Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/18/21)
Will Raw be on fire tonight?
Will Alexa Bliss have a twisted surprise for the Raw Women’s Champion?
She gave Randy Orton a taste of his own medicine, but she might be hungry for something more! Will Alexa be ready for Asuka and earn herself a shot at the title?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Charlotte Flair VS Peyton Royce; Charlotte wins.
- Xavier Woods VS Mace w/ Retribution; Mace wins.
- Mandy Rose w/ Dana Brooke VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax; Baszler wins.
- Ricochet VS AJ Styles w/ Omos; Styles wins, Ricochet is NOT in the Men’s Royal Rumble.
- Six Man Tag: The Hurt Business VS Matt Riddle & The Lucha House Party; The Hurt Business wins.
- Jeff Hardy VS Jaxson Ryker w/ Elias; Hardy wins, by disqualification.
- Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Bliss wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
“Now is the time.”
Martin Luther King Jr’s dream lives on, but only if we live it. Do not judge by the color of one’s skin, but by the content of their character. We will reach the promised land together. #LongLiveTheDream.
Randy Orton speaks.
“There is a saying that people who fight fire with fire usually end up with ashes. Ashes of the one responsible for their affliction.” Orton wears a mask to cover his burned face. “The voices in my head have never been louder. Encapsulating my every thought, just like this mask encapsulates my face.” Orton held Alexa Bliss’ fate in his hands, yet showed a side of himself he didn’t know he had: compassion. Orton rewatches the footage for himself. The hatred he had for himself needed to be redirected, and he was ready to make Triple H “like a lamb to the slaughter, until she interrupted.”
It was only just last week that HHH was shockingly spirited away so that Alexa could throw a literal FIREBALL at Orton! “And now look at me. LOOK AT ME! This is the damnation I receive for showing compassion? I haven’t been able to sleep because every time I close my eyes, all I see is that ball of fire hurtling towards my face.” Orton seethes as he says “that inescapable feeling of the fire burning my flesh will never go away.” Whatever compassion was in him, it left with that inferno. Orton wears this mask to not only protect himself, but to shield everyone else from the horrors that he endured.
Orton watches himself from last week flail and writhe as he clutched his face in pain. “Despite the agony I felt that would mortify a lesser man, I consider myself… lucky.” Orton came away with just first degree burns and not much worse. He could’ve been disfigured forever! But Orton doesn’t blame Alexa. He blames THE FIEND! Orton already sent him straight to Hell. “There’s no doubt The Fiend is responsible for this. Alexa was merely the vehicle. And I know exactly what The Fiend wants. He wants to stop me from achieving the inevitable.” That is to say, winning the Royal Rumble again, going back to WrestleMania, and becoming a world champion.
Orton is sure everyone else in the locker room loved seeing his face burn, “knowing that their biggest threat may have just been eliminated from competing in the Royal Rumble match. But you could chop off all my limbs and it wouldn’t stop me from winning this year’s Royal Rumble match. Because despite my sickening affliction, I vow to remain in the Royal Rumble match. I can only compete as long as I can tolerate the pain, but the funny thing is… I enjoy the pain. It fuels my every move.” Orton has a match! Orton wants everyone to thank The Fiend when he burns their dreams to ashes and goes on to main event WrestleMania! He lights the match, watches it burn, then blows it out. Will this new, even darker Orton extinguish 29 other lights before going back to the Grandest Stage of Them All?
Ric Flair arrives at the ThunderDome, with Lacey Evans!
Lacey wants to hear some Four Horsemen stories but Charly Caruso comes over to ask about this “relationship” first. Lacey says that’s so nasty. This isn’t TMZ. This is beneath Charly! Charly is compelled to ask because Ric helped Lacey beat Charlotte Flair, his own daughter! Lacey says to show respect to the 16-time world champion, and a living legend. But to answer the question, there’s a reason Ric is the Dirtiest Player in the Game. He was just living up to that name. As far as the relationship goes, Lacey is simply learning from the greatest man to ever step in the ring. Now, they are going to go watch Peyton Royce knock the nasty Queen of her throne.
Charlotte Flair VS Peyton Royce!
But speaking of dirty, Peyton attacks Charlotte from behind at the ramp! They brawl, referees hurry to separate them but this match is going to happen, after the break!
Raw returns and the bell rings and Charlotte tackles Peyton to a corner! Then stomps away on her! The ref backs Charlotte off but she goes right back for more! She RAMS Peyton, RAMS her again, but Peyton sends Charlotte into buckles to fire stomps back! The ref counts, Peyton stops at 3 and brings Charlotte out to hammer away. Charlotte trips Peyton, gives some ground ‘n’ pound, then tackles her to ropes! They spill out of the ring and Charlotte CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Charlotte puts Peyton in but Peyton rolls out the far side. Charlotte pursues but Peyton kicks back, only for Charlotte to CLUB her, and bounce her off the desk!
Charlotte stalks Peyton around the way, they go back in the ring, then back out the ramp side. Another CHOP, CHOP and CHOP into the post! Peyton shoves Charlotte into the post, then into the ring! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is still in this but Peyton drags her around to drop elbows. Peyton puts on a thrashing chinlock but Charlotte endures. Charlotte fights up, arm-drags free, and CLOBBERS Peyton! Charlotte looms over Peyton, drags her up and bounces her off buckles. Charlotte bends Peyton against ropes, lets go at 3, and brings Peyton around for another buckle bump! Peyton dodges, Charlotte hits buckles, and Peyton throws Charlotte down by her hair! Cover, TWO!
Peyton is frustrated but she kicks Charlotte down and around. She pushes Charlotte to ropes, bumps her off buckles in return, then digs her boot into Charlotte’s face! The ref counts, Peyton lets off and bumps Charlotte off more buckles. Peyton whips corner to corner, Charlotte goes up and out to shoulder back in! Slingshot and roll up, TWO, but Charlotte ROCKS Peyton with a right! Charlotte blocks boots, has Peyton in the ropes, DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! But now Ric makes his entrance?! Ric swaggers on stage and Charlotte is annoyed, because here comes Lacey in one of Ric’s robes!
Charlotte is confused as ever, but Peyton catches her with the HEEL KICK! Cover, TWO!! Peyton is furious that Charlotte survives and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Peyton goes to buckle bump but Charlotte blocks to CHOP! And O’Conner roll, TWO! Charlotte goes into buckles but she dodges to send Peyton back into buckles! Both women are down and Peyton crawls away. Charlotte gets up, checks her nose, and then goes after Peyton. Peyton jawbreakers, whips, but Charlotte holds ropes to KICK back! Peyton dodges to HEEL KICK back! Peyton runs but Charlotte puts her on the apron, but Peyton SCORPION KICKS! Peyton goes up, leaps, but Charlotte gets under! Peyton turns around into the backbreaker and BUCKLE SHOT! Cover, TWO!
Charlotte watches Peyton go to the apron, runs in and BOOTS her down! Charlotte dares Lacey to do something again, but no, Lacey stays in the back this time. Peyton drags herself up as the ring count is 8 and is in at 9, but gets stomped by Charlotte! Charlotte puts Peyton’s leg on the rope, then drops a knee, only to miss! Peyton mule kicks then hobbles away from her back hurting. She dodges Charlotte’s clothesline to elbow, kick and HEEL KICK, to then ENZIGURI! Cover, TWO!
Peyton is furious and she drags Charlotte up to suplex. Charlotte slips out to CHOP BLOCK the leg! Knee breaker after knee breaker, Charlotte shows no mercy! Charlotte steps through, Figure Four, to FIGURE EIGHT! Peyton taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But she doesn’t let go! She wants Peyton to suffer on behalf of Lacey! Charlotte finally does let Peyton go, will Peyton even be able to team with Lacey now? Will anyone want to?
Matt Riddle crosses paths with The Hurt Business.
Riddle just wants to say hi but MVP doesn’t want to hear it. Does he wear this same lame outfit on the streets? Of course. Riddle lives his life free and untethered. And unkempt, it seems. Uncalled for, bro. But Riddle will take the high road. Of course he will. Riddle just wants to say he admires how nice they all dress. MVP is like Gordy Gecko, then there’s “Ceddy the Cheddy,” and Benjamin spending the Benjamins. And of course, who would ever call Lashley “Slobby Bobby.” Lashley handles this and the others head out.
Lashley tells Riddle that if it were him, he actually likes the flipflops. But he heard they’re bad for your feet. What? No they’re not. Lashley STOMPS one of Riddle’s feet, and says that proves his point. Riddle says Lashley will see this foot later, right up his ass! Will The Bro and his “brochachos” make the Hurt Business pay in their 3v3 later tonight?
Raw returns as Lucha House Party checks with Riddle.
Is he going to be okay for the match? Riddle says when he was in high school, his cousin ran his foot over with his truck, and Riddle was still able to go to prom. He’ll just tape it up. If he says so…
Xavier Woods VS Mace w/ Retribution!
Here he goes again on his own! Mustafa Ali says this is their time to strike. Kofi Kingston at home with a broken jaw isn’t enough, Ali wants to break his spirit, and that’s by breaking one of his most beloved friends! Ali prays Kofi can’t compete or even be in Elimination Chamber or WrestleMania. Then Kofi will feel what Ali did just one year ago! Will this revenge a long time coming be carried out by the menacing monster at Ali’s command?
Ali shouts at Woods about Kofi being a coward. Woods DECKS Ali for that and the ref has to keep Retribution back! Woods is ready for a fight but Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and the bell rings! Woods circles with Mace but is cornered! Mace keeps Woods from getting away but Woods CHOPS back, only for Mace to shrug it off. Woods and Mace go again, Woods CHOPS and fires off hands but Mace shoves him away. Woods kicks low, climbs up and throws more hands but Mace shoves him away again. Mace catches Woods with both hands and brings him out to center for a CHOKE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Woods survives but Mace choke grips Woods again and dead lifts him to shove him to a corner! Mace runs in to elbow Woods down! Ali mocks Woods’ pain as Mace whips Woods and KNEES him in the back! Mace looms over Woods, covers, TWO!
Mace sits Woods up, pries on fingers and then clamps on for a neck wrench! Woods endures, Mace fish hooks Woods’ mouth, and Ali says Kofi doesn’t need to worry. Woods will break his jaw and be right next to Kofi tomorrow. Woods bites Mace’s hand! Woods mule kicks, CHOPS away, then kicks low to CHOP and CHOP again! Mace ROCKS Woods with the uppercut! Mace whips, Woods dodges and ducks to dropkick a leg out! Woods keeps on Mace with haymakers and elbows! Mace shoves Woods away but Woods CLUBS him! Mace shoves Woods but runs into a boot! HONOR- NO! Choke grip! Woods fights the grip, gets free, and ENZIGURIS!
Mace flops out of the ring but Ali shouts at him to get back in. Mace goes up, but Woods baseball slides under Mace to hit Ali! Woods hits Mace off the apron again but Ali tells them they stop this. They’re going to shut Woods down! Mace gets in, the other members run distraction, Woods SUPERKICKS but runs into a BOOT! Mace drags Woods back up, fireman’s carries, and SWINGING AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, Mace wins!
Winner: Mace, by pinfall
Retribution wins again, and Ali stands over Woods. “Tell Kofi, Retribution says, ‘Get well soon.'” Ali and his cohorts are laughing now, but will Kofi make a comeback to shut them up?
Backstage interview with Asuka.
She’s been invited to Alexa’s Playground, what does she expect? Asuka honestly doesn’t know. But after seeing her set Orton on fire, Asuka hopes it isn’t Alexa’s dark side.
It’s the WrestleMania Report!
It’s Hank E. Panki, totally not Triple H, and Anita Reelman, totally not Stephanie McMahon. Don’t question it. But they’re sending it over to the weatherman, Sunny McCloud. Nope, it’s Roman Reigns, and there is no weatherman. Roman sits at the rightful place as Head of the Table. He’s not going to play along. But if they were, Paul Heyman is sure someone would say, “The extended forecast-” Paul, no. Just give it to them straight. Heyman says Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium will be the home of WrestleMania 37! Wow, big news! It’s going to be buck wild this April! And how great that they get to host WrestleMania again, for the first time.
But some real breaking news in sports, “Hailey Mary” and not Sasha Banks has the exclusive! But then an assistant makes sure she got the report about how WrestleMania is coming back to AT&T Stadium for 2022. Uh, y-yes, now she does! Now shoo. But you heard it here first! WrestleMania 38 will be right here in Texas! It doesn’t get much bigger than that! Dropping exclusives like it’s hot! And what a spectacle! Hank’s a spectacle. Rawr. But now, to Huge Kantseeme for entertainment news! Hugh? Hello? We can’t see him. It’s totally not John Cena! They love it when he does that. And you know what Huge loves? LA!
CUT! When Cena- er, uh, Hugh, says that, it sounds so fake. Um, Hugh, we’re live… Okay, he’ll try again. “Y’know what else I love? LA! That’s right, Hollywood!” Who doesn’t love drama? Cue zoom. Here’s some drama: WrestleMania is going Hollywood in 2023! PLOT TWIST! Thanks, Hugh, but you got a bit carried away. It will be in SoFi Stadium, or as Anita likes to call it, “So FINE Stadium.” Nothing like a good giggle. And that wraps things up for the WrestleMania Report. And we’re good. Phew! HHH and Stephanie take off the “costumes” and are pretty sure no one realized it was them all along. But yes, WrestleMania is all set for the next THREE YEARS! Who will make it to each of them? Will you be there?
