Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (9/23/19)
A furious Fatal 5 for a chance at The Architect!
Raw brings the heat in the Fall!
Raw prepares for next week’s season premiere with a Furious Fatal 5! Who wins a chance to challenge Seth Rollins for the Universal Championship?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- The Viking Raiders VS The OC; The Viking Raiders win.
- Rusev VS EC3; Rusev wins.
- Nikki Cross w/ Alexa Bliss VS Sasha Banks w/ Bayley; Banks wins.
- Lacey Evans VS Ember Moon; Evans wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Sudden Interruption: Carmella wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Chad Gable VS “King” Baron Corbin; Gable wins, by disqualification.
- WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 5 Way Elimination Match: AJ Styles VS Rey Mysterio VS Ricochet VS Robert Roode VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Mysterio wins and will challenge Seth Rollins for the title next week.
- Seth Rollins VS Braun Strowman; No Contest.
PLAY BY PLAY
Something is off with the introduction…
Is the Fiend already at work?
Last time on Raw…
“Friends forgive, but he never forgets.” The Fiend made his presence known throughout Raw, but none more so when Seth Rollins was being attacked by The OC, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. The Big Red Machine, Kane, returned to stop the assault on the Architect, but the Fiend said hello to the legend in person! Rollins didn’t know how to respond, but what will he say a week later?
Seth Rollins is in San Francisco!
The Universal Champion is back and grabs a mic to speak. “I gotta level with you guys.” Rollins has seen a lot in his career, but he never felt the way he did when Raw ended last week. He was defenseless in the ring, and before he knew what was going on, “the living embodiment of a nightmare” was inches from his face. Rollins could only close his eyes and hope it was a bad dream. But it wasn’t a dream. In less than two weeks, Rollins goes into the Cell to defend his title against Bray Wyatt! Rollins doesn’t need to tell us what a Hell in a Cell match is like, but now doing all that with Bray Wyatt, that’s a different story. What should Rollins do? Rollins will do what he always does: he’ll prevail! SummerSlam, Brock Lesnar, no one gave Rollins a chance but he prevailed! Clash of Champions, Braun Strowman, the fight of Rollins’ life, and Rollins prevailed.
Now, inside Hell in a Cell, Bray can play all kinds of games, but Rollins will do what he always does and prevail! And it won’t be easy- BRAUN interrupts! The Monster Among Men scowls as he heads down the ramp. Strowman gets himself a mic to respond. “Look, Seth, if you’ve got something to say abut me, I prefer if you say it to my face.” Unlike Bray, Braun doesn’t run around pretending to be psycho Mr. Rogers. If Strowman has a problem, he lets everyone know. He hopes Rollins would do the same. If this is about the tag team titles- Strowman wasn’t done talking, Rollins. Rollins cost them the titles, and then Rollins “hoped” Strowman doesn’t get another match for the title. That’s not what Rollins said. He has a lot on his plate right now, he has a match for the title next week even before The Fiend. Rollins is just glad not to get all beat up again after Clash. But with the way Strowman is getting in his face, Rollisn wants to fight again tonight! Is that a challenge? “Take that however you want to.” Good! Then Rollins is gonna #GetTheseHands!
The Viking Raiders VS The OC!
Erik and Ivar continue to wage war with the Good Brothers, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson! With so much happening on the way to Hell in a Cell, will one of these teams find their way to the Raw Tag Team Championships?
Raw returns as The OC make their entrance, and with new music. The teams sort out, and Erik starts against Anderson. They tie up and go around at the bell. Erik puts Anderson in a corner but the ref calls for him to back off. Anderson headlocks Erik back, but Erik powers out to tackle and turn Anderson over for a deadlift slam! Erik brings Anderson up again to put him in the corner. Tag to Ivar, and Erik feeds Anderson to Ivar’s knee! Ivar feeds Anderson to Erik’s knee, then Ivar throws clubbing forearms. Ivar wrenches and shoulders Anderson down. He keeps on Anderson’s arm then scoops him. Tag to Erik, slam and then Erik scoops Ivar to slam him onto Anderson! Erik keeps on Anderson with the armlock, but Anderson fights his way to the OC corner. Gallows tags in and starts throwing hands.
Gallows back suplexes Erik high and hard, then covers. ONE, but Gallows drops elbows! Gallows drags Erik up for punches right to the head, then stands him up. Erik breaks free to throw a heavy right! Erik staggers and Irvar tags in. Things speed up and Ivar bumps Gallows to then scoop and sidewalk slam. Crossbody splash! Fans fire up with the Warbeard as he throws haymakers and chops. Gallows reveres the whip but Ivar tumbles to the apron! Ivar fights off Anderson and has to kick Styles away. Gallows YAKUZA Kicks Ivar down! But the referee spotted Styles going at Ivar, so Styles is EJECTED! Styles protests that Ivar kicked him unprovoked, but the ref knows better. As Styles goes up the ramp, Cedric Alexander gets after him! This is revenge for everything Styles has done to him! They end up running off to the back while we go to break.
Raw returns and the OC mugs Ivar in their corner. Anderson stomps away but the ref backs him off. Anderson goes back at Ivar with European Uppercuts, then tags Gallows. The OC mugs Ivar more and Gallows throws heavy body shots and an uppercut! Gallows throws headbutts to drop Ivar, but Ivar comes back with big hands! Ivar BOOTS then seated sentons! Fans fire up as Ivar crawls, hot tags to Erik and Anderson! Erik rallies on Anderson and hits Gallows for good measure. Anderson headbutts, Erik comes back with a flurry of strikes! Erik sees Gallows coming and tosses him with an exploder! Ace Ten Mao for Anderson! Tag to Ivar, Ivar splashes Anderson and Erik shotgun knees! Human weapon, Ivar hip attack! Cover, TWO!! Anderson survives but Ivar tags Erik. The Vikings grab Anderson, springboard but Gallows trips him up! Erik swipes at Gallows but turns around into a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO!!
Anderson gets frustrated but he tags Gallows back in. The OC drag Erik up, fireman’s carry and Anderson runs, BOOT O’ DOOM! Cover, TWO!! Erik survives but Anderson tags back in. The OC lift Erik but Erik fights out! Erik throws a forearm, Gallows an uppercut. Ivar tags in, cartwheel clotheslines! Anderson mule kicks, but runs into THOR’S HAMMER! Erik DIVES onto Gallows! Cover, The Viking Raiders win!
Winners: The Viking Raiders, Ivar pinning
The warpath continues! Anderson will surely remember that #VikingExperience. Will Erik and Ivar find the gold in their future?
Backstage interview with Robert Roode.
Tonight, the GLORIOUS One is among the five competing for a shot at Seth Rollins’ Universal Championship. We all know this will be very chaotic, so what makes Roode think he will win? “Let’s face the facts here.” Roode pinned Rollins to win the tag titles, so that proves Roode can win! And when the title is on the line, the results will be Absolutely… Glorious! But when it’s an elimination match, what will Roode have to do in order to make that true?
Michael Cole interviews Becky Lynch.
The Man accepted the challenge for the Hell in a Cell PPV, but she was the one to escalate to the Hell in a Cell match. Was this a wise idea given The Boss’ recent hot streak? Becky wants to take a step back. Sasha Banks on a hot streak is what Becky’s wanted all along. Becky left SmackDown the best it could be, while Raw was in ruins because of Ronda Rousey. Becky can’t make history alone, so she called out anyone and everyone, and that especially went for Sasha. Cole points out Sasha Banks was one of the two women to be in the first and only Women’s Hell in a Cell match. Becky reminds us Sasha didn’t win that match. But surely, Bayley will be lurking. The idea of the Hell in a Cell match is not to keep someone out, but to keep someone in. We all saw Sasha runs for the crowd at Clash of Champions. But in the Cell, the only way to get out is through Becky. Becky will revel in having the rat trapped in the cage with her.
Cole points out that Sasha upped the intensity because she brought the chair into the match. It eventually ended up being Becky using that chair, and costing herself $10,000. Sometimes you look for victory, sometimes you look for revenge. So a month ago, when Sasha returned, she didn’t want to beat Becky, she wanted to end Becky. So in the Cell, Sasha gets her chance and better take it, because we all know Becky will. Who doesn’t so much win as survive the Raw Women’s Championship match inside the Cell?
Rusev VS EC3!
The Bulgarian Brute is back! And he’s maybe the new Kanellis Baby Daddy. But none of that drama matters to Rusev as he prepares to MACHKA the Top One Percent!
The bell rings, and EC3 goes right at Rusev! EC3 throws forearms and body shots, then clubs Rusev away. He whips but Rusev reverses, only to get kicked away. Fans chant “We Want Lana!” as EC3 throws hands! EC3 powers Rusev to a corner and whips him corner to corner. Rusev reverses but runs into an elbow. EC3 dodges and jumps but into Rusev’s arms for a swinging side slam! Rusev roars and paces before he drags EC3 up for a Half Hatch suplex! Then he drags EC3 up for another! EC3 is dazed as Rusev stomps the mat. Rusev runs out, MACHKA KICK! But he won’t end EC3 here, he turns him over to CRUSH! Accolade is on, EC3 taps, Rusev wins!
Winner: Rusev, by submission
There is no rust on Rusev, and he is only getting started. Where will Rusev be come the WWE Draft?
Rey Mysterio speaks.
“It seems impossible that just a few weeks ago, I nearly retired and left this business.” This business has been his entire life. But he was just experiencing a moment of doubt. But thanks to his son, Mysterio stuck it out, and he has an opportunity to face the Universal Champion. Mysterio knows Dominic is watching, and dedicates this match to him. Will Mysterio make his son proud in such a critical match?
Nikki Cross w/ Alexa Bliss VS Sasha Banks w/ Bayley!
The battles between Bliss-Cross and the Boss & Hug Connection isn’t over! The Goddess’ knee is banged up, but her best friend will avenge her! Will Nikki make a dent in Sasha’s hot streak as we head for Hell in a Cell?
The bell rings and Nikki glares at Sasha from the corner. Thens he runs out and chases Sasha to a corner. Sasha gets out and the ref has Nikki back off. Nikki shouts at Bayley as Sasha slowly returns. Sasha and Nikki tie up and go around. Sasha puts Nikki in the corner then fires off forearms! The ref backs Sasha off, but Sasha copies Alexa’s SLAP! Nikki fires forearms back! Nikki whips but Sasha reverses, only to get run over! Nikki fires up as she runs in, monkey flip! Sasha is dizzy and Nikki dropkicks her down! Cover, TWO, and Sasha bails out to regroup with Bayley. Nikki paces and eggs Sasha on, but Bayley says to wait. Sasha cools off and returns, but then hurries out as Nikki runs over. Sasha and Bayley talk it out, and Sasha even laughs Nikki off. She gets in and catches Nikki to throw her down by her hair. Sasha rains rights but stops to soak up the heat.
Sasha drags Nikki up but Nikki cradle counters! TWO, and Nikki arm-drags Sasha into an armlock. Sasha endures as Nikki grinds her down. Fans rally as Sasha fights her way up. Sasha throws hands then whips, but Nikki goes up and over to arm-drag Sasha again! Bayley coaches Sasha up while Alexa cheers Nikki on. Nikki rolls Sasha to a crucifix, TWO, but the armlock is still on. Nikki steps through, La Magistrol, TWO! Sasha is free, but runs into another arm-drag! Sasha is growing frustrated as Nikki grinds her down again. Sasha pulls hair to help her get up, and then knees low. Sasha whips but Nikki dodges and comes back with a crossbody! Cover, TWO! Sasha bails out again but Nikki pursues, and hops on for a sleeper hold! Nikki thrashes Sasha about as they go around the corner, but Sasha backpack sentons Nikki on the ground! Sasha grins as she gets away and we go to break.
Raw returns and Sasha has Nikki bent backwards in the straitjacket stretch. Fans rally as Nikki endures and fights her way up. Nikki bumps and breaks free, then turns around to roll Sasha up, TWO! Sasha runs into a headbutt, and then Nikki whips. Sasha reverses and deflects the boots. She has Nikki sideways but gets a knee! Nikki puts Sasha on the apron but gets a knee back. Sasha swings in to meteora! Cover, TWO! Sasha grows annoyed as Nikki gets up. Sasha throws her back down by her hair, then looms over her. She knocks Nikki down then toys with her. Sasha wraps up one arm in a hammerlock, then headscissors with her other leg! Fans rally and duel as Nikki endures. Nikki kicks and fights out, but Sasha grinds her heel in Nikki’s face. Sasha drags Nikki up but gets a jawbreaker! Nikki throws forearms, but ends up in a corner. Sasha runs into an elbow, and then Nikki kicks Sasha away.
