Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/16/19)
Witness the TLC Fallout!
Will the Viper strike before the holidays?
After all the tables, ladders and chairs, Raw has a phenomenal follow up as AJ Styles settles things with Randy Orton! Will Styles finally get revenge on the “life ruiner” as a Christmas present to himself?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- The Viking Raiders VS The OC; The OC wins.
- Erick Rowan VS ???; Rowan wins.
- WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match: Decision Unclear.
- Asuka VS Deonna Purrazzo; Asuka wins.
- Randy Orton VS AJ Styles; Orton wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins wants to know what fans expect!
Somewhere, it all went wrong, and he can’t figure out why. He won the Universal Championship for US, and “that was still NOT ENOUGH!” He’s been called a liar, accused of conspiracy, because the truth is not good enough. “Some blithering idiot” says this and that, and fans jumped on the bandwagon. But fine. You push The Architect, Seth Rollins pushes back! Fiction has become fact, and now Rollins stands with the AUTHORS OF PAIN! What does this mean for Raw and all the WWE?
Seth Rollins is in Des Moines!
The Architect is home, but it’s hard to tell if fans are happy to see him or not. Rollins gets a mic and wishes to introduce “the first two men who have chosen to live on the right side of history!” Akam and Rezar, the AOP, are here! And they join Rollins in the ring, and even shake his hand. Rollins continues to say that now that everyone is here, they’ll get to business. When he was first in NXT, everyone said “Rollins is the future.” When Rollins arrived on Raw, “Rollins is the future.” All the way up until 2019 and he beat Brock Lesnar not once but twice, “Rollins is the future.” But not just one or two people, everyone, both fans and critics, superstars and management, everyone.
And then something happened. The mood changed, and people questioned Rollins’ leadership. It was as if Rollins did something wrong. Rollins wants to explain something here: “Being a leader is not about being cool or making popular decisions. It is about making decisions for the sake of progress.” That isn’t easy for everyone to get. Kevin Owens is a perfect example of that. That was a tragedy, but Kevin did it to himself. Kevin resisted, Kevin became an example. Rollins doesn’t lie, that is one thing that’s always been real. That isn’t going to change. So Rollins gives us some more truth, that might be hard to accept: “I am a leader.” Bigger than that, Rollins is a visionary! Rollins is going to be the man that leads Raw and the WWE into the next decade and beyond! Whether you like it or not, you are coming along, even if he has to drag you kicking and screaming into 2020! If you resist, the AOP will enforce Rollins’ will.
Now, there is something else Rollins must address. “This is one of those decisions that’s not going to be popular, but it’s the right decision.” Rollins has a score to settle, and he guarantees it will be settled before the end of the night. Rollins says this now: “I’m sorry.” Rollins and the Authors of Pain head out, but what does he mean? Who is his target?
The Viking Raiders VS The OC!
Erik and Ivar are still Raw Tag Team Champions after their open challenge got a bit messy with Kentucky Fried Chicken. But they’re still hungry for competition, will they have a second helping of Too Sweet action?
Raw returns and the Good Brothers make their entrance. Gallows and Anderson have mics to speak about last night. “Listen, listen, listen!” The OC will be the first to admit, The Viking Raiders are the “most unstoppable tag team to hit the WWE in decades.” But the team that has a win over them is The Official, the Original, and the Only Club that matters. Last night, the Vikings sacrificed themselves with those risky dives just to make sure they didn’t lose again! These ugly sum bishes are the champs, but the OC are the Best Tag Team in the World! Gallows and Anderson get in the ring, and this non-title rematch begins!
Gallows and Ivar start and tie up. Gallows kicks, headlocks but Ivar powers out. Gallows rams shoulders, but Ivar comes back to do the same. Gallows kicks low and clubs Ivar, then throws big uppercuts. Tag to Anderson but Ivar lifts Anderson to put him in the corner! Tag to Erik, and Erik feeds Anderson to knees! Ivar does the same! Anderson is down and Erik roars! Erik snarls and glares at Gallows before ramming his knees back into Anderson. Anderson gets to ropes but Erik pulls him back up and around. Tag to Ivar and Anderson gets scooped for a slam! Erik scoops and slams Ivar onto Anderson! The Vikings are fired up with Iowa as Ivar clamps onto Anderson and throws clubbing forearms.
Anderson gets to a corner but Ivar is on him with more clubbing forearms. Ivar wrenches, rams in more knees, then tags back to Erik. The Vikings mug Anderson then Erik suplexes Anderson up, and holds him there! Erik keeps Anderson there for a count of 10 before dropping him! Cover, TWO! Erik keeps on Anderson with an arm lock, but Anderson gets up and rakes the eyes! Tag to Gallows, and Gallows drives elbows into Erik. Gallows whips, but Erik goes up and over! Erik somersaults, runs, dodges and ducks to ROCK Gallows with a forearm! Gallows ends up outside, but Erik builds speed to DIVE, into an uppercut! Gallows picks Erik up to FALL AWAY SLAM him into barriers! The OC gain control as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Anderson has Erik in a chinlock. Fans rally up and Erik fights out. Erik runs but into a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, ONE!! Anderson is furious but he thrashes and rakes Erik’s face. Tag to Gallows and the OC mugs Erik. Gallows drags Erik up and puts him in the OC corner to throw off heavy hands! Gallows runs and BOOTS Erik down! Cover, TWO! Gallows drives his elbow in over and over then wraps on a tight chinlock. Erik endures, fans rally up again, and Erik fights his way up. Erik throws body shots of his own, but Gallows clubs him down. Gallows back suplexes high and hard! Tag to Anderson and he stomps Erik down at the ropes. Anderson chokes Erik on the rope but the ref counts. Anderson stops at 4 to brag about being the Best Tag Team in the World!
Anderson hits Erik more, Erik ROCKS Anderson back! Anderson boots, Erik forearms! They brawl back and forth and Erik is stuck in the OC corner. Anderson goes to back suplex, but Erik lands on his feet to tag Ivar! Ivar rallies with big forearms and a sidewalk slam! He runs to BASEMENT SPLASH! Big forearm for Gallows! Ivar scoops but Anderson escapes, only for Ivar to cartwheel and LARIAT! Ivar runs corner to corner to hit a BRONCO BUSTER! Cover, but Gallows breaks it! Ivar is seething but Gallows hurries away. Ivar puts Anderson in a corner, but Anderson dodges, to hit a neckbreaker! Both men are down but Anderson grits his teeth as he gets up. Tag to Gallows, and the OC bring Ivar up, neckbreaker back suplex combo! Cover, TWO!
Tag back to Anderson, the OC bring Ivar up to double whip. Ivar breaks through and handsprings, double back elbows! Fans fire up with the War Beard! Erik returns, both Vikings DIVE! The champions are back in control as we go to break!
Raw returns again and Gallows sucker punches Erik! Ivar punches Gallows back but gets a ROUNDHOUSE! Tag to Anderson, Gallows fireman’s carries, Anderson runs, BOOT O’ DOOM! Cover, TWO!! Anderson is furious with Ivar’s toughness! Fans rally up as The OC has Ivar cornered again. Anderson runs in but gets a BOOT! Ivar fights up, seated senton! Gallows tags in, but so does Erik! Erik blocks to give back strikes, BIG forearm! EXPLODER SUPLEX! Anderson runs in, he gets Ace Ten Mao! Erik roars and tags Ivar back. Ivar runs in to corner splash, then feed to shotgun knee! Human weapon, Ivar hip attack! Ivar covers, TWO! Ivar keeps his focus as he tags Erik back in. Iowa rallies as Ivar climbs up. Erik lifts but Gallows slips out to uppercut Ivar!
Gallows hits Erik then tags Anderson. Erik ROCKS Gallows but Anderson hotshots! And uppercuts! Anderson runs side to side, ROCKET- NO! Erik has Anderson, Ivar tags in! POWERBOMB, and then Ivar hops up. Ivar has to fight Gallows off, then climbs up to the very top! VIKING MOONSAULT! FLOPS! Tag to Gallows, sorta, Anderson boots Erik. The OC has Ivar, MAGIC KILLER! Cover, The OC wins!!
Winners: The OC, by pinfall
They just beat the Raw Tag Team Champions! The Best Tag Team Champions get the Viking Raiders again, but will third time be the charm to take those titles away?
Raw shares footage of a backstage interview with Erick Rowan.
This was last week after Raw went off the air. Rowan asked Sarah Schreiber if she had family. She does. People she cares about? Yes… People she loves, that she’d go to the ends of the earth to protect. Well then mind your business about what’s in the cage! The Big Redwood cares for this mystery creature, but will it become a strength or weakness for him as time goes on?
The OC is fired up!
The Best Tag Team in the World just won! And AJ Styles is ready to take out Randy Orton! But, after everything Orton has done, Styles will do this on his own. he’s not just going to beat Orton or hurt him, he’s going to END Orton’s career! Then these mother lovers celebrate in the winner’s circle tonight! Too Sweet!
Erick Rowan VS Dante Leon!
Big Red puts his “loved one” by the steel steps and prepares to dominate again. Will Dante survive this bad omen?
The bell rings and Dante is very wary. He gets out of the ring but Rowan gives chase! Rowan dares Dante to fight, but Dante would rather not. They go around the other way and Rowan still has Dante trapped. So Dante goes under the ring! Rowan goes looking for him, Dante pops out the other side! Dante, don’t! He touches the cage!! Rowan runs after, Dante trips, and Rowan catches him! To BODY CHECK Dante down! Rowan drags Dante up with one arm and puts him in the ring like he’s a pillow! Rowan circles Dante before clamping on the Iron Claw, for a SLAM! But Rowan’s rage is not satisfied, and fans want to see that “One More Time!” Rowan drags Dante back up for a second Iron Claw SLAM! Cover with one foot, Rowan wins!
Winner: Erick Rowan, by pinfall
Rowan warned everyone, but still his opponents do not listen. Will Rowan break anyone that breaks his one rule?
Backstage interview with Andrade Almas and Zelina Vega!
Tonight, there will be a gauntlet match to determine a challenger to the United States Championship. El Idolo is part of that gauntlet, and would be the favorite if not for Ultimo Ninja being in the line-up. Humberto Carrillo has won twice, but Almas says he is going to win. Vega is upset Charly said that. But yes, Almas lost to Humberto twice, blah blah blah. But that will be the best thing that ever happens to Humberto, but also the worst. Because now, Almas takes him seriously. And when the time comes, Vega will wear high heels so Carrillo can hear her coming and takes the time to repent. Almas continues in Spanish to say this is his night, no one else’s. But who will be standing at the end of the gauntlet to face Rey Mysterio for the title?
Liv Morgan speaks.
“One day, I woke up and reflected on the girl who I had been.” Where she was, where she wasn’t, and where she was going. The one who let everyone else tell her who to be, how to act, and how to dress. All Liv wants to be is comfortable in her own skin, yet has always been self-destructive. But now, she has no choice. She has to destroy this her so that the real her can emerge. What will the real Liv be when she returns?
Bobby Lashley and Lana are here!
The Rocky Mountain Machine wrecked Rusev, with a lot of help from the Ravishing Russian. But tonight, they’re all dressed up to celebrate! Fans boo as they grab mics. Lana speaks first, saying that yesterday was very busy with people scrolling through her Instagram. But if they missed her “hot boyfriend” have his match, then let’s all relive history here tonight. Lana’s big bad boyfriend crushed and destroyed Rusev, putting him through a table! Lashley soaks up the heat as he poses for his victory. “Isn’t he beautiful?” No one will ever compare to “such a gorgeous and wonderful and beautiful man” as him.
Lana tells Bobby that he was so wonderful and just gives her butterflies every day. Fans continue to chant for “Rusev Day!” but Lashley helps her tune it out. Could everyone please be quiet? They’re trying to move on! Everyone should move on and face the reality. Rusev Day is DEAD! But as she was saying, Bobby is so wonderful and amazing and attractive. Fans chant “We Want Rusev!” but Lashley tells them not to be so rude. Lana says she wants Lashley so everyone needs to shut up and listen. Lana starts again, and says she wants the world to know how much he loves her. Fans chant “Bobby Sucks!” but Lana says the fans suck! Lana pulls out a ring to ask Lashley to ask her to marry her! Lashley is speechless. What a… unique marriage proposal.
