Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (10/12/20)
The WWE Draft continues!
Raw is on the verge of a new era!
The 2020 WWE Draft takes Seth Rollins away from Raw! The Monday Night Messiah is leaving, but who will fill that void in Raw’s locker room? Perhaps Mustafa Ali, as he speaks to his role in Retribution!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- No Disqualifications: Kevin Owens VS Aleister Black; Kevin wins.
- Triple Threat: Jeff Hardy VS Seth Rollins VS AJ Styles; Styles wins.
- Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose VS Natalya & Lana; Brooke & Rose win.
- Angel Garza VS Andrade Almas; Garza wins.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: The New Day VS Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode; The New Day wins and retains the Raw Tag Team Championships.
- Ricochet VS Cedric Alexander w/ The Hurt Business; Ricochet wins and the Hurt Business must stop assaulting him.
- Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender Battle Royal: Lana wins and will challenge Asuka for the title next week.
PLAY BY PLAY
Randy Orton opens Raw!
The Viper wants that WWE World Championship back and is willing to go through hell to do it! He and Drew McIntyre step inside Hell in a Cell to finally put this rivalry to rest! Orton takes his time before taking to the mic. “Regardless of whether or not I get moved to SmackDown, of if I stay on Monday Night Raw, one thing remains the same. And that one thing is a fact, that in less than two weeks, I will be locked inside Hell in a Cell with Drew McIntyre, and I am going to TAKE his WWE Championship from him.” 2020 has been one hell of a year to say the least, but one thing is that it has bee the Year of McIntyre. McIntyre main evented WrestleMania, beat Brock Lesnar, became WWE Champion and became one of the main faces of the WWE.
Orton didn’t realize this until a few days ago, but last week he beat McIntyre with an RKO and became the first man to beat him via pinfall in almost one entire year! If that’s not a sign of things to come, then what is? Orton talks to McIntyre directly as he says, “In less than two weeks at Hell in a Cell, I’m going to pin you again. I’m going to beat you 1-2-3 in the middle of that cell, I am going to end your legacy, and I am going to take the WWE Championship from you!” And he’ll do all of that with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K- Wait! McIntyre is here! McIntyre knows he is staying on Raw with Friday’s first round, and he tells Orton, “I guess I got to congratulate you, Randy.” Randy is right because he is the first person to pin McIntyre in over a year. Nothing less from the Viper.
The part he didn’t expect was that McIntyre was prone for a kick to the head, and Orton decided to gloat. That’s where Orton messed up, because McIntyre got back up. McIntyre wants Orton to know that when he kicked Orton in the head, that was for everyone Orton screwed over. But at HIAC, all the pain, all the suffering McIntyre causes Orton will be for his sake. But the thing is, Orton might be drafted. McIntyre promised that every single time these two are in the same building together, he’d kick the crap out of Orton. So he isn’t going to break that promise. McIntyre tears off his shirt and heads to the ring! He throws haymakers on Orton and stomps him in a corner! Orton flounders around but McIntyre keeps after him! McIntyre won’t let Orton get away but Orton kicks back, McIntyre just throws more haymakers!
Orton kicks low and bails out! McIntyre pursues but Orton RAMS him into the apron! Orton throws haymakers and European Uppercuts. Orton whips but McIntyre reverses to send him into barriers! And then POSTS him! And bounces him off the desk! And CHOPS him onto the desk! McIntyre drags Orton up by his ears, for a BACK SUPLEXE to the desk! McIntyre uses Orton’s own ideas against him! McIntyre puts Orton in the ring but Orton bails out the far side! Orton retreats but McIntyre is grinning! McIntyre says they still have three hours, and a whole bunch of fun ahead of them! Will McIntyre catch Orton again before the night is over?
Stephanie McMahon is here to continue the 2020 WWE Draft!
She welcomes us to the final night of this year’s draft, and says it is her privilege to preside over this career-altering event. So to get started with round six, Raw’s first pick is… THE FIEND, BRAY WYATT!! The nightmare comes to Monday nights!! SmackDown’s pick is… the SmackDown Women’s Champion, BAYLEY! An obvious and brilliant choice, of course. Raw keeps the Viper, RANDY ORTON! Now he can’t get away from McIntyre no matter what he does! SmackDown selects the Raw Tag Team Champions, the STREET PROFITS! Well, Raw has the New Day, so it’s only fair. And to close the round, Raw keeps THE QUEEN, CHARLOTTE FLAIR! Charlotte is still recovering, but now she can return to reclaim her throne on Mondays!
No Disqualifications: Kevin Owens VS Aleister Black!
The Prizefighter put up a hell of a fight against The Fiend on Friday, but it wasn’t enough to win. Does Kevin have anything left to fight off the Embodiment of the End? Or will he Fade to Black before learning his fate in the Draft?
Both men are moving with purpose, the bell barely rings in time before this fires off! Fists fly fast and furious but Kevin gets the edge! Aleister bails out, Kevin pursues and CLUBS Aleister at the ramp! They brawl, Aleister BOOTS and then throws Kevin into the LED apron! Aleister drags Kevin up, in and stalks him. Kevin ducks Black Mass but the stunner is denied! Kevin tackles Aleister to rain down furious fists! Aleister kicks him away, bails out again but Kevin pursues. Kevin throws hands, brings Aleister around and bumps him off steel steps! Aleister falls back, Kevin taunts, “Where’s that fight?!” Aleister hits back and KICKS back as they near the desk! Aleister stalks Kevin and KICKS him at the desk!
Aleister drags Kevin up, whips him but Kevin reverses, sending Aleister into barriers! Kevin runs in to CANNONBALL! Direct hit into barriers! Kevin grimaces while fans clap on their ThunderDome screens. Kevin goes looking under the ring, and brings out a TABLE! Also it seems there are no count outs, so this is more of a No Holds Barred match than anything. Kevin drags Aleister up and over, reels him in, but Aleister resists the bomb! Aleister clubs the legs, throws EuroUppers, but Kevin BOOTS back! Kevin climbs up onto the barriers, but Aleister intercepts! Aleister throws Kevin through the announce desk!! Kevin writhes as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Aleister has a chair in the ring! He tries to suplex Kevin but Kevin blocks! Kevin fights back, throws a big EuroUpper, and then fireman’s carries. His back gives out! Aleister throws forearms but Kevin headbutts! Kevin runs into a sweep, and he SMACKS off the chair! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives but Aleister only grows angrier. Aleister takes a seat in the chair while Kevin rises. Aleister throws haymakers, Kevin gives them back, but Aleister rocks, stomps and drops a knee on him in return! Aleister goes out, looks under the ring, and brings out more chairs! Aleister slowly returns to the ring but Kevin grabs for a chair. Aleister stomps the chair down but Kevin throws body shots on Aleister! Kevin fights up but into a ROUNDHOUSE!
Aleister grimaces as he leans on ropes. He demands Kevin rise, and he runs in, but Kevin shields himself with a chair! Aleister’s knee hits steel, then steel hits Aleister’s back! Kevin gives Aleister a DDT to the chair! Cover, TWO! Aleister still lives but Kevin keeps his focus. Kevin holds onto a chair, rises even with his back bothering him, and he goes after Aleister. Kevin JAMS Aleister with the chair, then starts setting chairs up together. Kevin has a chair square and then goes to the corner. He drags Aleister up to the top rope, fans anticipate what’s coming but Aleister does, too! Aleister fights back, brawls with Kevin, and Aleister’s elbow sends Kevin down! Aleister gets up, METEORA to the chairs!! Cover, TWO!?!? Kevin survives and shocks Aleister!
Kevin gets to a corner, Aleister wants more! Aleister fetches Kevin’s table and brings it into the ring! He sets it back up but Kevil rolls out to the apron. The table is ready, Aleister fetches Kevin, but Kevin kicks! Aleister denies the stunner as he POSTS Kevin! But Kevin ducks and BLACK MASS HITS POST!! Aleister just did damage to himself! Aleister gets back in, Kevin follows, STUNNER! Kevin isn’t done there, he drags Aleister up and POWERBOMBS him through the table!! Cover, Kevin wins!!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
Kevin was able to #JustKeepFighting, and now he’s won! But as he deals with one dark foe, he knows another has come to Raw. Will Bray Wyatt make sure his “friend” knows he’s here?
Dana Brooke and Mandy Rose talk backstage.
These two are both certified Monday Night Raw thanks to Friday’s round of draft picks, but they’re about to be guests to Raw’s newest additions. Miz TV returns to Raw, what will Miz and Morrison ask the Flex Appeal and Golden Goddess?
Raw returns as Stephanie McMahon returns to the podium!
Time for more draft picks! Raw opens round seven with… THE MONSTER, BRAUN STROWMAN! He and Keith Lee destroyed part of the stage, what more damage can he deal? SmackDown keeps… DANIEL BRYAN! YES, YES, YES! The fans definitely love that pick. Raw continues and takes… The Bro, MATT RIDDLE! Will Riddle still be ready to #BroDown even though he’s no longer on SmackDown? SmackDown takes… KEVIN OWENS! It seems Kevin won’t have to worry about The Fiend if he’s going back to Fridays. And Raw close this out by taking… JEFF HARDY! The Charismatic Enigma follows Riddle, maybe Mondays will continue to have #BROetryInMotion?
Raw presents Miz TV!
The Miz and John Morrison welcome us back to the Most Must-See Talk Show in WWE history, and introduce each other. They are the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century *look off into distance* and are now THE greatest acquisition in the WWE Draft! Raw hit the jackpot getting these two! Monday Night Miz and the Monday Night Delight! People coming, going, splitting up! Like the New Day! Well, it’s a new new day. The newest day! And even Heavy Machinery got split up. How di that happen? Someone must have great connections with The USA Network. Miz is the Face of USA. He uses his connections for the greater good. Morrison, you can’t use that! That’s Rollins’ line. Well he’s going to SmackDown so whatever.
But moving on to their guests, two of the freshest faces on Raw. They’re strong, they’re blonde, they got it goin’ on! It’s Dana Brooke and Mandy Rose! And they’ve already got a team intro! Dana and Mandy strut their stuff down to the ring, showing off the guns. Mandy and Dana take their seats, as do Miz and Morrison. First off, Miz won’t make this entirely about Mandy thanking him for this. Of course he goes there. But moving Mandy to Raw wasn’t generous, it was petty. We all know that! He did it to mess with Otis! What is wrong with him? He’s ruining people’s lives! Ruining? Miz asks Mandy, “Are you happy?” She looks happy. New partner, new music, new hair. And she won! She SHOULD be thanking Miz. Be like, “Thanks, Miz! Thanks, John!” Try it. She’s rather slap them.
Well let’s get serious then! Dana, are you certain you want Mandy as a tag partner? Mandy and Sonya were best friends for years, and then Mandy met Otis and Sonya was kicked to the curb. Dana is certain she and Mandy are friends, and with no jealously like Sonya had. They’re making the most of this opportunity. Speaking of opportunities, they’re claiming to go for the WWE Women’s Tag team Championships, but tonight they’re in the dual branded battle royal where only one can win to face Asuka for her Raw Women’s Championship. That’s awkward~! The only thing awkward is them all being on the same brand. As far as that battle royal goes, “may the best woman win.” That guitar riff can only mean one thing. YEP! Natalya and Lana are crashing the show!
The Ravishing Russian says, “Excuse me, I’m actually really, really confused.” Why is Miz interviewing those two blondes when this blonde, the Queen of Harts, is the winningest female in WWE history plus the Best of All Time, #BOAT? And Lana herself is the savviest social media influencer. And if you want drama, Lana is the one you talk to. Two ex-husbands and one ex-girlfriend trumps jealous ex-bestie, so spill the tea and let’s talk. Miz and Morrison move aside as Natty and Lana get in the ring. Natty says she and Lana are also in the battle royal, but nobody wanted to interview them. And the Draft could mean this is their last night on Raw together.
Dana mockingly says, “Aww, maybe to commemorate that, you two should do a TikTok dance dancer or something?” Mandy says that if these two spent less time on TikTok and more time training, maybe Natty could win another match. Natty throws hands and it’s a brawl! Lana tries to get away but Mandy tackles her! Dana rams into Natty over and over but Natty turns it around. Mandy and Dana get Natty together, Dana reels Natty in for a clothesline! Dana and Mandy hold the ring, but will these four fire off again in that battle royal?
Raw returns with MORE Miz TV.
Miz and Morrison admit things got “out of hand” before the break. But Miz has a plan B for the “season premiere” of Miz TV on Raw! While the previous four get ready for a tag team match instead of the battle royal, Miz’s back-up guest is… The Mayor of Slam Town, JOHN MORRISON! That’s right! Tonight Plan B is just a little bit better than Plan A. But it is an honor to sit with Miz on his show and talk about all the amazing things these two plan on bringing to Raw. There’s a lot of speculation on when The Dirt Sheet makes its Raw debut, but- OH NO! Is that Lars Sullivan?! The Freak has followed these two to Raw! Miz and Morrison prepare for a fight given what we saw on Friday!
Lars storms down to the ring, but Miz bails out! Morrison BOOTS Lars but Lars comes back to LARIAT! Lars drags Morrison up and tosses him to a corner, for a corner clothesline! Miz drags Morrison but can’t get him out in time! Lars drags Morrison up for a TOSS! Miz is frozen in place with fear as Lars paces Morrison. Lars dead lifts and gives Morrison a FREAK ACCIDENT! The Freak just freakin’ finished off the foursome he wanted to maul on Friday! Who will feel the monstrous might of the Mile High Monster?
