draft, make some picks, and hang out with the greatest QB in the NFL. But hey, Judgment Day’s been crushing it. They run Raw! Logan’s guess is that at Backlash, they’re gonna destroy the “ugly Uso,” Jey. Let’s get it! This clique rolls in, will things all go well for them this close to the big night?
Becky Lynch is here!
The fans fire up for the NEW Women’s World Champion as she makes her way to the ring, gold back in her hands! Becky gets a mic in her hand now, and she says, “The Man has come around to Kansas City!” The fans cheer that! And man, we’ve got history here, right? Yeah, yeah! Lots of people say KC is where The Man was born. Nearly six years ago, right up on those steps, face bloodied, and she let everyone know that this is HER show now! And here she stands, your new Women’s World Champion, and she’s still saying the same damn thing! The fans cheer on “BECKY! BECKY!” Becky says we are on night two of the Draft, and the times, they are a changing!
There’s a whole new division waiting in the wings. It has taken Becky two YEARS to work back to holding a world championship. And the fans chant, “You Deserve It!” She thanks them for that and loves them for it. But now that Becky is holding this title, her instinct is to hold it tight, never let it go, but titles aren’t meant for just holding. They are meant for defending! Fans like the sound of that, too! So Kansas City, let’s find ourselves a new #1 contender! And Becky wants to fight the best, because you only get better fighting the best. And with that, here comes Liv Morgan! Liv has a smile and a mic as she goes to the ring to tell Becky if she’s looking for a contender, here she is!
The fans are torn but the “MAMI! MAMI!” chants come out. Liv says now, the very last thing she wanted was for Becky to just hand her a title match. But for some reason, Liv can’t help but feel like Becky owes her one. The fans boo but Liv says hold on, hold on. The truth here is, the only reason Becky has the World Championship is because Liv did what Becky couldn’t, and that was take out Rhea Ripley. The fans boo because Liv hurt Rhea. Liv continues to say that this is still the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour, after all. And she thinks they both know that the endgame here was always going to be Liv. So Liv won’t stop until she has everything that she wants.
Becky tells Liv she’s right. Becky would not be holding this title if not for what Liv did to Rhea. But the interesting thing is, Liv would be holding this title if not for what Becky did to Liv. Funny how that works, huh? But then here comes Nia Jax! The Irresistible Force was drafted to SmackDown, but rosters don’t lock in until after Backlash! And Nia says this is all just them being rude. She doesn’t know about any of the fans here, but Nia says Kansas City is very rude for not welcoming her. They are lucky she even showed up tonight. Liv can’t hear Nia over the boos! Nia says she dominated them both last week! SHE should be champion right now!
And the only reason she’s not is because Liv and Becky teamed up to make sure she wouldn’t be. But lucky for her, she’s now on the superior show, SmackDown! It’s why she’s wearing blue, if you can’t tell, you idiots. But like Bayley, Naomi & Tiffany saw, Nia will soon be champion. So tonight is her last night on Raw. Fans cheer that! Well, if Nia is leaving, she’s taking one of them with her. So- LIV SHOTGUNS NIA! The fans fire up and Liv says if Nia’s gonna make a challenge, SHE accepts! Will Liv survive a battle with Nia to then go after Becky and the title?
Stephanie McMahon is here!
The fans fire up as the Billion Dollar Queen walk out on stage! She goes to the podium because she has the first round of picks! And she says it feels great to be back here in Kansas City! She welcomes us to night two of the 2024 WWE Draft, and says with the first pick, Raw selects… DER RING GENERAL, Gunther, and Ludwig Kaiser, Imperium! And yes, it’s just them after they expelled Giovanni Vinci from the group. With the second pick, SmackDown selects… JADE CARGILL! The Storm is staying on Friday nights, much to Damage CTRL’s chagrin. And with the third pick, Raw selects… DAMAGE CTRL! Well, never mind!
The fans are torn as Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, Asuka & Kairi Sane now move to the red brand! And with the final pick of this opening round, SmackDown selects… KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter stays on Fridays, which is fitting as he wants after The Bloodline! Who else will be chosen? We’ve still got FIVE rounds to go tonight!
Gunther w/ Ludwig Kaiser VS Xavier Woods VS Kofi Kingston!
Speaking of Imperium, they’re ready to commemorate staying on Raw and dumping Giovanni Vinci by sanctifying the ring. However, will the reigning, defending, W, W, E, King, of, the RING~ prove to Der Ring General that he isn’t ready to wear the crown?
The bell rings, Gunther and Woods slowly circle. The fans rally up for “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” The two approach, Gunther kicks low, then CLUBS Woods. Woods goes to a corner, Gunther clinches and grinds forearms, but the ref counts. Gunther lets off, Woods dodges the chop to CHOP! Woods dodges another chop to headlock! Gunther powers up but Woods holds on tight, Gunther powers out on the second try, but Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides under to ROLLING ELBOW! Gunther fumes, runs up, but Woods dumps him out! Woods runs, but Gunther avoids the wrecking ball dropkick to CHOP Woods down!
Woods writhes, Gunther hauls him up and hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX, and then Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Woods is down in the ring. Gunther paces, Kaiser tries to get fans to cheer him but they boo instead. Gunther brings Woods up to UPPERCUTS! Woods goes to a corner, kicks low, then UPPERCUTS back! Woods fires more UPPERCUTS, but Gunther scoops to SLAM him down! Gunther paces while Woods writhes and fans boo. Gunther goes back to Woods, eggs him on, then stands him back up. Gunther HIP DROPS, then he talks trash. Gunther scuffs Woods, but the fans rally with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Secret glitch happens, but Woods fires CHOPS on Gunther! Gunther CHOPS Woods down!
Woods still gets up! Woods CHOPS and CHOPS, but Gunther pushes him to a corner, to CHOP again! And CHOP again! And then short arm LARIAT! Fans boo but Gunther grins while talking smack on Kofi. Kofi coaches Woods, Woods rises, and Kofi tells Gunther not to worry about him. Woods stands and ROCKS Gunther, JAWBREAKERS, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Gunther CHOPS Woods again! Then reels him in, hoists him up, but Woods slips free! Woods mule kicks and the fans fire up! Woods runs corner to corner, but is put on the apron! Gunther CHOPS, Woods wobbles, and Gunther climbs!
Gunther drags Woods up, but Woods fires body shots! Woods throws hands and he CHOPS Gunther! And CHOPS him off the ropes! The fans fire up as Woods climbs, to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Gunther is still in this but even Kaiser looks a little worried. Gunther sits up, Woods is on him and brings him in. Woods goes to suplex but Gunther fights out! Gunther CHOPS Woods down again! Woods goes to the apron, Gunther runs in but Woods RAMs him! Only for Gunther to SHOVE Woods down! Woods’ leg gets caught in the ropes! The ref hurries to help Woods but Gunther stomps away! The fans boo but the ref backs Gunther off.
Gunther goes outside, to CHOP the leg! The ref frees Woods, Woods flops to the floor, and the ref reprimands. Gunther grins as he still has control, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Gunther drops a knee on Woods’ bad leg! And then another knee drop! Woods flounders to a corner, drags himself up, and Gunther again talks trash to Kofi. Gunther goes back to Woods, but Woods throws body shots and chops! Gunther kicks the bad leg! Woods CHOPS, but Gunther scoops him to SLAM him into ropes! Woods grits his teeth, clutches the leg, but the fans boo as Gunther mocks Woods. Gunther drags Woods up, puts him on the top rope, and CHOPS him on the back! Woods falls back into the Tree of Woe, and Gunther CHOPS the knee! And CHOPS! And CHOPS it again! The fans boo but Gunther BOOTS the knee!
The ref backs Gunther off, gets Woods out of the Tree, but Gunther grins as he watches Woods writhe. Kofi coaches Woods, the fans rally up, but Gunther eggs Woods on. Woods crawls after Gunther, rises up, only for Gunther to CHOP him down! Gunther goes out to the apron, taunts Kofi some more, then goes up the corner! GUNTHER SPLASH onto knees!! A double-edged tactic but it still saves him! Woods slaps the leg, gets it moving, and the fans rally up harder! Woods rises, to kick, but Gunther blocks! Gunther CHOPS Woods down, then has the leg for a HALF CRAB! Woods endures, flails, reaches out, and Kofi coaches him, only for Gunther to drag Woods back!
