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Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (3/11/19)

Will The Game and The Animal come face-to-face tonight?

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Raw heats up in the homestretch! Will Finn Balor retain the Intercontinental Championship against Bobby Lashley? Will Batista confront Triple H in person?

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Shelton Benjamin VS Seth Rollins; Rollins wins.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Finn Balor VS Bobby Lashley; Lashley wins and becomes the new WWE Intercontinental Champion.
  • Aleister Black & Ricochet VS Bobby Roode & Chad Gable; Black & Ricochet win.
  • Nia Jax w/ Tamina VS Natalya; Nia wins, by disqualification.
  • Kurt Angle VS Apollo Crews; Angle wins.
  • Roman Reigns VS Baron Corbin; No Contest.
  • Falls Count Anywhere: Dean Ambrose VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The SHIELD is here!

And they start off Raw by walking down the stairs in Pittsburgh! Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose were victorious in their #OneLastTime match with Baron Corbin, Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley at Fastlane. The Shield goes to the ring as fans give them a huge ovation. Roman picks up a mic and says, “Over the past few months, I’ve come to realize that life is short and tomorrow is not guaranteed”. If last night was truly the last time together, he has no regrets. Roman was in the ring doing what he loves with people he loves. Roman asked them for a favor and his brothers didn’t let him down, and he is forever grateful.

But as we all know, we’re on the Road to Wrestlemania. There are three men who need to handle their business. Roman hasn’t had a singles match in over five months, so let’s correct that tonight! Ambrose is fired up because has business to handle, too. Not even Ambrose knows what it is, but good luck with it. And the real business is Rollins’. How many years has he chased the dream? Fans chant “Slay the Beast!” Roman doesn’t want to speak for Rollins but that’s exactly what he’ll do! Rollins is in the main event, he is going to beat Brock Lesnar, and he’s going to take that WWE Universal Championship. And he’ll do it while everyone chants, “Burn It Down!” Roman and Ambrose hug Rollins and hand over the mic. And just like at Fastlane, we get one last Shield fist bump.

Rollins stays in the ring while Roman and Ambrose leave together. He gazes up at the Wrestlemania sign while fans continue to chant. “Last night at Fastlane, The Shield burned it down!” But ladies and gentlemen, it’s Paul Heyman. The Advocate to the reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion “and Mr. Rollins’ conqueror in the main event of Wrestlemania,” BROCK LESNAR, is here. Rollins likes that, and also shouts, “BROCK! LESNAR!” The man who dominates his opponents. The man who dominated the Big Show, ran through Samoa Joe, took Braun Strowman to Suplex City, annihilated Goldberg. Well Heyman appreciates Rollins is doing his shtick for him. But yes, that’s Brock Lesnar.

Rollins marvels at THE BROCK LESNAR that had a real tough time getting by Daniel Bryan, and got pushed to his limits by AJ Styles. THE Brock Lesnar who came so close to being beat by Finn Balor. That Brock Lesnar? Heyman says, “Touche.” Seems to Rollins that Lesnar has a problem with guys who are Rollins’ size, stature, speed and style. And with all due respect to Finn, Styles and Bryan, but there is only one uniquely suited to defeating Lesnar: “Seth Freakin’ Rollins!” Rollins tells Heyman they have just over three weeks. Run your mouth all you want, because Rollins is going to Mania, taking the title off The Beast and bringing it home to Raw every single week!

Heyman is actually at a loss for words. But he says there will be NO slaying the Beast! Rollins runs down names, but he’s not telling the whole story! Lesnar had no time to prepare for those men. Shrug shoulders all you want but there’s no booing when Heyman’s talking! Lesnar VS Mahal became Lesnar VS Styles. Lesnar VS Styles became Lesnar VS Bryan. And Lesnar VS Strowman became Lesnar VS Finn! Each time, Lesnar had less than two weeks to prepare! So “with all due respect”, Rollins runs his mouth like he knows Lesnar rather than knowing all the F5’s he took! If Rollins wants to meet Lesnar, then Heyman gives BROCK LESNAR another video package. It’s a lot of F5’s and German Suplexes.

“Ever since you won the Royal Rumble,” Brock Lesnar has had his “sadistic fantasies” about what he’ll do to Rollins. Lesnar is prepared for Rollins in the main event of Wrestlemania. Does Rollins really think he knows Lesnar? He doesn’t know Lesnar. Because behind Rollins is Shelton Benjamin!? Benjamin suplexes Rollins around a lot like Lesnar would! The Gold Standard leaves Rollins down, is he going to soften the Architect up for the Beast?

 

Shelton Benjamin VS Seth Rollins!

Raw returns and this match begins! Rollins goes right at Benjamin but Benjamin throws him down. Rollins gets back up but Benjamin turns it around to a scoop slam. Benjamin grins and Heyman on commentary claims this is not a conspiracy. Rollins waistlocks and headlocks but Benjamin wrenches out to a keylock. Benjamin gets a headlock and takeover, then grinds his forearms into Rollins’ face. Heyman says Lesnar isn’t here because he’s busy training for Wrestlemania, as he is an athlete. Rollins fights his way up but Benjamin keeps the headlock. Fans rally and Rollins powers out. Benjamin runs Rollins over but things speed up. Rollins runs Benjamin over with an elbow!

Rollins CHOPS Benjamin then whips to ropes. He dropkicks Benjamin down and out of the ring! Rollins pursues and throws haymakers and chops! He bumps Benjamin off barriers and puts him back in the ring. Rollins throws haymakers and has Benjamin in the corner. Rollins CHOPS Benjamin more, then whips corner to corner. Benjamin reverses but runs into a boot. Rollins hops up, blockbuster! Fans fire up as Rollins stomps “Burn It Down!” Rollins aims at Benjamin, runs in, but Benjamin dodges. Benjamin suplexes but Rollins lands on his feet. Rollins dumps Benjamin out to then build speed, into a kick! Benjamin covers, TWO! The Architect is in trouble while we go to break.

Raw returns as Rollins endures a chinlock. Fans rally and he fights his way up. Rollins fights back with body shots but Benjamin knees low. Benjamin dumps Rollins out then throws him into barriers! Benjamin throws Rollins into apron then back into barriers then runs him over with a clothesline! Heyman takes a phone call, and we can only assume it’s Lesnar. Benjamin puts Rollins in the ring and shakes his head. Benjamin doesn’t seem impressed with the #1 contender. He drags Rollins up for a powerbomb but Rollins resists. Rollins overhead bridges, TWO! Benjamin powerbomb lifts but Rollins huricanranas Benjamin into buckles! Heyman confirms, Lesnar called and is upset by what commentary is saying about Heyman. Heyman also confirms that Lesnar will be here next week on Raw!

Fans fire up for Rollins as he CHOPS Benjamin. Rollins climbs up but leaps over Benjamin. He keeps moving, slingblade! Benjamin gets to a corner and Rollins runs in. Benjamin puts him on the apron but Rollins kicks back. Rollins springboards for a flying clothesline! Cover, TWO! Rollins keeps his cool and takes aim at Benjamin. Benjamin dodges the kick and German suplexes Rollins! Benjamin drags Rollins up for another German! Fans rally but Benjamin taunts Rollins. Benjamin fireman’s carry, but Rollins slips out to SUPERKICK! And mule kick, to Curb Stomp! Cover, Rollins wins!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

The Architect overcomes Heyman’s little ploy and picks up momentum for Wrestlemania! If Heyman is right and Lesnar is appearing next week, will Rollins have some “questions” for him?

But wait, here comes Finn Balor! Pittsburgh welcomes Balor Club, and his Intercontinental Championship! The Extraordinary Man shakes hands with The Architect, and heads to the ring. But Bobby Lashley glares via the titantron. Finn defends that very belt, up next!

 

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Finn Balor VS Bobby Lashley!

The Rocky Mountain Machine claims Finn is simply “borrowing” the title, given Finn pinned Lio Rush and not Lashley in their odd 2v1 championship match. Lashley takes his shot to take the belt back, will he hit his mark? Or will the Road to Wrestlemania stay Too Sweet?

Raw returns as Lashley makes his entrance, and it really is without Lio Rush. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Finn and Lashley circle and tie up. Lashley waistlocks and slams Finn right down. He drags Finn up to bump him off buckles then stomp a mudhole into him. Lashley backs off at 4 but comes back to choke Finn on the ropes. He lets up at 4 again, and Finn staggers away. Lashley clubs Finn in the corner then stalks him. He puts on a neck wrench but Finn endures. Fans rally for Finn but Lashley shifts to the other direction. Lashley puts Finn on ropes to club and choke him. Lashley lets up to run but into a dropkick! Finn keeps on Lashley but Lashley powers him to a corner!

Lashley rams his shoulder in then runs corner to corner. Finn evades but his kick is blocked for an elbow! Lashley joins Finn on the apron, hauls him up, but Finn resists the suplex. Finn sends Lashley down with a dropkick, then Penalty Kicks! The Extraordinary Champion has control while we go to break.