Nikki gets to another corner, and baits Sasha into buckles! Nikki rallies with clotheslines! Sasha scrambles to a corner, Nikki runs in for a splash! And bulldog! Cover, TWO! Bayley is relieved but Bliss-Cross are both frustrated. Nikki runs in but Sasha slips out. Sasha hotshots a leg! Nikki rolls away, clutching the knee. Sasha climbs back in and runs corner to corner to meteora! Cover, TWO! Nikki survives but Sasha stomps the bad leg. Sasha stalks Nikki to ropes and brings her up to snapmare. She grabs the bad leg and drops on it hard for the toehold. Alexa cheers Nikki on but Sasha keeps on that knee. Sasha has a standing toehold to wrench the knee, but Nikki pulls Sasha in by her hair and arms! The ref reprimands Nikki, but Nikki gets both feet to power Sasha away. Sasha comes back but gets a headbutt. She still wants Nikki’s leg, but Nikki rolls to send her into buckles!
Sasha bails out of the ring as Nikki fires herself up. Nikki slingshots to wreck Sasha with that dropkick! Bayley checks on her friend, but Nikki LEAPS to crossbody Sasha down! Fans fire up with the Loony Lass as she puts Sasha in. Sasha shoulders but into a knee, and then gets a neckbreaker! Nikki hits the cross-arm neckbreaker! Cover, TWO!! Sasha survives but Nikki grins as she fires up more. Nikki has the fans on her side as she hobbles up. Nikki drags Sasha up but Sasha kicks out the bad leg. Sasha hits a basement knee! Cover, TWO! Sasha is starting to lose her cool but Bayley coaches her on. Sasha basement dropkicks Nikki out of the ring, then runs to slide! But into the apron skirt! Nikki got Sasha again! Nikki clubs away on Sasha, then puts her back in. Nikki climbs up but Sasha runs at her. NIkki boots Sasha, but the tornado is thrown off! Sasha grabs Nikki, but Nikki elbows free! PURGE OUTTA NOWHERE! Cover, but Bayley hops up to distract the ref!
Nikki swings at Bayley, Alexa DECKS her! Alexa sends Bayley into the timekeeper’s area! The Goddess scowls at Bayley while Nikki fires back up. Nikki climbs and Crossbodies! Roll through into Bank Statement!! Nikki taps, Sasha wins!!
Winner: Sasha Banks, by submission
The Boss still wins, but goes after Alexa for good measure! Backstabber to Bank Statement again! Alexa won’t tap so Sasha throws her aside. But will Sasha get her way when she and Becky are inside the Cell?
The OC complains.
Viking Raiders beating the Good Brothers, Cedric going after Styles! But it doesn’t matter now. When are they going to learn they’re not in the OC’s league? Cedric is good, but he’s not Phenomenal. Just like the other superstars in that Fatal 5! Preach! It doesn’t matter if they’re a superhero, a rockstar, Styles is mother loving PHENOMENAL! Styles will be Universal Champion. And that is Too Sweet.
BREAKING NEWS: The Beast will be on the Raw premiere!
Yes, when Raw starts fresh, Brock Lesnar will make his presence known!
The Street Profits react to the news!
BROCK LESNAR! Raw is so hot from downtown, Steph Curry would be impressed. Rollins VS Strowman tonight in a Clash of Champions rematch, that’s the biggest main event you could get! But there’s also the Fatal 5 Elimination match to name a new contender! Mysterio, Ricochet, Styles, Roode and Nakamura! And Angelo Dawkins can’t get over the baby daddy drama. IT was rather traumatic. We still don’t know the real-
The Miz comes by with two huge announcements of his own. Last Friday, Miz and Maryse welcomed their second baby girl! Monroe Sky now has Madison Jade as a new baby sister, and we all know who the father is there. But number two, the Raw season premiere, Miz returns for the “biggest Miz TV ever!” The Immortal Hulk Hogan AND the Nature Boy, Ric Flair~! WOO~, brother! There’s no time to waste, let’s get some of that SmackDown recap. And what Montez Ford means is Brock Lesnar challenging Kofi Kingston for his WWE World Championship! SmackDown’s Fox debut will have the fighting champion fight the Beast! And when Kofi accepted, he got an F5 for it! Will #Kofimania survive a trip to Suplex City?
Lacey Evans VS Ember Moon!
The Sassy Southern Belle returns from her rather awkward time in Edmonton to continue her hot streak on Raw. But with SmackDown’s War Goddess paying a visit, will Lacey get a very classy Eclipse? Or will Lacey show Ember is not ready to be on the red brand?
The bell rings and Lacey first has to wipe herself down. She tosses the handkerchief at Ember, only to get a dropkick from Ember! Cover, ONE, but Ember stays on Lacey with a headlock. Lacey pulls hair but Ember holds tight. Lacey powers out and hip tosses but Ember handsprings through to arm-drag! Ember mocks the hankie dabbing to then springboard crossbody! Cover, TWO! Ember watches Lacey closely, and gets a leg. Lacey pushes Ember away then runs in, but is put on the apron. Lacey throws Ember down by her hair, then slingshots around to dropkick Ember to the floor! Lacey fans herself off before going out to fetch Ember. She puts Ember in with force then takes her time getting in. Natalya is seen watching backstage as Lacey puts Ember in a keylock.
Fans rally for Ember as she fights up, but Lacey drives her down with a knee to the arm! And then drops a knee on the arm! Lacey stomps a mudhole into Ember in the corner, then swings to hit the bronco buster! Cover, TWO! Lacey keeps on Ember with angry hammering fists, then dares Ember to get up. Lacey wraps on a classy cobra clutch but fans rally for Ember. Ember fights her way up and out, then fireman’s carries to a Samoan Drop! Now both women are even as they slowly stir on the mat. Lacey stands first but Ember dodges the punch to clothesline! And mule kick, front kick and enziguri! Ember fires up and fans join her as she brings Lacey around. Ember whips but Lacey reverses, only for Ember to slip out and rock Lacey! But Lacey sweeps the legs! Lacey dropkicks but misses, and Ember is like a bat as she hangs up side down, to get Lacey with a stunner! Ember puts Lacey in and covers, TWO!
Ember is shocked Lacey still lives, but she tries again. TWO, and Ember grows angry. Ember climbs up and fans cheer, but Lacey gets to the apron. Lacey pulls hair to keep Ember down! The ref counts but Lacey lets up at 4 to hit the WOMAN’S RIGHT! Ember flops to the mat but Lacey wants to rub it in. Lacey steals the Sharpshooter! And sits down deep! Ember taps, Lacey wins!
Winner: Lacey Evans, by submission
Lacey blows a kiss to the crowd as she wins with her “classier” Sharpshooter. Natty is asked about this backstage, and her response is while imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Lacey hasn’t quite mastered that hold yet. Natty will gladly show Lacey how it’s done in a rematch. When and where will Lady and Queen face off again?
Raw presents a new Firefly Fun House!
Kane’s picture now hangs on the Wall of Friends, but Bray prepares yet another frame. “There’s always room for one more.” Bray laughs and says hello. But wait, Huskis and Ramblin’ Rabbit are fighting over something. It’s a Seth Rollins action figure! Oh, Huskis. But why are they arguing over Rollins? You two are best friends. But they’re such big fans, they don’t want to share! Well, sharing isn’t easy. But it’s never good to be too attached to something. If you love something too much, it weakens you, and you become vulnerable to negative feelings, like disappointment, neglect, and abandonment. Bray knows what it feels like to be abandoned. Well yeah, but, they don’t want The Fiend to hurt Rollins… Well maybe Fiend is protecting Rollins in his own way! Fiend never forgets, and doesn’t like to share. But surely everyone else can. Bray breaks the Rollins toy in half! Sharing is caring~! Bray gives a death glare, but then cheerfully says, “See you in Hell!”
The 24/7 Championship chase heads to the ring!
R-Truth and Carmella run down and look around for the hunters. It takes a moment before Drake Maverick, Curt Hawkins and the Lucha House Party appear. Carmella says they all need to stop! She begs them to stop chasing them all the time. They can’t take it anymore! Carmella sure can’t. They’ve been at this for four months! Truth says they’ll get out of this mess. His clown friend will give them a balloon ride. No! Carmella can’t take this! They can’t eat, sleep, anything! Truth is surprised at Carmella, but they hug it out. And then Carmella rolls him up!? Carmella wins!!
Winner: Carmella, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion
Shawn Michaels betraying Marty Jannetty, Kevin Owens betraying… Well a lot of people. And now, Carmella betraying R-Truth! The FABULOUS Princess is the champion and everyone is in shock! But Truth smiles, and celebrates for her. If anything, he’s proud of her. But now, the Women’s Division gets to chase Carmella! Off they go! Will Carmella’s first reign make it through the night?
Sasha Banks and Bayley talk about destroying Bliss-Cross.
They revel in giving the tag team champions what they deserved. And Becky rambling about ending Sasha. Becky rambles on about this being a cat ‘n’ mouse game, like Sasha should be concerned. Sasha is only concerned about taking the title, because Becky will never be a Boss. Sasha will be the only woman standing, and then both best friends will be champions! Will the #TwoWomanPowerTrip be born after Hell in a Cell?
Sami Zayn gives Shinsuke Nakamura a pep talk.
This is a big opportunity for the Intercontinental Champion. “Just remember who you are!” The poet, the artist, the King of Strong Style will- He stands up to tell Sami in Japanese that he knows what he has to do. Sami apologizes, and agrees, Shinsuke has this. Will Nakamura be one match away from being a dual champion?
Chad Gable VS “King” Baron Corbin!
After the runner-up ruined the coronation, Corbin has recreated his rob, scepter and crown in his own image! Will the Lone Wolf King conquer Gable in this rematch of the tournament finals? Or will the rebellion be televised live?
Raw returns and Gable makes his entrance. Gable is still feeling great after what he did to ruin Corbin’s first regalia. Corbin has a mic to say he’s not here to make fun of anyone. He probably won’t be out here very long anyway, this match will be rather short. And as the King of the Ring, Corbin decrees that he will no longer have to compete against “runts,” or anyone else under 5’5″. The king prepares himself, and the match begins.
Gable and Corbin circle and Gable dodges the punch to give a kick. Corbin shrugs that off and they tie up. Corbin powers Gable to a corner but Gable dodges to kick and kick. Corbin shoves Gable but they circle again. Gable and Corbin tie up and Gable waistlocks. Corbin swings but Gable shoves, and then tricks Corbin into dropping down. Gable waistlocks again, but Corbin spins and throws Gable out. Gable returns, but gets an elbow! Corbin puts Gable in a chinbar and half nelson! Corbin leans on Gable but fans rally up. Gable fights to his feet and throws hands. Corbin knees low then whips Gable hard into buckles. Corbin clubs Gable down then chokes him on the ropes. The ref counts and Corbin lets up. Gable catches his breath in the corner, but Corbin bumps him off more buckles. Corbin whips corner to corner but Gable goes up and over and dodges to hit a leaping arm-drag! And then he dropkicks the legs out! Gable runs for the rolling neckbreaker!
Corbin bails out to avoid the cover, but fans boo. Corbin trips Gable and brings him out, but Gable brings the fight! Corbin kicks Gable’s leg out to bounce him off steel steps! Corbin hip tosses Gable out into the security! Fans front row get even closer to the action while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again, and Corbin has Gable back in the ring. Gable throws punches back but Corbin shoves. Gable dodges, Corbin slides out then in to body check Gable! Cover, TWO! Corbin grows frustrated by Gable surviving, but he looms over the underdog. Corbin pulls Gable up by his hair to drive elbows into the shoulder. He then locks on a new chinbar half nelson, but fans rally for Gable. Gable endures and works his way up. Gable throws body shots, then gets a leg. Corbin shoves Gable then whips him hard into buckles! Cover, TWO! Corbin argues with the ref, but John Cone won’t be intimidated. Corbin drags Gable up to put him in the corner and throw big body shots. He hoists Gable up top but Gable fights back. Gable rolls off Corbin’s back to then go under and up to crossbody! Both men are down and fans rally up again.
Gable and Corbin stand, and Gable throws big forearms and uppercuts! Gable knees and uppercuts more, then ducks the clothesline to mule kick! Gable runs, into a BOOT! Corbin covers, TWO! Corbin is furious but San Fran rallies again. Gable crawls his way to a corner and Corbin hears the fans cheer. Corbin runs in at Gable, BIG clothesline! Gable slumps over in the corner and Corbin enjoys the boos. Corbin goes corner to corner again for another big clothesline! Gable again slumps over and Corbin soaks up the heat. “You will bow down!” Corbin runs in a third time, but Gable dodges. Corbin slides out, in, but into the rolling kick! Gable goes corner to corner to hit the rolling kick again! And then again! Corbin falls into the drop zone, Gable climbs up! But Corbin trips him up! Corbin hauls Gable off the top, for a yo-yo slam! Cover, TWO!! And Corbin has about had it with him!
