Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Money in the Bank Results & Report! (7/18/21)
Money in the Bank gets Rated R!
The stakes are high and the prizes are big in Fort Worth, Texas!
Fans are back, Money in the Bank is back, but will KofiMania be back? Or will the All Mighty WWE World Champion, Bobby Lashley, bring the hurt?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff Show – SmackDown Tag Team Championships: Rey & Dominik Mysterio VS The Usos; The Usos win and become the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
- Women’s Money in the Bank Match: Nikki ASH wins and is Ms. Money in the Bank 2021.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Omos VS The Viking Raiders; Styles & Omos win and retain the titles.
- WWE World Championship: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Kofi Kingston; Lashley wins and retains the title.
- Raw Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Charlotte Flair; Charlotte wins and becomes the new Raw Women’s Champion.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Match: Big E wins and is Mr. Money in the Bank 2021.
- WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman VS Edge; Reigns wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Money in the Bank Kickoff Show!
Join Kayla Braxton, Booker T, Jerry “The King” Lawler, John “Bradshaw” Layfield, “birthday boy” Peter Rosenberg, and the live crowd, in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action set for this great return to fans at a WWE PPV!
Sonya Deville joins the panel.
JBL is upset Rosenberg didn’t offer her a chair but she points out her standing and Rosenberg sitting are the same height. Kayla points out that when it comes to Women’s MITB, every woman that’s cashed in, they win the title. 100% success rate, and every woman who has held the briefcase have become stars. And the winner this year could be THE face of the Women’s Division soon enough. Sonya Deville was involved in a Women’s MITB helping Mandy Rose, but Bayley took them both down. But this is a point that anything can happen tonight. We’ve seen Liv Morgan fight her way in, Carmella was in but got her title match before, anything can happen.
Everything is on the line, Sonya wants to see the women step up, she is hoping Liv shows us something tonight. Booker says that he never won MITB either. It is about sacrifice, the person wanting it most wins. Liv has been putting in work, she might win. Liv is here via video chat and Kayla notes this is Liv’s first MITB ever. What’s going in her head right though? She is so excited! This is the biggest night of her career and she can’t wait to win. Peter asks that with what we saw on an electric Friday night, the fans say, “You Deserve It!” What does that mean to her?
That was so unexpected, but it meant more to her than anything. Liv loves this more than anything ever in her life. She cannot get this feeling anywhere else, so having that love is amazing. Booker says not to put the carriage before the horse, is she too caught up thinking she’s just getting this? She has to have eyes on the back of her head and much more. Liv says she’ll risk it all, there is nothing she won’t do to make sure she’s at the top of the ladder with the briefcase in hand. She has no other option but to win! They all like that and they wish her luck. King knows the song is “I Love a Loser When They Cry,” but he loves a winner when they cry. And if Liv wins, the emotions will pour forth.
The kickoff show returns and Sonya sticks around to talk the Raw Women’s’ Championship. Who does she feel has the upper hand here? Charlotte Flair, one of the most decorated women in WWE, but Rhea Ripley has earned her spot. Sonya says this is about mental strengths and weaknesses. Rhea will take and take and play by the rules for as long as she can, but then she’ll bring out the Nightmare. That is the point to where Charlotte has pushed rhea, and that’s who we see tonight. That is Peter’s concern. Is Rhea good? A nightmare? Caught in Charlotte’s game as the Dirtiest Player in the Game’s daughter? JBL agrees, Rhea is trying to beat Charlotte at her own game, but that’ snot what you do in a match like this.
Kayla knows Charlotte sees something of herself in Rhea, but Booker says Rhea is a work in progress. There will always be someone trying to take your spot, and the Ripper wants to rip Charlotte’s spot away from her. King says how can Booker call the champ a WIP? Well you always get better. Two things you don’t do: don’t let the dog guard the food, and don’t play games with The Queen. Sonya relates to Rhea, she sees the true Rhea. You can get pushed and pushed only so far. Even a nice person can only take things for so long before ripping off the mask and becomes the most passionate fighter. A quick poll: King says Queen Charlotte; Booker says Charlotte; JBL says Charlotte, too; Peter says don’t sleep on The Ripper, Rhea is a top star, she will retain.
Another title from Raw is the tag team titles, and the Viking Raiders get their shot at AJ Styles & Omos. Ivar pinned Styles last Monday, but Omos won his singles debut against Erik. The titles are on the line tonight, and there’s a lot of seize in the ring, not necessarily including Styles. Peter remembers the Great Khali being a dominate force on size and strength, what do you do with such a big man? JBL says you try to take them out of their game, but doubts the Vikings can do that. Booker knows Omos is strong, big, and hungry. You don’t really mess with that guy, especially with a veteran mentor like Styles. King thinks to call MIB, this guy might be an alien.
But King talks to Styles insulting the Viking Raiders. Styles has said they’re stinky barbarians, and King admits they could use a bath. But the Raiders have been away from these titles the better part of a year, they’re hungry. JBL says Styles is the greatest of this era, Omos is a great up-and-comer, but the Raiders are already a great tag team. This could be an instant classic. Quick poll: King says Styles & Omos, as does Booker and JBL; Peter feels that as a fellow former (24/7) champion, he has no choice but to say the champs retain. Will it be as phenomenal as this sweep when Styles & Omos take on Erik & Ivar 2v2?
The Miz and John Morrison crash the panel!
Fans fire up as the Most Must-See duo arrives! Wet guys are the best guys! Get some Drip Stick! Careful, you’re getting Booker’s suit wet. Fans chant for “Johnny Drip Drip!” and Miz is fired up. Booker has no idea what’s going on. Is Miz okay? Yeah, he’s gotta be here for Morrison to get the MITB contract. Well what kind of advice as one of the most decorated MITB winners given to Morrison? Morrison doesn’t need advice, he’s been preparing for this his whole career! MITB changes your whole career, Miz got to go to the WrestleMania main event, so Morrison is doing that tonight! Fans chant, “Miz is Awesome!” and that fires Miz up more.
Any nerves, Johnny Drip Drip? Of course! When you stop getting nervous, you stop caring! Morrison isn’t just hungry, he’s thirsty, for that case! Well let’s go to ringside for the kickoff match! Miz and Morrison head out to prepare, will Morrison be dripping with the MITB briefcase?
Kickoff Show – SmackDown Tag Team Championships: Rey & Dominik Mysterio VS The Usos!