Raw presents… Alexa’s Playground…!
Alexa goes to her swing and welcomes us back. She is so excited we’re all here, but before we get started, she wants to address The Viper in the room. “Randy, last week, I was just coming out here to talk to you. Y’know, clear the air. And then, things got a little… heated!” Alexa laughs at her own joke and says if Orton needs some sunblock, just let her know. But either way, good to see he’s feeling okay. Now to tonight’s very special guest! Alexa is so excited to invite her opponent, the Women’s Tag Team and Raw Women’s Champion, ASUKA! Asuka makes her entrance, and joins Alexa on the swings. Alexa says no, that’s not her seat. Oh, okay…
Is Asuka okay? Yes, yes! Asuka is okay. Sorry, Alexa wasn’t talking to her. Oh, okay. Asuka says she’ll just stand over here by the slide… They giggle, and Asuka more nervously than Alexa. Alexa knows they have a match tonight but for now, let’s have fun! Alexa has breaking news! It’s big news! Should she tell them or do you want to, invisible friend? Okay, she’ll say it. Alexa is entering the Women’s Rumble! Asuka wishes Alexa good luck. But wait. If Alexa wins the Rumble match and Asuka is still champion, then they might face off at WrestleMania! Asuka says that would be her honor! And Asuka is a big fan of Alexa’s! Really? Yes! Thank you, that’s so sweet! Well of course! YOWIE WOWIE~!
Alexa doesn’t like Asuka saying that. Asuka hopes Alexa still wants to have fun. Let’s dance! It’s Asuka’s theme, but Asuka still dances. Alexa doesn’t want that. Alexa says STOP IT! Asuka’s music stops and Asuka is a bit startled. Alexa’s friend says something and Alexa says they’re right. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. If Alexa had done something differently, he’d still be here… Asuka says it’ll be okay. Asuka tries to explain in Japanese, and then says The Fiend’s still here. “Do NOT say his name!” Alexa then gets a smile as she waves at the rocking horse. Asuka is spooked and leaves the ring. Alexa switches to the rocking horse, but will she flip the switch when the bell rings?
Backstage interview with The Miz and John Morrison.
Can they give us a hint at what they have in store for Goldberg tonight on The Dirt Sheet? Oh, she wants to know? Of course Sarah wants to know! “I WANT THE SCOOP~!” NO! No spoilers. Tune in like everyone else. But what Miz will say is that what is in store will definitely be controversial. Controversy creates cash, much like the Money in the Bank. CHACHING!
Raw hears from Jeff Jarrett!
Double J has a prediction for Drew McIntyre VS Goldberg for the WWE World Championship at the Royal Rumble PPV. Jarrett knows both men, but he quotes his old buddy, Toby Keith. The hook goes, “I ain’t as good as I once was, but I’m good once as I ever was.” That will be the story of the Rumble, because we’ll see Goldberg’s Spear, Jackhammer and win for a NEW WWE World Champion! Will McIntyre deny that prediction when the match actually happens?
Mandy Rose w/ Dana Brooke VS Shayna Baszler w/ Nia Jax!
While the #SexyMuscleFriends go to the ring together, the Queen of Spades gives fair warning backstage. “Last week, I made Mandy Rose tap out, and then I threw Mandy Rose out of the ring like an empty can of White Claw.” She promises to do the same thing tonight, and then everyone the Women’s Rumble better watch out because she’ll do the same to them. It doesn’t matter if it’s Charlotte, Bayley, or even her own tag team partner. Nia is surprised by that, but it IS every woman for themselves. Nia says she’s been the one carrying the team, but will Shayna prove she can do bad all by herself after the break?
Raw returns and Nia joins commentary as the bell rings. Mandy and Shayna tie up, Mandy shoves Shayna then trips her up with a leg. Shayna gets up, Mandy waistlocks, rolls Shayna up, ONE! Shayna kicks Mandy’s legs out, KNEES her down then covers, TWO! Shayna drags Mandy around and clamps on with a neck wrench. Mandy endures and Dana coaches her up. Shayna drives an elbow into Mandy’s face! Shayna CLUBS Mandy, Mandy hits back but Shayna CLUBS and KICKS her around! Shayna throws forearms, drags Mandy up for knees, then snapmares to KICK her again! Cover, TWO!
Shayna is back on Mandy with the neck wrench. Mandy fires up, throws body shots but Shayna throws her down by her hair! Shayna clamps onto Mandy again, pulls on arm arm for a half straitjacket, then stands on the arm! It’s a new take on the ARM STOMP! Dana checks on Mandy but Shayna tells her to back off. Mandy rolls Shayna up, TWO!! Mandy runs Shayna over but shakes out the bad arm. Mandy ducks a kick and uses the good arm to lariat over and over! And hit a FLAPJACK! Mandy manages a kip up, runs in and powers Shayna to a corner! Mandy fires off forearms, the ref backs her off but Mandy comes back to throw more forearms and even stomps!
The ref counts, Mandy backs off but Shayna gets around to KICK the bad arm! Shayna wrenches that arm, but Mandy fires off forearms with the other! Mandy pulls Shayna’s hair but Shayna twists the arm! KEYLOCK TAKEDOWN! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Mandy taps, Shayna wins!
Winner: Shayna Baszler, by submission
The Queen of Spades took care of this by herself, just as she said she would! Nia says Mandy almost had her, but Shayna argues it wasn’t even close. But Dana sneaks up and dropkicks Nia into Shayna, and they both hit post! The Flex Appeal gets away with Mandy, and they aren’t out of the running yet! Will one of these women win the Women’s Rumble to go after the Raw Women’s Championship?
Shayna and Nia argue backstage.
Shayna says that was Nia’s fault for getting involved but Charly Caruso comes by to ask about them not getting along. Well they’ve never really gotten along, even as champions. But meanwhile, the current champions, Charlotte has her daddy issues and Asuka is being creeped out by Alexa, are they really getting along? In fact, now is the perfect time to get that rematch for the titles! Nia says that’s actually a good idea. They go off to find management, will they regain the gold before getting into the Rumble?
Backstage interview with Charlotte Flair.
Before discussing the tag titles, how uncomfortable was it for her to see Lacey wearing one of Ric’s robes? Ever since stepping foot in the ring, people accuse her of living off her family name. Now there is literally a woman draping herself on Ric’s arm, begging for her 15 minutes of fame, and living off the name! Charlotte knows that Lacey is just using Ric to get to her. But Charlotte’s been learning from Ric her entire life. She just never went down that path. Maybe Charlotte needs to rethink things, because one person can only take so much trash. Lacey may have one of Ric’s robes, but she will never has Charlotte’s crown.
Adam Pearce talks with Ricochet.
We know that there are superstars who need to earn their way into the Rumble match. And this match is perfect timing. A win can go a long way towards opportunities. Ricochet is just glad to have this opportunity. Maybe this is the start to his road to WrestleMania. But then AJ Styles comes by and says it’s funny that Pearce is talking about opportunities. Who would take advice from Pearce, who just literally ran away from the Universal Championship? Yes, he would’ve lost, been embarrassed, but at least he’d have his dignity. Look at Ricochet. Ricochet is going to lose, but he’ll lose with dignity.
Ricochet says Styles has selective amnesia, like 50 First Dates. What’s he talking about? Well, Drew Barrymore’s character couldn’t remember a thing past a certain date because- Styles knows the movie! It’s in his top ten, right next to The Notebook. What’s he talking about here tonight? Ricochet’s point is that Styles has forgotten about TLC when he got embarrassed- Hey! That was The Miz’s fault! Well all Ricochet knows is that Styles will need more than a seven foot giant by his side to prove Ricochet doesn’t belong in the Rumble. The One and Only heads out to the ring, but will he be better than Phenomenal once again?
Ricochet VS AJ Styles w/ Omos!
Styles hangs back long enough to tell Pearce that he doesn’t like him anymore. And when he doesn’t like someone, Omos doesn’t like someone. Omos literally looks down on Scrap Daddy, but what will Pearce do about it, after the break?
Raw returns and Styles makes his entrance. The bell rings, Styles and Ricochet circle, tie up, and Styles powers Ricochet to a corner. The ref counts, Styles lets off and Ricochet circles with him again. They tie up, Styles headlocks, Ricochet tries to power out but Styles holds on tight. Styles grinds Ricochet down, Ricochet rolls to a cover, ONE and Styles holds on. They get up, Ricochet tries to power out again but Styles still holds on. Ricochet makes it a cover again, ONE! Ricochet throws body shots, powers out this time but blocks Styles’ kick to hit an arm-drag! Ricochet whips, Styles gets around to backslide, but Ricochet rolls through. Styles reels Ricochet in but Ricochet trips him up to jackknife bridge! TWO, and Styles tilt-o-whirls to a sunset flip, TWO!
Styles wants the Clash but Ricochet pops free to get around and roll him up, TWO! Ricochet dodges, runs, and headscissors! Styles pops up but into a RANA! Styles is back again, Ricochet rolls and handsprings to headscissor again! Styles is dizzy and flounders, into a dropkick! Ricochet talks some smack to Omos as Styles flounders out. Ricochet runs, slides, but Styles catches him, only for Ricochet to still headscissor him! Ricochet is getting fired up, but Omos glares at him from around the way. Ricochet puts Styles in and follows, but Styles runs in. Ricochet sends Styles out, slingshots, but Omos catches him!
The ref warns Omos to set Ricochet down, and Omos DROPS Ricochet! Ricochet is down but not out yet, and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Styles drags Ricochet up to bump him off buckles. Styles scoops Ricochet for a RUNNING BACKBREAKER! Ricochet writhes but Styles paces around. Styles sits Ricochet up to dig a knee in and clamp on with the chinlock. Ricochet endures, fights his way up and throws body shots. Jawbreaker! Styles staggers, but he dodges to waistlock and GERMAN SUPLEX! Ricochet lands on his feet! Ricochet dodges Styles, runs and tilt-o-whirls for the DDT! Both men are down and Omos stares as fans clap on their screens. Ricochet gets to ropes and uses them to get up, and he counter punches Styles then fires off strikes! DISCUS LARIAT! Cover, TWO!!
Ricochet is frustrated but Omos is relieved as Styles survives. Ricochet fireman’s carries but Styles fights out. Ricochet mule kicks a leg then back flips into the DEAD LIFT GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO! Ricochet grows further frustrated but he watches Styles stand. Ricochet runs out from the corner but Styles dodges. Styles runs in, Ricochet elbows back, QUEBRADA into a LARIAT! Styles gets Ricochet up, SNAP BRAIN BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Styles fireman’s carries Ricochet for USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Omos says it’s alright but Styles is still surprised Ricochet survives!
Styles goes to a corner, goes to the apron, and takes aim. Styles springboards, but Ricochet hits the RECOIL!! Both men are down, Ricochet crawls to the cover, TWO!! Styles survives and Ricochet is beside himself! Ricochet goes to the corner, climbs up top, but Styles trips him up! Ricochet lands hard on his stomach and flops to the apron! Omos coaches Styles as Ricochet drags himself up. Styles goes to the corner, brings Styles up, but Ricochet hotshots! Ricochet aims, slingshots, but into Styles’ suplex, that rebounds off the ropes! Into the STYLES CLASH!!! Cover, Styles wins!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
Now that was a PHENOMENAL way to win a match! But once again, Styles denies another entry into the Rumble, will he continue to eliminate superstars before they ever get in?
Raw presents The Dirt Sheet!
The Miz and John Morrison are in the ring and Morrison welcomes us. When you want to enjoy a top tier steak dinner, you’ve gotta be ready to pay the bill. And Miz says tonight is the biggest edition of Dirt Sheet ever. It will be extra dirty because tonight’s guest is someone who everyone knows and loves, someone who was a childhood hero to many adults, and could be a hero to an entirely new generation if he defeats Drew McIntyre for the WWE World Championship at the Royal Rumble PPV! Welcome the biggest guest in Dirt Sheet history, one of the most intimidating men to ever step inside the wrestling ring, the legendary WWE Hall of Famer, it’s GOLD~ BERG!
Goldberg makes his entrance and both Miz ‘n’ Morrison are excited. Wait a minute, that’s GILLBERG! And he still gets hurt by those sparklers. Morrison and Miz can’t believe “Goldberg” is more massive than before. Now, the Rumble will be one of the most important matches in his career, it’ll be like Godzilla VS King Kong! How has he been preparing? Well first, he bashes his head into the wall because he’s so pumped up. The adrenaline is flowing, the veins are hyped and he’s foaming at the mouth! There’s smoke coming out of his nose and fire out of his ass! Okay just be careful not to hit a ring post. And careful with those chairs, they’re not cheap.
Wait, Drew McIntyre is here?! Miz and Morrison are surprised most of all! Wait, that’s not even close. That’s an impersonator with a wig! And he has a tiny toy sword! “That’s the ‘Clayless,'” says Samoa Joe. Miz and Morrison give Drew “Mockingtire” roll in, and the Dirt Sheet just keeps getting bigger! Mockingtire says he is here to meet his opponent face to face. Let’s not get into fisticuffs, Dirt Sheet is classy. Use your words. Does Mockingtire have anything to say to Gil- er, Goldberg? “I’m gonna kick yer ass back to 1998, and then I’m gonna go home and eat some haggis!”
