Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SummerSlam Results & Report! (8/23/20)
SummerSlam enters the ThunderDome!
The Biggest Party of the Summer is a little different this year!
Plans change but the show must go on! WWE uses their brand new THUNDERDOME for SummerSlam 2020! Will you see it coming?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – WWE United States Championship: Apollo Crews VS MVP; Crews wins and retains the WWE United States Championship.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bayley VS Asuka; Bayley wins and retains the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Andrade Almas & Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega; The Street Profits win and retain the Raw Tag Team Championships.
- No Disqualifications Loser Leaves WWE Match: Sonya Deville VS Mandy Rose; Rose wins and Deville must quit the WWE.
- Street Fight: Seth Rollins VS Dominik Mysterio; Rollins wins.
- Raw Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks VS Asuka; Asuka wins and becomes the new Raw Women’s Champion.
- WWE World Championship: Drew McIntyre VS Randy Orton; McIntyre wins and retains the WWE World Championship.
- WWE Universal Championship Falls Count Anywhere Match: Braun Strowman VS “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt; The Fiend wins and becomes the new WWE Universal Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the SummerSlam Kickoff Show!
Join Charly Caruso, Renee Young, Booker T, JBL and Peter Rosenberg in reviewing, discussing and analyzing all the action for the Biggest Party of the Year! And this is special also because Renee is having her last preshow appearance! Let’s all give the pioneer of WWE broadcasting a big hurrah and thank you for all the hard work and time she has devoted to the business!
Backstage interview with Zelina Vega, Angel Garza and Andrade Almas.
El Idolo y El Lethal Lothario are preparing to challenge the Raw Tag Team Champions, but Garza wants to know what happened to Charly Caruso. She’s hosting the preshow. Darn. What will Garza do with this rose now? It’d be a shame to waste it, Sarah. Vega swats it away and gets to the questions. Before discussing the match, does Vega have any comments on poisoning Montez Ford? “Listen, Bootleg Charly,” the title match is more important that all that.
Vega did NOT poison Ford, but even if she did, which she didn’t, it wouldn’t matter! Ford is fine now! His “tummy ache” was blown out of proportion, he proved doubters wrong when he recovered to cheat against Almas last Monday, and there’s also Bianca Belair! Belair attacked “an innocent bystander!” The WWE Universe is being poisoned by the Profits, and her men are the antidotes, and the next Raw Tag Team Champions. The trio heads out, but will they leave the ThunderDome with the gold?
Shayna Baszler crashes the Kickoff Show!
“Oooh~! Bayley Dos Straps~! Two Belts Banks~! Are they ready for Asuka~? Are they going to get along? Does anybody give a crap?” Shayna only cares about the Raw Women’s Championship. She said it before, she’ll say it again: It doesn’t matter how that match goes, because I got next. But Nia Jax has been adamant about getting her turn, so what does Shayna say to that? Well Nia is more obsessed with Shayna, and all that says is Nia has trouble going to sleep. So when Nia’s suspension is lifted, Shayna will be more than willing to help with that. Shayna sets the mic down and takes her leave. Will Shayna make Nia #TapNapOrSnap while also hunting down the Raw Women’s Championship?
WWE United States Championship: Apollo Crews VS MVP!
Apollo holds the belt that Montel Vontavius Porter commissioned for his championship reign! But with Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin barred from ringside, can Apollo and MVP finally settle this 1v1, fair and square?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the kickoff show kicks off the action with the bell!
Apollo and MVP circle, tie up, and MVP drops for a takedown! Apollo scrambles to ropes and MVP lets up on the kneebar but says he was close. The crowd cheers as MVP and Apollo tie up again. Apollo waistlocks, MVP standing switches and drops down but Apollo rolls back to a cover! TWO, Apollo sunset flips! TWO, and MVP bails out when he sees haymaker! Apollo tells MVP he was that close, and the ring count starts. MVP takes a moment to cool off and compose himself. MVP returns to the ring at 6, he and Apollo approach, but MVP claims he needs to check his shoes. Apollo doesn’t by that but the ref still keeps him back, and MVP sucker punches Apollo!
MVP whips Apollo, Apollo goes up and over to handspring and dropkick MVP down! MVP gets up, Apollo arm-drags him down to an armlock! Apollo cranks on MVP, MVP fights up and powers Apollo to a corner. The ref counts, MVP lets up, but Apollo dodges the sucker punch to throw hands! Apollo whips corner to corner, runs in but MVP tosses him out hard! Apollo hit steel steps on the way down and the ring count climbs as he’s on the ground. MVP doesn’t give him much time as he goes out and brings Apollo back up. MVP brings Apollo around the way to bounce off commentary! Apollo gets in the ring, MVP follows and drags Apollo up.
MVP throws forearms then whips corner to corner. MVP runs in but the boot misses! Apollo enziguris MVP down then climbs up top! MVP uses the ropes to trip Apollo up! MVP throws forearms and climbs up to join Apollo. SUPERPLEX! Both men hit hard but MVP manages a cover, TWO! MVP grows frustrated but he stalks Apollo to ropes. MVP throws forearms, whips Apollo but Apollo reverses. MVP holds ropes, Apollo blocks the boot to clothesline MVP out! Apollo builds speed to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp wipes both men out! The ref starts another ring count as both men are down. The count reaches 5 before either man sits up. MVP and Apollo get up at 7, hurry over at 8, and get in at 9.5!
The crowd cheers as MVP and Apollo rise. MVP throws a punch, Apollo gives it back. MVP hits again but Apollo hits again. Apollo gets the edge and fires off with furious hands! The ref counts but Apollo pie faces MVP. Apollo runs corner to corner to splash! And then again for another splash! Apollo SPINE BUSTERS MVP down! Apollo hits the standing moonsault! Cover, TWO!! MVP survives but Apollo is on him with the lift. MVP fights off the bomb and reels Apollo in, but Apollo slips out of the Play Maker to hit the CREWS MISSILE!! Cover, Apollo wins!
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall (still WWE United States Championship)
But here come Lashley and Benjamin! They don’t have to worry about a ringside ban now that the match is over! But Apollo is still too fast and he gets away! “Not today!” Apollo still has HIS championship, and the Hurt Business can’t do anything about that! Will MVP, Benjamin and Lashley come up with a business plan that gets them back towards that title?
“WWE Universe, it’s time to ignite the Party of the Summer!”
The superstars are here, we are here, and we are in the THUNDERDOME! Are you ready!? The beat drops, check this fire! The Chosen One Then Now And Forever is actually what’s wrong with WWE. Will Drew McIntyre rip the head off the “evil son of a b*tch?” Will The Golden Role Models still have all the gold after taking on Asuka?! Will Dominik Mysterio avenge his father in a fight with the Monday Night Messiah? And “something so unhinged, you’ll never see it coming.” The Monster, The Fiend, Falls Count Anywhere. Where will it end for Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt when there’s nothing holding them back? “Tonight, we turn up!” Make some noise for SummerSlam 2020!
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Asuka!
The Empress of Tomorrow starts her double header now! Will she end the longest reign in SmackDown Women’s Championship history? Or will Bayley’s best friend, The Boss, be a factor?
The introductions are made, the SmackDown belt is raised, and Asuka’s first step to double championship glory begins!
Asuka and Bayley circle, tie up, and Asuka powers Bayley to ropes. Bayley turns it around but they go all around the ropes until Asuka wrenches the arm. Asuka throws forearms on Bayley then runs, but Bayley drops down. Asuka rolls, runs and dropkicks Bayley’s hurdle! Bayley sits up to get kicks from Asuka! And more kicks! Asuka runs again but Bayley dodges the sliding wizard! Asuka blocks the kick to waistlock but Bayley elbows back. Asuka clubs and hooks Bayley up for an IRON OCTOPUS! They drop down, Bayley is caught, but she gets a ropebreak with a foot! Asuka lets go at the ref’s count, and the ref tells Sasha to stay back. Bayley is on the apron, Asuka fires up and fakes Bayley out to slide and kick instead of hip attack!
Bayley is stuck on the ropes, Asuka kicks her over and over then hotshots the arm! Asuka runs again and now she hip attacks! Bayley flies off the apron and to the announce desk! Sasha looks worried and tells Michael Cole to shut up. Bayley stirs, Asuka goes out to leap, for a FLYING DDT! Sasha is in shock and fans lose their minds on their screens! Asuka drags Bayley up and into the ring, covers, TWO! Bayley scrambles away to ropes but Asuka stalks over. Bayley kicks Asuka’s legs out then throws her to the ropes. Bayley dumps Asuka to the apron, drags her back up and hotshots her! Asuka is stuck in the ropes now and Bayley climbs up for a GUILLOTINE CUTTER! Bayley drags Asuka to a cover, TWO!
Bayley is already frustrated as Asuka survives. Bayley stomps Asuka and Sasha taunts Asuka as Bayley chokes Asuka on the ropes. The ref counts, Bayley stops at 4, then drags Asuka up for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Bayley keeps on Asuka with a chinlock and she thrashes Asuka around. Asuka endures, the crowd rallies but Bayley talks smack to Michael Cole. “How many days?!” 317, as bedazzled in Bayley’s hair. Bayley knees Asuka in the back, has her on the ropes, and poses for the fans. Bayley drags Asuka up but Asuka throws hands. Bayley furiously hammers Asuka down but Asuka keeps kicking. Bayley drops down on Asuka and covers, TWO! Sasha grows frustrated now as Bayley stalks Asuka to the ropes.
Bayley throws big forearms but Asuka resists the whip! Bayley throws more and more forearms but Asuka reverses the whip to kick away on the leg! Bayley blocks a kick, spins Asuka, BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and the Role Models can’t believe it! Asuka gets to a corner, Bayley runs in but Asuka elbows her away. Asuka boots then rolls Bayley, TWO! Asuka ducks a punch to ROUNDHOUSE Bayley down! Both women are down and the crowd rallies up. The ref starts a standing count and it reaches 5 before either sits up. Asuka and Bayley crawl and rise, to stand at 8. Asuka dodges Bayley again, follows after and rallies with shoulder tackles! Bayley gets up again, Asuka throws her to a corner! Asuka runs corner to corner, HIP ATTACK! Asuka shoves and pops Bayley up for a KNEE!
Bayley is on the ropes, GERMAN SUPLEX! Asuka aims from the corner as Bayley sits up, BASEMENT HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives but Asuka keeps her cool. Bayley is on the apron, Asuka follows her out there. Asuka throws forearms but Bayley hits back. They brawl, Asuka kicks low and gets space. Asuka runs, Bayley catches the hip attack for a SHIN BREAKER! Sasha laughs at Asuka’s pain as the knee hits the apron edge! Bayley puts Asuka in, and chop blocks the leg out! Cover, TWO!! Bayley has the legs, steps through and laces them up, for the TRAILER HITCH! Asuka endures the modified death lock and the fans rally up for her. Asuka crawls, turns and reverses the hold to an ANKLE LOCK!
Bayley gets up, Asuka reels her in, but Bayley elbows hard! Bayley is free, Asuka staggers, but Asuka hits a CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Bayley lives but Asuka is too tired to show frustration. Asuka gets up, as does Bayley. Asuka heads up top but Bayley stops her with haymakers! They brawl, Asuka swats Bayley away and Asuka leaps for a missile- NO! Bayley has a KNEEBAR!! Asuka endures as Bayley cranks on the leg with a modified toehold! Asuka crawls to the ROPEBREAK! Bayley holds on until 4 and lets go with some anger. Asuka hobbles, Bayley runs corner to corner, sunset flip into the buckles! Bayley puts Asuka in a drop zone, climbs up top, MACHO ELBOW, into an ARMBAR!! Asuka caught Bayley!!
Sasha freaks out as Asuka and Bayley turn around. Asuka KICKS Sasha to shut her up! Bayley is free, Asuka goes out and fires off a BACK HAND! Asuka puts Bayley in, but Sasha swipes at Asuka! Asuka boots Sasha, Bayley rolls Asuka! TWO!! Asuka back kicks hard, then runs, but Sasha takes the hip attack for Bayley! Bayley cradles Asuka, Bayley wins!!
Winner: Bayley, by pinfall (still SmackDown Women’s Champion)
And then Sasha attacks Asuka! The Boss helps Bayley keep her historic reign going, and the two give Asuka the DOUBLE SLAM! Does Asuka stand a chance of taking Sasha’s belt away as revenge for this? Or will Bayley and Sasha still have all the gold?
The Mysterio Family talks backstage.
Rey and Angie are with their baby boy, Dominik, as he prepares for his debut match. Is Dominik ready? Yes. Dominik wants a second with just dad. Mama leaves and Dominik says he appreciates Rey being in his corner. But this is Dominik’s fight, so Rey needs to promise- Rey knows where this is coming from. Rey can’t promise anything, but Dominik says he has to. Seth Rollins has done so much to them both. So please, Rey needs to let Dominik be a man and do this himself. Rey has to promise not to get involved. Rey says it’s very hard to do this, but he does give Dominik his word. If Dominik’s going down, he’s doing down fighting. They hug and Rey says he knows Dominik will do this. Will El Hijo del Rey prove worthy of the Mysterio name?
Kevin Owens is here!
The Prizefighter makes a surprise appearance and says, “Look at all my friends!” when pointing to the WWE Universe. Samoa Joe says Kevin is not just joining commentary, he’s extra security for tonight. Kevin has a tie while wearing a Street Profits shirt, as he’s also their friend.
Raw Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Andrade Almas & Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega!
Did La Muneca poison #KingTez? The video says yes, she says no, but perhaps the point is moot now that this is going to be settled in the ring! Will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins get revenge while they get the smoke? Or will El Idolo y El Lothario get the gold and get away with it all?
It rains red SOLO cups for the Profits as they make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really wants the smoke!
Almas starts with Ford and they stare down. They tie up, Ford waistlocks and clubs Almas. Almas elbows and ROCKS Ford then KNEES low! Almas CHOPS Ford at the ropes, whips but Ford flips up and over Almas to hit a leaping lariat! Ford glares at Garza and runs at Almas but Almas boots back. Almas hops up but Ford STEINERS him off the top! Ford clotheslines Almas out of the ring hard! Garza runs in but Dawkins intercepts with a BIG right! The Profits whip Garza for a double flapjack! Vega is worried already as Ford shakes the ropes. Ford builds speed to FLY! But Garza and Almas both catch him, for a DOUBLE POWERBOMB! Dawkins checks on Ford as Almas drags Ford up and into the ring.
Almas stalks Ford and stomps him down. Almas clobbers Ford then tags in Garza. Almas puts Ford in the ropes and on the apron, then Garza baseball slide dropkicks Ford down! Garza goes out to talk trash to Ford then put him back in the ring. Cover, TWO! Garza keeps on Ford with an armlock and cranks on the shoulder. Ford endures, fights his way up, but Garza puts him in a corner. Garza puts Ford up top, Ford fights Garza off! Ford BOOTS, but Garza traps the legs in the ropes! Garza dropkicks the legs out! Off come the pants! Garza drags Ford around, tags in Almas, and Almas wraps on a DRAPING TRIANGLE HOLD! Ford hammers away but Almas lets go at 4.
