Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (9/2/19)
The King of the Ring Quarterfinals begin!
Who takes one more step towards the throne?
King of the Ring 2019 enters the quarterfinals! Cedric Alexander or Baron Corbin, Ricochet or Samoa Joe, who makes it to the next round?!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman VS The OC w/ AJ Styles; Rollins & Strowman win.
- Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler VS Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder; Roode & Ziggler win.
- Natalya VS Lacey Evans; Evans wins.
- King of the Ring Quarterfinals: Baron Corbin VS Cedric Alexander; Corbin wins and advances to the semifinals.
- The Viking Raiders VS Bryan & Tyler; The Viking Raiders wins.
- King of the Ring Quarterfinals: Samoa Joe VS Ricochet; Undecided.
- The Miz VS Cesaro; Miz wins.
- Championship Showcase: Bayley & Becky Lynch VS Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross; Bayley & Lynch win, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw opens with BRAUN!
The Monster Among Men and one half of the Raw Tag Team Champions marches out to the ring, where Michael Cole waits at the table. This is the contract signing for the WWE Universal Championship match Strowman and Seth Rollins will have for Clash of Champions! And speaking of, Rollins appears next! Baltimore is fired up for #Braullins being in the ring and at the table together. Michael Cole speaks to making their match official. But he reminds them that they will also have to defend their tag team titles against Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. How on Earth are these two going to work as a team?
Rollins tells Michael he is no stranger to defending multiple titles in one night. As for their team, he and Strowman can definitely beat Ziggler and Roode. Rollins intends to walk in a double champ, #BurnItDown, and walk out still double champ. That’s just him, he won’t speak for Braun. Braun chuckles and says Rollins is right, no one speaks for the Monster. Clash of Champions will have them beat Roode & Ziggler, but Strowman knows it will be awkward when Rollins gets beat by his own partner to become the new Universal Champion. Yes, that would be awkward. But here’s a little secret: Strowman is great as a tag team partner, but Rollins Slayed the Beast. That’s something not even Strowman could do. So at Clash, Rollins will keep this title by Slaying the Monster.
But wait! Here comes The OC! United States Champion, AJ Styles, and the Good Brothers are told they have no business out here when this is for the Universal Championship. But Styles just ignores that and says Clash will make history. Oooh~! Fans cheer for Styles, but Styles continues that this is the first time we’ll see tag team partners defend titles and then face each other. How kawaii~! Are you kidding?! Why did Strowman get this opportunity? Because he’s Rollins’ partner? Because he looked at the title, then picked it up all, “Strowman would like to have this pretty thing.” By proxy, the United States Champion should get his shot. Who is Styles’ opponent, anyway?! Here’s an idea! Styles will just get people to look at his title, and the first one to gets the shot. Gallows, Anderson, don’t look, because that’s all it takes in the WWE now.
The OC head down the ramp as Styles says it’s more ridiculous it’s getting. Bobby- er, “Robert” and Dolph? C’mon! Why do they get their shot? They weren’t even a real team! But the OC, that is a team. The reality of this whole thing: if the Good Brothers don’t get what they want, and Styles doesn’t get what he wants, then no one here gets what they want. Michael tries to keep the peace but Styles shouts that he’ll slap Michael’s teeth down his throat. The OC climb into the ring but #Braullins is ready. Styles takes the contract, and tears it up! And makes it rain! And the fight is on! The table goes flying into Styles and then the OC #GetTheseHands, a SUPERKICK, and clotheslines! The OC is down and Baltimore is fired up, are we getting something going? Find out after the break!
Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman VS The OC w/ AJ Styles!
Holla holla, the Architect and Monster take on Gallows and Anderson! Raw returns to Anderson having Rollins in a headlock. Rollins powers out but Anderson runs him over. Things speed up and Rollins hurdles to arm-drag Anderson around. Rollins gets Anderson in an armlock and fans fire up. Styles coaches Anderson and Anderson gets up. Rollins wrenches to shoulder break and wring Anderson out for a Penalty Kick! Cover, ONE, but Rollins keeps on Anderson. Rollins CHOPS, then CHOPS again. Anderson ends up in the champs’ corner but Rollins whips him to ropes. Anderson kicks Rollins back then tags in Gallows. Big Doc Luke stares down with Rollins and they tie up. Gallows shoves Rollins away, but Strowman tags in! Strowman says he’s got this.
Gallows and Strowman stare down now, but Gallows pokes Stromwan in the chest. Strowman swats the finger away and they tie up. Gallows gets Strowman in a corner for body shots, but Strowman choke grips! Gallows breaks free and runs, but gets Strowman’s BOOT! Strowman hauls Gallows up and tags in Rollins. Rollins climbs and leaps to ax handle the arm! Rollins wrenches and gives shoulder breakers, but Gallows kicks and uppercuts! Tag to Anderson, but Anderson runs into an arm-drag! Rollins has Anderson again, but Anderson knees back. Anderson bumps Rollins off buckles, then brings him corner to corner. Rollins blocks that bump to give it to Anderson. Then Rollins goes corner to corner to bump him again! Rollins puts Anderson up top in a Tree of Woe and stomps away! Styles protests and Rollins backs off at the ref’s count, only to run and basement dropkick! Cover on Anderson, TWO!