Raw returns as Lashley grinds Finn down in a chinlock. Finn fights his way up as fans rally behind him. Finn pries the hold loose and fights back with fury! He runs but into a complete shot! Cover, TWO! Finn lives but sputters for air. Lashley stomps Finn down then circles him like a shark. Lashley drags Finn up for a powerbomb, but Finn fights free again. Finn sends Lahsley out but Lashley drags him out! Apron back suplex! Lashely covers, TWO! Lashley grows frustrated but looms over Finn. He toys with Finn then brings him up. Lashley throws a haymaker then wraps on the chinlock. Lashley shifts to an armlock and grinds his forearm on Finn’s face. Finn endures and works against this hold. But Lashley knees low and prepares the bomb. But Finn back drops! Lashley sunset flips but Finn rolls through, dropkick!

Finn boots Lashley from a corner. Finn throws forearms on the run, and knocks Lashley over! Lashley gets to a corner but Finn CHOPS! Finn whips corner to corner but Lashley reverses. Finn goes up but gets caught! He slips out and trips Lashley for double stomps! Fans fire up while Lashley sputters. Finn aims but runs into Lashley’s arms! Lashley rams him into one corner then to the opposite! Lashley gut wrenches to the Canadian rack, but Finn slips out and rolls up! TWO, but Finn keeps moving, tilt-o-whirl long dart! Lashley runs corner to corner, but into a slingblade! Lashley gets up fast but staggers to a corner. Finn runs in to shotgun dropkick! Lashley’s down in the drop zone, Finn climbs up! But who is ringing the bell? Lio Rush!! Lio snatches the belt and shouts that it doesn’t belong to Finn!

Finn gives chase, but sees Lashley coming. Finn kicks Lio down, then slingshots, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Lashley wins!!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall; NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion

The Man of the Hour redeems himself as he helps Lashley take the belt back! The Rocky Mountain Machine is again champion, but will Finn find a way back to Wrestlemania?

 

Backstage interview with Baron Corbin.

He takes on Roman Reigns later tonight, but people still bring up Corbin’s “out of line” comments. What did he even say? Footage replays from October as Corbin belittled Roman’s leukemia, and acted like Roman shouldn’t come back. Yes, Corbin said that. But he’s not worried about other people’s feelings. Corbin just wanted Roman gone from the ring. But now he’s back. Overcoming that disease surely took it’s toll, and after Fastlane, no one is 100%. Corbin’s been the one carrying Raw on his back while Roman was away. He promises to house train the Big Dog, but will he get bit?

 

Ronda Rousey is here!

The Baddest Woman on the Planet and Raw Women’s Champion heads right to the ring and picks up a mic. At Fastlane, she interfered directly in the match between Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch, practically handing Becky a spot in the title match at Wrestlemania. But she doesn’t give a damn what “bandwagon b*tches” think when they all cheered when Becky beat her with a crutch. Becky’s their hero because they’re all cowards. But Becky and Charlotte will have nowhere to hide. There is no sanctuary, Ronda is going to desecrate their place of worship on the Grandest Stage of Them All. It’s why Ronda wanted them both in one match, so she can expose WWE as the carny con-artists they are. And no one can stop her!

In fact, the WWE could even make this a Handicap Match and Ronda wouldn’t break a sweat. Anyone who believes in Becky, Charlotte or this charade is a joke! But just as Ronda’s about to leave, Dana Brooke appears to respond. Dana tells Ronda this is enough. Enough of Ronda’s venom. Dana is the woman with nothing left to lose in the WWE! She won’t let Ronda disrespect hits company or its fans! Dana may not be the big time fighter, but she loves this company and this business! She’s worked so hard just to be here, just to have some respect, and to prove that she belongs! Each week, Dana fights for her chance, but barely even gets the time of day! So Dana may not be a household name, but all she wants is just one chance.

Dana brings up that Ronda has made a habit of defending after a PPV, so Dana wants to accept that challenge. Ronda kicks Dana down! And then grounds ‘n’ pounds! Dana bails out but Ronda pursues to throw her around! Ronda puts Dana back in the ring and rolls her into the Piper’s Pit! Referees rush the ring and Ronda spares Dana. To SLAP a ref! Ronda picks up her jacket and her belt and takes her leave. Will Ronda simply toy with The Queen and The Man at Wrestlemania?

 

Aleister Black & Ricochet VS Bobby Roode & Chad Gable!

The Unexpected Duo of Dutch Destroyer and King of Flight were robbed of a proper Raw Tag Team Championship match by the GLORIOUS Duo once, and then they were in the way in the Triple Threat at Fastlane. But now they look to settle things directly! Will Aleister & Ricochet make Roode & Gable #FadetoBlack?

Raw returns as Roode & Gable finish their entrance. The teams sort out and Gable starts with Aleister. Gable throws forearms but Aleister fires them back! Gable tackles Aleister to the corner and tags in Roode. They double whip but Aleister rolls off their backs. Aleister dumps Gable out and fires off on Roode. He sweeps the leg but Roode dodges the knee to SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Roode keeps on Aleister with kicks and body shots. Roode puts Aleister in the corner and CHOPS! Tag to Gable and Roode suplexes Aleister. Roode then back suplexes Gable for the splash. Cover, TWO! Gable keeps on Aleister with a figure four knot to chinlock. Aleister endures as Gable digs an elbow in. Fans rally up but Gable tags in Roode. The GLORIOUS Duo stomp a mudhole into Aleister.

Roode drags Aleister up for a backbreaker. Cover, TWO! Roode wraps on a rear bearhug and squeezes tight. Aleister fights and fans rally. Aleister fights out but Roode shoves for another spinebuster, but Aleister sunset flips. TWO, and Roode knees low. Roode whips Aleister to an open corner but misses! Tag to Ricochet! Ricochet rallies on Roode and Gable gets a neckbreaker! Ricochet dodges Roode to huricanrana him to a corner! He rams his shoulder in then springboards, btu Roode dodges. Tag to Gable and Ricochet fights off Roode. Gable catches him in a waistlock. Blockbuster Chaos Theory! Bridging cover, TWO! Ricochet lives but Gable tags Roode back in. They coordinate but Ricochet disrupts the combo. Gable lands on his feet but so does Ricochet. Ricochet spins Gable to lariat!

Ricochet rolls Roode out of the DDT, TWO! Roode has Ricochet, TWO! Tag to Aleister! Roode has Ricochet but gets a roundhouse! To a spinning knee! Ricochet dropkicks Gable, Roode takes BLACK MASS! Cover, Aleister & Ricochet win!

Winners: Aleister Black & Ricochet, Black pinning

The air strike strikes and wins again! Will the NXT all-stairs still find a way to take over the main roster?

But The Revival attacks from behind! The #TopGuys ruin the celebration, but they back off when Roode & Gable walk up. Who will make their way to Wrestlemania to challenge Dash & Dawson for those titles?

 

It’s time for A Moment of Bliss!

The Goddess walks on set and takes her seat. This is a very special episode, because the 1 BILLION social media followers have been buzzing. Not just about The Shield’s farewell address of the Intercontinental Championship change, but about Alexa’s scoop. She knows who the Wrestlemania host will be this year. Think about who they’ve had. Kim Khardashian is not as big as this person. The Rock is not as electrifying as this person. And The New Day aren’t near as positive as this person. This year’s host is none other than… Alexa Bliss! Yes, it’s The Goddess herself! She gets to host Wrestlemania!

It’s such a shock, she had nothing prepared, but well, the only thing she can say is… “It is such an honor for the WWE Universe, you’re welcome.” Fans know “You Deserve It!” and so does she. Finally, the brightest star will be on the grandest stage. This has been your Moment of Bliss.

 

Backstage interview with Braun Strowman.

Does The Monster Among Men regret assaulting Colin Jost? He and Michael Che will be the guest correspondents at Wrestlemania. Well Jost better stay away from Strowman. Because Strowman liked jacking Jost up. An attendant says Strowman’s car is here. What car? The Monster has a mystery on his hands while we go to break.

Raw returns, and there’s a car with a card. The attendant reads it: “Dear Mr. Strowman, we both said and did things we regret.” On behalf of the Saturday Night Live cast, Jost got him this car. Don’t destroy it like you did Vince’s limo because there are no more title matches to screw him out of. “LOL”, your friend, Colin Jost. See you at Mania. Well it does look nice. But Strowman rips the car apart! It’s too small for Strowman, anyway. What’s under the hood? Strowman rips it and the front bumper off! Strowman tells the attendant to send this piece of the car to Jost and let him know the next time they meet, it’ll be live from New York. Is SNL gonna #GetTheseHands?!

 

Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.

