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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Everyone is showing raw emotion!
The New Day’s no longer positive, Drew McIntyre’s back for revenge, and Rhea Ripley battles Raquel Rodriguez, all on one Monday Night Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: The Miz & The Final Testament VS The Wyatt Sick6; The Miz & Final Testament win.
- Dakota Kai VS Liv Morgan; Liv wins.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Lyra Valkyria VS Zelina Vega VS Ivy Nile; wins and advances to the next round.
- Anything Goes: Rhea Ripley VS Raquel Rodriguez; wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The New Day arrives backstage.
Xavier Woods wants high fives but no one is accepting. Kofi Kingston says hey to Natalya & The Alpha Academy, but they don’t return it. Their verbal shaming of Big E has not sat well with anyone, will Woods & Kofi figure out who’s really in the wrong here?
Gunther is here!
Wichita, Kansas is a little torn as Der Ring General heads to the ring, dressed rather casually compared to other times, but he seems to have gotten over those multiple Coup de Grace double stomps from last week. Gunther grabs a mic, smiles as the fans both cheer and jeer, and he says, “As everybody has seen, quite obviously Finn Balor has made a grave mistake. And whether he deserves it or not, he now has my undivided attention. And I guarantee you right now, Saturday Night’s Main Event will not end up like Survivor Series for me.” But before he can continue, The Prince makes his way out here!
Finn, accompanied by The Judgment Day, also gets a mixed reaction from Wichita. But Finn tells Gunther that Gunther could’ve just given him the title match like he deserved. But instead, Gunther tried to mess with Finn by giving it to someone who didn’t deserve it, like Dirty Dom. The fans boo more but Finn says let’s be real! Finn is the only reason Gunther is still World Heavyweight Champion! And hearing what he said, Gunther is right about one thing: SNME will be NOTHING like Survivor Series. Because at Survivor Series, Gunther retained the title thanks to Finn. And at SNME, Gunther loses the title because of Finn!
And after eight long YEARS, Finn Balor walks out as the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! The Judgment Day applauds but the fans boo. Gunther tells Finn he’ll set one thing straight: Finn did NOT earn his title match. Finn’s audacity of claiming any responsibility of GUNTHER being champion is what did it. But Gunther gets it, Finn is frustrated. Eight years ago, Finn was the first-ever Universal Champion. And at that point in Gunther’s career, he looked up to Finn. Gunther respected Finn. But over the time, that respect kept fading and fading. Not because Gunther chose to, but because Finn chose to cut corners.
Finn chose to take shortcuts! Finn chose to hang out with a bunch of weirdos in a clubhouse! The fans cheer that but Gunther also adds that Finn chose to play second fiddle to Damian Priest. Finn gets heated, JD McDonagh keeps him back, and Gunther says, “So here we are now. Standing across from each other with no respect left. And I figuratively and literally am looking down on you. Eight years ago, you were the best in the world… for one night. I am the best in the world RIGHT NOW and for THOUSANDS of days to come! And this title proves it!!” The fans do cheer that.
Gunther tells Finn there is one reason he wont’ leave Saturday as World Heavyweight Champion: Finn is NOT on Gunther’s level, and he never will be! Finn chuckles, and then The Judgment Day storms up to the ring! Gunther stands his ground, but here comes Damian Priest! Finn and his boys are shocked but The Punisher is storming down the ramp! Priest DOUBLE LARIATS JD & Carlito, KICKS and THROWS Dom aside, then fires hands on Finn! The fans fire up as Priest then THROWS Carlito down, and gives JD SNAKE EYES off railing! Finn goes after Priest now, and he sends Priest at the ring. Priest stops himself and fires hands on Finn
Priest puts Finn in the ring, and Gunther is there to CHOP him down! Priest SUPERKICKS Finn out of the ring! But then Gunther LARIATS Priest! The fans are torn as Gunther rains down fists on Priest, the guy who tried to help him! Gunther says he does not need help, and he TOSSES Priest out! Gunther storms out, clears off the desk, and now the fans are really fired up! Gunther brings Priest over, but Finn SLINGBLADES Gunther down! The Prince ends up saving Priest and he DROPKICKS Gunther into steel steps! But then Finn SMACKS Priest off the desk! Finn puts Priest in, climbs a corner, just to COUP DE GRACE Gunther!!
Judgment Day rushes Priest but he TOSSES Dom, throws JD into Carlito, then gives JD a FLAPJACK! SUPERKICK for Carlito! Dom throws hands, but Pries tis just pissed. Finn CLOBBERS Gunther on the outside, then hurries into the ring to save Dom! FINAL CUT! The Judgment Day mugs Priest now while fans boo. The boys set Priest up and Finn runs in, SHOTGUN! Priest hits buckles and falls! Judgment Day mugs Priest more while Finn goes up! COUP DE GRACE for Priest!! Finn wants more, his boys set Priest back up, COUP DE GRACE!! The fans boo even harder, but Finn wants another! Finn hits a third COUP DE GRACE on Priest!!
Wichita boos but Finn eyes the world title. Finn grins as he picks it up. Will Finn be a DOUBLE CHAMPION after Saturday Night’s Main Event? Or can Der Ring General stand against all of Judgment Day?
Judgment Day regroups backstage.
They’re all very excited after taking Gunther and Priest at the same time, and in steps Adam Pearce. He has to hand it to them. Another Monday, another night Judgment Day is causing chaos. But he is here as a courtesy to Finn. Pearce spoke with Gunther, and that conversation has brought about a change to Saturday Night’s Main Event. Huh? It will be Gunther VS Finn… VS PRIEST!! Finn is furious but then he says fine. Because it’ll make it even more satisfying when Finn beats both Gunther and Priest to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! The Judgment Day agrees, but Pearce has something else to say.
Since Finn is so worried about the other champions, here’s an opportunity to lead by example. Next week on Raw, Finn & JD will face the War Raiders again, for the tag titles again, and the best part? The rest of Judgment Day is BANNED FROM RINGSIDE! Pearce leaves, Judgment Day is furious, but the Liv says Finn should relax. He’s got everything under control. Though, she was wondering if Finn’s got any advice for Raquel’s match tonight. They wanna listen to Finn so they’ll win. Finn says yeah, Sis, just give him a couple minutes. Finn heads out, JD follows, and Liv says she feels good about tonight. Will Judgment Day be (not) fine?