Adam Pearce has the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions meet.
The New Day are SmackDown Tag Team Champions once again, but got drafted to Raw. And the Street Profits are still the Raw Tag Team Champions, but they got drafted to SmackDown. So an easy and logical solution is to simply swap the titles. Wait, is it, though? Montez and Dawkins talked about this. Dawkins knows, and he asks Kofi to treat “Patricia” right. Clown the Clippers each and every night. Yeah alright, alright. The exchange is official, and things go as planned. Pearce heads off, and Kofi wants the Profits to let Big E know something, but Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode step in. How convenient is this! The Profits get to run away to SmackDown before the Glorious Show-Offs get what they’re owed!
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Don’t you know how drafts work? Yes, but they also know that they pinned the Raw Tag Team Champions in that Six Man Tag, and deserve a shot at the titles. Well okay! If they want have a go at the NEW W, W, E, Raw, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~, they can have it! If it is a molly whopping thou wants, then they shall placeth their boots firmly between thine cheeks! Roode and Ziggler are ready to fight, see you out there! But the New Day and Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke!! Will the New Day make sure their tenth tag title reign’s subtle beginnings doesn’t have a GLORIOUS ending?
Raw returns with more draft picks!
Stephanie announces that the Raw Tag Team Championship match IS happening! And to start round 8, Raw takes… RETRIBUTION! The rebels and their new leader, MUSTAFA ALI, are staying right on Monday nights! SmackDown takes THE FREAK, LARS SULLIVAN! He mauled the four men leaving SmackDown, will he just move on to more unsuspecting targets? Raw takes… THE LIMITLESS, KEITH LEE! Now he and Braun can continue their battle for dominance! SmackDown takes… KING BARON CORBIN! The Wolf King still “rules” over Fridays, will there be an uprising in response? Raw finishes the round with… ALEXA BLISS! The Goddess, the Five Foot Fury, and The Fiend’s bewitched beauty, is joining him on Raw!
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
As he said on Friday after being drafted to SmackDown, it was never about the name, it was always about the mission. Monday Night Messiah no more, Seth Rollins might just become SmackDown’s Savior now. Rollins takes to the mic and says, “I just want to soak it all in for a minute, because tonight is the end of an era.” While he is thrilled to be going to Fridays, he must acknowledge how difficult this must be for fans of Monday Night Raw. This is the last night Rollins steps into the ring as a member of the Raw roster. “And you guys are losing a lot. You’re losing a champion. You’re losing a man who has slain beasts, who has conquered monsters! You are losing a purveyor of the greater good! And most importantly, and most glaringly, you guys are losing the greatest leader in the history of Monday Night Raw.”
As he looks to the current Raw roster, “Is there anyone who can fill my shoes? Is there anyone who can fill the void that I am leaving behind?” Sadly, the answer is no. Who will step up? Who will fill the shoes? He’ll tell us who it won’t be: Dominik and Rey Mysterio. Unfortunately, they’re also going to SmackDown… While this is a sad, sad moment for all of us, Rollins doesn’t want to end his run- Jeff Hardy interrupts! The Charismatic Enigma heads to the ring, adorned in face paint! Rollins smiles and says he appreciates Hardy’s enthusiasm, but he is certainly not the next leader. Please, get the hell out of his ring. Hardy gets a mic to say that Rollins is on SmackDown, he’s here on Raw. This is like mirroring.
Oh okay, Rollins gets it. Hardy wants to say good-bye to him, too. Again, appreciated, but Hardy should really be focusing on his match this Friday with The Freak. “Good luck, pal. You’re gonna need it.” Rollins waves and takes his leave, but look who is coming out first! The PHENOMENAL AJ Styles is here! Styles asks if Hardy stumbled down to the ring like it’s last call. But keep going, Rollins, this was never his night. If Rollins thinks Styles cares about filling anyone’s shoes, he’s out of his mind. He is the footprint! But Rollins storms back to get in Styles’ face. Hardy wrecks them both with a dropkick and brawls with Styles! And then throws Styles into steps! Hardy gets space and uses Styles to give Rollins POETRY IN MOTION! Hardy goes back up fast to LEAP onto Styles!
Hardy gets back in the ring and says, “Oh man, AJ, you and me still got business.” But before Rollins leaves, Hardy is going to show him Raw is in good hands. How about a TRIPLE THREAT, right now?! Raw has to go to break first, but what a way to say good-bye and hello at the same time!
Triple Threat: Jeff Hardy VS Seth Rollins VS AJ Styles!
Raw returns and this match begins! Styles and Hardy brawl, Hardy hits Rollins, too! Hardy kicks Styles, clubs Rollins then goes back after Styles. Rollins clubs Hardy, throws haymakers and whips. Hardy kicks back, runs and clotheslines Rollins out! Styles ROCKS Hardy, kicks him to a corner and CHOPS! Styles elbows Hardy, bumps him off buckles, then rams into him! Styles whips, Hardy reverses and sends Styles to a corner, but runs into a boot! Styles runs at Hardy but gets a SLING BLADE! These two are down but Hardy covers Styles, ONE! Hardy bumps Styles of buckles, drags him up and bumps him again. Hardy rams into Styles and digs his shoulder in. Hardy runs but Rollins trips him up!
Rollins glares at Hardy as he climbs up onto the apron. Rollins and Styles go after Hardy together, corner clothesline and corner forearm! Hardy flops down and the two start stomping him! Then Styles rolls Rollins, TWO! ENZIGURI! Rollins wobbles into a fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Rollins bails out so Styles goes after Hardy again. Styles puts Hardy on the ropes to choke but there’s no disqualifications! Styles still lets up to let Hardy flop to the mat. Styles snapmares Hardy, sets him down and stomps his face! Styles runs to drop a knee! Cover, TWO! Styles grows annoyed and Rollins returns but Styles kicks Rollins down. Styles goes after Hardy in a corner and brings him up. Styles wants to suplex but Hardy fights back with body shots and haymakers!
Hardy rams Styles into a corner and rams his shoulder in, but Styles turns it around to throw haymakers. Styles whips Hardy to a corner, but Hardy elbows him away. Hardy goes up but Rollins shove shim down! Hardy tumbles to the floor, Rollins rams into Styles then springboards! Styles gets under but comes back into a SLING BLADE! SUPERKICK! Rollins DIVES onto Hardy! Rollins keeps moving and drags Styles up, but Styles slips out of the bomb for the Phenomenal Blitz! But Rollins ducks the clothesline to ENZIGURI! Styles tumbles out to join Hardy, Rollins builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit on both men, the Architect stands tall as we go to break!
Raw returns and Hardy fights against Rollins’ cobra clutch. Fans clap and rally as Hardy fights free, only for Rollins to club him down and even stomp him! Rollins boots Styles out of the ring and shouts for him, “You don’t run this house! I run this house, until I say different!” Rollins stalks Hardy, drags him up and brings him around to bump off buckles. Rollins whips Hardy corner to corner, runs in but Hardy elbows him back. Styles runs in but into a haymaker! Hardy goes up, WHISPSER IN THE WIND! Two-for-one special, but double-edged given the bad leg! Fans clap and rally and Hardy gives Styles an atomic drop to leg splitting leg drop! And basement dropkick! Rollins runs in but misses, he gets an atomic drop to full nelson, then snapmare to neck snapper!
Styles kicks Hardy, suplexes, but Hardy fights that off to GOURD BUSTER! Hardy crawls to the cover, TWO! Rollins drags Hardy up, fireman’s carry but Hardy slips out to Russian Leg Sweep! Leg clutch cover, Styles breaks it! Fans clap and give thumbs both up and down. Styles drags Hardy up, suplexes to a dragon sleeper, REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! Styles is a bit surprised but he brings Hardy back up. Styles reels Hardy in and calls his shot, but Rollins FLYING KNEE stops that! Rollins DECKS Hardy with an elbow, then spins Styles for the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! All three men are down and fans are excited on their screens! Hardy goes to a corner while Rollins sits up. Styles stirs and Rollins seethes, but Rollins goes to another corner. Rollins aims at Styles, runs out but Hardy leaps in, POETRY IN DDT! Cover, TWO!!
Hardy goes to the apron while Rollins is in a drop zone. Styles trips hardy up and climbs up to join him! Styles brings Hardy up, Rollins adds on, Styles rolls out of the Electric Chair to get the Calf Crusher! Rollins flails, reaches, but Hardy SWANTON BOMBS! Styles pushes Hardy away to cover Rollins, TWO!! The Monday Night Messiah still lives and shocks the Phenomenal One! Rollins flops out of the ring so Styles is after Hardy! Hardy resists the Clash, spins out to kick! TWIST OF FATE! SMASH!! Elias?! Elias hits Hardy with the guitar!! When did the Drifter get back!? Does he still blame Hardy for that alleged hit and run?! But that was Sheamus!! Elias watches as Styles covers Hardy, Styles wins!!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
The Phenomenal One gets a phenomenal assist from Elias! Will Hardy try to talk reason to Elias? Or is it already too late for that?
Stephanie checks the next round of draft picks.
She seems really excited to see what Raw and SmackDown have done for round 9, and in some cases surprised. We’ll learn why after the break!
Raw returns with Stephanie at the podium.
With the first pick, Raw takes… ELIAS! We just saw what he did to Hardy, who else will be part of his next smash hit? SmackDown takes… WWE Intercontinental Champion, SAMI ZAYN! The Great Liberator will continue to be part of Friday nights, so who on the blue brand will step up to challenge him next? Raw takes… The Sassy Southern Bell, LACEY EVANS! The Woman’s Right comes back to Monday nights, will she aim for the title once more? SmackDown takes… The Swiss Cyborg AND the King of Strong Style, CESARO & SHINSUKE NAKAMURA! With the Street Profits in possession of the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, will Cesaro and Nakamura look to kill two birds with one stone? Raw closes the round by taking… The Celtic Warrior, SHEAMUS! The Fella lost that Street Fight with Big E, but now he can move on to some new challengers!
Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose VS Natalya & Lana!
The brawl that broke out on Miz TV is now a full on tag match! Will the #SexyMuscleFriends (Asuka’s nickname for Dana and Mandy) take that next step towards the Women’s Tag Team Championships? Or will they be sunk by the #BOAT and her “influential” friend?
Dana and Natty start, and Natty kicks Dana right at the bell! Natty throws haymakers, whips, but Dana handsprings and headscissors! Tag to Mandy, Mandy runs and back checks into Natty for an arm-drag! Cover, TWO! Mandy waistlocks Natty, brings her over and tags in Dana. Mandy snapmares, both handspring and basement dropkick! Cover, TOW! Natty tries to reach Lana but Dana O’Conner rolls! TWO, Dana swings on Lana, but Natty gets her for a rebound atomic sit-down! Tag to Lana, she runs for the sliding KICK! Cover, TWO, but Lana is on Dana with a suplex! Lana has Dana in the corner, stomps a mudhole and tags in Natty. Natty gets in and she stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Natty SLAPS Dana then tags Lana.
Lana and Natty have Dana on the ropes, Lana runs for double knees to the back! Cover, TWO! Lana keeps Dana down and bounces her head off the mat. Lana gives Dana more stomps, then drags her up into a chinbar and armlock. Dana endures, reaches for ropes but Lana gets a rear mount. Fans clap with Mandy to rally up, and Dana fights up and throws body shots. Lana throws Dana down by her hair! Lana talks trash on Mandy then SLAPS her! Dana rolls Lana up! TWO! Mandy tags in and she rallies on Lana! And DECKS Natty for good measure! Mandy dodges Lana, throws forearms and elbows and even stomps and knees! Mandy reels Lana in for a suplex! And kips up! Mandy fires up as she somersault CLOTHESLINES!
Mandy goes to the apron, shoulders into Lana then slides under to roll her! Tag to Dana before the KNEE FROM A ROSE! Dana has Lana in the drop zone and she climbs up onto Mandy’s shoulders! Assisted SENTON! Cover, Dana and Mandy win!
WInners: Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke, by pinfall
Friends who flex together win together! Will their unique combination of strength, speed and agility bring them tag team gold? As for Natty, she asks Lana, “Are you really that stupid?” This isn’t working out anymore, Natty is DONE with Lana. Lana has no husband, no girlfriend and no best friend. What is the Ravishing Russian to do on Raw?
The Hurt Business has a meeting backstage.
MVP knows that they and Retribution are staying on Raw thanks to the Draft. But Retribution isn’t here, because they knew what’d happen after last week. But wait, Ricochet is here. The One and Only must be a glutton for punishment. Maybe, because he’s here for one last match. As in his retirement? Yes, he’s retiring this. Alexander made a choice, and Apollo might get drafted to SmackDown, leaving Ricochet all alone. He has a proposition for the businessmen. It doesn’t do anything for them to be going after him, and it doesn’t do anything for him. Ricochet takes anybody. If he wins, this ends and they go their separate ways. But if they win, he’s in. Whoa, really? Alexander steps up because he would love nothing more! Bet? Bet. Is Ricochet going to win the gamble he put forward?
Angel Garza VS Andrade Almas!
The Lethal Lothario is back after an injury that cost him and Andrade Almas the Raw Tag Team Championships. But he and El Idolo will settle things between each other, with Zelina Vega watching on commentary! Which way does this break-up break, after the break?
