Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (8/3/20)
Who is the TRUE WWE United States Champion?
Raw has so much going on in one night!
Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton come face to face, the TRUE United States Championship will be decided, and Shane McMahon returns to Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE United States Championship: Apollo Crews VS MVP w/ The Hurt Business; Crews wins and is the undisputed WWE United States Champion.
- The IIconics VS The Riott Squad; The Riott Squad wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Triple Threat: Shelton Benjamin w/ The Hurt Business VS R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa; Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Shayna Baszler VS Sasha Banks w/ Bayley; No Contest.
- Raw Underground – Daba Cato goes 2-0.
- Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega; Garza wins.
- Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega; No Contest.
- Raw Underground – Erik wins.
- Raw Underground – The Hurt Business goes 3-0.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE United States Championship: Apollo Crews VS MVP w/ The Hurt Business!
Apollo is back and he’s going to finally face Montel Vontavius Porter as intended at Extreme Rules! Assuming the lights stay on in the Performance Center… But technical difficulties aside, will MVP prove he is the real US Champion? Or will the real US Champion win?
The introductions are made, the two different belts are both raised, and MVP grabs the mic. MVP “drops some truth gems” that he is the REAL United States Champion because Apollo didn’t show up. Bobby Lashley put the full nelson on, Apollo made excuses and MVP made history. MVP vows he will continue to rep the Hurt Business while Apollo can hang out with Ricochet and Cedric Alexander back in catering. Apollo lets MVP run his mouth, and we settle this once and for all to start Raw!
MVP and Apollo stare down but the flickering lights worry them. They tie up, go around, MVP monkey flips but Apollo holds on. They get up again, MVP spins Apollo around, then drops down to body scissors. Apollo fights off the sleeper to throw elbows! Apollo goes after MVP but MVP avoids the cover. Apollo rolls, jackknife cover, TWO! MVP gets up but Apollo handsprings up! Apollo and MVP go again, and MVP stomps Apollo’s foot! MVP throws hands then bumps Apollo off buckles. MVP throws European Uppercuts and rocks Apollo! Apollo gets up but MVP throws haymakers. MVP whips, Apollo reverses and elbows MVP down! Apollo starts to rally! Apollo snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Another try, ONE! Another, ONE! Apollo rains down right hands to keep MVP down.
Apollo goes after the arm and wrenches on the shoulder. MVP endures, fights but Apollo digs his forearm into MVP’s face. Apollo keeps on the shoulder, MVP gets up but Apollo wrenches. MVP wrenches back and ROCKS Apollo again! And BOOTS him down! The Hurt Business likes what they see as MVP looms over Apollo. MVP brings Apollo up but Apollo hits back! Apollo fires off forearm after forearm, whips but MVP is saved by Lashley and Shelton Benjamin. But Apollo FLIES out onto all three! The real United States Champion stands tall as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns as MVP Has Apollo in a cravat. MVP cranks but Apollo endures. Replay shows us Lashley interfered during commercial behind the ref’s back! Apollo tries fighting out but MVP knees low. Apollo fights up again and throws body shots. Apollo gets free, runs, but into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! MVP tries again, TWO! MVP brings Apollo up to elbow him down. Apollo gets to ropes but MVP brings him around to throw EuroUppers. Cover, TWO! MVP brings Apollo up to club and whip and drop toehold him down! MVP has Apollo in the ropes for a camel clutch! The bad neck is being attacked! The ref counts but MVP lets up at 4. MVP drags Apollo back up, throws big forearms, but Apollo hits back. MVP snap suplexes him, cover, TWO! Apollo barely gets out!
MVP drags Apollo up, throws forearms, then has Apollo in a corner for elbow after elbow from all sides! MVP whips corner to corner, powers up and runs in, but his boot misses! Apollo enziguris back! Apollo hops up, leaps, crossbody! But he rolls off, to tackle MVP into buckles! Apollo rams his shoulder in over and over as the crowd fires up. Apollo runs to hit a huge splash! And a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The crowd rallies up for Apollo as he drags MVP up and around. MVP fights off the bomb to waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! But Apollo rises! Apollo gives MVP the CREWS MISSILE! Cover, Apollo wins!
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
But Lashley goes after him! Apollo escapes the full nelson and gets away with both United States Championship belts! Which one will he choose to keep as the rightful title?
Backstage interview with Apollo.
Congratulations are in order! How does it feel to return to be the rightful champion? Apollo likes the sound of “rightful US Champion.” But in all seriousness, Bobby Lashley’s strength is unlike anyone else’s. Because of that full nelson, Apollo literally couldn’t turn his head away from the TV as he watched MVP walk around acting like the champ. But what hurt worse was Apollo’s kids saying, “Daddy, I thought you were the United States Champion.” But it’s okay, because now he IS champion! And he will take the classic belt and hang it in his kids’ room as a reminder of their dad’s first title in the WWE ever. As for MVP’s belt, how good does it look on Apollo? It looks so good! So thanks, P, Apollo appreciates this.
MVP grabs a mic at ringside.
“Hello? Hey! You tell me what kind of operation you three clowns are running here!!” What is with the unsafe working environment of the lights? Be ashamed of yourself! Is that how Apollo wants to win!? MVP was distracted! But he’s gonna explain something. Apollo didn’t show up because Lashley made him stay at home. But then Apollo shows up and steals MVP’s US Championship! “I don’t care about your wife! I don’t care about your kids! What I care about is my rematch!” MVP wants his rematch, but Shelton gives him an idea. The rematch will be… at SUMMERSLAM!
There’s something going on in a private dressing room.
There’s a guard, or perhaps a bouncer, at the door as dance music plays loudly. The “brainchild” of Shane McMahon is said to be behind that door. Is there something Shane O’Mac has planned for his return tonight?
Backstage interview with Bayley and Sasha Banks.
The Golden Role Models are Raw Women’s, SmackDown Women’s, and WWE Tag Team Champions because to put it simply, they have #AllTheGold! #BayleyDosStraps and #TwoBeltsBanks! But will either belt be defended at SummerSlam? Not to demean Sarah, but she is so boring! Ding dong, hello! This does no justice to what these two have accomplished! They are going to spice things up and have something special! ROLL THE FOOTAGE!
Movie trailer voice says, “In a world… full of mediocrity… two women are setting the standard, creating the blueprint, of what it means to be a champion.” We relive last week’s Raw Women’s Championship main event. Kairi chased Bayley away, but the narrator explains, “What on the surface… looked like cowardice… was actually a plan… of sheer brilliance.” Bayley turning things around on Kairi and that was a distraction to Asuka. Asuka chose to save Kairi over defending her title, and that is how Sasha “won” her second belt. “Now… they own all the gold…” They are your Golden Role Models.
But Asuka interrupts! “OI OI OI OI!” Do you think you’re going to get away with what you did to Kairi?! “Revenge will be very, very sweet!” That part scares Bayley and Sasha. What the hell is this?! They’re trying to be professional and you- Shayna Baszler interrupts the “garbage.” These two must be having fun. Shayna has a complaint. Sasha “snaked” her way to this title. But Shayna has waited long enough to finally have her own fun. And she DECKS Sasha!! Bayley is in shock as Sasha checks her chin. Shayna leaves, but when and where will she strike again?
Kevin Owens is backstage.
He picks up something to drink at catering, but the IIconics come over. They heard a little rumor that he is hosting another edition of the KO Show, and thought that they would make great guests. They would! He loves Australia. But maybe not this week. What? He already has guests for tonight. He does plan these things. Sorry, but have a water. Kevin heads off to do just as the IIconics said, but who are his guests? We find out, after the break!
Raw presents The KO Show!
The Prizefighter welcomes us back from break to his show. There are a lot of things happening tonight, one of them being the return of Shane McMahon. Kevin has plenty of thoughts on that, but he doesn’t want to talk about that. Wait, why is this mic freaking out? But Kevin wants to first talk about an issue that’s been going on. This is a very talented woman and a great friend of Kevin’s, it’s Ruby Riott! Ruby heads to the ring, definitely having gotten over a challenge in dealing with the IIconics. They sit in the chairs and Kevin thanks her for being here. He brings up the IIconics and how emotional Ruby was after finally winning. Ruby says it is no secret that she’s had bad luck since coming back. She hasn’t gotten a singles win since February and the IIconics grind salt into that wound.
Ruby has dealt with women like that her entire life. “Toxic, sad broads that gotta bring people down just to build themselves up.” Ruby brought Peyton Royce down to earth and hopefully put an end to the iconic BS. Strong words, but she should be proud. The only thing that would’ve been better is if Liv Morgan was here to celebrate. Well speaking of… Kevin got her to be on the show! Ruby is actually unsure if this is a good idea, but Liv does make her way out. Liv gets a mic and stands in the ring with Ruby and Kevin. Kevin thanks her for going through with this. Liv says Ruby wanted her to hear her out, and Kevin convinced her to try. So let’s hear it.
Kevin wants to say something first. He asked them both here, because he saw them both here when they started in the WWE. Stupid mic. It was Liv, Ruby and Sarah. Sarah is moving on to a new part of her life and that’s great. But these two can’t just throw everything away. He’s traveled with them, saw them together as friends, they’re great individuals but they also bring the best out of each other. Kevin has done a lot of really crappy things to people, said crappy things, and lost friendships because he thought it was better for his career. But he feels now it might not have been worth it. They don’t have to be friends, but it is worth hearing each other out. The crowd chants, “Hear Her Out!”
Ruby starts by saying that coming back, she thought it’d be the same. BUt she was wrong. The place was different, and Liv was different. Liv was thriving, coming into her own, and Ruby felt like she wasn’t needed anymore. Then Liv beat Ruby twice. Ruby realized Liv didn’t need Ruby. This world Ruby returned to without anyone, she wasn’t ready for it and she lashed out at Liv. She is sorry for that! That was wrong to do! But every time Ruby looks at her tattoo, the one that matches Liv’s, dedicated to their debut date, she remembers the day their lives changed. Ruby is just asking for a second chance. A second chance at the Riott Squad to be stronger than ever before! But then the IIconics crash the show!
Billie and Peyton of course have mics. Kevin washes his hands of this, but Peyton says everyone is SICK of hearing them babble on about whatever, because no one cares. Liv should’ve stayed in the tub. Ruby, the IIconics are just tired of the social media posts about her one “emotional” win over Peyton! After what? 400 losses?! Maybe some facts over emotion. Fact: The IIconics have dominated- The mic is freaking out. They DOMINATED the Women’s Tag Division. They conquered WrestleMania! And they have been, and always will be, better than Ruby and Liv. Actually, look BFF up and you’ll find a picture of them.
Liv speaks up and says maybe they’re right. Liv and Ruby aren’t friends like the IIconics. But there is one thing they will always agree on: NO ONE starts a riot better than us! The Riott Squad is reunited! Kevin says the message is clear. So unless the IIconics have something better to say, maybe they can just leave. Ruby and Liv think they’re a team now? They have nothing on the IIconics. Let’s go, right now! Any place, any time! Because right now… Actually, Peyton wants Billie to say it. No, Billie says Peyton can say it. They go back and forth and Kevin asks for more technical difficulties right now. Peyton SLAPS Kevin! And Billie laughs. Was that necessary? Billie SLAPS Kevin now! “Ladies, a little help, please?” The Riott Squad pounces!! The brawl spills out of the ring as Raw goes to break!
The IIconics VS The Riott Squad!
Peyton and Billie got the fight that they want, but will they regret it? Or can they ruin the Riott Squad’s reunion?
Billie starts with Ruby and circle. They tie up, Billie powers Ruby to a corner but Ruby turns it around. Billie shouts for the ropebreak, Ruby lets up to shove her back. Kevin has joined commentary as Ruby wrenches Billie’s arm. Billie throws hands, Ruby ducks but the throat chop hits! Billie wrenches Ruby to a straitjacket neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! The IIconics are furious already but Billie brings Ruby over to tag in Peyton. The IIconics double whip to double forearm! Peyton covers, TWO! Peyton drags Ruby around to jam her knees into Ruby’s back then she clamps on a chinlock. Ruby endures, the crowd builds to a rally, Ruby fights her way up to fight back. PEyton throws Ruby down by her green-yellow hair!
Tag to Billie the IIconics double wrench and double kick Ruby down! Billie talks trash before she kicks Ruby while she’s down! Billie drags Ruby up to club her back, then talks more trash. Ruby pushes her away to SUPERKICK her! Hot tags to Peyton and Liv! Liv rallies with flying forearms and a hair takedown! Liv whips, Peyton reverses, but Liv elbows back. Liv goes up, up and leaps for a missile dropkick! Cover, Billie breaks it! Billie drags Peyton to the corner and tags in. Billie storms up to Liv, brings her up, but Liv rolls Billie up! RIOTT SQUAD WINS!
Winners: The Riott Squad, by pinfall
But Peyton is right on Liv with hammering fists! The IIconics get up, coordinate, but Ruby saves Liv! Ruby shoves Peyton to a corner and enziguris Billie down! Ruby and Liv coordinate now, double STO! The squad heads out, will they continue to rise together? Or are there still cracks in the foundation they must be wary of?
Raw checks on the status of a near accident.
Large boxes fell over, things fell out, but no one was nearby so there were no injuries. There are rumors that perhaps, the boxes falling were not accidental. MVP is upset that they’re not talking about his loss because of these glitches and power surges! Charly Caruso understands he’s upset. She informs him that Apollo has accepted the rematch challenge. Well alright then! He feels a bit better now, but of course Apollo accepted it. What would his kids think if Daddy Apollo didn’t? But then Shelton comes by and says his 24/7 Championship belt has been stolen! What?! Well, they’ll track that down. Time to teach everyone what happens when you steal from the Hurt Business.
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!
The WWE World Champion is not in a good mood after last week’s RKO outta nowhere! McIntyre had just settled things with Dolph Ziggler when Randy Orton made good on his threats. As such, the WWE world title is on the line at SummerSlam between the leader of Claymore Country and the Apex Predator! McIntyre picks up a mic to address this. “Randy Orton has spent 20 years preying on vulnerability.” He’s not the kind of guy who would show you how he felt with a finger gesture like Stone Cold. Or the kind of guy to take off and throw an elbow pad like The Rock. According to Orton, he’s better than those two. Orton is the kind who waits until you end an Extreme Rules match to hit you with an RKO outta nowhere.
But y’know what? That is on McIntyre. McIntyre was warned and it still happened. Lesson learned, it will never happen again. But McIntyre wants Orton to understand he knows how motivated The Viper is. He’s just as motivated to take the WWE title as McIntyre is to keep it. The similarities don’t end there. “Once upon a time, at one time or another, Vince McMahon himself looked at us, right in the eye and told us we were The Chosen One. We were the future of this industry.” McIntyre paces as he chooses his words. Things didn’t go as planned for McIntyre. But Orton admitted this wasn’t plan A, B, C or D. He didn’t lie awake as a kid in Scotland, a country of 5 million people, thinking about how he was going to make it to the WWE as one of the first ever.
Orton didn’t grow up being called crazy for dreaming so big, giving everything he could and finally pulling it off! This was handed to him! McIntyre doesn’t resent Orton for that. But he finds it interesting when Orton brags about the early accolades. The ones sped on a silver spoon because his father is Cowboy Bob. McIntyre never rode in a limo with Evolution, not that he wanted to. But the biggest part, McIntyre never had anyone cleaning up after him like Evolution did. No one had the influence like that for McIntyre. Making mistakes meant being punished, and in his case, FIRED for them. McIntyre has said it already, he did deserve that. But McIntyre has spoken to so many people over those years, those who cleaned up the literal crap Orton has left behind! Orton should’ve been fired WAY MORE times than McIntyre!
Orton appears, with Ric Flair by his side! Orton has a mic and tells McIntyre he’s gonna stop him right there and ask, “Is my respect not enough?” Orton said McIntyre had his respect, but McIntyre is repaying Orton by telling the fans all this? If Orton didn’t want to be here, then why is he still here? Orton is here because he enjoys coming down the ramp, hitting RKO’s and punt kicking heads. Orton appreciates McIntyre’s fighting spirit, which will make it that much sweeter when Orton hits the RKO, the punt kick, and takes the title away. Now Orton should’ve been fired for all that? Well he’s right. Orton should’ve been fired multiple times! But McIntyre was because Orton is more valuable than McIntyre ever was or will be. Orton has been given third, fourth, fifth chances because he IS The Chosen One #ThenNowandForever.
Now it’s “real cute” that McIntyre is quoting legends like Edge. But Orton challenges McIntyre right now to come up with one opinion about Orton that’s his own. The key word, “original.” McIntyre puts his belt down and says if Orton wants McIntyre to “shoot,” then fine. McIntyre thinks Orton represents everything that is wrong with the WWE! Just like the others, we all watched The Last Ride. The most interesting part was Orton. Orton talked about how The Undertaker reached down, pulled Orton up to his level when he didn’t have to. HE didn’t, but why did he? Because Taker loves this industry and wants to preserve it. How many times can Orton honestly say over the last 20 years that he’s done the same? Never.