The Drifter returns to his hometown and they’re glad to see him! Strowman did not appreciate that gift, but Elias is sure Pittsburgh will appreciate his. Elias promised himself not to return home until he was a hero everyone could believe in. Well, here he is. Elias begins to play, and fans cheer. He’s got just one question for everyone: “Who Wants to Walk With Elias?!” Steel City sure does. Statistically speaking, it is a miracle Elias is such a success. Because there is overwhelming evidence that being born in Pitt means you’ll be an enormous waste of life. Elias returns home and is quickly reminded of just how miserable everyone is here. And those miserable people hold the great ones back.

That is what Elias told Antonio Brown. “Tony, you’ve already got their money, now do whatever you can to force a trade.” And now he looks great in silver and black. But here comes No Way Jose and his conga line! Jose even has a new look! But Elias wrecks him with a dropkick! And throws him into barriers! Elias runs through the conga line and rains down rights on Jose. Elias scares off the rest of the party people before giving Jose Drift Away on the ramp! The frustration has finally boiled over and the fiesta’s done. Will Elias ever truly have his moment?

 

WWE proudly announces that Harlem Heat is headed to the Hall of Fame!

Booker T and Stevie Ray ruled over tag team wrestling in WCW as 10-time world tag team champions! Such an accomplishment still stands tall today, “now can you dig that, SUCKAAA~!?”

 

Lacey Evans walks out!

The Sassy Southern Belle struts to commentary, but her strut to the back is interrupted by Nia Jax & Tamina. Nia and Tamina just shrug her off and head to the ring. The Irresistible Force takes on the Queen of Harts for what happened at Fastlane!

 

Nia Jax w/ Tamina VS Natalya!

Once again, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match did not go the way the Samoan Dynasty wanted, and they took it out on The Boss & Hug Connection after the match, and even Beth Phoenix who was on commentary! The Queen of Harts rushed to rescue her good friend but got beat down, too. Can Natty get revenge on the Irresistible Force on the Glamazon’s behalf?

Raw returns as Natty makes her entrance, and she has a mic. Natty tells Nia and Tamina that after what they did, it got Natty thinking about who has her back. She used to think it was Ronda, but seems she didn’t know her that well. Natty doesn’t trust Nia and Tamina, but she does trust this woman: The Glamazon, Beth Phoenix! Beth returns to Raw to be Natty’s back up! The Queen of Harts hits the ring and we begin!

Natty goes right at Nia with fast hands, but Nia runs her over! Nia drags Natty up and tosses her to a corner. Nia runs into boots but Tamina grabs a foot! Beth protests while Nia squashes Natty in the corner. So Beth goes after Nia herself!

Winner: Nia Jax, by disqualification

But The Glamazon keeps fighting, sending Nia out of the ring! Tamina runs in but Beth takes care of her, too! Some of the most physically powerful women in the WWE are ready to fight, but when and where will the Samoan Dynasty have to answer to the Divas of Doom?

But wait, the Boss & Hug Connection come for revenge in gorilla position! Security and officials do their best to stop this scrap, but this is far from over! Will Sasha Banks & Bayley get their own revenge on Nia & Tamina?

 

Cars pulls into the arena parking lot.

And who emerges? Dave Batista! The Animal, with quite a bit of security, heads inside!

 

Triple H is here!

The Game saw The Animal arrive, so he’s going to wait for him in the ring. HHH dares Batista to show up and fans even chant for him. The music hits, and Batista walks out on stage! But so does his personal security. The bodyguards walk ahead of Batista on the ramp and fans boo. Batista picks up a mic but takes a moment as fans chant and jeer. HHH speaks first. “You just gonna stand there looking like a nose-ring model or are you gonna come to the ring like I asked you to and face me like a man?” Nice guards, by the way. Probably for HHH’s protection, right? Batista speaks. The security is because Batista’s not stupid. He learned, he paid attention to the two dirtiest players in the game: HHH, and Ric Flair. Batista admits the guards are here for his protection. Where’s the sledge hammer?

But HHH’s biggest mistake was underestimating him. Batista says they’re doing this by his terms. Give Batista what he wants. That’s all he needs. HHH isn’t giving “Dave” a damn thing. Why should he? How many times has Batista quit the WWE? And HHH is supposed to hand Batista stuff? Because he’s a Hollywood star now? HHH isn’t giving Batista anything, which leads us to the next option: since Batista won’t go to HHH, HHH will go to him. HHH will walk up the ramp, tear his way through the Guardians of the Indies, and beat Batista’s ass on stage! Batista says that’s not happening. HHH can try, but Batista will be long gone.

Batista admits he quit, but because he wanted to get away from HHH holding him down and looking down on him. It’s all HHH has ever done. Batista has wanted one thing for years, and he’ll get it or he’ll hurt those HHH loves! HHH is NOT giving Batista anything but the beating he deserves! So be a man, get in the ring, and take it. But Batista knows HHH wants it, too. He sees that it’s tearing HHH inside. HHH won’t give Batista what he wants because he wants to be in control. But Batista wants it, and HHH won’t give it to him. HHH vows it’s the beating and nothing more. No, Batista wants HHH at Mania! Is that what this is about?! Beating up a 70-year-old man and hiding behind bodyguards because of a match!? If that’s what Batista wants, “YOU’RE ON!!”

Batista thanks HHH. One last match for Batista to end his career on his terms. Because he’ll use it to end HHH’s career on his terms. See you at Mania. Batista turns to leave, but HHH says Batista’s right. But dig down deep, Mr. Hollywood. Find whatever scrap is left of the REAL Animal, because the match is on HHH’s terms. “Bring everything you have, because there will be no rules, no restrictions,” NO HOLDS BARRED!! The Game has laid down the law, but will it be #GameOver at Wrestlemania?

 

Kurt Angle is here!

Pittsburgh’s own Olympic Gold Medalist returns home to the loving ovation of “You Suck!” Angle goes to the ring and he even looks dressed to compete. “23 years ago, I left Pittsburgh to compete in the Olympic Games.” And yes, he won a gold medal with a “broken freakin’ neck.” Then Angle traveled with the WWE and pro-wrestling for the next 20 years. He has competed against any number of legends and icons, but Pittsburgh has always been his home. That’s why he wanted to say this here. At Wrestlemania, Angle competes in his farewell match. Angle thanks the WWE, every superstar he ever shared a locker room with, and all of the fans along the way. He literally had the time of his life. The fans chant “Thank You, Kurt!” but he thanks them. Angle feels it’s only right for one last match in Pittsburgh, too!

Kurt Angle VS Apollo Crews!

One of Angle’s biggest fans gets to compete against him for the first time, and the last time. Will Angle kick off his farewell tour with success or failure?

Raw returns and the bell rings. Angle and Apollo tie up and Apollo gets the headlock. Angle powers out but Apollo runs him over. Things speed up and Angle hip tosses Apollo then arm-drags him. Angle gets the armlock and Pittsburgh cheers. Apollo gets up and powers Angle to a corner. Apollo throws body shots then whips corner to corner. Angle counters but runs into a boot. But Apollo runs into Angle’s belly2belly! Angle runs in but misses and Apollo drops him with a dropkick! Cover, TWO! Apollo keeps on Angle with a suplex then covers, ONE! Apollo stays on Angle with a chinlock. Fans rally for Angle and Angle fights his way up. Angle fights out and throws hands but Apollo throws some back. They go back and forth but Angle gets a German Suplex! Angle holds on for another! And the hat trick! Cover, TWO!

Angle stalks Apollo as the younger star stands up. Angle Slam escaped with an arm-drag! Enziguri! Standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Angle survives but Apollo doesn’t let up. Apollo heads up top, and leaps! Frog Splash FLOPS! Angle Slam! Cover, Angle wins!

Winner: Kurt Angle, by pinfall

Pittsburgh celebrates with their hero! Angle shows Apollo respect with a handshake, Apollo returns it with a hug. The farewell tour begins with a victory, but will it end with one at Wrestlemania?

 

Roman Reigns VS Baron Corbin!

The Big Dog has his first singles match in five months, and it’s to silence the sarcastic and obnoxious Lone Wolf. Will this still be Roman’s Yard? Or will Corbin take advantage of Roman’s time away?

But Drew McIntyre attacks first! The Scottish Terminator rains down rights on Roman, but he isn’t done there. He throws Roman right into a post! The referee checks on Roman while McIntyre glares from above. McIntyre goes out and drags Roman up, but Roman fights back! Roman uppercuts but McIntyre Claymores! McIntyre looks down upon a rocked Roman, then dares him to get up and fight. Roman crawls while McIntyre takes aim again. McIntyre Claymores Roman into a post! “I promise you, Roman!” McIntyre says. “This is just the beginning!” Referees and medics come to Roman’s aide and keep McIntyre back. Roman does his best to clear his head, but insists he’s fine.

Seth Rollins appears to check on Roman, but Roman tells him he’s okay, too. Rollins walks with Roman to the ramp, all the while assuring him it’ll be fine. Roman walks on his own at the stage, but he’s definitely still dizzy. Will Roman be alright to eventually make his singles return?