Gunther sits deep on the leg, and Kofi thinks about the towel! Kofi grabs the towel, but Woods tells him no! Woods doesn’t wanna lose like that! He knows he can do it! Kofi hears Woods out, and throws the towel away! The fans fire up as Woods powers up! Woods crawls forward, reaches out, but Gunther turns him over! Woods kicks with his free leg, but Gunther drags him way back! STF, with HAMMERING ELBOWS on top! INVERTED GRIP!! Woods endures, but he just can’t! He taps, Gunther wins!
Winner: Gunther, by submission
A gutsy move by Woods, but Gunther has no mercy for anyone. Der Ring General stands tall over the king and “takes his crown” for his own. Will this also happen during the King of the Ring tournament as we enter the money of May?
Backstage interview with Jey Uso.
Cathy Kelley is with Main Event Jey, Raw’s first pick from Night One. A great honor for Jey, but is there any pressure being Raw’s first pick while also heading into Backlash’s World Heavyweight Championship match? Jey appreciates the praise, but says there’s no pressure. Put that on his back, watch him work, and Priest is about to catch this YEET down! Then one more question: Logan Paul- Jey stops her there. Jey is glad WWE signed a Paul brother. He just wishes it was the one with a winning record. YEET. Jey heads out, will he and his team get a big win over Judgment Day?
Wait in the background, is that Liv? And is… is that Dom following her?! What’s going on with Mami’s Latino Heat while she’s away?
Logan Paul & IShowSpeed head to the ring.
The fans boo as The Maverick and his pal walk out to the podium. Logan says what’s up, Kansas City? It’s so beautiful. But real quick before they get started, you all know there’s a special guest in the house. Samantha Irvin, do an introduction for Mahomes! The fans cheer as Samantha introduces the TWO-TIME NFL MVP, the THREE-TIME Super Bowl Champion, and the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes! The fans cheer again, and Speed snipes the first pick of the second round. Raw selects… The Voice of the Voiceless, C! M! PUNK! The fans fire up for that one, and even chant his name!
Logan takes the pick for SmackDown, and they select… THE PRIDE! Bobby Lashley, Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins & B-Fab are all sticking together, and they’re all staying right on Friday nights to go after A-Town Down Under. Speed says for the third pick, Raw selects… THE MONSTER OF ALL MONSTERS, Braun Strowman!! Raw is keeping the 6’8″, 385 pound superheavyweight right here on Mondays! And SmackDown wraps up this round, they select… Tiffany Stratton! The Center of the Universe is still on Fridays, will it be #TiffyTime for the Summer?
Logan continues to the ring to say it’s time to get real. He came to KC to help picks, celebrate with Mahomes, but then what happened? Jey is running his mouth just because he pointed out the truth? The truth is, stupid, Damian Priest will beat Jey Uso! And here’s why: Because Jey made a mistake leaving The Bloodline. Jey Uso is incapable of becoming a champion on his own! Something Logan has become a master of. So look, KC, let him give you a play by play of what happens this Saturday at Backlash. But wait! Here comes Jey! The fans fire up as Jey goes right to the ring, the fans bouncing along with the beat!
Jey stares Logan down, and even looks at the US Championship. The “YEET!” echoes out as Jey gets a mic. Jey says Logan’s got predictions. But Kansas City, what you got to say? You thnik Jey can beat Priest? “YEET!” You think Jey can be world champ? “YEET!” You think Jey needs to knock the YEET outta Logan for running his mouth? “YEET!” Logan asks if Jey thinks he can out YEET him. For all his little gangstas, Logan’s been yeetin’ since 2017! Lil’ Jey trying to roast Logan? Jey ain’t good when he’s alone. It’s why he got kicked outta the Bloodline. The difference between Jey and Logan, is Logan and his bloodline nis tight.
And here come JD McDonagh & Finn Balor! Logan says well, well, well. Jey’s all alone again. Can’t fend for himself then, can’t fend for himself now, and always behind with those two braincells in his head. Jey’s vocabulary consists of two words: YEET, and UCE. But Jey says YEET and he fires haymakers on JD & Finn! Only to get mugged 2v1! Logan says well, well, well. Logan leaves it to Judgment Day as he says KC has something they might like. Logan goes to Mahomes, and Mahomes gives Logan all his Super Bowl rings to be brass knuckles!! The Judgment Day gets Jey on his feet, Logan swings, but Jey ducks! The Irish Ace takes all three rings to the face!!
Jey then walks back up and even he’s like, DAMN! JD got the knocked the YEET out! Finn swings, Jey TACKLES him! Logan drags Jey off Finn and throws down those rings! But BRAUN is here?!? Logan didn’t realize the Monster Among Men was actually going to be in KC! Braun storms in, Finn goes after him, but Braun SHOVES him down! And then grabs him for a MONSTER CHOKE SLAM!! Braun glares right at Logan, and Logan goes running! Braun pursues right into the crowd but Logan’s too fast. Braun tells him he better run! Braun then looks at Mahomes, who gave Logan the ammo in the first place.
The fans fire up as Mahomes has his linemen step up. Jey has Braun calm down, those guys are WWE’s guests. Braun leaves it at that, and KC fires up as Braun roars! Will nothing stop this Monster Among Men from making Mondays his night?
R-Truth finishes talking with Chad Gable backstage.
Gable says Truth drives a hard bargain, but he won’t regret it. On behalf of The Alpha Academy, it has been a pleasure doing business with him. The Miz walks in and says they just negotiated a title match tonight. Yeah, with Gable. Good businessman here. Gable said they get one now, and two later! W-What? Y’know, like Now & Laters, the candies. But dog, it’s the Draft! And the WWE World Tag Team Champions could be drafted into the NFL and be players for the Chiefs! Miz asks if Truth knows that this is the WWE Draft, not the NFL Draft. Truth knows now. Who does he talk to? Patrick Mahomes is here. The insurance guy?
Truth is ready to bundle his home and auto! It’s two-for-ones all day! Let’s roll! Truth heads out, Gable says that’s quite the negotiator. Miz just replies with, “Really? Really?” Miz heads out, and Sami BOOTS Gable down!! The fans cheer as Sami gets some revenge before heading out for his own title match! Will everything start falling apart for The Alpha Academy this close to Backlash?
Backstage interview with Booker T.
Cathy says Booker is lending his knowledge to Raw as a draft analyst, so what does he think of it so far? Jade Cargill for SmackDown is a game changer. And while Priest is locked in for Raw, what about the rest of Judgment Day? But then CM Punk, what a big break for Raw. That’s huge. But then in walks Drew McIntyre. Book says hey, what’s up? McIntyre says, “Tell me you didn’t just say that. You think this is 2010, Book?” Punk gets hurt after one match, and then he still gets drafted ahead of the guy who took him out, and who literally won the world title?! The title you don’t have right now?
Drew seethes and tells Booker to not be like the others. Booker saw what happened just like everyone else did. Booker asks Drew if he saw what happened like everyone else did. McIntyre asks if this is backwards world or something! He was with Booker back in the day! He knows how Book really felt about Punk! But Booker’s changed. McIntyre storms off, but just what is going on with McIntyre?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn VS Bronson Reed!
The Great Liberator just got a semblance of payback on Chad Gable, and now he’s looking to take a BIG bite out of Auszilla! Will Sami avenge himself of all the cheap shots and blindside attacks? Or will there be a tectonic shift in the championship landscape tonight?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this is a massive moment for both men!
The bell rings, the two circle, and they feel things out. The fans rally for Sami as the two circle and tie up. Sami waistlocks, Bronson backs him down but Sami puts him in a corner! Sami CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Bronson shoves Sami away, then CLOBBERS him! Bronson snarls, drags Sami up, and HEADBUTTS him! Sami flops against ropes but Bronson storms up on him. Bronson stands Sami up against ropes, to CHOP! Bronson HEADBUTTS Sami, HEADBUTTS him again, then eggs him on. Bronson CLUBS Sami, CLUBS him again, but the fans still rally for Sami. Bronson drags Sami up, whips him to ropes, but Sami holds ropes!
Sami dodges Bronson to send him outta the ring, then goes to the apron! Sami mule kicks, then ARABIAN PRESS SAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Bronson! The fans fire up with Sami as he stands tall! Sami puts Bronson in the ring, goes to a corner and climbs, to CROSSBODY, but Bronson catches him! And RAMS him into the corner! And then RUNNING POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! So Bronson SENTONS! Sami sputters and flounders while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Bronson stands tall over Sami. Bronson brings Sami up, HEADBUTTS him, then fires forearms. The fans rally behind Sami as Bronson whips, but Sami goes up and over! Sami LARIATS Bronson down! The fans fire up and Sami goes to a corner. Bronson stands, storms over, but Sami ELBOWS him away. Sami goes up and AX HANDLES, but into an URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Sami survives that slam but Bronson snarls. Bronson drags Sami back up, reels him in, and hoist shim up, to BUCKLE BOMB! Then he gets Sami back up, SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives and the fans fire up again!
