Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (8/26/19)
Two more matches in the King of the Ring tournament!

Raw returns to New Orleans!
And to do it up big, not only will Raw’s opening round in the King of the Ring wrap, The Boss returns to in-ring action! Is there any possible way Natalya wins with a bad arm against the bad-in-blue Sasha Banks?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- King of the Ring Raw Bracket: Ricochet VS Drew McIntyre; Ricochet wins and advances to the next round.
- King of the Ring Raw Bracket: The Miz VS Baron Corbin; Corbin wins and advances to the next round.
- Bayley VS Nikki Cross; Bayley wins.
- Raw Tag Team Championship 8 Team Tag Team Turmoil Contender’s Match: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler win and will face Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman for the Raw Tag Team Championships at Clash of Champions.
- Sasha Banks VS Natalya; Banks wins.
- Cedric Alexander VS Cesaro; Alexander wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Braun Strowman VS AJ Styles; Styles wins by disqualification, and retains the WWE United States Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
Sasha Banks is in New Orleans!
The Boss will have her first match since WrestleMania 35 in New York, against Natalya, who Sasha brutally attacked not just once, but twice since returning to Raw. But right now, Sasha goes to the ring and grab a mic. “So everybody wants to know why.” Everyone wants to know where Sasha has been. Four months, Sasha was gone. Out of sight, minding her own business. But all she hears is “Sasha Banks, Sasha Banks, Sasha Banks.” But New Orleans cheers for Becky! No, Sasha Banks. Because Sasha Banks “threw a fit.” She did. Because Sasha Banks cried after WrestleMania on the floor. She did. Because Sasha Banks took her ball and went home. Damn right she did. And not for reasons fans thought. Sasha was relegated to a WrestleMania tag team match she cared nothing about, for titles that meant even less, while Becky Lynch main-evented against Charlotte and Ronda.
So yes, Sasha went home, and took an amazing vacation using her WrestleMania paycheck that wasn’t as much as Becky’s. And then Sasha came back to work. But with a plan. Sasha needed the perfect moment, “and there she was. Good ol’ Natalya.” The poor one-armed friend. Sasha “cries” and wipes her tears away with her hair. Sasha gave Natty a hug, and lied straight to her face when she said Natty’s daddy would be so proud. Then look who came to save the day: Becky Lynch! And we saw what happened then. And now Sasha is the center of attention, like she deserves. And why? Because Sasha is the standard! She ran the Women’s Division since day one, because she is The Boss and the talk! She deserves all the glory! As far as Natty goes- Well wait, here she comes! And with her bad arm wrapped, Natty tackles Sasha to the ground! The two brawl and Natty rams Sasha into the apron, then into steel steps!
Natty hammers away but Sasha powers back. Referees rush out with security to separate the two, but the fans want to “Let Them Fight!” Sasha gets at Natty with more hands! Sasha holds onto hair but the referees separate the two, only for Natty to get back at Sasha! Natty won’t let up as she hammers back on Sasha! Sasha kicks Natty away and the referees keep them apart this time. Raw goes to break, will their match still happen tonight?
The Street Profits are pumped for tonight!
The Boss back in action is going to make tonight LIT! Two more King of the Ring matches, and Strowman VS AJ Styles! That’s Phenomenal, and it’s for the title! But what’s even more exciting, the 8 Team Tag Team Turmoil Match! Awesome! But what the heck is that? A tag team gauntlet! And that winner faces Strowman & Rollins for the Raw Tag Team Championships! Whew! Heavy Machinery, The Revival, Lucha House Party, Hawkins & Ryder, The B-Team, The Viking Raiders, and former champions, The OC’s Gallows & Anderson. Those two losing the titles to go through seven teams, that’s hot. Wait who is the last team? Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler! Quite the team right there! But who makes it through the turmoil to head for Clash of Champions?
King of the Ring Raw Bracket: Ricochet VS Drew McIntyre!
The One and Only wants to truly become #KingRicochet by winning this tournament, but he’ll have to first survive the Scottish Terminator! Will Ricochet advance to meet Samoa Joe in the second round? Or will McIntyre make a broken dream come true?
The bell rings and Ricochet waistlocks but is thrown right off. Ricochet bobs ‘n’ weaves but McIntyre throws him to a corner. Ricochet dodges and rolls to handspring but McIntyre gets clear to CHOP Ricochet down! McIntyre throws Ricochet overhead across the ring! McIntyre stands Ricochet up to CHOP him back down! Then he shoves Ricochet, but Ricochet dodges to sends McIntyre into rope. Ricochet chops but McIntyre shoves. Ricochet throws McIntyre out then gets on the apron, for a corner moonsault! McIntyre gets clear but Ricochet lands on his feet! Ricochet tilt-o-whirls but McIntyre powers through to give Ricochet a backbreaker on the barriers! McIntyre drags Ricochet off to head up the steel steps! McIntyre gives Ricochet an arpon backbreaker! Ricochet is writhing while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns as McIntyre bends Ricochet back in a Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch. But Ricochet pops out to a cover, ONE! Ricochet CHOPS, ducks and chops again. McIntyre clubs back and clubs Ricochet down. McIntyre urns but into the dropkick-flip and enziguri! Both men are down but New Orleans fires up! Ricochet heads for a corner while McIntyre gets to ropes. McIntyre runs in but Ricochet dropkicks the legs out. Ricochet goes tot he apron to kick McIntyre from the corner! McIntyre staggers and Ricochet springboards for a missile dropkick! McIntyre bails out but Ricochet roars as he builds speed! Ricochet FLIES and takes McIntyre out! Both men are down on the outside but Ricochet is up first. The ring count reaches 5 as Ricochet gets McIntyre back in the ring.
Ricochet slides in at 7 but he can’t fireman’s carry McIntyre up. He spins and kicks instead, then jumps up, but McIntyre blocks the Poison-Rana, into the INVERTED ALABAMA! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives and McIntyre grows frustrated. McIntyre hauls Ricochet up to SLAP him back down. McIntyre trophy lifts Ricochet but Ricochet slips out, only to get an elbow. McIntyre runs in but Ricochet catches him!? He adjusts to a Northern Lights! Roll through, but McIntyre Falcon Arrows Ricochet down! McIntyre runs over but Ricochet kicks and flips to the apron to kick again! Ricochet springboards, flying clothesline connects! Fans fire up as Ricochet hits the standing shooting star! Cover, TWO!! Both men are down again, but Ricochet wills himself back up first. “This is Awesome!” as Ricochet drags McIntyre to a drop zone.
Ricochet climbs but McIntyre stands. Ricochet hops down but his kick is caught! McIntyre DECKS Ricochet off the apron! McIntyre drags Ricochet back up, and whips him at steps. Ricochet leaps over, and triangle kicks back! Ricochet catches his breath as the ring count climbs past 5! Ricochet leaps into a GLASGOW KISS! McIntyre refreshes the count and drags Ricochet back in. McIntyre aims from a corner, Ricochet stands, SUPERKICK from Ricochet! McIntyre staggers, but Ricochet kicks the legs out. Ricochet kicks away, but runs into a LARIAT! Deadlift sit-out powerbomb! Cover, TWO!? McIntyre can’t believe Ricochet still lives! McIntyre stands up as fans are thunderous for Ricochet. McIntyre hauls Ricochet back up into a fireman’s carry, and then climbs the ropes! Ricochet fights, slips out, and trips McIntyre up!
Ricochet runs but is tossed to the ropes, to come back with a RECOIL! McIntyre is down, Ricochet climbs up, Ricochet leaps for the 630!! Cover, Ricochet wins!!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall; advances to the second round
The King of Flight survives and wins against the Scottish Terminator! But will Ricochet be able to survive the Samoan Submission Machine?
Raw shares a backstage interview from last week with Braun Strowman and Seth Rollins.
The unlikely duo beat The OC, but now this brings in a new conundrum. The Clash of Champions PPV requires Rollins to defend both his titles. But that’s how it goes. Any team that wants after Rollins and Strowman can go ahead and try. Right, big guy? But Strowman stares at the Universal Championship. The Monster Among Men agrees to defending the tag titles, but what about said Universal title? There is a long list and the most talented locker room. But Strowman doesn’t care about that, does he? Is Strowman going to challenge him for THE title? Oh c’mon, they only just won the tag titles together. But yeah, he is. Well it won’t be fun, but Rollins won’t back down. Challenge accepted. The two tag partners shake on it, but will one title cost Rollins the other?
King of the Ring Raw Bracket: The Miz VS Baron Corbin!
The Hollywood A-Lister could truly become king of Castle Marmiz, but will this tournament still be awesome after tonight? Or will the Lone Wolf take one step closer to adding a new accolade to his long list?
Raw returns as Miz takes to the mic. “In my 13 year WWE career, I have accomplished a lot.” All the titles, all the movies, his reality show which has its season finale tomorrow night. But fans always ask, what does Miz still want? Miz wants it all! Miz brings the fans along on a quest onto the Iron Throne! Miz could become… KING AAAAAAWESOOOME! But now Baron Corbin makes his entrance, and this match begins!
Corbin goes at Miz and stomps him into a corner. The referee backs Corbin off, and Corbin gloats that the throne will be his. But Miz throws hands and has Corbin in a corner. Miz climbs up and rains rights down. Miz kicks and boots Corbin, then clotheslines him out! Miz runs but Corbin dodges the dropkick to ROCK Miz with a right! Corbin drags Miz up and bumps him off the apron. Miz staggers around the corner but Corbin rams him into barriers! Then he brings Miz around to ram him into more barriers! Corbin puts Miz in but Miz throws counter punches! Miz throws hands from both sides then whips. Corbin reverses but then Miz dodges. Corbin slides out, slides in and LARIATS Miz down! Cover, TWO! Corbin keeps his cool while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns as Miz dodges a boot to give Corbin the A-List combination! Fans are fired up for Miz as he fires himself up. Miz stands and goes at Corbin with more counter punches! And then more haymakers from all sides! Miz gives Corbin It Kicks! Miz goes corner to corner for double knees! And again! And then the A-List Lariat hits! Miz climbs up and leaps for ax handles! Cover, TWO! Miz keeps his cool as Cedric Alexander watches backstage. Alexander faces the winner of this match in the next round, so he wants to be ready. Corbin avoids the Figure Four and kicks Miz away. Miz runs back, but into Deep Six! Cover, TWO! Corbin can’t believe Miz survives, and grows frustrated. Corbin argues with the referee, but he cools off to run at Miz. Miz boots Corbin away! Then wants the full nelson, only for Corbin to back suplex. Miz lands on his feet, and avoids the choke slam with a sunset flip! TWO, and Corbin knees low.
Corbin reels Miz in but Miz flips through! Low DDT! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives and now Miz is surprised. Miz catches his breath as fans rally up. Miz gives Corbin more It Kicks! Miz powers up the buzzsaw, but Corbin ducks it! Corbin rolls Miz, TWO! Corbin runs in but slides out. Corbin slides in, but into the FINALE!! Cover, TWO!?! Corbin survives the Skull-Crushing Finale?! Corbin gets under the bottom rope and out of the ring to flop to the floor. The ring count begins but Miz goes out to fetch Corbin. Miz throws Corbin into barriers! Then back into the ring, and Miz climbs up to springboard! Corbin gets under and reels Miz in, END OF DAYS! Cover, Corbin wins!
Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall; advances to the next round
The quarterfinals won’t be awesome after all. Corbin catches Miz at the right moment, and now he heads for the next round. But will the Age of Alexander keep Corbin from the throne?
Corbin goes to the throne, and tries the crown on already. He also raises the staff and takes a seat before speaking into the mic. “When I showed up tot his building today, I was asked about some ridiculous poll where the WWE Universe voted.” The fans wanted anyone but Corbin to win, but he doesn’t care what the fans think. “None of you actually matter to me!” And that’s because on everyone’s very best day, they couldn’t do what Corbin has. Corbin is where he is today because of one person: himself. And after he is coronated, everyone will hear, “All Hail King Corbin!”