Whoa, c’mon, the Scottish accent is more like this, mate. Are they going to cut and go again? NO IT’S LIVE! Morrison, where did you find this guy? New Jersey… No, the best actors are from New York, LA and Cleveland! Cleveland?! What? Because of Miz! But now this show is a train wreck! What are they even doing? Gillberg? Really? Miz, you’re making this awkward. Oh HE’s making this awkward?! This was MORRISON’S stupid idea! It’s a GREAT idea! It’s comedy gold! Pff, it’s not even comedy silver! Gillberg speaks up and does his crazy Goldberg face. Oh shut up! And let’s just do the thing.
“Hey, John~!” “Yeah?” “Is Goldberg going to lose at the Royal Rumble?” Of course! CORRECT! But is Drew McIntyre also going to lose at the Rumble? Duh. CORRECT! But how can that be? Because The Miz will cash in his MITB contract. COOOOOOOOOOOORRECT! “You are looking at the future WWE Champion, because I’m the Miz! And III’M! NEXT!” Miz is finally getting serious, but will he make the real Goldberg and McIntyre the butt of his joke?
Six Man Tag: The Hurt Business VS Matt Riddle & The Lucha House Party!
The WWE United States Champion put the hurt on The Bro both last week in their title match, but also earlier tonight just to bully him. But will the Golden Lynx and King of the Ropes help Riddle rebound while also getting themselves an opportunity at the Raw Tag Team Championships?
Raw returns as Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik make their entrance, followed by Riddle. Alexander insists he start and Metalik starts with him. Alexander kicks low, clubs away on Metalik then talks trash. Alexander throws forearms and puts Metalik in a corner to whip corner to corner., Metalik boots back, runs and slings but into a back suplex! Metalik lands on his feet, dodges but Alexander dropkicks! Alexander says that’s how you do it, but MVP says don’t talk about it, just do it. Alexander doesn’t want to tag and he CHOPS Metalik! He scoops Metalik to a backbreaker! Alexander stares Benjamin down as he lifts Metalik again, but Metalik slips out to get to his corner and tag in Lince!
Metalik boots Alexander away, Lince jumps in and gets a boost for the FLYING RANA! Lince clubs away on Alexander, wrenches, but Alexander ROCKS him with a right! Alexander CLUBS Lince, and now he wants a tag, only for Benjamin and Lashley to let him handle this. Alexander turns around into CHOPS! Lince QUEBRADAS! Cover, TWO!! Alexander narrowly escapes but Lince clubs away! Lince gets the arm, Alexander fights up and pulls the mask! Alexander puts Lince on the ropes, throws body shots, and Benjamin tags himself in. The tag champions glare at each other, then Benjamin circles with Lince. Lince rolls Benjamin, TWO, Benjamin CLOBBERS Lince!
Benjamin puts Lince in a corner, whips him corner to corner hard, and storms over to cover, TWO! Tag to Lashley, the Hurt Business whip and double shoulder Lince down! Lashley throws Lince to a corner, fires off haymakers, then bumps Lince off buckles. Alexander tags himself in and drags Lince up for forearms. Benjamin tags himself in and MVP wants his guys to stop arguing. Benjamin keeps Lince in the corner and he fires off haymakers and stomps. Lince tries to fight out but Alexander tags himself back in. Alexander whips, Lince handsprings, GOLDEN REWIND! Both men are down, MVP says this is what happens!
Alexander drags Lince from his corner in time, and tags Benjamin in. The tag champions argue again, and then Benjamin shoves Alexander right out of the ring! MVP keeps Alexander back, Lashley tags in, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Alexander is on Lince with an armlock. Metalik and Riddle rally for Lince as he endures and fights up. Lince clubs but Alexander WRINGS his arm out! Cover, TWO! Alexander smothers Lince with a chinlock and reaches out for a tag. Lashley takes it and he drags Lince up to bring him around for a scoop and SLAM! Lashley asks why Alexander has a problem but MVP says to worry about that later. Lashley tags Benjamin, Benjamin drags Lince around and TOSSES him across the way! Benjamin drags Lince back up, snap suplexes, then takes his time looming over Lince. Alexander tags himself back in and Benjamin contains his frustration.
Alexander bumps Lince off buckles, fires off hands, but lets off at the ref’s count of 4. Alexander hoists Lince up top, throws hands, but Lince throws them back! Alexander staggers, Lince adjusts and leaps, BIG crossbody! Lince bounces off the cover but both men are down! The fans clap on their screens, hot tags to Riddle and Benjamin! The Bro spins Benjamin around for a PELE! Kip up and forearm smash! Riddle runs to DECK Lashley, then he forearms Benjamin again! Benjamin holds off the suplex to throw knees, then a powerbomb lift. Riddle fights out, ROUDNHOUSES then Penalty Kicks, only to miss! Benjamin rolls, Riddle rolls through, FINAL FLASH! Cover, TWO!
MVP panics as Riddle goes up, FLOATING BRO FLOPS! MVP shouts as Riddle crawls, hot tag to Metalik! Metalik springboards to crossbody! Then he brings Benjamin up to knuckle lock and CHOP! Metalik goes up, up and RANA! Metalik runs, wheelbarrows but Benjamin SLAMS Metalik down! Alexander tags in again, for a BRAIN BUSTER! Alexander gets fired up but Lashley tags himself in. Lashley runs past Alexander to DECK Riddle, then SPEAR Metalik! But Lashley isn’t done, he puts on the HURT LOCK! Metalik taps, The Hurt Business wins!
Winners: The Hurt Business, by submission
Lashley sees Alexander and Benjamin arguing again, but Riddle CLOBBERS Lashley! Riddle gets away because the Hurt Business isn’t on the same page! Will they be able to pull things together to keep the gold in their possession?
Elias talks with Jaxson Ryker backstage.
After the miscommunication last week, The Drifter hopes he and Ryker don’t misunderstand each other this time. When Elias told Ryker not to help him, he didn’t mean it, he was being subtle. Ryker took it literally, signals got crossed. Signals? This isn’t Thomas the Tank Engine, this is Monday Night Raw! This is the WWE! And WWE stands for #WalkWithElias. That Ryker understands. Now Ryker did not walk with Elias last week. But tonight, when they take on Hardy again, what is Ryker’s mission? To finish what Elias started, embody the Universal Truth, and beat Hardy until he accepts the truth. Good. They head out, and Ryker double checks. Is Elias not helping in the match or “not” helping in the match? Just go…
Drew McIntyre speaks!
He’s still asymptomatic for COVID and is feeling stronger than ever. But he’s still at home. He had a good laugh at Gillberg and the mini-McIntyre “with the body of a melted candle.” But the WWE is like the circus, with a little bit of everything for everyone. There are clowns like Miz ‘n’ Morrison, then the lions like McIntyre. And sometimes, the lions eat the clowns. McIntyre promises to see them again really soon.
But that wasn’t reality. The reality is, the championships aren’t given. But they can be taken, and in McIntyre’s case, it could be at a Spear or Jackhammer’s notice. McIntyre respects Goldberg, but he won’t hold back to keep his title. McIntyre never misses. He will be prepared, focused and intense. That same intensity he saw in Goldberg’s eyes. Not the kind in the delusions he had or the words Goldberg put in McIntyre. McIntyre means the intensity when he insulted Goldberg. That look was the real Goldberg!
McIntyre suggests Goldberg bring that guy to the Rumble because that’s what the title deserves. If he doesn’t, McIntyre will eat him alive in two minutes. But if Goldberg wants to try again, McIntyre will be back on Raw next week! Will there be thunder and lightning from these two titans even before the Rumble?
Jeff Hardy VS Jaxson Ryker w/ Elias!
The Charismatic Enigma knew The Drifter’s thumb was not broken last week, and he made sure Elias did not get away unscathed. But while Elias had a helping hand in Ryker’s win over the living legend, will they not get away with it again?
The bell rings and Ryker runs in but Hardy dodges him! Hardy puts Ryker in a corner, rams his shoulder in over and over, but Ryker turns things around to throw body shots! The ref counts, Ryker bumps Hardy off buckles then watches him flounder around. Ryker toys with Hardy, Hardy hits back but Ryker CLUBS him down! Ryker drags Hardy up, puts him in the corner and whips him corner to corner. Hardy goes up, mule kicks back then headscissors Ryker to ropes! Ryker flounders up but Hardy rallies with forearms! Atomic drop, leg splitting leg drop! Basement dropkick and a splash added on, cover, ONE!
Hardy keeps his cool and watches Ryker stand. Ryker blocks the kick but not the spinning back kick! Hardy runs in to corner splash, then he whips corner to corner, only to miss. Ryker runs back in and CLOBBERS Hardy! Elias likes that as Ryker covers, TWO! Ryker drops ax handles on Hardy again and again, then rains down right hands! The ref counts, Ryker lets off, and he drags Hardy up to back suplex! Cover, TWO! Ryker drags Hardy into a chinlock and grinds him down! Hardy endures, fights up and throws body shots to then jawbreaker free! Kick and TWIST OF FURY! Hardy throws off his shirt, climbs up top, but Elias again interferes! The ref saw it this time, that’s a disqualification!
Winner: Jeff Hardy, by disqualification
Ryker is a bit upset, didn’t they agree Elias was not going to help? Elias thought they agreed he was “not” going to help, aka he would. But it doesn’t matter as Hardy WRECKS Elias with a dropkick! Ryker is after Hardy again but gets another Twist! He powers out, Hardy dodges but runs into a SCRAPBUSTER! Elias gets in to stand tall with Ryker, and it looks like this issue is not over. What will it take to finally get Hardy to #WalkWithElias?
Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
The encounter earlier tonight was eerie and scary, but now the Empress and Lil’ Miss Bliss will battle it out! Will Asuka be able to shrug off the chill up her spine? Or will she be burned by the darkness lurking inside Alexa?
The bell rings and Alexa smiles as she and Asuka circle. They tie up, go around, and Asuka wrenches to a wristlock. Alexa rolls, wrenches back, but Asuka moves around to spin, wrench and wristlock again. Alexa steps through, slips through and headlocks. Asuka fights out, pushes Alexa and then follows to run her over! Asuka has fun now as she dances around, but then she runs, Alexa trips her up, and Alexa Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! Alexa sits and smiles and Asuka runs in, but Alexa ducks the kick to roll her up! TWO, and Asuka fires off palm strikes, body shots and a BACK HAND! Asuka shoves, pop-up KNEES Alexa down, then SLIDING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!
Asuka keeps cool as Alexa is smiling about getting hit. Asuka sits Alexa up and says no more fun, she wants her lock! Alexa resists the armlock and chinbar, pries free, but Asuka wrangles her back down. Alexa fights again, gets up, and gest to ropes! The ref calls for the break and Asuka lets off fast. Alexa is outside, Asuka runs and slides but Alexa gets under. Alexa gets in the ring, and then the screens start to change? The lights are going down! What is this warped circus music?! Raw goes to break while things get creepier!
Raw returns once more and Alexa is standing there, but has transformed! Her makeup, hair, outfit, it’s all different! Asuka is as confused as we are as to how she did this! Asuka circles but Alexa doesn’t budge. Alexa watches Asuka then finally takes a step. They circle slowly, commentary doesn’t even want to talk too loudly. Asuka swings a back hand but Alexa easily avoids it! And the same for the roundhouse kick! Alexa deflects Asuka’s strikes, ducks one kick but not the mule kick! Asuka runs but into a shoulder! Alexa’s stoic as Asuka rolls out of the ring. Asuka is getting mad and she gets back in the ring. The two circle again, Asuka blocks Alexa’s punch, POP-UP KNEE!
Alexa staggers to a corner, Asuka runs in, but Alexa does the SPIDER WALK! That’s just like Bray Wyatt! Alexa stands upright, wipes some blood from her mouth, and then just stares at her hand. Asuka waits on Alexa, but Alexa wants to grab at Asuka! Asuka fights off the Mandible Claw! Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks, waistlock but Alexa elbows out! And DECKS Asuka! Cover, TWO!! This dark side of Alexa’s that Asuka was talking about is stoic again as she paces about. Asuka shakes out the cobwebs as she sits up, but Alexa walks over to look at her in the eyes. Alexa lifts Asuka up by her chin, Asuka ROUNDHOUSES! And BACK HANDS! ANOTHER ROUNDHOUSE!!
Asuka fires up, drags Alexa up but Alexa grabs Asuka and smirks! SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, Alexa wins!!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall
Alexa just pinned Asuka!! And then in a flash, she’s back to her bubbly side! “Let me in!” She spoke with The Fiend’s voice!! Maybe Asuka was right, he IS still here! But if she truly #LetHimIn, will there be any stopping her on the road to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A really good episode tonight! For starters, less strange copy-paste from last week, and they did continue with stories that got started last week to great effect. I am a little saddened that it seems we’re no longer doing Ricochet VS Retribution if only for now, but I do like how they shifted to make Retribution’s story work against The New Day. They had Ali bring back things that happened all the way back in 2019 when #KofiMania happened for WrestleMania 35. I hope we get Ali VS Kofi out of this, on top of New Day VS the various combinations of Retribution. Ricochet VS AJ Styles was a great match, perhaps one of the most creative ways to get someone into the Styles Clash, and it is interesting that Styles is the gatekeeper to the Men’s Rumble on Raw.
Charlotte VS Peyton was a very good showing for Peyton, even though she loses. They aren’t overdoing things with Lacey and Ric just yet, so it isn’t exactly cringeworthy. Though, the endgame is clearly Lacey using Ric just to get at the tag titles. Shayna beats Mandy Rose down again, but it was pretty good for Dana to get the better of her and Nia. Nia and Shayna want a tag title match and that probably happens on the go-home to the Rumble. I can see the distractions for Charlotte getting the better of the #QueensOfTomorrow, and the titles going back to Nia and Shayna, but there could still be dysfunction on the other end that changes that around.