Gable gets to a corner while Corbin argues with John Cone again. Corbin goes back to Gable but Gable dropkicks the legs out. Gable gets up, kicks the leg, but Corbin choke grips! Lift, but Gable sunset flips out! Cover, TWO! CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Gable still lives! Corbin is beside himself, but San Fran rallies back up! Corbin tells them to shut up, but Gable is up. Corbin goes at him in the corner but Gable fires off strikes! Corbin rocks Gable with a right, then hops up to leap. The ax handles miss! German Suplex! Gable has Corbin down and goes up top again! MOONSAULT HITS! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives and Gable feels how close he was! “This is Awesome!” and fans are fired up for Gable. Gable goes to Corbin but Corbin choke grips! Gable breaks free, runs, but escapes End of Days! He gets Corbin to the ANKLE LOCK! Corbin flails and reaches, but he gets to his scepter! He jabs Gable with it!
Winner: Chad Gable, by disqualification
Corbin clobbers Gable over and over with his scepter! Fans boo and jeer, but Corbin drags Gable up to make him pay for pushing the king this far. Corbin SMASHES Gable in the back! The Lone Wolf King hobbles over to his corner to put on his crown and cape. King Corbin stands tall, but will Gable and other superstars refuse to bow down?
The Authors of Pain are coming back.
Akam and Rezar told the world last week how soft and afraid all the other “wannabe tough guys in WWE” are. And they’re right to be afraid. People want to know who the AOP are, but the AOP will show you. Akam and Rezar head out, with cameras following. They find Heath Slater and No Way Jose and just start attacking! After, they return to their interview room, and say “We told you no one is hard enough to fight us. Now you’ve seen it for yourselves.” That is why no one wants to fight the AOP.
WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 5 Way Elimination Match: AJ Styles VS Rey Mysterio VS Ricochet VS Robert Roode VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
The Phenomenal United States Champion, the King of Lucha Libre, the One and Only, the GLORIOUS half of the Raw Tag Team Champions, and the King of Strong Style. Only one can challenge Seth Rollins in the Raw season premiere. Who will be the last one standing?
Raw returns with a quick backstage interview with Ricochet. This incredible opportunity means so much to Ricochet. “There comes a time in everyone’s life where we have an opportunity to soar,” and that’s tonight for Ricochet. He will not only win a chance at the title, but it proves that superheroes are real. And as the music starts up, it proves that Ricochet’s time has come. Ricochet makes his entrance, but has that time finally come for the King of Flight? After Ricochet, Roode, Styles and Nakamura make their entrances, and this star-studded contender’s match begins!
Styles goes right at Mysterio while Nakamura goes at Ricochet. Roode bails out as the odd man out, and watches the two champions take on the two high-flyers. Styles and Nakamura whip Mysterio and Ricochet, but Mysterio slides to dodge while Ricochet ducks. Mysterio tilt-o-whirls Styles around, then Ricochet does the same to Nakamura! Mysterio dropkicks Styles out and Nakamura bails out on his own. Ricochet rocks Roode as he returns, but Mysterio rolls Ricochet! ONE, and Mysterio shrugs. This is every man for himself, after all. Roode slides back in but Mysterio hits him first. Ricochet dropkicks Roode out then rocks Styles! Mysterio runs but is put on the apron, so he Asais onto Styles! Ricochet FLIES onto Nakamura! The Kings of Lucha and Flight are standing tall as we go to break.
Raw returns as Nakamura has Ricochet in a facelock. Ricochet fights back but Nakamura knees low. Nakamura runs into the dropkick-flip and enziguri! He bails out and Sami checks on him while Ricochet dumps Styles out. Triangle dropkick takes Styles out, but Roode waistlocks Ricochet. Ricochet elbows out then slingshots, only to miss, and Styles LARIATS Ricochet down! Roode gets Mysterio as he returns, then whips. Mysterio slides but gets picked up. Mysterio kicks Roode away, but runs into Roode’s knee! Roode whips Mysterio and Mysterio slide-splashes out onto Ricochet! Styles seethes as he looms over Ricochet and puts him in. Roode is on Ricochet and bumps him off buckles. Roode throws haymakers, but Styles pulls him off. Roode shoves Styles, then stomps Ricochet. Styles joins in! They mug Ricochet then whip him to ropes. Double elbows drops Ricochet, “That’s what I’m talking about!”
But Roode tries to sucker punch Styles! Styles dodges to PELE Roode down! Styles covers, TWO! Roode still lives but Styles goes after Ricochet. Scoop slam and Styles runs, but Nakamura drags Styles out to throw him into barriers! Nakamura puts Styles on the apron, for the running knee! Sami is enjoying this as Nakamura goes back to Ricochet. Nakamura suplexes and gourd busters! Then he rams his knees into Ricochet’s head and shoulders! Nakamura kicks Ricochet to a corner, then rams his knees in more. He gives Ricochet Bad Vibrations, then hauls him up top. Ricochet is stuck sideways as Nakamura runs in, Top Shelf knee! Inverted Exploder, but Ricochet lands on his feet to enziguri! Nakamura wobbles, Mysterio springboard seated sentons! Mysterio sees Nakamura bail out, and he’s alone with Ricochet again.
Fans fire up as Ricochet whips but Mysterio reverses only for Ricochet to roll off the back. Mysterio springboards but Ricochet catches him, and blocks the tornado DDT! Ricochet suplexes Mysterio up and over, cover, TWO! Styles runs in to Penalty Kick Ricochet down! Styles hits a big corner clothesline on Ricochet, then whips him corner to corner. Ricochet boots Stylse away, somersault shotgun dropkick! Roode returns, but gets a jawbreaker! Ricochet whips but Roode reverses. Roode misses in the corner, Ricochet shoulders in and bumps him off buckles. Ricochet kicks Roode away, springboards and clotheslines Roode down! Ricochet hits RECOIL! KINSHASA outta nowhere! Cover, Nakamura ELIMINATES Ricochet! The One and Only is the first one out as we go to break.
Raw returns again, and Mysterio has Nakamura in the drop zone. But Nakamura revives to ROUNDHOUSE him down! Nakamura climbs up to join Mysterio, but Styles runs in to climb up, too. They both have Mysterio, but Roode joins in! TOWER OF DOOM! Double powerbomb superplex! Roode goes to Mysterio and covers, TWO!! Mysterio still lives! So Roode covers Styles, TWO! Cover on Nakamura, TWO! Roode strikes out and is frustrated, but he goes back to stomp Styles. He drags Styles up to throw him out hard. Roode has Nakamura all to himself, and puts him in a corner to CHOP and punch away! Sami is concerned for his kindred spirit, but Roode tells Nakamura to quit. Roode whips but Nakamura dodges to ROUNDHOUSE! Nakamura hops up, takes aim, FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura and Sami are both frustrated as Roode bails out.
Styles returns to get his old nemesis with a Phenomenal Blitz! But Nakamura dodges the back hand to swing and hit the back heel! Shining Wizard! Cover, TWO!! The Intercontinental Champion takes aim at the United States Champion from a corner. “YAO!” But Styles dodges to kick, but his Clash is countered to a fireman’s carry! Styles flails so Nakamura dumps him out! Mysterio returns to springboard crossbody! He whips but Nakamura reverses, knees, shoves, but Mysterio huricanranas! Dial it up, 619!! Sami is right there to see it all! But Styles clobbers Mysterio first! And suplexes him to drop him on the apron! Styles forearms Roode away and prepares the forearm, but Roode dodges, PHENOMENAL FOREARM on Nakamura! Styles ELIMINATES Nakamura! Sami is furious but Nakamura is out! Now it is just Styles, Roode and Mysterio left!
Roode hits Styles, GLORIOUS DDT!! Cover, Roode ELIMINATES Styles!! Now it’s just Roode and Mysterio! Fans are thunderous for Mysterio but he is still vulnerable after that suplex. Roode grins as he goes out to fetch Mysterio. Roode puts Mysterio in the ring and he waits for Mysterio to stand. Roode winds it up, fans rally as hard as they can for Mysterio, “GLORIOUS~!” Roode drags Mysterio up, but Mysterio rolls him up! ONE, and Mysterio runs to tilt-o-whirl Roode onto ropes! Mysterio dials it up again, but into a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Mysterio shocks himself with surviving! Both men are down, and Roode is beside himself. San Fran cheers Mysterio on as he gets to the apron. Roode hobbles over but Mysterio shoulders then enziguris back. Mysterio springboards, but the seated senton is caught! Roode drops Mysteiro, lift, but counter! Redial 619!! Springboard frog splash!! Cover, MYSTERIO WINS!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall; NEW #1 Contender to the Universal Championship
Mysterio dedicating this match to his son is the motivation he needed to win! Now the King of Lucha moves on to face the Architect for the title! Will Mysterio be a major monkey wrench in the hellish plans of The Fiend?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
What are his thoughts on facing Mysterio for the title next week? Congratulations to Mysterio, he earned this opportunity. This is a dream match for Rollins, but he’s not looking past anything. Rollins still has to settle things with The Fiend, title or no title. He’s not happy about that, about Strowman, but that’s how it is when you’r e the champ. But he’ll do what the best in the world odes: beat Strowman, beat Mysterio, and then survive, prevail and #BurnItDown!
Seth Rollins VS Braun Strowman!
With Mysterio and The Fiend on the horizon, can The Architect once again be the #MonsterSlayer? Or will the Monster Among Men prove he’s worthy of another shot by beating Rollins in this Clash of Champions rematch?
The bell rings and Rollins circles Strowman. Rollins waistlocks then kicks Strowman, but Strowman shrugs it off. They go again but Rollins kicks harder, and that gets Strowman to stagger. Strowman blocks the third kick, and flips Rollins! Rollins lands on his feet, to get ROCKED by a right hand! Rollins rolls to ropes as fans cheer Strowman. Rollins stands, but Strowman runs Rollins over! Strowman watches Rollins get up, to run him over again! Strowman wants Rollins to stand, and Rollins does. Rollins dodges this time, but Strowman keeps coming. Rollins dodges, but gets scooped, only to sip into a sleeper hold! But Strowman throws Rollins right off, to club Rollins right down! Rollins bails out and fans fire up for Strowman as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again as Rollins endures a bearhug. He headbutts Strowman off him but Strowman shoves him away. Rollins dodges, dodges and dropkicks! Strowman falls and Rollins reels him in, but Strowman powers out of the Pedigree! Strowman sees Rollins bail out again, and decides to take a lap! Strowman builds up speed as he goes around the corners, but Rollins gets out of the way! Rollins uses the barriers as a springboard, but gets caught and headbutt’d! Rollins gets in the ring and Strowman pursues, to run corner to corner and squash Rollins! Strowman goes again, but runs into boots! Strowman still comes back, but gets only post! Rollins chop blocks Strowman’s legs out! Then swings a leg into the post! And again! And again! The ref reprimands Rollins and he lets up, to springboard back into the ring. Flying knee takes Strowman out! SUPERKICK decks him! Cover, ONE and with power!
Rollins is again shocked, but he saw this at Clash of Champions. He clamps on with a sleeper hold but Strowman fights his way up to power Rollins into buckles. Rollins lets go and Strowman runs in, to get another SUPERKICK! Rollins climbs up high, leaps, BLOCKBUSTER! Rollins covers, TWO! Rollins heads back to the corner and back up top. Rollins leaps for the Frog Splash! It hits but Rollins bounces off! So he just goes up top again, for a second Frog Splash! Cover, TWO!! Rollins keeps his cool, he still has Strowman reeling. Fans build to a rally as Rollins stomps, “Burn It Down!” Rollins aims, runs, but into a scoop! He slips out and shoves Strowman out. Rollins aims, runs and DIVES! Direct hit but it only makes Strowman stagger. Rollins runs and DIVES again! Strowman is down but Rollins isn’t satisfied. Rollins runs again, DIVE, but into Strowman’s hand! APRON CHOKE SLAM!
Strowman builds speed around the ring to RUN ROLLINS OVER! But Strowman grins as he watches Rollins get back up, and he runs Rollins over again! Monster Slam to the floor! Strowman drags Rollins up and into the ring, but he isn’t finished with him yet. He hauls Rollins back up, another scoop, but the lights start going out! Fans know what this means, and so does Strowman! The flashing lights show Strowman is caught in the Mandible Claw! The Fiend smothers the Monster!! And again, Rollins is living a waking nightmare as The Fiend creeps closer! The Fiend sees Strowman stir, an uncanny thing for someone who took the Claw. So The Fiend just smothers Strowman again! And this time, The Fiend laughs as he puts Strowman out for good. Fans lose their minds but it is Rollins who might go insane after seeing this. The Fiend still keeps his eyes on Strowman, right up until the lights go out again. Did… Did the Fiend “save” Rollins from Strowman tonight?
