Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (2/12/2020)
Onward, to Portland!
The last NXT before TakeOver!
NXT TakeOver: Portland is days away but there’s still one last stop! Will Angel Garza or Lio Rush grab themselves a shot at the Irish Ace?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Roderick Strong VS Bronson Reed; Strong wins.
- Candice LeRae VS Dakota Kai; Kai wins.
- Johnny Gargano VS Cameron Grimes; Gargano wins.
- NXT Cruiserweight Championship #1 Contender’s match: Angel Garza VS Lio Rush; Lio wins and will challenge Jordan Devlin for the title next week.
- Bianca Belair VS Santana Garrett; Belair wins.
- KUSHIDA VS Adam Cole; Cole wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Roderick Strong heads to the ring!
Fans chant “Velveteen! Velveteen!” because clearly, the return of the Experience left the Undisputed Era’s Savior of the Backbreaker in a bad mood. Strong doesn’t want to insult his friends, but this isn’t about the Undisputed Era, or even about Keith Lee and the Norther American Championship. Strong says this is between him and Dream! This is about Dream putting Strong’s wife and son on his tights! That is disrespectful! But Strong should’ve figured Dream would cross that line. “So Dream, what I’m going to do, is I’m going to hurt you!” Strong will not regret what he does, but he first demands an apology!
But before Dream, here comes BRONSON REED! Reed says Dream ain’t the only man Strong has a problem with. The resident thicc boi of NXT has beef with Strong after last week, too! And they’re going to fight TONIGHT, and NOW!!
Roderick Strong VS Bronson Reed!
Reed rushes the ring and the brawl is on! A ref hurries in and rings the bell, will Strong survive Aussie Strong Style?
Strong clubs away on Reed but Reed throws body shots and forearms! Reed has Strong in the corner but Strong hits back! Fans cheer for “Thicc Boi Jesus!” as Strong pulls Reed’s jacket off. Strong throws the jacket, to get run over by Reed! Reed headbutts Strong over and over in the corner, then grinds in a knee! The ref backs Reed up, but Reed brings Strong up for a scoop slam! And elbow drop! Reed drags Strong up to cub him back down, and Strong flounders to a corner. Strong elbows and BOOTS and CHOPS Reed back! Strong throws forearms and knees then puts Reed in a corner. He CHOPS Reed again, but Reed headbutts Strong back down!
Reed CHOPS Strong in a corner, but Strong CHOPS back! Strong CHOPS again, but Reed knees low. Reed stalks Strong to a corner to whip him corner to corner, and then scoop for a sidewalk slam! Fans cheer as Reed looms over Strong. Reed puts Strong’s shirt over his head to blind him, and cranks the neck! Reed CLUBS Strong hard on his chest! Strong flounders around blindly but Reed headbutts him into a corner. Reed puts Strong on the apron, drags him up by that shirt, but Strong kicks at Reed’s legs. Strong keeps on the knees and Reed hobbles away. Strong hammers and CHOPS in the corner! He climbs up to rain down rights on Reed, but Reed kicks back.
Reed DECKS Strong with a right, then clubs him down to ropes. Reed brings Strong up to fish hook the face! The ref counts but Reed lets up at 4 while fans chant “THICC! THICC!” Reed corner splashes Strong and then stalks him as he crawls. Reed clubs Strong down then whips him corner to corner. Strong bounces off buckles hard but Reed just keeps clubbing him on the back. Reed brings Strong up to wrench and whip again. Strong hits buckles hard and then hits the mat. Cover, TWO, but Reed keeps his cool.
Reed clamps onto Strong with a rear bearhug and squeezes tight. Strong endures and fans rally up. Strong pries at the hands and pulls on fingers. He CHOPS Reed then runs, but Reed DECKS him with a right! Reed brings Strong up to suplex and hold him up! After a count of 30, Reed drops Strong down! Strong is red in the face and wobbly as he gets to a corner. Reed runs in but his hip attack misses as Strong bails out. Reed just goes to the apron for a FLYING shoulder! Auzilla has Strong down and out as NXT goes picture in picture.
Strong crawls back towards the ring but Reed puts him in. Reed gets in but Strong bails back out. Reed pursues, but Strong grabs at the legs! But Reed swats Strong away first! Reed keeps on Strong with CHOPS and headbutts around the way! Reed runs but Strong evades, sending Reed into the steel steps! Strong then RAMS Reed into the steps again! The ref checks on Reed but he’s okay to continue. Strong staggers to his feet and hobbles over to bring Reed up. But Reed is the one who puts Strong in the ring, only for Strong to stomp him down! Strong stands on Reed’s head! The ref counts and Strong lets up at 4.
Reed ends up in a corner but Strong is on him with clubbing forearms and CHOPS! Strong clubs, chops but Reed headbutts! Strong comes back with forearms and knees at the ropes. The ref reprimands but Reed hits back. Reed backs Strong into a corner and rams him into the corner. Strong knees back then throws elbows. Reed SLAPS Strong then whips him to ropes. Strong sunset flips but Reed sits on him! Cover, TWO!! Strong survives being squashed under Auzilla’s thickness, but both men stand. Reed throws a forearm and then another. Strong dodges to BOOT and enziguri! OLYMPIC SLAM!? Cover, TWO!! Strong hammers away on Reed out of frustration, and then clamps on with a camel clutch.
Reed endures as Strong cranks him back. Reed powers up and gets to his feet to fight out. NXT returns to single picture as Reed back suplexes Strong down! Both men stir as fans rally up. Strong throws a forearm, Reed ROCKS him with one! Strong tries again but Reed DECKS him! Reed rallies and whips to DECK Strong again! Atomic drop and a bionic elbow send Strong to a corner. Reed corner splashes then hop attacks! Cover, TWO! Strong still lives but Reed brings him up again. Reed suplexes but Strong slips out to throw forearms. Reed back elbows hard but Strong fires off elbows from all sides! Only for Reed to fireman’s carry and snake eyes, LARIAT! Cover, TWO!!
Strong crawls away as Reed stands. Fans are fired up for Reed as he stalks up behind Strong. Reed pulls Strong up but Strong mule kicks back! Strong runs into the spinning powerslam! THICC SENTON! The straps come down! Reed heads up top but Strong throws an uppercut! Strong climbs up to join Reed, but Reed fights back with body shots. Reed shoves Strong down but Strong ENZIGURIS back! Strong climbs up again, SUPERPLEX!! The ring survives the impact as Strong covers, TWO!! Reed still lives and fans are firing up. “This is Awesome!” as Reed bails out and Strong wrecks him with a dropkick! But then Dream makes his presence known! Strong waits but sees no sign of Patrick Clarke, so he turns around, into Reed’s THICC BOI TOPE!!
Reed drags Strong up and into the ring to then head up top! AUZILLA SPLASHÂ GETS A STRONG KNEE!! Cover, Strong wins!!
Winner: Roderick Strong, by pinfall
Strong snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! Dream’s mind games didn’t work, so Dream has a message for Strong. “Do you remember the first time you met your wife, Marina?” Because Dream remembers. Dream also remembers what the Undisputed Bullies did to him. It was brilliant, really. Strong took Dream tot he top of the trailer to throw him off. That nearly broke Dream’s back and nearly ended the Experience. But what if someone took something from Strong? Strong lost the title, that’s fine. But Strong still has his family. A wife and a little baby boy. What if something happened to Strong? Because if anything ever did happen, someone somewhere would fulfill all of Marina’s dreams.
Strong is furious as Dream again shows the airbrushed portrait of the Strong family with Dream on his leg! Strong runs backstage, but will he find Dream before the end of the night?
The Broserweights are headed to NXT TakeOver: Portland!
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic winners are very confident they’ll win the NXT Tag Team Championships. But the question is, how do they get the Dusty Cup from Full Sail in Orlando, Florida, all the way to Portland, Oregon? Flying isn’t an option, but Matt Riddle has two words for Pete Dunne: “Road trip!” Oh no…
Riddle loads the cup in the back of their convertible and they take off! Dunne drives during the night, but forgets that this is America, not “Foggy London town!” Drive on the right side of the road, literally. Dunne’s not even from London. Whatever! The point is, after getting near death experiences out of the way earlier, this will be smooth sailing from here on out. Until the cops show up… Ten and two, bro! Let Riddle do the talking.
“This is the last time you do the talking.” Their car gets impounded because neither of them had a license! Riddle expected better from Dunne. Well if Riddle’s so smart, how are they getting to Portland now? They’ll brainstorm that. But with only 4 days left, will they be able to cover the rest of this Broserweight road trip in time?
NXT returns with a backstage interview of Angel Garza.
The former Cruiserweight Champion looks for redemption tonight against the man he dethroned in Lio Rush. The rivals face each other in tonight’s #1 Contender’s match, but Garza points out how Garza didn’t truly lose at Worlds Collide. Jordan Devlin didn’t pin or submit Garza, no, he got the win off Isaiah “Swerve” Scott. And Garza’s already beaten Lio once, so he’ll do it again.
But Lio comes in, not to fight but to talk. “You know that guy that you beat for the Cruiserweight Championship back in December? That’s not the same guy that you’re facing tonight.” Lio has been thinking about the title, and has become faster and stronger, believe it or not. And whether Garza likes it or not, Lio is the one getting that title back. Lio leaves but Garza grins. Who steps up to then face The Ace down the road?
Candice LeRae VS Dakota Kai!
Before the Team Kick Civil War takes place in a Street Fight, Dakota must face someone else she betrayed in Mrs. Wrestling! Will Candice get her pound of flesh from Dakota before Tegan Nox gets the rest?
The bell rings and #CapKota runs at Candice! Candice avoids the bicycle boot to hop on for a Code Breaker! Dakota goes to a corner, Candice runs in but Dakota gets clear. Dakota goes Around the World to BOOT Candice down! She goes side-to-side but Candice BOOTS back! Dakota bails out, Candice builds speed, and DIVES! Direct hit sends Dakota into the barriers and Candice gets back in the ring. But Dakota trips Candice up, spins her around, only for Candice to kick first! Dakota is down again as Candice builds speed and DIVES again! Another direct hit and fans fire up!