Dysfunction is also growing in the Hurt Business, and while it’s a bit early, they are acting it out very well. Alexander is too fired up and thinking he’s the one winning everything, but it was a good move for Lashley to take over the match and put this away for the team. LHP is doing a lot with also having their part in the Dusty Rhodes Classic on NXT, but I think that means they can fall back on one show if they’re losing in the other. And I would think Riddle is getting another match for the US Championship, but perhaps after the Rumble. Hardy VS Ryker was better than last week, but the story is still something that they’re clearly trying to force more Elias and Hardy stuff.
The Dirt Sheet having Gillberg and a fake McIntyre was actually a great twist. It was goofy in the right way, and it was made even better with Miz getting serious to top it off. I suppose he does have a point that he can cash in again, or rather “actually” this time, against McIntyre and Goldberg, but that seems like an even worse idea than at TLC if you go by Goldberg’s kayfabe rankings. McIntyre had a good response promo, and it’s great to know he’ll be back already. I don’t expect him and Goldberg to throw hands, but I bet there will be a tease of Goldberg getting hit with a Claymore or McIntyre getting hit with a spear. And Goldberg should prioritize Spear so that he doesn’t have to risk lifting then dropping McIntyre.
The related stories of Orton, Fiend and Alexa just got even more interesting. Orton has an apparently medical lucha mask now, adding a new layer to how creepy he’s being lately. It’s like he’s becoming The Fiend after having burned The Fiend alive in a twisted version of the Santa Clause. And at the same time, Alexa has inherited The Fiend’s powers, too. She really creeped Asuka out, and that’s not so bad, because while Asuka can be scary, Alexa is being a different kind of scary. Giving Alexa her own transformation was a great twist, and this Alexa could probably take the Raw Women’s Championship.
And to be fair, it would be better if we got Asuka VS Twisted Bliss Alexa at Rumble because it’d be a lot for Alexa, even this new form of hers, to win the Rumble when there are many great contenders from both Raw and SmackDown. Bayley and Bianca are a strong rivalry from SmackDown and one of them probably deserves to win so they can challenge Sasha Banks.
My Score: 8.3/10
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Time to run it back!
Did Jey Uso disrespect Bron Breakker? He thinks so, and wants to get him back for it in a rematch for the WWE Intercontinental Championship!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE World Tag Team Championship#1 Contenders Tournament Opening Round: The New Day VS Authors of Pain; New Day wins and advances.
- Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Damage CTRL; DMG CTRL wins, by disqualifications.
- WWE World Tag Team Championship#1 Contenders Tournament Opening Round: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega VS The Creed Brothers w/ American Made; win(s) and advance.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Jey Uso VS Bron Breakker; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
The Crown Jewel Championships have arrived.
The attendants shine it up while security checks it. It all looks good, but who will look good once they win it?
Team American Made arrives.
And on their way in, Chad Gable, Ivy Nile & The Creed Brothers cross paths with The Alpha Academy. Otis, Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri hold their tongues, but will American Made show they’re better by advancing in the World Tag Team Championship Contenders Tournament?
Bronson Reed arrives.
The Colossal Aussie is in Philadelphia, but there’s no brotherly love as SETH FREAKIN’ ROLLINS ATTACKS! The Visionary came outta nowhere, and now uses Bronson’s own luggage to beat him down! Security drags Rollins away but Rollins says he’s just getting started! Rollins dares Bronson to join him in the ring, and that’s where Rollins is going! He throws off his blue sequin jacket at someone in gorilla, then storms right to the ring! The fans fire up and sing Rollins’ song, but Rollins grabs a mic to say cut the music! “Philly, let’s get crazy, right here, right now! Bronson Reed! You wanna be famous, big boy? I’ll make your ass famous! Get out here, and let’s FIGHT!”
The fans are fired up, but Pearce says no no no! But then Bronson TOSSES security out of his way! Bronson heads for the ring, but it takes half a dozen men to drag him down! So Rollins then DIVES and bowls them all over! The fans are thunderous but then Bronson RAMS Rollins into the apron! Bronson puts Rollins int he ring, then RAMS him into a corner! More security rushes in but fans boo! Rollins and Bronson are separated, but not for long as they both get free! Rollins BOOTS Bronson, gets moving, but he runs into a DEATTH VALLEY DRIVER! Bronson hurries up top, but Rollins hurries out! So Bronson just FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES!
The fans are going nuts as Bronson clears the desk! Bronson drags Rollins up and HEADBUTTS him onto the desk! The security tries to stop Bronson but Bronson is climbing the barriers! He SHOVES guards off him, one guy becomes a backpack! So Bronson TOSSES that guy onto the rest! And then with Rollins on the desk, TSUNAMI! But only Bronson hits the desk! Rollins avoids disaster and the fans go nuts! Rollins is also going nuts, he wants after Bronson again! Security and even producers herd Rollins away, and Bronson rises up! Bronson goes out into the crowd but he warns Rollins this isn’t over!
The fans sing Rollins’ song again, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” but when and where will The Visionary see Bronson again?
Backstage interview with Damage CTRL.
Jackie Redmond is with Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane and says that tomorrow night on NXT, they have a match with Meta Four’s Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson. They arguably coast DMG CTRL the tag titles, so is there anything DMG CTRL wants to say first? Iyo says that Lash & Jakara are just in the way. DMG CTRL are not done with Jade & Bianca. Soon, they will be WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions again! But then Liv Morgan steps in and says sorry not sorry, she needs to talk about what Nia Jax did to her last week. Jackie, you can go. Thanks, bye. Jackie steps out and Liv talks to camera.
“Nia, if you’re watching this, which I know you are, I know you only came to MY show last week because you’re just jealous of me. You’re jealous of me because I have it all. I have the Women’s World Championship, I have Dirty Dom, I have The Judgment Day, I have Raquel Rodriguez, and after I beat you at Crown Jewel, I’m gonna have the Crown Jewel Championship, too.” Kairi speaks up, “Choto, choto, choto. <Hey, hey, hey.>” Liv says she’s not done, but Kairi says she interrupted THEIR interview. Liv doesn’t care. Kairi tells them to go away, Iyo echoes it, and Liv says oh, they’re mad because they’re talking about the tag team titles.
But see, Liv & Raquel were champions before Rhea cost them. That means they could be tag team champions again any time they want. Iyo says Liv is not skipping the line! DMG CTRL could fight later, or they could fight TONIGHT! Raquel stares Iyo & Kairi down, and Liv says if they wanna fight, then let’s fight. Raquel, Liv, and Liv’s platform shoes leave, will they truly be standing tall after taking down The Evil Genius & The Pirate Princess?
WWE World Tag Team Championship#1 Contenders Tournament Opening Round: The New Day VS Authors of Pain w/ The Final Testament!
Speaking of tag team supremacy, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods want to return to that, even if that means fighting through the biggest and the baddest. And well, that’s where they’re starting! Will New Day be the ones writing this story? Or will Akam & Rezar make this the Final Chapter?
Raw returns and as Samantha Irvin is moving on to a new phase in her career, the legend that is Lilian Garcia is back! She gives the introductions as AOP makes their entrance, Final Testament leading the way. The teams sort out, and Woods starts against Akam. They circle, Woods waistlocks, and then headlocks. Akam powers up and out but Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges, then tags Kofi before he slides! Woods ROCKS Akam, Kofi SOBATS, and Woods mule kicks! Kofi hits a FAMOUSER! Cover, ONE! Akam is tougher than that but Kofi KICKS him back down. Kofi tags Woods, and he PENALTY KICKS AKam! Woods SLIDING LARIATS!
Kofi IMPLODER SPLASHES! Woods goes up the ropes to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Woods brings Akam up to wrench an arm, and YANK it! And YANK it! And CLUB away on it! Tag to Kofi and he climbs up, to DOUBLE STOMP the arm! Kofi wrenches, RAMS, and grinds the arm! Akam pulls hair, the ref reprimands, but Akam puts Kofi in a corner. Kofi dodges to CHOP! The fans fire up, and Kofi wrenches Akam to tag Woods. Woods goes up to AX HANDLE! Woods wrenches the arm again, but Kam keeps him from Kofi! URENAGE, and Akam DECKS Kofi for good measure! Woods bails out, but Karrion Kross is lurking.
Kross asks if Woods wants to shake his hand now. They can stop this if Woods just shakes his head. The fans rally, the ring count starts, but wait! Miz is watching from the front row now? Kross nods to Miz while Rezar tags in. Rezar CLUBS Woods down, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Woods endures a bearhug from Rezar! Kross talks with Miz, making the sales pitch to join Final Testament. Woods fights with elbows, but Rezar shoves him back. Woods ELBOWS Akam, BOOTS Rezar, but Rezar scoops! Woods fights free, reaches for Kofi, but Rezar keeps him back! The fans fire up as they’re just fingertips away, but Rezar YANKS Woods back! But Woods dodges, hot tag to Kofi! Kofi springboards to AX HANDLE! Kofi rallies with DOUBLE CHOP, DOUPBLE CHOP and DROPKICK Kofi runs, but Rezar dodges to back suplex! Kofi lands out! Kofi BOOTS from the corner, then goes up to SPLASH Rezar down!
Akam gets up but Kofi BLASTS him! Woods is back and he DIVES! Down goes Akam in a heap! Rezar TOSSES Kofi to the corner, runs in, but into the SWING KICK! Kofi climbs, leaps, AX HANDLE! Rezar is down and Kofi runs, to “NEW~ DAY~” BOOM DROP! The fans fire up and clap along, “NEW! DAY ROCKS! NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Kofi aims again, spins, TROUBLE IN- NO, Rezar catches Kofi! FALL AWAY SLAM! Kross cheers while Rezar and Kofi are down. But wait, R-TRUTH IS HERE! He TACKLES Miz! The fans fire up but Kross drags Truth up! Truth BOOTS Kross! Rezar is furious, but Kofi sunset flips! NEW DAY WINS!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall (advance to the next round)
Truth celebrates with ya bois, they all get some payback on The Final Testament! But uh, Truth hangs around too long. Kross DECKS Truth, and Miz adds on! And now Woods says leave him!? Kross grins, his plan working, but wait! The lights go out! THE PIANO PLAYS! The fans fire up and the fireflies come out, it’s THE WYATTS! They’re all on the corners! And then they LEAP into action! Nikki Cross takes out Scarlett, Erick Rowan & Joe Gacy go after AOP, and Miz scurries away while Dexter Lumis LARIATS Kross up and out! The fans fire up as The Wyatts clear out The Final Testament, and then Rowan CLOBBERS AOP!
The brawling continues, The Wyatts DUMP AOP over barriers, and then Rowan picks Lumis up! He THROWS Lumis at the Authors of Pain! Lumis then adds on more fists, and then the brawling spills into the crowd! Miz is all alone, and he grins because he’s safe. But then UNCLE HOWDY is there! But Ellering rushes in! He gets a MANDIBLE CLAW for it!! Miz runs away and Ellering fades out! The fans fire up, have The Wyatts come to right the Final Testament’s wrongs?
Backstage interview with Adam Pearce.
Jackie Redmond is with the Raw General Manager to say it is yet another chaotic Monday night. How does he plan on getting things under control? But before he can answer, Bronson Reed storms over, only for ROLLINS TO ATTACK! The brawl is on again! Security drags Bronson off of Rollins, only for Rollins to LEAP onto Bronson! Producers rush over to help separate these two, but what IS Pearce going to do if this madness is to stop?
Backstage interview with Jey Uso.
Cathy Kelley is with the Intercontinental Champion and says the tensions have escalated. Ahead of his match with Bron Breakker, could he address the issues going on with The Bloodline on SmackDown? Jey says yeah, it’s a bit ironic. We’re in the City of Brotherly Love but he has no love for his brothers right now. But he said what he said on Friday. It is what it is. But tonight is about this belt on his shoulder. Jey Uso VS Bron Breakker, Round 2. But Jey promises that tonight, the people will here #AndStill Intercontinental Champion, Main Event Jey Uso~! YEET.
Raquel Rodriguez speaks.
Big Mami Cool says Rhea’s business won’t end until she gets the world title back. Mamita, as long as Raquel is here, that will NEVER happen! Bad Blood was a warning, chiquita. Don’t think Raquel forgot what Rhea did to Liv, taking her out with a torn shoulder for six MONTHS. And Raquel hasn’t forgotten what Rhea did to them both when she cost them the tag titles! Reha, the only reason you rose up was because Raquel was gone. But she’s back now, and the smartest thing to do would be walk away. But we all know Rhea won’t. So since Rhea won’t end this, Raquel will. Ricky Desperado has put Rhea on notice, will Rhea heed the warning?
Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Damage CTRL!
Speaking of warnings, Liv & Raquel have sent theirs to Nia and Rhea, and Iyo & Kairi sent one to Lash & Jakara. Who backs up all that talk with a big win here tonight?
Raw returns and we see Meta Four is watching from the front row, again. Will they affect things like last time? Then Liv & Raquel make their entrance, but uh, where is Dominik Mysterio? He gets the introduction but he seems to be absent. Well, whatever, no one needs Dirty Dom here, except for Liv. The teams sort out, and Iyo runs up to TACKLE Liv! Iyo rains down fists, the fans fire up, but Liv gets away! Tag to Raquel, and Iyo backs up. Raquel steps in Iyo fires hands, but Raquel shoves her away. Iyo jumps up but the rana is blocked! Iyo fights free of the bomb, then gest around to hop on for a SLEEPER!