Backstage interview with The OC!
Gallows and Anderson lost the Raw Tag Team Championships to Rollins and Strowman, and must survive seven other tag teams in order to have a rematch. What is their mindset going into that? Last week, Strowman and Rollins “earned’ a title match, but now eight teams must fight to earn one? It doesn’t make sense and it’s not fair. But the OC rights some wrongs to show everyone why Raw belongs to the official, the original and the only club that’s ever mattered. But will Tag Team Turmoil be Too Sweet by the end of tonight?
Bayley VS Nikki Cross!
The SmackDown Women’s Champion visits Raw to settle things with the loony lass over her crashing of A Moment of Bliss. Bayley likely has the Queen of All Eras on the card for Clash of Champions, but can she keep momentum on the way there?
Raw returns as one half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions makes her entrance. The bell rings and we begin as Nikki shoves. Bayley punches and Nikki kicks, but Bayley trips Nikki up. Bayley gets a headlock then whips, but Nikki rolls over and runs, only for Bayley to get her with a back suplex! Nikki bails out but Bayley goes to dropkick. Nikki has the feet but Bayley kicks her away. Nikki trips Bayley up and then rams her into the apron! Nikki drags Bayley up into the ring and then goes after the arm. She drops knees and then wraps on a body scissor! Bayley endures as Nikki talks trash in Bayley’s ear. Bayley works against the hold and elbows Nikki. Nikki clubs back and then rolls Bayley for a cover, TWO!
Bayley gasps for air but Nikki drags her up to whip and ram a knee in. Nikki keeps that up and Bayley falls down. Nikki covers, TWO! Bayley hits back but Nikki clubs Bayley and then hoists her into a corner. Nikki has Bayley in the Tree of Woe and stomps away! Nikki then runs to ram into the ribs! Bayley falls out of the tree, cover, TWO! Another try, TWO! Nikki drags Bayley up but Bayley punches first. Nikki headbutts low then whips, but Bayley goes out tot he apron. Bayley slides in, rolls Nikki, TWO! Nikki goes to headbutt but gets caught into a snap suplex! Bayley tosses Nikki tot he apron and rams her knee! Then hits the hotshot! Nikki flops down and Bayley covers, TWO! Nikki hits then runs, but Bayley scoops Nikki for a spin-out sidewalk slam! Bayley hurries up top, leaps, and hits a Macho Elbow! Cover, Bayley wins!
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall
Bayley wins again, sending Nikki limping back to Alexa. Will Bayley keep strong towards Clash of Champions and her fight with The Queen?
Backstage interview with Braun Strowman.
The match has been made, so for the first time, tag team champions defend their titles only to face off for a singles title that same night! And the Monster Among Men gets another shot at the United States Championship tonight! Strowman is up for a historic night as he defends the tag titles, the US title, then takes the Universal title from Rollins. Now THAT is Winner Takes All. And Styles will only #GetTheseHands when he’s all alone tonight. Will Strowman get his hands on all the gold?!
Raw Tag Team Championship 8 Team Tag Team Turmoil Contender’s Match!
Erik and Ivar start the turmoil and will have the biggest challenge of all eight teams! But who will start this unique gauntlet with them?
Raw returns, and the first team to face the Viking Raiders is the B-Team! Curt Axel and Bo Dallas used to be Raw Tag Team Champions, perhaps they can make the climb back to the top here tonight.
The Viking Raiders VS The B-Team
Teams sort out, and Erik starts against Axel with the bell. Erik gets Axel down and roars at him. Erik runs but Axel throws an elbow! Axel stomps Erik in the B-Team corner to the beat of their chant, “B-Team! B-Team! GO GO GO!” Bo tags in to keep the cheering and stomping going. Axel tags back in to do more stomping, and then Bo tags in again. Bo hits a clothesline, a knee and feed Erik to Axel, only for Erik to rock Axel with a right! Erik hauls Bo into the corner and tags in Ivar. Bo gets knees from Ivar then from Erik. Erik hits Axel back out, then Ivar feeds Bo to Erik who feeds Bo to THOR’S HAMMER! Cover, and the Viking Raiders ELIMINATE The B-Team! But now they face The OC!
The Viking Raiders VS The OC
Erik and Ivar are ready as the Club storms their way to the ring. Gallows starts with Ivar but he sucker punches Erik! Ivar attacks but Anderson joins in. The OC double shoulder and stomp away on Ivar. Anderson hits Erik back down then Gallows throws big shots! Anderson hits a rocket kick and Gallows hits a splash! The OC goes after Erik and clubs away. But Ivar builds speed to DIVE! The War Bear wrecks Anderson and Erik! Gallows mugs Erik while Ivar has Anderson back in the ring. Anderson fires back and Gallows saves Anderson. Erik attacks now, and the referee can’t get either team to settle this! The referee DISQUALIFIES both teams!! Erik, Ivar, Gallows, Anderson and New Orleans are disappointed, but this turmoil starts fresh! And first out… the GLORIOUS Robert Roode and his new friend, The Show-Off, Dolph Ziggler! But who will they face after the break?
Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler VS Lucha House Party
Raw returns and it is the Cruiserweight trio that faces Roode and Ziggler! Lince Dorado fights with Roode and give shim a jawbreaker to a CHOP! But Roode whips Lince to the corner. Licne boots back then hits Ziggler. Lince fights and tilt-o-whirls to throw Roode down! Roode tags Ziggler in, and Ziggler keeps Lince from Gran Metalik. But Lince enziguris and uses his head to tag Metalik! Metalik springboards and handsprings around, and then goes again to elbow Ziggler down! Fans fire up as Metalik runs the ropes to hit a springboard missile dropkick! Cover but Roode just breaks it! Lince leaps back in with a huricanrana! Lince then climbs again, only for Ziggler to send him down! Metalik rolls up to sunset flip bomb Ziggler! Cover, TWO! Metalik kicks then handsprings again, into a SUPERKICK! Cover, Ziggler & Roode ELIMINATE Lucha House Party!!
But now the #TopGuys are next. Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder want their way back to the Raw Tag Team Championships, but Roode and Ziggler look ready.
Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler VS The Revival
Dawson starts with Ziggler and the two circle. They tie up and Dawson puts Ziggler in the corner. Dawson gets the headlock takeover but Ziggler gets a headscissor! The referee misses the unique cover, but Dawson slips out to get a facelock. Ziggler uses that amateur ability to roll Dawson up, ONE and Dawson gets the ropes. Dawson elbows Ziggler away and Ziggler bumps into the referee. The referee lets it slide given the scrappy situation. Ziggler and Dawson tie up again and Ziggler headlocks. Dawson pulls hair but Roode tags in. Roode and Ziggler mug Dawson, then Roode CHOPS Dawson in the corner. And again! Dawson turns it around to CHOP away on Roode! Dawosn whips but Roode reverses to then back drop Dawson down!
Roode drags Dawson up and tags Ziggler back in. Ziggler throws hands and then Ziggler headlocks. Dawson pulls hair again and Dash tags in. Ziggler hurdles Dawson but Dash blasts him down! Dash hits Roode then tags Dawson back in. Backbreaker leg drop combo! Cover, TWO! The Revival are furious, but they cool off as they tag again. They grab a leg each and catapult Ziggler into ropes! Cover, TWO! Dash keeps his cool as he wraps a waistlock for a rear bearhug. Ziggler endures and scrapes a forearm in Dash’s face. Ziggler gets to his feet and elbows free, only for Dash to ram his shoulder in low. Tag to Dawson, and Dawson brings Ziggler around to put on the apron. Dawson kicks and punches away, then Dash gets a cheap shot in. Roode protests but Dawson slingshot suplexes Ziggler down! Cover, TWO! Roode was late on helping out but he does reach for the tag.
Ziggler fights back against The Revival, but Dawson kicks low to bring Ziggler for a back suplex. Ziggler slips out, elbows Dawson and tags Roode! Ziggler SUPERKICKS but Dash turns that into a tornado. Ziggler denies the DDT part, FAMOUSER! Ziggler leaps at Dawson but Dawson shoves him away. Dawson forgot it’s Roode that’s legal as he gives Ziggler the BRAIN BUSTER! But Dawson escapes the Glorious DDT once, only to get it again!! Cover, Roode & Ziggler ELIMINATE The Revival!? The newest team on the block takes out the #TopGuys, but they meet the next team after the break.
Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler VS The Major Bros
Raw returns as Curt Hawkins rallies on Roode and Ziggler, and hits the bulldog clothesline combo! Hawkins dropkicks Ziggler then dropkicks Roode! Ziggler swings into a neckbreaker! Tag to Ryder, and Ryder hops up. Hawkins fireman’s carries Ziggler, blockbuster Samoan Drop combo! cover, but Roode breaks it! Roode throws Hawkins into the post hard but Ryder clotheslines Ryder out! SUPERKICK from Ziggler! Cover, Ziggler & Roode ELIMINATE Hwkins & Ryder!! Another former Raw Tag Team Championship team goes down to the GLORIOUS and the Show-Off! But that means the last team they face is… Heavy Machinery!
Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler VS Heavy Machinery
After fighting multiple teams, Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic might be the worst team to go against! Will Roode and Ziggler survive their first night teaming together? Or will they be steamrolled on the road to Clash of Champions?
Ziggler and Roode call a timeout, but there are no timeouts in wrestling. Tucker throws big hands on both Roode and Ziggler! Tucker feeds Ziggler into the ring, then runs. ZIggler dodges but Tucker goes up and crossbodies! Cover, TWO!! Tucker was so close to finishing this fast, but he drags Ziggler over to a standing suplex. Tag to Otis, and he takes the hand-off while keeping Ziggler up! Otis holds Ziggler for a little longer before dropping him down. Cover, TWO! Ziggler survives again but Otis tags Tucker back in. Otis helps Tucker slingshot for the senton! Tucker wants Ziggler to stand, and he runs, but Roode dumps Tucker out hard! Ziggler tags Roode and Roode throws Tucker into barriers. Then into steel steps! Roode puts Tucker back in, covers, TWO!
Roode keeps on Tucker and scrapes his laces off Tucker’s face. Roode drops a knee, covers, TWO! Tucker is tough but Roode keeps on him. Roode drags Tucker over and tags Ziggler. Ziggler throws hands and Roode adds on. Ziggler drops Tucker with a neckbreaker, covers, TWO! Ziggler keeps on Tucker with a sleeper hold! Fans rally as Tucker endures. Tucker fights his way up to his feet but Ziggler is a backpack. Ziggler throws Tucker down by his hair, then dares him to stand. The leap is caught and catapulted into post! Both men are down and fans come to life for Otis! Hot tags to Roode and Otis! Otis rallies and bulldozes both Roode and Ziggler! Otis squashes Ziggler then scoops and spins and slams Roode! The Dozer runs corner to corner to squash Roode! Roode falls, and Otis pumps it up! Ziggler runs in but he gets TOSSED!
Otis has Ziggler up and throws him at Roode. Otis runs back in, and he sandwiches them both! Both men are down, but Ziggler stays in the drop zone. Otius hits the CATERPILLAR! But Ziggler isn’t the legal man, Roode comes in and rolls Otis up! TWO!! Roode gets a powerslam! Cover, TWO!! Otis tags Tucker, and they get Roode up. Ziggler SUPERKICKS Tucker down! And ZIGZAGS Otis onto him! A reverse Compactor! Roode winds it up and has Tucker, GLORIOUS DDT!! Cover, Roode & Ziggler win!!
Winners: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall; NEW #1 Contenders for the Raw Tag Team Championships
Unbelievable! The freshest tag team around, and they’ve won the Tag Team Turmoil! Will this unlikely duo defeat the unlikely tag team champions in Rollins and Strowman?
Sasha Banks VS Natalya!
The Boss and the Queen of Hearts brawled earlier tonight, but now things will be settled in the ring. Will there be any rust on Sasha with her four months off? Or will Natty’s bad arm make Natty too vulnerable?
