Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Results & Report! (4/8/19)
What happens on the Raw After Mania?!
It’s the Raw After Wrestlemania! The Architect, The Demon and The Man are all champions once again! But who will have the hardest Post-Mania road ahead?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Raw Tag Team Championships: Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins VS The Revival; Ryder & Hawkins win and retain the Raw Tag Team Championships.
- Alexa Bliss VS ???; Bliss wins.
- Ricochet & Aleister Black VS ???; Ricochet & Black win.
- Dean Ambrose’s Farewell Match: Dean Ambrose VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush; No Contest.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Finn Balor VS Sami Zayn; Finn wins and retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
- WWE World Championship & Universal Championship, Winner Takes All: Kofi Kingston VS Seth Rollins; No Contest.
- Seth Rollins & Kofi Kingston VS The Bar; Rollins & Kingston win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins opens Raw!
The Kingslayer is now the BEASTSLAYER! And he is the NEW WWE Universal Champion! Raw takes a quick look back to see how Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar tried to use a scheduling audible to throw Rollins off his game. But of course, Lesnar also tried a pre-match beating unlike anyone’s seen before, too! But Rollins endured, took advantage of the ref going down, and then used multiple Curb Stomps! And in the end, Rollins finally burned Suplex City down!
But in the present, Rollins stands before the New York crowd as they chant “You Deserve It!” He corrects them by saying “WE Deserve It!” Rollins waited a long, long time to be in the ring with that title. All it took was climbing the mountain and beating the most dominant champion in WWE history. Fans say “Thank You, Rollins!” for doing that. Rollins thanks them back and says he actually feels terrible. He still got run over by a truck, and took suplex after suplex to F5. But Rollins always got back up. Rollins took everything Lesnar had to give, and he got back up! Rollins even took a “questionable” tactic to gain an advantage, but truth be told, Rollins didn’t do anything to Lesnar that he wouldn’t have done to Rollins.
Fans chant “Full Time Champ!” knowing Rollins will be here more, but Rollins has some news. Rollins heard Lesnar and Heyman were taking that flight to Vegas for “meetings”. As far as Rollins is concerned, but they can stay in Vegas! Lesnar is no longer the reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion, Rollins is! And to do one better, he will be the reigning, defending, fighting, undisputed Universal Champion who everyone in the world can be proud of! Awwwww~ Brooklyn~! Clap for the NEW WWE World Champion, and feel~ the power~! Because yes, The New Day and Kofi Kingston are here! And Kofimania is running wild with the world title around his waist! Kofi and the New Day join Rollins in the ring for a meeting of champions!
“Now Seth, I can see the look on your face right now.” This is confusing, because it’s Monday, not Tuesday. But it is yo bois, The New~ Day~! This isn’t a Superstar Shake-Up, that’s for next week. But for now, the New Day is here early to celebrate! And they couldn’t wait for SmackDown, no. Rollins is WWE Universal Champion by defeating the Beast! Fans boo and Rollins explains they don’t like him. Oh they don’t like Bw-w-w-w-w-w-w-wrock, Lesnar? Not at all. But then Kofi Kingston did the unthinkable! His dream would not be deferred, because he finally won that W, W, E, World, Heavyweight, Championship~! Big E does splits! And after that match, Kofi was hanging out watching that Winner Take All Main Event. That was great for Becky, huh?
So perhaps, how about the NEW Universal Champion and the NEW World Champion have their own WINNER TAKE ALL!? Fans erupt hearing that! Now while The Shield may not be a thing anymore, Kofi will forego The New Day at ringside and these two go 1v1, title for title! Fans already know “This is Awesome!” But Rollins’ answer? “Challenge accepted.” This might be the BIGGEST Post-Mania Raw in history!! Both new champions put up their belts already, who will be the new DOUBLE Champion after tonight!?
Raw Tag Team Championships: Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins VS The Revival!
Speaking of putting titles up right away, The Losing Streak only just ended, but the Major Brothers are willing to give the #TopGuys a rematch without a second thought! Will Ryder & Hawkins retain while still in their home state? Or will Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder #SayYeah to a second reign?
Raw returns as the introductions are made and the belts are raised. The teams sort out and Ryder starts against Dawson. They circle and tie up and Ryder puts Dawson on the ropes. Dawson gets Ryder to the Revival’s corner and tags Dash. Ryder gets away and the Revival have to back down. Dash circles with Ryder and ties up. Dash gets the headlock but holds on as Ryder tries to power out. Ryder powers out on the second try, but Dash runs him over. Things speed up and Dash kicks Ryder away, only to run into a lariat. Ryder tags Hawkins and the Major Brothers combine for Russian Leg Sweep STO! Cover, TWO! Hawkins wrenches but Dash forearms him down. Dash drags Hawkins up and CHOPS him against the ropes.
Tag to Dawson and Dash feeds Hawkins to Dawson’s knee. Dawson kicks Hawkins then gives him an uppercut. Dawson stomps Hawkins’ hand then mocks the fans. He drags Hawkins up to bump him off buckles. Dawson CHOPS and haymakers Hawkins, then headlock takeovers. Hawkins denies the cover and powers his way up. Fans rally as Hawkins powers out, only to get run over. Things speed up and Hawkins dropkicks Dawson down! Hawkins runs in for a big forearm in the corner. He fires up more as he throws hands. Dash grabs Hawkins but gets a Pele! Ryder tries to help but the ref stops. Hawkins whips but Dawson reverses, and Dash drives a knee into Hawkins’ back. Dawson tags Dash and the Revival combine for a Hart Attack! Cover, TWO!
The Revival grow frustrated but Ryder and fans rally for Hawkins. But Hawkins is down and in trouble while we go to break.
Raw returns as Dawson keeps Hawkins from Ryder. Dawson whips but gets a big knee from Hawkins! Hawkins and Dawson crawl, hot tag to Dash and Ryder! Ryder facebusts Dash then hits Dawson. He knees Dash away then hops up for a missile dropkick! Dawson runs in but gets a flapjack! And then Dash gets a flapjack, too! Ryder aims from a corner as fans fire up. Broski Boot for Dawson, tag to Hawkins. Broski Boot for Dash, then Hawkins hits a Macho Elbow! Cover, TWO!! The Revival survives but Hawkins keeps his focus. Hawkins drags Dash up but Dash blocks the suplex to give one. Hawkins slips out but his leg jams! He still cradles Dash! TWO!! Dash swings but Hawkins clobbers him with a clothesline! Hawkins drags Dash over and tags Ryder.
The Major Bros double clothesline but Dawson drags Hawkins out! Dash rolls Ryder and uses the ropes! TWO, but Dash clobbers Ryder! Dawson gives Hawkins a Brain Buster! Dawson tags in and the Revival coordinate, torture rack knee drop! Cover, TWO!! Ryder keeps the Major Bros alive and Brooklyn loves it! The Revival can’t believe it, but they stay on Ryder. Fans chant “Woo Woo Woo!” as Ryder resists the suplex. Dash helps Dawson suplex Ryder in but Ryder counters with double neckbreakers! But Dawson held onto ropes, and then rolls Ryder up, TWO! Dawson waistlocks but Hawkins tags in. Dawson hits Hawkins and Ryder gets SHATTER MACHINE! But Hawkins rolls Dawson, Hawkins & Ryder win again!!
Winners: Ryder & Hawkins, Curt Hawkins by pinfall; still Raw Tag Team Champions
The winning streak continues at 2-0! How far can Hawkins & Ryder take this title reign? What will it take for The Revival to get back on top?
Introducing: Baron Corbin!
The ring announcer lists all of The Lone Wolf’s accomplishments, but leaves his defeating Kurt Angle in Angle’s final match for last. Fans boo as Corbin comes out, but Corbin just soaks it all up. Corbin takes a mic and mocks the fans booing him. And he takes their insults as compliments. He heard everyone for weeks whining and complaining about Angle deserving someone more worthy of being a Wrestlemania opponent. But Angle chose Corbin himself, and Corbin showed Angle doesn’t deserve to be in a match with Corbin. Fans also tell Corbin what he should do. “Real classy, New York.” But look! Even with that long list of accomplishments, he’s used to having doubters. Corbin proved he’s better than a gold medalist! And after that victory, Corbin feels like he deserves a medal of his own.
But here comes Kurt Angle! Brooklyn greets Angle with another ovation of “You Suck!” Angle joins Corbin in the ring and fans chant “Thank You, Kurt!” Angle thanks them back then talks to Corbin. He admits Corbin was the better man last night. And Angle’s in-ring career is officially over while Corbin’s is only getting going. So Angle wishes Corbin all the luck in the world, and shakes his hand. He wishes BAD Luck! ANGLE SLAM! Fans fire up as Angle takes off the jacket to give one last Ankle Lock! Corbin taps now despite surviving last night! Corbin crawls out of the ring and Angle lets go. Angle may not have won but he gets the last laugh. Where and when- Wait. Is that… LARS SULLIVAN!?
The Leviathan is finally here! The horror movie monster come to life finally comes to Raw, and goes right into the ring. He stares at Angle and fans aren’t sure what to make of this. Angle isn’t sure, either, but he doesn’t back down. Lars reels Angle in for a FREAK ACCIDENT! Fans boo as Lars looms over a downed Olympic Gold Medalist, but Lars isn’t done. Lars climbs up to the top rope! And LEAPS for a Leviathan Heabutt! Lars glares down at Angle as he roars victoriously. If this was his debut, what will the Mile High Monster do now that he’s on the main roster?
Alexa Bliss VS ???
The Goddess was the host for Wrestlemania, but now she’s back in the ring! She issued this challenge via social media while busy with Mania duties. She wanted one of the Boss & Hug Connection, but who answers the challenge? It’s Bayley! Will the Huggable One get back on a winning track? Or will Alexa shake off that ring rust in one night?
The bell rings and Alexa mocks Bayley losing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Bayley rocks Alexa with a right! And bumps her off buckles! Bayley throws rights then flapjacks Alexa off buckles! She throws Alexa to the apron but Alexa trips her up and out. Alexa rocks Bayley back with her own wicked right! Fans cheer as Alexa drags Bayley back in. Alexa clubs away on Bayley and wraps on a chinlock while fans sing for Bayley. Bayley feeds off the energy and fights out of the hold, only for Alexa to clobber her again! Alexa runs in at Bayley in the corner, to SLAP her! Bayley goes reeling but Alexa toys with her on the ropes. Bayley grabs Alexa and powers her to a corner for body shots. She throws in shoulders but Alexa rocks her back down!
Alexa hops up and hits a sunset flip, but Bayley sits on it! Bayley has the ropes so the count doesn’t cuont. She gets up and knees Alexa back into the corner, to sunset flip bomb Alexa into buckles! Cover, ropebreak! Alexa saves herself but Bayley does not let up. Bayley puts Alexa back in but gets a kick for it. Bayley comes back, but gets a DDT! Cover, Alexa wins!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall
The Goddess returns and the Goddess succeeds! Alexa has a win after being out of action for weeks, but will this lead her back to a championship?
The Man is on Raw!
Becky Lynch won the historic Women’s Triple Threat Winner Takes All match, and now she’s here wearing one belt while holding up the other! The first ever simultaneous Raw & SmackDown Women’s Champion goes to the ring as Raw relives the events of that historic match. Ronda tried to submit both opponents at once, but Becky and Charlotte bombed her together. Becky took things to the extreme and Charlotte was the one who went through a table. And just as it seemed like Ronda would win, Becky pulled off the shocking surprise pin to make a dream come true. She put the Man in WrestleMania, and now she stands atop the mountain!
Brooklyn gives Becky a standing ovation and Becky reflects on how she used to work at a bar not too far from here. Fans let her know “You Deserve It!” She thanks them and says “We Did It!” Becky can’t help but smile as fans chant her name. She likes the sound of “Becky Two Belts”, too. But for months now, Ronnie and Ric’s daughter were talking about their resumes being too strong for Becky. Olympics this, title reigns that, UFC this, blah blah blah. But when it was all said and done, the woman with nothing to lose walked out with everything they had! Becky knows she’s not the strongest, fastest, most athletic, but she does have a great theme song like what the fans are singing.