Raquel flails, reaches back, and FLINGS Iyo off her. Raquel then suplexes Iyo, but Iyo slips free! Tag to Kairi, then Iyo redirects Raquel. DMG CTRL shove, trip, and AX KICK! Raquel is down, DMG CTRL run up to DOUBLE DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Kairi storms around. Kairi runs in, but Raquel puts her up top! Kairi gets to the apron, RAMS into Raquel, and then goes back up. Kairi leaps, but Raquel ducks under! Kairi says kiss this, then she goes up, around, and RANAS Raquel into buckles! Tag to Iyo, DMG CTRL double wrench, KICK, and DOUBLE- NO, Raquel fights the suplex! Raquel lifts BOTH Iyo & Kairi!
The fans fire up, but now DMG CTRL slip down! She stays up, but DMG CTRL avoid the double elbows! SLIDING DÂ into Ghost Pin! TWO!! Raquel escapes, Iyo stomps her down, and tags Kairi. Kairi clamps on with a facelock, but Raquel stands up. Iyo runs up, Raquel shoves her back, and then Raquel THROWS Kairi at her! DMG CTRL stays up, Kairi dodges but Raquel LARIATS Iyo! Then she SOUTHPAW LARIATS Kairi! Liv cheers, and already hugs the Crown Jewel Women’s Championship. The fans boo and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Raquel covers Kairi, TWO! The fans rally, Raquel drags Kairi up and gut wrenches to a Canadian rack. Kairi endures the backbreaker rack and the fans rally up again. Kairi fights but Meta Four isn’t that impressed. Kairi slips down, reaches for Iyo, but Raquel brings her around, Kairi dodges the lariat to ROCK Raquel! Kairi jumps, but Raquel catches her! Raquel throws Kairi back but Kairi URAKENS! Kairi then dodges Raquel, hot tags to Iyo and Liv! Iyo SHOTEIS, SHOTEIS and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Iyo whips. Liv reverses but Iyo goes out. Iyo HOTSHOTS Liv, then blocks Raquel’s boot!
Iyo puts the leg in ropes, to DRAGON SCREW it! Iyo then DOUBLE STOMPS Raquel on the apron! The fans fir eup and Iyo springboards in! MISSILE DROPKICK for Liv! Liv tumbles, Iyo kips up, and the fans fire up again! Iyo runs in, SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Liv to the cover, TWO! Liv survives but Iyo scoops her, to SLAM her! Iyo steps on Liv, tags Kairi, and then Kairi tags Iyo back. DMG CTRL stand on Liv, the fans fire up, and Kairi runs for the POP-UP ELBOW! Iyo runs to jackknife bridge, but Raquel breaks it! Kairi is furious, and she runs up to SPEAR, but Raquel blocks it! Raquel SWINGS Kairi around before she THROWS her!
Raquel runs up, but Kairi dodges! Raquel POSTS herself and falls to the floor! Liv is furious now, and she BACK BODY BLOCKS Iyo! And then SHINING WIZARDS !Liv roars and shoves Iyo away. Liv adjusts up top, to leap, into a SHOTEI! The fans fire up while Liv flops out of the ring! Iyo goes to the apron, and she MISSILE DROPKICKS Liv into barriers! Iyo then DUMPS Jakara over! Lash DECKS Iyo! That’s a DQ!
Winners: Damage CTRL, by
Lash steps over, but gets a FLYING ELBOW from Kairi! Kairi & Iyo beat down on Lash! They put Lash in the ring, beat up on her more, but Jakara runs in! The brawl is on while fans boo, and Lash ROCKS Iyo! Lash fireman’s carries Iyo, and swings her into Kairi! Jakara hits the SUGAR RUSH BULLDOG! Then Lash hits the LASH EXTENSION on Iyo! The fans boo as Meta Four again stands tall, but now they stare down Liv & Raquel. BUT HERE COMES RHEA! Lash & Jakara smile, cuz Mami ain’t here for them. Philly fires up as Rhea storms her way out here, and Meta Four says bye. Raquel has Liv stand down, she can handle this.
Rhea runs in, and HEADBUTTS Raquel! Raquel stays up!? Rhea fires hands on her, but Raquel shoves her down! Raquel runs up, but Rhea DUMPS her out! Rhea grins as Liv is all alone! Liv runs but Rhea grabs her by her hair! Rhea reels Liv in, TOSSES her around, but Liv comes back to CODE BREAKER! Rhea comes back to KNEE Liv down! Rhea grabs Liv’s legs, ties them up, PRISM TRAP!! Liv flails, Rhea lifts her higher, but has to let her go when Raquel returns! Rhea DROPKICKS Raquel down! Liv is alone again, but she dodges Rhea to kick and wrench! Liv wants a Cobra Twist but Rhea HEADBUTTS her down!
Liv is dizzy, Rhea hauls her up! Pump handle and RIP- NO, NOW Dom is here! Dom saves Liv, she did need him after all! But Rhea TOSSES Dom in!! The fans fire up as Rhea puts Dom in the PRISM TRAP!! Dom flails, Liv AND Raquel have to drag him out to save him! The fans boo, but Rhea warns them all that it’s only a matter of time. Liv may have the Crown Jewel Championship on her mind, but will she have to watch her back from now until the end of time?
Seth Rollins finds Pearce.
They argue about how things have gone down tonight, but BRONSONÂ POUNCES ROLLINS!! Rollins is sent onto tables and Bronson hammers away! Yet again, these two are separated and Pearce shouts, “ENOUGH! ENOUGH!! Did either one of you selfish bastards stop to think for one second that I was gonna give you what you want? No, of course not! But you are! At Crown Jewel! Bronson Reed, Seth Rollins, a definitive victor! Now get them outta my building!” Rollins laughs as he and Bronson are hauled away, but Bronson says this is the worst mistake Rollins has ever made! Will there be nothing but blood and sand after this showdown?
The War Raiders speak.
“As we walked this path, there’s been setbacks that would’ve ended lesser men.” “But we rise time and again.” “But we’ve shed our armor, and headed to our future without fear.” “We look to our ancestors, the Viking warriors of the past, for inspiration.” “They crossed oceans, conquering everything in their path.” “We, too, have traveled the word, raiding gold far and wide.” “Your time to run and hide… has ended.” Erik & Ivar have made their impact, advancing in the World Tag Team Championship Contenders tournament. Will they completely take over before it is all said and done?
The Judgment Day regroups.
Finn Balor, JD McDonagh & Carlito are in the clubhouse as Dom, Liv & Raquel return. The Irish Ace asks what they think of the new spot, and Raquel says, “You wanna know what I think? What I think is what I need to do is to find Rhea Ripley. And when I do, I am gonna RIP her head off!” Liv calms Raquel down and says they’ll deal with Rhea when the time is right. For now, Liv needs to focus on Nia at Crown Jewel, and the boys need to focus on their tag titles. Right, Finn? Finn says everyone knows he and JD can handle any team on Earth. What he is worried about is Damian Priest making another claim at the World Heavyweight Championship.
Liv thought they were done with Priest. Dom says, “What if I’m the one who beats Gunther for the world title?” The others laugh, except for Liv. Liv says that’s not cool, Daddy Dom could totally beat Gunther. JD has Finn calm down about others wanting the world title, and then Raquel asks Carlito what he even does around here. Uh… Well, let’s just say he brings the cool factor. And he’s the fixer. In fact, he’ll fix this right now. Dom is going to be a champion in no time! Carlito heads out to talk to Pearce. Finn backstabbed Priest over the world title, will he be compelled to do it again to Dom?
WWE World Tag Team Championship#1 Contenders Tournament Opening Round: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega VS The Creed Brothers w/ American Made!
The King of Lucha & The Boy Wonder are ready to reign together, but that’s going to be an uphill battle. Will the lucha legend and the future of lucha libre grab gold for the LWO? Or will Julius & Bronson prove this tag team division is American Made?
Raw returns and American Made makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Dragon starts against Julius. They circle, and Julius shoots right in for the takedown! Julius gator rolls but Dragon gets away to ropes. The ref has Julius back off, but then Julius grabs an arm to wrench. Julius wristlocks, Dragon cartwheels, wrenches, and wristlocks back. Dragon knuckle locks, CHOPS, and then goes up, up and even turns Julius’ trip into a handspring! Julius stops the wheelbarrow but Dragon elbows free. Things speed up, Dragon rolls to sunset flip! TWO! Julius escapes, but Dragon kicks low! Dragon RAMS him into the corner, tag to Rey!
Rey & Dragon double wrench, double whip, to theN SOBAT, KICK and dropkick to the legs! Rey adds a basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Rey spells it out and the fans cheer. But Julius basement suplexes! Julius SLAMS Rey down, tags Brutus, and then Julius gut wrenches Brutus to SLAM him into Rey! Brutus covers, TWO! Brutus stalks Julius to the corner, whips corner to corner, and Rey bounces off buckles! Brutus laughs like a hyena but the fans boo. Brutus storms up on Rey, brings the straps down, and BRUTUS SMASH! Rey can only guard and crawl away. Brutus tags Julius, and they haul Rey up.
The Creed whip, Rey slides under, but Brutus grabs him, Rey BOOTS Julius, ELBOWS Brutus, and then goes up and over. Julius Electric Chair Lifts, but Rey RANAS him out! Tag to Dragon, and Rey holds the way open! Dragon DIVES to take out both Creeds! The fans fire up for the LWO while Raw goes to break!
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It’s a Mighty homecoming for The Front Man!
Zack Sabre Jr. only just won the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, but he’s putting it on the line against Sanada! Who writes the ending to this storied rivalry’s new chapter?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Show – Yuto Nakashima & Oskar Leube VS Danny Jones & Brendan White; Yuto & Oskar win.
- Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X VS Joe Lando & Danny Black; Taiji & Robbie win.
- Mina Shirakawa & Kanji VS AZM & Dani Luna; AZM & Dani win.
- Michael Oku VS Kosei Fujita; Fujita wins.
- Yota Tsuji VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Tsuji wins.
- Shota Umino VS Callum Newman; Shota wins.
- David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Taka Michinoku; changed to…
- Gedo w/ David Finlay VS Taka Michinoku; Taka wins.
- David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Taka Michinoku (for real this time); Finlay wins.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Robbie Eagles, Ryohei Oiwa & Mascara Dorada; LIJ wins.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii; Shane & Mikey win and retain the titles.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS SANADA; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kickoff Show – Yuto Nakashima & Oskar Leube VS Danny Jones & Brendan White!
Excursion is always an important part of any Young Lion’s growth, but these big boys have really exceeded expectations! Team Youngblood have won the Pro-Wrestling Holland AND wXw World Tag Team Championships since venturing out into the world, will they be red hot in their return to a NJPW ring? Or will they soon owe some golden tickets to these Greedy Souls?
As fans rally, “Youngblood! WOOP WOOP!” things get rather tense between the teams. The ref calms them down, and the teams sort out. Oskar starts against Jones and they tie right up. They go around, equal in height but Oskar has more beef. But Jones turns things around to put Oskar on ropes. The ref counts, Jones lets off slowly, and he mockingly pats Oskar on the shoulders. Oskar shoves Jones back, storms up on him, but Jones headlocks. Oskar endures the grind, powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Neither man falls, and they egg each other on. Oskar runs again, RAMS Jones again, then tells Jones to try.
Jones runs, he RAMS Oskar, Oskar RAMS Jones! They RAM and RAM and RAM! Jones ends up in a corner and the fans cheer. Jones backs off, tags White, so Oskar tags Yuto. The fans fire up as these two RAM each other, then start firing forearms! Yuto laughs it all off, but then White fires a flurry! White roars, runs, and RUNS Yuto over! The fans boo, but Yuto is up to RUN White over! The fans fire up while White flounders to ropes. Yuto tags Oskar, but White CLAWS Oskar’s eyes and fires more shots on Yuto! White whips but Yuto reverses to ROCK White! Then he feeds White to Oskar’s scoop and SLAM!
The fans cheer, Oskar taunts Jones then drags White up. Oskar CHOPS and fans “WOO~!” Oskar CLUBS White in the chest, then CHOPS him again! The fans rally behind Oskar and he runs, but Jones gest a cheap shot in! Oskar DECKS Jones for it, ELBOWS White away, but Jones anchors Oskar’s legs! White CLUBS away on Oskar but the ref reprimands. White tags Jones and Jones drags Oskar up. BIG back suplex, then White lifts Jones to back suplex SENTON! White adds his own SENTON while Jones BOOTS Yuto! The fans boo but Jones covers Oskar, TWO! Jones drops knee after knee on Oskar, then stomps him!
Jones clamps on a chinlock stretch but Oskar endures. The fans rally, Oskar fights up, but Jones CLUBS away on him! Jones whips Oskar to the corner, LARIATS, then tags White. White CLUBS Oskar in the back, then RAMS into him! The ref reprimands, the fans taunt Greedy Souls, but White KNEES Oskar down. Cover, TWO! Oskar toughs it out and rises up as the fans rally. White CLUBS Oskar, but Oskar ROCKS White! They fire forearms back and forth, and Oskar ROCKS White! White blocks the scoop and throws down ELBOWS! White KNEES Oskar in the side again and again, but the fans boo. White covers, TWO!