Raw returns as Almas makes his entrance. Vega has already arrived on commentary and tells Garza to stop looking at him. Garza lounges on the ropes while waiting on Almas. The bell rings and Garza takes off the pants to throw at Almas! They start shoving and then throwing CHOPS! Almas headlocks, Garza gets ropes and the ref calls for the break. Vega talks smack on “Alexa Quinn” mixing up reality and fantasy, the real world and movies. Garza gets a headlock but Almas endures the grind. Almas lifts to back suplex Garza down! Then stomp and throws forearms! Garza grabs at ropes but Almas kicks the bad leg! Vega says this isn’t difficult to watch, because she wishes she could do this to both of them right now. This, as in Almas wrapping Garza’s bad leg around ropes and pulling!
The ref counts, Almas gets stomps in before he lets off at 4. Almas drags Garza up to kick the leg again. Almas stomps Garza’s back then lets off to waistlock and drag Garza around. Vega says these are two of the best, and she is still contractually obligated to be their manager, until the end of tonight. Garza fights up and throws elbows, then he bucks Almas off to SUPERKICK him! Cover, ONE!! Garza drags Almas up, underhooks, but Almas slips out of the Wing Clipper to HIP TOSS Garza into buckles! The bad leg takes damage again as Almas soaks up the heat. Almas drags Garza up but Garza grabs ropes. Vega loves watching this as Almas tries to hammerlock Garza. Garza gets ropes, Almas lets up to boot feint and ELBOW Garza out!
Almas follows Garza and tells Vega, “This is for you!” Almas brings Garza up, Garza throws him into the apron! Garza drags up and puts him in, then brings him up to underhook. WING CLIPPER!! Cover, Garza wins!!
Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall
Vega does feel bad, despite how hard she’s trying not to care about either. Garza leaves her and Almas behind, is he going to fly higher without them?
Vega goes to check on Almas, but wait! Lights are going down! And when they come back, ALEXA BLISS is in the corner doing the spider walk!! Vega said her name too many times on commentary! And the FIEND is here, too!! They each get Almas and Garza in position, for DOUBLE SISTER ABIGAILS!! The Fiend and the Fallen Goddess have just made a statement their first night on Raw! Who else will let them in?!
Raw returns with another round of draft picks!
Stephanie goes right to the picks, Raw takes… NIKKI CROSS! The Twisted Sister will follow her former best friend, Alexa! Will she be able to save Alexa from the Fiend? SmackDown takes… ZIGGLER & ROODE! Well, will they end up winning the Raw Tag Team Championships and bring them to SmackDown anyway? Raw takes… The 24/7 Champion, R-TRUTH! The 42-time 24/7, 7/11, 747, European ThunderDome 2020 Television Champion will continue on Monday nights! SmackDown takes… APOLLO CREWS! Ricochet’s sixth sense was right and now he IS all alone! Raw finishes the round with… Raw Underground’s DABBA-KATO! If and when Raw Underground returns, will the big man continue to build momentum through those brutal brawls?
Raw Tag Team Championships: The New Day VS Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode!
Big E not opening with “AWWWW” doesn’t feel right. But either way, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods keep that positive energy flowing now that they’re on a new day. But will these titles be absolutely GLORIOUS and heading to SmackDown after all?
The introductions are made, the titles are raised, and this match to determine the fate of those belts begins!
Woods and Ziggler start, they circle, and Woods shoots it but Ziggler blocks and facelocks. Ziggler rolls Woods to a cover, TWO! They reset and go again fast, Woods gets a takedown to cover, ONE! Woods facelocks but Ziggler pops out to facelock and Oklahoma roll, TWO! Woods shoves Ziggler up and over to get a headlock, cover, ONE! Ziggler facelocks, Woods wrenches free to get the wristlock. Ziggler reaches for Roode but stomps Woods’ foot. Ziggler wrenches Woods to a wristlock, hammerlocks him but Woods spins to hammerlock back. Woods headlocks, wrenches, tags Kofi, and Kofi goes up to drop ax handles! Kofi shoots the half, covers, ONE! Ziggler gets up, around, facelocks to waistlock, and brings Kofi back to tag in Roode.
Roode stomps Kofi, headlocks and grinds, but Kofi fights up. Kofi powers Roode to ropes and then powers out, but Roode runs him over! Roode runs, Kofi stays down to then jump up and up and elbow Roode down! Cover, TWO! Kofi brings Roode up, wrenches, but Roode pulls hair to put Kofi on ropes. Roode rams into Kofi, then throws hands on Woods! Kofi rolls Roode, TWO! Roode ducks Trouble in Paradise to FULL NELSON SLAM! Tag to Ziggler and the two work together, ALLEY-OOP FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO!! The Glorious Show-Offs are shocked but in control as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Ziggler chokes Kofi on ropes! The ref counts, Ziggler lets up and Roode gets in a choke! The ref misses it and Ziggler tags Roode. Ziggler whips Roode for Roode to whip Ziggler and Ziggler hits a corner splash on Kofi! Ziggler feeds Kofi to Roode’s neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Kofi toughs it out and that frustrates Roode. Roode glares at Woods before he brings Kofi up. Kofi throws hands, Roode throws haymakers then stomps Kofi at the ropes. Roode chokes Kofi, lets up at 4, and Ziggler gets a cheap shot in! Roode drags Kofi up, suplexes high and hard, then hops up to ropes for a flying knee drop! Cover, TWO! Roode grows frustrated but fans rally up for Kofi. Roode jams a knee in and wraps on a chinlock. Kofi endures, fights up, Roode RAMS him into a corner!
Roode rams over an dover, lets up at 4 and then runs back in, into Kofi’s DOUBLE STOMPS! Both men are down, crawl for their corners, and hot tags to Ziggler and Woods! Woods dodges Ziggler to deck Roode and then dodges Ziggler again! Tilt-o-whirl heasdcissors! Woods mule kicks Ziggler, but Roode whips him to a corner! Woods boots Roode and hits the HONOR ROLL! Ziggler gets thrown out of the ring, Woods drop toeholds Roode! Woods run to slide off Roode and hit Ziggler with a dropkick! Woods puts Ziggler in, GET OVER HERE! Cover, TWO!! Ziggler survives but Woods grins. Woods brings Ziggler up, trophy lifts to show off his own strength, and then drops him, but Ziggler blocks the gutbuster! SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Woods lives and Ziggler is shocked!
Ziggler tags Roode, Ziggler whips Roode for Roode to whip Ziggler, but Kofi helps Woods avoid the splash! Roode DECKS Kofi for it, but Woods rolls Roode! TWO, Woods boots Roode from the corner., Woods tries another Honor Roll into a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Woods writhes while Roode seethes! Roode drags Woods up, but Woods ENZIGURIS! Both men are down again, Kofi is back on the corner, but Ziggler trips Kofi and whips him at steps! Kofi goes up and over to come back, LEAPING LARIAT for Ziggler! Roode grabs Woods but Kofi tags in! Roode still rolls Woods but Woods kicks out, and Roode goes into Kofi’s enziguri! Kofi goes up top, Woods scoops Roode, UP UP DOWN DOWN!! Cover, the New Day wins!!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall (still Raw Tag Team Champions)
Surely Big E is celebrating as he watches this at home! Why? BECAAAAUSE~! New! Day Rocks!
Backsatge interview with Elias.
Charly Caruso welcomes him back but notes the first thing he does is smash Hardy with a guitar. Well she’s a reporter, so here’s the headline: “Elias’ new single off the album, Payback, headed Jeff Hardy’s way.” Payback for what? Well, it seems that everyone else has forgiven and forgotten Hardy, but NOT Elias! Elias won’t forget about the hit ‘n’ run that sidelined him! But we still don’t really know who was responsible for that frame job! Maybe it was Sheamus, maybe it was someone else. Elias gets it. “The mystery man with red hair.” You don’t think he knows who did it? Elias won’t forgive Hardy for trying to send Elias to the big stage in the sky. And as much as “the man upstairs” would love a private concert with The Drifter, cars can’t stop Elias.
Call him a legend, call him a rockstar, call him whatever, he IS Elias. Being the great musician he is, he searched his soul and wrote his magnum opus. Put this down in the calendars: October 26th, the night after HIAC, the new album, “Universal Truth” drops. But next week, we celebrate Elias’ return with something people have needed: a concert. It will be unforgettable, especially for Hardy.
Ricochet VS Cedric Alexander w/ The Hurt Business!
The One and Only knows he’s alone, and he’s willing to put his future here on Raw on the line! If he wins, he stays the One and Only, and the Hurt Business leaves him alone. If he loses, he joins up. Will Ricochet secure his future with his own two hands?
Raw returns as Ricochet makes his entrance. The bell rings and Ricochet and Alexander rush in and ROCK each other with simultaneous forearms! Ricochet comes back to throw body shots and forearms then a CHOP! Ricochet throws more forearms and CHOPS in the corner and whips corner to corner. Alexander reverses but Ricochet comes back to CLOBBER him! Cover, ONE! Ricochet comes back to CHOP Alexander more, but Alexander waistlocks and SLAMS Ricochet to basement dropkick! And then tackles Ricochet for furious fists! The Hurt Business loves this! Ricochet flounders, Alexander CHOPS him in the corner! Alexander stomps Ricochet at the corner, but lets him up as the ref counts. Alexander snap suplexes HARD, then covers, TWO! He tries again, TWO!
Alexander keeps Ricochet down with a chinlock and he grinds Ricochet down. Ricochet endures, fights up and fights back. Ricochet throws forearms, whips but Alexander reverses to then ROCK Ricochet at the ropes! Ricochet flops down and MVP says to capitalize! Alexander is all over Ricochet with grinding forearms, then shoots the half to a cover, TOW! Alexander still has Ricochet trapped, and rolls him from the ropes! Ricochet endures, fights his way back towards ropes but Alexander drags him away. Ricochet throws body shots but Alexander clubs him down. Alexander drags Ricochet up by an ear, DECKS him with a forearm, then talks trash just as MVP talks trash. MVP tells Alexander to slap Ricochet, so Alexander SLAPS Ricochet! Ricochet SLAPS back!
Alexander fires off on Ricochet in the corner, the ref counts and Alexander lets off. Alexander rolls Ricochet, Ricochet cradles Alexander, TWO! Ricochet ducks the clothesline to HALF ‘N’ HALF! Cover, TWO!! Alexander survives and Ricochet is furious! The Hurt Business isn’t much happier as they coach Alexander up. Ricochet goes to the corner, climbs up top, and 450s but has to bail out. Alexander runs into a fireman’s carry but slips off to forearm and CHOP! But he runs into the dropkick-flip and ROUNDHOUSE, to ENZIGURI! Ricochet runs into the SCOOP MICHNIOKU! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives again but the ref is part of collateral! So MVP gets a chair into the ring! But Ricochet gets said chair!
Ricochet glares but sees he’s surrounded on all sides. So he SMACKS the mat, and hands the chair to Alexander! Ricochet pulls a classic Eddie Guerrero move! The ref disqualifies Alexander!!
Winner: Ricochet, by disqualification; does NOT have to join the Hurt Business
Ricochet bails out, having outsmarted them all! The Hurt Business MUST leave Ricochet alone, or else they go back on their word. Will Ricochet be able to hold this over their heads for the rest of their careers?
Raw Talk gets Phenomenal!
Tonight’s WWE Draft edition of Raw Talk will not only have AJ Styles, but the NEW Raw Tag Team Champions, the New Day, and the winner of tonight’s #1 contender battle royal! Oh, and of course, one final round of draft picks.
Raw announces MASSIVE things for the Season Premiere!
After breaking part of the stage, and now that both men are on Mondays, Braun Strowman and Keith Lee will have a rematch from last week’s exhibition! Who wins and who stays standing now that things ARE on the record?
Stephanie McMahon returns with one more round of draft picks.
With the first pick of this 10th round, Raw takes… TITUS O’NEIL! The Real Deal stays Raw, will he rise back up to some gold? SmackDown takes… The Untouchable, CARMELLA! New look, new attitude, but still fabulous on Fridays! Raw takes… PEYTON ROYCE! No longer part of a duo, will the Venus Flytrap build her strength as a singles competitor? SmackDown takes… ALEISTER BLACK! The darkness follows, will he still go after Kevin Owens on Fridays? Raw finishes this round with… AKIRA TOZAWA! R-Truth still has his rivals here on Raw, will Tozawa get the 24/7 Championship back?
Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender Battle Royal!
Superstars from both Raw and SmackDown are allowed to participate in this match, as it could turn out that yet undrafted talent ends up on Monday nights. Asuka joins commentary to watch as Peyton, Alexa, Zelina, Billie Kay, and even the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler, battle for a shot at her title! Will this battle royal prove someone is finally ready for Asuka?
Raw returns as Mandy, Dana, Natty, Lana, Bianca Belair, Lacey Evans, Tamina and the Riott Squad have made their entrances. Before the bell, Nia grabs a mic to say, “The battle royal’s obviously gonna be won by Shayna, or more likely me.” So to save the other girls time, pain and humiliation, just jump over and out of the ring so you don’t have to get thrown out. Nia says, “You’re welcome,” but the bell rings and the champs get jumped by everyone else! Asuka loves this! That’s what they get! Nia and Shayna power out but then Lana ROUNDHOUSES Nia! And again! But then Tamina clobbers Lana! Family watches out for family, right? Tamina and Nia drag Lana up for DOUBLE HEADBUTTS! Asuka likes that! The family goes to hug, but then Nia throws Tamina out and ELIMINATES her! So much for family…
Billie goes after a leg but Nia is too big for her. Nia picks Billie up and puts her on the apron, and then corners her, as it were. Billie rams into Nia but hurts herself! Nia HEADBUTTS Billie and down she goes, Nia ELIMINATES Billie! Asuka cheers on Mandy and Dana, the #SexyMuscleFriends. But Shayna fights them off, scoops Dana and puts her on the ropes. Mandy goes after Shayna and saves Dana, but then Shayna puts Mandy out there with Dana! Dana and Mandy go to bring Shayna up but Nia rams and ELIMINATES them both! Nia says that’s four, but then the rest go after her! Asuka likes that as they all pick Nia up! Shayna is even part of it! Everyone ELIMINATES Nia!! Nia can’t believe it! But it’s not like they’re pals, right? Nia throws a tanturm and tears up the desk!
