Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Money in the Bank Results & Report! (5/10/20)
Prepare to climb the corporate ladder!
Money in the Bank: In Your Office!
Six men and six women prepare to climb to corporate ladder! Who reaches the roof, takes down the briefcase, and becomes 2020 Mr. & Ms. MITB?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Show – Jeff Hardy VS Cesaro; Hardy wins.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way: The New Day VS Lucha House Party VS The Forgotten Sons VS The Miz & John Morrison; The New Day wins and retains the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
- MVP VS R-Truth; changed to…
- Bobby Lashley VS R-Truth; Lashley wins.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Tamina; Bayley wins and retains the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
- WWE Universal Championship: Braun Strowman VS Bray Wyatt; Strowman wins and retains the WWE Universal Champion.
- WWE World Championship: Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins; McIntyre wins and retains the WWE World Championship.
- Money in the Bank Corporate Ladder Match: Otis becomes Mr. MITB, Asuka becomes Ms. MITB.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Money in the Bank Kickoff Show!
Join Scott Stanford and Peter Rosenberg in discussing, analyzing and predicting everything that’s about to happen on the most unique Money in the Bank PPV we’ve ever had!
Renee Young, Booker T and JBL join the show via video!
What are the predictions for the Women’s MITB winner? Booker gives JBL a quick shout out as the soon to be Hall of Famer. That ring is in the mail! But when it comes to these women, Shayna Baszler is a wrecking ball, and she is going to be the one to win that contract. JBL says it is an honor to be with King Bookah and Renee the Queen of Canada. To his pick, JBL was in Japan back in the day, got himself a traditional symbol of honor that is a samurai sword. He is using that as his way of saying Asuka is winning! Renee thinks Lacey Evans is winning because she is hungry for another shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Backstage interview with The New Day!
The odds may not be in their favor in tonight’s Fatal 4 Way, and the Forgotten Sons could come out of nowhere to win this. Big E says there are more people in this match than Earl Thomas’ Air BNB. The Forgotten Sons may be here but they ain’t scaring Big E and Kofi. This isn’t Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the Nightmare on Elm Street, or Up! Wait, Disney Pixar’s Up? Big E doesn’t like balloons. But what is before us is a challenge, and The New Day don’t run! Whether it’s a regular, a Triple Threat, a Fatal 4 or a Pancake on a Pole, ya bois always gonna come out on top. And why is that? BECAUSE~! New! Day Rocks!
WWE shares Tamina’s video.
The Samoan steamroller has a reputation of “being mean.” But that’s not the case at all. She’s just misunderstood. Tamina tries to play nice but it never seems to work out. Like that time Lana was her manager, or all those other times she beat up someone. Come this Money in the Bank, Tamina is breaking the mold, and Bayley’s jaw, to become the NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion. If you don’t like that, you can go f*BEEEP* But just so you know, there’s nobody meana than Tamina.
Kickoff Show – Jeff Hardy VS Cesaro!
The Charismatic Enigma restarts the comeback, but the Swiss Cyborg wants to stop it before it begins. Will Cesaro end the “good run” before Sheamus even gets a chance to?
The bell rings and Hardy ties up with Cesaro. They go around, Cesaro headlocks but Hardy powers out. Cesaro runs Hardy over and covers, TWO! Cesaro drags Hardy up, headlocks again, but Hardy pries at the hold. Hardy can’t get away before Cesaro drags him down and digs in on the chin. Hardy reverses the headlock to his own, but Cesaro powers up and out. Hardy runs Cesaro over but things speed up. Cesaro goes to hip toss but Hardy reverses with one of his own. Hardy hits a BIG atomic drop, then a full nelson spin to snapmare and neck snap! Cesaro bails out but Hardy goes out the other side. Hardy lines up a shot, runs and uses the steps, to fly! Into Cesaro’s arms! Cesaro TOSSES Hardy into the barriers, then dumps him over! Cesaro leaves Hardy behind and goes to the ring. The ring count climbs past 5 but Hardy gets up. Hardy drags himself up and over the barriers, and gets in the ring at 9.5! But Cesaro stomps away on him at the ropes!
Cesaro digs his heel into Hardy’s head! The ref backs Cesaro off but he drags Hardy up to choke him on the ropes! The ref counts again and Cesaro lets off, to run and body slide! Hardy is down and Cesaro goes up the ropes. Cesaro leaps to elbow Hardy back down! Cover, TWO! Cesaro wraps Hardy up in a half straitjacket, and uses a free hand to smudge the face paint. Hardy endures as Cesaro leans on him, but fights his way up. Cesaro knees Hardy down then whips him corner to corner. Hardy reverses hard and hits a clothesline! Hardy kicks but Cesaro blocks, only to get the spinning back heel! Cesaro staggers about, Hardy dropkicks him off the apron! Hardy pursues, whips, but Cesaro reverses HARD! Hardy goes right into the LED aprons chest first! Cesaro whips Hardy back into the LED to go after those ribs! He puts Hardy back in the ring and climbs up the ropes. Cesaro drops a leg and covers, TWO! Hardy toughs it out but Cesaro looms over him. Cesaro STOMPS Hardy right in the ribs!
Cesaro drags Hardy up and hits a neck snap of his own. Cover, TWO! Cesaro drags Hardy up and throws European Uppercuts. Hardy rebounds to forearm back, but Cesaro gives more EuroUppers! Cesaro drags Hardy up, whips him to ropes, and catches him into a cobra twist! Cesaro stretches Hardy and clubs away on the ribs. He unzips Hardy’s mesh shirt to club him harder. Hardy endures, and hip tosses free! Both men are down but Cesaro is up first to CLOBBER Hardy! Cesaro hammers away with elbows and forearms, then covers, TWO! Hardy refuses to lose, but Cesaro keeps his eyes on Hardy. Hardy flounders but Cesaro drags Hardy up to his feet. Cesaro suplexes high and hard, then covers, TWO! Cesaro grows annoyed with Hardy, and he clamps on with a smothering chinlock. He cranks on Hardy’s neck and adds an arm into the hold.
Hardy endures this modified clutch, fights his way up and fights back with elbows and body shots. Jawbreaker! Cesaro staggers back but Hardy is down. Cesaro comes back with hands but Hardy counter punches! They brawl and Hardy whips. Cesaro reverses but Hardy runs him over! Hardy hits an atomic drop to the leg splitting leg drop! Basement dropkick added on, cover, TWO! Hardy’s back and legs are slowing him down but he gets to his feet. He kicks Cesaro low but no Twist yet! Cesaro shoves free, but walks into an elbow. Hardy goes up, but Cesaro trips him! Cesaro climbs up behind Hardy, clubs him on the back, then brings him into a gut wrench! Hardy resists and elbows free, and down goes Cesaro! Cesaro gets up for WHISPER IN THE WIND! Cover, TWO!! Cesaro survives but both men are down. Cesaro clutches a knee while he sits up. Hardy is on him but Cesaro throws a EuroUpper! And another! And another, but into the backslide! Cover, ONE, and the two roll.
Cesaro gets up, spins Hardy around, but Hardy dodges! Kick, TWIST OF FATE! Cover, TWO!! Cesaro survives again and Hardy can’t believe it! Hardy stands up again, drags Cesaro back up and scoops. Powerslam! Hardy heads to the corner, climbs up top, but Cesaro UPPERCUTS first! Cesaro climbs, SUPER GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!?! Hardy still lives and Cesaro is furious. Cesaro drags Hardy up and reels him in. But no Neutralizer as Hardy back drops out! Cesaro LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Hardy rolls away to the apron and staggers to the ramp. Cesaro goes out the side and runs in, to EuroUpper Hardy against barriers! Cesaro whips, Hardy reverses, and Cesaro smashes into steel steps! The knee takes the hit, and Hardy tight rope walks the barriers. Hardy leaps to body check Cesaro! Hardy puts Cesaro in, climbs up top, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Hardy wins!
Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall
The comeback has begun! But that was a hard fought victory for Hardy! Will it only get harder from here knowing the Celtic Warrior will want his turn?
Booker, Renee and JBL return!
How do they see the Corporate Ladder match working out? Well they’ve all been to the WWE HQ and seen all the great features of the “shrine to this business.” JBL won’t give anything away, but he will say Titan Towers is very secure. Seems the locks will be left off tonight. And it’s a bit of a maze, so maybe there should be a map. But JBL’s choice is Aleister Black as Mr. MITB. Booker’s favorite moment at HQ was JBL giving that “weather report” during the blizzard. But as a fan of Bruce Lee and the Game of Death, going floor by floor, who knows how this MITB match will feel. Booker is ready to see AJ Styles turn it up and win. Renee agrees, Styles could be a favorite for being back so soon. But who wouldn’t want to see Otis do the Caterpillar on a ladder? Not JBL or Booker. Baron Corbin might also have an edge, but no previous experience really applies. Expect the unexpected, like what Macho Man used to say. JBL does agree with Booker’s idea of The Game of Death, this could be wild.
The most unique Money in the Bank EVER.
The risk is worth the reward. “Welcome to WWE Global Headquarters.” Proceed to the elevator. Going up to ultimate chaos. Incredible odds, unpredictable opponents, and never-before-seen obstacles. This ride and this building will force you to ride through every floor, go through every opponent, and put everything on the line. The climb up the corporate ladder starts now. Who is going up? And who is going down?
SmackDown Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way: The New Day VS Lucha House Party VS The Forgotten Sons VS The Miz & John Morrison!
AWWWW~ people at home~! The EIGHT-TIME champs are already risking a lot in this eight man, four team title match! Will they beat the odds and beat three teams in one night?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, every team takes a corner. Two men must start, so we start with Kofi and Gran Metalik. Metalik and Kofi tie up, Metalik waistlocks but Kofi standing switches. Metalik headlocks then wrenches to a wristlock. Kofi rolls, handsprings and wrenches back. Kofi sweeps then splashes down, cover, ONE! Metalik is up and circles with Kofi again. They tie up, Kofi wristlocks and wrenches but Metalik handsprings and wrenches back. Metalik arm-drags then kips up to show off. Miz and Morrison talk trash but Metalik headlocks Kofi. Kofi powers out and things speed up. Kofi hurdles and elbows Metalik down! Metalik gets up but Kofi is right on him. Kofi whips but Metalik huricanranas back! Kofi rushes in and Metalik kicks back. Metalik runs but into a mule kick! Kofi runs but Wesley Blake tags in!
Blake throws Kofi out, sucker punches Big E then sucker punches Lince Dorado! Blake drags Metalik up to throw uppercuts then tags in Cutler. The Sons drag Metalik up to double backbreaker! Then they go after Miz & Morrison, but those two get clear. The Sons whip Metalik but he springboards to below them both down! Morrison tags in and kicks Metalik in the ribs! Morrison drags Metalik up and whips but Metalik reverses. Metalik dropkicks Morrison down in the corner, then climbs up top. Miz runs over but gets a boot. Morrison rocks Metalik first and brings him up, for a SUPER SPANISH FLY ONTO EVERYONE ELSE!! All eight men are down, but Jaxson Ryker checks on his guys. Metalik puts Morrison in, and springboards for a splash! Cover, TWO! Metalik almost had this one, but it’s not Lucha Time yet.
Morrison ROCKS Metalik, Cutler tags in, and Metalik leap frogs over Morrison, Metalik rocks Cutler then mule kicks Morrison, but Ryker trips Metalik up! Cutler stomps away and then BOOTS Metalik down! Cutler drags Metalik up, whips and elbows him down. Cover, TWO! Cutler stomps Metalik then drags him up. Tag to Blake, and Blake runs for Cutler to hip toss him onto Metalik! Cover, TWO! Blake kicks Metalik around and brings him up, just to elbow and dropkick him down! Cover, TWO! Blake and Big E talk smack but Blake clamps onto Metalik. Blake thrashes Metalik around in the chinlock but Metalik endures. Metalik fights up, throws body shots, but Blake elbows and elbows away. Tag to Cutler and the Sons both sucker punch The New Day! Cutler hurries up top and Blake lifts Metalik. Metalik huricanranas Blake out, then boots Cutler! Metalik hops up to tornado DDT! Morrison tags in off Cutler, but Metalik hot tags Lince! The Golden Lynx springboards to hit Morrison, then knocks Miz off the apron!
Lince keeps moving and QUEBRADAS! Cover but Miz drags Lince off. DROPSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Morrison flounders but puts Lince on the apron. Lince kicks back then springboards to DRAGON-RANA!! Cover, Blake breaks it! Kofi tags in to clobber Blake! FLYING CHUCK from Morrison! Morrison tags in Miz and they drag Kofi up. They double back suplex but Kofi lands on his feet, to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover on Miz, TWO! Kofi keeps moving and Penalty Kicks Miz down! Then he hits the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi claps up but Ryker glares at him. Miz blocks Trouble in Paradise but Kofi denies the figure four! Cutler tags in, but so does Big E! cutler clotheslines Kofi out and goes right at Big E in the corner! He drags Big E up for a rain of rights, but Kofi tags back in! Kofi kicks Cutler, Big E has Cutler up, DOUBLE STOMP BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Cutler survives and Kofi can’t believe it!
