Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/25/21)
An epic rematch on a Tuesday!
NXT revisits TakeOver: Stand & Deliver’s top title bout!
The Prince wants his throne back, but that means taking on Doomsday a second time around! Will Karrion Kross make history repeat itself and defeat Finn Balor once and for all?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon VS Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai; Blackheart & Moon win.
- Bobby Fish VS Pete Dunne w/ Oney Lorcan; Dunne wins.
- Mercedes Martinez VS VS Zayda Ramier; Martinez wins.
- Franky Monet VS Cora Jade; Monet wins.
- NXT Championship: Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux VS Finn Balor; Kross wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon VS Raquel Gonzalez & Dakota Kai!
It’s a rematch of the first two teams to hold the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships! Will the wild child and Shenom #TCB and head after The Way? Or will Ricky Desperado & #CobraKai look to make up for their one-night-only reign?
The teams sort out and Raquel starts with Shotzi. The two approach, Shotzi gets around and hops on to be a sleeper hold backpack, but Raquel throws her off! Shotzi avoids the stomp but can’t drag Raquel down! Raquel shoves Shotzi down with one hand, then scoops her. Shotzi slips out and leaps, but no code breaker as Raquel shoves Shotzi away again! Ember tags in and she gets around to sunset flip! Raquel stays up, drags Ember up but Ember bobs ‘n’ weaves! Ember runs, leaps but into Raquel’s arms! Raquel pops Ember to a whip but Ember uses that to RANA! Cover, ONE!! Ember hurries to Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Schoolgirl, TWO!!
Ember says it was that close, but Raquel is pissed! It becomes a cat ‘n ‘mouse game, Ember turns it around and leaps but Raquel catches her again! Dakota tags in, Raquel SLAMS Ember, then Raquel gives Dakota a boost for the DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Dakota keeps Ember from Shotzi, tags Raquel back in and Raquel stomps a mudhole. Raquel whips Ember to an open corner, tags Dakota, but Ember avoids the boot wash! Dakota is stuck, hot tag to Shotzi! Shotzi arm-drags Dakota around, runs but Dakota dodges. Shotzi goes up and over and clotheslines to roll Dakota for a SLING-DOG!
Fans fire up as Shotzi runs, and welcomes Dakota to the BALLPIT! Cover, TWO! Shotzi keeps her cool, drags Dakota away and tags in Ember. They whip, trip and elbow drop on Dakota! Ember hits a STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ember tags Shotzi back in, they wrench Dakota to whip her to a corner. Shotzi runs in but blocks boots! Figure four SLAM, then a CLOVERLEAF! Shotzi bends Dakota back but Dakota endures! Fans rally, Dakota reaches, and Raquel helps her get to the ropes! The ref reprimands but Dakota is free, and tags to Raquel! Raquel drops elbow after elbow on Shotzi, then powers her to a cover, TWO! Shotzi gets to ropes while Raquel seethes, and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES take down Dakota and Shotzi! Fans fire up, both women crawl, hot tags to Raquel and Ember! Ember dropkicks Raquel! And again! Raquel staggers, Ember JABS and JABS, then pops, locks, says eat it and DECKS Raquel with a rolling elbow! Ember runs to handstand KNEE DROP into Raquel! Raquel is in a corner, Ember runs but Raquel dodges. Ember goes up, FLYING CODE BREAKER! Fans fire up, but Dakota swipes at Ember to keep her from climbing a corner! Ember glares at Dakota, but turns around into Raquel’s BOOT! Raquel tags Dakota, they get Ember up, ASSISTED GO TO KICK! Cover, Shotzi breaks it with a senton!
Shotzi BOOTS Raquel down, then goes back to her corner! Dakota anchors Ember as she crawls, but Ember BOOTS Dakota away! Tag to Shotzi! Shotzi rallies on Dakota with clotheslines and an ENZIGURI! Dakota staggers into a KNEE, then the ROLLING ELBOW! QUESTION MARK KICK! Shotzi reels Dakota in for a fireman’s carry to a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Dakota survives but Shotzi drags Dakota away. Shotzi whips her to a corner, tags in Ember, and Ember gets Dakota up in an Electric Chair! Raquel saves Dakota but Shotzi CROSSBODIES Raquel! Dakota SCORPION KICKS Shotzi, but jumps into Ember’s QUEEN ANGELITO! Raquel drags Ember off to CLUB her down!
Raquel drags Ember back up, has the leg, DESPERADO- STUNNER!! Ember got free of the bomb, and she goes after Dakota! Shotzi joins in, CLIFFHANGER CUTTER!! Cover, Ember & Shotzi win!!
Winners: Shotzi Blackheart & Ember Moon, by pinfall
The first time wasn’t just a fluke, this is why they were the tag team champions! But then Raquel COBBERS Ember, and BOOTS Shotzi! Raquel is still THE NXT Women’s Champion, and she tells Dakota to make Ember watch! Raquel gets Shotzi up for a PLEXIGLAS BOMB, that then becomes a POST BOMB, and then back to the boards! Raquel tells Ember she’s next, after this GORILLA PRESS BARRIER SNAKE EYES!! Big Mami Cool says it doesn’t matter, those tag titles are still coming home to her and Dakota! Will Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell make sure they stay far away from Raquel & Dakota?
Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher speak.
“Take two steps forward, one step back. Such is life.” But the second they called out MSK, they made a mistake of putting the cart before the horse. “Enter GYV. Clearly, they had different plants for us. A certain grudge. And that’s okay. Because the final destination has many paths.” And now their path runs straight through the Grizzled Young Veterans! So while GYV won round one, Ciampa & Thatcher won round two. And there will be a round three. Ciampa storms off and Thatcher smiles before throwing his chair. “I am gonna enjoy breaking your limbs!!” Will Old Man Ciampa and Toothless Timmy make Liverpool’s Number One and Mr. Mayhem into number two?
Bobby Fish VS Pete Dunne w/ Oney Lorcan!
The Infamous One is finally back in action! But while he and Kyle O’Reilly are still good, this is something he has to do alone. Will Fish’s thirst for vengeance be quenched? Or will the Bruiserweight break him apart all over again?
The bell rings and Dunne ducks a kick but not the elbow! Dunne flounders and Fish KNEES him in the corner! But Dunne wrenches an arm, only for Fish to break free and KICK the legs out! And KICK Dunne down! Fish taunts Dunne while throwing body shots and knees! Dunne is in the ropes, the ref counts and Fish lets off at 4, but Dunne DECKS Fish with a sucker punch! Dunne snarls, drags Fish up for a neck wrench, and fish hooks Fish’s face before raining down rights! Fish gets away, Dunne gets his legs, and twists the ankle in a standing toehold! Fish fights, Dunne drops down to tie up legs, but Fish hooks Dunne!
Dunne pries free, gets a mount and throws hammering hands! Fans rally and duel as Dunne stomps Fish! Fish mule kicks but Dunne KICKS the leg! Dunne wrenches an arm, snapmares Fish then hooks the arm to JAM it! Fish crawls, Dunne gets him for a headlock and takeover. Dunne traps an arm, cranks the headlock, but Fish fights up. Fish powers out but Dunne puts him in a corner! Fish back elbows, BOOTS Dunn’s arm, but Dunn cravats to another snapmare! Dunne tries a chinlock but Fish slips through to get a Fujiwara! Dunne rolls, gets up, but Fish stays clamped onto the arm! Dunne endures and fights up as Fish has the shoulder.
Dunne throws forearms but Fish holds on tight! Fans still rally and duel, Dunne whips but Fish reverses to wrench, hammerlock, and HOTSHOT the arm! Fish KICKS the arm, ROCKS Dunne with a right, then BOOTS him out of the ring! Oney is in a bit of shock as Dunne writhes and NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Dunne tortures Fish by bending him back in a modified Half Crab! Fish powers up but Dunne shifts to get both legs and hook them up. Dunne SLAPS Fish on the back of his head and shoulders then rains down fists! Fish powers out of the leg hooks but Dunne is after his arm! Dunne kicks Fish in the face but that only fires Fish up! Fish eggs Dunne on, Dunne kicks more, and Fish RAMS Dunne into a corner Fish fires off on the legs then DRAGON SCREWS! Fans fire up for Fish as he gets legs, but Dunne BOOTS him away! Dunne hobbles up but runs into a SPINEBUSTER! Fish rains down knees and hands, then drags Dunne back up. Fish has a sleeper!
Dunne endures, reaches around and finds fingers! Dunne bends the fingers back, wrenches Fish to put the arm on the mat, and DROPS KNEES on the bad arm!! Fish writhes and rolls out of the ring, and Oney gives Fish space. Dunne goes out, but runs into a back drop! Fish grits his teeth, runs at Dunne and KNEES him into the barriers! Dunne staggers into the ring, Fish follows but Dunne ENZIGURIS! Fish drops to his knees, Dunne gets him up and has body scissors! Dunne wants to get the bad arm in a Kimura, but Fish EXPLODERS free! Dunne hits ropes, is down, and Fish covers, TWO!! Dunne survives and clutches his head now, but he’s alright to continue.
Fish gets Dunn up but Dunne clinches back. Dunne throws knees, Fish gives knees in return! They both give knee back and forth, but Fish gets the edge! Fish backs Dunne into a corner with knee after knee! The ref counts, Fish lets off and Dunne falls in a heap! Fish walks into a trap! SNAP GERMAN! STOMPS to the hands! BUZZSAW! Fans fire up as Fish gets up, but he ducks Dunne’s kick to JUMPING KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Dunne survives but Fish keeps his cool. Fish crawls after Dunne but Dunne drags him into an ARMBAR! Fish clasps hands but Dunne bends the fingers and SNAPS them!! Fish rolls back to pop free and CLUB away on Dunne!
Fish gets Dunne’s arm for a mounted Fujiwara! Fish bends it as far as he can but Dunne rolls through, pump handles, BITTER END!! Cover, Dunne wins!
Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall
Oney raises Dunne’s hand in victory as Dunne snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! And then Oney rains down fists on Fish! The ref backs Oney off but Oney gets Fish up to RAM him into the corner! Oney drags Fish to the corner and puts the bad arm through the apron skirt’s strap! “We’re going to put you on the shelf again, Fish!” Oney stands on Fish’s bad arm to bend it back! Dunne chuckles as Fish suffers! More refs rush out to stop this, and Dunne shrugs. Oney PUNTS Fish’s bad arm!! Oney and Dunne leave while Fish roars in pain! Is Fish already going to be back on the sideline? Or will he not stop until he has satisfaction?