Almas throws haymakers and forearms on Ford, drags him around and has the armlock. Ford endures, the fans rally and Dawkins coaches Ford up. Ford fights his way up, throws haymakers but Almas hits back. Almas puts Ford in the corner, puts Ford in the ropes and Garza tags in to KNEE Ford hard! Garza drags Ford to a cover, TWO! Garza puts Ford up on the top rope and clubs away on the back. Then Ford is in the Tree of Woe, Garza taunts Dawkins and runs to PENALTY KICK! Tag to Almas, Garza holds Ford in place for the WOE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Ford survives and Vega is furious with the count. Almas stomps Ford, tags Garza, and they mug Ford.
Garza drags Ford into a modified cobra twist, Almas tags in for more mugging. Almas back suplexes, Ford lands on his feet and enziguris Almas! Ford dodges Almas to tag in Dawkins! The Curse of Greatness rallies up and hits Almas with a leaping back elbow! Dawkins decks Garza then runs to CYCLONE SPLASH Almas! Dawkins reels Almas in but Almas fights out, to boot feint and ELBOW! Almas runs, into Dawkins’ SPEAR!! Both men are down and Vega shouts for Almas to get up. The fans cheer, Dawkins and Almas crawl, hot tags to Garza and Ford! Ford goes up top and LEAPS for the crossbody! Garza rolls it and puts his feet on the ropes! Almas anchors the feet, but the ref sees it! No count, Ford spins Garza but Garza ducks the enziguri to basement dropkick! Cover, but Dawkins breaks it!
Vega protests and is on the apron, but the ref reprimands Vega. Garza has Ford but Ford throws hands. Garza SUPERKICKS Ford into Vega! Garza gets Ford, but Ford slips out of the Wing Clipper! Tag to Dawkins, Almas is too busy checking on Vega! CASH OUT! FROM THE HEAVENS!! With a twist even! Cover, The Profits win!!
Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall (still Raw Tag Team Champions)
Kevin says he wore the right shirt, because Ford and Dawkins are still on top! Will Garza have something to say about Almas worrying too much about La Muneca than about the match?
Backstage interview with the Golden Role Models.
Kayla Braxton has Bayley and Sasha, and congratulates Bayley on retaining her title. Now they said Asuka couldn’t beat both of them, but without Sasha’s help, Bayley- Whoa, stop right there, none of that “Gotcha Journalism.” Bayley will not be offended by that lack of respect tonight, because no one is going to ruin the historic and magical night. Now surely there are some “earth shattering” questions for Sasha, so get to it.
Yes, Kayla does ask if Sasha expects Bayley to return the favor against Asuka. If Bayley can beat Asuka, Sasha can beat her, too. Asuka got the fight of her life out there. Asuka takes it personal because of what they did to Kairi, but Sasha is The Boss! She loves being #TwoBeltzBanks, but she’ll also love tapping Asuka out. #BankOnThat! Bayley says there will be a CLEAN SWEEP! And then at Payback, they retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and the dominance continues! Will the Role Models really roll on through the next week with all the gold?
No Disqualifications Loser Leaves WWE Match: Sonya Deville VS Mandy Rose!
The Golden Goddess offered peace and friendship in the eleventh hour, but there’s no going back as far as the Gladiator Gal is concerned. Fire and Desire WILL fight, but it isn’t about hair anymore. This is all about their WWE careers! Is this grudge worth losing their dreams over?
The bell rings and Sonya circles with Mandy. They go face to face, Sonya talks some smack, and then she shoves Mandy. Mandy comes back, her knee is caught and countered to a roll up, TWO! Mandy ROCKS Sonya and Sonya bails out. Sonya fires off on Mandy and dares her to bring it! They brawl more, Mandy throws Sonya into barriers! Mandy drags Sonya back up to bump off steel steps, then bring around to throw more haymakers! Sonya hits back but Mandy still drags Sonya to the ramp. Mandy suplexes Sonya onto the LED ramp! Mandy drags Sonya up and POSTS her! Sonya staggers about as Mandy seethes. Mandy brings Sonya around to POST again! Sonya crawls, Mandy says, “You want to ruin my life?!” Mandy slaps Sonya then throws her into barriers!
Mandy gets up on the desk to egg Sonya on! Then she LEAPS to CLOBBER Sonya!! Mandy won’t let up, she rains down hands! Sonya pushes Mandy away but Mandy decides to use that No Disqualification stipulation. Mandy brings out a TABLE! Sonya scurries away while Mandy sets this table up. Mandy struggles to get it up on its feet, but the table finally stands. Sonya returns to JAM Mandy with a chair! Sonya JAMS Mandy again, then throws the chair aside and gets in Mandy’s face! Sonya slaps Mandy around, bumps her off the announce desk, and then again! And again and again! The ref warns Sonya that this may be No Disqualifications but she still needs to be careful. Sonya puts Mandy in to cover, TWO!
Sonya taunts Mandy as she gives her kicks to the chest! Mandy gets up, Sonya runs, SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Sonya grows frustrated more as she stalks Mandy to ropes. Sonya pushes Mandy into the corner and kicks her more. Mandy blocks a kick and trips Sonya for ground ‘n’ pound! Sonya kicks Mandy away, gets to another corner, but Mandy runs in to clothesline! Mandy brings Sonya out, runs but the knee is countered again! Sonya has the dragon sleeper and cranks back! Mandy endures, Sonya drops down for the body scissors! Mandy pries against the hold, elbows Sonya in the chest and is free! The fans rally but Sonya drags Mandy back with handfuls of hair! Mandy turns around but into a TRIANGLE HOLD!
Sonya bridges to keep her own shoulders off the mat as she also slaps Mandy around! Mandy makes it a cover, TWO! Mandy is free again but Sonya kicks her toyingly. Sonya taunts Mandy, then jams her knee into Mandy’s mouth. Sonya eggs Mandy on. “Is this all you got?!” Sonya pie faces Mandy, drags her up, but Mandy SLAPS Sonya! Mandy fires off fast hands, Sonya knees low and runs. Mandy hits her KISS FROM A ROSE!! Cover, TWO!! Sonya bails out, Mandy goes out the side. Mandy and Sonya meet at the corner and Mandy throws more forearms. Mandy pushes Sonya into barriers, then drags her over to that table. Mandy bounces Sonya off the desk over and over and over!
Mandy scoops Sonya to set her on the table and then heads up top! But Sonya gets off the table for her own safety. Mandy hops down in frustration and looks for anything else she can use. Mandy brings out a chair and slides it along the table! Sonya ducks before her head is taken off! Mandy tries again but Sonya tosses the table aside! They brawl again, Sonya pushes and BOOTS Mandy down! Both women are on the floor but Sonya drags Mandy up into the ring. Sonya stalks Mandy, drags her up to a fireman’s carry, but Mandy fights out. Mandy reels Sonya in to underhooks, but Sonya resists! Sonya slips out and KNEES Mandy in the head! Sonya underhooks to steal Mandy’s facebuster, only for Mandy to fight free! Mandy KNEES Sonya down again! KISS FROM A ROSE AGAIN!!
Sonya stirs, Mandy runs in, ANOTHER KNEE!! Mandy won’t let it end there, she underhooks Sonya for the GOLDEN FACEBUSTER! But that’s still not enough for Mandy! Mandy dares Sonya to get up for all that tough talk, ANOTHER KISS FROM A ROSE!! Mandy wins!!!
Winner: Mandy Rose, by pinfall (Sonya must leave WWE)
Incredible! All the fire, desire, fury and pain, and it’s Mandy who wins! Sonya loses her cool as she loses her job! Will Sonya ever come to regret taking things down this path? As for Mandy, Otis comes out to celebrate with his sweet peach! She even shows off her own caterpillar! Will Mandy move on to have even bigger victories in the future?
Street Fight: Seth Rollins w/ Buddy Murphy VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rey Mysterio!
The Monday Night Messiah claims everything he does is for “the greater good.” Apparently that means gouging Rey Mysterio’s eye and trying to end Dominik’s career before it began was for Raw’s benefit. But will Dominik make Rollins suffer for everything he’s done to the Mysterio Family and the roster as a whole?
The bell rings and Rollins circles with Dominik. Dominik and Rollins tie up, Rollins gets around to the waistlock and throws Dominik down to slap him all around. Dominik gets up, keeps his cool and goes with Rollins again. Rollins gets the arm, hammerlock, headlock takeover, but Dominik gets out. Rollins is toying with Dominik as he taunts Rey. Dominik and Rollins circle, and Rollins puts his hands back to give Dominik a free shot. Dominik headlocks but Rollins shoves him right down. Rollins grins as he soaks up the heat from the crowd. Dominik and Rollins circle, tie up, Rollins headlocks and taunts Rey again. Rollins wrenches and yanks on Dominik’s arm, but Dominik throws haymakers!
Dominik rocks Rollins but Rollins knees low. Rollins whips, Domink ducks and tilt-o-whirls to arm-drag Rollins! Rollins gets up, Dominik gets around but Rollins bucks off the waitslock, only to run into more arm-drags! Dominik handsprings to show off the agility! Rey cheers Dominik on and Rollins applauds. Rollins and Dominik circle, tie up with knuckle locks, and Rollins kicks low. Rollins clubs away on Dominik over and over then stomps him to a corner! Rollins digs his boots into Dominik but drags him up to scoop and slam! Dominik sits up as Murphy taunts, “How does that feel?!” Rollins has Murphy fetch him a kendo stick, but Dominik kips up to dropkick Rollins down!
Dominik gets the kendo stick and Rollins panics! Dominik chases ROllins around the ring, just missing him with the kendo stick! Rollins gets in the ring and gets Dominik as he returns! Rollins stomps and clubs Dominik down then kicks the stick away. Rollins throws haymakers, whips Dominik corner to corner and Dominik hits hard! Rey coaches Dominik but Rollins has Dominik on the ropes. Rollins whips corner to corner hard again and Dominik bounces off the buckles! Dominik sits up and gets to a corner but Rollins is after him again. Rollins suplexes Dominik away! Rollins taunts Rey more as he drags Dominik up into a camel clutch! Dominik endures as Rollins eggs Rey on. Dominik refuses to quit so Rollins shoves him down.
Rollins dares Rey to get involved, “What kind of dad are you!?” Rey says he trusts his son, and Dominik fires off on Rollins! Dominik runs, but into a SLING BLADE! Rollins digs his knee into Dominik’s face at the ropes, then goes after the fingers! Rollins pulls the fingers as far as they’ll go then stomps Dominik down. Mother Angie can only watch backstage as Rollins stalks Dominik to the corner. Murphy gives Rollins a chair and Rollins taunts Rey with it. Rollins takes a seat and dares “Papa” to get in. Dominik crawls over but Rollins kicks him down. Rey is on the apron but Dominik tells him to stay back. Rollins CLUBS Dominik down and stomps him more! Rey again gets on the apron but so does Murphy.
Rollins taunts Rey that if Rey won’t help, Rollins will end this. But Dominik evades the Curb Stomp and drop toehold Rollins onto the chair! Dominik fires off hands on Rollins! Dominik climbs up to rain down rights on Rollins, but Rollins turns it to a running BUCKLE- NO! Dominik Ranas Rollins into the buckles first! Dominik whips corner to corner, Rollins reverses but Dominik goes up. Rollins catches Dominik but Dominik TORNADO DDT’S! Cover, TWO!! Murphy is relieved but Rey says Dominik he’s still got this! Dominik and Rollins both slowly stand, and Dominik gets the kendo stick! Dominik SMACKS Rollins in the ribs! Then SMACKS him on the back! And again! Dominik hits so hard he breaks the stick on Rollins’ body!
Dominik puts the stick aside to climb up top. The fans fire up but Rollins stops Dominik with haymakers! Rollins throws more haymakers, climbs up top, but Dominik resists the superplex! Dominik fights back, clubs Rollins and shoves him down! Rollins comes back in an instant, for the SUPERPLEX! Roll through, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Dominik survives and both Rey and Angie are relieved! Rollins mutters, “That should’ve been it.” Murphy gives Rollins more kendo sticks, Rollins’ own body showing the marks. Rollins SMACKS Dominik, and SMACKS again! Rollins asks Rey, “Is this enough?” Rollins keeps giving Dominik SMACKS as he dares Rey to save his son! Rey shouts to Dominik to keep fighting, but Rollins orders for a table!
Rollins SMACKS Dominik more and more as Murphy puts the table in. Rollins tells Rey that he got his son into this mess, this is what they both get! Another SMACK on Dominik before Rollins sets up the table. Murphy taunts Dominik as Rollins uses another kendo stick to SMACK him! Rollins SMACKS Dominik to the corner with the table and hoists Dominik up top. Rollins SMACKS Dominik one more time before climbing up. Rollins says this is Rey’s fault, and makes him look at his own son. But Dominik trips Rollins! Rollins is crotched, Dominik uses the stick to bring Rollins up for a SUPER RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP, through the table!! Both men crash down but Dominik rises first!
Dominik uses whatever he has left to get to a corner and to the top rope, Rey and fans cheering him on the entire way. Dominik is up, leaps, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives and Dominik is beside himself! Dominik goes outside, looks for something under the ring, and brings out a chair! Dominik slides the chair in too far, and Rollins gets it first! Rollins pushes the chair away and SUPERKICKS Dominik down! Rollins brings Dominik up for a POWERBOMB! Rey panics now as Rollins grits his teeth and glares at Dominik. Rollins rips Dominik’s vest off and grabs another kendo stick. “Remember this, Rey?!” Rollins SMACKS Dominik in the chest! And SMACKS him on the back! Angie can’t watch but Rey gets on the apron. Dominik tells him to stay away!
Rollins SMACKS Dominik over and over and over again! Those marks return to Dominik’s body, but that’s not enough for Rollins. Murphy fetches a pair of handcuffs?! Rollins brings the cuffs over and hooks one end to the middle rope. Rollins dares Rey to do something as he drags Dominik over. “You can stop this at any minute, Rey!” Rey sees Angie on stage and hurries to talk with her! Mother and father Mysterio discuss this and Rollins now eggs Angie on. But Dominik rolls Rollins up! TWO!! Murphy is in as Dominik tackles Rollins, KNEE TRIGGER! Murphy goes after Dominik on the outside, and brings him to the steel steps!!! Rey hurries back to clobber Murphy! THIS Rey can step in to stop!
Rollins and Murphy go after Rey 2v1 and beat him down! Dominik gets back up but Rollins THROWS him into barriers! Rey brawls with Rollins and Murphy again but that’s still 2v1, and he gets thrown into the LED boards of the apron. Rollins and Murphy cuff Mysterio to the rope! Rey is vulnerable as Rollins and Murphy each have a kendo stick. But wait. Angie’s still on stage. Rey shouts at them to stop it! “Take me! Take me!!” Murphy keeps Mysterio put as Rollins points to Angie. Dominik fires off on Rollins! Dominik dodges Murphy to throw him over the railing! Dominik fires off on Rollins, and RAMS him into steel steps! Rollins tumbles up and over, Dominik is after him with clubbing forearms!