Natty wants at Sasha right away but waits for the bell. then she tackles Sasha down! Natty and Sasha scrap again, and Sasha sends Natty out. Sasha slides but Natty dodges to ram Sasha into barriers! Natty drags Sasha up for a snap suplex! And another! Natty throws Sasha into the ring at 5, then rains down rights. Sasha pushes Natty away but can’t get away as Natty puts her in a corner. Natty fires off but the referee backs her off. Sasha elbows back, then kicks the bad arm! Sasha runs, wheelbarrows, but Natty slips out to a BIG German Suplex! Sasha has a rough landing, but Natty drags her to a cover. TWO, but Natty has Sasha’s legs. Sasha shoves Natty away and slides out of the ring but Natty grabs the “little snake.” But Sasha throws Natty into the post! Then into the timekeeper’s chair!
Sasha drags Natty up and whips her into the post! Natty clutches that arm but Sasha puts her in at 6. Cover, TWO! Sasha grabs at Natty’s arm and stomps away. The referee backs Sasha off to check on Natty but Sasha won’t let up. Sasha sits Natty up but Natty SLAPS her back! Sasha puts Natty in a corner to stomp the arm! And then wrap the arm around the ropes. The referee counts and Sasha lets off at 4, only to kick the arm again. The referee makes Sasha back off, abut Sasha runs in! The meteora misses and Natty rolls her up! TWO, but Natty wants the legs. Sasha powers out and hits the back stabber! Into Bank Statement crossface! Natty reaches, but her arm gets trapped! Sasha pulls the other arm for a straitjacket modification! Natty taps out, Sasha wins!
Winner: Sasha Banks, by submission
The Boss shows no rust and no mercy in her return to the ring! But she’s not done, she puts Natty back in the Bank Statement! The referee shouts for her to stop, but Sasha grins as she tortures Natty! Sasha lets Natty go, and finally leaves. Sasha’s back in blue and bad to the core, but will she be leaving all her opponents black and blue on the way back tot he top?
Backstage interview with AJ Styles!
The Phenomenal One lost by disqualification, so Strowman gets his rematch tonight. But this is a bunch of bull to Styles. Gallows and Anderson were screwed out of the tag titles! And everyone knows Styles can win without The OC ringside. Strowman intimidates everyone but Styles. Strowman won’t walk out of Clash of Champions with all the gold, because he’s not winning tonight or any night! Styles gives Strowman what he deserves: nothing. Will Styles deny Strowman at least one belt on the way to Clash of Champions?
Cedric Alexander VS Cesaro!
The King of the Ring tournament continues for one of these men, but the Swiss Cyborg wants to prove he could still have beaten the former Cruiserweight Champion. Who wins in a sampler of what could have been?
The bell rings and Cesaro circles with Alexander. They tie up and go around, and Cesaro puts Cedric in a corner. The ref counts but Cesaro gives a clean break, only to shove Cedric. Cedric shoves back, but Cesaro blasts him with EuroUppers! Cesaro whips corner to corner but Cesaro stops himself to CHOP back! Cesaro knees low then whips Cedric, but Cedric goes up and over and rolls to handspring and heascissor and dropkick Cesaro out! Cedric builds speed, and DIVES into a EuroUpper! Cesaro pushes Cedric back in and then drags him up in a gut wrench for a suplex! Cover, ONE, but Cesaro keeps on Cedric with a chinlock. Cedric endures and fights his way up. Fans build to a rally but Cesaro throws Cedric out. Cedric boots back then steps in for the complete shot!
Cesaro bails out again and fans rally as Cedric builds speed. Cedric FLIES and takes Cesaro down! Cedric drags Cesaro back in the ring then climbs up. Cedric springboards and clotheslines Cesaro down! Cover, TWO! Cesaro gasps for air but Cedric is on him. Cedric reels Cesaro in but Cesaro hits back with more EuroUppers. Cedric runs and crossbodies Cesaro and himself out of the ring! Both men are down on the ground while we go to break.
Raw returns again, and Cedric fights Cesaro’s leg lock off, only for Cesaro to drop a leg! Cesaro throws more EuroUppers, then big body shots! Cesaro puts the legs on the rope and pulls but the ref counts. Cesaro lets up at 4, to come back running! Cedric elbows Cesaro away, and again. Cedric throws forearms and chops but Cesaro knees low. Cesaro whips but Cedric handsprings for the Neuralizer enziguri! Cedric scoops Cesaro on one leg for a Michinoku Driver! Cover, TWO! Corbin watches backstage, knowing he has Cedric next. Cedric and Cesaro slowly stir, and Cedric gets to the corner. Cedric stands as fans build back to a rally. Cedric springboards again, but that bad leg slows him down. He has to punch Cesaro away, then he climbs up, But Cesaro dropkicks the legs out! Cesaro climbs up to join Cedric now, for a deadlift SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! But into a Half Crab!
Cesaro tortures Cedric as he sits deep on the hold! Cedric endures and reaches for ropes, and gets the ropebreak! Cesaro lets go and hobbles away, still sore on his own end. Cesaro dares Cedric to stand, and Cedric does. Cesaro runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Cesaro shocks Cedric! Cedric stands up on his good leg as fans rally again. Cedric grabs Cesaro but can’t lift. Cesaro elbows Cedric so Cedric forearms back. Cedric lifts but Cesaro makes it a crossbody, TWO! Cesaro has both legs for the Crab! Then the Half Crab on the bad leg! Cedric reaches but Cesaro pulls harder. Cedric slips out to get to his feet! He climbs up Cesaro for a victory roll! TWO, and Cedric elbows Cesaro. Cedric runs as best he can, handspring but he misses! ANKLE LOCK!
Cesaro has the bad leg and Cedric flails. Cedric rolls to send Cesaro out! Cesaro’s back in, LUMBAR CHECK outta nowhere! Cover, Cedric wins!
Winner: Cedric Alexander, by pinfall
The former Soul of 205 Live survives, but will his bad leg be a liability against the Lone Wolf? Or will the Age of Alexander never see its End of Days?
Backstage interview with Roode & Ziggler!
This new team came together because Ziggler finally found someone with that special twinkle in their eye. Ziggler and Roode found that common bond, and sure a random team-up like Rollins and Strowman as tag champions, they’re going to be focused on their Universal Championship match. The real main-event is right here! When this opportunity came along, they both realized there was no better partner than each other. It’s like they’ve been teaming for years. When you’ve got it, you’ve got it! this isn’t just a whim, this is destiny! The most talented, most athletic, best looking in the WWE will be the next Raw Tag Team Champions! And yes, it will be absolutely… Glorious.
The Street Profits check in.
Raw has been… LIT. Ziggler and Roode are changing the game at Clash of Champions! The same night Strowman and Rollins will face off for the Universal Championship! Is it possible for Architect and Monster to hold it together? Dawkins is too busy enjoying himself some early Mardi Gras. Focus, Dawkins! He is. On the after party on Bourbon Street, bro! Dawkins borrowed a vest from Corbin to make a voodoo doll. Yes, but before that, the big event tonight is Strowman VS Styles! Who you have, fam!? Dawkins has- Oh, Strowman is walking by. Probably should choose him, because that match is up after the break.
WWE United States Championship: Braun Strowman VS AJ Styles!
Gallows and Anderson helped The Phenomenal One retain a few weeks ago, but that didn’t sit well with anyone. So now, Styles has to do things by himself in order to deny Strowman at least one more title belt. Will the Monster Among Men #GetTheseHands on his second title belt on his way to facing Rollins for his?
The introductions are made, the United States Championship is raised, and the match begins!
Strowman grabs Styles and throws him out of the ring! Then Strowman goes out and comes around the corner to run Styles over! But Strowman keeps going, and doe a full lap to run Styles over again! Strowman puts Styles back in the ring, and runs into boots. Styles gets on the apron and forearms Strowman away. Styles then springboards, but Strowman grabs him for a CHOKE SLAM! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Styles survives and gets to the apron, but Strowman BOOTS him down! Styles is down on the outside and realizing what he’s gotten himself into while we go to one last break.
Raw returns once more, and Strowman scoops Styles. Styles slips into a sleeper hold! Strowman flails as fans duel, and he drops to a knee! Styles holds on tight but Strowman powers his way back up to ram Styles into buckles! Strowman is free, but runs into only buckles! Styles chop blocks Strowman’s leg out! Styles kicks away on the leg as Strowman hobbles around the ring. Then he hits a sliding forearm to Strowman’s back! Strowman is down and Styles goes tot he ropes, for a Lionsault! Cover, TWO! Strowman still lives but Styles keeps moving. Another forearm to the back! Styles drags Strowman into the Calf Crusher! Strowman shouts in pain as Styles cranks backs on the bad leg! Strowman reaches, refusing to give up. Fans rally up as Strowman powers his way to sit up! Styles is shocked, and Strowman headbutts Styles down! Cover, TWO!
Strowman crawls to ropes and uses them to stand. Styles stands but gets run over! Strowman keeps moving and runs Styles over again! Strowman hauls Styles up, scoops him, but Styles slips out of the slam. Styles dodges Strowman and Strowman runs into the post! The referee was almost a casualty. Styles dropkicks Strowman into the referee! Styles fires off but Strowman has him by the throat. Styles rakes the eyes, and LOW BLOW kicks! Fans boo as Styles gets away with that, but then Styles gets himself a chair. Styles SMACKS Strowman’s back while the referee’s still out! Strowman stands and scoops Styles for the MONSTER SLAM! But no ref to count the cover! The OC attack now that there is no one to enforce the ringside band! But Strowman fires off chair shots on The OC! But then the referee comes to and Styles plays possum! Strowman tries to explain but the referee heard something. The referee disqualifies Strowman!!
Winner: AJ Styles, by disqualification; still WWE United States Champion
Strowman fires off out of fury! He SMACKS Styles, SMACKS Anderson, SMACKS Gallows, and SMACKS Styles again! Then Strowman scoops Gallows for a Monster Slam! And Anderson gets a Monster Slam! And Styles gets one more MONSTER SLAM! The Monster Among Men stands tall despite again not being a double champion. But can Strowman turn it all around at Clash of Champions?
My Thoughts:
This was an odd Raw. Still pretty good all things considered, but it also felt odd. For one, there were a lot of recaps for an episode that wasn’t a go-home. That rather hurt some of the pacing and amount of time that could be given to things, especially with Sasha Banks going out to the ring at the same time a recap video was playing. Sasha didn’t really do the best with her promo, but her dabbing tears with her hair was a nice touch in mocking Natalya. It was good to have Sasha bring up the story of her post-Mania “meltdown,” but I’m surprised there was nothing with her and Bayley since Bayley was around. WWE really needs to remember continuity is a thing. But Sasha has a great match with Natty and a great win, though it was obvious she would. Bayley also has a good match with Nikki, but it was clearly filler for the night. There is hope that if things go as I feel they should, Bayley and Banks will be able to argue about the things Sasha said tonight as they go to face off at Survivor Series, should both be champions at the time.
The King of the Ring matches tonight were both great, but I’m surprised at their results. I did not think Ricochet would win, but it was such a great match and fans got behind him so strongly, it felt right. WWE still doesn’t like Heel VS Heel or Face VS Face so it’s a shame that the still mostly Heel Joe gets Ricochet by default. I guess we won’t be getting another match of McIntyre VS Alexander, so they probably had it happen before the tournament for that reason. Miz VS Corbin was good, and while I expected Corbin to win, I thought it would be from some kind of Sami Zayn or Shinsuke Nakamura distraction. But good for Corbin to win clean, and he will have a really good match with Cedric Alexander. Cedric had a great match with Cesaro, though it wasn’t really for anything. The fans seemed rather dead when that match started, but they came to life seeing the match. Corbin had a good promo after his win, I have a feeling he advances somehow into the Raw half of the semifinals.