Rollins keeps on Anderson but Anderson jawbreakers back. Tag to Gallows, and Gallows throws hands! Gallows uppercuts away, then bumps Rollins in the OC corner. Rollins CHOPS back and backs Gallows down. Gallows whips but Rollins boots. Rollins hops up but into an uppercut! Styles is pumped as Gallows drags Rollins over and tags Anderson. Anderson stomps away then puts on a mounted armlock. Fans rally up and Rollins endures. Rollins heads up but Anderson knees low. Anderson suplexes but Rollins resists. Rollins reverses but Anderson slips out. Anderson keeps Rollins by the tights! Tag to Gallows, YAKUZA KICK! The OC throw Rollins out and then Styles gets a cheap shot in! Strowman chases Styles off but the ref works to restore order. The OC has control while we go to break.
Raw returns as Rollins fights back against Gallows, only to get a big uppercut. Rollins comes back with a forearm, ducks a roundhouse, and hits a PELE! Anderson tags in and back suplexes, but Rollins escapes! Anderson whips but Rollins kicks back. Rollins dodges to tag in Strowman! Baltimore is thunderous as Strowman rallies and runs Anderson over. Strowman tosses Anderson to the corner for a splash, but Gallows saves Anderson from the slam. Strowman just runs them both over! Strowman splashes Gallows but misses Anderson! Rollins tags to springboard knee and SUPERKICK Anderson! Fans fire up and chant “Burn It Down!” Styles distracts and gets a forearm, but Anderson rolls Rollins! TWO, Rollins rolls Anderson, Rollins and Strowman win!
Winners: Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman, Rollins pinning
But Styles attacks Rollins! Styles punches and chops but Rollins throws him out. Rollins clotheslines Anderson out then DIVES onto Styles! Strowman gets moving to run Anderson over! Then Gallows and Rollins!! Rollins was a casualty, and here come Ziggler and Roode! They all gang up on Strowman! The OC stomp as Roode and Ziggler get the steel steps! They feed Strowman to steel step battering ram! But that’s not all as they put Strowman back in. Rollins returns but he gets a SUPERKICK and GLORIOUS DDT!
Strowman revives but he’s just back in the 5v1! The OC work with Roode and Ziggler, for a MASSIVE Magic Killer! Fans boo but Styles prepares that forearm. The Good Brothers, Roode and Ziggler haul Strowman up, PHENOMENAL FOREARM! Roode tells Rollins they are losing those tag titles! The OC put up the Too Sweet, are they and the GLORIOUS Show-Offs going to reign supreme after Clash of Champions?
WWE supports Connor’s Cure during the month of September!
Join the fight against Pediatric Cancer!
Backstage interview with Cedric Alexander!
The quarterfinals are coming for the King of the Ring, how is he preparing? Alexander saw Baron Corbin boasting that he is the future king, but Alexander- Gets attacked by the OC!? Why?! Styles rams Alexander into a storage trunk! Too Sweet destruction continues on Raw, where will it end?!
Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler VS Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder!
To keep sharp for their coming Raw Tag Team Championship match, the GLORIOUS One and the Show-Off will take on the Major Brothers! Though, as if beating up Rollins and Strowman wasn’t enough… Will Ziggler & Roode keep going strong after already beating down the champs?
The bell rings and Ryder ties up with Ziggler. Ziggler kicks low and rakes eyes to then headlock. Ryder powers out but Ziggler runs him over! Ziggler brags then speeds up and kicks Ryder again. But Ryder still gets a flapjack! Tag to Hawkins and the Bros hit the STO Russian Leg Sweep! Cover, TWO! Hawkins keeps on Ziggler but Ziggler kicks the leg. Ziggler whips Hawkins corner to corner but Hawkins goes up and over. Hawkins spins Ziggler around for a neckbreaker! Ziggler bails out but Hawkins follows. Hawkins puts Ziggler in, dodges, but Roode tags in, Hawkins doesn’t see that, and doesn’t see the kick coming! Roode drags Hawkins out to throw Hawkins into barriers! Roode throws Hawkins back in then hits Ryder for good measure. Roode rams into Hawkins then suplexes him to hang him out to dry. Roode and Ziggler boast they’ll be the champs before Roode grinds his foot into Hawkins’ chest.
The ref backs Roode off Hawkins so Roode tags in Ziggler. They mug Hawkins then Ziggler pushes Hawkins down. Ziggler drags Hawkins up to rake the eyes! The ref reprimands Ziggler but Ziggler puts Hawkins in a chinlock. Fans rally up as Ziggler taunts Hawkins. Hawkins fights his way up and pops out to throw hands! And a PELE! But Roode tags in, but so does Ryder! Ryder rallies, forearm and clotheslines for all! Roode reverses the whip but gets knees. Ryder hops up, missile dropkick! Fans fire up with Ryder as he waits for Roode. Ryder runs out, but the Rough Ryder is denied. Roode gets an elbow and Hawkins tags in. Ryder hops up, Hawkins lifts Roode, Samoan Drop Blockbuster! Cover, but Ziggler breaks it! Ryder goes after Ziggler, forcing him out. Ziggler shovels Ryder out, then SUPERKICKS Hawkins! GLORIOUS DDT! Cover, Roode & Ziggler win!
Winners: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler, Roode pinning
This is quite the short streak this new team is on! Will they actually take those titles from #Braullins at Clash of Champions?