Bianca fights off Lacey and Nikki, Nia grabs Lana! Nia SAMOAN DROPS Lana through the desk!! Asuka does like that, though. Nia’s rage subsides for now, but wait, what’s going on backstage?! McIntyre found Orton!! McIntyre’s keeping his promise as he looks to beat the hell out of the Viper! Orton hits back, clubs and whips McIntyre into a garage door! McIntyre throws Orton into the garage door, too! “This is every Monday night! I’m gonna rename you, ‘Drew McIntyre’s B*TCH!!'” Orton rakes McIntyre’s eyes to then club away! There’s chaotic brawling everywhere and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns as Bianca tries to get Lacey up and over the ropes. The Squad goes after Shayna, Nikki goes after Lacey and Natty goes after Bianca. Lacey whips Nikki to a corner, but Nikki elbows back. Nikki hops up, reels Lacey in, TORNADO HOTSHOT! But the apron’s a bad place to be, Lacey uses a WOMAN’S RIGHT to ELIMINATE Nikki! Natty clubs Bianca while Lacey insults the “nasty.” Shayna KNEES Ruby, drags her up and Lacey goes after Liv. Liv kicks Lacey away to go save Ruby! But then Bianca chicken wings Liv for the GLAM SLAM onto Ruby! But Shayna gets Bianca in the KIRAFUDA! Bianca flails and pushes back to roll out! She drags Shayna up in chicken wings, and throws her at the ropes! Bianca ELIMINATES Shayna!! The EST makes sure the tag champions don’t have a shot!
Natty clobbers Bianca! And hoists her up top! Bianca fights back as Natty tries to push her out. The Squad regroups as Bianca clubs Natty and throws forearms. The Squad work together to dropkick and ELIMINATE Bianca! Well, Bianca’s heading to SmackDown anyhow, so she’ll have to focus on the SmackDown Women’s Championship. And we have a final four: Natalya, Lacey Evans, Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan. Natty and Lacey join forces against the Squad in a big brawl! Ruby has Natty, Liv has Lacey! The Squad whips Queen and Lady at each other but Lacey and Natty reverse. Liv leaps over Ruby, only for each of them to be put up and over onto the apron! Natty and Lacey run but into shoulders! But then a DISCUS and WOMAN’S RIGHT ELIMINATE Ruby and Liv at the same time!! Lacey and Natty are the final two!!
Fans are upset, because it’s not like either of these two are very likeable. Natty and Lacey circle, Lacey kicks and bumps Natty off buckles. And then more buckles! Lacey runs in but is put up and over! Natty throws hands but Lacey holds on! Lacey shoulders in, slingshot sup and over to waistlock. Natty fights the lift, elbows back and turns it around , but Lacey denies the atomic drop to then knee! Natty SLAPS Lacey! Natty clubs Lacey, SLAPS her again, then SLAPS her more! Lacey pushes back, Asuka now watches backstage as the two brawl. Natty suplexes Lacey up and over, but Lacey stays on the apron. Lacey drags Natty up and over onto the apron! They fight for control, Natty POSTS Lacey! Lacey sits down but keeps her feet up! Natty glare and runs in, into a BOOT! Natty holds onto the ropes! Lacey kicks the feet, Natty gets her feet back on the apron to save herself!
Natty gets up, but runs into Lacey’s headscissors! Natty keeps herself and Lacey up to swing and POST Lacey! Lacey hits the ground, Natty WINS! But wait, Lana is in!? She wasn’t eliminated!? She BOOTS Natty down and WINS!!
Winner: Lana (NEW #1 Contender to the Raw Women’s Championship)
The Ravishing Russian actually got lucky Nia decimated her earlier! She comes away with the biggest win of her career, and heads for the biggest match of her career! But if she only won this by luck, does she stand any chance against Asuka?
Whoa! Randy and McIntyre are brawling at ringside! McIntyre dumps Orton over barriers then stalks after. Orton kicks McIntyre, throws EuroUppers, then kicks him more! Orton brings McIntyre to the apron but McIntyre throws him into it! McIntyre CHOPS Orton, stalks him and clubs him, but Orton hits back! They keep brawling, McIntyre clubs and clubs and whips. Orton reverse and sends McIntyre into barriers! Orton brings McIntyre to the ramp for more haymakers! McIntyre hits back, referees and security hurry to stop this! These two have to make it to Hell in a Cell, but they don’t want to wait! Orton seethes and McIntyre shouts at him, but the referees and officials have brought them away. McIntyre vows he’ll see Orton next Monday, and then END him at HIAC! But will either man even survive to go through hell?
My Thoughts:
What a wild Raw! Now, a lot of the draft picks tonight were predictable yet logical. I am a little disappointed Kevin isn’t sticking around on Raw now that The Fiend and Alexa are here, there was so much potential there. Kevin VS Aleister was a great No Disqualification match, but now it seems wasted if they’re both going to SmackDown. Zelina Vega hasn’t been announced yet but I expect Raw Talk to handle that. She and Aleister are married IRL, so they are going to stick together on SmackDown. That will be great for both of them, as Zelina can A) continue her feud with Bianca, who is also on SmackDown, and B) be a fresh face to shake things up on Fridays. Keith Lee and Braun Strowman both being on Raw is great, they’re having a match next week which will be awesome, and it’s even of note that Dabba-Kato was a televised pick. Will Dabba get involved given his Raw Underground “match” with Braun? Three big behemoths brawling is better than two.
It makes sense for the Profits to go to SmackDown as Montez Ford and Bianca Belair are married, and because the New Day are here on Raw. I’m a little disappointed that the tag titles were literally just traded so that the champs have the proper belts. I would’ve preferred things to build to the double tag team champions, but I suppose WWE hasn’t completely given up on their Raw and SmackDown tag divisions. It’s just that they got bored with many of the teams that were still in it. But this technically means the New Day are TEN TIME champions, as this will be their third Raw title reign. And the Profits technically become triple crown in tag titles alone. They’ve been NXT, Raw and now SmackDown tag champs, a great accomplishment they’re definitely deserving of. I just wish it was with an epic match against New Day.
Garza VS Almas was great, and it was great for Garza to win. It’s another shame that Kevin and Aleister aren’t sticking on Raw, because Fiend and Alexa attacking Almas and Vega was great! Maybe we get a Mixed Tag that acts as a farewell to Vega. Almas is staying on Raw because last I checked, he and Charlotte Flair are engaged, and Charlotte is staying on Raw. Maybe Charlotte subs in for Vega to bring her relationship with Almas into kayfabe? Actually, I’m hoping not because we saw how that was for Rollins and Becky and that got awkward. Speaking of Rollins, his “good-bye speech” turning into that phenomenal Triple Threat was the best good-bye he could’ve had. Commentary said it was PPV worthy, and I actually agree. That could’ve easily be considered a contender’s match for the world championship, taking on the winner of McIntyre VS Orton.
Speaking of which, Orton and McIntyre both staying on Raw is the obvious move. It keeps the match at HIAC in HIAC for the WWE World Championship unpredictable. Their brawling tonight was really good too, especially to close the show. While McIntyre will surely want after Orton again next week, I hope that means they put a special stipulation on the world title HIAC match. Universal Championship match added I Quit on top of theirs, why not add Last Man Standing onto McIntyre VS Orton? Then Lana going from losing the tag match for her team, having Natty dump her as a friend and tag partner, getting Samoan Dropped through the announce desk a fourth time, and STILL winning the battle royal was an incredible arc for her in one night.
But there’s no way in hell she’s winning that title, even if it’s in a normal match next week for the “season premiere.” Asuka is Asuka, Asuka is awesome, Asuka will probably battle someone far more serious a threat at HIAC, and that person might even make themselves known next week. Probably “Alexa Quinn,” as Vega mocked her. One thing that wasn’t part of tonight was Retribution, despite Ali being advertised. Perhaps a last minute rewrite? Ricochet betting Hurt Business like that did come out of nowhere, so maybe Retribution just wasn’t ready for tonight and they adlibbed this part. Still good for the story, but I would’ve liked if Retribution made Ricochet an offer to join. Either way, it would’ve worked for one of those groups to get a fifth man, as I feel like Survivor Series could give us Retribution VS Hurt Business.
My score: 8.8/10
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The Front Man VS The Rebel!
The 2025 New Japan Cup is moving into the homestretch, and we have Zack Sabre Jr. battling David Finlay! Will ZSJ return to the finals?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Tomohiro Ishii & Katsuya Murashima VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson; Oiwa & Jackson win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi & Daiki Nagai VS Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata; Kojima & Nagata win.
- YOSHI-HASHI & Toru Yano VS Yuya Uemura & Taka Michinoku; Hashi & Yano win.
- Six Man Tag: Hontai VS The United Empire; Hontai wins.
- Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI VS Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman; Cobb & Newman win.
- 10 Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; House of Torture wins.
- Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma VS Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji; Takagi & Tsuji win.
- 2025 New Japan Cup Semifinal: Zack Sabre Jr. & David Finlay; Finlay wins and advances to the finals.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture!
After Gabe Kidd eliminated Ren Narita from the New Japan Cup, the Souled Out Strong Style and the boys made sure the Mad Man lost, too! Will Gabe, “Drilla” Moloney, Chase Owens, Bad Luck Fale & Sanada finally bring down the House? Or will the King of Darkness lead his team and prove Everything is Evil?
Well, no sneak attacks during the House’s entrances, but Sho does get the mic. Sho claims that of all the places in Japan, Shizuoka is the worst! Just like the War Dogs! He tells the War Dogs to get out here so they can just end this and go home already. With that, Gabe & Drilla lead the charge and the brawl is on! Evil intercepts Sanada with a kick, but Chase & Fale go after Yujiro & Kanemaru! Gabe BOWLS Ren into chairs in the crowd! The fans fire up but they also have to clear out fast! Gabe sends Ren into the wall, Sanada sends Evil into commentary! The King of Darkness knocks President Ace over!
Gabe fires forearms on Ren at ringside, the fans fire up, but then Evil CHOKES Tanahashi just because!! The fans boo but then Sanada attacks Evil. Ren & Dick turn things around on Gabe! Evil throws Sanada at Milano Collection AT-san! Mmilano ends up falling onto fans! And then Evil just does it again! Ren throws Gabe into a wall! Kanemaru knocks Chase down, then whips him into railing! Sho finally scrambles into the ring to get away from Drilla, and now the bell rings! Sho wants mercy but Drilla puts him in a corner instead. The fans bark as Drilla CHOPS and ROCKS Sho on repeat! The ref reprimands, Drilla won’t stop so the ref pulls him back.
Drilla pushes the ref aside, then runs back in, but Sho ELBOWS Drilla! Sho runs, SPEAR gets stuffed! Drilla fires knees, then hoists Sho up! Sho fights free and he bends Drilla’s fingers! The ref reprimands but Sho whips Drilla into the corner, SURPRISE~! Bare buckles! Drilla hits steel and falls back while Sho BLASTS the War Dogs off their corner! The fans boo but Sho drags Drilla up and TOSSES him outside. Sho distracts the ref as Ren & Evil mug Drilla, then the others join in! The fans boo, but Gabe runs up to attack! He gets mugged, too, and he’s even sent into railing! Drilla is put in for Sho to cover, TWO!
Kanemaru tags in and kicks away on Drilla. Kanemaru whips Drilla to an open corner, runs up and ELBOWS him! Then Kanemaru snapmares to drop a KNEE! Cover, TWO! Drilla is still in this and the fans rally up behind him. Kanemaru bumps Drilla off Yujiro’s boot! Tag to Yujiro and he drags Drilla up. Yujiro bumps Drilla off the bare buckles! The fans rally for Drilla more but Yujiro knees him low. Yujiro fires forearms, stands him against the ropes, and the House holds Drilla in place for the BOOT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Drilla stays in this, but Ren tags in to drag Drilla up. Drilla fires forearms on Ren!
Ren CLAWS Drilla’s eyes! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Ren whips Drilla to a corner. Drilla BOOTS him away! And then Drilla puts Ren up top, and GAMANGIRIS! Ren wobbles and the fans fire up! Drilla brings Ren off the corner, but Ren slips free and CLAWS the eyes again! The ref reprimands, Ren lets go to run, but he runs into a SPINEBUSTER! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Ren crawls and Gabe shouts as he rises up! The fans rally, hot tag to Gabe! The Mad Man dodges Ren to BLAST the House! Ren kicks low, whips Gabe, but Gabe reverses and LARIATS in the corner! Then he whips corner to corner to LARIAT again!