And leaving home at just 15 years old, fighting around the world, Becky became a master of survival. She will always persist and overcome to win in the end. And Becky tells Ronnie that whenever she’s done sulking, The Man will be here to slap her around again. As for Charlotte, The McMahons will probably just hand her tag titles so she can get over losing to Becky again. But Becky knows all the women in the WWE have seen what she’s capable of and what’s possible for them. But she’s the Redhead in Leather ready to slap the heads off ya all! Becky holds up both belts with her head held high, ready to redefine what’s going on in the WWE. But before she leaves, the Sassy Southern Belle appears.
Lacey Evans struts down the ramp, and ends up face to face with Becky. She eyes those belts on Becky’s arms, and uses the Woman’s Right to rock the champ! But Becky stays standing, and even grins. Because she goes right after Lacey! The two fight on the ramp and Lacey’s dress starts tearing. But she doesn’t care as she takes it to Becky! But Becky gives it back, too! They brawl up tot he stage and Becky blocks being thrown into the LED’s! Becky goes for the Disarm-Her! But Lacey slips out behind and goes into a tactical retreat. The Model Soldier has Becky’s attention, but will she regret it?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
People are surprised this Men’s Winner Takes All match is happening. Why is Rollins even doing this? Because Rollins loves a challenge. Rollins lives for the next challenge. Kofi got in the ring and made the challenge like a man, but this is also an attack. SmackDown is their show, Raw is Rollins’. Both men had the biggest wins of their careers but Rollins knows what Kofi is capable of. If Kofi wants to step on Rollins’ show and wants to take his title, then he better be bringing an A+ Game, because that’s what it’ll take. Will Rollins make Kofi regret issuing this challenge? Or will he end up regretting accepting?
Ricochet & Aleister Black VS ???
The Unexpected Duo returns to Raw after coming short of the NXT and SmackDown Tag Team Championships over Wrestlemania Weekend. However, the chase for titles is never over until you’ve won. Will the Dutch Destroyer & King of Flight keep up the hunt in the aftermath?
Raw returns as their opponents, The GLORIOUS Duo, make their entrance. Bobby Roode & Chad Gable said that they tried doing things the right way, but they failed. Now they’ll do things by any means necessary, and it will be Absolutely… GLORIOUS! What will they resort to in order to finally win over Aleister & Ricochet? Or will they simply #FadeToBlack instead?
Aleister and Gable start with the bell. They circle and tie up and Gable waistlocks. Gable wrenches but Aleister reverses. Gable spins through and trips Aleister to a cover, ONE! Aleister drags Gable into an armbar but Gable makes it a cover, TWO, into a cross-leg cover, TWO! Aleister sings a kick but Gable gets under, only for Aleister to roll off his back. Gable stares Aleister down as Aleister sits down. The two stand and Gable throat chops! Gable waistlock throws Aleister to the mat then rear mounts. The two roll around and Gable throws crossface forearms. Roode tags in and Roode stomps Aleister while Gable holds him down. Gable lets go at 4 but Roode keeps stomping. Roode puts Aleister in a corner for a CHOP!
Roode stomps a mudhole into Aleister but backs off, to swing on Ricochet! Ricochet gets clear and Aleister hits back. Aleister whips while Ricochet tags in. Things speed up, kitchen sink to basement dropkick. Gable runs into a kick, and then Aleister leaps for Meteora while Ricochet moonsaults onto Roode! Fans fire up as Ricochet puts Roode in. Ricochet covers, TWO! Ricochet keeps on Roode with an armlock, but Roode endures. Roode knees free of the hold then tags Gable. Ricochet fights out and boots Gable right down! Gable bails out and Ricohet builds speed but Roode dumps him out! The Glorious Duo really are showing they’ll do whatever it takes as we go to break.
Raw returns as Ricochet covers Gable, TWO! Gable keeps Ricochet from Aleister but Ricochet throws forearms. Gable suplexes but Ricochet slips out to forearm again. Ricochet runs but into a belly2belly! Gable blasts Aleister for good measure before he whips Ricochet to the corner. Tag to Roode and Gable whips Ricochet for a body shot. Roode adds the knee lift and clothesline! Cover, TWO! Ricochet lives but Roode grows frustrated. Roode drives his knee into Ricochet’s back then keeps between him and Aleister. Fans rally for Ricochet but Roode tags Gable. The Glorious Duo mug Ricochet, then Gable whips Ricochet back in. Ricochet fights back again then boots Gable away. Somersault shotgun dropkick takes Gable down!
Fans rally up as Gable and Ricochet hot tag to Roode and Aleister! Aleister rallies on Roode, then fires off a strike fest! Sweep to sliding knee! Aleister nips up and fires up, to DOUBLE Quebrada! Cover, TWO! Aleister keeps going but Roode puts him in a corner. Roode runs into a back elbow and Aleister hops up. Roode gets under and rolls Aleister, TWO!! Aleister gets up to fire back with knees and elbows! Buzzsaw! Cover, TWO!! Roode still lives and Aleister can’t believe it. Fans do the wave as Aleister drags Roode up in a waistlock. Roode fights out but Ricochet tags in. Ricochet catches Roode, roundhouse to twisting suplex! Cover, but Gable breaks it! Aleister throws Gable out but Gable drags him out for fast hands.
Ricochet hurries up top but Roode jumps up to meet him! They fight up top but Roode tumbles. Gable shoves Ricochet down! GLORIOUS Spinebuster! Cover, TWO!! Roode is furious but he tags Gable back in. They coordinate and hit the GLORIOUS Combination! Cover, but Aleister breaks it! Roode grabs Aleister but Aleister takes him out of the ring with him! Gable stalks Ricochet and runs in, but Ricochet escapes Chaos Theory for a Code Breaker! Cover, Ricochet & Aleister win!
Winners: Ricochet & Aleister Black, Ricochet pinning
But Roode ruins any celebration with a blindside attack! Fans boo Roode as he and Gable get away. Aleister defends Ricochet, but will they be able to get revenge on the way to tag titles?
Elias chills backstage.
But he can’t chill. Not after what John Cena did to him last night. It was his greatest performance, but it was ruined by Cena’s rap. If that’s even what it is! Elias could do that in his sleep. But it’ll be okay because The McMahons will give Elias plenty of time for his one-man opera. Elias will show no mercy to anyone who decides to interrupt. It could be Mr. McMahon himself, there will be hell to pay.
What’s that box?
And what’s that creature poking its head out?! It laughs, but it doesn’t say a word…
Dean Ambrose’s Farewell Match: Dean Ambrose VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush!
The Lunatic did not sign a new WWE contract, so this could very well be good-bye forever. Will Ambrose make it a happy good-bye against an angry Rocky Mountain Machine?
Raw returns as Lashley & Lio make their way out on stage. Lio has a mic, but he is at a loss for words. He takes a moment, and even Ambrose is waiting for him to say something, but he stays silent. Lashley and Lio reach the ring and Lashley signals for the mic. “Don’t worry, Dean. When you’re gone, I’ll make sure to take care of your wife for you.” Them’s fighting words! Ambrose rushes Lashley with furious fists! Ambrose throws Lashley around the corner and fires off more hands, then pushes Lashley into the timekeeper’s area! He throws Lashley into chairs, then throws chairs into Lashley! Ambrose keeps on Lashley and throws him into a post! Lio runs in but gets sent into the barriers! Lashley retreats up the ramp but Ambrose clobbers him from behind!
Ambrose continues to throw hands but this is not a match anymore. Lashley clubs Ambrose but Ambrose throws him into the LED walls. Ambrose gives Lashley a DDT on the stage! Ambrose gets up and storms over to commentary. He clears off the desk and commentary moves away. Lio returns but his attack does nothing! Lio runs away, but Lashley SPEARS Ambrose! Lashley hauls Ambrose up for haymakers while fans jeer, but Lashley CHOKE SLAMS Ambrose through the desk!! Referees hurry to check on Ambrose while Lashley & Lio leave. Renee Young is there by her husband’s side, but is this really how Ambrose is going to leave the WWE? If so, fans chant “Thank You, Ambrose!” for all he’s done.
No Contest
Sami Zayn is in the building!
He’s back from recovering those two damaged shoulders, but what will he do his first night back?
Mojo Rawley talks to himself again.
Where was he on Wrestlemania night?! Mojo has become even more shattered now that he sports new face paint. He’s found himself, but what will he do to redeem himself?
Sami Zayn heads to the ring!
The Underdog from the Underdog still has fans singing along with his song, even after being gone for so long. He picks up a mic as fans sing “Ole~ ole ole ole~” for him. “Well hello.” Sami knows he was gone for some time so he reintroduces himself. And if you’re gonna miss Wrestlemania, you might as well come back the night after. Sami knows this is hard to believe, but his schedule is wide open. And he could really go for a match right about now. Any takers? Sami waits for someone to accept this open challenge, but it doesn’t seem like- Wait, there’s one! It’s Finn Balor!
The NEW Intercontinental Champion heads to the ring with belt around his waist. Finn joins Sami in the ring and a referee is here, so we have our match! Wait, Finn raises the stakes on Sami!
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Finn Balor VS Sami Zayn!
Sami wanted to come back but he probably didn’t expect a name this big. Will his return be golden? Or will Finn still be just Too Sweet?
Raw returns with the bell and Sami circles with Finn. They tie up and go around, Finn gets Sami on ropes. Finn lets up at 3 and circles with Sami again. Fans sing for Sami as he ties up with Finn again. Finn puts Sami in a corner but Sami turns it around. Sami lets up at 4 and gives Finn teasing pats on the chest. Finn and Sami circle again and Finn wrenches Sami to the mat. Sami gets back up and spins through to a wrench of his own. He gets Finn on the mat but Finn gets up and works against the hold. Fans rally both ways as Finn rolls and works on a reversal. Sami denies with a twist of the wrist, and grinds a knee into Finn’s chin.
Finn nips up and wrenches to an arm-drag but Sami headscissors. Finn pops out, the two stand off and fans applaud. Sami and Finn circle as fans duel. The two tie up again but then separate. They come back and tie up, and Sami waistlocks. Finn pries out to a standing switch but Sami rolls to the mat. Sami switches but Finn switches but Sami arm-drags. Finn arm-drags then tosses Sami out. Sami gets back in and throws Finn out. Sami builds speed but fakes Finn out! And even pop-locks! Fans applaud but Finn keeps his cool as he returns. Finn and Sami circle again and tie up. Sami waistlocks to a headlock but holds on as Finn tries to power out. Finn gets it on the second try and things speed up, Finn dropkicks Sami hard! Cover, TWO! Finn keeps on Sami with an armlock, but Sami endures.
Fans rally up and Sami powers his way up, only for Finn to arm-drag him again. Finn goes after the arm from wrist to shoulder to target the joints. Sami powers his way back up and powers Finn to ropes. They break at 4 but Sami CHOPS Finn then fires off clubbing forearms! Sami CHOPS Finn back and again! He throws hands then whips. Finn reverses but Sami sunset flips, only for Finn to roll through and dropkick! Finn trips Sami for double stomps! Sami staggers to a corner but Finn CHOPS him again! Finn CHOPS Sami in another corner, then whips him corner to corner. Sami boots Finn away to chop him and go acrobatic. Finn denies that and now they brawl with forearms and chops. Sami forearms Finn but Finn PELES back! Both men are down and we go to break!
Raw returns and Finn dumps Sami out of the ring! Finn puts Sami back in quick but Sami denies the slingblade. Finn also denies the Blue Thunder, but he gets reeled into it anyway! Cover, TWO!! Sami was so close yet so far from a golden return! Finn and Sami slowly stand and get to corners. Sami aims at Finn and runs in, but into a slingblade! Finn shotgun dropkicks Sami down! Finn climbs up and aims, Coup de Grace misses! Roll up, TWO!! Finn runs into an exploder into buckles! Sami goes back to the other side, and runs back in, but the Helluva Kick misses! Finn’s up fast, COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn wins!
