Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (5/3/21)
Amazing prizes are on the line!

NJPW has a title match, a title opportunity match, and… iron fingers?
NJPW has done some unique things lately, but Wrestling Dontaku 2021 might take the cake! Who takes the Iron Fingers from Hell for their own?
NOTE:Â NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- IWGP Heavyweight Championship Right to Challenge match: Tanga Loa VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins and the Dangerous Tekkers will challenge Guerrillas of Destiny for the titles.
- Iron Fingers from Hell Ladder Match: Taichi VS Tama Tonga; Taichi wins and owns the Iron Fingers from Hell.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jay White w/ Gedo; White wins and becomes the new NEVER Openeweight Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
IWGP Heavyweight Championship Right to Challenge match: Tanga Loa VS Zack Sabre Jr!
Well this is different. With their tag partners fighting over the Iron Fingers from Hell, it is on the Silverback to face the Submission Master and determine the fate of the tag titles! Will ZSJ make Loa #JustTapOut and earn a title match for both him and the Sliest Wrestler in the World?
The bell rings, Loa and ZSJ circle and fans rally up. They feel out the grapple, Loa calls for a test of strength, and ZSJ knuckle locks but kicks an arm away. Loa shoots in but ZSJ backs off and they reset. ZSJ and Loa approach again, still feeling it out. ZSJ tries to bait Loa in but Loa corners him instead. Loa and ZSJ tie up with collar ‘n’ elbow, and ZSJ slowly but surely uses leverage to push Loa back. Loa eggs him in, then brings him around to ropes. The ref calls for a ropebreak, and Loa lets off. Loa swings, but ZSJ dodges and runs to sunset flip! TWO, ZSJ has a headlock but Loa powers out. Kitchen sink knee becomes a school boy roll, TWO!
ZSJ dodges a boot to get a cobra twist to the ground cobra cradle! TWO, and the two stand off! Fans cheer this opening exchange as things reset again. ZSJ and Loa both grin and fans rally back up as the two circle. Loa wants another try at the test of strength, and ZSJ accepts. They knuckle lock, ZSJ kicks an arm and headlocks. Loa powers out to run ZSJ over! ZSJ rolls to ropes but Loa looms over him. Loa gets ZSJ up to wrench the arm, then wristlocks for the knuckle lock. ZSJ claws at Loa’s face, works on the knuckle lock, but Loa gets his test of strength after all! Loa makes ZSJ drop to his knees as he puts pressure on the wrists.
ZSJ fights up, Loa pushes him back down, but then ZSJ rolls to reverse the wrenching! Loa powers through to turn and flip ZSJ, then reel him in for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Cover, TWO as ZSJ bridges! Loa sweeps legs, TWO as ZSJ bridges again. Loa hops on, TWO as ZSJ still bridges! Fans cheer the showing of strength, then ZSJ kips up and wrenches through to keylock and wrangle Loa down! ZSJ stomps the arm, but Loa is right up to CLOBBER ZSJ! Loa likes the daring of ZSJ, and brings him up to DECK him again! Loa gets ZSJ up to whip him to a corner, then runs in to clothesline! ZSJ is down and Loa shakes out the bad arm.
Fans rally for “ZSJ! ZSJ!” but Loa drags ZSJ up to scoop and RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! ZSJ is still in this but Loa smiles. Loa stalks ZSJ to ropes, stomps him down, then drags him out to the apron. Loa CLUBS ZSJ in the chest, then slides back inside. Loa chokes ZSJ with both hands! The ref counts, Loa lets off, and Loa stalks ZSJ to a corner. Loa stomps ZSJ down, digs his boot in, but lets off as the ref counts. Loa stomps ZSJ one more time before catching his breath. Fans still rally as ZSJ sits up, but Loa is back on him. Loa whips, ZSJ goes up and around to TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and fans fire up!
Loa crawls to a corner, fans rally as ZSJ rises, and ZSJ runs corner to corner to EuroUpper! Loa eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ throws more EuroUppers! Loa fireman’s carries but ZSJ slips out to PELE the arm! And sweep the leg! ZSJ locks Loa’s arm to stomp it again! ZSJ goes after that arm but Loa resists. ZSJ uses a top mount to get leverage, hammerlock and TWIST! Loa writhes but ZSJ won’t leave the arm alone! ZSJ pulls both arms in, hammerlock on one and a deep wristlock on the other! Loa gets a ropebreak with his foot and ZSJ reluctantly lets him go. ZSJ runs in to kick the bad arm, then kick it again! ZSJ eggs Loa on now but Loa tries to get away.
ZSJ wrenches an arm but Loa ROCKS him! Loa runs, into a boot! ZSJ runs and boots again, then boots again! ZSJ runs but into a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Loa’s bad arm keeps him from making the cover, but he gets ZSJ back up! Loa manages a lift but ZSJ shifts to get a GUILLOTINE! Loa stays on his feet, powers back up and suplexes, but ZSJ slips out! PELE to the arm again! Loa still RAMS ZSJ into a corner! Loa stomps away, fans rally up, and Loa drags ZSJ up into a scoop. Loa aims for a corner but ZSJ slips off. ZSJ throws EuroUppers again, even as Loa eggs him on. Loa kicks low, then enziguris but ZSJ ducks it! PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! LARIAT from Loa! Cover, TWO!
Loa gets the CROSSFACE! Loa cranks ZSJ back but fans rally as ZSJ endures! ZSJ moves around, reaches out, and gets a ropebreak with a leg! Loa holds on but lets go as the ref counts. Loa slaps ZSJ around, drags him back up, but ZSJ plays dead. Loa still dead lifts ZSJ to a suplex! And holds him up for a count of 10! For 15! And then the slam! Loa wags his finger, telling ZSJ that wasn’t going to be enough. Loa climbs up, throws up a Too Sweet, and then DIVING HEADBUTTS, but FLOPS as ZSJ moves! ZSJ traps Loa’s head for a NECK CRANK!! ZSJ gets the arm and hammerlocks it! Loa resists as ZSJ goes after the other, but he gets the JIM BREAKS!!
Loa endures as ZSJ pulls way back on the armbar, and powers his way over, to get the ROPEBREAK! ZSJ lets go in frustration as Loa survives. Fans rally back up as both men slowly rise. ZSJ eggs Loa on then PENALTY KICKS! ZSJ runs, gets around Loa’s lariat, but Loa holds off the Iron Octopus! Loa scoops, but ZSJ slips out to trip him, body scissor and EURO CLUTCH!! TWO!! Loa narrowly escapes but fans fire up! ZSJ runs, PENALTY KICK! Loa stays up so ZSJ throws more KICKS! ZSJ runs, into a SPEAR! Loa fires up, gets ZSJ up, POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! ZSJ survives and fans fire up again as Loa is beside himself!
Loa aims from a corner, dares ZSJ to get up, and then runs in, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! ZSJ swings another kick, but Loa ducks it to ENZIGURI! Loa drags ZSJ up, scoops him, thumbs down, but ZSJ turns Ape Shit into a crucifix takedown! Cover, ZSJ WINS!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (Dangerous Tekkers are the NEW #1 Contenders)
Loa didn’t need to tap out to lose, he just got caught off-guard! Can ZSJ and Taichi catch Guerrillas of Destiny unaware when the titles are on the line?
Iron Fingers from Hell Ladder Match: Taichi w/ Douki VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!
One down, one to go! The Submission Master did his part to secure a title match, but now, the Holy Emperor needs his prized weapon back! Will the Good Bad Guy continue to frustrate Taichi and lord this one over him?
The introductions are made, the Iron Fingers are in the bag and raised high above, and one of the more unique ladder matches in wrestling begins!
Tama and Taichi rush each other, Taichi KICKS, Tama forearms, repeat! They go back and forth, fans fire up as they pick up speed, and Taichi gets the edge with his KICKS! Tama SUPER FOREARMS but Taichi is up to AXE BOMBER! Fans fire up as Taichi CHOKES Tama! Tama turns it around to rain down rights! Taichi turns it back around with more choking! Tama turns it around again for more ground ‘n’ pound, but Taichi just turns it back around again! Tama claws at Taichi’s face, the two back off, and fans cheer the stand off! Taichi fixes his hair and fans build to a rally. Tama hears it, “TA-I-CHI! TA-I-CHI!”
Tama and Taichi realize how close they are to ladders, so they both go out and fetch a ladder! There’s a new stand-off now that both men know the other is “armed,” and they circle around the outside of the ring. They wait on the other to make the first move, and then they both slide in with their ladders! Taichi and Tama clash with their steel! They’re in a deadlock and back off. They go again, battering ram versus battering ram! Taichi disarms Tama, but Tama dropkicks Taichi’s ladder into him! Taichi is down, clutching his arm, and Tama sets his ladder up! It’s a bit short, though, can he reach the bag? Tama tries from the very top and can just brush against the plastic!
Tama can’t bring the bag down like that, though, and he hops down. Tama sees the big ladders outside, and stomps Taichi down! Tama rains down some rights, then gets his ladder and puts it in a corner. Tama goes back to Taichi and throws more punches. Tama drags Taichi up, throws body shots, then aims. Tama whips but Taichi blocks! Tama throws forearm after forearm, then whips again. Taichi reverses but Tama blocks! Taichi tries to send Tama at the ladder but Tama won’t budge! So Taichi rakes Tama’s eyes! Taichi then whips but Tama reverses, and Taichi CRASHES into ladder! Fans fire up as Tama staggers and Taichi writhes.