8 Man Tag: The Miz & The Final Testament VS The Wyatt Sick6!
The Hollywood A-Lister’s sins came back to haunt him, but he aligned himself with men who are without conscience. But will any of them be conscious after facing Uncle Howdy and the new Wyatt Family? Or will Kross make Bo Dallas #FallAndPray?
The fans fire up for the Wyatts, and Bo talks to the rocking chair to say this is for the family. Then with a “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah~!” Bo and the Wyatts rush the ring! The fans fire up as the brawl is on and the bell rings! Lumis scares Miz and slithers after him while Gacy has Akam, Rowan has Rezar and Bo of course goes after Kross! The Wyatts manage to LARIAT the AOP up and out of the ring, then Bo CLOBBERS Kross! Bo clinches but Miz drags Kross out to safety! The Final Testament regroups while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Akam has Gacy down. The fans boo, Miz soaks it up, and Rezar tags in. AOP double whip to DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally but Rezar DRIBBLES Gacy’s face off the mat! Rezar then drags Gacy up, fires body shots, then talks trash. Rezar whips Gacy but Gacy BLASTS Kross! Gacy BOOTS Rezar, heads for his corner, but Rezar whips! But Gacy handsprings and comes back from THE UPSIDE-DOWN! The fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tags to Miz and Rowan! Big Red, the Ramblin’ Rabbit, rallies on Miz AND Akam! Then LARIAT in the corner for Miz, LARIAT in the corner for Akam!
Rowan runs back at Miz, but Miz BOOTS him! Miz runs but Rowan grabs him and TOSSES him! Miz lands hard out by Akam, and Rowawn builds speed!? Rowan WRECKS Akam and Miz with a dropkick! The fans fire up as Rowan puts Miz in, and he BOOTS Akam! The fans fire up and Rowan slides in. Miz KICKS Rowan, but that just pisses Rowan off! Rowan suplexes for the CUTTER! Cover, AOP breaks it! AOP BLAST The Wyatts, then they hoist Rowan up! DOUBLE POWERBOMB!! But Gacy & Lumis get in to fire hands! They dodge, DROPKICK and SUPERKICK in stereo! TheN Lumis whips Gacy so he can DIVE onto AOP!
Lumis goes up, Gacy sets AOP for the CANNONBALL! All four men are down and Miz is freaking out! Rowan crawls, hot tag to Howdy! Bo CLOBBERS Miz, then LARIATS in a corner! Bo reels Miz in, suplexes, and puts Miz on ropes for the MAGIC SCREW! The fans are thunderous and Bo waits on Miz. Miz rises up, scrambles to ropes, and he throws an elbow! Kross tags in, but Bo ROCKS Kross first! Bo LARIATS Kross up and out! The fans fire up for Bo, he builds speed, but Scarlett trips him up! The fans boo as the Femme Fatale gets away with that one. Or does she? NIKKI CRSS creeps out from nowhere, and she creeps Scarlett out!
Nikki waves, Scarlett runs away but into the ring! The ref tells her to get out, which she does, but Nikki is there on the other side! FLYING THESZ PRESS! Bo clinches Kross, but Miz CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Miz thinks he’s got him> Bo GRABS Miz with the MANDIBLE CLAW!! Miz flails desperately, but PAUL ELLERING is back! POCKET SAND!! Kross scoops Bo for the FINAL PRAYER! Cover, Final Testament wins!
Winners: The Final Testament, by pinfall
That mastermind, Ellering, returns when Kross needed him most! But is this only the first battle in a war with the Wyatts?
Sit-down interview with CM Punk.
Jackie Redmond is with the Second City Saint and thanks him for taking the time. He thanks her for inviting him, he appreciates it. Punk then teases if she’s going to belittle his Chicago Blackhawks, she’s in for a fight. Jackie says no, she’ll be asking something much more important. It is all anyone’s talking about, anyway: the promised favor from Paul Heyman! What is it? Can he hint anything about it? No, this isn’t the right time for that. That’s a personal thing. Punk and Heyman go back many years, the favor is between them.
Jackie accepts that and then asks about Seth Rollins. Last week, Punk let Rollins know that Punk doesn’t think about Rollins at all, but Rollins made it clear that he has his sights set on Punk. Rollins is willing to force the issue, so how will Punk handle it? Punk says it is no secret that he doesn’t shy away from a fight. If you go after him, he’ll start swinging. But when it comes to Rollins’ hatred for Punk, Punk is more confused than anything. Punk doesn’t hate Rollins. To understand, you have to talk about the history between them, which also goes back years.
We’re talking about a 16-year-old Seth Rollins coming to Punk to ask Punk to train him, for free. Now, that’s the key part everyone leaves out. Rollins’ entitlement gets carried over into adult Rollins, who wants to be the best in the world, in everyone’s Top Ten List. But Punk remembers when Rollins was on the top ten list of those to be fired from here. Punk “shielded” Rollins from that. If Punk had to live in his shadow, Punk would hate Punk, too. Rollins is a multiple time world champion, a Mr. Money in the Bank winner, but everything he’s done, Punk did before and did it better.
Now, Punk doesn’t claim to do those things because he wanted a thank you. He did recognize Rollins had all the potential in the world. And in Punk’s absence from the WWE, Rollins did a fantastic job filling to void. But simply put, the starting player is back, Rollins has to go back to the bench. Jackie appreciates the honesty, and thanks Punk for his time. But is Punk really telling the truth that he doesn’t hate Rollins with how he just talked down about him? Will Rollins’ hate for Punk only grow exponentially now?
Dakota Kai VS Liv Morgan!
#CobraKai is already into the second round of the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament, but she could capture a golden ticket off of the Women’s WORLD Champion here in Wichita. Will Damage CTRL be doing damage to Judgment Day for the holidays? Or will Liv simply use Kai to prepare for Iyo Sky?
