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Mitchell’s WWE NXT UK Results & Report! (4/9/20)

Relive the rise of the UK Brand!

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NEW NXT UK

NXT UK: A Retrospective

The hottest rising brand in the WWE looks back on three years of amazing action! Join NXT UK as it looks back on its incredible journey.

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • 1/15/17 – WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: Tyler Bate VS Jordan Devlin; Bate wins and advances to the semifinals.
  • 6/25/18 – WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament 2018 Quarterfinals: Zack Gibson VS Jack Gallagher; Gibson wins and advances to the semifinals.
  • 10/17/18 – NXT UK Debut Episode: Mark Andrews VS Joe Coffey w/ Mark Coffey; Joe Coffey wins.
  • 5/19/17 – WWE United Kingdom Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Pete Dunne VS Trent Seven; Dunne wins and will challenge Tyler Bate for the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

It all started in December, 2016.

Triple H arrived in London to announce the WWE’s newest brand. “We! Are! NXT!” HHH officially announced the inaugural WWE United Kingdom Championship two-night tournament. “It’s huge.” William Regal was also present to introduce the original field of 16. The best from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland would compete for the historic honor of being the very first.

 

Andy Shepherd welcomes us to a “very unique” NXT UK.

These are very unique times, of course. Hopefully everyone is safe, healthy and home. But don’t worry! The next hour will look back to the very early days of this brand. We will look as that time over three years ago when the seeds of NXT UK were planted in the town that is now synonymous with the brand: Blackpool!

 

WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament Quarterfinals: Tyler Bate VS Jordan Devlin!

Tyler Bate looks back on this day fondly, as he was just a 19 year old Big Strong Boy then. It was definitely the “deep end” but he will always be grateful for the opportunity, and will always cherish becoming the inaugural United Kingdom Champion. As for the Irish Ace, it was a significant weekend in history. Not just because it crowned the inaugural champion, but because it gave the world the first taste of Devlin. The sole Irish representative in that tournament got his start that night in Blackpool.

Devlin offers a handshake but Bate leaves him hanging to check the mustache. The bell rings and Devlin clobbers Bate! Devlin throws Bate into buckles then stomps and CHOPS! Fans troll him as “Big-Head Balor!” as Devlin stomps Bate in the corner. The ref backs Devlin off but Devlin goes after Bate. Bate reverses the whip and sends Devlin out hard! Fans cheer as Bate builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp and Blackpool cheers even more. Bate brings Devlin up and into the ring and hurries after him. Bate goes after Devlin in the corner but the ref keeps him back. Devlin uses the distraction to poke Bate in the eye! Fans boo but Devlin wrenches and wrings Bate’s arm out. Devlin stands on the arm to stomp the hand!

Devlin throws clubbing forearms and then rains down hammering fists from all sides. Fans boo and the ref reprimands Devlin but Devlin brings Bate up to CLUB again. Devlin knuckle locks Bate to the mat for a cover, TWO as Bate brings a shoulder up. Fans sing for Bate as Devlin puts the shoulder back down, but TWO as Bate brings the other shoulder up. Devlin grows annoyed as he puts both shoulders down. TWO as Bate full bridges! Devlin hops on, TWO as Bate bridges even with Devlin! Devlin brings Bate up but Bate uses that to monkey flip him away! Fans are thunderous as Bate boots and KNEES Devlin back! Bate hops up and flies for a huge uppercut! Bate calls for it and fireman’s carries Devlin. Devlin denies the spin then springboards, but into Bate’s arms!

Bate brings Devlin up to start the AIRPLANE SPIN! Bate goes around again and again and again, and then both men stagger about. Devlin flops to the apron but stays in. Fans direct Bate but Devlin flicks the rope at him! Then enziguris him down! Bate is down and Devlin goes to the corner and climbs up. Devlin MOONSAULTS but rolls through as Bate moves. Bate uppercuts but Devlin KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Devlin grows frustrated but he goes back to the corner. Devlin climbs up again but hears the fan trolling. He MOONSAULTS but FLOPS! Bate brings Devlin in, underhooks and… NO! Huricanrana! Cover, TWO! Devlin hits the rolling roundhouse!

Bate goes down and the ref checks on him. That same move busted Danny Burch open but Bate is still alright. Bate blocks the knee, puts up Bop and hits BANG! Bate reels Devlin in, TYLER DRIVER ’97!! Cover, Bate wins!!

Winner: Tyler Bate, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)

Only 19 years old but he’s on a roll unlike any other!

Shepherd recaps the rest of that inaugural tournament.

The Big Strong Boy bested the Last King of Scotland, Wolfgang, in the semifinals, much to the surprise of even himself. On the other side, friends turned rivals in the Bruiserweight and Welsh Rockstar met in their own semifinals match, but it wasn’t friendly after that. Pete Dunne beat Mark Andrews and joined his other friendly rival in the finals. Bate VS Dunne was an incredible match and just the first of many. After 15 furious minutes and a little extra, the Big Strong Boy became that inaugural WWE United Kingdom Champion, and the revolution was born. But it was still a long road before this division felt like a brand.

 

Shepherd welcomes us back to the show.

“It’s pretty amazing to think that it was just three years ago when the roots of NXT UK began to take hold.” The reaction to the resurgence was undeniable. That original tournament set the table for so many in this new generation of UK wrestling, to an audience that continued to beg for more. It got to the point where British Wrestling couldn’t be held back any longer.

 

WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament 2018 Quarterfinals: Zack Gibson VS Jack Gallagher!

The former Gentleman says “What you’re about to witness is a historic event.” It took place in the Royal Albert Hall, in the first match of the quarterfinals. He battled a decade-old rival in Liverpool’s Number One, for bragging rights and prestige. “This was one for the books.” Gibson adds that in 2018, he was invited to participate in the second United Kingdom Championship Tournament. This was the biggest opportunity in his career, and not even his “old pal” Jack was going to get in the way of showing the world he is what he says he is: SOON to be recognized as the world’s number one.

This 20 minute time limit match begins with Gallagher offering but Gibson declining a show of respect. Fans boo and jeer Gibson as the two circle. They tie up, Gibson gets a waistlock but Gallagher quickly reverses. Gibson reverses back, but has to spin again to shovel Gallagher over. Gallagher is up and wrings Gibson out, but Gibson headscissors. Gallagher finds his way out, then stands off with Gibson. Fans are already rowdy for Gallagher and he embraces it. The two circle again and tie up. Gibson arm-drags into an armlock and even tells fans to shut up. Gallagher gets up, whips but Gibson arm-drags him again. Fans boo at the sneering and cocky Gibson. They rally for Gallagher, and Gallagher stands to flip and headlock.

Gibson powers out but Gallagher gets under to an armlock then leap frog to a roll up, TWO. Gallagher tells Gibson just how close that was. The two stand up again, Gallagher ducks the clothesline to become a pretzel! Gibson has seen this before, but he still falls for it. Cover, TWO, so Gallagher gets a chinlock. Gallagher adds a chinbar, but Gibson stands to pull hair. Gallagher hits a European Uppercut, then another. Gibson powers Gallagher to the ropes, but dirties the break and hotshots the arm. He dropkicks Gallagher down then hammers away. Cover, TWO, and Gibson grows frustrated. Gibson stalks Gallagher to the ropes, then reels him into a lariat. Fans keep taunting Gibson but he dropkicks Gallagher again. Cover, TWO, so he wraps Gallagher in a half-nelson.

Gallagher endures, fans rally, and Gallagher gets up to fight back with body shots. Gibson knees low then whips Gallagher, but Gallagher sunset flips. Gibson stops that and yanks on the arm. He goes after the wrist, but Gallagher gets up and snapmares. Gibson still has the wrist! He brings Gallagher down but fans rally up again. Gallagher stands, throws hands, but Gibson elbows Gallagher. Gibson throws Gallagher with the straight-arm suplex! He blows a kiss to the fans before going back to Gallagher with punches and EuroUppers of his own. Fans love taunting Gibson as he whips Gallagher corner to corner hard! Gallagher hits buckles and then mat, but Gibson is right on that arm. The ropebreak is barely honored, then Gibson whips Gallagher hard again.

Gibson taunts Gallagher now, he wants Gallagher to “show me something!” Gallagher hits back with forearms, but Gibson trips him up and clobbers him. Cover, TWO, so it’s back to the arm. Gallagher stands again, but Gibson brings him down to another take on the arm and chinbar. Gallagher endures so Gibson shifts back to his half-nelson. Fans rally for Gallagher, and Gallagher feeds off that energy. Gibson knees low, then whips, but he runs into Gallagher’s forearm and elbow. Gallagher keeps going, backing Gibson down! Gallagher fires off all sorts of strikes. Gibson whips and kicks low, then goes to suplex, but it’s Gallagher who lifts Gibson! Fans fire up as Gallagher slams Gibson down. Gallagher stands first, then runs to Penalty Kick Gibson! Cover, TWO!

Gibson clutches his head, but Gallagher is right on him. They scrap on the mat, and Gallagher brings Gibson up. Gibson powers Gallagher to a corner, but Gallagher clubs back. Gallagher goes up, clubs more, but Gibson trips him up to hit a draping code breaker! Cover, TWO! Gallagher rolls to the apron while Gibson is in disbelief. Fans are strongly behind Gallagher while Gibson suplexes him in. Gallagher breaks free and dropkicks Gibson. Gallagher back elbows Gibson off the wristlock, then runs in for- The dropkick is countered to a Liger Bomb! But Gallagher gets him in a triangle hold! Gibson endures, powers up to deadlift, buckle bomb! Gallagher hops up, hanging triangle! Gallagher lets go at 4, then comes back up to slingshot in to put on a sleeper and body scissors!!

Gibson reaches and gets a ropebreak. Gallagher lets go, but both men are slow to standing. Gallagher is up first, and runs in, but his dropkick misses again. He lands on his feet to DIVE! Gallagher puts Gibson in, and with no hesitation, Gentleman’s Dropkick! Cover, TWO!? Gibson survives, but Gallagher is too tired to be frustrated. Gallagher drags Gibson up, but Gibson throat chops! Gibson throws Gallagher into a post, and Gallagher falls to the floor. Gibson catches his breath and leaves Gallagher to the mercy of the count. Gallagher returns at 9, but Gibson clobbers him! Then, Ticket to Ride gut buster! Cover, TWO!! Gallagher survives, and now Gibson is too tired to be frustrated.

Fans declare “This is Awesome!” Gallagher endures a new hold, but fights back, snapmare to dropkick! But Gallagher isn’t finished. He gets himself to the top rope! Gallagher aims, leaps, but into boots! And SHANKLY GATES! Gallagher taps, Gibson wins!