 

The Shield walks with Roman backstage.

Ambrose is furious but Rollins assures them Roman will get checked out and it’ll be fine. Roman accepts and goes into the trainer’s room, but Ambrose huffs and puffs up to HHH. “I want to fight Drew McIntyre, tonight.” And in Falls Count Anywhere. HHH gives Ambrose the match. Will the Lunatic reek revenge on the Scottish Terminator?

 

Falls Count Anywhere: Dean Ambrose VS Drew McIntyre!

But as McIntyre makes his way back out, he tells Dean, “I just want to know one thing. Are you gonna take this beating like a man? Or are you gonna squeal like your pathetic brother, Roman?!” Ambrose rushes McIntyre on the ramp! The bell rings and the fight is on! McIntyre suplexes but Ambrose counters to his own! McIntyre gets off stage but Ambrose leaps onto him! Ambrose throws McIntyre into barriers and they break through to the crowd! McIntyre hits back but Ambrose bumps him off barriers .And again! Ambrose chases McIntyre up the stairs and throws headlock punches. McIntyre rakes Ambrose’s eyes then chops him back. They go up the stairs and throw more CHOPS! Ambrose chases McIntyre again as they head further up.

McIntyre hits back and drags Ambrose the rest of the way up. McIntyre bounces Ambrose off the hand rail then brings him to the top. He scoops and throws Ambrose into the wall! Fans chant for Ambrose but McIntyre drags him up to bring him to the edge! Ambrose holds on for dear life and bites McIntyre’s fingers! Ambrose jumps with ax handles! And he smashes McIntyre with a garbage can! This fight will continue all over the arena while we go to one last break.

Raw returns once again, and Ambrose kicks over the ref to get at McIntyre. They go back down the stairs as Ambrose throws forearms. McIntyre gets away from Ambrose but Ambrose pursues. McIntyre rocks Ambrose and covers, TWO! He stands Ambrose up and they start chopping! They go back to barriers and Ambrose dumps McIntyre over. Ambrose climbs the barrier and leaps, into McIntyre’s overhead suplex! McIntyre pulls the steel steps apart, and aims at Ambrose. He rams the steel into Ambrose’s head! Cover, TWO! McIntyre brings the steps up again and holds them high up. He runs and rams Ambrose again! Cover, TWO! McIntyre grows frustrated with Ambrose but he deadlift suplexes him down! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally for Ambrose while McIntyre drags him back into the crowd. McIntyre throws forearms. “I’m going to take out The Shield one by one.” Ambrose low blows McIntyre to shut him up! And he fires off furious fists from all sides! Ambrose paces about but McIntyre jabs him with a chair, and SMACKS him on the back! McIntyre brings Ambrose around and snake eyes on barriers! McIntyre stalks Ambrose with the chair, but Ambrose kicks back. Ambrose bumps McIntyre off production trunks. He puts McIntyre on it, and takes him for a ride! Ambrose rams McIntyre into another trunk! Then drops an elbow! Cover, TWO! McIntyre drags himself up but Ambrose bounces his head off the trunks. McIntyre and Ambrose end up near commentary and then on stage.

Ambrose pursues McIntyre, cradle on the stage! TWO, and McIntyre rains down rights on Ambrose again. McIntyre drags Ambrose up and to the announce desk! He clears it off but Ambrose back suplexes him on it! Ambrose leaps on and rains down rights of his own. Ambrose fires up but McIntyre low blows back! McIntyre jams a pencil in Ambrose’s eye?! And then scoops Ambrose to long dart him into the LED boards! He does it again! Cover, TWO! Ambrose still lives, but he can barely stand. McIntyre mocks Ambrose but Ambrose SLAPS him! McIntyre slaps back, then slaps Ambrose around. He drags Ambrose through railing and hammers away. Ambrose is stuck, CLAYMORE!! The railing breaks off! Cover, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

The Scottish Terminator wrecks Roman and brutalizes Ambrose! Will he finish his mission of shattering The Shield for good on the Road to Wrestlemania?

But somehow, Ambrose rises?! How is Ambrose still moving!? CLAYMORE again! We go off the air as McIntyre storms off. When and where will he look to do the same to The Architect?

 


 

My Thoughts:

Well this certainly wasn’t a bad Raw. The Shield’s farewell speech was mostly by Roman but it was well done, and it segued into Rollins’ segment with Heyman and Benjamin smoothly. Rollins’ and Heyman’s debate over Lesnar was pretty good, and both had valid points. Naturally Rollins wins against Benjamin to keep him strong, though I wouldn’t expect Lesnar’s appearance next week to turn into him giving Rollins another beating. Lesnar will likely leave laughing to keep with his usual pattern. The rest of The Shield had quite the night, too, with Corbin setting Roman up for a trap like that. McIntyre is still on his own mission to end The Shield, and wrecking Roman gets him heat and Roman some sympathy.

WWE still needs to be careful not to overdo Sympathetic Roman, but for this, it’ll be fine. Ambrose VS McIntyre was really fun, and that ending was incredible. I’m hoping for Roman & Ambrose VS McIntyre & Corbin at Mania. It won’t violate the One Last Time as it won’t be the full Shield. Rollins has Lesnar to take care of, so Roman and Ambrose can be victorious on their own to shut up Corbin and McIntyre. This allows Ambrose to ride off into the sunset should he really be leaving, and leaving indefinitely. Angle also has his own farewell coming, and probably a more real one than the rest. Apollo was a good choice to start this farewell tour, as both fan and truly athletic competitor. Angle can take on any number of superstars for his final match, but both putting them over or Angle leaving on top would be great.

I was really surprised to see Finn lose the Intercontinental Championship, but it worked for it to be because Lio Rush interfered. Finn will surely want payback on both of them, but whatever match we get, I would hope Finn wins it by beating Lashley directly. Elimination Chamber was about Finn getting the title at all, so Wrestlemania should be about him overcoming a beefy opponent. Ronda’s explanation wasn’t quite what I expected, but it does up her Heel persona. As does denying poor Dana a title match. Ironically, WWE wants Ronda to be a Heel but this way of acting is what’s getting fans to like her again. I’d hope for more from Becky and Charlotte on SmackDown tomorrow. As for Dana, maybe she should go to SmackDown, they’ve got more room there.

The “face-to-face” of HHH and Batista was interesting. The dialogue was good but the fact no action happened was a bit of a let down. But now that it’s No Holds Barred, the match is going to be even more fun. Alexa Bliss announcing herself as the Wrestlemania host was clever, but it sounds like Alexa still isn’t quite ready for an in-ring return. A shame, because I think she and Lacey Evans would’ve had a good program. All Lacey’s done since is strut about. Maybe something happens at Wrestlemania that at least causes a confrontation between them. And it definitely sounds like there’s going to be a confrontation between Strowman and Jost. That poor car… Elias was great on the mic as always, and he wrecks No Way Jose. Maybe Double J shows up next week and we get back to that.

Aleister & Ricochet VS Roode & Gable was really good, but I’m hoping they get to shine on the main roster in singles matches more. Granted, there is the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic that Aleister & Ricochet are in, but after that and once their main roster call-ups are permanent, both of them could try for the Intercontinental or United States Championships with great results. Of course, with The Revival attacking them, things might not be down as far as the Raw Tag Team Championships. Given the complications on NXT with Tommaso Ciampa’s neck surgery, I wonder if Aleister & Ricochet end up competing on both TakeOver and Mania… The Women’s Tag situation is going how I expected, Divas of Doom are looking as the likely legends team. SmackDown will need to have their own response for these titles to be cross-branded, though.

My Score: 8/10


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Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (5/3/24)

Will the Ace go global?

Published

on

He’s here to show the world, he’s here to show the world!

Nic Nemeth finally gets his dream match with Hiroshi Tanahashi, and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship is on the line! But can the Wanted Man trump President Ace of the Universe?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Kickoff – Togi Makabe & Katsuya Murashima VS Boltin Oleg & Shoma Kato; Oleg & Kato win.
  • DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS SHO & Yujiro Takahashi; Sho & Yujiro win.
  • Yuya Uemura & Taichi VS Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman; Yuya & Taichi win.
  • Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Guerrillas of Destiny; Guerrillas of Destiny win.
  • Six Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
  • 8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Jon Moxley, Shota Umino & El Desperado VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
  • NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins and becomes the new NJPW World Television Champion.
  • Yota Tsuji VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
  • IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Nic Nemeth VS Hiroshi Tanahashi; Nemeth wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. w/ TMDK VS Jeff Cobb w/ Great-O-Khan & Francesco Akira!

The Front Man and the Imperial Unit have battled over this belt before, and now, in “season 4,” we revisit the rivalry! Will ZSJ still have Cobb’s number? Or will Cobb finally be the star of NJPW World?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly might!