The bell rings, Liv runs up and the two tie up. Dakota headlocks, but Liv pulls hair to get free! Liv shoves, drops down, but Dakota stops herself. Dakota bypasses Liv, then hurdles. Liv jumps over, comes back, but Dakota arm-drags her around and around! Dakota snapmares Liv to then NECK SNAPPER! Jackknife bridge, TWO!! Liv escapes and scurries away to a corner. Dakota runs up but Liv TOSSES her up and out! Dakota SMACKS off steps before hitting the floor, and Liv grins while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Liv SLAMS Dakota down! Dakota writhes but Liv kicks her around. Wait, Pure Fusion Collective make their way out here? They must be upset on Shayna Baszler’s behalf for how Dakota won that Triple Threat. Anyway, Liv hits a snap suplex, then rolls, that was Una Amiga! Now she hits Dos Amigas! And then Liv gives some Latina Heat for Daddy Dom, but Dakota hits a suplex first! The fans fire up while Liv flounders away. Liv runs back up but Dakota ROCKS her first! And again, and again, and again! Liv shoves Dakota, but Dakota LARIATS! And LARIATS! Then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up with Dakota as she goes after Liv!
Dakota whips Liv corner to corner hard, and Liv sits down! Dakota then runs side to side to BOOT WASH! Liv flounders to the apron but Dakota puts her in ropes, DRAPING STOMP! Cover, TWO! Liv survives and now Dakota notices PFC. They wave mockingly and also mockingly coach her. Dakota fireman’s carries Liv, but Liv slips free to shove! Dakota comes back with a SCORPION KICK! Dakota runs, Zoey is there, so Dakota BOOTS her! And PERNALTY KICKS Shayna! The ref tells PFC to back up, but Liv runs up! Dakota avoids ObLivion, rolls Liv up, TWO! Liv dodges a kick to hit a CODE BREAKER!
Dakota staggers to a corner, Liv runs up, SHINING WIZARD! Liv kicks Dakota out, then goes up, FLYING- POWERBOMB!! The fans fire up but Sonya gets on the apron! Dakota BOOTS her down! Dakota runs Around the World, but Liv dodges the boot! Dakota hobbles, Liv runs up, OBLIVION!! Cover, Liv wins!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall
The Women’s World Champion snatches her belt and leaves, but PFC goes after Dakota! They really ARE upset over last week’s Triple Threat! They mug Dakota, then drag her up. But wait, here comes DMG CTRL! Iyo Sky RAMS Shayna, Kairi drags Sonya out! URAKEN for Sonya! Zoey & Shayna dodge the handspring but Iyo comes back to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! Iyo kips up while Wichita fires up, and Kairi joins in! Iyo gives Kairi a hand to go up, up and AWAY! TRIPLE CROSSBODY!! PFC goes down, the fans fire up more, but then Iyo turns around into OBLIVION!! Liv gets the final shot on the Evil Genius, will this be how things go at Saturday Night’s Main Event?
Drew McIntyre speaks.
“Hell in a Cell was the most violent match of my 24 year career. And in the end, I succumbed to massive blood loss. I could’ve been at Raw post Bad Blood, against doctor’s orders. I proved time and time again The Scottish Warrior isn’t just a catchy nickname, it is earned. But I had to go back to Scotland. My family needed me. 2024 should’ve been a career year for Drew McIntyre, but time and time again, I kept getting screwed over at the finish line. While I was home in Scotland, that same thought kept going through my head, burning in my brain. ‘What if I’m wrong? What if everyone else was right? What if people truly can change? What if my gut was wrong?’
“Then I turned on Survivor Series and I saw Roman Reigns standing side by side with CM Punk. Who was by their side? Sami, Jimmy, Jey, with their stupid fingers in the air. After everything they know, Roman just snaps his fingers, they put their tails between their legs, they run right by his side? At least CM Punk took a bribe! They all sold out for absolutely nothing. That’s when it was clear, that’s when I knew I had to come back. That’s when I knew I was gonna take out Sami. That’s when I knew I was gonna take out Jey Uso. Spending time back home, I realized there’s no changing the past, no matter how much I want to.
“But I can change the present. And I will change the future.” The Scottish Terminator has new targets, or perhaps old depending on how you look at it. But will there be no running for Jey and Sami now that McIntyre’s making it his mission to destroy them?
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Will heads for the Tokyo Dome?
Gabe Kidd & Sanada won A Block handedly while Naito & Hiromu came out of B Block’s chaotic finale, but only one team can win World Tag League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Tiger Mask VS Daiki Nagai; Tiger Mask wins.
- Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Shoma Kato & Katsuya Mursahima; Shane & Mikey win.
- Bishamon VS The Filip Brothers; Bishamon wins.
- Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS Taichi, Taka Michinoku & DOUKI; Taichi, Taka & Douki win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club; LIJ wins.
- 10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, Tomoaki Honma & Jado VS The House of Torture; The Houes of Torture wins, by disqualification.
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Shota Umino, Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; TMDK wins.
- 2024 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & SANADA VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, Tomoaki Honma & Jado VS The House of Torture!
The Ace, The Joker & The Rook are joined by a couple knights of NJPW to stand against The King of Darkness and his army of scumbags! With WrestleKingdom on the horizon, which side of this war wins this crucial battle?
But as The House makes their entrance, Team Ace turns the tables by going after them first! The fans cheer as Tanahashi goes right after Evil and The House panics! Yano brawls with Narita, Oleg and Jado take care of Kanemaru and Yujiro, and Tanahashi headlocks Evil. Tanahashi brings Evil to ringside to POST him! Evil falls but Tanahashi drags him back up to wrench and whip into railing! The fans cheer more and Tanahashi CLUBS Evil. Tanahashi whips Evil at more railing, and Evil hits so hard that he tumbles up and over! The rest of the team keeps The House down all around ringside while Tanahashi fetches Evil.
Tanahashi brings Evil into the ring, then follows, and finally the bell rings! The fans cheer as Tanahashi stalks Evil to a corner. Tanahashi stomps Evil, throws forearms, and the ref counts. Tanahashi shoves the ref! The President is getting really rough with his employees, but he stalks Evil. Tanahashi drags Evil up to fire a BODY BLOW! And another! Tanahashi whips, Evil reverses, and then Evil gets in the ref’s face so Dick Togo can trip Tanahashi up! Then the House rushes in and BLASTS Team Ace off the apron! The ref reprimands everyone but Evil CHOKES Tanahashi with the tag rope!