Mercedes Martinez speaks.
“Raquel? I took her to her limit. Did I win? Nah. Did I learn from it? Hell yeah, I did. Tonight, it starts. Night one on the road back to the title!” But wait, is Boa lurking just behind her? What does Tian Sha want with Mean Ms. Martinez?
NXT hears from Hit Row.
B-Fab says, “Last week… No, every week, we’ve been putting people on notice, and they’ve been mad.” Top Dolla says they need a big bag, and the boys say, “And that’s big facts.” Thankfully, NXT is the land of opportunity. Facts. They’ve been shining, like a light switch, and now they need the gold. Tick-tock, tick-tock. All eyes are on the main event, but Swerve wants us to listen quick: He can’t wait to cross Karrion, or Finn, off his hitlist. And as for MSK and Legado, Hit Row has both of them covered! Slap L’s on their heads like they Mario’s brother! And Adonis sees Kushida, the so-called Time Splitter. Adonis might just split his wig! Hit him so hard, knock him back to the future!
Time’s almost up, and fools like them and Reed thinking Hit Row’s just here to sing songs. Bronson’s colossal, but what’s Godzilla to King Kong? NOT NADA! Talk to ’em, B! This is Hit~ Row~! And if you didn’t know, now you know! Will this fearsome foursome look to top the charts in all of the divisions?
Mercedes Martinez VS Zayda Ramier!
She said it herself, she’s back on the road to a title opportunity! But will she hit a road bump against the young star who’s already gotten some major upsets?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally as the two tie up. Mercedes waistlocks and SLAMS Zayda, drops down onto a facelock, and then floats to slap Zayda around. Mercedes has the facelock again, then drags Zayda up. Zayda arm-drags free, dropkicks Mercedes to a corner, and hits a corner uppercut! Mercedes blocks the whip, but Zayda ROCKS her! Zayda whips, Mercedes reverses but Zayda goes up and over! Zayda swings but into a lift! Zayda fights free and fights back, but Mercedes ducks the heel kick, only for the ENZIGURI to hit! Cover, ONE!! Mercedes gets up and pushes Zayda to then DECK her with a forearm!
Mercedes gets mad, drags Zayda up and hits a butterfly suplex! Mercedes holds on, gets Zayda up and hits another butterfly suplex! Mercedes then elevates Zayda for the third! Cover, TWO! Mercedes keeps cool as she clamps onto Zayda’s arm. Mercedes gets a dragon sleeper, but Zayda fights up and goes up and around to roll Mercedes up! TWO, and Mercedes hits a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO!! Zayda survives but Mercedes drags Zayda up to whip. Zayda ducks and dodges to hop up and RANA! A little rough, but Zayda shifts to a sleeper hold! Mercedes fights up to her feet and RAMS Zayda into buckles! Mercedes throws some back elbows, then hoists Zayda up top.
Mercedes ROCKS Zayda, climbs up, but Zayda shoves her away. Mercedes ROCKS Zayda then TOSSES her off the top! RUNNING KNEE! Mercedes isn’t done, she gets Zayda up to a fireman’s carry for the AIR RAID CRASH! Mercedes wins!
Winner: Mercedes Martinez, by pinfall
Zayda put up a fight but it wasn’t enough to derail Mercedes! But wait, the lights go out! And when they come back up, everything’s red, and there’s smoke everywhere, and Mercedes looks to the titantron to see Tian Sha! The Dragon Lady of NXT has marked Mercedes as her prey! Then the lights go back to normal, but Mercedes sees the black paint on her hand! What does Tian Sha have planned for Mercedes’ future?
Toni Storm talks with Ted DeBiase!
The Million Dollar Man likes the Lightning From Down Under’s style, and then heads out. The Robert Stone Brand tries to schmooze with him, but he just throws money in their face. Better than nothing! DeBiase laughs while Stone still tries to talk to him. The Million Dollar Face-Off happens after the break!
Cameron Grimes heads to the ring!
The Carolina Cash Money Caveman is first out for this Million Dollar Face-Off, but before he can introduce the concept, here comes DeBiase! Grimes is not amused, but DeBiase has the fans on his side. Grimes is sure we all want to know, “Why, man?” Grimes seriously wants to know why. Grimes wasn’t always rich, live this lavish lifestyle and have all this stuff. He starts flaunting it a bit and DeBiase shows up to show him up. DeBiase may not see this, but Grimes looks up to him. Grimes saw that because of DeBiase, money can help you treat people terribly and they’d still like him! Grimes could make kids dribble a basketball and he’d kick it away and the people would still like him!
But maybe it’s true what they say: Never meet your idols. DeBiase says he likes Grimes, he really does. They have more in common than Grimes knows. Would you consider the fact that DeBiase put him through all that hell because he sees a bit of himself in Grimes? And another thing: Why is DeBiase back? He’s here because he is looking for that one person, whoever it might be, that embodies everything the Millions Dollar Legacy stands for! It isn’t all about the money or about humiliating people. It’s also about performing in the ring. That’s right! DeBiase will tell Grimes that he’s got “it!” But here’s another thing: Since Grimes got rich, he’s lost his focus.
But wait! Here comes LA Knight! What does he want with DeBiase and Grimes? LA Knight soaks up the heat and then says, “Let me talk to ya!” Ted, Knight hears about the “legacy” and sees himself a million dollar opportunity! He’s searching and searching but Knight will take that burden off him. This is a man who does get a job done! This is a man who has the undeniable “it,” and this is a man who is a perpetual motion machine of badassery, YEAH. And not just someone who struck it lucky with virtual money, but is personified, walkin’, talkin’ gold! Grimes says Knight needs to stay out of this! This is a conversation of millionaires, not Mr. Nickel ‘n’ Dime!
DeBiase wants Grimes to hold on a moment. Let’s hear Knight out. Fans taunt Knight with “Nickel ‘n’ Dime!” but Knight says no one asked the incels. But Knight says Grimes is right, he’s not a millionaire. But with DeBiase by Knight’s side, they can put that last piece of the puzzle in! You could search high, low and everywhere in between but the answer is the same: Whose game is it? L A Knight! DeBiase knows who Knight is, and that he’s been around the world with a great deal of success. He could be a MEGA STAR here. He has a million dollar body, a million dollar mindset, but-
Grimes stops DeBiase right there! We get it, Knight’s got this, that, shoulders here, there and everywhere! He’s jacked, but he’s not Grimes! This was a Million Dollar Face-Off just between millionaires! So Grimes tells Knight right here and now, “You, get out of this ring, or I’m gonna kick your ass to… the… Moon.” Knight is taken aback but he kicks Grimes and hits the CRAVAT FACEBUSTER! Knight storms off while DeBiase stands over Grimes. “Kid, you’re just never gonna get it, are ya?” DeBiase laughs, but does this mean he’ll pass the torch on to Knight instead of Grimes? Can Grimes redeem himself before it’s too late?
Franky Monet finishes in the make-up department.
She heads out, leaving Preston the Pomeranian with his trusted puppysitter. Will Monet put her money where her mouth is and cash in big in her in-ring debut?
Backstage interview with Indi Hartwell.
Well, not exactly, as Indi is too busy looking for Dexter Lumis. Congratulations, blah blah blah, where is Dexter?! She interrupts Ever-Rise’s show! What show? She only cares about Dexter! What show?! This is Ever-Rise Live! It sounds like Indi’s got a problem! Does she want to take a swing?! No, she’s just- Drake Maverick walks in and says Indi’s been through enough. If she’s looking for Dexter, Drake last saw him in that room back there. Indi hurries to a darkened room, and calls out his name. The lights turn on, and there are many, many, many pictures, mostly about broken hearts and Indi rejecting Dexter. Indi feels awful for how she treated him, and hurries away! Does #InDex still have a chance?
Franky Monet VS Cora Jade!
Finally, after weeks of waiting and wondering, NXT is going to see Franky get in the ring and show what makes #LaWeraLoca big money! Will the debut be worth they hype?
The bell rings, Monet and Jade tie up and Monet puts Jade in a corner. Monet lets off, pats Jade on the shoulder, and they reset. They tie up again, and Monet throws Jade down by her hair! “Do you know who I am?! I am La Wera Loca!” Jade BOOTS Monet! Jade tries to scoop but Monet CLUBS her! Monet stomps Jade to a corner, then CHOPS her down! Monet pulls Jade’s hair and bumps her off buckles, to then go corner to corner for a BLINDSIDE METEORA! Side to side for the HIP ATTACK! Corner to corner again for another METEORA! Monet smiles as she looms over Jade and drags her up. Monet puts Jade against ropes and CHOPS her again!
Fans rally and duel, Monet whips and mule kicks! And KNEES, then LARIATS! Monet grins, drags Jade back up, and taunts Jade more. Jade ROCKS Monet with forearms in return! Jade fires up, whips, but Monet reverses and scoops! Jade tilt-o-whirls through for the RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Monet SPEARS Jade down! Monet is mad now and she gets Jade up for a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! “You wanna play, Cora?!” Monet drags Jade up, chicken wings, GLAM SLAM!! Cover, Monet wins!
Winner: Franky Monet, by pinfall
Beth Phoenix approves of Monet’s power and aggression, will #BougieBad be taking over NXT soon enough?
Grizzled Young Veterans speak.
Zack Gibson tells Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher, “Last week, when we cost you a victory, that was nothing personal. That was simply a receipt from some veterans not put you in your place.” James Drakes says before those two get carried away, GYV “didn’t travel halfway across the world for some petty rivalry with some chair throwing hooligans.” They’re here for the tag titles. They’re done with Ciampa & Thatcher, but they’re not done with MSK. The GYV will watch MSK defend those titles against Legado, because the fact remains the same: GYV are the leaders this tag division needs. Not Ciampa & Thatcher, not Legado, and definitely not MSK.
Gibson adds, “If MSK were wrestling at the Garden, I would close the curtains.” They are Grizzled Young Veterans, and they promise they are SSSSSOON to be recognized as the next NXT Tag Team Champions!
Imperium does not accept failure!
That is why Alexander Wolfe was purged from the group. His weakness has cost the faction for the last time. Going forward, they will continue to set things straight. It is on Barthel & Aichner to right the first wrong, and that was the loss to Breezango! Those two are showmen, but they are wrestlers! When you stand in that ring against them, they are restoring the honor of their beloved sport! Because the mat is SACRED! Will the Ring General’s orders be carried out?
Bronson Reed is here!