Kofi tags Big E back in, and Big E scoops Cutler. Morrison shoves Kofi down! Blake tags in and they have Big E, but then Miz tags in! MEMORY REMAINS!! But Morrison hits a shining wizard! FINALE for Blake! Morrison tags in, STARSHIP PAIN!! Cover, Lucha House Party breaks it! Miz goes after Lince then Metalik. Metalik enziguris back, Lince SUPERKICKS! Morrison kicks Lince low then whips. Lince handsprings, GOLDEN REWIND! Metalik tags in off Morrison, but Morrison boots Lince. Metalik hits a SUPER STEINER! Big E stirs but Metalik is on him. Big E shoves, Lince tags in. Metalik escapes the big ending and Lince enziguris! Double enziguri! Big E is down, Metalik tags back in. BIG SPLASH from Lince, springboard MACHO ELBOW from Metalik! Cover, the Forgotten Sons break it! Cutler and Blake throw Metalik out hard then go back to Big E. The Sons drag Big E up, double whip, but Big E holds ropes. Big E dumps both Sons out then gives Kofi the BOOST! Kofi takes out Blake but Cutler POSTS Kofi!
Big E clobbers Cutler then builds speed. But Ryker dumps Big E out! No disqualifications in a Fatal 4, but the ref EJECTS Ryker! The Sons are furious but LHP DOUBLE SPRINGBOARD and take out the Sons, Miz and Morrison! Metalik crawls back to the ring just as Big E enters. Metalik springboards, but Big E rolls the crossbody over! Kofi gives Lince TROUBLE IN PARADISE! BIG ENDING!! Cover, The New Day win!!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall (still SmackDown Tag Team Champions)
Chaos opens the night, but the gold stays with Kofi and Big E! Will any team find a way to end the eighth reign?
Lacey Evans speaks.
“Now this may be my first Money in the Bank Ladder match, but it is just the match I was made to win.” Lacey is US made, and by the US Marine Corps. That is where she learned the key to victory is proper preparation and a well-laid plan. She has studied the weaknesses of her opponents, and has memorized the WWE HQ layout. She is ready to fight her way up to the roof, climb the ladder, and become Ms. Money in the Bank. So Bayley, that means the Woman’s Right is ready any time Lacey wants. But will it even be Bayley that has the belt by the end of tonight?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre!
The world champion gives a big Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers of the world. And tonight is his first WWE Championship title defense since WrestleMania. McIntyre beat Brock Lesnar (and Big Show), but now must face a man that has defeated Lesnar: Seth Rollins. Many think McIntyre is an underdog champion, but McIntyre doesn’t see it. He knows that at first glance, he is Goliath. And everyone knows Rollins is one of the most talented and decorated of all time. But here’s the thing: there’s this thing called heard. There’s also passion and desire. McIntyre has worked his life to get the title. Rollins’ biggest problem is his mouth. So McIntyre is going to close that mouth in Claymore Country, by breaking that jaw.
MVP VS R-Truth!
Montel Vontavius Porter returns to MITB but not the way he’d hoped. But even so, he hopes to be THE MVP very soon. Will Truth show him #WhatsUp tonight?
Before the match, Truth asks the WWE Universe at home to make some noise! Yeah, that’s what he’s talking about. What’s up?! Well Truth has always been a bit loopy. Will that hold him back or help him out tonight? MVP makes his entrance and gets a mic. He doesn’t like that Truth tried to do the pose with him. Truth isn’t going to teach MVP how to ball. MVP taught the WWE about ballin’ so what can Truth teach him? Truth can teach MVP how to be BALLIN~! Two points right there. Then, BALLIN~! Three points! Truth says he can score six in one! BALLIN~! If Truth don’t get his fake Young Thug, offset Future wannabe mug out of MVP’s face… Truth is trying to help MVP help him help MVP. MVP says he’ll help Truth, alright.
But wait, Bobby Lashley comes out to the ring? He’s not scheduled here, because he also missed out on a spot in the MITB match. Lashley gets in the ring and takes a mic from MVP. “I’ve got this one.” That’s what’s up. MVP tags out, so to speak, and now Truth has a Rocky Mountain to climb!
Bobby Lashley VS R-Truth!
The bell rings and Truth doesn’t understand why only MVP gets the night off. Truth accidentally slaps Lashley as he turns to show “the whole big world” to him. Lashley glares and Truth apologizes. Truth dodges and wants Lashley to cool off. He hasn’t even taken his jacket off! Truth throws the jacket off, then tries to oldest trick in the book. But Lashley catches Truth and fires off in the corner! Lashley RAMS Truth over and over, then digs his forearms in. Lashley runs to RAM again! Truth flops down and Lashley is seething. Lashley drags Truth up to TOSS him across the ring! Truth writhes but Lashley watches him get to a corner. Lashley runs corner to corner, but runs into boots! Truth runs into Lashley’s SPINE BUSTER! Lashley toys with Truth, drags him up, and suplexes him. Lashley holds Truth up but Truth slips out! Truth kicks low, runs and misses the scissor kick. SPEAR!! Cover, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall
MVP’s substitute just taught Truth a lesson in self-awareness. Will Truth think twice before crossing paths with Lashley?
Baron Corbin speaks.
“WWE Universe, it feels good to be your king.” Look at all the amazing things he’s accomplished! He rid the world of Elias, beat the crap out of Drew Gulak, and handled the “desperate and needy” Daniel Bryan. Corbin’s team won on SmackDown, and he stood tall on the ladder. But the best is yet to come, because tonight he claims his second MITB victory. Now this year’s match is like no other before it, because it happens at WWE HQ, and the contract is on the roof! Even someone as brilliant as Corbin isn’t sure what to expect. But what he does know is that the risk IS worth the reward of having everyone now refer to him as King Money in the Bank. Corbin puts on his crown, but will he really have the treasure to go with it?
Backstage interview with Bayley and Sasha Banks.
Just as the “role models” are headed to gorilla, Kayla asks them about that coming match. Obviously they want to talk about how dominant Tamina is, but Bayley has business to take care of. Kayla brings up how Sasha’s failure to stop Lacey Evans allowed Tamina to pin Bayley. Does Bayley blame Sasha for the loss? NO! Bayley does NOT blame Sasha. Bayley is going to still win because she is SmackDown’s most dominant champion ever! So they’ve got to go. The strange thing is, Sasha didn’t actually speak for herself there. Will actions speak louder than words in mere moments?
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Tamina!
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this intense encounter begins!
The two circle and Bayley wants Tamina to pay attention to her. Bayley slaps and pushes Tamina around, wanting to see angry Tamina. Nice won’t win titles! Bayley throws body shots and punches, but Tamina blocks the whip! Tamina whips Bayley and clobbers her from behind! Bayley staggers up to a corner but Tamina stomps her down. Tamina whips corner to corner but Bayley goes up and hops on for a sleeper hold! Tamina rams Bayley into buckles until she’s free. She suplexes Bayley hard, then covers, TWO! Sasha coaches Bayley and Bayley complains Tamina had the tights. Tamina catches Bayley and clubs her on the back. She puts Bayley up top and pie faces in return. Tamina dares Bayley to be cocky now. Bayley stays up top and Tamina backs off. Tamina dares Bayley to come back for more and Bayley slowly climbs down. Bayley and Tamina approach, but Tamina kicks low to scoop slam hard! Bayley bails out and Tamina waits for her to return. Sasha distracts Tamina and Bayley trips Tamina up!
Bayley drags Tamina to a corner and SLAMS a leg against the post! Sasha taunts Tamina as Bayley SLAMS the leg again! The ref tells Sasha to stay back but Bayley gets in the ring. Bayley stomps Tamina down then throws forearms. Bayley tells commentary to call her a role model, as she dropkicks the leg against the apron! Then Bayley smashes the leg on the apron edge! Sasha applauds as Bayley goes back in and covers. TWO, but Bayley looms over Tamina. Bayley grabs the bad leg and stomps it! Tamina clutches her knee but Bayley knees her in the back. Bayley starts going after the arms now, and then drops an elbow. Cover, TWO! Sasha is annoyed with the ref and Bayley looms over Tamina again. Bayley drags Tamina up but Tamina throws hands! Tamina uppercuts and Bayley falls back! Bayley staggers into a headbutt! Bayley goes to a corner, Tamina runs in and corner splashes!
Tamina hobbles but fires up! She comes back, to HIP ATTACK! Bayley is in a daze as she staggers up. Tamina SUPERKICKS, but into a KNEEBAR! Bayley knew it was coming and she has Tamina’s leg! Tamina endures, rolls, and gets the ropebreak! The ref counts and Bayley lets go at 4. Bayley drags Tamina by the bad leg and stomps again. She throws forearms on Tamina at the ropes, but Tamina pushes her down. Tamina hobbles, into a KNEE! Fireman’s carry, but Tamina’s weight topples Bayley over! Both women are down and Sasha is panicking. Bayley crawls towards a corner but Tamina goes after her foot. Bayley kicks Tamina until she lets go. Bayley bails out and regroups with Sasha before going after Tamina with fury! She slams Tamina on the apron then clubs her across the neck. “Ten years my ass!” Oh but Happy Mother’s Day. Bayley SLAPS Tamina, then asks for water. Sasha takes Corey Graves’ bottle, and Bayley sips. Then she SPLASHES Tamina with water!
Tamina is enraged! Tamina grabs Bayley by her head, and throws her into the ropes, to then LARIAT! Sasha is freaking out as Bayley flounders up. Tamina throws her into the ladders at ringside! Tamina drags Bayley up to throw into the ring then stalks up behind her. Fireman’s carry but Bayley flails and gets to the apron. SUPERKICK sends Bayley down! Tamina catches her breath before fetching Bayley. Tamina’s rage is still burning, and she TOSSES Bayley over the announce desk! The ring count climbs but Tamina drags Bayley up. Tamina throws Bayley into more barriers, then puts her in the ring. Tamina climbs up to the top rope, SUPER- No! She saw Bayley’s boots coming and uses those to throw Bayley up. SUPERKICK, SAMOAN DROP!! But Sasha slides in! The ref stops her short and Tamina glares at her. Sasha slides back out, but Tamina pursues! Tamina chases Sasha around the way, grabs a foot, but Bayley runs in! Tamina scoops Bayley but Bayley hits the crucifix! Cover, Bayley wins!!
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall (still SmackDown Women’s Champion)
But Tamina doesn’t care! She has the fireman’s carry again! But Sasha chop blocks and KNEES Tamina down! The Boss has courage now that the match is over, and she gets the belt for her best friend. Will Sasha continue to watch Bayley’s back now, then and forever?
Seth Rollins speaks.
“Drew McIntyre knows who I am. Drew McIntyre knows what I am capable of. And most importantly, deep down in his heart, Drew McIntyre understands that it is MY destiny to defeat him tonight to become the WWE Champion.” In spite of all that, McIntyre is still willing to step into the fire with Rollins. Rollins admires that courage. So much so, Rollins will do McIntyre the favor of his life. Rollins will unburden McIntyre. This is not McIntyre’s industry, company or show to lead into the future. That duty is Rollins’ and his alone. So when Rollins beats McIntyre tonight, it will not be just for McIntyre’s good, but it will be for the greater good. The WWE Universe needs Rollins as champion, and Rollins needs to be the Monday Night Messiah. Will Rollins burn down Claymore Country to rebuild his own legacy?
WWE Universal Championship: Braun Strowman VS Bray Wyatt!
The Monster Among Men must revisit his past with the Eater of Worlds. Bray wants to rewrite the story between him and The Black Sheep, just as he did with John Cena. But will he get the happy ending he’s always wanted? Or will Braun refuse to play his games?
The introductions are made and this is indeed Firefly Fun House Bray that takes on Braun tonight. The belt is raised, and this horror story turned fantasy finally comes full circle!
Bray laughs but Braun just stares him down. Bray wants Braun to take it easy, but Braun shoves him to a corner! The time for talk is over. “Well someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.” The two tie up and Braun backs Bray down to ROCK him with that right. Braun whips and runs Bray over but Bray just laughs as he goes back to a corner. Bray forgot how strong Braun is. Braun says he’s not the boy he was when they met. The two circle and tie up again. Bray kicks low, uppercuts and headlocks. Braun powers out and runs Bray over again! Bray winces as he bails out. Braun shows no mercy as he goes out and throws BIG hands! Braun bumps Bray off the steel steps and Bray is dazed, but still laughing. But then Braun POSTS Bray hard! Braun looms over Bray as the ring count climbs. Braun drags Bray up and puts him in the ring at 6. He follows and runs corner to corner, for a big corner splash!
Braun roars as Bray flops and flounders back out of the ring. Bray crawls but Braun goes back out. The Strowman Express is on the tracks, but Bray sends him crashing over the announce desk! Bray used Strowman’s strength against him! Bray goes back to the ring to refresh the count and catch his breath. Braun drags himself up and back to ringside but Bray is watching with a big smile on his face. Wait, Huskis the pig boy is here?! Huskis is cheering Bray on as Bray gives Braun a DDT to the floor! Bray drags Braun up and into the ring, and runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Bray drops a back senton fast! Braun flounders out of the ring now and Bray smiles again. Bray pursues Braun now and hammers him at the timekeeper’s area. Bray RAMS Braun into steel steps! Braun is in a daze and Bray is emotional. “Look what you made me do!” Bray doesn’t want to hurt Braun but he puts him in the ring. “I’m sorry.” The spider walk returns! Bray drags Bruan up but Braun CHOPS him!