Murphy returns but Domink back drops him away! Rollins leans on the apron, Dominik gives Rollins a basement 619! Dominik puts Rollins in, stalks him to ropes, and gives him a proper 619!! Dominik keeps going, following Rey’s example with another FROG SPLASH, but onto knees!! Rollins saves himself at the last second! Rey is stuck on the ropes, Rollins drags Dominik around and grinds him down! Rey is just out of reach as Rollins makes him look at Dominik! “Reach! Just a little more! Reach!” Rollins brings Dominik even closer just to taunt Rey, then CURB STOMPS Dominik!! Cover, Rollins wins!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
The Architect just demolished the young superstar in front of his own father, but shows him one mercy: he gives Dominik the keys to the cuffs. Rollins has wounded the Mysterio Family deeper than just gouging an eye or bruising the skin. Will anyone ever stop “the greater good” the Monday Night Messiah vows to bring about? As for Dominik, Rey frees himself, and still tells Dominik he is so proud of him. Dominik’s first match is his loss, but will he be able to climb up and redeem himself?
Raw Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks w/ Bayley VS Asuka!
The Golden Role Models want the sweep, but they’ve only added fuel to the fire inside the Empress! Will Asuka get revenge for Kairi and for the SmackDown Women’s Championship screw job all in one fell swoop?
The introductions are made, the Raw belt is raised, and the double header finishes one way or another!
Asuka and Sasha circle, Sasha dropkicks the bad leg! Sasha drops elbows on the leg over and over, continuing where Bayley left off! Asuka kicks with her good leg but Sasha lets go to mock Asuka’s pain. Sasha avoids Asuka’s kicks to kick Asuka again. Asuka throws body shots so Sasha gets the leg. Asuka spins through to kick away on Sasha’s face! Sasha trips Asuka and rains down rights. Asuka turns it around to give them back, but Sasha gets up. Asuka blocks, kicks and kicks and kicks. Asuka back kicks, runs, and sliding forearms Sasha out of the ring! Sasha regroups with Bayley, Bayley says to use Champion’s Advantage! But Asuka brings Sasha back to the apron. Sasha spins to kick Asuka back! Bayley applauds but the fans boo as Sasha tries to Rana Asuka.
Asuka blocks and spins to a KNEEBAR! Sasha kicks, the ref counts, Asuka lets go and Sasha gets away. Asuka follows into the ring and tosses Sasha to a corner! Asuka runs in to hip attack! Asuka drags Sasha up to snapmare and KICK! Cover, TWO! ARMBAR! Sasha turns as Asuka pulls, Sasha gets up to stomp Asuka down! Asuka lets go, Sasha gets away but comes back to tackle Asuka. Asuka puts Sasha through the ropes to KICK her again! Asuka joins Sasha on the apron to kick and kick and kick, but Sasha slips in and the leg kicks POST! Sasha knees Asuka, goes out and SUNSET BOMBS Asuka to the floor!! Even Bayley loses her mind over that one! Bayley says Asuka is stupid, dumb and done for!
The ring count climbs, Sasha goes into the ring and the count passes 5. The count gets to 8 but Asuka springs up into the ring! Sasha covers, TWO! Sasha tries again, TWO! Sasha grows frustrated as Asuka survives. Sasha drags Asuka up and tells her to give up. Sasha bumps Asuka off buckles and kicks away! The ref counts, Sasha lets up at 4, but then digs her boot in! The ref counts more, Sasha lets off to run corner to corner, and BOOT! Bayley says the kick is good as Sasha covers, TWO!! Sasha keeps her cool as Asuka survives. Sasha drags Asuka up and rams her shoulder into Asuka over and over! The ref counts, Sasha stops, and then Sasha sets Asuka sideways on the ropes.
Sasha takes her time talking trash but Asuka blocks the Stock Drop to an Electric Chair! For a FACEBUSER! Into a KNEEBAR!! Sasha endures, crawls, but Asuka shifts to an ANKLE LOCK! Sasha gets up, rolls, but Asuka goes up only for Sasha to swat her first! Sasha elbows Asuka back, then says it’s done! Sasha climbs up to join Asuka, but Asuka fights back with body shots! Asuka clubs away and grabs Sasha for a SUPER DDT!! Both women are down and Bayley is stunned silent! But Sasha rolls and flops out of the ring to save herself! The ring count starts, Bayley checks on Sasha and wants the count to slow down. The count passes 5, Asuka goes out to fetch Sasha.
Asuka dodges Sasha’s punch to whip her into barriers! Asuka RAMS Sasha into the LED boards! Sasha gets in the ring, Asuka climbs up top, and Asuka gets her bad leg moving before she leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!! Asuka shakes her head, she’s not done with Sasha. Sasha is in the corner, Asuka stomps a mudhole! Asuka stops at the ref’s count, then yanks Sasha out, to get a CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Sasha can’t believe she didn’t get Asuka with that! Asuka stirs but Sasha stomps her down. Sasha drags Asuka to a drop zone then climbs up top. Sasha FROG SPLASH FLOPS!
Bayley asks if Sasha is okay and then tells her she has this. Asuka’s leg is done for, Sasha is better than Asuka! Two belts for life! But Sasha runs into a TAKEDOWN! ASUKA LOCK!!! Sasha flails, pries at the body scissors, gets around, but Asuka reels her back in! Sasha uses the buckles to push off and roll back to a cover, TWO! BANK STATEMENT! Sasha has Asuka now, but Asuka reaches, crawls, but Sasha kicks off the ropes! Asuka gets free to get the ASUKA LOCK! Sasha scrambles around, gets up and elbows free! Sasha throws Asuka away, but the ROUNDHOUSE rocks her!
Asuka and Sasha stagger about, Bayley is on the apron just like the earlier match! Asuka runs in but both Sasha and Bayley avoid the hip attack! Asuka BACK HANDS Bayley down! Sasha gets Asuka, but Asuka rolls out of the backstabber into an ASUKA LOCK!! Sasha flails, reaches, but she’s all alone!! Sasha taps, Asuka wins!!
Winner: Asuka, by submission (NEW Raw Women’s Champion)
The Empress makes the most of her second try! Bayley tried to help Sasha, but did she try hard enough? Will it matter now that #TwoBeltzBanks is no more? As for Asuka, we know Shayna Baszler is after the title. Will the Empress be able to refocus and be ready for the Queen of Spades?
WWE World Championship: Drew McIntyre VS Randy Orton!
The leader of Claymore Country knows The Viper is dangerous, skilled, and selfish. The third-generation superstar wants the glory of being champion again, and has destroyed legend after legend just to prove a point. Will McIntyre take an RKO outta nowhere? Or will Orton definitely see the Claymore flying right into his face?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if McIntyre’s first reign can deny Orton his 14th!
McIntyre rushes Orton but Orton bails out to stall. Orton wants McIntyre to get back before he returns. McIntyre stares Orton down as he waits. Orton gets up on the apron, McIntyre takes just a step and Orton hops down. Orton comes back when McIntyre backs away, but then he uses the ropes as defense! The ref brings McIntyre back and Orton tells the ref to do his job. Orton comes back, he circles with McIntyre, but Orton ducks a punch to kick low! Orton whips, McIntyre reverses but Orton slides out to deny McIntyre anymore. McIntyre pursues Orton, they go around the ring, back in the ring, and Orton stomps McIntyre down!
Orton stomps McIntyre more, brings him up but McIntyre shoves him. Orton dodges the chop but McIntyre denies the RKO to run Orton over! Things speed up, Orton rips McIntyre, but still McIntyre denies the RKO! McIntyre has to bail out now to cool off, and Orton grins. McIntyre takes a couple breaths as the ring count climbs, but he smirks and nods as he comes back at 7. Orton paces, McIntyre circles with him, and McIntyre blocks the kick to grab Orton by his throat! McIntyre puts Orton in a corner to fire off! The ref counts as McIntyre ROCKS Orton! McIntyre whips Orton corner to corner, Orton avoids the boot but McIntyre again denies the RKO!
McIntyre runs at Orton but Orton POSTS him! McIntyre tumbles out hard and Orton sneers as he pursues. Orton drags McIntyre up to throw into barriers! Orton drags McIntyre back up to bounce off the announce desk! And the POST again! And then bounce off the desk again! Orton tears the hood off, throws whatever else away and brings McIntyre for a back suplex onto the desk!! McIntyre writhes while Orton refreshes the count. Orton brings McIntyre up for another back suplex to the desk! Orton gets in McIntyre’s face to say, “That title is coming home with me.” McIntyre pushes Orton away, Orton refreshes the count and comes back. Orton has McIntyre from the desk, for a suplex to the floor!
Both men are down but Orton sits up with another grin. The ring count reaches 5, Orton drags McIntyre up and puts him back in. Orton covers, ONE!! McIntyre scowls as Orton is a bit surprised. Orton stays on McIntyre as he pulls McIntyre’s hair and reels him into a chinlock. Orton grinds McIntyre down, McIntyre endures and the crowd rallies. McIntyre fights up, throws body shots but Orton throws McIntyre down by his hair! Orton stomps McIntyre’s hand, then his foot. McIntyre grits his teeth while clutching his limbs. Orton grabs a leg to then stomp McIntyre in the stomach. Orton scrapes his laces on McIntyre’s face! McIntyre gets to ropes but Orton just stomps him more.
Orton takes a moment to pose and soak up the heat. McIntyre is in the corner, Orton stalks over, but McIntyre hits back. McIntyre throws big haymakers but Orton kicks low. Orton whips corner to corner, McIntyre reverses and catches the boot to JAM the knee! Both men are down, McIntyre gets up first and heads back for Orton, only for Orton to kick McIntyre’s leg out! McIntyre is furious but Orton stands up again. Orton stalks McIntyre to ropes, drags McIntyre up and throws haymakers. Orton punches at the mark he left on McIntyre’s face and then gets in McIntyre’s face. Orton runs, into a SPINE BUSTER! Both men are down but McIntyre seethes as he forces himself over to Orton.
McIntyre has the leg, spins through, and uses the FIGURE FOUR! McIntyre wants to avenge Ric Flair using his signature move! Orton resists but McIntyre powers through to lock it on! Orton endures, flails, reaches, but McIntyre cranks harder! McIntyre has a bridge, Orton is on his shoulders, TWO! Orton reaches, drags himself and McIntyre over, and rolls, only for McIntyre to roll it back! McIntyre SLAPS Orton and cranks even harder on the hold! Orton grabs the ref, drags him down, then rakes McIntyre’s eyes!! Orton proves he can be just as dirty as the Dirtiest Player with that one. McIntyre shakes his head out, makes sure his eyes still work, but now he has a bloody scratch under his eye.
Orton walks over, but into a CHOP!! McIntyre evens things with Orton in an instant! McIntyre fires up, some blood starting to seep out. McIntyre drags Orton around to throw haymakers, but Orton gives them back. They brawl on their knees, then fight up to their feet. McIntyre throws a haymaker, Orton uses a EuroUpper. McIntyre CHOPS, Orton kicks low! They keep throwing hands over and over, and McIntyre again denies an RKO to rally with lariats! McIntyre whips, and OVERHEAD SUPLEXES Orton! Orton gets up for McIntyre to smother and OVERHEAD SUPLEX again! McIntyre hurries to the top rope, Orton stands, FLYING AX HANDLE! McIntyre still kips up! The crowd fires up with McIntyre as he drags Orton up in a corner.
McIntyre bumps Orton off buckles, hoists him up top and CHOPS again! McIntyre climbs up to join Orton, throws more haymakers, then brings Orton to the very top. Orton trips McIntyre up! Orton headbutts McIntyre again and again, then punches McIntyre into a Tree of Woe. Orton is bleeding now from his own headbutts, but McIntyre sits up to SUPLEX Orton off! Cover, TWO! McIntyre grimaces as he drags Orton up. McIntyre underhooks but no Future Shock! McIntyre slips around Orton to spin him around, NOW FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO!?! Orton survives and McIntyre is beside himself. Both men have blood coming from the face, but McIntyre drags Orton up for a fireman’s carry. Orton flails, elbows free, then throws McIntyre out.
McIntyre JABS back from the apron, climbs up top again, and LEAPS, but Orton gets under! Orton comes back to hit the SPINNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Orton grits his teeth as McIntyre rolls to the apron. McIntyre gets up, Orton hobbles over and drags McIntyre in. But McIntyre knows what’s coming, pushes Orton for a GLASGOW KISS! Orton wobbles, McIntyre clotheslines Orton and himself out of the ring! The ring count begins, Orton is up in first at 5, McIntyre follows at 7. Orton KICKS McIntyre, drags him out, DRAPING DDT! Orton slowly stands up as McIntyre stirs. The crowd rallies but Orton hears the voices in his head. Orton wants McIntyre to get up but McIntyre flounders. Orton looms over McIntyre, then lines up a shot.
McIntyre sits up again, Orton runs in, but McIntyre pops Orton up for a POWERBOMB! No punting here! McIntyre fires up and takes aim from the corner! The crowd fires up, too, as McIntyre demands Orton get up! Orton slowly rises, McIntyre runs, but Orton ducks the Claymore! McIntyre spins the RKO into a backslide, McIntyre wins!?!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall (still WWE World Champion)
Well, no one saw THAT coming! Orton can’t believe neither his or McIntyre’s best move finished it! McIntyre says this isn’t Orton’s business, or even his. This is everyone’s business! But even so, will the WWE World Championship still be McIntyre’s for a long, long time?
Keith Lee heads to Raw!!
The Limitless One has shown us what he is capable of on NXT, but now he’s going to take on WWE’s longest running brand! Will Monday nights now #BaskInHisGlory?
WWE Universal Championship Falls Count Anywhere Match: Braun Strowman VS “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt!
Firefly Fun House Bray tried to bring The Black Sheep back into the fold at Money in the Bank, but failed. Classic Face of Fear Bray tried to drag Braun down into the swamp, but failed. But perhaps they both succeeded in one thing: making Braun into a true Monster Among Men! Will Braun prove he is “the most evil SOB on the planet” and hold on to the gold? Or will he #LetHimIn and lose it all as The Fiend comes around to play?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this hell-raising trilogy is about to be completed!
Braun powers Fiend to the corner and hammers away, but Fiend just laughs it all off! Fiend hits back fast and then gets Braun for an URENAGE! Braun crawls, Fiend drags him up for the NECK CRACK! Fiend sits Braun up for ANOTHER! Braun is down and Fiend finally takes off his jacket. Braun gets out of the ring and staggers over to commentary but Fiend CLUBS him on the back! Fiend goes looking under the ring, and brings out a toolbox! Fiend JAMS the box into Braun’s stomach, then SMASHES it on Braun’s back! Fiend tosses the box aside to pull the desk hood off. Braun ROCKS Fiend with big haymakers and uppercuts! Then Braun headbutts Fiend to barriers, Braun runs to BUST Fiend through the timekeeper’s area!!
Braun finishes moving pieces off the announce desk but Fiend is on his feet?! Fiend throws a throat chop and fast hands, but Braun CHOKE SLAMS Fiend onto the announce desk!! The desk only falls apart but Fiend might be broken! Fiend gets back up again?! Braun knees low, Fiend kicks low! Fiend throws Braun into steps, Braun uppercuts back. Braun has the steel steps and SMASHES Fiend in the face! Braun glares down at Fiend as Fiend finally stays down for a moment. Braun drags Fiend up, puts him back in the ring, stalks Fiend and corner splashes! Braun scoops Fiend up, MONSTER SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Fiend survives and shocks Braun!