The Colossal and NEW NXT North American Champion is back to celebrate his victory inside the Steel Cage! Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” and he thanks them for saying that. “Fourteen years to get here. And it wasn’t an easy road to become the North American Champion. It wasn’t just fourteen years of climbing the mountain. It was fourteen years of falling and getting back up, and climbing the mountain, then falling and getting back up!” He had his doubters, he had the people telling him, “No.” But this win is proof is that you don’t need to take “no” for an answer! You work hard, grind it out, and you can become champion!
Now that Reed has this, good luck trying to take it from him! To anyone in the locker room that things they can get a shot, well, Reed had a big mountain to climb, but they have a Colossal one to climb! But here comes El Legado, led by Santos Escobar! Escobar “applauds” Reed and says bravo! Reed has some telenovela going on! Reed brought tears to his eyes. Escobar mockingly dabs his eyes with tissues. But he has to say, he can’t relate to anything Reed just said. Escobar was born a champion! And not just to belong in this business, but to OWN this business! After Reed’s victory, something caught Escobar’s eye. And it wasn’t the colossal mass in the ring. No, it was the title.
Escobar IS the Emperor of Lucha Libre! He runs the bingo, which is why he took the Cruiserweight Championship. But now he sees the North American Championship, he sees USA and Mexico! Oh wait, what about Canada? Canada doesn’t count, Wilde, we talked about this. But as Escobar was saying, that’s the North American Championship. That means it also belongs to Escobar! So realize now that this little party is over, mate. Escobar is going to do what he does best, and that is take what’s his! But here comes MSK to back Reed up! Wes Lee & Nash Carter even the numbers, and swing on Mendoza! They get Wilde, and DOUBLE SUPERKICK him out!
Escobar slithers in but Reed BODIES him! Escobar bails out, Legado regroups and retreats! Wilde & Mendoza will face MSK soon enough, but will Escobar bite off more than he can chew with Auszilla?
William Regal speaks.
“Hello. I’m incredibly excited for tonight’s main event, as Karrion Kross will face Finn Balor for the NXT Championship. But after that match, we’ll need a new #1 contender for the NXT Championship, and I’ve evaluated the NXT roster. And next week, there will be a Triple Threat: Kyle O’Reilly VS Pete Dunne VS Johnny Gargano, and the winner of that match will go on to face the N XT Champion at NXT TakeOver: In Your House.” A huge showdown next week, but who will even be meeting that contender? We’re about to find out!
NXT Championship: Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett Bordeaux VS Finn Balor!
TakeOver: Stand & Deliver was one for the ages, and it was Mr. Doomsday who came out on top. But The Prince says that you only die if you stay down. Will Balor rise back up and take the throne for the third time in NXT? Or has time passed him by, with the apocalypse as the future?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s like a TakeOver on a Tuesday as these two go around again!
Balor and Kross circle, fans rally and duel, and Balor tries testing kicks. Kross stays up so Balor gets a headlock! Kross tries to power out but Balor holds on tight. Kross tries again, gets free and he runs Balor over. Balor gets up to ROCK Kross with a forearm! Kross KNEES low, throws Balor out but Balor comes back for more forearms! Balor headlocks, Kross powers out right away but Balor ducks and dodges to dropkick legs out! Kross bails out and is furious but Scarlett calms him down as NXT goes picture in picture.
Balor waits as Kross paces. Kross goes up the steps while fans rally and duel, and he enters the ring. Balor and Kross circle, Balor gives more kicks, but Kross stays up. Kross shots in, waistlocks and SLAMS Balor, then keeps hold as Balor scrambles around. Balor gets an arm, switches and floats and SPANKS Kross?! Balor is back to pushing Kross’ buttons, though that only did so much at TakeOver. They circle, Balor gives more of those testing kicks, and then he goes after that leg. Kross stays up, shifts around to get Balor’s arm, and drops for an ARMBAR! Balor moves around to make it a cover, TWO as Kross pulls on the hold! Balor keeps moving around but Kross wrangles him down again!
Balor keeps his hands clasped, keeps his shoulders off the mat, and pushes to turn Kross. Balor has the legs laced up, pulls on the hold and adds a chinlock! Kross endures this modified STF, fights up and around, but Balor facelocks. Balor wrenches, uppercuts the arm, then clamps onto the shoulder. Kross endures, Scarlett coaches him, and he fights up to scoop Balor! Balor slips out, is right after the arm and grinds it down again! Kross endures, fights back up, but Balor arm-drags him back down! Balor pulls on the arm, and the fingers! Kross endures, shifts his weight but Balor has the armlock again.
NXT returns to single picture and fans rally. Balor grinds the shoulder, Kross endures and fights up, and he scoops to SLAM Balor this time! Kross takes off the gladiator pleats and bumps Balor’s head off buckles! Kross runs corner to corner to clothesline Balor, then spins around to CLOBBER him! Scarlett loves it but fans are divided as Kross looms over Balor. Kross gets Balor up, snap suplexes, then looms over Balor. Kross stomps down on Balor’s foot and grinds in his heel before he stomps Balor again! Kross clamps on a chinlock, Balor endures and pries at the hold, but Kross stays on tight. Fans rally, Balor fights up and pops out the bottom but Kross CLUBS him down!
Kross DEKCS Balor with a forearm, but holds onto the wrist as he dares Balor to get his ass up. Kross drags Balor up but Balor swings around to get a Cobra Twist! Balor throws elbow after elbow, then drops elbow after elbow as Kross is down! Cover, TWO! Kross grits his teeth and clutches his ribs, but Balor stomps him in the corner! Balor throws body shots, then wrenches the arm to go after the ribs more! Kross headbutts Balor away! Kross RAMS Balor in a corner, turns him around and RAMS into his back! The ref counts, Kross lets off, and BOOTS Balor in the back! Balor writhes, the ref reprimands Kross, but Kross dares Balor to get back up.
Kross stands Balor up to TOSS him across the ring! Kross drags Balor back up and GERMAN SUPLEXES him back the other way! Kross drags Balor up into another waistlock, but Balor wrenches the arm back to the FUJIWARA! Balor wants and gets the CROSSFACE! Kross powers up but Balor fires off shouts into the ribs! Kross blocks the Penalty Kick but Balor makes it a victory roll to DOUBLE STOMPS! Kross gasps for air as he clutches his ribs! The fans are thunderous as Balor runs in and CHOPS Kross! And again! Balor RAMS into Kross now, lets off at 4, but Kross CLOBBERS him from behind!
Kross drags Balor back up, throws him out of the ring, but Balor trips him up at the apron! Kross is in the skirt and Balor fires off! Balor gets on the apron to stomp away on Kross’ head and shoulders! The ref counts, Balor lets off at 4, and Kross gets free of the skirt, for Balor to PENALTY KICK down! Scarlett is worried as NXT goes picture in picture again!
Balor gets back in the ring while Kross winces and stands up slowly. Kross catches his breath but the ring count is climbing. Balor wants to go out after him but the ref stops him. Balor goes out around the side, builds up speed and CLOBBERS Kross against boards! Balor fires off kicks, goes back into the ring just to refresh the count, and then stomps away on Kross against barriers! Balor lets off to throw up a Too Sweet! Balor gets Kross up and into the ring, then aims from a corner. Balor runs, but into Kross’ BOOT! Kross snarls as he stomps Balor’s arms! Kross drives elbows into Balor’s shoulders, then drags him up for another hard snap suplex!
Kross paces, almost toying with Balor as he dares him to get back up. Kross stands Balor up but Balor fires off forearms! Kross NORTHERN LIGHTS, rolls through, and CLOBBERS Balor! Cover, TWO!! Balor survives and Kross can’t believe it! Kross gets Balor up again, reel shim in, but Balor back drops free! Kros sunset flips but Balor rolls through to basement dropkick! Both men are down as NXT returns to single picture again! Fans rally and duel as Balor and Kross slowly stand. Balor throws forearms, Kross gives them back, and we have a brawl! Balor fires off fast hands but Kross scoops and RAMS him into a corner! OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Cover, TWO!!
Scarlett is furious but the fans are fired up as Balor survives! Kross smirks as he stalks Balor to a corner. Balor CHOPS back! Kross stalks Balor again but Balor kicks low! Kross is still coming, he scoops Balor but Balor slips out to ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, ONE?!? And he glares at Balor! Kross choke grips, but Balor breaks free and trips Kross to DOUBLE STOMP again! Cover, but Kross makes it the KROSSJACKET!! Balor flails but Kross has him caught!! Balor fades, but he gets a second wind for the ROPEBREAK! Kross holds on until 4, and is furious! Balor survives but Scarlett says Kross can finish him now!
Kross throws Balor out of the ring, then dribbles him into the Plexiglas over and over and over! Kross reels Balor in, and hopes fans are watching as he RAZOR’S EDGE Balor into the boards!! The ring count climbs but Kross puts Balor in at 8! Kross drags Balor back up, reels him back in, and gets Balor up but Balor hits a DDT!! Balor has a third wind as he hurries to a corner! Kross staggers up into a SLINGBLADE! And then Balor clotheslines Kross out of the ring! Balor builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit in front of commentary! The fans are thunderous but Kross stands back up! BACK SUPLEX TO THE DESK!! “This is Awesome!” but the ref says this has to get back in the ring!
Kross takes his time dragging Balor from the desk’s hood and into the ring. Kross waits until 9 of 10 to get in, and Balor fires off on him in the ropes! Kross shoves Balor away but Balor trips him and DOUBLE STOMPS again! Balor aims from a corner, runs and SHOTGUNS Kross into buckles! Kross is in the drop zone and Balor heads up top! Fans are electric as Balor is up top! COUP DE- NO! Kross dodges, gets Balor up and RAMS him into the far corner! And then turns him around for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Kross roars and says it’s done now! Kross hauls Balor back up, reels him in, DOOMSDAY SAIDO! But he isn’t done there, he winds up the hands of time!
Balor slowly rises and Kross aims from a corner. But Balor catches Kross to a victory roll! TWO!! Balor gets around, Cobra Twist! Grounded Twist but Kross keeps off his shoulders! Kross pries free, and rains down forearms! But Balor slips out to rain down forearms on Kross! Balor hits the ribs, the head, the shoulders, over and over! The ref gets Balor to stop to check on Kross! Kross is still conscious but he crawls to Scarlett to focus. Balor puts a SLEEPER on Kross! Kross is holding the ropes, he lets go, and Balor drags him into a body scissors of his own!! Scarlett is furious, Kross is prying free! But Balor makes it a TRIANGLE HOLD!!