Candice keeps going, and she DIVES! The hat trick is complete and fans are loving this! Candice grins, she wants to start a new trilogy, and DIVES for a fourth! Candice puts Dakota in then climbs up top. Missile dropkick hits! Cover, TWO! Dakota crawls but Candice stalks behind her. Candice grabs a leg but Dakota pushes her away. Dakota yanks Candice into the ropes! Dakota goes to the apron to KICK Candice back in! Then she grinds a boot into Candice’s chest in the corner! The ref backs Dakota off but Dakota comes back for more. The ref counts, Dakota lets up at 4, then puts Candice in the corner. Dakota chokes with her hands, then runs in, to get an elbow!
Candice checks her face while Dakota staggers away. Candice climbs, Dakota rocks her first! Dakota climbs from the apron side, and fans fear what Dakota is aiming for. Candice resists the superplex and clubs Dakota down. Dakota BOOTS back and Candice tumbles to the apron! Dakota pulls Candice in to choke against ropes, but she lets up at 4. The ref warns Dakota as she pulls Candice in, but it’s just for a cover. TWO, and Candice crawls to the apron. Dakota stomps Candice then puts her through ropes. Dakota runs but Candice dodges, the boot goes into buckles! Candice ignores her bloody nose as she goes up from the outside. Dakota forearms Candice away and then YANKS her into buckles! Candice is down as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Candice runs corner to corner to back elbow Dakota! Candice snapmares and dropkicks Dakota down! Fans fire up as Dakota flounders to a corner. Candice puts Dakota up top and then climbs up to join her. Candice takes Dakota on Mrs. LeRae’s Wild Ride! The SUPER swinging neckbreaker hits, but Candice isn’t done there! LIONSAULTÂ FLOPS! Dakota hops on, but Candice pushes her off. Dakota sweeps the legs, but the buzzsaw misses! Candice pump handle GERMAN SUPLEXES! Then borrows a move from husband Johnny Wrestling, the GargaNO Escape!! Dakota endures the submission as fans rally and chant! Dakota drags herself over to ropes, but Candice rolls her away! But Dakota keeps trying, and then pulls hair to get the roll up! DAKOTA WINS!
Winner: Dakota Kai, by pinfall
Candice is furious, she pursues the captain! Dakota backs down, but then throws Candice into the ring bell! Candice’s bell is rung, but then Dakota takes the actual bell to JAM Candice in the ribs! Fans boo as Dakota gets dark. But here comes Tegan! Tegan decks Dakota and then rains down angry fists! Security rushes out but fans want to “Let Them Fight!” Dakota doesn’t want none, but Tegan CLOBBERS her at the ramp! The Street Fight is coming and Dakota will have to face retribution! Will the Shiniest Wizard rid Tegan of Dakota’s darkness?
NXT shares backstage footage of a live event from this past Sunday.
Cameron Grimes got in the face of Johnny Gargano, arguing about that while Gargano is facing Finn Balor in Portland, the Carolina Caveman would not be overlooked. Grimes has Gargano’s attention, but will he regret riling up the Rebel Heart?
Johnny Gargano VS Cameron Grimes!
NXT TakeOver: Portland will see two men who carried the brand on their backs battle it out, but tonight is no mere tune-up for #JohnnyTakeover. Will Gargano avoid a Cave In? Or is this the night Grimes finally breaks out?
The bell rings and Gargano circles with Grimes. They tie up, Gargano wrenches to a wristlock but Grimes slips around to a waistlock. Grimes slams down Gargano but Gargano reaches back to snapmare. Gargano chinlocks but Grimes gets the ropebreak. The ref has them break and fans duel. Grimes and Gargano circle and tie up, Gargano gets the leg to trip Grimes up. Gargano shifts from the toehold to a deathlock to a Trailer Hitch leglock! Grimes endures and reaches for ropes, going around the ring to then back up and pull on Gargano’s ear. Gargano wrenches the hold so Grimes gets the ropebreak instead.
Fans duel as the two men circle again. Grimes shoots in, waistlocks and slams Gargano again! Grimes floats to a facelock but Gargano turns it around to his own. Gargano holds on as Grimes rolls around, and keeps his legs out of reach. They roll together again, but Grimes powers up to power out of the headlock. Gargano arm-drags then wheelbarrows to another arm-drag! Drop toehold and mount to a body scissors. Grimes escapes that but gets caught into a crossface! Gargano cranks back but Grimes goes around, only for Gargano to grab the other arm and a chinbar! Gargano is showing off his submission game, but Grimes keeps fighting.
Grimes rolls but no cover, as Gargano chinlocks again. Gargano wants his signature hold but Grimes powers up and out again. Grimes kitchen sink knees Gargano down! Grimes clamos onto Gargano with an armlock of his own. Fans chant “That Was Grimy!” as Grimes grinds knuckles into Gargano’s head. Gargano fights his way up but Grimes whips. Gargano slips out of the scoop and waistlocks. Grimes standing switches but Gargano bucks him off. Gargano runs in to huricanrana! And a dropkick! Grimes staggers but Gargano clotheslines him out! Grimes is still on his feet so Gargano slingshots over. Gargano lands on the apron when Grimes evades, and then Gargano hops over the sweeping clothesline to mule kick!
Grimes staggers around, Gargano CANNONBALLS! Fans fire up as Johnny Wrestling rests against railing. Gargano takes his time returning to Grimes and bringing him around the way. He puts Grimes on the railing to CHOP! Gargano refreshes the count to give the fans “One More Time!” CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Grimes can barely stand as Gargano CHOPS him again! Gargano sits on the apron to shout out Ciampa then puts Grimes back in. Gargano shoulders and slingshots, but no DDT! Grimes THROWS Gargano then LARIATS! Grimes is back in control as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns as Grimes drags Gargano up. Gargano headbutts and headbutts then whips. Grimes reverses, Gargano tumbles up and back into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Grimes grits his teeth as he watches Gargano go to the apron. Grimes stalks over but Gargano throws forearms. Gargano slingshots but his spear is caught! Grimes gut wrenches but Gargano rolls him up, TWO! Gargano boots from the corner then hops up, TORNADO COMPLETE SHOT! Fans fire up as Gargano stands and avoids Grimes’ punches. Gargano bobs ‘n’ weaves with Grimes to then full nelson and spin into a dragon sleeper. Backbreaker to suplex, gourd buster to BUZZSAW! Gargano runs as Grimes staggers, Gargano LARIATS Grimes inside-out!
Full Sail fires up as Grimes rolls out of the ring. Gargano builds speed to go to the corner. Grimes gets back in, but turns around into the slingshot SPEAR! Cover, TWO! Gargano keeps his cool and he drags Grimes up. Gargano full nelsons but Grimes grabs the ropes, so Gargano kicks Grimes’ arms away. Grimes whips Gargano away but Gargano goes up and over to roll, but the kick misses! Dead lift but Gargano victory roll counters, TWO! Gargano runs, tilt-o-whirls, but into Grimes’ SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Grimes can’t believe it, but fans rally up as he slowly stands. Grimes drags Gargano up, whips again, but Gargano ROCKS him with a forearm! But Grimes comes back with a SUPER forearm!
Both men stagger about, Gargano enziguris! Gargano runs, avoids a kick, avoids Grimes and redirects. They both keep following, COLLISION COURSE! Cover, TWO!! Grimes almost had Gargano there, but fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” for this one. Grimes rains rights on Gargano as fans rally and duel. The Technical Savage whips Gargano again, but Gargano holds ropes to avoid the stomps! Gargano SUPERKICKS Grimes, but Grimes SUPERKICKS back! Gargano rebounds and spins, into a scoop and swing, that Gargano turns into a DDT! Grimes flounders about and Gargano fires up in the corner! Fans fire up with him, but Grimes ROUNDHOUSES!
Grimes runs, but Gargano gets under the Cave-In! Tilt-o-whirl takedown, GargaNO Escape!! Grimes taps right away, Gargano wins!!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by submission
Johnny Wrestling got a gritty fight out of Grimes, but he comes out on top! “Finn, I hope you’re watching!” This Sunday in Portland, the Prince will learn why Gargano IS Johnny TakeOver. Will Gargano be able to keep February 16th from becoming a Bloody Sunday?
Backstage interview with Adam Cole!
With just days before he defends the NXT Championship against Tommaso Ciampa, Cole faces Kushida in the main event. Cole tells Strong, who paces in the background, to not worry about Velveteen Dream. The Undisputed Era will settle things with Dream soon enough. As for Kushida, Cole will teach him a lesson, and then will teach Ciampa that same lesson in Portland. Cole is sick and tired of “the same song and dance” that Ciampa never lost the title and that he “wants his life back.” This is Cole’s life! Cole’s life is being the greatest NXT Champion ever!
But Cole gets it. Ciampa will do whatever he has to in order to become NXT Champion again. But Cole will do whatever he has to in order to stay NXT Champion. But will Cole keep his focus on the Super Junior tonight?
The Broserweight Road Trip continues.
So apparently, Riddle’s “brilliant plan” to get to Portland is on a boat? Don’t be a silly goose, Dunne. Mostly because they’re in a paddle powered swan boat. The plan isn’t for a boat, this is just Riddle chilling. They need to chill, relax and rethink their travel plans. Riddle starts thinking, and he gets an idea! But what is that idea?
NXT hears from The Robert Stone Brand.
“Power is earned through commitment, vision and a god-like confidence.” And not in another million Wednesdays would Kayden Carter get lucky enough to defeat Chelsea Green again. So next Wednesday, there is a rematch of Carter VS Green as the Robert Stone Brand relaunches. And Green herself promises that it will be “the resurgence of NXT’s most captivating superstar.” But will the brand suffer another mishap on the Road to WrestleMania?
NXT Cruiserweight Championship #1 Contender’s match: Angel Garza VS Lio Rush!
El Latino es en la casa, baby, but the Man of the Hour says it’s his time again. In another rematch of this already storied rivalry, who wins out to then put it all on the line against the Irish Ace?