My Thoughts:
A pretty great episode for the “season finale” of Raw to help build up towards the Fall changes. All great matches tonight, even with the Lacey VS Natty story still seeming weird women’s midcard filler. Their rematch should probably just be on the “season premiere” next week, otherwise it will just be Kickoff Show material for Hell in a Cell. Viking Raiders VS OC was a great match for these two teams, but it is clear that as the Faces, Erik and Ivar will make their way to those tag titles to face Heel Roode & Ziggler. That title match could happen at Hell in a Cell, but who knows who actually wins. Rusev keeps rolling with a win over poor EC3 the former three-time 24/7 Champion. Fans really wanted to see Lana, so hopefully Lana’s return to TV brings things around to that baby drama with the Kanellises.
What a great development for the rest of the Women’s Division, though. Carmella was so good in swerving Truth to take the 24/7 Championship! And now things start fresh with all the new possibilities. Though I’m surprised they didn’t linger on the distraught Drake Maverick more. He will surely go to wife Renee Michelle about this, but then it’d be hilarious to see her take over as the obsessed one. At the same time, this is a great chance for all the women yet to have a title in their careers, like Sarah Logan, Dana Brooke, and even Fire & Desire if there’s nothing going for them in the Women’s Tag Division right now. And then we got a solid match out of Nikki and Sasha. The one thing I would’ve tweaked is getting Alexa more invested, she had “lose energy” in the most dire moments for Nikki. But at least this keeps #TwoWomanPowerTrip alive in the background of Sasha’s story with Becky. Becky had a great interview promo, and Sasha had a great response promo, this match of theirs is going to be a show stealer.
The rematch of Gable and Corbin was incredible! On par, if not better, than their KOTR Finals match. Gable came so close, so it worked really well for Corbin’s Heel heat to get himself disqualified. There has to be a third match between these two, where Gable finally wins to be triumphant over King Corbin. It would be the perfect match to open HiaC’s main show and get that crowd excited. There was a lot of great hype for next week’s episode, too, and a new logo means a new thumbnail for these articles. The Fatal 5 Elimination was incredible, and it is great for Mysterio to be the winner. This really boosts his story of his comeback, and will give us a great match with Rollins next week in the premiere. At the same time, it is clear Rollins should win that to keep the title for Hell in a Cell for The Fiend.
Rollins and Strowman had a good bit to open the show, and their main event match was a pretty good rematch from Clash. But at the same time, it was pretty clear The Fiend was going to attack. Firefly Fun House was great this week, as they always are, and it was quite an interesting move for The Fiend to basically guard Rollins from Strowman at the end there. It fits how Bray said this has all been The Fiend’s way of protecting Rollins, so I would think next week’s Firefly Fun House explains more of that motivation. There’s also a chance Fiend attacks Mysterio so that the title stays on Rollins to keep things going the way they are. There is a chance we’re getting at least a Triple Threat for the title now, as Strowman will want payback on Bray while also claiming he would’ve beaten Rollins this week. At the very least, it can all lead to The Fiend winning the title without pinning Rollins so that they can have a rematch at an even bigger PPV, like the Royal Rumble.
My Score: 8.5/10
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Who has WrestleMania hangover here in Vegas?
There are so many new champions in the WWE, but none bigger than JOHN CENA as the SEVENTEEN TIME WWE Champion! What will happen now that he is back on top?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Liv & Raquel win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
- Iyo Sky VS Stephanie Vaquer; Iyo Sky, by disqualification.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day VS PENTA; Dom wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
A car pulls into the parking lot.
Out steps The Wise Man, Paul Heyman, and The Visionary, Seth Rollins. What will be next for the new Paul Heyman Guy?
JOHN CENA is here!
Las Vegas is still just as torn as they were last night, but we sure hear a lot of “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion, the SEVENTEEN TIME world champion, walks down the ramp. Cena drapes the towel over his head and he wears the title backwards, but he doesn’t care what the fans think as he steps into the ring. Cena has his music fade out, and he points to someone. Cena tells them to come closer, and it’s the ring announcer. Cena has Mark Nash join him in the ring while the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena hands something to Nash for him to read to the fans.
Nash says, “My sincerest apologies. I have been informed that my announcement has been deemed disrespectful. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Greatest Of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Las Vegas with his presence for the final time… The Last Real Champion, JOHN CENAAA~!” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title. Cena then has Nash hand over his mic, and says, “Winners write history. You (fans) are not worthy. You think that on Friday, you can bully me? And then I step in a ring with gold around my waist, and just because you cheer, I’m supposed to forgive you?” Fans cheer in hopes of that.
Cena says that is not how a functional relationship works! Does this man up front think that’s how it works with his wife? Well, it’s not. Cena asks if the parents treat their children like that. No, because that’s not how it works. The fans might show up in a good mood, Cena will still tell them to go straight to Hell. Every damn one of them owes Cena an apology, but they don’t have the guts to do it! And yeah, go ahead, make the noise. This is always the night fans hijack Monday Night Raw, right? All of WrestleMania, and this is a sacred ticket where the fans can take control, right? They have gotten soft.
Wait, some fans chant “We Are Sorry!” And others say, “NO, WE’RE NOT!” Cena explains that it’s “We Aren’t Sorry.” He does a quick once over, and yeah, this is an arena full of the sorriest lowlifes he’s ever seen! Each and every one of them ARE sorry! And here’s the best part: They don’t mean anything to Cena. The fans tell Cena off and Cena just soaks it in. Cena say she may be an anus, but they’re all idiots. For 25 YEARS, they have called him so much worse. He has taken their best shots, and has always gotten back up. What makes them think THIS is the crowd that’ll crack him? Go ahead! You mean NOTHING to him! The noise means NOTHING!
“The only thing that means to all of our lives… is that!” The number on screen says “36 dates.” Cena says he told us at the beginning of the year, 36 shows, and he’s gone. Time passes so quickly! Let’s countdown the time we’ve already lost. Netflix debut, Indianapolis, Toronto, London, Brussels, Glasgow, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Las Vegas! That leaves us with 27 dates. Not matches, but appearances. The fans boo but Cena says yeah! You say he can’t wrestle? He doesn’t have to! He can just show up and do this! “When that hits zero, the professional wrestling timeline stops cold. I am not stupid like you. I know there will be another Monday Night Raw. I know you will ‘decide’ another champion.
“But the title held by Bruno Sammartino, the title held by Roman Reigns for over 1000 days, the title taken from me in Chicago by CM Punk, the title held by Triple H ‘The Game,’ by ‘Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin comes home with ME! I am the Last Real Undisputed Champion of the WWE!” The fans boo but Cena says getting the title was the hard part. The rest is a cake walk. He can just keep playing us like the puppets we are. The best chance the fans had was Cody Rhodes. The fans boo and Cena says, “You heartless bastards. You boo him on Friday, and then you cheer him on Friday, and then you boo him on Sunday. And I say his name?
“And the man we all put on our shoulders last year because he finished his story now disgusts you? That’s what’s wrong with this! And that’s why last night, Cody Rhodes was outshined, outclassed, outwrestled and flat-out destroyed. It’s time for you to take a bold look in the mirror, and here’s the truth: There is NO ONE in the WWE with the strength, the speed, the wisdom, or the ruthless aggression… of John Cena! But unlike you, I have a heart. And I would like to do something nice for you right now. Get out your cameras, please, you’re gonna wanna remember this moment.” Cena waits, and then says make sure to get a great picture. Because the Last Real Champ is here.
AND RANDY ORTON IS, TOO!! Cena turns around and R K O!! The fans are thunderous as The Viper strikes Cena down! Orton then looks at the title. Orton picks it up, smirks, and then holds it up. The fans like the look of that! But is this a vision of the future? Is Cena bout to face some serious backlash for what he’s done?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez!
The NEW champions just won these titles last night, but the former champions are cashing in their rematch! Will Liv & Raquel redeem themselves just 24 hours later? Or will The Morrigan & The Man be 2-0 already?
Raw returns and we see Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley watching from the crowd. They’re set to challenge for these titles tomorrow night as part of NXT, but just who will they be facing? Moving on, Lyra & Becky make their entrance together, and the fans sing along with Becky’s “Whoa Oh, Oh Oh, Oh-oh Oh!” The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who holds the gold!
The teams sort out, and Liv goes right after Becky! The fans are torn as Liv fires hands! The ref counts, Liv stomps away, but then she shrieks at the ref to back off. Liv runs in, back body blocks, then SHINING WIZARDS! Snapmare, SHINING WIZARD again! Cover, TWO! Becky stays in this but Liv stays on her by pulling hair and CLUBBING Becky in the side! Liv KICKS Becky, brings her up, but Becky ROCKS Liv! Liv ROCKS Becky, the shots keep going, and the fans fire up! Becky fires off a strike fest, then brings Liv up to whip. Liv reverses, Lyra tags in, and Becky BOOTS Liv! Lyra & Becky double whip to DOUBLE HIP TOSS!
Lyra CROSSBODIES Liv down, then brings her around. Lyra whips Liv to a corner hard, and Liv slumps down. Lyra stomps a mudhole, then brings Liv out. Liv breaks fee but Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, RAMS, and ENZIGIRIS! Raquel runs up, Lyra headlocks her first. Raquel whips, Lyra springboards to CROSSBODY Liv! Then WHEEL KICK for Raquel! The fans fire up with Lyra, she calls to Becky, and they both WRECK Liv & Raquel with dropkicks! The fans fire up for the lass kickers as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Raquel has Lyra in an Argentine Backbreaker! Lyra endures, fights free, and then ROCKS Raquel! Raquel trips Lyra, but Lyra flips to her feet! ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! Lyra and Raquel crawl, the fans rally up, but Raquel grabs at a foot. Lyra kicks free, hot tags to Becky and Liv! Becky rallies on Liv, CALF KICKS her down, then runs at the corner to ROCK Liv with a forearm! Raquel runs up but is sent into Liv! JUMP KICK for Raquel! JUMP KICK for Liv! Then BECKSPLODER for Liv! Cover, TWO! Liv stays in this but Becky stays focused. Becky dares Liv to get up, the fans rally, and Becky clinches!
Liv wheelbarrows to victory roll! ONE and Becky has it! TWO and Becky BLASTS Raquel! But Liv hits a CODE BREAKER! Then OBLIV- NO, Becky blocks to MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, RAQUEL BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as Raquel drags Liv away to the corner. Liv tags Raquel and Raquel drags Becky up. But Becky JAWBREAKERS! Becky runs up, Raquel BOOTS her down! Raquel goes up, but Becky CLUBS her first! Becky fires shots, climbs up after Raquel, but Raquel fights the lift! Lyra climbs up, tags in, and then joins in! But Raquel still fights it! Liv flips in, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB for Becky!
Lyra hops up, SUPER STEIN- NO! Raquel blocks, and she brings Lyra up! SUPER POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Lyra survives and the fans can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” while all four women are down. Lyra and Raquel rise, Raquel lifts, but Lyra slips free! Raquel tries again but Lyra DROPKICKS her away! Lyra hobbles and stumbles but she makes it to Raquel. Lyra tries to fireman’s carry, but Raquel pushes her away. Lyra goes up, TORNADO DDT! Lyra then drags Raquel back up, fireman’s carries again, NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Cover, Liv gives Raquel the ropebreak!! The fans boo but here comes Becky!
Becky hits a THESZ PRES and rains down fast hands! Liv gets free, fights off the urenage and POSTS Becky! Lyra WRECKS Liv with a dropkick! Liv climbs up, Raquel rises, TURN OF FOR- NO, Raquel dodges and BOOTS Lyra down! Cover, TWO!! Raquel is furious but Liv calls to her. Liv runs in, Raquel pops her up, POWERBOMB SENTON onto knees!! Lyra saves herself and takes out Liv in one go! Raquel freaks out, runs up, but her boot gets stuck on the ropes! Lyra DUMPS Raquel, but turns into OBLIV- NO, Lyra grabs ropes! Liv falls, Lyra ENZIGIRIS! Fireman’s carry, but Raquel saves Live!
Becky goes after Raquel, Raquel kicks her away! Lyra BLASTS Raquel onto Becky!! OBLIVION!!! Cover, LIV & RAQUEL WIN!