The King of Lucha Libre and his son, the first-ever father-son championship tag team, got cheated in the Six Man Tag last Friday Night SmackDown. But they won’t let the Bloodline completely conquer the blue brand just yet! Will Rey & Dom deny Jimmy & Jey their SEVENTH tag title reign?
Rey & Dom get a very special entrance, with a portal back to the Aztecs, the origins of lucha libre! Then they warp back here to Texas! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if the Mysterios draw first blood from the Bloodline!
Dom starts against Jimmy and fans fire up. Jimmy and Dom circle, approach, and tie up. Jimmy puts Dom in a corner, the ref counts, and Dom gets around to throw hands! Jimmy swings on Dom but Dom dodges to fire off haymakers! Dom whips and dropkicks Jimmy down, then dropkicks him again! Dom gets Jimmy up, knuckle locks and CHOPS, then goes up and up, to flying arm-drag! Jimmy gets up but into another arm-drag! Dom has the armlock, Jimmy fights up but Dom tags Rey. Rey kicks the bad arm, the Mysterios double whip and double hip toss! Rey gets a boost from Dom, POWERBOMB SENTON! Cover, TWO!
Rey gets Jimmy up to wrench, but Jimmy RAMS Rey into the corner! Jey tags in, Jey runs in to forearm smash! Jey runs, but Rey dropkicks him down! Rey gets Jey up and headlocks but Jey powers out. Jey ducks, Rey comes back but is sent out of the ring hard! The ref counts, Jey snarls and goes out after Rey. Jey puts Rey in the ring, drags him over, and tags in Jimmy. Jimmy drops a headbutt on Rey, then covers, TWO! Jimmy CHOPS Rey, chokes him on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts, so Jey can get a cheap shot in! Dom is furious but the ref keeps him back. Jimmy grins and swaggers back over to get Rey up. Jimmy headbutts Rey down, then brings him up in a chinlock.
Rey endures, fans rally up, and Rey fights up and fights back. Jimmy headbutts, back suplexes, but Rey lands on his feet! Rey slides under and tags in Dom! Dom forearms then slingshots to FLYING CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy gets up but into a NECKBREAKER! Dom drags Jimmy over, stomps him in the drop zone, then goes up and up and around to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Dom whips Jimmy to ropes, Jimmy reverses but Dom ducks. Jey is there but Dom dropkicks him! Dom throws Jimmy out to GAMANGIRI! The Usos are both down on the outside and Dom fires the fans up as he climbs. Dom LEAPS, but the Usos both catch him! They SLAM Dom into barriers!
Jey gets Jimmy up and the Usos loom over Dom. Jey refreshes the count, Jimmy backs off and Jey puts Dom into the ring. Dom ends up in the Usos’ corner, Jey runs in and HIP ATTACKS! Fans boo as Jey snarls and talks trash on Dom. Jey chokes Dom, throws down hands, but the ref backs him off. Jimmy gets a shot in, Jey paces, and fans duel. Jey scoops Dom to SLAM him, then drags Dom back over. Tag to Jimmy, the Usos split the wishbone! The ref reprimands but the damage is done. Jimmy sits Dom up for a chinlock and grinds him down. Fans rally up, Jimmy thrashes Dom, facelocks and CLUBS him, then bumps him off buckles.
Jimmy puts Dom up top, ROCKS him with an uppercut, then climbs up. Jimmy fireman’s carries but Dom fights free and SUNSET- No, Jimmy holds on! Dom pushes Jimmy off the corner and Jimmy falls to the floor! Dom hurries as fans rally up. Dom has to boot Jey away first, then he crawls towards his corner! Jimmy gets back in at 6 of 10, crawls after Dom to get a foot, but Dom kicks at him. Jey tags in, but so does Rey! Rey rallies on Jey, Jey mule kicks low! Jey ROCKS Rey with an uppercut, whips to ropes, but Rey duck sand dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Fans fire up as Jey gets to a corner. Rey runs in but is put on the apron.
Rey forearms Jey away, climbs up and leaps, SEATED SENTON! Cover, TWO! Rey keeps his cool, stalks behind Jey and gets him up. Jey switches, Rey elbows the O’Conner Roll away, then springboards back. Jimmy tags in before the SPINNING RANA, and Jimmy SUPERKICKS Rey down! Jimmy whips Rey to pop-up SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Rey survives and Jimmy is seething! Jimmy tags Jey and the Usos coordinate. Rey gets up, but Dom trips Jimmy and drags him out! Dom fires off, Jimmy POSTS Dom! Rey rolls Jey, TWO!! Rey keeps moving, and he puts Jey on ropes! Dial it up, but Jimmy intercepts for Jey! Rey still KICKS Jey away, then springboards, into a SUPERKICK!!
Jey drags Rey to a drop zone, climbs up, USO SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!?! Rey survives and no one can believe it! Jimmy argues with the ref but two is two! Maybe 2.9! “This is Awesome!” and it’s just the KICKOFF! Jey tags Jimmy, the Usos take a corner each, but Dom trips Jey! Jimmy DECKS Dom, Rey gets over but is bumped off buckle! Jimmy rolls Rey, Jey holds him in place?! THE USOS WIN!?!?
Winners: The Usos, by pinfall (NEW SmackDown Tag Team Champions)
Lucky number seven, but it wasn’t luck! It wasn’t paranoia! It was the Uso Penitentiary!! But if it took this to take the titles, will Jimmy & Jey be able to hold onto them?
The Money in the Bank briefcase is opportunity incarnate.
Risk becomes reward, and it all starts here. Two star-studded fields of eight. Ladders as far as the eye can see. And a single prize that can and has been proven to create breakthroughs. SO here’s the million dollar question: when opportunity calls, who will do whatever it takes to answer it? And who will do whatever it takes to keep their gold? A Queen challenges a Nightmare. KofiMania collides with the All Mighty. And the Rated R Superstar wants to break the Head of the Table! And in front of a fired-up WWE Universe, live and in person, it is all about the money money money! Who hits the jackpot with their careers as the ante?
Women’s Money in the Bank Match!
Raw’s Asuka, Naomi, Alexa Bliss and Nikki ASH (Almost a SuperHero), SmackDown’s Zelina Vega, Liv Morgan, Natalya or Tamina. Only ONE can take down the briefcase and have their golden ticket to a title match. Luck will be a lady tonight, and someone gets to be the Miss Fortune for a champion the next 365 days! Who will be the NEW Ms. MITB?