Has Orton ever sat down with a Kevin Owens, an Apollo Crews or a Mustafa Ali type, anyone at all, and passed on the knowledge that Shawn Michaels, Taker, HHH, or Ric Flair ever passed on? How about this? Ten years ago, there was a time when Orton went home and Edge reached out. McIntyre remembers being in catering, his world crumbling around him both professionally and personally. Orton could tell. McIntyre was far from home, his mother was sick, and he was self-destructing. Maybe something from Orton could’ve changed his life, but Orton didn’t even bother. McIntyre does not see a locker room leader. He does not see someone “the boys in the back” respect. McIntyre just sees “a selfish prick!”
So here is what happens at SummerSlam. McIntyre has receipts to cash in, not just from him. For guys on the current roster, from years ago, and every legend he has ever KICKED IN THE HEAD! McIntyre will RIP Orton’s head off, and Orton will sure as hell see it coming! The RKO or the Claymore, what move will decide the fate of not only the WWE World Championship, but both of these superstars?
Nia Jax talks with WWE official, Pat Buck.
She was fined for roughing him up last week, but it’s hard to be sure if she’s apologizing or expecting an apology. Either way, the Irresistible Force heads to the ring after the break!
Kevin Owens talks with Ruby and Liv backstage.
Are they good? Is the Riott Squad back full time? Before that can really be discussed, Ric Flair walks over! Ric says the Riott Squad was great, but needs to talk with Kevin. Ric has been following Kevin’s career, there’s history. Kevin is held in high esteem at the WWE. Everyone here loves Kevin. But Ric thinks Kevin is becoming the guy too worried about this and that, helping the others, when he should be helping himself! Kevin appreciates that, and all the advice Ric has ever given. Kevin isn’t being a guidance counselor, he was helping friends. He’s sacrificed friendships and done a lot of awful things just to get to the top. But now, Kevin is taking a new path. He wants to be the kind of person he’d look up to. What Orton could be if he wanted to but chooses not to. Does Ric get what he means?
Ric will let that slide as one of Orton’s friends. Instead of giving advice, Ric is warning Kevin to listen to him. “Mind your own business, take care of Kevin Owens, and maybe you’ll get a title match at SummerSlam.” Well, Ric,if you’re so worried about Kevin’s career, watch what kind of fight Kevin has. Just tell Orton to meet him in the ring next week. Really? Really, really. See you then. Will Kevin regret wanting Orton’s attention?
Nia Jax is in the ring.
Pat is right there with her as she has a mic. “I came out here tonight to own up to what I’ve done. And in the event you’re not sure what I’m referring to,” footage replays of Nia and Shayna brawling out of control. Nia used Pat to hit Shayna, then attacked him! Nia continues by saying she really takes to heart what the millions of fans who idolize her say. So when “a scrawny, undeserving little runt from WWE management who couldn’t cut the mustard in his own career steps to me, it’s my responsibility to step back.” Oh, hey, Pat, didn’t see you there still. She knows he wants an apology, but she’s giving him an opportunity to prove he’s wrong. Have a match against her, right now. Whoa, what? Pat tells her to hold on. He is in this ring for the apology.
Oh, Pat. You’ll get the apology after the match. IT can be settled right here! This is his big opportunity! All thanks to Nia! But she’ll do him a favor. She’ll start off real slow so his little legs can keep up. He wants the apology, nothing more. Is he scared? Even for a “little guy,” she hoped he’d have more fire. He is a ginger, after all. They don’t need to speak in private, say what you have to say. She pushes the mic into him, and he tells her, “After your unsanctioned actions against a WWE official, you are indefinitely suspended… Without pay!” Nia gets angry again, he has no authority to do that! She rips his jacket off and HEADBUTTS him! Pat can barely sit up! But Nia kicks him while he’s down! Pat flops out of the ring while Nia is fuming! How long will Nia sit and think about what she’s done?
R-Truth runs to the ring!
Akira Tozawa is chasing him and the 24/7 Championship belt! The ninjas are here, too! And Shelton Benjamin! They run all around ringside, but their match for that title will happen after the break!
WWE 24/7 Championship Triple Threat: Shelton Benjamin w/ The Hurt Business VS R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa!
Truth stole the belt but it isn’t his just yet! The Gold Standard of the Hurt Business is the one defending the belt, but can he hold onto it with two opponents after him?
The introductions are skipped since we saw them all come in. The belt is raised, and this wild situation finally becomes an official match!
Tozawa bails out but Truth throws hands on Shelton! Truth whips, Shelton reverses and hits a KNEE in the corner! Shelton snapmares Truth and rains down right hands at the ropes. Shelton stomps away but Tozawa rolls him up! TWO, and Tozawa focuses his power. Tozawa dodges, kicks, spins, slides under and fires off body shots! That do nothing… Shelton kicks low, lifts and POWERBOMBS Tozawa with authority!! Truth runs up, bobs ‘n’ weaves and throws hands back! The crowd fires up as Truth hits a leaping calf kick! Truth kicks low, runs again, but misses the scissor kick to get PAY DIRT! Shelton doesn’t cover, and a ninja handsprings in! He shows off his moves but his clothesline bounces off Shelton. Shelton BOOTS the ninja down!
Tozawa stays away as his ninja henchman is thrown out. But the other ninjas run in, only for MVP and Lashley to go after them! MVP throws one into barriers and the third endures the Almighty Full Nelson! But Tozawa hits his SUPER SENTON! Cover, Tozawa wins!!
Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
The Hurt Business is losing their gold like a bad investment! Tozawa runs away with the title, who will give chase?
There’s some kind of match happening backstage?!
No ropes, a bunch of other men pounding the apron? Shane McMahon cheers them on as he talks to the cameras. He’s bringing something new to Raw, called the Raw Underground! Right here, 10 PM, more of whatever this is. See you there!
Backstage interview with Dominik Mysterio!
The son of Rey returns again, and answers why he continues to take these risks against Seth Rollins. He knows it might be crazy, but it’s easy to know why he’s doing this. He witnessed his father be blinded. It is understandable that Dominik’s mind isn’t in the right place. If anyone thinks he’s been crazy now, they’ll really think he’s crazy to challenge Rollins to a match at SummerSlam. That is pretty crazy, but also incredible! Will Dominik’s first match be a massive upset? Or just the only match he ever has?
Shayna Baszler VS Sasha Banks w/ Bayley!
The Queen of Spades called The Boss out and then knocked her down! Will #TwoBeltsBanks make her pay for that? Or will Shayna make her choose between #TapNapOrSnap?
The bell rings, Shayna and Sasha circle. Sasha pie faces Shayna, then SLAPS her! Shayna ducks the punch to hit a waistlock and slam, then another! Shayna drags Sasha around, shifts to a snapmare and fakes Sasha out with the kick, to pie face her back. Bayley is upset on Sasha’s behalf, but then Sasha gets up and throws a punch. Shayna blocks it to sweep her legs. Sasha swipes but her hand gets stomped! Shayna rolls Sasha to a cover, TWO! Sasha kicks low, says Shayna messed up, and reels her in. Shayna blocks the suplex, spins Sasha around, butterfly suplex to ARMBAR! Sasha rolls to the ropebreak and Shayna lets go. Bayley gets up on the apron but Shayna makes her back away. Shayna grabs Bayley’s hair but Sasha hits the arm with a code breaker! Sasha POSTS Shayna then rolls her up, TWO!
Sasha keeps on Shayna with a kick the the arm. Shayna backs off to shake out the arm but Sasha is on it! Sasha wraps the arm around ropes and pulls! The ref counts, Sasha lets go to kick Shayna in the corner. Sasha goes after the arm with a high keylock and Bayley talks trash. Shayna endures, fights up and throws hands. Shayna rams Sasha into buckles then rams her shoulder in. Shayna fires off, backs off at the ref’s count, and walks into Nightshade! Bayley is the only one cheering for Sasha as she kicks Shayna down. Sasha leaps, crossbody! Shayna rolls through, scoops Sasha, BACKBREAKER! The crowd rallies up as Sasha blocks a kick but Shayna blocks the knee. Kirafuda! Sasha drops, Shayna rolls her and kicks! Shayna has Sasha’s arm caught but Sasha rolls through, BANK STATEMENT!
Shayna endures the submission, pries the hold apart and fights her way up. Shayna scoops again, Sasha headscissors back! Sasha laughs, blocks a kick to KNEE, but Shayna ROUNDHOUSES back! Both women are down, and Asuka jumps Bayley! Asuka thrashes Bayley into barriers and the ref wants her to stop! Asuka runs into the ring, the match is thrown out as the Golden Role Models regroup!
No Contest
Asuka won’t let the Golden Role Models get away from what’s coming to them! What happens to them after the break?
Raw returns to an in-ring interview with Asuka.
The Empress of Tomorrow relives what happened last week as footage of the main event plays again. What is the update on Kairi Sane’s condition? “Kairi will be okay. But now, she’s not here. Sasha and Bayley are here, I am here!” So what Asuka wants is a rematch against Sasha Banks for the Raw Women’s Championship at SummerSlam! The crowd wants it, but Shayna speaks up. She’s not gonna fight Asuka right now. Shayna is cheering Asuka, really. She wants Asuka to win back that Raw Women’s Championship. Shayna will root, cheer and clap the entire time, because she is so excited to dismember Asuka and take that title from her. But the Golden Role Models have composed themselves to return to ringside.
Sasha laughs as she has a message for both Asuka and Shayna. “This is MY Raw Women’s Championship! Look at it! It’s mine!” But Asuka gets her rematch, only if she can beat a former NXT Women’s Champion, a member of the Four Horsewomen, and Sasha’s bestie, BAYLEY! Yes! Beating Bayley means Asuka gets her chance! Bayley sure seems surprised by that, but Asuka is raring to go! Will Bayley be ready for Asuka?
Angel Garza flirts with a young lady backstage.
He gets her number, she gets a rose. For those who don’t know, this is Demi Burnett from The Bachelor, so she knows all about getting roses. Andrade Almas walks over to say hello. Zelina Vega is right behind her. Demi doesn’t belong here. Oh yes she does! She’s a friend of Garza’s! Then they need to talk. Garza apologizes to Demi for that, promises to get her a seat and to be right back. El Idolo y El Latino both go up against the Street Profits in two singles matches! Will it be a sweep or a tie between the Raw Tag Team Champions and their challengers?
We check back in with “Raw Underground.”
One man counters the triangle hold into a dead lift POWERBOMB! The match is called, he is the winner! Shane says this is fun! But it looks like Isaiah “Swerve” Scott is disappointed in the other guy. Was there money on this match? And wow, there are… dancers here… Check out what more there is to come! And check on that guy, make sure he’s okay.
Raw returns to The Underground!
Shane is in his ring as a new wrestler steps up. He welcomes us to the hour with “very little rules, lots of excitement, carnage, chaos and quite frankly, lots of things I personally would like to see.” One thing he likes is a fight, like our next contest. “Where is Daba Cato?” Bring him in! Daba is a BIG man! At 7′ tall, at least 360 pounds, it is DABA CATO! And in the other corner, sorry, bro. The bell rings, Daba dodges a flying knee, and then grabs his opponent. His opponent throws hands but he throws knees! And hammers away with furious fists! That’s a TKO, Daba wins!
Winner: Daba Cato
Whose got next, boys? In comes some rando, but Daba is ready. The bell rings, Dbaa waits for his opponent ot kick to then catch for an ARM TRIANGLE SUPLEX! And a rain of forearms! Daba wins again!
Winner: Daba Cato, 2-0 win streak
An incredible showing, but he isn’t done until his opponent is dumped out of the ring! Shane tells Daba he’s good, but he’s on to the third round. Anyone wanna try? No? Well alright. Will Daba pile up bodies to give Shane more of what he likes?
Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega!
The Raw Tag Team Champions party their way through the crowd as always, but will have to be ready for the fight against La Muneca’s alliance. First up is the #CurseOfGreatness and the Lethal Lothario! Will Garza make a good impression on his special guest?
Before the match, the Profits get the mics and welcome us to the show! But speaking of Raw, the longest episodic show in history, does Dawks remember last week when they got jumped at commentary? Yessir! But if things go right, Dawkins might holla at Garza’s friend. Demi from the Bachelor, you don’t need a rose from Garza. Come get a rose from Dawks! Focus, bro. Sorry! Ford likes how Garza walks around in his velvet track suit~! Jeda, it’s August and velvet does not breathe! Better step your game up to at least a polo. But tonight, they are put to the test against two of the best of the best. Vega is the secret sauce, muy caliente. But SummerSlam will be about the Raw Tag Team Champions and a bond like James! Vega put those two together. Dawks may say “fam” a lot, but Tez IS family.
Things get serious now as Ford takes off the sunglasses. You attack him and his brother twice, the games are done. Why? Because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! With things getting fired up, Garza and company make their entrance. Will things explode with these two heated 1v1 match-ups?
The bell rings, Dawkins powers Garza to a corner and fires off hands! Garza shoves back, but gets POST! Garza flops out, Dawkins runs out to POUNCE him into Plexiglas! Garza is down in a heap as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Dawkins has Garza down with an armlock. Garza endures, fights up and fights back, knees low and clubs away. Garza runs, into Dawkin’s FLAPJACK! Cover, ONE, but Dawkins keeps on Garza with a facelock. Garza reverses the whip, hurdles over but so does Dawkins. Dawkins shoves and dropkicks Garza down! Cover, TWO! Dawkins stays on Garza while Demi watches backstage. Garza fights back and she cheers, Dawkins hits back and she frowns. Dawkins lifts but Garza fights out of the bomb. Garza gets to the corner, off come the pants! Garza leaps to missile dropkick Dawkins down! Garza is furious and dares Dawkins to get the smoke! But Dawkins powers out of the underhooks to ROCK Garza with that right!
Dawkins hits the cyclone splash then the bulldog! Ford fires up with Dawkins and makes himself dizzy. Is he okay? What happened? Dawkins checks on Ford as he leans against the announce desk. Ford says he’s okay, but Garza SUPERKICKS Dawkins down! Garza hits a basement dropkick! Cover, Garza wins!!
Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall
Demi is happy, but what happened with Ford? Ford has to have his match next, but can he?
Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins VS Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega!
Raw returns with this match already underway. Ford standing switches the waistlock, but Almas pries free to hit a shoulder breaker. Almas waistlocks Ford but Ford resists the lift. Ford pries out of the hold, wrenches through, then waistlocks back. Almas reaches back, wrenches through and hits another shoulder breaker. Almas has a wirstlock, Ford rolls, rolls and handsprings to wrench and waistlock again. Ford CLUBS Almas, headlocks, but Almas endures. Almas powers up to back suplex Ford high and hard! Almas stomps Ford down then CHOPS him to a corner! Almas chokes Ford on the ropes, the ref counts and Almas lets up at 4.
Almas drags Ford up, throws knees then shoves and kicks him down. Ford is back on ropes, Almas pulls him back against them! Ford wobbles to his feet but Almas knees low again! Almas stomps Ford, throws him out of the ring, and leaves him to the ring count for a moment. Almas and Garza both go to Ford but Dawkins keeps Garza back. Almas kicks Ford, whips him but Ford reverses to send Almas into barriers! Vega coaches Almas while Garza checks. Almas and Ford are up at the count of 4, and in the ring at the count of 5. Ford stomps away on Almas now, then rains down rights! Almas slips out, staggers away but Ford pursues. Almas uses the ropes as defense to then sucker punch Ford down!
The crowd boos as Ford shakes the cobwebs out, only for Almas to BOOT him down! Almas clubs Ford, brings him up and suplexes! Cover, TWO! Almas keeps on Ford with a chinlock and grinds him down. The crowd rallies, Ford fights up, fights back, but Almas ROCKS him with another right. Ford comes back to LARIAT! Ford rallies, whips but Almas reverses. Ford goes up and over and hits a leaping clothesline! The crowd fires up with Ford as he glares at Almas with wild eyes. Ford goes corner to corner, but Almas BOOTS him right down! Almas hops up, Ford dropkicks him down first! Vega coaches Almas but Ford FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! Ford gets back in to use the power of the ropes! But that again wears him out!! The ref calls it, something is definitely wrong!
No Contest
The ref tells Vega’s team to back off, they need medics. Medics check on Ford, but it isn’t clear what is going on. Will Ford be able to stand or even speak?
Buddy Murphy watches what he did to Aleister Black.
Just like his Monday Night Messiah, the Disciple dug the steel steps into Aleister’s eyes. Seth Rollins is there, and says Murphy made the right decision. Rollins is proud of Murphy, and Murphy should be proud of himself. The past is the past. Tonight is about the future. Speaking of that, has Rollins thought about Dominik’s SummerSlam challenge? Personally, it’s ridiculous. Dominik hasn’t wrestled a match, is not even a WWE superstar, and literally saw his father be sacrificed in front of the world. It is ridiculous, right? Rollins does not answer. Will he have an answer soon?
We return to Raw Underground!
Shane keeps the dancers from fighting each other, that is not why they’re here. Unless they want to get in the ring next week. But now, the Viking Raiders have joined the fun! Erik steps up, it’s time to fight! His opponent is Mike Reed, and the bell rings. Erik keeps his guard up, tackles Reed to the mat and rains down rights! Reed gets up but gets a SLAM and more fists! Then a dead lift GERMAN! Erik dumps his opponent out of the ring but that doesn’t end the fight! Ivar puts Reed back in and Erik hits big knees! Then Ace Ten Mao! Shane calls it, Erik wins!