Winners: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
FOUR TIMES, Liv & Raquel are tag team champions! Becky regroups with Lyra, both of them a bit stunned this happened. But then Becky DECKS Lyra?!? Becky blames Lyra for this failure and Lyra is absolutely devastated! The Man storms off, only to come back and attack Lyra with a rain of forearms! The fans boo as Becky dribbles Lyra off the mat! Becky stops, Lyra is in shock, but Becky comes back again!? Lyra pleads for mercy but Becky just MANHANDLE SLAMS her!! Becky hits another MANHANDLE SLAM!! And A THIRD MANHANDLE SLAM!!! The Man is acting more like a monster, what is going on with her?
The New Day walks around backstage.
They admire their newly won WWE World Tag Team Championships, but then they cross paths with Karrion Kross. Mr. Doomsday smiles, perhaps proud of his handiwork? Either way, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods are headed to gorilla. Just how will this New Day celebrate their reign?
The New Day heads to the ring.
Las Vegas wasn’t happy during WrestleMania and they aren’t happy now that Kofi & Woods have the titles back in their possession. Kofi & Woods bring those belts to the ring, rubbing it all in our faces. Kofi has a mic to say, “We are your new W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, Championssss…!” Woods says, “So get down on your knees before us! Raise your hands to the sky! And scream out in unison, ‘THANK GAWWWWD~! FOR THE NEW DAAAAY~!” The fans boo instead. Kofi says, “There is no tag team alive or dead that is better than ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~!” The fans chant, “New! Day Sucks!” This annoys Woods & Kofi.
The fans felt the New Day couldn’t beat The War Raiders, but they did! Wait, is that The Alpha Academy? Maxxine Dupri has the mic and asks, “Hold on, hold on, hold on. Did I just hear you say that The New Day is the greatest tag team ever? I mean, you might be. But the last time you faced Otise & Tozawa, they beat you in 60 sweet seconds! And now here we are at the Raw after WrestleMania, in Las Vegas, Nevada! And by the sound of it, I think we would all love to watch you two put your money where your mouth is, and put those shiny tag titles on the line right here, right now!” Woods asks if that’s what Vegas wants. “YES!” Then the answer is NO!
Oh, are the “minutemen” scared? M-Minutemen!? The fans chant that at Woods & Kofi, and Kofi says if they wanna do it right now, let’s do it right now! Get a ref right now! The fans fire up, and we have another tag title match already! Except the lights change… And then… RUSEV IS HERE!! Vegas goes nuts because it is now Rusev Day! The Bulgarian Brute, the Redeemer, has returned to the WWE, and he storms right into the ring! New Day bail out, no title match after all. Rusev DECKS Otis! And he CLOBBERS Tozawa! The fans fire up as Rusev glare at The New Day. Tozawa gets up, climbs up, and he leaps, but Ruzez catches him! FALL AWAY SLAM!
Otis rises, the fans fire up, and now we get some “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” ROUNDHOUSE from Rusev! Then MACHKA KICK! The fans fire up as Rusev roars, “RUSEV! CRUSH!!” Rusev stomps away on Otis, and clamps on the ACCOLADE!! Otis taps but it won’t change anything! Rusev thrashes Otis around, and lets go as the fans chant “RUSEV DAY! RUSEV DAY!” Maxxine is freaking out, but will this show now become Rusev Day Raw?
The Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.
They’re all excited over Liv & Raquel becoming FOUR-TIME Women’s Tag Team Champions! And Dom is the NEW Intercontinental Champion, and they toast with a title clink. Dom says this was the greatest weekend of his life! That deadbeat dad missed Mania, and now both Dom & Liv have gold again! But then in steps Finn Balor… The Prince looks at the belt on Dom’s shoulder, and Liv says hey, a win for one is a win for all. As long as someone in Judgment Day has the title, that’s all that matters. Finn says what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. They fist bump and Finn says he’ll be out there with Dom tonight against Penta.
Finn turns around, Carlito is there, and Carlito says even though they don’t have titles, it feels like they have titles, right? Oh, Carlito has to go see the doc, he’s still sore. Carlito hobbles off, but Finn gives a bit of a scowl behind Dom’s back. Is everything (not) fine in Judgment Day?
Iyo Sky is here!
The fans cheer as the Evil Genius makes her way to the ring, still WWE Women’s World Champion! But what will she have to say about that WrestleMania victory? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Iyo has the mic. The fans cheer Iyo on, even get some “You Deserve It!” in there, and Iyo says last night was the best night of her career! The fans cheer, and Iyo says she is over the moon! She beat the best there is, which means SHE is the best! The fans cheer that! Rhea Ripley tried to forget Iyo, and Bianca Belair tried to forget Iyo. But now, ALL OF YOU will never forget her! The fans cheer that, too! Iyo adds in Japanese, and then translates to English that she is The Genius of the Sky, and she is the Women’s World Champiooon~! The fans cheer more, but wait! Is that Stephanie Vaquer?! The NXT Women’s Champion is headed to the ring!
The fans cheer as we get La Primera and Genius in the same ring! Vaquer congratulates Iyo in three languages, and then wishes to properly introduce herself. She is THE NXT Women’s Champion, La Primera, Stephanie Vaquer. The fans cheer, and Vaquer says she wants to come out here to show Iyo respect. The fans chant for “LA PRIMERA!” Vaquer tells Iyo that she is amazing. Vaquer says Iyo is right that Iyo is the best. But Vaquer is also the best. And Vaquer wants to fight the best of the best! Iyo says if Vaquer wants to face her, then challenge accepted! And what about right here, right now?! The fans cheer as this dream match is made!
Well, hold on, Adam Pearce makes his way out here, and he wants everyone else to hold on. The fans boo the Raw General Manager for ruining the fun. But Pearce double checks, does Vegas want the match? “YES!” Then so doe she! Sky VS Vaquer, and it’s RIGHT NOW! NOW the dream match is official! But who between these two champions will prove they are THE best?
Iyo Sky VS Stephanie Vaquer!
The bell rings and the two shake hands. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Iyo waistlocks. Vaquer switches, SLAMS Iyo down, but Iyo fights up. The fans duel as Iyo fires body shots. Iyo wrenches and wristlocks, but Vaquer shifts around to roll, trip, and she has the toehold. Iyo stands, wrenches, and wristlocks, but Vaquer rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back to arm-drag! The fans fire up, Iyo runs up, Vaquer sweeps and covers, ONE! Iyo sweeps and covers, ONE! The two stand off again and the fans fire up! Iyo and Vaquer go again, and Iyo whips. Vaquer tilt-o-whirl RANAS, but Iyo handsprings through!
Iyo wags her finger, Vaquer smirks, and things speed up. They clinch, Vaquer waistlocks, but denies Iyo’s escape! Iyo CLUBS Vaquer, wrenches and reels her in, but Vaquer switches. Vaquer goes to ropes, Iyo bucks the O’Conner this time, and the fans cheer the standoff. Things get going again, each woman dodges, and then Vaquer avoids the handspring, only for Iyo to DROPKICK! Vaquer bails out, Iyo builds speed, and Iyo DIVES! Direct hit and the fans fire up with the Women’s World Champion! Iyo drags Vaquer up, whips, but Vaquer tiger feint kicks back! Vaquer runs up, Iyo puts her in the timekeeper’s area, but Vaquer goes up! CROSSBODY to the floor!
The fans fire up as now the NXT Women’s Champion stands tall! Vaquer has Iyo on the defense, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Vaquer is up top, but Iyo SHOTEIS first! Iyo then climbs up after Vaquer, throws hands, and the fans rally. Vaquer fires body shots, HEADBUTTS, and Iyo falls back! Vaquer adjusts, Iyo runs back up, and SUPER ARM-DRAGS! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! The fans rally, Iyo stands, and she runs up to SHOTEI! And SHOTEI! And DROPKICK! Iyo drags Vaquer up, whips her, but Vaquer reverses. Iyo goes up, out, and ROCKS Vaquer! Iyo then climbs the corner to MISSILE DROPKICK! Vaquer tumbles away, Iyo kips up, and the fans fire up! Vaquer is in the corner, Iyo runs in, SHINKANSEN!
Iyo drags Vaquer to a cover, TWO! Vaquer stays in this, but Iyo drags her into the drop zone. Iyo steps on Vaquer as she goes to the corner. Iyo goes up, up, and OVER THE- NO, Iyo has to land out as Vaquer moves! Vaquer then dodges again, comes back, and she blocks the boot for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Vaquer runs, and she METEORAS! Vaquer drags Iyo to a cover, TWO! Iyo is tougher than that but Vaquer stays calm. The fans rally up, Vaquer reels Iyo in, but Iyo flips free of the backbreaker! Vaquer ducks a kick, Iyo ducks a kick! Iyo wheelbarrows, victory roll, STOMP 182! Cover, TWO!
Iyo is a bit frustrated but the fans rally back up. Iyo drags Vaquer up, “This is Awesome!” as Vaquer JAWBREAKERS, and SUPERKICKS! And BIG back suplex! Vaquer sits Iyo up, wraps on the headscissors, and she turns Iyo over for the DEVIL’S KISS! The fans echo Booker T’s sentiments, “Yeeeeeeeeah!” Cover, TWO! Iyo survives and the fans chant, “One More Time!” Vaquer smiles, and she drags Iyo up to tuck her in. Iyo wrenches out, kicks and sunset flips, ONE! Vaquer runs, tilt-o-whirl, RANA feint to roll up! TWO!! Iyo is surprised she got free, and she has Vaquer with underhooks! TIGER BACKBREAKAR! Cover, TWO!!
The fans rally while Iyo isn’t sure what to do. “This is Awesome!” as Iyo drags Vaquer into a waistlock. Vaquer fires elbows, gets free, and runs. Iyo ELBOWS Vaquer first! Iyo runs, but Vaquer ROCKS her! Vaquer runs, but Iyo dodges, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Iyo drags Vaquer back up, but Vaquer reels Iyo in! GERMAN SUPLEX! Both women are down and the fans are thunderous! Now fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” Vaquer goes up a corner, but Iyo rises to SHORYUKEN! Iyo climbs up after Vaquer, fires hands, then clinches. SUPER SPANISH FLY!! The fans are thunderous while both women are down again!
The fans rally and duel as both women stir. Iyo goes to ropes, Vaquer goes to a corner. Both women stand, but here comes ROXANNE PEREZ! She CLOBBERS Iyo!
Winner: Iyo Sky
The Prodigy grins at Vaquer, who she’s set to face for the title just tomorrow night! And Vaquer is pissed about it, only for GIULIA to attack Vaquer?!? The Beautiful Madness and The Prodigy then beat up on the champions! The fans boo, but here comes RHEA RIPLEY!! Roxie panics as Mami is here on Monday Night Raw! Rhea slides in, and she picks Roxie up to THROW her away! Then HEADBUTT her down! Giulia almost sneaks up, but she backs off as Rhea stares her down. Rhea and Giulia circle, and Rhea warns her. Giulia backs off, but is it only a matter of time before she’s back for more?
As for Rhea, she looks at Iyo while she’s down. Rhea picks up the title, and Iyo sits up to see this. Rhea hands the title over to Iyo and the fans cheer. Rhea says something to the effect of Iyo better be ready for when Rhea comes back for the belt. The Genius nods, and she’ll surely be ready for whoever wants a shot at her.
Jey Uso is here!
The NEW WWE World Heavy-YEET Champion makes his way in from the concourse and sports his new merch! The fans fire up and bounce along as Jey makes his way down the bleachers and to ringside. Jey daps it up with Pat & Cole, then goes to the ring to keep the bouncing going! The fans chant “You Deserve It!” as Jey grabs a mic. Jey nods, and fans “YEET!” some more, then they chant, “One More Time!” Jey hears that, and he sets the mic and belt down to say okay! The song starts up again and fans sing along, “DAY ONE ISH!” Jey then picks the mic and belt up again, and he says, “The World Heavyweight Champion is now in your citaaaay~!”
The fans cheer more, and Jey says he is here, “YEET!” He’s been wanting it. “YEET!” Since he was a kid. “YEET!” He is here now. “YEET!” Jey says it was a long, hard road. It was not easy. WrestleMania, Jey gave it all he had to beat Gunther. And Jey made him TAP! The fans cheer that! But Jey will be the first one to say that he is very grateful that he has this world title. He will show up every week, every day, and put in the work like he always has. And if you’re excited to have Jey Uso as your World Heavyweight Champion, then dammit, lemme hear ya say, “YEET!” “YEET!!” Wait! Sami Zayn is here! The fans cheer as the Underdog from the Underground returns!
Sami waves to the fans, high-fives a few in the front row, then goes to the ring to join Jey. The fans sing along with Sami’s song, and then Sami grabs himself a mic. Sami smiles as he looks at Jey, and then they hug it out! The fans cheer, and then they chant, “UCEY! UCEY!” “SAMI USO! SAMI USO!” Sami smiles again, and says he has so much he wants to say, he isn’t sure where to begin. First of all, not being here the last eight weeks or so, not being here while Jey was going through what he was going through with Gunther, Sami wants to know how hard that was for him. Sami wishes he could’ve been here.