Braun runs into a boot and Bray hops up. Bray reels Braun in, for a tornado DDT! He drags Braun up fast, for SISTER ABIGAIL! Cover, TWO!?! Braun survives and Bray is stunned! But Bray also manages to smile and laugh in disbelief. Braun gasps and Bray shouts, “I know!” Bray watches Braun stand up, and he has an evil glare on his face. A kiss good night, but Braun clamps on! CHOKE SLAM!! Bray is writhing again and Braun is floundering about. Bray gets to a corner and Braun runs in for a big corner splash! Braun keeps moving, and hits another splash! THen he throws Bray out of the ring! The Strowman Express is on the tracks again, and he RAMS Bray into barriers! Braun is furious as he drags Bray up again. Braun puts Bray in the ring, but Bray BOOTS Braun back out! Both men are down but it’s Braun on the outside. Champion’s Advantage means this count will only help Braun.
But Braun has put on the black sheep mask?! Bray is so happy to see THIS Braun is back! “I told them!” Bray asks if Braun understands what this means. Braun tears off his shirt, and Bray says this time will be “perfect.” Braun kneels beside Bray and they both praise the buzzards. Bray stands, laughing all the way. “I told them, Braun. I told them.” Braun stands with Bray, and they hug it out. Mercy, Abby and the other puppets show themselves. But wait, Braun takes off the mask?! Did he not fall for the trick? Braun STOMPS the mask, scoops Bray up, and hits the MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, Braun wins!!
Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall (still WWE Universal Champion)
Braun says he told Bray that he wasn’t getting in Braun’s head! Bray didn’t create Braun, Braun did this all on his own! After defying his inner demons, will the Monster Among Men ever be slain? Unless… Will Bray give “him” a turn in these dark mind games?
The Messenger speaks!
“You want to know who I am? I am everywhere. I see everyone. I hear everything.” He is the truth, and no one is safe. He’s in. Every video camera in the WWE Universe acts as his eyes, but we will soon hear the truth.
WWE World Championship: Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins!
We have heard from both the Scottish Stud and the Monday Night Messiah tonight. But now, their actions will decide the fate of Monday Night Raw, and by extension, the WWE itself! Will Claymore Country lead the resistance against Rollins’ delusions? Or is destiny becoming reality before our very eyes?
The introductions are made, Rollins has a far more grandiose entrance theme now, and the belt is raised. The bell rings, and the fight for Raw’s future begins!
McIntyre and Rollins circle and tie up. McIntyre powers Rollins to a corner but lets up as the ref calls for the break. He lets Rollins come out and the two go again. Rollins waistlocks but McIntyre hooks a leg. Rollins shifts ot a headlock but McIntyre lifts him up. Rollins holds on but McIntyre powers out the second try. McIntyre runs Rollins over and Rollins bails out. Rollins takes his time pacing around the ring before returning. The two circle and tie up again, and Rollins goes for a leg. McIntyre blocks the takedown and facelocks. Rollins works on the hold and reverses to a wrench. Rollins hammerlocks but McIntyre steps through to wrench and headlock. Rollins powers out but McIntyre runs him over! And again! And then clotheslines Rollins out! Rollins gets up but McIntyre is waiting. McIntyre says he’s even going to let Rollins have a breather, because he’s enjoying this. Rollins comes back and circles with McIntyre again.
The two tie up, McIntyre powers Rollins back again but Rollins uses that to put McIntyre in the corner. Rollins throws a cheap shot then more, and a CHOP! He whips but McIntyre reverses. McIntyre stays clear of Rollins going up and over, to CHOP him down! McIntyre throws hands then whips corner to corner hard! And then even harder the other way! Rollins tumbles up and back into a CHOP! McIntyre won’t let up, he dead lift suplexes! Cover, ONE, surprisingly. McIntyre rocks Rollins with a right then CHOPS Him in a corner! Rollins staggers but McIntyre scoops him. Rollins slips out an dropkicks a leg out! McIntyre shoves Rollins but Rollins dodges to dropkick the leg again! Rollins throws McIntyre into a post! McIntyre flops out to the floor and Rollins takes aim. Rollins builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and McIntyre goes down just in front of the desk! Rollins drags McIntyre up and into the ring, then grabs a leg. Rollins wants to turn McIntyre but McIntyre powers him away. But Rollins comes back with a SLINGBLADE! Cover, ONE!
Rollins goes after the bad leg again, and turns McIntyre for a Half Crab! McIntyre endures as Rollins sits on the hold! McIntyre claws his way towards ropes, but Rollins shifts to an STF! Rollins cranks on the crossface but McIntyre endures that and the leg lock. McIntyre powers up, reaches, but Rollins shifts to a full crossface! Rollins cranks back on the neck but McIntyre refuses to stop crawling! He gets the ropebreak! Rollins holds on all the way to 4, cranking with each moment! McIntyre is on the apron so Rollins scrapes him off. Rollins aims again and builds speed, to DIVE! Another direct hit! McIntyre is down again and Rollins goes to the apron. Rollins says this isn’t about McIntyre, but he’ll still end him. McIntyre stands, Rollins leaps, FLYING KNEE! Rollins refreshes the count again as McIntyre flounders about. Rollins goes back to the barriers but McIntyre staggers away. Rollins springboards off the barriers, for ANOTHER flying knee! Again Rollins refreshes the count, and he clears off the announce desk!
Rollins stands on the desk, saying this is HIS kingdom. He leaps for yet another flying knee! McIntyre is down in a heap but Rollins goes back in the ring. The ref reprimands Rollins for bending the rule this far, and demands he let this get back in the ring. Rollins allows it, shouting that this is not about McIntyre. This is about Rollins and his duty. Rollins builds speed again, and DIVES, into McIntyre’s arms! McIntyre TOSSES Rollins up and over the desk! Rollins screams in pain, perhaps remembering his bad times out here from WrestleMania. McIntyre and Rollins both stagger up and towards the ring. They both get in at 3, and Rollins hurries over. McIntyre powers Rollins into a corner, then overhead suplexes him again! McIntyre whips and throws Rollins a third time! Rollins gets up, runs but into a BOOT! McIntyre hobbles but still goes up top. Rollins stands and McIntyre flying ax handles him down! And still manages a kip up!!
McIntyre dares Rollins to stand, but Rollins just runs to the apron! McIntyre grabs him but Rollins hotshots back! Rollins enziguris then springboards, but McIntyre dodges. SPINE BUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO! McIntyre grits his teeth, not through with Rollins yet. McIntyre looms over Rollins and dares him to stand. Rollins slowly stirs, and McIntyre underhooks. Rollins slips out to kick the bad leg! And throw forearms! McIntyre swings but Rollins dodges to PELE! And SUPERKICK! Cover, ONE!? Even after all that, McIntyre is up at one?! Rollins hurries up top and frog splashes! Cover, TWO!! Rollins can’t believe McIntyre survived! But this is a battle of two men that slayed The Beast, Brock Lesnar, so it shouldn’t be a surprise. Rollins goes to the apron and seethes as he hobbles over to the timekeeper’s area. He takes a chair and brings it to the ring! The ref tells Rollins to leave it behind, and Rollins throws it aside. Rollins runs, but no stomp as he gets the GLASGOW KISS!
Rollins still sends McIntyre to the apron, but McIntyre goes up top. Rollins trips him up! McIntyre hits buckles and Rollins climbs up. Rollins drags McIntyre up but McIntyre headbutts Rollins down! McIntyre adjusts but Rollins is right back on him! SUPERPLEX! And roll through, to FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre still lives but Rollins is too tired to be angry. Both men slowly get up and Rollins aims from a corner. Rollins runs, but misses the stomp again! McIntyre spins him around, for FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO!?! Rollins survives and shocks McIntyre now. McIntyre beats some life into his bad leg, and he gets himself up. He stalks after Rollins and brings him up in a corner. McIntyre puts Rollins up top and CHOPS! McIntyre climbs up and hammers away with haymakers. Then from the very top, McIntyre lifts Rollins. Rollins trips McIntyre up and haymakers McIntyre into the Tree of Woe! Rollins stands on the bad leg, but McIntyre STILL sits up to SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX Rollins away!!
Rollins flounders to the other end, and the countdown begins. SUPERKICK! CURB STOMP!! Cover, TWO!?!? Rollins can’t believe it! Rollins denied the Claymore but could not finish it with his best move! McIntyre is in a daze as he fights his way up. Rollins says it’s time to end this. CURB- NO! GLASGOW KISS! SUPERKICK! CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall (still WWE World Champion)
Incredible! McIntyre denies Rollins his “destiny,” proving that it wasn’t destiny at all! Will Claymore Country continue to conquer every contender?
Wait, Rollins sits up. McIntyre returns to him, to offer him a handshake out of respect. Rollins stands, and McIntyre says that if Rollins is worthy to be a leader, he’ll shake hands. Rollins does shake hands, very surprisingly. Does this mean Rollins will allow McIntyre to be Raw’s leader?
Backstage interview with R-Truth.
After his loss to Bobby Lashley instead of MVP, Truth… still thinks he beat MVP. MVP lost a lot of weight, from what Truth remembers. Truth should be on Cloud 9, but he has no one to celebrate with. Because his “Baby,” the WWE 24/7 Championship, isn’t here. Truth says that if he doesn’t want to be lonely, then he’s going to do something about it. He’s getting his baby back, baby! So it doesn’t matter where he took the WWE 24/7, 48-7, 7/11, I-95 South, 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue, Championship, Truth is gonna sack you, TOM BRADY! He means Gronk, right?
Money in the Bank Corporate Ladder Match!
Six women and six men are going to battle up all the floors of Titan Towers at the same time! Who makes it all the way to the roof to become Mr. and Ms. Money in the Bank?
The women start in the lobby by the elevators while the men start in the company gym. But wait, where is Asuka? Did she get lost on the way to HQ? But then, she’s already up on the balcony! She’s getting a head start, that’s not fair! But the bell rings and all hell breaks loose in the gym! Otis is on Styles, Mysterio goes after Aleister and Bryan brawls with Corbin! And of course Asuka LEAPS onto all five other women! Things are much more even in the lobby after that, but Asuka is laughing her way back up to her feet. Asuka dances and gets the elevator started. Hurry, hurry, hurry! The Empress of Tomorrow presses the buttons and the door closes just in time! Asuka’s head start is growing with every second, but the others hurry to the stairs.
Meanwhile, Aleister scrapes Mysterio’s face off the bars of a stair master. Mysterio boots back and then elbows. You can hear the others brawling as Aleister kicks Mysterio out of the air! Corbin knees Bryan low and throws big haymakers. Bryan swings on the chin-up bar to dropkick Corbin. Corbin grabs a loose weight and THROWS It! Bryan gets clear and the weight smashes the mirror! That’s bad luck. Otis haymakers Styles as Styles throws trash at him. Bryan clobbers Corbin and sits him down in a chair. Styles throat chops Otis and clubs him on the back. Aleister kicks Mysterio but Mysterio headscissors him into equipment! Styles goes to bump Otis off the paper towel dispenser, but Otis blocks to bump him first! Otis is pumped up as he’s ready to pump some iron. He brings the bar and sets it down on Styles! Styles is stuck and Otis heads off to the next floor. Styles begs Mysterio help him, but Mysterio says, “That’s loco.” The others get a head start on the Phenomenal One as they run down the hall!
Mysterio hears someone in the bathroom, and it’s Brother Love! “I looove~ you!” Bryan is in the lead but Corbin and Aleister are fast behind. Corbin catches up while Aleister boots Otis back. They brawl in the hall and Aleister BOOTS! Corbin wants the elevator to get going but Bryan bumps him off the wall. Aleister ROUNDHOUSES Bryan and a door opens! Otis and Bryan get inside but Aleister joins in. They brawl inside the elevator! Mysterio catches up but they’re already gone.
Back to the women, Carmella trips Shayna but then Lacey blows past them both. Mella catches up at the door, and the two have made it to the second floor. They and Shayna brawl to catch the elevator, but that’s the men coming in! The brawl gets even crazier now, and Asuka just hides in the corner of the elevator. Shayna throws Lacey into a wall and Asuka sneaks past. Shayna sees her and hurries after. The men still brawl and stomp each other, Aleister keeping Otis down. But as Bryan and Corbin are still busy with each other in the ropes, Aleister moves on. Otis cheers Bryan’s YES Kicks on, but then Bryan kicks Otis! And kicks and kicks and kicks! Bryan leaves Dozer and the Wolf King down to hurry after Aleister. Wait, is that Doink? Or Doink Junior perhaps? Dana Brooke has caught up to the others and argues with Shayna about where Asuka went. Mella wipes both Dana and Shayna out, but then Nia appears! Mella SLAPS Nia, but Nia picks her up to RAM her into a boardroom!