The fans boo but The House beats up on Team Ace, and then Evil throws away the evidence of his crime. Dick passes the mic to Evil, and Evil grabs it so he can shout in Tanahashi’s face about just giving up now and sparing himself the embarrassment at WrestleKingdom! Tanahashi tells Evil he’ll never surrender, and the ref reprimands Evil. Evil stops choking Tanahashi and throws the mic away. Evil tags Narita and the Souled Out Son of Strong Style stomps away on Tanahashi’s legs! Narita then clamps on a KNEEBAR! Evil and Yano shout at each other, but Tanahashi fights his way to the ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts and Narita lets go at 4. Narita stomps Tanahashi more, then he tags Tokyo Pimp. Narita & Yujiro have the legs, and they split the wishbone! Yujiro then drops an elbow on the bad leg! Yujiro taunts Tanahashi, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Tanahashi ends up on ropes, so Yujiro ROCKS him, then CHOPS him! Yujiro stands Tanahashi up, Narita & Sho anchor Tanahashi in place, and Yujiro BOOTS him! The ref reprimands everyone but Yujiro snapmares for a cover! TWO, the fans rally, but Kanemaru tags in. The Heel Master YANKS the leg, then whisp Tanahashi to ropes. Kanemaru dropkicks the leg out!
Kanemaru hurries to step through, FIGURE FOUR! The House BLASTS Team Ace again! The ref reprimands and the fans rally up while Tanahashi endures. Honma clears Evil out, and he runs to FALLING KOKESHI on Kanemaru! The fans cheer as Tanahashi is saved, but Narita goes after Honma! The fans boo as Narita TOSSES Honma, but Kanemaru tags Sho. Sho stomps the leg, then DDTS the foot! The fans rally for Tanahashi but Sho scuffs him around. Tanahashi stands up and he fires forearms! Sho CLAWS Tanahashi’s eyes, but Tanahashi CLAWS Sho’s eyes! The ref reprimands them both, but Tanahashi blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi crawls over, hot tag to Oleg! The fans fire up as BARS CLOBBERS Sho! Evil gets away before Oleg can get him, and Yujiro attacks from behind! Yujiro & Narita double whip, but Oleg CLOBBERS them both! Kanemaru kicks and whips, but Oleg reverses to scoop Kanemaru! Oleg SMACKS Sho using Kanemaru! Then Oleg SLAMS Kanemaru, and gut wrenches! The fans fire up for the Shake, Shake, Shake! GUT WRENCH PLEX! Oleg kips up and the fans fire up! Oleg then deadlifts Sho for the gut wrench. But Sho bends fingers and wrenches free! Sho runs, SPEARS, but he bounces right off of Oleg!
The fans fire up and Oleg deadlifts Sho again! Shake, Shake, Shake! GUT WRENCH PLEX! And another kip up! The fans fire up with Oleg and he runs to BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Oleg drags Sho right up into his arms, then pops him to a fireman’s carry! But Sho CLAWS Oleg’s eyes! Sho slips free, but Oleg kicks Sho! Sho runs to dropkick Oleg’s legs! Sho whips, and TADA! Bare buckles! Oleg suffers The House Special, and Evil DROPKICKS Tanahashi! Sho & Evil double whip Oleg into the bare buckles! Oleg hobbles forward, into a DOUBLE- NO! Oleg fights to DOUBLE SUPLEX them first! The fans fire up and Oleg crawls, and Tanahashi is adamant about getting in!
Oleg isn’t sure about it, but he tags Tanahashi back! Tanahashi fires a strike fest on Evil, and goes an extra round before the SHOTEI! Tanahashi runs to SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up while Tanahashi stalks Evil to a corner. Tanahashi stomps a mudhole into Evil but the ref counts. Tanahashi is not stopping! He SHOVES the ref away! Tanahashi’s rage is getting the better of him as he UPPERCUTS Evil! Tanahashi goes corner to corner, runs back in, but Evil sends him into the ref! And then The House attacks again! Dick stomps away on Tanahashi while Evil recovers! The fans boo and tell Dick to go away!
Narita brings in chairs! Dick stomps Tanahashi more, and the House has all their favorite items! Dick has his Spoiler Choker, Narita with his pushup bar, Sho with the “Torture Tool,” Yujiro with the pimp cane, and Kanemaru with his whiskey bottle. The fans boo as Evil stands on Tanahashi’s face and The House closes in. Evil drags Tanahashi up, and Dick clamps on the SPOILER CHOKER! And then The House CLOBBERS Team Ace with all their weapons! Evil takes aim, but Tanahashi BOOTS him first! Tanahashi THROWS Dick away, but Evil JAMS him up! Tanahashi blocks the chair shot! Tanahashi kicks low, and he SMACKS away on Evil!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi breaks the chair on Evil’s back! Narita runs up, Tanahashi JAMS him first! And then he JAMS Yujiro! And he JAMS Kanemaru! And he JAMS Sho! Then Tanahashi uses the frame to SMACK Evil! The ref is back, he tells Tanahashi to stop, but Tanahashi shoves the ref again! Tanahashi’s rage explodes as he beats Evil down with the chair! Team Ace is DISQUALIFIED!!
Winners: The House of Torture, by disqualification
Tanahashi keeps beating Evil to serve justice, but Young Lions rush in and stop him! Evil writhes, but Tanahashi gets a new chair! Tanahashi SMACKS Evil again and again! His team isn’t even sure what to do, so they let him just BASH away on Evil! Tanahashi tells Evil this is what he gets! One more chair shot! AND THEN ANOTHER! Evil scrambles out of the ring, and Young Lions have to get in Tanahashi’s way to stop the beating! Tanahashi drops the chair to grab the mic, and he shouts, “EVIL, YOU BASTARD! Shut up about my retirement! Oi, oi, you want me to leave so badly? I get it. You want it a year earlier, huh?
“Then in our match on January 4th, I’ll put my career on the line right then!!” The fans are shocked, but Evil says good! And there’s no going back now that he said it! But Tanahashi adds that Evil won’t be able to rely on his goons! It will be a LUMBERJACK MATCH! Now YOU remember that!! Team Ace and The House will wage war once again in the Tokyo Dome! And given Evil only won tonight because Tanahashi lost his cool, will Tanahashi dish out his final justice?
Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Shota Umino, Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi!
Zack Sabre Jr. took the pin when he and Ryohei Oiwa faced Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma in the tournament, so an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match is set for WrestleKingdom! Will the Roughneck burn The Front Man again with the help of Funky Sauce? Or will we see even now that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The teams sort out and after Shota stares at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and his paper replica to compare, he steps up to the champ. The bell rings and the fans cheer as we get this WK19 preview. Shota and ZSJ stare down, the fans rally up, and it sounds pretty even between “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” Shota and ZSJ get their fans even more fired up, and then the two circle. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but then ZSJ rolls to wrench. Shota wrenches back and he WRINGS ZSJ out! ZSJ UPKICKS, and the two reset. The fans cheer and the two circle again. Shota avoids a leg pick but ZSJ avoids an enzigiri!