Bronson is frustrated but he stalks Sami to the ropes. Bronson kicks Sami out of the ring, goes to the apron, and FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES! Sami goes down in a heap and Bronson looks to the title belt. Bronson puts Sami in the ring, then aims from a corner. But Sami HELLUVA KICKS outta nowhere!!! Cover, BUT GABLE GETS IN!? GERMAN SUPLEX!!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by disqualification (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Gable ruins Bronson’s match just to get back at Sami! Gable rains down fists on Sami, then CLUBS away on him with crossface forearms! Gable rolls up his sleeves to put on the ANKLE LOCK!! Sami endures, flails, but ends up int he GRAPEVINE! Refs rush out here to stop Gable and he lets Sami go. But then TSUNAMI!! Bronson gets his in, but perhaps on the wrong target! Gable grabs the gold, he holds it over Sami as he says Sami never deserved it in the first place! But then Bronson fireman’s carries Gable! DEATH VALLER DRIVER!! Bronson grabs the gold and stands over both men! Is Auszilla going to destroy anyone and everyone until he’s the alpha?
Ron Simmons & John “Bradshaw” Layfield are here!
The fans fire up as The APA is here to give the next round of picks! JBL starts by saying Raw’s first pick of the third round is… THE LATINO WORLD ORDER! Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Zelina Vega, Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, and… Carlito, are all on Raw! But what about the falling out from Friday? Ron says SmackDown selects… LEGADO DEL FANTASMA! Santos Escobar, Elektra Lopez, Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo are staying on Fridays, them exposing Carlito’s dark secret their final act in the feud. JBL says Raw selects… THE SCOTTISH WARRIOR, DREW MCINTYRE! McIntyre might still have a way to complain about this…
And with the final pick of this third round, SmackDown selects… THE KING OF STRONG STYLE, SHINSUKE NAKAMURA! Shinsuke is moving over to Fridays, will he look to take aim at Cody Rhodes once again?
But speaking of McIntyre, he now makes his way out here, mic in hand! “Am I the only sane and logical person left around here? In what world does Drew McIntyre get drafted in Round Three?” If someone were to walk up to him and explain how it makes sense, he’d call that person a liar! McIntyre says the APA must’ve been doing a lot of drinking since Friday, that’s how stupid this is! But the fans chant for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Oh, yes, so anti-establishment to say his name. McIntyre says Punk is the furthest thing from that! Punk is now a corporate ass-kisser! Punk, congrats, you finally did something since returning: you hurt McIntyre!
McIntyre shows off his arm bandaged up, because Punk’s attack fractured McIntyre’s elbow! But unlike Punk, McIntyre is still here, working through the pain instead of staying home collecting paychecks! McIntyre just tapes it up, gets on with it, because he’s a real man! WAIT! Punk’s music hits! Is he here tonight!? McIntyre is storming around, waiting and looking, thinking this is a game. But then Punk says cut his music. Is it good to be alive in Kansas City or what? He’s up in a skybox! Punk is showing he’s not sitting at home, he’s right here, “Ya little b*tch!” Punk waves, McIntyre storms off, and the fans chant for Punk!
Ron looks to JBL, then looks around and says… “DAMN!!” The fans cheer the iconic line, but is McIntyre going to find his way up to Punk’s skybox to settle this once and for all?
The Alpha Academy prepares backstage.
Maxxine is so ready! But then Gable storms in and asks what’s going on. Maxxine says Otis & Tozawa are just firing her up for her match tonight! Didn’t you see her last week? Two eliminations in that battle royal! Finally, some momentum! Gable sarcastically says yeah, two eliminations, that’s great. But uh, can he see the title she won? She didn’t win… No, she didn’t, did she? So what? He’s to celebrate mediocrity? She wants a participation ribbon? It’s PATHETIC! And as for Otis & Tozawa, they better get it together. Tozawa, Gable swears to God, if he sees that stupid dance… Now go out there and win him those championships!!
Gable storms off, Maxxine is shook, but Ivy walks in to calm her down and help her prepare. Otis and Tozawa look to each other, are they going to win just so Gable isn’t disappointed? Or will they do this for themselves tonight?
Backstage interview with Bron Breakker.
Raw returns as Cathy is with the Big Bad Booty Nephew, and notes him being a top draft pick. What are his feelings being brought to Monday Night Raw? Bron says that Adam Pearce knows Bron is the best possible pick. He is here to take this place over. But then Sheamus apologizes for the interruption. What? Why’s he interrupting? Sheamus just wants Bron to save his breath to cool his porridge. Sheamus just wants to say he’s impressed by Bron. And this isn’t just Sheamus trying to figure out who the BAMF is, it’s just that Bron reminds Sheamus of a young and hungry Sheamus. Bron’s had banger after banger after banger.
But then McIntyre storms past them both, and Sheamus stops himself. Bron says sure, bangers. Bron heads out, is he going to break through sooner rather than later? As for Sheamus and McIntyre, can Celtic Warrior get through to Scottish Warrior before he does something he’ll regret?
Maxxine Dupri w/ Ivy Nile VS Candice LeRae w/ Indi Hartwell!
With the lingering grudge between these two, we’re bound to see fireworks go off tonight! Will Maxxine accomplish greatness by finally conquering her bully? Or will the Poison Pixie continue to be absolutely toxic?
The bell rings and Candice is already pushing Maxxine around! Maxxine TACKLES Candice for it! Maxxine dribbles Candice off the mat, then lets off to LEG LARIAT! The fans fire up as Maxxine brings Candice up to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! And a kip up! Maxxine runs, and BULLDOGS Candice down! Straps come down, and Maxine handsprings into the CATERPILLAR ELBOW! The fans fire up as Candice flounders and Maxxine says ‘A THANK YEW~!” Candice kicks, Maxxine blocks, and has an ANKLE LOCK!! Right outta Gable’s playbook! Indi coaches Candice, she crawls over, but Maxxine drags Candice back!
Candice keeps fighting around, but Maxxine keeps hold of that leg! Candice tries to go the other way, Ivy tells Maxxine to keep on the pressure! Indi POSTS Ivy!! Maxxine’s stunned, Candice rolls to send Maxxine into ropes! Maxxinen sputters, sits up, and Candice SUPERKICKS her down! Candice gets the arms, stretches Maxxine out, to WICKED STEPMOTHER!! Cover off the vicious stomp, Candice wins!
Winner: Candice LeRae, by pinfall
If Candice is a wicked stepmother, than is Indi her evil stepdaughter or something? They might be winners, but have they completely lost their way?
Backstage interview with The LWO.
Cathy is with Zelina, Rey, Dragon, Cruz & Joaquin, the newest additions to Raw. But Carlito is still coming along with them, so how are they feeling after his apparent betrayal? Rey says there are a lot of mixed emotions, but they are very happy to be here on Raw. As for Carlito… No idea why he did what he did, which means they still have unfinished business. But then Dom walks over to say hey to the “old geezer.” Dom tells LWO that Judgment Day runs Raw. So welcome back, Lollipop Guild. Rey tells Dom Judgment Day can’t run Raw if they haven’t even been drafted here. And wait… What is that on your lip, Dirty Sanchez?
Dom says Rey’s just lucky he’s not cleared! Dom runs off, Zelina says Dommy misses his Mami. But is this a sign that things are going to reignite in this father-son rivalry soon enough?
McIntyre finds the upperdeck.
He asks the fans which skybox is Punk’s but no one knows. McIntyre finds it, but Punk’s gone. Punk did leave a signed picture, though. McIntyre crumples that up, and then Punk’s making his way to the ring! Punk gets the better of McIntyre again, and says it’s CLOBBERIN’ TIME~! McIntyre now watches Punk from the skybox as Punk gets a mic. The fans chant for Punk while he looks up at McIntyre. “I love Kansas City and the people that inhabit it, so I don’t wanna waste your time like Drew McIntyre. So I’m gonna try and do this in less time than the last time you were World Champion, which means I’ve got five minutes and 46 seconds. Pat, time me!”