The bell rings and Garza decides to take the pants off NOW! That’s how serious Garza is taking Lio after their multiple matches. The two stare down, and then Lio speeds things up! Lio turns on a dime and hops over Garza to then slide under. Garza gets around to shove, but he avoids the Come Up! Things keep moving fast, Lio suddenly stops, only to run into a dropkick! Garza grins as he gets the better of Lio with his faster mind. Garza puts Lio in the corner to pull on the arms and CHOP the chest! He whips Lio to ropes and pops him up for a kick! Garza puts Lio up top backwards and then climbs up to club away from all sides! The ref reprimands but Garza puts Lio in the Tree of Woe, for a corner to corner Penalty Kick!
Lio is down and Garza almost sends himself out of the ring. Cover, ONE, but Garza keeps his eyes on Lio. Lio is on the apron and Garza stomps him down. Garza toys with Lio a little before dragging him up. Lio shoves but Garza boots him down. Garza drags Lio up to club him over and over. Garza brings Lio up but Lio holds on for his life! Lio headbutts and kicks a leg out! Lio kicks Garza from the apron, then moonsaults! Garza gets clear but Lio lands on his feet! Lio leaps but into Garza’s arms, and Garza uses that to RAM Lio into a post! Then the steel steps! Garza shifts his grip on Lio for a cradle to hang him on the railing. Garza Penalty KICKS Lio down! Lio is down and out as NXT goes to break.
NXT returns as Garza flops out of the ring. Lio builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit sends Garza to the ramp but Lio gets up on the apron fast. TORNILLO SENTON! Direct hit again and Lio puts Garza in the ring. Lio spins for the basement enziguri! Cover, TWO! Garza survives and Lio grits his teeth in frustration. Lio gives Garza a swift kick to the chest! And again! Garza blocks the third and flips Lio but Lio lands on his feet! Lio avoids Garza’s kick to mule kick a leg out, then rewind heel kick! But Garza avoids it to KNEE Lio back! Lio staggers back, but comes back with the HEEL! SUPERKICK from Garza! Lio staggers, Garza shoves him, COME UPÂ gets a dropkick to the back! Garza drags Lio up, pump handle flip for the facebuster! Cover, TWO!! Lio still lives!
Fans rally as both men stir. Garza is up first and he drags Lio up. Garza brings Lio to a corner and drags him up. Fans duel as they reach the top rope. Garza underhooks but Lio fights out! Lio headbutts and headbutts and headbutts! Lio cravats, for a SUPER STUNNER!! But Garza flops out of the ring! Lio doesn’t care, he climbs up top, for a SUPER FINAL HOUR!! A double-edged impact but Lio puts Garza in the ring. Fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” as Lio is up again, for another FINAL HOURÂ onto knees!! Cover, TWO!! SUPERKICK!! Garza isn’t done there, he drags Lio up by his head and underhooks, but Lio cradle counters, LIO WINS!!
Winner: Lio Rush, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Cruiserweight Championship)
Incredible! Garza was so determined to clip Lio’s wings that he didn’t think about Lio’s legs! Lio snatches the victory from the jaws of defeat, but can he take back the title?
Wait! The Irish Ace is here! NXT UK’s Jordan Devlin tells Lio, “Congratulations, mate. Hell of a match.” Devlin is impressed, but says Lio is just the next stop on the Jordan Devlin Cruiserweight Championship Tour. To tell Lio now, before he gets too excited, Devlin doesn’t fancy Lio’s chances. Devlin will show Lio next week why you never bet against the Ace. Will Devlin continue his own takeover of the Cruiserweight Championship?
NXT looks back on the saga that is Dijakovic VS Lee.
WWE Hall of Famer and World’s Strongest Man, Mark Henry, knows how great big men in wrestling are. Their size and strength are truly larger than life, like something out of comic books and movies. But today in NXT, there are two incredible athletes that defy what big men are in wrestling. Keith Lee is 320 but moves like he’s under 205. “Every time he steps in the squared circle, the guy is a moment maker.” If you don’t believe Henry, just watch Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble. “He almost seems unstoppable at times. But if there’s one guy that can stop him, it’s Dominik Dijakovic.”
At 6′ 7″, 260 pounds, Dijakovic can step over the top rope like The Undertaker, then springboard off it like Rey Mysterio! The human arsenal and the Limitless One have had a mind-blowing rivalry already. Henry can’t wait to see what they do with a title on the line. Either way, he’ll happily feast his eyes and bask in the glory of these two big men bringing out the best in each other and things we’ve never seen before, all to become NXT North American Champion. “Because that’s what they do!”
Bianca Belair VS Santana Garrett!
The EST wants to make sure she’s ready to go for Portland and her shot at Rhea Ripley’s NXT Women’s Championship. But will she be getting more than just a tune-up from the real-life Wonder Woman?
The bell rings and Belair SPEARS Garrett! Belair clubs away on Garrett’s back then stomps, too! Belair handspring moonsaults onto Garrett, then uses the double chicken wings to Glam Slam Garrett on buckles! Torture rack, KISS OF DEATH! Cover, Belair wins!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall
Was that the fastest win in NXT? It was certainly one of the most dominant! Belair isn’t done, as she grabs a mic. “So Rhea Ripley keeps going to Raw, worrying about Charlotte, acting like I’m not even here.” Is Bianca invisible? Hello? She’s right here! But y’know, Rhea, you keep playing. Because come Portland, Bianca is going to walk out the NEW NXT Women’s Champion. But the current NXT Women’s Champion appears! Rhea heads to the ring, giving a nod as if to say, “Get a load of this.” Rhea joins Bianca in the ring and gets herself a mic.
“Bianca. I assure you that I’m not looking past you.” Rhea is looking right at Bianca, and is telling her that in Portland, she will go through her. Bianca drops her mic, but so does Rhea! Rhea dodges Bianca to ROCK her, but Bianca ROCKS Rhea back! Torture rack, KISS OF DEATH! The EST is certainly the boldest challenger you’ll see in NXT. Will she keep her promise of becoming the newest champion in NXT?
The Broserweight’s plan comes together.
“There she is!” A Leer jet! Is it for them? Yeah, bro, it is. Flying private! How did he pull this off? Riddle knows a guy. Now let’s put this loot in the boot. Please don’t do a British accent, Riddle. And why are they the ones loading their own luggage? Because, bro, the luggage guys would break the cup. Riddle and Dunne get the cup loaded, then Riddle shoves Dunne in!? This isn’t their plane after all. It’s HHH’s private jet!! “Bro, we’re going to Portland!” Will the Game let this one slide?
Tommaso Ciampa watches old NXT footage.
Specifically, he watches the day he had to come into Full Sail to relinquish the NXT Championship. He had to give away his “life.” He vowed to everyone that he’d be back, bigger, stronger and better. But the reality was, he was scared. Ciampa can see it in his own eyes, all those “What If” questions. What if he never got to even step into the ring? But now, Ciampa has come full circle, and is only four days away from Portland. Cole VS Ciampa for the NXT title Ciampa never lost! What if Cole wins? What if Cole becomes the longest reigning champion in NXT history?
Or what if Cole loses? What if there’s one guy that wants it that much more? What if there’s one guy who’s been through that much more?! And what if that guy is Ciampa? What if the bell rings in Portland and Ciampa is back as NXT Campion!? What if it’s Ciampa who goes to NXT TakeOver: Tampa for WrestleMania weekend? And then all the eyes of the world are back on Ciampa. “They say a man is most dangerous when he has nothing to lose.” Ciampa wants Cole to look into his eyes and know exactly how true that is.
KUSHIDA VS Adam Cole!
The Time Splitter was just minding his own business when The Undisputed Era stormed up looking for Tommaso Ciampa. Kushida didn’t have any answers, so he got trashed for it, literally! Will Kushida trash Cole’s momentum towards TakeOver in return?
The bell rings and Kushida circles and ties up with Cole. Cole wrenches to a wristlock but Kushida wrenches back. Cole pushes Kushida to ropes, and the ref calls for the break. Kushida doesn’t take kindly to Cole’s shove so he DECKS and waistlock slams Cole down! Kushida facelocks Cole and rams in knees, showing that MMA background. Cole rolls but Kushida stays clamped on. Kushida floats all over Cole, but Cole avoids the buzzsaw! Cole bails out but Kushida wrecks him with a dropkick! Kushida rains down rights on Cole at the ramp! Fans rally and duel as Kushida whips Cole, but Cole reverses to send Kushida into steel steps!
Cole refreshes the ring count and watches Kushida get up. Cole leaps, into Kushida’s takedown! Kushida has the armbar! Cole endures but it wouldn’t matter if he taps on the outside. Kushida lets go as the ring count climbs and he puts Cole back in. Kushida climbs up top to leap for the ax handle! He drags Cole up to give the arm a shoulder breaker and a KICK! Cole backs to a corner, Kushida drags Cole up for another shoulder breaker. Kushida kicks the bad arm again, then wrenches. Cole denies the third shoulder breaker but Kushida puts him on the apron. Kushida runs to handspring heel kick Cole to the ground! Fans fire up as Kushida runs and slides, but misses! Cole BOOTS Kushida down! NXT goes picture in picture as Kushida is in a daze.
Cole drags Kushida up to put back in the ring. Cole drags Kushida up and turns him for a neckbreaker! The NXT Champion dusts off his hands before sitting Kushida up. Cole rams his knees into Kushida’s back, and hard! Kushida writhes but Cole keeps driving in those knees. Cole drags Kushida up for another neckbreaker! Kushida writhes but Cole climbs up the ropes to mock Ciampa’s patting on the back. Cole clamps onto Kushida with a chinlock and he grinds Kushida down. Kushida endures and fights his way up, throwing body shots. Cole knees low then brings Kushida in for a suplex. Kushida slips out and ducks the punch. Things speed up, double clotheslines wipe both men out!