Fans rally again for “TA-I-CHI!” as Tama stands him up. Tama sets Taichi against the ladder, then runs to SPLASH him against it! Taichi falls over and writhes even more! Tama drags Taichi around to cover but this is a ladder match! Tama wants the ref to make an exception, but nope! Tama gets Taichi’s ladder up and puts it in the opposite corner. Fans rally while Tama paces, and Taichi kicks at him from below. Tama throws forearms, gets Taichi up and whips him at his own ladder! Taichi stops himself, then dodges, sending Tama’s SPLASH into the ladder! Tama staggers back, into a back drop into his own ladder! Tama clutches his ankle, that was a rough way to hit a ladder!
Tama rolls out of the ring, Jado is there to check on him. Fans rally as Taichi stands, and he gets one of the ladders. Taichi throws it out of the ring, and then the same for the second ladder. Taichi seems to also understand these are not tall enough to win. Taichi hobbles over to where Tama is, brings him up and whips him into railing! Tama falls over, Taichi brings one of the short ladders over, and undoes the safety hinges? Taichi makes a ladder bridge! Fans fire up as Taichi brings Tama up and over with Kowata Kicks! Taichi gets Tama up, lines up the shot, but Jado creeps over! Taichi backs Jado off with a glare, but then Tama ROCKS Taichi with a forearm!
Tama throws more hands and even drops elbows! Tama gets the other short ladder, brings it around the way, but Douki stops him from tossing it at Taichi! Tama CLOBBERS Douki for that, but Taichi kicks Tama! Taichi shoves Tama into railing, then gets the second short ladder. Tama stands up, Taichi aims and CLOBBERS him with it! Fans fire up as Taichi fetches one of the tall ladders! Taichi puts the tall ladder in the ring and points to the fingers! Taichi stands the ladder up, starts to climb, but Jado shots out Tama. Taichi didn’t position the ladder well, he can’t reach the bag! Tama grabs Taichi and anchors him! Taichi clubs Tama, Tama clubs Taichi’s leg!
Tama climbs up but Taichi keeps throwing down hands. Tama CLAWS Taichi’s back, and CLAWS it again! Fans rally as the two fight up high, and Taichi elbows Tama down! Taichi adjusts his position on the rung, to LEAP, into a GUN STUN!! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Tama rolls to the ladder and uses it to drag himself up. Fans rally as Tama positions the ladder directly under the bag. Tama climbs, reaches out, but DOUKI springboards in to dropkick Tama off the ladder! Douki checks on Taichi but Jado is here! KENDO STICK SMACK! Down goes Douki! Jado kicks Taichi out of the ring, and then to make it even harder on him, Jado has tape!
Jado tapes Taichi to railing! Is he copying Yano or something? Tama gets up and Jado says this is his chance! Fans rally for Taichi but Tama stomps him against the railing! Tama tells Taichi to say good-bye to the fingers forever! Tama goes into the ring, goes back to the ladder, but almost tips it over! Tama steadies himself and the ladder, then begins the climb! Fans rally for Taichi but Tama laughs and shakes his head. Wait, ZSJ is here! ZSJ gets past Jado and then shakes the ladder to mess with Tama! Tama begs no, ZSJ looks like he’s backing off, but then ZSJ pushes the ladder over! Tama crashes down, Jado gets in, but ZSJ snapmares Jado for a NECK CRANK!
Fans fire up as ZSJ goes out to free Taichi from the tape! ZSJ coaches Taichi up and fans fire up as ZSJ helps him back in the ring! Taichi crawls to the ladder, stands it up, and begins his climb! But Loa attacks ZSJ! Loa gets in and CLUBS Taichi back down! Loa stomps Taichi, folds the ladder and puts it in a corner. Loa drags Taichi up and reels him in, but ZSJ gets in to forearm away on Loa! Fans fire up but Loa DECKS ZSJ! Loa gets ZSJ up, scoops and hits APE SHIT!! Better late than never, right? Loa mocks Taichi and gets him up, to LARIAT! Loa drags Taichi up, reels him back in, and lifts, but Douki returns to make the save!
Loa isn’t really hurt by Douki’s attack, but then Douki ENZIGURIS! Douki fires up, runs, but Loa blocks his rana to swing him around… Wait, not the corner ladder? POWERBOMB through Taichi’s LADDER BRIDGE!! Douki might be broken, just like the ladder! Jado hobbles over to coach Tama back up, and tells the Guerrillas to hit Magic Killer! Loa gets the other short ladder back in the ring, then he fetches Taichi. GoD drags Taichi up, lines up the shot, but Taichi fights free! FOREARM for Tama, SUPERKICK for Loa! Tama kicks but Taichi blocks, to LOW BLOW!! Fans are thunderous as everyone is down! Taichi grits his teeth as he slowly gets back up.
Taichi grabs a ladder, fires up and gets to his feet! Off come the pants! Jado gets in, and he KENDO STICK SMACKS! Taichi doesn’t even flinch! Taichi gets Jado and SLAMS him on the ladder! Taichi goes back to the tall ladder as the fans rally hard as ever! Taichi stands the ladder up, climbs up again, but Tama is back! Tama hurries to anchor Taichi! Tama drags Taichi down but Taichi choke grips, for a SUPER CHOKE SLAM!! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Taichi roars as he goes back to the ladder! Taichi climbs, reaches the top, and grabs for the bag! Tama has the short ladder and he CLUBS Taichi over and over with it! Tama hits a HOME RUN with it!!
Taichi flops down, Tama hobbles around and goes out to get something from under the ring! Tama has a TABLE! Tama puts the table in the ring, sets it up, and is a chair away from making this a TLC match in NJPW! Taichi tries to climb, Tama clubs him again! Tama gets Taichi off the ladder in bomb position, but Taichi fights the bomb itself! Taichi gets back to the ladder! Taichi SMACKS Tama off the rungs, then climbs again! Taichi reaches the top but Tama climbs up the other side! They brawl, and then they both choke grip! Tama breaks free, throws hands, and climbs up! Tama wants the bag, but Taichi rakes his eyes! Taichi wants the bag, but Tama rakes his eyes!
Tama clubs Taichi, Taichi hits back. Fans rally as they brawl, Taichi grabs Tama’s hand to keep it from grabbing! Tama throws headbutt after headbutt, then lines up another shot! SUPER GUN- NO!! Taichi lets Tama falls through the table all alone!! Taichi is all alone on the ladder! Fans are thunderous as he stands back up, reaches inside the bag, and brings out the fingers! Taichi wins!!
Winner: Taichi (rightful owner of the Iron Fingers from Hell)
The Dangerous Tekkers swept the night! Taichi almost doesn’t even believe he gets to have the fingers back. The referee has to tell him he won these, and Taichi humbly accepts. ZSJ gets Taichi the mic so he can speak on this moment. “With this, he’s done. It’s over. It’s over now, so the least you can do is play his music.” And as such, NJPW plays Takashi Iizuka’s theme. Taichi dedicates this to Iizuka, and together with ZSJ and Douki, celebrates this moment. Taichi has the Iron Fingers back once and for all, but now, can he and ZSJ take the tag titles back?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jay White w/ Gedo!
This match has been building for quite some time, and now we see it come to blows! Will the Once in a Century NEVER give up and NEVER lose to the Switchblade? Or will King Switch trump The Ace?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if it will be a #TTO or #JTO to end night one!
White shows off the abs and fans do cheer the physique. White and Gedo then Low Sweet before Tanahashi shows off the pecs! Fans cheer that physique, too, but now their bodies will be put to the test! Fans rally with “LET’S GO, ACE! LET’S GO, ACE!” and that gets on White’s nerves. White bails out of the ring then gets back in the ring then circles with Tanahashi. They approach, White talks some trash, but Tanahashi says it won’t be like last time. Tanahashi dodges a kick to get a leg, but White gets the ropebreak first. Tanahashi lets go cleanly and fans cheer. White and Tanahashi circle and tie up, and are in a deadlock as Tanahashi stands firm.
Tanahashi then pushes White back towards ropes, and gets him against them. Red Shoes calls for the break, Tanahashi lets off to flex, but White puts Tanahashi on the ropes. White lets off to flex now, but Tanahashi drop toeholds him into ropes! Tanahashi headlocks, White tries but can’t power out and fans cheer! White gets up and tries again but Tanahashi stays clamped on tight! Tanahashi hits a headlock takeover, White keeps his shoulders up, and White gets up to his feet. White pulls hair to put Tanahashi in a corner, then whips him corner to corner. Tanahashi reverses, runs in but White dodges. White runs into Tanahashi’s elbow, then Tanahashi crossbodies!
Fans fire up and Tanahashi does air guitar before he flexes on White. White swings but into Tanahashi’s headlock! Tanahashi grinds but White gets him up to straddle him on ropes! Red Shoes reprimands as Tanahashi topples to the floor! White mockingly applauds, then he goes out to fetch Tanahashi. White drags Tanahashi up and suplexes for an APRON GOURD BUSTER! Tanahashi clutches a leg, White SLAMS it on the apron! White throws elbows on each leg, then SLAMS the leg on the apron again! White shows off the dancing pecs before he slithers back into the ring. Fans rally for Tanahashi but White just smirks. White stalks Tanahashi, stands on a leg then stomps it down.
White does the same to the other leg! Gedo cheers as White kicks Tanahashi to a corner. White talks trash, stomps Tanahashi, then RAMS his shoulder into him again and again! White throws forearms, more stomps to the legs, then brings Tanahashi around for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer as Tanahashi survives! White gets the leg and steps through, for the Butterfly Stretch! Tanahashi endures but White shoves him down. White keeps on the legs but Tanahashi throws forearms. White thumbs Tanahashi’s eyes! Red Shoes reprimands, White stops, and White turns over to make this a modified deathlock!