Natalya VS Lacey Evans!
The Queen of Harts doesn’t care about her bad arm, she’s going to fight through the pain! But will she regret that choice when going against the Sassy Southern Belle?
Natty doesn’t even wait, she runs Lacey over on the ramp! Lacey is upset now, but she does take some time to get in the ring. The bell rings and this match actually begins.
The two tie up and Natty gets a headlock takedown. Lacey headscissors but Natty pops out. Natty dares Lacey to bring it, and then gets her into a takedown. Natty has the headlock but Lacey pops out to a hammerlock on the bad arm. Natty spins around to fireman’s carry and throw Lacey down. Natty has an armlock now but Lacey powers her way up. Natty wrenches but Lacey reverses. Natty rolls through and handsprings to then hammerlock to a waistlock. Lacey elbows out hard then pie faces Natty around. Lacey whips but Natty dodges in the corner for the rebound sit-down! Natty walks over Lacey to hit the basement dropkick! Cover, TWO!
Lacey bails out but Natty throws her into barriers! The fans cheer for the Queen of Harts as she drags Lacey back up. Natty puts Lacey in, but they both bail out again. Natty runs in but Lacey throws her down by her hair! Lacey stomps the “nasty” then puts Natty in for a cover. TWO, and Lacey grows frustrated. Lacey drops knees on the bad arm! Lacey mocks “nasty” Natty’s pain, and then scuffs her in the face. Lacey puts the bad arm in a Classy Cobra Clutch, but Lacey also smothers Natty’s face with her hand. Fans fire up as Natty endures. Natty gets up but Lacey whips her to a corner. Natty hits bucklse hard and Lacey stomps a mudhole. Lacey hits the swinging bronco buster! Then she goes after the bad arm in the ropes! The ref counts but Lacey lets up, only to come back from the other side of the ropes! The ref counts and Lacey lets up at 4.
Natty falls and Lacey goes tot he ropes, Sassiest Moonsault Ever FLOPS! Natty gets up, elbows Lacey away, then kicks her low. Natty SLAPS Lacey, then clotheslines her down! And again! DISCUS! Cover, TWO! Natty snap suplexes Lacey into ropes, and calls Lacey the nasty one! Natty has the legs and Lacey scrambles to a ropebreak. No Sharpshooter yet, but Natty runs in, only to get buckles! Lacey flounders up but gets run into ropes! Natty fires off in anger, but the ref pulls her off. Lacey fakes being hurt, then throws her handkerchief in Natty’s face. Natty is upset by that, but she gets a WOMAN’S RIGHT! Cover, Lacey wins!
Winner: Lacey Evans, by pinfall
Sassy for sure as she dabs away the sweat, but Lacey still took a shortcut to win. Is the Lady of Raw going to fight her way back to the Raw Women’s Championship by any means necessary? Is Natty finally going to take time to rest that bad arm?
Becky Lynch heads to the ring!
The Man has a special match later on, but right now she wants to respond to The Boss! Baltimore cheers for Becky as she takes to the mic. “It’s good to be back in Baltimore.” And The Man has something to say. Sasha, where are ya? Becky heard about those horrible excuses, and just wanted to say to Sasha’s face, “it’s such a load of crap.” What happened to Sasha? Of all people, Sasha has no reason to whine. She was the centerpiece of NXT while Becky was her sidekick. Sasha got called up to be in main events while Becky struggled to get on TV. Sasha got bouquets of flowers after matches. The Horsewomen started at the same time, but it was Sasha and Charlotte being paraded “like the frauds that you are.” But Becky’s shown Flair why Becky is The Man, so now she’ll teach Sasha the same thing.
When Sasha left after Wrestlemania, she left with nothing. But Bayley was just fine without her. That probably stings the most, huh? It hurts that Becky is the face of the WWE. But just remember, that with all of Sasha’s talent, she should’ve been the historic game changer in Becky’s place. That’s why Becky kept calling Sasha out, so that Sasha would remember just how bad she treated Becky. They will settle this woman to woman, “ya blue haired, freak!” Becky isn’t even mad yet because the anticipation is building. But here comes Sasha! Becky wants her to come to the ring but Sasha stays on stage. Sasha was supposed to be Becky? Yeah, she was! She was supposed to main event Manias, be on magazine covers, have the fame and glory, but lucky little Becky. The only reason Becky got that stuff was because Nia Jax broke Becky’s face. If only Nia broke Sasha’s face so fans would care.
But let’s not make this personal, this is business. Just like it was when Sasha beat Becky with the chair and everyone had to scrape Becky off the floor. Now did that feel personal? Because Sasha can make it personal. If Sasha wants to fight, Becky’s fine with that. Sasha says Becky doesn’t understand. Sasha won’t do anything for the fans for free. She does it when she wants, and for a paycheck. So when they fight, it will be for the Raw Women’s Championship at Clash of Champions. She wants a match? All she had to do was ask. And nothing is bigger right now than Man VS Boss. Sasha’s on. Then after Clash, The Man will be the Boss’s B*tch! Becky isn’t impressed by the tag line, but she is fired up for their fight. Who wins when two of the baddest finally do battle?
The Street Profits are in awe.
What are they supposed to say to that? Montez Ford says just go to commercial in three, two, one. We out!
It is official!