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans cheer as ZSJ and Cobb shake hands. ZSJ then rushes in but Cobb avoids him. They feel things out, hand fight for control, and Cobb goes for a leg. ZSJ avoids being thrown but Cobb waistlocks. ZSJ drops, slips out, but Cobb keeps on him. They go around again, ZSJ gets away, and the fans cheer. The two knuckle lock, go forehead to forehead, then Cobb blocks a leg pick with a facelock. Cobb pushes ZSJ to a lateral press, TWO!! ZSJ narrowly escapes and Cobb lets him know it. The fans applaud as the two reset, and they feel things out again.

They knuckle lock, ZSJ rolls back and wrangles Cobb. Cobb stands, slips through to wrench back. ZSJ turns around, has a cording hold, and then hooks a leg to make the arm-drag easier! Then he shifts right around to an ARMBAR! Cobb scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and ZSJ lets off quickly. ZSJ and Cobb reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock again. They go forehead to forehead, then shoulder to shoulder. ZSJ facelocks but Cobb slips around to a waistlock, then spins ZSJ to a facelock, then headlock. Cobb hits the takeover, denies the headscissors, but ZSJ keeps trying. Third time’s the charm and ZSJ has Cobb down!

ZSJ squeezes tight but Cobb moves around. Cobb headstands, pops free, and then has a standing toehold! The fans applaud, but ZSJ works on his escape. He gets his left leg free, turns over and reels Cobb in, but Cobb turns that into a waistlock! ZSJ wrenches out but Cobb avoids the Pele! Cobb feints moonsault and ZSJ scrambles away! The fans cheer the standoff as the two reset again. Cobb and ZSJ circle, step closer, and knuckle lock again. They both try to clinch, but then Cobb slips around to a waistlock and SLAM! ZSJ scrambles away, clutching his side. ZSJ stands, Cobb storms up, and Cobb TOSSES ZSJ across the ring!

The fans fire up while ZSJ flounders to the apron, still clutching his side. ZSJ seems alright to continue as he gets back inside, so Cobb storms up on him again. Cobb HEADBUTTS the ribs! Cobb whips corner to corner hard and ZSJ bounces off buckles! ZSJ is getting frustrated with himself, but Cobb is right on him again. Cobb whips ZSJ back the other way and ZSJ again hits buckles hard! The fans rally for ZSJ as Cobb storms over. Cobb steps on ZSJ’s chest! Cobb then drags ZSJ up at the five minute mark. Cobb whips, ZSJ goes up and comes back, but is caught into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY!

Cobb walks over to pick ZSJ up, then whips him to a corner. Cobb runs in but ZSJ avoids the back elbow! ZSJ goes up and around to TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! ZSJ stands but Cobb follows, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Cobb wobbles but ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ fires a flurry of forearms, but Cobb DECKS him with just one! ZSJ is mad and he gets right up! The fans rally up as ZSJ UPPERCUTS again and again! Cobb ROCKS ZSJ with a forearm! ZSJ has the fans behind him as he runs back in, only to get run over! GACHI- NO, ZSJ sunsets Cobb first! But Cobb rolls through!

Cobb rolls into the jackknife, TWO as ZSJ bridges up!! ZSJ spins Cobb around, but Cobb fights the backslide! Cobb turns things around to backslide ZSJ, but ZSJ rolls through to trap Cobb’s head! NECK TWIST! PENALTY KICK! The fans fire up again while ZSJ catches his breath. ZSJ still clutches his side, but he watches Cobb rise. The fans rally, ZSJ storms up on Cobb and waistlocks, but Cobb breaks free! Cobb wrenches, snapmares, and steals EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! ZSJ storms up on Cobb, fires forearms, but Cobb ROCKS him with just one! ZSJ walks it off, comes back with more, then a BOOT! Cobb swings, into a BOOT!

Cobb rebounds, but ZSJ BOOTS! ZSJ runs, but into a BOOT from Cobb! ZSJ drops to his knees, but Cobb drags him back up to suplex! ZSJ fights that to wrench and PELE the arm! ZSJ waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous, but then Cobb is right back up! Cobb deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES ZSJ away! The fans rally as ZSJ ends up in a corner. Cobb rises, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Cobb then brings ZSJ up for a SPIN OUT BOMB! Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives heavy impact after heavy impact, but Cobb powers up his arm. Cobb runs, but ZSJ LARIATS with him!

Both men stay up but ZSJ does stagger. ZSJ and Cobb DOUBLE LARIAT again! We hit ten minutes, time is still on ZSJ’s side! But then Cobb LARIATS him down! Cobb runs, but ZSJ KICKS the lariat away! Scoop and ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives and the fans are thunderous again! ZSJ runs to KICK! That might’ve hurt ZSJ’s leg more than anything. ZSJ runs but Cobb blocks this kick! ZSJ SLAPS Cobb, so Cobb DROPKICKS ZSJ! Cobb then hauls ZSJ up to suplex, and he puts ZSJ up top! Cobb goes up top with him, then SUPER- NO, ZSJ slips around to a SLEEPER! The ref counts the ropebreak, ZSJ drops back at 4.

ZSJ considers his options, and gets under Cobb, for a POWERBOMB! Roll to a cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Cobb stays in this! But we’re at the three minute warning! ZSJ KICKS and KICKS and KICKS, then runs, but Cobb ducks the Penalty Kick to schoolboy! TWO!! ZSJ escapes, Cobb runs back up, and Cobb blocks a boto! Waistlock, O’Conner Roll, but ZSJ pops that into a SLEEPER! Cobb rolls back to get free, and deadlifts ZSJ into a pop-up! F 5000!! Cobb hurries to haul ZSJ back up, whip and TOUR OF THE- CRUCIFIX TAKEDOWN! ONE!! Cobb gets free fast, and he hurries to haul ZSJ back up! LARIAT! FALLING HAMMER!

Cobb swings again but into an omoplata! ZSJ wants the other arm, but Cobb moves around as we hit the two minute warning! ZSJ just shifts to get the other arm in the omoplata, then a traditional ARMBAR! Cobb holds hands, ZSJ breaks the grip! Cobb powers right through to deadlift ZSJ! Then a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!!! Cover, COBB WINS!!

Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (NEW NJPW World TV Champion)

With 90 SECONDS to spare, Cobb ends ZSJ’s reign! The Imperial Unit wears gold once again, will “season five” be the biggest and strongest yet?

 

Yota Tsuji VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!

Los Ingobernables de Japon and the Bullet Club War Dogs have been battling all up and down the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, but now Gene Blast will have it out with The Rebel! Who proves they are truly ungovernable?

The bell rings and the fans rally for Yota already. Yota and Finlay stare down, but then back away as Finlay gets annoyed by the fans. Yota encourages the fans and they get louder for him. Finlay gets on a corner to throw up the Too Sweet, the fans boo him. Finlay hops down with a frown, and the two circle. Yota blocks a kick, headlocks, but Finlay powers up, only for Yota to hold on tight. Finlay rolls to a cover, ONE and Yota holds onto the headlock. Finlay powers up again, powers out this time, but Yota runs him over! The fans cheer, Yota grins, but Finlay bails out. The fans boo while Finlay paces. Yota gets on the corner and the fans fire up!

Finlay slides in, Yota hits him with a body shot first! Finlay goes to a corner, Yota RAMS into him, and RAMS him, and RAMS him again. Yota then brings Finlay around to whip corner to corner. Yota runs up but Finlay puts him on the apron! Finlay knocks Yota off the apron, then goes out to RAM him into railing, right in front of commentary! Finlay RAMS Yota in again and again, but the ref reprimands him. Finlay lets off, leaves Yota behind, and says it’s too easy. Yota writhes, the ring count starts, and Finlay waits. Yota rises up at 6 of 20, stands at 8, and makes his way in at 10. But Finlay is there to stomp away on him at the ropes!

Finlay drops a KNEE into Yota’s back, pulls Yota’s hair and a leg, but the ref reprimands. Yota has the ROPEBREAK, the ref counts, and Finlay lets go at 4. Finlay brings Yota up to suplex and BROKEN ARROW! Finlay flexes and fans do cheer the feat of strength. Finlay covers, TWO! Finlay mockingly says Yota is tough, HEADBUTTS away on Yota’s ribs! Then he drops a leg! Yota sputters but Finlay mocks the fans rallying behind him. Finlay whips Yota hard into a corner, and Yota falls forward. Finlay covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Finlay stands on Yota’s fingers! Finlay stomps Yota’s arm, then clamps on a chinlock.

Yota endures as Finlay leans on the hold. The fans rally up again, even as Finlay thrashes Yota around. Yota fights around, reaches out, but Finlay grinds him back down to the mat! The fans rally harder as Yota reaches out. Finlay sits Yota up so he can CLUB away on Yota’s face, then puts the hold on tighter! It’s almost a Bulldog Choke, but Yota fights to his feet! Yota reaches out but Finlay wrangles Yota back down! Yota is fading! The ref checks, and the hand drops once! The hand drops twice! But Yota opens his eyes and rises up! The fans rally and Yota stands to throw body shots! Yota is free, and he runs, but into an ELBOW! Finlay adds a SENTON!