Winner: Zack Gibson, by submission (advances to the semifinals)

Liverpool’s Number One has won again. Whether he was tougher than Gallagher, he was at least smarter to reverse that situation.

 

Shepherd recaps the rest of the 2018 tournament.

Gibson made quick work of Flash Morgan Webster in the semifinals and met Travis Banks in the finals. The Kiwi Buzzsaw was already banged up after facing Joe Coffey, but he gave Gibson a hell of a match. Gibson won the tournament to earn his shot at Pete Dunne on the third and final night of the huge UK Championship event. That same night, Moustache Mountain, Tyler Bate and Trent Seven, shocked the Undisputed Era and took the NXT Tag Team Championships! But that was only the start of the excitement. That was the same night HHH officially announced THE NXT UK Brand!! A men’s division, a women’s division and a tag team division! “Are you ready?!” Things finally started taking shape, but it would get even better as the brand started to take over.

 

10/17/18 – NXT UK Debut Episode: Mark Andrews VS Joe Coffey w/ Mark Coffey!

#MAndrews says that after almost two years, the United Kingdom Championship and its Division traveling the world along with NXT, they finally came home! Andrews remembers being nervous but excited that he got to be the first thing everyone saw. He took an extra lap to soak up all that energy from the fans. Andrews is still psyched he got to be part of that historic moment. As for the Iron King, “the birth of a new brand” and the famous fighting firm, Gallus. Since day one, NXT UK has been Gallus’ Kingdom, and they made a statement in the Royal Albert Hall. One of the casualties happened to be Andrews on the premiere episode as Joe left his mark.

The bell rings and the fans are on Andrews’ side. Andrews and Joe circle and Andrews gets around. Joe standing switches and throws Andrews down to then get the arm. Fans rally while Joe wrenches Andrews’ arm. Andrews rolls and handsprings to get up but he can’t get Joe down. He kips up and gets into a Greco-Roman wristlock battle with Joe, only to get brought down again. Joe covers, TWO as Andrews gets a shoulder up. Joe pushes that shoulder back down, TWO as Andrews gets the other shoulder up. That shoulder goes down, but then Andrews bridges! Joe goes to put his full weight on Andrews but gets caught into a wheelbarrow arm-drag! Andrews tries another arm-drag but Joe reverses to a whip. Andrews comes back with a huricanrana!

Joe ends up in a corner and Andrews runs in, but is put on the apron. He swing kicks Joe away, then springboards, for a flying huricanrana! Andrews handsprings and the fans fire up while Joe gets to ropes. Fans rally behind Andrews as he tries to whip, but Joe holds ropes. Joe breaks free and chops Andrews stiff across the chest. Joe gives body shots and European Uppercuts, but Andrews ducks the discus, only to run into a Pounce! Fans boo while Andrews writhes but Joe just stalks behind Andrews to a corner. Joe throws more hands then brings Andrews out for the butterfly swing! Around and around the go, and then Joe throws Andrews with a butterfly suplex! Cover, TWO! But Joe is right on Andrews with a half straitjacket, to a full!

Fans rally up as Andrews endures, but Joe drives in a knee. Andrews feeds off the fan energy but Joe bends him back. Andrews stands up and arm-drags Joe off. He runs but into an elbow. Joe throws Andrews out of the ring, then distracts the ref. Mark comes around but the ref spots him in time. So Joe gets the sneak attack instead! Joe declares this is “My Kingdom! MY Kingdom!” Joe puts Andrews in, then pulls off the elbow pad. He brings Andrews up, but Andrews blocks the elbow to fire off chops and forearms. Joe shoves him away but Andrews comes back with furious palm strikes! Fans fire up as Andrews mule kicks and front kicks Joe. Andrews whips but Joe reverses. Andrews slides under to enziguri!

Joe gets to a corner and Andrews grits his teeth. Andrews runs in for meteora then runs to victory roll and double stomp! To standing corkscrew moonsault! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Andrews brings Joe up. Joe shoves Andrews but runs into another enziguri. Andrews runs but into a pop-up EuroUpper, and then Joe gives a running headbutt! Joe says “No mercy!” but fans boo. Joe runs in for a corner splash, then whips for the pop-up powerslam! Cover, TWO!! Andrews survives and Joe is furious. Joe drags Andrews as fans rally up again. Joe suplexes but gets Stun-Dog Millionaire! Andrews heads to a corner with Joe in a drop zone, but Mark saves his brother. So Andrews SUPER ASAIS on them both!

Andrews hits both Coffey Brothers and the fans are all fired up. Andrews puts Joe in, climbs up again, but Mark gets up to go after him. Mark gets kicked away but Joe hops up for a SUPER Belly2Belly! Then All the Best for the Bells! The spinning lariat hits, Joe covers, Joe wins!

Winner: Joe Coffey, by pinfall

Joe should give some credit to his brother, Mark, for giving him the opening. NXT UK’s first match was Gallus’ win, and nothing can take that from them. But it seems they’re not done with Andrews just yet! Both Coffey Brothers stomp away on Andrews, and fans boo and jeer the entire time. Here comes Flash Morgan Webster for the save! Flash uses his pilot’s helmet to even the odds, and the Coffey Boys are in retreat!

Shepherd recaps the following days of NXT UK.

“And we were off and running!” From Cambridge to Birmingham to Plymouth to Liverpool, NXT UK was on the map! But the story of this brand is incomplete without the legacy of the Bruiserweight, Pete Dunne!

 

Next week, the NXT UK nostalgia continues!

We’ve relived the rise of the brand, but next week will be all about the #SuperstarPicks! What matches and moments will be among the roster’s favorites? Will they be the same as yours?

 

Shepherd begins the tale of Pete Dunne, the Bruiserweight!

Between the first and second WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournaments, the Division headed to Norwich for a very special event. Among the great matches, many of which were crossovers between US and UK rosters, was a powerful #1 contender’s match. Pete Dunne lost the finals match in 2017 and was looking for redemption. He would have to do so against another British Strong Style friend in Trent Seven.

WWE United Kingdom Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Pete Dunne VS Trent Seven!

The then Progress World Champion was fighting to become a double champion, but the Man from Moustache Mountain just wanted to have one belt to call his own. Dunne says that it’s safe to say the trio of British Strong Style are “the pillars of NXT UK.” They became great friends and a great team, but a huge part of their history was fighting each other. This was a crucial point in time in order for Dunne to get back to the top of this brand new brand. Seven adds that this trip down memory lane goes so far back. British Strong Style was riding high with Bate as the UK Champion, and so this match to determine his challenger at TakeOver: Chicago was massive.

The two friendly rivals stare down as the bell rings. Fans are divided as they duel with chants. Dunne offers a handshake but Seven leaves him hanging. They circle and fans settle for cheering for British Strong Style. Seven rushes Dunne but Dunne gets back to a corner. Dunne uses the ropes as defense and Seven backs away. They circle again, and they tie up. Dunne pushes Seven towards a corner but Seven turns it around. The ref counts and Seven lets up at 4. Dunne again uses the ropes as defense and Seven backs away. They circle again and fans sing for “Trent Seven Army~!” Dunne knuckle locks and wrenches Seven around. Dunne gets Seven on the mat and twists the elbow. Seven fights his way up and breaks free. Seven backs away to a corner and Dunne gives him space.

Dunne and Seven circle again. They knuckle lock but Seven CHOPS Dunne down! Fans “WOO~” as Seven runs in to CHOP Dunne again! Dunne reels from the stinging in his chest. Dunne boots Seven away in the corner then hops up, but Seven throws a body shot with his left hand. Seven brings Dunne down then to a cover, ONE! Seven clamps on with a chinlock but Dunne endures. Fans duel again as Dunne fights his way up. Dunne waistlocks but Seven gets ropes. Dunne CLUBS Seven on the back then he goes after the bad arm. He hammerlocks the arm to the mat, then KICKS it! Seven bails out but Dunne pursues. Dunne brings Seven around the way but Seven resists. Dunne ROCKS Seven with a right, then puts the bad arm between steps and post. He BOOTS the steps and it crushes the elbow!

Dunne knocks Seven down then goes up the steps to the apron. Dunne goes into the ring as the count climbs. Seven is in at 7 but Dunne is after the bad arm again. Dunne rains down fists then hooks the arm for a deathlock snap! Dunne doesn’t let Seven away as he fish hooks and chinbars Seven on the mat. Fans rally and duel again as Dunne pulls on the elbow tape. Dunne exposes the bad elbow and bends Seven’s arm way back! Seven endures as Dunne digs in his own elbow. Dunne makes it a cover, ONE! Seven pushes Dunne but Dunne twists the fingers to JAM them into the mat! Dunne kicks Seven around then traps the good arm. Dunne hammers the elbow over and over then clamps on with a high keylock. But Seven reaches out with his feet for the ropebreak!

Dunne lets go, just to DOUBLE STOMP the arm! And BOOT Seven at the ropes! Cover, TWO! Seven still lives but Dunne keeps his cool. Dunne is after the arm again and bends the fingers back. Fans duel as Seven stands. Seven CHOPS but Dunne wants after the arm. Seven CHOPS again! Dunne grabs Seven by the beard but Seven breaks free. Seven fakes Dunne out, and hits the DDT! Fans cheer as Dunne rolls away to ropes. Seven grits his teeth and fires himself up as Dunne bails out. Seven builds speed and DIVES! The LOW-PE hits into the barriers! Fans fire up as Seven drags Dunne up with one good arm. Seven puts Dunne in the ring and hurries after, but Dunne KICKS the arm again! Dunne drags Seven around and kicks him in the face over and over.

Dunne brings Seven around and pump handles, but Seven slips free! Seven wristlocks and ripcords but Dunne breaks free to ROCK him with a right! Seven comes back with a LEFT HAND LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Dunne survives but both men are down. Seven shakes out the bad arm while Dunne gets to ropes. Seven doesn’t want the ref to end this, and he runs at Dunne. Dunne sidesteps to REBOUND GERMAN! Dunne lifts Seven but Seven suplexes for a SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Dunne survives and both men are down again. Fans again cheer for “British Strong Style!” as both men go to corners. Seven runs at Dunne but Dunne sends him into the post! Dunne SAIDO SUPLEXES! Then he drags Seven up for an X PLEX! Cover, TWO!! Dunne goes after the arm with a mounted wristlock!

Seven flails and gets the ropebreak with his legs! Dunne lets go and Seven gets to the apron. Dunne goes out after Seven and whips him into barriers! Seven hits hard and falls but Dunne is after his bad arm. Dunne SNAPS the fingers! Dunne refreshes the count and puts Seven on the apron. He gives toying kicks to Seven over and over, but Seven SLAPS back! Dunne KICKS the leg and throws a forearm! Seven throws one back, but Dunne facelocks him. Seven fights him off and full nelsons, APRON DRAGON SUPLEX!! Both men fall and fans lose their minds! Seven and Dunne stir as the ring count climbs. The count passes 5 as both men stand. The count hits 9, and both men are in at 9.9! Fans cheer as the match continues because “This is Awesome!”