Clash of Champions WILL featured The Man VS The Boss! Is Sasha going to have that title back in her return to Pay-Per-View?
King of the Ring Quarterfinals: Baron Corbin VS Cedric Alexander!
The Lone Wolf is pushing his luck touching the crown again. But he might benefit from unforeseen circumstances after The OC attacked Alexander for no reason. Will Corbin step closer to reigning over Raw? Or will the Age of Alexander still rise up despite being at such a disadvantage?
The bell rings and Corbin circles with Cedric. Fans are on Cedric’s side but mostly against Corbin. The two tie up and Corbin puts Cedric in a corner. Cedric slips out and gets some space. They circle more and tie up. Corbin wrenches the bad arm but Cedric clubs him away. Cedric dodges a boot then throws big haymakers and chops! Cedric whips but Corbin reverses. Cedric manages to go up and over while Corbin slides out then in, but Corbin hits his LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Corbin is already upset with the ref, but he goes back to Cedric in a corner. Corbin throws big hands then shoves him to ropes. Corbin clobbers Cedric from behind! Cedric writhes in pain while Corbin mockingly applauds. Corbin drags Cedric up but Cedric throws forearms and chops again. Corbin shoves but Cedric rolls off the back. Dropkick, handspring, Neuralizer!
Corbin bails out and fans fire up. Cedric builds speed and DIVES to tackle Corbin to barriers! Cedric takes a moment to check his arm, then he CHOPS Corbin. He puts Corbin in the ring and aims from a corner. Cedric springboards and clotheslines Corbin down! Cover, TWO! Cedric grits his teeth and shakes out the bad arm. Fans still rally behind Cedric as he brings Corbin up. Corbin uppercuts! Then runs in, but gets a boot. Cedric hops up but is shoved down into the Tree of Woe! Corbin swings Cedric into the post! And again! Cedric falls out of the Tree and to the floor! Corbin has control while we go to break.
Raw returns and Corbin knees and clubs Cedric down hard. Corbin drives elbows into the bad arm over and over! He wrenches the arm to a half nelson, and adds a chinbar. Fans rally up for Cedric as he endures. Cedric fights up but Corbin knees him again. Corbin shoves and clobbers Cedric just as hard. Fans says “Corbin Sucks!” but he has control as he knees Cedric to a corner. Corbin throws Cedric’s bad shoulder right into buckles! Cedric shouts and scraems in pain but Corbin is on him with a grinding boot. The ref backs Corbin off but Corbin gets annoyed with him. Corbin then goes back to Cedric while he’s gloating. Corbin clubs Cedric down then brings him up to whip. Cedric dodges to enziguri back! Fans rally as Cedric gets to a corner. Corbin runs in but Cedric dropkicks his legs out! Corbin hits buckles, then Cedric hits a basement dropkick!
Fans cheer as Cedric gets up again. Cedric runs, and on one good arm, handsprings into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Corbin is furious but he goes back to Cedric with a rain of rights. Corbin drags Cedric up just to knock him back down. Corbin hammerlocks to throw Cedric into buckles again. And then he throws Cedric to the apron. But Cedric stays on the apron and boots Corbin away. Cedric springboards in, into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Cedric survives again, showing the heart he had as the Soul of 205 Live! Fans are strongly behind Cedric, and Corbin is starting to lose is cool. Cedric hobbles up, Corbin runs in, Cedric goes up and over. Corbin slides out, in, but gets a post! Cedric returns the favor, and now fires himself up. He rams Corbin back in! And again! Fans fire up more as Cedric rams Corbin into another post!
Cedric fires off on Corbin’s arm now, but the ref backs him off. Cedric sees Corbin on the outside, so he builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit takes Corbin down! Baltimore is loving this as Cedric grits his teeth. Both men slowly rise and “This is Awesome!” Cedric puts Corbin in then climbs up. Cedric leaps, big missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Corbin still lives and Cedric is starting to grow frustrated now. But Baltimore gives Cedric power to bring Corbin back up. Corbin resists the lift and punches back. He reels Cedric in but Cedric roll shim up, TWO! Scoop to a Michinoku Driver! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives again and Cedric is shocked. Cedric aims at Corbin, runs corner to corner as Baltimore cheers, but is put on the apron. But he enziguris back! Springboard, but Corbin disrupts that by pushing the ropes! END OF DAYS!! Cover, Corbin wins!
Winner: Baron Corbin, by pinfall; advances to the semifinals
The Lone Wolf takes advantage of a damaged Soul and keeps his own dreams alive. But who meets Corbin in the next round?
Daniel Bryan releases a statement on the incident on SmackDown.
“Roman Reigns speared me last week and I understand his frustration. I know how it looks. I know a lot of people don’t like me and I know I seem guilty by association, but that doesn’t make me a liar. Erick Rowan is the one to blame, and I have had nothing to do with this. Therefore, I still deserve an apology from Roman Reigns.” Is this just more lies to keep himself from suspicion? Or a set-up for an even bigger reveal?
Stone Cold Steve Austin Tweets at Raw!
The Rattlesnake was watching, and says that Universal Championship contract signing needs to be complete, but with good ol’ Stone Cold moderating! Austin returns to Raw in Madison Square Garden! And that’s the bottom line, cuz Stone Cold said so!
Backstage interview with SmackDown Women’s Champion, Bayley.