Shota avoids the Penalty Kick, then spins ZSJ to underhook! ZSJ flips that but Shota fights the scoop! ZSJ avoids the uppercut but Shota blocks the uppercut! Shota wants the backslide but ZSJ spins that around, only for Shota to arm-drag! But ZSJ headscissors! Shota kips free and the fans cheer the standoff! Shota dares ZSJ to take the leg, but ZSJ just pushes the foot away. The two reset and feel things out again. They knuckle lock, go forehead to forehead, but then each man kicks a knuckle lock apart. ZSJ and Shota back off, and ZSJ dares Shota to bring it. Shota steps back up, they go forehead to forehead, and then ZSJ offers a free shot.
Shota says no, the champ should take the free shot. ZSJ decides to tag in Oiwa instead. Shota says fine, and he tags Taguchi. The fans rally as Taguchi and Oiwa circle. They tie up, Oiwa headlocks, but Taguchi pries the hold. Oiwa clamps on tighter but Taguchi fires body shots. Taguchi powers up and out, but Oiwa runs him over! Things speed up, Taguchi hurdles and DROPKICKS Oiwa down! Cover, TWO! Fujita slides in but Zayne intercepts! Zayne kicks the Japanese Young Punk and then throws him out! Funky Sauce double whip Oiwa to then BULLDOG and BASEMENT DROPKICK! The fans cheer and Taguchi stalks Oiwa.
Taguchi HIP DROPS Oiwa again and again, then uses the ropes to go up, out, and slingshot back in, but he hip drops onto Oiwa’s knees! Taguchi hobbles away and Oiwa storms up to whip. Taguchi reverses, runs up, but Oiwa pops him up onto the top rope! Taguchi is stuck right on the Funky Weapon! The ref checks but Oiwa SHAKES the ropes! Taguchi suffer, then he slowly tilts to one side! Oiwa gut wrenches Taguchi off the ropes! Tag to ZSJ and ZSJ UPPERCUTS the butt! Then he UPPERCUTS the butt again! And again! Taguchi falls over and ZSJ tags Fujita. Taguchi backstrokes towards his corner, but Fujita stomps him down!
Fujita drags Taguchi up, CHOPS him, then whips him to a corner. Fujita runs up and CHOPS again! Fujita snapmares Taguchi to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans rally up. Fujita drags Taguchi up, but Taguchi CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Fujita CHOPS back! Fujita runs, Taguchi jumps, but Fujita CHOPS the hip attack! Taguchi hobbles away while Fujita says he’s too smart for that. Fujita runs, but Taguchi somersaults to HIP ATTACK! Hot tag to Zayne and he fires forearms on Fujita! Zayne whips, hip tosses, then STANDING MARIPOSAS! The fans fire up while Zayne brings Fujita up.
Zayne fires more elbows, then a mule kick! Zayne runs to ROLLING AX KICK! Fujita goes to a corner, Zayne runs in, but Fujita BOOTS him away! Fujita hops up but Zayne comes back to JUMPING DRAGON RANA! The fans fire up and Zayne storms over to Fujita. Zayne scoops and B AJA BLASTS! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives but the fans rally behind Zayne. Zayne brings Fujita up, straitjackets, but Fujita fights free to CHOP! Zayne BOOTS! Fujita kicks but Zayne ducks! Fujita rolls off Zayne’s back and runs to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita and Zayne crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Shota!
The fans fire up as ZSJ BOOTS Shota, and Shota ROCKS ZSJ! Shota eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Shota UPPERCUTS in return! They UPPERCUT back and forth, harder and harder! The fans rally as they now go faster and faster! ZSJ gets the edge with UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT, but Shota roars! Shota UPPERCUTS again and again, ZSJ roars, but Shota UPPERCUTS him down! Shota hurries to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota stays fired up! Shota clinches ZSJ but ZSJ fights the lift! ZSJ goes for the arm but Shota waistlocks. ZSJ spins around to FACELOCK GUILLOTINE!
Shota endures and stays on his feet, even as ZSJ has the body scissors! The fans duel as ZSJ thrashes, but Shota powers through to suplex ZSJ up and over! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Shota rises, then he brings ZSJ up to dragon sleeper. ZSJ spins and PELES the arm! But Shota blocks a roundhouse to PELE! But ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down again and the fans rally more! ZSJ and Shota crawl, but ZSJ tags in Oiwa! Oiwa runs in at the corner to DROPKICK! Oiwa has the single leg but Shota fights off the suplex! Oiwa swings but Shota clinches, so now Oiwa fights free!
Shota ROCKS Oiwa, spins, but Oiwa ROCKS Shota! Oiwa runs, into a clinch! EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans rally, Shota and Oiwa crawl, hot tag to Taguchi! Taguchi calls to Zayne and then BLASTS Fujita! Funky Sauce whips Oiwa to a corner, then Zayne sends Taguchi in. HIP ATTACK! Taguchi goes up, Zayne RANAS Oiwa into the butt! Backslide, roll through, KETSUYE! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives but Taguchi signals for that. Taguchi and Zayne use the power of Strong Style, and then “ITADAKIMAAAS~!” Oiwa stands, into a DOUBLE HIP ATTACK SANDWICH! Cover, Fujita breaks it!
Zayne ROCKS Fujita, he and Taguchi double whip, but Fujita ducks the lariats to shove Zayne into Taguchi! Zayne blocks a kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Shota dropkicks Fujita’s legs! ZSJ BOOTS Shota! Shota roars, but ZSJ BOOTS him again! ZSJ whips, Shota reverses and TORNADO DDTS! ZSJ flounders away and the fans fire up with Shota! Shota tells Taguchi to finish it off, and Taguchi runs at Oiwa! And he sliding kicks! Oiwa tumbles, Taguchi grabs the leg to OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Oiwa endures, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! Oiwa gets up to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up!