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall; still WWE Intercontinental Champion
Sami’s return was great, but it wasn’t extraordinary. Finn wins as the Extraordinary Man, but will he be able to keep the belt without the Demon? As for Sami, he grabs the mic again. Fans cheer, but Sami says, “Y’know, I really thought coming out here tonight would cure what ails me. All it did was reinforce what I’ve realized over the past nine months. It genuinely seems like you missed me.” Fans cheer because they did! Sami stands up as he continues. He can honestly say, from the bottom of his heart, Sami didn’t miss any of them.
The WWE is just a toxic environment. Not because of the McMahons or the other superstars, but because of the audience’s ugliness! Sami will be honest, he lives a happy life. But the fans seem so empty and devoid of meaning that the only joy they get is not from the shows, but out of being critics! Why is that, you morons? Because it’s all the fans have to give themselves self-importance. They judge everyone and everything else but themselves! And why is that? Because they don’t have the balls to! They’re all so delusional, it makes Sami laugh. The fans are the voice of reason? The voices that should be heard? No! Overnight, the WWE Universe has become the evil overlords of the business!
Sami is about one thing: doing what is right. And the right thing isn’t to come back and “save” the WWE, or to “take over” (HHH voice). The right thing to do is to come out here and hold the fans accountable because no one else will. “See you in Hell.” Sami feels he’s doing the right thing telling the WWE Universe off, but is that any way to get ahead?
Backstage interview with Dana Brooke.
Not to interrupt anyone, but she wants to make a declarative statement. Congrats to Becky, the new Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champion. And given what Lacey Evans did tonight, there is a line forming. Dana can’t say she’s at the front, but she won’t let herself be the back of it. If there’s an opportunity, Dana is going to seize it! That said, congrats again to Becky. Will Dana defy expectations and finally challenge for at least one of those titles?
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.
Raw returns to The Drifter protesting his interrupting at Wrestlemania. But he promises things will be different. Instead of Elias’ performance of a lifetime, we got the return of Thuganomics. As a man of many instruments, Elias can tell Cena is no artist. Cena is just selfish and only riding Elias’ coattails! We all saw it last night. Fans sing for Elias like they did last night, too. So in the spirit of Brooklyn, Elias will show us just how easy it is to rap like Cena. Elias won’t need the guitar for this, actually. But where to begin?
Elias is sick of John Cena. WWE, Elias is the real biggest star. But if we want the Doctor of Thuganomics, then Elias will drop a few bars. John brought out that golden shovel even tho Elias can’t be buried, but that’s just what you do. Elias has three fingers up, but Cena, the middle one’s for you. Every superstar wants to make a name off Elias, he gets it, they’re fans. But mark his words, the next one who does is a dead man. Wait… OH NO! The bell tolls and the lights go down. Lightning strikes, and the moon is out! Elias doesn’t want to accept, but there’s no doubt! The Undertaker is here!! And he’s headed for the ring! Elias is about to wet himself, realizing he should NOT have decided to rap instead of sing.
Taker stands before Elias, and Elias tries to sneak out. Fans chant for Taker as Elias reconsiders. Taker watches Elias closely as he puts the guitar down and takes off his jacket. Elias turns around as Brooklyn starts losing its mind. Elias steps to Taker, and Taker steps to Elias. Taker and Elias stare down as fans sing “Taker’s gonna kill~ you!” Elias turns but swings, into Taker’s boot! Elias stands, but gets a CHOKE SLAM! Taker picks up his hat to move it aside before taking off his duster. Taker slashes the throat, and scoops Elias into the TOMBSTONE! Elias now Rests In Peace! Will Elias ever learn?
WWE World Championship & Universal Championship, Winner Takes All: Kofi Kingston VS Seth Rollins!
Just as both men win these titles, they want to put them on the line! The dream of Kofimania came true while the Architect finally slayed the Beast, but now only one man will reign supreme so soon after the Showcase of the Immortals! Who will further their legacy here tonight?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we make even more history!
Rollins circles with Kofi and they tie up. Kofi wrenches Rollins to a wristlock but Rollins endures. Fans chant for “Both These Guys!” as Rollins rolls and handsprings through to a headlock takeover. Kofi gets up as fans start dueling. Kofi powers out but Rollins runs him over. Things speed up and Kofi elbows Rollins down. Kofi catches Rollins but Rollins escapes the SOS. Rollins spins Kofi out but Kofi dodges the Kingslayer knee. Kofi spins but Rollins ducks the Trouble in Paradise. Rollins runs but Kofi avoids the Curb Stomp! Fans love this stalemate while we go to one last break.
Raw returns once again as Kofi has Rollins in an armlock. Rollins fights out with haymakers and chops. Kofi chops back! Rollins chops, Kofi chops, repeat! Rollins whips Kofi to a corner but Kofi boots him away. Kofi hops up but into a dropkick! Both men are down but fans are fired up. Kofi and Rollins roll to opposite ends before slowly standing up. Fans rally as Kofi runs in but into a boot. Rollins hops up but has to hop over Kofi. Kofi misses and Rollins PELES! Cover, TWO! Rollins keeps his cool as he stomps to “Burn It Down!” Kofi slowly sits up and Rollins runs in, but he misses the stomp again! Roll up, TWO! Rollins kicks but Kofi ducks to DDT! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up again as Kofi gets to a corner. Rollins also gets up and runs in, but Kofi slips out to roundhouse Rollins away. Kofi climbs but Rollins jumps up to join him! Kofi shoves Rollins to the floor! But then Kofi adjusts, only for The Bar to attack!?
No Contest
Cesaro and Sheamus ruin this match as they stomp out Kofi! Fans boo but Rollins gets in to help Kofi! Rollins fights the Swiss Cyborg and the Celtic Gladiator but he gets beat down, too. Kofi returns to return the favor! Kofi and Rollins fight The Bar off, and Rollins grabs a mic. He doesn’t get what they’re up to, but The Bar won’t get away with it. Winner Takes All can happen again later. But right now, they’ll team up to take The Bar on here and now! The Bar accept and hit the ring!
Seth Rollins & Kofi Kingston VS The Bar!
The bell rings and Rollins starts against Cesaro! They tie up and Rollins throws body shots. Cesaro pushes Rollins to the ropes but Rollins fights The Bar off. Slingblade for Cesaro! Rollins clotheslines Cesaro out then slingshots out, but Cesaro catches him to slam him on the apron! Kofi comes around, but leaps into Sheamus’ Irish Curse to barriers! The Bar has control while we take one last break.
Raw returns once again, and Rollins powers against Cesaro towards his corner. Cesaro pushes back but Rollins pushes again. Rollins back drops Cesaro down but Sheamus tags in to hit Kofi! Sheamus swings but misses, but stags Cesaro. Cesaro uppercuts Rollins and The Bar gives him double back breakers! Cover, TWO! Cesaro choke Rollins on the rope then backs off so Sheamus can get a cheap shot in! Cover, TWO! Tag to Sheamus and he drags Rollins up. Sheamus throws hands but Rollins counter punches and chops! Rollins CHOPS more, then runs but into a scoop. He slips out and baits Sheamus into a post! Fans rally as Kofi reaches for Rollins. hot tag brings Kofi in! Kofi springboards and rallies on Sheamus with chops and dropkicks! Kofi hits the leaping ax handle, and then the New Day Boom Drop!
Fans are fired up as Kofi aims from a corner. They clap along with Kofi as he aims. Kofi spins but Sheamus ducks. Sheamus turns around, and gets SOS! Cover but Cearo breaks it! Rollins throws hands but Cesaro throws him out. Kofi dumps Cesaro out and then climbs up high! Kofi leaps for the Trust Fall! But is caught! Rollins DIVES and bowls everyone over! Kofi puts Sheamus in fast and climbs up again. Kofi leaps for a big crossbody! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives but Kofi keeps his cool. Kofi drags Sheamus up but Sheamus shoves him at the ref! Cesaro hotshots Kofi and Sheamus knees Kofi down! Cover, TWO! Kofi lives but Cesaro tags in. The Bar coordinates for the A-Swiss-ted White Noise! Cover, but Rollins barrels in to break it up!
All four men are down but Rollins gets out. Sheamus pursues and scoops, but Rollins slips out to SUPERKICK! And sends Sheamus into the post! Cesaro has Kofi for the Neutralizer but Kofi back drops out. Cesaro rolls through to get the swing, but Kofi crawls up to cradle! TWO! Cesaro runs in but Rollins tags. Kofi boots Cesaro, Trouble in Paradise! CURB STOMP! Cover, Rollins & Kofi win!
Winners: Seth Rollins & Kofi Kingston, Rollins pinning
The Champion VS Champion match may have been ruined, but Kofi and Rollins get revenge and stand tall together. Kofi offers a fist bump, and Rollins accepts it. The champions still have their belts, but will they both still reign when they come back to Winner Takes All?
My Thoughts:
Well this was going to be a great Raw, but it tumbled and fell at the end to only be a good Raw. We were given an amazing tease at the very beginning as The New Day appeared and Kofi issued his own Winner Takes All challenge! It was hyped all night and for a moment there, it felt like it was going to happen. But between commercials for SmackDown essentially spoiling things, as well as this logically being a little too soon, and just because Vince had the bait ‘n’ switch ready all along, it did not happen. Now, I’m not sure the logic of using The Bar other than they seem to be Vince’s muscle now, but that “impromptu” tag match in a vacuum was alright for being a rushed 10-minutes-or-less match. Perhaps SummerSlam or Survivor Series will see this Winner Takes All actually happen.
Alexa Bliss’ first match back was pretty good, but also kinda fast against Bayley. Lacey Evans finally does something resembling action, and has a pretty good brawl with Becky. Honestly, this would’ve been better served if this was the first or at least second time fans had seen her. But all of her sassy strutting was clearly just Vince trying to keep her on everyone’s minds. Dana Brooke speaking up might get her close to the Raw Women’s Championship, but there’s a good chance she loses to Lacey in Lacey’s first match. We finally see Lars Sullivan on Raw, and he’s used to “ruin” Angle’s final good-byes. I’m not sure the reason other than Lars needs to look legit on his own end, but I actually would’ve used Lars for that Winner Takes All No Contest. Lars going after both top guys would’ve meant more than going after someone retiring.
Speaking of #TopGuys, The Revival is truly out of the way since they lost a rematch tonight. I’m not sure what’s supposed to happen for Dash & Dawson now, but perhaps they win a second rematch down the way. The GLORIOUS Duo turns Heel instead of breaking up, which is fine by me. Aleister & Ricochet still win, but with the Superstar Shake-Up coming back, this rivalry might be broken up already. Or even a tag team, as Aleister & Ricochet have not won any titles since joining together. Aleister going to SmackDown is definitely logical given his marriage with Zelina Vega. He’d make a great opponent for Samoa Joe and the WWE United States Championship. Ricochet could be on either brand and challenge for the US or IC titles and make for a great match.
Sami Zayn’s return and IC title match was great, even in losing, but I’m not sure about this new take on his Heel persona. It’s one thing for Heels to be against fans but Sami feels like a weird offshoot of Daniel Bryan’s “FICKLE!” rhetoric. Sami will still make for great matches, but I was hoping he and Kevin Owens would reunite to face the Usos for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. I don’t see Ambrose leaving for real, not with the beating Lashley gave him. Ambrose will probably “reconsider” and get a new contract after all, just so he can get revenge. And perhaps most surprising, we didn’t get a peep or even an appearance by Roman or Strowman. I suppose WWE realized not to overload things, but I’m curious as to where either goes from here. Maybe Money in the Bank since it’s now the post-Mania PPV?
My Score: 8/10
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Who has WrestleMania hangover here in Vegas?
There are so many new champions in the WWE, but none bigger than JOHN CENA as the SEVENTEEN TIME WWE Champion! What will happen now that he is back on top?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Liv & Raquel win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
- Iyo Sky VS Stephanie Vaquer; Iyo Sky, by disqualification.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day VS PENTA; Dom wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
A car pulls into the parking lot.