Kross moves around, falls on his side, but Scarlett shouts! The ref checks the arm, Kross revives!! Kross powers up, dead lifts and POWERBOMBS Balor!! Balor glares at Kross as he sits up! Fans are electric as both men stand, and Kross CLOBBERS Balor! Then CLUBS him, then DOOMSDAY FOREARM!! Kross stomps away on Balor over and over! The ref counts but Kross stops at 4 to wrap on the KROSSJACKET!! Balor is turning purple! He is OUT, Kross wins!!
Winner: Karrion Kross, by submission (still NXT Champion)
The apocalypse could not be stopped, and Kross still reigns! Balor did not pray but he did fall, is this the last time he’ll be fighting for this title? And with Kross’ path to TakeOver cleared, who will he be facing In Your House?
My Thoughts:
Another great episode for NXT! I nailed the order of the matches, other than Mercedes VS Zayda since that wasn’t advertised. Speaking of which, Mercedes was of course winning, but it is very interesting that Tian Sha (both the faction and the individual character) has taken interest in her. Mercedes VS Xia Li will be a great match, and I would love if Mercedes was Tian Sha’s first opponent. Mercedes could come out the winner of the feud, but it’d definitely help give some credibility to Tian Sha if we saw her take the fight to Mercedes.
The opening tag match was great, and I figured Shotzi & Ember would win to be seen as contenders to the tag titles. But Raquel wrecking Shotzi to send a message to Ember could be a sign that Ember challenges Raquel for the singles title. Ember and Raquel are the only two to have been NXT Women’s Champion and Tag Team Champion in their careers, so a match of those two would go a long way to having Raquel establish herself as the superior NXT Women’s Champion. Then, Franky Monet of course won her debut match, really dominating Cora Jade, but I feel like she could’ve had a slightly tougher time to imply that she was underestimating Jade and believing her own hype a little too much, similar to LA Knight when he debuted.
Speaking of which, I figured we’d get a proxy in the feud between DeBiase and Grimes, but I didn’t think it’d be Knight. Knight does make a good contrast to Grimes because he’s more muscular and is even more braggadocios in his promos, and he could trade that yellow jacket for a gold one with DeBiase’s help. I’m thinking we could get Knight VS Grimes with the “Million Dollar Legacy” on the line. They should even bring back the Million Dollar Championship belt and make it a ladder match so that the person who brings the belt down is the rightful protégé to DeBiase.
I like that Hit Row is putting every champion on notice, same as Pete Dunne did. All superstars in NXT should be greedy enough to want all the belts. Swerve could be North American Champion or even top champion. Top Dolla could even be North American Champion and Tag Team Champion with Adonis, and Adonis could even be Cruiserweight Champion and Tag Team Champion. I don’t know if Hit Row will become a golden faction like the Undisputed Era, but it would be awesome if they do. Escobar moving up to the North American title is great, I was thinking that was his next move, and it was natural to see MSK counter Legado to help Reed.
The tag titles are on the line next week, I feel that could go either way with Ciampa & Thatcher VS Grizzled Young Veterans also happening. One match will surely determine how the other goes, and then we’ll have our TakeOver match-up set by the end of it. Imperium is taking on Breezango, as well, and I’m thinking Imperium wins to move forward in their story. Or at least, the story we’re getting now that Wolfe was released. New SAnitY would’ve been great to face Imperium but oh well. Imperium can even wait on the other side of TakeOver to face whatever Face tag team champions we’re getting for a great stretch of matches over the Summer.
Fish VS Dunne was very good, but Dunne winning makes sense. Fish can’t be satisfied right away, he’ll surely have a match with Oney next, and then come back around to Dunne. Kross VS Balor rematch here was awesome, maybe even better than their Stand & Deliver match. Balor felt so close to winning this one, but again, Kross is making up for the reign he never really got to have, so he managed to come out on top. I even thought he was going to get disqualified at the end, but that would’ve felt a bit cheap. With rumblings of call-ups, and a chance Balor could return to RawDown in time for the return to touring, this loss does make sense. And even without that, Balor should try for another title to add to his legacy. Walter VS Balor maybe?
The Triple Threat contender’s match next week is going to be great, and so hard to call. Kyle had a stare down with Kross before, Gargano knocked Kross down, and Dunne called out all champions and says he’s the baddest man in NXT today. Kross plays Tweener well so he could face any of those guys and make it a great build.
My Score: 9.3/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Will the landscape change again?
Eddy Thorpe keeps prodding and provoking Oba Femi, so he gets his last chance at the NXT Championship! Will Eddy truly be the alpha of NXT?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Heritage Cup Championship: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey; wins and
- NXT North American Championship: Tony D’Angelo w/ The D’Angelo Family VS Ridge Holland; wins and
- NXT Championship: Oba Femi VS Eddy Thorpe; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to the scheduling choices of KVIA2 CW (El Paso & Las Cruces), coverage of NXT will not begin until 9PM Eastern]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Time to burn it down!
Ahead of entering the Royal Rumble, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre go one more round in a rematch from WrestleMania 40!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
- Bayley VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- PENTA VS Pete Dunne; Penta wins.
- Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective; DMG CTRL wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre; Rollins wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Nia Jax ambushes Rhea Ripley!
The Irresistible Force is here on Raw to face Bayley, but she’s getting her payback on Mami for last week! She dribbles Rhea into the steel chain link fencing again and again, even as security and Adam Pearce rush in! They get Nia to stop, but Rhea is pissed! Will Nia regret riling up Rhea Bloody Ripley?
Jey Uso is here!
Dallas fires up and bounces along as it’s time to YEET! Michael Cole does his best to keep up with the beat as Main Event Jey makes his way down the bleachers. Wade Barrett is subbing in for Pat McAfee (the NCAA College Football Championship is also tonight), and Wade says Maggle looks like a “drunk grandpa” doing the YEET. Jey makes it to ringside, he high fives Maggle, then goes to the ring. But the YEET doesn’t slow down, it just keeps going! Jey grabs a mic and tells Dallas, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaaaaa~!” The fans cheer and join in with a “YEET!” Jey says this weekend, “YEET!” Saturday Night’s Main Event, “YEET!” Jey takes home the big one!
But then before Jey can continue, GUNTHER makes his way out here! Der Ring General, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist, makes his way right to the ring. Gunther grabs himself a mic while the fans boo. Jey paces but Gunther tells him, “Lemme guess, the next thing you were about to say is you were going to win the World Heavyweight title.” Jey confirms, he is gonna beat Gunther, then hang the title up in his room. Gunther says Jey really is “a funny little man.” But let’s not act like we both know it won’t happen. Last week, Jey was right here in front of Gunther, and he said every morning, he looks in the mirror and bets on himself.
The thing is, Gunther believes Jey. Gunther was looking forward to Saturday to square off with Main Event Jey Uso. Until today, when he saw Jey walking in here acting like that conversation last week never happened. Not after seeing Jey act like a complete DORK! Like he’s the company mascot for the fans! At this point, Gunther doesn’t even care. He could jsut as well get challenged by Jimmy Uso. Jey tells Gunther to not say something about his brother. Gunther says it doesn’t matter what Jey says, he never follows up with his actions! The fans are the only ones naive enough to believe everything Jey says. Gunther does not.
Bet on yourself? Until when? Until Roman Reigns whistles for him? Until Sami Zayn needs him? Until Jimmy needs him? Even Cody needed Jey and Jey showed up! All that makes Jey is a useful idiot, and Jey doesn’t even see it! Jey, your words and your actions do not align. Gunther’s always do! So on Saturday, when the bell rings, Gunther exposes Jey for the flash in the pan that has NO business being even this close to the World Heavyweight Championship. The fans boo but Gunther tells Jey to go. The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Jey says Gunther’s right again. Everything Gunther just said is true again.
Jey is the mascot of the WWE. And the fans here are his team. The fans are his squad. They ride with him! “YEET!” Slide with him! “YEET!” And they will be with him when he beats Gunther for the world championship! “YEET!” Jey reminds us he respects Gunther. But Gunther will respect Jey, too. Because only one of them in this ring main-evented a WrestleMania, and it ain’t Gunther. But then Gunther DECKS Jey! Gunther stomps Jey, the fans boo, but then Gunther DECKS Jey again! Gunther stands Jey up, but Jey TACKLES Gunther! Jey rains down fists and teh fans fire up! Gunther gets up, but Jey fires more hands!
Jey has Gunther’s shirt over his head for a hockey scrum! Gunther gets free, but Jey SUPERKICKS him down! The fans all “YEET!” while Der Ring General retreats! Jey has the belt and he dares Gunther to come get it! Jey drops it at the ropes, Gunther storms up to the apron, but Gunther stays back. Gunther leaves Dallas with the belt tonight, but will Jey leave San Antonio with it this Saturday?
The New Day walks the halls.
And then they spot someone. “Finally, somebody who understands!” JBL is here! They all shake hands, and JBL loves seeing them. Kofi Kingston says JBL is not just a champion and a Hall of Famer, but he’ll be on commentary tonight for The New Day’s match with that “hypocrite of a locker room leader,” Rey Mysterio. JBL should let New Day know they are the victims of a disgusting smear campaign! Kofi even sweetens the deal with a whole $2. Kofi says JBL understands being in a tag team but having to cut the deadweight to get ahead. And when he did, what happened? He had the greatest success of his career!
Not as great as The New Day, but please, be an acolyte for ya bois! JBL says yes, he does “get it.” Big E, all the muscles and charisma and personality, everywhere they go, the fans love Big E. Everyone chants for New Day, for Big E. You get rid of him, the fans have to pay attention to Kofi & Woods! Wow, okay. Backhanded compliments? Be that way. The New Day heads out, JBL asks if he can keep the two bucks. Will Kofi & Woods finally see who’s really in the wrong? Or will they continue to have a bad day here on Raw?
Backstage interview with Bayley.
Cathy Kelley is with the “busiest superstar” in WWE right now, as Bayley was on Raw, NXT and SmackDown all last week. And she has an announcement to make, so for those who ahven’t heard, could she share? Yes, cat is out of the bag, Bayley is back on Raw officially via the Transfer Window! She started here after her NXT call-up, so it just feels right. But also, she is declaring for the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble! And if you remember, she won the 2024 Rumble, so going back to back sounds really good. She could choose Tiffany Stratton, she could choose Rhea Ripley, or- Nia Jax interrupts.