Nia headbutts Mella while Shayna bumps Dana off the door. Shayna throws Dana over the table but then Nia stares Shayna down. Shayna fires off forearms but Nia barely flinches. Nia ROCKS Shayna back, but then Dana uses a CHAIR! The chair shot takes Nia out, and Dana spots a briefcase. No, Dana, that’s just a prop. Dana thinks she’s won THE MITB briefcase, but Stephanie McMahon appears to set her straight. They’re destroying the conference room. Does Dana NOT remember that they have to go to the roof? And please clean Nia up, she’s drooling on the carpet. Gross. Dana feels like a fool, but then Mella uses a framed picture of her MITB win to SMASH Dana! Mella moonwalks her way out of the boardroom and heads into the WOMAN’S RIGHT! “Ya nasty.” Lacey heads off to catch up to Asuka.
Styles frees himself from the weight trap and dares Mysterio to show himself. Instead, Styles finds a big poster of Mysterio’s (Marvel) Mysterio entrance. Styles vows to find “Rey Rey” and punch him like he does the poster. He walks the halls and looks around every corner. Styles finds more locked doors than anything. But then, a poster of the Undertaker spooks him. The Boneyard still haunts Styles, so he hurries off to find Rey. A door finally opens, but… it’s Taker’s room!? Styles flashbacks to that night. And then Aleister ROUNDHOUSES him into the room! And locks him inside! Will Styles survive his living nightmare?
Paul Heyman is having a feast all to himself? Only for the superstars all to barge in. The men and the women end up in each other’s way and they argue. Heyman introduces himself, but Dana bumps into him! A sandwich goes flying into Otis, and he blows a gasket! “FOOD FIGHT!!” And he starts by hitting Heyman with the macaroni platter! Everyone is stunned silent, but then the food starts flying! Chips, salad, dip, whatever is near! Shayna puts Mysterio in the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! And then Mysterio ends up the middle of a Nia-Otis SANDWICH! The King of Lucha goes down while Aleister and Bryan brawl in the background. Dana and Mella smack Lacey around, and Heyman is just shielding himself with his plate. Dana knocks Mella into Nia and Nia turns her wrath on Dana. Nia grabs Dana and throws her up against the soda machine! Mella FABULOUS Kicks Nia once, but then gets caught for a POWERBOMB through the buffet table!!
The Irresistible Force stares down Dozer. The literally biggest superstars in this match leave it at this, and head for the next floor. Otis is in the kitchen now, and he digs into whatever is out. Oh, pie! But then, Johnny Laurinitis wheels up? “People power.” Nah, PIE power! Down goes Johnny Ace! And off goes Otis, looking for stairs. A janitor is cleaning up the break room as Asuka runs in. Asuka asks him where to go in Japanese but he doesn’t understand. The other women show up and Asuka throws the mop at them! Then Dana comes in and SLIPS on the wet floor. That’s gonna hurt for awhile. Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Shayna and Lacey ROCKS her with a right! Nia shoves Lacey then tosses Shayna! Asuka just worries about getting to more stairs. Nia is right after her but Lacey crawls her way up.
Meanwhile, Bryan and Aleister are brawling their way down the halls. Aleister whips Bryan into a wall but Styles returns to ROCK him! Bryan throws hands on Styles and Styles bumps him off a desk. Bryan throws Styles through a doorway and Styles flounders up. They brawl more, but wait, wait, wait! This is VINCE MCMAHON’s office! And he’s here right now!! Vince shouts at them to get out. They blame each other but both Bryan and Styles make sure to set the chairs back where they were. Styles and Bryan leave and shut the door. Vince sanitizes his hands just to be safe. Styles tells Bryan he was a wimp, but Bryan points out Styles put the chairs back. Styles throws hands! Bryan throws hands back and their brawl returns to the hall. Corbin returns to RAM his scepter into Bryan! And into Styles! Aleister hits Corbin but Corbin ROCKS Aleister! Corbin drags Bryan up to throw him over a boardroom table, but Styles comes back with haymakers. Corbin bounces Styles off counters and throws him into framed PPV posters! “I’m going to the roof!”
Finally, the superstars have reached the very top of Titan Towers. Now the true ladder match can begin. Nia shoves Asuka down and then puts her in the ring. Nia drags Asuka up but Asuka back kicks. Lacey runs in to LARIAT Asuka, but Nia headbutts Lacey down! Nia scoops Lacey and trophy lifts her up, for the drop! Then she throws Lacey out of the ring before fetching a ladder. Nia puts the ladder in the ring and stands it up. She climbs up the ladder, but Asuka gets in and stops her! Asuka drags Nia down to fire off palm strikes! Nia blocks the back hand to BASH Asuka off the ladder! WOMAN’S RIGHT!! Lacey adjusts the ladder and climbs, but Asuka returns to stop her, too! Lacey lands hard on the mat and now Asuka has a clear path. Asuka sees Nia getting up so she shoves the ladder down onto her! Asuka resets the ladder and begins her climb, but Lacey gets up. Lacey bumps Asuka off the ladder over and over again! Lacey throws Asuka aside and climbs up.
But Asuka returns again! Lacey kicks Asuka away but Asuka won’t stop. Asuka clubs Lacey and then climbs again. Lacey returns to drag Asuka down, but she still goes up! Nia rises, Lacey falls onto her!! Asuka flounders down a couple rungs but she stays up. Asuka climbs again, but here comes Corbin! Corbin climbs up but they’re confused as to which briefcase is which! Asuka SLAPS and BOOTS Corbin down and grabs at the white briefcase. She takes it off the hook, and is MS MONEY IN THE BANK!!
Winner: Asuka; becomes Miss Money in the Bank
But of course this is only half of this Corporate Ladder match! The men are still competing, even if Corbin got slapped by the Empress. Otis appears and has a clear path! Otis remembers the structural difficulties of the ladders on SmackDown, and it seems they still apply here. Corbin returns and clobbers Otis! He throws hands on Otis in a corner of the ring, then brings the ladder over. Corbin RAMS Otis with the ladder then drops it down. Corbin runs in but Otis dodges! Down goes Corbin, and here comes the CATERPILLAR! The elbow flattens Corbin but BLACK MASS rocks Otis!! Aleister has the ladder, but Mysterio catches up to springboard seated senton Otis! Mysterio and Aleister fight over the ladder, but then decide to climb it at the same time. They fight up top and Styles returns! Styles tips the ladder over and both Mysterio and Aleister crash down!
Corbin drags Mysterio up, and throws him OFF THE ROOF?! Then Corbin does the same to Aleister! But, from the sound of it, they actually fell on something just below. Back in the ring, Styles has the ladder set up but Bryan pursues! Corbin drags Bryan down and Otis grabs at Styles. Styles reaches for the briefcase while Corbin POSTS Bryan! Otis gets Styles down but Styles PELES! Styles runs but is put on the apron. He forearms Otis away then springboards, PHENOMENAL FOREARM take Otis down! Styles goes back to the ladder and climbs up again. Corbin climbs up on the other end, and stops Styles from grabbing the briefcase. Styles hits Corbin but Corbin hits Styles. The two grab at the briefcase at the same time, and Styles takes it off the clip! They both have it, but it’s about who comes off the ladder! Wait, is that Elias?! He uses his guitar to SMASH Corbin! Corbin falls, Styles fumbles the briefcase, and Otis catches it!! OTIS WINS!?!
Winner: Otis Dozovic; becomes Mr. Money in the Bank
What luck! Otis wasn’t up top on the ladder, but he was in the right place at the right time! And his celebration causes the ladder to fall over and send Styles flying! “Yo, Mandy! I did it!” Otis has a guaranteed shot at the WWE Universal Champion, but will Strowman ever see him COMIIIIN~?
My Thoughts:
What a wild MITB! Yet, the status quo was kept when it came to the titles. But I’m not as upset about that since the matches were all great. I predicted the SmackDown Tag and Women’s titles were staying with the champions, but that Fatal 4 Way was hectic in a good way, and I liked the tease of Tamina almost pulling it off. Sasha helped Bayley retain and get away from Tamina in one piece, but I’m thinking “The Messenger” is ready to expose that friendship for what it is. Meanwhile, I have no idea what’s going to happen with the SmackDown Tag Division, unless Forgotten Sons are getting a 2v2 opportunity for Backlash. By the way, very disappointed that Backlash is next and not Extreme Rules. I was hoping many stories, namely from SmackDown, were going to get Extreme Rules based payoffs but maybe that happens in July this year.
The kickoff match of Hardy VS Cesaro was pretty good for Hardy’s first match in this newest return. I was a bit worried Cesaro legitimately got hurt from that Whisper in the Winds, but he’s just a great seller. I’m surprised Sheamus didn’t come out to ruin Hardy’s celebration, and maybe even tease The Bar reuniting since it seems like The Artist Collective isn’t really getting to do much right now. Maybe Sheamus just joins the Collective or even hijacks it from Sami Zayn and Baron Corbin. Lashley subbing in for MVP is an interesting turn in both their stories. I was hoping MVP recruited Ricochet and Cedric Alexander, but MVP working with Lashley could be great for both of them. Truth’s promo about getting the 24/7 title back was hilarious, but Truth is always amazing at comedy. I can’t wait for that first social media match in Tampa.
Strowman VS Wyatt and McIntyre VS Rollins were both great world title matches. Braun and Bray had such great story elements in their match, such as the puppets and the black sheep mask appearing. I almost thought Braun had become Bray’s human puppet, but it was pretty great for Braun to have shrugged that off. And watching Bray at the end of that match, clearly the next step is to see if Braun can beat The Fiend at Backlash. Rollins and McIntyre put on the better pure match, but I do like that they made a story beat out of the tope suicida hat trick. Rollins didn’t just spam it, he made points of using them, only for it to fail right at the end. McIntyre wins and who knows what that handshake at the end means for Raw going forward.
Last but certainly not least, the Corporate Ladder match. It didn’t start how I pictured in my mind, but then it went above my expectations while still meeting some plot points I was hoping to see. Though it did paint Dana as a bit forgetful. They were told for weeks that this would be a match that ends on the roof. Why would she think the briefcase was in that random conference room? Also she did that wet floor spot so well I thought she might’ve legit cracked her head on the floor. The food fight chaos was pretty great. Shayna gets some points for getting Mysterio in her signature submission and almost choking him out. Shayna gets a bit of a raw deal being left behind with Dana and Mella, though. But in the end, I knew Asuka was getting that briefcase. Shayna doesn’t need a shortcut, it works better for her if she takes the long route to the title this time. While Becky Lynch has been advertised for wanting to confront Ms. MITB, I think Asuka will choose to take her time with her cash-in. Becky and Nia should finally have a feud to revisit the origins of “The Man.” That would be pretty good for Backlash, and then Asuka can just bide her time.
On the men’s side of things, I like that Vince got to have a part to play. They also got all the cameos from legends like Brother Love, John Laurinitis and “Doink the Clown.” And they also had the only people thrown off the roof! I’m pretty sure Mysterio and Aleister will return tomorrow on Raw, but I’m sure for kayfabe’s sake they’ll have bandaged something. I did not think they were going to modify the WrestleMania SmackDown Tag Team Championship ending. But what a great surprise that Otis actually won! This keeps the math on Corbin accurate since he jinxed himself on SmackDown. The only question is now, will Otis really pull off a cash-in? They do have a whole year to figure it out, but I just hope they don’t Mr. Kennedy this and have someone like Ziggler goad Otis into putting the briefcase on the line.
My Score: 8.5/10
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Main Event Jey goes for gold!
While Drew McIntyre wants the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, it’s Jey Uso who gets his shot at Seth Rollins tonight on Monday Night Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn; McIntyre wins.
- Shayna Baszler VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- Best 2 Out of 3 Falls: #DIY VS Imperium; DIY wins.
- Natalya & Tegan Nox VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; win.
- The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley; win.
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Jey Uso; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre is here!
The Scottish Warrior is ready to tear it all down, all because he didn’t get another title match with Seth Rollins when he wanted. But before he tears into Sami Zayn, McIntyres the mic to say, “It’s been awhile since I’ve done this, but welcome everybody to Monday Night Raw!” Fans cheer that! And McIntyre says Raw is the land where it feels like everyone’s lost their minds lately! “Liars, hypocrites, cowards, just plain idiots. Apparently, you can get fired, released, leave, do what you want for a bunch of time, come back, and you’re instantly forgiven these days!” Fans chant “CM PUNK!” but McIntyre says he could be talking about anyone.
Now, Rollins tried to pull a fast one on McIntyre. Rollins could’ve given the match to anyone, but McIntyre beat Jey Uso weeks ago. So Rollins sticks it to McIntyre, slaps him metaphorically, so he headbutts Rollins in his stupid face. And speaking of Jey, O M G, Jey can apologize! He ran to Randy Orton, tail between his legs, “Oh, I’m so sorry, Randy!” Well Jey, your time’s coming. And there’s someone McIntyre is forgetting. Oh, right! Sami Zayn! And wouldn’t you know? Here comes Sami! Fans cheer and sing Sami’s song as he makes his way to the ring, a mic of his in hand. The fans then chant for ‘SAMI! SAMI!” as he sits up top.