Out steps The Wise Man, Paul Heyman, and The Visionary, Seth Rollins. What will be next for the new Paul Heyman Guy?
JOHN CENA is here!
Las Vegas is still just as torn as they were last night, but we sure hear a lot of “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion, the SEVENTEEN TIME world champion, walks down the ramp. Cena drapes the towel over his head and he wears the title backwards, but he doesn’t care what the fans think as he steps into the ring. Cena has his music fade out, and he points to someone. Cena tells them to come closer, and it’s the ring announcer. Cena has Mark Nash join him in the ring while the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena hands something to Nash for him to read to the fans.
Nash says, “My sincerest apologies. I have been informed that my announcement has been deemed disrespectful. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Greatest Of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Las Vegas with his presence for the final time… The Last Real Champion, JOHN CENAAA~!” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title. Cena then has Nash hand over his mic, and says, “Winners write history. You (fans) are not worthy. You think that on Friday, you can bully me? And then I step in a ring with gold around my waist, and just because you cheer, I’m supposed to forgive you?” Fans cheer in hopes of that.
Cena says that is not how a functional relationship works! Does this man up front think that’s how it works with his wife? Well, it’s not. Cena asks if the parents treat their children like that. No, because that’s not how it works. The fans might show up in a good mood, Cena will still tell them to go straight to Hell. Every damn one of them owes Cena an apology, but they don’t have the guts to do it! And yeah, go ahead, make the noise. This is always the night fans hijack Monday Night Raw, right? All of WrestleMania, and this is a sacred ticket where the fans can take control, right? They have gotten soft.
Wait, some fans chant “We Are Sorry!” And others say, “NO, WE’RE NOT!” Cena explains that it’s “We Aren’t Sorry.” He does a quick once over, and yeah, this is an arena full of the sorriest lowlifes he’s ever seen! Each and every one of them ARE sorry! And here’s the best part: They don’t mean anything to Cena. The fans tell Cena off and Cena just soaks it in. Cena say she may be an anus, but they’re all idiots. For 25 YEARS, they have called him so much worse. He has taken their best shots, and has always gotten back up. What makes them think THIS is the crowd that’ll crack him? Go ahead! You mean NOTHING to him! The noise means NOTHING!
“The only thing that means to all of our lives… is that!” The number on screen says “36 dates.” Cena says he told us at the beginning of the year, 36 shows, and he’s gone. Time passes so quickly! Let’s countdown the time we’ve already lost. Netflix debut, Indianapolis, Toronto, London, Brussels, Glasgow, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Las Vegas! That leaves us with 27 dates. Not matches, but appearances. The fans boo but Cena says yeah! You say he can’t wrestle? He doesn’t have to! He can just show up and do this! “When that hits zero, the professional wrestling timeline stops cold. I am not stupid like you. I know there will be another Monday Night Raw. I know you will ‘decide’ another champion.
“But the title held by Bruno Sammartino, the title held by Roman Reigns for over 1000 days, the title taken from me in Chicago by CM Punk, the title held by Triple H ‘The Game,’ by ‘Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin comes home with ME! I am the Last Real Undisputed Champion of the WWE!” The fans boo but Cena says getting the title was the hard part. The rest is a cake walk. He can just keep playing us like the puppets we are. The best chance the fans had was Cody Rhodes. The fans boo and Cena says, “You heartless bastards. You boo him on Friday, and then you cheer him on Friday, and then you boo him on Sunday. And I say his name?
“And the man we all put on our shoulders last year because he finished his story now disgusts you? That’s what’s wrong with this! And that’s why last night, Cody Rhodes was outshined, outclassed, outwrestled and flat-out destroyed. It’s time for you to take a bold look in the mirror, and here’s the truth: There is NO ONE in the WWE with the strength, the speed, the wisdom, or the ruthless aggression… of John Cena! But unlike you, I have a heart. And I would like to do something nice for you right now. Get out your cameras, please, you’re gonna wanna remember this moment.” Cena waits, and then says make sure to get a great picture. Because the Last Real Champ is here.
AND RANDY ORTON IS, TOO!! Cena turns around and R K O!! The fans are thunderous as The Viper strikes Cena down! Orton then looks at the title. Orton picks it up, smirks, and then holds it up. The fans like the look of that! But is this a vision of the future? Is Cena bout to face some serious backlash for what he’s done?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez!
The NEW champions just won these titles last night, but the former champions are cashing in their rematch! Will Liv & Raquel redeem themselves just 24 hours later? Or will The Morrigan & The Man be 2-0 already?
Raw returns and we see Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley watching from the crowd. They’re set to challenge for these titles tomorrow night as part of NXT, but just who will they be facing? Moving on, Lyra & Becky make their entrance together, and the fans sing along with Becky’s “Whoa Oh, Oh Oh, Oh-oh Oh!” The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who holds the gold!
The teams sort out, and Liv goes right after Becky! The fans are torn as Liv fires hands! The ref counts, Liv stomps away, but then she shrieks at the ref to back off. Liv runs in, back body blocks, then SHINING WIZARDS! Snapmare, SHINING WIZARD again! Cover, TWO! Becky stays in this but Liv stays on her by pulling hair and CLUBBING Becky in the side! Liv KICKS Becky, brings her up, but Becky ROCKS Liv! Liv ROCKS Becky, the shots keep going, and the fans fire up! Becky fires off a strike fest, then brings Liv up to whip. Liv reverses, Lyra tags in, and Becky BOOTS Liv! Lyra & Becky double whip to DOUBLE HIP TOSS!
Lyra CROSSBODIES Liv down, then brings her around. Lyra whips Liv to a corner hard, and Liv slumps down. Lyra stomps a mudhole, then brings Liv out. Liv breaks fee but Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, RAMS, and ENZIGIRIS! Raquel runs up, Lyra headlocks her first. Raquel whips, Lyra springboards to CROSSBODY Liv! Then WHEEL KICK for Raquel! The fans fire up with Lyra, she calls to Becky, and they both WRECK Liv & Raquel with dropkicks! The fans fire up for the lass kickers as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Raquel has Lyra in an Argentine Backbreaker! Lyra endures, fights free, and then ROCKS Raquel! Raquel trips Lyra, but Lyra flips to her feet! ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! Lyra and Raquel crawl, the fans rally up, but Raquel grabs at a foot. Lyra kicks free, hot tags to Becky and Liv! Becky rallies on Liv, CALF KICKS her down, then runs at the corner to ROCK Liv with a forearm! Raquel runs up but is sent into Liv! JUMP KICK for Raquel! JUMP KICK for Liv! Then BECKSPLODER for Liv! Cover, TWO! Liv stays in this but Becky stays focused. Becky dares Liv to get up, the fans rally, and Becky clinches!
Liv wheelbarrows to victory roll! ONE and Becky has it! TWO and Becky BLASTS Raquel! But Liv hits a CODE BREAKER! Then OBLIV- NO, Becky blocks to MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, RAQUEL BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as Raquel drags Liv away to the corner. Liv tags Raquel and Raquel drags Becky up. But Becky JAWBREAKERS! Becky runs up, Raquel BOOTS her down! Raquel goes up, but Becky CLUBS her first! Becky fires shots, climbs up after Raquel, but Raquel fights the lift! Lyra climbs up, tags in, and then joins in! But Raquel still fights it! Liv flips in, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB for Becky!
Lyra hops up, SUPER STEIN- NO! Raquel blocks, and she brings Lyra up! SUPER POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Lyra survives and the fans can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” while all four women are down. Lyra and Raquel rise, Raquel lifts, but Lyra slips free! Raquel tries again but Lyra DROPKICKS her away! Lyra hobbles and stumbles but she makes it to Raquel. Lyra tries to fireman’s carry, but Raquel pushes her away. Lyra goes up, TORNADO DDT! Lyra then drags Raquel back up, fireman’s carries again, NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Cover, Liv gives Raquel the ropebreak!! The fans boo but here comes Becky!
Becky hits a THESZ PRES and rains down fast hands! Liv gets free, fights off the urenage and POSTS Becky! Lyra WRECKS Liv with a dropkick! Liv climbs up, Raquel rises, TURN OF FOR- NO, Raquel dodges and BOOTS Lyra down! Cover, TWO!! Raquel is furious but Liv calls to her. Liv runs in, Raquel pops her up, POWERBOMB SENTON onto knees!! Lyra saves herself and takes out Liv in one go! Raquel freaks out, runs up, but her boot gets stuck on the ropes! Lyra DUMPS Raquel, but turns into OBLIV- NO, Lyra grabs ropes! Liv falls, Lyra ENZIGIRIS! Fireman’s carry, but Raquel saves Live!
Becky goes after Raquel, Raquel kicks her away! Lyra BLASTS Raquel onto Becky!! OBLIVION!!! Cover, LIV & RAQUEL WIN!
Winners: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
FOUR TIMES, Liv & Raquel are tag team champions! Becky regroups with Lyra, both of them a bit stunned this happened. But then Becky DECKS Lyra?!? Becky blames Lyra for this failure and Lyra is absolutely devastated! The Man storms off, only to come back and attack Lyra with a rain of forearms! The fans boo as Becky dribbles Lyra off the mat! Becky stops, Lyra is in shock, but Becky comes back again!? Lyra pleads for mercy but Becky just MANHANDLE SLAMS her!! Becky hits another MANHANDLE SLAM!! And A THIRD MANHANDLE SLAM!!! The Man is acting more like a monster, what is going on with her?
The New Day walks around backstage.
They admire their newly won WWE World Tag Team Championships, but then they cross paths with Karrion Kross. Mr. Doomsday smiles, perhaps proud of his handiwork? Either way, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods are headed to gorilla. Just how will this New Day celebrate their reign?
The New Day heads to the ring.
Las Vegas wasn’t happy during WrestleMania and they aren’t happy now that Kofi & Woods have the titles back in their possession. Kofi & Woods bring those belts to the ring, rubbing it all in our faces. Kofi has a mic to say, “We are your new W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, Championssss…!” Woods says, “So get down on your knees before us! Raise your hands to the sky! And scream out in unison, ‘THANK GAWWWWD~! FOR THE NEW DAAAAY~!” The fans boo instead. Kofi says, “There is no tag team alive or dead that is better than ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~!” The fans chant, “New! Day Sucks!” This annoys Woods & Kofi.
The fans felt the New Day couldn’t beat The War Raiders, but they did! Wait, is that The Alpha Academy? Maxxine Dupri has the mic and asks, “Hold on, hold on, hold on. Did I just hear you say that The New Day is the greatest tag team ever? I mean, you might be. But the last time you faced Otise & Tozawa, they beat you in 60 sweet seconds! And now here we are at the Raw after WrestleMania, in Las Vegas, Nevada! And by the sound of it, I think we would all love to watch you two put your money where your mouth is, and put those shiny tag titles on the line right here, right now!” Woods asks if that’s what Vegas wants. “YES!” Then the answer is NO!
Oh, are the “minutemen” scared? M-Minutemen!? The fans chant that at Woods & Kofi, and Kofi says if they wanna do it right now, let’s do it right now! Get a ref right now! The fans fire up, and we have another tag title match already! Except the lights change… And then… RUSEV IS HERE!! Vegas goes nuts because it is now Rusev Day! The Bulgarian Brute, the Redeemer, has returned to the WWE, and he storms right into the ring! New Day bail out, no title match after all. Rusev DECKS Otis! And he CLOBBERS Tozawa! The fans fire up as Rusev glare at The New Day. Tozawa gets up, climbs up, and he leaps, but Ruzez catches him! FALL AWAY SLAM!
Otis rises, the fans fire up, and now we get some “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” ROUNDHOUSE from Rusev! Then MACHKA KICK! The fans fire up as Rusev roars, “RUSEV! CRUSH!!” Rusev stomps away on Otis, and clamps on the ACCOLADE!! Otis taps but it won’t change anything! Rusev thrashes Otis around, and lets go as the fans chant “RUSEV DAY! RUSEV DAY!” Maxxine is freaking out, but will this show now become Rusev Day Raw?
The Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.
They’re all excited over Liv & Raquel becoming FOUR-TIME Women’s Tag Team Champions! And Dom is the NEW Intercontinental Champion, and they toast with a title clink. Dom says this was the greatest weekend of his life! That deadbeat dad missed Mania, and now both Dom & Liv have gold again! But then in steps Finn Balor… The Prince looks at the belt on Dom’s shoulder, and Liv says hey, a win for one is a win for all. As long as someone in Judgment Day has the title, that’s all that matters. Finn says what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. They fist bump and Finn says he’ll be out there with Dom tonight against Penta.
Finn turns around, Carlito is there, and Carlito says even though they don’t have titles, it feels like they have titles, right? Oh, Carlito has to go see the doc, he’s still sore. Carlito hobbles off, but Finn gives a bit of a scowl behind Dom’s back. Is everything (not) fine in Judgment Day?
Iyo Sky is here!
The fans cheer as the Evil Genius makes her way to the ring, still WWE Women’s World Champion! But what will she have to say about that WrestleMania victory? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Iyo has the mic. The fans cheer Iyo on, even get some “You Deserve It!” in there, and Iyo says last night was the best night of her career! The fans cheer, and Iyo says she is over the moon! She beat the best there is, which means SHE is the best! The fans cheer that! Rhea Ripley tried to forget Iyo, and Bianca Belair tried to forget Iyo. But now, ALL OF YOU will never forget her! The fans cheer that, too! Iyo adds in Japanese, and then translates to English that she is The Genius of the Sky, and she is the Women’s World Champiooon~! The fans cheer more, but wait! Is that Stephanie Vaquer?! The NXT Women’s Champion is headed to the ring!
The fans cheer as we get La Primera and Genius in the same ring! Vaquer congratulates Iyo in three languages, and then wishes to properly introduce herself. She is THE NXT Women’s Champion, La Primera, Stephanie Vaquer. The fans cheer, and Vaquer says she wants to come out here to show Iyo respect. The fans chant for “LA PRIMERA!” Vaquer tells Iyo that she is amazing. Vaquer says Iyo is right that Iyo is the best. But Vaquer is also the best. And Vaquer wants to fight the best of the best! Iyo says if Vaquer wants to face her, then challenge accepted! And what about right here, right now?! The fans cheer as this dream match is made!
Well, hold on, Adam Pearce makes his way out here, and he wants everyone else to hold on. The fans boo the Raw General Manager for ruining the fun. But Pearce double checks, does Vegas want the match? “YES!” Then so doe she! Sky VS Vaquer, and it’s RIGHT NOW! NOW the dream match is official! But who between these two champions will prove they are THE best?
Iyo Sky VS Stephanie Vaquer!
The bell rings and the two shake hands. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Iyo waistlocks. Vaquer switches, SLAMS Iyo down, but Iyo fights up. The fans duel as Iyo fires body shots. Iyo wrenches and wristlocks, but Vaquer shifts around to roll, trip, and she has the toehold. Iyo stands, wrenches, and wristlocks, but Vaquer rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back to arm-drag! The fans fire up, Iyo runs up, Vaquer sweeps and covers, ONE! Iyo sweeps and covers, ONE! The two stand off again and the fans fire up! Iyo and Vaquer go again, and Iyo whips. Vaquer tilt-o-whirl RANAS, but Iyo handsprings through!
Iyo wags her finger, Vaquer smirks, and things speed up. They clinch, Vaquer waistlocks, but denies Iyo’s escape! Iyo CLUBS Vaquer, wrenches and reels her in, but Vaquer switches. Vaquer goes to ropes, Iyo bucks the O’Conner this time, and the fans cheer the standoff. Things get going again, each woman dodges, and then Vaquer avoids the handspring, only for Iyo to DROPKICK! Vaquer bails out, Iyo builds speed, and Iyo DIVES! Direct hit and the fans fire up with the Women’s World Champion! Iyo drags Vaquer up, whips, but Vaquer tiger feint kicks back! Vaquer runs up, Iyo puts her in the timekeeper’s area, but Vaquer goes up! CROSSBODY to the floor!
The fans fire up as now the NXT Women’s Champion stands tall! Vaquer has Iyo on the defense, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Vaquer is up top, but Iyo SHOTEIS first! Iyo then climbs up after Vaquer, throws hands, and the fans rally. Vaquer fires body shots, HEADBUTTS, and Iyo falls back! Vaquer adjusts, Iyo runs back up, and SUPER ARM-DRAGS! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! The fans rally, Iyo stands, and she runs up to SHOTEI! And SHOTEI! And DROPKICK! Iyo drags Vaquer up, whips her, but Vaquer reverses. Iyo goes up, out, and ROCKS Vaquer! Iyo then climbs the corner to MISSILE DROPKICK! Vaquer tumbles away, Iyo kips up, and the fans fire up! Vaquer is in the corner, Iyo runs in, SHINKANSEN!
Iyo drags Vaquer to a cover, TWO! Vaquer stays in this, but Iyo drags her into the drop zone. Iyo steps on Vaquer as she goes to the corner. Iyo goes up, up, and OVER THE- NO, Iyo has to land out as Vaquer moves! Vaquer then dodges again, comes back, and she blocks the boot for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Vaquer runs, and she METEORAS! Vaquer drags Iyo to a cover, TWO! Iyo is tougher than that but Vaquer stays calm. The fans rally up, Vaquer reels Iyo in, but Iyo flips free of the backbreaker! Vaquer ducks a kick, Iyo ducks a kick! Iyo wheelbarrows, victory roll, STOMP 182! Cover, TWO!
Iyo is a bit frustrated but the fans rally back up. Iyo drags Vaquer up, “This is Awesome!” as Vaquer JAWBREAKERS, and SUPERKICKS! And BIG back suplex! Vaquer sits Iyo up, wraps on the headscissors, and she turns Iyo over for the DEVIL’S KISS! The fans echo Booker T’s sentiments, “Yeeeeeeeeah!” Cover, TWO! Iyo survives and the fans chant, “One More Time!” Vaquer smiles, and she drags Iyo up to tuck her in. Iyo wrenches out, kicks and sunset flips, ONE! Vaquer runs, tilt-o-whirl, RANA feint to roll up! TWO!! Iyo is surprised she got free, and she has Vaquer with underhooks! TIGER BACKBREAKAR! Cover, TWO!!
The fans rally while Iyo isn’t sure what to do. “This is Awesome!” as Iyo drags Vaquer into a waistlock. Vaquer fires elbows, gets free, and runs. Iyo ELBOWS Vaquer first! Iyo runs, but Vaquer ROCKS her! Vaquer runs, but Iyo dodges, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Iyo drags Vaquer back up, but Vaquer reels Iyo in! GERMAN SUPLEX! Both women are down and the fans are thunderous! Now fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” Vaquer goes up a corner, but Iyo rises to SHORYUKEN! Iyo climbs up after Vaquer, fires hands, then clinches. SUPER SPANISH FLY!! The fans are thunderous while both women are down again!
The fans rally and duel as both women stir. Iyo goes to ropes, Vaquer goes to a corner. Both women stand, but here comes ROXANNE PEREZ! She CLOBBERS Iyo!
Winner: Iyo Sky
The Prodigy grins at Vaquer, who she’s set to face for the title just tomorrow night! And Vaquer is pissed about it, only for GIULIA to attack Vaquer?!? The Beautiful Madness and The Prodigy then beat up on the champions! The fans boo, but here comes RHEA RIPLEY!! Roxie panics as Mami is here on Monday Night Raw! Rhea slides in, and she picks Roxie up to THROW her away! Then HEADBUTT her down! Giulia almost sneaks up, but she backs off as Rhea stares her down. Rhea and Giulia circle, and Rhea warns her. Giulia backs off, but is it only a matter of time before she’s back for more?
As for Rhea, she looks at Iyo while she’s down. Rhea picks up the title, and Iyo sits up to see this. Rhea hands the title over to Iyo and the fans cheer. Rhea says something to the effect of Iyo better be ready for when Rhea comes back for the belt. The Genius nods, and she’ll surely be ready for whoever wants a shot at her.
Jey Uso is here!
The NEW WWE World Heavy-YEET Champion makes his way in from the concourse and sports his new merch! The fans fire up and bounce along as Jey makes his way down the bleachers and to ringside. Jey daps it up with Pat & Cole, then goes to the ring to keep the bouncing going! The fans chant “You Deserve It!” as Jey grabs a mic. Jey nods, and fans “YEET!” some more, then they chant, “One More Time!” Jey hears that, and he sets the mic and belt down to say okay! The song starts up again and fans sing along, “DAY ONE ISH!” Jey then picks the mic and belt up again, and he says, “The World Heavyweight Champion is now in your citaaaay~!”
The fans cheer more, and Jey says he is here, “YEET!” He’s been wanting it. “YEET!” Since he was a kid. “YEET!” He is here now. “YEET!” Jey says it was a long, hard road. It was not easy. WrestleMania, Jey gave it all he had to beat Gunther. And Jey made him TAP! The fans cheer that! But Jey will be the first one to say that he is very grateful that he has this world title. He will show up every week, every day, and put in the work like he always has. And if you’re excited to have Jey Uso as your World Heavyweight Champion, then dammit, lemme hear ya say, “YEET!” “YEET!!” Wait! Sami Zayn is here! The fans cheer as the Underdog from the Underground returns!
Sami waves to the fans, high-fives a few in the front row, then goes to the ring to join Jey. The fans sing along with Sami’s song, and then Sami grabs himself a mic. Sami smiles as he looks at Jey, and then they hug it out! The fans cheer, and then they chant, “UCEY! UCEY!” “SAMI USO! SAMI USO!” Sami smiles again, and says he has so much he wants to say, he isn’t sure where to begin. First of all, not being here the last eight weeks or so, not being here while Jey was going through what he was going through with Gunther, Sami wants to know how hard that was for him. Sami wishes he could’ve been here.
And missing WrestleMania this year, that was also very hard on Sami. Sami and Jey aren’t that different. They’re gameday players. To be honest, Sami almost didn’t come to Vegas at all. But Sami had to, because he had to make sure that he was the first one to stand in this ring across from Jey, look him in the eyes, with that title on Jey’s shoulders, and say how proud he is of Jey Uso. The fans cheer, Jey thanks Sami, and Sami says Jey is his brother, his dawg, his Uce, he loves him, is proud of him, and knows Jey deserves that title! Sami knows it, Jey knows it, and everyone in this arena knows Jey deserves it!
The fans cheer and chant “You Deserve It!” Sami says it’s the Raw After Mania, not to get sentimental, but we are here to celebrate! So hit Jey’s music! “DAY ONE ISH!” The fans cheer, Sami and Jey hug it out again, and then they both go to the corners. The fans YEET with Jey & Sami, and it’s time to bounce! Sami hops off his corner first, and he looks at Jey. Jey hops down, they hug it out again, and the fans cheer. But wait, is that Jimmy? The fans fire up as #BigJim joins in! The three do the secret handshake, and then they group hug! Jimmy & Sami raise Jey’s hands in victory, and the fans fire up for this feel good moment!
Jey is on top of the world now that he’s World Heavyweight Champion, but how long will it last? Who will be the first one to step up to Main Event Jey Uso?
Backstage interview with Logan Paul.
After WrestleMania last night, Cathy Kelley congratulated him on the big win against AJ Styles, but does he feel he could’ve still done it without his friend and manager, Jeff, or the help from Karrion Kross? Logan asks what was that. What’s she implying? He still won, didn’t he? And we’re talking about what if’s? That’s irrelevant. He won. Next question. Then what is next for Logan? Whatever he wants, that’s what. Because this company knows he is the best and he is the future. He’ll face anyone anywhere. Anyone that he faces becomes a victim. He will continue his WrestleMania win streak. Logan is always confident, but will that ever change?