White drags Oskar up, tags Jones, and the Greedy Souls mug him. Jones has the legs, and he turns Oskar! Oskar fights but Jones KICKS and KICKS to have the BOSTON CRAB! Jones wants to use the “Young Lion” move to humiliate Oskar, but he just powers up! The fans rally as Oskar makes it to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Jones lets go at 3, to drop a BIG elbow on Oskar’s back! Jones drags Oskar over, tags White, and White stomps Oskar. White stays between Oskar and Yuto, taunts Oskar, then CLUBS him. But Oskar goes to scoop! White fights it, but Oskar still lifts him! And SLAMS him!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Oskar and White crawl, hot tag to Yuto! Yuto runs White over, but Jones gets away. Yuto dodges White but White blocks Yuto’s kick to CLUB him in the leg! White runs, but into the YAKUZA KICK! Jones CLUBS Yuto! The ref reprimands and the fans boo as Jones whips Yuto. Yuto returns to CLOBBER Jones! Yuto KICKS White again and again, has him in a corner and he KICKS more and more! The fans fire up, Yuto winds up, and he ROUNDHOUSES White down! White is in the corner, Yuto marches around, and the fans rally as he runs back in, METEORA! Cover, TWO!
White survives and the fans rally up again. Yuto brings White up, fireman’s carries, but White fights with elbows again. White waistlocks, but Yuto fights it with elbows! White ROCKS Yuto in the back, then scoops, BACKBREAKER! White fires up, the fans boo, but White tags Jones. White runs in to SPLASH! Feed to Jones’ BOOT, then a SHOTGUN KICK from White! Cover, White intercepts Oskar, TWO as Yuto still kicks out! White TOSSES Oskar, then Greedy Souls drag Yuto up. White suplexes, but Yuto BOOTS Jones away! Yuto slips around White, shoves him into Jones, then fireman’s carries White!
Yuto powers up to DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Yuto and the Greedy Souls are down, and Yuto crawls for the corner! Hot tag to Oskar! The fans fire up as Oskar RAMS with Jones again and again! Oskar powers up to scoop but Jones fights free! Jones runs, but Oskar CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up and Oskar scoops again, to RUNNING SLAM! The fans rally up as Oskar rises. Oskar fires himself up, aims from a corner, and Jones rises. Oskar runs in, but Jones avoids the boot! Oskar fights the German Suplex to switch. Jones ELBOWS Oskar, tags White, and the Greedy Souls bypass Oskar to POWERSLAM!
The fans boo as Greedy Souls line up the shot in the corner. White SPLASHES Oskar, then Jones KNEES him! Jones trips Oskar, has the legs, and CATAPULTS Oskar to White for the BOSS MAN SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Oskar survives and the fans fire up! Greedy Souls drag Oskar up, and White goes to suplex. Oskar fights it, and Yuto runs in to fire shots on Jones! Oskar switches with White for a SLEEPER! Yuto gives Jones a BRAINBUSTER! White is flailing, Oskar feeds him to Yuto’s BOOT! Atomic Drop and LARIAT! The fans fire up and Youngblood says this is it! They aim at White from corners and White rises up.
Oskar and Yuto run in, HIGH LOW KICK COMBO! Cover, TWO!! White survives but Youngblood just gets him back up! Fireman’s carry from Oskar, Yuto goes up, FLYING KNEE F5 COMBO! Cover, Youngblood wins!
Winners: Oskar Leube & Yuto Nakashima, by pinfall
Young Lions no more, Youngblood is flowing! Will Oskar & Yuto extend their tag team dominance to NJPW?
Mina Shirakawa & Kanji VS AZM & Dani Luna!
The Fighting Gravure Idol has been all around the world because the world wants Mina! But will the Rev-Pro Undisputed British Women’s Champion and The Asian Sensation get what they want in a win? Or will they fail to stop the High Speed Superstar and The Inevitable?
The teams sort out and the fans cheer Mina & Kanji. Mina dances to the singing, “Doodoo do-do-do, Mina Shirakawa!” AZM says come on, they don’t have all night. Kanji steps up to AZM and the bell rings. The fans rally behind hometown hero Kanji as she and AZM circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Kanji whips. AZM reverses, Kanji leaps over, and comes back to clinch and whip. Kanji then gets around AZM but AZM switches. Kanji drop toeholds, the fans cheer, but AZM avoids the kick to roll Kanji up. TWO, and Kanji sweeps to cover. ONE as AZM goes matrix. But Kanji trips her, ghost pins, TWO! AZM has it, TWO!
Kanji has a sunset flip! TWO, and AZM sits on Kanji, then handsprings away! The fans cheer and Kanji is a bit surprised. AZM and Kanji reset, and Kanji offers a handshake. AZM says okay, but then Kanji kicks her low! The fans boo but Kanji “apologizes.” Kanji runs, RAMS AZM, then RAMS her again. AZM follows Kanji, tags Dani, and then sets Kanji up for Dani to CLOBBER her! The fans fire up, and Dani brings Kanji up. Kanji CHOPS, Dani whips, but Kanji headlocks. Kanji CLUBS Dani, runs, wheelbarrows, but Dani holds Kanji up for AZM to ROUNDHOUSE into the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Dani stays cool and she brings Kanji up. Kanji CHOPS and the fans “WOO~!” Kanji whips but Dani blocks! And she blocks again! So Kanji ROCKS her! Kanji wrenches, whips, but Dani reverses to clinch and OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Dani runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Dani drags Kanji up, tags AZM, and they double whip. Kanji holds ropes, Mina tags in, and Kanji BOOTS Dani to then ELBOW AZM! Kanji & Mina double snapmare to KICK, KICK, and repeat! AZM grits her teeth, but gets a DOUBLE PENALTY KICK SANDWICH! Mina covers, TWO! AZM toughs it out but Mina stays on her.
Mina stands AZM up but ducks a kick! Fans duel as AZM blocks a kick, avoids Mina’s lariat, then blocks another kick to ROUNDHOUSE! Mina wobbles, AZM runs, but Mina goes up to FLYING CHUCK! The fans fire up, Mina keeps moving, but AZM gets around! AZM reels Mina in for a suplex! Mina roars as she rises, and she blocks a shot to hook the leg, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! No bridge but the fans rally as both women crawl. Hot tag to Dani and she CLOBBERS Mina! And CLOBBERS her again! Dani reels Mina in, but Mina trips Dani to step through. Dani kicks and kicks but Mina SLAPS! Jackknife bridge, TWO!
Dani reels Mina in, brings her up, and POWERBOMBS! Cover, but Kanji breaks it! AZM runs up to TOSS Kanji out. The fans rally with AZM & Dani, and they drag Mina up. They double whip, but Mina reverses to send AZM away. Mina knees Dani, KICKS AZM, then victory rolls Dani! TWO, but Mina steps through the legs. AZM runs up but Mina spins her around, DDT into the SNAP LOCK! The fans fire up for Mina and she brings Dani around. Mina drops a knee on the knee, then gives a shimmy and shake. Mina drops an elbow on the bad leg! Then she steps through for the FIGURE FOUR!
The fans “WOO~!” as Dani endures, and Kanji intercepts AZM! KIMURA! Kanji has AZM in a standing Kimura, but AZM DUMPS her onto Mina! The fans fire up while all four women are down! Kanji and AZM find each other, as do Mina and Dani. The forearms fly back and forth, faster and faster! Mina blocks one to DECK Dani! AZM fires a flurry and ROCKS Kanji! AZM runs up on Mina but Mina blocks a kick to spin and SOBAT AZM! And URAKEN! AZM falls, Kanji pushes her out, and then they go after Dani! Mina & Kanji run, but AZM trips Kanji! Dani blocks Mina’s boot to fire a flurry! Dani whips, Mina reverses, but Dani SHOTGUN KICKS!
The fans fire up with Dani and she storms over to Mina. AZM sits on Kanji, then puts on an ARMBAR! Dani fireman’s carries, but Mina spins through to victory roll, and FIGURE FOUR! Dani endures, drags Mina around, and AZM goes up! DOUBLE STOMPS on Mina!! The fans fire up again, but here comes Kanji! AZM kicks low, runs, but Kanji catches her to STO and handspring! SUPERKICK! The fans fire up and Kanji runs in. AZM puts her on the apron, but Kanji avoids the slide. Kanji roars as she PLANCHAS! Down goes AZM but Kanji clutches a foot. Mina aims at Dani, Dani runs up to meet her!
Mina ROLLING ELBOW! Dani BACK ELBOW! Mina URAKEN! And CALF KICK! Mina runs, into a BOOT! Dani drags Mina back up, fireman’s carries, and pops Mina up into the SPINE BOMB! Cover, DANI & AZM WIN!
Winners: AZM & Dani Luna, by pinfall
What a shocker! This is a big win over THE Rev-Pro Women’s Champion, and Mina says she’s up for a 1v1! Will Dani winning that title off Mina be inevitable?
David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Taka Michinoku!
The Rebel is still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion after making it through Hirooki Goto just last week, proving he himself is still a fierce warrior. But now he’s up against The Blue Playmaker in non-title action, and- Wait, he wants a mic to speak? Finlay says, “I come from a very long, very, very famous line of savages not too far from here. But you see, it had to be that way because of all you English pr*cks. The Finlays could’ve been pacifists, we could’ve been poets, but you forced our hands into fighting you for EIGHT HUNDRED YEARS. So the last place on God’s Green Earth that is going to tell me when or who to wrestle is this s*it hole right here!”
So Taka, he’s a legend, just like Finlay. But being that is not enough to go 1v1 with the champ underserved. Finlay has been killing dreams lately. You can ask Nic Nemeth, Sanada, Yoshi-Hashi, Hirooki Goto and Goto’s kids. In fact, very soon, Taka can ask Taichi, too. But for now, Finlay is killing Taka’s dreams right here. “The Savage King” has his own Royal Quest for Taka tonight. If Taka wants to go 1v1 against the Global Heavyweight Champion, he has to get through Gedo first. How’s that sound, b*tch? The fans like seeing Gedo in action! Finlay tosses the mic to Taka and Taka says, “So what?! Okay, I will do that. David Finlay, you already die!”
But then Gedo sucker punches Taka! The Blacksmith is ready to get his hands dirty, will he clear out another of Just5Guys before Finlay deals with the Holy Emperor?
Gedo w/ David Finlay VS Taka Michinoku!
The bell rings, Gedo beats up on Taka more, and the fans are torn. Gedo kicks Taka to a corner, stomps him again, and soaks up heat from the fans. Gedo drags Taka up and TOSSES him outside. The ref has Finlay stay back, but also wants Gedo to stay in. Gedo distracts the ref so Finlay can beat up Taka! The fans taunt Finlay, “No One Thinks You’re Irish! No One Thinks You’re Irish! Lala lala-la, lala lala-la!” Finlay flips them off, then shoves Taka into the ring. Gedo stomps Taka more and he talks trash at the same time. Taka fires body shots but Gedo eggs him on. Taka fires more hands, but Gedo pokes him in the eyes!
Taka goes to a corner, Gedo runs up, but Taka dodges! SHINING WIZARD! Taka snapmares, runs, and SHINING WIZARSD! Finlay gets on the apron but Taka BOOTS him down! Gedo stands up, into SUPER K!! The fans fire up with Taka, and scoops. Gedo slips free, but Taka blocks the eye poke, to eye poke! Taka whips, Gedo reverses, but Taka reverses back to wrench, drop toehold, and HAMMER away into JUST FACELOCK!! Gedo taps, Taka wins!
Winner: Taka Michinoku, by submission
But then Finlay stomps away on Taka! Taka beat the Blacksmith but now The Rebel is giving Taka that match! Is this savage going to pick the bones like an animal?
David Finlay w/ Gedo VS Taka Michinoku!
Finlay drags Taka up, suplexes, OVER- NO! Taka slips free, and pokes Finlay in the eyes! Taka whips Finlay to a corner, to SHINING WIZARD! Snapmare and SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Finlay is up but Taka Oklahoma Rolls him! TWO, PENALTY KICK! Prawn hold, TWO!! Finlay escapes but the fans fire up with Taka! Taka scoops, but Finlay slips free. So Taka pokes Finlay in the eyes, kicks Finlay in the shin, then SHOTEIS! Finlay staggers, Taka scoops, but Finlay slips free! Suplex, OVERKILL!! Cover, Finlay wins!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall
The fans boo but Finlay does pushups to show he still has power to spare. Finlay flips the fans off, not caring what the English think of him. But Finlay & Gedo aren’t done with Taka! Gedo stands Taka up, Finlay aims, and BELT SHOTS Taka down!! The fans boo more but Gedo says that’s what Taichi’s gonna get! Finlay grabs the mic to say one last thing before he goes. And he means this from the bottom of his cold heart: F U~! The fans tell him, “Don’t Come Back!” Will the Holy Emperor avenge his friends when he finally gets his hands on the Savage King?
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii!
TMDK is dripping with gold right now, especially after retaining the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships just last week in the Ryogoku Kokugikan. But now they defend their blue straps against The Ace & Stone Pitbull! Will Hysterical Haste & Mad Mikey stay golden in the Crystal Palace? Or will Tanahashi have a championship going into his final year of wrestling?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if The Mighty are still NJPW Strong!