Nia says Bayley can have Rhea, Nia gets Tiffy. Also, Nia is going to win the Women’s Rumble, not Bayley. Oh, yeah, Bayley did see what Nia did to Rhea earlier. If Nia wants to try that, Bayley dares her. Nia says she’ll see Bayley out there. Nia leaves, but will the Irresistible Force rough Bayley up the same way she did Rhea? Or will Bayley continue to be the Role Model, even after changing brands?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio!
Raw returns and JBL is out there with Wade and Maggle already. The New Day makes their entrance, and they hate their song! They have it turn off, they get the tron to stop, and Woods says they already told the idiots in production that they’re no longer using that stuff! It’s ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~, and Dallas is starting to piss Kofi off! They have been doing this for too long and too well to be disrespected like this. They are walking Hall of Famers, unlike this FRAUD, JBL! JBL, give him that money back! Kofi snatches it out of JBL’s lapel pocket. Woods says Rey’s getting the brakes beat off him by the one and only Kofi Kingston~! BECAUSE NEW! DAY- “SUCKS!”
The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” and the bell rings. Kofi and Rey circle, feel things out, and Kofi waistlocks to then headlock, waistlock, and he shoves Rey to a corner. The fans boo but Kofi soaks up that heat. JBL says this is the only time he’ll cheer a “deadbeat dad” like Rey. Rey and Kofi tie up, Rey waistlocks but Kofi switches to SLAM Rey down! Kofi slaps Rey around, and the fans boo as Kofi & Woods soak up the heat. Kofi taunts Rey, Rey and Kofi reset, and they tie up. Rey wrenches, hammerlocks, but Kofi wrenches out. Kofi wristlocks, Rey rolls and kips up, then Rey wrenches to headlock.
Kofi powers up and out, drops down then CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo but Kofi keeps moving. Rey drops down, blows past Kofi, then tilt-o-whirls to RANA! Kofi staggers up, Rey dropkicks the legs out! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up, but Kofi ducks the 619! Rey then PLANCHAS, but Kofi moves! Rey is on the apron, Kofi YANKS him down! The fans tell Kofi off but he drags Rey up and into the ring. Kofi then fires UPPERCUTS on Kofi, CHOKES him in the corner, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Kofi steps off, and then Kofi whips corner to corner. Rey reverses, runs up, but Kofi SWING KICKS! Rey GAMANGIRIS in return!
Rey RAMS Kofi, slingshots and SUNSET- NO, Kofi holds on, and he CLUBS Rey down! The fans boo but Kofi brings Rey in! Woods says watch this, “Hall of Famer!” Kofi lifts Rey, Rey pops free, but Kofi stomps away on him! Kofi glares at JBL, then he drags Rey up. The fans boo but Kofi SMACKS Rey off the apron. Kofi then reels Rey in, but Rey RANAS Kofi into the steel steps! The fans fire up as Rey rises, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kofi has Rey down with an armlock. Rey fights to his feet, the fans fire up, and the forearms go back and forth! Kofi ROCKS Rey, Rey ROCKS Kofi, but then Kofi kicks low! Kofi whips, Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges, then Rey leaps to FLYING FOREARM! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Woods coaches Kofi while Rey goes to the apron. Rey then goes to the corner, but Kofi hurries over that way. Kofi fires body shots, then he climbs up after Rey. Kofi brings Rey up but Rey fires body shots in return! Rey BENDS Kofi’s fingers, then he HEADBUTTS Kofi! Kofi staggers up, Rey hits the SEATED SENTON!
Rey gets moving, but Kofi ducks the springboard crossbody! Kofi sunset flip, but Rey rolls through, basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi goes to a corner, Rey CLUBS him, and the fans rally. The ref gets between them, but Kofi pokes Rey in the eyes! Kofi leaps, CROSSBODY SPLASH to the back! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rey as he stays in this. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods argues with a fan, Kofi aims, TROUBLE IN- NO, Rey dodges, then comes back to RANA! Kofi is on ropes, Rey dials it up! But Woods trips Rey! The ref saw that clear as day! Woods argues with the ref, but the ref EJECTS Woods!
The fans fire up while Woods throws a fit! Rey DECKS Woods! But Kofi CLOBBERS Rey! The fans boo, but Kofi hauls Rey up! Rey victory rolls Kofi onto ropes! Rey redials, 619!! And then the springboard, but onto knees! Kofi covers, TWO!! Rey survives, the fans fire up, but Kofi seethes. Kofi hauls Rey up, clinches, S O- NO! Rey makes the SOS a cover, REY WINS!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall
But Woods CLBOBERS Rey from behind! The New Day mugs Rey, the fans boo more, but here comes the LWO! Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro run The New Day off! The fans boo, Cruz & Wilde check Rey, but then the New Day sneak back in! They drag Wilde out to POST him! Cruz hurries but now New Day retreats for real! Insult to injury here, but will Kofi & Woods continue to be blinded by their own arrogance?
Backstage interview with Team American Made.
Cathy Kelley waits as Chad Gable is arguing with his own people, then says okay, sorry, he was inspiring the team. But yeah, he’s the talk of the whole freakin’ wrestling world the past week, but he is man enough to admit he has a problem. And it all started with losing to Penta last week! It was Dragon Lee before that, and Rey Mysterio before that. Gable asks, “What’re we gonna do her?” But he’s figured it out! He found a man who knows a thing or two about lucha libre, and that man is intelligent with a mustache to match. That man is Dominik Mysterio! While Dom helps Gable with his lucha problem, the team has their marching order.
Ivy Nile says there’s a Women’s Intercontinental Championship with her name all over it. Brutus says those tag titles should’ve already had their names on them, HAHA~! Julius mocks how War Raiders cry about “One more injury~ and we’re done forever~!” Like that’s something to be proud of? No more asking, they’re just taking! They’ll take those tag titles from a team near the end of their career and put them on a team that’s entering their prime. Gable says this team that bleeds red, white ‘n’ blue will have waists wrapped in gold, and it will be glorious. Team American Made heads out, but can Dirty Dom really help Gable clean up his act?
Sami Zayn is here!
Dallas sings his song, and the Underdog from the Underground goes right to the ring. He grabs a mic and thanks Dallas for that, that never gets old. But he wont’ beat around the bush, he’ll just get right to business. Sami spoke with Adam Pearce, and Sami is now officially entered into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match! The fans like the sound of that! Sami says Rollins told him he’s already helped a lot of others, so time to help himself. Well, Sami thought about that, and thought about what he wants. When he thought about that, it opened a whole bunch of thoughts. Sami pictured what 14-year-old Sami wanted.
Sami thought about what the millions around the world who dream of becoming pro-wrestlers, and the thousands who actually live the dream and get to do it. And then the even smaller group lucky enough to call themselves WWE Superstars. And then the smallest group of all, the hardest to crack into at all, is the upper echelon, the top tier, and that is where Sami is now! The fans cheer, and Sami firmly believes he is as good as everyone else in that group. That group is all in the Royal Rumble, and the only difference between Sami and the others, aka Roman, McIntyre, Rollins, and so on, is that they all have a world title to their name… and Sami doesn’t.
Sami has said it before, he’ll say it again, he’s had a great life, a great career. He doesn’t need the world title to complete him. The fans have supported Sami throughout the years, and believe it or not, that support means more to him than any world title could ever mean! So no, Sami does not need that world title, but DAMMIT, he WANTS it!! The fans love that! Sami says 14-year-old Sami wants that title, and he’s still with Sami! That kid sets foot in this ring every time Sami does. So Sami doesn’t need it, he wants it, so he will TAKE IT! WAIT, Kevin Owens is here!? The fans boo and Sami is certainly stunned seeing SmackDown’s Prizefighter back on Raw.
Kevin, who is still carrying the “Winged Eagle” title, while wearing a Bret Hart merchandise jacket, makes his way to the ring. Kevin grabs the mic, and while fans boo, he looks to Sami. Sami says he knew it was a matter of time before Kevin showed up. How does Kevin wanna do this? Kevin asks what Sami means. Sami knows Kevin. We all saw what Kevin did to Cody over teaming with Roman, so how’s this going down? Aw, is that why Sami thinks Kevin is here? No, Kevin admits, he was upset at first. But he realizes now that Sami teaming with Roman isn’t the same as Cody teaming with Roman.
Sami and Roman had a lot of history, the same as Sami and Kevin. And Roman did terrible things to Sami that Sami overlooked, just as Kevin did to Sami that Sami has overlooked. Or rather, Sami forgave Kevin for those things. Same as him forgiving Roman! Because that is who Sami is: Sami is a good person. And Rollins is right, Sami does a lot for others, especially his friends. And well, Sami is still Kevin’s best friend. A brother even! Kevin is here to tell his brother that he whole heartedly believes Sami can and will win the Royal Rumble. Kevin knows that the Sami he’s known for 20 YEARS will win the Royal Rumble!
And why? Because Sami deserves it! Sami deserves to go to WrestleMania and fight for the WWE Championship, and Kevin knows Sami will do it! Then Kevin and Sami can accomplish one more thing together. Think of everything they’ve done and seen each other do in this business. They main-evented WrestleMania to become tag team champions. But there’s one more thing they haven’t done: main event WrestleMania for THE WWE Championship. And when Sami wins the Rumble, they can do that, so long as Kevin walks away THE WWE Champion. But Kevin knows both of those things are going to happen.
Kevin knows Sami will win the Rumble because Kevin has his back. He does. And Kevin knows he’ll be THE WWE Champion because just like Sami had Roman’s back, he’s got Kevin’s back. Right? Kevin just knows it. Sami is his best friend, his brother, and if Kevin needs him, Sami will be there. Kevin drops his mic and heads out, but Sami is rather confused. Is Kevin suggesting Sami do what it sounds like? What will Sami do on this Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Sheamus.
Cathy is with The Fella and brings up his Intercontinental Championship match he has this Saturday against Bron Breakker. Why is this title so important to him? Sheamus says many would look at his career, and say he has the perfect backwards WWE career. He was only six months into his career, and he beat one of the biggest names this business has ever seen in John Cena to become WWE Champion. Ironically, the Intercontinental Champioship is what drew Sheamus to the WWE. That title has become an obsession for the past five years, but guess what? The stars are aligned! Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sheamus will bust Bron aside and fulfill destiny!
Sheamus will win the last championship he has yet to win! And for everyone who is watching, Let’s Go, Irish! A quick shoutout to Notre Dame, but then Sheamus spots Bron Breakker. Bron tells Sheamus that this title is Bron’s. This is as close as Sheamus will ever get to winning it. Because on Saturday, Bron beats him and BREAKS him like an old man! So just do us all a favor and retire. Sheamus shoves Bron, but Bron laughs it off and takes his leave. Will the Celtic Warrior finally have his WWE Bingo in another banger? Or will this title still belong to Bron Breakker?