Tanahashi endures and fans rally up while White pushes up for more leverage! White even does push-ups just to show off! Tanahashi drags himself over to the ROPEBREAK! White tells Red Shoes he needs help undoing the hold, so Red Shoes gets the legs unhooked. White thanks Red Shoes, then gets Tanahashi under the ropes for a CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Tanahashi writhes as Gedo cheers White on. Fans still rally for Tanahashi but White talks more trash. Tanahashi gets up and throws forearms. White kicks the legs, Tanahashi throws more forearms, repeat! Tanahashi fires off a strike fest and ROCKS White!
Tanahashi whips, White reverses, but White kicks into a DRAGON SCREW! Fans fire up and then rally as White goes to a corner. Tanahashi stands, White follows, and White hobbles into another strike fest! Tanahashi whips, White reverses, but Tanahashi hits FLYING FOREARMS! Fans fire up with Tanahashi and he brings White around for more forearms. Tanahashi EuroUppers White into a corner, then dropkicks him down! Tanahashi scoop SLAMS White, then hops up the corner. SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! White is still in this but the fans still rally for Tanahashi. Tanahashi dares White to stand, then fires up as he runs, to dropkick a leg out!
Tanahashi knew White was expecting Slingblade and faked him out! Tanahashi gets White’s legs but White kicks him away. White hobbles up but Tanahashi waistlocks. White elbows free, grabs hair, but Tanahashi breaks free! White kicks low to DDT Tanahashi down! Tanahashi goes to a corner, White runs in, but into another dropkick to the legs! White falls out of the ring, Tanahashi fires the fans up and then goes to the apron. White trips Tanahashi up! White SLAMS Tanahashi’s leg against the post! Then he SLAMS the other leg! Tanahashi crawls back to center and White mocks the fans rallying up again. White walks off his own leg pain before going into the ring.
Tanahashi gets him at the ropes! White fights Tanahashi off, but steps into a whip! Tanahashi has White in the ropes for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! White flops back down, Tanahashi goes back out and climbs up top! ACES HIGH CROSSBODY! Direct hit and both men are down! Fans are thunderous as Red Shoes checks on both men. They’re both okay so a ring count begins. Tanahashi sits up at 4 of 20, gets to his feet at 9 of 20, and brings White up at 15. Tanahashi puts White in and fans cheer that he wants to finish this properly! Tanahashi runs as White stands, but White is ready for the Slingblade! White waistlocks, Tanahashi elbows free and tries again, but again White gets around.
Tanahashi elbows free again, runs, but still no Slingblade! White holds tight with the waistlock, but Tanahashi stomps White’s foot! Tanahashi runs but into a COMPLETE SHOT! White waistlocks, dead lifts and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up as both men are down again. White drags Tanahashi up and reels him in but Tanahashi fights. White waistlocks, Tanahashi elbows again, but into a SNAP SAIDO! White drags Tanahashi back up, fisherman lift, but Tanahashi fights that off to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi drags White back up, but White suplexes! Tanahashi fights that again for another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!
Tanahashi gets White up but White sprawls to block. White grabs Tanahashi’s leg as an anchor, and Tanahashi lets him go, to get White’ sleg! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! White hobbles into a third TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi fires up and the fans are thunderous! Tanahashi runs, but White ducks the Slingblade! White catches Tanahashi for an URENAGE! Both men are down again and fans build to another rally. White gets Tanahashi into position, sleeper hold, SNAP SLEEPER SUPLEX! That was a nasty Triple S, but White grins as he hobbles around. White vows to end this, and he drags Tanahashi by a leg, for a GROUND DRAGON SCREW!
Gedo tells White to make Tanahashi suffer, and White gets both legs. Tanahashi kicks and kicks but White still figure-fours the legs! White steals Tanahashi’s Texas Clover Hold!! Fans rally as Tanahashi endures and claws his way over, only for White to drag him far, far away! White lets Tanahashi go to step through for HIS move, the TTO!! Tanahashi endures the inverted figure four that White loves to call “Tana Tapped Out,” but he isn’t giving in yet! Tanahashi drags himself over, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! White holds on until Red Shoes counts, and lets go at 4. Fans rally up again as White drags Tanahashi into another sleeper hold.
White drags Tanahashi up, but Tanahashi blocks the suplex. White CHOP BLOCKS Tanahashi’s leg! White drags Tanahashi back up but Tanahashi throws elbows! Tanahashi PALM STRIKES White, reels him in, full nelsons, but White resists the suplex! Fans rally, White breaks free, but Tanahashi reels him back in! White breaks the nelson again, but Tanahashi shifts to a STRAITJACKET GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! White survives but Tanahashi gets him up. Tanahashi whips, White reverses, but Tanahashi reverses to SLINGBLADE! The fans are thunderous but Gedo is on the apron! Tanahashi BLASTS Gedo down, then goes up a corner!
Tanahashi aims, but White is up, HIGH FLY FLO- White catches Tanahashi’s crossbody! Tanahashi slips out of the Bladerunner to get a full nelson! White breaks the nelson, reaches down to trip Tanahashi, and gets the TTO back!! Tanahashi endures all over again! Fans rally as Tanahashi powers up, drags himself over, but White drags Tanahashi back! Fans rally even harder now as Tanahashi turns to his side. White turns him back, but Tanahashi turns it over! White turns it back, and the pressure is back on Tanahashi! Tanahashi powers his way over and gets the ROPEBREAK! White has to again let go reluctantly, and is beside himself as Tanahashi is still in this.
The fans are thunderous again as White grabs at Tanahashi. Tanahashi holds the ropes, White stands on Tanahashi’s head. Red Shoes counts, White backs off but goes after the legs again. White demands Tanahashi let go of ropes, but Red Shoes counts White. White lets go and tries to keep his cool, then gets Tanahashi up. Tanahashi gets White’s leg for a DRAGON SCREW! Both men are back down, and fans build to another rally. Tanahashi stands, White crawls, Tanahashi gets White up but White gets a leg! DRAGON SCREW! White gets up at the ropes, walks off the pain, and hobbles after Tanahashi. Tanahashi kicks White’s leg out!
Tanahashi gets his bad leg working, fans still rally for him, but now White kicks Tanahashi’s leg out! Move for move, damage for damage! Tanahashi and White slowly rise, White trips Tanahashi for a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! White steps through but Tanahashi kicks him into ropes! White hobbles back but Tanahashi trips him, GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Again, they mirror each other! Fans are thunderous and not stopping as each man grabs at the other’s leg. Tanahashi and White circle around on the mat, stare down, and Tanahashi evades, only for White to match him. They each have the other’s foot, and now it’s a stand-off.
Who lets go first? They agree to both let go and reset, and fans cheer this bit of sportsmanship. White and Tanahashi approach, White throws a forearm but Tanahashi gives it back. White forearms, Tanahashi forearms back, repeat. They throw forearms as they slowly rise, and White eggs Tanahashi on. White throws a forearm, Tanahashi forearms back, White CHOP BLOCKS! White kicks Tanahashi’s leg, stomps it, then has the ankle for a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi can’t even writhe, he just clutches the leg. Tanahashi crawls to a corner, White scowls and runs in, to EuroUpper! Tanahashi falls, White catches his breath, and he comes back to EuroUpper Tanahashi back down!
White eggs Tanahashi on and the fans rally again. Tanahashi drags himself up, White runs in and EuroUppers Tanahashi back down! White dares Tanahashi to stand but Tanahashi is struggling to even sit up! The fans haven’t given up on Tanahashi but White drags him from the corner. White drags Tanahashi up and watches him wobble. Tanahashi gets a leg but White pulls hair. White ROCKS Tanahashi, Tanahashi dropkicks but White avoids it! White eggs Tanahashi on, and Tanahashi stands again, but his palm strike isn’t strong enough! White dodges and lets Tanahashi fall over. Tanahashi is furious with himself and forces himself to stand.
White toys with Tanahashi, pushes him around, and Tanahashi LARIATS White down! That’s what White gets for getting cocky! Both men are down and the fans continue to rally with thunder. White kicks at Tanahashi but Tanahashi grabs a foot. Tanahashi and White get up, White hops to a corner and kicks at Tanahashi. Tanahashi blocks the other boot, for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi stands up, stalks up behind White, and whips him to ropes. White reverses, reels Tanahashi in, but Tanahashi turns Bladerunner into SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi is fired up again and he gets moving, ANOTHER SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!!
White survives but Tanahashi is red hot as he goes up top! Tanahashi aims at White as he stands, HIGH FLY FLOWBODY! Direct hit but Tanahashi is only getting started! Tanahashi’s back up top, for the HIGH FLY FLOW to the LEGS!! Fans are volcanic as Tanahashi gets White’s legs, for the TEXAS CLOVER HOLD!! Will it become the #JTO?! White reaches, almost gets the ropes, but Tanahashi drags him away! White endures as Tanahashi sits DEEP! Gedo gets on the apron, Red Shoes sees him, but he doesn’t see White tapping out all over!! Tanahashi realizes what’s happening literally behind his back, and lets White go to get Gedo’s leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!
Gedo falls down, Tanahashi gets White again! White cradles, TWO!!! Tanahashi survives White’s fix, and runs in, but into a backslide! White uses the ropes!! TWO!! Red Shoes missed it but Tanahashi escaped it! Tanahashi has a leg again, but White reels him in! But still no Bladerunner! Tanahashi has the nelson but White resists with all his strength! White reaches, Tanahashi keeps him from ropes, but White gets Tanahashi in position! BLADERUNNER!! WHITE WINS!!!