Fans chant “NO! NO!” but Lashley says he doesn’t like being told what to do. Except when it’s Lana. Lashley takes the ring to present it back to Lana, “the most gorgeous woman in the entire world.” She is the most amazing female wrestler in the WWE and they are together, without the shadow of a doubt, going to make the most amazing power couple ever. Will she marry him? OMG so romantic! Just as they rehearsed! Lana says YES! Lana pictures the most Ravishing Wedding, and it’ll be on LANA Day! They kiss and fans boo. But will this just end up a Ravishing Trainwreck like Lana’s relationship with Rusev did?
WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet Match!
We already know of Ultimo Ninja and El Idolo, but the field also includes Akira Tozawa the Stamina Monster, Ricochet the King of Flight, V1 Matt Hardy, and the 24-Time “747 7/11 24/7 European Television Champion,” R-Truth! Who survives to the very end to be Rey Mysterio’s next challenger?
Des Moines, Iowa, MAKE SOME NOISE! “Can I tell y’all something?” Truth would not be in the WWE if not for his childhood hero, John Cena. Aw c’mon guys, Cena’s good. When Truth was a “wee little tyke,” he remembers seeing those US Championship Open Challenges every Saturday Morning. That is why Truth will become the first-ever United States “747 7/11 24/7 I-95 South Television” Champion! And Truth takes them both to WRESTLEMANIA! A bold claim from Truth, but who is his opponent? Where’s that WrestleMania sign, for that matter? But before that, here comes the Stamina Monster!
R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa!
The bell rings and the gauntlet begins! Truth and Tozawa tie up and Tozawa headlocks. Truth powers out, Tozawa holds ropes and grins as fans “AH! AH! AH!” Truth counters with “What’s Up?!” They tie up, Truth headlocks, but Tozawa powers out. Truth runs Tozawa over, then again! Truth fakes Tozawa out the third time to kick him back. Truth whips, Tozawa reverses but now Truth stops himself with ropes, to break it down! Truth elbows Tozawa down then has him in the corner. Truth runs corner to corner but Tozawa dodges and Truth RAMS into the post! Truth hits the floor, Tozawa takes aim, CANNONBALL! Both men wreck into the barriers but Tozawa is up first! Tozawa puts Truth in then climbs up, big missile dropkick! Cover, TWO!
Tozawa keeps his cool while Mysterio watches back stage. Things speed up, Truth does the splits to dodge! Truth runs, but no scissor kick! Tozawa spins to a sunset flip and ELIMINATES Truth! And the flood gates are open! Eric Young, Curt Hawkins, No Way Jose and Titus O’Neil hurry after the 24/7 Champion! Truth gets his baby and runs for the hills! Will Truth at least keep one title on the way to WrestleMania? As for Tozawa, he focuses on the One and Only!
Akira Tozawa VS Ricochet!
Stamina and speed collide in just part two of this gauntlet match! Who lasts longer? We find out after the break!
Raw returns and Tozawa runs at Ricochet. Ricochet dodges, but Tozawa dodges the back hand. Tozawa blocks a kick and flips Ricochet to kick him down. Ricochet gets to a corner but Tozawa whips corner to corner. Ricochet reverses, Tozawa goes up and over, things speed up even more, Tozawa waistlocks and shoves but Ricochet rolls off Tozawa’s back. Ricochet dodges again, handsprings and headscissors then dropkicks Tozawa out! Fans fire up as Ricochet builds speed, but Tozawa gets in to spinning roundhouse! Ricochet is out now, Tozawa builds speed, and Tozawa DIVES! The Tozawa Torpedo hits! But he keeps moving, for ANOTHER! That’s two and fans are fired up!
Tozawa puts Ricochet in, rocks him with a right, then climbs up top. Ricochet stands and dropkicks the dropkick out of the air! Tozawa is down in the corner he came from and Mysterio is still watching. Fans fire up behind Ricochet as he CHOPS Tozawa to a corner. Ricochet CHOPS again, then stalks Tozawa to another corner. Ricochet wrenches, hooks a leg and chinbars Tozawa for a modified stretch. Rolling cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps close with a facelock and clubbing forearms. Ricochet drags Tozawa up for wrenches, kicks and a modified Gory Especial! Tozawa endures this Bow ‘n’ Arrow, so Ricochet spins for a slam! Cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps his cool as he throws forearms on Tozawa. Tozawa hits back but Ricochet CHOPS again. Ricochet whips, Tozawa reverses, and tilt-o-whirls for an IRON OCTOPUS!
Ricochet endures as Tozawa cranks and stretches him, but Ricochet powers out to enziguri! Tozawa wobbles but Ricochet brings him up for a back suplex. Tozawa escapes, kicks, swings, slides under, waistlock GERMAN but Ricochet lands on his feet! Ricochet spins Tozawa, but the enziguri misses! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Tozawa and Ricochet are exhausted and on the mat, but fans rally up. Ricochet and Tozawa sit up and fans “AH! AH!” with Tozawa. Tozawa drags Ricochet up in another waistlock, but Ricochet elbows out and CHOPS! Ricochet runs in, but is sent out. He stays on the apron, shoulders in and bumps Tozawa off buckles, to then KICK him away! Springboard clothesline hits! Fans rally and Ricochet shooting stars, onto knees! Tozawa cradles, TWO, SUPERKICK!
Ricochet is down in a drop zone, Tozawa heads up top! But Ricochet gets under the jump, and SUPERKICKS back! Ricochet rip cords, for the RECOIL! Cover, Ricochet ELIMINATES Tozawa! But it’s time to get extreme!
Ricochet VS Matt Hardy!
Will Hardy “DELETE!” Ricochet after the break?
Raw returns again, and Hardy catches Ricochet’s clothesline, SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO!! Hardy drags Ricochet up to give forearms over and over into the corner. The ref counts, Hardy lets up and throws up the V1. Hardy whips corner to corner hard, and Ricochet hits the mat. Hardy drags Ricochet up to bump him off buckles over and over, and over and over! Fans fire up as Hardy drags Ricochet up to pull against the ropes. The ref counts, Hardy lets up, and straddle attacks from behind! Cover, TWO!
Hardy keeps his cool but Ricochet throws hands back. Hardy clubs him down, brings him back up, and suplexes him down. Cover, TWO! Hardy drags Ricochet up but Ricochet hits back again. Ricochet throws forearms, runs, but Hardy back drops him! Cover, TWO! Hardy keeps on Ricochet with a rain of right hands, then drags Ricochet back up for a cravat neck wrench. Ricochet endures as Hardy twists his head. Ricochet throws body shots but Hardy clubs him down. Hardy has Ricochet in a corner but Ricochet elbows back. Ricochet climbs but Hardy stops him, for a crucifix BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet still lives and Hardy can’t believe it. But Hardy also keeps on Ricochet, leg drop and cover, TWO! Hardy drags Ricochet up to whip him to a corner. Ricochet’s boot is blocked, but Ricochet enziguris back!
Hardy staggers and Ricochet somersaults, to shotgun dropkick! Fans fire up as both men are down. Hardy sits up first but Ricochet follows. The two rise and fans rally up more. Ricochet throws haymakers, dodges, runs and tilt-o-whirls to headscissor! Ricochet runs corner to corner to ram his shoulder in! He bumps Hardy off buckles and KICK him down! Hardy hobbles, springboard lariat caught to a SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO!! Hardy grits his teeth as Ricochet survives again. Hardy goes back to a corner and climbs up top. Hardy MOONSAULTS but FLOPS! Ricochet standing shooting star! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up more as Hardy rolls to a drop zone. Ricochet heads up top now, 630 but he has to bail out! Hardy runs into a dropkick-flip but kicks back. Twist of Fate rolled up! Ricochet ELIMINATES Hardy!! Fans are divided but Hardy’s chances were DELETED!
Ricochet VS Humberto Carrillo!
Ultimo Ninja’s hot streak will truly be tested against a man he’s teamed with in recent Raw matches. But will Carrillo prove to us all it isn’t a fluke but fate that he’s in this position?
Raw returns again and Carrillo offers a handshake. Ricochet takes it, but then rolls Carrillo up! TWO, and Ricochet tries another, TWO! Carrillo dropkicks and covers, TWO! Carrillo brings Ricochet up but Ricochet hits back with big forearms and a CHOP. Ricochet whips but Carrillo reverses, things speed up, and Carrillo sunset flips but Ricochet rolls through. Ricochet kicks but Carrillo ducks it, to enziguri! Carrillo runs and springboards for a HUGE arm-drag! Ricochet ends up outside, Carrillo FLIES! Direct hit takes Ricochet out at the ramp! Carrillo drags Ricochet up and into the ring, follows and stalks Ricochet to ropes. Carrillo kicks Ricochet down then wrenches through to a hammerlock. He rams Ricochet’s shoulder into buckles then covers, ONE.
Ricochet clings to ropes but Carrillo pulls him away to wrap an arm around and drop knees on it! Carrillo brings Ricochet up, wrenches and gives an arm code breaker! Cover, TWO! Carrillo keeps on the arm while Mysterio continues to watch from backstage. Ricochet endures and fights his way up. Ricochet throws body shots but Carrillo wrangles him back down! Carrillo cranks on the keylock but fans rally up. Ricochet fights his way up again and throws more body shots. Ricochet is free but Carrillo clubs him back. The two throw big hands, Ricochet CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Ricochet whips, Carrillo reverses, Ricochet handsprings but Carrillo sweeps his arms out from under him! Ricochet lands hard and Carrillo covers, TWO!
Carrillo keeps his cool as he goes after the arm again. Ricochet refuses to quit and hits back. Ricochet arm-drags, Carrillo arm-drags back! Carrillo grinds on the arm but Ricochet works his way up yet again. Ricochet throws forearms and haymakers, but Carrillo knees low. Carrillo grows a little frustrated and he stomps Ricochet down. Carrillo drags Ricochet up, whips him corner to corner, but Ricochet reverses. Ricochet runs in but is put on the apron. Carrillo turns around but into a shoulder, slingshot sunset flip! TWO, and Carrillo blocks a kick to give a kick! But he runs into a SAMOAN DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Both men are down, but Zelina Vega swaggers her way out. La Muneca keeps an eye on El Idolo’s possible opponents as we go to break.
Raw returns again and Ricochet ROCKS Carrillo! Cover, TWO! Vega still watches from the stage as Ricochet and Carrillo both rise. Ricochet rams shoulders into Carrillo’s ribs then CHOPS him again. Carrillo turns it around to CHOP and CHOP back. Carrillo runs corner to corner, Ricochet goes up and over to CHOP again! Ricochet runs corner to corner, but Carrillo stops him and spins him to the outside. Ricochet haymakers Carrillo away then springboards for another lariat! Shooting star hits! Cover, TWO! Vega is intrigued as Ricochet and Carrillo reset. Ricochet stands first, brings Carrillo up, but Carrillo blocks the suplex. Ricochet throws forearms but Carrillo is the one who suplexes. Ricochet slips out, waistlocks but Carrillo elbows. Carrillo runs, dodges a boot and forearms Ricochet in the back! Then Carrillo hops up to missile dropkick Ricochet down! Cover, TWO!
Carrillo and Ricochet are both slow to rise but Vega just smiles and laughs. Carrillo focuses back on Ricochet, drags him to a drop zone and heads up top. Fans fire up as he climbs, but Ricochet gets clear! Carrillo rolls through the landing, but Ricochet dropkick-flips and enziguris! Carrillo is on his knees, Ricochet runs, Carrillo BOOTS! Ricochet PELES! Ricochet runs into a forearm from Carrillo! Carrillo runs but Ricochet CROSSBODIES them both out! Vega is very amused as both men crash and burn. A ring count begins and climbs up to 5 as the two men stir. Ricochet is up first but flops over. The count passes 7 but both men spring up and in at 9.5! They’re both still in this, but this is just getting easier for Almas at this rate.