The bell rings and everyone looks to the briefcase, but for only a moment! They rush out for ladders, Natty throws Naomi down while Alexa hasn’t done anything but stand on the corner… Liv fights off Nikki and Zelina and now Alexa skips and frolics in the ring. The fans fire up as the other seven are put off, and Alexa reaches a hand up? Asuka hurries to GERMAN SUPLEX Alexa! Zelina BOOTS Asuka, Liv ENZIGURIS Zelina! Natty DISCUS clotheslines Liv, Nikki boots and TORNADO DDT’s Natty! Naomi hits a REAR VIEW, but Tamina SUPERKICKS! Tamina looks up but Alexa jumps on with a sleeper! Tamina throws Alexa off then CLOBBERS her!
Tamina gets a ladder, wedges it in a corner over Alexa, then gets Alexa’s legs for a LADDER GUILLOTINE CATAPULT! Nobody meana than Tamina! Tamina gets another ladder, stands it up, but Liv climbs it?! Zelina keeps Liv from grabbing the briefcase, Tamina shoves the ladder over! SUPERKICK for Vega, forearm for Liv, then a DOUBLE SPLASH for Liv and Vega! They flop out of the ring and Tamina is alone to put the ladder back up. But Asuka stops her from climbing! They shove each other, Asuka bobs ‘n’ weaves and fires off hands! And back hands! Asuka whips but Tamina blocks to reverses. Asuka ducks the ladder to HP ATTACK Natty!
Asuka avoids the ladder as Tamina shoves it, and Asuka goes up to missile dropkick Tamina down! Fans fire up for the Empress as she stands the ladder back up on Tamina! She SLAMS the ladder down to use the rung on Tamina! Fans fire up again as Asuka climbs, but Tamina bench presses the ladder! Liv jumps on to bring it back down on Tamina! Liv hits a CODE BREAKER to Asuka! Liv hurries, fans fire up, but Natty pushes the ladder over! Liv hotshots off ropes on the way down, then Natty hurries to shove the ladder. Liv avoids it but barely. Natty clips Liv, Liv hobbles after her. They tug-o-war over the ladder, but Nikki gets in.
Nikki ducks the ladder but Natty and Liv come back to RAM her! Naomi ends up in a similar situation, she SMACKS and KICKS Tamina, but Tamina catches her out of the air! SAMOAN DROP! Liv and Natty still fight over the ladder, Asuka and Vega drag Tamina out. Vega goes up to FLYING RANA and sends Tamina away! Asuka runs to HIP ATTACK Tamina into barriers! Natty powers Liv into a corner! Alexa throws Natty down with a backbreaker! Alexa crawls up the ladder like a spider, but Liv flails to escape. Natty gets Alexa up for an atomic sit-down, but Alexa just laughs?! Natty hesitates and Alexa drop toeholds her onto the ladder!
Liv runs at Alexa but Alexa throws her down with the STO! FLIPPING SENTON! Fans fire up as Alexa is alone now with a ladder. She starts standing one up, then starts climbing, but so does Vega! They meet at the top and Alexa’s smile scares Vega. Then Alexa starts hypnotizing Vega?! Vega is Alexa’s puppet, and they climb back down! Then Alexa climbs up without Vega, only for Natty to stop her! Rebound BOMB into ladder, then SIT-OUT BOMB! Natty goes up but Vega throws her down! Vega BOOTS Nikki, and wheelbarrows Asuka to a FACEBUSTER! Vega sees Liv up top and kicks her down! Vega uses the ladder as a platform but Liv resists the suplex!
Liv fires body shots and throws Vega down. Naomi puts Vega in place, and POWERBOMBS Liv onto Vega and ladder! Fans fire up as Naomi is alone with the ladders! Naomi sets the corner ladder up beside the first, but Natty attacks! They brawl, Tamina gets in, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion work together only to get a DOUBLE FLYING CHUCK! Naomi gets both for DOUBLE STUNNERS! Nikki RAMS into Naomi, but leaps into her arms, POWERSLAM on a ladder! Nikki writhes but Naomi DROPS THE SPLITS! Naomi climbs the ladder, fans fire up, but Natty drags Naomi down and throws her out! Natty climbs but Vega goes after her!
Vega climbs up onto Natty for a sleeper backpack! Natty still fights towards the top! Vega squeezes tighter but Natty reaches the top! Natty grabs the case, Vega pulls her back, Vega reaches up! Liv gets in and drags them both down!! Ladder topples over while every woman is down somewhere around ringside! Fans rally up as Natty, Vega and Liv stagger. Asuka and Tamina get in, Natty fires hands on Liv and Vega! Tamina clubs Asuka. Asuka kicks Vega, hits Liv, ladders are moved side, and the champs mug whoever comes close. Naomi joins in, it is a chaotic brawl, but Nikki climbs a ladder on the outside?! ALMOST A SUPERHERO CROSSBODY!! She takes EVERYONE out!
Fans fire up as Nikki gets a ladder back in the ring. Nikki stands it up, starts to climb, but Alexa drags her back down! Nikki throws a forearm, Alexa ROCKS Nikki back! Nikki shoves, Alexa spider-womans in the ring, then gets Nikki for a TWISTED DDT!! Alexa climbs all alone now, but Natty drags her down! Natty and Tamina mug Alexa, throw her out, but Natty keeps on Alexa and RAMS her into a barrier! The tag champs get a ladder together to RAM Alexa into the barriers harder! And then they set the ladder on top of her! And another ladder! And another! Asuka and Vega help out, they know to pile on the most dangerous woman in this match!
Fans boo but Natty says Alexa deserves this. But Liv slips past Vega and the others to get the ladder in the center! Liv climbs, fans fire up, but Tamina drags her down, only for Liv to RANA her away! Liv stomps away on Tamina, Natty gets in with another ladder, and Natty DECKS Liv! Natty sets up her own ladder next to the first, but Liv stops Natty from climbing! Liv waistlocks, Natty bumps free but Liv spins her to BOOT her into ladder! Asuka and Vega set another ladder up, Liv throws them away! Body block into Vega, then Liv keeps Asuka from climbing. Asuka misses her hip attack and gets ObLIVion!! Liv is in the clear again and climbs!
Naomi and Liv are on the same ladder, Natty and Tamina go up the other two! Asuka and Vega join in, six women fight and paw at the briefcase! Nikki gets back in, she tips the scales by going up the middle! Asuka fights Tamina, Nikki climbs up everyone and GETS THE CASE!!!