Yota flounders away to a corner, and Finlay barks at him. Finlay aims from a corner as Yota rises, and fans rally with the barking. Finlay runs in, to UPPERCUT! And clothesline! And then Finlay brings Yota out, only for Yota to suplex Finlay into the corner! The fans fire up while both men are down! Finlay rolls away while clutching the back of his head, and Yota rises while catching his breath. The fans rally again and Yota stands. Yota fires up and runs in at the corner, to STINGER SPLASH! Yota keeps moving, to FLIPPING RANA! Finlay tumbles out, and the fans fire up as Yota builds speed! Yota DIVES and sends Finlay over railing!

The fans fire up with Yota while Finlay is down in No Man’s Land! Yota catches his breath again and the ring count starts. Finlay crawls through the gap, but we’re at 10 of 20 before Yota stands. Yota storms over and drags Finlay up at 15, then puts him in the ring. The fans cheer and Yota gets Finlay up. Yota half nelsons for a GUTBUSTER! Yota then snapmares Finlay into a body scissors squeeze! Finlay endures, moves around, but Yota grabs an arm in a cording hold! Finlay flails with his free arm but he’s still far from ropes! Finlay pulls at the body scissors but Yota just squeezes tighter! Finlay endures, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK!

The ref counts, Yota lets off, and the fans applaud. Finlay coughs as he goes to a corner, and Yota paces. Yota storms over, brings Finlay back up, but Finlay blocks the suplex. Finlay throws body shots but Yota gives a hard body shot in return! Finlay falls over and coughs his way to ropes. The ref has Yota stay back while he checks on Finlay. But then Yota runs up to KICK Finlay into the corner! Yota stands Finlay up to CHOP! Finlay grits his teeth as his chest stings, but Yota brings him up to the top rope! Yota ROCKS Finlay, then roars, and the fans fire up! Yota climbs, brings Finlay up, but Finliay shoves him down!

Finlay adjusts, but Yota comes back to GAMANGIRI! Yota goes back up, brings Finlay to the top, but Finlay throws body shots! Finlay SUNSET FLIPS, but Yota holds on! Finlay pries Yota from the corner, but Yota sunset flips him back! TWO, but Yota kicks and whips! Finlay reverses, and scoops for BLUE THUNDER! Both men are down and Gedo cheers Finlay while the fans rally for Yota. Finlay hauls Yota up for the Canadian Rack, CANADIAN HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Yota stays in this and the fans are still behind him, but Finlay keeps his cool. Finlay drags Yota around, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Yota back drops Finlay away!

The fans cheer as Yota clinches, but Finlay fights free! Finlay gets Yota back in, picks him up, but Yota slips free of the bomb! Finlay dodges the knee, but runs into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Finlay writhes but Yota drags him back up. Yota suplexes for the ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives the brainbuster bomb and we pass 15 minutes, but Yota keeps his cool. Yota grins, even! Yota stands, brings Finlay to a corner, then goes up and up for the FLYING- PRIMA NOCTA! Finlay reels Yota in to bring him up and BUCKLE BOMB! Then suplex INTO OBLIVION! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and Finlay is beside himself!

The fans rally while Yota is down, but Finlay brings his kneepad down. Finlay stands, drags Yota up, but Yota is deadweight. The ref checks but Yota seems okay to continue, so Finlay drags him up! Yota fights the suplex so Finlay knees him low! Finlay brings Yota back up and in, slashes his throat, and suplexes, but Yota cradle counters! TWO!! Finlay runs up, into a clinch! BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! STOMP!! The fans fire up as Yota stands tall, but then he drops back down, needing to catch his breath. The fans rally up and both men stir. Finlay rises first, and he sits Yota up. Finlay UPPERCUTS, and Gedo says nice!

Yota sits back up, Finlay UPPERCUTS him again! Yota shakes his head as he sits back up, so Finlay UPPERCUTS again! Finlay taunts Yota, Yota stands, and Finlay UPPERCUTS! Yota shakes his head and comes back, but Finlay UPPERCUTS again! Finlay eggs Yota on, and Yota snarls as he storms back up. Finlay UPPERCUTS again and Yota drops back! Finlay says this is too easy, but Yota still smiles?! Yota rises, and he fires forearm after forearm on Finlay! Finlay UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS! Yota drops to a knee, Finlay says BANG! UPPER- BACKSLIDE! Roll through, Finlay blocks a knee to UPPERCUT!

Yota SUPERKICKS! Finlay UPERCUTS! Yota FOREARMS, then he dodges the lariat to JUMP KNEE! Cover, TWO!! We hit 20 minutes as Yota hauls Finlay up to a fireman’s carry, and swings into the POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Yota storms around. Yota waits on Finlay to rise, then runs in, to CURB STOMP! Yota roars, because he’s not done yet! Up and up, MARVEL CRUSH!! Cover off the flying stomp, TWO!! Finlay survives, but Yota just fires up again! The fans are with Yota as he aims from the corner! Finlay rises, but then Gedo gets on the apron! Yota runs Gedo off, but Finlay SPEARS first!!

Finlay hurries to get Yota up and suplex! STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE!? Yota takes a play out of Will Ospreay’s book (or Orange Cassidy’s, or Mark Andrews’), then runs in to GENE BLASTER!! But Yota says that’s not enough! The fans fire up again as Yota reloads in the corner! Finlay slowly rises, but Gedo distracts the ref! Yota runs in, into a SHILLELAGH SHOT!! Finlay drags Yota up and reels him in, for a POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO?!?! Yota survives and shocks Finlay! Finlay is furious, he gets Yota up for another POWERBOMB!! Then a flip-over, suplex, for OVERKILL!! Cover, Finlay wins!

Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall

The Goatslayer may have won, but he still needed the ace up his sleeve to steal this one from Yota! Will Finlay stop at nothing to make himself the savior of this company? Or is he simply a false prophet?

 

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Nic Nemeth VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!

The Wanted Man has wanted to show off ever since arriving in NJPW, and he started off strong taking this title off David Finlay. But now he gets what he wanted even more, and that’s a dream match with The Ace of the Universe! Will Nemeth take President Tanahashi to the Danger Zone? Or will we soon witness the birth of a Two Belt Ace?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who shows the world their true strength!

Tanahashi shows off the abs and the fans cheer. The bell rings and the fans rally up for Tanahashi. Tanahashi and Nemeth circle, tie up, and they’re in a deadlock. They break, reset, and circle again. They tie up, are in another deadlock, but Tanahashi gets around to waistlock. Nemeth reaches back, shoots around to get a leg then a waistlock, then shifts, but Tanahashi fights off the cobra twist. Tanahashi wrenches an arm to a wristlock, but Nemeth rolls, slips around again, and tries from the other side. Tanahashi fights the cobra twist to roll Nemeth up, TWO! The fans cheer the exchange and even Nemeth nods as they reset.

Nemeth and Tanahashi circle, Nemeth gets a leg, and he brings Tanahashi down to a cradle, TWO! Tanahashi fights through the leg guard to get a headlock, but Nemeth fights around to roll Tanahashi. ONE, Nemeth facelocks, and he brings Tanahashii up. Tanahashi puts Nemeth on ropes, Red Shoes counts, and Tanahashi lets off slowly. Tanahashi says clean break, but then Nemeth runs up! Tanahashi arm-drags, arm-drags again, and has the cording hold! The fans cheer while Nemeth moves around. Nemeth stands, hooks Tanahashi’s leg with a leg, and then flips Tanahashi over to a cradle! TWO, and the two stand off again.

The fans applaud as both men reset. They feel out a knuckle lock, but Nemeth again goes for a leg. Nemeth waistlocks, and he still wants that cobra twist. Tanahashi drops but Nemeth tries for a ground cobra! Tanahashi clasps hands to resist that, then he rolls things to a headlock. Nemeth keeps his shoulders up, fights to his feet, and he hooks a leg to roll Tanahashi! Tanahashi manages to keep a shoulder up, so Nemeth flips around and has the roll from the other side! TWO, and Nemeth DROPKICKS Tanahashi down! The fans fire up as Nemeth swivels the hips! Tanahashi backs away to ropes to catch his breath.

Nemeth waits on Tanahashi, Tanahashi stands and they circle. They tie up, Nemeth headlocks but Tanahashi waistlocks. Nemeth switches, Tanahashi fights the lift, and then Tanahashi switches. Nemeth reaches around, switches again, but Tanahashi switches on him. Nemeth switches, and goes to throw Tanahashi out! Tanahashi fights that with elbows, then gets a leg, to DRAGON SCREW! Nemeth flounders out of the ring while the fans cheer! Tanahashi goes out after Nemeth, puts him in the ring, and the fans cheer. Tanahashi drags Nemeth up, bumps him off buckles, then fires up as he whips corner to corner.