Gabe clinches Ren for an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! The fans bark with Gabe and he hauls Ren up. Gabe suplexes but Ren slips out to SLEEPER! Gabe slips around but Ren fights the back suplex! Ren fires elbows, then he CHOKES Gabe! Gabe breaks free, takes a swing, but Ren catches him into an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up, Ren drags Gabe to his feet, but Gabe stops the facebuster! Ren avoids the Penalty Kick, gets around to shove Gabe, and Evil gets a cheap shot in! Ren runs up but Gabe gets around the boot to SAIDO! Both men are down, the fans rally up, and both Ren and Gabe crawl for their corners. Hot tags to Chase and Evil!
The fans fire up as the Crown Jewel dodges Evil and JABS! JABS! JABS! Chase winds up, but Evil kicks low! Evil whips, Chase LARIATS him first! Kanemaru & Sho attack, they double whip, but Chase ducks the double lariats! Chase shoves Sho into Kanemaru, then he dragon sleepers Sho. Kanemaru runs up but Chase catches him, URENAGE DDT COMBO! The fans fire up, but Evil waistlocks! Chase breaks free and PELES! Chase hurries to DECK Yujiro for good measure! Chase lines up a shot, C- NO! Evil stops the trigger and CLAWS the eyes! Then he sends the foot at the ref, and he mule kicks Chase’s other leg out!
The fans boo but Sho BLASTS Sanada off the apron! Yujiro & Kanemaru get in to whip Chase to the corner! Then Sho runs up to forearm SMASH! Kanemaru ELBOWS! Yujiro BOOTS! Evil LARIATS! They snapmare Chase, Sho distracts the ref, and Dick Togo goes up! DICK CHOP! Evil covers, TWO!! Chase survives, but Evil “falls” on the ref! Evil grins as he gets a chair! The fans boo, but Evil swings! Chase dodges, but then Evil gives Chase the chair! Evil tries to frame Chase, but Chase SMACKS the mat, and then falls over! Chase turns the tables and now the ref and Evil argue over the chair! The chair is taken away, and Chase sends Evil into Sanada’s DROPKICK!
Chase now spins Evil, wrenches and hammerlocks, for a BUTTERFLY DDT! Cover, but Sho & Kanemaru break it! Sanada & Drilla go after them, TOSS them out, and the brawling on the outside returns! Chase drags Evil up, but Evil clinches! EVERY- NO, Chase rolls Evil up! TWO!! Evil escapes, but a C-TRIGGER hits the mark! The fans fire up but now Yujiro distracts the ref! This lets Kanemaru slip in and CLUB Chase! Then Kanemaru spins Chase around, but Chase UPPERCUTS the whiskey mist into the air! Chase TOSSES Kanemaru, but Dick uses POCKET POWDER! And then EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, The House wins!
Winners: House of Torture, by pinfall
The War Dogs tried their best, but the House of Torture has too many tricks up their sleeves! Is there nothing that can stop them from being the PRIME Bullet Club? Well hold on! Gabe & Drilla bring out chairs! They get the House running away, but Evil mocks them with the L to the forehead. What must the War Dogs do to finally end this farce?
2025 New Japan Cup Semifinal: Zack Sabre Jr. & David Finlay w/ Gedo!
As a previous two-time New Japan Cup winner, The Front Man has been in this position before. The Rebel has also been in this position before, but the semifinals were as far as he’d go in the past. Will this be the moment Finlay breaks through and proves he’s the Savage King? Or will he be made to #JustTapOut?
The bell rings and the fans rally up already as ZSJ and Finlay circle. They feel things out, Finlay drops down to go for a leg but then backs off. They continue to feel out the grapple, then clinch as they go to ropes. Red Shoes calls the break but ZSJ and Finlay keep hand fighting. Red Shoes reprimands, ZSJ lets off slowly, but Finlay shoves him back. Finlay complains but he still resets with ZSJ. The fans rally some more as the two knuckle lock. Finlay goes for an arm, ZSJ hooks a leg, but Finlay wrenches to a wristlock. ZSJ spins around and slips through to waistlock, then he wrenches, hammerlocks, spins Finlay, and wrangles him to the mat!
The fans cheer this technical wrestling display, but Finlay fights up to trip ZSJ. Finlay has a toehold, ZSJ has a chinlock, but Finlay pushes back on the leg. Finlay shifts around, goes for the Half Crab, and even dares ZSJ to use the ropebreak. ZSJ moves around and stands up, so Finlay lets go of the leg. The fans applaud and the two reset again. ZSJ and Finlay tie up again, and Finlay headlocks. ZSJ powers up but Finlay grinds the hold. ZSJ goes for a leg, Finlay thrashes the headlock, so ZSJ powers up and out to headlock back. Finlay powers up and out, but ZSJ counters the hip toss, only for Finlay to do the same!
They go counter hip toss for counter hip toss, until ZSJ TOSSES Finlay up and out! The fans cheer while Finlay grows frustrated. ZSJ waits on Finlay as Finlay paces. Finlay storms back in, but ZSJ arm-drags him down! Finlay headscissors, ZSJ kips free, and the fans cheer again as they reset. Finlay and ZSJ stare down, Finlay talks some smack, but then he fires a forearm! ZSJ brushes that off, and he UPPERCUTS in return! Finlay nods and comes back with an UPPERCUT of his own! The fans rally up and ZSJ nods. ZSJ UPPERCUTS again, so Finlay UPPERCUTS again! The fans rally up more as Finlay UPPERCUTS again!
ZSJ walks around and gets the fans fired up, but Finlay UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Finlay fires a flurry of forearms! Finlay runs, but ZSJ dodges, only for Finlay yo ELBOW him down! SENTON onto knees! ARMBAR! Finlay scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and ZSJ lets go. ZSJ brings Finlay back up and reels him in, all to go after an arm! Finlay endures being stuck in this modified headscissors while ZSJ bends his fingers! And then he SNAPS the fingers! The Front Man is rather villainous there and the fans rally up. ZSJ grabs the hand, wrenches and wrenches and wrenches, but Finlay wrenches back!
ZSJ takes as swing, but into Finlay’s IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! ZSJ writhes and goes to a corner, but Finlay storms over to stand on him! Red Shoes counts, Finlay steps off, and the fans duel as Finlay whips ZSJ corner to corner hard! ZSJ falls and writhes, Gedo applauds and the fans rally again. Finlay flexes before he storms over and whips ZSJ hard into the other corner! Finlay claims he can do this all day, then he stands on ZSJ again. Finlay stands ZSJ up to whip him HARD into the corner! ZSJ bounces off the buckles and falls to the mat! The fans rally and duel as Finlay storms up on ZSJ again.
ZSJ pushes Finlay away, but Finlay keeps grabbing at him. ZSJ grabs the bad hand and bends the fingers! Then ZSJ UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Finlay UPPERCUTS right back and ZSJ falls! The fans are torn as Finlay watches ZSJ crawl away. Finlay barks, fans bark with him, and Finlay runs in! UPPERCUT! Finlay reels ZSJ in, but ZSJ snap suplexes Finlay into buckles! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Finlay sputters while he gets his legs out of the ropes. ZSJ drags Finlay up, UPPERCUTS again, and Finlay staggers around. ZSJ UPPERCUTS again, and again, and again!
Gedo is worried but Finlay swings, only for ZSJ to backslide! Finlay rolls through, but into a NECK TWIST! And basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Finlay writhes. ZSJ stands and encourages them to get louder. The fans rally as ZSJ brings Finlay up. Finlay fights the suplex, tries to suplex back, but ZSJ goes for an arm. Finlay rolls and reels ZSJ in for a BACKBREAKER! ZSJ slumps out of the ring and Finlay grins as he goes out after him. Finlay drags ZSJ up, reels him in, and brings ZSJ up, only for ZSJ to make that a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! ZSJ squeezes tight, but Finlay RAMS ZSJ into the railing!
The fans rally up while both men are down on the outside, and Gedo applauds Finlay for getting free. Finlay hobbles away, but then runs back in, only for ZSJ to send him into railing! ZSJ now crawls away, but then calls on the fans. The fans rally up, ZSJ lines up a shot, and he runs in to SHOTGUN Finlay back into the railing! Finlay writhes and the fans fire up again! ZSJ stalks Finlay now, passing by secondary commentary with Taichi. ZSJ puts Finlay in the ring, slides in, and then PENALTY KICKS! High stack, TWO!! Finlay survives, Gedo is relieved, and the fans rally up. ZSJ is annoyed but he paces around while Finlay flounders.
ZSJ drags Finlay up, but Finlay fights the scoop! Finlay suplexes, but ZSJ cradle counters! TWO!! Finlay gets free, but ZSJ gets around to hook him up, IRON OCTOPUS! Finlay endures, powers out, and he HOTSHOTS ZSJ off ropes! Then he reels ZSJ in to POWERBOMB! Finlay roars, the fans fire up, and Finlay- NO, ZSJ SCOOPS! SABRE DRIVER!! But ZSJ can’t make the cover! The fans fire up while both men are down! Red Shoes checks and Finlay is still in this. The fans rally while Gedo shouts for Finlay to get up! ZSJ stands first, and he looms over Finlay. ZSJ drags Finlay up, reels him in, but Finlay fights the lift!
ZSJ pats Finlay on the back, then KICKS Finlay in the chest! Finlay flops forward, but pushes himself back up. ZSJ KICKS again! Finlay flops down again, but ZSJ makes him sit up so he can KICK again! Finlay is back down, and ZSJ takes a moment to stretch before he hauls Finlay up. Finlay fights the lift, and he Alabama Lifts ZSJ! But ZSJ Gotch lifts Finlay! Finlay BACKDROPS, ZSJ sunset flips, but Finlay sits on it! TWO, ZSJ sunsets, TWO! Finlay high stacks, to DEADLIFT and POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up! Gedo coaches Finlay, Finlay crawls over to ZSJ, and Finlay drags ZSJ back up.
Finlay Canadian Racks, but ZSJ has a SLEEPER while up there! Finlay powers up, but ZSJ slips around to have a standard SLEEPER! Finlay throws ZSJ down, but ZSJ reels him into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Finlay powers up, but he falls back! ZSJ rains down elbows! Then ZSJ focuses on just the ARMBAR! Finlay tries to kick at ZSJ but ZSJ grabs that foot, now he has a HEEL HOOK with the armbar! Finlay endures, reaches out, and the fans duel as he reaches out! ZSJ has the TRIANGLE HOLD back, and then he gets Finlay’s free arm in a wristlock! Finlay only has a leg free and it’s not in a very good spot for this!
The fans fire up as Finlay endures, and gives one last gasp to get his arms free! ROPEBREAK!! ZSJ lets go, and he grins as he looks at Gedo. ZSJ KICKS Finlay, and then KICKS Finlay again! ZSJ runs, but into a SPEAR!! Both men are down again after that desperate attack! Finlay crawls over to ZSJ, drags him up and reels him in, but ZSJ wrenches out to PELE the arm! ZSJ waistlocks, O’Conner Rolls, but Finlay rolls through! ZSJ pushes Finlay down, has the legs, JAPANESE LEG ROLL, TWO!! Finlay escapes, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Finlay rebounds to LARIAT! The fans fire up and Finlay winds up! Finlay runs, into a GUILLOTINE!
Finlay powers through, INTO OBLIVION! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again! Finlay rises up, roars, and he brings ZSJ up. Finlay suplexes, OVER- NO, ZSJ blocks the knee and trips Finlay! ZSJ body scissors, GEDO CLUTCH into the JAPANESE LEG ROLL, and ZSJ is even flipping Finlay off! TWO!!! Finlay escapes, both men stand, and Finlay fires a forearm! And a ROLLING ELBOW! And a ROLLING- LARIAT from ZSJ!! The fans are thunderous as ZSJ watches Finlay go to a corner. ZSJ runs in, Finlay dodges but ZSJ goes up and around to TORNADO DDT and then roll through! Scoop and- NO, Finlay escapes!
Finlay and ZSJ gator roll, Finlay powers up to OVERKILL!!! Cover, FINLAY WINS!!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (advances to the finals)
It was a breakneck pace at the end, and it ended up the breakthrough The Rebel needed! Will ZSJ just have to use a different path back to the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship?
As for Finlay, Gedo joins him in the ring as Finlay gets the mic. The fans cheer him on, and he says, “You can call Zack Sabre Jr. many, many things. You can call him a two-time New Japan Cup Champion. You can call him the 2024 G1 Climax Champion. You can call him the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. Hell, you can call him the best tournament wrestler int he world. But one thing you cannot call Zack is better than me!” The fans cheer, and Finlay says, “Come Hell or high water, I am winning the Cup because hate always finds a way.” The fans applaud as Finlay hands off the mic to Gedo.
Gedo translates what Finlay said about ZSJ’s accolades, and that the New Japan Cup will now belong to Finlay! “The Rebel takes the F over everything! I need The Rebel! New Japan needs The Rebel! And the world… needs The Rebel!” Finlay is one match away from that dream, and he even mouths off to Tanahashi to make sure he understands that, too. But who will stand against him on the other side? Can anyone stand against him?
My Thoughts:
Another great night for New Japan Cup, though I’m a little surprised we’re stretching things out like this. They could’ve given us Shingo VS Shota, too, but I guess they want to give that match a main event moment, too. The tune-up matches tonight went how I expected, but I covered the War Dogs VS House of Torture match just to see if Sanada does anymore shenanigans, or lack thereof I suppose. This time, Sanada actually did help out a bit, so it isn’t quite clear if he’s betraying the War Dogs after all. This will definitely culminate in a wild No Disqualification style team match, but I would hope they don’t go as wild as when War Dogs and United Empire ripped up the ring. That’s what got Alex Coughlin hurt to where he can’t wrestle anymore.