Winner: Erik
Wow, Reed is OUT! Shane applauds Erik and raises his hand in victory! Who else will step up in Raw Underground?
Raw gives a medical update on Montez Ford.
Ford fainted as he did his rope shaking move, but why? Charly is at the trainer’s room as Garza walks over. Garza tells Charly not to be afraid. People like them, with full hearts, have a tendency to feel things strongly. He gives her a rose, but then Vega and Almas come over. We are all concerned about Ford. Ford is an amazing competitor, and an even better champion. But on that topic, she can’t help but wonder what this means for the titles. Come SummerSlam- Wait! Dawkins comes out. The update on Ford isn’t 100%, but the doctors are saying Ford was poisoned?! And Bianca Belair is here!
Belair was looking for Vega. She has one chance to even say what happened before she hurts Vega. Vega didn’t do anything! Uh, Belair’s husband was poisoned, so she knows one of them did something! SummerSlam is coming, and we all know Vega is the brains. Well yes she’s the brains, but she would not do something like this! Belair takes off the earrings, and SLUGS Vega! Dawkins holds Belair back, Almas and Garza both hold Vega back! Things are going down a dark path, but what is the truth behind all this?!
Raw has security footage!
A group of hooded figures are causing trouble?! They threw a fireball at a power generator! But then they run off before security comes! Who are these people? What are they doing!?
Backstage interview with The Hurt Business.
They’re dressed to leave but Charly asks them about their rough day. MVP failed to capture the United States Championship and Shelton lost the WWE 24/7 Championship. The pattern is going a certain way and- Wait, this is supposed to count as journalism? Mysterious accidents backstage, power glitches, people throwing Molotov cocktails, but she asks about their matches? Lashley mentions that Raw Underground “stunt.” She asks them not getting it done, but she should be talking about the sabotage! Shelton says this is quite coincidental with how “Raw Underground” showed up. Charly didn’t say anything about it, she just knows that’s where Raw Underground is. Then the Hurt Business has a plan.
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
The Monday Night Messiah, with Disciple by his side, looks to address the WWE Universe directly. Murphy hands him a mic, and Rollins says, “Before I issue a statement regarding Dominik Mysterio and his challenge,” he and Murphy have some… “housekeeping” to do. Rollins calls out Tom Philips on commentary. “If you don’t mind, I would like to ask you a few questions.” Does Tom consider himself a professional? Does he consider himself an unbiased journalist? Rollins walks to commentary as he asks if Tom takes pride in his “body of work.” Rollins wants to ask Tom, “What were you doing last week when Rey Mysterio’s stupid kid was assaulting me with a kendo stick?”
To JOG HIS MEMORY, Tom was cheering Dominik on! Tom was inciting Dominik’s rage! Does Tom understand what that means?! Tom’s voice matters! What Tom says matters as the voice of Raw! Tom is part of the greater good, whether he likes it or not! What Tom say sis important because the fans hear it, it goes into their brains, and that is what they think. It is Tom’s JOB to call things down the middle! Not to skew things, slant things, or create bias! He is then doing a poor job. And if he is doing a poor job, then he becomes a liability. So Rollins feels the time has come to find a new voice of Raw. Murphy, take him. Samoa Joe steps up! “That ain’t gonna happen, gentlemen.”
Does Rollins think he can just bully them? Joe tells them to go back to the ring, finish speaking, or Joe can slap Rollins and beat down his disciple in front of him. If Rollins is worried about Tom, Joe will make this clear: he was laughing hardest of all! Rollins tells Joe he doesn’t want to do this. No, Seth, he does. Joe takes off the headset, Rollins and Murphy back off but dare Joe to get in the ring! Then it’s out of Rollins’ hands! The tension builds but Raw goes to break! Will Joe be able to finally humble the ego of The Architect?
Raw returns and Joe is still in a standoff with Rollins and Murphy!
They have chairs, he doesn’t. But while Rollins eggs Joe on, he doesn’t see Dominik return with ANOTHER kendo stick! And he SMACKS away on Rollins and Murphy! Rollins gets the stick from Dominik while Joe hops back on commentary to hype this up! Rollins swings, Dominik dodges and Murphy gets hit! Dominik TACKLES Rollins! Dominik throws fast hands on Rollins! Dominik wrecks Murphy with a swinging dropkick, then chop blocks Rollins onto the ropes! Dominik does his dad proud by dialing it up, to 6 1 9!! Rollins bails out and Dominik climbs up!? HUGE CROSSBODY! Dominik takes down Rollins and Murphy, then takes the ring back!
Dominik swings a chair but Rollins shouts! “I’ve had enough! You’ve jumped in way over your head!!” Dominik wants Rollins at SummerSlam? CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!! Will Dominik finally avenge his father and everyone else Rollins has “sacrificed”?
We return to Raw Underground!
Dolph Ziggler is in the ring?! And he’s schooling his opponent on mat wrestling. Is that Jake Atlas? Atlas pushes Ziggler to a jackknife but Ziggler slips off to rain down rights! Ziggler turns Atlas over, has the body scissor mount and clubs away. He gets Atlas in a sleeper, Atlas taps!
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
That is what they’re looking for! The Hurt Business waltzes in and Shane welcomes them. Does MVP have something to say? Shane hands him the mic. MVP has a LOT to say. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is Raw Underground, but however, I have an announcement to make.” On behalf of the CEO of the Hurt Business, this place is under new management! Lashley is in the ring as the Hurt Business has a hostile takeover in motion! They like to fight? Hurt Business came to fight! Who wants to step up to the Rocky Mountain Machine? Chase Parker does! He gets in, gets a GUT WRENCH POWERBOMB, and then gets a BIG right hand! Lashley knocked that man OUT!
Winner: Bobby Lashley
MVP wants in on this action. He takes off his jacket and “tags in.” He dares someone to take MVP, but he first picks someone out of the crowd. Shelton shoves the man. Lashley drags him up for MVP and MVP gets him with a judo takedown! And a rain of right hands! Point-blank forearms! The ref calls it, MVP wins!
Winner: MVP
Lashley dumps the rando out, but who wants Shelton? This guy just insulted Mama Benjamin! Get him, Shelton! Wait is that Brennan Williams?! Is this what he does now that he’s not on commentary? The Shogun steps up, but gets TACKLED DOWN! Shelton rains down forearms and then rams in knees! Swerve and his friends coach Brennan but he’s already beaten!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin
Anyone else?! Wait, there’s someone! Uh, no, he was just… Too late! It’s a brawl! Swerve and his buddies get hurt by the Hurt Business! Anyone who can runs away before they get hit! Who else wants some!? Shane likes this! He wants the Hurt Business to stick around! That’s what it is to be in Raw Underground! But will anyone want to fight after this change in management? “Ladies and gentlemen, we are the Hurt Business. And Business is booming.”
My Thoughts:
This was perhaps the wildest Raw in a good, long time, and for the better! The ongoing thread through the night was this apparent rise in chaos backstage, with what appear to be a group of anarchists running amok. I have no idea if this is the “new faction” WWE hyped for their show, or there are wires crossed about what is happening when. But there was also the return of Shane McMahon, and the creation of Raw Underground. It had pseudo-shoot fighting, gave us the call-up of Babatunde as Daba Cato, dragged 205 Live wrestlers in to be both jobbers and fans, had ladies dancing around, and tied into the Hurt Business story. It was like part of what WWE tried to make their ECW but also a bunch of other stuff, and somehow it worked out to be really good.
Speaking of the Hurt Business, them losing their titles might have been a big part of getting involved with Raw Underground to make this a bigger story, and I for one look forward to where they’re going with this. Tozawa has the title, so he and Truth can continue their rivalry while perhaps also bringing in some new people. Of course, that implies Raw can throw anyone else in. A lot of people have stories, but this could also be the moment for someone underutilized between Raw, 205 Live and the Performance Center to shine. Apollo did what I figured in keeping MVP’s belt for THE belt, but I really liked how he framed retiring the old belt. In fact, that might be a shoot. His kids are probably holding up that belt as we speak as a great gift from dad.
Kevin Owens takes his Face turn in a new direction with how he helped reunite Liv and Ruby. Ruby and Liv had a good match with the IIconics but it ended quick, so definitely expect many rematches as a way to build up contenders for the WWE Women’s Tag titles on the side. Then Kevin tying into the Randy Orton story is great, Kevin and Orton will have a great match next week. McIntyre’s promo was INCREDIBLE! Those shots taken at Orton were strong. Their title match at SummerSlam is going to be great stuff, especially given the glimpses we got before the lockdowns. That match could go either way and I don’t think it’d hurt anyone or be a letdown.
The Raw Tag Team Championship story and Women’s Championships story both took wild but really fun turns tonight. I never thought I’d see a story that goes into someone being POISONED. It might mostly be for the sake of bringing Bianca back into this, but she needed to be a part of this anyhow. Nia getting suspended might be a way of preserving her different feuds. Shayna is going after the titles while Charlotte is resting up. Charlotte and Nia will probably return at relatively close times, probably in time for a Big Four like Survivor Series or Royal Rumble.
Meanwhile, Shayna sucker punching Sasha was amazing! A “No Contest” finish was to preserve things there, since Shayna is more than happy to wait. It speaks to her love of fighting that she wants Asuka, who is definitely considered the more dangerous all on her own. Asuka VS Bayley next week will be great, Asuka VS Sasha for SummerSlam will be great, and Asuka VS Shayna will be great. I hope they do it up big since it also boils down to proving who is the most dominant (former) NXT Woman’s Champion ever. Speaking of, how could Bayley NOT see Sasha was going to sell her out to Asuka? Sasha said she was going to choose an NXT Four Horsewoman. Sasha isn’t going to do it because she’s trying to avoid Asuka. Charlotte is out recovering and Becky is pregnant. Bayley was it by default! But hey, guess this is a way to circle back to the dysfunction between them.
My Score: 8.8/10
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The storied rival has its final chapter!
For the last time, John Cena and Randy Orton battle over the WWE Championship! This time, it is on Backlash, in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre VS LA Knight VS Damian Priest; Fatu wins and retains the title.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Becky Lynch; Lyra wins and retains the title.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA; Dominik wins and retains the title.
- GUNTHER VS Pat McAfee; Gunther wins.
- Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS Randy Orton; Cena wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the WWE Backlash Countdown Show!
Join Michael Cole, Wade Barrett & Big E in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action on this highly anticipated night!
Backstage interview with Lyra Valkyria.
Byron Saxton is with The Morrigan and asks how she is feeling tonight. She looked up to Becky Lynch for so long, only for her to stab her in the back. And at the same time, Lyra has dedicated this match to Bayley. How is Lyra going to manage all her emotions? Lyra says there is so much going on in her head, but the way to deal with it is focusing on the main emotion: embarrassment. She gave herself “the ick” looking back and seeing how she ate everything Becky fed her. Becky would’ve had a friend for life in Lyra, but then Becky turned on her. And what did The Man expect? For Lyra to run home to Dublin and cry?
No! That shows Lyra that Becky underestimated her. Lyra meant it when she said she is the better wrestler now. Becky may still be the bigger star, but when that bell rings, Lyra will show that she was never a stepping stone. Becky becomes Lyra’s stepping stone, as well as the crowning name on the long list of opponents when Lyra retains the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Lyra is locked in, but will the Luck of the Irish favor her in the end?
Vic Joseph joins the panel!
The Voice of NXT helps plug Battleground, but he also gives Lyra her props. From NXT UK to NXT USA, Vic has seen Lyra achieve her potential every step of the way. The NXT Women’s Championship match between Lyra and Becky was all about someone from the NXT roster stepping up and proving herself, and Lyra did just that. Lyra took the NXT Women’s title off Becky, but will Lyra keep the Women’s Intercontinental title from Becky? Or is #BeckyHogan going to step on Lyra to get ahead?
Jackie Redmond & Peter Rosenberg tag in for the panel.
Cole & Barrett have to go prepare for calling Backlash, so Jackie and Peter join Big E in looking back on memory lane. John Cena VS Randy Orton as a rivalry predates the iPod, Wikipedia, and even the original Xbox! 25 years later, will this truly be the end of an era for WWE?
Pershard Owens sings the Star Spangled Banner.
Talkin’ ’bout a detonator…
The fuse is let, and tonight is about to be explosive. Egos, attitudes, grudges, ambitions, motivations, and glory, it’s overflowing! WrestleMania was historic, but now everyone will face the Backlash!
WWE United States Championship Fatal 4 Way: Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre VS LA Knight VS Damian Priest!
The Samoan Werewolf only just took this title “for the family” at WrestleMania, and yet now the stakes are raised! The Scottish Warrior wants to fight a real fighter, the Mega Star wants to redeem himself from his loss, and the Archer of Infamy wants to kill two birds with one stone by avenging his own loss while putting gold back around his waist. Will one of these challengers get what they want? Or will Fatu dog walk all of ’em, YADADA MEAN!?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really all gas and no brakes with it!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as all four men look at each other. Knight talks some smack but St. Louis is loud for “FATU! FATU!” Knight runs up to throw hands on Fatu, Priest and Drew go after each other! Fatu fires back and they trade shots. Priest and Drew are on the outside while Knight throws hands “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Priest CLUBS Drew, Fatu TOSSES Knight, and then Fatu runs corner to corner. Knight dodges, Fatu hits buckles, and Knight hits a JUMP NECKBREAKER! Priest is back in the ring, but Knight gives him a BIG back suplex! Knight WRECKS Drew with a dropkick, then RAMS into Fatu!
Knight slingshots to SHOUDLER TACKLE Fatu! Knight sunset flip BACKBREAKERS, then he dodges Drew to pop-up and POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as The Mega Star is unlocking that kavorka! Spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW- NO, Priest catches Knight, but Knight kicks free! DDT! Knight runs and DOUBLE ELBOW DROPS! Fatu shoves Knight, scoops, but Knight slips free, REVERSE DDT! Cover on Fatu, ONE!! Fatu is tougher than that, but Knight drags Fatu up. Fatu RAMS Knight into a corner, fires hands, then he ROCKS Priest! Knight ROCKS Fatu, Priest ROCKS Fatu, and Knight runs, they HIGH-LOW COMBO!
The fans fire up for that teamwork, and then Priest & Knight POST Fatu! Fatu flops out of the ring, but Priest avoids Knight’s cheap shot! BELL CLAP! Drew RAMS Knight into Priest, then OVERHEAD SUPELXES Knight! Priest runs up, but into a SPIENBUSTER! Drew has Knight again, NECKBREAKER! Then a NECKBREAKER for Priest! Fatu is back, but Drew gives him a NECKBREAKER! Drew kips up, the fans fire up, and Drew aims at Fatu. Drew runs up, but Knight LARIATS! Fatu SUPERKICKS Knight! Fatu kicks Knight out, ELBOWS Priest away, then goes up. Priest JUMP KICKS! Priest climbs up to the very top, SUPER STEINER!
Fatu flounders, Priest rises, and Priest clinches Knight for a FLATLINER! Priest goes out to run around the ring, and he FLYING AX HANDLES Fatu! Priest puts Fatu back in, then dodges a shot to ROUNDHOUSE Fatu! Priest knuckle locks Fatu, St. Louis wants tables, but Priest goes Old School to CROSSBODY Drew! Fatu runs up, Priest dodges, COMEBACKER LARIAT! Fatu flounders out, Priest runs to ELBOW Drew! And ELBOW Knight! Priest runs, and he LARIATS Drew up and out! Knight swings, misses, and Priest DREAMCAST KICKS! The fans fire up and Priest goes back out. Priest runs in but Fatu POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS Priest onto the barriers!
The fans fire up with Fatu, and then Fatu stares down with Drew. The fans fire up even more as these alpha males step into the ring. This is the match-up Drew wanted all along, and the two men step up. The hands start flying and the fans fire up! The fans are strongly on Fatu’s side, but the hands keep going faster and faster! Fatu gets the edge, but Drew HEADBUTTS! Drew runs, but Fatu BODY CHECKS him! Drew is right up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! The fans are thunderous, and Fatu runs in, HIP ATTACK on Drew! The fans fire up again, and Fatu drags Drew to the drop zone.
Fatu climbs the corner as St. Louis declares, “This is Awesome!” Fatu nods, reaches the top, but Drew is up to CLAW Fatu’s face! The ref reprimands but that’s all he can do! Drew goes up to the top, but Knight trips Drew up! Knight puts Drew in the Tree of Woe to stomp away, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then runs corner to corner and back again, KNEE for Drew! Knight then climbs up, has Fatu on the very top, but Fatu HEADBUTTS Knight down! Fatu adjusts, but Drew sits up! SPIDER SUPLEX throws Fatu onto Knight! But Fatu’s right up to HIP ATTACK Drew!! And then he DIVES onto Priest!! Fatu is all fired up and the fans are thunderous!