The teams sort out and the fans already chant, “Go Ace!” They also cheer Tanahashi revealing the abs. Tanahashi puts his coat aside, the fans also chant for “I-SHI-I! I-SHI-I!” Ishii and Mikey get face to face but the ref has them back down. In the end, it is Shane and Tanahashi that start, and Shane teases Tanahashi’s great hair by tossing his own around. The fans rally for Tanahashi as he and Shane circle. They tie up, and Shane powers Tanahashi to a corner. The ref counts, Shane lets off cleanly, then “smashes” the air guitar! Shane runs up but Tanahashi dodges to arm-drag! Shane drags Tanahashi down but Tanahashi turns things back around.
Shane stands but Tanahashi wrenches, wrenches, and WRINGS Shane out. Tag to Ishii and Shane hurries to his feet. Shane RAMS Ishii, but Ishii doesn’t budge! Ishii then CLOBBERS Shane! Mikey steps in but Ishii CLOBBERS him first! The fans fire up as Ishii goes back for Shane. Ishii CHOPS Shane, but Shane eggs him on. Ishii CHOPS again, and again, but Shane wants more! Ishii ROCKS Shane with a forearm! And ROCKS him again! Ishii runs, but Mikey trips him! Shane adds a basement DROPKICK! Shane runs to BLAST Tanahashi while Mikey turns Ishii around to SMACK off the apron! The ref reprimands but TMDK soaks up the cheers and jeers.
Shane drags Ishii up, tags Mikey, and TMDK double wrench to run Ishii over! Then they split the wishbone! The fans duel, Shane stomps Ishii on his way out, and Mikey stands Ishii up. Ishii CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Mikey CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! Fans “WOO~!” while Mikey eggs Ishii on. Ishii CHOPS, but Mikey CHOPS again! Ishii grits his teeth, comes back, and CHOPS again! And again! Mikey knees low! Tag to Shane, and Mikey CHOPS again! The fans rally, Shane drags Ishii to a cocky cover, TWO! Shane keeps on Ishii with a wristlock, and then he KICKS the arm! Shane shakes out the stanky leg, and KICKS again! And again!
Ishii rises but Shane KICKS more! Shane fires forearms but Ishii still stands! Ishii ROCKS Shane, then whips, but Shane reverses. Mikey gets a cheap shot in! Shane runs up, Ishii dodges, and Shane avoids running into Mikey. Ishii runs up, Shane dodges, and Ishii does ROCK Mikey! Shane runs back in, Ishii dodges again, and now Shane runs into Mikey! Ishii dodges Shane again to SAIDO! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ishii crawls for his corner, hot tag to Tanahashi! President Ace fires up and runs, to CLOBBER Shane! Tanahashi BLASTS Mikey, ELBOWS Shane, goes up and CROSSBODIES!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi gives some air guitar himself. Tanahashi drags Shane up, scoops and SLAMS him, then goes up the corner. The fans fire up for the SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Shane stays in this but Tanahashi stays cool. The fans rally up and Tanahashi runs, but into a BOOT! Tanahashi roars an runs again, but into a DROPKICK! Both men are down and the fans rally again. Shane tags Mikey and Mikey drags Tanahashi up. But Tanahashi fires forearms! Mikey fires back, the fans rally as they brawl! Mikey gets the edge, Tanahashi gets around to waistlock, but has to duck an elbow! Mikey uses that to DDT!
Tanahashi is down and Mikey hurries to BLAST Ishii! Tanahashi sits up, into a SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi stays in this but Mikey says it’s time! Mikey hauls Tanahashi up but Tanahashi fights with elbows. Tanahashi blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi then has both legs, and he ties them up to turn Mikey over! TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Mikey endures and the fans fire up! Shane storms in to fire forearms but Tanahashi doesn’t budge! Ishii storms in, Shane kicks at him but Ishii blocks! Ishii DRAGON SCREWS Shane! And now Ishii steps through on Shane, for a SHARPSHOOTER!!
The fans fire up as TMDK endure stereo submissions! Mikey fights, crawls, ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets Mikey go and Ishii does the same with Shane. Tanahashi fires up, runs, and he SLINGBLADES Mikey down! Cover, TWO! Mikey survives but Tanahashi hurries up top! Ishii tries but Shane gets past him, and he UPPERCUTS Tanahashi! Shane fires more hands, then Mikey gets up. Mikey gives Shane the boost, but Tanahashi fires the bomb-superplex combo! Tanahashi SHOTEIS Shane, and Mikey still POWERBOMBS him! Mikey is shocked to see it’s just Shane on the mat! Ishii then ROCKS Mikey!
Ishii kicks Shane out of the ring, and Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS! The fans fire up as Tanahashi goes back up the corner! HIGH FLY FLOW! But onto knees! Mikey saves himself, and he brings Tanahashi up. But Tanahashi cradle counters, TWO! Mikey runs up to SLIDING LARIAT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Mikey and Tanahashi stir as the fans rally. They crawl for their corners, hot tags to Ishii and Shane! The fans fire up as Ishii dodges Shane, Shane dodges Ishii, and Ishii spins Shane! Ishii hits a BIG suplex! Shane staggers up, Ishii runs in at the corner and LARIATS!
Ishii whips corner to corner, Shane reverses but Ishii bounces off buckles to CLOBBER Shane! The fans fire up again and Ishii storms back over. Ishii drags Shane up and reels him in, but Shane fights the lift! Shane fireman’s carries, but Ishii slips free! Ishii fires a forearm, but Shane fires back! They go back and forth, and then Ishii ROCKS Shane! Shane KICKS, BOOTS, and hooks a leg, REVERSE POWERSLAM! Ishii flounders while fans fire up! Shane goes to the corner, runs up, and PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and the fans fire up! Mikey runs up to BLAST Tanahashi! The fans boo but Shane stands Ishii up.
Shane UPPERCUTS Ishii, Mikey lifts, BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Ishii stays in this but TMDK says this is it. They drag Ishii up, Mikey scoops, but Tanahashi saves Ishii! SHOTEI for Mikey! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT for Shane! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT for Mikey! The fans fire up again, and Tanahashi coaches Ishii up. They both run and dropkick TMDK’s legs out! The fans rally as Tanahashi climbs again. Ishii brings Shane around, hoists him up, and we get a HIGH FLY BRAINBUSTER!! Shane sputters, but Ishii runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, MIKEY BREAKS IT! The fans are thunderous as this continues!
Ishii fires forearms on Mikey, then whips, but Mikey reverses. Ishii grabs ropes to stop, then he BOOTS Mikey! Mikey LARIATS Ishii! Mikey kicks at Tanahashi but he blocks! DRAGON SCREW! Shane rises to “SHORYUKEN!” Down goes Tanahashi! Ishii avoids Shoryuken, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! All four men are down and the fans are thunderous again! “This is Wrestling!” as all four men stir. Tanahashi drags Mikey out with him while Ishii goes to ropes. Ishii slaps himself, and runs up, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Shane hauls Ishii up to SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives but Shane calls to Mikey.
Mikey hurries in, and he drags Ishii up. Mikey scoops, Shane runs up, but Ishii slips free to send TMDK into each other! Tanahashi SLINGBLADES Mikey! Shane runs up, Tanahashi dodges, SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up again and Ishii headbutts buckles! Ishii roars, runs up on Shane, and LARIATS!! Cover, TWO!! Shane survives but Ishii roars again! Ishii hauls Shane up to suplex, but Shane slips free! Ishii elbows, Shane UPPERCUTS! Mikey scoops, TANKBUSTER!! Cover, Tanahashi breaks it!! The fans fire up, Tanahashi fights TMDK 2v1! Forearm after forearm, but then Shane clinches! URENAGE BOMB!!
TMDK vow to end this, and they haul Ishii up. Ishii HEADBUTTS Mikey, PELES Shane, and then runs up! But into a scoop! TANKBUSTER AGAIN!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Ishii survives all on his own and the fans are thunderous again! TMDK is beside themselves, but Shane says they’ll just escalate it! Shane goes up top, Mikey scoops Ishii, SUPER TANKBUSTER!!! Cover, TMDK wins!
Winners: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
They made it through Bullet Club’s Rogue Army, and they’ve just made it through The Ace and the Pitbull! Shane & Mikey are truly The Mighty, and are THE tag team champions in NJPW, but will they always be undisputed?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS SANADA!
The Front Man returns home the conquering hero! He defeated and dethroned Tetsuya Naito just last week at King of Pro-Wrestling in Ryogoku, but was then swarmed by contenders! The Cold Skull got to Zack first so he gets his shot first. Will we see the return of The Gold Skull at the end of a very short reign? Or will ZSJ make him #JustTapOut?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and there are even streamers flying as we add one more chapter to this storied rivalry!
The fans already sing “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~!” and shift to “F him up, Sabre, F him up!” The bell rings and the two circle. Even Red Shoes gets cheered for and Red Shoes bows in thanks. Sanada gets nothing, but he and ZSJ feel things out. They knuckle lock, clinch, and ZSJ waistlocks. Sanada switches, ZSJ wrenches to wristlock, but Sanada rolls and wrenches back. ZSJ rolls free and the fans cheer the exchange. The singing returns but Sanada steps out. The fans boo but Sanada takes his time walking along the apron. Sanada steps back in, he and ZSJ tie up, and Sanada waistlocks. ZSJ wrenches out to wristlock and he throws Sanada down.
ZSJ headscissors Sanada while fans sing, “Hey~ Sanada! Hoo! Hah! I wanna know~ oooOOOooo~, will you F off, bro!” ZSJ is amused, and he pushes up to put on the pressure. Sanada endures, fights around, and pops free. Sanada has ZSJ’s legs trapped, but ZSJ eggs Sanada on. Sanada jumps for a headlock but ZSJ headscissors back! The fans cheer, but Sanada bridges, rolls back, and again has the legs trapped. Sanada goes back to the headlock but just ends up in the headscissors again! Sanada scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go and the fans cheer. Sanada hushes the fans but they just boo instead.
ZSJ and Sanada circle, they tie up, and ZSJ headlocks. Sanada powers up and out, but ZSJ catches him to a COBRA TWIST! Sanada hip tosses free, has a leg, and he goes to tie ZSJ up. ZSJ refuses to be put in Paradise, and he wrangles Sanada into a cradle! ONE and Sanada has the prawn hold! ONE and ZSJ has it! ONE and Sanada has it! ONE, ONE, ONE! Sanada has a toehold but ZSJ uses the British Reel, only for Sanada to make it a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! ZSJ pops free, covers, ONE, but ZSJ headlocks for a takeover! Sanada headscissors, ZSJ kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff! ZSJ and Sanada catch their breath and reset.
The singing continues as ZSJ and Sanada circle again. They feel things out, testing the waters. They knuckle lock, and ZSJ brings Sanada down to stand on a hand. ZSJ twists the other hand around, bends the fingers, and then isolates the arm to STOMP it! The fans cheer and ZSJ apologizes to Red Shoes with a bow. ZSJ grabs Sanada’s hand, and SNAPS fingers! ZSJ bends and twists Sanada’s arm, pushes it down again, and STOMPS it! Sanada writhes but ZSJ sits him up to KICK in the back! The fans fire up as ZSJ brings Sanada up again. ZSJ wrenches, wrenches, wrenches, and whips, only for Sanada to reverse and dropkick the leg out!
ZSJ tumbles out while fans boo, but Sanada pursues. Sanada brings ZSJ up, and puts a leg around railing! ZSJ chinlocks Sanada, Sanada pulls the leg, and then Sanada BOOTS railing! ZSJ gets jammed up, and fans boo while ZSJ falls over. Sanada pretends he can’t hear the boos and goes back to ZSJ. Sanada headlocks ZSJ to bring him around the way. Sanada knees low, puts ZSJ’s leg back on railing, but ZSJ has a CROSSFACE! The fans cheer, Red Shoes reprimands both men, ZSJ lets go but they almost fall over with the railing. Sanada BOOTS the railing again, and ZSJ gets jammed up more. ZSJ hobbles away but Sanada pursues.
The fans tell Sanada off but he encourages it. ZSJ UPPERCUTS Sanada! Sanada eggs ZSJ on and ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! And again! Sanada kicks the bad leg! ZSJ falls over, Red Shoes says get this in the ring, and Sanada brings ZSJ up. Sanada puts ZSJ in, storms around, and brings ZSJ up. Sanada has the leg, for a SHIN BREAKER! ZSJ falls over, Sanada drags him around to put the leg on the rope, and HIP DROPS! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands, but Sanada drags him around. Sanada stomps ZSJ’s leg again and again, then has a standing toehold. ZSJ endures, but then Sanada drops a leg on the leg!
Sanada has the toehold in deep but ZSJ uses his free leg to hook Sanada. ZSJ wants the armbar but Sanada fights it. Sanada pulls harder on the toehold, but ZSJ grabs the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ scuffs Sanada as Sanada lets go, but Sanada comes back. Sanada reels ZSJ in but ZSJ fights the shin breaker. Sanada dropkicks the leg! Sanada runs, but ZSJ LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men are down! ZSJ shakes out the bad leg while catching his breath, and the fans sing for him again. ZSJ hobbles over to bring Sanada up, but Sanada stomps ZSJ’s foot! Sanada puts ZSJ in a corner, whips corner to corner, but ZSJ reverses.
Sanada comes back, but ZSJ avoids the dropkick to his legs! Then he uses his legs to NECK TWIST Sanada! The fans cheer ZSJ and he goes to the corner. ZSJ runs up, Sanada dodges, but ZSJ goes up to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and ZSJ hobbles up. Fans taunt Sanada with the song, “Sanada is a Tory! Sanada is a Tory!” ZSJ drags Sanada up but Sanada fights the suplex. ZSJ flips around to go for the arm, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Sanada clasps hands but ZSJ uses his leg to get inside the grip! ARMBAR!! Sanada flails his way over to the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go quickly and the fans applaud.