Cole and Kushida flounder to opposite corners as NXT returns to single picture. Cole runs in but gets a boot! Kushdia runs and rallies with big forearms! Kushida whips, Cole reverses, Kushida handspring back elbows! The rally continues with a mule kick, but Cole avoids the Penalty Kick to his arm. Cole runs, Kushida hip tosses and handspring dropkicks! Fans fire up as Cole goes to the apron. Kushida stalks over but the ref keeps him back to check on Cole. Cole is okay and Kushida goes to buckle bump. Cole blocks to buckle bump back. But Kushida comes back with another handspring heel kick! Cole is stunned on the corner and Kushdia climbs up to join him. Kushida grabs the arm but Cole denies the Hoverboard hold.
Cole knocks Kushida away, but Kushida comes back for a SUPER DDT, and roll through to the ARMBAR! ROPEBREAK! Kushida lets go reluctantly, and Cole gets to a corner. Fans rally and duel again as Kushida runs to dropkick the bad arm! Kushida drags Cole up, Cole elbows free. Kushida still waistlocks, but then ducks the Pele, to Penalty Kick the arm out! Wristlock but no tornado armbar DDT as Cole powers out. Cole Shining Wizards! Cover, TWO! Kushida survives and Cole clutches the bad arm, but fans still rally and duel. Cole stands first, but Kushida sits up. Cole drags Kushida up and throws big forearms. Kushida gives forearms back! They go back and forth, and Kushida adds kicks! Kushida gets the edge but Cole knees low.
Cole runs, into the rolling elbow! Kushida spins into a BOOT! And a SUPERKICK! Cole runs, but into the FAST BALL! Kushida brings Cole up, but Cole suplexes for the Ushigoroshi! Cole suplexes again, for another! Cover, TWO!! Kushida survives and both men are down. Fans rally up as Cole goes to one end and Kushida to the other. Cole brings the knee pad down and runs, but Kushida ducks the Last Shot! Kushida waistlocks but Cole bucks the O’Conner roll off. SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Cole grows frustrated but fans rally and duel. Kushida crawls but Cole heads to the corner. Cole hops up, leaps, but no Sunrise as Kushida has the HOVERBOARD! Kushida cranks hard but Cole reaches for ropes! Kushida rolls him away!
The Hoverboard is in deep, and Kushida even knees Cole in the head! Cole rolls Kushida for a cover, TWO! Cole is free, he fireman’s carries but Kushida sunset flips. ONE and Cole matchbook covers, TWO as Kushida pops it back to the sunset! TWO!! That was a close one! Kushida keeps his focus as Cole gets to a corner. Kushida ducks the clothesline to PELE! Cole is down, Kushida brings him up. Cole resists the whip but the arm gives out! The ref checks on Cole but Kushida gives him Kowata kicks over and over to the face! Kushida whips Cole but Cole reverses, Kushida handsprings into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Cole runs, LAST SHOT!! Cover, Cole wins!!
Winner: Adam Cole, by pinfall
The Super Junior was a lot to handle this close to TakeOver, but Cole managed to come out on top! 256 days as champion will become 260 by Sunday, but will that be the last day for Adam Cole, BAYBAY?
Wait! Here comes Ciampa! The Blackheart glares at Cole as he heads down the ramp. There’s no back-up for Cole now, with reDRagon already in Portland to prepare for their tag title match and Strong exhausted and obsessed with his own issues. Ciampa takes his time circling the ring and climbing the steel steps. Ciampa eyes “Goldie” on Cole’s shoulder as fans duel. The two circle, and Cole holds the belt up high. Ciampa promises that in Portland, he takes his life back. Cole says, “Over my dead body you do!” When Cole and Ciampa battle, what are the chances that, as the song says, no one will survive?
My Thoughts:
A really good go-home for TakeOver: Portland while also setting up some great stuff for next week’s post-TakeOver episode. Firstly, it is clear that as great as Dream VS Strong and the NXT Cruiserweight Championship matches are going to be, the tradition of keeping TakeOvers to a 6 match card is staying strong as they don’t put everything on the show. The only downside is that a lot of the matches tonight were pretty easy to call. Cole, Dakota, Gargano and Belair were all building momentum for their respective TakeOver matches, so of course they were going to win. But even so, NXT knows how to make even a predictable outcome a lot of fun. Strong VS Reed was incredible! Certainly the best match of Reed’s NXT career, and it really propels Strong towards his match with Dream.
Candice VS Dakota was really good, and kudos to Candice for powering through a bloody nose. Dakota getting a quick win works so as not to really weaken Candice. Hopefully Candice can find herself in her own story, especially for the NXT Women’s Championship. Bianca squashing Santana was pretty surprising, and her getting the better of Rhea was equally surprising. Charlotte gave Bianca a huge rub on WWE Backstage, so who knows? Charlotte and Bianca could put on a killer feud in the post Mania 36 run, regardless of who is NXT Women’s Champion by then. I’m rather surprised Lio beat Garza, but I suppose this is still the age old tradition of Face VS Heel. As fun as Garza VS Devlin would be for next week, I suppose saving that for WrestleMania weekend wouldn’t be so bad.
NXT did a great job with Mark Henry narrating a highlight reel hype package for Lee VS Dijakovic, which is going to be just as great as all their other matches. Ciampa’s promo in the classroom, Cole VS Kushida and then the final stare down of Ciampa and Cole was all great stuff, and THE NXT Championship match might be the hardest to call. Ciampa does make a good point that the next stop would be Tampa, but I’m thinking looking that far ahead sways it back in Cole’s favor. There are more Faces that could step up to Cole, while Ciampa winning might bring on Balor as the top Heel.
My Score: 9.1/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Will the landscape change again?
Eddy Thorpe keeps prodding and provoking Oba Femi, so he gets his last chance at the NXT Championship! Will Eddy truly be the alpha of NXT?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey; wins and
- NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland; wins and
- NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Eddy Thorpe; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to the scheduling choices of KVIA2 CW (El Paso & Las Cruces), coverage of NXT will not begin until 9PM Eastern]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Time to burn it down!
Ahead of entering the Royal Rumble, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre go one more round in a rematch from WrestleMania 40!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
- Bayley VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- PENTA VS Pete Dunne; Penta wins.
- Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective; DMG CTRL wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre; Rollins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Nia Jax ambushes Rhea Ripley!
The Irresistible Force is here on Raw to face Bayley, but she’s getting her payback on Mami for last week! She dribbles Rhea into the steel chain link fencing again and again, even as security and Adam Pearce rush in! They get Nia to stop, but Rhea is pissed! Will Nia regret riling up Rhea Bloody Ripley?
Jey Uso is here!
Dallas fires up and bounces along as it’s time to YEET! Michael Cole does his best to keep up with the beat as Main Event Jey makes his way down the bleachers. Wade Barrett is subbing in for Pat McAfee (the NCAA College Football Championship is also tonight), and Wade says Maggle looks like a “drunk grandpa” doing the YEET. Jey makes it to ringside, he high fives Maggle, then goes to the ring. But the YEET doesn’t slow down, it just keeps going! Jey grabs a mic and tells Dallas, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaaaaa~!” The fans cheer and join in with a “YEET!” Jey says this weekend, “YEET!” Saturday Night’s Main Event, “YEET!” Jey takes home the big one!
But then before Jey can continue, GUNTHER makes his way out here! Der Ring General, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist, makes his way right to the ring. Gunther grabs himself a mic while the fans boo. Jey paces but Gunther tells him, “Lemme guess, the next thing you were about to say is you were going to win the World Heavyweight title.” Jey confirms, he is gonna beat Gunther, then hang the title up in his room. Gunther says Jey really is “a funny little man.” But let’s not act like we both know it won’t happen. Last week, Jey was right here in front of Gunther, and he said every morning, he looks in the mirror and bets on himself.
The thing is, Gunther believes Jey. Gunther was looking forward to Saturday to square off with Main Event Jey Uso. Until today, when he saw Jey walking in here acting like that conversation last week never happened. Not after seeing Jey act like a complete DORK! Like he’s the company mascot for the fans! At this point, Gunther doesn’t even care. He could jsut as well get challenged by Jimmy Uso. Jey tells Gunther to not say something about his brother. Gunther says it doesn’t matter what Jey says, he never follows up with his actions! The fans are the only ones naive enough to believe everything Jey says. Gunther does not.
Bet on yourself? Until when? Until Roman Reigns whistles for him? Until Sami Zayn needs him? Until Jimmy needs him? Even Cody needed Jey and Jey showed up! All that makes Jey is a useful idiot, and Jey doesn’t even see it! Jey, your words and your actions do not align. Gunther’s always do! So on Saturday, when the bell rings, Gunther exposes Jey for the flash in the pan that has NO business being even this close to the World Heavyweight Championship. The fans boo but Gunther tells Jey to go. The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Jey says Gunther’s right again. Everything Gunther just said is true again.
Jey is the mascot of the WWE. And the fans here are his team. The fans are his squad. They ride with him! “YEET!” Slide with him! “YEET!” And they will be with him when he beats Gunther for the world championship! “YEET!” Jey reminds us he respects Gunther. But Gunther will respect Jey, too. Because only one of them in this ring main-evented a WrestleMania, and it ain’t Gunther. But then Gunther DECKS Jey! Gunther stomps Jey, the fans boo, but then Gunther DECKS Jey again! Gunther stands Jey up, but Jey TACKLES Gunther! Jey rains down fists and teh fans fire up! Gunther gets up, but Jey fires more hands!
Jey has Gunther’s shirt over his head for a hockey scrum! Gunther gets free, but Jey SUPERKICKS him down! The fans all “YEET!” while Der Ring General retreats! Jey has the belt and he dares Gunther to come get it! Jey drops it at the ropes, Gunther storms up to the apron, but Gunther stays back. Gunther leaves Dallas with the belt tonight, but will Jey leave San Antonio with it this Saturday?
The New Day walks the halls.
And then they spot someone. “Finally, somebody who understands!” JBL is here! They all shake hands, and JBL loves seeing them. Kofi Kingston says JBL is not just a champion and a Hall of Famer, but he’ll be on commentary tonight for The New Day’s match with that “hypocrite of a locker room leader,” Rey Mysterio. JBL should let New Day know they are the victims of a disgusting smear campaign! Kofi even sweetens the deal with a whole $2. Kofi says JBL understands being in a tag team but having to cut the deadweight to get ahead. And when he did, what happened? He had the greatest success of his career!