Bayley VS Nia Jax!
The Role Model and the Irresistible Force were just on SmackDown but they’re bringing their beef over to Raw! Will Bayley make her official transfer back a successful one? Or will Nia be rolling towards the Royal Rumble?
Well, well, well, Roxanne Perez seems to be stalking Bayley. She was in the crowd for SmackDown last Friday, and now she’s here in the crowd tonight. The bell rings, Nia runs up, but Bayley dodges! Nia hits buckles, Bayley fires hands, then runs to ELBOW her! Bayley climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count, Bayley ges to 6 before Nia brings her off the corner! Bayley still fights, but Nia stops the rana! Nia brings Bayley up to a fireman’s carry, but Bayley kicks off ropes! TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Nia sits up but Bayley fires hands! Bayley runs, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Bayley sputters, Nia covers, ONE!!
Bayley scrambles away but Nia stalks her. Nia puts Bayley on the ropes, CHOKES her, but the ref counts. Nia lets off at 4, she soaks up some heat, then she HEADBUTTS Bayley again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia digs her boot in, but the ref counts. Nia stops at 4, the fans boo some more, and Bayley crawls. Nia drags Bayley up, pushes her down, then runs, only for Bayley to avoid the elbow drop! Bayley fires forearms, then whips. Nia takes a swing but Bayley gets around to hit a back suplex! Cover, TWO! Nia is tougher than that but she’s also dazed. Bayley rises, runs in, but Nia URENAGES Bayley down! Now Nia climbs the corner!
The fans fire up as Bayley SHOVES Nia to the apron! Bayley BOOTS Nia to the floor, then builds speed! Bayley DIVES, down goes Nia! The fans fire up and Bayley gets in Roxie’s face! Roxie takes a swing, but Bayley blocks! Bayley DECKS Roxie! The fans go wild, security stops Roxie from getting at Bayley! Bayley mocks the little idiot, then goes back for Nia while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nia drags Bayley up. Nia drops a LEG on the arm! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives and Nia grows frustrated. Nia taunts Bayley, the fans boo Nia, and Bayley sits up. Nia drags Bayley by her hair, then runs, but Bayley avoids the leg drop! Bayley hurries to ELBOW Nia in the back! And then SLIDING LARIAT! Bayley keeps moving, and drops an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Nia survives the onslaught but the fans rally for Bayley. Both women slowly rise up, and Bayley runs up to KNEE Nia out to the apron! Bayley then drags Nia in through the ropes, but Nia HOTSHOTS the bad arm!
Bayley writhes, Nia taunts the fans, then Nia goes back to the apron. Nia stands on Bayley’s bad arm! But Bayley avoids another leg drop! Nia clutches her lower back while she and Bayley both rise up again. Bayley runs in to SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Nia flops to the floor and the fans fire up! Bayley leaves Nia behind for the count to handle this. Nia is still down at 5 of 10, and at 7! Nia springs up and in at 8! But Bayley goes up, up, and she hits a BANZAI DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley didn’t quite A-Nia-Late Nia, but she goes up to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Nia survives again but if only barely!
The fans rally as Bayley brings Nia up. Nia shoves Bayley away, then scoops her, SHOULDER BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bayley stays in this and the fans rally up again. Bayley goes to a corner, Nia runs in, and Nia SPLASHES Bayley! Bayley flounders against the ropes, then Nia runs in. Bayley TOSSES Nia to the apron, but Nia ROCKS Bayley! Nia drags Bayley up, and POSTS her! Bayley dangles in the ropes, and Nia snarls. Nia runs to HIP ATTACK Bayley against the post! Bayley flounders back in, the fans boo, and Nia climbs up! But Bayley is up to YANK Nia down! The fans fire up as Bayley runs, and she KNEES Nia down! Cover, TWO!!
Nia survives yet again but the fans continue to rally behind Bayley. Bayley goes up a corner, but now Nia is up! Nia ROCKS Bayley, then climbs up after her. Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley squirms around! SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Nia survives that wild fall but Bayley goes right back up! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives again and Bayley is beside herself! Nia and Bayley rise, and the fans fire up again. Bayley reels Nia in, but the bad arm won’t let her clinch! Nia fireman’s carries, but Bayley fights free! Bayley runs, CHOP BLOCKS a leg, then hurries to run again. Nia POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!!
Nia hurries to SENTON! Then she drags Bayley to a drop zone! Nia goes up, to A-NIA-LATE Bayley! Cover, Nia wins!!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
A powerful battle between two former champions, but the Irresistible Force crushes Bayley on her return to Raw! But wait! RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out here! Mami wants revenge, and Nia says bring it! They brawl in the ring, the fans fire up, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia! Rhea RAMS Nia into the corner again and again, but here comes security! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but the two are separated! But then Nia breaks free to SPLASH Rhea and whoever else was in the way! Nia CLUBS away on Rhea, producers and refs rush out here to stop this, but Rhea is up! She LEAPS at Nia for more!
The fans are thunderous as Rhea shoves everyone out of the way to ROUNDHOUSE Nia! Nia falls out of the ring, but rhea isn’t done! Rhea goes to the apron, but Nia trips her up! Nia DRIBBLES Rhea off the announce desk! Nia now clears the desk, and Adam Pearce is shouting that this is enough! Nia puts Rhea on the desk, but security swarms her! Wait, Rhea is back up! CANNONBALL!! Rhea takes Nia and the security guards out! The fans fire up but producers have to drag Rhea away from Nia! Dallas cheers on “MAMI! MAMI!” and she grabs a mic. Rhea gets on the desk to shout, “YOU! ME! SATURDAY NIGHT’S MAIN EVENT!!”
The fans are all fired up, because now things are going to get wild in San Antonio! But will the Queen of the Ring A-Nia-Late Rhea? Or will Nia get eradicated?
Judgment Day meets with American Made.
The others aren’t so sure about this, but Chad Gable says Dom said he could help with Gable’s luchador problem. Does he have some info? C’mon! Help him out! Okay, okay. Dom has someone who can help Gable. Dom hands him a piece of paper, and Gable asks, “This is the guy?” Dom says it sure is. Gable tells Judgment Day and “JD McDouche” that he’s off to master the dark arts of lucha libre. The others ask Dom what this is all about. Dom says it’s a long story but he and Gable go way back. Okay, fine, but how does this help Judgment Day? Next week is the tag title rematch but Finn is still out of action from last week’s Street Fight!
Liv Morgan says listening to Finn hasn’t really helped them win, has it? C’mon, Liv, this is serious. They’re gonna have to forfeit! Dom says maybe he could sub in. Finn shouldn’t care so long as they get the titles back, right? JD says yeah, that’s a good point. They’ll get this. Liv says yeah, Finn should be fine. And Dom is quite the mastermind now, huh? Liv just hopes this plan goes better than the one he had for her match with Rhea. Hey, didn’t she say she was over that? Yes, she did. Can Dom not take a joke? Okay, okay. Dom does have a plan for Liv, though. And even though she’s not mad, he’ll make it up to her, okay? Oh, he will. Now, let’s go.
Liv & Dom head out, Raquel tells Carlito to stop staring. Will Judgment Day (not) keep it together?
Lyra Valkyria speaks.
“Last week, I walked into Raw ready to become a history maker. And that meant spreading my wings and shedding any dead feathers that made me doubt the heights I knew I was capable of reaching. I took fear, I took doubt, and I used them to become something more. And now that I have this, it’s about what comes next. And what comes next is building a legacy as a valiant, fighting Women’s Intercontinental Champion.” The Morrigan is ready for more, just how high will she soar?
WWE celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
He had a dream, and that dream lives on in us. May we keep that dream alive so that it may come true every day.
Seth Rollins warms up backstage.
Sami checks with him and knows the match with McIntyre is coming up. But Sami just wants Rollins to know that as a friend, he appreciated the talk they had last week. Rollins knows, and he heard Sami out there. Rollins respects Sami’s choice. It’s about time we got that Sami back. And Sami is almost rooting for that Sami. But push comes to shove int he Rumble, Rollins will throw Sami right over the top rope. Sami says, “Not if I throw you out first.” Sami again wishes Rollins luck, then heads out. Rollins finishes his preparations, but Karrion Kross is watching from afar! Could Mr. Doomsday have his next target in mind?
PENTA VS Pete Dunne!
#CeroMiedo made its debut in the WWE just last week, and it was a massive hit! But now he’s up against a man who feels disrespected left, right, front and back! Will the Bruiserweight take out all his frustrations on the new kid in class? Or will Penta continue to blow the roof off the arenas?
The bell rings and the fans already chant, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta tells Dunne to listen, but Dunne grabs the hand! Penta KICKS Dunne, but Dunne CHOPS! Penta CHOPS, Dunne CHOPS, then the forearms start flying! Dunne headlocks, Penta fires body shots, and Penta powers out. Penta hurdles then mule kicks Dunne, and Dunne sputters away. Penta swaggers, but Dunne CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Dunne grabs an arm. Dunne hammerlocks that arm, pulls on the other, and he bends the fingers back! Dunne STOMPS Penta’s arm! The fans tell Dunne off while Penta writhes, but Dunne drags Penta up again.
Dunne wrenches and whips, but Penta reverses. Then Penta runs up to GAMANGIRI! Penta whips again, Dunne reverses and he GAMANGIRIS! Penta sputters, Dunne brings him up, and Dunne whips. Penta reverses. Dunne goes up and flips and SUPERKICK from Penta! Penta hits Dunne outta the sky and Dunne bails out of the ring! The fans fire up and Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” Penta runs and DIVES into a forearm! Dunne gives back that anti-air, then he reels Penta in. APRON X-PLEX! Penta writhes again while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Dunne runs up to SLIDING FOREARM Penta down! The fans boo while Penta sputters, but Dunne runs up to SLIDINGN FOREARM again! Dunne paces, the fans chant, “Butch Sucks!” but Dunne just runs up on Penta. Penta dodges, mule kicks, and he runs to SLING-DOG! Dunne flounders to a corner, Penta runs and headstands on the corner! SWINGING DROPKICK! Dunne sputters more but Penta fireman’s carries. The fans fire up for the SWINGINGN DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Penta is frustrated, but the fans rally up again. Penta and Dunne rise up, and Penta goes after Dunne. Dunne ENZIGIRIS first!