ZSJ VS Finlay was an awesome main event, and it certainly felt like it could go either way. Finlay winning was only a bit surprising, but perhaps it’s too soon for ZSJ to win the Cup to get back to the world title. Plus, while Finlay is a de facto Face in the Bullet Club Civil War story, he’s Heel everywhere else, and so we’re going to get a Heel VS Face for the Cup, no matter who wins between Takagi and Shota.
My Score: 8.9/10
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The Fierce Warrior fights Blue Justice!
An IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match during the New Japan Cup? It’s happening as Hirooki Goto defends the title against Yuji Nagata!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson; Ishii & Hashi win.
- 8 Man Tag: Hontai VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
- Six Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS House of Torture; Double Count-Out Draw.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS House of Torture; LIJ wins.
- 2025 New Japan Cup Quarterfinal: Shingo Takagi VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Takagi wins and advances.
- 2025 New Japan Cup Quarterfinal: Shota Umino VS Jeff Cobb; Shota wins and advances.
- 2025 New Japan Cup Quarterfinal: Yuya Uemura VS David Finlay; Finlay wins and advances.
- 2025 New Japan Cup Quarterfinal: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Taichi; ZSJ wins and advances.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Yuji Nagata; Goto wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
2025 New Japan Cup Quarterfinal: Shingo Takagi VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
The Rampaging Dragon broke through BARS while 44 Caliber shot down the Public Enemy. And now these two meet again after the New Beginning in Osaka! Drilla won then, can he do it again? Or will Takagi make the quarterfinals tranquAilo?
Takagi attacks as soon as jackets are put aside! Takagi fires forearms, the bell rings, and Drilla turns things around! Drilla ROCKS and CHOPS Takagi, but then Takagi turns things around for JABS and CHOPS! The fans fire up, Drilla turns things around but then Takagi puts Drilla back in the corner! JAB, JAB, JAB, and then a HAYMAKER! The fans fire up again but the ref reprimands about closed fists. Drilla checks his teeth while Takagi rallies the fans. Takagi whips, Drilla grabs ropes and BOOTS back! Drilla runs, RAMS Takagi, but Takagi RAMS Drilla! Drilla RAMS Takagi, and fans fire up as both men roar and flex!
Takagi fires a forearm, so Drilla fires back! Takagi fires another forearm, but Drilla fires up and barks. The fans bark with Drilla, and he fires another forearm! Takagi gets fans fired up with “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi fires a forearm, Drilla fires back, so we get “OI! WOOF! OI! WOOF!” Takagi fires a flurry, but then Drilla gives those back! Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! FEINTS, but Drilla gets under the lariat. Drilla shoves Takagi to ropes, hurdles, drops down, and DROPKICKS! But Takagi’s right up to CLOBBER Drilla! The fans fire up all the same! “OI! OI! OI!” starts up again and Takagi brings Drilla up, throwing up the Stan Hanson longhorns!
Takagi Canadian Racks, but Drilla slips free! And Drilla pump handles?! Takagi fights with elbows, so Drilla ripcords and CHOPS! Drilla runs, but Takagi LARIATS! Takagi runs, but Drilla SPINEBUSTERS! The fans fire up and Drilla looms over Takagi. Drilla kicks Takagi, drags him up, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! Takagi fires a forearm, so Drilla fires back! They go back and forth, but then Drilla snapmares and KICKS Takagi! Drilla stalks Takagi to the corner, and there’s a fan doing his best to start a “Both These Guys!” chant. Drilla whips but Takagi blocks by grabbing ropes. Drilla CHOPS Takagi, then he whips corner to corner.
Drilla runs up but Takagi ELBOWS him! Drilla PELES right back! Drilla snapmares and covers, TWO! The fans cheer as Takagi stays in this, but Drilla grows frustrated. Drilla pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and Drilla brings Takagi up. Takagi fights the lift, and he BACKDROPS Drilla away! The fans fire up while Takagi goes to a corner. Takagi runs up on Drilla, runs him over, then scoops to SLAM! And SENTON! Cover, TWO! Drilla stays in this but Takagi looks to the cameras! But as Takagi gets to saying it’s his time, Drilla springs up! Takagi ducks the superkick, then ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON feints to UPPERCUT and LARIAT!
The fans fire up again and now Takagi says, “TOKI GA KITA! <THE TIME HAS COME!>” The fans rally up, Takagi sits Drilla up, but Drilla avoids the sliding lariat! But Takagi stuffs the Gore and fires knees! Drilla wrenches out, takes a swing, but Takagi spins him, only for Drilla to suplex! Drilla gets moving, and he GORES Takagi down! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and the fans fire up again! They rally behind “MO-LO-NEY! MO-LO-NEY!” Drilla storms over and kicks Takagi to the apron. Then Drilla goes out after him, but Takagi fireman’s carries! Drilla fires elbows to get free, then he reels Takagi in! But Takagi fights the lift!
Drilla CLUBS away on Takagi, but Takagi drops down to YANK Drilla off the apron! DEATH VALLEY BOMB on the floor! Both men are down and the fans rally up! The ref checks Drilla, he’s okay to continue, so Takagi rises up. Takagi wants Hiroshi Tanahashi on commentary to watch this. Takagi puts Drilla in the ring, the fans fire up, and Takagi goes corner to corner! LARIAT! Takagi keeps moving, but Drilla BOOTS the lariat away! And he catches Takagi into a pump handle! Drilla steals MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives his own move and Drilla is frustrated. The fans rally up as Drilla growls and rises up.
Drilla roars, brings Takagi in, and Canadian Rack! Takagi slips free, has the arms, Gory Especial into NOSHIGAMI! Both men are down again and the fans rally up. Takagi stands and fires boxing elbows! Drilla grits his teeth and BOOTS in return! Takagi JABS, HEADBUTTS, but Drilla ENZIGIRIS! Drilla runs, but Takagi goes the other way! PUMPING BOMBER! The fans are thunderous as Takagi brings Drilla back up. Takagi pump handles, torture racks, but Drilla slips out to inverted suplex! And he pops Takagi around, DRILLA- NO, Takagi lands out for SLIDING PUMPING BOMBER! The fans fire up and Takagi rises again.
Takagi brings Drilla around, but Drilla scoops! Takagi slips free to inverted suplex, and now he pops Drilla around, LAST OF THE DRAGONS!! Takagi gets moving, and he PUMPING BOMBERS!! Cover, TWO?!!? Drilla survives that heavy hitting combo and Takagi roars! The fans are thunderous again as Takagi hauls Drilla up. Pump handle, BURNING DRAGON!! Cover, TAKAGI WINS!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Just like that adjustment that defeated Boltin Oleg, Takagi changes it up just enough, and he brings down this War Dog! Takagi shows some respect to Drilla, saying that they’re 1-1 so they will have a tiebreaker one day. Will Takagi be New Japan Cup Champion when that day comes? Maybe even IWGP World Heavyweight Champion?
2025 New Japan Cup Quarterfinal: Shota Umino VS Jeff Cobb!
The Roughneck beat Great-O-Khan in their rematch from New Beginning in Osaka, but the Imperial Unit shut the doubters up by shutting down Tetsuya Naito. Will Cobb make Shota look like a “bald b*tch?” Or is the Paradigm Shift still happening?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. The fans duel as Cobb and Shota slowly step forward. They tie up, Cobb powers Shota to the ropes, and the ref calls the break. Cobb slowly lets off, pats Shota on his shoulders, but Shota fires a forearm! Cobb swings, Shota dodges and fires more forearms. Shota headlocks, Cobb powers up and out, then RAMS Shota! Shota runs to RAM! And RAM! Shota roars, Cobb roars, but then Shota kicks and runs. Cobb CLOBBERS Shota! The fans fire up and Cobb storms up on Shota. Cobb drags Shota up, ROCKS him with a right, then stalks him around the ring.
Cobb HEADBUTTS Shota, pats him on the head, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Cobb staggers back. Shota CLUBS Cobb on the back, brings him around, then reels him in. Shota powers up but Cobb’s too big to suplex! Cobb suplexes Shota, and THROWS him away! The fans fire up, and Cobb RAMS Shota into a corner! Cobb then runs and RAMS him again! Shota grits his teeth and clutches his ribs as he drops to his knees. Cobb drags Shota back up, CLUBS him on the back, then eggs him on. The fans rally, Cobb stands on Shota’s hand, but pretends not to know until the ref points it out.
Cobb “apologizes” as he steps off, and he has Shota against the ropes. Cobb tells Tanahashi, “This is the future Ace? The future Ace?” Cobb CLUBS Shota, drags him up, and wrenches to then pump handle and FALL AWAY SLAM! Shota writhes, the fans fire up, and Cobb storms back over. Cocky cover, TWO! Cobb drags Shota around to stand on his back! Cobb uses Shota to surf! And he copies the air guitar! Cobb steps off, “apologizes,” and eggs Shota on. Shota fire kicks from behind, but Cobb stomps that leg! Cobb drags Shota up, but Shota fires forearm after forearm! Shota turns Cobb, but Cobb elbows free.
Shota rebounds to dropkick a leg! Then he dodges a lariat to hit the NECKBREAKER! The fans rally up while Shota goes to a corner. Shota runs corner to corner, to UPPERCUT! Shota then brings Cobb in, hooks a leg, but Cobb wrenches out. Shota dodges a lariat to DROPKICK the legs! Shota then steps over, S T F! Cobb fights the crossface portion but Shota fights to get it back on! Cobb endures, he crawls around and brings Shota along as he goes to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Shota lets go at the ref’s count, and Shota brings Cobb up. Shota reels Cobb in, but Cobb is still too big! Cobb BACKDROPS, but Shota sunset flips!
Cobb stays up to drag Shota up! Shota waistlocks, Cobb switches, but Shota elbows free! They trade forearms back and forth, and Shota fires up! ROLLING ELBOW! Cobb JABS! Shota kicks a leg, but Cobb ducks the enzigiri to SUPERKICK! Shota roars, comes back, but into a scoop! Cobb SLAMS Shota down, then SENTONS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Cobb rises, leans on the ropes, and then he storms over to Shota. Cobb drags Shota up, whips him to ropes, but Shota grabs the ropes to stop. Shota BOOTS Cobb, then runs up, but into a scoop! ATHLETIC PLEX! Cobb drags Shota right up to whip again!
Shota reverses, and he TORNADO DDTS! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! The fans rally up, Shota rises and he storms up on Cobb. Shota reels Cobb in, half nelsons, but Cobb fights that. Cobb elbows Shota, wrenches and lifts, URENAGE! FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Shota is still in this, but Cobb GACHIMUCHI FLOPS as Shota moves! ENZIGIRI! Shota runs, but into a DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Cobb then hauls Shota up, fireman’s carries, F5 THOUSAND!! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and Cobb is furious, but the fans are thunderous! Cobb shakes his head, drags Shota up, and ripcords!
Cobb reels Shota in for the TOUR- CRADLE! TWO!! Cobb escapes, Shota returns, but Cobb LARIATS him down! Cobb then reels Shota in for a TOUR OF- NO, Shota escapes again! SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous again! Shota rises back up, fire in his eyes! Shota runs, and he LARIATS Cobb down!! Cover, TWO!! Cobb is still in this and the fans fire back up! Shota growls, Cobb shakes his head, and this is only ten minutes in! Shota aims from a corner, runs up on Cobb, BUSAIKU KNEE!! The fans are thunderous as Shota drags Cobb up again! Shota hooks a leg, SECOND CHAPTER!! Cover, SHOTA WINS!!
Winner: Shota Umino, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Just like with Great-O-Khan, The Roughneck shows he has changed! Will this Second Chapter see Shota become the new face of NJPW?
2025 New Japan Cup Quarterfinal: Yuya Uemura w/ Taka Michinoku VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!
The Heat Storm cooked Cold-Blooded Sanada, who hasn’t really been helping the War Dogs out much anyway. The Rebel trumped the King of Darkness and is focused on winning the Cup. Will Finlay prove he’s truly the top dog around here? Or is he just going to get burned?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two stare down. It sounds pretty even between “YUYA! YUYA!” and “FINLAY! FINLAY!” The two circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Finlay manages to power Yuya back to ropes, and he grinds his forearm and wrist into Yuya’s face! The ref reprimands, Finlay lets off, but Yuya avoids the cheap shot to arm-drag Finlay away! Finlay runs up, Yuya dodges to arm-drag again! And again! Yuya has the armlock while the fans fire up. Finlay fights up, fires body shots, and he whips Yuya. Yuya reverses to WRING and ARM SCREW! Then he adds a basement DROPKICK! Cover, ONE, but Yuya clamps back onto the arm.
Finlay pulls hair but the ref reprimands. Yuya keeps on the arm, but Finlay fights up. Finlay pulls hair again but Yuya puts him in the corner. The ref calls for the break, and Yuya lets off slowly, to then CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! The fans fire up and Yuya whips corner to corner. Finlay reverses, Yuya goes up but Finlay catches him! HOTSHOT, and then a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Yuya stays in this, but Finlay says he’s the real Ace! Finlay rains fists down on Yuya, but the ref reprimands. Finlay stops to throw up the Too Sweet, then he goes back for Yuya. Finlay drags Yuya up to whip hard into a corner!