The Tag Team Turmoil was a great match, especially on paper. It was a bit of a shame the OC and the Viking Raiders cross each other off, those two teams should’ve been the last two teams. But what an effective surprise for Roode and Ziggler to not only team suddenly, but for them to win the match! Two makeshift teams fighting for the tag titles, that seems rather weird. But with Rollins VS Strowman for the Universal title happening, Ziggler and Roode have to be taking those titles to carry towards Hell in a Cell or even Survivor Series. Though this will be the Nth time Ziggler and Rollins meet in a match of some kind just this year… Strowman VS Styles was a pretty good match, but of course Styles wins thanks to shenanigans. Styles pulls an Eddy Guerrero and gets away with it, but this probably goes one more week. Tag titles aside, it would probably be a bit too much for the US VS Universal champion in one match for winner takes all, but continually teasing it is certainly possible.
My Score: 8.2/10
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So close to the crowns, we can almost taste them!
Randy Orton and Asuka are waiting, who will join them in the King & Queen of the Ring finals set for Night of Champions?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- PENTA VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman; Bron wins.
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Jade Cargill VS Roxanne Perez; Jade wins and advances to the finals.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Bayley; Becky wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Cody Rhodes VS Jey Uso; Cody wins and advances to the finals.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins is here!
Columbus, Ohio is ready to #BurnItDown as they sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” The Visionary leads the way for Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed, The Wise Man handling the Money in the Bank briefcase. They’re all feeling good after devastating LA Knight to the point of indefinite leave of absence from the bruised ribs caused by multiple Spears and Tsunamis. Rollins revels in the singing in his best Michael Jackson’s Bad ensemble. Heyman hands Rollins the mic, and Rollins says, “Welcome to Monday Night Rollins! I am a Visionary, I am a Revolutionary, I am…” “SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS!”
Rollins takes off the sunglasses while the fans bark for Bron, and Rollins says, “Columbus, you are sending me mixed signals here. So let me ask you a question: All of you, everyone in this building, what do you want?” There is barking but there also seems to be chants for CM Punk. Rollins says exactly! One minute, the fans chant for CM Punk, then the next minute is the OTC, and then they’re barking for “The Dog,” then they’re singing his song! Which they do again.
Rollins says it is painfully obvious that the fans have no damn idea what they want, so Rollins does not care what they want! They don’t know what is good for them, so they need people like Rollins, visionaries like Rollins, to tell them what IS good for them! Rollins wants to try an experiment. Wrap your tiny little brains around this: Even the things that you think you want are because of Rollins. Roman Reigns, the OTC? He exists because of Rollins! CM Punk came back to the WWE because the fans chanted his name? No, CM Punk is back in the WWE because this company wanted to cash in on how much Rollins HATES CM Punk!
Cody Rhodes, The American Nightmare… There is no second coming of Cody unless Rollins is there to put Cody on the map! The World Heavyweight Championship? Rollins was the first! NXT Championship? Rollins was the first! Those things exists as they are because ROLLINS built them in HIS image! Rollins is the creator, the prime mover, the past, present, and FUTURE of this company! Rollins says between him and his “Oracle,” Paul Heyman, they know a thing or two about revolutions. And every revolution faces opposition. Rollins will deal with that opposition diplomatically until that opposition pushes Rollins and forces his hand.
That is exactly what happened to L A Knight, YEAH! Knight stuck his nose in Rollins’ business, and he got Tsunami after Tsunami after Tsunami for it! And… In a few minutes’ time, Rollins’ dog, Bron Breakker, has an opportunity to do the same thing to another person that has been a thorn in Rollins’ side: Penta. The fans cheer but Rollins will spell it out for us. There are a lot of people who think they’ve got what it takes to exist at the very top. Champions like John Cena and Gunther, or even their challengers like CM Punk and Goldberg, or even the King of the Ring entries, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso and Randy Orton!
But what they all fail to understand is they are all running a race for second place. “This (MITB briefcase) is the finish line. This is the endgame. It has and always will be Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!” But wait, here comes Bron’s opponent! Will Penta’s #CeroMiedo be the key to ruining Rollins’ plans? We find out, after the break.
PENTA VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman!
Raw returns and the match is already underway as Bron rains down fits in the corner. The ref counts, Bron drags Penta up and whips him to ropes. Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS! The fans fire up as Bron tumbles around! Bron sputters to his feet in a corner, and Penta GAMANGIRIS! The fans fire up, Penta brings Bron out, but Bron fires body shots. Bron shoves Penta, Penta dodges again to springboard and CROSSBODY! Penta keeps going, GAMANGIRI in the corner again! Then a HEADSTAND DROPKICK! The fans cheer Penta on while Bron bails out. Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” and Columbus joins in.
Penta builds speed, but Bron is back in! BACKDROP! The fans bark while Bron seethes. Bron stomps Penta, digs his forearms into Penta’s face and throat, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Bron reels Penta in, suplexes, and paces. The fans rally as Bron circle Penta. Bron stands Penta up but Penta fires body shots. Penta CHOPS, the fans cheer, but Bron kicks low. Bron whips, scoops, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Penta survives but Bron is amused now. Heyman coaches Bron to keep on Penta, and Bron RAMS into Penta again and again. The fans rally for Penta and the ref counts. Bron stops at 4 to bring Penta around.
Bron headlocks, Penta powers up and out, but Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges now! Bron builds speed and LARIATS! The fans bark and Bron says, “Since his first day here, he’s been trying to keep up with me. You’re never gonna beat me, ever!” Bron stomps Penta at the ropes, the ref counts, but Bron stops at 4. Bron stares down the fans as they either cheer or bark. Bron stands Penta up and scrapes Penta’s face off ropes! Bron hoists Penta up top, climbs up to get him, but Penta fires hands! The fans rally for Penta, Bron staggers back, but then Bron UPPERCUTS! Penta flops to the apron! Bron climbs, he drags Penta up by his mask, but Penta CHOPS! And CHOPS!
Penta runs and jumps to RANA! The fans fire up as Bron tumbles away! Penta KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! Penta fires up, aims, and SUPERKICKS! But Bron just gets mad! Bron runs up, but Penta DUMPS him out! Penta then PLANCHAS, but Bron catches him to a fireman’s carry! But Penta slips free! Penta POSTS Bron, slides in the ring, and Penta KICKS Bron from the apron, Penta builds speed and FLIES! Down goes Bron at the ramp but Penta is also in bad shape. The ref hurries to check while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and now Bron and Penta are down behind the desk! It was first Bron hitting a GOURD BUSTER on the post, then Bron hitting his signature FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, “This is Awesome!” as Bron and Penta rise. Bron brings Penta around the way to put him back in the ring. Bron stomps Penta, and stomps, and stomps, stomps, stomps! Bron then whips Penta to a corner, but Penta BOOTS back! Penta then ELBOWS Bron, runs up, but Bron grabs him by the neck! Gorilla press for the GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO! Penta stays in this and Bron grows frustrated, but Columbus cheers Penta on!
Bron looms over Penta, clamps on a headlock, and he grinds Penta down. Penta endures as Bron claims Penta wants to quit. Heyman says a smart person would quit! The fans rally, Penta fights up, and Penta fires body shots! Penta whips, Bron reverses, but Penta KICKS back! Penta dodges Bron, kicks the legs out, then runs to SLING-DOG! Bron flounders into a corner and the fans fire up with Penta! Penta winds up to CHOP! Penta whips corner to corner, Bron reverses, but Penta goes up and over! Bron holds onto ropes to stop the Backstabber, so Penta O’Conner Rolls, then rolls through, PANCAKE PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Bron escapes but Penta rises up! The fans fire up as Penta calls his shot! Penta runs in, DEST- NO, Bron throws Penta back! Penta SUPERKICKS, goes up, but Bron somersaults?! Bron JUMP KNEES Penta! Bron then runs back up, goes right up, SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up again! Heyman grows frustrated, but Bron brings down the straps. Bron builds speed while the fans bark, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta calls his shot, runs up, but Bron grabs Penta again! Another gorilla press, but Penta DDTS out of it! And now, RUNNING DESTROYER!!! Cover, TWO!!
Bron survives and shocks Penta! The fans can’t believe it either, but “This is Awesome!” Penta and Bron rise, and Penta brings Bron in. Penta pump handles but Bron switches! Bron back suplexes, Penta lands out and mule kicks the legs! Penta fires up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, springboard into the SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall
Bron ends this one in the blink of an eye with a rather badass counterattack! Rollins returns to ringside to celebrate with Bron, and he tells Penta this is his final warning: Stay out of Rollins’ way! Will Penta listen? Or will Penta stay in the fight against Rollins’ “revolution?”
Adam Pearce is on the phone.
The Raw General Manager is discussing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships with the SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis, but has to end the call as someone walks in. AJ Styles is here and asks why Pearce wanted to see him. Pearce says that Liv Morgan is out with injury, but apparently Dominik Mysterio is, too. What? What’d Dom do, strain his mustache? Pearce says the paperwork is legitimate so now the match at Night of Champions is off. Styles says this is just Dom ducking him! He’s gonna go make sure Dom’s hurt. Pearce stops Styles there and says to trust him. When Dom is 100%, Styles is first in line to challenge him.
Styles says fine, he will be waiting. Styles exits, but is Dirty Dom just pulling some kind of charade to avoid a phenomenal title defense? That aside, The New Day walks in, along with Grayson Waller. Xavier Woods says go on, Styles, go on. Kofi Kingston says champions are dropping like flies. A shame, really. Woods is happy they have time to talk with Pearce, they have an idea for a photoshoot. New shirts, great abs, it makes sense. Pearce says he actually wants to talk with them about a match. A MATCH!? Yes. For the tag titles. Against Finn Balor & JD McDonagh. WHAT!? But also, guess what else? It. Don’t say it! Is… Don’t…!! Official! NO!!
Pearce thanks them for dropping by, and Kofi says he is so bad! Pearce knows. Waller hangs back and tells Pearce not to treat his new friends, the NEW~ DAY~, like that! Waller leaves, Pearce sighs, but will the Judgment Day have their day against the New Day next Monday Night Raw?
Exclusive interview with Bill Goldberg.
Michael Cole sat down with the living legend to talk about the revenge he wants against Gunther for the comments made last year. That revenge will be Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta. What is it about Gunther that put Goldberg in this kind of mood? Goldberg answers with his own question: Did we expect anything less from Goldberg? Was there any way he was going to let those comments slide? Cole knows that’s a no. Goldberg takes his family to a WWE event as a fan. They try to relax and have a good night, no worries about opponents. And he steps into a verbal assault from Gunther.
The lack of respect from Gunther that Goldberg say that night was pretty unbelievable. Astonishing even. Did Gunther embarrass Goldberg in front of his wife? Yes. Did he embarrass Goldberg in front of his son? Absolutely. Did he embarrass Goldberg in front of his fans and adopted home of Atlanta? 100%. So there was no way Goldberg was going to let Gunther get away with it. Goldberg didn’t know where and he didn’t know when he would seek revenge, but he was going to introduce Gunther to the true Goldberg. And it didn’t matter if he was 58 or 28, Goldberg could have one foot in the grave, no one is going to talk to him like that.
So yeah, Gunther embarrassed Goldberg in front of his family. So as Goldberg is vying for a retirement match, wondering who his opponent would be, it was rather serendipitous that Gunther has put himself in that spot. This is the logical choice. As long as Goldberg can step foot into the ring, he will make Gunther pay. Goldberg vows to beat to F outta Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event! Goldberg is fired up for what will be his FINAL match, and it will be for the World Heavyweight Champion! Will Goldberg add one more reign to his legacy? Or will Der Ring General crush the seemingly unbreakable?
Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.
With WWE 2K on autopilot in the background, the supposedly hurt Dominik says he misses Liv already. Raquel does, too, we all do. Even Finn. But they all know Liv, and they all know Liv wouldn’t want them sitting around and sulking. Dom is still Intercontinental Champion, and once he’s cleared to compete, he’ll show Styles exactly why he is “Dirty Dom.” And Roxie, she faces Jade Cargill tonight. When Roxie beats Jade, she’ll go on to become Queen of the Ring! And then he and JD have a tag title match next week, and they will bring those belts home! And Raquel, she IS the Women’s World Tag Team Championship, she’s got this!