Winner: Nikki ASH (NEW Ms. Money in the Bank)
The others may have doubted her, but that was their mistake! Nikki slips in and snatches victory away from everyone else! She may be almost a superhero, but will she a shoe-in for new champion?
The Bloodline celebrates backstage.
The Usos are feeling great, and Roman is happy for them. Jimmy & Jey offer the belts to him but he says they can hold onto those for him. This has been a long journey. All the pressure, all the tough love, now they’re golden. Jimmy was smart enough to learn from Roman. But let’s not get this confused. This was the easy part. Roman did the heavy-lifting. Who brought Jey back? Roman. And Jimmy… Well, they’re here now, dripping in gold. The Bloodline is gold. This is about reputation. The family is always watching. Now that Roman has given them what they want, they need to get him what he wants.
Jey says Roman knows him, Uce. Roman’s Jey’s Tribal Chief. And that’s from Right hand Man! Jey nudges Jimmy and says he acknowledges Roman as Head of the Table and Tribal Chief. Roman accepts that, and is proud of them. The bring it in for a hug, but will things stay good for the fam with Edge coming for the title later tonight?
Raw Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Omos VS The Viking Raiders!
The Phenomenal One and the mountain of a man beside him took these titles their first try! But now, they have to prove they can hold onto these belts against a duo that have held titles in every company they’ve worked for and at every level they’ve been on! Will Erik & Ivar get the gold back for the glory of their Viking ancestors? Or will Styles & Omos make them look like nothing more than “stinky, stupid barbarians?”
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and MITB gets phenomenal!
Erik starts with Styles, but then Styles tags out to Omos. Omos already beat Erik, will he do it again? Erik circles with Omos, but then he smirks and tags out to Ivar. And then the Viking Raiders go after Omos together! But Omos bodies each of them in turn! “This is MY house!” Ivar sits up, Oms mocks him wobbling, and tags in Styles. Styles fires off shoulders in the corner then snapmares him to KICK him! Styles drops a knee, covers, TWO! Styles looms over Ivar, gets him up, but Ivar lifts him and RAMS him into the Viking corner! Ivar RAMS Styles, tags Erik, but many fans chant for Styles. Erik clinches, throws knees, and then SLAMS Styles down!
Tag to Ivar, Ivar scoops and slams Styles, then Erik scoop sand SLAMS Ivar onto Styles! Fans are divided but Ivar covers, ONE! Styles is tough but Ivar bumps him off buckles. Tag to Erik, Erik feeds Styles to Ivar’s knee, and then Ivar feeds Styles to Erik’s KNEE! Cover, TWO! Erik looms over Styles, drags him up, but Styles throat chops! Erik sputters, Styles dropkicks him out! Styles doesn’t tag Omos, he dropkicks Ivar first! Styles now tags Omos, and Omos gives Styles a boost to FLY and RANA Erik?! Fans are thunderous for that truly phenomenal attack! Styles tags back in, fetches Erik into the ring, and stalks him. Styles pulls Erik back into a chinlock and squeezes tight.
Erik endures as fans rally and duel. Erik fights up, breaks free and ROCKS Styles with a right! Styles rebounds but into a BIG back drop! Both men are down, Erik crawls, hot tag to Ivar! Ivar runs at Styles and rallies with big shoulders! Scoop and Sidewalk SLAM! Ivar keeps moving, BASEMENT SPLASH! Ivar fires up and fans fire up with him as he gets Styles up. War Beard scoops but Styles slips out to shove. Ivar cartwheels and LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Ivar gets Styles up, Styles jawbreakers free! Tag to Omos and he rushes in, but Ivar cartwheels and LARITS! Omos stays up!? Ivar goes up top, leaps, but Omos catches him in a choke grip! For a scoop and SLAM!
Omos is fired up and fans duel. Omos runs in at the corner to back body block! Ivar falls over, Omos kicks at him then drags him up to clamp onto the shoulders with claws! Ivar endures as Omos’ massive hands dig into his shoulder but fans rally up. Ivar gets up but Omos throws him down! Styles tags in, he gets Ivar up and taunts Erik before throwing forearms on Ivar. Ivar hits back with haymakers! Ivar kicks low, CHOPS, but Styles throws forearms back. Styles CHOPS Ivar, Ivar ROCKS Styles! Ivar runs and goes over Styles to tag Erik! Erik fires off on Styles, but Styles fires back! Erik ducks the back hand to ROCK Styles!
Erik ROCKS Styles again, whips him to a corner but Styles reverses. Erik goes up and over and runs back in, SHOTGUN KNEES! Erik gets Styles up again, pops him from waistlock to FALL AWAY SLAM! Tag to Ivar, the Viking Raiders whip Styles to a corner, Ivar SPLASHES! Erik uses Ivar as a weapon again, HIP ATTACK! Ivar knocks Omos off the apron then tags Erik back in! The Viking Raiders get Styles up, throw him to a waistlock, SPRINGBOARD LARIAT GERMAN!! Cover, TWO!! Erik seethes as Styles survives but he tags in Ivar. The Viking Raiders coordinate again, Styles fights back and PELES Ivar at the top rope! Styles throws Erik out, hot tag to Omos!
Omos goes after Ivar on the corner, MOUNTAINOUS ROCKET LAUNCHER!! Cover, TWO!?! Ivar survives falling from the mountain top, but Omos tells him to get up then. Styles tags in, Omos whips him in but into a SEATED SENTON! Ivar dodges Omos and sends him into buckles! Hot tag to Erik! Erik forearms Omos, tags Ivar, and then forearms again! Ivar knees Omos, feeds him to Erik’s KNEE, then the Vikings together KNEE Omos again! Omos staggers, Ivar runs to clothesline Omos out of the ring! Omos is still on his feet but Erik DIVES! Tope Suicida rocks Omos but he’s still up!? Styles rolls Ivar, TWO!!
Styles boots Ivar, ENZIGURIS, then runs in, but is put on apron! Styles ROCKS Ivar, springboards, but Erik saves Ivar! THOR’S HAMMER!! Cover, but Omos shoves Erik onto it!! Omos saves this by mere milliseconds! Styles and Ivar crawl, “This is Awesome!” as Erik and Omos tag in! Erik runs in to fire off forearms, but Styles HEEL KICKS him! Ivar LEG LARIATS Styles, Omos BOOTS Ivar! Erik KNEES Omos, runs, but into a TWO-HAND SLAM!! Cover, Omos and Styles win!