Not as great as The New Day, but please, be an acolyte for ya bois! JBL says yes, he does “get it.” Big E, all the muscles and charisma and personality, everywhere they go, the fans love Big E. Everyone chants for New Day, for Big E. You get rid of him, the fans have to pay attention to Kofi & Woods! Wow, okay. Backhanded compliments? Be that way. The New Day heads out, JBL asks if he can keep the two bucks. Will Kofi & Woods finally see who’s really in the wrong? Or will they continue to have a bad day here on Raw?
Backstage interview with Bayley.
Cathy Kelley is with the “busiest superstar” in WWE right now, as Bayley was on Raw, NXTÂ and SmackDown all last week. And she has an announcement to make, so for those who ahven’t heard, could she share? Yes, cat is out of the bag, Bayley is back on Raw officially via the Transfer Window! She started here after her NXT call-up, so it just feels right. But also, she is declaring for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble! And if you remember, she won the 2024 Rumble, so going back to back sounds really good. She could choose Tiffany Stratton, she could choose Rhea Ripley, or- Nia Jax interrupts.
Nia says Bayley can have Rhea, Nia gets Tiffy. Also, Nia is going to win the Women’s Rumble, not Bayley. Oh, yeah, Bayley did see what Nia did to Rhea earlier. If Nia wants to try that, Bayley dares her. Nia says she’ll see Bayley out there. Nia leaves, but will the Irresistible Force rough Bayley up the same way she did Rhea? Or will Bayley continue to be the Role Model, even after changing brands?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio!
Raw returns and JBL is out there with Wade and Maggle already. The New Day makes their entrance, and they hate their song! They have it turn off, they get the tron to stop, and Woods says they already told the idiots in production that they’re no longer using that stuff! It’s ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~, and Dallas is starting to piss Kofi off! They have been doing this for too long and too well to be disrespected like this. They are walking Hall of Famers, unlike this FRAUD, JBL! JBL, give him that money back! Kofi snatches it out of JBL’s lapel pocket. Woods says Rey’s getting the brakes beat off him by the one and only Kofi Kingston~! BECAUSE NEW! DAY- “SUCKS!”
The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” and the bell rings. Kofi and Rey circle, feel things out, and Kofi waistlocks to then headlock, waistlock, and he shoves Rey to a corner. The fans boo but Kofi soaks up that heat. JBL says this is the only time he’ll cheer a “deadbeat dad” like Rey. Rey and Kofi tie up, Rey waistlocks but Kofi switches to SLAM Rey down! Kofi slaps Rey around, and the fans boo as Kofi & Woods soak up the heat. Kofi taunts Rey, Rey and Kofi reset, and they tie up. Rey wrenches, hammerlocks, but Kofi wrenches out. Kofi wristlocks, Rey rolls and kips up, then Rey wrenches to headlock.
Kofi powers up and out, drops down then CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo but Kofi keeps moving. Rey drops down, blows past Kofi, then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Kofi staggers up, Rey dropkicks the legs out! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up, but Kofi ducks the 619! Rey then PLANCHAS, but Kofi moves! Rey is on the apron, Kofi YANKS him down! The fans tell Kofi off but he drags Rey up and into the ring. Kofi then fires UPPERCUTS on Kofi, CHOKES him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Kofi steps off, and then Kofi whips corner to corner. Rey reverses, runs up, but Kofi SWING KICKS! Rey GAMANGIRIS in return!
Rey RAMS Kofi, slingshots and SUNSET- NO, Kofi holds on, and he CLUBS Rey down! The fans boo but Kofi brings Rey in! Woods says watch this, “Hall of Famer!” Kofi lifts Rey, Rey pops free, but Kofi stomps away on him! Kofi glares at JBL, then he drags Rey up. The fans boo but Kofi SMACKS Rey off the apron. Kofi then reels Rey in, but Rey RANAS Kofi into the steel steps! The fans fire up as Rey rises, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kofi has Rey down with an armlock. Rey fights to his feet, the fans fire up, and the forearms go back and forth! Kofi ROCKS Rey, Rey ROCKS Kofi, but then Kofi kicks low! Kofi whips, Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges, then Rey leaps to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Woods coaches Kofi while Rey goes to the apron. Rey then goes to the corner, but Kofi hurries over that way. Kofi fires body shots, then he climbs up after Rey. Kofi brings Rey up but Rey fires body shots in return! Rey BENDS Kofi’s fingers, then he HEADBUTTS Kofi! Kofi staggers up, Rey hits the SEATED SENTON!
Rey gets moving, but Kofi ducks the springboard crossbody! Kofi sunset flip, but Rey rolls through, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi goes to a corner, Rey CLUBS him, and the fans rally. The ref gets between them, but Kofi pokes Rey in the eyes! Kofi leaps, CROSSBODY SPLASH to the back! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rey as he stays in this. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods argues with a fan, Kofi aims, TROUBLE IN- NO, Rey dodges, then comes back to RANA! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up! But Woods trips Rey! The ref saw that clear as day! Woods argues with the ref, but the ref EJECTS Woods!
The fans fire up while Woods throws a fit! Rey DECKS Woods! But Kofi CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo, but Kofi hauls Rey up! Rey victory rolls Kofi onto ropes! Rey redials, 619!! And then the springboard, but onto knees! Kofi covers, TWO!! Rey survives, the fans fire up, but Kofi seethes. Kofi hauls Rey up, clinches, S O- NO! Rey makes the SOS a cover, REY WINS!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
But Woods CLBOBERS Rey from behind! The New Day mugs Rey, the fans boo more, but here comes the LWO! Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro run The New Day off! The fans boo, Cruz & Wilde check Rey, but then the New Day sneak back in! They drag Wilde out to POST him! Cruz hurries but now New Day retreats for real! Insult to injury here, but will Kofi & Woods continue to be blinded by their own arrogance?
Backstage interview with Team American Made.
Cathy Kelley waits as Chad Gable is arguing with his own people, then says okay, sorry, he was inspiring the team. But yeah, he’s the talk of the whole freakin’ wrestling world the past week, but he is man enough to admit he has a problem. And it all started with losing to Penta last week! It was Dragon Lee before that, and Rey Mysterio before that. Gable asks, “What’re we gonna do her?” But he’s figured it out! He found a man who knows a thing or two about lucha libre, and that man is intelligent with a mustache to match. That man is Dominik Mysterio! While Dom helps Gable with his lucha problem, the team has their marching order.
Ivy Nile says there’s a Women’s Intercontinental Championship with her name all over it. Brutus says those tag titles should’ve already had their names on them, HAHA~! Julius mocks how War Raiders cry about “One more injury~ and we’re done forever~!” Like that’s something to be proud of? No more asking, they’re just taking! They’ll take those tag titles from a team near the end of their career and put them on a team that’s entering their prime. Gable says this team that bleeds red, white ‘n’ blue will have waists wrapped in gold, and it will be glorious. Team American Made heads out, but can Dirty Dom really help Gable clean up his act?
Sami Zayn is here!
Dallas sings his song, and the Underdog from the Underground goes right to the ring. He grabs a mic and thanks Dallas for that, that never gets old. But he wont’ beat around the bush, he’ll just get right to business. Sami spoke with Adam Pearce, and Sami is now officially entered into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match! The fans like the sound of that! Sami says Rollins told him he’s already helped a lot of others, so time to help himself. Well, Sami thought about that, and thought about what he wants. When he thought about that, it opened a whole bunch of thoughts. Sami pictured what 14-year-old Sami wanted.
Sami thought about what the millions around the world who dream of becoming pro-wrestlers, and the thousands who actually live the dream and get to do it. And then the even smaller group lucky enough to call themselves WWE Superstars. And then the smallest group of all, the hardest to crack into at all, is the upper echelon, the top tier, and that is where Sami is now! The fans cheer, and Sami firmly believes he is as good as everyone else in that group. That group is all in the Royal Rumble, and the only difference between Sami and the others, aka Roman, McIntyre, Rollins, and so on, is that they all have a world title to their name… and Sami doesn’t.
Sami has said it before, he’ll say it again, he’s had a great life, a great career. He doesn’t need the world title to complete him. The fans have supported Sami throughout the years, and believe it or not, that support means more to him than any world title could ever mean! So no, Sami does not need that world title, but DAMMIT, he WANTS it!! The fans love that! Sami says 14-year-old Sami wants that title, and he’s still with Sami! That kid sets foot in this ring every time Sami does. So Sami doesn’t need it, he wants it, so he will TAKE IT! WAIT, Kevin Owens is here!? The fans boo and Sami is certainly stunned seeing SmackDown’s Prizefighter back on Raw.
Kevin, who is still carrying the “Winged Eagle” title, while wearing a Bret Hart merchandise jacket, makes his way to the ring. Kevin grabs the mic, and while fans boo, he looks to Sami. Sami says he knew it was a matter of time before Kevin showed up. How does Kevin wanna do this? Kevin asks what Sami means. Sami knows Kevin. We all saw what Kevin did to Cody over teaming with Roman, so how’s this going down? Aw, is that why Sami thinks Kevin is here? No, Kevin admits, he was upset at first. But he realizes now that Sami teaming with Roman isn’t the same as Cody teaming with Roman.
Sami and Roman had a lot of history, the same as Sami and Kevin. And Roman did terrible things to Sami that Sami overlooked, just as Kevin did to Sami that Sami has overlooked. Or rather, Sami forgave Kevin for those things. Same as him forgiving Roman! Because that is who Sami is: Sami is a good person. And Rollins is right, Sami does a lot for others, especially his friends. And well, Sami is still Kevin’s best friend. A brother even! Kevin is here to tell his brother that he whole heartedly believes Sami can and will win the Royal Rumble. Kevin knows that the Sami he’s known for 20 YEARS will win the Royal Rumble!