Dunne goes to a corner and climbs up top. Seven CHOPS Dunne and climbs up to join him. Dunne throws elbow after elbow to fight Seven back. Dunne twists the arm and clubs the bad elbow. Seven hops down but CHOPS again! Seven has Dunne backwards as he climbs up. He wants the full nelson again, SUPER DRAGON SUPLEX! But Dunne lands on his feet!! Dunne ROCKS Seven, Seven BACK HANDS, but Dunne enziguris! Dunne runs into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Seven almost had Dunne but both men are still in this. Fans are loving this great example of “British Wrestling!” Seven drags Dunne up, wristlocks and ripcords, but Dunne hops on! Dunne has a Hoverboard Kimura!

Seven stays up and wags his finger, “No, no.” He powers up and SNAP DRAGONS Dunne again! Dunne flounders up, into a BACK HAND! Seven wristlocks to torture rack, but Dunne fights out. Dunne pump handles, for the BITTER END! Cover, Dunne wins!!

Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE UK Championship)

The Bruiserweight is headed for Chicago for a rematch with Tyler Bate!

Fast-forward to NXT TakeOver: Chicago!

The Big Strong Boy and the Bruiserweight met again after only four months from the original tournament. Dunne says that being #1 contender and going to TakeOver: Chicago was his chance to prove himself. And it was the perfect place to prove the greatness of British wrestling. Dunne wouldn’t have had it any other way than against Tyler Bate. Hearing the fans cheer for the UK as he won the title, that was the most important day of his career.

Of course, that win was just the first of many! Pete Dunne is still the longest reigning WWE/NXT United Kingdom Champion at 685 days. “Being able to travel the world defending that UK title changed my life.” Dunne was able to be part of both UK and US halves of NXT, defending against Adam Cole, Johnny Gargano, Ricochet, Noam Dar, Danny Burch, Jordan Devlin, Joe Coffey, the best of the best around the world. “That title really elevated me, and I took a lot of pride using that platform to elevate the UK scene.” It meant so much to him to main event the first-ever NXT UK TakeOver, and returning to Blackpool brought everything full circle.

But then, one of the best in Europe came to NXT UK. It was inevitable for Walter to come for the title, and Dunne himself knew that match needed to happen. However, that chapter of NXT UK is for another time. Three years have gone by in a flash, make sure not to blink or you’ll miss the next three!

 


 

My Thoughts:

This was a pretty good retrospective episode for NXT UK. It would’ve been easier to do the coverage if I still had material from early 2017. But at the same time, it was great to watch those early matches back and write new Play By Play for them. It was literally years since I watched those matches, and doing them now was great because I’m pretty sure I’ve improved in some way in how I do this. Don’t comment to that if I haven’t. But this was a nice hour just to share in some nostalgia during these times. And as I said last week, this is because WWE can’t do new material for NXT UK while everything is in lockdown. Next week’s Superstar Picks will be a nice hour of content, too, I can’t wait to relive whatever moments they choose.

My Score: 8/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/21/25)

The Raw After Mania!

Published

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Who has WrestleMania hangover here in Vegas?

There are so many new champions in the WWE, but none bigger than JOHN CENA as the SEVENTEEN TIME WWE Champion! What will happen now that he is back on top?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Liv & Raquel win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
  • Iyo Sky VS Stephanie Vaquer; Iyo Sky, by disqualification.
  • WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day VS PENTA; Dom wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

A car pulls into the parking lot.

Out steps The Wise Man, Paul Heyman, and The Visionary, Seth Rollins. What will be next for the new Paul Heyman Guy?

 

JOHN CENA is here!

Las Vegas is still just as torn as they were last night, but we sure hear a lot of “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion, the SEVENTEEN TIME world champion, walks down the ramp. Cena drapes the towel over his head and he wears the title backwards, but he doesn’t care what the fans think as he steps into the ring. Cena has his music fade out, and he points to someone. Cena tells them to come closer, and it’s the ring announcer. Cena has Mark Nash join him in the ring while the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena hands something to Nash for him to read to the fans.

Nash says, “My sincerest apologies. I have been informed that my announcement has been deemed disrespectful. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Greatest Of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Las Vegas with his presence for the final time… The Last Real Champion, JOHN CENAAA~!” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title. Cena then has Nash hand over his mic, and says, “Winners write history. You (fans) are not worthy. You think that on Friday, you can bully me? And then I step in a ring with gold around my waist, and just because you cheer, I’m supposed to forgive you?” Fans cheer in hopes of that.

Cena says that is not how a functional relationship works! Does this man up front think that’s how it works with his wife? Well, it’s not. Cena asks if the parents treat their children like that. No, because that’s not how it works. The fans might show up in a good mood, Cena will still tell them to go straight to Hell. Every damn one of them owes Cena an apology, but they don’t have the guts to do it! And yeah, go ahead, make the noise. This is always the night fans hijack Monday Night Raw, right? All of WrestleMania, and this is a sacred ticket where the fans can take control, right? They have gotten soft.

Wait, some fans chant “We Are Sorry!” And others say, “NO, WE’RE NOT!” Cena explains that it’s “We Aren’t Sorry.” He does a quick once over, and yeah, this is an arena full of the sorriest lowlifes he’s ever seen! Each and every one of them ARE sorry! And here’s the best part: They don’t mean anything to Cena. The fans tell Cena off and Cena just soaks it in. Cena say she may be an anus, but they’re all idiots. For 25 YEARS, they have called him so much worse. He has taken their best shots, and has always gotten back up. What makes them think THIS is the crowd that’ll crack him? Go ahead! You mean NOTHING to him! The noise means NOTHING!

“The only thing that means to all of our lives… is that!” The number on screen says “36 dates.” Cena says he told us at the beginning of the year, 36 shows, and he’s gone. Time passes so quickly! Let’s countdown the time we’ve already lost. Netflix debut, Indianapolis, Toronto, London, Brussels, Glasgow, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Las Vegas! That leaves us with 27 dates. Not matches, but appearances. The fans boo but Cena says yeah! You say he can’t wrestle? He doesn’t have to! He can just show up and do this! “When that hits zero, the professional wrestling timeline stops cold. I am not stupid like you. I know there will be another Monday Night Raw. I know you will ‘decide’ another champion.

“But the title held by Bruno Sammartino, the title held by Roman Reigns for over 1000 days, the title taken from me in Chicago by CM Punk, the title held by Triple H ‘The Game,’ by ‘Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels, and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin comes home with ME! I am the Last Real Undisputed Champion of the WWE!” The fans boo but Cena says getting the title was the hard part. The rest is a cake walk. He can just keep playing us like the puppets we are. The best chance the fans had was Cody Rhodes. The fans boo and Cena says, “You heartless bastards. You boo him on Friday, and then you cheer him on Friday, and then you boo him on Sunday. And I say his name?

“And the man we all put on our shoulders last year because he finished his story now disgusts you? That’s what’s wrong with this! And that’s why last night, Cody Rhodes was outshined, outclassed, outwrestled and flat-out destroyed. It’s time for you to take a bold look in the mirror, and here’s the truth: There is NO ONE in the WWE with the strength, the speed, the wisdom, or the ruthless aggression… of John Cena! But unlike you, I have a heart. And I would like to do something nice for you right now. Get out your cameras, please, you’re gonna wanna remember this moment.” Cena waits, and then says make sure to get a great picture. Because the Last Real Champ is here.

AND RANDY ORTON IS, TOO!! Cena turns around and R K O!! The fans are thunderous as The Viper strikes Cena down! Orton then looks at the title. Orton picks it up, smirks, and then holds it up. The fans like the look of that! But is this a vision of the future? Is Cena bout to face some serious backlash for what he’s done?

 

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Lyra Valkyria & Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez!

The NEW champions just won these titles last night, but the former champions are cashing in their rematch! Will Liv & Raquel redeem themselves just 24 hours later? Or will The Morrigan & The Man be 2-0 already?

Raw returns and we see Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley watching from the crowd. They’re set to challenge for these titles tomorrow night as part of NXT, but just who will they be facing? Moving on, Lyra & Becky make their entrance together, and the fans sing along with Becky’s “Whoa Oh, Oh Oh, Oh-oh Oh!” The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who holds the gold!

The teams sort out, and Liv goes right after Becky! The fans are torn as Liv fires hands! The ref counts, Liv stomps away, but then she shrieks at the ref to back off. Liv runs in, back body blocks, then SHINING WIZARDS! Snapmare, SHINING WIZARD again! Cover, TWO! Becky stays in this but Liv stays on her by pulling hair and CLUBBING Becky in the side! Liv KICKS Becky, brings her up, but Becky ROCKS Liv! Liv ROCKS Becky, the shots keep going, and the fans fire up! Becky fires off a strike fest, then brings Liv up to whip. Liv reverses, Lyra tags in, and Becky BOOTS Liv! Lyra & Becky double whip to DOUBLE HIP TOSS!

Lyra CROSSBODIES Liv down, then brings her around. Lyra whips Liv to a corner hard, and Liv slumps down. Lyra stomps a mudhole, then brings Liv out. Liv breaks fee but Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, RAMS, and ENZIGIRIS! Raquel runs up, Lyra headlocks her first. Raquel whips, Lyra springboards to CROSSBODY Liv! Then WHEEL KICK for Raquel! The fans fire up with Lyra, she calls to Becky, and they both WRECK Liv & Raquel with dropkicks! The fans fire up for the lass kickers as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Raquel has Lyra in an Argentine Backbreaker! Lyra endures, fights free, and then ROCKS Raquel! Raquel trips Lyra, but Lyra flips to her feet! ENZIGIRI! Both women are down and the fans fire back up! Lyra and Raquel crawl, the fans rally up, but Raquel grabs at a foot. Lyra kicks free, hot tags to Becky and Liv! Becky rallies on Liv, CALF KICKS her down, then runs at the corner to ROCK Liv with a forearm! Raquel runs up but is sent into Liv! JUMP KICK for Raquel! JUMP KICK for Liv! Then BECKSPLODER for Liv! Cover, TWO! Liv stays in this but Becky stays focused. Becky dares Liv to get up, the fans rally, and Becky clinches!