Winners: Omos & AJ Styles, by pinfall (still Raw Tag Team Champions)
A big save and an even bigger victory, Omos has proven himself worthy of the tag titles! Will these two be even more than phenomenal as Raw Tag Team Champions?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
The Scottish Warrior is getting ready, but what will it take to win in that stacked Men’s MITB match? Does something seem different to Kevin? McIntyre can’t put his finger on it. Oh wait! Fort Worth, can he get some noise? He does! Kevin, McIntyre is in the position not of wanting to win, but having to win. Last time, McIntyre won the Royal Rumble as fans lost their minds! McIntyre slayed the Beast, Brock Lesnar, and is very proud of being the world champion in the ThunderDome. But he speaks for everyone, if we never go back to ThunderDome, we’ll all be very happy. Being in front of live fans as champion didn’t work out that way, so this is his absolute last chance.
Everyone loves story time, right? Well here’s a story: Tonight in Fort Worth, McIntyre walks in, breaks bones, kicks heads off, climbs a ladder and becomes the NEW Mr. Money in the Bank! Will that story come true, happy ending and all? Or will one of the other seven men get lucky instead?
WWE World Championship: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS Kofi Kingston!
After the shocking upset from Monday Night Raw, the Chief Hurt Officer wants to HURT someone. And he even admitted, Kofi was right. Lashley wants to prove he still has that edge, that killer instinct, that utterly dominant violence! Will Lashley make sure #KofiMania2 never happens again? Or is his rage only going to throw him for a loop?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the Power of Positivity can hold it down again!
Lashley rushes Kofi at the bell as MVP anchors him! Kofi gets free, sunset flips, TWO! Kofi goes up fast to FLYING STOMP! Cover, TWO! MVP is furious but Kofi facelocks, Lashley back drops hard out of it! Lashley has Kofi in a corner and fires haymakers! Kofi boots but Lashley blocks to reel him in and CLOBBER him! Fans boo but MVP riles them up as Lashley paces. Lashley gets Kofi up to RAM him over and over, then RAM him again! And again! Lashley goes corner to corner, but Kofi moves and swing kicks Lashley! Kofi springboards, into Lashley’s arms! MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Fans boo but Lashley tells them to quiet down.
Lashley looms over Kofi, gets him back up, and scoops him to TOSS him out of the ring! MVP taunts Kofi as Lashley fetches him. Lashley fireman’s carries and POSTS Kofi! Lashley goes back in the ring to let the count finish this. Kofi stirs but Lashley goes out after him again. MVP wants Lashley to punish Kofi, so Lashley fireman’s carries and POSTS him again! Kofi sputters as MVP cheers Lashley on. Lashley gets Kofi up again, puts him in the ring, and drags him back up by his hair. Lashley puts Kofi in a corner but fans rally behind Kofi. The ref counts but Lashley throws back elbows. Lashley throws hands, has Kofi in a corner and throws more elbows.
Lashley paces, goes side to side and ROCKS Kofi with a forearm! Kofi clutches his shoulders, Lashley gets him up for a LIFTING COMPLETE SHOT! MVP says to put the hurt on Kofi, and Lashley looms over Kofi. Lashley watches Kofi flounder up and try to stand, but Lashley gets him for a HURT LOCK!! Kofi flails, reaches, but Lashley won’t even let the ref check on Kofi before a PUMP HANDLE FALL AWAY SLAM!! Lashley snarls as he stands on Kofi’s head at the ropes! The ref counts, Lashley gets Kofi up but Kofi throws hands! Lashley gets him for another COMPLETE SHOT! Lashley rains down fists on Kofi, digs his fingers in, throws more hands, then lets off as the ref reprimands.
Lashley drags Kofi up again, MVP says now they can finish him! Lashley gut wrenches, for the DOMINATOR!! But still Lashley isn’t done with Kofi!? Lashley gets Kofi up again, gut wrenches a second time, for a SECOND DOMINATOR!! Some fans want “ONE MORE TIME!” Lashley paces about, drags Kofi back up, and gut wrenches for a THIRD DOMINATOR!! Lashley hushes the fans but they boo him now as he looms over Kofi. Lashley drags Kofi up yet again, for the HURT LOCK!! Kofi is fading out, he finally taps! Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission (still WWE World Champion)
The wrath of the All Mighty rips Kofi Kingston apart, and the gold stays where it is! Is this also a message that whoever is Mr. MITB should not even consider Lashley a target?
Raw Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Charlotte Flair!
The Nightmare says anything the Queen can do, she can do better. Charlotte likes the spirit, but she is looking to also crush that spirit and get back to the throne. Will Rhea beat Charlotte at her own game? Or will the Queen put the champion in checkmate?
The introductions are made, the title is raised, and we see who’s the better player once and for all!
Rhea and Charlotte stare down at the bell, but Rhea smirks. Fans rally up as the two slowly circle. Rhea brushes off the fans chanting for Charlotte, then she and Charlotte tie up. They go around, Charlotte puts Rhea in a corner but Rhea powers out. The two break, Charlotte keeps her cool, but then fans chant “WE WANT BECKY!” Charlotte flips the fans off!! Rhea and Charlotte tie up, Charlotte waistlocks but Rhea switches. Charlotte pulls hair to turn things around but Rhea HEADBUTTS! Charlotte SLAPS, Rhea SLAPS back! Rhea blocks the boot, throws Charlotte down, and then says neener neener. Charlotte get sup, Rhea dodges, runs and dropkicks Charlotte down!
Charlotte ends up in a corner, Rhea runs in but is put on the corner. Rhea throws forearms, pulls Charlotte to the apron but Charlotte hits back! They brawl on the edge, Charlotte CHOP but Rhea fireman’s carries! Charlotte fights free, kicks the leg but Rhea dodges the chop block to drop knees! Rhea runs to baseball slide Charlotte to the floor! Rhea goes back to apron for a CANNONBALL, but Charlotte moves! Rhea lands on the floor, gets to barriers, but Charlotte SHOTGUNS her into them! Charlotte puts Rhea in, covers, ONE! Charlotte is annoyed but she looms over Rhea. Charlotte gets Rhea up to EXPLODER her into the corner! And kip up!