Winner: Jay White, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
It wasn’t a tap-out but the tried and true Bladerunner that helps The Switchblade cut down Tanahashi! White is given the belt, and then the mic to speak. He first hushes the crowd, reclines back, and says the clapping is more insulting than silence. White says, “Tana, old friend, what’ve you been going on about recently?” He saw it on Yota Tsuji’s shirt, something like “Nevermind, never quit, never give up.” Whatever that is, right? So dumb. Well, Tana doesn’t have to say that anymore because this title has nothing to do with him anymore! Never quit? Tana just lost so that’s quitting! Tana gave up!
Tana may not want to admit it, fans don’t want to admit it, but it’s time to hang the boots up and quit. White did what he promised and took this title from Tanahashi, so Tanahashi can stop now. And speaking of this belt, “Life is just made up of moments, and you have to hold onto them, because they come and go.” You need to see every last moment. And for everyone watching, this moment right here that you have just been a part of, you’ve just been a part of HISTORY, make sure you cherish this moment.” Because this makes White the first ever to hold the IWGP US, Intercontinental, Heavyweight and now NEVER Openweight Championships in his career! That makes White “the one REAL Belt Collector!” If anyone wants to dispute that, you know where to find him.
Everyone knows who White is. He’s the “Last Rock ‘n’ Rolla, the NUBMER ONE ASSET in all of pro-wrestling,” and is the reason NJPW sold out Madison Square Garden! White is the NEW NEVER Openweight Champion, and the first ever Quadruple Crown! “Anybody who steps in this ring with me, will BREATHE… with the Switchblade! Because now it is more evident and more true than ever, it is now STILL! MY! ERA!!” King Switch has spoken, and perhaps even issued a challenge to the world. Will anyone step up to refute his claims?
My Thoughts:
Another great event for NJPW, and certainly leading into a huge event tomorrow. ZSJ VS Loa was a great match and it works well that it essentially was finished with a roll-up and not a finisher because that keeps both sides strong going into the coming tag title match. I haven’t been watching NJPW that long, but long enough to know NJPW doesn’t have many ladder matches. This was a very good ladder match by any standard, even with it being for a non-traditional prize. It was overbooked with Jado, Douki, ZSJ and Loa getting involved, but it just made sense to do that. Taichi wins and this match now feels more like a loving tribute to Iizuka, and that’s pretty cool.
The NEVER Openweight title match was awesome, it really helped elevate this belt so that it feels on par with the IWGP belts. I did appreciate that the story was Tanahashi starting to struggle and break down by the end, as has Tanahashi’s overall story been these last few years. White winning was a bit of a surprise to me, I thought Tanahashi was going to pull this off, but I suppose White can do more with this belt right now and freshen some things up. White making history as having the four major singles titles is definitely big, and a claim to fame in his own right. I can’t be sure who he’ll defend this against first, but the open possibilities makes it fun.
My Score: 9.2/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

This ain’t no joke!
With just weeks left before Stand & Deliver, Trick Williams is after Oba Femi and the NXT Championship. But will Trick get his rematch?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Zaria w/ Sol Ruca VS Lash Legend w/ Jakara Jackson; wins and advances to Stand & Deliver.
- NXT North American Championship: Shawn Spears w/ The Culling VS Ricky Saints; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
Stephanie Vaquer is here!
The fans cheer for La Primera as she makes her way to the ring, still the NXT Women’s Double Champion! NXT General Manager, Ava, is there to meet her, and she says, “Ever since Stephanie has stepped foot in NXT, she has shown everyone exactly why she is La Primera.” The fans cheer, and Ava says after walking out victorious last week, that shows exactly the caliber Stephanie is. However, given the depth of the NXT Women’s Division, both titles deserve to be defended frequently. The two have put a lot of thought into this, and felt it was not fair for her to continue to do this alone.
The fans boo, but Ava says the decision has been made: Stephanie will relinquish the Women’s North American Championship. The fans boo more, but Ava says a new champion will be decided at Stand & Deliver in a Six Woman Ladder Match, and the qualifiers begin tonight. The fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but Vaquer assures them she understands that this is not a popular decision. But NXT has given her an opportunity to do the same for everyone else. She really wants to push her NXT Women’s Division, not stop it. The fans do cheer that, and sing “OLE~, OLE OLE OLE~! OLE~, OLE~!”
Vaquer says tonight, she will give up the North American title. But under one condition: She gets to pick who she faces at Stand & Deliver for THE NXT Women’s Championship. The fans like that! Wait, here comes Jordynne Grace! The Juggernaut tells Stephanie that she’s sorry she keeps interrupting, but she’s happy to hear Stephanie gets to choose her opponent. Now that Jaida’s out of the picture, Jordynne and Stephanie can focus on the match everyone has really been looking forward to. For the first time ever on NXT’s biggest stage, Juggernaut VS La Primera. But wait, here comes Miss Parker!
Jaida says hear that? See, Jordynne, “Miss Muscle Mommy,” Jaida being out of the picture is insane. But if Jordynne actually stayed down where Jaida left her ass last time, Jaida would’ve beaten Stephanie, and she’d be here with the NXT Women’s Championship around her little ol’ waist. But Stephanie, baby, it was that close, and we all know it. But go ahead, call your shot. Because when they run this bac- Jordynne interrupts Jaida, and says she had her opportunity. Jaida called her shot, and she fumbled. Now, Jaida may not understand how championships work, seeing as how she’s never held one before…
But Jaida is going to the back of the line. Vaquer says it looks like these two need to work this out. And so the two start throwing shots! Jaida shoves, Jordynne dodges, and then Jordynne puts Jaida on the apron! Jordynne DECKS Jaida, but here comes security! Only for Jordynne to DECK one, and TOSS the other out onto the rest! The fans go nuts as the Juggernaut warns Jaida to watch herself! Jaida says nobody’s scared of Jordynne! Will these two throw down to then move on to Stand & Deliver?
Trick Williams speaks.
Over the weekend, Trick put on his Instagram, “LET’S TALK ABOUT IT OBA,” accompanied by a video. “Yo, what’s good, Oba? I mean, I already made the challenge, boy, but you ain’t hear me? I had Timbs all up in my face, I know you saw it. I ain’t no little punk like Je’Von that you can just throw around, you know where to find me: On Tuesday in the ring so we can talk about my NXT title, Stand & Deliver. Let’s talk about it.”
Backstage interview with Oba Femi.
Sarah Schreiber catches the NXT Champion as he’s arriving and asks about Trick’s post calling Oba out, claiming Oba doesn’t respect him. Oba says he doesn’t care what Trick said, because Trick is not the champion, OBA IS. Oba does not answer to Trick, Trick answers to Oba. Trick waits on Oba. Tonight, Trick gets Oba’s final verdict, and finds out the hard way why you don’t call out The Ruler. Oba moves on, what will he have to say to the former champion?
The NXT Women’s Division talks.
After that big announcement from Ava, Arianna Grace says she would do this, but ladder matches are dangerous. Fallon Henley says no one cares what Arianna thinks. She is ready to qualify and get her title back. She and Jazmyn Nyx high-five, but Lola Vice says no one wants Fallon as champ again. This is Lola’s opportunity. Cora Jade says like Lola would know what to do with that title, other than shake her ass with it. The locker room gets real fired up now! But who will put money where their mouths are and head for Las Vegas?
NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Zaria w/ Sol Ruca VS Lash Legend w/ Jakara Jackson!
With just three Tuesdays left before WrestleMania Weekend, it is time to shuffle the deck and deal out the opportunities. Will the Agent of Change be the first to punch her ticket? Or will the Bougie Bully make her pump the brakes?
The bell rings and Zaria circles with Lash. They tie up, go around, and end up on the ropes. Then they move off the ropes, break, and the fans cheer the stare down. Lash and Zaria tie up again, Lash waistlocks and SLAMS! Lash styles on Zaria, eggs her on, and puts up the hand for a knuckle lock. Zaria obliges, they go shoulder to shoulder for a Test of Strength, and Zaria bends Lash back! Lash fights up to bend Zaria back! Zaria powers up again, and the fans fire up as she roars! Lash gets under to BACKDROP! Cover, ONE!! Lash stands Zaria up to whip her to ropes. Zaria slips around to crucifix but Lash stays up!
Zaria shifts to a sunset flip, but Lash stays up to YANK Zaria up! Zaria CHOPS Lash! Lash frowns and CHOPS back! The fans fire up for that one! Zaria CHOPS, Lash swings, but Zaria dodges to jump on! Lash fights the Guillotine, but she drops to a knee! Lash powers up again to lift and put Zaria on the apron! Zaria RAMS into Lash, then slingshots up and over to sunset flip! TWO! Lash hurries up, but Zaria scoops! Lash slips free, scoops Zaria, and SLAMS her! Lash then runs, but Zaria avoid the elbow drop! Zaria returns, but Lash dodges the elbow drop! Lash kips up and the fans fire up! But Zaria kips, not quite as clean.
Lash clamps onto Zaria’s neck, Zaria returns the favor! Lash fires KNEE after KNEE, then CHOKE- NO, Zaria victory rolls it! TWO, and Lash PUMP KICKS Zaria out of the ring! Jakara talks trash, but Sol storms up to back her off. Lash storms out to back Jakara up, and NXT goes to break.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

The final stop on the Euro Tour!
London has another dose of WWE as Monday Night Raw arrives in the O2! But will John Cena tear down the UK like he has everywhere else?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- The New Day VS New Catch Republic; The New Day wins.
- Jimmy Uso VS GUNTHER; Gunther wins.
- Bron Breakker & PENTA VS Finn Balor & Dominik Mysterio w/ Carlito; Finn & Dom win.