The fans cheer, and Punk says this would normally be where Punk asks if he has your attention now. But he can see clear as day just like everyone else, Punk’s had McIntyre’s attention for quite some time. He’s like an ex-girlfriend Punk can’t get rid of! And McIntyre says Punk hurt his elbow? GOOD! McIntyre prayed for Punk’s injury, but Punk did that to McIntyre. Punk thought McIntyre hurt his arm sitting around and tweeting. That is why Punk was drafted before McIntyre! Punk isn’t mad, isn’t out for revenge, McIntyre has given him purpose. The fans chant for Punk again, and Punk lets them.
Punk then says the reason Punk went ahead of McIntyre in the draft is simply economics! He is the Best int he World! In the ring, on the mic, even on commentary! No offense to Pat & Michael. Pat lets us know we’re 90 seconds in. Punk tells McIntyre that losers hope things happen. Losers pray for things to happen, but winners make it happen! And when Punk is cleared at 100%, he promises to make McIntyre’s life a living hell! Mic drop, and that’s just under two minutes! Will those other three minutes be used by McIntyre stewing over Punk?
Teddy Long and Alundra Blayze are here!
The Hall of Famers are here, Punk gets a hug from the former SmackDown GM, and even gives Alundra a polite hug and kiss on the cheek. Teddy starts off by saying Raw’s first pick of this fourth round, they select… JUDGMENT DAY! Finn Balor, JD McDonagh & Dom Mysterio are all staying put behind Damian Priest! Alundra says SmackDown selects… THE GLOW, NAOMI! Naomi’s challenging for the WWE Women’s Championship, so naturally SmackDown wants to keep it all on the blue brand. Teddy says Raw’s next pick, they select… NXT’s Mad Dragon, ILJA DRAGUNOV!! The Performance Center erupts as Raw is now UNBESIEGBAR!
Dragunov stands up, a standing ovation as he walks down to hug it out with HBK. Dragunov gets to put on the hat, will Mondays soon belong to The Czar? And then SmackDown closes this round with… CHELSEA GREEN & PIPER NIVEN! The Hot Mess & “Miss P” started liking Aldis better anyway, so hopefully they’ll be happy for once.
Liv Morgan VS Nia Jax!
As we saw earlier tonight, Liv wants her shot at the Women’s World Championship but is willing to earn her way to it. Will a huge win over the Irresistible Force be just the thing? Or will a crushing defeat be Nia’s parting gift before moving to SmackDown?
The bell rings and the two tie up! Nia THROWS Liv away, then eggs her on. Liv runs up, but Nia THROWS her again! Nia eggs Liv on more, then runs her over! Nia smiles, grabs a leg and SMASHES the knee! Liv flounders and hobbles away, but Nia SPLASHES her in the corner! Nia mocks Liv, “Look at that face.” Then she TOSSES Liv again! Nia soaks up the heat, but Liv JAWBREAKERS back! Liv KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! But Nia blocks one and spins Liv around, only for Liv to ENZIGIRI! Liv runs to SHOTGUN but Nia just drops to her knee! Liv SHOTGUNS Nia again, and Nia ends up on ropes! Liv DROPKICKS Nia in the back!
The fans rally up and Liv runs into the corner to back body block! Liv rolls, returns, and back body blocks again! Liv runs but Nia LARIATS her down! Nia drags Liv to a drop zone, stands on her, and Liv sputters as Nia lets off. Nia goes up and up, but Liv grabs a leg! Nia kicks Liv, but Liv sweeps the legs! Nia is stuck in ropes, Liv WOE STOMPS her down! Nia bails out, Liv builds speed, and Liv slides, but into Nia’s hands! Nia wheelbarrows Liv to SMACK her off the desk! Liv flops over and Nia soaks up the heat, but wait, Tiffany Stratton is here. Tiffy taunts Nia from the crowd, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nia has Liv down with a cobra clutch! Liv endures, the fans rally up, but Tiffy doesn’t look that impressed. Liv fights up, but Nia thrashes her back down! Raw goes picture in picture to plug The Fall Guy, then comes back as Liv fights back up. Liv throws body shots, but Nia whips her to a corner. Nia runs in, but Liv dropkicks a leg out! Nia stumbles and POSTS herself! Liv runs to SHOTGUN Nia into the post! And then Liv DRIBBLES Nia off the post!! The fans fire up as Liv kicks Nia away and climbs up the corner. But Nia YANKS Liv off the corner, and hits a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Liv survives and Nia is fuming!
Nia takes a moment to calm down, then she slaps Liv around. Nia drags Liv up, the fans rally behind Liv, but Nia whips her to a corner. Liv goes up and up, and wheelbarrows to victory roll Nia into buckles! Nia sputters, Liv runs up, goes up and up to DOUBLE STOMP Nia down! Liv pushes Nia to a cover, TWO! Nia is still in this but Tiff is still not impressed. Liv fires herself up, CLUBS away on Nia, then pushes her around. Liv runs, but Nia SPINEBUSTERS! Nia shrieks, the fans boo, and Nia drags Liv to a drop zone. Nia goes up and up, determined to end this! Nia grins as the fans boo, but Liv gets up and under Nia!
Liv YANKS Nia into the buckles again and again and again, then manages a POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Lia almost had Nia and that actually had Tiff on the edge of her seat! But then NAOMI ATTACKS TIFF! The fans fire up as Naomi throws Tiff all around, then DUMPS her over barriers! Naomi goes after Tiff but Tiff turns things around! NIa has Liv int he ropes, CLUBS her down, and Naomi sends Tiff into the desk! Then BULLDOGS her off the apron! And then PENALTY KICKS her down! Nia BLASTS Naomi for distracting her! Liv runs up, FLYING CODE BREAKER! Nia wobbles, into OBLIVION!! Cover, LIV WINS!!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall
Nia took her eyes off the ball and Liv takes this one to the house! Liv is ready to go after Big Time Becks, will we #WatchHer become the new world champion?
Backstage interview with Booker T.
Cathy again joins draft analyst Booker, and says he’s had front row seats to many a new superstar’s beginnings. What does he think of this year’s prospects? Booker says it’s about who’s next in NXT! Trick Williams, Roxanne Perez, but congrats to Dragunov. He’ll do a hell of a job on Raw. Adam Pearce walks by, Cathy hopes to get a word on how this is all panning out. Pearce feels great about Raw, good foundation and some new wrinkles added in. But sometimes, it’s the picks you don’t make that can stick in your mind. His favorite so far is actually that he didn’t take Chelsea & Piper! He hopes Aldis prays a lot, because HALLELUJAH, Pearce is free of Chelsea!
And on that note, time to make some more picks in person! Pearce heads for gorilla, who did Raw and SmackDown take in the penultimate round?
The Dudley Boyz are here!
Bully Ray & D-Von Dudley are back again, and they set up their own table! They’re also here to give us the picks! Fans chant for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” and Bully says, “Kansas Citaaaay~! You guys wanna have some fun with the Dudley Boyz tonight? WASSAP~!?” But to business, D-Von! One, two, three, “GET THE TABLES!” “OH mah brotha, testify!” The fans cheer, and Bubba says with the first pick of the fifth round, Raw selects… THE NEW~ DAY~! Kofi & Woods are staying right here on Raw, which will let them settle things with Imperium. D-Von says SmackDown selects… PRETTY DEADLY! Elton Prince & Kit Wilson will stay on SmackDown, #YESBOY!
Bubba says Raw’s next pick is… NXT’s LYRA VALKYRIA! The Morrigan, the former NXT Women’s Champion, is joining her hero, Becky Lynch, on Monday nights! Lyra herself is surprised and even emotional as she gets the red hat and gets to hug HBK. And with the final pick of this round, SmackDown selects… THE WAY, Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell! Will they start to poison the waters of the blue brand now?
WWE World Tag Team Championships: The Awesome Truth VS The Alpha Academy!
R-Truth may not really know “WHAT’S UP,” but he and Miz are still fired up to defend their titles tonight. Will they make good on the “deal” Truth made with Gable and hold onto their gold? Or will Otis & Tozawa finally make Gable proud?
Raw returns and the match is already underway! Truth fights up from a chinlock to hit a BIG back suplex on Tozawa! Both men are down, the fans fire up and so does The Miz! Truth and Tozawa crawl, hot tags to Otis and Miz! The fans fire up as Miz dodges Otis to KICK, KICK and KICK! Miz KICKS away in the corner, lets off as the ref counts, and then goes corner to corner for the A-LIST LARIAT! Miz sends Otis away, Tozawa runs up but Miz BOOTS him down! Miz RAMS into Otis, ROUNDHOUSES and HOTSHOTS him, then hurries back up! Miz springboards, into Otis’ arms! WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM!