Charlotte stomps a mudhole into Rhea, the ref counts but Charlotte lets off at 4. Charlotte gets a leg, drags Rhea around and throws her down, covers, TWO! Charlotte sits Rhea up for a thrashing chinlock. Fans rally for Rhea as she fights up, but Charlotte throws her down by her hair! Charlotte shows off with a handspring and BOOT! Charlotte eggs Rhea on, Rhea hits back but Charlotte clubs her. They brawl as Rhea gets up, and Charlotte brings Rhea around to scoop. Rhea slips out, waistlocks, but Charlotte elbows out hard! Fans duel, Rhea elbows Charlotte but Charlotte hits back! Charlotte puts a leg on ropes but Rhea disrupts the knee drop and dumps Charlotte out!
Rhea catches her breath while Charlotte is down. Fans still want Becky but Rhea pursues Charlotte and leaps of steps, CANNONBALL! Direct hit and Rhea fires up! Rhea chases Charlotte back into the ring, swings her around and throws short arm lariats! Charlotte ducks one, breaks free, but Rhea HEADBUTTS again! Rhea snapmares, runs and basement dropkicks Charlotte down! Rhea wants Texas to get loud and they fire up. Rhea cravats to throw in knees, but Charlotte breaks free, only to get a HOOK KICK! Rhea hits a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Charlotte rolls to ropes and fans rally up as Rhea chases after.
Charlotte hotshots Rhea, then gets in to waistlock. Rhea bucks her off, swings, but into a waistlock. Back suplex, but Rhea land son her feet to GERMAN SUPLEX! Rhea gets up, climbs a corner, leaps at Charlotte, but Charlotte catches the missile dropkick to a BOSTON CRAB! Rhea endures, powers out, sits on a corner, TWO! Rhea gets up but Charlotte trips her to step through. Rhea rolls back to a leg clutch cover, TWO! Rhea kicks but Charlotte ducks to BOOT Rhea down! Cover, TWO! Charlotte is a bit surprised but she thinks of what she has to do to win. Charlotte drags Rhea to a corner, goes up top, but Rhea trips her up!
Charlotte staggers, Rhea gets her up on the ropes again and Electric Chair lifts! Charlotte holds ropes but Rhea gets her arms, only for Charlotte to turn and sunset flip! Rhea rolls through, double pump handle and she flings Charlotte into a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO!! Rhea grows frustrated as Charlotte survives. Charlotte slowly rises, fans still want Becky, but Rhea CHOPS Charlotte! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Rhea whips, Charlotte reverses and she sends Rhea tumbling up and out! Charlotte fires up, Rhea is on the apron, and Charlotte BOOTS her back down! Charlotte goes up top, fans get on their feet for the SUPER MOONSAULT!! DIRECT HIT!
Charlotte gets up and fans are thunderous as she brings Rhea up again. Charlotte puts Rhea in the ring, then NATURAL- NO! Rhea slips free, trips Charlotte, and ties up the legs! PRISM TRAP! Charlotte endures a leg lock now, but she rolls and drags Rhea to a cover, TWO! Charlotte gets up to get a ROUNDHOUSE from Rhea! Rhea pump handles, RIP- DDT?!? Charlotte counters, covers, TWO!?! Rhea survives and Charlotte is in shock! Charlotte gets emotional, Rhea rolls away, but then Charlotte refocuses. Charlotte and Rhea start throwing hands back and forth and fans fire up! Charlotte CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS!
Rhea back elbows outta nowhere! Then she dodges a boot but the elbow hits! Feet on the ropes in the cover, but the ref sees it! Charlotte feels foolish for getting caught, but she gets mad at the ref about it! Charlotte backs off, but Rhea KICKS from below! Rhea slaps sense into herself, runs in and RAMS into Charlotte! And again! The ref counts, Rhea lets off and she gets Charlotte up top. Rhea throws hands, Charlotte hits back, they brawl but Rhea ROCKS Charlotte. Rhea climbs, fans fire up, and Rhea gets Charlotte up, only for Charlotte to attack the leg! Rhea tumbles, Charlotte adjusts, SUPER NATURAL SELECTION!?! Cover, TWO?!?!?! HOW?!?! HOW!?!?
The Queen is beside herself as Rhea survives. “This is Awesome!” as Rhea writhes and Charlotte tries to compose herself. Charlotte glares at Rhea, gets a leg, but Rhea schoolgirls Charlotte into buckles! Charlotte falls out of the ring, Rhea gets up and fans rally up. Rhea bumps her head off the mat to fire herself back up, and she gets Charlotte up. Charlotte POSTS Rhea! And then puts a leg inside the steel steps!? Charlotte BOOTS the steps! And again! And again!! The ref reprimands but Charlotte gets in to get the leg! FIGURE FOUR!! FIGUREÂ EIGHT!! Rhea endures but she’s caught, she TAPS! Charlotte wins!!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission (NEW Raw Women’s Champion)
The Queen again defeats the Nightmare when it counts the most! WrestleMania 36, MITB 2021, Charlotte takes a title from Rhea and is back on top! And with the fight it took to get this belt back, will Charlotte keep this crown for a good, long time?
Matt Riddle talks with Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs.
The Bro talks with his fellow MITB entrant and the rockin’ bard. Riddle digs Boogs’ vibe and can totally shred. He’s like a modern day Shreddy Kruger. Boogs digs that reference, and says he and #Kingsuke dig Riddle’s vibe, too. Boogs wishes Riddle luck, but Riddle wishes Nakamura luck, too. Riddle just wishes his best bro, Randy Orton, was here. Riddle says Orton is one of Boogs’ biggest fans. REALLY!? Well, okay, Orton’s never said that but he and Riddle are best buds so Riddle can tell. Riddle imagines Orton as a king! King Randy! Huge snake with a crown! And then no one would wear pants, because Orton hates pants.
Riddle asks Boogs a favor before they all go out there. Can he play Randy Orton’s theme song? Uh… Boogs has never played it before, so he isn’t so sure. JUST KIDDING! It’s the best song ever! Riddle sings the opening lyrics, Boogs does a cover of Voices, Nakamura rolls his eyes, but he does do the Orton pose. And then Kevin Owens walks in. Kevin has no idea what he’s witnessing, so he just heads to the stage.
Men’s Money in the Bank Match!
We’ve heard from McIntyre saying this is a desperate situation, and we just saw Riddle and the King of Strong Style rock out with Boogs. The Prizefighter shrugs off what he just saw to get fired up! Kevin, Riddle, Nakamura, Ricochet, Morrison (with The Miz rolling in with him), Big E, Seth Rollins, and of course McIntyre himself, are all hungry for that golden ticket in the briefcase. But who will be the most willing to risk their physical well-being to win the prize?