Former friend Sasha Banks is now the talk of the town, but Bayley hasn’t said a word. What are her feelings about this shocking return? Doesn’t seem so. But what about how Sasha said the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships meant nothing to her? Well Bayley’s talked with Sasha, but she’s not going to share with us because it’s personal. We know what happened at Mania: Banks took her ball and went home. That was her choice. But not Bayley. Bayley moved forward to go after every opportunity on SmackDown, and now she’s champion! And teaming with Becky should be the real story, going against the Tag Team Champions, #BlissCross. The spotlight will be on Becky as the face of the division. Bayley will not let anyone think she’s being overshadowed. The SmackDown Women’s title is just as important as Raw’s. Bayley does what she has to in order to win. Bayley beat Nikki Cross, so she’ll try to get Bliss this time. And we’ll see who is in whose shadow.
The Viking Raiders VS Bryan & Tyler!
The war comes to Baltimore as Bryan and Tyler are daring enough to take on Erik and Ivar. This is an opportunity for these two boys from Pittsburgh to show the “Baltimorons” how it’s done. But will the Steel City Boys simply be cannon fodder?
The bell rings and Ivar RUNS Tyler over! Then rocks Bryan! Ivar puts Tyler in the corner and tags Erik. Erik catches Tyler for a waistlock, Ivar clotheslines into the German Suplex! Tyler is folded up but the Raiders aren’t done. They go after Bryan! Bryan runs away, only to get run over by Erik! Ivar splashes Bryan into barriers! Tyler crawls but Erik deadlifts him into a backbreaker. Then gutbuster! Then a gut wrench for a bomb AT Bryan! Tag to Ivar, and Tyler gets THOR’S HAMMER! An almighty one at that! Cover, the Viking Raiders win!
Winners: The Viking Raiders, Ivar pinning
That was the highest anyone has ever gotten in the #VikingExperience! Will Erik & Ivar continue to escalate until they have gold?
Backstage interview with Sasha Banks.
Sasha is still friends with Bayley but she is not friends with Becky. Is she rooting for the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Champions tonight? Sasha sees what’s going on here. So get the HELL out of her face!
King of the Ring Quarterfinals: Samoa Joe VS Ricochet!
The Lone Wolf awaits in the semifinals, but will he be happy with this match’s results? Will it be the Samoan Submission Specialist or the One and Only that advances?
Raw returns as Joe addresses the WWE Universe. Joe sees “a great affliction” within the kingdom, because this kingdom is full of liars! “Every man who received a seed in this tournament has told you they will be the new reigning King of the Ring.” But those lies won’t cover up the universal truth: that King Samoa Joe sounds just right. But now the King of Flight enters the ring! The bell rings and this second quarterfinal begins!
Ricochet and Joe circle and tie up. Joe powers Ricochet to a corner then wrenches to a wristlock. Joe gets Ricochet down and jams the wrist. Ricochet rolls and handsprings to reverse the hold. Ricochet hammerlocks but Joe slips around to reverse it back. Joe leans on Ricochet and has him down again. Ricochet endures as Joe grinds the arm, then fights his way up. Joe wrenches but Ricochet rolls and handsprings again. Ricochet reverses the wristlock again and yanks on the arm. Ricochet has Joe on his knees now, but Joe gets a ropebreak. Ricochet lets up and Joe catches his breath in a corner. Fans rally up as the two circle again. They tie up and Joe kicks Ricochet’s leg. Ricochet ends up in a corner but gets another kick! Joe keeps Ricochet cornered, Ricochet catches the kick but Joe brings him down to a kneebar! Ricochet ropebreaks and Joe lets go.
Joe stomps Ricochet around and dares Ricochet to get up. Ricochet is on the ropes but Joe puts him in a corner. Joe goes after the leg with jabs then CHOPS Ricochet off his feet! Ricochet crawls but Joe has the leg. Ricochet kicks Joe away, then throws body shots. Joe rams a knee in then throws Ricochet into a corner. Ricochet goes out and Joe hits buckles. Ricochet shoulder sin then slingshots for a sunset flip. Joe breaks free but misses his stomp. Ricochet dumps Joe out hard! Joe gets up but Ricochet is on the apron. Ricochet leaps over Joe with a front flip to then mule kick. Ricochet is on the barriers, ASAI takes Joe down! Ricochet drags Joe back up and puts him in the ring. Joe rolls away but Ricochet is on him with forearms and chops. Ricochet whips, but Joe holds the ropes. Joe flapjack hotshots Ricochet! Then Alabama lift, cross the legs for the knee breaker!
Ricochet writhes while Joe smiles sadistically. Joe looms over Ricochet and grabs the leg. Joe pulls it and turns Ricochet for a Half Crab! Ricochet gets the ropebreak easily, but Joe holds on until 4. Joe drags Ricochet up to CHOP him back down! Ricochet crawls to a corner, but Joe headbutts him. Joe whips but Ricochet rolls off his back to tilt-o-whirl headscissor! Ricochet gets up to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Joe gets to a corner but Ricochet runs in to CHOP again! Ricochet throws forearms and whips, but Joe reverses. Ricochet goes up and over but that bad leg slows him down. Ricochet runs into the URENAGE! Joe drags Ricochet out to throw Ricochet into the barrier with an Exploder suplex! Ricochet is wrecked while Joe catches his breath.