Sami tells McIntyre, he clearly has a lot to say about everybody, including Sami, so he may as well say it to Sami’s face. Oh, yes, McIntyre sure does. Last week, Sami wanted to say how alike they are, but they are not. McIntyre has something to say to Sami and it is the truth: Sami is the one person in the world who deserved to get screwed over by The Bloodline. The fans boo but McIntyre says he will explain. Sami was the Bloodline’s lapdog errand boy, he joined them because he was running away from McIntyre, and then what? Sami screwed Bloodline over! What did Sami think was gonna happen to him? Isn’t Sami supposed to be smart?
McIntyre says Sami deserved what he got, it’s the truth. Sami says McIntyre is right about one thing: Sami was wrong. Sami thought they were alike but the more Sami is seeing, the more “truth” he’s hearing, Sami realizes they are NOT anything alike! Sami is not a delusional person. He isn’t someone who points a finger at everyone else for his own shortcomings. And big difference here: When Sami lost in front of his family and let everyone down, he stayed hungry, driven and motivated and that carried him to victory in the main event of WrestleMania! Fans fire up for that! So Sami got his redemption. Sami got to make his family proud. Does McIntyre think he’s making his family proud?
McIntyre glares at Sami, and then says one of them is NOT walking out of here. Get a ref and ring the bell! Fans fire up as we get their match now! Will McIntyre absolutely explode after Sami set him off?
Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn!
The bell rings and fans are behind Sami in this one. Sami and McIntyre circle, then McIntyre RAMS Sami into a corner! And OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! McIntyre asks if it was a good idea to talk bad now. McIntyre ROCKS and DECKS Sami, then stalks him. Fans rally with “Let’s Go, Sami!” as he bails out. McIntyre pursues, and SMACKS him off the apron! McIntyre scoops Sami, but Sami slips free to POST McIntyre! Sami aims at the apron, McIntyre body shots and SMACKS Sami off the apron! McIntyre puts Sami in but Sami builds speed to FLY! Direct hit and down goes McIntyre! Fans fire up with Sami as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and fans rally as McIntyre has Sami in a motorcycle stretch. But Sami flips then BOOTS McIntyre away! But McIntyre CHOPS Sami back! Sami bails out, McIntyre pursues, but Sami kicks and CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Sami throws hands, whips, but McIntyre reverses. Sami goes up the barriers to QUEBRADA! Down goes McIntyre again and fans fire back up! The ring count climbs, the fans fire up with Sami, and Sami brings McIntyre around to put him in at 7 of 10. Sami slides in, but McIntyre LARIATS Sami back down! McIntyre seethes while fans boo, and McIntyre throws fists down on Sami!
Fans rally even harder for Sami and Sami sits up. McIntyre drags Sami up, to CHOP! Sami flops right back down, McIntyre grins, and he drags Sami up. McIntyre CHOPS and Sami wobbles around! Sami shakes his head, grits his teeth, and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS! McIntyre CHOPS and Sami falls over! McIntyre stomps Sami, smother shim, then stomps his head again! McIntyre stomps Sami’s leg, then stomps the other leg! McIntyre paces around Sami, waits on Sami to get up, and Sami goes to a corner. McIntyre runs in but Sami ELBOWS him away! Sami goes up, McIntyre runs in but into a BOOT!
Sami leaps, AX HANDLE! Sami fires up with the fans, he kicks McIntyre and reels him in, but McIntyre is a little too big to suplex! McIntyre suplexes, Sami slips free, then he lures McIntyre into the corner to POST him! Sami kicks and reels McIntyre in, to SUPLEX! Fans fire up while both men are down! Sami clutches the ankle, but he stands up to fire off haymakers! Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami ducks ‘n ‘ dodges to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Sami is stunned! Sami hurries to the apron while fans fire up! Sami climbs, leaps, but into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! And then another OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY!
McIntyre hits a NECKBREAKER, then kips up! Fans are torn as McIntyre shakes the ropes. But then Sami clotheslines him up and out! Sami aims, and PLANCHAS! McIntyre catches him! And SLINGS him over the desk! Fans lose their minds and McIntyre seethes as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and McIntyre ELBOWS Sami, then Reverse Alabama Lifts! For the REVERSE ALA- NO, Sami victory rolls! TWO!! Sami runs up, into a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO!! But McIntyre deadlift POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!?! Sami survives and surprises even himself! The fans declare “This is Awesome!” but McIntyre snarls. McIntyre sits Sami up, fireman’s carries, and then goes up a corner! SUPER- NO, Sami flails and fights to a SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Sami is beside himself! Sami hobbles up, fans rally behind him and he brings McIntyre around.
Sami reels McIntyre in but McIntyre fights the lift! Sami CLUBS away on McIntyre and fans fire up! Sami tries again, BLUE- NO, McIntyre fights free to GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! McIntyre then aims from the corner! Sami flounders up as the countdown begins! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” BOOT from Sami! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives again and Sami can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Sami and McIntyre rise again. Sami throws a haymaker, McIntyre gives it back. They stand, Sami CHOPS! McIntyre CHOPS in return! Both men wobble, McIntyre CHOPS again! Sami BOOTS! And BOOTS!
Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami goes up and over. The leg jams! The ref keeps McIntyre back but he storms in, Sami ELBOWS McIntyre, then TOSSES him out! Sami thinks about it, he wants to build speed but the leg won’t let him do it! McIntyre sees a target, and he gets in to CHOP BLOCK! The ref reprimands and backs McIntyre off. McIntyre just aims, to CLAYMORE!!! Direct hit and McIntyre covers, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
No mercy from McIntyre, and that is how he wins! Will the Scottish Warrior force everyone’s hands by fighting his way to a title opportunity?
Zoey Stark finds Shayna Baszler backstage.
The Queen of Spades is getting ready, but then Byron Saxton walks over to ask a few questions. Shayna faces a former tag partner in Nia Jax- Look, she has one goal tonight. Shayna put Nia on the shelf by breaking her arm. So she’ll remind Nia of that, limb by limb. Shayna heads out, Zoey follows. Will the Irresistible Force run into that immovable object again tonight?
Jey Uso speaks.
“Tonight, I have a chance to do something I thought I’d never be able to do again. A few months ago, I had a chance to dethrone the Tribal Chief and become the WWE Undisputed Universal Champion. That moment was ripped away from me by the one man in this world I love the most, my Day One. My own twin brother. Man, that hurt me more than you could ever know. I couldn’t be around this business anymore, I had to walk away. I really convinced myself I was done. Until I got a call from Cody Rhodes.” Cody told Jey he couldn’t quit, he could have a fresh start to be his own man. And the more Jey thought about it, the more he realized Cody was right.
Jey’s whole life, he’s fought for others. For Roman, for his brothers, for his father. From now on, Jey fights for HIS legacy. Before the Bloodline, before record-breaking reigns, before the Uso Penitentiary, before the Day One, before the dance, the face paint, FCW and long ass training nights, making money, being broke… There was just Jey, Uce! So Seth Rollins, we know you’re about game. Rollins has fought against Jey, fought with Jey, but now you’re fighting a starving individual ready to eat! It’s just Jey now. Jey proves to the whole world, to Rollins, to his family and himself why he IS Main Event Jey Uso! But will he become World Champion Jey Uso?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Jackie Redmond shows Sami being checked by medical staff, but then McIntyre attacks! McIntyre throws Sami into road cases, rains down fists, and says Sami can’t talk about McIntyre’s family! They’re nothing alike! NOTHING! Sami brought this upon himself! Then he STOMPS the bad ankle!! Producers rush in to get McIntyre to leave, but has McIntyre just sidelined Sami for the rest of 2023?
Raw returns as Sami is being reevaluated.
The medics check the leg, Jey hurries over to say it’ll be alright, Uce. Jey looks around for McIntyre, will Jey be able to focus on his main event after this just happened?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.
Byron is with The Man and asks about last week, her statement that… Oh, Nia walks in now. She tells “Barney” she has this. And Becky, she talked about some fights on the horizon. Does one include anyone in particular? Yes, Nia, it does. Nia would be number one because Becky had forgotten about her, as everyone had, but then Nia showed up on Becky’s interview and they never got to this. Becky still owes Nia a receipt. A receipt, huh? Well, once Nia squashes Shayna, she is all Becky’s. Becky can’t wait. The music hits, will we see a big time grudge match in the near future?
Shayna Baszler VS Nia Jax!
The bell rings and Nia runs in, but Shayna dodges to KICK and KICK! Nia blocks one, SLAPS Shayna, then TOSSES her! Shayna gest up in a corner, but Nia SPLASHES in the corner! Shayna flounders, Nia pushes her around and slaps her some more. Nia talks trash then TOSSES Shayna across the way! Nia runs back in, but Shayna dodges! Nia hits buckles, Shayna KNEES Nia down! Shayna then knuckle locks and twists that wrist, then goes up the corner for a HANGING ARMBAR! Nia endures, powers up, and POWERBOMBS Shayna down! Shayna gets out of the ring, Nia pursues, and fans rally up as Nia drags Shayna up.
Nia SMACKS Shayna off the desk, then SMACKS her off the apron! Nia brings Shayna around, fireman’s carries, but Shayna fights free! And she POSTS Nia! Shayna slides into the ring, then goes to the apron to PENALTY KICK the arm! Shayna isolates that arm, lets her hair down, and says Nia’s done! But Nia SWEEPS the legs! Shayna hits the apron, and Nia gets up to APRON LEG DROP! Fans boo as Shayna writhes and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Nia has Shayna in a neck wrench. Shayna endures, even as NIa leans on the hold. Fans rally, Shayna fights up, and she JAWBREAKERS free! Nia staggers, Shayna fires body shots and KICKS! Shayna ROCKS Nia into a corner, then runs, but Nia URENAGES Shayna down! Nia then drags Shayna up to POST her! Nia goes to the apron, lines up the shot, runs in and HIP ATTACKS against the post! Cover, TWO!! Shayna survives but Nia drags her up. Nia puts Shayna in a corner, throws body shots and slaps Shayna around, but Shayna fires off forearms! Shayna runs, but Nia scoops her! SIDEWALK SLAM!
Nia dribbles Shayna while taunting her, then she covers, TWO! Nia is frustrated but she drags Shayna up into a cobra clutch. Shayna endures, fans rally up, and Shayna throws elbows! Then kicks! And KICKS! And KICKS! Shayna runs, KICKS, then runs again. Another KICK but Nia still stays up! Shayna runs, dodges Nia, but Nia scoops to SAMOAN DROP! Shayna crawls to a corner, Nia runs in, but Shayna ducks and the hip attack hits buckles! Then Shayna hits a roll up into buckles! Shayna goes to the far corner, Nia crawls after her, but Shayna runs in to KNEE Nia down! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives and Shayna is frustrated.
Nia rises, Shayna KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS, KICKS, KICKS! Fans fire up with each shot but Nia blocks one! Shayna gets free to BUZZSAW! Shayna runs, but Nia CLOBBERS her at the ropes! Nia pushes Shayna down, runs and SENTONS! Cover, TWO?!? Shayna survives and fans fire up! Nia is in disbelief, but she drags Shayna to a drop zone. Nia stomps Shayna, climbs up, but Shayna grabs a leg! ANKLE LOCK! Nia kicks Shayna away, but then Shayna returns, SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Both women have a crash landing and fans fire up! Shayna drags herself up while Nia stirs, and the fans rally behind her!
Shayna stalks Nia, KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Nia endures but she has Shayna on her as a backpack! Fans fire up, but Nia stands up! Shayna drags her back down! Shayna rear mounts again, leans all her weight on the hold, but Nia fights back up! BACKPACK SENTON!! Both women are down again as Nia sputters and coughs. But then she gets mad, and she drags Shayna to the drop zone! Nia climbs, soaks up the heat, A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, Nia wins!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
Shayna tried but she could not be the immovable object to the Irresistible Force. Nia crushes the Queen of Spades, but here comes Becky! Fans fire up but Nia backs down! This collision is coming, but will Becky be that big time roadblock to Nia?
DIY talks backstage.
Gargano & Ciampa know what they gotta do, but then in walk Candice & Indi. They’ll be cheering DIY on, ready for back to back wins, and then they all stand at attention because Imperium walks in. Oh, yes, good, show respect. Look at this lovely couple. Yes, a lovely couple of losers! Oh, ow, wow. But it’ll be embarrassing to get beat twice in one match. Hopefully Papa Gunther won’t be too mad after. The Way heads out, and Ludwig reminds Giovanni this is important. Don’t mess up out there. Oh, he’s got it. He hopes Ludwig does, too. The dysfunction between Impeccable German and the Pride of Italy is growing, will it be their downfall?
Best 2 Out of 3 Falls: #DIY VS Imperium!
Raw returns as Imperium makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Ciampa starts against Ludwig. The fans rally behind DIY as we start this first fall, and the two circle. Ciampa and Ludwig tie up, go around, and Ludwig puts Ciampa in a corner. The ref counts, Ludwig lets off slowly, but Ciampa avoids the cheap shot to ROCK and CHOP and repeat! Ciampa whips corner to corner, Ludwig reverses and runs in. He blocks a boot, “NEIN!” UPPERCUT! Ludwig stands over Ciampa, drags him up and bumps him off buckles. Ludwig ROCKS Ciampa, tags Vinci, and Vinci RAMS into Ciampa! Vinci then stays between Ciampa and Gargano to stomp Ciampa.