- WWE Women’s World Championship, Special Guest Referee Bianca Belair: Iyo Sky VS Rhea Ripley; Double Disqualification, Iyo retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
JOHN CENA IS HERE!
The fans already chant “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” before the music even begins! Then they sing along, “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as Cena walks out in the custom London merchandise. Cena goes to the ring, “The Last Time Is Now” towel draped over the back of his head like the other times, then he sets the towel on the apron. Cena grabs a mic, the fans continue to duel, and Cena winds up before bringing the mic up. Only for Cody Rhodes to make his entrance! The fans sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off, Cody high-fives the fans in the front row and along the ramp, then he heads to the ring.
We get the second “WHOA~ OH~” and pyro before Cody pounds on the steel steps and steps up into the ring. Cody and Cena circle each other a bit before Cody grabs himself a mic. The fans finish singing the song, “YOU’LL FOLLOW ME UNTIL THE END~! I AM MY KINGDOM!” The fans cheer, then change to singing, “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” Cena steps to Cody but Cody tells him, no no no. We listened to Cena talking for two weeks, so allow Cody to do his job for him! Cena will cook Cody, end him, but where does he want to start? There is so much to make fun of when it comes to Cody! For starters, Cody’s lisp.
Cody will give him this one: Stardust! Fans cheer for “STARDUST! STARDUST!” Cody says that must bother Cena, that is who he is wrestling at WrestleMania 41, his final time! What else can Cena go after? Oh, yes! Cody spots it in the crowd and brings up the “arm tattoo on his neck.” The fans again sing for “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” Cody keeps going: He got booed in a company he helped make. But Cena won’t go for that. Maybe Cody is struggling with the idea that Superman is truly dead. The fans duel for “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody says this brings him to his next point: Cena’s words have not matched his actions.
For these last two weeks, Cena has lied to the audience. The fans boo, and Cody says they used to ride together, sing Poncho & Lefty. Cena surely cared about Cody, and he for sure cared about the fans. Don’t even look at Cody, look at the fans and tell them the real reason why. The fans chant, “You Sold Out!” while Cena thinks on his words. Cena says he is not going to reduce himself and punch down to Cody’s level. Cody’s been protected long enough. Cena also won’t “cook” Cody, he’ll just BURY him! Just like Cena has buried everyone else! The fans have been saying for years that Cena buries talent. Cena doesn’t bury talent, he IS talent! Cena BURIES mediocrity!
Cena doesn’t give a rat’s ass about the lisp or his failures. Cody has manipulated his way to the top of this business, and his ego outweighs his ability. All Cody has done is ride the coattails of Cena’s success! Cena has been so great, that the WWE could hand the heartbeat of this business to Cena’s chauffer! That’s right! Cody, your champion, is nothing more than Cena’s chauffer. A slimy pickpocket that thinks just cuz he stole the blueprints, he can run the kingdom! That is WHY Cena did it! Because it disgusts him! Cody sat by Cena’s side for YEARS, and stole every secret he needed to be undeniable, but he is still underwhelming.
Cena tried to drill it into Cody’s egotistical skull. Cody has to be authentic because fans can see through phony. Cody is too polished, too rehearsed, and relies on lazy gimmicks like fans singing his name just to get by! The fans boo, but then also sing, “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” Cena says Cody is just like the Pied Piper! All he’s ever done is find a way to make a catchy tune trick the people into loving mediocrity. Strip away the music and entrance, there is not much to look at but that pinstriped suit. But you could walk Cena out in silence, and you can bet your last dollar that he could body you before your first breath!
Cody Rhodes does not look like John Cena, doesn’t act like him, and doesn’t work like him. But Cody also doesn’t look like himself, act like himself, and work like himself, because he is still afraid to show who he is. So what do we get instead? Cody gives us a generic mix of every superstar he’s ever loved and every TV show he’s ever watched, in some big confused blob, that makes him still look like a 16-year-old kid taking acting lessons, because he is too afraid of public speaking. Cody Rhodes has shown Cena ONE thing, and the one thing is that someone mediocre wearing something meaningful is all it takes to trick the people!
Cena has worked too damn hard to make THAT a symbol of mastery to have it paraded by a paint-by-numbers, sociopathic nepo-baby who is so into himself that he had his wrestling gimmick tattooed for the world to see! It’s not where the tattoo is, it’s what the tattoo IS that exposes Cody for who he is: a common fan like the rest of them. So after WrestleMania, it’ll be great for Cody! He can go to Fanatics, buy the toy belt, call himself the fans’ champion, because the last real champion is taking that belt home forever to expose Cody for who he is: an errand boy that got lucky! Fans are actually fired up behind Cena!?
Cody tells Cena that he didn’t expect this. But maybe Cena is right. Maybe Cody was chosen. But you know who chose him? The fans did. Can Cena say the same? Or was it some guy in an office who isn’t even here anymore and we can’t even talk about him? Yeah, let’s go ahead and go there. Stirp everything away from Cody, does he know who he is? He’s a wrestler like his father before him, and if anyone is a corporate creation, it is Cena and not Cody! Gosh, everyone is so terrified of Cena on the mic but Cody isn’t not. Cena had more d*ck in his promo than in his jorts! Making fun of Cody for looking like he’s a kid?
Well, Cena’s the one who hangs out with Zac Efron and wishes he was 16 again! And thanks for the softball saying Cena created all of this and he created Cody. Well, Cena created a lot of disenfranchised fans that made it easy for Cody to pack up, go somewhere else, and say, “Hey! Look at me!” Cody tells Cena not to act like he cleaned up his room before he packed up for Hollywood. And while we’re at it…! There are two of them in this ring right now, and what Cody is about to ask might punch a giant hole in Cena’s logic. Between the two of them, which one of them sold out to The Rock? The fans again chant at Cena, “You Sold Out!”
Cody tells Cena that Cena is still Cody’s hero. But Cena is also a POS. Cena smirks while fans repeat that. Cena says just like all the fans’, Cody’s head is full of feces and not facts. Cena has worked 100 times harder than Cody and never once in all of that was he ever protected from the audience, or the superstar, present company included, taking their best shot. Everyone knows that every time Cena steps in the ring, it is a challenge to every superstar to take their strongest swing to see if they are worthy to put Cena down. NO ONE has been worthy! So Cena has just decided to do it himself. That’s why Cena has never left, has always been here.
No matter how high the hill is to climb, no matter what garbage they give him, Cena finds a way to make it great. Cody had to leave because Cody realized that at best, he can’t even wipe Cena’s ass! Cena makes empires for billionaires! All Cody ever did was steal money from their kids. “See you at WrestleMania, champ.” Cena turns to go but Cody wants to remind Cena, that all the time Cody has been here, never once has an audience ever chanted, “You Can’t Wrestle.” Cena hears the fans repeat that and he turns red int he face! Cena storms back into the ring, he and Cody square up, but then Cena smirks again.
Cena tips his hat and then takes a swing! Cody catches him! CROSS RHODES!! Cody smooths out his suit while he stands over Cena. Then he points to the sign while fans sing, “CODY! CODY RHODES~!” Cody holds the belt up before he exits, will Cody do very much the same in just 19 days?
The New Day VS ???
Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods demanded a shot at the WWE World Tag Team Championships, but they were told to earn it. If they’re truly the best tag team in history, will they have absolutely no problem beating a mystery opponent? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Adam Pearce walks out. He reminds the new Day that they need to earn their title shot, and so London, please help in welcoming Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne! New Catch Republic is back! The London fans fire up as their Big Strong Boi & Bruiserweight are here, will they be the ones to earn that tag team title shot?
The teams sort out and Bate starts with Woods. The fans chant “Welcome Back!” as Bate and Woods circle. They tie up, and Bate wrenches to a knuckle lock. Bate rolls, then catches Woods with headscissors to bring him to the corner! Bate waves to the fans, tags Dunne, then RANAS Woods away! Dunne runs up to CLOBBER Woods! The fans fire up again and Dunne brings Woods up. Dunne bends the fingers, isolates Woods’ arm, and STOMPS it! Bate tags in, goes up, and he uses Dunne to KNEE-BOARD SENTON! Bate waves to Kofi,. Kofi runs in, but Bate DUMPS him out! Bate builds speed, Dunne CLOBBERS Kofi while Bate FLIES to hit Woods!
The fans fire up for their guys as they high-five, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Woods keeps Dunne from Bate. Dunne reaches out but Woods sends him into ropes. Woods then CHOKES Dunne, but stops at 4. Kofi CHOKES Dunne behind the ref’s back! Woods then runs to DROPKICK Dunne in the back! Cover, TWO! Dunne stays in this, but Woods grins as he soaks up the heat. The fans rally for Dunne as he rises, and Dunne CHOPS! And CHOPS! And forearms! Woods ROCKS Dunne, puts him back on ropes, and he tags Kofi. Woods holds Dunne down for Kofi’s APRON SENTON! The fans rally for NCR but Kofi AX HANDLES Dunne down! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps Dunne down with an armlock.
Dunne reaches out, even as Kofi adds a chinbar. The fans rally, Dunne fights up, but Kofi CLUBS him! Kofi whips Dunne to the corner, Dunne goes up and over! Then hot tag to Tyler! The fans fire up as Bate rallies on Kofi, then he BLASTS Woods! Bate runs at the corner, Kofi dodges, but Bate catches Kofi! EXPLODER! Bate kips up, the fans fire up, and Bate fireman’s carries! AIRPLANE SPIN! The fans cheer as Bate goes around and around, TEN, then the THROW! The fans fire up while Bate is a bit dizzy. Bate wobbles but he tags Dunne. Bate then runs at Kofi, Dunne meets him, TOP BIN! And the LARIAT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Cover, Woods breaks it!