Raquel brings up that Aldis and Pearce are working out a decision on these titles. Finn says they’ll cross that bridge when it comes. And well, maybe if Rhea shows up… WHAT WAS THAT?! See? That’s the fire Finn wants from Raquel! That’s the enforcer they know! Raquel can’t just let Rhea walk all over her. She needs to be the enforcer, and the enforcer they know would make Rhea pay. Raquel agrees with that! She’ll go take care of her! Raquel heads out and Dom still misses Liv. Roxie assures him, it’ll all be okay. Dom wishes Roxie luck tonight, and now Roxie heads out. The boys are a bit torn, but will Finn be right about everything?
Lyra Valkyria finds Bayley backstage.
The Morrigan asks if The Role Model has a second to chat. Lyra wishes Bayley luck tonight against Becky Lynch, and apologizes for being a bit salty last week. Nobody knows more than Lyra how much Bayley has earned her match with Becky. Speaking of, Becky was walking this way, but sees these two and turns around. Bayley says wow, she didn’t know she needed Lyra’s approval to get this title match. Lyra says that’s not what she means. Bayley cools off and apologizes. This match has been on her mind all week, but she promises that when she beats Becky, Lyra is first in line. Lyra says okay, so they’re cool? They’re cool.
Lyra wishes Bayley luck and heads out. Bayley finishes preparing, but will she be able to bring down The Man? Or will #FiveStarBecks stay golden?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Jade Cargill VS Roxanne Perez!
The Storm is in Columbus, and she wants to reign as the Queen of the Ring. But The Prodigy has a long list of accomplishments backing her up, will she just add QOTR finalist to it? Or is Jade about to step right over her to go against Asuka?
Raw returns as Roxie makes her entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans rally up. Jade and Roxie approach, but then Roxie bails out. The fans boo but Roxie says we do this on her time. Jade dares Roxie to bring it, and Roxie takes her time stepping back inside. Roxie and Jade circle, feel things out, but Roxie smirks as she goes to the apron. The fans boo more but Roxie just smiles. Jade scowls but Roxie steps back in. They circle again, but Roxie dodges Jade to SLAP her! Then Roxie runs for it! Jade gives chase, they get back in the ring and Roxie headlocks. Jade blocks the takeover to THROW Roxie to a corner!
Jade runs in, blocks a boot, then ROCKS Roxie. Jade pops Roxie up and holds her up, but Roxie slips through to sunset flip! Jade YANKS Roxie back up, puts her back in the corner, and runs in again. Roxie dodges, then she ROCKS Jade! Roxie takes a bow, but Jade huffs ‘n’ puffs. Roxie gets worried, apologizes and then bails out again. Jade again gives chase, they go back in the ring, and Roxie runs up. Roxie ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the FLAPJACK still finds her! Roxie flounders around but Jade eggs her on. Jade stands Roxie up to SLAP her back! Roxie flops out of the ring and Jade goes after her. Roxie HOTSHOTS Jade in the ropes!
Roxie runs and tilt-o-whirls, but Jade stops that to hit a BACKBREAKER! Jade storms up on Roxie, TOSSES her across the way, and she fires Columbus up. Jade does push-ups because Roxie isn’t enough of a workout! The fans cheer while Roxie flops out of the ring. Jade storms after Roxie, the cat ‘n’ mouse continues, and Jade avoids hitting steps! Jade ELBOWS Roxie back, then fireman’s carries. Jade carries Roxie around, high-fives some fans, then goes up the steel steps! But Roxie slips free and CHOP BLOCKS! Jade sits down hard on the steps, then Roxie DROPKICKS one of the knees! Jade writhes and Roxie goes back for more!
Roxie stomps away on Jade’s leg while the fans boo, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Roxie UPPERCUTS Jade in the corner! Roxie rolls, comes back, and UPPERCUTS again! Roxie rolls again, runs back in again, but Jade catches her! Jade hits a back suplex but Roxie lands out! CHOP BLOCK! Jade is down and Roxie runs, UPPERCUT against the ropes! Jade falls back, Roxie goes up, up, and LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and Roxie shrieks in frustration! Roxie grabs a leg, steps over, and has the standing toehold! The fans rally while Jade endures. Jade keeps her shoulders up as she reaches for Roxie, and the fans rally up again. Jade kicks at Roxie with her free leg, then BOOTS her down!
Roxie flounders to a corner, runs up on Jade, but Jade scoops! Roxie slips around to have a SLEEPER! Roxie is a backpack and she brings Jade down to a knee! But Jade fights up and RAMS Roxie in to a corner! The fans fire up as Jade is free! Roxie goes up a corner while the fans duel, and Roxie CROSSBODIES! But Jade catches her! The fans fire up as Jade then FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jade shakes her bad leg out, kips up, but the bad leg still bothers her. Jade runs, and she rallies on Roxie with ax handles! Then a BOOT! Roxie rebounds into a SPINEBUSTER! Jade fires up, slaps the leg into working, and the fans rally behind her.
Jade waits on Roxie, brings her up with a choke grip, and she gets a taste! CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Roxie survives the slam dunk and Jade is stunned! Jade hurries to grab at Roxie but Roxie grabs ropes. Jade throws Roxie, then SUPERKICKS! Roxie wobbles, Jade chicken wings, but Roxie victory rolls! And then a step over to an O’Conner BRIDGE! TWO!! Jade kicks, Roxie dodges, and Roxie SUPERKICKS! Roxie shrieks, runs, and tilt-o-whirls, LA MSYTICA! Then the handspring, DOUBLE KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Roxie is furious that Jade survives! Roxie shrieks as she flails and hammers away!
Roxie drags Jade up, tells her she’s messing with the wrong prodigy, but then Jade ROCKS Roxie! Roxie SOBATS, then hops on, but Jade slips free! BOOT! A glancing blow, but Jade hurries to get Roxie up! POWERBOMB! High stack, Roxie fights, so Jade spins her and chicken wings! JADED!!! Cover, Jade wins!!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Roxie may be a prodigy, but Jade is proving to be a force of nature! And wait! Here comes Asuka! The Empress of Tomorrow struts her way out on stage, and she takes off her kabuki mask to look Jade in the eyes. Jade is the storm, but Asuka has the fire, will these two change the entire landscape of the WWE Women’s Division?
Sheamus talks with the Alpha Academy.
The Fella says he told them before, Natalya & Maxxine have a great chance at those Women’s Tag Team Championships. Natty thanks Sheamus, that is appreciated, but Sheamus did a great job in last week’s KOTR Fatal 4 Way. He shouldn’t lose sight of how great he is. Maxxine says sorry it didn’t work out. Sheamus says it’s fine, at least he got to put Rusev in his place. Akira Tozawa says next time… Oh, but here come Rusev. Rusev tells Tozawa to go, and Sheamus has The Alpha Academy move on. Rusev asks if Sheamus is still pretending to be everyone’s friend. This place is full of people like that. They smile to your face, but then stab you in the back.
Is Rusev trying to rile Sheamus up? Cuz Sheamus is used to beating his own drum. And that drum is ten beats o’ the Bodhrain, and he’d love to do it on Rusev’s chest. Rusev says he does his damage in the ring like a god, while Sheamus does his back here like a snake. Oh, Rusev’s a god now? Some god. Rusev was the most embarrassing and egotistical member in the League of Nations. That’s what Sheamus remembers. And he’s tired of talking. So no more BS. Put up or shut up! Rusev vows to make new memories. Rusev leaves, but when and where will Bulgarian Brute and Celtic Warrior have their grudge match?
GUNTHER is here!
The fans are a bit torn seeing the World Heavyweight Champion make his way to the ring, belt around his waist, and surprisingly no suit jacket. That must ironically mean Gunther is all business as he grabs himself a mic. The fans boo, but Gunther says, “Last week was supposed to be my celebration. Me, celebrating regaining what’s rightfully mine, the World Heavyweight Championship! But instead, none other than Bill Goldberg walked down here, looked me straight in the eye, and told me that I am next. So I did a lot of thinking. I thought a lot about what it means to be ‘next.’
“Usually being next means getting speared outta your boots, Jackhammer, 1-2-3, and waking up, looking at the lights. Bill Goldberg is the most destructive man of his generation. But it is not 1999 anymore! It is 2025, and right now, I’M THE GUY!” The fans are torn on that, surprisingly. Gunther says he is the best wrestler in this company, and the world title around his waist proves it! Gunther says he heard what Goldberg said. Intense as always. But nothing changes Gunther’s perception about him: That is a 58-year-old one trick pony that can’t lace Gunther’s boots! The fans are torn again, but Gunther wants to take this moment to apologize.
Gunther apologizes to Goldberg’s wife and son… for everything he is about to do to the man that used to be Goldberg! Gunther is unlike anyone Goldberg has ever faced! Gunther embarrassed him once, and he will embarrass Goldberg again at Saturday Night’s Main Event! It is Gunther’s personal responsibility to make sure that the myth that is Bill Goldberg DIES! Der Ring General storms back out and the fans are just as fired up! Will this be a human demolition derby in Atlanta?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.
Jackie Redmond is with The Man and apologizes for interrupting as Becky prepares for her match. But Jackie was hoping for her thoughts on- Becky interrupts and says her thoughts are on how she just saw Bayley and Lyra conspiring to work together! That is the only way they can get this title off her! Well, she’s said too much already. Becky hurries off, is paranoia getting to her? Meanwhile, Jackie spots Sami Zayn. Jackie asks Sami if he has a second. He is coming off a loss to Randy Orton, but we all know how much becoming world champion means to him. She has to ask, how is he processing the loss?
Sami starts with, “Um,” but then Karrion Kross joins. Kross mockingly asks what kind of response is, “Um.” But he isn’t trying to upset Sami. Sami must be really, really happy. Kross believed everything Sami said last week. “I’m good enough to become the world champion!” But what happened? What Kross said would happen: Sami wrestled The Viper, and got dropped. Kross wants Sami to get it through his thick skull: the way Sami is now, the way Sami wants to be, that Sami will never be world champion. Sami shakes his head, but then says, “Okay. Okay.” Then Sami DECKS Kross! Sami tells Kross he is done talking! Sami talked to Pearce. Their match is official! Tick-tock.
Sami leaves, Scarlett checks on Kross, but then she says, “Stop it.” They were both playing along and they’ve suckered Sami in! Will Sami’s time fade away as he goes up against Mr. Doomsday?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Bayley!
Well, you can’t spell “megalomaniac” without “MAN,” and that’s what The Man has become. But will all the power and glory Becky has cheated to gain go away? Or will she foil the “conspiracy” between Role Model and Morrigan?
Raw returns as Becky makes her entrance in a very big fur coat. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see which horsewoman wears the gold!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Becky and Bayley slowly circle, talk a little trash, and then tie up. They go around collar ‘n’ elbow, and Becky pulls Bayley’s hair! Bayley puts Becky in the corner, grinds forearms in, but then Becky shoves Bayley. Bayley eggs Becky on, so Becky SLAPS Bayley! Bayley fires a flurry of forearms in the corner! The erf counts, Bayley whips Becky corner to corner and fires more forearms! The ref counts again, Bayley climbs up, but Becky slips free! Bayley runs to CLOBBER Becky! Bayley then runs to ELBOW Becky in the back! And then SLIDING- NO, Becky rolls through the lariat to have the arm!
Bayley fights, stands, and steps over, but Becky trips Bayley up! Becky goes for the arm again, they go around and around, and Bayley TOSSES Becky through ropes! Becky shoves Bayley away, then RAMS into her! Becky steps in, but Bayley HOTSHOTS her after all! Becky flops to the floor and the ring count starts. Bayley slides out, runs up the steps, and she FLYING ELBOWS Becky down! The fans fire up and Bayley brings Becky up. Bayley ROCKS Becky, Becky BODY SHOTS, but Bayley SMACKS Becky off barriers! Bayley puts Becky in at 7 of 10, then she goes up the corner. AX HAN- NO, Becky grabs the arm!