Liv wheelbarrows to victory roll! ONE and Becky has it! TWO and Becky BLASTS Raquel! But Liv hits a CODE BREAKER! Then OBLIV- NO, Becky blocks to MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, RAQUEL BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as Raquel drags Liv away to the corner. Liv tags Raquel and Raquel drags Becky up. But Becky JAWBREAKERS! Becky runs up, Raquel BOOTS her down! Raquel goes up, but Becky CLUBS her first! Becky fires shots, climbs up after Raquel, but Raquel fights the lift! Lyra climbs up, tags in, and then joins in! But Raquel still fights it! Liv flips in, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB for Becky!

Lyra hops up, SUPER STEIN- NO! Raquel blocks, and she brings Lyra up! SUPER POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Lyra survives and the fans can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” while all four women are down. Lyra and Raquel rise, Raquel lifts, but Lyra slips free! Raquel tries again but Lyra DROPKICKS her away! Lyra hobbles and stumbles but she makes it to Raquel. Lyra tries to fireman’s carry, but Raquel pushes her away. Lyra goes up, TORNADO DDT! Lyra then drags Raquel back up, fireman’s carries again, NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Cover, Liv gives Raquel the ropebreak!! The fans boo but here comes Becky!

Becky hits a THESZ PRES and rains down fast hands! Liv gets free, fights off the urenage and POSTS Becky! Lyra WRECKS Liv with a dropkick! Liv climbs up, Raquel rises, TURN OF FOR- NO, Raquel dodges and BOOTS Lyra down! Cover, TWO!! Raquel is furious but Liv calls to her. Liv runs in, Raquel pops her up, POWERBOMB SENTON onto knees!! Lyra saves herself and takes out Liv in one go! Raquel freaks out, runs up, but her boot gets stuck on the ropes! Lyra DUMPS Raquel, but turns into OBLIV- NO, Lyra grabs ropes! Liv falls, Lyra ENZIGIRIS! Fireman’s carry, but Raquel saves Live!

Becky goes after Raquel, Raquel kicks her away! Lyra BLASTS Raquel onto Becky!! OBLIVION!!! Cover, LIV & RAQUEL WIN!

Winners: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

FOUR TIMES, Liv & Raquel are tag team champions! Becky regroups with Lyra, both of them a bit stunned this happened. But then Becky DECKS Lyra?!? Becky blames Lyra for this failure and Lyra is absolutely devastated! The Man storms off, only to come back and attack Lyra with a rain of forearms! The fans boo as Becky dribbles Lyra off the mat! Becky stops, Lyra is in shock, but Becky comes back again!? Lyra pleads for mercy but Becky just MANHANDLE SLAMS her!! Becky hits another MANHANDLE SLAM!! And A THIRD MANHANDLE SLAM!!! The Man is acting more like a monster, what is going on with her?

 

The New Day walks around backstage.

They admire their newly won WWE World Tag Team Championships, but then they cross paths with Karrion Kross. Mr. Doomsday smiles, perhaps proud of his handiwork? Either way, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods are headed to gorilla. Just how will this New Day celebrate their reign?

 

The New Day heads to the ring.

Las Vegas wasn’t happy during WrestleMania and they aren’t happy now that Kofi & Woods have the titles back in their possession. Kofi & Woods bring those belts to the ring, rubbing it all in our faces. Kofi has a mic to say, “We are your new W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, Championssss…!” Woods says, “So get down on your knees before us! Raise your hands to the sky! And scream out in unison, ‘THANK GAWWWWD~! FOR THE NEW DAAAAY~!” The fans boo instead. Kofi says, “There is no tag team alive or dead that is better than ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~!” The fans chant, “New! Day Sucks!” This annoys Woods & Kofi.

The fans felt the New Day couldn’t beat The War Raiders, but they did! Wait, is that The Alpha Academy? Maxxine Dupri has the mic and asks, “Hold on, hold on, hold on. Did I just hear you say that The New Day is the greatest tag team ever? I mean, you might be. But the last time you faced Otise & Tozawa, they beat you in 60 sweet seconds! And now here we are at the Raw after WrestleMania, in Las Vegas, Nevada! And by the sound of it, I think we would all love to watch you two put your money where your mouth is, and put those shiny tag titles on the line right here, right now!” Woods asks if that’s what Vegas wants. “YES!” Then the answer is NO!

Oh, are the “minutemen” scared? M-Minutemen!? The fans chant that at Woods & Kofi, and Kofi says if they wanna do it right now, let’s do it right now! Get a ref right now! The fans fire up, and we have another tag title match already! Except the lights change… And then… RUSEV IS HERE!! Vegas goes nuts because it is now Rusev Day! The Bulgarian Brute, the Redeemer, has returned to the WWE, and he storms right into the ring! New Day bail out, no title match after all. Rusev DECKS Otis! And he CLOBBERS Tozawa! The fans fire up as Rusev glare at The New Day. Tozawa gets up, climbs up, and he leaps, but Ruzez catches him! FALL AWAY SLAM!

Otis rises, the fans fire up, and now we get some “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” ROUNDHOUSE from Rusev! Then MACHKA KICK! The fans fire up as Rusev roars, “RUSEV! CRUSH!!” Rusev stomps away on Otis, and clamps on the ACCOLADE!! Otis taps but it won’t change anything! Rusev thrashes Otis around, and lets go as the fans chant “RUSEV DAY! RUSEV DAY!” Maxxine is freaking out, but will this show now become Rusev Day Raw?

 

The Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.

They’re all excited over Liv & Raquel becoming FOUR-TIME Women’s Tag Team Champions! And Dom is the NEW Intercontinental Champion, and they toast with a title clink. Dom says this was the greatest weekend of his life! That deadbeat dad missed Mania, and now both Dom & Liv have gold again! But then in steps Finn Balor… The Prince looks at the belt on Dom’s shoulder, and Liv says hey, a win for one is a win for all. As long as someone in Judgment Day has the title, that’s all that matters. Finn says what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. They fist bump and Finn says he’ll be out there with Dom tonight against Penta.

Finn turns around, Carlito is there, and Carlito says even though they don’t have titles, it feels like they have titles, right? Oh, Carlito has to go see the doc, he’s still sore. Carlito hobbles off, but Finn gives a bit of a scowl behind Dom’s back. Is everything (not) fine in Judgment Day?

 

Iyo Sky is here!

The fans cheer as the Evil Genius makes her way to the ring, still WWE Women’s World Champion! But what will she have to say about that WrestleMania victory? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns and Iyo has the mic. The fans cheer Iyo on, even get some “You Deserve It!” in there, and Iyo says last night was the best night of her career! The fans cheer, and Iyo says she is over the moon! She beat the best there is, which means SHE is the best! The fans cheer that! Rhea Ripley tried to forget Iyo, and Bianca Belair tried to forget Iyo. But now, ALL OF YOU will never forget her! The fans cheer that, too! Iyo adds in Japanese, and then translates to English that she is The Genius of the Sky, and she is the Women’s World Champiooon~! The fans cheer more, but wait! Is that Stephanie Vaquer?! The NXT Women’s Champion is headed to the ring!

The fans cheer as we get La Primera and Genius in the same ring! Vaquer congratulates Iyo in three languages, and then wishes to properly introduce herself. She is THE NXT Women’s Champion, La Primera, Stephanie Vaquer. The fans cheer, and Vaquer says she wants to come out here to show Iyo respect. The fans chant for “LA PRIMERA!” Vaquer tells Iyo that she is amazing. Vaquer says Iyo is right that Iyo is the best. But Vaquer is also the best. And Vaquer wants to fight the best of the best! Iyo says if Vaquer wants to face her, then challenge accepted! And what about right here, right now?! The fans cheer as this dream match is made!

Well, hold on, Adam Pearce makes his way out here, and he wants everyone else to hold on. The fans boo the Raw General Manager for ruining the fun. But Pearce double checks, does Vegas want the match? “YES!” Then so doe she! Sky VS Vaquer, and it’s RIGHT NOW! NOW the dream match is official! But who between these two champions will prove they are THE best?

Iyo Sky VS Stephanie Vaquer!

The bell rings and the two shake hands. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Iyo waistlocks. Vaquer switches, SLAMS Iyo down, but Iyo fights up. The fans duel as Iyo fires body shots. Iyo wrenches and wristlocks, but Vaquer shifts around to roll, trip, and she has the toehold. Iyo stands, wrenches, and wristlocks, but Vaquer rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back to arm-drag! The fans fire up, Iyo runs up, Vaquer sweeps and covers, ONE! Iyo sweeps and covers, ONE! The two stand off again and the fans fire up! Iyo and Vaquer go again, and Iyo whips. Vaquer tilt-o-whirl RANAS, but Iyo handsprings through!

Iyo wags her finger, Vaquer smirks, and things speed up. They clinch, Vaquer waistlocks, but denies Iyo’s escape! Iyo CLUBS Vaquer, wrenches and reels her in, but Vaquer switches. Vaquer goes to ropes, Iyo bucks the O’Conner this time, and the fans cheer the standoff. Things get going again, each woman dodges, and then Vaquer avoids the handspring, only for Iyo to DROPKICK! Vaquer bails out, Iyo builds speed, and Iyo DIVES! Direct hit and the fans fire up with the Women’s World Champion! Iyo drags Vaquer up, whips, but Vaquer tiger feint kicks back! Vaquer runs up, Iyo puts her in the timekeeper’s area, but Vaquer goes up! CROSSBODY to the floor!

The fans fire up as now the NXT Women’s Champion stands tall! Vaquer has Iyo on the defense, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns, Vaquer is up top, but Iyo SHOTEIS first! Iyo then climbs up after Vaquer, throws hands, and the fans rally. Vaquer fires body shots, HEADBUTTS, and Iyo falls back! Vaquer adjusts, Iyo runs back up, and SUPER ARM-DRAGS! Both women are down and the fans fire up again! The fans rally, Iyo stands, and she runs up to SHOTEI! And SHOTEI! And DROPKICK! Iyo drags Vaquer up, whips her, but Vaquer reverses. Iyo goes up, out, and ROCKS Vaquer! Iyo then climbs the corner to MISSILE DROPKICK! Vaquer tumbles away, Iyo kips up, and the fans fire up! Vaquer is in the corner, Iyo runs in, SHINKANSEN!

Iyo drags Vaquer to a cover, TWO! Vaquer stays in this, but Iyo drags her into the drop zone. Iyo steps on Vaquer as she goes to the corner. Iyo goes up, up, and OVER THE- NO, Iyo has to land out as Vaquer moves! Vaquer then dodges again, comes back, and she blocks the boot for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Vaquer runs, and she METEORAS! Vaquer drags Iyo to a cover, TWO! Iyo is tougher than that but Vaquer stays calm. The fans rally up, Vaquer reels Iyo in, but Iyo flips free of the backbreaker! Vaquer ducks a kick, Iyo ducks a kick! Iyo wheelbarrows, victory roll, STOMP 182! Cover, TWO!