Fatu goes up again, SEWANTON BOMB on Drew! Fatu geeks out, but gets B F T!! Priest has Knight, SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Drew hits a CLAYMORE on Priest!!! Priest falls on Knight for a cover! DREW BREAKS IT!! The fans are electric as all four men are down! “This is Awesome!” and that might be an understatement now! Priest flops out of the ring, Fatu and Drew go to corners, and Knight finds his way to another. The fans rally, Fatu geeks out, and Fatu runs, into a FLYING HEADBUTT! And then a kick and FUTURE SHOCK!! Then Drew has Knight, but Knight wrenches out! B F- NO, Drew powers out, reels Knight in, FUTURE SHOCK!!
Drew kips up, the fans fire up, and Drew calls his shot! Drew gives the countdown, “THREE! TWO! ONE!!” CLAYMORE for Knight!! Cover, PRIEST yanks the ref!! Priest really does screw Drew this time! Drew is furious but Priest drags him out now! Priest and Drew throw hands and the fans fire up! Drew THROWS Priest and himself over the barriers! Fatu is up, he brings Knight around for HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Fatu has Knight down, goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT FLOPS!! Knight rises up, goes to the corner, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP FLYING AX HANDLE! And then the BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP!! Cover, TWO!?!
Fatu survives and Knight is beside himself! Priest and Drew are brawling in the crowd! Priest SMACKS Drew off a road case! Priest makes Drew look into the camera, “He’s bored at work!” Priest ROCKS Drew, but Drew ROCKS Priest! They go up to some upper deck, and Priest ROCKS Drew again! They stand on road cases, but Drew HEADBUTTS! Drew reels Priest in, takes aim, but Priest CLAWS Drew’s face! Priest decides to do what Drew was planning, and with the straps down, SOUTH OF HEAVEN DOWN THROUGH THE TABLES!!! The fans go nuts with Priest and Drew down in the wreckage!!
Producers and medical hurry to check Drew and Priest, but that just means Knight and Fatu are the only two left! Knight RAMS Fatu into the apron, then POSTS him! Knight hobbles but he brings Fatu back up to SMACK him off the desk! Fatu is on the desk, and Knight uses a piece that fell off to SMACK Fatu! Knight keeps Fatu on the desk, and he looks for a perch. The fans fire up as Knight climbs the corner! “L! A! KNGIHT!” NO, Solo Sikoa gets Fatu clear! Knight is furious but Solo tells him it’s not going down like that. Knight storms up on Solo, but a LARIAT hits outta nowhere!! IS THAT JEFF COBB?!?
The fans go nuts as now the Imperial Unit is Solo’s new enforcer! Cobb THROWS Knight around, POSTS him, and then runs to SPLASH Knight against the post!! Cobb drags Knight up, puts him in the ring, and Fatu sees what’s going on. Fatu is not happy with Solo bringing in reinforcements when he didn’t want it, but Solo still serves Knight up on a silver platter. Fatu doesn’t look the gift horse in the mouth, and he gives Knight a HIP ATTACK!! Fatu puts Knight in the drop zone, goes up and up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Fatu wins!
Winner: Jacob Fatu, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
The Samoan Werewolf may not like Solo bringing in a ringer, but he still keeps his gold. Will nothing stop “the family” now that they’ve reloaded the arsenal?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria VS Becky Lynch!
When they say, “Never meet your heroes,” perhaps those people were talking about this scenario right here. The Morrigan & The Man were bonded by their Irish blood, and by how the younger followed in the footsteps of the elder. They’ve battled over the NXT Women’s Championship and even won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania. But the moment they lost those titles, Becky showed her true colors and betrayed Lyra! Becky called Lyra “recycling,” or rather, “less offensive trash,” but will Becky be the one thrown out this time? Or will Becky take away a title just as Lyra did to her back in the day?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who the real Lass Kicker is around here!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Lyra and Becky circle, tie up, and they go around. Becky puts Lyra in the corner, the ref counts, and Becky lets off to talk trash. Becky shoves, Lyra shoves, and the two reset. They tie up, Lyra waistlocks, Becky switches, and Becky SLAMS Lyra down. Becky smothers Lyra into the mat, then waistlocks again. Lyra fights up, ELBOWS free, then runs. Becky dodges and RUNS Lyra over! Becky flexes, talks trash, then soaks up the heat. Things speed up, Lyra drops down then hurdles, but Becky hits an arm-drag, only for Lyra to ghost pin! TWO, and Becky arm-drags again!
The fans boo but Becky soaks it up. The two reset, tie up, and Lyra waistlocks. Becky elbows Lyra, whips her to ropes, but Lyra slides under! Lyra blocks a kick, trips Becky, and then turns Becky over with the REVERSE CRAB, to then go for the arms! MEXICAN SURFBOARD! Becky endures as Lyra swings her around! Lyra drops Becky, stands on the legs, and then hooks the legs up! Becky resists but Lyra still gets the arms to pull her back, into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Becky endures, Lyra rolls and pulls Becky back into the ROMERO SPECIAL! Becky still endures, but Lyra rolls her and pulls her back again! A third ROMERO SPECIAL! Then a cover, TWO!
Becky escapes, but Lyra waistlocks. Becky switches, Lyra spins through and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Becky scrambles and Lyra says she told her she’s the better wrestler! Lyra then dodges to ENZIGIRI! Becky bails out, the fans “WHEW~” with Lyra, and she WRECKS Becky with a dropkick! The fans fire up and Lyra puts Becky in the ring. Lyra climbs, but Becky trips her up! Becky THROWS Lyra down, then snarls as she rains down fists! The fans boo but Becky seethes as she paces around. Becky signals that she will be champion! She CLOBBERS Lyra, smothers her into the mat again, then HAMMERS away on Lyra! Cover, ONE!!
Lyra is tougher than that, but so is Becky given she has a bloody cut on her elbow. Lyra ELBOWS Becky but Becky CLUBS Lyra! Becky stands Lyra up to SLAP her! And CHOP her! And CHOP again! Lyra falls into a corner but Becky soaks up the heat. Becky stands Lyra up, runs corner to corner, but Lyra dodges! Becky hits buckles, but then she dodges to JUMP KICK! And BECKSPLODER! Lyra writhes, Becky covers, ONE!! Becky argues the count with the ref, then goes back to Lyra. Becky talks trash on Lyra, CHOKES her on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Lyra goes to the corner but Becky brings her around to TOSS her out!
Lyra is on the floor, Becky builds speed, and Becky WRECKS Lyra with a dropkick! Becky THROWS Lyra into barriers, then SMACKS her off more barriers! “Is this your girl?” Becky tells Lyra’s fiancé to thank her! Lyra fires forearms off on Becky! Becky POSTS Lyra in return! Becky puts Lyra in the ring, covers, TWO! The fans rally for Lyra but Becky talks more trash. Becky SLAPS Lyra, pie faces her, but Lyra just stares defiantly! Then Lyra SLAPS Becky back! The SLAPS fly, Becky clinches, but Lyra cradle counters! Roll through, into a RUNNING FISHERMAN BUSTER!! Both women are down and the fans fire up!
Lyra feeds off that energy and she rises up! Lyra runs and LARIATS! And LARIATS! And SOBATS! KICKS! HEADBUTTS, KICKS again, then runs, cartwheel and ENZIGIRI! Becky staggers around, Lyra GUT WRENCH BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lyra is beside herself! Becky goes to the apron but Lyra drags her up. The fans rally m ore, but Becky ROCKS and ROUNDHOUSES Lyra! Becky climbs, but Lyra ROCKS her first! Lyra reaches the top, and fans actually duel as Lyra stalling SUPERPLEXES!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives, reminding us why she’s a Grand Slam Champion!
The fans rally up and Lyra has Becky for a fireman’s carry! Becky fights free, waistlocks, but Lyra switches! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Becky has the O’Conner, but wants the rope! The ref stops that! The fans boo and Becky “apologizes,” but then she runs up on Lyra! Lyra scoops, Becky slips free, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives and Becky is growing frustrated. The fans rally for Lyra more and Becky dares Lyra to get up. Lyra rises, Becky clinches, but Lyra slips free to shove Becky into buckles! Lyra runs up, Becky dodges, but Lyra stops the jump kick! Lyra DUMPS Becky out, takes aim, and PLANCHAS! Down goes Becky!
The fans fire up as Lyra hurries to put Becky back in. Lyra climbs the corner, takes aim, TURN OF FORTUNE!! Cover, TWO!!! Lyra is frustrated, but she hurries back up! MOONSAULT onto knees! Becky turns that around on Lyra while the fans fire up! Becky crawls her way over to Lyra, both women stand, and the forearms fly! Becky ROCKS Lyra but Lyra ROCKS Becky right back! The shots pick up speed, Lyra gets the edge, but Becky KNEES low! UPPERCUT into a hook! Becky fights the backslide, SLAMS Lyra down, ARMBAR!! Lyra clasps hands, rolls through, and she has the ARMBAR!!
Becky fights, rolls, high stacks, TWO! Becky steps over, DISARM-HER!! Lyra rolls Becky to a cover, TWO!! Becky clinches, MANHAND- ARM-DRAG! Cover, TWO!! MANHANDLE SLAM!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lyra survives and Becky cannot believe it! St. Louis is thunderous, “This is Awesome!” Becky is freaking out trying to figure out what to do. Becky just HAMMERS away on Lyra! The fans boo but Becky goes to the outside. Becky grabs a chair! The fans boo but The Man is getting desperate! Becky brings the chair in, the ref stops her, and they tug-o-war over the chair! Becky give sit up to the ref, but that lets her untie a buckle pad!
Becky drags Lyra up, brings her around and whips, but Lyra reverses! Becky stops from hitting steel but Lyra GERMAN SUPLEXES! And HEEL KICKS! MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Lyra is beside herself! The fans rally while Lyra now thinks on what she must do. Lyra drags Becky up, fireman’s carries, but Becky fights free! Becky shoves Lyra into a buckle! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!?! Lyra survives one thing after another and Becky is going berserk! Becky HAMMERS away on Lyra again, and even DRIBBLES Lyra head off the mat! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Becky stands Lyra up.
Becky aims but the ref sees the bare buckle! The ref stops that, goes to fix things, but Lyra fireman’s carries! NIGHTWING DRIVER!!! The ref is too busy with the buckle! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Becky survives thanks to her shenanigans and Lyra is completely frazzled! Lyra drags Becky up, fireman’s carries, but Becky still fights! Clinch and MAN- NO, wheelbarrow for the victory roll! TWO, and Becky SLAPS Lyra! Roll-up, high stack, TWO! Lyra has a victory roll, LYRA WINS!!!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)
Becky attacks Lyra! The Man is a sore loser! DISARM-HER!! The ref reprimands, pries at Becky’s grip, but Becky refuses to let go! More refs rush in, Becky still doesn’t stop, so producers are needed! Adam Pearce shouts right at Becky, and only now does Becky let go!! Lyra is down, potentially her arm and even her nose broken by the woman she once looked up to! Becky scowls, wants to go back for more, but the producers stand in her way. Did Becky still coset Lyra her title with all the damage she did? Or can The Morrigan rise up and keep her #ShinyShiny?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS PENTA!
Though it took a Fatal 4 Way to win it, and an Irish Ace in the hole to keep it, “Dirty Dom” thinks he is already the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, as well as the greatest Mysterio and the greatest luchador ever. But now, the Man with Zero Fear gets another shot, and hopefully it’ll be a fair one. Will Penta prove he is the greatest? Or will Dom have another dirty trick up his sleeve?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly El Campeon!
The bell rings and Dom circles with Penta. Dom talks trash but the fans rally behind Penta. Dom shoves Penta, so Penta DROPKCISK Dom! Penta runs up, Dom dodges and fires hands! Dom whips, Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Dom tumbles, the fans fire up, and Penta runs in. Dom dodge the kick, comes back, ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! The fans cheer because that was impressive, and Dom runs up again. Penta pops him up to SUPERKICK him upside-down! Then BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Dom stays in this and Penta nods respect. The fans rally for Penta while Dom goes to a corner.
Penta runs in, Dom pops him up to crotch him on the ropes! Dom then DROPKICKS Penta down to the floor! The fans cheer, Dom builds speed, and Dom DIVES to TORNADO DDT! Dom flexes and fans cheer because that was impressive, too! Dom refreshes the ring count then mocks Penta’s swagger. Dom stomps Penta, fans actually sing for “Dirty, Dirty Dom~!” Dom stands Penta up to CHOP, but Penta CHOPS in return! The CHOPS go back and forth, then Dom dodges to SHOVE Penta into steel steps! Dom rolls into the ring and flexes. The fans cheer, Dom goes out to drag Penta up, and Dom puts Penta in.
Dom hears the fans dueling, tunes out the taunts, and he slingshots to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Penta stays in this and Dom argues the count. The ref defends it, so Dom just stomps away on Penta! Dom uses the Finn style jump stomps, then he rains down fists! Dom lets off to soak up cheers and jeers, then covers, ROPEBREAK! Dom is annoyed and he CLUBS Penta into the chinlock. Penta endures, claws at the hold, and fights up. Penta fires body shots, but Dom fires knees! Dom whips, Penta KICKS him, then Penta dodges to come back, SLING-DOG! The fans fire up and Dom bails out. Penta goes up, up, and from the post, SUPER CROSSBODIES!
The fans fire up as Dom and Penta crash down! The ring count starts, both men stir at 3 of 10, and Penta rises up. Penta pushes Dom into the ring, huffs ‘n’ puffs, and he climbs up the corner. Penta leaps, but into Dom’s kick! Dom snap suplexes, that’s Uno Amigo! Then another suplex, but Penta slips free! Penta shoves Dom, but Dom drop toeholds him onto ropes! Dom dials it up, but Penta ducks the 619! Penta GAMANGIRIS, then slingshots to CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives and both men are down! The fans rally up and Dom DROPKICKS Penta! Dom runs up, OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO!!
Penta survives Liv’s move and Dom is furious! Dom runs up, Penta puts him on the corner, and Penta GAMANGIRIS! Penta climbs, but Dom shoves him down! Penta CHOPS from the apron, then runs up, but Dom BOOTS him! Dom hops down, reels Penta in, but Penta fights the suplex! Penta ENZIGIRIS, then runs up, APRON DESTROYER!!! Both men are down and the fans go nuts! But wait, here comes Carlito! Judgment Day let Dom come out here alone, but Caribbean Cool isn’t gonna let this go down! But this is all so Finn & JD can get Penta up! Finn gets an idea and grabs a chair!
But the ref sees Finn! Finn’s improvising just cost him his chance! The ref EJECTS Judgment Day!! The fans fire up as now things are 1v1 again! Carlito can’t believe Finn messed this up! Penta FLIES onto Judgment Day! The fans fire up but wait, Finn avoided disaster! Where’d he go? Penta hobbles, rolls into the ring, and SUPERKICKS Dom down! Penta vows to finish this, but Finn returns! Finn distracts the ref now, and EL GRANDE AMERICANO is here! Grande HEADBUTTS Penta with that loaded mask!!! Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!!! Cover, DOM WINS!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
The Prince almost screwed things up, but then he managed to turn things around with help from the supposed other greatest luchador in history! Will Judgment Day owe Chad Gable- Er, uh, El Grande Americano big time for this?
GUNTHER VS Pat McAfee!
Once again, Der Ring General lost a championship, at WrestleMania, against someone he surely felt was beneath him. And while his ego was still hurting, he lashed out against Michael Cole in an attempt to intimidate and silence commentary. Pat stepped up for his friend, got beat up for it, but he isn’t going to back down just because Gunther is a bully. In fact, Pat has always believed in standing up to bullies, which is why he’s getting back in the ring! Will Pat win one for all the underdogs out there? Or will Gunther unleash all of his anger and silence Pat for good?
The bell rings and Pat throws his shirt to the crowd! The fans fire up as Pat and Gunther circle. They feel things out, Gunther smirks but Pat is stone cold serious. The fans taunt Gunther with, “You Tapped Out!” but Gunther ignores that. He and Pat tie up, and Gunther shoves Pat to a corner. Pat sees what he’s dealing with now, but he still comes back to circle with Gunther again. They tie up, Gunther headlocks and THROWS Pat! The ref checks Pat but Pat stands back up. Pat and Gunther circle again, tie up, and Gunther grabs an arm! Gunther wrenches Pat, wrangles him down and steps over. Gunther pie faces Pat around and the fans boo.
Gunther wrenches, wristlocks, but Pat rolls, rolls, handsprings, and wrenches! But Gunther breaks free! Pat avoids the chop and the fans fire up! Pat and Gunther circle again, and Gunther is oddly amused. Pat and Gunther tie up, and Pat headlocks! Gunther powers Pat to ropes, Pat shifts to a facelock, but Gunther puts Pat on the apron! Pat holds on, the ref counts, and Pat lets go slowly. Gunther pats Pat on the head, and Pat says okay. Pat ROCKS Gunther! Pat slingshots, runs, and fires forearms! Pat runs, into a CHOP! Pat is right down and coughing for air! Gunther drags Pat up, just to CLUB him back down!