Carrillo and Ricochet are on opposite ends. Ricochet runs in but Carrillo BOOTS him down! Carrillo positions Ricochet in the drop zone, climbs up top, but Ricochet SHORYUKENS! Ricochet CHOPS Carrillo again, but Carrillo SLAPS back! Ricochet and Carrillo brawl as Ricochet climbs. They brawl on the very top and Ricochet gets the edge. Ricochet brings Carrillo up, SUPERPLEX!! But Ricochet can’t make the cover right away, TWO!! Carrillo survives but barely! Ricochet and Carrillo stir as fans rally up. Ricochet throws a haymaker, Carrillo gives it back. Ricochet punches again, but so does Carrillo. They go back and forth, staggering but still standing. Ricochet gets another edge, boots then Northern Lights! But he doesn’t stop at once, he rolls through to TWISTING SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!!
Des Moines can’t believe these two men have the energy to keep going. Ricochet and Carrillo rise again and Ricochet rolls Carrillo to a drop zone. Ricochet goes up top but Carillo enzigurirs! Carrillo forearms, but Ricochet elbows back. Carrillo has Ricochet turned around and he climbs up behind, SUPER POISON-RA- NO!! Ricochet lands on his feet!! And then BOOTS Carrillo, into the fireman’s carry. But Carrillo slips out, springboard enziguri! SUNSET BOMB!! Ricochet’s in the drop zone, Carrillo goes up, MOONSAULT!! Cover, Carrillo ELIMINATES Ricochet!! But that just means…
Humberto Carrillo VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega!
The music hits, but Almas hits from behind! He takes the cheap way to get an even bigger advantage on an already exhausted opponent! Almas stomps Carrillo to the corner, runs corner to corner, CIEN SHADOWS! Almas fires up for another, CIEN SHADOWS DOS! But that’s still not enough to humiliate Humberto after the defeats he’s suffered. Almas tosses Carrillo out and pulls up mats from the ground! Almas wants Carrillo to pay for the swollen eye, and whips Carrillo hard into barriers! Almas is seething as he drags Carrillo up, hammerlock and headlock, LA SOMBRA to the concrete!! Vega laughs at Carrillo as Almas shouts, “It’s MY title!”
But here comes Rey Mysterio! The King of Lucha will not let Almas do any more harm to Humberto. Almas wipes his hands of this and takes his leave, but where does this leave the United States Championship?
Raw returns and Carrillo is stretchered out, but here comes SETH ROLLINS?! What does The Architect and the Authors of Pain have to do with this? Oh no, that steel pipe…! That was the pipe given to Kevin Owens by Rey Mysterio! Akam and Rezar rush Mysterio and the fight is on! 2v1 and Rollins asks, “What’re you doing, man?” They didn’t come out here to fight, but Mysterio provoked them. They found something of his and wanted to return it. This is his pipe, right? Here, it’s his, have at it. Mysterio isn’t so sure, but when he does reach for it, Akam stands on the pipe to dribble his head! And then atomic drop PUNCH! Rollins takes the pipe back and tells Rey, “It didn’t have to be this way, man.” But because this is his pipe that he gave to Kevin to use on the AOP, “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”
That’s not Rollins, though. He is merciful! Tonight is Mysterio’s lucky night. But just remember this, please. “You owe me one, Rey.” Rollins holds on to the pipe as he and the AOP take their leave. But then, CURB STOMP! Rollins may not have lied, but he didn’t quite make it clear that that is what mercy looks like. Referees rush to Mysterio’s side, will this only make things easier for Almas when the time for the title match comes?
Backstage interview with Rollins and the AOP.
Why did he do that? What does she mean, “Why?” He leads by example! He had a score to settle, score settled. But the more interesting thing is why he didn’t hospitalize Mysterio. Because if he had, Mysterio can’t answer the challenge. What challenge? Rollins is going to establish dominance. Rollins challenges Mysterio to a match for that WWE United States Championship on next week’s Raw. The Raw Before Christmas looks to be a brutal one, will Mysterio accept the challenge and survive?
Randy Orton speaks.
“Tonight, I face AJ Styles, a former champion who has wrestled all over the world.” A man who beat Randy Orton at WrestleMania, and a man that made SmackDown his house. But tonight, Styles remembers that this is Raw. If he has any trouble remembering just who Orton is, and why Orton is superior, he will remind him with the “three most destructive letters in sports entertainment: R K O.” Will Orton be able to spell it out for AJ Styles here tonight?
Asuka VS Deonna Purrazzo!
The Kabuki Warriors survived the brutal Women’s Tag TLC and kept their titles! But for now, the Empress of Tomorrow goes it alone against NXT’s Armbar Virtuosa! Will Deonna make a big impression on everyone against one of the most dominant women to go through Full Sail?
Before the bell, Deonna takes off her jacket and BOOTS Asuka in the face! Asuka is furious immediately but Deonna dares her to do something about it. The ref keeps the peace and things calm down as we go to break.
Raw returns and Asuka goes after Deonna with the bell! She throws Deonna down then kicks her against ropes over and over! She stops at 4, to then grind her boot into Deonna! The ref counts again, Asuka runs and hip attacks Deonna down! Fans fire up behind Asuka and she runs in to the corner for another hip attack! Asuka has Deonna’s head but Deonna powers out and kicks low, to hit an armbar DDT! FUJIWARA! Asuka endures, moves around, stands up and rolls to victory roll Deonna, TWO! Asuka catches Deonna to an armbar of her own! Deonna endures but Asuka kicks away on her face. They move around, Deonna grips tight but Asuka shifts to a kneebar! Deonna scrambles but only gets stuck deeper! Asuka reaches up to get a chinlock, this is a modified STF!
Deonna endures as Asuka grinds her forearms into Deonna’s face. Asuka pulls back but Deonna endures, even as Asuka goes after the arm again. Deonna pops free but Asuka has the ankle lock now! Asuka reels Deonna in, but Deonna elbows out hard! Deonna staggers over but Asuka breaks free. No back hand, backbreaker to Complete Shot! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives that lethal combination, but Deonna doesn’t lose her cool. Deonna looms over Asuka and kicks her, but Asuka fires up. Asuka blocks the next kick, spins Deonna into a strike fest, and then hits a pop-up knee! Doenna is dazed, but gets even more kicks! BUZZSAW! But Asuka won’t end it there, she drags Deonna up into the chicken wing, and then ASUKA LOCK! Deonna endures but taps, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by submission
The Virtuosa was vicious, but she was not ready for Asuka! With the Pirate Princess by her side, will the Empress of Tomorrow reign for a long, long time?
Exclusive interview with Becky Lynch!
Last night, teaming with Charlotte Flair in the Women’s Tag Title TLC, Becky could’ve gotten another belt. But in the end, the Kabuki Warriors won and retained. How is The Man handling that loss? Becky says that the last few months have been a bit “off” for her. She was taken out of singles competition and given a try in the tag division. She thought this was a way for the “powers at be” to bury her. It’s worse: they’re going out of their way to protect her. Becky sees the merchandise, the posters, the events, and realized that she’s their golden goose. They want to protect Becky because they don’t think she can beat Asuka. Maybe they’re right. But Becky isn’t here to be sheltered and protected. The Raw Women’s Championship says Becky’s the best on this show, but when Asuka won in the TLC match, that means Asuka’s the best in the world. TLC last year, Royal Rumble 2019, all that proved it, too. Becky might be handling this loss a bit more honestly now.
Then what would Becky say to those who feel Asuka deserves to be Raw Women’s Champion? Becky would rather say something to Asuka first. Becky says that she needs Asuka. Asuka is the one person she couldn’t beat. Becky admits Asuka has had her number, but it’s time to change. Not for the company, not even for the title. But because Becky needs to prove something to herself. Will Asuka accept the challenge to challenge Becky? Will Becky finally be ready for Asuka?
Rey Mysterio speaks.
“Seems like I have a lot of bad people coming after my US title.” Almas is an incredible athlete, and Mysterio has no problem defending the title against him at any time. But Mysterio doesn’t like that Almas tried to end the career of the young star, Humberto Carrillo. Listen up, cabron. You try and hurt Mysterio’s friend, you’re going to get hurt. As for Rollins, he thinks he settled some score, but it only started a fight. Rollins shows us why he doesn’t deserve respect. Mysterio hasn’t had a 1v1 with him, but next week will give us that first-time-ever! Challenge accepted!
Randy Orton VS AJ Styles!
The Viper has gotten the better of the Phenomenal One for quite some time now. Will that continue to happen as they go 1v1 once again? Or does Styles finally have what it takes not just to defeat Orton, but to end him?
Raw returns as Styles makes his entrance. The bell rings and Orton circles with Styles, but then Styles rushes in! Orton dodges and throws haymakers on Styles against ropes and in the corner. Orton keeps on Styles but Styles uses the ropes as defense. The ref backs Orton off and Styles hits Orton back! Styles CHOPS and CHOPS then whips corner to corner, but Orton comes back and ducks the clothesline. Styles narrowly avoids the RKO! Orton watches Styles closely, goes outside but Styles gets back in. Styles gets Orton with a kick then goes out after him. But Orton gets Styles quick a back suplex to the apron! Orton scowls as he bounces Styles off steel steps! Orton puts Styles in then takes his time stalking up behind. Orton stomps Styles on the legs and scrapes his laces on Styles’ face!
Styles gets to the apron but Orton drags him up. Styles hotshots Orton back! Then Styles slingshots, but Orton trips him up! Orton drags Styles through the ropes and fans know what that means! But so does Styles and he gets free to roll and go for the leg! Orton blocks but Styles powers through, CALF CRUSHER! Orton fights as Styles cranks, Orton can’t get him off the leg! Orton crawls, reaches, but Styles drags him away from ropes! Styles hooks on again and Orton still can’t fight him off! Orton crawls and reaches, even as Styles pulls deep! Orton grabs the ropebreak! Styles lets go at 4, and Orton flops out of the ring. Styles grins as he’s done a lot of damage already. Orton hobbles around the way and Styles slips out the back. Styles comes around to gain a head of steam into the CHOP BLOCK! Orton writhes as Raw goes to another break!
Raw returns once again and Styles keeps going after the bad leg. Orton clutches his knee but Styles yanks on it. Styles dares Orton to get up as he kicks the leg again. Orton manages to stand and punch back! Orton has Styles on the ropes but Styles kicks the leg out again. Styles drags Orton up and has the leg but Orton pokes Styles’ eyes! Styles staggers away and protests but Orton rests in a corner. Styles runs in but Orton drops him on the buckles! Both men are down and fans rally up. Orton uses the ropes to stand but Styles follows. Styles walks into a haymaker and another, and another. But Styles comes back with rights of his own! Orton hobbles but kicks with the good leg. Orton uppercuts and haymakers, but Styles KICKS the bad leg out yet again! Styles runs, into the spinning powerslam!
Orton clutches the leg, that slam took a lot out of it. But Orton forces himself to stand up again and hobble over to Styles. Styles grabs the leg again! Orton holds on and headbutts Styles back! Orton catches the kick, to bring back the back2backbreaker! But another double-edged move for that leg! Orton crawls to the cover, ONE! Fans rally up for the “RKO! RKO!” and Orton stalks Styles to the corner on one good leg. Orton hoists Styles up top and throws haymakers. Styles wobbles up top but Orton climbs up to join him. Orton sits Styles up, fans cheer, but Styles slips out to trip Orton up! Orton hobbles, Styles CHOP BLOCKS again! Orton writhes in pain but Styles springboards, LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Orton still lives and Styles can’t believe it!
Styles cools off and brings Orton up. He wants the Clash, but Orton resists and back drops Styles out! Styles lands on the apron, but Orton punches him down. Orton drags Styles through, DRAPING DDT! Fans fire up and Orton hears the voices! Styles drags himself up as Orton slithers up, but still no RKO! The Calf Crusher returns! Orton reaches as Styles hooks on! Styles drags Orton away but Orton pushes him off! Styles runs in, is put back on the apron, and fakes Orton out! Orton’s knee buckles, Styles springboards for real, but STILL into the RKO!! Orton covers, and wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall
Styles’ plan was almost perfect, but The Viper still had enough to strike! But here comes the OC! They beat down Orton with stomps, but here come the Viking Raiders! Erik and Ivar rush the ring and brawl with the Good Brothers! Styles gets up to chop block Ivar’s leg, and then Gallows tosses Ivar out. The OC gang up on Erik, and drag him into the MAGIC KILLER! The Official, the Original, and the Only ones left standing are the Best Tag Team in the World and their Phenomenal leader! Will these three be reigning over Raw soon enough? Or can the Viper and the Vikings regroup and retaliate?