Otis rips up the shirt, gets those hips moving, and he revs up for the CATERPILLAR… ELBOW! Tag to Tozawa and he goes up! Otis says for the Academy! SUPER SENTON onto knees! Miz powers up, reels Tozawa in, but Tozawa arm-drags free from the nelson! Truth sneaks a tag, Miz ELBOWS Tozawa and reels him in! Truth joins in, THE TRUTH CRUSHIGN FINALE!! Miz SHOTGUNS Otis while Truth covers, Awesome Truth wins!
Winners: The Awesome Truth, by pinfall (still WWE World Tag Team Champions)
Well, Gable’s not gonna like this. How badly will he tear into poor Otis & Tozawa over this one?
The Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.
JD & Finn are still sore from Strowman steamrolling them, but Dom says it’s shocking they fell to the fourth round of night two! What is this? Priest asks Dom if he’s really surprised. Week after week, they’ve gotten involved in Priest’s business, then failed miserably, all because they didn’t talk to him about it. When it comes to Jey Uso, he appreciate sit, but he doesn’t need the help. Cool? Yeah… JD, you got it? JD takes the icepack away and WHOA, that swelled up something bad! This is what Priest is talking about! But tonight, just stick to the plan and get this done. Got it? Priest heads out, JD asks if it’s always been so bright in here. Dom thinks Finn needs a towel.
Judgment Day is definitely struggling without Mami to help them, but will they pull it together? Or will they all end up looking like JD’s lumpy head?
Liv returns backstage.
And Becky finds her to congratulate her on the win tonight. And also congrats, because Liv also gets her title shot. Liv smiles and moves on, but then in step Damage CTRL. Dakota Kai says hi to Becky, they’re all on Mondays now. Dakota leads Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane & Asuka away, Kairi tapping the title. Becky says don’t touch her belt! Is The Man going to get past Liv’s Revenge Tour just to have #CobraKai, The Evil Genius and the Kabuki Warriors coming after her?
Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis are on stage!
The Raw and SmackDown GMs finish the Draft in person, and Pearce says it’s been fun playing chess with him. Time to take it home! Pearce says that with the first pick of this final round in the 2024 WWE Draft, he and Raw select… THE FINAL TESTAMENT! Karrion Kross, Scarlett, Paul Ellering & The Authors of Pain are all coming to make Mondays into Doomsday! Aldis says with the second pick, he and SmackDown select… DIY! Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano are now making their way to Fridays! Pearce says the third pick from him and Raw, it’s… BIG BRONSON REED! The Colossal Aussie still wants that Intercontinental Championship, will he take it?
And Aldis says with THE final pick of THE final round, SmackDown takes NXT’s BLAIR DAVENPORT! The Performance Center goes wild as now the Ichiban Gaijin is moving on to the next level! She hugs it out with HBK and gets the blue hat, will all of Fridays now beware of Blair?
Six Man Tag: The Judgment Day VS Jey Uso, Ricochet & Andrade!
Raw made sure Priest, Finn, JD & Dom are sticking together through the Draft, but their dominance over Raw is seriously in question. Jey just turned their attempt at a beatdown into a YEET down, and we’ve seen both the King of Flight and El Idolo get the better of them time and again. Will they and Main Event Jey embarrass Judgment Day all over again? Or will they fall as #ALLRISE for the Judgment Day?
Raw returns as Ricochet makes his entrance, followed by Andrade’s. Then Judgment Day makes their entrance, JD still struggling with that welt on his head. The teams sort out and Andrade starts against Finn. They tie up, Finn fires body shots and backs Andrade into a corner. Finn RAMS into Andrade again and again, then CHOPS, throws more hands, then headlocks for a takeover. Andrade keeps his shoulders up, moves around, and he fights up to his feet. The fans rally, Andrade throws body shots and powers out. Andrade drops, hurdles, but Finn whips him away! Andrade goes Spider-Man in the ropes!
The fans cheer, Finn runs in but Andrade drops down to send him out! JD runs in, but Andrade dumps him out onto Finn! Tag to Ricochet, he and Andrade double clothseline Priest out! Then they DOUBLE DIVE onto Finn and JD! The fans fire up as Jey DIVES onto Priest, and Priest goes up and over the desk! The fans fire up with Team YEET as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once again and Priest grinds Ricochet down with a motorcycle stretch. The fans rally as Ricochet endures, and Ricochet fights up to his feet. Ricochet breaks free but Priest BELL CLAPS him! Then Priest suplexes for a BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Priest is frustrated but he eggs Ricochet on. Ricochet slowly rises, Priest winds up and KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS, then ROLLIGN ELBOWS! Ricochet falls back, Priest soaks up the heat, then he ROUNDHOUSES Jey down! The fans boo the cheap shot, and the ref has to keep Andrade back, but that lets JD & Finn mug Ricochet! Priest then runs in to back elbow!
Tag to Finn, Priest snapmares Ricochet so Finn can slingshot STOMP! Tag to JD, he slingshots to ARABIAN PRESS SAULT! Tag back to Finn, he tags Priest. They get Ricochet up for the BACKBREAKER LEG DROP! Cover, Andrade breaks it! The fans cheer, Priest grabs Andrade to POST him! Priest storms back to his corner to tag JD, and JD flexes. The fans “YEET! YEET!” but JD has Ricochet. Ricochet hits a RECOIL! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Ricochet crawls, reaches out, and JD goes to the neutral corner, he’s that dazed! Hot tags to Jey and Finn! Jey dodges Finn, ROCKS Priest, then ROCKS Finn!
Jey fires off on Finn again and again, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Pop, lock ‘n’ YEET! Finn flounders up, into a mule kick! Jey UPPERCUTS, kicks again but Finn blocks! But the DRAGON WHIP still hits! Finn ends up in a corner, Jey gets the fans joining in on “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey runs but Priest swings! Jey dodges to DECK Priest! Jey runs at Finn but Finn puts him on the apron. So Jey GAMANGIRIS back! Jey goes up to CROSSBODY! Cover, JD breaks it! But Andrade runs up, boot feint to BACK ELBOW! Priest gets up to ROUNDHOUSE Andrade! Ricochet leaps in, but into a FLATLINER! Priest drags Finn over and then tags himself in!
Priest aims at Jey and LARIATS him down! Priest brings down the straps while the fans boo, and he drags Jey up. Priest reels Jey in, lifts, Canadian Rack but Jey slips free to SAMOAN DROP! Both men are down but Jey rolls to a corner! Jey climbs, but Dom gets on the apron! The fans boo but Priest grabs Jey! JD hurries over to SHOVE Jey down! Priest asks what JD’s even doing! Priest had Jey himself! JD says it looked like he was gonna get hit! Priset runs up on Jey, Jey dodges and SUPERKICKS! Priest ends up knocking Finn off the apron! Jey dodges JD to SUPERKICK JD out! Finn is back, Jey dodges and SPEARS!!
The fans fire up and Jey goes back up! Finn is legal again as Jey hits the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jey’s team wins!
Winner: Jey Uso, Ricochet & Andrade, by pinfall
And with that, Main Event Jey wins in the main event! Judgment Day is falling apart at the seams, but can Priest hold it together on his own? Or is Jey about to finally have his moment?
My Thoughts:
A mostly great Raw, but I feel like this year’s WWE Draft was the first real speedbump the HHH Era has hit. HHH himself explained on SmackDown that the brands would be using their picks to keep who they already have and that certainly happened. So many picks were just Raw and SmackDown “securing” many of the people they’ve had this whole time. I did like Pearce’s sense of relief that Chelsea Green & Piper Niven are no longer his problem, they’re Aldis’. But LWO leaving SmackDown right as things were getting interesting again in the feud with Legado seems disappointing. And the fact Carlito is going with them just seems like a messy handling of moving their story over to Raw just so they can also have more Rey VS Dom in the future.