Braun wracks his brain on what to do now as Fiend flops out of the ring. Braun pursues, brings Fiend up and throws him into barriers! Braun throws body shots, throws Fiend up the ramp, and then kicks him towards the stage. Braun rams Fiend into the screen wall! Fiend flounders up and Braun toys with him. Braun bounces Fiend off the screen, then heads backstage! They brawl into gorilla position, Fiend hits back with knees, and throws Braun the wall! And then the other wall! Fiend gets Braun for SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, TWO!?! Braun survives, and Fiend is actually amused. Fiend kicks Braun, sits him up and claws at Braun’s eyes! They both go back to the stage, Fiend dragging Braun by his beard to throw him HARD into the screen! The screen flickers but stays on as Fiend stalks Braun.
Fiend kicks Braun and Braun has a cut on his bald head. Fiend ROCKS Braun with that uppercut and they go to the edge of the stage. Fiend drags Braun back up, brings him to the ramp and kicks him down the way. The hurt hand talks to Bray again as Braun flounders about. Fiend grabs Braun for a MANDIBLE CLAW! Braun resists as Fiend tries to smother him! Braun choke grips Fiend to RAM him into the apron! Braun is free of The Fiend’s grip but both behemoths catch their breath. Bruan brings Fiend up to CLUB him down! Cover, TWO! Braun drags Fiend up and into the ring then follows after. Fiend stands, Braun scoops him! MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, TWO!?! Fiend survives but Braun just hammers away! Braun roars right in Fiend’s face before getting back to his feet.
Braun considers his options, and goes outside to check what tools were in the toolbox. Braun chooses the box cutter?!? Braun brings the blade into the ring and cuts up the mat covering! Braun rips through cloth and foam to get to the hardwood underneath! Fiend staggers up as Braun clears out a huge patch of the ring floor! Braun asks Fiend, “Why won’t you die?!” Fiend gives Braun an URENAGE to the wood! And then a SISTER ABIGAIL to the wood!! Fiend drags Braun up for another SISTER ABIGAIL! Braun might’ve hit more pad than wood that time, but Fiend covers, and wins!!
Winner: The Fiend, by pinfall (NEW WWE Universal Champion)
“Brutal” doesn’t even begin to cover this! But then Roman Reigns SPEARS Fiend outta nowhere!?!? The Big Dog wrecks The Fiend, then goes out to SPEAR Braun Strowman! “You ain’t a monster unless I’M here!” Roman grabs a chair and brings it over to SMACK Braun! And again! And again! And AGAIN! Roman doesn’t stop until he’s satisfied, and the chair is bent! Roman tosses that one aside and goes back to The Fiend. The crowd is thunderous as Roman aims from the corner. Fiend flounders up, into another SPEAR!! The shirt says it all: “Wreck EVERYONE & Leave.” Roman wants the Universal Championship back, and no “freak in a mask” is going to keep it from him. Will the Roman Empire rebuild itself on top of the wreckage of Braun and Bray?
My Thoughts:
A great SummerSlam, and I’m not really sure what there is to complain about. I mean, not all the results went the way I expected, though that might’ve been what made for better stories. For one, I thought Dominik was going to win against Seth Rollins, especially at that moment where he rolled Rollins up while Rey tried to calm Mama Angie down. The tide shifting in that match made for a really effective win for Rollins and even a powerful moment for Dominik. Rey didn’t interfere with the match itself, as he promised Dominik, and now it’ll be a test to see if Dominik can dust himself off and rise up. As for Rollins, I wonder if Aleister Black comes back. The “arm injury” could’ve been a way to keep him out of this so that he could become the main opponent for Rollins in the next phase.
Another match I thought would go the other way was the Raw Tag Team Championships. Ford came back triumphantly from the “poisoning,” so I would’ve thought the math gives us new champions. But instead, the dysfunction returns! Almas cares more about Vega than Garza or the win, which is why they lost. I was feeling that MVP and the Hurt Business would focus on The Profits at some point, so this could be how we get to that tomorrow night. And then Garza and Almas give us a killer feud for someone, probably Garza, to turn Face but still lose. MVP and Apollo have a good US Championship but I can see why it got put on the kickoff show. Maybe Apollo takes on Lashley in a match to settle things with the Hurt Business before moving on, which could be half the reason we get Payback as PPV.
Mandy VS Sonya was really good stuff, probably as aggressive as it would’ve been if this was still the Hair VS Hair match. I was still expecting this to go as I felt on Friday, with Mandy sticking to wanting to show mercy, but it seems Sonya gave her no choice but to follow through and finish her. Sonya is “leaving” the WWE, probably to decompress after the real-life attempt on her life and maybe even try those rumored acting roles she was interested in. But I’m sure one day, she returns to be even stronger than ever. She can easily use an attack on Mandy or whatever Face is on top to “get back in.” As for Mandy, who had an awkward but admirable Caterpillar, I feel like she still has to wait on the outside before having a title opportunity because of Sasha and Bayley still holding belts. Speaking of…
Only Asuka, Sasha and Bayley could give us such an incredible double header. It should’ve been obvious at a certain point that Asuka wasn’t going to become a double champion, as the entirety of wrestling has had quite a few of those already just the last year. But the way tonight went is actually a bit like how I imagined the dysfunction of Bayley and Sasha going. Bayley gets Sasha to help her beat Asuka, but doesn’t really reciprocate, and Sasha loses. Bayley VS Naomi will be a quick detour before Bayley and Sasha break up and give us that long awaited match perhaps in time for the Royal Rumble, and that will be some great long term story telling. Shayna had a great part in the kickoff show to remind us she wants next, so finally getting her and Asuka fighting over not only the Raw title, but establishing who is/was THE most dominant NXT Women’s Champion, will be great stuff.
Keith Lee showing up on Raw tomorrow night, that’s quite the surprise! I didn’t expect his call up to happen so quickly but here it is. I’m not entirely sure who Keith even feuds with, but it could be just as obvious as Rollins. Rollins will want the new guy to choose the right side of this, and Keith obviously chooses the side that isn’t Rollins’. Other than that, it’s title pictures but both Apollo and McIntyre are Faces. I suppose Keith feuds with Rollins long enough for a championship to change hands, Keith gets passed Rollins and goes after the first Heel champion he sees. I just kinda wish he was either staying in NXT or going to SmackDown, but there might be reasons now as to why it’s not SmackDown.
Both top titles being a one-two double main event was of course a great idea, and how it should be. McIntyre VS Orton was great stuff, I loved the constant finisher denials, and I will even give credit to this ending as a quick pin! It fits the tagline of “You’ll never see it coming,” and could even keep Orton in the mix for the world title. I didn’t realize the Universal Championship was going to be Falls Count Anywhere until before the show, so that was a great touch. This was definitely like some kind of superhero comic fight, in a good way, but I do wish they’d go out into more than just the gorilla position. Maybe they just wanted to keep things nice for Raw and beyond. I’m a little disappointed there was no use of Alexa Bliss, but I did like Strowman cut up the ring mat.
It was a great surprise that Fiend won, and a WILD surprise that Roman Reigns returned! The shirt said it all but it was still wild to see him actually wreck Bray and Braun. Maybe Payback gives us a Triple Threat of those three, even if it isn’t for the title. Either way, great to see The Big Dog back, there’s a lot that can happen now with him in the mix.
My Score: 9.2/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Everyone is showing raw emotion!
The New Day’s no longer positive, Drew McIntyre’s back for revenge, and Rhea Ripley battles Raquel Rodriguez, all on one Monday Night Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: The Miz & The Final Testament VS The Wyatt Sick6; The Miz & Final Testament win.
- Dakota Kai VS Liv Morgan; Liv wins.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Lyra Valkyria VS Zelina Vega VS Ivy Nile; Lyra wins and advances to the next round.
- Anything Goes: Rhea Ripley VS Raquel Rodriguez; Rhea wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The New Day arrives backstage.
Xavier Woods wants high-fives, but no one is accepting. Kofi Kingston says hey to Natalya & The Alpha Academy, but they don’t return it. Their verbal shaming of Big E isn’t sitting well with anyone, will Woods & Kofi figure out who’s really in the wrong here?
Gunther is here!
Wichita, Kansas is a little torn as Der Ring General heads to the ring, dressed rather casually compared to other times, but he seems to have gotten over those multiple Coup de Grace double stomps from last week. Gunther grabs a mic, smiles as the fans both cheer and jeer, and he says, “As everybody has seen, quite obviously Finn Balor has made a grave mistake. And whether he deserves it or not, he now has my undivided attention. And I guarantee you right now, Saturday Night’s Main Event will not end up like Survivor Series for me.” But before he can continue, The Prince makes his way out here!
Finn, accompanied by The Judgment Day, also gets a mixed reaction from Wichita. But Finn tells Gunther that Gunther could’ve just given him the title match like he deserved. But instead, Gunther tried to mess with Finn by giving it to someone who didn’t deserve it, like Dirty Dom. The fans boo more but Finn says let’s be real! Finn is the only reason Gunther is still World Heavyweight Champion! And hearing what he said, Gunther is right about one thing: SNME will be NOTHING like Survivor Series. Because at Survivor Series, Gunther retained the title thanks to Finn. And at SNME, Gunther loses the title because of Finn!
And after eight long YEARS, Finn Balor walks out as the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! The Judgment Day applauds but the fans boo. Gunther tells Finn he’ll set one thing straight: Finn did NOT earn his title match. Finn’s audacity of claiming any responsibility of GUNTHER being champion is what did it. But Gunther gets it, Finn is frustrated. Eight years ago, Finn was the first-ever Universal Champion. And at that point in Gunther’s career, he looked up to Finn. Gunther respected Finn. But over the time, that respect kept fading and fading. Not because Gunther chose to, but because Finn chose to cut corners.
Finn chose to take shortcuts! Finn chose to hang out with a bunch of weirdos in a clubhouse! The fans cheer that but Gunther also adds that Finn chose to play second fiddle to Damian Priest. Finn gets heated, JD McDonagh keeps him back, and Gunther says, “So here we are now. Standing across from each other with no respect left. And I figuratively and literally am looking down on you. Eight years ago, you were the best in the world… for one night. I am the best in the world RIGHT NOW and for THOUSANDS of days to come! And this title proves it!!” The fans do cheer that.
Gunther tells Finn there is one reason he won’t leave Saturday as World Heavyweight Champion: Finn is NOT on Gunther’s level, and he never will be! Finn chuckles, and then The Judgment Day storms up to the ring! Gunther stands his ground, but here comes Damian Priest! Finn and his boys are shocked that The Punisher is storming down the ramp! Priest DOUBLE LARIATS JD & Carlito, KICKS and THROWS Dom aside, then fires hands on Finn! The fans fire up as Priest then THROWS Carlito down, then gives JD SNAKE EYES off railing! Finn goes after Priest now, and he sends Priest at the ring. Priest stops himself and fires hands on Finn
Priest puts Finn in the ring, and Gunther is there to CHOP him down! Priest SUPERKICKS Finn out of the ring! But then Gunther LARIATS Priest! The fans are torn as Gunther rains down fists on Priest, the guy who tried to help him! Gunther says he does not need help, and he TOSSES Priest out! Gunther storms out, clears off the desk, and now the fans are really fired up! Gunther brings Priest over, but Finn SLINGBLADES Gunther down! The Prince ends up saving Priest and he DROPKICKS Gunther into steel steps! But then Finn SMACKS Priest off the desk! Finn puts Priest in, climbs a corner, just to COUP DE GRACE Gunther!!
Judgment Day rushes Priest but he TOSSES Dom, throws JD into Carlito, then gives JD a FLAPJACK! SUPERKICK for Carlito! Dom throws hands, but Pries tis just pissed. Finn CLOBBERS Gunther on the outside, then hurries into the ring to save Dom! FINAL CUT! The Judgment Day mugs Priest now while fans boo. The boys set Priest up and Finn runs in, SHOTGUN! Priest hits buckles and falls! Judgment Day mugs Priest more while Finn goes up! COUP DE GRACE for Priest!! Finn wants more, his boys set Priest back up, COUP DE GRACE!! The fans boo even harder, but Finn wants another! Finn hits a third COUP DE GRACE on Priest!!
Wichita boos but Finn eyes the world title. Finn grins as he picks it up. Will Finn be a DOUBLE CHAMPION after Saturday Night’s Main Event? Or can Der Ring General stand against all of Judgment Day?
Judgment Day regroups backstage.
They’re all very excited after taking Gunther and Priest at the same time, and in steps Adam Pearce. He has to hand it to them. Another Monday, another night Judgment Day is causing chaos. But he is here as a courtesy to Finn. Pearce spoke with Gunther, and that conversation has brought about a change to Saturday Night’s Main Event. Huh? It will be Gunther VS Finn… VS PRIEST!! Finn is furious but then he says fine. Because it’ll make it even more satisfying when Finn beats both Gunther and Priest to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! The Judgment Day agrees, but Pearce has something else to say.
Since Finn is so worried about the other champions, here’s an opportunity to lead by example. Next week on Raw, Finn & JD will face the War Raiders again, for the tag titles again, and the best part? The rest of Judgment Day is BANNED FROM RINGSIDE! Pearce leaves, Judgment Day is furious, but the Liv says Finn should relax. He’s got everything under control. Though, she was wondering if Finn’s got any advice for Raquel’s match tonight. They wanna listen to Finn so they’ll win. Finn says yeah, Sis, just give him a couple minutes. Finn heads out, JD follows, and Liv says she feels good about tonight. Will Judgment Day be (not) fine?
8 Man Tag: The Miz & The Final Testament VS The Wyatt Sick6!
The Hollywood A-Lister’s sins came back to haunt him, but he aligned himself with men who are without conscience. But will any of them be conscious after facing Uncle Howdy and the new Wyatt Family? Or will Kross make Bo Dallas #FallAndPray?
The fans fire up for the Wyatts, and Bo talks to the rocking chair to say this is for the family. Then with a “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah~!” Bo and the Wyatts rush the ring! The fans fire up as the brawl is on and the bell rings! Lumis scares Miz and slithers after him while Gacy has Akam, Rowan has Rezar and Bo of course goes after Kross! The Wyatts manage to LARIAT the AOP up and out of the ring, then Bo CLOBBERS Kross! Bo clinches but Miz drags Kross out to safety! The Final Testament regroups while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Akam has Gacy down. The fans boo, Miz soaks it up, and Rezar tags in. AOP double whip to DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally but Rezar DRIBBLES Gacy’s face off the mat! Rezar then drags Gacy up, fires body shots, then talks trash. Rezar whips Gacy but Gacy BLASTS Kross! Gacy BOOTS Rezar, heads for his corner, but Rezar whips! But Gacy handsprings and comes back from THE UPSIDE-DOWN! The fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tags to Miz and Rowan! Big Red, the Ramblin’ Rabbit, rallies on Miz AND Akam! Then LARIAT in the corner for Miz, LARIAT in the corner for Akam!
Rowan runs back at Miz, but Miz BOOTS him! Miz runs but Rowan grabs him and TOSSES him! Miz lands hard out by Akam, and Rowan builds speed!? Rowan WRECKS Akam and Miz with a dropkick! The fans fire up as Rowan puts Miz in, and he BOOTS Akam! The fans fire up and Rowan slides in. Miz KICKS Rowan, but that just pisses Rowan off! Rowan suplexes for the CUTTER! Cover, AOP breaks it! AOP BLAST The Wyatts, then they hoist Rowan up! DOUBLE POWERBOMB!! But Gacy & Lumis get in to fire hands! They dodge, DROPKICK and SUPERKICK in stereo! Then Lumis whips Gacy so he can DIVE onto AOP!