My Thoughts:
After the mixed bag of TLC, this Raw didn’t exactly do a phenomenal job, but more a decent job in following up. For one, after Kairi Sane’s concussion, it was good for them to have her at least show herself. She didn’t stick around at ringside to watch or anything, which of course was for the best. It may seem silly she only showed up on the stage, but if she didn’t, you know someone somewhere was going to claim her not showing up was a sign of something worse. Plus, with how they chose to book Deonna Purrazzo in her Raw debut against Asuka, it was clear Asuka wasn’t the Heel in this. I hope this was planting the seeds of a match for the Women’s Tag Titles as part of NXT, and possibly even TakeOver: Portland. Becky’s interview was the logical way to circle back to Becky VS Asuka 1v1, and that will be a great match.
It was also good of Becky to more or less break the fourth wall and point out this is about protecting rather than burying her. I hope bringing back some of that anti-administration attitude helps spark Becky again, as she’s started to cool off with the audience. Becky VS Asuka at the Rumble, perhaps Becky wins, perhaps Asuka and Kairi move on to Portland in February, and then Rumble winner helps determine a lot of what happens after that. Liv Morgan’s vignette was very much like the set-up to a horror/thriller. It was a strange blend of sexy and menacing, so perhaps that is Liv’s new persona. Liv’s return could bring her into the Women’s Rumble story, though no one can say what direction she goes in at this point in time. Maybe she can start small with fellow former Riott Squad member, Sarah Logan. Both need to be featured more on television in a time when things are feeling stale.
I like that we’re seeing a developing story of OC VS Viper & Vikings. OC VS Vikings was a really good opening match, and better than their product placement open challenge. OC winning of course works out better, now they’re the contenders to the titles, for at least a match at the Rumble. Orton VS Styles was a pretty good main event, and I really liked Styles going after the leg over and over. And in the end, that just made the second jump from Orton more impressive. I would hope next week’s Raw Before Christmas gives us a Six Man Tag of these two sides to try and settle things before the Rumble, and naturally Orton and Styles would target each other during the Rumble match.
The Rowan squash matches are already getting tedious, mostly because we got so many needless squashes with Viking Raiders. Something needs to happen with that cage already. The Lana Lashley proposal segment was another high level cringe fest, but perhaps again on purpose. Lashley being “hesitant” was a good tease, but I really hope Lana goes extra bridezilla for their wedding to bug the crap out of Lashley. The only way this ends happily ever after for the fans is if Lashley dumps Lana at the altar given her random outbursts of attitude and selfishness. Then Rusev can laugh because he won’t even need to wreck the wedding per wrestling cliche- I mean, tradition…
The main story of Rollins and AOP was pretty decent, too. Rollins just seems a better Heel, and his promo tonight was a good part of that. Them tying into the United States Championship scene works out in continuity because of Kevin Owens using the pipe. The Gauntlet Match was naturally the best thing of the night, with R-Truth vowing yet failing to become dual champion at this point, Akira Tozawa getting a great showing with Ricochet, and Ricochet himself got a great showing with Humberto Carrillo. I feel like Des Moines gave up on it too soon, though. Ricochet and Carrillo alone made that gauntlet a lot of fun. Almas brutalizing Carrillo before even having their part in the match was great Heel work, and gets some Face sympathy for Carrillo, who might’ve legit split a lip after that concrete DDT spot.
As you can find on WWE Twitter this very moment, Almas takes offense to Rollins wanting a shot at the title. I don’t know Almas will interfere knowing Rollins will have the AOP, but you better believe Kevin is making his return next week to do just that. Kevin might even get reinforcements, aka the Street Profits, so that we can get a real fun Six Man before the Rumble out of this story, too. Almas VS Mysterio has to be the US Championship match at Rumble, and anything can happen there with how great that rivalry has been this past year to give us a great start to the new year.
My Score: 8.1/10
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One step away from the Cup!
David Finlay awaits in the New Japan Cup finals, and will either face Shota Umino or Shingo Takagi! Can the Roughneck slay the Rampaging Dragon?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuya Murashima VS Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata; Kojima & Nagata win.
- 10 Man Tag: The United Empire VS El Phantasmo, Jado, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Daiki Nagai; The United Empire wins.
- Six Man Tag: Hontai VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
- Six Man Tag: Just4Guys VS Bullet Club War Dogs; War Dogs win.
- Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; Double Count-Out Draw.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
- 2025 New Japan Cup Semifinal: Shota Umino VS Shingo Takagi; Shota wins and advances to the finals.
PLAY BY PLAY
Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS House of Torture!
Yota Tsuji was cheated out of the New Japan Cup by the King of Darkness, but that’s no surprise. However, that means Evil has a golden ticket to the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship. Will Dick Togo & Yujiro Takahashi help Darkness Fall? Or can Testuya Naito & Bushi help Yota keep everything tranquilo?
Even now, Naito takes his time with his elaborate entrance attire. Eventually, the pants are put aside, and Naito is wearing the new Tendedero merch shirt. LIJ fist bumps, but The House attacks! The fans boo but the bell rings so this is on record. Evil has Yota on the outside and he CLAWS Yota’s eyes! Yujiro CHOKES Naito, Dick bumps Bushi off buckles, and then Yujiro TOSSES Naito! Dick CHOKES Bushi now, then he and Yujiro double whip. Dick runs corner to corner but Bushi dodges! Bushi BOOTS Yujiro, then headlocks Dick! BULLDOG DROPKICK COMBO! The fans fire up and Bushi hurries to tag Naito.
Naito stomps Yujiro, Bushi joins in, and Evil protests. Evil runs in, but into an atomic drop! Evil staggers away to a corner, Naito & Bushi whip Yujiro into him! Evil falls, Naito kicks Yujiro, and holds him in place, for the NECKBREAKER! Naito poses and the fans cheer. Naito then covers, TWO! Tokyo Pimp is tougher than that, but Naito drags Yujiro up to cravat. Yujiro endures the neck wrench, Naito CLUBS him then whips. Yujiro reverses and Dick gets a cheap shot in! Yujiro runs, but Bushi gets as cheap shot in! Naito runs but Evil trips him up! Dick BLASTS Bushi, Yujiro BLASTS Yota, and Evil drags Naito out.
Evil RAMS Naito into the timekeeper! Abe-san again suffers at the hands of Evil! The fans boo and the ref reprimands but Evil drags Naito up. Evil pushes Naito into the ring, then he and Dick loosen the blue buckle pad. Yujiro covers Naito, TWO! Yujiro drags Naito up while the fans rally, but Yujiro snapmares to drop a leg! And he drops another leg! And another leg! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer, but Yujiro taunts LIJ. Yujiro drags Naito up, bumps him off Evil’s boot, and then he tags Evil in. Evil CLAWS Naito’s eyes then stomps away on the legs! The ref reprimands, Evil drags Naito out, and then Evil stomps the leg more!
Evil drops an ELBOW on the knee! Evil pulls on the leg in a toehold, then traps the leg in a leg scissors! Yota runs in and stomps Evil, but Dick TOSSES Yota back out! Evil pulls on the leg, almost has an ankle lock, but Naito has the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Evil lets go, and he tags in Dick. They split the wishbone on Naito! The fans rally for Naito but Dick throws down fists. Cover, TWO! Naito is tougher than that and the fans continue to rally. Dick is annoyed, but Naito fires body shots on him! Dick CLAWS Naito’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Dick whips. Naito reverses and ELBOWS Dick, to then arm-drag him!
Naito dropkicks Dick’s legs out! The fans rally, Dick and Naito crawl, hot tag to Yota! The fans fire up as Yota CLOBBERS Dick, then BLASTS the House! But Dick CLAWS Yota’s eyes! Yota runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Yota runs corner to corner, to SPLASH! Yota scoops and SLAMS to then run and BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up with Yota as he paces around. Yota drags Dick up, suplexes, but Dick fights that! Dick wrenches, hammerlocks, headlocks, then punches Yota! Tag to Evil and they mug Yota! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Dick & Evil stand Yota up.
Dick & Evil double whip to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE Yota down! Cover, TWO! Yota is tougher than that and the fans rally up, but Evil tells them to shut up. Evil drags Yota to his feet, talks more trash on the fans, but the fans give that back. Evil “puts one out” on Yota, then fireman’s carries! Yota slips free to ROCK Evil! The fans fire up with Yota, he runs, but Evil goes the other way! But Yota catches the pounce into a clinch! BACKBREAKER, FLATLINER, and STOMP! The Gene Combination hits and the fans fire up! Evil sputters, Yota rolls and tags in Bushi. Bushi runs up to dropkick Evil’s legs out! Then Bushi BLASTS Dick!
Yujiro kicks Bushi, whips him to ropes, but Bushi reverses to dropkick the legs out! Evil is back but Bushi DECKS him! Bushi then builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and Evil is sent into railing! The fans fire up, Bushi puts Evil back in, and Bushi aims from a corner. Bushi runs corner to corner to ELBOW Evil, then he puts a leg in the ropes to DROPKICK it! Bushi brings Evil out and has the leg, but Evil pulls on the mask! Bushi breaks free, kicks, but Evil blocks, hands it to the ref, and mule kicks Bushi down! Dick & Yujiro BLAST Naito & Yota off the apron! They then double whip Bushi to a corner! Dick ELBOWS Bushi! Yujiro BOOTS! Evil LARIATS!
Dick goes up, Evil & Yujiro hold Bushi open, and the ref reprimands! No one to distract him this time! But then Evil just grabs the ref and turns him around! The ref can’t get free, Bushi suffers the DICK CHOP! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives and the fans fire up! Evil is stunned but he brushes that off. Evil paces around Bushi, slashes his throat, and vows to end this! Evil drags Bushi up, spins him, EVERY- NO, Naito gets in to kick Evil down! Yujiro is in, Evil distracts the ref, and Yujiro blocks a kick to LOW BLOW Naito!! The fans boo, but Yota runs up! Yujiro blocks his kick, and trips him up, to FALLING HEADBUTT LOW BLOW!!
The fans boo but Evil still holds onto the ref. Bushi stands, Evil shoves the ref at him! Bushi pushes the ref aside, and he blocks the low blow! But Dick LOW BLOWS from the other side! Evil & Dick get Bushi up, for MAGIC KILLER!! Cover, the House of Torture wins!!
Winners: House of Torture, by pinfall
But they’re not done, as they beat up on Yota now! They snatch the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship from him, and Evil holds it up. The fans boo, but Evil takes aim at Yota! But Yota LOW BLOWS Dick! And he dodges Evil’s attack to then pop-up LOW BLOW! Yujiro has his pimp cane! Yota blocks that, takes the cane, and LOW BLOWS Yujiro with it! The fans fire up behind Yota as he takes his belt back. Yota holds it up to show that not everything is Evil! Will the Gene Blast stop the House of Torture from having more gold?
2025 New Japan Cup Semifinal: Shota Umino VS Shingo Takagi!
The Paradigm Shift has certainly taken a turn after The Roughneck gave up his fiery red locks. Shota has changed up his style in the ring to match his new look, but will this Second Chapter lead to the Cup? Or will this young hero fail to slay the Rampaging Dragon?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. They’re strongly behind “TA-KA-GI! TA-KA-GI!” but Shota doesn’t let that bother him. Shota and Takagi slowly step forward, feel things out, then clinch. Takagi waistlocks but Shota turns around to facelock. Takagi wrenches out and has a wristlock, but Shota rolls, wrenches back, and then hammerlocks. Takagi reaches back to headlock and he hits the takeover, but Shota headscissors. Takagi kips free and the fans cheer the standoff. The two reset and feel things out again. They knuckle lock, then go shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength! Shota has the leverage but Takagi powers up.