DMG CTRL moving over probably gives away that Jade & Bianca are winning the women’s tag titles for Backlash. Yes, the women’s tag titles are meant to be “roaming” titles, but it feels so long since they’ve really done that. And with the entire The Way family moving to SmackDown, this makes me think Candice & Indi will try (and fail) to take the belts from Jade & Bianca. Final Testament moving to Raw seems rather surprising, but I suppose there’s something to it with them also being on NXT. Raw and NXT are still on USA Network together for now, it’d maybe help continuity for them to be back to back on Mondays and Tuesdays. Also, how strange that this is where they finally say “The Pride” for the team of Lashley, Profits & B-Fab after them being together for months…
I will say that we got great moments for the NXT call-ups. Dragunov going to Raw made sense with Imperium still being here, but I’m surprised Lyra is Raw rather than SmackDown. Maybe she’s meant to back Becky up against DMG CTRL? And Blair being called up period clearly caught her by surprise, that was a rather sweet moment for her villainous self, but she’ll make a solid part of the division on SmackDown. We also got good story crossover as Naomi and Tiffany were here tonight to brawl and cost Nia so Liv could get a great win. Becky VS Liv for some time after Backlash will be good stuff, but I’m thinking Becky retains. What’s more curious is Liv quite literally leading Dom along. Liv’s Revenge Tour really does seem to be about taking everything from Rhea…
Disappointing Draft aside, great action to build towards both Backlash and King of the Ring. Woods VS Gunther was an awesome match, but I figured Gunther would win. Hard to say if Gunther will be the new King of the Ring, but this was a good case for it. Great stuff in the Intercontinental Championship story as Sami gets that boot on Gable, was about to win against Bronson until Gable attacked, and then Bronson stands tall. So far, all three guys are staying on Raw, I sense a huge Triple Threat for this title, and that could really go either way to me. Sami can use Gable and Bronson against each other, one of them could be opportunistic, it’s going to be an awesome match.
Great story intertwining with the Academy, too, as Gable takes his anger out on his team, and that more or less affects all of their performances tonight. Maxxine tried to finally get even with Candice but Indi’s Heel turn is continuing so The Way wins on the way out from Raw. Otis & Tozawa have a fun match with Awesome Truth but end up losing, so Gable’s just gonna lose his mind with them. Good story intertwining for Judgment Day and Logan Paul. Great seeing Braun back, he looks better than ever right now. Now, while the champions are all staying put, I feel like Braun should’ve gone to SmackDown so he can continue to scare the Prime outta Logan over the US Championship. And they did a great cosmetics job with JD’s huge welt, that looked nasty!
The deterioration of Judgment Day continues in wild fashion. They get JD punched in the head, almost get Logan mauled by Strowman, and then they aren’t on the same page in the main event. They could end up messing Priest over at Backlash because of it, giving Jey the win, but it feels like Priest finds a way to win despite them messing up. Then perhaps in a twist, Priest doesn’t get kicked out of Judgment Day, he quits them and leaves them to flounder on their own.
Segment of the night goes to CM Punk making McIntyre look like a fool. He goads McIntyre into storming up to the VIP section only to circle around him and go to the ring. And I feel like Punk was even trying to fill for time since he said he had 5 minutes and 46 seconds, but he still cooked McIntyre in half that. McIntyre VS Punk is going to blow the roof off the place, wherever it takes place.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Who truly run the Junior Heavyweight Division?
With Best of the Super Juniors on the horizon, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight AND Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions must defend their gold! Will Sho and the War Dogs keep Bullet Club’s gold?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Boltin Oleg VS Katsuya Murashima; Oleg wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Tiger Mask VS Just5Guys; Just5Guys win.
- 8 Man Tag: TMDK VS The United Empire; TMDK wins.
- 10 Man Tag: The House of Torture VS Shota Umino, El Desperado, El Phantasmo, Hikuleo & Jado; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi & Tomoaki Honma VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI; Connors & Moloney win and retain the titles.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion: SHO VS DOUKI; Sho wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI!
The War Dogs took these titles back on the Road to New Beginning, and then kept them through Sakura Genesis. But the Timebomb and Black Mask are ready to take their shot ahead of the Best of the Super Juniors! Will Hiromu & Bushi be bringing these titles into the tournament? Or will 100 Proof & 44 Caliber empty the Full Clip to keep their gold?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who wins this shootout!
The teams sort out and Hiromu starts against Connors. They both run in and DOUBLE LARIAT! They stay up and DOUBLE LARIAT again! They still stay up, Hiromu dodges Connors and headlocks. Connors powers up and out and runs Hiromu over! Bu then Hiromu runs Connors over! They get in each other’s face, Hiromu shoves Connors, and then both Drilla and Bushi jump in. Hiromu kicks Drilla first, and Bushi kicks Connors! Hiromu CHOPS Drilla, he and Bushi whip the Dogs at each other, but the Dogs dosido to redirect themselves. Hiromu TOSSES Drilla while Bushi dodges Connors, then Hiromu runs in to clothesline Connors!
Hiromu snapmares Connors, he and Bushi DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Hiromu keeps on Connors with a facelock and tags Bushi in. They mug Connors, then Bushi snapmares to stomp Connors. Bushi brings Connors up but Connors knees low. Connors barks and runs, but into a kick! Then Hiromu dropkicks the legs out and Bushi basement dropkicks Connors down! Hiromu barks at Drilla, Bushi covers Connors, TWO! The fans rally for Bushi, he brings Connors up and CLUBS him to the LIJ corner. Tag to Hiromu, he barks at Drilla while Bushi stomps Connors. Hiromu turns around, Connors UPPERCUTS him!
Connors hot tags Drilla, but LIJ mugs him first! They double whip, but Drilla ducks the clothesline to shove Bushi into Hiromu! Drilla then ripcords Bushi but Bushi ducks the chop to run and RANA! Drilla is right up, but Bushi DROPKICKS him back down! Drilla bails out, the fans fire up as Bushi builds speed, but Connors gets in to SNAP POWERSLAM! Connors runs at Hiromu but is put on the apron! Hiromu runs to FLYING SUNSET FLIP- NO, Connors holds ropes to deny the bomb! And then Drilla gets under to drag Hiromu out, for an APRON POWERBOMB! Hiromu slumps down while Connors growls!
Connors and Drilla go around the corners, coordinate, and run in to SPEAR GORE COMBO Hiromu on the outside!! Drilla roars, Connors throws up the Too Sweet and fans are torn. The ref checks on Hiromu, he’s somehow okay to continue, so the ring count starts. Connors goes out to fetch Hiromu, even as the fans rally up. Connors drags Hiromu through the gate to TOSS him into the crowd! The count passes 15 as Hiromu stirs! Hiromu crawls but we’re already at 18! Hiromu sprints and slides in, SAFE! Drilla chuckles, then he looms over Hiromu to rain down fists! The fans rally for Hiromu, even as Drilla hits him over and over!
The ref reprimands about closed fists so Drilla lets off. The ref checks Hiromu, he’s still conscious so Drilla drags him up by his hair. Connors barks at Hiromu, the fans rally, but the ref still wants to check Hiromu. Hiromu reaches out, shakes his head, and the fans rally as hard as they can. Drilla drags Hiromu back up, bumps him off Connors’ boot, then tags him in. They double whip, double ELBOW, then Connors DROPKICKS Bushi for good measure. Connors taunts the fans cheering on Hiromu, barks at him, then eggs Hiromu on. Hiromu sits up, flounders over, and he drags himself up using Connors’ pants.
Hiromu CHOPS, but Connors doesn’t flinch. Hiromu staggers, CHOPS and CHOPS, but Connors UPPERCUTS! Connors whips, ELBOWS Hiromu down, then covers, TWO! Hiromu stays in this but Connors is annoyed. Connors scrapes his sole off Hiromu’s face! Tag to Drilla and he stomps Hiromu back down. Hiromu growls but Drilla stands him up. Drilla CHOPS, but Hiromu shakes his head. The fans rally up as Drilla eggs Hiromu on. Hiromu CHOPS, but Drilla CHOPS! Hiromu CHOPS, Drilla CHOPS Hiromu down! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Hiromu stays in this, but Drilla sits him up for a chinlock.
Hiromu endures, even as Drilla digs his knee into Hiromu’s neck. The fans rally, Hiromu fights around, fights to his feet, and throws elbows. Hiromu is free but Drilla RAMS him into the corner! Tag to Connors, then Drilla JABS Hiromu! Connors taunts Hiromu, stays out of range, then kicks Hiromu down. Connors reels Hiromu in to snap suplex, then he runs to drop a JUMPING ELBOW! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Connors CLUBS Hiromu. Connors sits Hiromu up for a NECK TWIST! Then he clamps on for a neck wrench! The fans rally as Hiromu endures again. Hiromu fights to his feet, throws elbows and CHOPS!
Hiromu CHOPS and CHOPS but Connors HEADBUTTS! Connors runs, but Hiromu dropkicks the legs out! Both men are down, the fans fire up, and Hiromu crawls. But Connors grabs hair and pulls Hiromu back! Hiromu blocks a kick, and a punch, to DRAGON SCREW! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Hot tag to Bushi! Bushi fires off on Connors, whips, but Connors reverses, only for Bushi to RANA! Drilla gets in to throw hands, but the ref reprimands. Drilla whips Bushi to a corner, runs in, but is sent into the corner! Bushi BOOTS Connors, brings Drilla in, BULLDOG DROPKICK COMBO!