And missing WrestleMania this year, that was also very hard on Sami. Sami and Jey aren’t that different. They’re gameday players. To be honest, Sami almost didn’t come to Vegas at all. But Sami had to, because he had to make sure that he was the first one to stand in this ring across from Jey, look him in the eyes, with that title on Jey’s shoulders, and say how proud he is of Jey Uso. The fans cheer, Jey thanks Sami, and Sami says Jey is his brother, his dawg, his Uce, he loves him, is proud of him, and knows Jey deserves that title! Sami knows it, Jey knows it, and everyone in this arena knows Jey deserves it!
The fans cheer and chant “You Deserve It!” Sami says it’s the Raw After Mania, not to get sentimental, but we are here to celebrate! So hit Jey’s music! “DAY ONE ISH!” The fans cheer, Sami and Jey hug it out again, and then they both go to the corners. The fans YEET with Jey & Sami, and it’s time to bounce! Sami hops off his corner first, and he looks at Jey. Jey hops down, they hug it out again, and the fans cheer. But wait, is that Jimmy? The fans fire up as #BigJim joins in! The three do the secret handshake, and then they group hug! Jimmy & Sami raise Jey’s hands in victory, and the fans fire up for this feel good moment!
Jey is on top of the world now that he’s World Heavyweight Champion, but how long will it last? Who will be the first one to step up to Main Event Jey Uso?
Backstage interview with Logan Paul.
After WrestleMania last night, Cathy Kelley congratulated him on the big win against AJ Styles, but does he feel he could’ve still done it without his friend and manager, Jeff, or the help from Karrion Kross? Logan asks what was that. What’s she implying? He still won, didn’t he? And we’re talking about what if’s? That’s irrelevant. He won. Next question. Then what is next for Logan? Whatever he wants, that’s what. Because this company knows he is the best and he is the future. He’ll face anyone anywhere. Anyone that he faces becomes a victim. He will continue his WrestleMania win streak. Logan is always confident, but will that ever change?
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
In present, Jackie Redmond is with the Phenomenal One, and she says just 24 hours after his loss to Logan Paul, where is he after that? Styles says he won’t lie, it is a hard pill to swallow. But Logan plays his games, gets his lackeys involved, and Styles was prepared for that. But the truth is, Styles took an L. But he’ll move on, he’ll be okay. Because part of being phenomenal is being able to bounce back and- Karrion Kross interrupts! Kross asks if Styles said “bounce back.” Yeah, good bounce back from getting pinned by Logan Paul! Styles is literally the best of us, meaning Logan winning is so much more painful, because now, Styles has legitimized him!
Oh, really? Kross is the one who said Styles is the best of us, so does Kross expect Styles to go back a year ago and be that guy? Why is Kross so adamant about this? Styles hated who he was then. He’s never going back. Kross does not understand. If Styles used the brass knuckles to beat Logan, it would’ve meant nothing! If Kross wants to be angry at the world, fine. Don’t drag Styles down with you! In fact, go solve that problem yourself! Styles storms off, Scarlett calms Kross down, and Kross says, “Maybe I will.” What will Mr. Doomsday do if he’s to “save” WWE?
Raw returns and…
Gunther is berating Pat & Cole on commentary! The fans taunt Gunther, “YOU TAPPED OUT!” Gunther dares Cole to say something to his face. Cole asks why Gunther is so upset, Cole is just doing his job. Gunther storms up around the way, yanks Cole’s headset off, and Pat tries to stop this. But Gunther SHOVES Pat, then drags Cole into a SLEEPER! So Pat fires hands! The fans fire up as Pat stands up for Cole, and now refs, security, and producers rush out here! Adam Pearce tells Gunther to stand down, but Gunther just busts through to grab Pat! SLEEPER!! Gunther drags Pat down while security is now busy with Pat’s friends/entourage!!
The fans go nuts as Pat’s friends are only making this worse for Pat! Pearce tells Gunther to let Pat go, but Pat is already red in the face and out cold on the floor! Gunther refuses to let go, even as producers claw at the beefy arms wrapped around Pat’s neck! The fans tell Gunther off as he finally lets Pat go. Gunther paces, then he finally leaves through the crowd side. Fans boo, refs and security follow Gunther while the others check Pat. Pat coughs and sputters as he wakes up, and Pearce is chewing Gunther out. Fans remind Gunther, “You Tapped Out!” while Cole helps Pat to his feet. The fans cheer Pat while he’s helped to the back.
Pat needs a second as they make it to the ramp, coughing and gasping, but he gets back to his feet and keeps walking. The fans cheer his resilience, Pearce calls for more medical help just to be safe, and Pat takes another moment to catch his breath. What consequences will there be for Der Ring General after he lashed out against innocent commentary?
Raw returns again and…
Pat is still gasping for air, but he does get a drink of water to help with his throat. Cole and Pearce help Pat to the trainer’s room, and then Pat, his entourage, and refs go inside. Pearce tells Cole that Joe Tessitore can cover for Cole, Cole should get himself checked out. Cole tells Pearce, “How can we do our jobs when we’re not allowed to have an opinion? We’re not allowed to talk about this stuff? We’re not allowed to have fun? You gotta do something.” Pearce knows, he will handle this. Cole should just take the rest of the night off. Cole says no, he is not going to let Gunther bully him. Cole heads back for commentary and Pearce says good for Cole.
Cole returns to ringside and the fans cheer. Tessitore commends Cole for this, and they’ll do their best with the rest of the show from here.
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day VS PENTA!
Twenty years ago, he was just a little boy whose loving and loyal father was fighting with Uncle Eddie for his future. And now, “Dirty Dom” is an Intercontinental Champion, just like both Rey Mysterio & Eddie Guerrero. But will Dom’s first defense also be his last? Or will Dom not care about #CeroMiedo?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who has more Latino Heat!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Dom talks a bit of trash, then he kicks Penta low! Dom CLUBS Penta, whips, hurdles, but Penta KICKS Dom out of the handspring! Penta fires up, but Dom fires back with hands! Dom stomps Penta in a corner, lets off as the ref counts, then whips corner to corner. Penta goes up and over, keeps moving, and he ducks’ n’ dodges. Penta RANAS Dom out of the ring and the fans fire up! Penta builds speed, but Dom is back to DROPKICK! Dom storms up but Penta bails out and the ref holds him back. But then Finn creeps up! The ref sees Finn and has him back off. Dom builds speed, but Penta GAMANGIRIS!
Dom staggers back, Penta climbs up, and Penta CROSSBODIES! Dom flounders back out, Penta builds speed again, and Penta FLIES! Down goes Dom and the fans fire up! Finn coaches Dom but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Penta SLING-DOGS Dom! Then GAMANGIRIS in the corner! Dom sits down, Penta runs and headstands, to DROPKICK! Penta drags Dom, covers, TWO! Dom stays in this but Penta stays calm. Finn coaches Dom but Penta drags Dom up! PENTA- NO, Dom slips free of the driver to shove, scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up while Dom and Penta go to corners. Dom runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS, mule kicks, and then goes up! Penta calls his shot, jumps, but into a kick! Dom hits a TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Dom drags Penta to a drop zone, then goes up while fans actually cheer.
But Penta is up to GAMANGIRI! Dom wobbles, Penta climbs, but Dom fires body shots! Penta hops down to CHOP Dom! Penta then runs, jumps, and RANAS Dom away! The fans fire up, Penta runs in, DESTROYER! Dom flops down and the fans fire up again! Penta reaches out, but Dom rolls away to the outside! Dom stays safe and the fans rally up again. “CERO! MIEDO!” “DIRTY DOM!” Finn coaches Dom, Dom says look out! Penta RANAS Finn into Dom! The fans fire up and Penta drags Dom up. Penta puts Dom in, then he climbs up the corner again. But Carlito distracts the ref! JD MCDONAGH IS HERE!? JD SHOVES Penta down!!
Dom DROPKICSK Penta onto ropes, then dials it up to 619!! Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, DOM WINS!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Just when it looked like Penta had the hot hand, Judgment Day pulls out the Irish Ace! Even Finn is surprised that his guy is back, and now this title stays with Judgment Day! Judgment Day celebrates on stage, and Finn feels like the odd man out for a moment. Will Judgment Day (not) smooth out the problems now that they’re back to full strength?
El Grande Americano has a new video.
“Rejoice! Despite insurmountable opposition from his jealous, desperate, rule-breaking foes, El Grande Americano has emerged victorious on the Grandest Stage of Them All! The children sang of his honesty and humility. The world stands in awe of his talent and honor! He has reclaimed his throne as the king of lucha libre. Today, we celebrate the legend, the icon, the hero, El Grande Americano!” Given the obvious AI art, photoshopped pictures and cheesy sepia film reel filter, this propaganda is not convincing anyone. But when and where will El Grande Americano face justice for what he did to Rey Fenix?
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
We saw him arrive at the start of the night, and now Las Vegas sings along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary and his Wise Man make their way down the ramp. Rollins certainly did #BurnItDown when he got Heyman to burn the bridges with CM Punk and Roman Reigns on WrestleMania Saturday. Rollins revels in the singing as he struts around in his canary yellow suit. Heyman fetches a mic, the fans continue to sing, and Rollins continues to soak it all in. Some fans even chant, “Thank You, Seth! Thank You, Seth!” Others come back with “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” and “O T C! O T C!” but Heyman hands his mic to Rollins, like he used to do for The Tribal Chief.
Fans now chant “F YOU, HEYMAN!” but Heyman is merely amused by it. Rollins takes his time turning around to face the main camera, and he takes his sunglasses off to say, “I am a Visionary. I am a Revolutionary. I took a Wise Man from Roman Reigns. I stole CM Punk’s best friend. I am the winner of the main event of WrestleMania. I. Am.” CM PUNK IS HERE! The fans go nuts for Cult of Personality while Rollins gets ready for a fight! Punk has his hands taped up for one, too, and the brawl is on! The fans fire up as haymakers fly fast ‘n’ furious! Punk puts Rollins in a corner to fire hands from all sides!
Punk stomps a mudhole into Rollins, but Heyman creeps up. Punk stops stomping just in time to turn around and see Heyman. Heyman tells Punk that Heyman didn’t betray Punk, Punk ruined things for him and Roman! Punk storms up and shoves Heyman into a corner! But Rollins runs up and CLAWS Punk’s eyes! Rollins THROWS Punk down, the fans boo, but Rollins hits the CURB STOMP! Punk is down and Rollins stands over him, but now fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Heyman picks the mic back up while fans chant, “We Want Roman!”
Heyman sighs, and says, “We are going to conclude the weekend of WrestleMania 41… by propelling the news all the way to WrestleMania 42! There is a NEW reigning, defending, undisputed number one top star in this entire industry! Ladies and gentlemen, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!” Heyman holds up Rollins’ hand in victory, then tosses the mic aside. BUT NOW ROMAN SHOWS UP!! Rollins is pissed off again, and he hurries to TOSS Punk out of the ring! Rollins prepares for round two, and Roman is making his way out here after all! Heyman steps back as Rollins stares Roman down, and here comes another brawl! No, wait, Roman dodges to SPEAR Rollins!!
The fans are thunderous and Heyman is in shock! Roman now runs up to SUPERMAN PUNCH Heyman!! Down goes The Wise Man and the fans fire up! Roman throws off the shirt, gets the fans even more fired up, and he aims again! “OOOAH~!” SPEAR FROM BRON BREAKER?!?! The Badass just took out the Tribal Chief! And then he stares down Rollins! The fans are going nuts, but Bron SPEARS PUNK!! Punk was back up only to get knocked back down, and Rollins grins as he pats Bron on the shoulder! “That’s my boy!” The Visionary has an attack dog with him now, and the fans are losing their minds!
Rollisn points out that Roman is up on the outside. Bron goes out there, but Roman UPPERCUTS Bron first! Bron staggers, but he stays on his feet! Bron then builds speed around the way, and uses that lap to SPEAR ROMAN THROUGH BARRIERS!!! The fans go nuts all over again, and Rollins says to get Roman’s ass back in the ring! Bron obeys and he drags Roman into the ring. Bron sets Roman up for Rollins, and Rollins tells Roman to watch what’s gonna happen to him! CURB STOMP for Punk again!! Rollins tells Roman to learn that the future of this business runs through him! CURB STOMP for Roman!!
The fans are torn, but Heyman now stands over his former best friends to embrace his new guys! Will these three soon take over the WWE together?