Iyo is a bit frustrated but the fans rally back up. Iyo drags Vaquer up, “This is Awesome!” as Vaquer JAWBREAKERS, and SUPERKICKS! And BIG back suplex! Vaquer sits Iyo up, wraps on the headscissors, and she turns Iyo over for the DEVIL’S KISS! The fans echo Booker T’s sentiments, “Yeeeeeeeeah!” Cover, TWO! Iyo survives and the fans chant, “One More Time!” Vaquer smiles, and she drags Iyo up to tuck her in. Iyo wrenches out, kicks and sunset flips, ONE! Vaquer runs, tilt-o-whirl, RANA feint to roll up! TWO!! Iyo is surprised she got free, and she has Vaquer with underhooks! TIGER BACKBREAKAR! Cover, TWO!!

The fans rally while Iyo isn’t sure what to do. “This is Awesome!” as Iyo drags Vaquer into a waistlock. Vaquer fires elbows, gets free, and runs. Iyo ELBOWS Vaquer first! Iyo runs, but Vaquer ROCKS her! Vaquer runs, but Iyo dodges, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Iyo drags Vaquer back up, but Vaquer reels Iyo in! GERMAN SUPLEX! Both women are down and the fans are thunderous! Now fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” Vaquer goes up a corner, but Iyo rises to SHORYUKEN! Iyo climbs up after Vaquer, fires hands, then clinches. SUPER SPANISH FLY!! The fans are thunderous while both women are down again!

The fans rally and duel as both women stir. Iyo goes to ropes, Vaquer goes to a corner. Both women stand, but here comes ROXANNE PEREZ! She CLOBBERS Iyo!

Winner: Iyo Sky

The Prodigy grins at Vaquer, who she’s set to face for the title just tomorrow night! And Vaquer is pissed about it, only for GIULIA to attack Vaquer?!? The Beautiful Madness and The Prodigy then beat up on the champions! The fans boo, but here comes RHEA RIPLEY!! Roxie panics as Mami is here on Monday Night Raw! Rhea slides in, and she picks Roxie up to THROW her away! Then HEADBUTT her down! Giulia almost sneaks up, but she backs off as Rhea stares her down. Rhea and Giulia circle, and Rhea warns her. Giulia backs off, but is it only a matter of time before she’s back for more?

As for Rhea, she looks at Iyo while she’s down. Rhea picks up the title, and Iyo sits up to see this. Rhea hands the title over to Iyo and the fans cheer. Rhea says something to the effect of Iyo better be ready for when Rhea comes back for the belt. The Genius nods, and she’ll surely be ready for whoever wants a shot at her.

 

Jey Uso is here!

The NEW WWE World Heavy-YEET Champion makes his way in from the concourse and sports his new merch! The fans fire up and bounce along as Jey makes his way down the bleachers and to ringside. Jey daps it up with Pat & Cole, then goes to the ring to keep the bouncing going! The fans chant “You Deserve It!” as Jey grabs a mic. Jey nods, and fans “YEET!” some more, then they chant, “One More Time!” Jey hears that, and he sets the mic and belt down to say okay! The song starts up again and fans sing along, “DAY ONE ISH!” Jey then picks the mic and belt up again, and he says, “The World Heavyweight Champion is now in your citaaaay~!”

The fans cheer more, and Jey says he is here, “YEET!” He’s been wanting it. “YEET!” Since he was a kid. “YEET!” He is here now. “YEET!” Jey says it was a long, hard road. It was not easy. WrestleMania, Jey gave it all he had to beat Gunther. And Jey made him TAP! The fans cheer that! But Jey will be the first one to say that he is very grateful that he has this world title. He will show up every week, every day, and put in the work like he always has. And if you’re excited to have Jey Uso as your World Heavyweight Champion, then dammit, lemme hear ya say, “YEET!” “YEET!!” Wait! Sami Zayn is here! The fans cheer as the Underdog from the Underground returns!

Sami waves to the fans, high-fives a few in the front row, then goes to the ring to join Jey. The fans sing along with Sami’s song, and then Sami grabs himself a mic. Sami smiles as he looks at Jey, and then they hug it out! The fans cheer, and then they chant, “UCEY! UCEY!” “SAMI USO! SAMI USO!” Sami smiles again, and says he has so much he wants to say, he isn’t sure where to begin. First of all, not being here the last eight weeks or so, not being here while Jey was going through what he was going through with Gunther, Sami wants to know how hard that was for him. Sami wishes he could’ve been here.

And missing WrestleMania this year, that was also very hard on Sami. Sami and Jey aren’t that different. They’re gameday players. To be honest, Sami almost didn’t come to Vegas at all. But Sami had to, because he had to make sure that he was the first one to stand in this ring across from Jey, look him in the eyes, with that title on Jey’s shoulders, and say how proud he is of Jey Uso. The fans cheer, Jey thanks Sami, and Sami says Jey is his brother, his dawg, his Uce, he loves him, is proud of him, and knows Jey deserves that title! Sami knows it, Jey knows it, and everyone in this arena knows Jey deserves it!

The fans cheer and chant “You Deserve It!” Sami says it’s the Raw After Mania, not to get sentimental, but we are here to celebrate! So hit Jey’s music! “DAY ONE ISH!” The fans cheer, Sami and Jey hug it out again, and then they both go to the corners. The fans YEET with Jey & Sami, and it’s time to bounce! Sami hops off his corner first, and he looks at Jey. Jey hops down, they hug it out again, and the fans cheer. But wait, is that Jimmy? The fans fire up as #BigJim joins in! The three do the secret handshake, and then they group hug! Jimmy & Sami raise Jey’s hands in victory, and the fans fire up for this feel good moment!

Jey is on top of the world now that he’s World Heavyweight Champion, but how long will it last? Who will be the first one to step up to Main Event Jey Uso?

 

Backstage interview with Logan Paul.

After WrestleMania last night, Cathy Kelley congratulated him on the big win against AJ Styles, but does he feel he could’ve still done it without his friend and manager, Jeff, or the help from Karrion Kross? Logan asks what was that. What’s she implying? He still won, didn’t he? And we’re talking about what if’s? That’s irrelevant. He won. Next question. Then what is next for Logan? Whatever he wants, that’s what. Because this company knows he is the best and he is the future. He’ll face anyone anywhere. Anyone that he faces becomes a victim. He will continue his WrestleMania win streak. Logan is always confident, but will that ever change?

 

Backstage interview with AJ Styles.

In present, Jackie Redmond is with the Phenomenal One, and she says just 24 hours after his loss to Logan Paul, where is he after that? Styles says he won’t lie, it is a hard pill to swallow. But Logan plays his games, gets his lackeys involved, and Styles was prepared for that. But the truth is, Styles took an L. But he’ll move on, he’ll be okay. Because part of being phenomenal is being able to bounce back and- Karrion Kross interrupts! Kross asks if Styles said “bounce back.” Yeah, good bounce back from getting pinned by Logan Paul! Styles is literally the best of us, meaning Logan winning is so much more painful, because now, Styles has legitimized him!

Oh, really? Kross is the one who said Styles is the best of us, so does Kross expect Styles to go back a year ago and be that guy? Why is Kross so adamant about this? Styles hated who he was then. He’s never going back. Kross does not understand. If Styles used the brass knuckles to beat Logan, it would’ve meant nothing! If Kross wants to be angry at the world, fine. Don’t drag Styles down with you! In fact, go solve that problem yourself! Styles storms off, Scarlett calms Kross down, and Kross says, “Maybe I will.” What will Mr. Doomsday do if he’s to “save” WWE?

 

Raw returns and…

Gunther is berating Pat & Cole on commentary! The fans taunt Gunther, “YOU TAPPED OUT!” Gunther dares Cole to say something to his face. Cole asks why Gunther is so upset, Cole is just doing his job. Gunther storms up around the way, yanks Cole’s headset off, and Pat tries to stop this. But Gunther SHOVES Pat, then drags Cole into a SLEEPER! So Pat fires hands! The fans fire up as Pat stands up for Cole, and now refs, security, and producers rush out here! Adam Pearce tells Gunther to stand down, but Gunther just busts through to grab Pat! SLEEPER!! Gunther drags Pat down while security is now busy with Pat’s friends/entourage!!

The fans go nuts as Pat’s friends are only making this worse for Pat! Pearce tells Gunther to let Pat go, but Pat is already red in the face and out cold on the floor! Gunther refuses to let go, even as producers claw at the beefy arms wrapped around Pat’s neck! The fans tell Gunther off as he finally lets Pat go. Gunther paces, then he finally leaves through the crowd side. Fans boo, refs and security follow Gunther while the others check Pat. Pat coughs and sputters as he wakes up, and Pearce is chewing Gunther out. Fans remind Gunther, “You Tapped Out!” while Cole helps Pat to his feet. The fans cheer Pat while he’s helped to the back.

Pat needs a second as they make it to the ramp, coughing and gasping, but he gets back to his feet and keeps walking. The fans cheer his resilience, Pearce calls for more medical help just to be safe, and Pat takes another moment to catch his breath. What consequences will there be for Der Ring General after he lashed out against innocent commentary?

 

Raw returns again and…

Pat is still gasping for air, but he does get a drink of water to help with his throat. Cole and Pearce help Pat to the trainer’s room, and then Pat, his entourage, and refs go inside. Pearce tells Cole that Joe Tessitore can cover for Cole, Cole should get himself checked out. Cole tells Pearce, “How can we do our jobs when we’re not allowed to have an opinion? We’re not allowed to talk about this stuff? We’re not allowed to have fun? You gotta do something.” Pearce knows, he will handle this. Cole should just take the rest of the night off. Cole says no, he is not going to let Gunther bully him. Cole heads back for commentary and Pearce says good for Cole.

Cole returns to ringside and the fans cheer. Tessitore commends Cole for this, and they’ll do their best with the rest of the show from here.

 

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day VS PENTA!

Twenty years ago, he was just a little boy whose loving and loyal father was fighting with Uncle Eddie for his future. And now, “Dirty Dom” is an Intercontinental Champion, just like both Rey Mysterio & Eddie Guerrero. But will Dom’s first defense also be his last? Or will Dom not care about #CeroMiedo?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who has more Latino Heat!

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Dom talks a bit of trash, then he kicks Penta low! Dom CLUBS Penta, whips, hurdles, but Penta KICKS Dom out of the handspring! Penta fires up, but Dom fires back with hands! Dom stomps Penta in a corner, lets off as the ref counts, then whips corner to corner. Penta goes up and over, keeps moving, and he ducks’ n’ dodges. Penta RANAS Dom out of the ring and the fans fire up! Penta builds speed, but Dom is back to DROPKICK! Dom storms up but Penta bails out and the ref holds him back. But then Finn creeps up! The ref sees Finn and has him back off. Dom builds speed, but Penta GAMANGIRIS!