Lumis goes up, Gacy sets AOP for the CANNONBALL! All four men are down and Miz is freaking out! Rowan crawls, hot tag to Howdy! Bo CLOBBERS Miz, then LARIATS in a corner! Bo reels Miz in, suplexes, and puts Miz on ropes for the MAGIC SCREW! The fans are thunderous and Bo waits on Miz. Miz rises up, scrambles to ropes, and he throws an elbow! Kross tags in, but Bo ROCKS Kross first! Bo LARIATS Kross up and out! The fans fire up for Bo, he builds speed, but Scarlett trips him up! The fans boo as the Femme Fatale gets away with that one. Or does she? NIKKI CRSS creeps out from nowhere, and she creeps Scarlett out!
Nikki waves, Scarlett runs away but into the ring! The ref tells her to get out, which she does, but Nikki is there on the other side! FLYING THESZ PRESS! Bo clinches Kross, but Miz CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Miz thinks he’s got him> Bo GRABS Miz with the MANDIBLE CLAW!! Miz flails desperately, but PAUL ELLERING is back! POCKET SAND!! Kross scoops Bo for the FINAL PRAYER! Cover, Final Testament wins!
Winners: The Final Testament, by pinfall
That mastermind, Ellering, returns when Kross needed him most! But is this only the first battle in a war with the Wyatts?
Sit-down interview with CM Punk.
Jackie Redmond is with the Second City Saint and thanks him for taking the time. He thanks her for inviting him, he appreciates it. Punk then teases if she’s going to belittle his Chicago Blackhawks, she’s in for a fight. Jackie says no, she’ll be asking something much more important. It is all anyone’s talking about, anyway: the promised favor from Paul Heyman! What is it? Can he hint anything about it? No, this isn’t the right time for that. That’s a personal thing. Punk and Heyman go back many years, the favor is between them.
Jackie accepts that and then asks about Seth Rollins. Last week, Punk let Rollins know that Punk doesn’t think about Rollins at all, but Rollins made it clear that he has his sights set on Punk. Rollins is willing to force the issue, so how will Punk handle it? Punk says it is no secret that he doesn’t shy away from a fight. If you go after him, he’ll start swinging. But when it comes to Rollins’ hatred for Punk, Punk is more confused than anything. Punk doesn’t hate Rollins. To understand, you have to talk about the history between them, which also goes back years.
We’re talking about a 16-year-old Seth Rollins coming to Punk to ask Punk to train him, for free. Now, that’s the key part everyone leaves out. Rollins’ entitlement gets carried over into adult Rollins, who wants to be the best in the world, in everyone’s Top Ten List. But Punk remembers when Rollins was on the top ten list of those to be fired from here. Punk “shielded” Rollins from that. If Punk had to live in his shadow, Punk would hate Punk, too. Rollins is a multiple time world champion, a Mr. Money in the Bank winner, but everything he’s done, Punk did before and did it better.
Now, Punk doesn’t claim to do those things because he wanted a thank you. He did recognize Rollins had all the potential in the world. And in Punk’s absence from the WWE, Rollins did a fantastic job filling to void. But simply put, the starting player is back, Rollins has to go back to the bench. Jackie appreciates the honesty, and thanks Punk for his time. But is Punk really telling the truth that he doesn’t hate Rollins with how he just talked down about him? Will Rollins’ hate for Punk only grow exponentially now?
Dakota Kai VS Liv Morgan!
#CobraKai is already into the second round of the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament, but she could capture a golden ticket off of the Women’s WORLD Champion here in Wichita. Will Damage CTRL be doing damage to Judgment Day for the holidays? Or will Liv simply use Kai to prepare for Iyo Sky?
The bell rings, Liv runs up and the two tie up. Dakota headlocks, but Liv pulls hair to get free! Liv shoves, drops down, but Dakota stops herself. Dakota bypasses Liv, then hurdles. Liv jumps over, comes back, but Dakota arm-drags her around and around! Dakota snapmares Liv to then NECK SNAPPER! Jackknife bridge, TWO!! Liv escapes and scurries away to a corner. Dakota runs up but Liv TOSSES her up and out! Dakota SMACKS off steps before hitting the floor, and Liv grins while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Liv SLAMS Dakota down! Dakota writhes but Liv kicks her around. Wait, Pure Fusion Collective make their way out here? They must be upset on Shayna Baszler’s behalf for how Dakota won that Triple Threat. Anyway, Liv hits a snap suplex, then rolls, that was Una Amiga! Now she hits Dos Amigas! And then Liv gives some Latina Heat for Daddy Dom, but Dakota hits a suplex first! The fans fire up while Liv flounders away. Liv runs back up but Dakota ROCKS her first! And again, and again, and again! Liv shoves Dakota, but Dakota LARIATS! And LARIATS! Then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up with Dakota as she goes after Liv!
Dakota whips Liv corner to corner hard, and Liv sits down! Dakota then runs side to side to BOOT WASH! Liv flounders to the apron but Dakota puts her in ropes, DRAPING STOMP! Cover, TWO! Liv survives and now Dakota notices PFC. They wave mockingly and also mockingly coach her. Dakota fireman’s carries Liv, but Liv slips free to shove! Dakota comes back with a SCORPION KICK! Dakota runs, Zoey is there, so Dakota BOOTS her! And PERNALTY KICKS Shayna! The ref tells PFC to back up, but Liv runs up! Dakota avoids ObLivion, rolls Liv up, TWO! Liv dodges a kick to hit a CODE BREAKER!
Dakota staggers to a corner, Liv runs up, SHINING WIZARD! Liv kicks Dakota out, then goes up, FLYING- POWERBOMB!! The fans fire up but Sonya gets on the apron! Dakota BOOTS her down! Dakota runs Around the World, but Liv dodges the boot! Dakota hobbles, Liv runs up, OBLIVION!! Cover, Liv wins!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall
The Women’s World Champion snatches her belt and leaves, but PFC goes after Dakota! They really ARE upset over last week’s Triple Threat! They mug Dakota, then drag her up. But wait, here comes DMG CTRL! Iyo Sky RAMS Shayna, Kairi drags Sonya out! URAKEN for Sonya! Zoey & Shayna dodge the handspring, but Iyo comes back to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! Iyo kips up while Wichita fires up, and Kairi joins in! Iyo gives Kairi a hand to go up, up and AWAY! TRIPLE CROSSBODY!! PFC goes down, the fans fire up more, but then Iyo turns around into OBLIVION!! Liv gets the final shot on the Evil Genius, will this be how things go at Saturday Night’s Main Event?
Drew McIntyre speaks.
“Hell in a Cell was the most violent match of my 24-year career. And in the end, I succumbed to massive blood loss. I could’ve been at Raw post Bad Blood, against doctor’s orders. I proved time and time again The Scottish Warrior isn’t just a catchy nickname, it is earned. But I had to go back to Scotland. My family needed me. 2024 should’ve been a career year for Drew McIntyre, but time and time again, I kept getting screwed over at the finish line. While I was home in Scotland, that same thought kept going through my head, burning in my brain. ‘What if I’m wrong? What if everyone else was right? What if people truly can change? What if my gut was wrong?’
“Then I turned on Survivor Series and I saw Roman Reigns standing side by side with CM Punk. Who was by their side? Sami, Jimmy, Jey, with their stupid fingers in the air. After everything they know, Roman just snaps his fingers, they put their tails between their legs, they run right by his side? At least CM Punk took a bribe! They all sold out for absolutely nothing. That’s when it was clear, that’s when I knew I had to come back. That’s when I knew I was gonna take out Sami. That’s when I knew I was gonna take out Jey Uso. Spending time back home, I realized there’s no changing the past, no matter how much I want to.
“But I can change the present. And I will change the future.” The Scottish Terminator has new targets, or perhaps old depending on how you look at it. But will there be no running for Jey and Sami now that McIntyre’s making it his mission to destroy them?
Adam Pearce exits his office, with Cody Rhodes!
The Raw General Manager shakes hands with the Undisputed WWE Champion, and then The New Day walk by. They see the American Nightmare, and Cody says he’s known them both for a very long time. Cody and Woods have even known each other since they were kids. Cody says they should be ashamed of themselves. Woods laughs that off and says good coming from that guy, like he was so good in high school. The New Day continues on, who else will the find disapproves of this new attitude?
Seth Rollins is here!
Wichita sings for The Visionary, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” while he goes to the ring. Rollins grabs a mic and welcomes Wichita to Monday Night Rollins~! And he is your host tonight! He is a Visionary, he is a Revolutionary, he IS Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! And there’s a lot to talk about tonight. Wichita, give it up for CM Punk, huh? The fans are torn but Rollins tells “Punker,” when you’re done in the ring, Punk can be a politician! That right there earlier tonight, that was a master class in how to spin the truth. Take a little bit of the truth, play the victim, and Punk’s been doing that his entire life!
Rollins says Punk is a fraud, a conman, and Rollins will share the truth between them. Punk was right, Rollins did go to get trained by The Best in the World, no doubt about it. Rollins looked up to Punk, idolized him, and Punk helped Rollins get his foot in the door here in the WWE. Rollins respected Punk, and they were once friends. And if the story ended there, you might wonder, too: Why does Rollins hate Punk? The part of Punk’s story that he left out will tell you why. When Punk walked out the door of WWE eleven years ago, Rollins called and texted as a friend and how he respected what Punk stood for.
What’d Rollins get in return? Nothing! Rollins got ghosted! And not just Rollins, it was everyone who was a friend of Punk’s here in WWE! Because if you didn’t quit your dream job, and your priorities didn’t line up with Team CM Punk, then you were evil. And if the story ended there, okay. But that’s not what happened! Because for the next ten years, all Punk ever tried to do was tear WWE down! That’s all he did! Punk talked crap, took pot shots, and when Punk finally walked back in here, do you know why that was? Because Punk FAILED at everything else, burned every single bridge that would lead him to water, and… the money was right.
The fans are still torn, but plenty of fans still chant “CM PUNK! CM PUNK!” Rollins says yeah, once upon a time, he used to chant for Punk, too. He used to respect Punk, used to want to be just like Punk, follow in his footsteps. But somewhere along the way, Rollins realized Punk was a fraud and that he wanted to be BETTER than Punk! And Rollins was! Everything Punk did, Rollins did it TWICE! And he did the one thing Punk could never do, and that was main event WrestleMania! But wait, here comes Sami Zayn! Rollins tells Sami to stay outta this but the fans cheer Sami on as he goes right down to the ring.
Sami steps in with a mic in hand, and Rollins says if Sami is out here to defend Punk again, then they’re gonna be fighting again. Rollins does not wanna hear it, he has no time for it. Sami says last week, Rollins was angry, Sami was angry, they said some things and had it out in the ring. That’s bound to happen when they’ve known each other for as long as they have. But it was wrong of Sami to assume Rollins dropped Jey. Sami’s known Rollins long enough so he was wrong, and for that, he is sorry. The fans cheer the apology, and Rollins says he is glad Sami brought that up.
Because the thing that’s been eating Rollins up is, as far back as they go, 20 YEARS, and their kids play together, they’re tight! But when Jey went down, Rollins was the first person Sami thought of! And Rollins wants to know why. Well there is a reason! The way Rollins was talking, he was outta his mind! No, go back and watch. Rollins wasn’t talking like Rollins, he wasn’t like the guy Sami’s known those 20 years. Rollins was being someone who points his fingers at everyone else, that blames everyone else, and acts like they’re the only person with moral clarity. He wasn’t being Seth Rollins, he was being Drew McIntyre!
Rollins stares Sami down and says, “I am not Drew McIntyre.” Sami says he knows that, because Rollins is a better person. But this thing with Rollins and Punk, it is bringing out the worst in Rollins. And maybe Sami shouldn’t have gotten involved. Sami saw a guy he’s known forever and a guy he’d just gone to war with, they were fighting, and Sami got involved when he shouldn’t have. That is why he is here. Sami has to tell Rollins that this thing with Punk is worse than Sami thought possible, so Sami will let Rollins deal with it however he wants. Rollins thanks Sami for that, that is all Rollins has wanted.
Okay, so what about them? Are Sami and Rollins good? The fans chant “HUG IT OUT! HUG IT OUT!” Rollins says, “Yeah, Sami, we’re good, man.” Rollins appreciates Sami letting him handle things with Punk, and notes it seems Sami has something with Drew. Rollins heads out, and Sami says yeah, that’s good advice. Sami will handle things with Drew! Sami says this thing with Drew, they won’t run it back like before. Sami won’t listen to Drew coming out here, week after week, talking about everyone else is wrong and he is wrong and is some martyr. Sami’s gonna end this as quickly as it started, so this is how it goes!
Sami has already spoken with Adam Pearce. The fans cheer that! Sami says Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sami VS Drew, and Sami will see Drew in Long Island!! The fans fire up as SNME just gets that much bigger. Sami heads out, but then McIntyre CLOBBERS Sami on the stage!! The fans boo, producers and refs rush out, and they have to drag McIntyre off of Sami. McIntyre grins and says okay, he’s done with Sami, for now. Will McIntyre put Sami out of action like he did to Jey last week? Or can Sami stop the Scottish Terminator before he gets started?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Lyra Valkyria VS Zelina Vega VS Ivy Nile!
Another spot in the semifinals awaits, and we’ll see The Morrigan, La Muneca & The Diamond Pitbull battle it out! Will Lyra fly on to the second round? Will the LWO have the Queen of the Ring representing them? Or will this tournament soon be American Made?
The bell rings and Zelina SHOTGUNS Ivy! Lyra rolls Zelina, TWO! Zelina and Lyra clinch, Lyra whips, but Zelina leaps to FACE SMASH! Then BASEMENT HEEL KCIK! The fans fire up and Zelina dials it up, 619! Lyra flops back but Ivy YANKS Zelina down! Ivy runs up, whips Lyra, then tilt-o-whirl POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Ivy stomps away on Lyra, then stands on her face! The fans boo and the ref reprimands while Raw goes to break
Raw returns and Lyra rallies the fans before she builds speed. Lyra WRECKS Ivy and Zelina with one dropkick! Lyra puts Ivy in, brings her around, and then runs up a corner! TORNADO DDT! Then a roll through to fisherman and BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ivy stays in this but Lyra stays on Ivy. Lyra fireman’s carries, but Ivy fights around to an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Ivy clasps hands and fights around, and she rolls back, but into a DISARM-HER! Ivy references The Man but Lyra rolls Ivy, TWO! Ivy lets go and runs up, but Lyra sunset flips! ONE, and Ivy jackknife bridges! ONE as Lyra rolls and rolls, but Zelina is up top! SWANTON BOMB!!
Zelina covers Ivy, TWO!! A cover on Lyra, TWO!! Zelina is annoyed but she builds speed to SLIDING SUNSET BOMB! A shoutout to Rey Mysterio and Zelina hurries up top. Zelina climbs up and the fans rally for the FLYING METEORA! Cover, Ivy BOOTS it apart! The fans boo but Ivy throws Zelina to a corner. Zelina BOOTS Ivy, goes up, and CROSSBODIES! Ivy catches Zelina for a SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, Lyra breaks it! The fans fire up and all three women are down! The fans rally, Ivy drags Lyra up to waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Ivy holds on, Lyra scrambles around, and Lyra grabs Zelina! Ivy DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEXES!