Bayley fights the takedown and shoves Becky away. Bayley runs up but Becky puts her on the apron. Bayley ROCKS Becky, climbs up, but Becky goes to the apron. Bayley drags Becky up by her hair, but Becky HOTSHOTS Bayley’s arm! Bayley falls to the floor and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and the fans rally as Bayley rises back up. Becky flounders to ropes, Bayley runs up and LAIRATS! And LARIATS! And then dodges a haymaker to SAIDO! Becky stands, Bayley runs, and Bayley KNEES Becky down! Bayley then fireman’s carries, swings, and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Becky survives and Bayley grows frustrated. Bayley huffs ‘n’ puffs as she stalks Becky. The fans rally, Bayley clinches, but Becky slips free! Becky dragon sleepers, Bayley snapmares and hooks Becky up! Becky fights to a SAIDO! Becky then clinches, MANHAND- NO, Bayley fights that to BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up while both women are down! Bayley and Becky each stir, then they roll away to opposite corners. Becky drags herself up with the ropes, Bayley runs in, but Becky dodges! JUMP KICK blocked and Bayley THROWS Becky into buckles! Bayley runs in, SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Bayley drags Becky into a cover, TWO! Becky survives but Bayley brushes that off to go up the corner. The fans rally, but Becky ROCKS Bayley first! Becky climbs up after Bayley, she and Bayley trade shots! Becky CLUBS away on Bayley’s back, the fans rally up, and Becky hits a SUPERPLEX! Then she grabs the arm, ARMBAR!!
The fans fire up, Bayley stacks Becky, TWO! Becky hast he arm again, but Bayley flips Becky over! O’Conner style cover, TWO! Bayley comes back, gets the legs again, but Becky kicks and kicks and kicks! Bayley still turns her for a HALF CRAB! Bayley can only hold onto the one leg with her one arm, and Becky crawls forward! ROPEBREAK! Bayley lets go at 4, then runs back up to ROCK Becky! Bayley runs up again but Becky BOOTS her! Becky runs up but Bayley ROCKS her back! They go forearm for forearm, the fans duel with every shot, but Bayley has the majority. This turns into a scrap and the fans all fire up!
Becky catches Bayley, but Bayley fights free! Bayley now catches Becky to steal the MANHANDLE SLAM!! But Becky flops all the way out of the ring! The fans fire up while Bayley grows frustrated. The ring count starts but Bayley pursues. Becky stands, and she THROWS Becky over the desk! Becky hurries over, and she shoves the chairs onto Bayley! Becky grabs other chairs and adds to the pile! Becky is literally burying Bayley then leaves her behind! The ring count continues, but wait! Lyra is here and she unburies Bayley! Becky runs up on Lyra to DECK her! Lyra is pissed but Becky gets away!
Lyra wants after Becky but she holds back because this would be a disqualification! Bayley pushes Lyra aside, but Becky DECKS her now! Then Becky runs, but Lyra takes the dropkick for Bayley! Bayley SMACKS Becky off the desk, TOSSES her over the desk, then drags her back up! Bayley POSTS Becky, but the ring count climbs as she THROWS Becky into barriers! Bayley puts Becky in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Bayley climbs up! But Lyra attacks Becky!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by disqualification (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)
Lyra is pissed but so is Bayley! Lyra still WRECKS Becky with a dropkick! Bayley drags Lyra into the ring and asks what the hell! Bayley had this match won and Lyra had to go and lose her temper! Becky grins as she gets to scurry away with the title. Lyra realizes her mistake a little too late, but was it really a mistake? Or does she just want to be the one that dethrones The Man?
Chad Gable talks with Ivy Nile.
He tells her not to tell The Creed Brothers, but she has always been his favorite. Now, she should’ve won MITB, and she should still be in QOTR, but she has had Stephanie Vaquer in the way. Next time, do what Gable does like he did to Rey Mysterio, to Otis, and others: Wipe ’em out completely, regardless of the cost. Gable spots someone and says they’ll finish this lesson later. Gable walks over to Penta and says far be it for him to laugh at someone else’s misfortune. That is, unless they deserve it. But in this case, Penta, it was Gable’s pleasure watching Bron destroy him earlier. Maybe Gable will finish the job!
Penta tells Gable to shut up but Gable says maybe he’ll rip that mask right off Penta’s head to show his ugly face! Penta shoves Gable, Gable takes a swing, and Penta dodges! Penta SUPERKICKS Gable down! Penta says he warned Gable! SACRIFICE on the arm!! Refs and producers rush in, as do the Creeds, and Penta leaves for Gable to writhe in pain. Will this keep Gable and El Grande Americano out of action for awhile?
Raquel Rodriguez is in the ring.
Ricky Desperado has a mic, and she calls out Rhea! She insults her in Spanish, and then tells Rhea in English that she won’t screw Raquel outta QOTR and get away with it! Raquel tells Rhea that she could drag her out here by her nose ring, or Rhea can make it easy and walk out here to take the beating she deserves! Rhea makes her entrance and the fans fire up! Mami stares Big Mami Cool down the whole way, and then the fight is on! Rhea dodges to fire hands! Raquel shoves Rhea, runs up, but Rhea dodges, only for the AX HANDLES to find her! Rhea comes back to BOOT Raquel! Raquel bails out and Rhea is fired up!
Rhea steps outside but Raquel RAMS her into the apron! And then THROWS her over the barriers! Rhea lands in the timekeeper’s area, but Raquel says she’s not done! Raquel goes under the ring to bring out a TABLE! The fans fire up for that as Raquel puts the table in the ring. But Rhea stands on the desk! FLYING FOREARM! Down goes Raquel, and then Rhea RAMS her into steel steps! The fans fire up and Rhea grins. Rhea says if Raquel wants tables, then she’ll get tables! Rhea sets that table up in the ring, positions it near a corner, then fetches Raquel. Rhea pump handles Raquel, but here comes Roxie!
Roxie jumps on Rhea as a backpack, but Rhea pops her up onto the Electric Chair! SLAM off the top buckles! But Raquel gets up and under, TEXANA BOMB through the table!! The fans boo but Raquel and Roxie just took down the Eradicator! Will they actually end up amigas because of this?
Raw returns and…
Rhea storms into Pearce’s office! She demands a match with Raquel! Pearce says sure, how about a Street Fight? Even better! Then it’s official! Pearce says he couldn’t have said it better himself. Rhea got up after that table Texana Bomb, but will she make sure Raquel doesn’t get up after their grudge match?
PROGRAMMING NOTE for next week!
It will be a special early edition of Monday Night Raw that starts at 6PM Eastern, 3PM Pacific, live from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!
King of the Ring Semifinals: Cody Rhodes VS Jey Uso!
The American Nightmare and Main Event Jey Uso have a long and storied history, from battling Roman Reigns and The Bloodline together, to holding the tag team championships together, to holding the top championships in the WWE at the same time. But now, only one of them can go for the crown. Will there be adrenaline in the soul? Or will we all YEET on the way to the Night of Champions?
The fans want to YEET “One More Time!” so Jey says why not. The music starts and Columbus gets to YEET again! Then Cody makes his entrance, and the fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off, the bell rings, and the fans duel between “Cody! Cody Rhodes~!” and “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Cody and Jey soak in the moment, nod and shake hands, and the fans cheer the sportsmanship. These two circle, feel things out, then tie up. They’re in a deadlock, and Cody powers Jey back, only for Jey to headlock. Cody powers up and out but Jey RUNS him over! Cover, ONE! Cody sweeps to cover, ONE! The fans cheer the standoff!
Cody and Jey reset, the fans duel even harder, and the two feel things out. They tie up, Cody wrenches and wristlocks, then cranks on the arm. Cody puts Jey in a corner, whips him corner to corner, but Jey goes up and over. Jey arm-drags Cody, Cody arm-drags Jey, and the fans cheer the new standoff! Jey shakes out his arm and resets with Cody again. They tie up, Cody waistlocks, then headlocks. Jey endures the grind while fans sing for Cody some more. Jey wrenches at the hold, headlocks in return, but Cody powers up and out. Cody stays back of the up ‘n’ over, then dragon sleepers! Jey snapmares free, but Cody narrowly avoids the superkick!
Jey says it was that close, YEET! Cody nods and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Cody has Jey in a FIGURE FOUR! Jey endures, reaches out, and the fans rally! ROPEBREAK! Cody lets go quickly and he brings Jey back around. Cody spins Jey but Jey DRAGON WHIPS! Jey then mule kicks, pops, locks ‘n’ UPPERCUTS! But Cody kicks to then RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody runs but into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Cody stays in this but Jey stays focused. Cody crawls away, Jey backs up to the opposite corner, “UCE! OH!” HIP ATTACK! Cody sputters, Jey goes up the corner, and USO SPLASH onto knees! Cody drags Jey into a KIMURA!! Cody uses what The Beast once used on him!
The fans rally, Jey endures, but Cody cranks on the arm! Jey fights up, whips Cody away, and then Jey has the SLEEPER! Jey uses what he used on Gunther! Cody fights and flails but he’s fading! Cody drops to a knee, and Jey becomes a backpack! Cody gets a second wind, but even that fades! Cody gets a third wind and he hoists Jey up! The fans fire up as Cody then runs and DUMPS Jey up and over the top rope! The fans rally while both men are down! The ref calls to Jey and starts a ring count. Jey stirs at 3 of 10 while Cody huffs ‘n’ puffs and stands back up. Cody builds speed, and Cody DVIES into an UPPERCUT!
The fans fire up and Jey hurries to the corner. Jey climbs, but Cody ROCKS Jey first! Cody climbs up to get Jey, “This is Awesome!” as the two brawl up top! Cody goes to the very top, but Jey HEADBUTTS him down! Jey adjusts, but Cody springs right back up! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cody and Jey both writhe, and Cody goes to the apron while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Cody fires hands on Jey! Jey is down on his knees, Cody CLUBS and ROCKS him again! Jey shoves Cody, but Cody fires more shots! Jey counter punches! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” But Cody JABS! JABS! JABS! Cody flips, flops, and- UPPERCUT from Jey! Jey pops, locks, puts some stank on it, but Cody ROCKS Jey! Jey ROCKS Cody, then runs, btu Cody follows and CLOBBERS Jey! Cody goes to a corner, Jey runs in, but Cody goes up and over! Only for Jey to fake Cody out on the snap powerslam! Cody staggers up, into Jey’s SNAP POWERSLAM! Jey uses a very Cody kind of move, and then he puts on a dragon sleeper!
Cody KNEES Jey away, then runs to springboard, CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and Cody is a bit surprised. “This is Awesome!” and Cody watches Jey stir. Jey rises, Cody brings him around, springboard and- NO, Jey ducks the Disaster Kick to SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Cody survives and Jey is the one surprised! The fans rally up as both men go to ropes. Jey aims from a corner, runs in, but into a KICK! Cody goes to the corner, goes up, up, and SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!?! Jey survives and Cody is shocked! But then Cody fires himself back up, the fans rally even harder, and Cody waits on Jey.
Jey rises, Cody dragon sleepers, but Jey spins it around?! CROSS RHODES from Jey!! Cover, TWO!!! Cody survives his own move and Jey is beside himself! Columbus is thunderous as Jey goes back to a corner. Jey watches Cody rise up now, and he SUPERKICKS Cody back down! Jey dares Cody to get back up, and Cody does rise back up. Jey SUPERKICKS again! Cody falls but Jey drags him around. Jey whips, runs, and SPEARS!! But that isn’t all as Jey puts Cody in a drop zone. Jey climbs up a corner, but Cody is right back up!! Jey and Cody go for a ride in the SUPER DUPER CODY CUTTER!!!