Takagi breaks a grip, wrenches, headlocks, and he grinds the hold. The fans rally up while Shota endures. Shota pries at the headlock but Takagi keeps it on tight. Shota powers up and out the back, then headlocks in return. Takagi endures the grind now, and he powers up and out! They RAM shoulders, Shota keeps going to RAM Takagi! Takagi rebounds to RAM Shota, but Shota stands his ground! Shota fires a forearm, Takagi fires a DOUBLE CHOP! Takagi whips, but Shota reverses to scoop, HOTSHOT, and then he RUNS Takagi over! The fans fire up while Takagi bails out. Shota waits on Takagi, and the fans rally up again.
Takagi takes his time stepping back inside, and he resets with Shota. They knuckle lock, but then Shota shoots in and trips Takagi up. Shota stomps that leg, then he SMASHES the knee off the mat! Shota stalks Takagi to a corner, then puts the leg around ropes. The fans rally, Red Shoes reprimands, but Shota pulls on the leg. Shota then brings Takagi out to trip him, and Shota stomps away on the leg. Shota drops an ELBOW on the knee, and pulls on the toehold! Takagi endures, works his way back, and has the ROPEBREAK! Shota lets go, but then he drops a knee on the knee! Red Shoes reprimands but Shota stomps Takagi’s leg again.
Shota drags Takagi up, facelocks and turns him, but Takagi elbows free! Takagi runs in at the corner but Shota BOOTS him! Shota runs, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON feint and DDT! Shota staggers around while the fans fire up, and Takagi LARIATS Shota up and out! Shota staggers into railing then slumps down. The fans rally behind Takagi while he shakes out the bad leg. Takagi goes out to fetch Shota, and he drags Shota back up. Takagi RAMS Shota into the apron, then RAMS him in again! Takagi whips Shota hard into railing and Shota slumps down! Red Shoes wants Takagi to get this back in the ring, so Takagi rolls in.
The fans applaud and the ring count begins. Shota is still down at 5 of 20, sits up at 8, and he rises up at 10. Shota stands at 13 and hobbles his way over. Shota rolls in at 15, but Takagi stands on him! Red Shoes reprimands but Takagi marches in place before he steps off. Takagi KICKS Shota in the back, then drags him up to whip. Takagi KNEES Shota at the ropes, then runs to CLOBBER Shota! The fans fire up and Takagi flexes. Takagi drags Shota up, reels him in and suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Shota is tougher than that, but Takagi looks to the camera. Then he wags his finger, it’s not time yet.
Takagi clamps onto Shota with a chinlock and squeezes tight. Shota endures, so Takagi sits him up and shifts around to also trap an arm. Shota endures being twisted and turned, and he kicks his way forward to the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud, and Takagi lets go, only to BELL CLAP! Red Shoes reprimands but Takagi brings Shota around to SENTON! The fans cheer more and Takagi stands back up. Takagi looms over Shota, kicks him around, but Shota just gets mad. Shota glares at Takagi so Takagi eggs him on. Shota stands to fire a forearm! Takagi shakes his head, so Shota fires another forearm! And another!
Takagi wobbles a bit and Shota fires a flurry! But then Takagi blocks one to wrench and knuckle lock! Takagi goes up the ropes!? The fans fire up, but Shota breaks free! Takagi gives thumbs down, and the fans boo, but Takagi HIP ATTACKS Shota down! Takagi rallies the fans behind him, then reels Shota in. But Shota BACKDROPS free! Takagi gets up fast, but Shota dropkicks the legs! Shota turns Takagi for a NECKBREAKER! Shota snarls, goes to a corner, and the fans rally again. Takagi stands, Shota runs corner to corner and UPPERCUTS! Then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Shota stays clam.
Shota drags Takagi up and reels him in, but Takagi fights the lift! Shota CLUBS Takagi, whips him to a corner, then runs up, but he blocks a boot! KNEE JAMMER, and then a SHIN BREAKER! Shota turns Takagi over for the STF! The fans rally as Takagi endures and Shota pulls on the hold! Takagi reaches out, crawls his way over, and fights his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Shota lets go in frustration. Shota stands Takagi back up to reel him back in, but again Takagi fights the lift! Shota KNEES Takagi again and again, then tries again. Takagi still fights that lift! Takagi CLUBS at the legs, but Shota CLUBS away on Takagi’s back!
Shota UPPERCUTS into a spin! Takagi suplexes, Shota fights it, so Takagi hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Both men are down and the fans rally back up. Shota crawls away to a corner while Takagi slaps his leg into working. Takagi watches Shota stand, then he runs in. Takagi blocks a boot, CLUBS the leg, and he LARIATS Shota down! The fans fire up and Takagi gets them even more fired up. Takagi stands Shota up, but Shota fires forearms! Takagi SHOVES Shota down, but Shota is right up to fire more forearms! Takagi THROWS Shota down, but Shota’s right up to fire forearms! Takagi YUKON LARIATS outta nowhere!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi rises and grabs at Shota but Shota shakes him off. Takagi still tries to stand Shota up but Shota kicks him now! So Takagi short arm LARIATS Shota down! And he short arm LARIATS again! Then a scoop for a SLAM, and Takagi goes up! YUKON ELBOW DROP! Takagi hauls Shota up, and hits a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Into an STF! Takagi gives Shota a taste of his own medicine! Shota endures, the fans rally, and then Takagi shifts to Just Facelock! Shota still endures, then fights around and reaches out. Takagi shifts to a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Shota still endures!
Shota reaches out but Takagi pulls on that arm! The fans rally, Takagi puts as much as he can into the Fujiwara, but Shota fights and reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud while Takagi lets off, and he throws some elbows down for good measure. Takagi then brings Shota up, puts him on the top rope, and he fires ridge hand chops! Takagi climbs up, goes to the very top, and hits a SUPER DUPER PLEX! The fans fire up and Shota writhes! Takagi covers, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans fire up again. Takagi finally says, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as the time has finally come! They then join in with “OI! OI! OI!”
Takagi stalks Shota, brings him up, and pump handles, only for Shota to fight the lift! Shota slips free, half nelsons, but Takagi elbows free! Shota UPPERCUTS, then UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Shota winds up and runs, but Takagi follows to LARIAT at the ropes! Takagi keeps moving, Shota gets around to SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! But Takagi’s right up to SNAP GERMAN! Shota’s right up, ducks a lariat, and he SNAP GERMANS! Shota roars, runs up, but into a PUMPING BOMBER!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Takagi and Shota go to opposite ends, and the fans rally up.
Takagi goes to a corner, drags himself up, and Shota is in the other corner. The fans rally harder, and they both run in! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither man falls! So they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Both stay up, Takagi SWATS a lariat to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Then he whips Shota, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Takagi’s right up!? But Shota LARIATS him back down!! Shota also falls and the fans rally back up! Takagi and Shota stir, and Shota crawls his way over to Takagi. The “SHOTA! SHOTA!” fans are showing up now, and he reels Takagi in, for a POWERBOMB!! High stack cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up again and Shota fires himself up. Takagi slowly rises up, Shota runs, but Takagi swats the lariat! ELBOW! JAB! YUKON- SHOTGUN! But Takagi’s up to PUMPING BOMBER again!! Both men are down again as we hit 20 minutes! Takagi pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and Takagi crawls over to Shota. The dueling is starting to sound even, and Takagi brings Shota up. Shota fires boxing elbows, then a ROLLING- NO, Takagi catches him! Pump handle, MADE IN JAPAN! Cover, TWO!! Takagi shouts out Milano Collection AT with how he tucks Shota’s arms! TAKAGI DRIVER 98!! Cover, TWO!!
Shota survives but Takagi keeps moving, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans fire up as Takagi gets going again, and he PUMPING BOMBERS!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Shota survives and shocks everyone! Takagi thinks on what he must do now, and he brings Shota back up. The fans rally, Takagi pump handles and torture racks! But Shota kicks and flails to get free! Shota LARIATS, but Takagi stays up while Shota drops to his knees! Takagi shakes his head, brings Shota up again, but Shota ENZIGIRIS! Takagi goes to a corner, Shota fires forearms and an elbow, then a ROLLING ELBOW! Takagi stays up to ELBOW! JAB! And whip!
Shota reverses, and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up, Shota brings Takagi to his feet for the fisherman and SECOND- NO, Takagi fights that to scoop Shota! LANDSLIDE DRIVER!! The fans rally up again and Takagi watches Shota rise. Takagi runs, Shota dodges, but then Takagi dodges! DOUBLE LARIATS!! Shota falls on the cover, ONE?!?! Shota gest going again, SHOTA BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!!! Takagi will not be beat at his own game and the fans fire up! Shota goes to a corner as the fans are dueling, and Shota BUSAIKU KNEES! Then he hooks the leg, SECOND CHAPTER!!! Cover, SHOTA WINS!!
Winner: Shota Umino, by pinfall (advances to the finals)
The Rampaging Dragon has been slain! Perhaps if this was the Shota from before New Beginning, the story would be different, but the Second Chapter writes Takagi out of the tournament. Will Takagi battle his way to the top from a different path?
As for Shota, he decides not to say anything, and exits the ring. But wait! David Finlay & Gedo make their way out here! Gedo grabs the mic to ask, “Oi, kid, where’d you go? Get back out yere, you punk! Get back here, kid!” Shota responds to that taunting and makes his way back out. Gedo tells Shota, “I don’t know what’s going on in your head, but do you realize who you’re facing in the finals? The Savage King, David Finlay! He’s crazy strong, kid! Tougher than you can imagine! Whatever it took for you tog et here, in an instant, it’ll be destroyed! Get over here, ya punk! Get over here! I wanna know how much you want this!”
“You want to come in here, say your piece? Just try!” Gedo drops the mic for Shota, and then Shota stares Finlay down. Shota picks the mic up, and he tells Finlay, “I promise I will beat you.” Finlay likes the sound of that. These two stare down, and we are just days away from them battling for it all! Who will be the 2025 New Japan Cup Champion, and the man aimed squarely at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship?
My Thoughts:
Another great night for New Japan Cup, but with as much filler as yesterday’s event. The War Dogs sure have their hands in many things, as does the House of Torture with how Evil is building to a title match with Yota Tsuji. The War Dogs and House of Torture going to Double Count-Out Draw again was a good move, it keeps both sides equal as we wait for them to do whatever huge faction warfare match they’re planning. As for Yota VS Evil, hard to say at this point as House of Torture won the match but then Yota stood tall after that scrap. It’d be really weird if Evil gets that title off Yota just to be a transitional champion to Finlay so that Finlay can get “his” title back.
Shota VS Shingo was a great match, but the crowd really took a second to get into it. There still seems to be a number of fans who are uncertain on Shota so they didn’t feel like cheering right away, but Shota got them on his side as things heated up. Shota winning makes sense, he’s got this new attitude and so that’s part of the push. I hope he changes his aesthetic enough once we get to the finals on March 20th. Take those all white paints, airbrush something on them that helps represent what “Second Chapter” Shota is about, or even just go with a solid color like red or blue to indicate the change visually. As for who wins, that is anyone’s guess, as Finlay will have to circle back to the Bullet Club Civil War at some point.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Adrenaline in Brussels, every thought out of control!
Cody Rhodes has called him out and now it’s the moment of truth: Will John Cena return to Monday Night Raw live from Brussels, Belgium?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- No Holds Barred: PENTA VS Ludwig Kaiser; Penta wins.
- Dakota Kai VS Ivy Nile; Dakota wins.
- Jey Uso VS Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller; Jey wins.
- The Creed Brothers VS Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee; Rey & Lee win.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker VS Finn Balor; Bron wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
JOHN CENA IS HERE!
Brussels erupts with booing as the traitorous GOAT makes his way out. He’s wearing the custom Belgium merchandise, but not even that is enough to appease the fans, and they still sing, “John Cena SUCKS~!” Cena grabs the mic and paces around while the fans boo and give thumbs down. The dueling does begin, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” and Cena just stands there to let it play out. Then he drops the mic and turns to leave, but that makes everyone boo! Cena picks up the mic, fans chant, “You Sold Out!” so Cena drops the mic again. The fans boo, so Cena picks the mic back up.