Oiwa fires up and he brings Taguchi around. Oiwa whips, then clamps on a SLEEPER! But Taguchi slips right out! Taguchi has the headlock, but Oiwa slips out to hit a BIG atomic drop! Taguchi hobbles and Oiwa clamps on the SLEEPER! Taguchi flails but he’s fading already! The fans rally and Oiwa spins Taguchi, for THE GRIP!! Cover, TMDK wins!
Winners: TMDK, by pinfall
The Mullet gets the better of The Funky Weapon, but Shota still dares ZSJ to go for the leg. ZSJ ignores Shota’s bait and just gives him the paper belt. “This is the closest you’ll get to the effin’ title.” ZSJ SLAPS Shota with it! Shota says don’t be rude to the kids! A fan made that for him. Shota dusts off the paper belt, and claims that he’s gonna get the real deal soon enough. ZSJ says yeah, sure. ZSJ will make Shota a real nice toy belt himself so he can keep dreaming. ZSJ mockingly puts something together using his old wrist tape! Shota says wow, thanks. With not even a month left, who will win out when the real belt is on the line?
2024 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & SANADA VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi!
It’s the moment of truth as The Mad Man & Cold Blooded take on The Uncontrollable Charisma & Ticking Timebomb. There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding the tag titles given Henare’s knee injury, but for right now, it’s time to answer one question: Who will be the 2024 World Tag League Champions?
As Naito enters the ring, Gabe stays right at the center, but Naito completely ignores him. Then Naito takes his time with his entrance attire, as always, but Gabe and Sanada both stay calm. Gabe paces but Sanada keeps his eyes closed. Hiromu fires up Kumamoto and Naito finally does away with the pants. The teams finally sort out, and Gabe eggs on “the Junior.” Hiromu grins, then he fist bumps Naito, and yes, it seems Hiromu and the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion will start! The bell rings and both men run in! They DOUBLE LARIAT, but it’s Hiromu who falls! Hiromu gets up to CHOP, but Gabe CHOPS!
The fans fire up as the CHOPS go back and forth already! Hiromu backs down, but for only a moment! Hiromu CHOPS again, so Gabe CHOPS again! The CHOPS go back and forth, but Hiromu backs down again. Gabe eggs him on so Hiromu CHOPS! Gabe CHOPS again! Hiromu clutches his chest but he CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS again, then braces himself. The CHOPS keep going, then they get forehead to forehead. Gabe winds up to CHOP! Hiromu drops back, and Gabe kicks at him. Gabe eggs Hiromu on so Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Gabe spins to CHOP! Hiromu backs down, but runs up to LARIAT!
Gabe stays up, so he and Hiromu both run, but to take out Naito and Sanada! Then Hiromu runs up to kick Gabe low! Hiromu CLUBS Gabe, CHOPS, and Gabe feels that one. Hiromu whips, Gabe reverses, and Sanada gets a cheap shot in! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands, but the War Dogs double whip. Hiromu grabs ropes to stop, and Naito runs in! Naito CLOBBERS Sanada and Hiromu kicks Gabe! LIJ mugs Gabe then double whips, to DOUBLE CHOP! Then they DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Gabe flounders away while the fans cheer. Hiromu tags Naito and Naito storms up on Gabe.
Naito CLUBS Gabe again and again, then snapmares for a chinlock. Gabe endures the knee in his back, even as Naito digs it in deeper. Naito then shifts to have a headscissors! Naito pushes up to put on the pressure, but Gabe still endures. Naito lets Gabe go and Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu assures Red Shoes it isn’t what he thinks, but then Naito bumps Gabe off Hiromu’s boots! It WAS what it looked like! The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands, and Naito tags in Hiromu. Hiromu CHOPS Gabe to a corner, then CHOPS again! Naito joins in and they double whip Gabe corner to corner. Gabe comes back, Naito drops down and Hiromu CROSBODIES!
Sanada storms in but Hiromu CROSSBODIES! Hiromu goes out and chases down Gabe, CROSSBODY! Hiromu keeps moving, and Naito sets Sanada up for the CROSSBODY! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he goes back to the ring. Gabe storms around in frustration, then pushes his way to No Man’s Land. He eggs Hiromu on, so here he comes! But Sanada was lurking! He attacks first, then sends Hiromu into chairs! Naito and Gabe brawl, and Naito CLUBS Gabe around. Fans are told to move aside, and Naito whips. Gabe reverses and he BOWLS Naito into chairs! Not quite a strike but Gabe just flips off the fans.
Sanada is beating Hiromu down somewhere in the upper deck, and Gabe drags Naito back up. Gabe UPPERCUTS Naito, but Hiromu fights back against Sanada! Sanada CLAWS Hiromu’s face! Hiromu stops the suplex, then suplexes Sanada! Sanada fights that, and he CLAWS Hiromu’s face again! As for Gabe, he BITES Naito’s forehead, then SMACKS him down! At least they’re at ringside. But then Gabe looks under the ring, and he brings out a table! Gabe sets the table up, but Naito fires forearms on Gabe! Gabe SMACKS Naito again! Gabe hauls Naito up to POWERBOMB through the table!!
The fans go wild as Gabe looms over Naito. Gabe slides in and mocks Naito’s pose! The fans are torn but most boo. Red Shoes reprimands Gabe, and it seems Sanada has retuned to ringside, with Hiromu somewhere in the crowd. A ring count starts, but Gabe SPITS at Naito! The count is 7 of 20 and the spotlight shows Hiromu is still so far away! We pass 10, then 12! Hiromu hobbles at 15 and he’s finally in the aisle! Hiromu runs and slides in safe at 19! The fans cheer but Gabe drags Hiromu up. Gabe CHOPS Hiromu in the corner, then CHOPS again! And then JABS! Tag to Sanada and he CLAWS Hiromu’s back while Gabe talks trash on Naito.
The fans rally for Hiromu but Sanada stomps him in a corner. Sanada digs his boot in, but he stops as Red Shoes counts. Sanada drags Hiromu up, TOSSES him out, and Gabe quickly runs Hiromu back to the back of the crowd and up the bleachers! Gabe ROCKS Hiromu with a straight right hand! Then SMACKS him again! Hiromu flops over and Gabe leaves him behind again. The ring count returns while Hiromu sputters. The fans cheer Hiromu on as he’s up, but he’s still so far away at 10! Then 15! Hiromu returns at 18 to slide in at 19.5!! Sanada is on Hiromu, but Hiromu dropkicks the legs out! But Naito isn’t at the corner!