The fans rally up, Woods dodges Bate to BOOT him! Dunne kicks Woods, then puts him through ropes! Woods swings on Dunne, but Dunne grabs that hand! Dunne SNAPS the fingers! Woods falls, Kofi runs up! S O S! Cover, TWO! Dunne survives and Kofi is furious! The fans rally up, but Kofi brings Dunne up and tags Woods. New Day double whip, but Dunne KICKS Kofi! Dunne mule kicks Woods,. STOMPS Woods’ hands, but Woods ducks! BUZZSAW hits Kofi! Woods BACK SUPLEXES, but Dunne lands out! Tag to Bate! Bate blocks a kick, Bop up, BANG connects! Tag back to Dunne, then Bate runs up.
Woods puts Bate on the apron, but Dunne GAMANGIRIS! Dunne lifts Woods but Woods CLAWS Dunne’s eyes! Kofi YANKS Bate off the apron! Woods RAMS Dunne into buckles! Tag to Kofi, and then DAYBREAK!! Cover, New Day wins!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall
New Catch Republic’s return was ruined, all because the “best” tag team had to cut corners! Cathy Kelley interviews New Day, congratulating them on the win. They felt deserving of a title opportunity, but do they feel this win cements that? Woods asks if Cathy is slow. They obviously deserve the title match, and they want it now! Kofi says they did what they said they would, and now they demand what they are owed! That is a title match for THE WWE World Tag Team Championships! Well, here come the War Raiders! The fans fire up as Erik & Ivar storm out on stage, belts on their shoulders, and they stare down with The New Day.
Erik & Ivar are always ready, so will they and New Day take this all the way to Las Vegas?
Jey checks on Jimmy.
The Usos are pumped up. Jey knows Jimmy told him earlier, but Jey would just feel better if he was out there with Jimmy tonight. Jimmy knows that, but tonight is different. Jimmy knows the world is doubting Jey. But tonight, Jimmy closes that noise. Gunther’s a big deal, but so is Jey. And so is Jimmy. Ain’t no Ring General, just a man who is beatable. Tonight, Jimmy beats Gunther. At WrestleMania, Jey beats Gunther and becomes World Heavyweight Champion! YEET! They shake it out and then Jey holds on. “I hear you. Just be careful.” Jimmy nods, and Jey heads out. Will #BigJim make good on his word? Or will Gunther get back at him for last week’s slap?
Jimmy Uso VS GUNTHER!
Raw returns as Jimmy is in the ring, and then Gunther makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally as Jimmy stares Gunther down. Gunther grins, then he and Jimmy circle. Then Gunther runs up, but Jimmy counter punches! Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS but Gunther shoves him back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, then fires CHOP after CHOP! Gunther shoves Jimmy and BOOTS him down! The fans fire up, and Gunther TOSSES Jimmy out. Gunther storms out after Jimmy to whip him hard into barriers! Gunther CHOPS Jimmy, the fans “WOO~,” and Gunther stalks Jimmy along the way. Gunther CHOPS Jimmy again!
Gunther THROWS Jimmy into the barriers! Gunther refreshes the ring count at 7 of 10, to then drag Jimmy up. Gunther wrenches Jimmy, chinbars him and dares him to slap Gunther now! Gunther reels Jimmy in, but jimmy BACKDROPS free! Jimmy hurries into the ring, builds speed, but Gunther’s on the apron! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, then he runs to DIVE! Down goes Gunther into the desk! The fans fire up and Jimmy hurries to put Gunther in! Jimmy climbs up, the fans rally for “UCE! OH!” and USO SPLASH, onto knees! Gunther hurries to the corner and climbs up, but Jimmy UPPERCUTS first!
Jimmy climbs up after Gunther, brings him to the top rope, and SUPER DUPER PLEXES!! Jimmy hurries right back up, and USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and Jimmy is shocked! Gunther goes outside, Jimmy leaps off the apron, into a CHOP! Gunther APRON BACK SUPLEXES Jimmy, then reels him in for a short arm LARIAT! The fans are torn while Gunther looms over Jimmy, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Gunther drags Jimmy by an arm. The fans rally while Gunther eggs Jimmy on. Gunther dares Jimmy to slap him, then winds up, but Jimmy blocks the shot! Jimmy SLAPS Gunther after all! And mule kicks! And UPPERCUTS! And SUPERKICKS! Jimmy dodge a lariat to GERMAN SUPLEX! And SUPERKICK! The fans fire up as Jimmy unloads his arsenal! Gunther is in a corner, Jimmy runs up, but into a SHOTGUN! Gunther hauls Jimmy up and reels him in! GUNTHER BOMB! Cover, but Gunther lets off?! Gunther shakes his head, because this is not enough! Gunther wants to send a message to Jey!
The fans chant “ONE MORE TIME! ONE MORE TIME!” as Gunther kicks Jimmy around. Jimmy rises, but Gunther BOOTS him! Jimmy staggers, into a LARIAT! Cover, but again Gunther lets off! The fans are torn as Gunther sadistically lets this continue. The fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” while Jimmy sputters. Gunther eggs Jimmy on, stalks him to the ropes, then CHOPS Jimmy on the back! SLEEPER!! Jimmy is caught, he is OUT! Gunther wins!
Winner: Gunther, by submission
Der Ring General shows how truly dangerous he is, and he puts the World Heavyweight Championship back around his waist. But then he decides he isn’t done! Gunther hauls Jimmy up and into the SLEEPER!! The fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and here comes Jey! Jey rushes the ring but Gunther lets Jimmy go, only for Jey to TACKLE him! The fans fire up as they brawl, and Gunther is retreating! Jey pursues, he throws hands, but Gunther shoves Jey away! Gunther runs away into the crowd and the fans boo. Jey dares Gunther to finish what he started, but Der Ring General is going to make him wait. Will Gunther regret all of this once WrestleMania arrives?
Raw returns and…
Jey helps Jimmy to the back, but then Gunther CLOBBERS THEM BOTH! Der Ring General then THROWS Jey into steel steps! Gunther pushes the steps apart, then he hauls Jey up. Gunther CHOPS, referees and producers and security all rush out here, and they stop Gunther from hitting Jey off the steps. So Gunther takes a guard and POWERBOMBS him on the steps!! And he BOOTS another guard! Then he POSTS Jey! The fans boo but Gunther grabs a zip tie off the security guard?! Gunther straps Jey’s wrist into one, then CLAWS Jey’s face! The fans boo but Gunther ties Jey to the bottom rope!
Jey tries to fight free but he’s stuck as Gunther drags Jimmy up! Gunther whips Jimmy hard into barriers! The fans boo and Jey swipes at Gunther, but he can’t reach him! Gunther kicks Jey, then slides into the ring. Jey tries to get Gunther even now, but Gunther taunts him with the world title. Gunther soaks up the heat, even as Jey pulls at the zip tie as hard as he can! Gunther says this is as close as Jey will ever get! Jey is not on Gunther’s level! He is not a superstar! The fans boo, Gunther taunts Jey more, but Jimmy’s back up! Gunther BLASTS Jimmy with the belt! The fans boo and Gunther continues to taunt Jey.
Jey is furious, but the zip tie is tough. Jimmy flounders back up?! Gunther sets the belt down and lets Jimmy get in the ring. Jimmy is busted open from taking that belt to his forehead! Jey tells Jimmy to get away but Gunther drags Jimmy up! GUNTHER BOMB!! Jey is enraged but he can’t get free! Gunther rains down fists on Jimmy, painting himself with Jimmy’s blood! Gunther even tastes the blood, and the fans tell Gunther he’s sick! Gunther shoves Jimmy towards Jey so Jey can grab Jimmy’s hand, but then Gunther sits Jimmy up for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! And the SLEEPER! Jey is enraged but there’s nothing he can do!
Refs and producers get in the ring, they tell Gunther to stop, but Gunther just keeps taunting Jey! Gunther lets Jimmy go, and he’s covered in blood like a damn psychopath! Pearce is finally here and he asks what the Hell is wrong with Gunther! Gunther raises the belt and soaks up the heat, will Jey make him pay in spades?
The Judgment Day talks backstage.
Finn Balor checks with Dominik Mysterio, how many chicken tendies did he have? A lot. But sadly, no ranch! Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez walk in, and Liv sees the boys buried the hatchet. Finn says of course they did! Everyone knows that brothers fight, but they always make up. Dom says they always have each other’s backs. And now that the funny business about a new member is behind them, they’ll focus on what’s important: bringing gold back to the clubhouse! And that starts with showing Bron Breakker & Penta that the Judgment Day are a well-oiled machine. Everyone likes that!
Finn then tells Raquel, hard luck on that loss to Lyra. But don’t worry, Finn will bring home the Intercontinental Championship. Sure he will. Finn & Dom head out, Carlito nods, but Raquel looks at him. What is he still doing here? Go with them! Go! Right, right! Carlito heads out, and Raquel is annoyed. Liv says they just need to handle Bayley and Lyra. Will Judgment Day be truly golden again? Or will their fortunes only turn worse on the Road to WrestleMania?
Bron Breakker & PENTA VS Finn Balor & Dominik Mysterio w/ Carlito!
Well, speaking of the Badass and the Man with No Fear, it’s going to be a rather tricky team-up for these two when they only just battled over the Intercontinental Championship. But can they put their differences aside to destroy some common enemies? We find out, after the break!