Vinci throws hands and UPPERCUTS, but Ciampa hits back! They brawl, Ciampa has the edge and whips, but Vinci ducks ‘n’ dodge to CROSSBODY! Fans boo but Vinci stomps Ciampa. Vinci KNEES Ciampa in the back, then he stomps Ciampa more. Vinci talks trash, stands Ciampa up and UPPERCUTS! Vinci CLUBS Ciampa in the back, tags Ludwig, and Imperium mugs Ciampa. Ludwig looms over Ciampa, then scrapes his soles off Ciampa’s face! Ludwig taunts Gargano, fans boo, but Ludwig smirks as he whips Ciampa. Ludwig ELBOWS Ciampa down, covers, TWO! Fans rally but Ludwig clamps onto Ciampa with a chinbar and armlock.
Ciampa fights up, fans rally harder as they go around and around, and Ciampa sends Ludwig into buckles! Fans fire up, Ciampa crawls, but Ludwig anchors the feet! Ciampa ENZIGURIS, but Ludwig still holds on! Ciampa fires forearms, Ludwig keeps him from Gargano to then dodge. But Ciampa dodges, hot tag to Gargano! Fans fire up as Gargano JUMP KICKS Ludwig, then schoolboy rolls and KICKS Vinci! Gargano rallies on Ludwig, whips him to ropes, but Ludwig reverses. Gargano ducks ‘n ‘dodges to tilt-o-whirl, LA MYSTICA! Fans fire up with Johnny Wrestling and he runs in at the corner, but Ludwig puts him on the apron!
Gargano GAMANGIRIS, then he avoids Vinci to SUPERKICK! SLINGSHOT SPEAR on Ludwig! Fans fire up again and Gargano tags Ciampa back in. DIY set up in corners, Ludwig sits up, but Vinci trips Gargano! Ludwig avoids the knee, rolls Ciampa with tights, Imperium scores!
DIY: 0; Imperium: 1
Fans boo as Imperium takes the crucial first fall! But while Vinci & Ludwig gloat, Gargano gets back up, CANNONBALL takes out Vinci! Ciampa PLANCHAS Ludwig down! DIY sits on the desk, and they pat themselves on the backs while applauding! Fans applaud and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ludwig tags in but the fans rally for “D I Y! D I Y!” Ludwig stands Gargano up but Gargano fires forearms! Ludwig shoves, Gargano returns, tilt-o-whirl FACEBUSTER! Then Ludwig BLASTS Ciampa! Tag to Vinci, Imperium sets Gargano up in the ropes, DOUBLE DROPKICKS in the corner! Vinci drags Gargano up, CLUBS him, then covers, TWO! Fans taunt “BALDY! BALDY!” as he clamps onto Gargano with shoulder claws. Gargano fights up, fights free, and he throws forearms on Imperium! Vinci kicks low, reels Gargano in, then Ludwig goes up! Ciampa anchors Ludwig, Gargano victory rolls Vinci, DIY scores!
DIY: 1; Imperium: 1
And we’re all tied up! Imperium is shocked, but then they rush Gargano! Gargano dodges them both, hot tag to Ciampa! Ciampa rallies on Imperium, he fires off forearms and CHOPS! Fans fire up, Imperium mugs Ciampa and double whip. Ciampa ducks the lariats to DOUBLE LARIAT Imperium! Dragon sleeper for Vinci, clinch for Ludwig, COMPLETE SHOT DDT COMBO! Gargano is back, Ciampa tags him in. They meet at the corner, CLOTHESLINE ENZIGURI COMBO! Then BACK SUPLEX BOMB COMBO! Cover, Ludwig breaks it! Ciampa whips but Ludwig reverses to TOSS Ciampa! Gargano DUMPS Ludwig!
Vinci runs in, Gargano dodges then fakes out to mule kick! Gargano runs, but into a tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gargano hangs in there, but Vinci tags Ludwig. Ludwig goes up again, Vinci lifts Gargano, but Gargano fights to RANA Vinci away! Ludwig still leaps, but Gargano ROCKS him! Gargano runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Ludwig hits the ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! PENALTY KICK! Tag to Vinci and Vinci double jump TOP ROPE MOONSAULTS! Cover, Ciampa breaks it! Fans fire up as all four men are down! Ludwig storms up on Ciampa to throw a forearm, but Ciampa gives it back!
Ciampa and Ludwig brawl, the ref reprimands as they’re not the legal men! Ludwig gets the edge, spins, but Gargano SUPERKICKS him! Vinci is up, he blocks Ciampa’s boot to CHOP! Gargano ENZIGURIS Vinci! Ludwig DISCUS LARIATS Ciampa! Gargano BUZZSAWS Ludwig! Vinci KICKS and reels Gargano in, but Gargano counters the bomb with a DDT! All four men are down again and the fans really fire up! Fans rally up, “This is Awesome!” Gargano and Vinci crawl, hot tags to Ciampa and Ludwig! Ciampa dodges Ludwig but then Ludwig elbows him! Ciampa BOOTS, puts Ludwig up top, and then climbs up after him!
Fans fire up as Ciampa fireman’s carries Ludwig, for the SUPER AIR RAID CRASH! Tag to Gargano and DIY set up in corners! Fans are thunderous for- NO, Vinci trips Ciampa and drag shim out! But Ciampa sends Vinci into steps! Gargano runs in, Ludwig rolls him up with tights again! TWO!! Ciampa sneaks a tag, Ludwig runs in but gets a haymaker! SUPERKICK! BOOT! And then, MEET IN THE MIDDLE!! Cover, DIY wins!!
Winners: DIY, by pinfall, 2-1
Fans fire up as DIY makes the comeback to take the match! Will this help Ciampa & Gargano head for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships? As for Imperium, Vinci tells Ludwig he’s gotta go explain to Gunther what went wrong. Is what’s wrong with Imperium simply their attitudes?
Tegan Nox & Natalya prepare backstage.
They’re getting ready for Kayden Carter & Katana Chance, but Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk over. Look, it’s Kitty Cat Natty and Rainbow Head… Uh, um, what’s her name again? TEGAN! Oh, right, Tegan. Well, the champs were gonna head out but they heard Natty & Nox have a match tonight. It’s so “cute” that they’re trying to make this work. Get over it, Natty! This is not your meal ticket, move on, it’s over, nobody’s buying this. Nox goes after Chelsea but Natty holds her back. Natty says after they win tonight, they’ll take another shot at the titles, and they won’t miss. Chelsea says she and Piper will miss this. “Let’s go, P.”
Chelsea & Piper walk away, and Natty says someone needs to buy that mutt a muzzle. Will the Queen of Harts & Welsh Firecracker rebound? Or will KC Squared have the winning formula?
The New Day is with The Creed Brothers backstage.
Julius & Brutus have Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston on their shoulders respectively, and are doing squats! The New Day is all fired up! They then hop down and that’s why the Creeds are the #1 contenders! They feel great about it, too! What a match last week. And it’s all good, just watch out for Judgment Day. Julius says yeah, they were facing some GOATs so they’ll be ready. But then “SHOOOOOSH~!” Chad Gable walks in with the Academy. But just kidding. They’re happy for the Creeds, too. And take it from another pair of former champions, the road only gets tougher from here. If you wanna take the training up a notch, stop on by, Chad will give you a taste of the Gable Method.
The Creeds appreciate that, but for now, they stick with their secret weapon, Ivy Nile. Ivy will neutralize Rhea for them tonight. Ivy says Rhea may be one of the toughest women here, but Ivy is not backing down. Maxxine says she knows all about that. Ivy’s been hitting some impressive lifts. Wait, Maxxine, don’t sell yourself shorts. We know how strong she’s gotten since replacing Pilates with squats! Tozawa! Assume the position. Maxxine lifts Tozawa and does the squats! Everyone fires up, but will Julius & Brutus have the power they need to take down Dirty Dom & The Irish Ace?
Judgment Day talks backstage, too.
Damian Priest says no way this is happening again. But surprise! R-Truth is back! And he got them a TV! JD, didn’t you say you were gonna deal with Truth? Deal? Truth’s the one who got the best deal on this TV! LCD! Priest already said you have to leave! Truth says yeah “Jackie D,” nobody likes you, you gotta go. Truth, YOU aren’t Judgment Day! You never will be! Get out of the clubhouse, NOW! Right? Priest says yeah, but we can take it easy. Truth says okay, he’ll get out of “our” clubhouse, but they need to talk security. Truth leaves, Priest brings up McIntyre talking all this nonsense, like he’s Rhea or something, acting like they wanted him on the team!
McIntyre is acting like he can’t be dealt with as easy as everyone else! Dom says Mami said no one touches McIntyre. Mami this, Mami that! Priest says Rhea isn’t here, and neither is Finn, so he has to take lead. That means tonight, Dom & McDonagh handle The Creeds! They will learn why The Judgment Day runs things around here! Dom & JD nod, head out, and Priest does admit, they need to lock up around here. The TV doesn’t even work! But will things be alright without Rhea & Finn around?
Natalya & Tegan Nox VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance!
We saw Natty & Nox tell Chelsea & Piper off, but will they follow through on their word to make their way back up the ladder? Or will Carter & Chance get the party started in Albany?
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Sure #EverybodyDies, but who will tranquilo?
The World Tag League round robin is almost over, and B Block is looking saucy! Will Lance Archer & Alex Zayne burn Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- BUSHI & Shingo Takagi VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; win.
- Six Man Tag: Kaito Kiyomiya, Ryohei Oiwa & Oskar Leube VS The Gates of Agony & Boltin Oleg; win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma VS The United Empire; win(s).
- Six Man Tag: Shota Umino, Ren Narita & Ryusuke Taguchi VS The House of Torture; win(s).
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Bullet Club; wins.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Taichi & Yuya Uemura VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza; Fale & Bonza win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr; ELP & Leo win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki; Bishamon wins.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Lance Archer & Alex Zayne VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr; Tsuji & Zando win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current B Block standings.
Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 4-1, 8 points
Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 4-1, 8 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 3-2, 6 points
Bishamon: 2-2-1, 5 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-2-1, 5 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 2-3, 4 points
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 1-4, 2 points
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 1-4, 2 points
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Taichi & Yuya Uemura VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza!
The Holy Emperor & Heat Storm are just outside the top after their loss to Monster Sauce, but that’s way better than being at the bottom like the Rogue Army. But can Fale & Bonza ruin things for Taichi & Yuya? Or will B Block belong to Just5Guys?
The teams sort out and Yuya starts against Bonza. The fans rally up as the bell rings and the two stare down. They circle, tie up, and Bonza wrenches to hammerlock then waistlock. Yuya switches to then hammerlock, but Bonza switches the hammerlock back. Yuya reaches back, sits down, rolls and wrenches to a wristlock. Bonza spins, breaks free and pie faces Yuya! Yuya keeps cool, and he resets with Bonza. They tie up, but Bonza kicks low! Bonza runs, runs Yuya over, and says he’s pathetic! Bonza runs, Yuya stays low to then hurdle, and then he hip tosses Bonza down! Yuya scoops and SLAMS Bonza, then arm-drags him!
Fans fire up as Yuya has the armlock, but Fale runs in to throw body shots and scoop! Yuya slips free, but Fale’s too big for an arm-drag! Fale scoops again, and SLAMS Yuya! Then Fale DECKS Taichi for the hell of it! Bonza stomps Yuya around, brings him up, and bumps him off buckles. Tag to Fale and the Rogue Army mugs Yuya. Fale brings Yuya around to CLUB him down, then looms over him. Fans rally but Fale stands on Yuya! Fale goes surfing on the Heat Storm! Fale steps off, covers, TWO! Fans cheer but Fale tags Bonza. Bonza storms up on Yuya, drags him around, and then he goes surfing!
Bonza lets off to then drop an elbow! And then springboard stomp! Yuya sputters, Bonza drags him back up but Taichi rallies the fans. Yuya CHOPS Bonza, ROCKS Fale, repeat! Bonza ROCKS Yuya! Bonza bumps Yuya off buckles, whips him corner to corner, then runs in to elbow! Bonza keeps moving, but Yuya DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Yuya crawls, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi storms up to Kawada Kick! Bonza says F U and ROCKS Taichi, but Taichi SOBATS back! Taichi tells Bonza off and BOOTS him in the corner! Fale runs in, but into a BOOT! Fale comes back, Taichi steps aside to GAMANGIRI!
Bonza kicks Taichi, whips him to a corner, but Taichi comes back to AX BOMBER! Fans fire up with Taichi, and OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi then aims, but Bonza blocks the kick to ELBOW! Bonza whips, DISCUS LARIAT! Bonza fires up, he drags Taichi up, and he reels Taichi in to suplex! Taichi fights that off to suplex back! Bonza fights that off, they fight for suplex control, and fans rally up! In the end, Bonza gets Taichi up, but Taichi slips free! SAI- NO, Bonza fights with elbows! Bonza runs, into a RIDGE HAND! Taichi runs, but Bonza deflects the boot to hit a BIG back suplex! Tag to Fale and he storms up on Taichi.