Cena finally speaks, “When someone is properly grounded in life… They shouldn’t have to look outside themselves for approval.” Fans chant and sing at Cena some more, but Cena says they are making this so easy for him. “For 25 years, I’ve been the victim, okay? I have been the victim of an abusive relationship. No, no, no, you have lost your time to talk!” The fans say, “You Sold Out!” Cena says fine, take the floor. But what do they do with it? They just abuse and bully him into being their damn puppet, and expect him to do it with a smile on his face! NO MORE! The fans tell Cena off, and he lets them say it. “So very classy. Thank you.”
“Look, I am not a ‘baby face,’ I am not a ‘heel.’ I’m a human being. And each and every one of you has been AWFUL to me! Go ahead, go ahead! You’ve been awful!” The fans boo more, but Cena says it has been the same damn noise for 25 YEARS! When he first got here, the fans let him know really loud that they hated him. Moments of embarrassment and shame, they let him know he wasn’t worthy of them. So he changed himself, and it worked for a second, but then it wasn’t enough! So what’d he do? He worked hard like always, he started to win and win and win and win, and win and win and win and win!
But oh, he won a lot, and fans hated it! It wasn’t enough! So what’d Cena do? He spent 10 YEARS giving away everything he possibly could, and it still wasn’t enough! The fans tell Cena to STFU, but he just smirks and shakes his head. In his final moments, what’s the only thing he can do? He can walk away. Wow, and now you cheer. But he announced his retirement in a move no one has done before. He really is walking away at the end of this year. He tried one last time to get along with the fans. He tried one last time to do something nice, but they ruined it! Just like they ruin everything!
Because just like right here tonight, it was great for two seconds, and then it wasn’t enough! The fans sing “Hey Hey Hey~, Goodbye~!” Cena says, “Each one of these idiots is proving my point with every breath. My point is, no matter what I do, it is never enough, and you should all be ashamed of yourselves. All you ever do is take. You take, you take, and you take! And you only care about yourselves! I put my values on the line to make a very important choice in my life, and all you could think is, ‘What do we get?’ My story changed! ‘What do we get? John Cena’s coming to my town! What do we get? This is trending! What do we get?’
“Not one of you SOBs asked me how I feel. No one! It’s just ‘What do we get? What do we get?’ YOU GET NOTHING! You get what you have earned, and what you have earned is NOTHING! You don’t get a new look, because you dress like me, I don’t dress like you idiots! You don’t get new music! That is MY voice on that song, and your time is finally up! And my time is finally now! The only thing you get is to take a long look in the mirror to see how awful each and every one of you has been for 25 years to me!” The fans still boo, and even shift to, “We Want Cody!” Oh, they want Cody? OH~, of course! The brand new, shiny toy! Because they’re about to put this one out to pasture.
Like he said, they’re just proving his point that they’re awful people. And that’s every single person here! No one is safe, no one can hide, especially those he can pick out in the crowd. This guy, that guy in the front row, and that other guy. Yes, he sees them. The “Let’s Go Cena” people. They’re the ones who support Cena. The dueling begins again, and Cena says, “You hear that, world? The Cena Sucks Jagoffs, they have already proved themselves awful people. I’m about ot tell you why the Let’s Go Cena people are just as awful. You claim to support me? What have you ever done? What have you, you, you, what have you ever done to support me, huh?!
“What have you ever done for me? All you ever do is steal from me! You steal! You steal my personal moments! You steal my time! You have made me your freakin’ toy! I am an object to you! You have made me the butt to a stupid ‘invisible’ joke for 15 years, and you still think it’s funny! It is NOT funny! It is pathetic! You are pathetic.” Fans tell Cena off again, but Cena says they don’t wanna hear this, huh? Not ready to hear this? Not ready to lean into the uncomfortable conversation. The truth is, the fans don’t wear his merch to support him. They wear it to feel good. They wear words like Hustle, Loyalty, Respect, but Cena LIVES them.
The fans think they can buy the words “Never Give Up?” Cena is the definition of perseverance, and everyone here knows it! “You do not support me. What you do is you use me as an excuse for your pathetic failure of a life. Because all you’ve ever done there for 25 years is sit on your ass and watch me be great! NO MORE! This, everybody, including that one kid right there, is a toxic, dysfunctional relationship! Oh, you don’t wanna hear it, huh? It’s too tough for ya? Well listen to this. I’m breaking up with you. I’m done. I’m breaking up with every single person. Whether you like me or you don’t, you’re dumped.
“I don’t need you anymore. I don’t care about you. And you don’t matter to me. And here’s the thing. There’s no noise you can make, there is nothing you can do, because you know I’m right and you know you are wrong!” WAIT! Here comes Cody! Brussels erupts with cheers this time, and they sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, continues down the ramp and high-fives fans, and Cena just waits on Cody. We get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and more pyro as Cody throws off his jacket and steps into the ring with Cena. Cody raises the Undisputed WWE Championship, the fans cheer, and then Cody gets himself a mic.
The fans cheer as the song dies down and Cena scowls. The fans sing, “CODY! CODY RHOOODES~! CODY, CODY RHOOODES~!” Cody lifts the belt again and the fans cheer more. Cody then finally says, “I think everybody was willing to hear you out, even myself. If I understood correctly from what you just said, they’ve given you their worst. Sure, they might’ve given you their worst. But they’ve also given you their best for 25 years, and they did that because you were special. They did that because you were special. They did that because you could take it. They did that because you could carry it!” The fans cheer that.
Cena says, “Look, kid,” but Cody tells him, “ENOUGH! And it’s certainly not ‘kid.’ It’s champion!” The fans cheer that, too! And Cody wants to ask Cena something. “Who the hell are you? Where’s the guy on this shirt? Right here! Even after what you did, I was excited at the prospect of going week to week, face to face, with John Cena. And instead, I got this. Well this better not show up at WrestleMania. Because if it does, I run it over, I run it out, because I already took its best shot and it wasn’t good enough, I retire it early! So go find John Cena, because I wanna wrestle him at WrestleMania 41, not this whiny b*tch!”
Cody drops his mic and leaves the ring, the fans all fired up! Cody gives Cena one last look before he makes his way back up the ramp. The fans sing for “CODY! CODY RHOOODES~!” again, and he again lifts the belt. Cena is still in the ring, so the fans boo. Cena drops his mic, exits the ring, and the fans again sing “Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye~!” Cena gives them one last look before he goes backstage. Will this Cena be all we get from now until the end of 2025?
No Holds Barred: PENTA VS Ludwig Kaiser!
After going back and forth, and even adding Pete Dunne to the mix, the Man with No Fear and the Impeccable German have it out with nothing holding them back! Will Penta show Kaiser what #CeroMiedo looks like when it is fully unleashed? Or will Kaiser say NEIN to another loss?
Raw returns and Penta makes his entrance. The fans fire up with the pyro, and “CERO! MIEDO!” The fans even sing, “OLE~, OLE OLE OLE~! CEROOO~, MIEDOOO~!” The bell rings and Penta eggs Kaiser on. Kaiser is annoyed with the fans, but then he and Penta start throwing hands! Kaiser gets the edge, but Penta avoids the lariat to CHOP Kaiser down! Kaiser staggers, Penta runs up, and Penta LARIATS Kaiser up and out! Then Penta slides out, runs up, but Kaiser THROWS him into the timekeeper’s area! The fans boo, but Penta gets up on the barriers! Penta tightrope walks his way to FLYING RANA Kaiser into the apron!
The fans fire up with Penta and he pursues, but Kaiser bails out. Kaiser grabs chairs, puts them in the ring, but Penta runs up to DROPKICK Kaiser down! Penta then builds speed and he FLIES! Direct hit, the fans fire up, but then the fans cheer as Penta clears the commentary desk! Penta puts Kaiser up there, CHOPS him, but Kaiser CHOPS back! They CHOPS go back and forth, the fans cheer and boo. Penta fires off a flurry, but Kaiser CLAWS Penta’s face! Then KAISER ROLL on the desk! The fans lose their minds while Kaiser stands tall, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Kaiser has Penta up top, and he CLAWS at the mask! But Penta fights Kaiser off! The fans fire up as Kaiser staggers, and Penta CROSSBODIES! Kaiser staggers up, Penta dodges and KICKS Kaiser in the leg! Then SLING-DOG! Kaiser flounders to a corner, Penta whips, but Kaiser reverses. Penta goes up and over to BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Penta rises. Penta aims from a corner, calls his shot, and runs up, but into a GAMANGIRI! Kaiser fireman’s carries, KAISER ROLL again, then cover! TWO! Penta survives, but Kaiser kicks him out of the ring. Kaiser UPPERCUTS Penta, then RAMS him into steel steps!
The fans boo, Kaiser leaves Penta behind, but only to go out the side. Kaiser gets running, wanting his favorite shot! But Penta BACKDROPS Kaiser onto the desk! The fans are thunderous as Kaiser writhes! Penta has the fans singing again, and he brings Kaiser off the desk to put in the ring. Penta stalks Kaiser, but Kaiser SMACKS Penta! The fans chant, “We Want Tables!” but Penta CHOPS! Kaiser fires a haymaker, Penta fires back, and the two stand. Kaiser ROCKS Penta, but Penta ROCKS Kaiser! The haymakers keep going, then Penta trades CHOPS with Kaiser’s haymakers! Penta fires a flurry of forearms, then says “CERO! MIEDO!”
Penta runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Kaiser SLAMS him down! BLINDSIDE SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, TWO! Penta survives but Kaiser stalks him to ropes. Kaiser tells Penta to listen to him! Penta will fear KAISER! Kaiser will teach Penta what it means to fear! Kaiser CLUBS Penta down, the fans sing for Penta, but Kaiser grabs a chair. Kaiser dares Penta to get up, and then he SMACKS Penta on the back! Penta scrambles to a corner but Kaiser grins as he storms up. Kaiser CHOKES Penta with the chair and shouts, “Are you scared? Say it!” Kaiser wants Penta to admit he’s afraid, but Penta just powers up! The fans fire up as Penta pushes Kaiser back! “CERO! MIEDO!”
Kaiser drags Penta up, clinches, but Penta WRINGS that arm, then has the other! THE SACRIFICE!! Kaiser writhes, clutches that elbow, but now Penta has the chair! Penta winds up but Kaiser wants mercy! Penta shakes his head but Kaiser says he gives up?! Kaiser says Penta wins? Penta isn’t sure about that, but then Kaiser CLAWS Penta’s eyes! Kaiser has th echair, but Penta SUPERKICKS the chair into Kaiser! Then he SMACKS Kaiser! Then he gives the chair back to SUPERKICK it into Kaiser again! Penta goes up, Kaiser staggers around, and Penta reels him in, FLYING MEXICAN DESTROYER on the chair!!
The fans are losing their minds, but Penta then hits a PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
Brussels gives this brutal opener a standing ovation! Will Penta now leave Kaiser in the past to go for bigger and better prizes? Cathy Kelley interviews Penta on the ramp and congratulates him on the win. That was a definitive end to that match, and we’re on the Road to WrestleMania. What is next for Penta? Penta says first off all, THANK YOU, BRUSSELS! They are amazing, he loves ’em! But the Penta New Era is here! It is alive in Europe, but also in every continent in the world! What is next for Penta? Listen: THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP!
Penta wants to tell everyone that he doesn’t care what he has to do, he WILL be champion! Because he is Penta, and he has CERO MIEDO! That very title is on the line later tonight, will Penta be aimed at Bron Breakker or Finn Balor for WrestleMania?
Dakota Kai heads to gorilla.
Iyo Sky gives her a pep talk before her match, but uh, is that Dominik Mysterio talking with Karrion Kross? Is Dom still trying to recruit new members? Or is Mr. Doomsday giving Dom some special advice of his own?
The Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.