The fans fire up with Bushi, and he blocks a haymaker to spin and DDT Connors down! Cover, TWO! Bushi hurries to SMASH Connors’ knee! Bushi then ties the legs up, CLOVERLEAF KNEEBAR! Connors endures, scrambles, and grabs the ROPEBREAK! Bushi lets go at 4, the fans rally, and Bushi stomps Connors around. Bushi kicks at the leg, then blocks Connors’ leg to kick Connors. Bushi runs, Connors redirects to POUNCE! Both men are down but the fans rally up again. Bushi and Connors crawl, hot tags to Drilla and Hiromu! Hiromu dodges Drilla to fire off forearms! Hiromu whips, ROCKS, and puts Drilla on ropes to KICK it!
Hiromu runs, Drilla dodges, but then Hiromu ELBOWS him! Hiromu whips Drilla to a corner, clotheslines him, snapmares and basement dropkicks! The fans fire up with Hiromu, “MOTO! MOTO!” Hiromu drags Drilla up to fireman’s carry, but Drilla slips free. Drilla shoves Hiromu to a corner, runs in but into a BOOT! Hiromu runs but fakes Drilla out to then wrench and facelock. But Drilla suplexes first! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up again while Drilla frowns. Drilla drags Hiromu up and reels him in, but Hiromu fights the lift! Drilla ENZIGIRIS Hiromu, then reels him back in! Canadian Rack, but Hiromu slips free!
Hiromu shoves, wheelbarrows, but Drilla fights it! Hiromu powers through to COMPLETE SHOT after all! The fans fire up while both men are down! Hiromu staggers up, tag to Bushi! Bushi and Hiromu drag Drilla up, double whip and TU LO- NO, Drilla lands on his feet! Drilla gets around Bushi to waistlock, and RAMS Bushi into Hiromu and then them both into a corner! Schoolboy and DROPKICK for Bushi! All three are down and the fans rally again. Drilla crawls over, hot tag to Connors! Connors storms in and aims at Bushi. Bushi rises, into a LARIAT! Connors fires up, brings Bushi around and suplexes.
Bushi fights the lift, to dropkick the bad leg! Bushi dropkicks that leg again! Connors writhes, Bushi gets the legs, CLOVERLEAF KNEEBAR!! Connors flails, endures, reaches out, Hiromu intercepts Drilla into TRIANGLE D!! Connors continues to fight around, reaches for ropes, but Bushi steers him in the other direction! Drilla deadlifts Hiromu to POWERBOMB him onto Bushi!! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! Connors shakes out his bad leg while Bushi stirs. They rise up, and Bushi fires a forearm! And another! Connors fires back, but Bushi fires again! And again! And again! But Connors HEADBUTTS!
Connors wobbles, powers up, and runs, but Hiromu SUPERKICKS! The fans fire up as Hiromu then blocks Drilla’s superkick! Hiromu hands that to Bushi, but then Drilla blocks Hiromu’s superkick! Connors SUPERKICKS Hiromu! Drilla gets free to SUPERKICK Bushi! Connors and Drilla aim, SPEAR GORE COMBO on Bushi!! Connors runs in at Hiromu, into a CORNER BELLY2BELLY! Drilla and Hiromu fire forearms, Hriomu gets the edge but Drilla RLOCKS him! And ripcord CHOPS! Hiromu ROLLING ELBOWS, SUPERKICKS, then fireman’s carries! TIMEBOMB 1.5! Drilla tumbles out and the fans are thunderous!
Hiromu & Bushi get Connors up, double fireman’s carry, but Connors fights free! Connors ROCKS Bushi, Hiromu waistlocks and Bushi returns, SUNSET FLIP GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Connors survives but Hiromu DROPKICKS Drilla! Bushi roars and goes up a corner! The fans fire up again as Bushi aims! Connors rises, into M- SPEAR!! Connors takes Bushi outta the sky! Drilla anchors Hiromu on the apron, for Connors to POUNCE!! Connors then drags Bushi back up, reels him in, and gives him NO- NO! Bushi turns the No Chaser into BUSHI ROLL!! Drilla drags Bushi right up!! And flips him into DRILLA KILLA!! Connors covers, HIROMU BREAKS IT!!!
The fans are thunderous but Drilla ENZIGIRIS Hiromu into NO CHASER!! The Dogs get Bushi up, and then Connors climbs! Drilla suplexes, for the FULL CLIP!! Cover, the Dogs win!
Winners: Clark Connors & “Drilla” Moloney, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
The War Dogs redeem themselves for failing on the Road to Wrestling Dontaku and are now rolling right into the round robin! Will nothing stop Connors & Moloney from proving they’re the Best of the Super Juniors?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion: SHO VS DOUKI!
When it comes to the House of Torture, shenanigans and underhanded tactics are their bread and butter. And nobody’s been doing it better than the Murder Machine. He literally stole this belt from El Desperado before snatching a win by count-out, and then got really lucky against Yoh. However, he’s finally tasting some of his own medicine! Japones Del Mal took the belt, then suckered him into accepting a title match! With the gold finally on the line, who will prove to be the sneakiest of all?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and wait, Sho takes the mic to say something first. He doesn’t trust what’s going on with Taichi on commentary?! Saying that it’s an unfair advantage!? Sho says Douki should try and win this title fair and square! He’s one to talk! Douki wags his finger, and he brings out the contract he had Sho sign. Douki makes it clear to Sho that this is all by the book. Sho still tries to deny it, thinking this is just an exhibition or something. Then he snatches the contract and EATS it?! Sho, that’s not gonna stop anything! Douki then DECKS Sho, stomps away, and the bell rings!
Douki bumps Sho off buckles, stomps him more, then digs his boot in. The fans rally while Sho suffers, and then Red Shoes counts. Douki lets off, drags Sho up, but Sho claws Douki’s eyes! Red Shoes reprimands and fans boo but Sho whips. Douki reverses and does the splits to get under. Then he rolls back to RANA Sho, and then arm-drag! Sho staggers up, into another arm-drag! Douki dodges Sho, arm-drags to then get a leg, and he SMASHES the knee! The fans fire up while Sho bails out. Douki pursues but Sho kicks him first. Sho whips but Douki reverses to send Sho into railing! The fans cheer and Douki storms up on Sho.
Douki stalks Sho around the way, RAMS him into more railing, then puts the bad leg around railing! Sho wants mercy but Douki BOOST the railing! Sho falls over and the fans rally up. Douki storms up on Sho, drags him up, and puts him in the ring. The fans cheer and Douki stomps Sho at the ropes. Douki stomps the bad leg, then puts the leg on ropes to stand on it! HIP DROP! Sho writhes, the fans cheer, and Douki brings Sho around. Douki drops an elbow on the knee! Douki pulls on a toehold, Sho pulls on Douki’s mask! Red Shoes reprimands, Sho lets go, and then Sho has the ROPEBREAK! Sho shouts about it and Douki lets go.
The fans rally up while Douki stalks Sho. Douki stomps Sho’s legs, drags him back up and whips, but Sho holds ropes to block. Douki tries again, Sho still holds on, so Douki kicks the bad leg! Douki whips, Sho reverses, but Douki holds ropes! Sho runs in but Douki does the splits again, and Sho is sent tumbling out! Douki then goes to the apron, mule kicks Sho, but Sho sends a Young Lion into Douki! Douki falls and the fans boo! Red Shoes reprimands Sho, then checks Douki. Douki clutches his leg, but Sho drags him up and whips him into railing! Sho brings Douki out into the crowd now! And to the very back, to SLAM his leg into the wall!
Douki hobbles right in front of Section H while Sho grabs a chair. Sho digs that chair into the leg! Red Shoes reprimands and fans boo, but Sho lets off. Sho then stomps Douki’s bad leg, talks trash and leaves Douki behind. The fans rally for Douki while Sho gets in the ring. Sho smirks as he waits on the ring count. Douki sits up, shakes out the bad leg, and the fans rally up. The count reaches 10 of 20 before Douki stands. Douki hobbles his way to the aisle and hurries towards ringside. The count passes 15, then passes 17! Douki slides in safe at 19! Sho is upset with Red Shoes’ count, but then he grabs Douki’s bad leg to SMASH the knee!