Bridging cover on Lyra, TWO!! Lyra stays in this but Ivy stays on her! Lyra fights #SuplexIvy to switch, but Ivy switches for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Lyra stays in this, but Zelina hops on! CODE RED for Ivy! Cover, Lyra breaks it again! Lyra hurries to get Ivy up, fireman’s carries, and hits the NIGHTWING DRIVER! Cover, LYRA WINS!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Morrigan finds her opening, and now she’s flying back to a “shiny shiny!” But the next match will have Alba Fyre VS Kairi Sane VS Natalya, who wins that Triple Threat to meet Lyra in the semifinals?
Rhea Ripley prepares backstage.
Priest finds her, and he simply tells her, “Eradicate.” They fist bump and Priest heads out. Will Rhea do exactly that when she and Raquel Rodriguez go Anything Goes?
Backstage interview with The New Day.
Cathy Kelley is with Woods & Kofi and brings up last week’s celebration becoming anything but “don’t you dare be sour,” the very phrase they coined ten years ago. What was the intention behind them berating their longtime friend, Big E? Kofi says hold on, she is supposed to be neutral, why is she asking a question like that? Woods says Cathy is cleary biased, so they’re going to go talk to the people they need to, and that’s the fans. Can’t he just answer the question? Woods says no, Cathy, please. Now hand Woods the camera. What? Woods doesn’t care if John Cena’s his best friend, the cameraman is gonna hand it over!
Woods takes the camera from this guy, then he and Kofi head on through the backstage area and towards gorilla. The fans can be heard booing as they do, and The New Day make their entrance without music or fanfare. The fans instead chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS! NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods asks, “What’d we do?” Kofi and Woods go into the ring, we get a different camera perspective while they get mics. Kofi says no no no no no, but the fans just boo more. “You mean to tell me… after the ten years of positivity that Woods and I have given you, you mean to tell me you’re this mad, all from one day?”
The fans boo and give thumbs down, but Woods says that New Day came out here… The fans chant “We Want Big E! We Want Big E!” and “NEW! DAY SUCKS! NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods says they didn’t even do anything to Big E! The fans boo because yes they did! Kofi says they could’ve hit Big E with a steel chair! They could’ve hit him with a sledgehammer! The fans chant for Big E more, and Woods says, “Y’know what? We were gonna try to come out here and talk…” The fans boo more so New Day just gives up and drops their mics. New Day leaves, acting like they’re somehow NOT in the wrong, but will someone get it through their heads what they did?
Anything Goes: Rhea Ripley VS Raquel Rodriguez!
After weeks of being this close to getting even with Liv Morgan, and yet being so far from revenge because of Big Mami Cool, these two finally have it out 1v1! No disqualifications, no count outs, no holding these two back from what they really wanna do to each other! Who will be the Top Mami after tonight?
Raw returns and Raquel makes her entrance. But Rhea goes after her at the ramp! Rhea fires hands, then she whips Raquel into barriers! The fans fire up as this match is happening in front of them, and Raquel sends Rhea into the railing! And then the barriers! Then she CLUBS away! Rhea hits back, they brawl, and Rhea SMACKS Raquel off a trash can! The fans fire up but Rhea has them move aside. Rhea makes Raquel take a seat so she can CHOP and CHOP and CHOP! Rhea then runs and TOSSES Raquel over the barriers! We’re finally ringside and Rhea CHUCKS a trash can at Raquel! The trash flies everywhere while Rhea storms up on Raquel.
Rhea puts Raquel in the ring, where a lot of items are already waiting! Rhea gathered those during commercial it seems, and Rhea hits a FACE SMASH then LARAIT! Raquel stays up, so Rhea SMACKS her with a kendo stick! Raquel falls, and Rhea SMACKS her again! Raquel grabs the stick, throws Rhea to a corner, but Rhea BOOTS in return! Rhea goes up, up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Down goes Raquel and the fans fire up! Raquel tumbles out, Rhea builds speed and WRECKS her with a dropkick! The fans fire up with Rhea, and she looks under the ring. Rhea brings out a TABLE! The fans love it!
But then Raquel RAMS Rhea into the post! Raquel scoops Rhea, to FALL AWAY SLAM her onto the desk! Rhea tumbles, Wade Barrett & Joe Tessitore get clear, and Raquel roars while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Rhea DOUBLE BOOTS Raquel! Both women are down and Wichita fires up! Rhea and Raquel rise, Rhea wrenches Raquel to short arm LARIAT! And then ROUNDHOUSE! Rhea grabs a chair, tosses it to Raquel, then DROPKICKS the chair into her! The fans fire up and Rhea runs, but into a KNEE! Raquel hoists Rhea up, ALLEY-OOP into buckles! Cover, TWO! Rhea stays in this but Raquel is furious! Fans want tables but Raquel sets up a chair. Raquel gut wrenches Rhea but Rhea slips free! Rhea gets around, and atomic FACEBUSTERS Raquel off the chair! Then Rhea SMACKS Raquel with another chair! Cover, TWO!
Rhea is seething and she piles chairs together. Rhea hauls Raquel up, pump handles, but here comes Liv! Liv taunts Rhea, Rhea runs up to TOSS Liv into the ring! Liv flounders, almost hitting those chairs on that landing! But Raquel CLOBBERS Rhea! Raquel decides to use that chair pile herself! Scoop and SLAM onto the chairs! Cover, TWO!! Rhea survives but Raquel sits a chair up upside-down! Raquel aims Rhea at the chair legs, but Rhea slips free! Rhea HEADBUTTS Raquel! Then she pump handles, but Liv jumps on for a SLEEPER! Liv thrashes but Rhea THROWS her down! Rhea runs up and tells Liv that she’s gonna pay!
Raquel runs up but Rhea SUPERKICKS her! But Liv gets Rhea into OBLIVION!! But wait, Iyo Sky is here! Payback with a MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Iyo kips up! Iyo then builds speed and DIVES! Down goes Liv! But Raquel covers Rhea! TWO!! Rhea survives again but Raquel brings that table up! The fans are torn because they like the table but the want Rhea to rise up! Raquel hoists Rhea up, but Rhea slips free again! Raquel runs up, but is sent into a CORNER CHAIR!! Rhea then hauls Raquel up, pump handles, and RIPTIDE through the table!!! Cover, Rhea wins!!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall
That was brutal to be sure, but Rhea grins as she gets one over on Raquel. Rhea spots the world title, but so does Iyo. They both grab it, then stare down with each other. With Iyo facing Liv this Saturday, could the Evil Genius be leaving Long Island the NEW Women’s World Champion, and Rhea’s new target?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw tonight, especially as the go-home to Saturday Night’s Main Event. There were also more hints at this WWE Transfer Window, with Tiffany Stratton in the background as Rollins was on his way to gorilla, and then Cody Rhodes having his moment with Adam Pearce and The New Day. As I said for SmackDown, this is clearly Netflix wanting THE Undisputed WWE Championship on Raw, and we’ll basically get a direct trade of Cody for Gunther. But speaking of The New Day, brilliant stuff out of them. They’re Heels who don’t realize they’re Heels, but everyone else does, and that is definitely something special for this next chapter of The New Day’s careers.
Great 8 Man Tag from Wyatts and Final Testa-Miz, but it got overbooked real quick. Scarlett was a given, as was Nikki Cross, but I did NOT see Ellering showing up and throwing that HUGE amount of sand or powder. I do commend them for this, as cheating was really the only way anyone was gonna beat The Wyatts. I hope the rematch lets them let loose with a No Disqualification stipulation, maybe even something rather Bray Wyatt in style. Though at the same time, we’re almost at Christmas so they could do like, a Nightmare Before Christmas match so that it’ll be themed for the holidays, but also spooky for The Wyatts.
Great promo from McIntyre to help us understand it really was him who attacked Jey Uso, and to quickly establish he and Sami are gonna fight it out. Great promos from CM Punk, Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn, too, and even though the Royal Rumble is first, I feel like we’ve got a great field for Elimination Chamber already. Punk, Rollins and McIntyre all hate each other, but McIntyre also hates those who help Roman Reigns, which will bring Sami into it. And the match itself could be for a top championship, or at least a shot at it, so you can throw in just about anyone, it really depends on how this Transfer Window sorts out.
The World Heavyweight Championship going from 1v1 to a Triple Threat is some wild stuff. Great promo segment from Gunther with Finn & The Judgment Day, and then of course Priest gets involved. I feel like with the Triple Threat, that’s their way of keeping the title on Gunther while keeping everyone strong. Or also letting Judgment Day get involved so they can tilt things in Finn’s favor, but then still let Gunther get away with the title. Finn & JD VS War Raiders next week, probably with Finn NOT World Heavyweight Champion, and NO Judgment Day allowed ringside, that has to be a title change, right?
Great Triple Threat from Lyra, Zelina and Ivy, but it also felt a little secondary with everything else going on tonight. Great win for Lyra, and I feel like it’s either Alba Fyre or Natalya who meets her in the next round. Dakota VS Liv was a good match to give Liv some momentum going towards SNME, but it was also a vehicle for Pure Fusion Collective to get involved. I feel like we’ll be getting a Six Woman Tag of PFC VS DMG CTRL after Saturday, assuming Iyo doesn’t win the title on Saturday. Liv of course got involved with the Anything Goes main event tonight, which cued Iyo to return the favor, and that helped Rhea win.
The main event was still awesome even without the overbooking, but now they’re teasing Rhea VS Iyo. Iyo might win, but maybe Tiffany Stratton shows up with her Money in the Bank briefcase. Tiff could cash in and take that title from Liv and Iyo, setting up some Tiff VS Rhea, but then what happens to Iyo? Again, we’ve got a good field for a Women’s Elimination Chamber right there: Liv VS Rhea VS Iyo VS Tiff VS… I dunno, two women in this Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament that don’t win. Again, the Transfer Window will have to sort out who is where first, then we’ll go from there.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Will heads for the Tokyo Dome?
Gabe Kidd & Sanada won A Block handedly while Naito & Hiromu came out of B Block’s chaotic finale, but only one team can win World Tag League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Tiger Mask VS Daiki Nagai; Tiger Mask wins.
- Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Shoma Kato & Katsuya Mursahima; Shane & Mikey win.
- Bishamon VS The Filip Brothers; Bishamon wins.
- Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS Taichi, Taka Michinoku & DOUKI; Taichi, Taka & Douki win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club; LIJ wins.
- 10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, Tomoaki Honma & Jado VS The House of Torture; The Houes of Torture wins, by disqualification.
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Shota Umino, Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; TMDK wins.
- 2024 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & SANADA VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, Tomoaki Honma & Jado VS The House of Torture!
The Ace, The Joker & The Rook are joined by a couple knights of NJPW to stand against The King of Darkness and his army of scumbags! With WrestleKingdom on the horizon, which side of this war wins this crucial battle?
But as The House makes their entrance, Team Ace turns the tables by going after them first! The fans cheer as Tanahashi goes right after Evil and The House panics! Yano brawls with Narita, Oleg and Jado take care of Kanemaru and Yujiro, and Tanahashi headlocks Evil. Tanahashi brings Evil to ringside to POST him! Evil falls but Tanahashi drags him back up to wrench and whip into railing! The fans cheer more and Tanahashi CLUBS Evil. Tanahashi whips Evil at more railing, and Evil hits so hard that he tumbles up and over! The rest of the team keeps The House down all around ringside while Tanahashi fetches Evil.
Tanahashi brings Evil into the ring, then follows, and finally the bell rings! The fans cheer as Tanahashi stalks Evil to a corner. Tanahashi stomps Evil, throws forearms, and the ref counts. Tanahashi shoves the ref! The President is getting really rough with his employees, but he stalks Evil. Tanahashi drags Evil up to fire a BODY BLOW! And another! Tanahashi whips, Evil reverses, and then Evil gets in the ref’s face so Dick Togo can trip Tanahashi up! Then the House rushes in and BLASTS Team Ace off the apron! The ref reprimands everyone but Evil CHOKES Tanahashi with the tag rope!
The fans boo but The House beats up on Team Ace, and then Evil throws away the evidence of his crime. Dick passes the mic to Evil, and Evil grabs it so he can shout in Tanahashi’s face about just giving up now and sparing himself the embarrassment at WrestleKingdom! Tanahashi tells Evil he’ll never surrender, and the ref reprimands Evil. Evil stops choking Tanahashi and throws the mic away. Evil tags Narita and the Souled Out Son of Strong Style stomps away on Tanahashi’s legs! Narita then clamps on a KNEEBAR! Evil and Yano shout at each other, but Tanahashi fights his way to the ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts and Narita lets go at 4. Narita stomps Tanahashi more, then he tags Tokyo Pimp. Narita & Yujiro have the legs, and they split the wishbone! Yujiro then drops an elbow on the bad leg! Yujiro taunts Tanahashi, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Tanahashi ends up on ropes, so Yujiro ROCKS him, then CHOPS him! Yujiro stands Tanahashi up, Narita & Sho anchor Tanahashi in place, and Yujiro BOOTS him! The ref reprimands everyone but Yujiro snapmares for a cover! TWO, the fans rally, but Kanemaru tags in. The Heel Master YANKS the leg, then whisp Tanahashi to ropes. Kanemaru dropkicks the leg out!
Kanemaru hurries to step through, FIGURE FOUR! The House BLASTS Team Ace again! The ref reprimands and the fans rally up while Tanahashi endures. Honma clears Evil out, and he runs to FALLING KOKESHI on Kanemaru! The fans cheer as Tanahashi is saved, but Narita goes after Honma! The fans boo as Narita TOSSES Honma, but Kanemaru tags Sho. Sho stomps the leg, then DDTS the foot! The fans rally for Tanahashi but Sho scuffs him around. Tanahashi stands up and he fires forearms! Sho CLAWS Tanahashi’s eyes, but Tanahashi CLAWS Sho’s eyes! The ref reprimands them both, but Tanahashi blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi crawls over, hot tag to Oleg! The fans fire up as BARS CLOBBERS Sho! Evil gets away before Oleg can get him, and Yujiro attacks from behind! Yujiro & Narita double whip, but Oleg CLOBBERS them both! Kanemaru kicks and whips, but Oleg reverses to scoop Kanemaru! Oleg SMACKS Sho using Kanemaru! Then Oleg SLAMS Kanemaru, and gut wrenches! The fans fire up for the Shake, Shake, Shake! GUT WRENCH PLEX! Oleg kips up and the fans fire up! Oleg then deadlifts Sho for the gut wrench. But Sho bends fingers and wrenches free! Sho runs, SPEARS, but he bounces right off of Oleg!
The fans fire up and Oleg deadlifts Sho again! Shake, Shake, Shake! GUT WRENCH PLEX! And another kip up! The fans fire up with Oleg and he runs to BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Oleg drags Sho right up into his arms, then pops him to a fireman’s carry! But Sho CLAWS Oleg’s eyes! Sho slips free, but Oleg kicks Sho! Sho runs to dropkick Oleg’s legs! Sho whips, and TADA! Bare buckles! Oleg suffers The House Special, and Evil DROPKICKS Tanahashi! Sho & Evil double whip Oleg into the bare buckles! Oleg hobbles forward, into a DOUBLE- NO! Oleg fights to DOUBLE SUPLEX them first! The fans fire up and Oleg crawls, and Tanahashi is adamant about getting in!