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
In present, Jackie Redmond is with the Phenomenal One, and she says just 24 hours after his loss to Logan Paul, where is he after that? Styles says he won’t lie, it is a hard pill to swallow. But Logan plays his games, gets his lackeys involved, and Styles was prepared for that. But the truth is, Styles took an L. But he’ll move on, he’ll be okay. Because part of being phenomenal is being able to bounce back and- Karrion Kross interrupts! Kross asks if Styles said “bounce back.” Yeah, good bounce back from getting pinned by Logan Paul! Styles is literally the best of us, meaning Logan winning is so much more painful, because now, Styles has legitimized him!
Oh, really? Kross is the one who said Styles is the best of us, so does Kross expect Styles to go back a year ago and be that guy? Why is Kross so adamant about this? Styles hated who he was then. He’s never going back. Kross does not understand. If Styles used the brass knuckles to beat Logan, it would’ve meant nothing! If Kross wants to be angry at the world, fine. Don’t drag Styles down with you! In fact, go solve that problem yourself! Styles storms off, Scarlett calms Kross down, and Kross says, “Maybe I will.” What will Mr. Doomsday do if he’s to “save” WWE?
Raw returns and…
Gunther is berating Pat & Cole on commentary! The fans taunt Gunther, “YOU TAPPED OUT!” Gunther dares Cole to say something to his face. Cole asks why Gunther is so upset, Cole is just doing his job. Gunther storms up around the way, yanks Cole’s headset off, and Pat tries to stop this. But Gunther SHOVES Pat, then drags Cole into a SLEEPER! So Pat fires hands! The fans fire up as Pat stands up for Cole, and now refs, security, and producers rush out here! Adam Pearce tells Gunther to stand down, but Gunther just busts through to grab Pat! SLEEPER!! Gunther drags Pat down while security is now busy with Pat’s friends/entourage!!
The fans go nuts as Pat’s friends are only making this worse for Pat! Pearce tells Gunther to let Pat go, but Pat is already red in the face and out cold on the floor! Gunther refuses to let go, even as producers claw at the beefy arms wrapped around Pat’s neck! The fans tell Gunther off as he finally lets Pat go. Gunther paces, then he finally leaves through the crowd side. Fans boo, refs and security follow Gunther while the others check Pat. Pat coughs and sputters as he wakes up, and Pearce is chewing Gunther out. Fans remind Gunther, “You Tapped Out!” while Cole helps Pat to his feet. The fans cheer Pat while he’s helped to the back.
Pat needs a second as they make it to the ramp, coughing and gasping, but he gets back to his feet and keeps walking. The fans cheer his resilience, Pearce calls for more medical help just to be safe, and Pat takes another moment to catch his breath. What consequences will there be for Der Ring General after he lashed out against innocent commentary?
Raw returns again and…
Pat is still gasping for air, but he does get a drink of water to help with his throat. Cole and Pearce help Pat to the trainer’s room, and then Pat, his entourage, and refs go inside. Pearce tells Cole that Joe Tessitore can cover for Cole, Cole should get himself checked out. Cole tells Pearce, “How can we do our jobs when we’re not allowed to have an opinion? We’re not allowed to talk about this stuff? We’re not allowed to have fun? You gotta do something.” Pearce knows, he will handle this. Cole should just take the rest of the night off. Cole says no, he is not going to let Gunther bully him. Cole heads back for commentary and Pearce says good for Cole.
Cole returns to ringside and the fans cheer. Tessitore commends Cole for this, and they’ll do their best with the rest of the show from here.
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day VS PENTA!
Twenty years ago, he was just a little boy whose loving and loyal father was fighting with Uncle Eddie for his future. And now, “Dirty Dom” is an Intercontinental Champion, just like both Rey Mysterio & Eddie Guerrero. But will Dom’s first defense also be his last? Or will Dom not care about #CeroMiedo?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who has more Latino Heat!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Dom talks a bit of trash, then he kicks Penta low! Dom CLUBS Penta, whips, hurdles, but Penta KICKS Dom out of the handspring! Penta fires up, but Dom fires back with hands! Dom stomps Penta in a corner, lets off as the ref counts, then whips corner to corner. Penta goes up and over, keeps moving, and he ducks’ n’ dodges. Penta RANAS Dom out of the ring and the fans fire up! Penta builds speed, but Dom is back to DROPKICK! Dom storms up but Penta bails out and the ref holds him back. But then Finn creeps up! The ref sees Finn and has him back off. Dom builds speed, but Penta GAMANGIRIS!
Dom staggers back, Penta climbs up, and Penta CROSSBODIES! Dom flounders back out, Penta builds speed again, and Penta FLIES! Down goes Dom and the fans fire up! Finn coaches Dom but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Penta SLING-DOGS Dom! Then GAMANGIRIS in the corner! Dom sits down, Penta runs and headstands, to DROPKICK! Penta drags Dom, covers, TWO! Dom stays in this but Penta stays calm. Finn coaches Dom but Penta drags Dom up! PENTA- NO, Dom slips free of the driver to shove, scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up while Dom and Penta go to corners. Dom runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS, mule kicks, and then goes up! Penta calls his shot, jumps, but into a kick! Dom hits a TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Dom drags Penta to a drop zone, then goes up while fans actually cheer.
But Penta is up to GAMANGIRI! Dom wobbles, Penta climbs, but Dom fires body shots! Penta hops down to CHOP Dom! Penta then runs, jumps, and RANAS Dom away! The fans fire up, Penta runs in, DESTROYER! Dom flops down and the fans fire up again! Penta reaches out, but Dom rolls away to the outside! Dom stays safe and the fans rally up again. “CERO! MIEDO!” “DIRTY DOM!” Finn coaches Dom, Dom says look out! Penta RANAS Finn into Dom! The fans fire up and Penta drags Dom up. Penta puts Dom in, then he climbs up the corner again. But Carlito distracts the ref! JD MCDONAGH IS HERE!? JD SHOVES Penta down!!
Dom DROPKICSK Penta onto ropes, then dials it up to 619!! Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, DOM WINS!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Just when it looked like Penta had the hot hand, Judgment Day pulls out the Irish Ace! Even Finn is surprised that his guy is back, and now this title stays with Judgment Day! Judgment Day celebrates on stage, and Finn feels like the odd man out for a moment. Will Judgment Day (not) smooth out the problems now that they’re back to full strength?
El Grande Americano has a new video.
“Rejoice! Despite insurmountable opposition from his jealous, desperate, rule-breaking foes, El Grande Americano has emerged victorious on the Grandest Stage of Them All! The children sang of his honesty and humility. The world stands in awe of his talent and honor! He has reclaimed his throne as the king of lucha libre. Today, we celebrate the legend, the icon, the hero, El Grande Americano!” Given the obvious AI art, photoshopped pictures and cheesy sepia film reel filter, this propaganda is not convincing anyone. But when and where will El Grande Americano face justice for what he did to Rey Fenix?
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
We saw him arrive at the start of the night, and now Las Vegas sings along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary and his Wise Man make their way down the ramp. Rollins certainly did #BurnItDown when he got Heyman to burn the bridges with CM Punk and Roman Reigns on WrestleMania Saturday. Rollins revels in the singing as he struts around in his canary yellow suit. Heyman fetches a mic, the fans continue to sing, and Rollins continues to soak it all in. Some fans even chant, “Thank You, Seth! Thank You, Seth!” Others come back with “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” and “O T C! O T C!” but Heyman hands his mic to Rollins, like he used to do for The Tribal Chief.
Fans now chant “F YOU, HEYMAN!” but Heyman is merely amused by it. Rollins takes his time turning around to face the main camera, and he takes his sunglasses off to say, “I am a Visionary. I am a Revolutionary. I took a Wise Man from Roman Reigns. I stole CM Punk’s best friend. I am the winner of the main event of WrestleMania. I. Am.” CM PUNK IS HERE! The fans go nuts for Cult of Personality while Rollins gets ready for a fight! Punk has his hands taped up for one, too, and the brawl is on! The fans fire up as haymakers fly fast ‘n’ furious! Punk puts Rollins in a corner to fire hands from all sides!
Punk stomps a mudhole into Rollins, but Heyman creeps up. Punk stops stomping just in time to turn around and see Heyman. Heyman tells Punk that Heyman didn’t betray Punk, Punk ruined things for him and Roman! Punk storms up and shoves Heyman into a corner! But Rollins runs up and CLAWS Punk’s eyes! Rollins THROWS Punk down, the fans boo, but Rollins hits the CURB STOMP! Punk is down and Rollins stands over him, but now fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Heyman picks the mic back up while fans chant, “We Want Roman!”
Heyman sighs, and says, “We are going to conclude the weekend of WrestleMania 41… by propelling the news all the way to WrestleMania 42! There is a NEW reigning, defending, undisputed number one top star in this entire industry! Ladies and gentlemen, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!” Heyman holds up Rollins’ hand in victory, then tosses the mic aside. BUT NOW ROMAN SHOWS UP!! Rollins is pissed off again, and he hurries to TOSS Punk out of the ring! Rollins prepares for round two, and Roman is making his way out here after all! Heyman steps back as Rollins stares Roman down, and here comes another brawl! No, wait, Roman dodges to SPEAR Rollins!!
The fans are thunderous and Heyman is in shock! Roman now runs up to SUPERMAN PUNCH Heyman!! Down goes The Wise Man and the fans fire up! Roman throws off the shirt, gets the fans even more fired up, and he aims again! “OOOAH~!” SPEAR FROM BRON BREAKER?!?! The Badass just took out the Tribal Chief! And then he stares down Rollins! The fans are going nuts, but Bron SPEARS PUNK!! Punk was back up only to get knocked back down, and Rollins grins as he pats Bron on the shoulder! “That’s my boy!” The Visionary has an attack dog with him now, and the fans are losing their minds!
Rollisn points out that Roman is up on the outside. Bron goes out there, but Roman UPPERCUTS Bron first! Bron staggers, but he stays on his feet! Bron then builds speed around the way, and uses that lap to SPEAR ROMAN THROUGH BARRIERS!!! The fans go nuts all over again, and Rollins says to get Roman’s ass back in the ring! Bron obeys and he drags Roman into the ring. Bron sets Roman up for Rollins, and Rollins tells Roman to watch what’s gonna happen to him! CURB STOMP for Punk again!! Rollins tells Roman to learn that the future of this business runs through him! CURB STOMP for Roman!!
The fans are torn, but Heyman now stands over his former best friends to embrace his new guys! Will these three soon take over the WWE together?
My Thoughts:
After a great WrestleMania Weekend, this Raw After Mania ended up being perhaps one of the best. My only gripe might be how they handled the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Bayley being “taken out” and Becky taking her place was fine. But then doing the tag title rematch here seemed random when we had NXT to look forward to. And then, Liv & Raquel win the belts back already, and Becky snaps on Lyra. I suppose if you look at this for Judgment Day, the title change needed to be tonight to coincide with what happened in the main event with Dom VS Penta. But now we don’t get the fun interaction of Tatum, Lyra and Becky I was hoping for.
What would it have hurt if Becky & Lyra didn’t defend the belts tonight, went to NXT and had a really fun match with Tatum & Gigi? Becky & Lyra, Liv & Raquel, neither team is losing to Tatum & Gigi. At least, I would think that’s the case… And then you can give Liv & Raquel their rematch later, and they still win like they did tonight, and then Becky snaps because “Lyra let her down.” But I suppose we’re fast-tracking to Becky VS Lyra for the Intercontinental Championship. And they kinda have to, given Backlash is May 10, just 20 days away. Maybe Becky wins that to reestablish herself and also juice up that title.
Great promo from John Cena, and honestly, I can’t help but agree with Cena on a lot of his points towards the fans. Also, I like how he explained he has 27 remaining dates/appearances, not matches. And of course Orton was next for Cena, the signs were all there: Backlash is in St. Louis, Orton’s hometown; Cena teased it with saying “Ruthless Aggression,” the era both men rose to fame in; and Cena and Orton have faced each other so many times, they gotta get one last one in. And on top of that, Orton is a fan favorite that won’t be hurt by a loss to Cena because Orton’s been around just as long, this will be a good one.