Dunne STMOPS the hands, then he BUZZSAWS! Penta goes to a corner, Dunne runs up, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta runs up, DESTROYER!! Dunne tumbles out of the ring! The fans fire up with Penta and he builds speed again! Penta FLIES and down goes Dunne! The fans are thunderous while both men are out at the ramp! Penta and Dunne stir, the ring count climbs, and Dunne is in at 5 of 10. Penta rises at 6, and he slaps some sense into himself. Penta is back in at 7, DES- NO, Dunne stops the second shot and tucks Penta in! CRUNCHY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up!
Penta shakes out the bad arm, but he and Dunne sit up. They go forehead to forehead, then forearm for forearm! Dunne CHOPS, but Penta CHOPS! The fans cheer Penta on and he tells Dunne to listen! “CERO! MIEDO!” But Dunne bends the fingers, SNAPS them, then wraps Penta into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Penta endures, fights up, and he deadlifts Dunne, for a POWER BREAKER!! Dunne writhes, Penta grabs Dunne’s arm and traps it! Penta CLUBS Dunne, then grabs the other arm, SACRIFICE!! Dunne writhes in even more pain, but Penta brings him around. Pump handle, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, Penta wins!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
The luchador proved he could do power on top of punishing submissions, and he is 2-0 here on Raw! Will the Penta Era take over the WWE?
Logan Paul speaks.
“Man, it must suck to be a Logan Paul hater. For years, all of you have wanted me to fail. But you know why it’s never happened, and it never will? Because when I do something, I become the best at it. I became the King of the Internet. I was the only man in history to beat Floyd Mayweather. So what makes you think the WWE will be any different? Look around, dummies. This is my life now. And I will eat, sleep and breathe wrestling until I become the greatest superstar to step into that ring. You can quote me on that. You’re looking at the GOAT, ladies and gentlemen.” The Maverick makes his return next week in Atlanta, will he receive a “warm welcome?”
CM Punk is here!
The Voice of the Voiceless, the Second City Saint, the Best in the World, takes a page out of Jey Uso’s playbook by entering through the concourse and then the bleachers! Dallas fires up as he joins Jackie Redmond in the perch for an interview. Jackie says the fans love chanting Punk’s name, and thanks him for coming out here for this in-arena interview. Punk says before any questions, he has a question for us: “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Dallas, Texas or what?!” The fans cheer that, and Jackie says of course it is.
But to the question: There are only so many ways to get to the main event of WrestleMania, something Punk wants to do for the first time in his career. The Royal Rumble is certainly one way, but that is a match he’s never won. And it is shaping to become one of the most stacked fields ever. Punk, Roman, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, and more. So, the question is, what makes this Rumble different for Punk? Punk says, “History.” And he is a maker of history! Just three weeks ago, he main-evented the first Raw live on Netflix, and he beat Rollins, a man favored to win this year’s Rumble.
This business is a fickle one, constantly asking, “What have you down for me lately?” Punk says he makes history! And he’ll do it in two weeks when he walks in, throws 29 other superstars over the top rope. The stakes are much too high, the lights are much too bright, and the pressure is on! And that is when Punk feels alive and when he thrives. No one can beat Punk when he’s at his best and with the people behind him. Jackie brought up Cena, but Punk can’t see Cena throwing him out. Roman Reigns? Roman needed Punk’s help to settle family business at WarGames. And in the Rumble, there are no friends!
Punk has put McIntyre in the dirt, and don’t ask him about Sami. You put HOGAN in the rumble, Punk will throw his old ass out and kill Hulkamania once and for all! February 1st, 60 THOUSAND strong, on the Peacock, live and in living color, Indianapolis, Indiana, Punk will settle scores and cash in debts. He’ll even call in a favor or two if he needs to. On that night, 29 other men are going night-night, and ONE MAN gets his hand raised. One name, three syllables: C, M, PUNK! “CM” might stand for “Confident Man” right about now, but will Punk be unstoppable on this road not just to WrestleMania, but also the road to his dream?
Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective!
This rivalry went back and forth all over 2024, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down just because it is a New Year. Will Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky finally kick PFC to the curb for what they did to Kairi Sane? Or will Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark put them on the shelf right beside the Pirate Princess?
The teams sort out, the bell rings, and Kai starts against Shayna. Shayna opens with a KICK to the leg, but Kai walks that off. Shayna KCIKS again, Kai gets mad, and the two go again. Kai blocks one kick but not the second KCIK! Shayna runs up, fakes Kai out, then trips her up! Shayna scuffs Kai, then soaks up the heat. Shayna runs back in, but Kai goes up and over to roll her up! TWO, and Kai slips past Shayna to DROPKICK her down! The fans fire up for Kai, but Shayna stops the arm-drag! Shayna whips, Kai stops herself and BOOTS Shayna away. Kai runs up, Zoey tags in before the flying mare!
Things speed up, Shayna drops down and Zoey springboards to MISSILE DORPKICK Kai down! Sonya wants everyone to take notes! Zoey clamps onto Kai with a chinlock and she grinds Kai down. The fans rally, Kai fights up, and Kai fires body shots. Zoey CLUBS Kai, CLUBS her again and again, then soaks up heat. Zoey puts Kai in the corner, tags Shayna back in, and then Zoey whips Shayna in for a KNEE! Shayna scoops Kai, BACKBREAKER and LARIAT! Shayna covers, TWO! Kai stays in this, but Sonya says her team’s got this. Kai crawls, but Shayna clamps onto the leg for a toehold.
Kai endures, kicks at Shayna with her free leg, but Shayna still bends the trapped leg! The fans rally, Kai kicks and kicks, but Shayna drops an ELBOW on the leg! Shayna tells Dallas to shut it, then she drags Kai around to bend the leg in another direction! Kai endures, reaches out for Iyo, but Shayna pulls the leg. Kai kicks at Shayna again, then BOOTS her away! Kai and Shayna crawl, hot tag to Zoey! Zoey brings Kai up but Kai ENZIGIRIS! Shayna runs back in, but Kai TOSSES her out! Hot tag to Iyo! The Genius of the Sky fires SHOTEI after SHOTEI on Zoey! Iyo ROCKS Shayna, then runs! PFC avoids the handsprings, but Iyo blocks a kick!
Iyo sends the foot at Zoey, but she ducks! Iyo SHOTEIS Zoey again! Then she dodges Shayna to GERMAN SUPLEX her away! The fans fire up as Iyo whips Zoey. Zoey reverses but Iyo uses that to DIVE onto Shayna! Iyo hurries up, blocks a shot, then ROUDNHOUSES Zoey! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, and Iyo MISSILE DROPKICKS Zoey! Iyo handsprings up and the fans are thunderous! Iyo aims from the corner, runs in and SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Zoey to a cover, TWO! Zoey survives but Iyo goes up. Sonya storms up, but Kai YANKS Sonya down! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, but Shayna LARIATS Kai!
Zoey YANKS Iyo down, SUPERKICKS her, and then reels her in! ATAXIA!! Cover, TWO!! Zoey is furious, but she tags in Shayna. PFC gets Iyo up, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, Kai breaks it! The fans fire up but Zoey TOSSES Kai! Zoey then PLANCHAS, but Kai dodges! Kai goes up to the apron to PENALTY KICK Zoey! Shayna BOOTS Kai, then dodges Iyo! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Iyo flails, but she runs to the ropes! HOTSHOT and Shayna falls back! Iyo hurries up top, the fans fire up, OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!
Winners: Damage CTRL, by pinfall
PFC tried to use the numbers, but Iyo & Kai just used their skills! Will DMG CTRL still take control of Raw? Or will Sonya, Shayna & Zoey figure out a winning formula?
Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre!
With the Royal Rumble just down the road, it is this WrestleMania 40 rematch that could determine how WrestleMania 41 looks. The Visionary and the Scottish Terminator look to run it back, but who will be in pole position for Indianapolis?
Raw returns and McIntyre makes his entrance. The bell rings, the fans fire up, and the two stare down. The fans sing Rollins’ song, and Rollins says he’s got two good knees now. No Bloodline, no CM Punk, just them! The two circle, tie up, and McIntyre pushes Rollins to the corner. The ref counts but McIntyre talks smack as he lets off. Rollins shoves McIntyre, McIntyre shoves Rollins! They stare down again, Rollins talks a bit more smack, and McIntyre grins. McIntyre CHOPS, and Rollins likes that! Rollins CHOPS, McIntyre CHOPS, repeat! The fans “WOO~” but then McIntyre headlocks. Rollins powers up and out, but McIntyre runs him over!
McIntyre looms over Rollins, then brings him up. But Rollins CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! McIntyre headlocks, Rollins powers up and out, drops down, hurdles over, then redirects McIntyre to SHOULDER TACKLE! McIntyre rebounds to SHOULDER TACKLE Rollins! The fans fire up again while Rollins goes to ropes. McIntyre stomps Rollins, ROCKS him, then stalks him to ropes. McIntyre CHOPS Rollins against the ropes, then whips. Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges, to then SLINGBLADE! Rollins keeps moving, and he LARAITS McIntyre up and out! The fans fire up as Rollins builds speed, to WRECK McIntyre with a dropkick!
McIntyre is at the desk. Rollins builds sped, and Rollins DIVES! McIntyre hits desk, but Rollins keeps going! Rollins DIVES again, but McIntyre stops that to TOSS Rollins up and over the desk! Rollins is down between the armchairs and McIntyre snarls, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and both men slowly rise in the ring. McIntyre looms over Rollins, saying Rollins is still too damn selfish. But Rollins fires hands! McIntyre hits back, they go back and forth! McIntyre kicks low, whips Rollins toa corner, but Rollins BOOTS him away! McIntyre returns, and he pushes through the boot to ELBOW Rollins! McIntyre has Rollins in the Inverted Alabama Lift, ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Rollins goes back to the corner, and he BOOTS McIntyre again! The fans fire up while both men are down! Rollins feeds off that energy and rises up. Rollins ROCKS McIntyre, then counter punches him!
Rollins CHOPS and ROCKS McIntyre again and again, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans fire up, the ref counts as they’re on ropes, but Rollins roars! Rollins whips, McIntyre reveres, Rollins leaps, but into McIntyre’s arms! McIntyre pops Rollins up, but Rollins slips out of the suplex to then POST McIntyre! McIntyre staggers back, so Rollins POSTS him again! McIntyre sputters, Rollins brings him around and POSTS him a third time! McIntyre is stuck in the corner now, but Rollins SLAMS the arm against the post! Rollins aims as McIntyre staggers away. Springboard, FLYING KNEE! McIntyre says up, Rollins hits a RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO!