Oleg isn’t sure about it, but he tags Tanahashi back! Tanahashi fires a strike fest on Evil, and goes an extra round before the SHOTEI! Tanahashi runs to SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up while Tanahashi stalks Evil to a corner. Tanahashi stomps a mudhole into Evil but the ref counts. Tanahashi is not stopping! He SHOVES the ref away! Tanahashi’s rage is getting the better of him as he UPPERCUTS Evil! Tanahashi goes corner to corner, runs back in, but Evil sends him into the ref! And then The House attacks again! Dick stomps away on Tanahashi while Evil recovers! The fans boo and tell Dick to go away!
Narita brings in chairs! Dick stomps Tanahashi more, and the House has all their favorite items! Dick has his Spoiler Choker, Narita with his pushup bar, Sho with the “Torture Tool,” Yujiro with the pimp cane, and Kanemaru with his whiskey bottle. The fans boo as Evil stands on Tanahashi’s face and The House closes in. Evil drags Tanahashi up, and Dick clamps on the SPOILER CHOKER! And then The House CLOBBERS Team Ace with all their weapons! Evil takes aim, but Tanahashi BOOTS him first! Tanahashi THROWS Dick away, but Evil JAMS him up! Tanahashi blocks the chair shot! Tanahashi kicks low, and he SMACKS away on Evil!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi breaks the chair on Evil’s back! Narita runs up, Tanahashi JAMS him first! And then he JAMS Yujiro! And he JAMS Kanemaru! And he JAMS Sho! Then Tanahashi uses the frame to SMACK Evil! The ref is back, he tells Tanahashi to stop, but Tanahashi shoves the ref again! Tanahashi’s rage explodes as he beats Evil down with the chair! Team Ace is DISQUALIFIED!!
Winners: The House of Torture, by disqualification
Tanahashi keeps beating Evil to serve justice, but Young Lions rush in and stop him! Evil writhes, but Tanahashi gets a new chair! Tanahashi SMACKS Evil again and again! His team isn’t even sure what to do, so they let him just BASH away on Evil! Tanahashi tells Evil this is what he gets! One more chair shot! AND THEN ANOTHER! Evil scrambles out of the ring, and Young Lions have to get in Tanahashi’s way to stop the beating! Tanahashi drops the chair to grab the mic, and he shouts, “EVIL, YOU BASTARD! Shut up about my retirement! Oi, oi, you want me to leave so badly? I get it. You want it a year earlier, huh?
“Then in our match on January 4th, I’ll put my career on the line right then!!” The fans are shocked, but Evil says good! And there’s no going back now that he said it! But Tanahashi adds that Evil won’t be able to rely on his goons! It will be a LUMBERJACK MATCH! Now YOU remember that!! Team Ace and The House will wage war once again in the Tokyo Dome! And given Evil only won tonight because Tanahashi lost his cool, will Tanahashi dish out his final justice?
Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Shota Umino, Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi!
Zack Sabre Jr. took the pin when he and Ryohei Oiwa faced Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma in the tournament, so an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match is set for WrestleKingdom! Will the Roughneck burn The Front Man again with the help of Funky Sauce? Or will we see even now that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The teams sort out and after Shota stares at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and his paper replica to compare, he steps up to the champ. The bell rings and the fans cheer as we get this WK19 preview. Shota and ZSJ stare down, the fans rally up, and it sounds pretty even between “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” Shota and ZSJ get their fans even more fired up, and then the two circle. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but then ZSJ rolls to wrench. Shota wrenches back and he WRINGS ZSJ out! ZSJ UPKICKS, and the two reset. The fans cheer and the two circle again. Shota avoids a leg pick but ZSJ avoids an enzigiri!
Shota avoids the Penalty Kick, then spins ZSJ to underhook! ZSJ flips that but Shota fights the scoop! ZSJ avoids the uppercut but Shota blocks the uppercut! Shota wants the backslide but ZSJ spins that around, only for Shota to arm-drag! But ZSJ headscissors! Shota kips free and the fans cheer the standoff! Shota dares ZSJ to take the leg, but ZSJ just pushes the foot away. The two reset and feel things out again. They knuckle lock, go forehead to forehead, but then each man kicks a knuckle lock apart. ZSJ and Shota back off, and ZSJ dares Shota to bring it. Shota steps back up, they go forehead to forehead, and then ZSJ offers a free shot.
Shota says no, the champ should take the free shot. ZSJ decides to tag in Oiwa instead. Shota says fine, and he tags Taguchi. The fans rally as Taguchi and Oiwa circle. They tie up, Oiwa headlocks, but Taguchi pries the hold. Oiwa clamps on tighter but Taguchi fires body shots. Taguchi powers up and out, but Oiwa runs him over! Things speed up, Taguchi hurdles and DROPKICKS Oiwa down! Cover, TWO! Fujita slides in but Zayne intercepts! Zayne kicks the Japanese Young Punk and then throws him out! Funky Sauce double whip Oiwa to then BULLDOG and BASEMENT DROPKICK! The fans cheer and Taguchi stalks Oiwa.
Taguchi HIP DROPS Oiwa again and again, then uses the ropes to go up, out, and slingshot back in, but he hip drops onto Oiwa’s knees! Taguchi hobbles away and Oiwa storms up to whip. Taguchi reverses, runs up, but Oiwa pops him up onto the top rope! Taguchi is stuck right on the Funky Weapon! The ref checks but Oiwa SHAKES the ropes! Taguchi suffer, then he slowly tilts to one side! Oiwa gut wrenches Taguchi off the ropes! Tag to ZSJ and ZSJ UPPERCUTS the butt! Then he UPPERCUTS the butt again! And again! Taguchi falls over and ZSJ tags Fujita. Taguchi backstrokes towards his corner, but Fujita stomps him down!
Fujita drags Taguchi up, CHOPS him, then whips him to a corner. Fujita runs up and CHOPS again! Fujita snapmares Taguchi to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans rally up. Fujita drags Taguchi up, but Taguchi CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Fujita CHOPS back! Fujita runs, Taguchi jumps, but Fujita CHOPS the hip attack! Taguchi hobbles away while Fujita says he’s too smart for that. Fujita runs, but Taguchi somersaults to HIP ATTACK! Hot tag to Zayne and he fires forearms on Fujita! Zayne whips, hip tosses, then STANDING MARIPOSAS! The fans fire up while Zayne brings Fujita up.
Zayne fires more elbows, then a mule kick! Zayne runs to ROLLING AX KICK! Fujita goes to a corner, Zayne runs in, but Fujita BOOTS him away! Fujita hops up but Zayne comes back to JUMPING DRAGON RANA! The fans fire up and Zayne storms over to Fujita. Zayne scoops and B AJA BLASTS! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives but the fans rally behind Zayne. Zayne brings Fujita up, straitjackets, but Fujita fights free to CHOP! Zayne BOOTS! Fujita kicks but Zayne ducks! Fujita rolls off Zayne’s back and runs to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita and Zayne crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Shota!
The fans fire up as ZSJ BOOTS Shota, and Shota ROCKS ZSJ! Shota eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Shota UPPERCUTS in return! They UPPERCUT back and forth, harder and harder! The fans rally as they now go faster and faster! ZSJ gets the edge with UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT, but Shota roars! Shota UPPERCUTS again and again, ZSJ roars, but Shota UPPERCUTS him down! Shota hurries to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota stays fired up! Shota clinches ZSJ but ZSJ fights the lift! ZSJ goes for the arm but Shota waistlocks. ZSJ spins around to FACELOCK GUILLOTINE!
Shota endures and stays on his feet, even as ZSJ has the body scissors! The fans duel as ZSJ thrashes, but Shota powers through to suplex ZSJ up and over! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Shota rises, then he brings ZSJ up to dragon sleeper. ZSJ spins and PELES the arm! But Shota blocks a roundhouse to PELE! But ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down again and the fans rally more! ZSJ and Shota crawl, but ZSJ tags in Oiwa! Oiwa runs in at the corner to DROPKICK! Oiwa has the single leg but Shota fights off the suplex! Oiwa swings but Shota clinches, so now Oiwa fights free!
Shota ROCKS Oiwa, spins, but Oiwa ROCKS Shota! Oiwa runs, into a clinch! EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans rally, Shota and Oiwa crawl, hot tag to Taguchi! Taguchi calls to Zayne and then BLASTS Fujita! Funky Sauce whips Oiwa to a corner, then Zayne sends Taguchi in. HIP ATTACK! Taguchi goes up, Zayne RANAS Oiwa into the butt! Backslide, roll through, KETSUYE! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives but Taguchi signals for that. Taguchi and Zayne use the power of Strong Style, and then “ITADAKIMAAAS~!” Oiwa stands, into a DOUBLE HIP ATTACK SANDWICH! Cover, Fujita breaks it!
Zayne ROCKS Fujita, he and Taguchi double whip, but Fujita ducks the lariats to shove Zayne into Taguchi! Zayne blocks a kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Shota dropkicks Fujita’s legs! ZSJ BOOTS Shota! Shota roars, but ZSJ BOOTS him again! ZSJ whips, Shota reverses and TORNADO DDTS! ZSJ flounders away and the fans fire up with Shota! Shota tells Taguchi to finish it off, and Taguchi runs at Oiwa! And he sliding kicks! Oiwa tumbles, Taguchi grabs the leg to OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Oiwa endures, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! Oiwa gets up to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up!
Oiwa fires up and he brings Taguchi around. Oiwa whips, then clamps on a SLEEPER! But Taguchi slips right out! Taguchi has the headlock, but Oiwa slips out to hit a BIG atomic drop! Taguchi hobbles and Oiwa clamps on the SLEEPER! Taguchi flails but he’s fading already! The fans rally and Oiwa spins Taguchi, for THE GRIP!! Cover, TMDK wins!
Winners: TMDK, by pinfall
The Mullet gets the better of The Funky Weapon, but Shota still dares ZSJ to go for the leg. ZSJ ignores Shota’s bait and just gives him the paper belt. “This is the closest you’ll get to the effin’ title.” ZSJ SLAPS Shota with it! Shota says don’t be rude to the kids! A fan made that for him. Shota dusts off the paper belt, and claims that he’s gonna get the real deal soon enough. ZSJ says yeah, sure. ZSJ will make Shota a real nice toy belt himself so he can keep dreaming. ZSJ mockingly puts something together using his old wrist tape! Shota says wow, thanks. With not even a month left, who will win out when the real belt is on the line?
2024 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & SANADA VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi!
It’s the moment of truth as The Mad Man & Cold Blooded take on The Uncontrollable Charisma & Ticking Timebomb. There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding the tag titles given Henare’s knee injury, but for right now, it’s time to answer one question: Who will be the 2024 World Tag League Champions?
As Naito enters the ring, Gabe stays right at the center, but Naito completely ignores him. Then Naito takes his time with his entrance attire, as always, but Gabe and Sanada both stay calm. Gabe paces but Sanada keeps his eyes closed. Hiromu fires up Kumamoto and Naito finally does away with the pants. The teams finally sort out, and Gabe eggs on “the Junior.” Hiromu grins, then he fist bumps Naito, and yes, it seems Hiromu and the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion will start! The bell rings and both men run in! They DOUBLE LARIAT, but it’s Hiromu who falls! Hiromu gets up to CHOP, but Gabe CHOPS!
The fans fire up as the CHOPS go back and forth already! Hiromu backs down, but for only a moment! Hiromu CHOPS again, so Gabe CHOPS again! The CHOPS go back and forth, but Hiromu backs down again. Gabe eggs him on so Hiromu CHOPS! Gabe CHOPS again! Hiromu clutches his chest but he CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS again, then braces himself. The CHOPS keep going, then they get forehead to forehead. Gabe winds up to CHOP! Hiromu drops back, and Gabe kicks at him. Gabe eggs Hiromu on so Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Gabe spins to CHOP! Hiromu backs down, but runs up to LARIAT!
Gabe stays up, so he and Hiromu both run, but to take out Naito and Sanada! Then Hiromu runs up to kick Gabe low! Hiromu CLUBS Gabe, CHOPS, and Gabe feels that one. Hiromu whips, Gabe reverses, and Sanada gets a cheap shot in! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands, but the War Dogs double whip. Hiromu grabs ropes to stop, and Naito runs in! Naito CLOBBERS Sanada and Hiromu kicks Gabe! LIJ mugs Gabe then double whips, to DOUBLE CHOP! Then they DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Gabe flounders away while the fans cheer. Hiromu tags Naito and Naito storms up on Gabe.
Naito CLUBS Gabe again and again, then snapmares for a chinlock. Gabe endures the knee in his back, even as Naito digs it in deeper. Naito then shifts to have a headscissors! Naito pushes up to put on the pressure, but Gabe still endures. Naito lets Gabe go and Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu assures Red Shoes it isn’t what he thinks, but then Naito bumps Gabe off Hiromu’s boots! It WAS what it looked like! The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands, and Naito tags in Hiromu. Hiromu CHOPS Gabe to a corner, then CHOPS again! Naito joins in and they double whip Gabe corner to corner. Gabe comes back, Naito drops down and Hiromu CROSBODIES!
Sanada storms in but Hiromu CROSSBODIES! Hiromu goes out and chases down Gabe, CROSSBODY! Hiromu keeps moving, and Naito sets Sanada up for the CROSSBODY! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he goes back to the ring. Gabe storms around in frustration, then pushes his way to No Man’s Land. He eggs Hiromu on, so here he comes! But Sanada was lurking! He attacks first, then sends Hiromu into chairs! Naito and Gabe brawl, and Naito CLUBS Gabe around. Fans are told to move aside, and Naito whips. Gabe reverses and he BOWLS Naito into chairs! Not quite a strike but Gabe just flips off the fans.
Sanada is beating Hiromu down somewhere in the upper deck, and Gabe drags Naito back up. Gabe UPPERCUTS Naito, but Hiromu fights back against Sanada! Sanada CLAWS Hiromu’s face! Hiromu stops the suplex, then suplexes Sanada! Sanada fights that, and he CLAWS Hiromu’s face again! As for Gabe, he BITES Naito’s forehead, then SMACKS him down! At least they’re at ringside. But then Gabe looks under the ring, and he brings out a table! Gabe sets the table up, but Naito fires forearms on Gabe! Gabe SMACKS Naito again! Gabe hauls Naito up to POWERBOMB through the table!!
The fans go wild as Gabe looms over Naito. Gabe slides in and mocks Naito’s pose! The fans are torn but most boo. Red Shoes reprimands Gabe, and it seems Sanada has retuned to ringside, with Hiromu somewhere in the crowd. A ring count starts, but Gabe SPITS at Naito! The count is 7 of 20 and the spotlight shows Hiromu is still so far away! We pass 10, then 12! Hiromu hobbles at 15 and he’s finally in the aisle! Hiromu runs and slides in safe at 19! The fans cheer but Gabe drags Hiromu up. Gabe CHOPS Hiromu in the corner, then CHOPS again! And then JABS! Tag to Sanada and he CLAWS Hiromu’s back while Gabe talks trash on Naito.