Dom staggers back, Penta climbs up, and Penta CROSSBODIES! Dom flounders back out, Penta builds speed again, and Penta FLIES! Down goes Dom and the fans fire up! Finn coaches Dom but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Penta SLING-DOGS Dom! Then GAMANGIRIS in the corner! Dom sits down, Penta runs and headstands, to DROPKICK! Penta drags Dom, covers, TWO! Dom stays in this but Penta stays calm. Finn coaches Dom but Penta drags Dom up! PENTA- NO, Dom slips free of the driver to shove, scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up while Dom and Penta go to corners. Dom runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS, mule kicks, and then goes up! Penta calls his shot, jumps, but into a kick! Dom hits a TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Dom drags Penta to a drop zone, then goes up while fans actually cheer.

But Penta is up to GAMANGIRI! Dom wobbles, Penta climbs, but Dom fires body shots! Penta hops down to CHOP Dom! Penta then runs, jumps, and RANAS Dom away! The fans fire up, Penta runs in, DESTROYER! Dom flops down and the fans fire up again! Penta reaches out, but Dom rolls away to the outside! Dom stays safe and the fans rally up again. “CERO! MIEDO!” “DIRTY DOM!” Finn coaches Dom, Dom says look out! Penta RANAS Finn into Dom! The fans fire up and Penta drags Dom up. Penta puts Dom in, then he climbs up the corner again. But Carlito distracts the ref! JD MCDONAGH IS HERE!? JD SHOVES Penta down!!

Dom DROPKICSK Penta onto ropes, then dials it up to 619!! Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, DOM WINS!

Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Just when it looked like Penta had the hot hand, Judgment Day pulls out the Irish Ace! Even Finn is surprised that his guy is back, and now this title stays with Judgment Day! Judgment Day celebrates on stage, and Finn feels like the odd man out for a moment. Will Judgment Day (not) smooth out the problems now that they’re back to full strength?

 

El Grande Americano has a new video.

“Rejoice! Despite insurmountable opposition from his jealous, desperate, rule-breaking foes, El Grande Americano has emerged victorious on the Grandest Stage of Them All! The children sang of his honesty and humility. The world stands in awe of his talent and honor! He has reclaimed his throne as the king of lucha libre. Today, we celebrate the legend, the icon, the hero, El Grande Americano!” Given the obvious AI art, photoshopped pictures and cheesy sepia film reel filter, this propaganda is not convincing anyone. But when and where will El Grande Americano face justice for what he did to Rey Fenix?

 

Seth Rollins heads to the ring!

We saw him arrive at the start of the night, and now Las Vegas sings along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as The Visionary and his Wise Man make their way down the ramp. Rollins certainly did #BurnItDown when he got Heyman to burn the bridges with CM Punk and Roman Reigns on WrestleMania Saturday. Rollins revels in the singing as he struts around in his canary yellow suit. Heyman fetches a mic, the fans continue to sing, and Rollins continues to soak it all in. Some fans even chant, “Thank You, Seth! Thank You, Seth!” Others come back with “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” and “O T C! O T C!” but Heyman hands his mic to Rollins, like he used to do for The Tribal Chief.

Fans now chant “F YOU, HEYMAN!” but Heyman is merely amused by it. Rollins takes his time turning around to face the main camera, and he takes his sunglasses off to say, “I am a Visionary. I am a Revolutionary. I took a Wise Man from Roman Reigns. I stole CM Punk’s best friend. I am the winner of the main event of WrestleMania. I. Am.” CM PUNK IS HERE! The fans go nuts for Cult of Personality while Rollins gets ready for a fight! Punk has his hands taped up for one, too, and the brawl is on! The fans fire up as haymakers fly fast ‘n’ furious! Punk puts Rollins in a corner to fire hands from all sides!

Punk stomps a mudhole into Rollins, but Heyman creeps up. Punk stops stomping just in time to turn around and see Heyman. Heyman tells Punk that Heyman didn’t betray Punk, Punk ruined things for him and Roman! Punk storms up and shoves Heyman into a corner! But Rollins runs up and CLAWS Punk’s eyes! Rollins THROWS Punk down, the fans boo, but Rollins hits the CURB STOMP! Punk is down and Rollins stands over him, but now fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Heyman picks the mic back up while fans chant, “We Want Roman!”

Heyman sighs, and says, “We are going to conclude the weekend of WrestleMania 41… by propelling the news all the way to WrestleMania 42! There is a NEW reigning, defending, undisputed number one top star in this entire industry! Ladies and gentlemen, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!” Heyman holds up Rollins’ hand in victory, then tosses the mic aside. BUT NOW ROMAN SHOWS UP!! Rollins is pissed off again, and he hurries to TOSS Punk out of the ring! Rollins prepares for round two, and Roman is making his way out here after all! Heyman steps back as Rollins stares Roman down, and here comes another brawl! No, wait, Roman dodges to SPEAR Rollins!!

The fans are thunderous and Heyman is in shock! Roman now runs up to SUPERMAN PUNCH Heyman!! Down goes The Wise Man and the fans fire up! Roman throws off the shirt, gets the fans even more fired up, and he aims again! “OOOAH~!” SPEAR FROM BRON BREAKER?!?! The Badass just took out the Tribal Chief! And then he stares down Rollins! The fans are going nuts, but Bron SPEARS PUNK!! Punk was back up only to get knocked back down, and Rollins grins as he pats Bron on the shoulder! “That’s my boy!” The Visionary has an attack dog with him now, and the fans are losing their minds!

Rollisn points out that Roman is up on the outside. Bron goes out there, but Roman UPPERCUTS Bron first! Bron staggers, but he stays on his feet! Bron then builds speed around the way, and uses that lap to SPEAR ROMAN THROUGH BARRIERS!!! The fans go nuts all over again, and Rollins says to get Roman’s ass back in the ring! Bron obeys and he drags Roman into the ring. Bron sets Roman up for Rollins, and Rollins tells Roman to watch what’s gonna happen to him! CURB STOMP for Punk again!! Rollins tells Roman to learn that the future of this business runs through him! CURB STOMP for Roman!!

The fans are torn, but Heyman now stands over his former best friends to embrace his new guys! Will these three soon take over the WWE together?


My Thoughts:

After a great WrestleMania Weekend, this Raw After Mania ended up being perhaps one of the best. My only gripe might be how they handled the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Bayley being “taken out” and Becky taking her place was fine. But then doing the tag title rematch here seemed random when we had NXT to look forward to. And then, Liv & Raquel win the belts back already, and Becky snaps on Lyra. I suppose if you look at this for Judgment Day, the title change needed to be tonight to coincide with what happened in the main event with Dom VS Penta. But now we don’t get the fun interaction of Tatum, Lyra and Becky I was hoping for.

What would it have hurt if Becky & Lyra didn’t defend the belts tonight, went to NXT and had a really fun match with Tatum & Gigi? Becky & Lyra, Liv & Raquel, neither team is losing to Tatum & Gigi. At least, I would think that’s the case… And then you can give Liv & Raquel their rematch later, and they still win like they did tonight, and then Becky snaps because “Lyra let her down.” But I suppose we’re fast-tracking to Becky VS Lyra for the Intercontinental Championship. And they kinda have to, given Backlash is May 10, just 20 days away. Maybe Becky wins that to reestablish herself and also juice up that title.

Great promo from John Cena, and honestly, I can’t help but agree with Cena on a lot of his points towards the fans. Also, I like how he explained he has 27 remaining dates/appearances, not matches. And of course Orton was next for Cena, the signs were all there: Backlash is in St. Louis, Orton’s hometown; Cena teased it with saying “Ruthless Aggression,” the era both men rose to fame in; and Cena and Orton have faced each other so many times, they gotta get one last one in. And on top of that, Orton is a fan favorite that won’t be hurt by a loss to Cena because Orton’s been around just as long, this will be a good one.

Great stuff with New Day, including passing by Karrion Kross. Alpha Academy coming out and wanting a title match, that was already a bit fishy right from the start. RUSEV returning to annihilate Alpha Academy and “cancel” the world tag title match was quite the way to return, mostly because of how big and beefy Otis is. Rusev VS Otis will be a good match to help get Rusev back into WWE action, and then Rusev can go for whatever title he wants. I’m thinking it should be the World Heavyweight Championship, though that might be a tough choice given Jey Uso only just got the belt. Speaking of Jey, good promo but much better moment between him, Sami and Jimmy. Though, I did appreciate the tiniest tease they gave of Sami going Heel in the absence of Kevin Owens.

Great promo from Iyo, and what a great surprise to see Vaquer. They had an awesome match, but given they’re both champions and they’re both so awesome, it had to be “ruined” by Roxie showing up. But at the same time, what a surprise that Giulia also showed up. Roxie VS Vaquer for tomorrow night is an interesting move, and Giulia got to beat up on Iyo a bit more. I’m thinking both Roxie and Giulia are just one step away from being called up to main roster, and probably to Raw for the Women’s World Championship. Great save from Rhea, and maybe we get some Rhea & Iyo VS Giulia & Roxie before shaking out a title story.

Good promo from Logan Paul to dismiss the interference on his match, as a Heel would/should. And good response from Styles, only for Kross to interrupt. I don’t know if we get another Styles VS Kross match, or maybe Kross goes wild and goes after other people, but there’s still some intrigue here. Also, Kross had quite the rant as part of the WrestleMania post show, so I hope WWE uses that to push him forward towards things like title feuds. Gunther going after Cole and Pat was certainly a wild direction to take his story. I’m not sure what kind of meta commentary they’re making, it has actually been a long time since a WWE commentator got into it with a wrestler, other than perhaps when Drew McIntyre and Wade Barrett got physical.

And as for Gunther and Pat specifically, maybe Pat is gonna get into ring shape so he and Gunther can have it out over the summer. In the meantime, I think Gunther is kayfabe suspended, that’ll let him stay home with wife and newborn child for a bit, so good for him. Hilarious El Grande Americano vignette, all the elements make it such an obvious troll but you can bet someone out there will still get mad. Hopefully we can still get El Grande VS Rey Mysterio, though I’m not sure if Backlash is too soon. Maybe Grande faces Dragon Lee or some other luchador on Rey’s behalf, and then we can arrange El Grande VS Rey Mysterio for either Worlds Collide or Money in the Bank in Los Angeles for June, all commemorating WWE acquiring AAA.