Carlito is adding to the great graffiti backstage, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez talk about how Dominik should’ve taken the match with Bron Breakker instead of- Finn walks in! Liv & Raquel say hey, and they wish him luck tonight. Finn thanks them for that, and he wishes them the best of luck in their matches. Jade Cargill is gonna be another stop on the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour! And Raquel, by this time next week, they’ll both be Intercontinental- Oh, Dom walks in! Hey, bud! The man of the moment! Finn knows Dom knows, but Finn wants to say from the bottom of his heart, thanks for getting him the title match.
Dom says of course! Whatever it takes to get Judgment Day back on top. But here’s the thing… Dom was talking with some people, and he has an idea. Oh, an idea? Is Dom sure he should say this? Dom says it’ll be okay. Ever since JD McDonagh went down, they kinda lost some muscle around here. So Dom found the perfect person to add to the Judgment Day! Finn is annoyed and asks who. Penta! Finn wants to get something straight. After all this time, and after all they’ve been through, Dom goes behind Finn’s back, has all these conversations with all these people, and the one he lands on… is offering a spot to Penta, the guy who just declared HE wants Finn’s Intercontinental title?!
Finn seethes, and tells Dom he’s just a snake! Finn storms out, the mood ruined. Dom didn’t know Penta was gonna go for the title. Carlito says Dom doesn’t watch the product, huh? Well, Dom stepped in it this time. Is there some way he can he make it up to Finn? Or should he just give up on adding members?
Dakota Kai VS Ivy Nile w/ Team American Made!
Speaking of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, both #CobraKai and the Diamond Pitbull have fought for and failed to take that title from Lyra Valkyria. With Raquel Rodriguez facing Lyra next, who will prove they’re worthy of the shot after that?
What a surprise to see Chad Gable showing up. He apologizes for being late, and then he joins The Creed Brothers in Ivy’s corner. The bell rings, and Dakota fires off fast hands on Ivy! The ref reprimands as they’re in the corner, but Dakota backs off. Dakota runs up, but Ivy stops the flying-mare! Ivy throws Dakota away, Dakota keeps moving, but Ivy LARIATS! Ivy is already frustrated and she rains down fists! The fans boo, Ivy tells them to shut up, and Maggle taunts Gable about his lucha mask that he may or may not have. Ivy stands Dakota up, whips her to a corner, and Dakota bounces off buckles into Ivy’s GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!
Ivy is annoyed but Gable coaches her on. Ivy drags Dakota up, reels her in, and she suplexes. Dakota cradle counters! TWO, and Dakota goes to a corner. Ivy runs up, Dakota ELBOWS her away, then Dakota BOOTS her! Dakota runs to DISCUS LARIAT! And then LARIAT again! And DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Dakota while Ivy ends up in a corner. Dakota runs in to BOOT WASH! Dakota then puts Ivy through ropes, and JUMP- NO, Ivy avoids the stomp! But Dakota GAMANGIRIS! The fans fire up again and Dakota builds speed, but Gable is on the apron! The fans boo, Ivy storms in, and Ivy scoops Dakota for a SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Dakota survives, and here comes the LWO! They go after The Creeds for what Gable or not Gable did! Gable runs but gets flanked, so he goes into the crowd! The fans fire up as Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee chase after Gable! Ivy is shocked, but that lets Dakota run Around the World! BOOT! And then a fireman’s carry, GO TO KICK!! Cover, Dakota wins!
Winner: Dakota Kai, by pinfall
American Made falls apart in Brussels, and now #CapKota is in pole position for the title chase! Will she get one more shot on goal with Lyra? Or will she and her old rival, Raquel, meet again?
Iyo Sky heads to the ring!
The fans fire up as the Evil Genius, the NEW Women’s World Champion, is ready to sign on the dotted line! She and Bianca Belair are going to put pen to paper, but will that be all that happens? We find out after the break.
Raw returns as Bianca is in the ring, and Adam Pearce has joined them. Pearce welcomes everyone in French, and says it is now time to make this world title match official between challenger Bianca Belair, and champion Iyo Sky! The fans cheer that! Pearce says they know how this works. Two signatures makes this official, so the floor is theirs. Iyo and Bianca both take their seats, and Iyo picks up her mic first. “Bianca, you will not disrespect me again. Rhea will not disrespect me again. No one will disrespect me again. Because I am the Women’s World Champion!” The fans cheer that! “And after WrestleMania, I will still be the Women’s World Champion!” The fans cheer even more for that!
Iyo signs her part, the fans cheer again, and even chant, “You Deserve It!” Iyo bows in thanks for that. Now Bianca has her turn to speak. “Iyo, I have all the respect in the world for you. I really do. But last week, I gave you a pass because it was lowkey my fault, so I’ma tell you exactly what I told Rhea. If you put your hands on me and think you can get away with it, you don’t know me at all. So WrestleMania, you gonna find out exactly who I am. I am Bianca Belair, The EST of WWE, and I will be your NEW Women’s World Champion.” Fans are a bit more torn here, but Bianca signs her part. Pearce says it is now official!
The fans cheer and Pearce thanks them for being so professional. But then RHEA RIPLEY shows up! The fans fire up but Pearce, Bianca and Iyo are all shocked and upset about this. Mami has a mic as she storms down the ramp, but Pearce already calls in refs! Pearce asks what Rhea is doing out here, but Rhea asks them what they’re all doing out here. Because last she checked, Iyo slapped her in the face and she won’t do nothing about it, like Bianca over here. How the hell is Bianca acting like nothing happened? Well, for one, Bianca had to sign the contract for WrestleMania. That’s what she’s doing out here.
Rhea says real funny, coming from Bianca. Because Bianca had no business being out here for Rhea’s title match, but there she was. So time to take a page out of Bianca’s book, and she’s just out here to watch. Oh, then Rhea will be just watching WrestleMania! Bianca and Rhea argue, Iyo gets riled up, and she storms up like last time. But Bianca pie faces her first! Bianca says she ain’t getting smacked today! Well she gets a HEADBUTT from Rhea! Bianca ends up on the table, and then Rhea kicks Iyo! Rhea reels Iyo in, and hauls her up, to POEWRBOMB onto Bianca! The table doesn’t break, but Pearce has had enough of Rhea!
Rhea sees the contract on the floor, then picks it up. And she SIGNS IT, TOO!? Can she do that?! We have the two signatures, but is she making this into a Triple Threat?! Pearce argues with Rhea all the way to the back as she plays keep-away, but is Mami about to be on top one way or another?
Jey Uso walks ‘n’ talks.
“Yeah! Yeah! Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaay~! YEAH! I ain’t been myself lately. Been doubtin’ myself. Mind playin’ tricks on me. So I flew halfway around the world to whoop somebody’s ass! And that person tonight is Austin Theory. But at WrestleMania, it’s me and you, Gunther, when I shock the world and become World Heavyweight Champ! So Uce! Hey, Uce! Please hit my music-” GUNTHER IS AT GORILLA! Jey and Gunther get to shouting but Pearce and security barge in! Pearce says not tonight! Not after everything Rhea just did! Gunther says he talked to Jimmy on Friday, and he’s just as dumb as Jey!
Jey shoves Gunther, security ushers Gunther out, and Jey says he’ll see “G” out there! UH UH, YEET!! Jey makes his entrance, will he be even more fired up to fight #AllDay Austin Theory?
Jey Uso VS Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller!
Raw returns and A-Town Down Under makes their entrance. The bell rings, Waller distracts Jey already, and Theory fires off haymakers! They end up in the corner, the ref reprimands and counts, but Theory talks trash on the Yeet! Theory drags Jey up, whips him corner to corner, but Jey goes up and over. Jey keeps moving, he ducks ‘n’ dodges then SPEARS!! Cover, Jey wins!!
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall
That was fast! Jey really IS fired up to fight Gunther for Mania! Waller storms in, but Jey SUPERKICKS him down! Jey then watches ATDU regroup, and Jey FLIES! Jey clips the ropes just a bit but he still takes ATDU down! Jey gets back up, but GUNTHER GETS HIM IN A SLEEPER!! Gunther squeezes tight, but Jey RAMS Gunther into a corner! Jey is free to fire haymakers! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks, but Gunther blocks the shot! Jey ROCKS Gunther with his off hand, and then he YANKS the title from Gunther!! The fans fire up, Gunther runs up in a rage, but Jey DUMPS him out! The fans fire up as Jey holds up the belt!
Gunther is furious, the fans cheer, but then Jey tosses the belt back. Der Ring General tried to punk out Jey, but Jey turned the tables! Will nothing stop Jey from proving he IS a main event player?
Pearce argues with Rhea.
Pearce will not allow Rhea to get away with what she’s doing! You can’t just write your name on a contract! Rhea says yes she can, she literally just did it! This is like talking to a child. Give him the contract! No! Yes! No! YES! NO! Rhea Ripley, give her the contract! Rhea says then he should put her in the match, her name’s on the contract! She shoves the contract into Pearce’s chest, he thanks her and takes his leave. But here comes Bianca! She and Rhea brawl! Bianca HAMMERS away, but now Iyo gets in, to go after Rhea! Bianca shoves Iyo aside and says Rhea is hers! Iyo DECKS Bianca, tells Bianca not to screw with her, but then Rhea SHOVES Iyo into a door!
Rhea goes after Bianca, and throws her into road cases! Pearce returns to have refs usher Rhea out of here! Rhea demands to be in that title match! Will Mami get what she wants? Or will she throw things out of whack until she does?
The Creed Brothers VS Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee!
After that wild encounter earlier tonight, this was a natural choice for all parties involved! Will Julius & Brutus get payback for Master Gable being run out of the building? Or will American Made learn not to mess with the L W O?
The teams sort out and Julius starts against Dragon. The bell rings, and Julius JUMP KNEES Lee down! The fans boo but Julius drags Lee up for a fireman’s carry. But Lee pops up to RANA Julius away! Brutus runs up but Lee dodges to SUPERKICK! Brutus tumbles out, Lee DIVES onto Brutus! Lee goes up a corner, then CROSSBODIES Julius! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up and Lee clamps onto Julius. Lee reaches out but Brutus YANKS Rey down! Julius turns things around and hits Lee with a ROLLING SPINEBUSTER! Then a SLIDING LARIAT! Julius scowls, the fans boo, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and the fans rally as Lee wipes out the Creeds! Lee crawls for his corner, hot tags to Julius and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey BLASTS Brutus, BOOTS Julius, then ELBOWS Brutus to dodge Julius! Tilt-o-whirl DEJA VU RANA! Julius flounders around, the fans fire up, and Rey climbs up on Julius. Rey rains down fists, and the fans count all the way to “Sept” (seven in French) before Julius carries him off the corner! Brutus is there and Julius hands Rey off! But Rey fights back, elbowing Julius away and raining fists down on Brutus! But Brutus THROWS Rey at Julius, and Julius catches Rey!
Julius powers up and brings Rey around, but Rey swings to DDT! Lee is back, FLYING RANA for Brutus to the floor!! The fans are thunderous and Rey goes up top! But Julius springs up after him! Only for Rey to HEADBUTT him away! Rey leaps, FLYING RANA and Julius is on the ropes! Rey dials it up and the fans cheer the 619! DROP THE DIME! Cover, LWO WINS!
Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall
The King of Lucha and his Boy Wonder took down the Creeds, but WAIT! That American Made luchador is back! He CLOBBERS Rey, dodges Lee, and then FLYING HEADBUTTS! El Americano rains down fists on Lee, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Rey storms up to fire forearms! The fans fire up, but Gable- er, uh, Americano waistlocks again! GERMAN SUPLEX and Rey lands on Lee! The fans boo “whoever this is,” but now he goes up top! The fans chant “You Suck! You Suck!” a la Angle, but Americano says SHOOOOSH! DIVING HEADBUTT on Lee!! “UH GRACIAS~!” Americano runs away as security rushes out here!
Gable was ran off from the building, yet this luchador returns. What is going on with this masked man mystery?
Seth Rollins is here!