Yuya bounces off the buckles and falls to the mat, and Gedo applauds. Finlay taunts Yuya, drags him back up, and then whips him hard into another corner! Yuya falls again but the fans continue to rally. Finlay barks, fans bark with him, and Finlay aims from a corner. Yuya rises, Finlay runs corner to corner, but Yuya ELBOWS him first! Finlay still LARIATS through! Finlay whips corner to corner, but Yuya goes up and over this time! Arm-drag! And a CHOP! The fans fire up while Finlay falls! Yuya storms over to Finlay, drags him up, and reels him in, only for Finlay to fight with elbows! Finlay runs, but Yuya reels him back in!
SAIDO! Cover, TWO, but right into an ARMBAR! Finlay flails and bridges up as he clasps hands. Finlay stacks Yuya, ONE and Yuya keeps on the ARMBAR! Finlay bridges again, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Yuya lets go while the fans cheer. Yuya drags Finlay from the ropes, clinches, but Finlay fights with more elbows. Finlay then reels Yuya in, but Yuya BACKDROPS free! The fans fire up, Yuya storms over to Finlay, but Finlay CLAWS Yuya’s face! The ref reprimands, Finlay whips, but Yuya reverses to reel Finlay in! URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Finlay stays in this and goes to a corner while the fans rally behind Yuya.
Yuya runs corner to corner, and he CHOP LARIATS! Finlay flops forward, Yuya looks at the corner, and he hesitates a moment. Yuya says, “OSU!” and he goes to climb! But Finlay runs up and ROCKS Yuya first! Finlay CLUBS Yuya, Yuya ROCKS Finlay, and then Yuya fires a flurry! The ref counts as they’re on the ropes, only for Finlay to HOTSHOT Yuya down! Yuya falls to the apron then the floor, and Finlay says Yuya’s a dead man. Finlay goes out, runs up, and he RAMS Yuya into the railing! Yuya gets bent back, then he slumps down while Finlay throws up the Too Sweet. The fans cheer, and Finlay tells the ref he’ll get Yuya in the ring.
Finlay puts Yuya in, the fans rally, and Finlay drags Yuya up to reel him in. Canadian Rack, CANADIAN HAMMER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Finlay is annoyed. Finlay steps on Yuya’s head, then has the cameras focus on Yuya’s “pretty face.” Finlay crossface forearms Yuya down! Finlay taunts Yuya, tells him to smile for the camera, and then he crossface forearms Yuya again! Finlay sits Yuya up to crossface forearm even harder! The fans rally while Finlay paces. Finlay slashes his throat, vowing to finish this! Finlay drags Yuya up, reels him in, but Yuya cradles! TWO!! Yuya swings, Finlay catches him, and he backslides!
Yuya rolls through, but into OVER- NO! Yuya blocks the knee! Finlay fires forearm after forearm, but Yuya roars! Yuya spins Finlay around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Finlay survives and the fans rally again! Yuya rises, roars, and the fans fire up with Yuya! Yuya half nelsons, then full nelsons, but Finlay fights with elbows. Finlay reaches out, but Yuya keeps him from the ropes! Finlay drops, but Yuya stuffs the somersault to have a cover! TWO, and Yuya wheelbarrows Finlay into a full nelson! Finlay fights that to hit a BACKBREAKER! The fans rally harder as Yuya writhes and Finlay snarls.
Finlay says Yuya’s dead now. Finlay reels Yuya in, lifts, and BUCKLE BOMBS! And then he reels Yuya back in, but Yuya RANAS! Cover, TWO!! Finlay escapes, Yuya rises, and Finlay runs up! But Yuya blocks the discus to have the cording holds! But Finlay SPITS in Yuya’s face!! And then ROLLING ELBOWS! Yuya rebounds, into another ROLLING ELBOW! Yuya staggers around, into a third ROLLING ELBOW! And then a fourth ROLLING ELBOW! Yuya stays on his feet, so Finlay winds up, but Yuya HEADBUTTS!! Finlay rebounds, but into the DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous!
The fans rally as Yuya rises, and he goes to a corner! Yuya climbs, but Finlay crawls away. Finlay stands now, and Yuya still leaps! CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Finlay survives and the fans fire up again! Yuya checks his arm and it is still good! Yuya fires up, he brings Finlay into the cording hold, and then swings Finlay around, but Finlay LARIATS! Yuya stays up, and he HEADBUTTS in return! Finlay is a ragdoll, so Yuya gets him up in the cording holds! But Finlay HEADBUTTS back! Finlay runs, Yuya dodges, and Yuya leaps, but into Finlay’s arms! Finlay hits a POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans are thunderous as Yuya survives, but Finlay hurries! INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, TWO?!!? Yuya survives, flounders, and the fans are electric! Finlay drags Yuya up, reels him in, and hits OVERKILL!! Cover, Finlay wins!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
The Heat Storm almost burned Finlay, but Finlay walked through the fire and made it to the other side! Will this tournament soon belong to The Rebel?
Wait, what’s Sanada doing come out here? He and Finlay look at each other before Sanada continues down to the ring. Sanada wants Taka to relax, he isn’t here for anything bad. Sanada says something to Yuya, then helps him stand. No one is sure what to make about this, but then Sanada hits DEADFALL!! Sanada was lying all along! The fans boo as Sanada exits on his own. That was cold-blooded to be sure, but will Sanada continue to do what he wants, even though he’s one of the War Dogs?
2025 New Japan Cup Quarterfinal: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Taichi w/ Taka Michinoku!
The Dangerous Tekkers meet again. While TMDK’s Front Man put his protege, Ryohei Oiwa, in his place, the Holy Emperor was unceremoniously handed a win over Gabe Kidd by the House of Torture. But none of that matters now, it’s all about these two finally going 1v1 with each other. Who proves to have the most dangerous tekkers of all?
The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Taichi does his best to hold back, even as ZSJ eggs him on. Taichi seems emotional rather, but the fans rally up with, “LET’S GO, TAICHI!” Taichi shakes off the frustration of last round, does some stretching, and slaps some fire back into himself. The two tie up, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Taichi ridge hands! They go back and forth, ZSJ fires a flurry of UPPERCUTS, then he whips. Taichi BOOTS ZSJ down! The fans fire up again, and then Taichi runs. ZSJ dodges to scoop, but Taichi slips free! Taichi dodges to DANGEROUS- NO, ZSJ fights the Saido and has an arm!
Taichi avoids the Pele to his arm, ZSJ ducks the buzzsaw, and ZSJ headlocks! But into a DANGEROUS SAIDO! ZSJ tumbles out while the fans fire back up. Taichi slaps himself a little more to keep that fire, and a ring count starts. ZSJ checks his neck as we pass 5 of 20, but Taichi goes out at 6 to fetch him. Taichi drags ZSJ up, and he whips ZSJ hard into railing! ZSJ falls in a heap but Taichi looms over him. Taichi whips ZSJ into more railing! Taichi then storms out to No Man’s Land to grab a chair. The ref reprimands, grabs the chair, and Taichi lets him take it. The fans applaud as Taichi chooses to do this the right way.
Taichi drags ZSJ up, puts him in the ring, and the fans applaud. Taichi stands ZSJ up, snapmares, and KICKS! ZSJ writhes and the fans rally more. Taichi goes to a corner to focus himself again, and he storms back up on ZSJ for another KICK! ZSJ writhes more and the fans continue to rally. Taichi paces around ZSJ, then KICKS him again! Taichi eggs ZSJ on now, so ZSJ stands to kick, snapmare, and KICK! Taichi stands right up, but ZSJ kicks, snapmares, and KICKS! Then NECK TWIST! Taichi writhes and the fans rally up. ZSJ takes a moment to stretch his back, then he clamps on a headscissor neck lock!
Taichi endures but ZSJ grabs an arm. ZSJ twists the wrist, bends the fingers, then shifts around to make this a TRIANGLE HOLD! Taichi rolls and rolls, to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, ZSJ lets go, and Taichi catches his breath. ZSJ storms back up on Taichi, the fans duel, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Taichi drops to his knees, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! Taichi sits down in the corner and ZSJ goes to the far side. ZSJ runs in and UPPERCUTS! Then he snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but ZSJ stays focused. ZSJ scuffs Taichi, kicks him around, then stomps on him.
Taichi gets mad now, and he stands up! Taichi CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! But ZSJ blocks one to UPPERCUT the arm! ZSJ runs in at the corner, but Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! ZSJ falls and the fans fire up! Taichi also rests on the mat and the fans rally up again. Taichi and ZSJ go to opposite corners, then Taichi runs up! BOOT! Taichi powers up and runs, but ZSJ BOOTS the lariat! ZSJ wrenches, Taichi wrenches back, and Taichi HOOK KICKS! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this and the fans rally up. Taichi rises, and BUZZ- NO, ZSJ ducks to RAM Taichi! Taichi SOBATS and BUZZSAWS! ZSJ falls over while the fans fire back up!
Taichi waits on ZSJ and ZSJ looks around in a daze. OFF COME THE PANTS! The fans fire up as Taichi takes aim, TENSHO- NO, ZSJ blocks, KNEEBAR HEEL HOOK!! Taichi endures, the fans rally, but ZSJ uses a grapevine just to drag Taichi back! ZSJ pulls on the leg, shifts to an ANKLE LOCK, maybe even a calf killer! Taichi reaches out, but ZSJ again drags him away from ropes! Taichi endures, reaches out, and goes to the side for a ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go and the fans cheer. Taichi shakes out the bad leg but ZSJ stomps it! And stomps it again! And stomps it again! Taichi goes to the ropes, but ZSJ kicks him around.
Taichi hobbles, ZSJ storms up, and they go forehead to forehead. ZSJ eggs Taichi on, so Taichi KICKS ZSJ’s leg! ZSJ UPPERCUTS back! Taichi KICKS ZSJ’s leg again! ZSJ grabs that leg, but then he UPPERCUTS after all! Taichi smirks and comes back. Taichi KICKS ZSJ’s leg once more, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Taichi falls and the fans rally up! ZSJ eggs Taichi on, then kicks him around. Taichi stands, pats ZSJ on the shoulder, and then KICKS him in the chest! ZSJ sits back and Taichi eggs him on. ZSJ rises, but Taichi KICKS him again! ZSJ drops to his knees and the fans rally up.
Taichi KICKS ZSJ in the chest again! Taichi eggs ZSJ on, the fans fire up, and ZSJ stands. ZSJ KICKS Taichi in the chest! Taichi KICKS ZSJ again! ZSJ KICKS, Taichi wobbles, but then Taichi stands tall to KICK again! ZSJ leans back, staying on his feet, and he KICKS again! Taichi roars and KICKS ZSJ down! The fans fire up while both men catch their breath. Taichi winds up, runs, and AX- NO, ZSJ slips around to have a COBRA TWIST! Taichi fights that, switches it to a SEITEI JUJIHOU!! ZSJ endures the Holy Emperor’s Tomb, but he’s slapping Taichi! ZSJ is egging Taichi on even now! So Taichi CRANKS the hold!!
ZSJ is sputtering, turning red, but ZSJ finds a second wind, only for Taichi to TWIST him around!! ZSJ is fading! The ref checks, ZSJ reaches out again! Taichi has the hold on tight, but ZSJ slips down to reach out! ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as ZSJ survives by a literal foot! Taichi lets go, we hit 15 minutes, and the fans rally up. Taichi storms up on ZSJ, eggs him on, and ZSJ reaches up. Taichi drags ZSJ up, reels him in, but ZSJ fights the lift! Taichi CLUBS ZSJ on the back, then gives him scuffing kicks to the face. Taichi gives ZSJ some Kawada Kicks, then he KICKS ZSJ in the face! ZSJ staggers up, DANGEROUS- CROSSBODY!
ZSJ gets up to scoop and ZACK DRIVER!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! The fans rally hard for both men, but the Taichi side might be overpowering the Zack side. Taichi and ZSJ go to opposite corners, then ZSJ runs in and UPPERCUTS! Scoop and- NO, Taichi slips free, scoops, EMERALD FLOWSION!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up! Taichi rises, roars, and the fans fire up again! Taichi runs, but ZSJ LARIATS! Taichi is right up, to AX BOMBER!! Taichi powers up, and shouts, “OSU!!” Taichi gets ZSJ up, DANGEROUS SAIDO BRIDGE!! TWO!?!? ZSJ escapes and the fans are thunderous!
Taichi is frustrated, but he pounds the mat and roars! The fans rally as hard as they can as Taichi brings ZSJ up. But ZSJ Gotch hold PILEDRIVERS!! A shoutout to Minoru Suzuki, and yet Taichi is sitting back up!?! Taichi flops back over, the ref checks him, and Taka coaches Taichi up. ZSJ also shouts at Taichi to get back up! Both men rise, ana\d ZSJ runs up to PENALTY- NO, Taichi blocks the kick! ZSJ drops, but Taichi catches him into a TAICHI STYLE GEDO CLUTCH!! TWO!!! TENSHO- NO, ZSJ dodges to scoop, SABRE DRIVER!!! Cover, TWO?!?! But into a KNEEBAR!! Taichi endures as ZSJ pulls on the leg!
The fans are thunderous as ZSJ then shifts his grip for a HEEL HOOK, then he adds the other leg into a modified FIGURE FOUR!! Taichi endures this wild pretzel of a leglock, pries at it, and ZSJ eggs him on! We hit 20 minutes as ZSJ bridges up to put on the pressure! Taichi endures, reaches out, but ZSJ pulls on the legs! Taichi still fights his way around as the fans rally harder! Taichi eggs ZSJ on, so ZSJ shifts to a pure KNEEBAR!! Taichi endures, claws at the mat, ROPEBREAK!! The fans are thunderous as ZSJ has to let go. ZSJ hobbles his way over, brings Taichi back up, and hooks a leg! But Taichi fights that to Alabama Lift!