Fale stomps Taichi, drags him up and CLUBS away on the back! Taichi falls over but Fale stalks him to the ropes. Fale drags Taichi up, but Taichi fights and wrenches to HOOK KICK! Fale runs up, into a clinch! Taichi is using sumo! Fale and Taichi hobble around, Fale tries to counter sumo with sumo! But Taichi still THROWS Fale!! Fans are thunderous and Taichi takes aim! BUZZSAW! Both men are down, fans rally up, hot tag to Yuya! Yuya roars, runs in and CHOPS Fale! Bonza runs in, but gets an arm-drag! And then a DROPKICK! Bonza bails out, Fale staggers up into a DROPKICK! He stays up, so Yuya DROPKICKS again!
Fale rebounds, into an ARM-DRAG!! The fans are thunderous and Yuya runs in at the corner. DOUBLE CHOP! Taichi adds a BOOT! Yuya runs in again, DROPKICK! Fale hobbles, Yuya pushes him out and goes up the corner! CROSSBODY! Down goes Fale! But Yuya isn’t done there! Yuya drags Fale up, wrenches and traps the arm, but Fale swings the other! Yuya catches it! But Fale’s too big for Kamuki! Fale TOSSES Yuya to a corner then SPLASHES! Fireman’s carry, but Yuya flails around! Sunset flip, but Fale stays up! So Taichi GAMANGIRIS him into it! High stack, TWO!! Fale escapes, but Yuya has an ARMBAR!!
Fans fire up as Fale endures! Fale fights around, but Yuya powers him down!! ARMBAR!! Fale flails and kicks around, reaches out, but Yuya shifts grip! Bonza sends Taichi into railing before he gets in, Fale has the ROPEBREAK! Bonza CLOBBERS Yuya for good measure! Fans fire up as Bonza BLASTS Taichi off the apron! Yuya CHOPS Bonza, CHOPS him again, and powers up, but Bonza dodges! Only for Yuya to catch the arms! But Bonza knees low! Yuya roars, but Bonza scoops him! BACKBREAKER to ELBOW DROP!! Cover, TAICHI BREAKS IT! Fans fire up but Bonza scoops Taichi! FIRE THUNDER DRIVER!!
Fale hoists Yuya up! Crucifix lift, for BAD LUCK FALL!!! Cover, Rogue Army wins!!
Winners: Bad Luke Fale & Jack Bonza, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Taichi & Yuya earn 0)
The Rogue General & Red Commander just brought down two of the five guys! Did they just blow up the chances of Taichi & Yuya going on to the semifinals? Or will luck be with J5G in the seventh?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr!
The NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions take on the NWA World Historic Light Heavyweight Champion and a former World Middleweight Champion, but both teams are on the bubble in this block. Who pops off and who drops off right before the end?
ELP tries to get the fans cheering Soberano but it takes a second to warm them up. The fans fire up and the sons of lucha appreciate it. “AT-LAN-TIS!” and “SOBER-RA-NO!” then return the favor helping in a “HI-KU-LEO~!” chant. They all shake hands and high-five, and then the teams sort out. ELP starts against Soberano and fans rally up. The two wind up, and shake hands! Fans cheer and the two circle. They tie up, ELP headlocks, but Soberano powers up and out to then reel ELP back and run. ELP sidesteps, he avoids Soberano’s handspring, and fans cheer. Soberano flexes and fans cheer a little more.
ELP gives a mocking golf clap and then circles with Soberano again. Soberano headlocks, ELP throws body shots and powers out. Soberano runs ELP over, then things speed up. ELP hurdles but Soberano front flips! Fans fire up and Soberano looks off into the distance. Soberano then runs in, ELP dodges, Soberano RANAS but ELP handsprings through, then does his drop steps! Fans cheer as ELP flexes and kisses the biceps. ELP gives Soberano a push, Soberano pushes back. They start pushing a little harder, then things speed up again! Soberano ducks ‘n’ dodges and rolls off ELP’s back to then run and RANA!
ELP flounders out of the ring and Soberano builds speed! FOSBURY FLOP! Direct hit and fans fire up again! Soberano gets the fans rallying behind him then has the ref tranquilo. Soberano puts ELP in, then gets fans to actually chant for “PHAN-TAS-MO!” Soberano slides in, brings ELP around, and tags Atlantis. The luchadores mug ELP, and the fans still chant for “PHAN-TAS-MO!” but the luchadores double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW! Then wheelbarrow and ENZUGIRI FACEBUSTER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Atlantis keeps cool as he stomps ELP around. Atlantis drags ELP up, keeps him from Leo, and CLUBS away!
Atlantis suplexes but ELP blocks! ELP tries to suplex but Atlantis blocks! ELP RAMS Atlantis into the corner, CHOPS him, then tags Leo. ELP CHOPS again, then hushes the fans. Leo swings, Atlantis dodges to CHOP them in return! CHOP after CHOP then Atlantis runs, ducks ELP’s hurdle but ends up right in Leo’s DDT! Cover, TWO! Leo drags Atlantis up but Atlantis throws forearms and CHOPS! Leo CHOPS right back! Leo then fireman’s carries, but Atlantis fights free! Atlantis dodges the chop, tries to whip but Leo blocks and reverses! Leo runs in, Atlantis dodges and Leo’s boot gets stuck on the ropes! Atlantis dropkicks that leg!
Leo hobbles and Atlantis keeps moving, Atlantis dropkicks the legs out! Fans fire up as Atlantis stomps Leo’s leg, then SPLASHES down on a knee! Atlantis stomps the leg some more, but Jado & ELP coach Leo. Leo CHOPS Atlantis, but Atlantis stomps him down. Atlantis has the leg and works to turn Leo over! HALF CRAB! Leo endures and fans rally up! Leo fights his way over, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Atlantis lets go at 4, and Leo clutches his knee. Atlantis eggs Leo on, Soberano tags in, and they both taunt Leo to go taunt ELP. Leo crawls over, but then the luchadores bring Leo away. “Chotto matte ne!”
Fans applaud as the Mexican luchadores know some Japanese. Then they get LEo’s hands, bend the fingers, and then Soberano BOOTS Leo down! ELP protests, the ref reprimands, but Soberano BITES Leo’s foot! Soberano keeps Leo from ropes with a chinlock, then he and Atlantis get Leo up again. They double whip Leo to a corner, Atlantis runs in but is put on the apron. Leo DECKS Atlantis, and he catches Soberano’s splash! Soberano BELL CLAPS then BOOTS Leo! Soberano taunts ELP by blowing a kiss, then he goes back for Leo. Atlantis returns, they double whip but Leo breaks the line to DOUBLE LARIAT!
Fans fire up and Leo crawls, hot tag to ELP! ELP grins as he runs up to BOOT Soberano! Mule kick for Atlantis! Atomic drop for Soberano! ELP mocks Soberano’s pain, then he atomic drops Atlantis, into a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ELP clotheslines Soberano up and out, but Atlantis kicks him low! Atlantis whips ELP to the corner but ELP goes up and over then springboards to CROSSBODY! Somersault, LIONSAULT! Another somersault, to PLANCHA Soberano! Fans fire up with ELP and he goes back to the corner. ELP waits on Atlantis to rise up, then he springboards in, FLYING TORNADO DDT!
Fans fire up and ELP drags Atlantis to a cover, TWO! Atlantis survives and the fans rally up again. ELP fires up and Soberano coaches Atlantis. ELP drags Atlantis up, reels him in, tucks the arms, but Atlantis fights! Atlantis ROCKS ELP, ELP ROCKS Atlantis, they go forearm for forearm! ELP whips, Atlantis reverses and Soberano jumps in! Double hip toss into TU LO SABE! Cover, TWO! ELP survives and that surprises Atlantis. The fans rally, Soberano stalks ELP to a corner and eggs him on. ELP slaps Soberano, Soberano SLAPS ELP! Atlantis BOOTS Leo, ELP throws hands on Soberano, but Atlantis kicks ELP low.
Atlantis puts ELP up top, Soberano GAMANGIRIS! Then the sons of lucha vow to end this! They both climb up after ELP, CLUB away on him, and bring him up. But Leo gets in, TOWER OF DOOM!! Fans fire up for the double powerbomb double superplex combo! Leo drags Soberano up to POWERBOMB onto Atlantis! Fans fire up again as Leo helps ELP up! Leo scoops, but Atlantis slips free to shove Leo into ELP! Then Atlantis dodges Leo to SUPERKICK ELP! And DROPKICK Leo! Leo runs back in but Atlantis dumps him out! ELP runs in but Atlantis goes up and over, rolls and SPIN POWERSLAMS!
Fans fire up as Atlantis goes up a corner! But ELP hurries to GAMANGIRI! Soberano sneaks a tag! ELP goes up to the very top, brings Atlantis up with him, SUPER STEINER! ELP goes up but Soberano is there! He springboards up to SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Fans are thunderous with everyone down, and Soberano crawls to a cover! Leo breaks it! Fans fire up again and Atlantis regroups with Soberano. Leo UPPERCUTS Atlantis, choke grips each of them, meeting of the minds! But then the luchadores double basement dropkick the legs out! Fans rally for Leo but Soberano & Atlantis have him! DOUBLE-
NO, Leo fights the suplexes to UPPERCUT Soberano! Atlantis dodges the haymaker but not the BOOT! Leo aims at Soberano now, choke grip! GOD- FLIP! Soberano ENZIGURIS! Leo roars! Soberano SUPERKICKS! ELP SUDDEN DEATH!! Fans fire up with ELP and he DIVES to take out Atlantis! Leo hits GODSEND!! ELP returns, he goes up, SUPER THUNDERKISS 86!!! Cover, ELP & Leo win!
Winners: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Atlantis & Soberano earn 0)
The sons of lucha are eclipsed by the Guerrillas of Destiny! Will the “Big Blue Sexy Boys” still have a fighting chance of entering the semifinals?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vow to break the curse that keeps IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions from winning the league! Will they pull it off? Or will Blue Justice & The Meanest Man in the World not only stop Bishamon, but get golden tickets at the same time?
The teams sort out and Suzuki stares Hashi down. Fans rally up and the two start. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. But then Suzuki kicks one, wrenches the other to a hammerlock, but Hashi switches the hold onto Suzuki. Suzuki reaches back to cording hold and chinbar Hashi to ropes. The ref counts and Suzuki lets off slowly, then with strong pats on the shoulder. Fans cheer and Hashi keeps cool as the two reset. They step up, and Hashi fires a forearm! Suzuki fires back! They go back and forth and the fans rally as they pick up speed! Suzuki ROCKS Hashi, ROCKS him again, but Hashi comes back to CHOP!
Suzuki eggs Hashi on so Hashi CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Hashi CHOPS more and more but Suzuki stays standing on sheer anger! Hashi drags Suzuki over, tags Goto, and Bishamon double whip to then double shoulder tackle! Hashi BLASTS Nagata for good measure, then Goto stomps Suzuki. Goto drags Suzuki up, CLUBS him, then whips. Suzuki reverses to then headlock, but Goto powers out. Suzuki pulls hair to HEADBUTT! Suzuki CLUBS Goto down and Goto bails out! Nagata runs in to BLAST Hashi as payback, and then the murder grandpas go out after them! Suzuki whips Goto into railing, then brings him around while Nagata sends Hashi hard into railing!
Suzuki RAMS Goto into railing in front of commentary, then has a railing crossface! The ref reprimands, Suzuki lets off of Goto, but Nagata POSTS Hashi! Suzuki stomps Goto around, the ring count starts, and Suzuki stomps Goto again before sliding in. The count reaches 7 of 20, then 10 as Goto crawls. Goto clutches his neck, the count is 15! Goto stands at 17, and slides in at 19! Fans cheer but Suzuki clamps onto Goto with a camel clutch! Goto endures, Suzuki shifts to bring him up for a facelock. Nagata tags in and he CLUBS Goto on the neck! And CLUBS him again! Nagata wraps on a chinlock to grind Goto down!
Hashi coaches Goto as he fights around, and Goto gets the ROPEBREAK! Nagata lets go, to KICK Goto in the back! Nata then drags Goto up with a facelock and tags Suzuki. Suzuki snapmares Goto to KICK him! And then Suzuki pulls at the tape around the neck and shoulders! The ref reprimands but there’s nothing he can really do! Suzuki reels Goto in but Goto resists the Gotch lift! Suzuki powers up but Goto still fights. Suzuki CLUBS Goto, tags Nagata, and Nagata BOOTS Hashi down! Nagata KICKS Goto in the chest, then KICKS him again! Goto grits his teeth, Nagata eggs him on, but Goto blocks the next kick!