Brussels sings his song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary is in a comparatively normal outfit. Rollins high-fives fans and makes his way to the ring in his dark green suit and boots highlighted with gold chain and wristwatch. What will Rollins have to say about the shocking way Roman Reigns returned? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns as the fans continue to sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins revels in it while he has the mic in hand. The fans applaud as the singing just keeps going. Another round of applause, and then Rollins tells Brussels, “Welcome to Monday Night Rollins!” The fans cheer again, and Rollins says that by the sound of this, they already know it. In case you don’t, this is a Visionary, this is a Revolutionary, this is SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! The fans cheer more, the singing returns, and Rollins again smiles. The fans applaud, and Rollins says alright. He was coming out here mad as Hell, but it is hard to be mad with those beautiful voices serenading him.
Rollins takes a moment as fans start to chant “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Well, we’ll get to him, but Rollins wants to talk Roman Reigns first. “O T C! O T C!” Yes, you saw the footage last week. Is Rollins mad as Hell that Roman came for revenge? Absolutely not, cuz he’d have done the same damn thing! HAHAHA! “The problem is, even after all these years, and a Wise Man in his ear, Roman Reigns still can’t come up with a plan. He needs his Architect to do it for him.” Roman had the time, the place, the moment, but he left one detail out: That detail is the man the fans were all chanting for just a few moments ago.
The “C M PUNK!” chant returns and Rollins says yes, “The luckiest loser on the face of the planet.” Because of Rollins had just a few more seconds in that cage, he would’ve ended what he promised the world. He would’ve stomped Punk through the mat, ended the Mania dream, and put Punk’s career on ice! Rollins would’ve taken care of the Punk Problem for everyone, including Roman. But like the good ol’ days, Rollins is left to clean up Roman’s mess. The “O T C!” chants return, and Rollins says don’t worry, he’ll put OTC in his place along the way. And it just so happens that Rollins’ two favorite people are going to be in the same place at the same time this Friday Night SmackDown.
Oh, trust him, Brussels, Rollins wishes those two were here, too. But… Rollins was just thinking… Why let them boys have all the fun? Maybe Rollins makes a trip down to Italy, makes a trip to SmackDown, and he puts himself right in between Roman and Punk? What do the fans think about that? The fans cheer, and Rollins says yeah, that sounds like a nice way to solve a problem and clean up a mess. But that is Friday, this is Monday, this ain’t about SmackDown, this is about the fans! This has been one hell of a crowd all night long! They’ve been singing with their beautiful voices, there’s just one match left and that is the main event for the Intercontinental Championship!
So Brussels, sing Rollins’ beautiful song as he makes his way to SmackDown and we make our way to the main event! Give it to ’em, Brussels! “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins revels in it again, and he says, “It’s on. See you boys on Friday, HAHAHA!”
Backstage interview with AJ Styles.
Cathy is with the Phenomenal One and says he had a lot to say on the Raw Recap show about Logan Paul. Could he give us a bit of that here? Styles says he stands behind everything he said. Styles hears the fans sing for him, then says Logan Paul just doesn’t belong. But then Karrion Kross & Scarlett Bordeaux walk over. Kross asks if that’s really how Styles feels. Styles says he doesn’t need this. Kross says he is just offering a different perspective, but if Styles doesn’t want it… Kross turns to go but Styles says fine, let’s hear it. Maybe Styles isn’t mad about Logan Paul. Maybe Styles is mad at himself. That’s enough of that.
No, hey, hold on! Kross just wants Styles to think: How long did it take for Styles to get to the WWE and find validation? 16? Styles says it was 17. Okay, okay. But it didn’t take Logan that long, did it? Is Styles not able to respect a guy who just waltzed into the business and did everything Styles has ever wanted to in record time? Styles sees where Kross is going with this, and it’s not gonna work. Styles leaves, but Kross says it’s working. He and Scarlett do the Scott Hall fingers, will their mind games make Styles and Logan bitter enemies?
Bron Breakker heads to gorilla.
And Penta is there! Penta looks at the title, and Bron smirks. Will this be the match-up for the title? Or will this Road to WrestleMania take a detour thanks to The Judgment Day?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker VS Finn Balor!
The Big Bad Booty Nephew has been chewing up this roster ever since he got here, but The Prince claims he chews up “rookies” like Bron his whole career. But until these two fight it out, it’s all just talk. Whose bark is worse than their bite when the bell rings?
Raw returns and Bron makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time to see who’s the real badass around here!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. In fact, they’re even dueling, “Let’s Go, Balor!” and then barking for Bron. Finn and Bron feel things out, knuckle lock, but then Finn backs away to ropes. The ref has Bron stay back, Finn leaves the ropes, and the two reset. They tie up, Finn headlocks, but Bron powers up and out. Bron RUNS Finn over, the fans bark, and Bron snarls as he storms up on Finn. Finn kicks low, CLUBS Bron on the neck, then headlocks. Bron blocks the takeover with pure brawn, then he hoists Finn up! The fans fire up, but Finn uses that to flying headlock takeover! The fans cheer while Finn grinds Bron down.
Bron endures as Finn thrashes him around. Bron rolls Finn to a cover, TWO, and Finn holds onto the headlock. The fans rally, Bron powers out and headlocks. Finn powers out, drops down, then bypasses Bron to TOSS him out! Bron lands on his feet! The fans fire up, Bron storms in, and he RAMS Finn into a corner! Bron RAMS Finn again and again, then snarls again. Finn staggers to another corner, but Bron runs up to LARIAT! Bron whips Finn to TOSS him out, and Finn tumbles! Bron goes out the side, and he builds up speed! The fans fire up, but Finn SLINGBLADES Bron down! Finn has control while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Finn has Bron in a corner. Finn CHOPS and the fans “WOO~!” Finn paces, then he goes back to Bron for a haymaker. Bron counter punches! And counter punches! Bron fires hands, whips, then scoops, but Finn tilt-o-whirls through to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Finn ELBOWS Bron in the neck, the fans rally up, and Finn stalks Bron. Finn scuffs Bron, SLAPS him, and talks trash. “You know who I am? I’m Finn Balor!” Finn keeps scuffing and slapping, and the fans tell Finn he done messed up! Finn fires hands, but Bron just snarls! Bron ROCKS Finn again and again, then whips. Finn reverses, but Bron LEAPING ELBOWS!
Bron storms up again, clinches, and EXPLODERS! Finn flounders, Bron whips again, but Finn KICKS the backdrop away. Finn runs, Bron dodges and then catches Finn for a POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and bark, and then Bron drags Finn up. But wait, here come Dom & Carlito! It was only a matter of time before Judgment Day pulled this move! They distract Bron and Finn rolls Bron up! TWO, and Finn runs up, but Bron catches him by the neck! Military press, but Finn slips free, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO! Bron survives and Finn is frustrated, but Dom & Carlito cheer Finn on.
Bron crawls to ropes, Finn spins him around, and Finn JUMP STOMPS! The fans tell Dom he sucks, Carlito tells Dom to tune that out, and Finn gives more stomps! Finn asks Dom what he’s doing out here, so apparently this was another of Dom’s ideas. Finn CHOPS Bron, then whips, but Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and builds up speed to CLOBBER Finn! The fans fire up and bark again while Finn bails out. Bron storms out after Finn and the ref tells Dom & Carlito to back off. Bron LEAPS from the apron and onto the desk! Both men go tumbling over and the fans lose their minds! Bron sputters, Corey Graves lost a shoe, and “This is Awesome!”
Bron and Finn slowly stir, and Bron is on his feet! Finn crawls, wants mercy, but Bron stomps him! Bron puts Finn in the ring, and he dares Dom & Carlito to pull something. Bron slides in and builds speed again! SLINGBLADE! Finn hits first, and then he hurries to go again! SHOTGUN and Bron hits buckles! Bron slumps down into the drop zone so Finn climbs up! The fans fire up as Finn reaches the top! COUP DE- NO, Bron dodges, runs up, but Finn hurdles over the Spear! Roll up, TWO!! Bron grabs Finn again, military press, BREAKKER SLAM! Cover, TWO! Finn survives, both men are down, and the fans are fired up!
Dom & Carlito coach Finn but Bron is up first. Bron has blood in his mouth, perhaps from a busted lip, but he doesn’t care. Bron runs in, but Finn KICKS him first! And ENZIGIRIS! Bron is down again so Finn goes back up! But Bron hurries to trip Finn! Finn CLAWS at Bron’s head, then throws hands! The fans rally, Finn stands, but Bron ROCKS him first! Bron climbs up and brings Finn to the top! But Carlito distracts the ref! Dom YANKS Bron into a HOTSHOT, but that trips Finn up, too! Finn lands on his prince and he’s pissed at Dom! Dom apologizes, but Bron is just as mad! Bron BLASTS Dom, BLASTS Carlito, then springs up after Finn! SUPER STEINER!!
The fans are thunderously barking, Bron hits the SPEAR!!! Cover, Bron wins!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Bron is so badass, not even Judgment Day could cost him! But now Judgment Day attacks him! The fans boo but Dom goes to grab the belt. Carlito bumps Bron off buckles, but here comes Penta! The fans fire up as Penta slides in, and he dodges Dom to then SUPERKICK Dom down! Carlito runs up, into a SUPERKICK! Bron gives Carlito a SPEAR! But now Penta holds onto the title as he stares down Bron. The fans sing “OLE~, OLE OLE OLE~! CERO~ MIEDO~!” Penta hands the belt to Bron, and Bron holds it up. Will these two put it all on the line in Las Vegas?
My Thoughts:
A great episode for Raw in Brussels, and the Brussels crowd was just as fun as the Barcelona crowd on Friday. Cena and Cody opening with their big promo segment was the right move to give it time to breathe. Cena did a perfect job of using the fans as part of his promo because he took the trope of “I blame the fans!” to the ultimate level. He didn’t just use recent stuff, he used his entire 25 years and all the phases he went through as part of it, and he really dug into some personal feelings for both him and the fans. Cody therefore had the perfect counter to show Cena was only focusing on the negative, and how that’s not who Cena has presented to us. I think we’re getting another appearance of Cena next week, can’t wait to see how Glasgow treats him.
Iyo and Bianca had a good contract signing but I expected a touch more from both promos. Rhea joining in was the main element, and this is clearly heading for a Triple Threat. That quick brawl backstage was good, and I feel like we’re going to get Rhea VS Bianca to see if Rhea earns her spot in the match. Good stuff from Jey and Gunther again, but I kinda wish we’d just gotten only brawl. Jey squashing Theory was pretty wild, and he still gets the better of Gunther here, but it should’ve just been all Jey and Gunther. Gunther promised a living Hell for Jey, but I’m not sure we’re quite there yet. All the more reason Gunther should’ve beat up Jimmy on Friday as a way to stick it to Jey.
Good promo from Styles and Kross to add to this Styles VS Logan Paul build. Kross continues to be a great instigator, but when is he going to get back in the ring for his own desires? Or is he just waiting for the right opening to mess with the right champion? Honestly, as it feels like Jey is going to win the world title, Jey is the perfect target for Kross. Jey admitted to himself that there is insecurity right now, and the belt can help give him confidence again, but Kross can certainly find ways to tear that back down on the way to Backlash and beyond.
Very good stuff from American Made. Gable being run off by the LWO of course set up “El Americano” for that tag match segment, but it was also a good part of Dakota being Ivy. I feel like it’d be a bit much of Dakota gets a third match with Lyra, but I don’t know if that means Judgment Day screws Lyra out of the title. Cheating Lyra could be a way to keep her strong in the loss, and we could get some good stuff as Dakota takes on Raquel. Plus, DMG CTRL currently having the world title makes them an eventual target of Judgment Day, and the tag titles could also be in the mix for some serious Two Woman Power Trip teasing.
Judgment Day also had great stuff tonight. Dom thinking Penta would want to join Judgment Day is interesting, I wonder if that was Kross’s idea. Penta VS Kaiser was a great opener, but I feel they could’ve done more for a No Holds Barred match. Still good stuff to give Penta the win and move on from Kaiser to call out the Intercontinental Championship. Bron VS Finn was a great match, even with Dom & Carlito showing up. Dom accidentally messing Finn up was pretty clever, and that just adds to the Judgment Day tension. While Bron VS Penta will be awesome stuff, I was kinda hoping we’d get Finn VS Penta to add even more intrigue to the Judgment Day story, but I guess that’s something that doesn’t need a title.
My Score: 8.9/10
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