Taichi shifts ZSJ around, but ZSJ has an UPSIDE-DOWN OCTOPUS!! But Taichi powers through to BLACK MEPHISTO!! Taichi clutches his leg and his neck, he can’t make the cover! Both men are down and the fans are electric! ZSJ slowly sits up as the fans rally again, and Taka coaches Taichi again. Taichi and ZSJ spot each other, head for center, and they each egg the other on. ZSJ gets forehead to forehead with Taichi, and both men stand. Taichi ROCKS ZSJ with a forearm! ZSJ comes back to ROCK Taichi! The fans rally as both men steady themselves. Taichi ridge hand chops! ZSJ comes back to UPPERCUT!
ZSJ and Taichi both drop to their knees, the energy reserves running out. They get face to face again, then stand. Taichi BOOTS ZSJ, and ZSJ rebounds to BOOT Taichi! Taichi roars, runs, and BOOTS but ZSJ blocks! ZSJ fires a flurry of forearms! Taichi BACKHANDS! ZSJ ROLLING ELBOWS! Taichi ENZIGIRIS! Both men are back down and the fans are thunderous again! ZSJ and Taichi rise, and ZSJ leans on ropes. Taichi storms up and brings ZSJ around, to then GAMANGIRI! ZSJ wobbles and staggers back to a corner, and we’ve hit 25 minutes! The fans fire up just for that news as ZSJ dangles out of the ring.
ZSJ rises, staggers forward, into another GAMANGIRI! ZSJ rebounds to PENALTY KICK! Cover, ONE?!?! TENSHO JUJIHOU!!! Taichi crawls to a cover, ROPEBREAK!! ZSJ survives by a literal foot once again! Taichi roars, the fans fire back up, and Taichi Alabama- NO, ZSJ spins that to hook the arms, but Taichi fights the backslide! So ZSJ trips Taichi, LAST SUPPER! TWO!! Taichi BOOTS ZSJ, then BLINDSIDE AX BOMBERS! ZSJ ducks the enzigiri to JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH!! ZSJ WINS!!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
The Dangerous Tekkers battled their hearts out, and it was Taichi’s body that gave out first! The old friends show each other respect, and they even hug it out. The fans cheer, but when and where will we see these two go again? Will ZSJ once again be New Japan Cup Champion and even IWGP World Heavyweight Champion by then?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto w/ YOSHI-HASHI VS Yuji Nagata w/ Satoshi Kojima!
The Fierce Warrior took his New Japan Ranbo win to forge his New Beginning in Osaka. He also celebrated NJPW’s 53rd Anniversary by overcoming The Ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi. And while Chaos and Hontai are now one, that doesn’t mean he’ll take it easy on this living legend. Will Goto keep his revolution going? Or will Blue Justice prevail?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who wins between icon and legend!
The bell rings and the fans are thunderous already as they duel! “GO-TO-O!” “NA-GA-TA!” The two circle, feel things out, and tie up. Goto waistlocks, Nagata wrenches out to wristlock, but Goto rolls to wrench and hammerlock, then he headlocks for a takeover. Nagata headscissors, Goto kips free, and fans cheer this opening exchange. Goto and Nagata go again, feel things out, and Goto is wary of those kicks. They knuckle lock, Nagata clinches but Goto wrenches. Goto headlocks, Nagata powers out to clinch again, and the two fight for control. Nagata waistlocks but Goto puts Nagata on the ropes.
Red Shoes counts, and both men let off slowly. Goto pats Nagata’s shoulder but Nagata SLAPS Goto! Nagata headlocks and grinds Goto down while the fans rally. Goto fights up, powers out, but Nagata RAMS him! Goto rebounds and RUNS Nagata over! But Nagata avoids the elbow drop! And has the ARMBAR! Goto scrambles around to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Nagata lets go. Nagata kicks Goto, clamps onto an arm, but Goto fires body shots. Goto fires forearms now, but Nagata blocks one to get a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Goto scrambles to the ROPEBREAK again! The fans cheer, Nagata lets go, and Goto bails out.
Goto shakes out the arm while Nagata eggs him on. Nagata even holds the ropes open. Goto ignores that to go around the side. Goto steps in on his own, and the fans applaud as the two reset. They knuckle lock, Nagata clamps on for a double wristlock, but Goto goes to a corner. Red Shoes calls the break but Nagata fires elbows. Nagata whips, Goto reverses, and Goto blocks the kick to put that leg in the ropes! Goto KICKS the ropes, then pulls on the leg. Red Shoes counts, Goto lets go, but then Goto KICKS the leg! Nagata falls to the apron while fans boo Goto a bit. Goto eggs Nagata on now while Nagata leans against railing.
Nagata shakes his bad leg out, storms back in, and he circles with Goto. The fans cheer as the two feel things out. Goto trips Nagata, has the bad leg, and kneels on it for the toehold! Nagata kicks at Goto, Goto pulls the leg then KICKS! KICKS! KICKS! Goto goes back to the toehold but Nagata pulls hair. Goto pulls on the leg, Nagata CHOPS and KICKS Goto, but Goto drops into a deeper toehold! Nagata endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Goto stomps the leg and drags Nagata around! Goto hits a spinning toehold, into a KNEEBAR! Nagata CHOPS Goto, then turns over. Goto grapevines but Nagata still gets the ROPEBREAK!
The fans cheer as Goto lets go again. Goto stomps Nagata, paces, and then brings him up. Goto CLUBS Nagata, Nagata fires a body shot, and Goto eggs him on. Nagata fires forearms but Goto still eggs him on. Nagata fires more shots, but then Goto kicks away at the bad leg! Goto brings Nagata up to suplex, but Nagata fights that! Nagata suplexes to MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Nagata slaps his bad leg into working, and he stands back up. Nagata storms around, Goto rises up, and Nagata KICKS Goto in the chest! And KICKS! And KICKS! Goto goes to a corner, and Nagata whips him corner to corner.
Nagata runs to BOOT, and then EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Goto survives and the fans duel again! Nagata goes to suplex but Goto fights that. Goto fires body shots, but Nagata ROCKS Goto! Nagata whips, Goto reverses, but Nagata kicks in return! Nagata runs, Goto follows, and Goto LARIATS Nagata down! The fans rally again while Goto brings Nagata up. Goto fires forearms, then whips Nagata corner to corner. Goto runs up to MURAMASA! And then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Nagata stays in this and the fans fire up again. Goto paces around, then he brings Nagata up. Goto goes to fireman’s carry, but Nagata wrenches out of it!
Goto CLUBS away on Nagata, then the forearms start flying back and forth! The fans rally and Nagata gets the edge! But Goto catches Nagata, spins him, URA G T R! Goto runs, but Nagata wrangles him! FUJIWARA, into the MOUNTED ARMBAR!! The fans are thunderous as Goto endures, and Nagata’s eyes roll back! Nagata pulls on the arm, right at the center! Goto endures, kicks around, crawls forward, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Nagata lets go and the fans fire up again. Nagata waits on Goto, and KICKS him! And KICKS! And KICKS! Nagata brings Goto up to wrench the bad arm, into an ELBOW BREAKER!
Goto staggers to a corner, Nagata runs up, and SHINING WIZARD! The fans fire up for that Justice Knee and Nagata drags Goto back up. Nagata hoists Goto up top, climbs up to join him, but Goto fires forearms! Nagata eggs Goto on, and the two are brawling up top! Goto fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT, then he tucks Nagata in!? Goto rises, but Nagata fires body shots! Goto sits back down, and Nagata fires forearm after forearm! Nagata roars, ROCKS Goto, and then brings Goto up for a SUPER EXPLODER!! The fans are thunderous, Nagata crawls to a cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Nagata just roars! The fans are thunderous again as Nagata stands Goto up!
Goto fights the saido, rains down elbows on Nagata’s neck, but then Nagata CLUBS Goto! Nagata waistlocks, and uses the ropes for the DYNAMIC GERMAN SUPLEX!! Goto flops over, and Nagata storms up on him again! Nagata drags Goto up, but Goto fights the saido! Nagata powers through to SAIDO after all! Cover, TWO! Goto survives and the fans are thunderous! Nagata storms up again, and he drags Goto back up. Nagata wants another but Goto fights that! Goto has the ropes, but Nagata fires knee after knee! Nagata KNEES Goto down, then winds up to KICK! But Goto’s right up to LARIAT!! Both men are down and the fans fire up!
Goto and Nagata crawl, and the fans rally and duel even harder! Goto goes to a corner, Nagata runs in! BOOT! And then a whip, but Goto reverses to reel Nagata in! G T W!! Cover, TWO!!! Nagata survives and the fans are thunderous again! Goto and Nagata are both down, catching their breath, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Goto and Nagata rise up, plenty of fight left in them! Goto fires a forearm, but Nagata ROCKS Goto! Nagata eggs Goto on, so Goto ROCKS Nagata! Nagata ROCKS Goto, Goto ROCKS Nagata, and Nagata wobbles a moment. Nagata ROCKS Goto, and Goto grits his teeth. The forearms keep going and the fans fire up!
Goto ROCKS Nagata but Nagata just glares at him! Nagata fires a forearm, Goto fires right back! Nagata roars, he and Goto continue to trade shots, and this is 15 minutes in! Nagata ROCKS Goto, and Goto leans forward. But then he stands to HEADBUTT Nagata! Nagata drops to the mat and the fans rally up again! Goto brings Nagata back up, and he eggs Nagata on before firing off HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Goto HEADBUTTS Nagata down to the mat, but he still won’t let Nagata stop here! Goto drags Nagata into a dragon sleeper, but Nagata wrenches out! Nagata suplexes but Goto fights it! They fight for control, and Goto hits SHOTEN KAI!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Nagata survives and the fans fire up again! The dueling is stronger than ever as Goto staggers to his feet. Goto powers up, takes aim, and BUZZ- NO! Nagata blocks that kick, and WHEEL KICKS back! But Goto LARIATS! Nagata’s right up!? He wobbles, and then he falls! The fans rally up, Nagata sits up, but into a PENALTY KICK! Goto hurries to dragon sleeper, G T R!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!!
Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
Though a grizzled veteran now, Yuji Nagata was still able to fight like he’s a young warrior! But in the end, he couldn’t bring a fight worthy of being world champion in this day and age. Will Blue Justice ever shine with NJPW gold again?
As for Goto, Red Shoes and Yoshi-Hashi help him put the world title back on, then he gets the mic. Goto thanks everyone for coming out tonight, and says he has returned to Nagoya with this title firmly around his waist. The fans cheer that, and Goto admits, Nagata was tough. As champion, Goto thinks he was able to overcome another hurdle tonight. The fans applaud, and Goto says next, he faces the winner of the New Japan Cup. “NO matter who stands across from me, I will be victorious in the end.” The fans cheer again, and he promises, “The Goto Revolution is just getting started. Please keep following me to the very end!”
The fans applaud, and Goto says that he wants to close this out by telling us what the G in IWGP stands for. Do they understand what the G stands for? A fan shouts “Goto!” already, and Goto says that’s right. The G in IWGP is for GOTO! Goto gets the streamers and the cheers, but will he still be champion going through the Spring?
My Thoughts:
A great event for New Japan Cup tonight, getting ALL of the quarterfinals done in one show, and doing a world title match. Takagi VS Drilla was a great match, especially as a rematch from New Beginning. As such, Takagi getting the win made sense, because it also teases a third time around down the line. Shota VS Cobb was really good, but Shota winning was probably a given. It isn’t so much that Cobb could be going to WWE but that Shota is still being built as rising star in NJPW. Yuya VS Finlay was awesome stuff, and Yuya felt really close to winning. But Finlay winning is fine, he himself is a name NJPW is strongly behind.
Taichi VS ZSJ was awesome, especially with Taichi being emotional over this encounter. I figured ZSJ would win, though, as the former world champion certainly deserves to be in the semifinals. Shingo VS Shota and ZSJ VS Finlay are going to be some awesome matches to build a powerful tournament finals. Goto VS Nagata was an awesome main event, but of course Goto won. Not to be mean to Nagata, but putting the title on someone older is not what NJPW would do. Even Goto winning over ZSJ at New Beginning was a surprise, so they’re going older than Goto. And Goto will definitely have an awesome match with whoever wins the tournament.
My Score: 9/10
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Round 2, Part 1!
Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/16/25)
Semifinal Number One!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: The JayPal Episode!
With Deejay on assignment, Rob and Jason bring i one of our oldest wrestling pals, Jay from Boston, to talk...
Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/15/25)
The quarterfinals are here!
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (3/15/25)
It's a Sin City Collision!
Andrew’s TNA Sacrifice Results & Match Ratings: 3.14.2025
Do the Elegance Clique finally win the damn Knockouts Tags?!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/14/25)
SmackDown en Espana!
Mitchell’s NJPW New Japan Cup Results & Report! (3/14/25)
The second round continues!
DWI Podcast #467: The Trivia Trickster Returns
AJ Balaz returns to the podcast known as DWI!! We get his thoughts on everything related to the Road to...
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 3.13.2025
Anything add heat on the Go Home for Sacrifice tomorrow? Let's see!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (3/13/25)
Lucha de Honor QUATRO!