Gunther stomps and kicks Pat around, pushes Pat, but Pat comes back to JAB! JAB! HAYMAKER! Pat fires hands, and even CHOPS! Gunther eggs Pat on! Pat CHOPS, the fans fire up, but Gunther wants more! Pat CHOPS, but Gunther CHOPS Pat down again! The fans boo as Gunther glares at Michael Cole. Gunther stalks Pat to a corner, talks trash, “You wanna play with the big boys, huh?” Gunther CHOPS Pat in a corner, CHOPS again, then stomps a mudhole! Gunther stops and Pat puts up his dukes! The fans rally, but Gunther CHOPS Pat down! The fans boo and Cole tells Gunther fine, just pin and finish it!
Gunther decides not to do that, he wrenches and whips Pat instead. Gunther CLOBBERS Pat, but Pat avoids the elbow drop! Pat KICKS Gunther! That NFL punt wasn’t quite enough, and Gunther snapmares Pat! Gunther KICKS Pat now! Pat writhes, but he still rises up! The fans rally behind Pat and he stands again. Pat roars, Gunther eggs him on, and Pat spins to CHOP! Gunther CHOPS, but Pat stays up to CHOP! Gunther BOOTS Pat down now! Gunther glares at Cole, dares Cole to help Pat, but Wade Barrett tells Cole to just sit down. The fans still taunt Gunther with, “You Tapped Out!” as Gunther goes back to Pat.
Gunther talks trash on the fans, then he brings Pat up. Gunther dares Cole to keep cheering his guy on. Cole says stop toying with Pat then! Pat SLAPS Gunther! Gunther CHOPS Pat, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Pat sputters, Cole says just end it then! Gunther looms over Pat, eggs him on, and Pat still rises up! Gunther clamps onto Pat’s head, and then has the SLEEPER!! Pat is already red from everything else, but wait! Pat pries at the grip! Gunther is amused as Pat manages the ROPEBREAK, but then Gunther GERMAN SUPLEXES! Pat flounders and Gunther paces. Gunther laughs as the fans boo, because Gunther knows only he can end this.
Gunther soaks up the boos and he stalks Pat to ropes. Pat sits up, Gunther clamps onto him again, and Gunther uses a facelock to put Pat in a corner. Gunther CLUBS Pat, reels him in, and hoists Pat up top! Gunther CLUBS Pat, then climbs up. The fans rally for Pat, and he holds on for dear life! Pat fires elbows and he knocks Gunther down! Pat adjusts, and manages to MOONSAULT! Gunther moves, Pat lands out, GERMAN SUPLEX! Pat lands out?! PUNT!! PUNT!! And then a PUNT!!! Cover, ONE?!?! Gunther takes all those shots and is just pissed!! Gunther eggs Pat on, so Pat SLAPS him! Gunther eggs Pat on more, so Pat SLAPS again!
Pat SLAPS, Gunther CHOPS, but Pat just feeds off that now! The CHOPS keep going, and then Pat ELBOWS Gunther! The forearms go back and forth, Pat fires fast hands, Gunther guards! Pat runs, and he BOOTS Gunther! Pat keeps moving, to SUPERKICK! Shoutout to the Panama City Playboy, but Gunther reels Pat in for a POWERBOMB!! Cole says fine, just end this match already! Gunther clamps on the BOSTON CRAB!! But Pat endures! Cole goes to the apron to tell Pat to keep fighting! But Gunther drags Pat back to rain down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! The fans cheer on Cole, but Gunther grabs him through the ropes!!
The fans boo as Gunther drags Cole into the ring! The ref reprimands and Cole says Gunther should just pin Pat already! Gunther pushes Cole around, has him by his tie, then reels Cole in! But Pat BOOTS Gunther! Gunther BOOTS Pat!! Gunther glares at Cole as Cole is on the outside again. Pat O’Conner Rolls! TWO!! Pat bails out, Cole coaches him, but Gunther is on Pat again! Gunther suplexes, but Cole trips Gunther!! Cole holds Gunther’s foot down as Pat covers, TWO!!! Gunther is pissed, but Pat puts on the SLEEPER!!! Gunther flails, powers out, and short arm LARIATS!! Gunther drags Pat back up, and he stares Cole down before putting on the SLEEPER!!!
Pat is down in the body scissors and he’s turning purple! The fans rally as Pat still fights, but Gunther traps his arms, too!! Pat is still fighting even now!! Pat rises up, throws elbows, and the fans are thunderous! Pat fires shot after shot but Gunther wrangles him back down!! Pat is caught again, and NOW he’s out! Gunther wins!!
Winner: Gunther, by submission
Gunther pushes Pat away and Cole is distraught. Cole goes to Pat’s side, feeling just a bit responsible for letting it go this far. Der Ring General grins as he still returns to his winning ways. Pat manages to sit up again now that he can breathe, and Cole helps him stand. Gunther and Pat stare each other down, and Gunther shows Pat a nod of respect! Gunther leaves, but will he be just as ruthless as he heads back for the mountaintop?
Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena VS Randy Orton!
Both men have been here in the WWE for 25 years, never wrestling anywhere else, and never wanting to go anywhere else. And while he’s “gone Hollywood,” Cena still became the #NeverSeenSeventeen. The Viper is still only at 14, but he hopes to change that tonight as he now has the homefield advantage. Will the Legend Killer add one more name to that hit list? Or will Cena still be the Last Real Champion?
The fans obviously sing along with Voices as their hometown hero makes his entrance. Orton already seems to be getting chills hearing his hometown sing that for him. Then things turn to “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” even before the music plays. Then things turn to “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” with the music, even as Cena wears his St. Louis Blues inspired merchandise. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the greatest of their generation!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Cena and Orton circle. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. The two break, the fans applaud, and the two reset. Orton and Cena circle again, tie up again, and are in another deadlock. They break again and the fans again applaud. St. Louis rallies behind “RANDY! RANDY!” which annoys Cena, but then he offers a handshake. The fans boo and Orton smirks. Orton steps up, Cena still offers, and Orton accepts. But then Cena pokes Orton in the eyes! Cena fires hands, headlocks, but Orton powers up and out. Orton runs Cena over, then he pokes Cena in the eyes!
The fans cheer, Cena bails out, and Orton goes to the corner so he can look down at Cena. The fans cheer more and Cena slides in. The two tie up, go around, and Orton puts Cena in a corner. The ref counts, Orton lets off at 4, but he counters Cena’s punch! Orton ROCKS Cena, headlocks, and the fans duel, “You Can’t Wrestle!” “YES, HE CAN!” Cena powers up and out, ducks down, and hurdles over! Orton still runs Cena over again! The fans fire up as Orton headlocks, hits a takeover, but Cena keeps his shoulders up. Cena endures, fights up, and powers out. Orton runs Cena over yet again! Cena bails out and the fans boo.
Cena wants to walk!? The fans boo more but Cena doesn’t care. But Orton rushes out to CLUB Cena from behind! Orton ROCKS Cena, ROCKS him again, and they return to ringside. Orton ROCKS Cena, Cena rolls into the ring, and Cena comes back to LARIAT! Cena rains down fists, the fans boo, but Cena stops to catch his breath. Cena brings Orton up to bump him off buckles. Cena climbs up and fans boo more as Cena rains down fists! The fans still count along, and Cena goes to 7 before he hops down. But Orton kicks low! Orton bumps Cena off buckles, then climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count and Orton goes past TEN, to hit TWENTY!!
The fans fire up and Orton backs off. Cena staggers around, Orton reels him in, and UPPERCUTS Cena down! Cover, TWO! Orton drags Cena to center to stomp a leg! The fans cheer and Orton stomps Cena’s other leg! Cena clutches his ankle, but Orton stomps Cena’s hand! The fans cheer as Orton picks Cena apart, with a stomp to the other hand! Orton pushes Cena down and runs up, to KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Cena stays in this but Orton stays focused. Cena goes to ropes, rises up, but Orton is on him with a kick down low! The fans cheer Orton and he whips, but Cena reverses. Cena clamps on a SLEEPER! And becomes a backpack!
Orton stays on his feet and Cena slips down. Orton powers up and out, and he catches Cena for a SLEEPER! Cena endures, but he drops to a knee. Cena fights up, powers out, and he grabs the SLEEPER again! The fans boo but Orton powers up and out. Orton has the SLEEPER! Cena powers out, to have the SLEEPER! Orton slips around to hit a BIG back suplex! The fans rally while both men are down. Orton and Cena stir, Cena goes to the ropes, and Orton is up. Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges to start up those SHOULDER TACKLES! And then the SPIN OUT BOMB! The fans boo but Cena smooths his hair. Cena smirks, raises his hand, and says the fans can’t see him!
Cena runs, and FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLES! Orton staggers, Cena fireman’s carries, but Orton slips free! Orton shoves Cena and LARIATS! And LARIATS again! Orton dodges then SNAP POWERSLAMS! The fans fire up while Cena flounders to the apron! Orton storms over there, drags Cena through the ropes, but Cena slips through to roll Orton up! TWO, and Cena has a leg! Orton fights off the crossface, but Cena powers through! STFU!! Orton endures, reaches out, but Cena drags him from the ropes! Orton BOOTS Cena away and Cena goes back to the apron! Orton runs up, has Cena in the ropes, DRAPING DDT!
The fans fire up while Cena sputters, and Orton starts to hear those voices! Orton watches Cena rise up, R K- NO, Cena powers out, fireman’s carries, and ATTITUDE- RKO?!?! Orton turns that around at the last second and the fans are losing their minds! “This is Awesome!” while both men are down again! Both men slowly rise up, Cena has Orton, but Orton ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Orton! Orton kicks Cena low, but then Cena fires a body shot! Orton HEADBUTTS Cena, but Cena HEADBUTTS back! Orton ROCKS Cena again, but Cena ROCKS Orton again! Orton UPPERCUTS! Cena HAYMAKERS! Cena fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!?!
The fans fire up as Orton survives while Cena grows frustrated. Cena waits on Orton to rise up, the fans duel again, and Cena fireman’s carries! Orton grabs ropes, Cena pries him free, but Orton slips off the carry! Cena ducks ‘n’ dodges to start more shoulder tackles, but into an RKO!!! The fans fire up but Cena flounders away to a corner! Orton clutches his shoulder, the RKO continues to be a double-edged move when you get right down to it. But wait! Orton wants to go yard! But Cena avoids the Orton Punt! Fireman’s carry and ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cover, TWO!!!! Orton survives again and Cena is beside himself!
The fans rally as hard as they can for Orton but Cena stalks Orton to a corner. Cena talks trash, and he mocks hearing those voices! Cena smirks as the fans boo, and then Cena decides to further copy Orton! Cena aims from a corner, runs up, but Orton dodges Cena’s kick! RK- NO, Cena shoves Orton into the ref!! The ref goes down, Cena has Orton again, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! But no ref means no pins! Cena smirks again, and he tells the fans, “Shh.” Cena goes outside, grabs the title belt, and Cole asks why he’s resorting to this. Cena says, “History.” Cena slips back into the ring with the belt, but Orton hits an RKO!!!
The ref stirs, Orton covers, and the ref counts! TWO!!!! The delay saves Cena and Orton is beside himself! Cena flops out of the ring, crawls off towards barriers, but Orton pursues. Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and storms up on Cena. The fans call BS, but Orton thinks this is a good a place as any. Orton clears the desk! The ref reprimands but then Cena RAMS Orton into the ref!! The ref hits steel steps! Cena POSTS Orton, and the fans are dueling again! Cena sees the desk, and then smirks again. Cena decides to use another of Orton’s ideas, and he fireman’s carries Orton. But Orton slips free and fireman’s carries! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT onto the desk!!
Cena tumbles off the desk and to the floor! Then the desk breaks! They really made those sturdier than before. Orton mutters something while he clears space. Orton drags Cena up, SMACKS him off the pieces of the desk, then goes back to the ring. The fans fire up as Orton starts looking underneath the ring! Orton goes around the way, and tada! Orton brings out a TABLE! St. Louis fires up again as Orton sets the table up right where he found it, then he drags Cena over that way. Cena fires hands and SMACKS Orton off barriers! And off the steps! Cena fireman’s carries Orton, but Orton fights free! Orton fireman’s carries again!
Orton hits another ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, through the table!!! Once again, Orton gives Cena his move! Orton drinks some Prime Hydration, then goes back to Cena. Orton steps over Cena to drag him back up, and he puts Cena in the ring. “This is Awesome!” but the ref is still down! Orton huffs ‘n’ puffs and he hears those voices again! Cena stirs, rises to his feet, and RKO!!! Cover, here comes a spare ref!! The count, TWO!??!?!? Another delay saves Cena and Orton is at a loss for words! The ref defends the count was fair, but Cena has the belt again! Cena aims, runs up, but Orton dodge! BELT SHOT on Eddie Durango! RKO AGAIN!!!!
Orton covers, he would’ve won ten times over! Nick Aldis and his producers hurry to ringside to finally check on both refs. Orton argues with Aldis, they need another official! Aldis says okay but there aren’t many left to work tonight! Orton is furious, so he just RKOS Aldis! And RKO for each and every producer! Even Jamie Noble!! The fans are thunderous as Orton unleashes that 2009 Viper! Orton looms over Cena, seethes, and goes with the last thing he has in his arsenal. Orton lines up a shot, Cena rises up, BUT R-TRUTH gets in the way! Truth pleads with Orton to spare his “childhood hero!” Orton just RKOS Truth!!
Cena is up, and he LOW BLOWS Orton!!! The fans boo, but Cena isn’t done there! He has the belt, and he CLOBBERS Orton with it!!! Cena puts the belt outside, the first ref returns, and he counts the cover! CENA WINS!!!
Winner: John Cena, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)
Cena’s first defense of his 17th world title is certainly one for the history books! It took multiple referees, tables, distractions, and even a friend/fan biting the bullet for him, and Cena comes out the other side still the champion. Cena takes the mic, and he shouts to cut the damn music! Cena says he doesn’t need the music, he needs competition. And he sure as hell doesn’t need the fans. “Drink it in, St. Louis. Because this is what the Last Real Champion looks like.” The fans boo as Cena holds up the title at the corner, but if this is what the Last Real Champion needs to survive the Viper, what more will it take for him to finish his Farewell Tour?
My Thoughts:
Despite the concerns from right after WrestleMania, this Backlash turned out amazing! It didn’t need a two hour preshow when there wasn’t gonna be a preshow match, but I get that they did so because this was the final Backlash for Cena, they needed time to talk about Cena becoming the 17 time world champion, and what facing Orton one more time meant to everyone. Cena VS Orton: The Final Time was definitely better than Cody VS Cena at Mania. There was a lot of talk of Cena “purposefully” giving a bad match at Mania and whether that saved it from actually being a bad match because of the meta, but I think they realized that this time, it had to be a legitimately good match.
And it was! It was great stuff from two icons of wrestling, no matter what anyone says. It’s that saying of “I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.” It didn’t flip the classic moment of Orton slapping the ref to get disqualified, but Cena did still took out two refs through the course of this. Great stuff with Aldis and all those producers, aka former/retired wrestlers, taking RKOs so Orton could unleash his anger. And while I figured R-Truth would play a part, I didn’t think we’d get him taking an RKO. Cena of course resorts to all the cheating ways to win, but this is Heel Cena after all, what else would he do? And now there is some real intrigue as to who is next for Cena as he continues his farewell tour.
To go back to the top, awesome move with the Fatal 4 Way opening tonight. All four guys got their stuff in, it was wild, and yet, Solo Sikoa still gets involved, just as they implied last night. Additionally, Solo brought in a new member to the team, also as they implied. Personally, I still wanted Hikuleo, just so that Solo would be leading the entire Guerrillas of Destiny, but maybe they want to wait until Tama and Loa are health. At the same time, I can’t fault them for going with Jeff Cobb because he’s Jeff Cobb. Cobb is sturdy, strong, athletic, and anyone who has watched NJPW, ROH and/AEW already knows what he’s capable of. You can tell already that this only ups the tension within the faction, and we might get Cobb VS Fatu very quickly.
Lyra VS Becky was great, with Becky really doing her best to Heel her way through this. I really thought she was going to pull off a cheap win thanks to the buckle or some other trick, but Lyra does prove herself the better wrestler tonight. Now, with Lyra holding her nose and then playing up the damage to the rest of her body, they could be setting up some injury angle where she has to take time off, maybe even vacate the title. Lyra’s fiancé was right there, this could be Lyra’s out so the two of them can have their wedding and honeymoon and all that while Becky goes for the vacated title. Bayley could even return to be a major roadblock to that title, and we get a great match from Bayley VS Becky to crown a new champion.
Dom VS Penta was great, and St. Louis seems to be a Dom friendly crowd. Naturally, Judgment Day had to help, but also a logical move for El Grande Americano to get involved because of how Penta superkick’d Gable. Penta will surely confront Gable and get a match with El Grande, this can lead us into something for either Worlds Collide or Money in the Bank in June. As for Dom, things seem patched up in Judgment Day for now, but that could easily change at a drop of a hat. Honestly, Worlds Collide needs to be built starting this Monday, and maybe some AAA stars show up to call out “the greatest Intercontinental Champion/greatest Mysterio ever.”