My Thoughts:
After a great WrestleMania Weekend, this Raw After Mania ended up being perhaps one of the best. My only gripe might be how they handled the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Bayley being “taken out” and Becky taking her place was fine. But then doing the tag title rematch here seemed random when we had NXT to look forward to. And then, Liv & Raquel win the belts back already, and Becky snaps on Lyra. I suppose if you look at this for Judgment Day, the title change needed to be tonight to coincide with what happened in the main event with Dom VS Penta. But now we don’t get the fun interaction of Tatum, Lyra and Becky I was hoping for.
What would it have hurt if Becky & Lyra didn’t defend the belts tonight, went to NXT and had a really fun match with Tatum & Gigi? Becky & Lyra, Liv & Raquel, neither team is losing to Tatum & Gigi. At least, I would think that’s the case… And then you can give Liv & Raquel their rematch later, and they still win like they did tonight, and then Becky snaps because “Lyra let her down.” But I suppose we’re fast-tracking to Becky VS Lyra for the Intercontinental Championship. And they kinda have to, given Backlash is May 10, just 20 days away. Maybe Becky wins that to reestablish herself and also juice up that title.
Great promo from John Cena, and honestly, I can’t help but agree with Cena on a lot of his points towards the fans. Also, I like how he explained he has 27 remaining dates/appearances, not matches. And of course Orton was next for Cena, the signs were all there: Backlash is in St. Louis, Orton’s hometown; Cena teased it with saying “Ruthless Aggression,” the era both men rose to fame in; and Cena and Orton have faced each other so many times, they gotta get one last one in. And on top of that, Orton is a fan favorite that won’t be hurt by a loss to Cena because Orton’s been around just as long, this will be a good one.
Great stuff with New Day, including passing by Karrion Kross. Alpha Academy coming out and wanting a title match, that was already a bit fishy right from the start. RUSEV returning to annihilate Alpha Academy and “cancel” the world tag title match was quite the way to return, mostly because of how big and beefy Otis is. Rusev VS Otis will be a good match to help get Rusev back into WWE action, and then Rusev can go for whatever title he wants. I’m thinking it should be the World Heavyweight Championship, though that might be a tough choice given Jey Uso only just got the belt. Speaking of Jey, good promo but much better moment between him, Sami and Jimmy. Though, I did appreciate the tiniest tease they gave of Sami going Heel in the absence of Kevin Owens.
Great promo from Iyo, and what a great surprise to see Vaquer. They had an awesome match, but given they’re both champions and they’re both so awesome, it had to be “ruined” by Roxie showing up. But at the same time, what a surprise that Giulia also showed up. Roxie VS Vaquer for tomorrow night is an interesting move, and Giulia got to beat up on Iyo a bit more. I’m thinking both Roxie and Giulia are just one step away from being called up to main roster, and probably to Raw for the Women’s World Championship. Great save from Rhea, and maybe we get some Rhea & Iyo VS Giulia & Roxie before shaking out a title story.
Good promo from Logan Paul to dismiss the interference on his match, as a Heel would/should. And good response from Styles, only for Kross to interrupt. I don’t know if we get another Styles VS Kross match, or maybe Kross goes wild and goes after other people, but there’s still some intrigue here. Also, Kross had quite the rant as part of the WrestleMania post show, so I hope WWE uses that to push him forward towards things like title feuds. Gunther going after Cole and Pat was certainly a wild direction to take his story. I’m not sure what kind of meta commentary they’re making, it has actually been a long time since a WWE commentator got into it with a wrestler, other than perhaps when Drew McIntyre and Wade Barrett got physical.
And as for Gunther and Pat specifically, maybe Pat is gonna get into ring shape so he and Gunther can have it out over the summer. In the meantime, I think Gunther is kayfabe suspended, that’ll let him stay home with wife and newborn child for a bit, so good for him. Hilarious El Grande Americano vignette, all the elements make it such an obvious troll but you can bet someone out there will still get mad. Hopefully we can still get El Grande VS Rey Mysterio, though I’m not sure if Backlash is too soon. Maybe Grande faces Dragon Lee or some other luchador on Rey’s behalf, and then we can arrange El Grande VS Rey Mysterio for either Worlds Collide or Money in the Bank in Los Angeles for June, all commemorating WWE acquiring AAA.
Great stuff with Dom VS Penta for the Intercontinental Championship, but something felt like Finn was going to try and screw Dom out of the title. JD McDonagh showing up was a great surprise, especially given how he got hurt hitting that desk SO hard. Finn himself seemed so surprised (in kayfabe), and we have some more intrigue in this Judgment Day dysfunction. And then a great closing segment with Rollins & Heyman making their debut as the new duo. Punk of course interrupted and we got a great brawl there. And then great stuff with Roman showing up right as the credits were showing up. It has been a minute since HHH has done something like this, and this actually ended up the longest episode of Netflix Raw because of it.
Bron Breakker helping Rollins fight off Roman and Punk was some wild stuff, mostly because I never thought Bron would ever join someone else. I could see a tag match of Punk & Roman VS Rollins & Bron, but maybe not for some time as Roman still isn’t really known for doing matches that often. That is to say, not sure Backlash is big enough, but perhaps MITB or SummerSlam are. And already, there are ideas about what kind of faction Rollins is going to make, perhaps as a second try at what he had with Buddy Murphy and Austin Theory, but just no “Monday Night Messiah” gimmick.
My Score: 9.2/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/19/25)
Parting is such sweet sorrow…
There are more goodbyes than just The Ace’s Final Road.
NJPW already knows Hiroshi Tanahashi will retire with this year, but his final match with Jeff Cobb will also be Jeff Cobb’s farewell to NJPW! Will The Ace never tire out? Or will he take a Tour of the Islands?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask VS Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Katsuya Murashima & Daiki Nagai; Tenza, Kojima, Nagata & Tiger Mask win.
- 8 Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, YOH & Master Wato VS TMDK; Yano, Oleg, Yoh & Wato win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb; Tanahashi wins.
- Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Callum Newman, Templario & Jakob Austin Young; Goto, Desperado & Taguchi win.
- 10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI; LIJ wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb!
The Ace’s Final Road continues on, but it would seem the Imperial Unit has hit the end of his run in NJPW. Will the President give Cobb a proper sendoff? Or is there one last Tour of the Islands planned?
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “COBBU! COBBU!” Tanahashi nods, and Cobb is emotional hearing that. Cobb and Tanahashi circle, tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. But Cobb’s a bit too big to lift even for The Ace. Cobb walks over to the ROPEBREAK, and Tanahashi lets go. The fans applaud and the two reset. They tie up, Tanahashi wrenches and wristlocks, but Cobb powers through, wrenches and wristlocks in return, then hammerlocks to headlock. Tanahashi puts Cobb on the ropes, the ref counts, and Tanahashi lets go cleanly again. The fans applaud the continued sportsmanship, and the two reset again.
Cobb runs up, and he SLINGBLADES?! Cover, TWO!! The “Cobby Cat” strikes again but Tanahashi survives his own move. Cobb whips Tanahashi, Tanahashi grabs ropes, but Cobb runs up. Tanahashi BOOTS Cobb, runs up, but Cobb scoops! Cobb SLAMS Tanahashi, and then air guitars before the GACHIMUCHI- NO, Tanahashi avoids the moonsault! Then Tanahashi sets up, to MOONSAULT!? But Cobb moves so Tanahashi belly flops on the floor! The fans fire up while both men are pulling out all the stops. Cobb steps on Tanahashi, pretends he didn’t see Tanahashi there, and then brings Tanahashi up.
Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi with a forearm, then headlocks. Cobb brings Tanahashi to the ropes to show everyone as he messes with Tanahashi’s hair. Cobb then CLUBS Tanahashi, brings him around, and suplexes. Cobb holds Tanahashi up, the fans cheer as Cobb marches around with him, and then Cobb pops Tanahashi for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this but Cobb stays on him with a GROUND COBRA! Cobb uses Tanahashi as the guitar, then CLUBS him in the ribs and chest! Cobb eggs Tanahashi on, and Tanahashi growls and rises up. Tanahashi fires body shots and forearms, but Cobb just HEADBUTTS back!
Tanahashi staggers away to a corner, and Cobb runs up, only for Tanahashi to dodge! Tanahashi dropkicks Cobb’s legs! Tanahashi then grabs one, and Cobb asks for mercy! Cobb apologizes, but Tanahashi says bye-bye! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while Cobb clutches his leg. Tanahashi storms up on Cobb to fire more fast hands! Tanahashi then says, “MY POWER!” And he SCOOP SLAMS Cobb! The fans fire up as Tanahashi climbs the corner. Tanahashi hits the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Cobb is tougher than that but Tanahashi gets moving. But Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi! Cobb winds up, he runs, but Tanahashi dodges the slingblade!
Tanahashi waistlocks, Cobb switches, but Tanahashi throws elbows. Cobb picks Tanahashi up to SLAM him down, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this, but the GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives the double impact, but Cobb looms over him. Cobb drags Tanahashi up, fires his own fast hand combo, then scoops to SLAM Tanahashi! Cobb grins as he looks to the corner. The fans fire up as Cobb hops up, air guitar and the pose, SUNSET FLOP as Tanahashi moves! Tanahashi runs, but Cobb grabs tights! Cobb reels Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi elbows free!
Cobb SHOTEIS! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi goes up the corner! But Cobb stands! Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS, but Cobb catches him! Cobb pops Tanahashi up, shifts around, and ATHLETIC- SLINGBLADE?!? Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi rises, the fans fire up, and Tanahashi runs to SLING- NO, Cobb gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Tanahashi rises again! SLING- NO, Cobb scoops Tanahashi, but then pops him around again! TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cobb roars, but he’s not done!! Cobb ripcords Tanahashi for the RIPCORD- CRADLE COUNTER!! TANAHASHI WINS!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall
Cobb got cocky and it to cost him! Tanahashi still tells Cobb he’s proud of him and of Cobb’s time here in NJPW. The two shake hands and hug it out while the fans cheer. Tanahashi’s Final Road rolls on, and The United Empire is here to say farewell to their friend. Cobb is handed a mic, and Chris Charleton is there to interpret. Cobb says he was not expecting to lose tonight. But first and foremost, he wants to thank the people that don’t even get seen by the fans. The NJPW staff, the music team, the NJPW World techs, the boys ‘n’ girls in the back, and all the wrestlers Cobb calls “family.” The fans applaud and Cobb says Chris’s Japanese is good.
Cobb takes a moment before he says he had a speech ready, but he’s kinda blanking out from the pressure. Online, there has been an outpouring of love, #ThankYouCobb. But really, he should be thanking each and every one of the fans. Cobb gets emotional again while Chris translates for him. Cobb knows it’s a bit of a crappy situation, but he wants Callum Newman to know, he’s got the ball, so run with it. Cobb lets Chris translate now, and then Cobb wraps by thanking the Empire members here, from Khan, to Templario, to “Jakob Change Your Name,” to Akira and to Callum.
And lastly, Cobb says this is not goodbye, but more see you later. Thank you, NJPW. Thank you, fans. Domo arigato gozaimasu! The fans cheer for Cobb one more time, and he bows deeply to them all. When and where will we see Cobb in the ring, any ring, again?
10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI!
Well, not only is The Ace on his Final Road, but it would seem Tetsuya Naito and Bushi are on their own way out of NJPW. Then will they and their amigos start their Road to Wrestling Dontaku with a celebration? Or will the Heat Storm, Roughneck, Holy Emperor, Blue Playmaker and Headhunter make this anything but tranquilo?
The teams sort out and there’s a lot of entrance attire to put aside. Once Naito is done putting the pants away, LIJ fist bumps while Just4Guys/Hontai shake hands. Yuya steps up against Naito and the fans fire up already. Naito and Yuya stare down while the fans cheer “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Naito and Yuya step up, but then Naito tags to Bushi. The fans cheer Bushi on now, he circles with Yuya, but then Bushi tags out to Yota. The fans rally as Yuya and Yota feel things out, giving us a taste of their IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Yuya wrenches Yota to a wristlock.
Yota slips around, full nelsons, but Yuya breaks that to hammerlock. Yota reaches back to facelock, then he wrenches again. Yuya rolls, wrenches, and arm-drags Yota down. But Yota headscissors! Yuya kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Yota and Yuya reset, tie up, and Yota headlocks. Yuya powers up and out, drops down, then hurdles over to arm-drag again! The fans cheer as Yuya has the armlock. Yota fights up, fights around, but Yuya brings him over and Taka tags in. Taka kicks Yota, CLUBS him, then stomps him. Taka knees low, runs, but Yota dropkicks a leg out! LIJ rushes in and BLASTS Hontai! Then they bring Taka to the ropes!