The bell rings and the brawling begins! Kevin is after McIntyre, Big E is after Ricochet, Riddle and Nakamura brawl despite their chat earlier, but Rollins and Morrison bail out. McIntyre switches to Nakamura, Riddle goes after Kevin, Big E is still after Ricochet, but Rollins and Morrison start to argue about who is the true Drip King of WWE!? Riddle goes to the apron and PUNTS Rollins! Morrison laughs at the Architect, but Ricochet FLIES over Riddle to take down Morrison! Rollins laughs but now Riddle FLOATING BROS onto Rollins! Fans fire up as Kevin runs but Big E CLOBBERS him! McIntyre throws Nakamura out, and look who’s alone in the ring!
Fans fire up seeing Big E and McIntyre stare down. Riddle gets in but he gets an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly from Big E! Ricochet springboards in, gets caught by McIntyre, and McIntyre TOSSES Ricochet out! Big E runs to hit Rollins, McIntyre fires up and fans do, too! The haymakers and forearms start flying, Big E gets the edge and runs, but into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre runs, Big E gets up to throw him to the apron. Big E runs to SPEAR SUICIDA! Both men crash down, and Kevin gets a ladder in the ring! Nakamura runs in, kicks the ladder down then WHEEL KICKS Kevin! Nakamura gets Kevin for an INVERTED EXPLODER onto the ladder!
Nakamura gets the ladder up as Kevin bails out. Riddle kicks Morrison around but Morrison RAMS Riddle into apron. Morrison gets in to KICK Nakamura’s leg and then DECK him with a right! Morrison climbs but Nakamura gets up to shove the ladder! Morrison flips through to land on his feet! Morrison steadies the ladder but Nakamura pushes him into a corner with it. Morrison reaches through to poke Nakamura in the eye! Morrison goes up the corner, up the ladder, and leap frog TORNILLOS onto Nakamura! Fans fire up as Johnny Drip Drip uses that parkour power! Morrison gets the ladder up, climbs it as fans chant, but Nakamura moves the ladder around again.
Nakamura climbs, throws body shots and forearms on Morrison, then climbs up to get a ESCALATED TRIANGLE! Rollins springboards in to KNEE Nakamura down! Morrison also falls, and the drip warriors stare down again. Fans chant “DRIP! DRIP! DRIP!” and they make an alliance! They stomp away on Nakamura, get the ladder up and RAM Nakamura with it! Then they RAM Big E off the apron! And RAM McIntyre! And Riddle! Riddle flounders, Rollins feeds him to Morrison’s fireman’s carry, SAMOAN POPÂ on the ladder! Riddle writhes and flounders, clutching that elbow! The drip bois get the ladder on the ropes but Ricochet fires off hands!
Ricochet CHOPS Morrison, haymakers Rollins, but Rollins shoves Ricochet, and the drip bois double BACK DROP Ricochet onto the ladder! Ricochet writhes away but Big E gets a ladder of his own into the ring. Rollins intercepts, Morrison dropkicks the ladder to jam it into Big E! The drip bois high five but Kevin drags Rollins out! Morrison saves Rollins with a kick! Rollins and Morrison stomp Kevin down, then they clear off the announce desk! Rollins SLAMS the hood down on Ricochet, then Morrison SHINING WIZARDS Kevin! The drip bois get the ladder up and make a bridge. Fans want tables but they’re getting a bit more than that here!
Rollins has Morrison fetch Kevin but Kevin hits back! Kevin throws Rollins into ladders, hobbles into the ring, but Rollins hobbles and chases him down! Rollins clubs Kevin down, Morrison KICKS Kevin in the leg! And then switchblade kicks Kevin for good measure. Rollins and Morrison get a ladder but Kevin boots it first! Kevin QUEBRADAS the ladder?! It flattens Morrison and Rollins, and fans fire up! Kevin sits the ladder up on its side, then drags Rollins up to reel him in. Morrison saves Rollins again by hitting Kevin with a forearm! Rollins gets Kevin in position, he and Morrison DOUBLE SUPLEX Kevin for a FALCON ARROW on the ladder!!
Morrison says that’s the power of drip! The drip bois kick Kevin out of the ring, but McIntyre sneaks up behind them! McIntyre fires off haymakers and CHOPS! He CHOPS Morrison off his feet, then CHOPS Rollins off his! McIntyre windmill haymakers and stomps Morrison and fans fire up with him! McIntyre gets Morrison up, fireman’s carries, but Rollins ROCKS McIntyre! Morrison ROUNDHOUSES, Rollins DREAM SMASHER ELBOWS! McIntyre is down on a ladder, the drip bois push him around into position, and Morrison goes up top. Rollins holds McIntyre down for Morrison’s FLYING KONG ELBOW?! It was a clipping blow and double-edged!
Rollins has the ladder and he RAMS McIntyre down for good measure! But then he RAMS Morrison! No more drip bois, just Seth Freakin’ Rollins! Rollins stands the ladder up, climbs up all alone, but Big E and Ricochet pull him down! They and Nakamura mug Rollins, Riddle hits an RKO on Rollins!! That’s for you, Randy! But now everyone goes for the ladder! Riddle boots Big E, Nakamura ENZIGURIS Ricochet! Riddle pushes the ladder down but Nakamura gets a strike fest! Riddle dodges the ax kick to give his own strikes, then spins through one of Nakamura’s kicks, only for Nakamura to block the Pele! DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSES stagger both men!
Riddle reaches out, but here comes McIntyre with a DOUBLE CLAYMORE!! Big E is stalking McIntyre, and he runs in, only for McIntyre to spin him around into a FUTURE SHOCK DDT! McIntyre has cleared a path, but here comes Ricochet! McIntyre blocks the rana, pops Ricochet to an Electric Chair, but Ricochet fights! POISON- NO! McIntyre blocks the inverted steiner and has the inverted ALABAMA SLAMÂ into a ladder!! Ricochet flops out of the ring and again, McIntyre’s path is clear. Fans are torn, but McIntyre builds speed?! To FLY!! Down goes Ricochet, Riddle, Morrison, Nakamura and Big E!