Sanada tags Gabe and he stomps away on Hiromu in the corner! Red Shoes reprimands but Gabe drags Hiromu up. The fans rally for Hiromu, but Gabe whips him hard into the corner! Gabe eggs Hiromu on, saying he’s not “Despy” or Douki. Hiromu rises up to CHOP! Gabe snarls but Hiromu CHOPS again! Hiromu roars and he CHOPS! Gabe finally wobbles, but he keeps Hiromu from Naito! Gabe throws Hiromu down by his hair, then he WRECKS Naito with a dropkick! Gabe mocks the tranquilo and the fans boo. Gabe tags Sanada and the War Dogs bring Hiromu up. The fans rally but the War Dogs double whip, only for Hiromu to DOUBLE CROSSBODY!
Hiromu crawls, reaches out, but Sanada keeps him from Naito! Hiromu breaks free, blocks a kick, and a punch! Sanada CLAWS Hiromu’s eyes! Sanada runs but Hiromu bolts for the corner! Hot tag to Naito! Naito kicks and fires off on Sanada, but Gabe CLUBS him! The War Dogs double whip, but Naito reverses to send Sanada away! Then he sends Gabe into Sanada! Gabe falls, Naito dodges Sanada to arm-drag! And ELBOW! Naito keeps moving, basement DROPKICK! Gabe ROCKS Naito! Gabe whips, Naito reverses and runs up to ELBOW him down! Sanada runs up but is sent into the corner! Naito blocks boots to put Sanada in ropes, DRAPING NECKBREAKER!
Naito hurries to stand Sanada up, turn him, and stall for the NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up as Naito does the pose himself. Cover, TWO! Sanada is tougher than that but Naito drags him up. Naito dragon sleepers for another NECKBREAKER, and then it’s the LEG HOOK NELSON! Sanada endures as Naito puts on the pressure, and Sanada kicks around. Naito puts on more pressure, but Sanada has the ROPEBREAK! But of course Naito claims he needs a little help. Red Shoes counts, Naito lets the hold go, and he brings Sanada to a corner. Naito drags Sanada up, reel shim in, but Sanada stops Esperanza! So Naito BOOTS him!
Naito whips corner to corner but Sanada goes up and out, and even to the floor! Naito slides out but Sanada goes to the apron. Naito hurries back up, but Sanada KICKS ropes to jam Naito up! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands but Sanada tags Gabe. Gabe drags Naito up, has him in a corner, and CHOPS! HEADBUTTS! Repeat! Gabe wobbles a bit, but he rolls back and returns to LARIAT! Then SAIDO! Naito gets flung, Gabe hurries to cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Gabe drags Naito right up to suplex and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives but Gabe seethes. The fans rally for Naito as hard as they can, which annoys Gabe.
Gabe drags Naito up, reels him in, but Naito fights the lift! Gabe CLUBS Naito but still Naito fights! Gabe DOUBLE CHOPS Naito’s back, then powers through! But Naito powers out and throws those heavy back elbows! Gabe SPITS at Naito! Naito SLAPS Gabe! Gabe rebounds, Naito dodges, tilt-o-whirl CRADLE! TWO!! Gabe SMACKS Naito, reels him in, “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” But Hiromu SUPERKICKS him first! Sanada DROPKICKS Hiromu! Naito dropkicks Sanada’s legs! But Gabe KNEES Naito down! Hiromu fireman’s carries Gabe! TIMEBOMB 1.5! Sanada runs up, into a wrench and FACLON ARROW!
Sanada flounders out and Hiromu brings Gabe over to Naito! BOOSTED TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito brings Gabe back up! Wrench and tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO!! Cover, SANADA YANKS RED SHOES OUT!! The fans boo Sanada but he just soaks up the heat. Hiromu goes to the apron and he CROSSBODIES Sanada down! Hiromu helps Red Shoes up, Naito wrenches Gabe again, DESTIN- NO! TOMBSTONE!! Gabe and Naito are down and the fans rally even harder! There is some dueling in here, but the “GABU! GABU!” is still overwhelmed by the “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Both men stir while Red Shoes returns.
Gabe clutches his neck while rolling away from Naito. Naito changes course and rolls for his corner, hot tags to Sanada and Hiromu! Hiromu dodges Sanada’s boot but Sanada blocks the lariat! Dragon sleeper, but Hiromu spins that around! Sanada fights the suplex so Hiromu dropkicks a leg out! Hiromu KICKS and fireman’s carries, and flips Sanada into the dragon sleeper! Sanada spins that around, but Hiromu fights a suplex! Hiromu suplexes but Sanada slips free to dragon sleeper! SKULL END! Hiromu endures but Sanada drops back into the body scissors! The fans rally and Hiromu fights around!
Sanada squeezes as tight as he can and Hiromu is fading! Red Shoes checks, Hiromu faintly comes back to life, but Sanada goes to his old ways! Sanada goes up and up to ROUNDING BODY PRESS, but onto knees!! Hiromu saves himself and the fans rally up! Hiromu feeds off the energy to fire back up. Hiromu runs to HIROMU- NO, Sanada dodges the lariat, but the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER still finds him! Fireman’s carry, TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives and Hiromu grows frustrated. The fans rally up behind him and Hiromu drags Sanada up. Hiromu fireman’s carries but Sanada slips free.
Sanada waistlocks but Hiromu switches. Sanada grabs at Red Shoes, Red Shoes gets away, and Hiromu avoids the low blow kick! Hiromu SUPERKICKS Sanada, then runs, but Sanada slips around! Sanada shoves Hiromu at Red Shoes and Red Shoes almost ends up falling out of the ring! Sanada whips Hiromu to POP-UP LOW BLOW! And then O’CONNER BRIDGE!! Cover, NAITO YANKS RED SHOES OUT!! Naito returns the favor and grins at Sanada. Gabe storms in with a chair! Naito runs and shoves Hiromu out of harm’s way! Naito then dodges Gabe to POP-UP LOW BLOW!! Another bit of returning the favor!
The fans are thunderous as Gabe writhes and rolls out of the ring. Naito drags Sanada up, Hiromu helps, BOOSTED TORNADO- NO! Sanada slips free, but Naito sends him into a SUPERKICK! ENZIGIRI! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he fireman’s carries Sanada, for the OG TIMEBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Sanada survives and shocks everyone! Hiromu roars and the fans are with him! Hiromu clinches in a dragon sleeper, but Gabe BITES Hiromu’s face! Gabe DECKS Naito, then he drags Hiromu up. Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS , and CHOPS! Gabe just UPPERCUTS!