Rollins takes a breath as the fans rally up. McIntyre is down so Rollins goes to the apron. Springboard SWANTON! Cover, TWO! McIntyre survives but Rollins snarls. Rollins stalks McIntyre, grabs the arm, and he goes to wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre rolls free, fireman’s carries, but Rollins fights free! Rollins goes to a corner again, puts McIntyre on the apron, but McIntyre ROCKS Rollins! McIntyre climbs, but Rollins springs up to join him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, but MCINTYRE hits the FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as McIntyre kips up!
McIntyre still wobbles a bit, but he makes his way to a corner. McIntyre tells Rollins to get up. Rollins rises, McIntyre runs in, but Rollins ducks the Claymore! Now Rollins aims, and he runs up, but McIntyre hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Rollins survives, but McIntyre brings him in! Deadlift and- RANA! Rollins then SUPERKICKS McIntyre, runs, tilt-o-whirls, and FALCON ARROWS! The fans fire up as Rollins manages a cover, TWO!! The pin wasn’t much but neither was that kick-out, both men are running on fumes. The fans sing Rollins’ song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!”
Rollins runs, CURB- NO, McIntyre avoids the stomp! Underhooks and FUTURE- NO, Rollins fights the DDT to underhook! PED- NO, McIntyre wrenches out to short arm LARIAT! McIntyre rolls away to go to the apron, then he drags himself up the corner. McIntyre reaches the top, Rollins stands, FLYING- NO, Rollins blocks the lariat to try and wrangle McIntyre. McIntyre scoops Rollins, Rollins slips free, and Rollins still wants the arm! McIntyre fights the takedown again so Rollins CLUBS away on the arm! Rollins brings McIntyre down, into a CROSSFACE!! McIntyre endures, reaches out, but Rollins pulls him back!
McIntyre fights, claws his way over, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Rollins holds until the ref counts 4, and now Rollins tells McIntyre to get up and fight. “You question me? You question my integrity!?” Rollins gets in McIntyre’s face, the ref backs him off, but now McIntyre CLAWS Rollins’ face! Rollins staggers, McIntyre reels him in, underhook and FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO?!? Rollins survives and now McIntyre is pissed. McIntyre rises, and he tells Rollins that his words and actions don’t line up. Short arm LARIAT! McIntyre drags Rollins up again, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally and McIntyre shakes his head.
McIntyre tells Rollins to get up, and Rollins sputters as he slowly sits up. McIntyre reels Rollins in for a short arm- NO, Rollins slips up and around, and a jackknife bridge! ROLLINS WINS!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
Rollins snatches this one away, and McIntyre CLOBBERS Rollins for it! The fans boo but McIntyre scares the ref off. But Rollins fires hands in return! McIntyre CLAYMORES outta nowhere!! McIntyre is still seething, and he drags Rollins over to the corner. McIntyre pulls Rollins’ hair to put him up against the post! The fans boo, the ref says don’t, but SAMI ZAYN to the rescue! Sami fires hands, then he POSTS McIntyre! Sami makes sure Rollins is alright, and then Sami goes back for Drew. But he gets a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT for it! McIntyre stands Sami up to THROW him into barriers!
McIntyre snarls as he looks to Rollins again. McIntyre gets in the ring, and he tells Rollins they should be on the same team, but Rollins is just so selfish! But here comes Sami! McIntyre moves, HELLUVA KICK to Rollins!! The fans can’t believe it and neither can Sami! Sami apologizes to Rollins, but McIntyre grins, this all worked out for the better! Will McIntyre use everyone else against each other to ensure he is the one going to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
Another great episode coming in at just two hours and 35 minutes or so. I don’t mind things “ending early” compared to the usual three hour run, but I am curious as to how they’re only using two-and-a-half hours. I suppose they have their plan and just go with it. That way, if things go long, they have breathing room for it. But they really could’ve added like one more thing to this and it would’ve been fine, I think. That said, good go-home stuff for Saturday Night’s Main Event, such as a good promo from Jey and Gunther. Though, they didn’t really add more to what last week had, other than that brawl. Jey stood tall, go-home math would suggest he loses.
Sheamus and Bron had a good promo to put the final touches on their build, but as I said last week, this is a rather interesting one. Sheamus really should win that Intercontinental Championship already, but I don’t know if Saturday Night’s Main Event is a “big enough stage” for such a moment. Great stuff with Bayley, Nia and Rhea tonight, especially that match. It seems the Transfer Window is finally putting some actual transfers in, what with Wyatt Sick6 on SmackDown and now Bayley on Raw. Rhea VS Nia on Saturday Night’s Main Event is going to be an awesome title match, but it feels like Rhea will retain to solidify her as champion past the Royal Rumble.
And speaking of the Rumble, Bayley is certainly a top choice to win. For one, it’d be historic for Bayley to not just win back-to-back, but to also be the first woman to have won two Rumbles at all. Very good promo from Punk to hype himself up for the Rumble, and he did mention a favor… Though, it’d be rather Heel of Punk to use a favor from Heyman to basically rig the Rumble or give him protection during it, but it’d also be great continuity as The Shield was to shield Punk. Sami of course declared for the Rumble, but Kevin showing up was a great surprise. And Kevin clearly implies that if Sami helps Kevin cheat the ladder match, Kevin will help Sami cheat the Rumble. Or rather, if Kevin does help Sami win the Rumble, Sami better help Kevin win the ladder match.
Sami also had a good promo with Rollins backstage, with the real fun part being Kross watching from the background. Kross needs a new feud with the Wyatts going to SmackDown, and moving on to names like Rollins and Sami would be some big stuff for him and The Final Testament. Rollins VS McIntyre was a great main event, and classic move having the quick pin win this so that McIntyre is still strong even in defeat. Sami making the save was also a nice touch, as was the Helluva Kick accidentally hitting Rollins. The Rumble has a lot of feuds crossing over, and Kross can add onto what happened here, we’ll get some really good chaos in that match.
Great promo between New Day and JBL to where even JBL, notorious as one of the meanest, most obnoxious Heels of his time, is on Big E’s side. And we finally got New Day back in the ring, but it’s a little disappointing that it wasn’t a tag match. Dragon Lee hasn’t gotten to do much, and he’s doing even less now. It was still a great match from Kofi VS Rey, with Rey getting his own quick pin win. New Day beating Rey up of course brought out the LWO, and I’m sure we’ll get New Day VS Cruz & Wilde next. We can only hope for Dragon Lee’s sake that he gets to be part of the blowoff for this feud. Actually, better yet would be him in the Intercontinental Championship scene.
Penta might also make a great choice for the Intercontinental Championship scene. Penta had another awesome match, as Pete Dunne is always a great opponent. Maybe Penta gets in on the Rumble so he can check that off his bucket list. He doesn’t need to win, he can just have a great showing, and rivalries can spark from those interactions. Lyra had a very good promo but I was hoping for a little more after her winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. DMG CTRL VS PFC was a great tag match, and a great win for DMG CTRL. Dakota and Iyo could each make a case for a match with Lyra, but clearly Ivy will be up first. She would make a solid first defense for Lyra, and then Lyra can have rematches from the tournament with Kai and Iyo.
At the same time, PFC might already be thinking about changing up the team with Zoey taking the loss. Good stuff with Judgment Day. Dom and Liv plotting and scheming while being passive aggressive is a fun phase for them. They’re probably plotting on how Liv can win the Women’s Rumble, but it’ll likely backfire and that’ll push the Liv x Dom break-up. Also, you can bet Finn won’t like Dom taking his spot against the War Raiders, especially if they win. That said, I don’t see them winning, Erik & Ivar should definitely be able to handle Dom & JD. It certainly feels more likely the Creeds can take the tag titles than Judgment Day.
I do wonder who Dom recommended to Gable, though. It’d be cool if WWE brought in some other lucha legends, as WWE seems to be expanding their partnerships. WWE is working more closely with TNA now, and I believe TNA still has a working relationship with AAA, especially after AEW moved over to working with CMLL because of the relationship with NJPW. Also a super crossover like NXTNAAA would be a lot of fun to see for WrestleMania weekend.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Divisional Playoffs
Rey, Andrew and Tunney catch you up on the NFL coaching carousel and breakdown the Divisional round matchups.
Hockey (and Sports) Talk- Age Is Just a Number [011425]
The guys discuss Alex Ovechkin making more history plus a recap of the CFP Semi-Finals and much more.
Oblong Ball Foot Show: NFL Wildcard Weekend
Dave Wortz joins the show this week as we breakdown the NFL's Wildcard Weekend!
Hockey (and Sports) Talk- Time 4 A Cool Change [010725]
The guys discuss the CFP Quarterfinals and how Alex Ovechkin breaking Wayne Gretzky's record this season now appears very likely.
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Who Is Your NFL MVP?
Join Rey Cash, Andrew Balaz and PC Tunney as they cover which way exactly the oblong ball bounces from week...
Bandwagon Nerds #272: Nerdosity
The Nerds discuss the MCU including Captain America, Daredevil, Avengers, and Vision Quest. Plus, the Switch 2 is official and...
Bandwagon Nerds #271: Jack Quaid aka Jack Paid
The Nerds review 2024 and reveal their choices for the best of the year in categories such as best series,...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (1/11/25)
Setting the Brackets!
Bandwagon Nerds #270: Deathgrass & Rainbows
The Nerds return to the Trailer Park, address some rumors about Half-Life 3 and the MCU, and discuss Jason Mamoa...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (12/31/24)
History comes full circle!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (1/21/25)
NXT stacks the gold!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/20/25)
WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!
Andrew’s TNA Genesis Results & Match Ratings: 1.19.25
Does TNA Believe in Joe Hendry more than Mokuba Nemeth believes in his big brother?
Classic POD is WAR: Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice… Goldberg
The Chairshot, brings you THE podcast that will absolutely have you questioning everything you thought you knew about professional wrestling,...
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (1/18/25)
The carnage continues!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: RAW, TNA & AEW
We've got a little bit of everything this week. With DJ out on assignment, Rob and Jason bring you ALL...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/17/25)
Will Tiffy Time be cut short?
DWI Podcast #459: RIP Mr. Baseball Bob Uecker
DP and PC run down a plethora of topics from RAW and SmackDown as we head towards the Royal Rumble.
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.16.25
The Go Home for Genesis this Sunday! Let's see what happens!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (1/16/25)
Stir it up!