The fans are electric as Cody puts Jey in the dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, CODY WINS!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
These two know each other so well, that’s how they were able to push each other this far! And while he is still Main Event Jey Uso, he loses out to The American Nightmare! Cody shows his friend great respect by kneeling down and looking him in the eye. The fans cheer as the friends stand up together and hug it out. But now this puts Cody on a collision course with his friend and mentor, Randy Orton! Will Cody or Orton be crowned King of the Ring?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw as the go-home to Night of Champions, which is still happening as of this moment. Great opening promo from Rollins to put everything in perspective, while also calling out the fans at the same time. Great segue into Bron VS Penta, and that was a great opening match. Bron winning makes sense, the henchmen need to stay strong if they’re also to be contenders in their own right, whether for tag titles or midcard titles. And great bit with Penta and Gable, this would be a great way to expose El Grande as Gable with the “bad arm.”
Good promo from Sheamus with Alpha Academy and then with Rusev. Sheamus VS Rusev 1v1 is going to be big, but I suddenly want there to be a “Best of” series, so they can go like four, five, six matches, or as Sheamus would put it, banger after banger. Then the winner is more than primed for a title shot, either Intercontinental or World Heavyweight, and they could make a very good case for winning. Speaking of which, not sure how real Dom needing time to heal up is, but Judgment Day said Dom needed it so I guess it isn’t them fooling everyone. Styles VS Dom might be set up for Saturday Night’s Main Event with this delay to help build that show up.
The New Day had a good promo with Adam Pearce, too, with them being so offended at the idea of defending the tag titles, and now Waller trying to be the new third man or something. But hey, I’ve been wanting to see someone somewhere book a Heel VS Heel thing, so here we are, and Waller can make a great counter to like, Dom being the cornerman for Finn & JD. Also, good stuff with Raquel, Rhea and Roxie. Roxie helping Raquel get one over on Rhea is a nice touch, and it probably leads to Roxie & Raquel defending the tag titles together. Whether or not Roxie screws Raquel over is still up in the air with Liv’s shoulder injury so much worse than expected.
Goldberg and Gunther had very good promos to hype their match, and I kinda liked Columbus, OH being on Gunther’s side there. And with it being a combination of retirement match yet also title match, that practically screams, “Rollins is going to cash-in.” Maybe, just maybe, Goldberg wins to have that last title reign and then Rollins cashes in, making it one of the shortest reigns ever. Or to get even more heat from Goldberg’s fans, Rollins cashes in during the match to parallel his Heist of the Century moment.
Good promo for Bayley and Lyra, and very good promo from Becky where she assumes the worst. Becky VS Bayley was great, but they could’ve done a lot better with Lyra messing up the finish for Bayley. Lyra running in there when Bayley was up top felt like Lyra was being far too foolish. Now granted, the other way would’ve been an “accidental” punch on Bayley where Lyra was aiming for Becky, so they were kinda stuck. But obviously, this helps them set up a Triple Threat for the title, and they should put it for Evolution.
Great promo from Sami and Kross, especially with Sami finally hitting Kross. Sami VS Kross being for Night of Champions is great stuff, because Sami finally gets to be part of a big PLE again. And since this is all working to Kross’ plans, maybe this brings Sami closer to turning Heel. Great tournament matches tonight, Jade beating Roxie made sense when Roxie has her Judgment Day story to fall back on, and Asuka VS Jade is certainly a big deal. I feel like either woman could win, but given the stories we’ve got going, I’m leaning towards Jade because of Naomi being Miss MITB, but we definitely need to see Asuka VS Iyo happen for the Women’s World title, too.
Cody VS Jey was awesome, practically a PLE match, but as I figured, we are now getting Cody VS Orton in the finals. That is because Cody will win, then face Cena at SummerSlam, and I would think Cody wins there, too. It makes me also think that we could get a wild double turn. Fans are loving what Cena is doing, he could go back to being Face while we finally get that Homelander Heel Cody fans have been curious about during his time in AEW.
My Score: 8.9/10
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May your New Japan Soul reach the Climax!
With spots left open in the G1 Climax, it’s win-and-you’re-in as NJPW pits Tomohiro Ishii against “Drilla” Moloney and Taichi against Callum Newman!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Zane Jay; Time Limit Draw.
- Kickoff – Masatora Yasuda VS Daiki Nagai; Yasuda wins.
- 10 Man Tag: Toru Yano, YOH, Master Wato, Shoma Kato & Katsuya Murashima VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins, by disqualification.
- 8 Man Tag: Hontai VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Yuya Uemura & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young; Uemura & Taguchi win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado VS Gabe Kidd & Taiji Ishimori; Gabe & Taiji win.
- Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, Boltin Oleg & Shota Umino VS TMDK; Goto, Oleg & Umino win.
- G1 Climax 35 B Block Play-In: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins and advances to the G1.
- G1 Climax 35 A Block Play-In: Taichi VS Callum Newman; Callum wins and advances to the G1.
PLAY BY PLAY
G1 Climax 35 B Block Play-In: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
It’s a dogfight in Korakuen Hall! But will the Stone Pitbull beat some respect into this whelp? Or will this War Dog take a big bite out of the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion?
The bell rings and the fans rally up already. The two tie up as the fans duel, and Drilla headlocks. Ishii powers up and out, Drilla RAMS him, but Ishii comes back. Drilla dodges, Ishii dodges, Drilla hurdles, but Ishii spins him for a suplex. Drilla fights that and lifts, but Ishii fights free! Drilla ducks the enzigiri, but then Ishii avoids the Gore! The fans fire up for the standoff. Ishii and Drilla reset, and Ishii shoves Drilla. Drilla CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, and repeat! The fans cheer as the CHOPS keep going back and forth! CHOP after CHOP, but Ishii starts to feel those! Drilla CHOPS and CHOPS, but Ishii ducks!
Ishii waistlocks, Drilla switches, Ishii elbows free then runs, but into Drilla’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Ishii bails out. Drilla builds speed and he WRECKS Ishii with the dropkick! Ishii hits railing and the fans fire up! Drilla huffs ‘n’ puffs and goes out to fetch Ishii. Drilla CHOPS Ishii again and the fans applaud. The ref wants this back inside so Drilla pushes Ishii in the ring. Drilla taunts the fans, “The F you say?” then he steps inside. Drilla CHOPS Ishii but Ishii eggs him on. Drilla CHOPS again, and CHOPS again, but Ishii SPITS at Drilla! Drilla BOOTS, CHOPS, then he SPITS at Ishii! Drilla snapmares Ishii to KICK him in the back!
Ishii snarls and the fans fire up. Ishii shakes his head and Drilla scuffs him. Drilla gives mocking kicks, eggs Ishii on, and the fans rally up. Ishii eggs Drilla on, so Drilla gives him more kicks. Ishii rises to fire forearms! Drilla ROCKS Ishii! And ROCKS him again! Ishii winds up but Drilla ROCKS him a third time! Drilla reels Ishii in, lifts, but Ishii fights the suplex! They fight for control, the fans duel, and it’s Ishii who suplexes Drilla up and over! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ishii rises, he brings Drilla up, but Drilla CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Drilla fires up and CHOPS! Ishii scowls and CHOPS back!
Ishii reels Drilla in but Drilla fights with elbows. Drilla whips, Ishii reverses, and reels Drilla in for a SAIDO! The fans fire up and Ishii rises again! Ishii stalks Drilla to a corner, winds up and CHOPS! CHOPS! And ROCKS! Ishii CHOPS and ROCKS Drilla again and again, Drilla sputters and the fans fire up. Ishii comes back to stand Drilla up. Ishii whips, Drilla reverses, and Drilla DROPKICKS! Ishii stays up!? And POUNCES Drilla in return! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Ishii drags Drilla up, puts him on the top rope, then climbs. The fans rally as Ishii brings Drilla to the very top, for a SUPERPLEX!
The fans fire up again and Ishii hurries to cover, TWO! Drilla survives and the fans cheer. Ishii stands, and he looms over Drilla. Drilla sits up, Ishii brings him up, but Drilla SLAPS! Ishii SLAPS, and now it is a SLAP fight! The fans fire up as the SLAPS go fast ‘n’ furious! Ishii ROCKS Drilla with one, then kicks him! So Drilla SLAPS back! And then DECKS Ishii!! The fans fire up while Ishii is down! Ishii stirs, Drilla roars, and Drilla runs, but Ishii SWATS the lariat to fire boxing elbows! But Drilla spins, but Ishii ROCKS him first! Ishii runs, but into a wrench and short arm LARIAT! ROLLING ELBOW! Drilla runs to GORE, but Ishii stuffs it!
Ishii lifts, Drilla wrenches free, but Ishii ROCKS him! Ishii runs, but into Drilla’s SPINEBUSTER! Drilla runs and GORES!! Cover, TWO!?! Ishii survives and the fans are thunderous. The fans rally up and duel between Ishii and Moloney. Drilla rises, staggers a bit, but he steadies himself. Drilla brings Ishii up and puts him on the top rope. Drilla ROCKS Ishii, fires the fans up more, and the fans bark along with Drilla. Drilla rises, but Ishii fires body shots! Ishii HEADBUTTS Drilla, but Drilla GAMANGIRIS in return! Drilla climbs back up, drags Ishii onto his shoulders, and he fireman’s carries for a SUPER DUPER LANDSLIDE!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Ishii survives, the fans are thunderous, and we’re only ten minutes in?! Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him back in, but Ishii fights the lift! Drilla still hits a PILEDRIVER!! But Ishii’s right up!?! He dodges a boot, blocks the next kick, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Both men are down and the fans rally even harder! Ishii crawls away to a corner, and he fires himself up as he rises. Drilla stands, Ishii runs up, but Drilla BOOTS the lariat! Ishii spins to LARIAT, but Drilla ENZIGIRIS! Ishii comes back, but into a pump handle! MADE IN JAPAN!?! Cover, TWO!!! Drilla tried to be a Rampaging Dragon but he couldn’t put Ishii down!
The fans are thunderous again as Drilla rises and Ishii stirs. Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him in, Canadian Rack! Ishii slips free, Alabama Lifts, but Drilla fights that! They fight for control, and Ishii lifts for a BEACH BREAK!! A shoutout to Ishii’s Freshly Squeezed friend, and both men are down! Ishii crawls over, he sits Drilla up and runs, but Drilla avoids the Sliding Lariat! Drilla takes a swing, but into a full nelson! DRAGON SUPLEX! But Drilla is right up?!? Only for Ishii to LARIAT him back down! The fans are electric as Ishii sits Drilla up, for the SLIDING LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Drilla survives and the fans continue to rally!
Ishii huffs ‘n’ puffs and roars to his feet! Ishii brings Drilla up, suplexes, but Drilla slips free! STEP-UP KNEE! Ishii drops down but Drilla reloads! Drilla runs up, but Ishii RAMS him first! Ishii HEADBUTTS, Drilla UPPERCUTS, but Ishii DECKS Drilla!! Ishii roars, the fans are with him, and Ishii runs! LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Drilla survives again and the fans are electric! Ishii brings Drilla back up, suplexes, BRAIN- NO, Drilla fights it off at the last second! Drilla suplexes to BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!??! Ishii survives his own signature move, but Drilla vows to end this now! Drilla hauls Ishii up, reels him in, and Canadian Racks!
But Ishii fights free! Drilla ducks the lariat to wrench and ripcord, but Ishii HEADBUTTS! Ishii then SLIDING HEADBUTTS!! Cover, TWO!!! Drilla survives again but Ishii just stands him up. DOUBLE HEADBUTTS collide! ENZIGIRI from Ishii!! Drilla roars and GORES!!! But Ishii’s back up!??! So Drilla GORES again!!! And with some extra stank on it! Drilla hurries to get Ishii back up, Canadian Racks, DRILLA KILLA!!! But he isn’t done?!? ANOTHER DRILLA KILLA!!!! Cover, DRILLA WINS!!
Winner: “Drilla” Dan Moloney, by pinfall (advances to G1 Climax 35, B Block)
A dogfight indeed, and both men brought everything they had and a little extra! But it is the young gun that wins his way into the G1! Will no one survive facing 44 Caliber?
G1 Climax 35 A Block Play-In: Taichi w/ Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Callum Newman!