Hontai rushes in to save Taka! The fans fire up as everyone fights at the ropes, and Taka lands safe on the apron! Taka scurries around the way and back into the ring! The fans cheer, but then Takagi & Yota split the wishbone! Hiromu tags in, he brings Taka up and CHOPS! Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs up and LARIATS! Hiromu snapmares and runs to basement dropkick! The fans fire up and Hiromu brings Naito in. They double whip to TENDEDERO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Hiromu bumps Taka off buckles, then he tags Takagi. Takagi RAMS into Taka again and again, but Taka fires body shots.
Takagi HEADBUTTS Taka down, then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi sits Taka up, runs to BLAST Shota, and the fans cheer! Takagi drags Taka up to HEADBUTT the arm, then wrench it. Tag to Bushi and he CLUBS the arm. Bushi CLUBS Taka down, stomps him, then has the legs. Bushi stands on Taka’s groin! Red Shoes reprimands, Bushi steps off at 4, then stomps Taka around. Tag to Naito and the fans rally as he brings Taka up. Naito cravats Taka, then Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu claims Hontai is up to something, Red Shoes looks over, and Naito SMACKS Taka off Hiromu’s boots!
Taichi protests, but Naito throws hands on Taka. Taka tries to hit back but there’s not much there. Naito CLUBS Taka, but Taka fires a flurry! Naito just ROCKS Taka! Naito runs, but Taka goes the other way to BOOT Naito down! The fans rally up, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi runs at Naito in the corner and BOOTS him! Yota gets in, kicks Taichi then whips, but Taichi BOOTS Yota! Takagi runs up, Taichi dodges to wrench and HOOK KICK! Hiromu gets up but Taichi BLASTS him! Bushi backs off, but Naito CLUBS Taichi. Naito whips, but Taichi reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Naito crawls.
Taichi paces, waits on Naito to sit up, but Naito ducks the buzzsaw! Naito shoves Taichi, Bushi trips him up! Bushi tags in and stomps Taichi around. Bushi ROCKS Taichi, whips, but Taichi grabs ropes. Bushi runs up again but Taichi BOOTS him down! Taichi tags Hashi and Hashi drags Bushi up. Hashi ROCKS and CLUBS Bushi, whips him, but Bushi reveres. Hashi dodges to ELBOW Bushi, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! LIJ blasts Hontai’s corner again! Hashi rolls out under the bottom rope, Bushi BLASTS him off the apron, then Bushi builds speed. But Hashi gets back in to CLOBBER Bushi!
Hashi drags Bushi up, hooks a leg, but Bushi fights free! Hashi blocks a kick, ducks the enzigiri, but the REWIND HEEL hits! Bushi runs in from the corner, but Hashi stops the Code Breaker! Taka joins in, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives, but Hashi clamps on the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Bushi endures, fights around, and Naito gets on the apron, only for Taichi to BOOT him down! Taichi intercepts Hiromu, and Bushi TAPS! Hashi ELIMINATES Bushi! Takagi CLOBBERS Hashi, then drops ELBOW after ELBOW! Takagi SENTONS but misses as Hashi moves! Shota storms in and stomps Takagi!
Shota drags Takagi up to UPPERCUT, and Hashi CHOPS! Hashi & Shota double whip, then Hashi runs up, only to be put on the apron! Takagi CLOBBERS Shota, then runs up on Hashi! Hashi RAMS Takagi, they trade forearms, but then Takagi HOTSHOTS Hashi! Hashi holds onto the ropes, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi staggers, Shota runs up, but Takagi throws him into Hashi! Hashi falls to the floor, Takagi ELIMINATES Hashi! The teams are even again after that friendly fire, and Takagi rolls Shota! TWO, and things speed up! Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! The fans fire up while Takagi fires up, “TOKI GA KITA!”
The fans rally as Takagi runs up, but he blocks a boot to then LARIAT! JAB, CHOP, repeat, then Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, and CHOPS! Takagi brings Shota up, suplexes, but Shota fights it so Takagi hits the TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Shota stays in this but Takagi stays focused. The fans join in with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi storms up on Shota. Takagi pump handles but Shota fights the lift. Shota switches, Takagi fires elbows, but Shota ducks! Shota wrenches and SWINGING NECKBREAKERS! The fans are torn but Shota drags Takagi up. Shota CHOPS Takagi in the corner, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS!
Shota reels Takagi in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Shota clamps on an STF! Takagi endures, fights around, and he drags Shota along towards the ropes! ROPEBREAK, the fans cheer, and Shota lets go. Shota brings Takagi up, but Takagi denies the tornado DDT! Shota fires forearms to ROCK Takagi again and again, but Takagi just headbutts the buckles to fire up! The fans fire up and Shota fires another forearm, only for Takagi to fire back! Shota headbutts the buckles to fire up! The forearms start flying again, but then Takagi fires boxing elbows! Takagi ROCKS Shota, but Shota fires boxing elbows now!
Shota ROCKS Takagi, then runs, but Takagi follows! LARIAT at the ropes! Takagi runs, Shota follows, LARIAT at the ropes! Shota runs, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Shota roars, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- SHOTA LARIATS! But Takagi’s up to PUMPING BOMBER! Shota is in a daze but he manages to stand, and he swats a lariat to ENZIGIRI! Takagi rebounds to SLIDING LARIAT! Shota staggers back up, but Takagi whips him. Shota reverses and reels Takagi in, TORNADO DDT! But Takagi’s right up, and he PUMPING BOMBERS Shota and himself up and out! DOULBE ELIMINATION!!
The fans go nuts as we go to 3v3 now. Yuya and Yota step back in and the fans rally. Yota grins, runs up, but Yuya dodges to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Yuya whips, Yota reverses, but Yuya goes up and over. Yuya arm-drags, then DROPKICKS! Yuya roars and the fans fire up again! Yuya reels Yota in but Yota fights the saido. Yuya still hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yuya drags Yota back up, clinches, but Yota fires elbow after elbow to get free. Then he SUPER- NO, Yuya blocks! Yuya swings, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! But he avoids the stomp! Yuya CHOPS then runs, but Yota SUPERKICKS himdown!
LIJ BLASTS Hontai’s corner again, and Yota looms over Yuya. Yota drags Yuya up, bumps him off buckles, then hoists him up top. Yota CHOPS, then he fires up before climbing up. The fans rally up, and Yuya fires forearms! Yota falls back, stands up, and he avoids Yuya’s leap! Yuya comes back, into the GENE TRIGGER! Yota TOSSES Yuya, but Yuya lands on the apron! Hiromu lets Yota know that, so Yota goes up the corner! Yota aims for an APRON MARLOWE- NO, Yuya dodges! Yuya CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Yota ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya fires up! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS!
Yota SLAPS Yuya! And then swings, but into the cording hold! Yuya grabs the other arm but Yota resists! Yota HEADBUTTS again and again, then DOUBLE HEADBUTTS hit! Both men fall, another DOUBLE ELIMINATION!! Now it’s just TakaTaichi VS Naito & Hiromu! The fans rally up as the four stare down. Hiromu runs up, but into TENDEDERO! Naito dodges but then Taichi BOOTS him down! TakaTaichi double whip to DOUBLE BOOT! Taka has Hiromu but Hiromu fires forearms! Taka pokes Hiromu in the eyes! Taka whips Hiromu to a corner, but Hiromu blocks the shining wizard!
Hiromu runs, RANA, but Taka SHOVES it down! JUST FACELOCK!! Taka CLUBS away on Hiromu, but Naito stomps Taka down! Taichi runs up but Naito kicks him and throws him out! Naito kicks Taka, he and Hiromu double whip, but Taka redirects! And redirects! But then Naito & Hiromu undo Tendedero to let Taka pass! Taka comes back, ducks Tendedero, and he waistlocks Naito. Naito switches, shoves Taka at Hiromu and Hiromu wrenches. Pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL! Cover, Hiromu ELIMINATES Taka! And that leaves it 2v1, Hiromu & Naito against Taichi! Taichi paces as he considers his options.
Taichi rushes in, but into TENDEDERO! Naito & Hiromu double whip Taichi to a corner, and Hiromu runs to LARIAT! Naito ROCKS Taichi, ENZIGIRIS, and Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu gives Naito the boost for the TOR- Well, no, the tornado fails but the DDT still hits! Hiromu brings Taichi up, suplexes, but Taichi fights it! Taichi suplexes, but Hiromu fights it! They end up by the ropes! Hiromu is on the apron, Naito runs up, but Taichi dodges and Naito BLASTS Hiromu! Hiromu falls and is ELIMINATED! Friendly fire in return for before, and the fans fire up as it is Taichi and Naito 1v1!
Taichi and Naito reset, and the fans cheer for “NA-I-TO!” as hard as they can. Naito fires a forearm, but Taichi fires back! Naito fires another, so Taichi fires back! Naito and Taichi both smirk as the shots keep going back and forth! Taichi then KCIKS, but Naito still throws forearms! KICK, forearm, repeat, but then Naito ROCKS Taichi again and again! Naito SLAPS Taichi! Taichi SOBATS! Naito fires the heavy elbow, but Taichi URAKENS! Naito runs, Taichi BOOTS him down, then Taichi drags Naito back up, just so he can AX- NO, Naito lifts Taichi, but Taichi fights off the atomic drop! Taichi shoves Naito to then AX BOMBER! Cover, TWO!
Naito survives but Taichi runs, and SLIDING AX BOMBERS! Taichi fires up, the fans are torn, but Taichi suplexes! Naito fights free to kick low! Naito uses the ropes to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito drags Taichi up. Naito fires those heavy elbows again and again! Naito has Taichi down in the corner, then climbs up. Naito reels Taichi in, but Taichi sneaks the pants off! GAMANGIRI! Naito falls off the corner, but he holds onto the ropes! Naito dangles off the apron but his feet do not touch the floor! Taichi fires shots, Naito ROCKS him in return! Taichi runs up, Naito slides under! Naito DUMPS Taichi over!
Taichi is on the apron but Naito fires a flurry! HOTSHOT! Taichi wobbles, but he ROCKS Naito! Naito ROCKS Taichi, HOTSHOTS again, then ROLLING KICKS! Taichi falls, LIJ WINS!
Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by ring out
It came down to the leaders as the last men, but the Uncontrollable Charisma found a way to win for the team! LIJ regroups and Naito is given the mic. “Buenas tardes, Korakuen Hall!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “First and foremost… Bushi, why don’t you say something to the fans?” The fans applaud and Bushi takes a quick drink of water before he takes up the mic. “Now that I have this time, I’ll say this. As previously announced by NJPW, my departure was a decision made after a lot of thought. I have no regrets.” The fans applaud that, and Bushi continues, “My feelings haven’t changed since I spoke here 10 years ago. It’s been a deeply fulfilling experience.”
The fans applaud that, too, and Bushi says, “This Dontaku tour is only getting started. When I step into this ring, I’ll show my gratitude in my own way. Thank you.” The fans applaud again, and Bushi hands the mic back to Naito. Naito also notes that the Road to Wrestling Dontaku has just begun. He and Bushi will be leaving NJPW after May 4th. “Whether Bushi and I will compete in this ring again or not, you already know, don’t you? Yes, the answer is of course, TRANQUILO! Assen na yo!” The fans applaud Naito being Naito even now. Naito then asks if they want to do the roll call, and the fans cheer!
Naito notes they haven’t had one at all this year, so this will be the first roll call of 2025. Are you ready? The fans cheer, so Naito says that the only way to close out tonight in Korakuen Hall is naturally with… “Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRRRNABLEEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!!” The fans cheer the first LIJ roll call of 2025, but will we get more of them before May 4th? Will we get one on May 4th?
My Thoughts:
A great night to kick off the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, though of course it had to be on one of the busiest weekends of the year. Great goodbye match for Cobb with Tanahashi. It was a big awkward because while Tanahashi is still going to retire this year, Cobb was leaving, and so Cobb leaving NJPW trumps Tanahashi retiring, meaning Cobb had to lose. It’s the unwritten tradition of pro-wrestling. Very good farewell promo from Cobb, too, and I can’t wait to see where he goes next. Word is, it isn’t AEW, and perhaps the WWE rumors have still been true all along, they just leaked out way too soon.
And then very good 10 Man Elimination Tag in the main event, and it works out that LIJ won. Naito & Bushi needed a chance to address the fans about their own departure from NJPW, and so giving them the win so they can do a main event promo was fitting. In my estimation, I don’t see Naito going to any other company, even if it’s another Japanese based company. He’s done plenty in his career, he’s pushed his body pretty hard, so he needs to enjoy retirement, or at least make a lateral movement to be working with Young Lions in the NJPW Dojo as a teacher. Bushi, could probably keep going a little longer, or he could also call it a day on the other hand, only Bushi really knows how his body feels.
My Score: 8.8/10
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
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
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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