Douki writhes, Sho wants Red Shoes to call this, but Red Shoes says no, Douki’s still okay. So Sho DDTs the leg! And DDTs it again! And again! Cover, TWO! Douki is still in this and the fans rally up again. Sho drags Douki up, wrenches, and kicks, KICKS and then stomps the leg! Then he kicks, KICKS and stomps the leg again! And again! Sho drags Douki up but Douki fires a forearm! Sho eggs Douki on, Douki throws more forearms, so Sho kicks the leg out! Sho drops into a KNEEBAR! Douki endures now, fights around, reaches out, but Sho uses his shirt for leverage on the leglock! The fans rally, Douki claws at the mat and drags Sho along to the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer while Sho lets go in frustration. But then Sho smirks as he looms over Douki, and he stomps the bad leg again. Douki shoves Sho away, fires up and fires off more forearms! Sho kicks the leg! Sho reels Douki in, but Douki fights the lift! Sho kicks the leg, reels Douki back in and hoists him up, but Douki slips free! Only for the bad leg to jam! Sho runs, but Douki dropkicks Sho’s bad leg! Both men are down while the fans rally back up. Sho makes his way to a corner, runs up, but Douki blocks to fire forearms again! Douki whips, Sho reverses, but Douki dropkicks the bad let! Sho scrambles to a corner!
Douki runs in to forearm smash! Douki then brings Sho up, ties up the legs, DOUBLE KNEE BREAKER! Douki runs to SHOTGUN Sho down! Cover, TWO! Sho stays in this but the fans rally behind Douki again. Douki slaps his bad leg into working, then he drags Sho up. Douki turns Sho, but Sho fights the Gory Especial! Douki still tries, but Sho wrenches an arm and bends fingers! Sho kicks and kicks, then he bends fingers again! Douki HELL STABS! Douki runs, Sho gets around to waistlock, but Douki fires elbows! Sho keeps Douki from getting away, but Douki kicks free. Sho blocks a kick, but so does Douki! Sho goes for the eyes!
Douki pulls Sho’s arm away, tucks it under the leg, and drops into a modified FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK! Sho endures and fans rally, but wait! Yoshinobu Kanemaru shows up! The Heel Master distracts for just a moment, then he gets in Taichi’s face! Taichi stands up, only for DICK TOGO’S SPOILER CHOKER!! The House of Torture is going after the Holy Emperor! The fans boo as Dick chokes Taichi out! Douki still keeps on Sho but Sho drags Red Shoes down! Yoshinobu storms in to stomp away on Douki! The fans boo but Douki lets Sho go and Yoshinobu drags him up. But Douki suplexes first! Sho sees this and freaks out!
Wait Dick gets on commentary in Taichi’s place!? Sho THROWS Douki into Red shoes! Then LOW BLOWS!! Then he THROWS Douki back into Red Shoes!! Sho hurries away from Douki, and Dick jumps in the ring! Dick stomps away on Douki while fans boo! Sho laughs but here come the other guys! Taka Michinoku & Yuya Uemura run Dick off, but here comes the rest of the House! Evil & Yujiro attack Yuya & Taka! The fans boo and tell them to go home, but they don’t care. Evil & Dick open Yuya’s legs for Yujiro’s FALLING HEADBUTT! Then they get Taka up as Dick climbs, for the DICK CHOP!
The fans boo as Yuya and Taka are down, and then the House drags Douki up. They double whip Douki to a corner, then Dick runs in to elbow! Yujiro BOOTS! Evil clotheslines! They snapmare Douki down, then Dick climbs up! The fans boo, but Douki suffers a DICK CHOP! Sho laughs and waves to Red Shoes. Evil gets Red Shoes in to count the cover, TWO!!! Douki survives and the fans are thunderous! Sho vows to end it now, and he drags Douki back up. Sho reels Douki in, lifts, for the POWER BREAKER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Douki survives again and Sho is furious! Sho drags Douki back up while the fans rally as hard as they can!
Sho brings Douki in, tucks the arms, but Douki fights the lift! And he drops down for the ITALIAN STRETCH #32!! But Sho powers through, tucks the arms again, and STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVERS! Cover, TWO!?!? Douki survives again and the entire House is beside itself! Taichi rises, but he’s cuffed to railing! Sho drags Douki up, says he’s done now, and then pump handles! SHOCK- NO! ITALIAN STRETCH #32!!! Douki has Sho, but Sho fights for ropes! Douki pulls on the hold, Dick gets on the apron! But Taka is back and YANKS Dick down! Douki rolls Sho from ropes for ITALIAN STRETCH!!
Yujiro and Evil get up but Yuya anchors them both! Sho is fading! Sho is turning red!! Who rang the bell!?! Not this crap again!! It was all DICK!! Douki realizes he hasn’t won, and then Evil SHOVES Douki into Red Shoes!! Red Shoes takes a tumble right out of the ring, and the House stomps away on Douki again! The House taunt Douki, but Douki fights back! Evil CLAWS Douki’s eyes! But Taichi has a Young Lion free him! And he hurries to ringside! Evil & Yujiro double whip Douki, Douki grabs ropes, and Taichi runs in to DOUBLE AX BOMBER!! The fans are thunderous as Taichi tells his old friend to keep fighting!
Just5Guys turn the tides on the House by stomping away on Dick! They double whip Dick to a corner, then Taka clotheslines! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! Taichi runs up to clothesline! Then Taka goes up! They get Dick in place for a HAWK CHOP! Dick flounders out, Taka & Yuya PLANCHA out onto Yujiro & Evil! The fans are thunderous as J5G drags the House to the back! Now it’s just Douki and Sho all alone as we hit 20 minutes! Sho crawls for his corner, he wants his Torture Tool! But Douki goes to his corner, and he brings out his PIPE! And Douki’s is bigger! Sho freaks out, wanting to tell Red Shoes about this!
Douki tells Sho to bring it, so Sho swings! Douki dodges, swings, but Sho dodges! Sho swings but Douki blocks, and Sho loses grip on his wrench! Douki JAMS Sho with the pipe, then CHOKES him, into a STEEL DODON NO JUTSU!! Douki gets the pipe outta there, and a spare ref hurries out here! The fans fire up as Douki roars, and he brings Sho back up! Douki reels Sho in, for the SAHARAWI SUPLEX!! Cover, TWO?!? Sho survives but the fans are electric for Douki! Douki pounds the mat, powers up, and he wheelbarrows Sho! Full nelson, SUPLEX DE LA LUNA!!! Bridging cover, YOSHINOBU YANKS THE REF!!
Kanemaru stomps away on Douki as fans boo! Kanemaru goes out, grabs his whiskey and takes a big swig! Kanemaru aims, but Douki HELL STABS! The whiskey mist flies into the air, then Douki DECKS Kanemaru! But wait! Ren Narita shows up! He was staying back just for this moment! Narita has the push-up bar and he slides into the ring! Narita SNATCHES the mask!! And as Douki covers up, Narita JAMS him with the bar!! Then he reels Douki in for DOUBLECROSSER!! The fans boo, but Narita at least puts Douki’s mask back on before he helps Sho cover. Narita gets the second ref, Kenta, into the ring, and tells him to count! The ref sees Sho, counts, and Sho wins!!
Winner: Sho, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
The most powerful fight Douki’s ever put up is completely besmirched by the most disgusting game the House has ever rigged! Sho is in no shape to get the mic so Narita brings it over. Sho laughs and says he’s just too strong, it’s becoming a problem. The fans boo as Sho this is what Douki gets for making this more than just sparring. Sho leaves the ring with The House but he keeps on talking, saying he’s happy to be leaving Kagoshima anyway. And as for BOSJ up next, Sho’s confident it’ll be a piece of cake at this rate! Narita raises Sho’s hand in victory and the streamers fly! But will Sho really be able to stack the deck each and every round?
My Thoughts:
A really good Satsuma, even if it’s kinda wedged in right before Dontaku. The Junior Heavyweight title matches were both great stuff, made to feel very close, but in the end, I figured Bullet Club was retaining the gold going into the Best of the Super Juniors. Connors & Moloney are a tough team, they even won a big Triple Threat, so them winning here isn’t really a knock on Hiromu & Bushi. Plus, there could be a chance Hiromu gets a strong showing in BOSJ to go after the singles title again.
And boy, they really overbooked the main event there. I was hoping Douki was gonna find a way, but they did a great job making Narita the final card to play. He stayed back and I didn’t even think about him until he showed up, but of course he’s the deciding factor. Sho retains, and he’ll go into the tournament with the title, but I really hope someone gets their golden ticket off beating him in the round robin just to stick it to him.
My Score: 8.7/10
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