Joe stands and brings Ricochet up at the count of 4. He puts Ricochet in at 5 then follows after. Joe drags Ricochet to a cover, TWO! Ricochet still lives but Joe keeps his cool. Fans duel as Joe wrenches Ricochet’s neck. Ricochet endures and fights back! Ricochet throws haymakers and chops, then runs, but into Joe’s back drop! Ricochet crashes and burns and we go to break.
Raw returns and Joe grinds Ricochet’s head into the mat with both hands. Ricochet fights his way back up from the neck wrench as fans duel. Ricochet elbows free of the hold but Joe headbutts him back down. Ricochet goes to the corner and Joe runs in, but Ricochet rocks him with a forearm! Ricochet puts up a boot but gets the enziguri! Somersault shotgun dropkick! Both men are down and fans rally up. Joe and Ricochet rise, and Joe swings only for Ricochet to counter punch. Ricochet runs and forearms but Joe stays up. The huricanrana throws Joe to a corner and Ricochet runs in to ram his shoulder. Ricochet springboards to clothesline Joe down! Standing shooting star! Cover, TWO! Joe still lives but Corbin is watching backstage. Ricochet goes to a corner and climbs up, but has to bail out of the Phoenix splash. He runs into a powerslam! Cover, TWO!!
Joe drags Ricochet up but Ricochet fights off the urenage. Ricochet wheelbarrows to a cover, TWO! Ricochet runs into an atomic drop! Joe runs but into the dropkick-flip and SUPERKICK! Joe goes down and out of the ring. Ricochet runs and SASUKE SPECIALS! Ricochet takes Joe out but he hurries to get him back in. Joe is in and Ricochet climbs to a corner. Ricochet aims at the drop zone, but Joe springs up to trip Ricochet up! And CHOPS! Ricochet ends up turned around and Joe climbs up behind him. Ricochet fights back but is in a Coquina Clutch! But it won’t count up there! Ricochet revives to shove them both off!! It’s a cover on someone, and the ref counts! But who wins!?
The referee goes to the timekeeper and talks with officials in the back. Fans duel over who should win, but with both men down in that situation, the discussion is… The match is over, but with no immediate ruling? Both men argue with the ref as he leaves, but Joe sucker punches Ricochet! And puts Ricochet in the ring! Joe, bleeding from his nose, gets a PELE! And a RECOIL! Ricochet dares Joe to come back, but Joe doesn’t. So what happens in the tournament?!
Strowman talks with Rollins backstage.
They both know about Stone Cold coming to settle the contract signing. That’s the best thing for them. No, Strowman senses what’s happening. He knows Austin is behind Rollins, and now Austin will be here for the signing, that doesn’t seem right. Is that what Strowman sees? A conspiracy of Rollins and Austin after what The OC and Roode-Ziggler did? Rollins knows Strowman senses the tag team title match is the opportunity for one of them to be betrayed. Rollins has been on both sides of that, so he promises not to do that. As for Austin, Rollins is okay with that. Strowman wants everyone know that not even Stone Cold is going to stop him. And if he tries, Austin will #GetTheseHands!
Connor’s Cure introduces the newest crop of cancer fighting superstars!
Julius Lopez is the Sarcoma Warrior! He was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor, and it was removed. He thought he wasn’t going to live through that experience. But he won the fight and will use his heart of gold and titanium knee to defeat any challenge! OOOAH~! Was that good, Big Dog? Roman couldn’t have said it better himself.
Raw presents Firefly Fun House!
Bray Wyatt returns! But before the fun starts, Bray apologizes to Finn Balor for The Fiend being “super duper rude.” So on behalf of everyone at the Fun House, “I’m sorry.” But on to bigger news! OH NO! Him… “How dare you challenge Seth Rollins and/or Braun Strowman to a match at Hell in a Cell!” Does Bray know how valuable they are? You’re….. Wait! Look what Bray has. MONEY~! Bray feeds the money to the boss, nom nom nom. That satisfies the boss. That was close. Besides! Clearly Strowman and Rollins aren’t a good team. They’re both selfish, greedy, and in another life, they took something very dear to Bray. But unlike those “bozos,” Brya embraces teamwork! He, Abby, Mercy and all the puppets–Shut up, Ramblin’ Rabbit, no one cares about your cries for help–are a great team. They all help Bray cope with the pain. And the Fiend helps Bray inflict pain. See you in Hell, in a Cell! “Let me in.” BYE~~!
Backstage interview with referee John Cone.
The referee of record is interrupted by Baron Corbin. Double elimination, bye-bye, and Corbin gets a bye to the finals. Actually, management decided that both Ricochet and Joe advance! What!? Next week, the semifinals will be a TRIPLE THREAT! And that means two threats to Corbin taking the throne! Who comes out of this unconventional King of the Ring match to represent Raw in the finals?
Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio!
The King of Lucha almost retired last week, but Dominic kept him from pulling the trigger and pulling off the mask. Mysterio and his son talked, shared stories, and Dominic shared how much it meant to grow up in the WWE Family. Mysterio is blessed to have seen his son growing up into a fine man. And he thanks his son for supporting him to keep going. And thinking about it, it is crazy. As parents, you are to push your children to follow their dreams. Here, Dominic pushed Mysterio to follow his. Mysterio says he isn’t done here in the WWE. “Not just yet.” He has much more to accomplish. He does this for his son, Dominic. Will the support of his son help Mysterio reach new heights in his already historic career?