And of course, for being a bit sudden, Gunther VS Pat was great stuff. It went about how I expected, with Pat just taking damage and getting back up. A little surprised Cole tried to help Pat cheat Gunther out of this, but it didn’t change the outcome. Gunther make Pat take a nap to get the win, but I did like the modicum of respect Gunther showed on his way out. Logan VS Jey is set for Saturday Night’s Main Event in a couple weeks, but much like Rollins, perhaps Gunther tries to change plans? Or maybe Gunther wants the Intercontinental Championship? Gunther should go for something, I’m just not sure what with all these other stories going on right now.
My Score: 9/10
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Will the Front Man have his Resurgence?
Hirooki Goto and Zack Sabre Jr. battle over the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, knowing that Shingo Takagi waits at NJPW Dominion!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Strong Survivor: Allan Breeze VS CJ Tino; Tino wins.
- Bea Priestly VS Viva Van; Priestly wins.
- Fred Rosser VS Matt Vandagriff; Rosser wins.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: World Class Wrecking Crew VS TJP & Templario; TJP & Templario win and become the new NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions.
- 8 Man Tag: Bullet Club VS The Young Bucks & The Good Brothers; The Bucks & Good Brothers win.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Ishii wins and retains the title.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS El Phantasmo; Konosuke wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr; Double Pinfall Draw, Goto retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Mone VS AZM VS Mina Shirakawa; AZM wins and becomes the new NJPW Strong Women’s Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: World Class Wrecking Crew VS TJP & Templario!
No longer just for the West Coast, Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson are World Class! But will they start to take over the world from the West Coast? Or will the Aswang & Lion Warrior conquer them for the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who is truly world class!
The teams sort out and then WCWC just attack! The bell rings, the fans boo, but Nelson stomps away on TJP! Isaacs TOSSES Templario, then WCWC double whip TJP. TJP leaps over the double lariat and Templario springboards to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as now TJP & Temp have Isaacs. They double whip him to DOUBLE ELBOW, then roll him into a wheelbarrow and BULLDOG! The fans fire up and Temp SPLASHES the leg! And SPLASHES it again! Then stomps it! Temp wrenches Isaacs, tags TJP, and they double whip to HIP TOSS, then TJP becomes Templario’s weapon for a GOURD BUSTER SPLASH!
The fans cheer and TJP covers, TWO! TJP stays on Isaacs with an UPPERCUT! Isaacs goes to ropes, Nelson talks trash, but TJP tells Nelson to “SUCK IT!” TJP UPPERCUTS Isaacs, whips, but Isaacs catches TJP to a suplex! TJP slips free and wraps on the IRON OCTOPUS! Nelson runs in, CLUBS TJP and BLASTS Templario! Then BOOT and BACKBREAKER, into a BODY CHECK! The fans boo but Isaacs rains down fists! Tag to Nelson and WCWC wrench TJP for a DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! TJP staggers, Nelson dropkicks the legs out, then Isaacs deadlift suplexes TJP! Nelson covers, TWO! Nelson rains down forearms while the fans boo!
Nelson rains down fists, the ref reprimands, and Nelson “apologizes.” Nelson taunts Templario, bumps TJP off buckles, then tags Isaacs. Isaacs digs his boot into TJP while Nelson messes with TJP’s hair. Isaacs then BLASTS Templario while Nelson rains down fists! The ref reprimands WCWC but he also has to keep Temp from storming in. Isaacs & Nelson stomp away on TJP in the distraction and the fans boo. Isaacs taunts TJP to go tag Templario, then stomps him down! Isaacs clamps onto TJP’s arms for a motorcycle stretch! TJP endures, the fans rally, but Isaacs pulls on the arms! The fans boo WCWC while TJP still endures.
The fans rally harder for “T J P! T J P!” Nelson hijacks English commentary to talk trash, but TJP fights up to FLIP KICK Isaacs away! Isaacs hurries to whip TJP, but TJP goes Spider-Man to then slip under and RANA! The fans fire up while TJP and Isaacs crawl, hot tags to Templario and Nelson! Templario handsprings, then he fires forearms with Nelson! Templario gets the edge, trips Nelson, and things speed up. Nelson hurdles but Temp shoves. Nelson sunset flips, Temp rolls through but Nelson avoids the basement dropkick! Temp avoids a kick, rolls Nelson, but Nelson rolls through to RAM Temp! Temp comes back to SHOTGUN!
The fans fire up as Nelson tumbles out! Isaacs is in, Temp kicks but Isaacs blocks! Isaacs FLIPS Temp but Temp lands out! Isaacs whips but TJP tags in! Temp slips around Isaacs, shoves him to TJP for BOOTS, then TJP goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! WCWC regroups outside and the fans fire up. Temp holds the way open for TJP to Triangle Jump DROPKICK! Then TJP returns the favor so Temp can DIVE onto WCWC! The fans fire up with the Empire as they put Nelson back in. TJP goes up, up, and MAMBA- NO, Nelson dodges! TJP blocks a shot, SOBATS, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Nelson dodges Temp but Temp goes up to DROPKICK back!
Isaacs is in, Temp dodges and V-TRIGGERS! Temp runs, but into a ROLLING ELBOW! All four men are down and the fans fire up! Isaacs and Temp bail out and the fans rally as TJP and Nelson go to corners. Nelson throws off the elbow pads and runs up, but into TJP’s TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up again as Nelson flounders to the apron. TJP goes up, but Isaacs ROCKS him! Isaacs goes up, and stalling SUPERPLEXES! TJP flounders back up and Isaacs LARIATS him back down! Nelson hits a MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! TJP survives and the fans fire up! WCWC is furious, they whip to SPINEBUSTER and CATAPULT, for NO VASELINE!! Cover, Temp breaks it!!
Temp fires off on WCWC then runs, but into DOUBLE ELBOWS! WCWC soak up the heat, but they miss the Templarooni! The fans fire up as Temp dodges and uses Nelson to get up and RANA Isaacs! Temp then whips, Nelson reverses, but Temp drop toeholds Nelson into buckles! Wheelbarrow and GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up, but Isaacs is back! He POP-UP UPPERCUTS Temp down! The fans boo but Isaacs drags Temp back up. Isaacs whips, Temp reverses, and TJP goes up and over to TORNADO- NO, Isaacs stops that! TJP waistlocks, Isaacs switches, but TJP ducks so Temp’s SUPERKICK hits Isaacs!
Temp runs up on Nelson, Nelson slips around to waistlock Temp, but TJP waistlocks Nelson! Nelson steps through the O’Conner but TJP reaches up to headscissor Nelson forward for Temp to reel in and pick up! EL TEMPLO!! TJP goes up to MAMBA SPLASH!! Cover, ISAACS BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while all four men are down! TJP rises and THROWS Isaacs out! TJP aims to PLANCHA! Down goes Isaacs! Temp kicks away on Nelson, ENZIGIRIS, and TJP joins in. TJP Electric Chair Lifts and Temp goes up! Temp tightrope walks, FLYING FOREARM DOOMSDAY!! Cover, TWO!! Nelson survives and TJP is beside himself!
The fans rally up as TJP rises. Isaacs rolls back in, TJP holds him down with a facelock. Temp steps in, they double suplex, but Isaacs fights that to DOUBLE SUPLEX! TJP & Temp fight that, but Nelson anchors Temp! Isaacs shoves TJP into Temp, but TJP fireman’s carries Isaacs! Isaacs fights free, gut wrenches, but TJP turns that around!? Isaacs turns it back around, SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Nelson whips Temp and pops him up, POWERBOMB! Another catapult, another fireman’s carry, and again, NO VASELINE!! Temp writhes and the fans boo, but WCWC kips up! They keep after Temp with another fireman’s carry.
Nelson and Isaacs take Temp to a corner, and Nelson steps on Temp’s back to- NO, TJP avoids the splash! Temp slips free to ENZIGIRI Isaacs! Nelson CLAWS TJP’s eyes and goes up another corner, to POP THE- NO, TJP catches Nelson to a backslide, but Nelson rolls through to cradle! Temp tips it over, THE UNITED EMPIRE WINS?!?
Winners: TJP & Templario, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
Nelson is stunned! He thought he had it, but the Lion Warrior gave Captain TJP the much needed assist! Nelson throws a fit before he and Isaacs storm off. Will all of NJPW, all over the world, soon belong to the United Empire?
8 Man Tag: Bullet Club VS The Young Bucks & The Good Brothers!
The War Dogs are still coming fresh off their win against The House of Torture, and now claim the right to be called THE Bullet Club! However, the Founding Fathers of Bullet Club seem to take offense. Matthew & Nicholas Jackson reunite with Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, will they #ShowUsTheLight? Or will we see that David Finlay, Gedo, Gabe Kidd & Clark Connors are the ones that’re #JustTooSweet?
The fans bark for the War Dogs, and then they throw up their Too Sweet. The fans chant, “Too Sweet! WOOP WOOP!” and the Founding Fathers raise theirs, but the War Dogs attack! The bell rings, the fans are torn, but the brawl is on! Things spill out to the outside, Karl fires hands on Gedo, Finlay THROWS Matt over barriers, and then goes after Matt in the crowd! The fans fire up as Karl CLAWS Gedo’s face! Gabe sends Gallows into railing, but Nick TOSSES Finlay to ringside! Connors has Matt now and they brawl. Gedo CLAWS Karl’s face in return! Gabe and Gallows return to ringside, then go up the ramp.
Gabe and Gallows brawl, shout at each other, and then Gabe CHOPS! Gallows UPPERCUITS! Matt ROCKS Connors, and Finlay has Nick on the stage! Nick fights the suplex, then SUPERKICKS Finlay down the stairs! Finlay tumbles, Gallows CLUBS him, and they all set up for Nick to run and FLY! Nick bowls them all over and the fans fire up! Matt puts Connors in and Nick puts him in a corner. The Bucks whip Connors to a corner, then Matt LARIATS! Nick LARIATS! Karl JUMP KICKS! Gallows SPLASHES! Gallows scoops Connors and SLAMS him down! The fans rally up as Matt goes to a corner. He FLIES out onto Gabe & Finlay!
Anderson SENTONS Connors, Gallows SPLASHES, and then the Bucks coordinate! RISKY BUSINESS! The fans fire up for the Founding Fathers, and they call for the Too Sweet! The fans cheer as they wind up, but the War Dogs attack again! Finlay fires off on Matt, Gabe HEADBUTTS Gallows, Gedo has Karl and Connors has Nick! The War Dogs climb up in the corners, and they rain down fists! The fans count along, and we go all the way up to TEN! That’s forty total and the fans cheer! The War Dogs toss everyone out but Karl, and Gedo stomps him. Gabe SMACKS Gallows off railing, and Connors drags Karl up.
Connors whips Karl to the corner hard and Karl falls to the mat! Connors puts Karl in place, runs, and hits an ELBOW DROP! Connors drags Karl up, brings him around, and whips him into Finlay’s boot! Connors tags Gedo but Finlay digs his boots in. The ref counts, Gedo argues with him, but that lets Finlay & Gabe CHOKE Karl! Gedo storms up but Karl CHOPS him first! And CHOPS, but Gedo blocks to poke Karl in the eyes! The fans are torn, but Gedo CLAWS at Karl’s eyes! The ref reprimands and counts, and Gedo stops at 4. Gedo looms over Karl, pulls him back, and CLAWS at his face again!
The fans boo, the ref counts, and Gedo stops at 4. The fans are torn as Gedo throws up the Too Sweet, then he tags Finlay. Finlay stomps Karl to a corner, stomps a mudhole in, but stops as the ref counts. The fans rally and duel as Finlay stands Karl up. Finlay UPPERCUTS, runs corner to corner, and UPPERCUTS again! Finlay suplexes and THROWS Karl, then pushes him down for a cocky cover. TWO, but Finlay drags Karl away from his corner. Finlay bends Karl’s fingers while Gabe & Connors BLAST the OGs! Gabe grabs a mic to talk trash during the match! Gabe stomps Karl, and mockingly asks if this is 2013 again, when those “14-year-olds were still cool?”
Gabe mocks the Bucks and say they’re the Young CUCKS, because they’re bigger virgin nerds than anyone in this building! And F YOU, too!! Gabe tells Karl and Gallows that HE’s the resident bald white guy in NJPW now! But then Karl CHOPS Gabe! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Gabe DECKS Karl, the War Dogs BLAST the OGs, then Connors feeds Karl to Finlay. Karl dodges, sends Finlay into Connors, but Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe whips, Karl reverses, SPINEBUSTER! Hot tag to Gallows! The fans fire up as Doc BOOTS Connors, ROUNDHOUSES Finlay, and YAKUZA KICKS Gedo! Gallows whips Connors into Finlay!
Gallows runs to SPLASH them both, then runs to CROSSBODY Finlay & Connors! The fans fire up but Gabe attacks! Gab e BITES Gallows’ head, talks trash, but Gallows UPPERCUTS! Gabe COMEBACK- NO, he runs into the 12 STEP PROGRAM! Both men are down from that modified Sky High and the fans fire up! Hot tags to Finlay and Nick! Connors still jumps in with Finlay but Nick rallies on them with his strike fest combo! SHINING WIZARD for Finlay, then a BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up again and Nick tags Matt. The Bucks mug Gabe, double whip, but Gabe reverses. Nick goes up and Matt SUPERKICKS!
Matt cravats, Nick helps, ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! SHINING WIZARD! Finlay is up, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS hit him first! Matt puts Finlay in the ropes, Nick goes up, DRAPING SWANTON! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives but Matt tags Karl. Gallows joins in and the fans rally up. Gallows reels Finlay in, but Connors SPEARS him! Finlay hits Karl with an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! But he gets DSOUBLE SUPERKICKS again! The Bucks fake Connors out to DOUBLE DDT! Gabe blocks a kick, sends it into Matt, then UPPERCUTS! But Nick SUPERKICKS in return! Gabe rebounds, but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!
Gabe rebounds again, to DOUBLE LARIAT! Gallows is back, he and Gabe DOUBLE LARIAT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! Gabe CHOPs, CHOPS, and UPPERCUTS! Gabe runs, into a GUN STUN!! We never thought that move would return to NJPW but here we are! Finlay flounders, hot tag to Gedo! Gedo JAWBREAKERS Karl, SUPERKICKS, and the rest of the Dogs hold down the OGs! Gedo mule kicks Karl now to GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!!! Karl escapes and the fans fire up! GUN STUN for Gedo!! Gabe runs up, dodges, COMEBACKER!! Gallows ROUNDHOUSES Gabe!
Connors & Finlay mug Gallows, double whip him, then Connors runs in, only for Gallows to DUMP him! Gallows DUMPS Finlay, too! YAKUZA KICK for Gedo, and into the E V P TRIGGER!! Matt says that’s not enough! Nick climbs up to be on Gallows’ shoulders! SUPER T K DRIVER!! The Bucks PLANCHA out to wipe out the Dogs! The Good Brothers top it off with a MAGIC KILLER on Gedo!! Cover, the Founding Fathers win!
Winners: The Young Bucks & Good Brothers, by pinfall
The War Dogs are beside themselves, but the OGs of Bullet Club still got it! The War Dogs step back into the ring, they look at their “senpai” while Gedo is helped to the back. The Bucks say no hard feelings, and offer the Too Sweet. War Dogs throw it up, just to Too Sweet with each other. It seems some things aren’t “4 life” like we thought. But with the Good Brothers back in town, will things be #JustTooSweet no matter where you look?
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Stone Pitbull took this title off Gabe in the Windy City Riot, and now he defends it against another of the War Dogs! Will Ishii survive the 44 Caliber? Or will his reign not even last a full month?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really got that dog in ’em!
The bell rings and the fans rally as Drilla and Ishii get face to face. Then Drilla fires forearm after forearm! Drilla whips, Ishii reverses, but Drilla RAMS Ishii! Ishii roars so Drilla fires more forearms! Ishii eggs Drilla on and leans into the shots! Drilla keeps throwing shots but Ishii backs him down! The fans rally behind Ishii, and he DECKS Drilla into a corner! The fans fire up and Ishii shakes off those forearms. Ishii CHOPS, and CHOPS, but now Drilla eggs him on! Ishii fires forearms but now Drilla leans into the shots! The fans fire up as Drilla ROCKS Ishii. Drilla runs but Ishii CLOBBERS Drilla!
The fans fire up and Ishii suplexes, but Drilla slips free! Drilla waistlocks, Ishii fires elbows, and things speed up. Drilla hurdles, drops down, then DROPKICKS! The fans are torn but Drilla shakes out his arms. Drilla looms over Ishii, kicks him, and CHOPS him! The fans “WOO~” while Ishii wobbles, and Drilla CHOPS again! Drilla CHOPS Ishii to the corner, then CHOPS again! Ishii eggs Drilla on so Drilla winds up and CHOPS! Drilla stomps away on Ishii, the ref counts, but Drilla digs his boot in. The ref counts, Drilla steps off, and the fans rally. Drilla grins and brings Ishii up, but Ishii fires body shots!