Raw returns and Judgment Day makes their entrance together. The teams sort out and Dom starts against Penta. They circle, but then Finn snags Penta’s shirt! Dom fires off on Penta in the distraction! The fans boo, the ref counts, but Dom stops at 4. Finn soaks up the heat while Dom whips Penta to ropes. Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Tag to Bron and the fans bark as Bron CLOBBERS Dom! Bron snarls at Finn, stands Dom up and military presses for a SLAM! Bron then scoops Dom, but Dom slips free! Tag to Finn, but Bron catches Finn by the neck! Finn fires a body shot, but Bron headlocks. Finn powers up and out, drops down, then leaps, into a POWERSLAM!
The fans bark with Bron again, and he runs up to ELBOW Finn in the corner! Tag to Penta, and Penta GAMANGIRIS! Penta sits Finn down, headstands on the corner, and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up, Dom runs up, and Penta scoops to BACKBREAKER! Bron steps in and he LARIATS Dom up and out! Penta builds speed and he FLIES! Down go Finn & Dom and the fans fire up while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Finn RAMS Penta into the corner again and again. Tag to Dom, Dom RAMS into Penta again and again, then Dom snapmares Penta. Tag to Finn and he slingshot STOMPS! Finn tags back to Dom, and Dom slingshot SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Penta stays in this but Dom stays on him. The fans rally up as Dom reels Penta in, and snap suplexes! That’s Uno Amigo, and then Dom hits Dos Amigos! The fans boo as Dom gives some Latino Heat, but Penta slips free! Dom kicks Penta, whips, but Penta goes up and over to BACKSTABBER! Both men are down and the fans fire up! The fans bark as Penta crawls, hot tags to Finn and Bron!
Bron CLOBBERS Finn, DECKS him, then DECKS Dom! Bron clinches Finn for an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! BELLY2BELLY for Dom! Finn kicks low, reels Bron in, but Bron fights the suplex! Dom helps out, but Bron still fights it! Bron DOUBLE SUPLEXES Dom and Finn! The fans are thunderous as Bron brings down the straps! Bron has Finnin a fireman’s carry, but Finn CLAWS eyes! Finn runs, but Bron dodges and builds speed! LARIAT! The fans fire up again, and Bron tags Penta. Bron says go up, so Penta climbs. Bron stands Finn up, Electric Chair Lifts, and we get a SUPER SLING-DOG! Cover, Dom breaks it!
The fans boo but Bron has Dom! Bron TOSSES Dom out, Penta aims at Finn. Finn stands into a SUPERKICK !Penta then goes up the corner, the fans sing, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~! CERO~ MIEDO~!” Carlito distracts the ref as Dom anchors Penta’s foot! Bron DECKS Carlito, Penta ROCKS Dom! “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta leaps, but Dom helps stop the Destroyer! Dom sees Finn, runs up, but Dom shoves Penta into the SPEAR!! Bron is upset, but then Finn TOSSES Bron out! Dom WRECKS Bron with a dropkick! Finn goes up, and he gives Penta the COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!
Winners: Finn Balor & Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall
The numbers game pays off once again, and Judgment Day just gave Penta the first loss on his WWE record! Will Judgment Day finally stay on the same page and have all the success in the world?
Adam Pearce talks with Chad Gable.
Gable admits, Pearce did a great job signing El Grande Americano. Did you see that last week? Gable wouldn’t mind getting into the ring with that guy some day. Pearce says the LWO would like that, too, but apparently, Gable still isn’t well enough to compete? Uh… Gable coughs on cue, and has another doctor’s note. Of course… That’s a shame, though, because next week, Raw returns to Minneapolis. Wait, Gable’s hometown? Well, he’ll be good by then! Give him a match! He’ll compete! Pearce says that while he appreciates that, the doctor’s note kinda ties his hands. Gable says by the time he’s back on American soil, he’ll be fine. Gable knows how to get healthy.
Pearce says no, nothing is more important than Gable’s health. Beside, Pearce is already making arrangements. Who better to compete on American soil than El Grande Americano? Gable says no, that’s HIS hometown! But it is official. Doctor’s orders, Gable. Gable frowns, turns to go, but runs into the Alpha Academy. Gable says, “Clowns. Idiot.” He leaves, Pearce apologizes for that, but Maxxine Dupri hopes Pearce has time to talk the tag team division. He is always happy to talk about Otis & Tozawa. Maxxine says it’s not just them, but also she wants to discuss her opportunities. Maxxine has been talking with Natalya lately, and they’ve got some ideas.
Pearce says in that case, let’s all get together and talk. Maxxine appreciates that! What could we be getting for The Alpha Babes & The Queen of Harts?
AJ Styles is here!
London cheers the Phenomenal One, and he goes right to the ring to get the mic. The fans cheer Styles on more, and Styles says he has been waiting in the back patiently. Logan Paul said he was gonna call Styles out, but Styles is tired of waiting. If Logan has something to say, come out and say it right now. Logan makes his entrance, and the fans boo the Maverick. Logan grins as he swaggers out here in sleeveless hoodie, drinks some Prime, then rips up a fan’s sign mocking Prime. London taunts Logan with “Who Are Ya? Who Are Ya?” Logan grabs a mic to say he hears them. Styles, bud, you wouldn’t understand. And neither would the fans.
No one here has the same fame as Logan Paul. As a global phenomenon who is incredibly wealthy, and also really good looking, everyone here is on his time. Styles enjoys the fans booing Logan, but Logan says he is making them wait. They do as they’re told because they’re all sheep. But Styles, don’t get your shiny panties in a bunch. Logan had a change of heart, brother. Fans tell Logan to S T F U! Logan says that’s a shame, he came out here to be nice. But Styles, Logan had a change of heart. He is a dad now! He’s trying to teach his daughter the art of forgiveness, so please. No, you’ll all like this, so please.
Logan takes off his sunglasses and forgives Styles for what Styles did at Madison Square Garden. But Logan doesn’t forget, so don’t try that again. The fans still taunt Logan, Logan says they know who he is, and it’s why they’re here. Styles says okay, he feels that. He has a daughter, too. So y’know what? Styles forgives Logan, too. The fans cheer Styles, and Logan asks what Styles has to forgive him for. Styles wants us all to hear him out. Styles forgives Logan Paul for being the biggest douchebag to ever step foot in the WWE. The fans cheer that! Styles says Logan brags about his success and his money, but the fans don’t care about that!
The fans care about what Logan is willing to sacrifice in this ring for them! Logan has all the talent in the world, Styles gives him that. But in this business, talent only gets you so far. So the question is: What’s Logan gonna do with it? Logan says okay, that’s true. He’d ask Styles for advice, but the saying goes, “Don’t take advice from someone you wouldn’t want to trade places with.” Styles says that’s a good one. Another saying goes, “Don’t let your mouth write a check your ass can’t cash!” Logan asks if that’s a threat. Styles says no, it’s Monday Night Raw! And they’re in London, England! Styles has his gear, he’s right here in the ring. What does Logan think?
Logan thinks Styles is just saying stuff that’s true. Logan is done talking! Styles knows it, London know sit, Logan doesn’t fight for free, and London cannot afford him! Everyone here is poor, congrats! That guy, this guy, and this guy probably spent his entire life’s savings just to get front row. Congrats, you peaked. How about this? Call a spade a spade, Styles must want the big money match. So how about setting his sights a little higher? Logan pionts tot he Mania sign, then takes a cheap shot! Styles blocks it to fire off on Logan! The fans fire up, and Styles brings Logan around, only for Logan to get away!
Logan bails out, but Styles pursues! Styles dodges a lariat to SMACK Logan off the desk! Styles says this is Bullet Club Styles tonight! Styles steps in, but Logan YANKS the ropes to jam him up! The fans boo while Styles writhes. Logan dares Styles to get up, and then he reels Styles in! PAUL-VERIZER!! The fans boo but Logan just soaks it up. Will Logan be even more ImPAULsive should they go to Vegas?
Backstage interview with Lyra Valkyria.
Jackie Redmond is with the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, and congratulates her on the successful defense against Raquel last week. Now, WrestleMania is less than three weeks away, what is Lyra’s focus now? Lyra thanks Bayley for last week for having her back against Liv & Raquel. But when it comes to the title, Lyra wants to make it clear, she can stand on her own two feet. Bayley is the one person who has beaten Lyra since Lyra won the title, and it drives Lyra a little crazy. So not only does Lyra have to keep her promise to Bayley, but she has to prove she can and will beat her.
Next week, it will be the rematch! Lyra VS Bayley for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship! Jackie likes the breaking news! Lyra said she’d be a fighting champion, she is living up to the reputation. But will The Morrigan hold onto the Shiny Shiny after taking on The Role Model?
Bianca Belair heads to the ring!
Tonight, the #1 contender to the WWE Women’s World Championship is the Special GuEST Referee! But will she be the fairEST referee? Or will she let emotions get the better of her when calling this main event?
Judgment Day regroups backstage.
Liv & Raquel are so proud of Dom & Finn for winning out there. Finn says he pinned Penta 1-2-3! And not only that, this is the second week in a row that he got the better of Bron Breakker! It is WrestleMania season, Finn’s on a roll, and he’ll go talk with Pearce about getting another title match. Great work, Dom! Finn is back! Finn hurries off, but then Liv frowns at Dom. Did Finn just say that? Did Finn just say he won, not they won? Dom says that’s not what he meant, but Liv says Dom worked just as hard as Finn to get that win. Finn thinks he deserves another title match when he had one and lost already?
Liv says Dom never lost. And she is going to talk with Pearce as soon as Finn is done! Liv heads out, Dom and Carlito don’t understand why this is happening. But who will get their shot at the title as we draw closer to WrestleMania?