Great stuff with New Day, including passing by Karrion Kross. Alpha Academy coming out and wanting a title match, that was already a bit fishy right from the start. RUSEV returning to annihilate Alpha Academy and “cancel” the world tag title match was quite the way to return, mostly because of how big and beefy Otis is. Rusev VS Otis will be a good match to help get Rusev back into WWE action, and then Rusev can go for whatever title he wants. I’m thinking it should be the World Heavyweight Championship, though that might be a tough choice given Jey Uso only just got the belt. Speaking of Jey, good promo but much better moment between him, Sami and Jimmy. Though, I did appreciate the tiniest tease they gave of Sami going Heel in the absence of Kevin Owens.
Great promo from Iyo, and what a great surprise to see Vaquer. They had an awesome match, but given they’re both champions and they’re both so awesome, it had to be “ruined” by Roxie showing up. But at the same time, what a surprise that Giulia also showed up. Roxie VS Vaquer for tomorrow night is an interesting move, and Giulia got to beat up on Iyo a bit more. I’m thinking both Roxie and Giulia are just one step away from being called up to main roster, and probably to Raw for the Women’s World Championship. Great save from Rhea, and maybe we get some Rhea & Iyo VS Giulia & Roxie before shaking out a title story.
Good promo from Logan Paul to dismiss the interference on his match, as a Heel would/should. And good response from Styles, only for Kross to interrupt. I don’t know if we get another Styles VS Kross match, or maybe Kross goes wild and goes after other people, but there’s still some intrigue here. Also, Kross had quite the rant as part of the WrestleMania post show, so I hope WWE uses that to push him forward towards things like title feuds. Gunther going after Cole and Pat was certainly a wild direction to take his story. I’m not sure what kind of meta commentary they’re making, it has actually been a long time since a WWE commentator got into it with a wrestler, other than perhaps when Drew McIntyre and Wade Barrett got physical.
And as for Gunther and Pat specifically, maybe Pat is gonna get into ring shape so he and Gunther can have it out over the summer. In the meantime, I think Gunther is kayfabe suspended, that’ll let him stay home with wife and newborn child for a bit, so good for him. Hilarious El Grande Americano vignette, all the elements make it such an obvious troll but you can bet someone out there will still get mad. Hopefully we can still get El Grande VS Rey Mysterio, though I’m not sure if Backlash is too soon. Maybe Grande faces Dragon Lee or some other luchador on Rey’s behalf, and then we can arrange El Grande VS Rey Mysterio for either Worlds Collide or Money in the Bank in Los Angeles for June, all commemorating WWE acquiring AAA.
Great stuff with Dom VS Penta for the Intercontinental Championship, but something felt like Finn was going to try and screw Dom out of the title. JD McDonagh showing up was a great surprise, especially given how he got hurt hitting that desk SO hard. Finn himself seemed so surprised (in kayfabe), and we have some more intrigue in this Judgment Day dysfunction. And then a great closing segment with Rollins & Heyman making their debut as the new duo. Punk of course interrupted and we got a great brawl there. And then great stuff with Roman showing up right as the credits were showing up. It has been a minute since HHH has done something like this, and this actually ended up the longest episode of Netflix Raw because of it.
Bron Breakker helping Rollins fight off Roman and Punk was some wild stuff, mostly because I never thought Bron would ever join someone else. I could see a tag match of Punk & Roman VS Rollins & Bron, but maybe not for some time as Roman still isn’t really known for doing matches that often. That is to say, not sure Backlash is big enough, but perhaps MITB or SummerSlam are. And already, there are ideas about what kind of faction Rollins is going to make, perhaps as a second try at what he had with Buddy Murphy and Austin Theory, but just no “Monday Night Messiah” gimmick.
My Score: 9.2/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/19/25)
Parting is such sweet sorrow…
There are more goodbyes than just The Ace’s Final Road.
NJPW already knows Hiroshi Tanahashi will retire with this year, but his final match with Jeff Cobb will also be Jeff Cobb’s farewell to NJPW! Will The Ace never tire out? Or will he take a Tour of the Islands?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask VS Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Katsuya Murashima & Daiki Nagai; Tenza, Kojima, Nagata & Tiger Mask win.
- 8 Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, YOH & Master Wato VS TMDK; Yano, Oleg, Yoh & Wato win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb; Tanahashi wins.
- Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Callum Newman, Templario & Jakob Austin Young; Goto, Desperado & Taguchi win.
- 10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI; LIJ wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb!
The Ace’s Final Road continues on, but it would seem the Imperial Unit has hit the end of his run in NJPW. Will the President give Cobb a proper sendoff? Or is there one last Tour of the Islands planned?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “COBBU! COBBU!” Tanahashi nods, and Cobb is emotional hearing that. Cobb and Tanahashi circle, tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. But Cobb’s a bit too big to lift even for The Ace. Cobb walks over to the ROPEBREAK, and Tanahashi lets go. The fans applaud and the two reset. They tie up, Tanahashi wrenches and wristlocks, but Cobb powers through, wrenches and wristlocks in return, then hammerlocks to headlock. Tanahashi puts Cobb on the ropes, the ref counts, and Tanahashi lets go cleanly again. The fans applaud the continued sportsmanship, and the two reset again.
Cobb runs up, and he SLINGBLADES?! Cover, TWO!! The “Cobby Cat” strikes again but Tanahashi survives his own move. Cobb whips Tanahashi, Tanahashi grabs ropes, but Cobb runs up. Tanahashi BOOTS Cobb, runs up, but Cobb scoops! Cobb SLAMS Tanahashi, and then air guitars before the GACHIMUCHI- NO, Tanahashi avoids the moonsault! Then Tanahashi sets up, to MOONSAULT!? But Cobb moves so Tanahashi belly flops on the floor! The fans fire up while both men are pulling out all the stops. Cobb steps on Tanahashi, pretends he didn’t see Tanahashi there, and then brings Tanahashi up.
Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi with a forearm, then headlocks. Cobb brings Tanahashi to the ropes to show everyone as he messes with Tanahashi’s hair. Cobb then CLUBS Tanahashi, brings him around, and suplexes. Cobb holds Tanahashi up, the fans cheer as Cobb marches around with him, and then Cobb pops Tanahashi for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this but Cobb stays on him with a GROUND COBRA! Cobb uses Tanahashi as the guitar, then CLUBS him in the ribs and chest! Cobb eggs Tanahashi on, and Tanahashi growls and rises up. Tanahashi fires body shots and forearms, but Cobb just HEADBUTTS back!
Tanahashi staggers away to a corner, and Cobb runs up, only for Tanahashi to dodge! Tanahashi dropkicks Cobb’s legs! Tanahashi then grabs one, and Cobb asks for mercy! Cobb apologizes, but Tanahashi says bye-bye! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while Cobb clutches his leg. Tanahashi storms up on Cobb to fire more fast hands! Tanahashi then says, “MY POWER!” And he SCOOP SLAMS Cobb! The fans fire up as Tanahashi climbs the corner. Tanahashi hits the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Cobb is tougher than that but Tanahashi gets moving. But Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi! Cobb winds up, he runs, but Tanahashi dodges the slingblade!
Tanahashi waistlocks, Cobb switches, but Tanahashi throws elbows. Cobb picks Tanahashi up to SLAM him down, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this, but the GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives the double impact, but Cobb looms over him. Cobb drags Tanahashi up, fires his own fast hand combo, then scoops to SLAM Tanahashi! Cobb grins as he looks to the corner. The fans fire up as Cobb hops up, air guitar and the pose, SUNSET FLOP as Tanahashi moves! Tanahashi runs, but Cobb grabs tights! Cobb reels Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi elbows free!
Cobb SHOTEIS! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi goes up the corner! But Cobb stands! Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS, but Cobb catches him! Cobb pops Tanahashi up, shifts around, and ATHLETIC- SLINGBLADE?!? Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi rises, the fans fire up, and Tanahashi runs to SLING- NO, Cobb gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Tanahashi rises again! SLING- NO, Cobb scoops Tanahashi, but then pops him around again! TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cobb roars, but he’s not done!! Cobb ripcords Tanahashi for the RIPCORD- CRADLE COUNTER!! TANAHASHI WINS!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall
Cobb got cocky and it to cost him! Tanahashi still tells Cobb he’s proud of him and of Cobb’s time here in NJPW. The two shake hands and hug it out while the fans cheer. Tanahashi’s Final Road rolls on, and The United Empire is here to say farewell to their friend. Cobb is handed a mic, and Chris Charleton is there to interpret. Cobb says he was not expecting to lose tonight. But first and foremost, he wants to thank the people that don’t even get seen by the fans. The NJPW staff, the music team, the NJPW World techs, the boys ‘n’ girls in the back, and all the wrestlers Cobb calls “family.” The fans applaud and Cobb says Chris’s Japanese is good.
Cobb takes a moment before he says he had a speech ready, but he’s kinda blanking out from the pressure. Online, there has been an outpouring of love, #ThankYouCobb. But really, he should be thanking each and every one of the fans. Cobb gets emotional again while Chris translates for him. Cobb knows it’s a bit of a crappy situation, but he wants Callum Newman to know, he’s got the ball, so run with it. Cobb lets Chris translate now, and then Cobb wraps by thanking the Empire members here, from Khan, to Templario, to “Jakob Change Your Name,” to Akira and to Callum.
And lastly, Cobb says this is not goodbye, but more see you later. Thank you, NJPW. Thank you, fans. Domo arigato gozaimasu! The fans cheer for Cobb one more time, and he bows deeply to them all. When and where will we see Cobb in the ring, any ring, again?
10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI!
Well, not only is The Ace on his Final Road, but it would seem Tetsuya Naito and Bushi are on their own way out of NJPW. Then will they and their amigos start their Road to Wrestling Dontaku with a celebration? Or will the Heat Storm, Roughneck, Holy Emperor, Blue Playmaker and Headhunter make this anything but tranquilo?
The teams sort out and there’s a lot of entrance attire to put aside. Once Naito is done putting the pants away, LIJ fist bumps while Just4Guys/Hontai shake hands. Yuya steps up against Naito and the fans fire up already. Naito and Yuya stare down while the fans cheer “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Naito and Yuya step up, but then Naito tags to Bushi. The fans cheer Bushi on now, he circles with Yuya, but then Bushi tags out to Yota. The fans rally as Yuya and Yota feel things out, giving us a taste of their IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Yuya wrenches Yota to a wristlock.
Yota slips around, full nelsons, but Yuya breaks that to hammerlock. Yota reaches back to facelock, then he wrenches again. Yuya rolls, wrenches, and arm-drags Yota down. But Yota headscissors! Yuya kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Yota and Yuya reset, tie up, and Yota headlocks. Yuya powers up and out, drops down, then hurdles over to arm-drag again! The fans cheer as Yuya has the armlock. Yota fights up, fights around, but Yuya brings him over and Taka tags in. Taka kicks Yota, CLUBS him, then stomps him. Taka knees low, runs, but Yota dropkicks a leg out! LIJ rushes in and BLASTS Hontai! Then they bring Taka to the ropes!
Hontai rushes in to save Taka! The fans fire up as everyone fights at the ropes, and Taka lands safe on the apron! Taka scurries around the way and back into the ring! The fans cheer, but then Takagi & Yota split the wishbone! Hiromu tags in, he brings Taka up and CHOPS! Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs up and LARIATS! Hiromu snapmares and runs to basement dropkick! The fans fire up and Hiromu brings Naito in. They double whip to TENDEDERO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Hiromu bumps Taka off buckles, then he tags Takagi. Takagi RAMS into Taka again and again, but Taka fires body shots.