Nemeth reverses the whip, runs in, but into an elbow! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up for the air guitar! Nemeth stands, Tanahashi runs up and dropkicks the legs out! Nemeth flounders, stands back up, and Tanahashi runs in, but into a dropkick right back! The fans rally while both men are down, but Nemeth grins as he evens the score. Nemeth stands, storms up on Tanahashi and grabs the leg. Nemeth stands on Tanahashi’s face, then DDTs the leg! Tanahashi clutches the knee, but Nemeth drags him around. Nemeth steps over, has a standing toehold, but Tanahashi kicks at him with his free leg!

Nemeth and Tanahashi struggle against each other, and Nemeth powers things into a cover! TWO, and Nemeth YANKS the leg! Then Nemeth cradles Tanahashi, TWO! Tanahashi is still in this and the fans rally behind him, even as Nemeth stalks Tanahashi. Tanahashi fires forearms! But Nemeth kicks the leg out! Nemeth gets the leg to YANK it, then he drops a JUMP ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi is tougher than that but Nemeth grabs the bad leg. Nemeth stretches the leg out, and adds a chinbar so he can bend Tanahashi around. Nemeth hooks the leg, pulls on it, it’s like a standing kneebar! Tanahashi endures and the fans rally up!

Tanahashi endures, even as Nemeth makes it an ANKLE LOCK! Tanahashi slips under and brings Nemeth down with his own leglock, only for Nemeth to turn him back over! Tanahashi reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Nemeth stomps the leg as he lets off. Nemeth eggs Tanahashi on, so Tanahashi stands up and fires a forearm! Nemeth fires a haymaker! Tanahashi forearms again, Nemeth throws a forearm back! Tanahashi throws another forearm, so Nemeth kicks the leg out! Tanahashi eggs Nemeth on now, then blocks his superkick! But not the SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi is still in this and the fans fire up!

Nemeth stands and shows he still has energy to spare. Tanahashi stands, Nemeth taunts him, “I thought you were a legend!” Nemeth whips, and Tanahashi CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up again and Tanahashi fires up with them! Nemeth stands into a strike fest! Tanahashi scoops to SLAM Nemeth into the drop zone! Then Tanahashi goes up for the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Nemeth is tougher than that but the fans rally with Tanahashi. Nemeth slowly rises and Tanahashi runs, SLING- NO, Nemeth sends Tanahashi out! But Tanahashi skins the cat! Then he TOSSES Nemeth! But now Nemeth skins the cat!

The fans fire up, Nemeth mocks the air guitar, but then Tanahashi dodges! Nemeth dodges, and DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both men are down! Both men stir, the fans rally up, and Nemeth fires a haymaker! Tanahashi gives a forearm back! Nemeth fires another haymaker, Tanahashi fires another forearm! They stand, continue to trade shots, and then Tanahashi gets the edge! But Nemeth roars to HEADBUT! Both men wobble, Nemeth roars again, and he whips, only for Tanahashi to reverse and SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up and Tanahashi roars! Tanahashi goes up a corner, Nemeth stands, into HIGH FLY ATTACK! Cover, TWO!

The fans fire up again as Tanahashi resets! Tanahashi climbs again while Nemeth is down, HIGH FLY FLOP!! Nemeth avoids disaster and Tanahashi writhes from his crash landing! But Tanahashi just fires himself back up! After all, as NEVER Openweight Six Man Champion, he can’t give up! Tanahashi runs in, but into SUPERKICK 101!! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives and we pass 15 minutes! Nemeth rises first, he takes aim again, and Tanahashi turns around into a kick! Nemeth runs, to FAMOUS- NO, Tanahashi stops the Famouser to SHOTEI! But Nemeth roars, swings, only for Tanahashi to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!

The fans are thunderous and Tanahashi gets running, to SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi drags Nemeth into the drop zone, but has him on his stomach! Tanahashi goes up to HIGH FLY FLOW, onto knees!! Nemeth turns over in time, and then covers, TWO!!! Tanahashi survives the crushing counter, and the fans rally as hard as they can for him! Tanahashi stands, DANGER- NO, Tanahashi shakes that off, then runs, but Nemeth dodges! DANGER ZONE!! But Tanahashi rises up and Nemeth reloads, to DANGER ZONE again!! Cover, Nemeth wins!!

Winner: Nic Nemeth, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)

Nemeth got what he wanted in this dream match, and then he came out as the Top Gun! Will Tanahashi have to settle for being a Six Man Tag Team Champion for now?

As for Nemeth, he is given the belt, and he holds it up high. But he also shows Tanahashi respect with a hug, and Tanahashi shows it back by lifting Nemeth’s hand. Then the streamers fly! That took Tanahashi by surprise! But then FINLAY attacks Nemeth!! The Rebel also CLOBBERS Tanahashi! The fans boo as this War Dog is off the leash! Finlay rains down fists on Nemeth again, then he TOSSES Tanahashi out. Finlay gets the shillelagh from Gedo and he takes aim! Finlay takes a swing, but Nemeth dodges! Nemeth fires fists in return and the fans fire up! Gedo watches out as these two go all over the place, in all of the streamers!

Young Lions hurry in to stop this, but Gedo calls reinforcements! Here come Connors & Drilla! They get the pack leader outta there, clearly Nemeth isn’t going down easy! Nemeth gets the mic to tell Finlay he’s a coward! Nemeth was just in this ring with a legend, and he’ll do it every damn night! Finlay clearly takes the easy way out, because he’s a POS who attacks from behind! If Finlay had any balls, he’ll fight Nemeth fair and square. Nemeth will defend anytime, anywhere, because that’s how damn good he is! Hell, tomorrow night! Wrestling Dontaku Night 2, rematch for the Global title! Let’s do it!!

The fans like the sound of that! Finlay may have taken a cheap shot, but he’s still getting what he wants. Will the Rebel shoot down The Wanted Man and take back the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship? Or will Nemeth bring Finlay into the Danger Zone?


My Thoughts:

A great start to what I think is the first two-night Wrestling Dontaku ever. I will say, of the matches I skipped, The House of Torture winning over Moxley’s team is classic go-home math showing that Moxley will win out against Narita tomorrow on night two. That way, Moxley then faces Shota Umino next Saturday, May 11th, at Resurgence. Anyway, great NJPW World TV Championship match, and a great rematch from ZSJ and Cobb on top of it. Great win for Cobb, and that was the logical move after having lost to ZSJ the last two times. Also, feels like that’s why ZSJ beat Riddle after Riddle had a rather short run. If Cobb was to win this belt, they didn’t wanna make the Chosen Bros face each other, as great as that would’ve been.

Really good grudge match from Yota and Finlay, but I should’ve known Finlay would need to cheat to win. And as we saw at the end, Finlay wants the Global Championship back, what with losing out on the World Championship when he lost in the New Japan Cup. Great match from Nemeth and Tanahashi, great win for Nemeth, and doing back to back nights is some good stuff out of Nemeth and Finlay. I don’t know if they’ll steal the show, but they’ll definitely put on a real good match to help top off Dontaku.

My Score: 8.8/10


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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.2.2024

Under Siege is tomorrow! Yeah the card looks pretty awful, but maybe this Go Home will spice things up!

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Not gonna mislead anyone here, Under Siege looks nearly as bad as a Steven Segal film by the same name. Lots of useless tag matches, only really the X Division title to care about. It reminds me of a “Road to” show that New Japan does. Bunch of worthless matches with a few story wrinkles but entirely skippable.

Hopefully something crazy happens or the show is good enough to cover the bad card. But let’s hope something happens tonight to maybe create some reason to watch.

Ratings:

  • Mustafa Ali vs Chris Bey w/Ace Austin: Ali wins via 450 – **
  • Dani Luna w/Jody Threat vs Alisha Edwards w/Masha Slamovich: Lish wins via Russian Death Device – ** 1/4
  • Hammerstone vs Cody Deaner: Hammerstone wins via Torture Rack – *
  • #1 Contender Match: Ace Austin w/Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel w/Zachary Wentz: Ace wins via The Fold – ***
  • TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Miyu Yamashita: Grace retains via Juggernaut Driver – *** 1/2

 

Results:

Mustafa Ali vs Chris Bey w/Ace Austin

Ali with a simple Headlock takeover, Bey fights back up and tries to create something with a rope run; but Ali gets the best of things with a Back Elbow. Ali gets cocky as Bey retreats to the corner, Bey turns things around quickly, lands the 10 Count Punches in the corner, Ali tries to fight back but Bey snaps off a quick DDT for a near fall. As Bey goes to continue the offense, Ali Drop Toe Holds Bey into the ropes neck first. Ali again, demonstrating some of the worst in-ring trash talk, Bey turns things around since Ali is running his mouth too much. Ali gets set in the Tree of Woe, Bey goes across to another corner and does a Coast to Coast Elbow Drop as Ali tries to sit up. Honestly, stupid looking since its obviously too coordinated. No one would stay half sat up just to eat an elbow.