And why? Because Sami deserves it! Sami deserves to go to WrestleMania and fight for the WWE Championship, and Kevin knows Sami will do it! Then Kevin and Sami can accomplish one more thing together. Think of everything they’ve done and seen each other do in this business. They main-evented WrestleMania to become tag team champions. But there’s one more thing they haven’t done: main event WrestleMania for THE WWE Championship. And when Sami wins the Rumble, they can do that, so long as Kevin walks away THE WWE Champion. But Kevin knows both of those things are going to happen.
Kevin knows Sami will win the Rumble because Kevin has his back. He does. And Kevin knows he’ll be THE WWE Champion because just like Sami had Roman’s back, he’s got Kevin’s back. Right? Kevin just knows it. Sami is his best friend, his brother, and if Kevin needs him, Sami will be there. Kevin drops his mic and heads out, but Sami is rather confused. Is Kevin suggesting Sami do what it sounds like? What will Sami do on this Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Sheamus.
Cathy is with The Fella and brings up his Intercontinental Championship match he has this Saturday against Bron Breakker. Why is this title so important to him? Sheamus says many would look at his career, and say he has the perfect backwards WWE career. He was only six months into his career, and he beat one of the biggest names this business has ever seen in John Cena to become WWE Champion. Ironically, the Intercontinental Champioship is what drew Sheamus to the WWE. That title has become an obsession for the past five years, but guess what? The stars are aligned! Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sheamus will bust Bron aside and fulfill destiny!
Sheamus will win the last championship he has yet to win! And for everyone who is watching, Let’s Go, Irish! A quick shoutout to Notre Dame, but then Sheamus spots Bron Breakker. Bron tells Sheamus that this title is Bron’s. This is as close as Sheamus will ever get to winning it. Because on Saturday, Bron beats him and BREAKS him like an old man! So just do us all a favor and retire. Sheamus shoves Bron, but Bron laughs it off and takes his leave. Will the Celtic Warrior finally have his WWE Bingo in another banger? Or will this title still belong to Bron Breakker?
Bayley VS Nia Jax!
The Role Model and the Irresistible Force were just on SmackDown but they’re bringing their beef over to Raw! Will Bayley make her official transfer back a successful one? Or will Nia be rolling towards the Royal Rumble?
Well, well, well, Roxanne Perez seems to be stalking Bayley. She was in the crowd for SmackDown last Friday, and now she’s here in the crowd tonight. The bell rings, Nia runs up, but Bayley dodges! Nia hits buckles, Bayley fires hands, then runs to ELBOW her! Bayley climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count, Bayley ges to 6 before Nia brings her off the corner! Bayley still fights, but Nia stops the rana! Nia brings Bayley up to a fireman’s carry, but Bayley kicks off ropes! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Nia sits up but Bayley fires hands! Bayley runs, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Bayley sputters, Nia covers, ONE!!
Bayley scrambles away but Nia stalks her. Nia puts Bayley on the ropes, CHOKES her, but the ref counts. Nia lets off at 4, she soaks up some heat, then she HEADBUTTS Bayley again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia digs her boot in, but the ref counts. Nia stops at 4, the fans boo some more, and Bayley crawls. Nia drags Bayley up, pushes her down, then runs, only for Bayley to avoid the elbow drop! Bayley fires forearms, then whips. Nia takes a swing but Bayley gets around to hit a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that but she’s also dazed. Bayley rises, runs in, but Nia URENAGES Bayley down! Now Nia climbs the corner!
The fans fire up as Bayley SHOVES Nia to the apron! Bayley BOOTS Nia to the floor, then builds speed! Bayley DIVES, down goes Nia! The fans fire up and Bayley gets in Roxie’s face! Roxie takes a swing, but Bayley blocks! Bayley DECKS Roxie! The fans go wild, security stops Roxie from getting at Bayley! Bayley mocks the little idiot, then goes back for Nia while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nia drags Bayley up. Nia drops a LEG on the arm! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Nia grows frustrated. Nia taunts Bayley, the fans boo Nia, and Bayley sits up. Nia drags Bayley by her hair, then runs, but Bayley avoids the leg drop! Bayley hurries to ELBOW Nia in the back! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Bayley keeps moving, and drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Nia survives the onslaught but the fans rally for Bayley. Both women slowly rise up, and Bayley runs up to KNEE Nia out to the apron! Bayley then drags Nia in through the ropes, but Nia HOTSHOTS the bad arm!
Bayley writhes, Nia taunts the fans, then Nia goes back to the apron. Nia stands on Bayley’s bad arm! But Bayley avoids another leg drop! Nia clutches her lower back while she and Bayley both rise up again. Bayley runs in to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Nia flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Bayley leaves Nia behind for the count to handle this. Nia is still down at 5 of 10, and at 7! Nia springs up and in at 8! But Bayley goes up, up, and she hits a BANZAI DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley didn’t quite A-Nia-Late Nia, but she goes up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia survives again but if only barely!
The fans rally as Bayley brings Nia up. Nia shoves Bayley away, then scoops her, SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and the fans rally up again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia runs in, and Nia SPLASHES Bayley! Bayley flounders against the ropes, then Nia runs in. Bayley TOSSES Nia to the apron, but Nia ROCKS Bayley! Nia drags Bayley up, and POSTS her! Bayley dangles in the ropes, and Nia snarls. Nia runs to HIP ATTACK Bayley against the post! Bayley flounders back in, the fans boo, and Nia climbs up! But Bayley is up to YANK Nia down! The fans fire up as Bayley runs, and she KNEES Nia down! Cover, TWO!!
Nia survives yet again but the fans continue to rally behind Bayley. Bayley goes up a corner, but now Nia is up! Nia ROCKS Bayley, then climbs up after her. Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley squirms around! SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives that wild fall but Bayley goes right back up! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives again and Bayley is beside herself! Nia and Bayley rise, and the fans fire up again. Bayley reels Nia in, but the bad arm won’t let her clinch! Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley fights free! Bayley runs, CHOP BLOCKS a leg, then hurries to run again. Nia POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!!
Nia hurries to SENTON! Then she drags Bayley to a drop zone! Nia goes up, to A-NIA-LATE Bayley! Cover, Nia wins!!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
A powerful battle between two former champions, but the Irresistible Force crushes Bayley on her return to Raw! But wait! RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out here! Mami wants revenge, and Nia says bring it! They brawl in the ring, the fans fire up, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia! Rhea RAMS Nia into the corner again and again, but here comes security! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but the two are separated! But then Nia breaks free to SPLASH Rhea and whoever else was in the way! Nia CLUBS away on Rhea, producers and refs rush out here to stop this, but Rhea is up! She LEAPS at Nia for more!
The fans are thunderous as Rhea shoves everyone out of the way to ROUNDHOUSE Nia! Nia falls out of the ring, but rhea isn’t done! Rhea goes to the apron, but Nia trips her up! Nia DRIBBLES Rhea off the announce desk! Nia now clears the desk, and Adam Pearce is shouting that this is enough! Nia puts Rhea on the desk, but security swarms her! Wait, Rhea is back up! CANNONBALL!! Rhea takes Nia and the security guards out! The fans fire up but producers have to drag Rhea away from Nia! Dallas cheers on “MAMI! MAMI!” and she grabs a mic. Rhea gets on the desk to shout, “YOU! ME! SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT!!”
The fans are all fired up, because now things are going to get wild in San Antonio! But will the Queen of the Ring A-Nia-Late Rhea? Or will Nia get eradicated?
Judgment Day meets with American Made.
The others aren’t so sure about this, but Chad Gable says Dom said he could help with Gable’s luchador problem. Does he have some info? C’mon! Help him out! Okay, okay. Dom has someone who can help Gable. Dom hands him a piece of paper, and Gable asks, “This is the guy?” Dom says it sure is. Gable tells Judgment Day and “JD McDouche” that he’s off to master the dark arts of lucha libre. The others ask Dom what this is all about. Dom says it’s a long story but he and Gable go way back. Okay, fine, but how does this help Judgment Day? Next week is the tag title rematch but Finn is still out of action from last week’s Street Fight!
Liv Morgan says listening to Finn hasn’t really helped them win, has it? C’mon, Liv, this is serious. They’re gonna have to forfeit! Dom says maybe he could sub in. Finn shouldn’t care so long as they get the titles back, right? JD says yeah, that’s a good point. They’ll get this. Liv says yeah, Finn should be fine. And Dom is quite the mastermind now, huh? Liv just hopes this plan goes better than the one he had for her match with Rhea. Hey, didn’t she say she was over that? Yes, she did. Can Dom not take a joke? Okay, okay. Dom does have a plan for Liv, though. And even though she’s not mad, he’ll make it up to her, okay? Oh, he will. Now, let’s go.
Liv & Dom head out, Raquel tells Carlito to stop staring. Will Judgment Day (not) keep it together?
Lyra Valkyria speaks.
“Last week, I walked into Raw ready to become a history maker. And that meant spreading my wings and shedding any dead feathers that made me doubt the heights I knew I was capable of reaching. I took fear, I took doubt, and I used them to become something more. And now that I have this, it’s about what comes next. And what comes next is building a legacy as a valiant, fighting Women’s Intercontinental Champion.” The Morrigan is ready for more, just how high will she soar?
WWE celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
He had a dream, and that dream lives on in us. May we keep that dream alive so that it may come true every day.
Seth Rollins warms up backstage.
Sami checks with him and knows the match with McIntyre is coming up. But Sami just wants Rollins to know that as a friend, he appreciated the talk they had last week. Rollins knows, and he heard Sami out there. Rollins respects Sami’s choice. It’s about time we got that Sami back. And Sami is almost rooting for that Sami. But push comes to shove int he Rumble, Rollins will throw Sami right over the top rope. Sami says, “Not if I throw you out first.” Sami again wishes Rollins luck, then heads out. Rollins finishes his preparations, but Karrion Kross is watching from afar! Could Mr. Doomsday have his next target in mind?
PENTA VS Pete Dunne!
#CeroMiedo made its debut in the WWE just last week, and it was a massive hit! But now he’s up against a man who feels disrespected left, right, front and back! Will the Bruiserweight take out all his frustrations on the new kid in class? Or will Penta continue to blow the roof off the arenas?