Takagi HEADBUTTS Taka down, then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi sits Taka up, runs to BLAST Shota, and the fans cheer! Takagi drags Taka up to HEADBUTT the arm, then wrench it. Tag to Bushi and he CLUBS the arm. Bushi CLUBS Taka down, stomps him, then has the legs. Bushi stands on Taka’s groin! Red Shoes reprimands, Bushi steps off at 4, then stomps Taka around. Tag to Naito and the fans rally as he brings Taka up. Naito cravats Taka, then Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu claims Hontai is up to something, Red Shoes looks over, and Naito SMACKS Taka off Hiromu’s boots!
Taichi protests, but Naito throws hands on Taka. Taka tries to hit back but there’s not much there. Naito CLUBS Taka, but Taka fires a flurry! Naito just ROCKS Taka! Naito runs, but Taka goes the other way to BOOT Naito down! The fans rally up, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi runs at Naito in the corner and BOOTS him! Yota gets in, kicks Taichi then whips, but Taichi BOOTS Yota! Takagi runs up, Taichi dodges to wrench and HOOK KICK! Hiromu gets up but Taichi BLASTS him! Bushi backs off, but Naito CLUBS Taichi. Naito whips, but Taichi reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Naito crawls.
Taichi paces, waits on Naito to sit up, but Naito ducks the buzzsaw! Naito shoves Taichi, Bushi trips him up! Bushi tags in and stomps Taichi around. Bushi ROCKS Taichi, whips, but Taichi grabs ropes. Bushi runs up again but Taichi BOOTS him down! Taichi tags Hashi and Hashi drags Bushi up. Hashi ROCKS and CLUBS Bushi, whips him, but Bushi reveres. Hashi dodges to ELBOW Bushi, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! LIJ blasts Hontai’s corner again! Hashi rolls out under the bottom rope, Bushi BLASTS him off the apron, then Bushi builds speed. But Hashi gets back in to CLOBBER Bushi!
Hashi drags Bushi up, hooks a leg, but Bushi fights free! Hashi blocks a kick, ducks the enzigiri, but the REWIND HEEL hits! Bushi runs in from the corner, but Hashi stops the Code Breaker! Taka joins in, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives, but Hashi clamps on the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Bushi endures, fights around, and Naito gets on the apron, only for Taichi to BOOT him down! Taichi intercepts Hiromu, and Bushi TAPS! Hashi ELIMINATES Bushi! Takagi CLOBBERS Hashi, then drops ELBOW after ELBOW! Takagi SENTONS but misses as Hashi moves! Shota storms in and stomps Takagi!
Shota drags Takagi up to UPPERCUT, and Hashi CHOPS! Hashi & Shota double whip, then Hashi runs up, only to be put on the apron! Takagi CLOBBERS Shota, then runs up on Hashi! Hashi RAMS Takagi, they trade forearms, but then Takagi HOTSHOTS Hashi! Hashi holds onto the ropes, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi staggers, Shota runs up, but Takagi throws him into Hashi! Hashi falls to the floor, Takagi ELIMINATES Hashi! The teams are even again after that friendly fire, and Takagi rolls Shota! TWO, and things speed up! Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! The fans fire up while Takagi fires up, “TOKI GA KITA!”
The fans rally as Takagi runs up, but he blocks a boot to then LARIAT! JAB, CHOP, repeat, then Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, and CHOPS! Takagi brings Shota up, suplexes, but Shota fights it so Takagi hits the TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Shota stays in this but Takagi stays focused. The fans join in with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi storms up on Shota. Takagi pump handles but Shota fights the lift. Shota switches, Takagi fires elbows, but Shota ducks! Shota wrenches and SWINGING NECKBREAKERS! The fans are torn but Shota drags Takagi up. Shota CHOPS Takagi in the corner, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS!
Shota reels Takagi in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Shota clamps on an STF! Takagi endures, fights around, and he drags Shota along towards the ropes! ROPEBREAK, the fans cheer, and Shota lets go. Shota brings Takagi up, but Takagi denies the tornado DDT! Shota fires forearms to ROCK Takagi again and again, but Takagi just headbutts the buckles to fire up! The fans fire up and Shota fires another forearm, only for Takagi to fire back! Shota headbutts the buckles to fire up! The forearms start flying again, but then Takagi fires boxing elbows! Takagi ROCKS Shota, but Shota fires boxing elbows now!
Shota ROCKS Takagi, then runs, but Takagi follows! LARIAT at the ropes! Takagi runs, Shota follows, LARIAT at the ropes! Shota runs, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Shota roars, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- SHOTA LARIATS! But Takagi’s up to PUMPING BOMBER! Shota is in a daze but he manages to stand, and he swats a lariat to ENZIGIRI! Takagi rebounds to SLIDING LARIAT! Shota staggers back up, but Takagi whips him. Shota reverses and reels Takagi in, TORNADO DDT! But Takagi’s right up, and he PUMPING BOMBERS Shota and himself up and out! DOULBE ELIMINATION!!
The fans go nuts as we go to 3v3 now. Yuya and Yota step back in and the fans rally. Yota grins, runs up, but Yuya dodges to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Yuya whips, Yota reverses, but Yuya goes up and over. Yuya arm-drags, then DROPKICKS! Yuya roars and the fans fire up again! Yuya reels Yota in but Yota fights the saido. Yuya still hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yuya drags Yota back up, clinches, but Yota fires elbow after elbow to get free. Then he SUPER- NO, Yuya blocks! Yuya swings, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! But he avoids the stomp! Yuya CHOPS then runs, but Yota SUPERKICKS himdown!
LIJ BLASTS Hontai’s corner again, and Yota looms over Yuya. Yota drags Yuya up, bumps him off buckles, then hoists him up top. Yota CHOPS, then he fires up before climbing up. The fans rally up, and Yuya fires forearms! Yota falls back, stands up, and he avoids Yuya’s leap! Yuya comes back, into the GENE TRIGGER! Yota TOSSES Yuya, but Yuya lands on the apron! Hiromu lets Yota know that, so Yota goes up the corner! Yota aims for an APRON MARLOWE- NO, Yuya dodges! Yuya CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Yota ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya fires up! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS!
Yota SLAPS Yuya! And then swings, but into the cording hold! Yuya grabs the other arm but Yota resists! Yota HEADBUTTS again and again, then DOUBLE HEADBUTTS hit! Both men fall, another DOUBLE ELIMINATION!! Now it’s just TakaTaichi VS Naito & Hiromu! The fans rally up as the four stare down. Hiromu runs up, but into TENDEDERO! Naito dodges but then Taichi BOOTS him down! TakaTaichi double whip to DOUBLE BOOT! Taka has Hiromu but Hiromu fires forearms! Taka pokes Hiromu in the eyes! Taka whips Hiromu to a corner, but Hiromu blocks the shining wizard!
Hiromu runs, RANA, but Taka SHOVES it down! JUST FACELOCK!! Taka CLUBS away on Hiromu, but Naito stomps Taka down! Taichi runs up but Naito kicks him and throws him out! Naito kicks Taka, he and Hiromu double whip, but Taka redirects! And redirects! But then Naito & Hiromu undo Tendedero to let Taka pass! Taka comes back, ducks Tendedero, and he waistlocks Naito. Naito switches, shoves Taka at Hiromu and Hiromu wrenches. Pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL! Cover, Hiromu ELIMINATES Taka! And that leaves it 2v1, Hiromu & Naito against Taichi! Taichi paces as he considers his options.
Taichi rushes in, but into TENDEDERO! Naito & Hiromu double whip Taichi to a corner, and Hiromu runs to LARIAT! Naito ROCKS Taichi, ENZIGIRIS, and Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu gives Naito the boost for the TOR- Well, no, the tornado fails but the DDT still hits! Hiromu brings Taichi up, suplexes, but Taichi fights it! Taichi suplexes, but Hiromu fights it! They end up by the ropes! Hiromu is on the apron, Naito runs up, but Taichi dodges and Naito BLASTS Hiromu! Hiromu falls and is ELIMINATED! Friendly fire in return for before, and the fans fire up as it is Taichi and Naito 1v1!
Taichi and Naito reset, and the fans cheer for “NA-I-TO!” as hard as they can. Naito fires a forearm, but Taichi fires back! Naito fires another, so Taichi fires back! Naito and Taichi both smirk as the shots keep going back and forth! Taichi then KCIKS, but Naito still throws forearms! KICK, forearm, repeat, but then Naito ROCKS Taichi again and again! Naito SLAPS Taichi! Taichi SOBATS! Naito fires the heavy elbow, but Taichi URAKENS! Naito runs, Taichi BOOTS him down, then Taichi drags Naito back up, just so he can AX- NO, Naito lifts Taichi, but Taichi fights off the atomic drop! Taichi shoves Naito to then AX BOMBER! Cover, TWO!
Naito survives but Taichi runs, and SLIDING AX BOMBERS! Taichi fires up, the fans are torn, but Taichi suplexes! Naito fights free to kick low! Naito uses the ropes to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito drags Taichi up. Naito fires those heavy elbows again and again! Naito has Taichi down in the corner, then climbs up. Naito reels Taichi in, but Taichi sneaks the pants off! GAMANGIRI! Naito falls off the corner, but he holds onto the ropes! Naito dangles off the apron but his feet do not touch the floor! Taichi fires shots, Naito ROCKS him in return! Taichi runs up, Naito slides under! Naito DUMPS Taichi over!
Taichi is on the apron but Naito fires a flurry! HOTSHOT! Taichi wobbles, but he ROCKS Naito! Naito ROCKS Taichi, HOTSHOTS again, then ROLLING KICKS! Taichi falls, LIJ WINS!
Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by ring out
It came down to the leaders as the last men, but the Uncontrollable Charisma found a way to win for the team! LIJ regroups and Naito is given the mic. “Buenas tardes, Korakuen Hall!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “First and foremost… Bushi, why don’t you say something to the fans?” The fans applaud and Bushi takes a quick drink of water before he takes up the mic. “Now that I have this time, I’ll say this. As previously announced by NJPW, my departure was a decision made after a lot of thought. I have no regrets.” The fans applaud that, and Bushi continues, “My feelings haven’t changed since I spoke here 10 years ago. It’s been a deeply fulfilling experience.”
The fans applaud that, too, and Bushi says, “This Dontaku tour is only getting started. When I step into this ring, I’ll show my gratitude in my own way. Thank you.” The fans applaud again, and Bushi hands the mic back to Naito. Naito also notes that the Road to Wrestling Dontaku has just begun. He and Bushi will be leaving NJPW after May 4th. “Whether Bushi and I will compete in this ring again or not, you already know, don’t you? Yes, the answer is of course, TRANQUILO! Assen na yo!” The fans applaud Naito being Naito even now. Naito then asks if they want to do the roll call, and the fans cheer!
Naito notes they haven’t had one at all this year, so this will be the first roll call of 2025. Are you ready? The fans cheer, so Naito says that the only way to close out tonight in Korakuen Hall is naturally with… “Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRRRNABLEEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!!” The fans cheer the first LIJ roll call of 2025, but will we get more of them before May 4th? Will we get one on May 4th?
My Thoughts:
A great night to kick off the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, though of course it had to be on one of the busiest weekends of the year. Great goodbye match for Cobb with Tanahashi. It was a big awkward because while Tanahashi is still going to retire this year, Cobb was leaving, and so Cobb leaving NJPW trumps Tanahashi retiring, meaning Cobb had to lose. It’s the unwritten tradition of pro-wrestling. Very good farewell promo from Cobb, too, and I can’t wait to see where he goes next. Word is, it isn’t AEW, and perhaps the WWE rumors have still been true all along, they just leaked out way too soon.
And then very good 10 Man Elimination Tag in the main event, and it works out that LIJ won. Naito & Bushi needed a chance to address the fans about their own departure from NJPW, and so giving them the win so they can do a main event promo was fitting. In my estimation, I don’t see Naito going to any other company, even if it’s another Japanese based company. He’s done plenty in his career, he’s pushed his body pretty hard, so he needs to enjoy retirement, or at least make a lateral movement to be working with Young Lions in the NJPW Dojo as a teacher. Bushi, could probably keep going a little longer, or he could also call it a day on the other hand, only Bushi really knows how his body feels.
My Score: 8.8/10
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