The fans rally for Hiromu but Sanada stomps him in a corner. Sanada digs his boot in, but he stops as Red Shoes counts. Sanada drags Hiromu up, TOSSES him out, and Gabe quickly runs Hiromu back to the back of the crowd and up the bleachers! Gabe ROCKS Hiromu with a straight right hand! Then SMACKS him again! Hiromu flops over and Gabe leaves him behind again. The ring count returns while Hiromu sputters. The fans cheer Hiromu on as he’s up, but he’s still so far away at 10! Then 15! Hiromu returns at 18 to slide in at 19.5!! Sanada is on Hiromu, but Hiromu dropkicks the legs out! But Naito isn’t at the corner!
Sanada tags Gabe and he stomps away on Hiromu in the corner! Red Shoes reprimands but Gabe drags Hiromu up. The fans rally for Hiromu, but Gabe whips him hard into the corner! Gabe eggs Hiromu on, saying he’s not “Despy” or Douki. Hiromu rises up to CHOP! Gabe snarls but Hiromu CHOPS again! Hiromu roars and he CHOPS! Gabe finally wobbles, but he keeps Hiromu from Naito! Gabe throws Hiromu down by his hair, then he WRECKS Naito with a dropkick! Gabe mocks the tranquilo and the fans boo. Gabe tags Sanada and the War Dogs bring Hiromu up. The fans rally but the War Dogs double whip, only for Hiromu to DOUBLE CROSSBODY!
Hiromu crawls, reaches out, but Sanada keeps him from Naito! Hiromu breaks free, blocks a kick, and a punch! Sanada CLAWS Hiromu’s eyes! Sanada runs but Hiromu bolts for the corner! Hot tag to Naito! Naito kicks and fires off on Sanada, but Gabe CLUBS him! The War Dogs double whip, but Naito reverses to send Sanada away! Then he sends Gabe into Sanada! Gabe falls, Naito dodges Sanada to arm-drag! And ELBOW! Naito keeps moving, basement DROPKICK! Gabe ROCKS Naito! Gabe whips, Naito reverses and runs up to ELBOW him down! Sanada runs up but is sent into the corner! Naito blocks boots to put Sanada in ropes, DRAPING NECKBREAKER!
Naito hurries to stand Sanada up, turn him, and stall for the NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up as Naito does the pose himself. Cover, TWO! Sanada is tougher than that but Naito drags him up. Naito dragon sleepers for another NECKBREAKER, and then it’s the LEG HOOK NELSON! Sanada endures as Naito puts on the pressure, and Sanada kicks around. Naito puts on more pressure, but Sanada has the ROPEBREAK! But of course Naito claims he needs a little help. Red Shoes counts, Naito lets the hold go, and he brings Sanada to a corner. Naito drags Sanada up, reel shim in, but Sanada stops Esperanza! So Naito BOOTS him!
Naito whips corner to corner but Sanada goes up and out, and even to the floor! Naito slides out but Sanada goes to the apron. Naito hurries back up, but Sanada KICKS ropes to jam Naito up! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands but Sanada tags Gabe. Gabe drags Naito up, has him in a corner, and CHOPS! HEADBUTTS! Repeat! Gabe wobbles a bit, but he rolls back and returns to LARIAT! Then SAIDO! Naito gets flung, Gabe hurries to cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Gabe drags Naito right up to suplex and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives but Gabe seethes. The fans rally for Naito as hard as they can, which annoys Gabe.
Gabe drags Naito up, reels him in, but Naito fights the lift! Gabe CLUBS Naito but still Naito fights! Gabe DOUBLE CHOPS Naito’s back, then powers through! But Naito powers out and throws those heavy back elbows! Gabe SPITS at Naito! Naito SLAPS Gabe! Gabe rebounds, Naito dodges, tilt-o-whirl CRADLE! TWO!! Gabe SMACKS Naito, reels him in, “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” But Hiromu SUPERKICKS him first! Sanada DROPKICKS Hiromu! Naito dropkicks Sanada’s legs! But Gabe KNEES Naito down! Hiromu fireman’s carries Gabe! TIMEBOMB 1.5! Sanada runs up, into a wrench and FACLON ARROW!
Sanada flounders out and Hiromu brings Gabe over to Naito! BOOSTED TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito brings Gabe back up! Wrench and tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO!! Cover, SANADA YANKS RED SHOES OUT!! The fans boo Sanada but he just soaks up the heat. Hiromu goes to the apron and he CROSSBODIES Sanada down! Hiromu helps Red Shoes up, Naito wrenches Gabe again, DESTIN- NO! TOMBSTONE!! Gabe and Naito are down and the fans rally even harder! There is some dueling in here, but the “GABU! GABU!” is still overwhelmed by the “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Both men stir while Red Shoes returns.
Gabe clutches his neck while rolling away from Naito. Naito changes course and rolls for his corner, hot tags to Sanada and Hiromu! Hiromu dodges Sanada’s boot but Sanada blocks the lariat! Dragon sleeper, but Hiromu spins that around! Sanada fights the suplex so Hiromu dropkicks a leg out! Hiromu KICKS and fireman’s carries, and flips Sanada into the dragon sleeper! Sanada spins that around, but Hiromu fights a suplex! Hiromu suplexes but Sanada slips free to dragon sleeper! SKULL END! Hiromu endures but Sanada drops back into the body scissors! The fans rally and Hiromu fights around!
Sanada squeezes as tight as he can and Hiromu is fading! Red Shoes checks, Hiromu faintly comes back to life, but Sanada goes to his old ways! Sanada goes up and up to ROUNDING BODY PRESS, but onto knees!! Hiromu saves himself and the fans rally up! Hiromu feeds off the energy to fire back up. Hiromu runs to HIROMU- NO, Sanada dodges the lariat, but the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER still finds him! Fireman’s carry, TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives and Hiromu grows frustrated. The fans rally up behind him and Hiromu drags Sanada up. Hiromu fireman’s carries but Sanada slips free.
Sanada waistlocks but Hiromu switches. Sanada grabs at Red Shoes, Red Shoes gets away, and Hiromu avoids the low blow kick! Hiromu SUPERKICKS Sanada, then runs, but Sanada slips around! Sanada shoves Hiromu at Red Shoes and Red Shoes almost ends up falling out of the ring! Sanada whips Hiromu to POP-UP LOW BLOW! And then O’CONNER BRIDGE!! Cover, NAITO YANKS RED SHOES OUT!! Naito returns the favor and grins at Sanada. Gabe storms in with a chair! Naito runs and shoves Hiromu out of harm’s way! Naito then dodges Gabe to POP-UP LOW BLOW!! Another bit of returning the favor!
The fans are thunderous as Gabe writhes and rolls out of the ring. Naito drags Sanada up, Hiromu helps, BOOSTED TORNADO- NO! Sanada slips free, but Naito sends him into a SUPERKICK! ENZIGIRI! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he fireman’s carries Sanada, for the OG TIMEBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Sanada survives and shocks everyone! Hiromu roars and the fans are with him! Hiromu clinches in a dragon sleeper, but Gabe BITES Hiromu’s face! Gabe DECKS Naito, then he drags Hiromu up. Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS , and CHOPS! Gabe just UPPERCUTS!
Gabe scoops and SLAMS Hiromu, then goes up the corner! MAD MAN MOONSAULT! Gabe calls to Sanada to get Hiromu, and Sanada goes up! ROUNDING BODY PRESS!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and Sanada is furious!! Red Shoes defends his count and the fans are electric for Hiromu! Gabe reels Hiromu in, PILEDRIVER!! Feed to the DEAD- NO, Naito CLUBS Sanada! Naito dodges Gabe, comes back, DESTINO!!! SHINING WIZARD from Sanada!! Sanada hauls Hiromu up but Hiromu pump-handles! HIROMU-CHAN CRA- NO! SHINING WIZARD!! Sanada roars, fans are torn, but he drags Hiromu up.
Sanada clinches, DEAD- NO, Hiromu slips free, wrenches, pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN CRADLE!!! LIJ WINS!!!!
Winners: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (World Tag League 2024 Champions)
Sanada cannot believe it, but Kumamoto absolutely loves it!! The War Dogs tore through A Block, but it was the team that survived the extra Triple Threat match that takes the whole thing! What does this mean for the combination of Gabe and Sanada in the future? Is there a future for them?
As for LIJ, Naito drags himself into the ring, crawls over to Hiromu, and master and student hug it out! Red Shoes brings them the trophies, and LIJ sets them side by side before they stand back up. Naito gets his hat back on while Hiromu rests on the mat again. And after a little water to refresh themselves, Naito gets the mic. “Buenas noches, KUMAMOTOOOO~!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “The way things work, it should be Hiromu, the main event winner, on the mic right now. But it looks like he took some damage. In that case, I’ll say my part first.” The fans applaud that.
Naito thanks all the fans that came out to the Grand Messe Kumamoto for the WTL Finals. “Gracias, amigos.” The fans cheer that, and Naito adds that he won the main event here back in April of 2018. He sent a message to all the fans here that night. Does anyone remember what he said about “having the courage to take that step?” The fans applaud as it seems they do. Naito says, “Make no mistake, we won the World Tag League thanks to Hiromu.” The fans applaud again, and even chant for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” Naito says that Hiromu’s refusal to give up under any circumstance made Naito feel he had to take that step, too.
“And that step brings me to that singles match we were set to have before the pandemic.” Fans are intrigued hearing that. Naito says how about doing it January 4th in the Tokyo Dome? The fans cheer for Hiromu in support of that idea. Hiromu takes the mic now and asks if it takes Naito that long to take a step. The fans chuckle, and Hiromu stands. Hiromu says thanks to that, they were able to enter WTL and win it all. Hiromu thanks Naito for that, both arigato and gracias. The fans applaud, and Hiromu reviews the idea: January 4th, WrestleKingdom, Naito VS Hiromu. “The answer is, of course…! Let’s do it.”
The fans cheer as the match is now set! Hiromu thanks Naito for letting him know this is how he felt! “It’s important to say what we feel, isn’t it? Everyone, do you have something you want to say as well? It could to a friend, a lover, a parent, a teacher, a senpai, a kouhai! I’m reminded once again how important it is to share what we are feeling. Naito-san, do you mind if I tell you something, too?” The fans are again intrigued. “Naito-san, thank you for teaching me how to be a wrestler!” Hiromu bows and the fans applaud. Hiromu then says January 4th can’t come soon enough! “Everyone, we only live once, so enjoy it to the fullest!”
First, think of the life you wanna live, and then enjoy it to the fullest! And during that time, if pro-wrestling can bring you even a bit of joy, Hiromu will be satisfied! So then, let’s have more… The fans echo back, “Moto!” Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! MOTO fun in life enjoying pro-wrestling together~! The confetti goes off as the WTL winners must take a different route for WrestleKingdom. Will it be teacher or student who proves themselves the better man in the Tokyo Dome?
My Thoughts:
An awesome finale to WTL 2024, even with a lot of the other matches just kind of filler since there weren’t tag titles to be defended here and a lot of WrestleKingdom 19 stuff to be set up. I made sure to do the 10 Man Tag because it of course fed Tanahashi VS Evil, but I certainly didn’t see it happening that way. Tanahashi going wild because of all the frustration he has with Evil was some great stuff, and a Lumberjack match is a great move so that Tanahashi’s allies, aka all of The House of Torture’s enemies, are gonna be ringside with them. But moving up the retirement stipulation is a shock. Was saying 2026 would be when Tanahashi retires just a smokescreen so this would be more shocking? Or is this the smokescreen to put more drama on a match we’re pretty sure Tanahashi still wins?
The Six Man Tag of TMDK VS Shota & Funky Sauce was really good, and a really good win for Oiwa there. This was all still just secondary to building heat on Shota and ZSJ, but it was rather funny for Shota to have that paper (and I think soft foam?) belt and ZSJ mocking him with the wrist tape. If Shota ends up winning, I think NJPW is guilty of making him their “Super Cena,” their “Cena Wins LOL” guy, and that’s a disservice to Shota and especially Zack. Zack needs to make it through a WK with that belt, let Shota fight his way back up through the New Japan Cup or something.
And awesome, incredible main event with the WTL finals. I figured Naito & Hiromu were winning, just because Gabe’s got his NJPW Strong title and the Kenny Omega match for that Tokyo Dome weekend. Not sure what it means for Sanada, but I don’t think he’s leaving War Dogs already (as funny as that would be). And I suppose with Henare’s knee in question, they’re just going to leave the Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match for another time. Naito VS Hiromu, the World Champ VS Junior Heavyweight Champ match we never got four years ago for the anniversary show, is a great move for WK19. There’s no place better than WK for a match like that, and they can’t wait on this match with Naito having said he’s getting closer and closer to retiring.
That said, maybe Hiromu wins to put him over and get him into that next level where he’s going for big titles. Granted, NJPW is literal about the “heavyweight” part of the World Heavyweight Championship, and I don’t know if Hiromu’s going to be able to pull off a 205+ frame. He’s already ~195, he’s already 35, but hey, maybe he can get a short reign in just so he can say he was on top of both weight classes in his career.
My Score: 9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Hockey Talk- Igor Gets Paid! [121024]
Hockey Talk looks at a coaching change in Chicago, the Four Nations Tournament, and Igor Shesterkin laughing all the way...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Famous Jameis
As we head into the last week of byes on the NFL schedule, the gents run down their picks for...
Hockey Talk- A Bruins Loss, A Blues Gain [120324]
Hockey Talk celebrates Jeremy Roenick finally getting inducted into the Hall of Fame, 16 years after his last game and...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Saquon’s Sensational Sunday
Is The Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley the odds-on favorite for NFL MVP this season?
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Another Harbaugh Bowl Incoming
Josh Allen and the Bills deal KC their first loss of the season but, is this Buffalo team now favorites...
Bandwagon Nerds #266: Silver Age Supermen
The Nerds conclude their review of Game 7, plus the latest trailers and the official launch of the new DCU!
Bandwagon Nerds #265: A New Man At Arms… We Love It!
Join the Bandwagon for a full trailer park, news around the Nerd-O-Sphere and find out what the gents are watching...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (11/28/24)
Championship Charcuterie!
The 5×5 w/ Patrick O’Dowd: Lord of the Rings Characters
On this episode Patrick is joined by DJ from the Mindless Wrestling Pod to give you their five best and...
Bandwagon Nerds #264: Dave’s Not Here, Man
With Dave out on assignment this week, Patrick is joined by Tunney, DP and Rey Cash to round out a...
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/9/24)
Tonight's going to be brutal!
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (12/8/24)
And the trophies go to...!
#TheOddity 021: Nun Bad, Yakuza Good
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (12/7/24)
Collision in Columbus, Ohio!
Mitchell’s WWE Deadline Results & Report! (12/7/24)
And we're on the clock!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Survivor War Series Games!
With Jason back(barely) from assignment, we break down Survivor Series WarGames! With an in depth discussion on what happened with...
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (12/6/24)
The Continental Classic is on a Rampage!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/6/24)
What's next for The Bloodline?
Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (12/6/24)
B Block, Round 7!
DWI Podcast #456: CM Punk Is Owed A Favor
With AJ out on assignment, DP and PC review Survivor Series and an excellent Monday Night RAW after!