WWE Women’s World Championship, Special Guest Referee Bianca Belair: Iyo Sky VS Rhea Ripley!
The Evil Genius got this title thanks in part to Bianca distracting Mami, and Mami’s been trying to get back on top ever since! Will Rhea win her rematch in part thanks to Bianca? Or will Iyo always have Rhea’s number?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised by Bianca, and we see how WrestleMania’s title match shakes out!
The bell rings and the fans sing for “IYO! IYO SKY~!” Rhea and Iyo circle, tie up, and they go around. Iyo headlocks, they go around some more, and Rhea puts Iyo on ropes. Bianca calls the break, counts, but no one listens so she has to get in there herself. The fans rally, the two tie up and then throw hands! Rhea waistlocks and she THROWS Iyo to a corner! Rhea RAMS into Iyo again and again, Bianca counts, but she again has to get Rhea to stop. Bianca reminds Rhea, she’s the ref so they have to listen. Iyo leap son Rhea for a facelock, and she rains down fists! Rhea and Iyo scrap in the corner, the fans duel, and Bianca counts.
Iyo doesn’t listen, so Bianca brings her back. Bianca reminds Iyo that Bianca is the ref. Rhea returns, Iyo headlocks, but Rhea powers up and out. Rhea then blows past Iyo, rolls, but Iyo steps over the takedown to a cover! TWO, Rhea has it, ONE! Iyo has it! ONE, Rhea has it! ONE and Iyo has it! TWO, and Iyo jackknife bridges! ONE, Rhea sunsets, ONE! The two scramble to their feet, the fans cheer, and Iyo runs to handspring! Rhea gets clear but Iyo SHOTGUNS! Iyo kips up, but Rhea LARIATS! Both women are down and the fans fire up while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Rhea covers, TWO! Rhea argues the count with Bianca but Bianca says her count is fair. Rhea is annoyed but she drags Iyo back up. Iyo JAWBREAKERS back, then SHOTEIS! And SHOTEIS! Iyo runs to SHOTGUN Rhea down! The fans rally and duel as Iyo whips Rhea to a corner. Rhea reverses, Bianca has to hurry out of the way. Iyo goes outside, GAMANGIRIS, then goes up top! MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Rhea flops out of the ring and Iyo kips up! Iyo builds speed, and she DIVES! Down goes Rhea and the fans fire up again! Iyo hurries back into the ring, but refreshes the count.
The fans cheer as Iyo says let’s go again! But Rhea Electric Chair Lifts Iyo to SLAM her off the apron! Bianca counts, but Iyo POISON-RANAS in return! Rhea and Iyo are both down, Bianca keeps counting, and we’re past 5 of 10! Rhea hears 8, Iyo and Rhea both spring in at 9.5! The fans fire up as this continues, and Bianca watches both women closely. Rhea and Iyo fire forearms, the fans fire up again, and the shots go back and forth! Iyo seems to have the edge with the fans, and she blocks a shot to fire a flurry! Iyo then KICKS a leg out, winds up, but Rhea ducks the buzzsaw! Rhea waistlocks, Iyo victory rolls, STOMP 182!
The fans fire up and Iyo hurries to the corner. Iyo steps on Rhea as she goes up, up, and- NO, Rhea CLUBS Iyo first! Rhea climbs up, Electric Chair Lifts again, but Iyo fires fists! SUPER- NO, Rhea stops the Rana, fireman’s carries Iyo, but Iyo makes it a SUPER CRUCIFIX DRIVER!! The fans are thunderous as Iyo crawls to the cover, TWO!! Rhea survives and “This is Awesome!” Rhea flounders to a corner, Iyo goes to the other. Iyo runs in, SHINKANSEN! Iyo puts Rhea back in the drop zone, then goes up, up, and- NO, Rhea shoves Iyo tot he apron! Rhea drags Iyo up, but Iyo HOTSHOTS back! Iyo then climbs, CROSSBODY into a HEADBUTT!? Cover, TWO!!
Rhea is beside herself as Iyo survives that antiair! The fans rally and duel while Rhea talks trash on Iyo. Rhea wobbles, drags Iyo up, and then Rhea pump handles. RIP- DD- NO!! Rhea counters the counter to suplex! But Iyo slips around, only for Rhea to pop her around, RAZOR’S EDGE!! And a PENALTY KICK!! Cover, TWO!!! Iyo survives that double shot and Rhea is freaking out! Bianca swears her count was fair, and Rhea is pulling at her hair in frustration. Rhea drags Iyo up, pump handles again, RIP- NO, Iyo slips out to body scissor and JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH! TWO!! Now Iyo is the one shocked!
Iyo hurries to wheelbarrow, but Rhea stops that! Rhea lifts, but Iyo switches! Rhea switches, Iyo switches, but Rhea ELBOWS Iyo away! Iyo staggers into Bianca, Rhea runs up, but Iyo dodges! The BOOT hits Bianca!! Bianca falls out of the ring, Iyo rolls Rhea, but Rhea rolls through! EDDY GORDO KICK! RIPTIDE!!! Cover, but there’s no one to count! Rhea would’ve won twice over but she realizes what happened! Bianca sputters and stands back up, and Bianca is upset with Rhea. Rhea’s upset that Bianca didn’t position herself better. Rhea tells Bianca to get back in to do her job, and Rhea covers. Bianca counts, TWO!?!?
Iyo survives and Rhea is again beside herself! Bianca still checks her chin while defending her count. Rhea is pissed with Bianca, they argue about this and that, but Bianca pushes Rhea’s accusing hands away. Iyo storms up, but Rhea trips her! Rhea rains down fists, they’re in the ropes, Bianca counts! Bianca pulls Rhea back, but Rhea is furious! Rhea ROCKS Bianca! The fans are torn and Rhea realizes she shouldn’t have done that. Rhea turns around, Iyo is up top! MISSILE DROPKICK, but Rhea moves! Bianca takes the hit again! Bianca is completely wiped out, Rhea CLOBBERS Iyo! Rhea drags Iyo up again but Bianca says screw it, she’s done!
Double Disqualification; Iyo retains the title
Rhea is furious, and she bites the rope in her anger! Rhea goes after Bianca now, and she fires hands! They both brawl, the fans are thunderous again, but now Iyo ASAI MOONSAULTS! Down goes BOTH Bianca & Rhea! Iyo is just as pissed and she puts Rhea in the ring! The fans cheer Iyo on, but here comes Bianca! Bianca DECKS Iyo, rains fists down on her, but now Rhea is back! HEADBUTT for Bianca! Pump handle and RIPTIDE!! Then Rhea drags Iyo up, and gives her a RIPTIDE!! The fans fire up as Mami IS on top, title or not! Fans want all that “ONE MORE TIME!” so Rhea obliges! Rhea drags Bianca by her braid to bring her to a corner!
Rhea drags Bianca up top, pump handles, and SUPER RIPTIDE!!! Rhea tells both Bianca and Iyo that this is far from over! Rhea holds up the title as she stands over both of them, but will she really be denied her WrestleMania Moment?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here, especially to close out the Euro Tour. Cena and Cody gave us another awesome promo, the first one that actually had a back and forth, not just Cena’s part then Cody’s part. They both really got some strong digs into each other, hard to say who won the war of words, but Cody stood tall tonight as Cena did deserve some comeuppance from Elimination Chamber. But at the same time, this could be an indication that Cena is winning at WrestleMania, but two weeks out is a little early for go-home math.
Great stuff bringing New Catch Republic back for London, but I had a feeling New Day would win no matter what. Erik & Ivar showing up to confront New Day was good stuff, and that’s gotta be the Mania match. At the same time, Maxxine Dupri surely wants Pearce to consider Otis & Tozawa as potential contenders. Mania has been crafting Triple Threats and perhaps even some Fatal 4 Ways, so it wouldn’t be surprising if War Raiders VS New Day also had Alpha Academy or some other team adding to the mix.
Speaking of, there’s been word that the Men’s Intercontinental Championship will be a Fatal 4, and we certainly got that teased with the Judgment Day. Good promos from Judgment Day to keep that passive aggressive dysfunction going. Very good tag match from Finn & Dom VS Bron & Penta, and the usual tactics of course helped Judgment Day win. Finn wants his shot, Liv wants Dom to get his shot, and surely Penta will be owed something for how Judgment Day’s been doing stuff, so there is the Fatal 4, easy as that.
Great bit with Gable and Pearce where Gable is going to miss out on wrestling in his hometown, but El Grande Americano gets his chance, and brings into question if Gable will start to flip things so that El Grande is “sick” but Gable is just fine. Great stuff with Gunther and the Usos. Good match, and Gunther attacking the Usos from behind was also a good touch. I won’t say that beating makes up for the bad pacing of this build, but Jey watching Jimmy just bloodied and battered, that was still some strong stuff. This finally gets Gunther VS Jey in gear, but there’s still two more Mondays to hopefully keep this up, not drop the ball again.
Good promo segment from Styles and Logan, maybe just a little thrown off by how fired up the fans were to cheer Styles and boo Logan, but they got their points across. Logan self-righteously apologizing, Styles backhandedly apologizing, and they brawl to where Logan uses a cheap tactic to get the advantage, there’s our Mania match. And similarly, great main event for the Women’s World Championship. Bianca did a very good job playing up how she doesn’t know how to be a referee, it’s what made that first “accidental” strike believable. Then you add on the tension we’ve seen the last few weeks, it just works that Bianca would make this a draw, only for Rhea to stand tall anyway. At this point, Pearce is just stuck because Bianca and Iyo will each want payback on Rhea, Triple Threat is made.
My Score: 8.9/10
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