Ishii backs Drilla down but Drilla snapmares and KICKS Ishii in the back! Ishii writhes, Drilla covers, TWO! Drilla is annoyed but Ishii is tougher than that. Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him in, and hits a BIG back suplex! Ishii sputters and rolls to the apron. The fans rally as Drilla storms over to join Ishii. Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him in, but Ishii fights the lift! Drilla pushes Ishii and ELBOWS him down! Ishii LARIATS the legs out from under Drilla! Drilla hobbles up, runs in, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM on the floor! The fans fire up while the ref checks Drilla. Drilla is okay to continue, so Ishii drags him into the ring.
Drilla goes to a corner, Ishii runs in, and LARIATS! Ishii whips, Drilla reverses, but Ishii comes back to CLOBBER Drilla! The fans fire up more as Ishii shakes off that damage. Ishii drags Drilla up, but Drilla fights the lift with elbows! Only for Ishii to shift and SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Drilla stays in this but he’s frustrated with himself. Ishii kicks at Drilla rather mockingly, and Drilla stands in a huff! Drilla ducks the haymaker to ripcord and CHOP! Then he brings Ishii in for a PILE- NO, Ishii fights that, so Drilla grabs tights for a STUFF PILEDRIVER! Ishii writhes but Drilla also grits his teeth from pain, and the fans rally up.
Drilla and Ishii stir, and Drilla rises first. Drilla drags Ishii up, CHOPS and ROCKS him on repeat, and the fans “WOO~” with every CHOP! Ishii just stares Drilla down! Drilla CHOPS, ROLLING ELBOWS, but Ishii DECKS him! The fans fire up and Ishii finally feels that damage. Ishii clutches a shoulder but he storms up on Drilla. Ishii kicks Drilla, hoists him up top, and then climbs up after him. Ishii stalling SUPERPLEXES! But Drilla’s right up!? The fans fire up and Drilla returns, but Ishii LARIATS! Drilla HAYMAKERS! Ishii HEADBUTTS! Drilla ROLLING ELBOWS, then ducks the enzigiri! Drilla runs, but Ishii stuffs the Gore!
Drilla wrenches free of the facelock, but Ishii HEADBUTTS Drilla down! The fans fire up while Ishii staggers around. Ishii roars to fire back up and the fans are with him! Drilla slowly rises, Ishii runs, but Drilla catches Ishii to a MADE IN JAPAN!??! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives Drilla using Shingo Takagi’s move and the fans fire up! Drilla goes to a corner while the fans rally up. The fans are on Ishii’s side and that pisses Drilla off. Drilla aims and runs in, but Ishii KNEES him low! Ishii stands Drilla up, but Drilla SUPERKICKS! Ishii rebounds, but into the SPINEBUSTER! Drilla gets moving again, and he GORES Ishii down!! Cover, TWO?!?
Ishii survives and Drilla is beside himself! The fans rally while Drilla and Ishii are down again. Drilla sits up and slashes his throat, vowing to end this. Drilla stands and he brings Ishii up. Drilla reels Ishii in, but Ishii fights the lift! Drilla swats a lariat, ducks the other, but Ishii ducks the enzigiri to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Drilla and Ishii stir as the fans rally up more. They go to ropes, rise up, and they both run in! DOUBLE LARIATS! Ishii fires boxing elbows, but Drilla eggs him on! Ishii fires forearm after forearm, but Drilla DROPKICKS! Drilla runs, but Ishii LARIATS him down! Cover, TWO!
Drilla survives and the fans rally up! Ishii sits Drilla up, runs, and SLIDING- NO! Drilla catches Ishii into a clinch! URE- NO, Ishii slips free to waistlock! Drilla switches, ripcords and DROPKICKS! Drilla reels Ishii in and suplexes, for a BRAINBUSTER!! But Ishii rises?!? His fighting spirit keeps him moving, but Drilla runs to LARIAT! Ishii stays up, UPPERCUTS, and ENZIGIRIS! Both men fall again and the fans fire back up! Ishii headbutts the buckles to fire up, and the fans are with him! Ishii runs again, to LARIAT!! Drilla tumbles, Ishii pushes him to a cover, TWO!! Drilla survives but Ishii powers back up!
Ishii hauls Drilla up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Drilla slips fere! Drilla shoves, then catches Ishii to wrench and Canadian Rack! DRILLA- NO, Ishii lands out! Drilla avoids a lariat, then another, and GORES!! Cover, ONE!?!? Drilla is shocked and the fans are thunderous! Drilla goes to a corner and he aims again! Drilla runs up, but Ishii turns leg lariat into POWERBOMB! And SLIDING LARIAT!! Ishii roars, suplexes, and BRAINBUSTERS!!! Cover, Ishii wins!!
Winner: Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)
The Stone Pitbull showed the young pup how it’s done! Will Ishii continue to prove no one is as NJPW Strong as him?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita w/ Rocky Romero VS El Phantasmo!
It was just last week at Wrestling Dontaku that The Alpha and Headbanga battled over the NJPW World Television Championship. They went 15 minutes for a time limit draw and both men want more! Will ELP get all he can when he takes this title from Takeshita? Or will Konosuke NEVER lose again?
The introductions are made, the NEVER belt is raised, and we see who NEVER gives up!
The bell rings and the one hour time limit is on. ELP and Konosuke circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Konosuke headlocks, ELP powers up and out, but Konosuke runs him over! Things keep moving, ELP stays low then hurdles over, but Konosuke leaps over. Konosuke sidesteps, ELP rolls off Konosuke’s back, but Konosuke reels him in! BLUE THUNDER- NO, ELP sunset flips! But Konosuke rolls through! ELP still reels Konosuke in and tucks the arms, but then Konosuke wrenches free! ELP dodges the lariat, but Konosuke goes Matrix to avoid Sudden Death! The fans fire up as the two are in a standoff!
Konosuke and ELP reset, circle again, and the fans are dueling. Konosuke and ELP step up, and ELP CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and ELP eggs Konosuke on. Konosuke winds up, but then ROLLING ELBOWS! ELP falls, the fans are torn, but Konosuke stands ELP up. Konosuke whips, ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then he somersaults to LIONSAULT! ELP bounces off the cover, and Konosuke is up to LARIAT ELP up and out! The fans are torn but Konosuke builds speed to FLY! Down goes ELP and the fans fire up! Konosuke drags ELP up, puts him in the ring, and then clamps on with a chinlock.
ELP endures, pries at the hold, but Konosuke shifts to go for an arm. The fans rally as ELP throws body shots, but Konosuke knees low! Konosuke whips, ELP reverses, but Konosuke FLYING UPPERCUTS ELP down! Konosuke clamps onto ELP with a double wristlock! ELP endures so Konosuke changes it to a COBRA CLUTCH! ELP fights around all the same, reaches out and has the ROPEBREAK! Konosuke lets go, ELP goes to a corner, and Konosuke storms up. Konosuke whips corner to corner hard and ELP bounces off buckles! The fans rally while ELP writhes on the mat. Konosuke watches ELP as he rolls away to ropes.
Konosuke stalks ELP, drags him up, and wrenches to put him in a corner. Konosuke whips ELP corner to corner, but ELP stops short! Konosuke runs in but ELP goes up and over! ELP runs in, but into a BOOT! Konosuke hops up, but ELP GAMANGIRIS him to the floor! The fans fire up and ELP builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Konosuke goes over railing! The fans fire up while both men are down! Konosuke rises as the ring count starts. ELP aims from the ropes! ELP did this in Japan, he’s gonna do it in California! SUPER DUPER THUNDERKISS!! Direct hit and the front row almost gets wiped out!
A Takeshita fan talks trash while showing off her Konosuke art, but Rocky is mad and throws off his jacket. ELP drags Konosuke up, CHOPS him back over the railing, and the ELP fans all “WOO~!” ELP storms after Konosuke, CHOPS him again, then puts him in the ring. Rocky gets up on the apron! The fans boo and ELP jumps, but Konosuke dodges! Konosuke then sidesteps to BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! ELP survives but Konosuke reels him in. ELP fights the suplex, but Konosuke powers through to suplex! ELP slips free, straitjackets and torture racks! BRAIN SALAD! Cover, TWO!!
Konosuke survives, but ELP kips up and the fans fire up! ELP tunes up the band and the fans cheer him on. ELP aims at Konosuke, for SUDDEN- NO, Konosuke blocks it to fire off boxing elbows! Then a ROLLING- NO, ELP mule kicks, front kicks, but then Konosuke BOOTS! ELP BOOTS! Konosuke rebounds but ELP ENZIGIRIS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Rocky coaches Konosuke, the fans rally for ELP, and both men rise. ELP and Konosuke go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! ELP grins as the shots keep going back and forth! Both men stand, and the forearms keep going! Konosuke ROCKS ELP and eggs him on!
ELP returns to ROCK Konosuke, and the forearms fly again! The fans fire up as the shots go faster and faster! Then DOUBLE FOREARMS send both men staggering back! ELP and Konosuke go to the apron now, and the forearms fly again! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and ELP ROCKS Konosuke! And ROCKS him again! Konosuke just ROCKS ELP in return! And again, and again, and again! Konosuke has ELP up against the corner, and hoists him up! Konosuke drags ELP onto his shoulder, but ELP fights free!
ELP mule kicks, then he reels Konosuke in! Konosuke fights the tuck, so ELP kicks him low! APRON PILEDRIVER!! Konosuke falls to the floor and Rocky is stunned! We pass 10 minutes while ELP rises up. ELP hears the ring count so he refreshes it, then he goes looking under the ring! ELP brings out a table! The fans fire up but the ref reprimands. ELP ignores that to set the table up at ringside. ELP then fetches Konosuke, drags him to the apron, and tucks the arms! Konosuke fights the lift, and ROCKS ELP! Then POWER DRIVE KNEES! Konosuke reels ELP in, but ELP fights the Blue Thunder with elbows! ELP rolls into the ring, but Konosuke avoids the shoulder!
Konosuke KNEES ELP back down and the fans fire up! Konosuke drags ELP up the corner, and the fans are already worried about what he’s planning. ELP fights with body shots, and then adjusts his position on the top rope! Konosuke fires body shots, then SUPER LARIATS ELP down!! Konosuke hurries to cover, TWO!! ELP survives and Konosuke is furious! Konosuke drags ELP up, scoops him, but ELP slips free to gut wrench! But Konosuke turns that back around! TOMBSTONE!! But Konosuke holds on! Konosuke stands up, tucks ELP in, BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up!
ELP shakes his head, defiant against the damage done to him. The fans rally more but Konosuke brings ELP up. But ELP wrenches out, only for the ALPHA ELBOW to knock him down! POWER DRIVE- SUDDEN DEATH!! ELP hits first and the fans fire up! ELP hurries to reel Konosuke in, but Konosuke Alabama Lifts! And he spins ELP around for another BASTARD DRIVER!! And then a WHEELBARROW GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous, and ELP is right up!! LARIAT!! Cover, ONE?!!? WHAT?!?
ELP just runs again, goes up and up, and FLYING- ALPHA ELBOW!!! Cover, ONE!??! The fans are thunderous as both men defy expectations! ELP dodges a lariat to POISON-RANA!! Konosuke stands up but wobbles, and ELP ROLLING ELBOWS!! Cover, ONE?!?!?! HOW?!?! ELP shrugs it off to tune up! SUDDEN DEATH!! SUDDEN DEATH AGAIN!! And then C R 2!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Konosuke survives all of that and the fans are electric! Rocky is freaking out but “This is Awesome!” ELP is up, THUNDERKISS ATTACK! And then a somersault back to the apron, THUNDERKISS 86 SPLASH!!! Cover, ROCKY DRAGS THE REF OUT!!!
The fans boo as Azucar sours the taste of this one! The ref and Rocky argue, but ELP storms out to get Rocky! Rocky runs for it, but ELP SUPERKICKS him! ELP reels Rocky in and POWERBOMBS him through the table!! ELP goes into the ring, but the POWER DRIVE KNEE finds him! And then RAGING- CRADLE!!! TWO!!! Konosuke escapes, dodges, and ROLLING ELBOWS!! And then POWER DRIVE KNEES!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? HOW?!?!? Konosuke throws off his elbow pad, winds up, and ALPHA ELBOWS!!! Then the RAGING FIRE!!! Cover, Konosuke wins!!!
Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
ELP kept his NJPW World TV Championship, but now Konosuke has kept his NEVER Openweight Championship! Is Konosuke going to prove he isn’t just The Alpha of AEW, but the Alpha of the World?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Zack Sabre Jr w/ Shane Haste!
The Fierce Warrior took this title from The Front Man at the New Beginning in Osaka, and the Goto Revolution has been on a roll these last few months. ZSJ wants the spotlight back, but there’s also a catch: The winner here must defend against Shingo Takagi at NJPW Dominion in June! Will it be out of the frying pan and into the fire for Goto? Or will this be ZSJ’s resurgence?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the G in IWGP is still for Goto!
The bell rings and the fans fire up as Goto and ZSJ stare down. Goto and ZSJ then circle, feel things out, and go around. They knuckle lock, then clinch, and ZSJ waistlocks. ZSJ shifts to a headlock but Goto wrenches out to wristlock. ZSJ rolls, bridges, spins and wrenches, but Goto headlocks! ZSJ hammerlocks, Goto goes to the ROPEBREAK, and the fans cheer this opening exchange. Goto and ZSJ reset, circle again, and the two tie up. ZSJ headlocks, grinds the hold, but Goto powers up and out. Fans sing for “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~!” as he RAMS Goto! Goto rebounds to RUN ZSJ over!
ZSJ avoids the elbow drop, Goto avoids the Penalty Kick, and Goto hits a headlock takeover! ZSJ headscissors, Goto kips free and Goto deflects a boot, only for ZSJ to avoid the lariat! The fans cheer and the two reset again. ZSJ and Goto circle, feel things out, and ZSJ RAMS low! ZSJ whips, but Goto blocks a hip toss, only for ZSJ to do the same! ZSJ THROWS Goto down, then clamps on for the NECK TWIST! The fans fire up, and Goto goes to the apron. ZSJ steps outside and NECK TWISTS Goto again! The fans rally while ZSJ sits Goto up on the floor, and KICKS him in the back! ZSJ then UPPERCUTS, but Goto CHOPS!
ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Goto CHOPS, repeat! The fans rally while Goto falls back! ZSJ swaggers around a bit, rolls into the ring, and lets the ring count climb. Goto sits up at 7 of 20, stands at 10, and takes a moment before rolling in at 12. ZSJ kneels on Goto, the ref reprimands as they’re in the ropes, but ZSJ SNAPS the fingers! Goto bails out while clutching his hand, but the ring count starts again. ZSJ eggs Goto on, Goto shakes out the bad hand and rolls back in. ZSJ is after the hand again and SNAPS the fingers! ZSJ then wrenches the arm, steps over, and he reaches out to have the other arm! Goto endures this modified motorcycle stretch, but ZSJ wrangles him down!
ZSJ has a DOUBLE MOUNTED ARMBAR! Goto endures, the fans duel, and ZSJ pulls on the arms! Goto kicks around to the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go and kicks at Goto. ZSJ scuffs Goto, taunts him with more kicks, but Goto sits up. ZSJ kicks at Goto while taunting him more and more. Goto scowls and stands up. They shoulder bump each other, but then Goto CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS back, then storms up on Goto in a corner. ZSJ pushes Goto, slaps him around, but Goto SLAPS! Goto CHOPS, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, and ZSJ uppercuts. Goto reverses, runs in, but into a BOOT!
ZSJ runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Goto rises, he drags ZSJ up, and he ROCKS ZSJ with forearm after forearm! Goto whips, runs in, and MURAMASA! SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Goto stays focused and he brings ZSJ up. ZSJ fights the lift, pulls on an arm, and ZSJ wrenches. Goto fires forearms but ZSJ PELES the arm! Goto staggers, ZSJ runs, but then Goto follows again! Only for ZSJ to wrangle Goto to a FUJIWARA! Goto fights, ZSJ traps that arm, and then gets the other arm again! Goto endures the DOUBLE FUJIWARA! The fans rally, Goto fights around, but ZSJ steps over! Goto still gets the ROPEBREAK!
ZSJ lets go in frustration but the fans rally back up. Goto sputters but ZSJ stands him up. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Goto, has him on the ropes, then UPPERCUTS again! And again! ZSJ whips, Goto reverses, fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Goto and ZSJ stir, rise up, and Goto brings ZSJ up to ROCK him with a forearm! Goto eggs ZSJ on, so ZSJ ROCKS him back! Goto ROCKS ZSJ again, and again, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Goto ROCKS ZSJ, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, and repeat! They go faster and faster, harder and harder, and the fans fire up more! ZSJ UPPERCUTS again and again, but Goto spins him! URA GTR!
Goto runs and LARIATS ZSJ down! The fans fire up and we’re only at ten minutes! The fans hope these two “FIGHT FOREVER!” and considering there’s a one hour limit on this, they can definitely keep going! Goto rises and fires up again. Goto stands ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops back! ZACK DRIVER!! ZSJ can’t make the cover and the fans fire up again! Shane coaches ZSJ and the fans rally again. ZSJ makes it to ropes, stands back up, and he goes to a corner. Goto sits up, ZSJ runs in, PENALTY KICK! Deep stack cover, TWO!! Goto survives and the fans cheer again. Goto goes to a corner, ZSJ goes back to his, and ZSJ aims again.