While the move looked cool, I now care significantly less about what’s going on. Illogical spots just because “they’re cool”, should not be rewarded. Bey controls the match after the stupid spot, hits his Corner Uppercut Hip Attack, Ali tries to duck a few moves and create something but eats a Spinebuster for 2. Art of Finesse attempt, but Ali shoves him to the outside. Working back inside Ali goes for his Rolling Neckbreaker but Bey connects with a Roundhouse Kick to stop Ali in his tracks. Fighting Spirit spot, they run into the ropes, Ali has a bad Double Leg takedown that he tries to turn into a Cradle with feet on the ropes, but Ace pushes the feet off.

As security starts to move on Ace, Ali hits a Suicida, then Bey connects on a Tope con Hilo. Bey starts rocking Ali, hits the Kudome Valentine but Ali manages to pull himself under the bottom rope just enough to avoid losing. Bey climbs the corner, Ali German Suplexes Bey to the apron, Ali goes for the 450, misses, Bey goes to finish the match but the security get involved again, hit Bey with the flag and then Ali lands the 450 for the win.

I liked when the Security Guards were window dressing instead of mooks to cheat with. This just makes the matches dumber and significantly less interesting, especially when its nameless mooks and its not even a talent getting heat. 

Dani Luna w/Jody Threat vs Alisha Edwards w/Masha Slamovich

Dani starts strong and fast, forearm shots, lariats and a quick near fall sends Alisha retreating to the ropes to get some advice from Masha. Dani goes to attack Lish, Lish with a Drop Toe Hold, Masha takes advantage of the distracted ref and Lish hits a Satellite DDT and then taunts entirely too much. As Lish talks too much, Dani stands up and starts beating the hell out of Lish, Suplex into the rope assisted Blue Thunder Bomb. Dani goes for the Luna Landing, but Masha climbs on the apron, distraction happens, then Lish goes after Jody and the ref stays distracted with Lish. Masha slides into the ring, Roundhouse Kick into the Russian Death Device and Lish turns around for the win!

Sami’s little segment is aptly named DMTv since it feels like a weird hallucination or trip with the way he does stuff. 

Hammerstone vs Cody Deaner

Am I supposed to care about this? Hammerstone looks like he’s chiseled out of granite and Deaner looks like he’s fished out of a trailer park. Hammerstone says a lot of how I feel that the Deaner schtick is pathetic. Deaner says he’s given the power to add a stipulation, Hammer says Arm Wrestling Match, Deaner wants a Sin City Street Fight. So we know what the crowd will pick. Christ this is so carny even Court Bauer blushed.

Deaner bonks Hammer with the mic, low dropkick, goes to grab a trash can lid and hits Hammer…but it just pisses off Captain Hammer. Stomps a mudhole in him, Irish Whip into a Back Elbow and Hammer deposits him to the outside to utilize the gimmick I would assume. This is going on much longer than it should, Deaner finds a chair, clocks Hammer once, goes for Twice, but this isn’t Kpop; so Hammer says no and hits him with a Backbreaker. Then Hammer hits him with a chairshot, 10 Count Punches in the corner, Sack of Shit, Deaner goes for the Ricky Morton lean against the ropes and sell to the crowd spot, but Hammer leans into him and starts using the chair again.

Deaner does his nerd Hulk Up, tries to call for a Body Slam but Hammer doesn’t move and drops the dweeb down. Deaner is back to the begging the crowd Ricky Morton spot…but the crowd doesn’t care since Deaner is a jabroni. Hammer tosses Deaner like a pizza ribs first into the back of the chair and just takes a few moments to revel in his handwork. Deaner fights back, lands a few right hands, tries to call for the Body Slam again like an idiot, gets Hammer half way and falls over so Hammer just rains down punches (can we end this waste of time please). Hellavator, I mean Nightmare Pendulum but Deaner floats over and lands the Scoop Slam onto the steel chair for only 2.

The crowd starts chanting for table, so of course Deaner obliges…this is going on so damn long. Hammer no sells the forearm, Vertical Suplex, goozle, and then Hammer Chokeslams Deaner through the table and calls to for the Torture Rack. Deaner is Rack’d and dead. ‘Bout damn time.

Like a Torpedo, Something is there…

I’m mad at myself that I popped for Ball of Speed. I’m not even sure why, but I like it.

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it at least 3 dozen times, Joe Hendry is a treasure. Starting with a medley of the insult songs to lead into the Creed parody is genius. Odd apology, but I respect it. “Can you please get fired…”, such a great song.

#1 Contender Match: Ace Austin w/Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel w/Zachary Wentz

Typical Junior style start with counters and some chain wrestling and then a quick tension spot where Trey slaps Ace and then they fire off on each other for a few seconds before they get broken up because its just a shmoz. Trey baits Ace to the outside, Up and Over but Ace lands on the apron and then Wentz picks the ankle as Trey feigns injury to distract the referee. Back Rake back into the ring and just insulting Knife Edge Chops at a deliberate pace. Commercial break happens and Trey is still in charge. Ace shoots the Double and turns it into a Jacknife Cradle for 2 but Ace is still visibly hobbled.

Trey tries to keep Ace grounded but he tries to fire up and Trey finds different ways to keep Ace grounded including a Running Bodyscissors into Full Mount. Kick combination rush from Trey as he goes for the Asai Moonsault to punctuate it but Ace gets the knees up. Short range Knee Strike, Click Click Boom, Corner Splash Seated Lariat spot into a Triangle Kick for 2! Ace looks to set up The Fold, Wentz distracts, Trey grabs tights! But Ace kicks out! Trey with the Backflip Back of the Head Dropkick. Bey levels Wentz and Trey is talking shit to the fans, Ace goes for the Crucifix Pin, but kicks out at 2.

Jackie Bryant Headlock Kick from Trey, but Ace blocks it. Triangle Kick misses, Ace tries to jump on him but misses, Cheeky Nandos, then Trey heads up but Ace cuts him off. They struggle on the top rope, Trey Bell Claps Ace, Ace tries to duck but Trey turns it into the Sunset Flip, locomotion float away, Ace Face Stomp into The Fold! Ace wins!

The Bald Bearded Canadians, good ole team BBC…wait…

TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs Miyu Yamashita

They start off respectfully, which is what you expect since Miyu is well respected in this generation. A few Headlock Takeovers, Shoulder Blocks and finally Miyu drops Jordynne with a Switchblade Kick. Miyu goes to follow up, but Jordynne catches the kick and T-Bone Suplex gives Jordynne a near fall. Juggernaut Driver early, but Miyu counters, rams Jordynne into the corner, Triangle Kick from Miyu for 2! Cravat into Knee Strikes and then a PK to the spine keeps Miyu in control. Miyu lets Jordynne up and they trade strikes a bit, Jordynne’s arms prove to be a little stronger than Miyu’s legs, takes out the legs and then the Jackhammer on the floor from Jordynne!

Jordynne tries to roll Miyu back in, but Miyu continues to roll out to buy some space, Jordynne goes for a dive and eats a foot. Miyu looks for an Apron Death Valley Driver, Jordynne fights it a while but Miyu eventually gets her over and down on the apron for 2. Miyu with a Headlock Takeover, but both ties the other one up and the ropes save the awkward but effective exchange. Strike exchange number 2. Miyu no sells a few Scoop Slams and lands Round Kicks. Spinning Backfist and Round Kick connect simultaneously for both women to drop.

Jordynne charges, Pink Striker tries to block with the front kick, but Jordynne plows through with a Back Elbow. Kinniku Buster attempt but Miyu knows how to get away from that and fights off with Knee Strikes, Jordynne is rocked but fights back up and Avalanche Back Body Drop for 2! Jordynne no sells a Roundhouse Kick, Miyu no sells a Lariat then another kick from Miyu and a Back Kick to the face for 2. Skull Kick attempt, blocked, Juggernaut Driver out of nowhere to retain!

 

Overall Score: 6.25/10

The second half of the show was pretty damn good, but God was the first half useless. Hammerstone and Deaner went on far too long, that was dumb, it looked dumb, I felt dumb watching it. Ali’s match was garbage with the stupid spot monkey indie garbage spot. If I want to watch wrestling that makes less sense than Chinese Dramas with Hindi subtitles, I’ll watch AEW and have a stroke.

Thankfully, Joe Hendry got a good chunk of time, the Trey and Ace match was pretty good and overlooking the stupid run in after match stuff, the Knockouts match itself was pretty damn good. So the new bookers have really consistently done this stuff, where there’s a ton of overbooked stupidity, but they sprinkle in enough okay stuff to make me not completely lose faith. OH – and we do get Kushida versus Gresham tomorrow, so at least that strengthens the lackluster card.

Lets see if they ever figure out how to really book, or if they eventually go full TNA 2015.


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