Great stuff with Dom VS Penta for the Intercontinental Championship, but something felt like Finn was going to try and screw Dom out of the title. JD McDonagh showing up was a great surprise, especially given how he got hurt hitting that desk SO hard. Finn himself seemed so surprised (in kayfabe), and we have some more intrigue in this Judgment Day dysfunction. And then a great closing segment with Rollins & Heyman making their debut as the new duo. Punk of course interrupted and we got a great brawl there. And then great stuff with Roman showing up right as the credits were showing up. It has been a minute since HHH has done something like this, and this actually ended up the longest episode of Netflix Raw because of it.

Bron Breakker helping Rollins fight off Roman and Punk was some wild stuff, mostly because I never thought Bron would ever join someone else. I could see a tag match of Punk & Roman VS Rollins & Bron, but maybe not for some time as Roman still isn’t really known for doing matches that often. That is to say, not sure Backlash is big enough, but perhaps MITB or SummerSlam are. And already, there are ideas about what kind of faction Rollins is going to make, perhaps as a second try at what he had with Buddy Murphy and Austin Theory, but just no “Monday Night Messiah” gimmick.

My Score: 9.2/10

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Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/19/25)

Parting is such sweet sorrow…

Published

on

There are more goodbyes than just The Ace’s Final Road.

NJPW already knows Hiroshi Tanahashi will retire with this year, but his final match with Jeff Cobb will also be Jeff Cobb’s farewell to NJPW! Will The Ace never tire out? Or will he take a Tour of the Islands?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • 8 Man Tag: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask VS Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Katsuya Murashima & Daiki Nagai; Tenza, Kojima, Nagata & Tiger Mask win.
  • 8 Man Tag: Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, YOH & Master Wato VS TMDK; Yano, Oleg, Yoh & Wato win.
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb; Tanahashi wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, El Desperado & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Callum Newman, Templario & Jakob Austin Young; Goto, Desperado & Taguchi win.
  • 10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI; LIJ wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb!

The Ace’s Final Road continues on, but it would seem the Imperial Unit has hit the end of his run in NJPW. Will the President give Cobb a proper sendoff? Or is there one last Tour of the Islands planned?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for “COBBU! COBBU!” Tanahashi nods, and Cobb is emotional hearing that. Cobb and Tanahashi circle, tie up, and Tanahashi waistlocks. But Cobb’s a bit too big to lift even for The Ace. Cobb walks over to the ROPEBREAK, and Tanahashi lets go. The fans applaud and the two reset. They tie up, Tanahashi wrenches and wristlocks, but Cobb powers through, wrenches and wristlocks in return, then hammerlocks to headlock. Tanahashi puts Cobb on the ropes, the ref counts, and Tanahashi lets go cleanly again. The fans applaud the continued sportsmanship, and the two reset again.

Cobb runs up, and he SLINGBLADES?! Cover, TWO!! The “Cobby Cat” strikes again but Tanahashi survives his own move. Cobb whips Tanahashi, Tanahashi grabs ropes, but Cobb runs up. Tanahashi BOOTS Cobb, runs up, but Cobb scoops! Cobb SLAMS Tanahashi, and then air guitars before the GACHIMUCHI- NO, Tanahashi avoids the moonsault! Then Tanahashi sets up, to MOONSAULT!? But Cobb moves so Tanahashi belly flops on the floor! The fans fire up while both men are pulling out all the stops. Cobb steps on Tanahashi, pretends he didn’t see Tanahashi there, and then brings Tanahashi up.

Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi with a forearm, then headlocks. Cobb brings Tanahashi to the ropes to show everyone as he messes with Tanahashi’s hair. Cobb then CLUBS Tanahashi, brings him around, and suplexes. Cobb holds Tanahashi up, the fans cheer as Cobb marches around with him, and then Cobb pops Tanahashi for a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this but Cobb stays on him with a GROUND COBRA! Cobb uses Tanahashi as the guitar, then CLUBS him in the ribs and chest! Cobb eggs Tanahashi on, and Tanahashi growls and rises up. Tanahashi fires body shots and forearms, but Cobb just HEADBUTTS back!

Tanahashi staggers away to a corner, and Cobb runs up, only for Tanahashi to dodge! Tanahashi dropkicks Cobb’s legs! Tanahashi then grabs one, and Cobb asks for mercy! Cobb apologizes, but Tanahashi says bye-bye! DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer while Cobb clutches his leg. Tanahashi storms up on Cobb to fire more fast hands! Tanahashi then says, “MY POWER!” And he SCOOP SLAMS Cobb! The fans fire up as Tanahashi climbs the corner. Tanahashi hits the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Cobb is tougher than that but Tanahashi gets moving. But Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi! Cobb winds up, he runs, but Tanahashi dodges the slingblade!

Tanahashi waistlocks, Cobb switches, but Tanahashi throws elbows. Cobb picks Tanahashi up to SLAM him down, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this, but the GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives the double impact, but Cobb looms over him. Cobb drags Tanahashi up, fires his own fast hand combo, then scoops to SLAM Tanahashi! Cobb grins as he looks to the corner. The fans fire up as Cobb hops up, air guitar and the pose, SUNSET FLOP as Tanahashi moves! Tanahashi runs, but Cobb grabs tights! Cobb reels Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi elbows free!

Cobb SHOTEIS! Tanahashi SHOTEIS! Tanahashi hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up as Tanahashi goes up the corner! But Cobb stands! Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS, but Cobb catches him! Cobb pops Tanahashi up, shifts around, and ATHLETIC- SLINGBLADE?!? Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi rises, the fans fire up, and Tanahashi runs to SLING- NO, Cobb gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Tanahashi rises again! SLING- NO, Cobb scoops Tanahashi, but then pops him around again! TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cobb roars, but he’s not done!! Cobb ripcords Tanahashi for the RIPCORD- CRADLE COUNTER!! TANAHASHI WINS!!

Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall

Cobb got cocky and it to cost him! Tanahashi still tells Cobb he’s proud of him and of Cobb’s time here in NJPW. The two shake hands and hug it out while the fans cheer. Tanahashi’s Final Road rolls on, and The United Empire is here to say farewell to their friend. Cobb is handed a mic, and Chris Charleton is there to interpret. Cobb says he was not expecting to lose tonight. But first and foremost, he wants to thank the people that don’t even get seen by the fans. The NJPW staff, the music team, the NJPW World techs, the boys ‘n’ girls in the back, and all the wrestlers Cobb calls “family.” The fans applaud and Cobb says Chris’s Japanese is good.

Cobb takes a moment before he says he had a speech ready, but he’s kinda blanking out from the pressure. Online, there has been an outpouring of love, #ThankYouCobb. But really, he should be thanking each and every one of the fans. Cobb gets emotional again while Chris translates for him. Cobb knows it’s a bit of a crappy situation, but he wants Callum Newman to know, he’s got the ball, so run with it. Cobb lets Chris translate now, and then Cobb wraps by thanking the Empire members here, from Khan, to Templario, to “Jakob Change Your Name,” to Akira and to Callum.

And lastly, Cobb says this is not goodbye, but more see you later. Thank you, NJPW. Thank you, fans. Domo arigato gozaimasu! The fans cheer for Cobb one more time, and he bows deeply to them all. When and where will we see Cobb in the ring, any ring, again?

 

10 Man Elimination Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino, Taichi, Taka Michinoku & YOSHI-HASHI!

Well, not only is The Ace on his Final Road, but it would seem Tetsuya Naito and Bushi are on their own way out of NJPW. Then will they and their amigos start their Road to Wrestling Dontaku with a celebration? Or will the Heat Storm, Roughneck, Holy Emperor, Blue Playmaker and Headhunter make this anything but tranquilo?

The teams sort out and there’s a lot of entrance attire to put aside. Once Naito is done putting the pants away, LIJ fist bumps while Just4Guys/Hontai shake hands. Yuya steps up against Naito and the fans fire up already. Naito and Yuya stare down while the fans cheer “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Naito and Yuya step up, but then Naito tags to Bushi. The fans cheer Bushi on now, he circles with Yuya, but then Bushi tags out to Yota. The fans rally as Yuya and Yota feel things out, giving us a taste of their IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and Yuya wrenches Yota to a wristlock.

Yota slips around, full nelsons, but Yuya breaks that to hammerlock. Yota reaches back to facelock, then he wrenches again. Yuya rolls, wrenches, and arm-drags Yota down. But Yota headscissors! Yuya kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Yota and Yuya reset, tie up, and Yota headlocks. Yuya powers up and out, drops down, then hurdles over to arm-drag again! The fans cheer as Yuya has the armlock. Yota fights up, fights around, but Yuya brings him over and Taka tags in. Taka kicks Yota, CLUBS him, then stomps him. Taka knees low, runs, but Yota dropkicks a leg out! LIJ rushes in and BLASTS Hontai! Then they bring Taka to the ropes!

Hontai rushes in to save Taka! The fans fire up as everyone fights at the ropes, and Taka lands safe on the apron! Taka scurries around the way and back into the ring! The fans cheer, but then Takagi & Yota split the wishbone! Hiromu tags in, he brings Taka up and CHOPS! Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs up and LARIATS! Hiromu snapmares and runs to basement dropkick! The fans fire up and Hiromu brings Naito in. They double whip to TENDEDERO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Hiromu bumps Taka off buckles, then he tags Takagi. Takagi RAMS into Taka again and again, but Taka fires body shots.

Takagi HEADBUTTS Taka down, then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi sits Taka up, runs to BLAST Shota, and the fans cheer! Takagi drags Taka up to HEADBUTT the arm, then wrench it. Tag to Bushi and he CLUBS the arm. Bushi CLUBS Taka down, stomps him, then has the legs. Bushi stands on Taka’s groin! Red Shoes reprimands, Bushi steps off at 4, then stomps Taka around. Tag to Naito and the fans rally as he brings Taka up. Naito cravats Taka, then Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu claims Hontai is up to something, Red Shoes looks over, and Naito SMACKS Taka off Hiromu’s boots!

Taichi protests, but Naito throws hands on Taka. Taka tries to hit back but there’s not much there. Naito CLUBS Taka, but Taka fires a flurry! Naito just ROCKS Taka! Naito runs, but Taka goes the other way to BOOT Naito down! The fans rally up, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi runs at Naito in the corner and BOOTS him! Yota gets in, kicks Taichi then whips, but Taichi BOOTS Yota! Takagi runs up, Taichi dodges to wrench and HOOK KICK! Hiromu gets up but Taichi BLASTS him! Bushi backs off, but Naito CLUBS Taichi. Naito whips, but Taichi reverses to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Naito crawls.

Taichi paces, waits on Naito to sit up, but Naito ducks the buzzsaw! Naito shoves Taichi, Bushi trips him up! Bushi tags in and stomps Taichi around. Bushi ROCKS Taichi, whips, but Taichi grabs ropes. Bushi runs up again but Taichi BOOTS him down! Taichi tags Hashi and Hashi drags Bushi up. Hashi ROCKS and CLUBS Bushi, whips him, but Bushi reveres. Hashi dodges to ELBOW Bushi, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! LIJ blasts Hontai’s corner again! Hashi rolls out under the bottom rope, Bushi BLASTS him off the apron, then Bushi builds speed. But Hashi gets back in to CLOBBER Bushi!