The Holy Emperor & Stone Pitbull won the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships off The United Empire, but there’s always more to win. Will Taichi make up for missing out on the G1 last year? Or will the Prince of Pace run through Taichi to join the round robin?
The bell rings and both men run up! Taichi BOOTS first, but Callum BOOTS back! Callum eggs Taichi on and Taichi RIDGE HANDS! Callum comes back to fire a forearm! Taichi RIDGE HANDS, Callum fires a forearm, repeat! The fans fire up with Taichi and he fires another RIDGE HAND! Callum shakes that off to fire forearm after forearm! Callum runs, BOOTS Taichi, but Taichi BOOTS back! Callum BOOTS again, Taichi BOOTS, but Callum blocks! Callum then ducks ‘n’ dodges the haymakers to JUMP KICK! Taichi falls and goes outside while the fans fire up. Callum goes to the apron and he PENALTY KICKS!
The fans cheer as Taichi falls! The ref checks and Taichi is alright to continue, so Callum hops down. Callum drags Taichi up, then whips him at the railing! Taichi hits hard and slumps down! The fans rally while the ref reprimands, and Callum brings Taichi up. Callum CHOPS and Taichi sputters away! Callum pretends even his ears are ringing from that pop sound. Callum puts Taichi in, the fans applaud, and Callum covers, ONE! Taichi is tougher than that and the fans rally behind him. Callum stays cool as he sits Taichi up. Callum mockingly claps along, then KICKS Taichi in the back! Taichi eggs Callum on!
Callum KICKS, and Taichi stands right up! RIDGE HAND! BACKHAND! KICK! But then Callum BODY SHOTS! Callum runs up but Taichi BOOTS him! Taichi runs, dodges a shot to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum crawls to a corner, Taichi runs in, and Taichi BOOTS! Callum slumps down and the fans applaud. Taichi drags Callum up to snapmare and KICK! Callum writhes, the fans applaud, and Taichi KICKS again! Callum eggs Taichi on, so Taichi KICKS again! Now Callum stands up to KICK Taichi in the chest! Taichi snarls and KICKS Callum in the chest!
Callum SOBATS but Taichi ENZIGIRIS! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Taichi rises, the fans rally, and OFF COME THE PANTS! The fans fire up as Taichi takes aim from the corner. Callum slowly stands, TENSHO- Callum dodges and ENZIGIRIS! Then he SWEEPS the legs to DOUBLE STOMP! The fans rally while both men are down again. Callum stands, storms over to Taichi, and brings Taichi to his feet. Callum UPPERCUTS Taichi to a corner, but Callum needs a second to catch his breath. Callum then CHOPS Taichi and Taichi slumps down. Callum shakes out the stars, winds up again and CHOPS!
Taichi stands, Callum CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Taichi eggs Callum on, so Callum ROCKS him with an elbow! Taichi RIDGEHANDS in return! Callum fires a flurry of forearms, sits Taichi down with them, and keeps raining forearms! The ref counts, then he backs Callum off at 4! Callum goes back to Taichi, scuffs him, then stands him up. Callum hoists Taichi up top, then ROCKS him with a right! The fans rally as Callum climbs, but Taichi fights the suplex! Taichi shoves Callum away, but Callum comes back to DROPKICK Taichi down! Taichi tumbles to the apron then the floor while the fans fire up!
Callum goes out to fetch Taichi again, and he RAMS Taichi into railing! The fans rally while Taichi slumps down. The ref wants this back inside so Callum puts Taichi in the ring. But then Callum drags Taichi to the apron and stands him up! Callum reels Taichi in, but Taichi fights the suplex! Taichi fires body shots, then RIDGE HANDS! DANGER- NO, Callum fights the saido with elbows! Callum then goes up the corner, APRON OSC- BOOT!! Taichi knocks Callum out of the sky and Callum falls to the floor! Taichi slumps down from the apron and the fans rally up. A ring count starts while both men are on the ground.
The fans rally as we pass 5 of 20, and Taichi sits up at 8. Callum stirs at 11, Taichi rises up to jump into the ring! Callum is still down at 15! The fans rally harder as Callum rises, and he staggers around at 18! Callum lunges in at 19! BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and the fans fire up! Taichi stands over him, brings him up, and the fans rally. The ref has Taichi hold on, and he checks Callum. Callum stirs, sputters, and sits up. Taichi grabs at him, Callum pushes him away, but Taichi kicks him around. The fans rally more, and Taichi eggs Callum on. Callum tells Taichi to bring it, so Taichi KICKS him down!
The fans rally up, Callum sputters again, but Taichi sits him up for another KICK! Callum flops back over but Taichi eggs him on. Taichi kicks at Callum, Callum rises up, and Callum shoves the ref aside. Callum eggs Taichi on and the fans fire up. Taichi KICKS Callum down again! The fans cheer and Taichi eggs Callum on. Taichi scuffs Callum, Callum pushes him, and Callum puts his arms back?! The fans cheer Callum’s grit, and Taichi KICKS again! Callum goes right back down! Callum takes a moment, but he sits right back up! Taichi KICKS him right back down! Taichi eggs Callum on, and Callum sits up again.
Callum SPITS at Taichi, Taichi wipes that away, and KICKS, only for Callum to block! Callum then stands to CHOP! Taichi RIDGEHANDS! Callum ROUNDHOUSES! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Callum goes to ropes, the fans rally up, and Callum drags himself up the corner. Callum reaches the top, steadies himself, then DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Direct hit but Callum can’t cover from the pain in his own ribs! The fans rally while both men writhe, and Callum manages to stand. Callum hobbles his way over, brings Taichi up, but his ribs won’t let him suplex so easily. Taichi wrenches out and RIDGE HANDS!
Callum snarls and ROCKS Taichi with a forearm! Then he hooks the leg, FIREBOLT!! The fans fire up, Callum covers, TWO!! Taichi survives and the fans fire up again! Callum sits Taichi up to fire Kawada Kicks, then he calls his shot. Callum runs, springboards, and OSC- NO, Taichi blocks and DANGEROUS SAIDOS!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Taichi crawls to a corner and roars as he rises! Taichi takes aim again, and as Callum stands, TENSHOU- JUMP KNEE from Callum! And then a forearm! ROLLING ELBOW! ROLLING- ELBOW from Taichi! Then a ROLLING ELBOW from Taichi!
Taichi roars and DANGEROUS- JUMP KNEE form Callum again! Taichi rebounds, AX- NO, Callum ducks and runs, but into the AX BOMBER!! The fans fire up and Taichi fires up again! DANGEROUS SAIDO, with BRIDGE! TWO?!? Callum survives, the fans rally for Taichi, but there might be some cheers for Callum in there. Taichi vows to finish this, and he brings Callum up. Taichi Alabama Lifts, but Callum fights it down! Taichi tries again but Callum CLUBS away on Taichi’s back! Callum lifts Taichi, but Taichi slips free! AX- NO, Callum slips around to DRAGON SUPLEX! Taichi flounders to the ropes, Callum runs up to KNEE Taichi down!
Callum pushes Taichi to the drop zone, then climbs up the corner. The fans rally, Callum DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS Taichi while he’s standing! Callum goes back up top, DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Taichi survives again and shocks Callum! The fans are thunderous as they duel. Callum rises, looks to the corner, and he calls his shot! Callum goes up, up, and- NO, Taichi CLUBS him on the top rope! Taichi then climbs up after Callum, CLUBS him again and again, then brings him up! SUPER DUPER SAIDO, but Callum lands out! Callum BOOTS Taichi! Callum runs in, Taichi dodges and Taichi GAMANGIRIS!
Taichi roars, the fans fire up, and Taichi runs, but into a SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Callum drags Taichi up again, but the ref has him wait. The ref checks Taichi, Taichi is okay to continue, and Callum brings him up. BLOODY- NO, Taichi fights the lift, wrenches out, but Callum avoids the lariat to DREAMCAST KICK! And then FIREBOLT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Taichi survives and the fans are thunderous! Callum is beside himself but the fans rally up again! The fans chant, “Let’s Go, Taichi!” but Callum shakes his head. Callum brings Taichi up, reels him in, but Taichi fights free of the hold to JAWBREAKER and FIGURE FOUR JACKKNIFE! TWO!!!
Callum escapes, but Taichi ROUNDHOUSES! And GAMANGIRIS! Taichi roars, the fans fire up, and Taichi hurries to Alabama Lift! BLACK- NO, Callum slips free, jumps up, and POISON-RANAS!! Taichi staggers around, Callum runs up to BUSAIKU KNEE!! Callum roars, reels Taichi back in, PRINCE’S CURSE!!! Cover, CALLUM WINS!!
Winner: Callum Newman, by pinfall (advances to G1 Climax 35, A Block)
And once again, the younger generation triumphs! While Taichi might be champion, will he have to admit the times are changing?
As for Callum, he catches his breath to pick up the mic. “Oh my God… Chotto matte <Hold on a moment.> Taichi-san, honto tsuyoi ne. <Taichi, you’re really strong.>” The fans applaud, and Callum says he was rather surprised. Then he apologizes, that’s the limits of his Japanese. But he said once in an interview, that when he was 16 years old, he snuck backstage of a show, no ticket. The first person he saw was Taichi. The fans applaud that, and Callum says he won’t kiss up to Taichi, Taichi wouldn’t want it. But Callum says that honestly, Taichi is probably one of the best wrestlers in the world today.
The fans cheer that, and Callum continues with saying he is so sorry that they had to do it like this. It was either Callum or Taichi, and Callum was going to make it himself. But Taichi should honestly be in every G1 Climax he can make. Callum encourages Taichi to give us more anytime, and anywhere. The fans applaud in agreement there. Taichi seems rather emotional being praised like this. Taichi manages to stand, and he shakes Callum’s hand. The fans cheer as Taichi now encourages Callum, and even raises Callum’s hand in victory. Taichi goes to his corner before giving another bow of respect. The fans cheer Taichi on as he makes his exit.
Callum continues by calling to Yuya Uemura. “Now or later, your choice.” Yuya says that he looks forward to facing Callum in the G1. Callum says please do. Callum says to speed things along, he is in the G1, baby! The fans cheer that! Callum says he had no idea what he was going to say because he wasn’t sure he’d win. But he will say one thing: Everyone wants to talk about being a leader, whether that’s leading this generation, NJPW as a company, or their own faction. Callum DGAF! “No matter who you are, where you are, no matter how much money you earn elsewhere, NJPW is the place where everyone wants to be!”
The fans cheer and Callum says last year, well, he’s barely been in NJPW for about two years then. And already, he has been in two New Japan Cups, one World Tag League, is a TWO-TIME IWGP Tag Team Champion, is the YOUNGEST challenger to the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and now he’s in his second G1! As long as there is a heart beating in this chest, as long as there is air in his lungs, he will be a NJPW wrestler! He will win the G1 as one of the best in the world, because this is CALLUM! EFFIN’! NEWMAN!! Mic drop and the fans fire up! Will The Prince of Pace soon make himself the King of the Climax?
My Thoughts:
Another great New Japan Soul here. The House of Torture winning both matches again comes with a hilarious disclaimer: The 10 Man Tag had a TRIPLE Eddie Guerrero “caught red-handed” moment, but Yano and his team figured if they were gonna lose cuz of cheating, they would do it themselves. Yano, Yoh & Wato got to clobber Narita, Sho & Douki with their signature weapons, and then declared they wanted not only the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag titles back, but even want to go after the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles. Those will be great matches, and the factions probably split the difference.
The G1 Climax Play-In matches were great, but I figured the younger guys were both making it in. Taichi & Ishii just won the tag titles, they can worry more about that story than a G1 story. But I do appreciate Callum telling Taichi and the world that Taichi is sill so good and deserves much more. Ishii VS Drilla was much more high impact, but Taichi VS Callum was a bit grittier, a bit more story and psychology to it, so I see why it was the main event. And Callum is certainly rising up the ranks, NJPW sees what he’s got, and he could make a good run. I can’t be sure what singles title Callum gets, but he’s deserving of something between now and WrestleKingdom.
My Score: 8.8/10
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