Goto CLUBS the leg, but Nagata ROCKS Goto with a forearm! Nagata whips, Goto reverses, but Nagata BOOTS back! Nagata runs, Goto follows to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Goto and Nagata crawl, hot tag to Hashi! Hashi runs to run Nagata over! Hashi BLASTS Suzuki off the apron and fans fire up as Hashi ROCKS, body shots and CHOPS! Then he fires off forearms over and over in the corner! Nagata sits down and Hashi keeps going! The ref reprimands, the fans fire up, and Hashi lets off to bring Nagata back up. Nagata shoves Hashi so Hashi eggs him on. The forearms go back and forth now!
Hashi gets the edge with forearms, then CHOPS Nagata back to the corner. Hashi whips corner to corner, Nagata reverses, but Hashi comes back to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally again and Hashi fires up. Hashi reels Nagata in, suplexes, but Nagata fights it to suplex, and MAGIC SCREW! Hashi flounders, Nagata stands, and Nagata stomps Hashi. Nagata ROCKS Hashi, whips him to ropes, but Hashi holds ropes. Goto tags in, Hashi sidesteps Nagata and Goto ROCKS him! Hashi CHOPS Nagata down, then he BLASTS Suzuki. Hashi hauls Nagata up, turns him, and Goto adds on, HEAD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Nagata hangs in there.
Bishamon set up in opposite corners, and they aim at Nagata. But Suzuki pushes Nagata to save him from the DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH! Hashi CHOPS, Goto CLUBS and then GOTO GO TO HUNTER! Bishamon have Nagata in a corner, Goto clotheslines! Hashi clotheslines! Feed to the fireman’s carry, FIERCE FLASH! Cover, TWO! Nagata survives and fans rally up again! Goto hauls Nagata up, Hashi calls the shot! Dragon sleeper and leg lift, but Suzuki catches Hashi to a SLEEPER! Nagata drags Goto down into a CROSSFACE! Goto endures, Hashi is turning red! Fans rally up as Goto fights his way around!
Goto reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer, and Suzuki sends Goto to a corner! Suzuki BOOTS! Nagata BOOTS! Snapmare, DOUBLE PENALTY KICK SANDWICH! Then EXPLODER!! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives and fans fire up again! Nagata drags Goto up, but Goto fights the saido with elbows! Nagata knees low, and again, then CLUBS Goto’s neck! Goto falls and writhes, but Nagata drags him back up! Suzuki keeps Hashi out with an ANKLE LOCK, as Nagata SAI- NO, Goto fights free! Hashi also gets free, to SUPERKICK Nagata! Goto has a SLEEPER, then rolls it to GOTO NISHIKI!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Nagata & Suzuki earn 0)
The murder grandpas almost had it, but Goto finds a way to survive! Does this mean the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter have a chance to #GetBackUp to the WTL finals after all?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Lance Archer & Alex Zayne VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr!
The Monster Sauce is leading the way but they have to finish strong! Will they stay hot going into the seventh and final round? Or will they be sunk by The Gene Blast & King of the World?
Wait, Tetsuya Naito is coming out here? What a great surprise! It sure takes Shingo Takagi by surprise as he’s been on commentary this entire time. Naito joins commentary, even! And he puts his feet up on top of Milano Collection AT’s notes. He makes Milano hold the Right to Challenge bag while he puts his headset on. Monster Sauce then makes their entrance, and Archer suckers a Young Lion in by offering a high-five to then DECK him! He pats another on the shoulder, assuring him it’s fine. Then he RAMS him into railing! Zayne apologizes to each Young Lion in turn, it’s nothing personal. Archer and Zayne then have Red Shoes and Abe-san put on the jackets to see how they look.
Zando and Tsuji make their entrances, the teams sort out, and Archer says that smile of Tsuji’s is gonna be missing some teeth soon. However, Zayne and Zando step up to start and the fans rally up with the bell. They circle, tie up, and Zando powers Zayne to ropes. Zando lets off, fakes the chop, and tells Zayne to take it easy. Zayne and Zando reset and fans rally again. They tie up, Zayne puts Zando on ropes now, and Zayne fakes the chop to twirl his hair. Fans cheer and Zando smirks. The two reset again, tie up again, and Zando headlocks. Zayne wrenches out, but Zando wrenches back to wristlock.
Zayne rolls, handsprings, wrenches and wristlocks, but Zando spins, CHOPS, and whips Zayne to a corner. Zayne reverses, runs in and back elbows! Zayne slips out to the apron and slingshot RANAS! Things keep moving, Zayne ducks ‘n’ dodges and IMPLODER KNEE DROPS down on Zando’s dropdown! Zayne then rolls to STANDING MARIPOSA! Fans fire up and Zayne smirks as he twirls his hair again. Zayne stands Zando up, Zando throws hands but Zayne bobs ‘n’ weaves to body blow! Zayne runs, but Tsuji kicks him! Zayne swings on Tsuji, but Zando reels him in, chicken wings and DODON DROP!
Archer runs in to kick Zando low! Archer reels Zando in to CLUB him, then he runs. Tsuji trips Archer, Zando basement dropkicks! Tsuji then drags Archer out to RAM him into railing! Fans fire up with Zando, and Tsuji sends Archer into more railing! Zando TOSSES Zayne out of the ring, Tsuji fires off on Archer, then CHOPS him! Tsuji holds Archer out along railing, Zando runs in, LEAP FROG ATTACK! Fans fire up while Archer falls over! Tsuji finds Zayne and stomps him, to then put him in the ring for Zando. Zando storms up, drags Zayne up and has him on ropes. Zando lifts Zayne up and Tsuji runs, to LEAP FROG ATTACK!
Zayne flops over, fans rally up, and Zando tags Tsuji. Zando & Tsuij drag Zayne up to double whip. Archer returns, Red Shoes keeps him back, Zayne ends up in the POP-UP KICK! Zando & Tsuji run, basement dropkick sandwich! Fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands. Zando exits, Tsuji digs his knees into Zayne at the ropes before a knee drop! Tsuji drags Zayne up while Archer and Zando shout at each other. Tsuji whips Zayne but reverses direction to send him into the red corner! Tsuji stomps Zayne, Zando CLUBS him, and then Zando tags in. Zando snapmares Zayne to a seated abdominal stretch! Zayne endures and the fans rally up.
Zayne reaches out, but then reaches up to drag Zando into a cradle! TWO, and Zando stomps away! Zando hits Archer, then laughs as he gets away. Zando drags Zayne back, CLUBS him, then grabs a leg. Zando steps over, then clinches, modified cobra twist! Zayne endures, hops on his one free leg, and fans rally up! Zayne reaches out, hot tag- NO, Tsuji drags Archer down and RAMS him into railing right in front of commentary! Zando wrangles Zayne to a cover, TWO! Fans cheer and Zando drags Zayne up. Zando wrenches, wristlocks, then he tags Tsuji. Tsuji BOOTS Zayne’s arm, then brings him around to ROCK with a forearm!
Fans rally up, Zayne ROCKS Tsuji back! And CHOPS! And ROCKS him again! Tsuji knees low, then wags his finger. Tsuji swings, Zayne counter punches! And again! Tsuji runs in, Zayne gets around, roll up and EDDY GORDO KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Tsuji and Zayne crawl, hot tag to Archer! Archer storms around, fires up, and BLASTS Zando! It was a fake out at first, but now he runs to ELBOW Tsuji! “Ichi!” Archer keeps moving, and ELBOWS! “Ni!” Zayne runs in, tilt-o-whirl RANA CANNONBALL! But Zando SUPERKICKS Zayne! Archer CHOPS Zando but Zando just fires up!
Zando CHOPS Archer, and Archer just smiles! Archer CHOPS back! Archer eggs Zando on so Zando CHOPS! Archer CHOPS, eggs Zando on, and fans fire up as Zando CHOPS again! They CHOP back and forth, faster and faster! Archer CHOPS Zando down! Fans fire up with the Murderhawk and he storms up. Zando swings, but into a full nelson that Archer makes into a dragon sleeper. Tsuji runs in, but gets caught! URENAGE REVERSE DDT COMBO! Archer then drags Tsuji up, shoves him to a corner, and DOUBLE CHOPS! Zayne then LEAP FROG MISSILE DROPKICKS! Archer suplexes Tsuji! Then CHOKE SLAM SAULT! Cover, TWO!!
Tsuji survives and fans fire up but Archer fires himself back up. Tag to Zayne, he goes up, but Zando GAMANGIRIS! Archer grabs Zando, but Tsuji DUMPS Archer! Tsuji then rushes the corner, but Zayne jumps and over! Zayne comes back but Tsuji BOOTS him! Tsuji goes up, but Zayne returns, NO HANDS STEINER! Fans fire up as Zando hurries in. Zayne dodges the chop but Zando blocks the chip to CHOP after all! Zando suplexes, Zayne slips free to shove, but Zando blocks the kick! Zando ducks the enziguri, wheelbarrow GERMAN SUPLEX! Archer BOOTS Zando, ripcords, and HELLICOASTERS! Fans fire up with Archer again!
Archer hauls Zando back up, reels him in, but Tsuji saves Zando from the suplex! Tsuji & Zando mug Archer, then go to double suplex! Archer fights it, he wants to double suplex, but they fight it! Zando & Tsuji try again, DOUBLE SUPLEX! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! Zando stirs, flounders out of the ring, and Tsuji rises. Tsuji tags Zando in, they get Zayne up. They double whip, hip toss and SLAM! Then SPLASH, to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Zayne hangs in there and Zando pounds the mat in frustration. The fans clap along, Tsuji & Zando get Zayne up, ANCHOR!! Cover, TWO!! Zayne survives and fans fire up again!
Zando pounds the mat some more and the fans clap along again. Tag to Tsuji, and he climbs up onto Zando’s shoulders! But Archer caches Tsuji, to CHOKE SLAM him into Zando! Then Archer fireman’s carries, Zayne runs in, ROLLING NECKBREAKER SAMOAN DROP COMBO!! Cover, Zando breaks it! Fans fire up, Archer runs in, but he doesn’t fall for the dump trick. Archer CLOBBERS Zando against ropes, then clotheslines him up and out of the ring! Fans fire up with Archer again and Zayne pounds the mat. Archer hauls Tsuji up, sets him up for Zayne, ROLLING- NO, Tsuji avoids the ax kick! Then he dodges Archer, and now Zando dumps him out!
Zayne mule kicks Tsuji, runs, but into the GENE BLAST SPEAR!!! Cover, LIJ WINS!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Archer & Zayne earn 0)
Monster Sauce drops, making the top of this block really interesting! If #EverybodyDies, are their chances at the finals in danger of dying off?
As for Tsuji & Zando, Tsuji gets the mic to say, “It looks like it’s someone’s birthday today.” It’s also someone in Los Ingobernables de Japon. “HIROMU-CHAN!” Oh wait, is he even here? Well, maybe Hiromu was too busy to be here, but Tsuji hopes tonight’s win is a good birthday gift. Fans applaud that, but then Tsuji says he also has some bad news. It would seem after tonight’s penultimate-penultimate results, there mathematically isn’t a chance for Tsuji & Zando to make it to the semifinals. He asks if that’s true or not. Even commentary has to check the math on that. So then, is there a chance?
Milano is sure it’s not zero percent. Really? Pretty sure. Then there IS a chance! The fans cheer and Tsuji says that even if it seems unlikely, should they win next round, Zandokan will be LIJ! Fans cheer for that, too! Tsuji then brings up that the other day, he talked with the others and hoped Takagi & Naito wouldn’t lose today. Takagi stands up from commentary to say that he does need to get better. Well, hey, tranquilo, right? Tsuji then lets Zando say a few words. “WATASHI WA…! ZANDOKAN JUNIOR!” AKA, he is Zandokan. Fans cheer the introduction, and then he says he’s a BIG DEAL! Fans also cheer that.
Zando then shouts in Spanish, Milano asks for a translation, but Tsuji asks if they’re ready for the tournament’s home stretch. Are you ready for him and Zando to do this? VAMOS, AMIGOS!! Fans cheer, but will Gene Blast & The King of The World really make it to the end?
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 4-2, 8 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 4-2, 8 points
Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 4-2, 8 points
Bishamon: 3-2-1, 7 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 3-3, 6 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-3-1, 5 points [ELIMINATED]
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
A great round, and now with some really complex stuff at the top of the block. Monster Sauce lost to go down to 4-2 so that they’d be tied with ELP & Leo and with Taichi & Yuya. Monster Sauce VS ELP & Leo is next, and so one team will go to 5-2 with 10 points, the other will be 4-3 with 8. This scenario alone seems to be creating confusion because while commentary was not prepared to speak on who is still in this, NJPW’s official website has determined Tsuji & Zando are out despite that great main event win. Even if Tsuji & Zando beat Atlantis & Soberano next round, they’ll get to 8 points, BUT they lost to Taichi & Yuya.
And even if Taichi & Yuya lose, they’d be losing to Bishamon, who would then stand at 9 points, making THEM second place flat out. And if Taichi & Yuya win, they are in as second place, not Bishamon. So despite the moment of cheers and hope at the end of that main event, Tsuji & Zando are really just fighting for pride and apparently for Zando to become Sanada’s replacement so that LIJ maintains six members. That’d be cool stuff, but I wonder if Atlantis & Soberano being CMLL like Zando is CMLL comes into play…
My Score: 8.8/10
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