The Miz VS Cesaro!
The Hollywood A-Lister prepares to prove he’s not soft to the King of Strong Style and his “spokesman,” Sami Zayn. Meanwhile, the Swiss Cyborg returns from Wales after an excellent match as part of NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff! Can Miz keep going strong towards his Intercontinental Championship match with Shinsuke Nakamura? Or will Cesaro continue his roll from this weekend?
The bell rings and Cesaro bolts right at Miz with a European Uppercut! Cover, TWO! Miz gets out but Cesaro doesn’t let up. Cesaro runs in to EuroUpper Miz against barriers! Cesaro drags Miz up to trophy lift and drop him on the barriers! Then Cesaro throws Miz in the ring to run and clothesline him down! Cover, TWO! Cesaro keeps his cool as he looms over Miz. Fans rally for Miz as he drags himself up. Cesaro throws haymakers to rock Miz again and again. Cesaro runs but into Miz’s A-List Combination! Both men are down but Miz gets up to give It Kicks! Miz kicks and kicks and kicks, but Cesaro ducks the buzzsaw to blast another EuroUpper! Cover, TWO! Cesaro drags Miz up fast to whip him to a corner, but Miz reverses. Miz gets put on the apron and haymakers back. Miz climbs but gets another EuroUpper!
Cesaro climbs up and drags Miz up. Cesaro DEADLIFTS Miz for the SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Miz survives but Cesaro keeps his cool. Cesaro grabs Miz’s arm for a keylock, and he pulls it in tight. Miz endures and fans rally up. Miz fights up but Cesaro whips. Miz kicks and punches back but Cesaro shoves. Cesaro runs into a boot, but he ducks Miz for a back suplex. Miz lands on his feet, kicks low and hits the low DDT! Cover, TWO! Both men slowly get up again, and Miz counter punches Cesaro with haymakers. Miz gives It Kicks in the corner! Miz stops at the count of 4 to run corner to corner, and he hits double knees! And again! But then he runs into the pop-up uppercut! Cover, TWO!! But Cesaro has Miz up and Gotch lifts, but Miz back drops. Cesaro rolls Miz up, TWO, but Cesaro gets the legs! Miz fights off the swing to get the legs. Cesaro fights the Figure Four off, but Miz slides in to sunset. But Cesaro sits on it, holding ropes! The ref calls that off, Miz rolls Cesaro! TWO!
Miz throws more haymakers on Cesaro, but the ref pulls him off. Cesaro gets a strong right! then another EuroUpper! And another! Miz counters one for a backslide, spin around to THE FINALE! Cover, Miz wins!
Winner: The Miz, by pinfall
And it’s over just like that! The A-Lister gets the momentum he needs, but will he be ready for a fight from Shinsuke?
Championship Showcase: Bayley & Becky Lynch VS Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross!
For the first time ever in WWE History, mostly because there are finally this many women’s titles in the WWE, we will have a Women’s Champions VS Champions tag match! Will the Hugger and The Man still work together as NXT Horsewomen? Or will the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions prove they’re worthy of more than just these belts?
The teams sort out, and Bayley starts against Nikki. These two tie up and Bayley wrenches Nikki to a wristlock. Bayley yanks on the arm then pushes Nikki down to the mat. Nikki gets up, rolls and hops on for a sleeper hold! But Bayley throws her off and avoids getting the table top to snap suplex Nikki down. Cover, ONE, but Bayley keeps on Nikki. Nikki headbutts out but is thrown out. Bayley goes out to daredevil dropkick through the corner! Bayley brings Nikki up but Alexa hurries after. Becky LEAPS to take Alexa out! Bayley puts Nikki in but Nikki gets right out. And here comes Sasha! Is Sasha here to support Bayley or fight Becky? We’ll see what The Boss does after the break.
Raw returns once more, and Alexa keeps Bayley back from Becky with a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Alexa keeps on Bayley with a chinbar, but Bayley endures. Sasha is stoic while Becky gets fans rallying up for Bayley. Bayley fights up but Alexa powers her to the corner! Tag to Nikki, and Bayley gets fed to a boot. Nikki drags Bayley up and puts her in an open corner. She hoists Bayley into the Tree of Woe and starts stomping. She headbutts Bayley out of the Tree, but then Bayley shoves Nikki back. Bayley flapjacks Nikki onto buckles! Nikki body checks Bayley out of the ring! Nikki goes out to fetch Bayley and says “Bye bye!” to Becky. Nikki puts Bayley in and tags Alexa. Bliss-Cross whips Bayley into buckles, then hits a splash to SLAP! Alexa waves at Becky before covering Bayley. TWO, and Bliss is angry with the ref.
Bayley is still in the Bliss-Cross corner and Nikki tags in. Nikki snapmares but Bayley scrambles for her corner! Nikki claws Bayley backwards, but Bayley keeps reaching. Nikki knees low and hits Becky down! The ref keeps Becky out but that just allows Bliss-Cross to mug Bayley! Tag and Alexa is in legally. She whips Nikki in but Bayley elbows back! Bayley scrambles but Nikki anchors her. Bayley shoves Nikki away then throws Alexa out. Nikki gets the second rope hotshot! But Alexa clobbers Bayley before the tag! Alexa kicks at Becky’s hand, but Bayley rolls Alexa up! TWO, and hot tag to Becky! The Man rallies with Straight Fire! And knees for Alexa! And a SLAP to then forearms and uppercuts and a mule kick. Becky runs to body check Bliss down! Fans fire up as Becky makes sure Sasha is watching. But Alexa dodges, only to get an elbow and boot! Becky hops up, leg drop! Cover, but Nikki breaks it!