Hashi drags Bushi up, hooks a leg, but Bushi fights free! Hashi blocks a kick, ducks the enzigiri, but the REWIND HEEL hits! Bushi runs in from the corner, but Hashi stops the Code Breaker! Taka joins in, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives, but Hashi clamps on the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Bushi endures, fights around, and Naito gets on the apron, only for Taichi to BOOT him down! Taichi intercepts Hiromu, and Bushi TAPS! Hashi ELIMINATES Bushi! Takagi CLOBBERS Hashi, then drops ELBOW after ELBOW! Takagi SENTONS but misses as Hashi moves! Shota storms in and stomps Takagi!

Shota drags Takagi up to UPPERCUT, and Hashi CHOPS! Hashi & Shota double whip, then Hashi runs up, only to be put on the apron! Takagi CLOBBERS Shota, then runs up on Hashi! Hashi RAMS Takagi, they trade forearms, but then Takagi HOTSHOTS Hashi! Hashi holds onto the ropes, then ROCKS Takagi! Takagi staggers, Shota runs up, but Takagi throws him into Hashi! Hashi falls to the floor, Takagi ELIMINATES Hashi! The teams are even again after that friendly fire, and Takagi rolls Shota! TWO, and things speed up! Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! The fans fire up while Takagi fires up, “TOKI GA KITA!”

The fans rally as Takagi runs up, but he blocks a boot to then LARIAT! JAB, CHOP, repeat, then Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, and CHOPS! Takagi brings Shota up, suplexes, but Shota fights it so Takagi hits the TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Shota stays in this but Takagi stays focused. The fans join in with “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi storms up on Shota. Takagi pump handles but Shota fights the lift. Shota switches, Takagi fires elbows, but Shota ducks! Shota wrenches and SWINGING NECKBREAKERS! The fans are torn but Shota drags Takagi up. Shota CHOPS Takagi in the corner, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS!

Shota reels Takagi in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, but Shota clamps on an STF! Takagi endures, fights around, and he drags Shota along towards the ropes! ROPEBREAK, the fans cheer, and Shota lets go. Shota brings Takagi up, but Takagi denies the tornado DDT! Shota fires forearms to ROCK Takagi again and again, but Takagi just headbutts the buckles to fire up! The fans fire up and Shota fires another forearm, only for Takagi to fire back! Shota headbutts the buckles to fire up! The forearms start flying again, but then Takagi fires boxing elbows! Takagi ROCKS Shota, but Shota fires boxing elbows now!

Shota ROCKS Takagi, then runs, but Takagi follows! LARIAT at the ropes! Takagi runs, Shota follows, LARIAT at the ropes! Shota runs, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Shota roars, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- SHOTA LARIATS! But Takagi’s up to PUMPING BOMBER! Shota is in a daze but he manages to stand, and he swats a lariat to ENZIGIRI! Takagi rebounds to SLIDING LARIAT! Shota staggers back up, but Takagi whips him. Shota reverses and reels Takagi in, TORNADO DDT! But Takagi’s right up, and he PUMPING BOMBERS Shota and himself up and out! DOULBE ELIMINATION!!

The fans go nuts as we go to 3v3 now. Yuya and Yota step back in and the fans rally. Yota grins, runs up, but Yuya dodges to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Yuya whips, Yota reverses, but Yuya goes up and over. Yuya arm-drags, then DROPKICKS! Yuya roars and the fans fire up again! Yuya reels Yota in but Yota fights the saido. Yuya still hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yuya drags Yota back up, clinches, but Yota fires elbow after elbow to get free. Then he SUPER- NO, Yuya blocks! Yuya swings, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! But he avoids the stomp! Yuya CHOPS then runs, but Yota SUPERKICKS himdown!

LIJ BLASTS Hontai’s corner again, and Yota looms over Yuya. Yota drags Yuya up, bumps him off buckles, then hoists him up top. Yota CHOPS, then he fires up before climbing up. The fans rally up, and Yuya fires forearms! Yota falls back, stands up, and he avoids Yuya’s leap! Yuya comes back, into the GENE TRIGGER! Yota TOSSES Yuya, but Yuya lands on the apron! Hiromu lets Yota know that, so Yota goes up the corner! Yota aims for an APRON MARLOWE- NO, Yuya dodges! Yuya CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Yota ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya fires up! Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS!

Yota SLAPS Yuya! And then swings, but into the cording hold! Yuya grabs the other arm but Yota resists! Yota HEADBUTTS again and again, then DOUBLE HEADBUTTS hit! Both men fall, another DOUBLE ELIMINATION!! Now it’s just TakaTaichi VS Naito & Hiromu! The fans rally up as the four stare down. Hiromu runs up, but into TENDEDERO! Naito dodges but then Taichi BOOTS him down! TakaTaichi double whip to DOUBLE BOOT! Taka has Hiromu but Hiromu fires forearms! Taka pokes Hiromu in the eyes! Taka whips Hiromu to a corner, but Hiromu blocks the shining wizard!

Hiromu runs, RANA, but Taka SHOVES it down! JUST FACELOCK!! Taka CLUBS away on Hiromu, but Naito stomps Taka down! Taichi runs up but Naito kicks him and throws him out! Naito kicks Taka, he and Hiromu double whip, but Taka redirects! And redirects! But then Naito & Hiromu undo Tendedero to let Taka pass! Taka comes back, ducks Tendedero, and he waistlocks Naito. Naito switches, shoves Taka at Hiromu and Hiromu wrenches. Pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL! Cover, Hiromu ELIMINATES Taka! And that leaves it 2v1, Hiromu & Naito against Taichi! Taichi paces as he considers his options.

Taichi rushes in, but into TENDEDERO! Naito & Hiromu double whip Taichi to a corner, and Hiromu runs to LARIAT! Naito ROCKS Taichi, ENZIGIRIS, and Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu gives Naito the boost for the TOR- Well, no, the tornado fails but the DDT still hits! Hiromu brings Taichi up, suplexes, but Taichi fights it! Taichi suplexes, but Hiromu fights it! They end up by the ropes! Hiromu is on the apron, Naito runs up, but Taichi dodges and Naito BLASTS Hiromu! Hiromu falls and is ELIMINATED! Friendly fire in return for before, and the fans fire up as it is Taichi and Naito 1v1!

Taichi and Naito reset, and the fans cheer for “NA-I-TO!” as hard as they can. Naito fires a forearm, but Taichi fires back! Naito fires another, so Taichi fires back! Naito and Taichi both smirk as the shots keep going back and forth! Taichi then KCIKS, but Naito still throws forearms! KICK, forearm, repeat, but then Naito ROCKS Taichi again and again! Naito SLAPS Taichi! Taichi SOBATS! Naito fires the heavy elbow, but Taichi URAKENS! Naito runs, Taichi BOOTS him down, then Taichi drags Naito back up, just so he can AX- NO, Naito lifts Taichi, but Taichi fights off the atomic drop! Taichi shoves Naito to then AX BOMBER! Cover, TWO!

Naito survives but Taichi runs, and SLIDING AX BOMBERS! Taichi fires up, the fans are torn, but Taichi suplexes! Naito fights free to kick low! Naito uses the ropes to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito drags Taichi up. Naito fires those heavy elbows again and again! Naito has Taichi down in the corner, then climbs up. Naito reels Taichi in, but Taichi sneaks the pants off! GAMANGIRI! Naito falls off the corner, but he holds onto the ropes! Naito dangles off the apron but his feet do not touch the floor! Taichi fires shots, Naito ROCKS him in return! Taichi runs up, Naito slides under! Naito DUMPS Taichi over!

Taichi is on the apron but Naito fires a flurry! HOTSHOT! Taichi wobbles, but he ROCKS Naito! Naito ROCKS Taichi, HOTSHOTS again, then ROLLING KICKS! Taichi falls, LIJ WINS!

Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by ring out

It came down to the leaders as the last men, but the Uncontrollable Charisma found a way to win for the team! LIJ regroups and Naito is given the mic. “Buenas tardes, Korakuen Hall!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “First and foremost… Bushi, why don’t you say something to the fans?” The fans applaud and Bushi takes a quick drink of water before he takes up the mic. “Now that I have this time, I’ll say this. As previously announced by NJPW, my departure was a decision made after a lot of thought. I have no regrets.” The fans applaud that, and Bushi continues, “My feelings haven’t changed since I spoke here 10 years ago. It’s been a deeply fulfilling experience.”

The fans applaud that, too, and Bushi says, “This Dontaku tour is only getting started. When I step into this ring, I’ll show my gratitude in my own way. Thank you.” The fans applaud again, and Bushi hands the mic back to Naito. Naito also notes that the Road to Wrestling Dontaku has just begun. He and Bushi will be leaving NJPW after May 4th. “Whether Bushi and I will compete in this ring again or not, you already know, don’t you? Yes, the answer is of course, TRANQUILO! Assen na yo!” The fans applaud Naito being Naito even now. Naito then asks if they want to do the roll call, and the fans cheer!

Naito notes they haven’t had one at all this year, so this will be the first roll call of 2025. Are you ready? The fans cheer, so Naito says that the only way to close out tonight in Korakuen Hall is naturally with… “Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRRRNABLEEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!!” The fans cheer the first LIJ roll call of 2025, but will we get more of them before May 4th? Will we get one on May 4th?


My Thoughts:

A great night to kick off the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, though of course it had to be on one of the busiest weekends of the year. Great goodbye match for Cobb with Tanahashi. It was a big awkward because while Tanahashi is still going to retire this year, Cobb was leaving, and so Cobb leaving NJPW trumps Tanahashi retiring, meaning Cobb had to lose. It’s the unwritten tradition of pro-wrestling. Very good farewell promo from Cobb, too, and I can’t wait to see where he goes next. Word is, it isn’t AEW, and perhaps the WWE rumors have still been true all along, they just leaked out way too soon.

And then very good 10 Man Elimination Tag in the main event, and it works out that LIJ won. Naito & Bushi needed a chance to address the fans about their own departure from NJPW, and so giving them the win so they can do a main event promo was fitting. In my estimation, I don’t see Naito going to any other company, even if it’s another Japanese based company. He’s done plenty in his career, he’s pushed his body pretty hard, so he needs to enjoy retirement, or at least make a lateral movement to be working with Young Lions in the NJPW Dojo as a teacher. Bushi, could probably keep going a little longer, or he could also call it a day on the other hand, only Bushi really knows how his body feels.

My Score: 8.8/10

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