The bell rings and the fans already chant, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta tells Dunne to listen, but Dunne grabs the hand! Penta KICKS Dunne, but Dunne CHOPS! Penta CHOPS, Dunne CHOPS, then the forearms start flying! Dunne headlocks, Penta fires body shots, and Penta powers out. Penta hurdles then mule kicks Dunne, and Dunne sputters away. Penta swaggers, but Dunne CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Dunne grabs an arm. Dunne hammerlocks that arm, pulls on the other, and he bends the fingers back! Dunne STOMPS Penta’s arm! The fans tell Dunne off while Penta writhes, but Dunne drags Penta up again.
Dunne wrenches and whips, but Penta reverses. Then Penta runs up to GAMANGIRI! Penta whips again, Dunne reverses and he GAMANGIRIS! Penta sputters, Dunne brings him up, and Dunne whips. Penta reverses. Dunne goes up and flips and SUPERKICK from Penta! Penta hits Dunne outta the sky and Dunne bails out of the ring! The fans fire up and Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs and DIVES into a forearm! Dunne gives back that anti-air, then he reels Penta in. APRON X-PLEX! Penta writhes again while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Dunne runs up to SLIDING FOREARM Penta down! The fans boo while Penta sputters, but Dunne runs up to SLIDINGN FOREARM again! Dunne paces, the fans chant, “Butch Sucks!” but Dunne just runs up on Penta. Penta dodges, mule kicks, and he runs to SLING-DOG! Dunne flounders to a corner, Penta runs and headstands on the corner! SWINGING DROPKICK! Dunne sputters more but Penta fireman’s carries. The fans fire up for the SWINGINGN DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Penta is frustrated, but the fans rally up again. Penta and Dunne rise up, and Penta goes after Dunne. Dunne ENZIGIRIS first!
Dunne STMOPS the hands, then he BUZZSAWS! Penta goes to a corner, Dunne runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta runs up, DESTROYER!! Dunne tumbles out of the ring! The fans fire up with Penta and he builds speed again! Penta FLIES and down goes Dunne! The fans are thunderous while both men are out at the ramp! Penta and Dunne stir, the ring count climbs, and Dunne is in at 5 of 10. Penta rises at 6, and he slaps some sense into himself. Penta is back in at 7, DES- NO, Dunne stops the second shot and tucks Penta in! CRUNCHY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up!
Penta shakes out the bad arm, but he and Dunne sit up. They go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! Dunne CHOPS, but Penta CHOPS! The fans cheer Penta on and he tells Dunne to listen! “CERO! MIEDO!” But Dunne bends the fingers, SNAPS them, then wraps Penta into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Penta endures, fights up, and he deadlifts Dunne, for a POWER BREAKER!! Dunne writhes, Penta grabs Dunne’s arm and traps it! Penta CLUBS Dunne, then grabs the other arm, SACRIFICE!! Dunne writhes in even more pain, but Penta brings him around. Pump handle, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
The luchador proved he could do power on top of punishing submissions, and he is 2-0 here on Raw! Will the Penta Era take over the WWE?
Logan Paul speaks.
“Man, it must suck to be a Logan Paul hater. For years, all of you have wanted me to fail. But you know why it’s never happened, and it never will? Because when I do something, I become the best at it. I became the King of the Internet. I was the only man in history to beat Floyd Mayweather. So what makes you think the WWE will be any different? Look around, dummies. This is my life now. And I will eat, sleep and breathe wrestling until I become the greatest superstar to step into that ring. You can quote me on that. You’re looking at the GOAT, ladies and gentlemen.” The Maverick makes his return next week in Atlanta, will he receive a “warm welcome?”
CM Punk is here!
The Voice of the Voiceless, the Second City Saint, the Best in the World, takes a page out of Jey Uso’s playbook by entering through the concourse and then the bleachers! Dallas fires up as he joins Jackie Redmond in the perch for an interview. Jackie says the fans love chanting Punk’s name, and thanks him for coming out here for this in-arena interview. Punk says before any questions, he has a question for us: “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Dallas, Texas or what?!” The fans cheer that, and Jackie says of course it is.
But to the question: There are only so many ways to get to the main event of WrestleMania, something Punk wants to do for the first time in his career. The Royal Rumble is certainly one way, but that is a match he’s never won. And it is shaping to become one of the most stacked fields ever. Punk, Roman, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, and more. So, the question is, what makes this Rumble different for Punk? Punk says, “History.” And he is a maker of history! Just three weeks ago, he main-evented the first Raw live on Netflix, and he beat Rollins, a man favored to win this year’s Rumble.
This business is a fickle one, constantly asking, “What have you down for me lately?” Punk says he makes history! And he’ll do it in two weeks when he walks in, throws 29 other superstars over the top rope. The stakes are much too high, the lights are much too bright, and the pressure is on! And that is when Punk feels alive and when he thrives. No one can beat Punk when he’s at his best and with the people behind him. Jackie brought up Cena, but Punk can’t see Cena throwing him out. Roman Reigns? Roman needed Punk’s help to settle family business at WarGames. And in the Rumble, there are no friends!
Punk has put McIntyre in the dirt, and don’t ask him about Sami. You put HOGAN in the rumble, Punk will throw his old ass out and kill Hulkamania once and for all! February 1st, 60 THOUSAND strong, on the Peacock, live and in living color, Indianapolis, Indiana, Punk will settle scores and cash in debts. He’ll even call in a favor or two if he needs to. On that night, 29 other men are going night-night, and ONE MAN gets his hand raised. One name, three syllables: C, M, PUNK! “CM” might stand for “Confident Man” right about now, but will Punk be unstoppable on this road not just to WrestleMania, but also the road to his dream?
Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective!
This rivalry went back and forth all over 2024, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down just because it is a New Year. Will Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky finally kick PFC to the curb for what they did to Kairi Sane? Or will Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark put them on the shelf right beside the Pirate Princess?
The teams sort out, the bell rings, and Kai starts against Shayna. Shayna opens with a KICK to the leg, but Kai walks that off. Shayna KCIKS again, Kai gets mad, and the two go again. Kai blocks one kick but not the second KCIK! Shayna runs up, fakes Kai out, then trips her up! Shayna scuffs Kai, then soaks up the heat. Shayna runs back in, but Kai goes up and over to roll her up! TWO, and Kai slips past Shayna to DROPKICK her down! The fans fire up for Kai, but Shayna stops the arm-drag! Shayna whips, Kai stops herself and BOOTS Shayna away. Kai runs up, Zoey tags in before the flying mare!
Things speed up, Shayna drops down and Zoey springboards to MISSILE DORPKICK Kai down! Sonya wants everyone to take notes! Zoey clamps onto Kai with a chinlock and she grinds Kai down. The fans rally, Kai fights up, and Kai fires body shots. Zoey CLUBS Kai, CLUBS her again and again, then soaks up heat. Zoey puts Kai in the corner, tags Shayna back in, and then Zoey whips Shayna in for a KNEE! Shayna scoops Kai, BACKBREAKER and LARIAT! Shayna covers, TWO! Kai stays in this, but Sonya says her team’s got this. Kai crawls, but Shayna clamps onto the leg for a toehold.
Kai endures, kicks at Shayna with her free leg, but Shayna still bends the trapped leg! The fans rally, Kai kicks and kicks, but Shayna drops an ELBOW on the leg! Shayna tells Dallas to shut it, then she drags Kai around to bend the leg in another direction! Kai endures, reaches out for Iyo, but Shayna pulls the leg. Kai kicks at Shayna again, then BOOTS her away! Kai and Shayna crawl, hot tag to Zoey! Zoey brings Kai up but Kai ENZIGIRIS! Shayna runs back in, but Kai TOSSES her out! Hot tag to Iyo! The Genius of the Sky fires SHOTEI after SHOTEI on Zoey! Iyo ROCKS Shayna, then runs! PFC avoids the handsprings, but Iyo blocks a kick!
Iyo sends the foot at Zoey, but she ducks! Iyo SHOTEIS Zoey again! Then she dodges Shayna to GERMAN SUPLEX her away! The fans fire up as Iyo whips Zoey. Zoey reverses but Iyo uses that to DIVE onto Shayna! Iyo hurries up, blocks a shot, then ROUDNHOUSES Zoey! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, and Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Zoey! Iyo handsprings up and the fans are thunderous! Iyo aims from the corner, runs in and SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Zoey to a cover, TWO! Zoey survives but Iyo goes up. Sonya storms up, but Kai YANKS Sonya down! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, but Shayna LARIATS Kai!
Zoey YANKS Iyo down, SUPERKICKS her, and then reels her in! ATAXIA!! Cover, TWO!! Zoey is furious, but she tags in Shayna. PFC gets Iyo up, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, Kai breaks it! The fans fire up but Zoey TOSSES Kai! Zoey then PLANCHAS, but Kai dodges! Kai goes up to the apron to PENALTY KICK Zoey! Shayna BOOTS Kai, then dodges Iyo! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Iyo flails, but she runs to the ropes! HOTSHOT and Shayna falls back! Iyo hurries up top, the fans fire up, OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!
Winners: Damage CTRL, by pinfall
PFC tried to use the numbers, but Iyo & Kai just used their skills! Will DMG CTRL still take control of Raw? Or will Sonya, Shayna & Zoey figure out a winning formula?
Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre!
With the Royal Rumble just down the road, it is this WrestleMania 40 rematch that could determine how WrestleMania 41 looks. The Visionary and the Scottish Terminator look to run it back, but who will be in pole position for Indianapolis?
Raw returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, the fans fire up, and the two stare down. The fans sing Rollins’ song, and Rollins says he’s got two good knees now. No Bloodline, no CM Punk, just them! The two circle, tie up, and McIntyre pushes Rollins to the corner. The ref counts but McIntyre talks smack as he lets off. Rollins shoves McIntyre, McIntyre shoves Rollins! They stare down again, Rollins talks a bit more smack, and McIntyre grins. McIntyre CHOPS, and Rollins likes that! Rollins CHOPS, McIntyre CHOPS, repeat! The fans “WOO~” but then McIntyre headlocks. Rollins powers up and out, but McIntyre runs him over!