Gabe scoops and SLAMS Hiromu, then goes up the corner! MAD MAN MOONSAULT! Gabe calls to Sanada to get Hiromu, and Sanada goes up! ROUNDING BODY PRESS!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and Sanada is furious!! Red Shoes defends his count and the fans are electric for Hiromu! Gabe reels Hiromu in, PILEDRIVER!! Feed to the DEAD- NO, Naito CLUBS Sanada! Naito dodges Gabe, comes back, DESTINO!!! SHINING WIZARD from Sanada!! Sanada hauls Hiromu up but Hiromu pump-handles! HIROMU-CHAN CRA- NO! SHINING WIZARD!! Sanada roars, fans are torn, but he drags Hiromu up.
Sanada clinches, DEAD- NO, Hiromu slips free, wrenches, pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN CRADLE!!! LIJ WINS!!!!
Winners: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (World Tag League 2024 Champions)
Sanada cannot believe it, but Kumamoto absolutely loves it!! The War Dogs tore through A Block, but it was the team that survived the extra Triple Threat match that takes the whole thing! What does this mean for the combination of Gabe and Sanada in the future? Is there a future for them?
As for LIJ, Naito drags himself into the ring, crawls over to Hiromu, and master and student hug it out! Red Shoes brings them the trophies, and LIJ sets them side by side before they stand back up. Naito gets his hat back on while Hiromu rests on the mat again. And after a little water to refresh themselves, Naito gets the mic. “Buenas noches, KUMAMOTOOOO~!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “The way things work, it should be Hiromu, the main event winner, on the mic right now. But it looks like he took some damage. In that case, I’ll say my part first.” The fans applaud that.
Naito thanks all the fans that came out to the Grand Messe Kumamoto for the WTL Finals. “Gracias, amigos.” The fans cheer that, and Naito adds that he won the main event here back in April of 2018. He sent a message to all the fans here that night. Does anyone remember what he said about “having the courage to take that step?” The fans applaud as it seems they do. Naito says, “Make no mistake, we won the World Tag League thanks to Hiromu.” The fans applaud again, and even chant for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” Naito says that Hiromu’s refusal to give up under any circumstance made Naito feel he had to take that step, too.
“And that step brings me to that singles match we were set to have before the pandemic.” Fans are intrigued hearing that. Naito says how about doing it January 4th in the Tokyo Dome? The fans cheer for Hiromu in support of that idea. Hiromu takes the mic now and asks if it takes Naito that long to take a step. The fans chuckle, and Hiromu stands. Hiromu says thanks to that, they were able to enter WTL and win it all. Hiromu thanks Naito for that, both arigato and gracias. The fans applaud, and Hiromu reviews the idea: January 4th, WrestleKingdom, Naito VS Hiromu. “The answer is, of course…! Let’s do it.”
The fans cheer as the match is now set! Hiromu thanks Naito for letting him know this is how he felt! “It’s important to say what we feel, isn’t it? Everyone, do you have something you want to say as well? It could to a friend, a lover, a parent, a teacher, a senpai, a kouhai! I’m reminded once again how important it is to share what we are feeling. Naito-san, do you mind if I tell you something, too?” The fans are again intrigued. “Naito-san, thank you for teaching me how to be a wrestler!” Hiromu bows and the fans applaud. Hiromu then says January 4th can’t come soon enough! “Everyone, we only live once, so enjoy it to the fullest!”
First, think of the life you wanna live, and then enjoy it to the fullest! And during that time, if pro-wrestling can bring you even a bit of joy, Hiromu will be satisfied! So then, let’s have more… The fans echo back, “Moto!” Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! MOTO fun in life enjoying pro-wrestling together~! The confetti goes off as the WTL winners must take a different route for WrestleKingdom. Will it be teacher or student who proves themselves the better man in the Tokyo Dome?
My Thoughts:
An awesome finale to WTL 2024, even with a lot of the other matches just kind of filler since there weren’t tag titles to be defended here and a lot of WrestleKingdom 19 stuff to be set up. I made sure to do the 10 Man Tag because it of course fed Tanahashi VS Evil, but I certainly didn’t see it happening that way. Tanahashi going wild because of all the frustration he has with Evil was some great stuff, and a Lumberjack match is a great move so that Tanahashi’s allies, aka all of The House of Torture’s enemies, are gonna be ringside with them. But moving up the retirement stipulation is a shock. Was saying 2026 would be when Tanahashi retires just a smokescreen so this would be more shocking? Or is this the smokescreen to put more drama on a match we’re pretty sure Tanahashi still wins?
The Six Man Tag of TMDK VS Shota & Funky Sauce was really good, and a really good win for Oiwa there. This was all still just secondary to building heat on Shota and ZSJ, but it was rather funny for Shota to have that paper (and I think soft foam?) belt and ZSJ mocking him with the wrist tape. If Shota ends up winning, I think NJPW is guilty of making him their “Super Cena,” their “Cena Wins LOL” guy, and that’s a disservice to Shota and especially Zack. Zack needs to make it through a WK with that belt, let Shota fight his way back up through the New Japan Cup or something.
And awesome, incredible main event with the WTL finals. I figured Naito & Hiromu were winning, just because Gabe’s got his NJPW Strong title and the Kenny Omega match for that Tokyo Dome weekend. Not sure what it means for Sanada, but I don’t think he’s leaving War Dogs already (as funny as that would be). And I suppose with Henare’s knee in question, they’re just going to leave the Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match for another time. Naito VS Hiromu, the World Champ VS Junior Heavyweight Champ match we never got four years ago for the anniversary show, is a great move for WK19. There’s no place better than WK for a match like that, and they can’t wait on this match with Naito having said he’s getting closer and closer to retiring.
That said, maybe Hiromu wins to put him over and get him into that next level where he’s going for big titles. Granted, NJPW is literal about the “heavyweight” part of the World Heavyweight Championship, and I don’t know if Hiromu’s going to be able to pull off a 205+ frame. He’s already ~195, he’s already 35, but hey, maybe he can get a short reign in just so he can say he was on top of both weight classes in his career.
My Score: 9/10
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