ZSJ runs in but Goto puts him in the ropes! Then DRAPING SHOTO!! Both men are down again and the fans still rally! Goto rises and powers up! ZSJ sits up, into the BUZZSAW! Goto then drags ZSJ up, fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI again! Goto roars, the fans fire up, and Goto dragon sleepers, for G T- NO, ZSJ catches the arm, backslides, TWO!! ZSJ steps over, hammerlock and then CLARKY CAT!! ZSJ has the arms trapped again but Goto fights around! ZSJ pushes on the arms for an almost standing Clarky Cat! Goto endures, even as ZSJ pushes down hard on the arms! And has a leg! CLARKY CAT: BAD BALLOON REMIX!!
Goto fights with his free leg, so ZSJ shifts to focus on just an arm, URESHI ARMBAR!! Goto endures, fights with his legs, and still manages the ROPEBREAK!! ZSJ lets go in frustration and the fans fire up again! Shane coaches ZSJ to keep on Goto and the fans duel. ZSJ waits on Goto to sit up, and then he KICKS! Goto falls over, ZSJ paces, and Goto sits back up. ZSJ KICKS again! Goto falls back over, the fans rally, and ZSJ paces again. Goto sits back up, ZSJ eggs him on, and then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Goto falls in another heap and the fans continue to rally and duel. ZSJ lines up another shot to KICK, KICK, KICK! Goto blocks!
ZSJ SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS, and fires off fast SLAPS! Goto HEADBUTTS him in return! Shane is worried now as Goto HEADBUTTS again and again and again! Goto SLAMS ZSJ down, runs, and LARIATS ZSJ inside-out! The fans fire up as Goto drags ZSJ back up, fireman’s carries, and G T W!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again! Goto shrugs that off to drag ZSJ up and dragon sleepers, but ZSJ drops down to victory roll, then EURO CLUTCH!! TWO!!! Goto escapes in time, and he clinches to a SLEEPER! Then roll, GOTO NI SHIKI!! TWO!! Goto fireman’s carries, ZSJ sunset flips, but Goto rocks it back, TWO!
ZSJ has the sunset flip, TWO!!! Goto narrowly escapes and the fans boo! Goto and ZSJ run back in, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Then they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And DOUBLE LARIAT again! The fans rally up while both men wobble. Goto eggs ZSJ on, ZSJ runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! Throw and G T- NO, ZSJ slips through, waistlocks, O’Conner BRIDGE, but Goto has a waistlock!! DOUBLE COVER, AND THREE!?!? The ref has to explain to the timekeeper to ring the bell, and then call it a DOUBLE PINFALL DRAW!!!
Double Pinfall Draw; Goto retains the title
ZSJ is pissed with the ref, and uses a GUILLOTINE CHOKE to take him down!! ZSJ grabs the world title, tosses it down at Goto’s feet, and the fans all call BS! ZSJ undoes his wrist tape, the fans tell the ref he sucks for this one, and Goto stands up to stare ZSJ down. This draw does not sit well with either man, but ZSJ pie faces Goto! ZSJ and Shane storm off while the fans boo, but there’s nothing that can be done about this decision now. Goto survived the rematch with The Front Man, will he be so lucky against the Rampaging Dragon?
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Mercedes Mone VS AZM VS Mina Shirakawa!
The CEO thought she was just getting one or the other for Resurgence, but that Double Count Out Draw in Chicago really upped the ante. Now both High Speed Bomb Girl and Fighting Gravure Idol get their shot, will one of them leave the Golden State wearing gold? Or will she still be #FourBeltsMone?
The introductions are made, the lavender belt is raised, and we see who is truly NJPW Strong!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Mone mocks Mina and AZM for being shorter than her, but it’s not like Mone is a towering titan herself… The fans boo Mone’s attitude as she calls for a Test of Strength. Mina and AZM tie up with Mone, then with each other. The three way Test of Strength is on, and Mina shimmies and shakes! The fans cheer but Mone is annoyed so she kicks Mina low! Mone then wrenches AZM, Gory Especials, but AZM arm-drags free! Mina arm-drags AZM, then dodges Mone. Mone ROCKS Mina, dodges AZM to arm-drag and lateral press, then rolls into the STATEMENT MAKER! AZM fights the crossface, Mina storms up and rolls things over!
Mina runs, and then slides, to hold hands with Mone and AZM as she does her dance! The fans cheer but both Mone and AZM are annoyed. They roll Mina to a DOUBLE COVER! TWO, Mina double covers them! TWO and everyone stands! AZM runs, trips Mone, and then Mina joins in for a DOUBLE DROPKICK! Mone tumbles out and the fans cheer. Mina has the fans fired up, but things speed up! AZM whips Mina to a corner, runs in, but Mina puts her on the apron! AZM slides in, sunset flips, TWO! AZM keeps moving but Mina catches her to a victory roll! TWO, AZM ducks a kick to roll Mina, but Mina rolls through!
AZM trips Mina, runs, but avoids Mone’s trip to DROPKICK Mina down! AZM kips up, the fans fire up, and then AZM runs again. But Mone trips her up right this time! The fans boo as Mone drags AZM out, SMACKS her off the apron, and throws forearms! AZM fires back, but Mina climbs up! Mina SUPER CROSSBODIES Mone & AZM both down! The fans fire up with Mina as she stands back up! Mina drags Mone up, puts her in the ring, and the fans chant, “We Want Mina!” Mina covers Mone, TWO! Mone is tougher than that and she CHOPS! Mone knuckle locks, goes up, and up, and FLYING ARM-DRAGS!
Mone does her CEO dance, the fans are torn, but Mone runs in at the corner. DOUBLE KNEES, then she brings Mina out for a facelock. Mina wrenches free to CHOP! Mina fires up, the fans are with her, and Mina knuckle locks to go up, up, shimmy and shake, then CROSSBODY onto AZM! AZM bails back out, Mina and Mone run up, and Mone wrenches to suplex! Una Amiga! Mone hits another suplex, Dos Amigas! And then THREE AMIGAS! The fans are torn as Mone gives some Latina Heat. Mone runs in at Mina, blocks her boots and puts her in the ropes! AZM runs up, but Mone gives her DEADLY NIGHTSHADE!
Mone puts AZM under Mina, and then hits a DOUBLE STOCK DROP! Cover on Mina, TWO! Cover on AZM, TWO! Back to Mina, TWO! Back to AZM, TWO! Mone grows frustrated but her opponents are just that tough. Mina and AZM bail out and the fans rally. Mone goes to the apron, runs up, and DOUBLE METEORAS to the floor! The fans fire up and Mone smirks. Mone SMACKS Mina off the apron, puts her in, and covers, TWO! Mina is still in this but Mone looms over her. Mone soaks up cheers and jeers, stomps Mina, then drags her up. Mone Gory Especials, but Mina fights to kick at the legs! Mina Gory Especials, for a GORY BOMB!!
Mina SMASHES away on Mone’s knee! Then one BIG SMASH! The fans fire up for Mina and she reels Mone in. Mina hooks up the legs, does her dance, then DOUBLE STOMPS the knees! Mone writhes but Mina steps through, KNEE JAMMER on the left leg! Mina then SLAPS Mone’s leg, steps through, and has the FIGURE FOUR! Mone endures, Mina thrashes around, but AZM DIVING STOMPS Mina! The fans fire up and AZM brings Mina in, only for Mina to power out! AZM kicks low, runs, and uses Mina to get Mone in LA MYSTICA! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Mone endures, but Mina runs up, only for AZM to drop toehold her onto Mone!
AZM has a DOUBLE FUJIWARA, then shifts to have a DOUBLE RINGS OF SATURN!! The fans fire up as AZM makes them both suffer, but they both push over to a cover! TWO!! AZM BOOTS Mone, BOOTS Mina, and fires up! The fans cheer AZM on as she climbs, but Mone trips her up! Mone calls to Mina and Mina ROUNDHOUSES AZM! Mone & Mina talk it out, and they both climb up! They bring AZM up, but AZM resists their suplex! AZM trips them into a Double Tree of Woe, for DOUBLE WOE STOMPS!! AZM drags Mone away to a drop zone, and then she goes back up! The fans fire up as AZM aims, to DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!!!
Mone writhes, AZM covers, Mina breaks it! Mina has AZM but AZM blocks the kick! The HEEL KICK still lands, and Mina runs, tilt-o-whirls, but AZM stays up! Mone runs up to DOUBLE BACKSTABBER!! All three women are down and the fans fire up! The dueling is all over the place, and Mone grabs each opponent by their hair. AZM and Mina both break free, and AZM ROCKS Mina! Mina ROCKS Mone! Mone ROCKS Mina! AZM ROCKS Mone! The forearms go around and around, then Mina and AZM mug Mone! The fans fire up as Mina just fires off furious hands! Mina and AZM drag Mone up, double whip, but then AZM ROUNDHOUSES Mina!
AZM tilt-o-whirls at Mone, but Mone fights that to CIPHER UTAKI! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as AZM stays in this, but Mone snarls. The chants of “C E O!” and “C E NO!” echo out, but Mone bumps AZM off buckles. Mone fires off forearms, then runs corner to corner! DOUBLE KNEES, and AZM sits down! Mone runs back in and METEORAS! Cover, TWO! AZM is still in this and Mone is frustrated. Mone drags AZM up, vows to end this, and she lifts AZM, only for AZM to RANA! Mina is up top, and she FLYING SLINGBLADES AZM! Cover, but Mone breaks it! Mone covers AZM now, TWO!! Mone grows further frustrated and she hauls AZM up!
AZM fights the Gory Especial, Mina victory rolls Mone! Mina then steps through and has the legs tied up! AZM runs up but Mina spins her, DDT SNAP LOCK COMBO! The fans fire up for Mina as she Electric Chair Lifts AZM! Mina spins Azm to hit a FALLING DRAGON SCREW!! Then Mina has the leg, FIGURE FOUR! AZM endures, the fans “WOO~” and Mina puts on the pressure! Mone is back and she METEORAS Mina! The fans are torn but Mone seethes. Mone says this is HER title! She SLAPS Mina, but Mina blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW! Mina drags AZM over to join Mone, and she has both their legs!
The fans fire up as Mina steps through for a DOUBLE FIGURE FOUR!! That’s rather tricky but she keeps it on! The fans “WOO~” more as Mina thrashes! AZM and Mone endure, keeping each other from tapping! They SLAP Mina, Mina SLAPS them! Mina puts on as much pressure as she possibly can, but Mone and AZM work together to backstroke and ROPEBREAK! Mina lets them both go and the fans fire up again. “This is Awesome!” as Mina goes for Mone, only for Mone to bail out. Mina settles for AZM as we pass 15 minutes. Mina steps through, AZM throws her off! Mina ROLLING ELBOWS, then URAKENS!
Mina runs and SHOTGUN KNEES! Cover, TWO!! AZM survives but Mina is right on her with the IMPALER DDT!! Cover, TWO!!! AZM survives yet again and Mina is frustrated. Mina calls her shot and the fans rally up again. Mina drags AZM up, brings her around, dragon sleeper and GLAMOUR- NO, Mone rolls Mina up! TWO! Mina shoves Mone, jackknife bridges, TWO! Mone sunset flips, TWO! Mone Gory Especials but MZM shoves them both over! DOUBLE STACK, TWO!! Mone Gory Especials but AZM BOOTS Mina! AZM wrangles Mone to the AZM SUSHI ROLL!! TWO!!! Mone escapes, blocks a kick, and KNEES AZM down!
Mone runs up and SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMBS AZM! A shoutout to her Role Model, then she runs back in for DOUBLE KNEES! Mone has the Gory Especial, but AZM kicks off buckles to flip up and over! DESTROYER!!! Mina grabs AZM but AZM rolls through to the SUSHI ROLL! TWO!! ROLLING ELBOW from Mina! Mina fires up, aims, but AZM dodges the uraken to LA MYSTICA!! But Mina wrangles AZM for the GLAMOROUS COLLECTION CRADLE!! But Mone breaks it! Mina TOSSES Mone, ROUNDHOUSES her, then she blocks AZM’s kick! Mone trips AZM, steps through, but AZM drags her down to a cradle! TWO!!!
Mine escapes, AZM has her again, AZM SUSHI ROLL! TWO, but AZM gives it another try!! AZM WINS!!!
Winner: AZM, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
Mone is stunned! She slid in one second too late, and the High Speed Bomb Girl just blew up her reign! The Money Train just got derailed and Mone is furious! She lost a corner piece of her treasure, how will she ever recover? She also argues with Mina, shoves her, and then runs away from her! These two go all the way to the back, will Mina get after Mone for her attitude?
As for AZM, she is now a double champion in her own right! This title can now sit alongside her Artists of Stardom Trios Championship, and then gets the mic to say, “I’m a new champion!” The fans cheer that! AZM says she’s so, so happy! She got her revenge on Mone from last year, and got to be a champion for it! She thanks everyone here tonight and the fans cheer her on. “You Deserve It!” AZM says, “It’s AZM time!” The fans cheer that! AZM is ready ready to make this her NJPW Strong! It won’t be a matter of who will step, but more a matter of who can keep up with the High Speed Bomb Girl!
My Thoughts:
An awesome Resurgence here, NJPW is really doing all they can to make NJPW Strong, well, strong again. Good stuff seeing Bea Priestly back in NJPW/Stardom after her release from WWE. Vince McMahon fumbled her but she’ll be back to what she was doing before moving to NXT UK. And between the IWGP Women’s Championship almost exclusively in Stardom, and a new NJPW Strong Women’s Champion being from Stardom, Bea has her choice of title stories. Speaking of, awesome move making the women the main event given how AZM is the new champion. That was a great Triple Threat, and it worked out for the best. Mone finally loses the belt but wasn’t in the finish, and now she and Mina can bring their animosity to AEW.
Great tag title match, and a rather surprising result with TJP & Templario winning. World Class Wrecking Crew just upgraded themselves to that name, and now they’re no longer champions, that’s kinda wild. But it does feel like the United Empire is making a play to have as much gold as they can, with Khan & Callum also holding the IWGP Tag Team Championships. Great stuff with the War Dogs tonight. That 8 Man Tag was a fun time, but Gedo was in the match so duh, War Dogs were gonna lose. Plus, it gives Good Brothers a strong win with their return to NJPW. Who knows where this goes, especially with their #ShowUsTheLight gimmick. Ishii VS Drilla was also great stuff, but I figured Ishii would win. Ishii seems to be going through the War Dogs, I wonder if Connors is next.
Konosuke VS ELP was great stuff, especially after we just got great stuff from them last week. ELP retained his title so it made sense Konosuke would retain his. I am not sure who takes this title off Konosuke, but it’ll have to be an insane match to do it. And then a great match of Goto VS ZSJ, but wow I did not think they’d pull that kind of draw. The fans weren’t happy, but I can see that they wanted to keep ZSJ strong but keep the title on Goto. Goto VS Takagi better be a slugfest to make up for it, though.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: Playoffpalooza
Dave and Tunney discuss all the awesome action that has been going on in the NHL and NBA Playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: Is It Drafty In Here?
Patrick and Dave discuss the NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, and the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs!
4 Corners Podcast: Rory McIlroy, NBA Playoffs & NIL
Join Patrick and Dave every Tuesday as they cover the four corners of the professional sporting world!
4 Corners Podcast: Houston Still Has a Problem
This week, we discuss the NCAA Final Four, the NHL Playoff chase, the end of the Gr8 Chase and much...
4 Corners Podcast: Chalk & Chase
This week we talk a little MLB, discuss the red-hot Blues, the GR8 Chase, and whether a chalky NCAA Tournament...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (5/9/25)
June will be electric!
Bandwagon Nerds #287: Filling A Void
The Nerds review Thunderbolts*, check out the latest trailers, and celebrate Star Wars Day as only they can!
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (5/1/25)
Let's live it up!
Attitude Of Aggression #308- Unidentified History: From Undesirable to Undeniable
This debut Episode examines how UAPs went from an undesirable topic of discussion into an undeniably important aspect of our...
Bandwagon Nerds #286: Hela Hath No Fury
VILLAIN MADNESS reaches its epic conclusion. Plus trailers for Predator: Badlands, Pee Wee as Himself, WWE Unreal and much more!
Mitchell’s WWE Backlash Results & Report! (5/10/25)
John Cena's Final Backlash!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Release The Backlash
Join DJ, Rob and Jason every week as they give their "Mindless" takes on Pro Wrestling and much, much more!
Mitchell’s NJPW Resurgence Results & Report! (5/9/25)
NJPW's back in the Golden State!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/9/25)
The time is now!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (5/9/25)
TGIROHF!
Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis
Chairshot Staff picks!!!
DWI Podcast #475: JAFC vs RKO
We give our picks and predictions for WWE Backlash!
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 5.8.2025
We get to see Alicia Fox in action and a dog collar match! Definitely an odd combination, so let's see...
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (5/8/25)
Collision on a Thursday?!
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (5/7/25)
Hear ye, hear ye!