Nikki has Becky and tosses her to the apron. Becky kicks back, then kicks high. Becky has Nikki to Becksploder Nikki into the corner! Becky Firearms and rocket kicks each of the tag champs. Becky fires off but here comes Sasha with the BACKSTABBER!
Winners: Becky Lynch & Bayley, by disqualification
Apropos that Sasha used that move to betray Becky and Bayley in one go! Sasha throws Becky into the post! Sasha smiles as she goes under the ring to fetch a new chair! She brings it into the ring with her, and Becky crawls, to get a SMACK to the back! And another! But Bayley stops Sasha! The best friends are suddenly divided. Or are they…? Because Bayley has the chair, and smiles at Sasha. SHE SMACKS BECKY!! Bayley fires off chair shot after chair shot on Becky’s back! Bayley said she’d do whatever she had to in order to get out of Becky’s shadow, and this might be that! What does this mean for Clash of Champions?!
My Thoughts:
A solid episode for Raw this week, with just a few weeks to go before the PPV. That contract signing to open was actually great because it was new. I don’t recall when a contract signing turned into a brawl because of someone not part of the title match. And I’m a little surprised Roode & Ziggler helped give the beat down, but at the same time, what else but 5v2 would’ve worked considering Braun Strowman is involved? Heels still work as “enemy of my enemy is my friend” in WWE, and it at least pushes that the solidarity between Roode & Ziggler is real. They also got a good warm-up out of Hawkins & Ryder, so there’s that. I don’t think Strowman needs to be paranoid about Austin showing up for Rollins’ sake. But it was good to hear Rollins understand the meta of their situation, that a betrayal could help give someone an advantage in their singles match, and promise it won’t happen. Probably doesn’t change anything that he said it, but it was good that he said it.
And I also like that Bray Wyatt is wanting The Fiend to get a Universal Championship match. Hell in a Cell is perfect, and both Rollins or Strowman would make for a great opponent. Rollins VS Fiend would probably be the better match, but I feel like the story would be stronger with Strowman given the Wyatt Family history. At this point, I can’t say Rollins loses at Clash of Champions, so I expect that to be our story after Clash. However, I will say that the story only works if The Fiend wins, because everyone is loving The Fiend. Meanwhile, I feel like the love is starting to leave for the Viking Raiders as far as the live audiences go. The squash match is not working anymore, post-Clash the Raiders need to go after the tag titles, which I assume will be on Roode & Ziggler somehow someway. Raiders VS Roode & Ziggler will put on a great match and that will help fix some of what Vince has done to “Erik” and “Ivar.”
There was some sloppy stuff in the Natty VS Lacey stuff. Mostly that ramp attack spot. None of it worked even in wrestling context. The music gave away Natty interrupting Lacey. Natty waiting for Lacey to turn around because of the parasol in the way was dumb. And then there was nothing for Lacey to sell because it was just a shoulder bump. The match was a bit better, and Lacey wins to stay afloat, but Natty needs to actually take care of that kayfabe arm injury now. Miz VS Cesaro was pretty good, and obviously Raw doesn’t care how great Cesaro was at TakeOver: Cardiff. Miz did need the win for his story, or else he will be falling behind Shinsuke and Sami. SmackDown probably has more on this involving Sami and Shinsuke. For that matter, SmackDown clearly sets things up for Roman and Bryan given the text statement from Bryan tonight. I really hope SmackDown finds a way to salvage that crammed segment last week.
Both King of the Ring matches were great. Cedric got some real shine and apparently won Baltimore over, but Corbin winning made sense, as much as everyone dislikes his character. He’s been bragging, he gets to brag some more, but then what a stroke of genius for Ricochet VS Joe to be a Dusty Finish and they both move on. Triple Threat for the semifinals is incredible, because this gets rid of any Face VS Heel predictability up to this point. I feel like this could go any which way out of this, but honestly it would be better if Corbin loses so he can throw a fit. Plus it just feels like the way of the world for Corbin: he talks trash but gets bit by karma every time. Then the best material of tonight was the Women’s Championship story/stories. Banks and Becky make their match official via their promos, and then we get a pretty good match of all the champs.
I was pretty sure Becky and Bayley were going to win even without Sasha, but her getting involved was also natural. The amazing surprise was Bayley going HEEL! Fans of Bayley were wondering if this would ever happen, and it did, and what a great way to do it! Granted, this completely undoes my Banks VS Bayley idea at Survivor Series, them being enemies wanting to figure things out between them, but now it might make for even better things. Becky will want to get back at them both, and go after Sasha first. Then assuming Bayley gets through whoever at Clash with her new “any means necessary” philosophy (aka Champion’s Advantage), she’ll eventually move on to face Becky for a match that WWE planted seeds for not too long ago. I hope this is a sign WWE is finally doing some long(er) term booking again.
My Score: 8.3/10
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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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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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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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