McIntyre looms over Rollins, then brings him up. But Rollins CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! McIntyre headlocks, Rollins powers up and out, drops down, hurdles over, then redirects McIntyre to SHOULDER TACKLE! McIntyre rebounds to SHOULDER TACKLE Rollins! The fans fire up again while Rollins goes to ropes. McIntyre stomps Rollins, ROCKS him, then stalks him to ropes. McIntyre CHOPS Rollins against the ropes, then whips. Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges, to then SLINGBLADE! Rollins keeps moving, and he LARAITS McIntyre up and out! The fans fire up as Rollins builds speed, to WRECK McIntyre with a dropkick!
McIntyre is at the desk. Rollins builds sped, and Rollins DIVES! McIntyre hits desk, but Rollins keeps going! Rollins DIVES again, but McIntyre stops that to TOSS Rollins up and over the desk! Rollins is down between the armchairs and McIntyre snarls, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and both men slowly rise in the ring. McIntyre looms over Rollins, saying Rollins is still too damn selfish. But Rollins fires hands! McIntyre hits back, they go back and forth! McIntyre kicks low, whips Rollins toa corner, but Rollins BOOTS him away! McIntyre returns, and he pushes through the boot to ELBOW Rollins! McIntyre has Rollins in the Inverted Alabama Lift, ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Rollins goes back to the corner, and he BOOTS McIntyre again! The fans fire up while both men are down! Rollins feeds off that energy and rises up. Rollins ROCKS McIntyre, then counter punches him!
Rollins CHOPS and ROCKS McIntyre again and again, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up, the ref counts as they’re on ropes, but Rollins roars! Rollins whips, McIntyre reveres, Rollins leaps, but into McIntyre’s arms! McIntyre pops Rollins up, but Rollins slips out of the suplex to then POST McIntyre! McIntyre staggers back, so Rollins POSTS him again! McIntyre sputters, Rollins brings him around and POSTS him a third time! McIntyre is stuck in the corner now, but Rollins SLAMS the arm against the post! Rollins aims as McIntyre staggers away. Springboard, FLYING KNEE! McIntyre says up, Rollins hits a RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO!
Rollins takes a breath as the fans rally up. McIntyre is down so Rollins goes to the apron. Springboard SWANTON! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but Rollins snarls. Rollins stalks McIntyre, grabs the arm, and he goes to wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre rolls free, fireman’s carries, but Rollins fights free! Rollins goes to a corner again, puts McIntyre on the apron, but McIntyre ROCKS Rollins! McIntyre climbs, but Rollins springs up to join him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, but MCINTYRE hits the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as McIntyre kips up!
McIntyre still wobbles a bit, but he makes his way to a corner. McIntyre tells Rollins to get up. Rollins rises, McIntyre runs in, but Rollins ducks the Claymore! Now Rollins aims, and he runs up, but McIntyre hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Rollins survives, but McIntyre brings him in! Deadlift and- RANA! Rollins then SUPERKICKS McIntyre, runs, tilt-o-whirls, and FALCON ARROWS! The fans fire up as Rollins manages a cover, TWO!! The pin wasn’t much but neither was that kick-out, both men are running on fumes. The fans sing Rollins’ song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!”
Rollins runs, CURB- NO, McIntyre avoids the stomp! Underhooks and FUTURE- NO, Rollins fights the DDT to underhook! PED- NO, McIntyre wrenches out to short arm LARIAT! McIntyre rolls away to go to the apron, then he drags himself up the corner. McIntyre reaches the top, Rollins stands, FLYING- NO, Rollins blocks the lariat to try and wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre scoops Rollins, Rollins slips free, and Rollins still wants the arm! McIntyre fights the takedown again so Rollins CLUBS away on the arm! Rollins brings McIntyre down, into a CROSSFACE!! McIntyre endures, reaches out, but Rollins pulls him back!
McIntyre fights, claws his way over, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Rollins holds until the ref counts 4, and now Rollins tells McIntyre to get up and fight. “You question me? You question my integrity!?” Rollins gets in McIntyre’s face, the ref backs him off, but now McIntyre CLAWS Rollins’ face! Rollins staggers, McIntyre reels him in, underhook and FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!? Rollins survives and now McIntyre is pissed. McIntyre rises, and he tells Rollins that his words and actions don’t line up. Short arm LARIAT! McIntyre drags Rollins up again, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally and McIntyre shakes his head.
McIntyre tells Rollins to get up, and Rollins sputters as he slowly sits up. McIntyre reels Rollins in for a short arm- NO, Rollins slips up and around, and a jackknife bridge! ROLLINS WINS!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
Rollins snatches this one away, and McIntyre CLOBBERS Rollins for it! The fans boo but McIntyre scares the ref off. But Rollins fires hands in return! McIntyre CLAYMORES outta nowhere!! McIntyre is still seething, and he drags Rollins over to the corner. McIntyre pulls Rollins’ hair to put him up against the post! The fans boo, the ref says don’t, but SAMI ZAYN to the rescue! Sami fires hands, then he POSTS McIntyre! Sami makes sure Rollins is alright, and then Sami goes back for Drew. But he gets a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT for it! McIntyre stands Sami up to THROW him into barriers!
McIntyre snarls as he looks to Rollins again. McIntyre gets in the ring, and he tells Rollins they should be on the same team, but Rollins is just so selfish! But here comes Sami! McIntyre moves, HELLUVA KICK to Rollins!! The fans can’t believe it and neither can Sami! Sami apologizes to Rollins, but McIntyre grins, this all worked out for the better! Will McIntyre use everyone else against each other to ensure he is the one going to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
Another great episode coming in at just two hours and 35 minutes or so. I don’t mind things “ending early” compared to the usual three hour run, but I am curious as to how they’re only using two-and-a-half hours. I suppose they have their plan and just go with it. That way, if things go long, they have breathing room for it. But they really could’ve added like one more thing to this and it would’ve been fine, I think. That said, good go-home stuff for Saturday Night’s Main Event, such as a good promo from Jey and Gunther. Though, they didn’t really add more to what last week had, other than that brawl. Jey stood tall, go-home math would suggest he loses.
Sheamus and Bron had a good promo to put the final touches on their build, but as I said last week, this is a rather interesting one. Sheamus really should win that Intercontinental Championship already, but I don’t know if Saturday Night’s Main Event is a “big enough stage” for such a moment. Great stuff with Bayley, Nia and Rhea tonight, especially that match. It seems the Transfer Window is finally putting some actual transfers in, what with Wyatt Sick6 on SmackDown and now Bayley on Raw. Rhea VS Nia on Saturday Night’s Main Event is going to be an awesome title match, but it feels like Rhea will retain to solidify her as champion past the Royal Rumble.
And speaking of the Rumble, Bayley is certainly a top choice to win. For one, it’d be historic for Bayley to not just win back-to-back, but to also be the first woman to have won two Rumbles at all. Very good promo from Punk to hype himself up for the Rumble, and he did mention a favor… Though, it’d be rather Heel of Punk to use a favor from Heyman to basically rig the Rumble or give him protection during it, but it’d also be great continuity as The Shield was to shield Punk. Sami of course declared for the Rumble, but Kevin showing up was a great surprise. And Kevin clearly implies that if Sami helps Kevin cheat the ladder match, Kevin will help Sami cheat the Rumble. Or rather, if Kevin does help Sami win the Rumble, Sami better help Kevin win the ladder match.
Sami also had a good promo with Rollins backstage, with the real fun part being Kross watching from the background. Kross needs a new feud with the Wyatts going to SmackDown, and moving on to names like Rollins and Sami would be some big stuff for him and The Final Testament. Rollins VS McIntyre was a great main event, and classic move having the quick pin win this so that McIntyre is still strong even in defeat. Sami making the save was also a nice touch, as was the Helluva Kick accidentally hitting Rollins. The Rumble has a lot of feuds crossing over, and Kross can add onto what happened here, we’ll get some really good chaos in that match.
Great promo between New Day and JBL to where even JBL, notorious as one of the meanest, most obnoxious Heels of his time, is on Big E’s side. And we finally got New Day back in the ring, but it’s a little disappointing that it wasn’t a tag match. Dragon Lee hasn’t gotten to do much, and he’s doing even less now. It was still a great match from Kofi VS Rey, with Rey getting his own quick pin win. New Day beating Rey up of course brought out the LWO, and I’m sure we’ll get New Day VS Cruz & Wilde next. We can only hope for Dragon Lee’s sake that he gets to be part of the blowoff for this feud. Actually, better yet would be him in the Intercontinental Championship scene.
Penta might also make a great choice for the Intercontinental Championship scene. Penta had another awesome match, as Pete Dunne is always a great opponent. Maybe Penta gets in on the Rumble so he can check that off his bucket list. He doesn’t need to win, he can just have a great showing, and rivalries can spark from those interactions. Lyra had a very good promo but I was hoping for a little more after her winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. DMG CTRL VS PFC was a great tag match, and a great win for DMG CTRL. Dakota and Iyo could each make a case for a match with Lyra, but clearly Ivy will be up first. She would make a solid first defense for Lyra, and then Lyra can have rematches from the tournament with Kai and Iyo.
At the same time, PFC might already be thinking about changing up the team with Zoey taking the loss. Good stuff with Judgment Day. Dom and Liv plotting and scheming while being passive aggressive is a fun phase for them. They’re probably plotting on how Liv can win the Women’s Rumble, but it’ll likely backfire and that’ll push the Liv x Dom break-up. Also, you can bet Finn won’t like Dom taking his spot against the War Raiders, especially if they win. That said, I don’t see them winning, Erik & Ivar should definitely be able to handle Dom & JD. It certainly feels more likely the Creeds can take the tag titles than Judgment Day.
I do wonder who Dom recommended to Gable, though. It’d be cool if WWE brought in some other lucha legends, as WWE seems to be expanding their partnerships. WWE is working more closely with TNA now, and I believe TNA still has a working relationship with AAA, especially after AEW moved over to working with CMLL because of the relationship with NJPW. Also a super crossover like NXTNAAA would be a lot of fun to see for WrestleMania weekend.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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