ZSJ kneels on Sanada, isolates his arm, and STOMPS it again! The fans rally and sing as ZSJ runs, but Sanada dropkicks the legs this time! And then Sanada DROPKICKS ZSJ out of the ring! Sanada storms up to PLANCHA! Down goes ZSJ and Sanada encourages the booing again. Sanada just likes loud volume, regardless of what it is. Sanada puts ZSJ in, but now the fans sing, “If you all hate Sanada, clap your hands!” And they clap-clap! Sanada fireman’s carries ZSJ, GUT BUSTER- NO, ZSJ lands out to NECK TWIST! And basement DROPKICK! Sanada writhes and the fans fire up again.
ZSJ shakes out his legs and the fans sing more as he rises up. ZSJ hobbles over to Sanada, brings him up, but Sanada suplexes and uses ropes for MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down, but then Sanada kips up! Sanada soaks up the heat, runs at ZSJ, SHINING WIZARD! Sanada isn’t done there, though, as he brings ZSJ up to clinch! But ZSJ slips out, waistlock, O’Conner BRIDGE! But into SKULL END! Sanada uses this rivalry’s history against ZSJ! ZSJ endures but he’s caught in the body scissors! ZSJ fights around, Sanada stands him up to drop back! SKULL END! The body scissors are in again and ZSJ is fading!
Red Shoes checks ZSJ. The arm drops once, but then ZSJ comes back to life! The fans rally, ZSJ wags his finger, but now he’s fading again! Red Shoes checks again, but ZSJ wakes up again! ZSJ grabs at Sanada, fights with his legs, but Sanada squeezes tight! ZSJ fades again, and Sanada puts him in the drop zone! ROUNDING BODY PRESS, but onto knees! ZSJ drags Sanada around into CLARKY CAT! The fans are thunderous but Sanada endures! So ZSJ shifts to the BAD BALLOON REMIX! Sanada fights, kicks around with his legs, but ZSJ grabs that, too! CLARKY CAT G1 EDITION! Sanada still endures, so it’s back to the classic ARMBAR!
Sanada fights, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans boo but ZSJ lets go. ZSJ stays cool as he rallies the fans back up. ZSJ goes back to Sanada, drags him up, and scoops, but Sanada fights free! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Sanada drops to a knee, but ZSJ eggs him on. Sanada stands to UPPERCUT back! The fans boo, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! The fans cheer, but Sanada UPPERCUTS again! The fans boo again, but ZSJ comes back. ZSJ UPPERCUTS, but Sanada UPPERCUTS! ZSJ UPPERCUTS again, but Sanada shakes his head. Sanada UPPERCUTS, but ZSJ shakes his head. The fans rally as the UPPERCUTS keep going!
Sanada UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS! The fans boo but Sanada has a cocky cover. ONE, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Sanada UPPERCUTS! The UPPERCUTS get going again and the fans rally up! ZSJ hooks an uppercut, Sanada switches, but ZSJ bucks the O’Conner, to UPPERCUT! Sanada runs up, but into a scoop and ZACK DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but, matching Naito from last Sunday. The fans rally for ZSJ and “T M! D K!” ZSJ paces, sits Sanada up, and PENALTY KICKS! Sanada stands but ZSJ is on him! He hooks a leg, but Sanada slips free of the ZSJ Driver! SKULL END!
But ZSJ flips things around and steals SKULL END! ZSJ drops back, but Sanada rolls free, to have the EURO CLUTCH!! TWO!! Both men escape their own moves and the fans fire up! Sanada fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips down into an IRON OCTOPUS! “This is Awesome!” as Sanada endures! Sanada powers up to fireman’s carry! And T K O! The fans boo Sanada but both men are down. Sanada and ZSJ go to opposite corners as the fans rally up. Sanada stands first, but ZSJ runs in! ZSJ BOOTS Sanada and Sanada staggers to another corner. ZSJ runs in, but into a BOOT! Sanada Quebrada and dragon sleeper!
Sanada inverted suplexes, but ZSJ slips free! PELE to the arm! The fans fire up, but a BLINDSIDE SHINING WIZARD hits! The fans boo but Sanada goes to the corner. Sanada runs in again, SHINING WIZARD!! Sanada drags ZSJ into a drop zone, goes up top, ROUNDING BODY PRESS!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again! Sanada drags ZSJ up, clinches, but ZSJ slips free, trips him, and body scissors! ZSJ turns Sanada over, but Sanada trips ZSJ and returns the body scissors! Sanada turns ZSJ over, but ZSJ returns the trip up! ZSJ body scissors, turns Sanada over, and JAPANESE BRIDGE!! TWO!!!
The fans are thunderous as Sanada escapes! Sanada drags ZSJ up, has a leg, but ZSJ SLAPS him! And SLAPS! And SLAPS! Sanada still DRAGON SCREWS! But ZSJ stays on his feet! ZSJ fights through the pain to PENALTY- NO, Sanada blocks the kick! DRAGON SCREW again!! ZSJ falls over, the fans boo, but Sanada lines up a shot. SHINING- NO, ZSJ rolls back into a HALF CRAB, then stepover, and STF! ZSJ adjusts to have an arm! CLARKY CAT, but Sanada fights around! ZSJ steps over, has a leg, CLARKY CAT G1 EDITION!!! Sanada has no limbs, so he verbally quits!! ZSJ wins!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
The hold that won ZSJ the G1 Climax now keeps the world title with him! Sanada felt this was his last chance to win this title this year, but will he find his way back in 2025?
As for ZSJ, after getting the belt from Red Shoes, he drapes it on the ropes. ZSJ shows his rival respect, Sanada returns it, and so the fans show Sanada respect as they applaud his departure. ZSJ then holds the belt up in victory before setting it down again. ZSJ grabs the mic and the fans cheer. The fans sing for “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~” again. ZSJ has belt and mic in hand and says, “We’re home.” The fans cheer that, and chant “You Deserve It!” ZSJ says no, no, no. Pro-wrestling owes him nothing, but it has given him everything, so he will be a pro-wrestler until the day he dies. Fans definitely cheer that!
ZSJ says this has been his dream since he was 13 years old, even though he didn’t know it’d take him this long. But 66 to 24, that’s a bigger gap, so he’ll take 20 years and change. Now, he was the first British wrestler to win the G1 Climax, but he wasn’t the first British wrestler to be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. BUT, he is “the first to bring the bloody thing home!” The fans also cheer that! ZSJ says ball’s in your court, English football team, he did his part. But in the lead up to this lifelong aim of his to be IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, he talked about how it was his dream to reach the top of Japanese wrestling.
Well, that dream doesn’t exist without him being a British wrestler, and that doesn’t happen without the fans supporting him for over two decades. The fans applaud, and ZSJ says this is not some lifetime achievement award, he’s just getting effin’ started! The fans like the sound of that! ZSJ reviews his goals for 2024. G1 Climax: smashed it. IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: done that one, as well. Next is Tokyo Dome’s main event. The fans cheer that! ZSJ says he will do what no foreign wrestler has done in the history of WrestleKingdom, and win the effin’ thing!
Sorry, innocent children, he picked up very bad habits living in a country where English is the second language. And he’s been told, he has a rather foul mouth. He’s a naughty boy. But we’ve seen them all, but this isn’t just his day. He is part of a team, a “gaggle of morons” really, but hey. Boys, get your asses out here. Fujita & Oiwa are probably already at the pub. Oiwa’s been at the pub all weekend. C’mon, boys! The fans cheer as the rest of TMDK make their way out here! ZSJ teases Fujita having the “cheeky glint” in his eye. He promises to introduce everyone. No, in the ring, idiots. Look at the size of this one!
Robbie Eagles and his Soul of PWA Championship step in first, and fans cheer “Robbie Robbie Robbie! OI OI OI!” ZSJ says he can do the full introduces. On slap bass, “Mad” Mikey Nicholls. Not just a nickname, by the way, because “Jovial” Mikey Nicholls didn’t have the right ring. But if you see him in traffic, “mad” is apt. On drums, it is “Hysterical” Shane Haste, which is not accurate either, depending on your comedic tastes. Then there’s the Sniper of the Skies, Robbie Eagles! But you get a couple drinks in him, he becomes Bobby C…an’t Say That Word. And then there’s Ichiban Sweet Boy, “Fuji Fuji Fuji!”
The fans cheer, and ZSJ sneaks a jab about Fujita “never” missing flights. And the newest member, Ryohei Oiwa, aka “Roy the Mullet!” The fans cheer on “MULLET! MULLET! MULLET!” Now, the future of NJPW isn’t just bright, it is effin’ ORANGE. And anyone coming after them will get absolutely bloody tangoed! TMDK is mighty, and The Mighty Don’t Kneel! The fans cheer that, and ZSJ says he loves you all very, very much. See you soon. As you were. Mic drop and the real celebration begins! TMDK holds up their gold and their banner! Will they be leading the charge for NJPW for not just 2024 but 2025 and beyond?
My Thoughts:
A great return to the UK for NJPW with Royal Quest, and TMDK was naturally all over this night with the last two matches being with their titles on the line. If I had a little more time today, I would’ve probably covered more, because as I skimmed it, Fujita VS Oku looked to be some awesome stuff. But I guess TMDK couldn’t completely dominate, that’s why they lost to LIJ with Mascara Dorada as their third man. Ironically, I go and cover the kickoff match, but that’s because I saw Oskar Leube & Yuto Nakashima are already dual tag team champions, and that is awesome for them. Plus, great to see Danny Jones again after being part of NXT UK’s later days.
Robbie X turning out to be “Mr. X” for Taiji Ishimori’s match was rather fitting, and Robbie X is now Bullet Club. Good win for them over members of CPF, the faction Callum Newman was in before going United Empire. Speaking of, good showing from him against Shota but it seems even in the UK, Shota is getting that “Super Cena” kind of heat. Well, when it comes to the Reiwa Musketeers, two outta three ain’t bad. Ren Narita is a Heel people love to hate, Yota Tsuji is a Face people love to cheer, but Shota is the Face people hate. Speaking of Yota, great match with Drilla and a great win from it, maybe Yota will challenge Ren for the NJPW World TV title.
Very good tag match for Mina & Kanji VS AZM & Dani, and like with Jones, great to see Dani again after NXT UK ended. Granted, I would be seeing her and South Wales Subculture if I watched TNA… But great win for Dani’s team, especially with her pinning Mina. A Rev-Pro title match between those two will be great stuff, though not sure Dani wins that. It’d add to Mina’s overall story if she went back to AEW to feud with Mariah May while they’re both champions. Add a little “Winner Takes All” to that match.
The Finlay story tonight was really good. Naturally, they played off the historical feud of Ireland and England, but I definitely chuckled at the chant of “You’re Not Irish!” or whatever since Finlay has no Irish accent from being raised in America. Good win for Taka over Gedo, but then of course Finlay goes right after Taka to get an easy win. Finlay VS Taichi for the Global Championship will be great stuff, but I still think Finlay wins. Even if Finlay got this belt back from Nemeth in May, five months and change is still rather short. Finlay probably takes this belt to WrestleKingdom, and maybe then he loses it again.
And as I said at the start, great double TMDK matches to close out the night. The NJPW Strong tag title match was great, but I figured TMDK would retain. Tanahashi should really be building towards a singles feud that feeds this year’s WrestleKingdom, with a Heel using the concept of “You won’t even MAKE it a full year!” Tanahashi will beat that guy, go undefeated the rest of 2025, and then lose at WK20 in 2026. As I type this, Evil probably tries to end Tanahashi early at WK19 and fails. Anyway, great match from ZSJ VS Sanada, with great nods to their previous matches, but again, ZSJ winning was of course how this went. Great stuff for ZSJ, can’t wait to see who faces him at WK19.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Agatha All Along has a massive reveal, the Trailer Park goes to a Game 7, and the guys address some...
Bandwagon Nerds #257: John Williams, Jonathan Majors and James Gunn
Agatha All Along, a full trailer park and plenty of news around the Nerd-O-Sphere fill up the docket on this...
Musical Chairs S4: E7- Brand New & Judas Priest [100124]
Musical Chairs returns for Episode 7 of Season 4. This week, the guys cover Brand New and Judas Priest!
Bandwagon Nerds #256: Mephisto…Finally?
The Bandwagon reacts to Mephisto being mentioned by name, looks at the trailer for Thunderbolts, and talks about a huge...
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (10/21/24)
It's a badass rematch, Uce!
Mitchell’s NJPW Royal Quest Results & Report! (10/20/24)
ZSJ in the UK!
#TheOddity 015: Rare Bear & Smuggling Turtles
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Battle of the Belts Results & Report! (10/19/24)
The 12th edition!
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (10/19/24)
Does BCC truly run AEW?
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: Mindless Banter!
Is DJ a Rabbi? What Happened to Hulk Hogan?? Jason went to Chicago??? What did we think of the PWI...
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (10/18/24)
Anna Jay is on a Rampage!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (10/18/24)
Is it still No Yeet?
DWI Podcast #451: Rumors Of A Beast’s Return
Dave Ungar of Attitude of Aggression podcast joins the show this week as we run down the past week of...
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 10.17.2024
Three titles on the line in two matches! Digital Media, International Heavyweight and X Division tonight!