Fans fire up as McIntyre gets in, but Rollins runs over! McIntyre avoids an attack to GLASGOW KISS! McIntyre aims, gives us the countdown, CLAYMORE!! Direct hit and NOW McIntyre has a clear path! He sets the ladder up under the case, climbs up, but here comes VEER! And SHANKY! Jinder Mahal’s minions are getting revenge on McIntyre over the Modern Day Maharaja’s motorcycle! Veer & Shanky mug McIntyre as fans boo and they shove him out of the ring, for Jinder himself to JAM a chair into him! And SMACK McIntyre on the back! Mahal keeps McIntyre going up the ramp with more chair shots! SMACK after SMACK as McIntyre is down!
Veer & Shanky drag McIntyre away for Mahal, but back in the ring, Riddle has the ladder up! Riddle climbs, but Ricochet is at a corner! Ricochet tightrope walks and SPRINGBOARDS to the ladder! Ricochet fires off hands, knocks Riddle down, then reaches out! But Riddle pushes things over, Ricochet jumps to the rope and SPRINGBOARD SWANTONS onto everyone else!! Fans are thunderous and even Riddle is shocked seeing that! Riddle sets the ladder quickly but Ricochet is back! Ricochet climbs, Riddle clubs him, they brawl up top! Riddle has a double wristlock but Ricochet rakes Riddle’s eyes! Ricochet tries to suplex but Riddle resists!
Rollins sets another ladder right next to the other, and climbs up while Riddle and Ricochet brawl! Big E yanks Rollins down to throw him away! Big E gets Riddle for an Electric Chair but Riddle fights free, to RKO AGAIN! Riddle gets Ricochet, ANOTHER RKO! The Viper’s spirit is strong in the Stallion, only for Rollins to CURB STOMP it out!! But Nakamura fireman’s carries Rollins for a GO TO SLEEP!? Nakamura climbs the ladder Rollins set up, Morrison climbs the other one. DRIP STICK SQUIRT SQUIRT! Morrison smacks Nakamura’s head off the ladder and down he goes! Morrison climbs but Kevin yanks Morrison down! Kick and STUNNER!
Kevin hobbles back up but Nakamura drags him back down, STUNNER! Ricochet returns, he gets after Kevin, Kevin gets him a STUN- NO! Ricochet runs, but into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Kevin hurries up the bigger ladder, reaches out, but Rollins attacks the bad leg! Kevin slides down, Rollins has him in position, POWERBOMB through the ladder bridge!!! Fans lose their minds as referees check on Kevin! Rollins hurries to his ladder, gets it centered, “This is Awesome!” because Big E returns! Big E grabs at Rollins but Rollins transfers to the other ladder. Big E clubs away on Rollins’ back, scoops him, SUPER BIG ENDING!!! Big E climbs, fans are going nuts, BIG E WINS!!
Winner: Big E (NEW Mr. Money in the Bank)
Everything is bigger in Texas, and that goes for the BIGGEST moment in Big E’s WWE career! Big E wins this contract the very first time he gets at it, and now things could be changing BIG time!
Seth Rollins is backstage, very upset.
The Architect refuses to accept this loss, and Kevin Patrick comes by to interview him. It was a valiant effort- Effort? EFFORT?! That wasn’t good enough!! This was Rollins’ destiny! DESTINY! He should be Universal Champion, but it got stolen from him! He was robbed! Rollins shouldn’t have needed to be in the MITB match in the first place! He should’ve been in the main event tonight! But Edge stole that from Rollins…! Rollins says, “Change,” over and over and over, and then says he needs a new plan. Rollins says whoever wins tonight, he’s not waiting. “I’m next in line. I’M NEXT IN LINE!!” If that’s the case, then will it be Tribal Chief or Rated R Superstar Rollins steps to?
WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman VS Edge!
The Reigns-ing, Defending, Undisputed, (Mostly) Uncontroverted Universal Heavyweight Champion, The End All Be All, Center of the WWE Universe, THE Main Event of ALL Sports Entertainment… fears Edge! Roman will never admit it, it is not on a win-loss record, but Roman has tapped out to Edge’s brutal crossface every single time Edge clamps it on! The Tribal Chief refuses to accept the truth, but will the Rated R Superstar make Roman acknowledge him?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the 1v1 Edge was refused at WrestleMania 37 finally happens in Fort Worth!
Fans are fired up already as Roman and Edge stare down. They slowly approach, Roman talks some trash, fans duel and that annoys Roman because it should just be about him. Edge just soaks it all in as he and Roman circle. They tie up, go around, and Roman powers Edge to a corner. The ref calls for a ropebreak, Roman lets off with a pie face. Edge keeps his cool as fans boo and Roman talks smack. Edge and Roman circle again, fans fire up again, and they tie up again. Edge powers Roman back to a corner now, and then Edge returns the pie face! Roman seethes but stays focused as he and Edge reset. Fans are strongly behind Edge now and that annoys Roman more.
Roman and Edge tie up again, Edge waistlocks but Roman works on an escape. Edge gets Roman on the mat, rear mounts, and slaps him around! Roman seethes as Edge says, “I can do this all day.” Edge and Roman circle again, they tie up again, and Edge waistlocks to a headlock. Roman powers out and runs Edge over with a shoulder! Edge bails out and Roman talks a lot of trash. Fans are fired up both ways as a ring count begins. Edge takes his time, the count is 8 of 10 when he returns. Then Edge bails right back out to give himself another 10 count. Edge returns at 6 this time, and fans rally as Edge and Roman circle yet again.
They tie up, Edge wrenches, hits elbow breaker after elbow breaker, then an ARM JAMMER! Edge wrenches again, but Roman ROCKS him with a right! Roman gets Edge up to headbutt him, then CLUBS him in the corner. Roman gets Edge up again, bumps him off buckles, then digs his palm into Edge’s face before he gives those point-blank lariats! The ref counts, Roman lets off, but then comes back. Edge blocks a lariat to wrap the arm around ropes! Edge CLUBS the arm, and his target is clear! Edge POSTS Roman, then takes him to the other corner to POST him again! Edge goes after the arm and gets Roman down but Roman bails out fast! No crossface just yet!
Roman paces, using the count to his advantage now. Heyman coaches Roman as we pass 5 of 10, and then Roman gets in at 7. Heyman says to teach Edge what fear is, but Edge forearms Roman! Roman forearms back, Edge forearms again! They go back and forth, Roman gets the edge but Edge BOOTS the arm! Edge runs to KNEE Roman out of the ring! Roman gets up but Edge comes in around the way, only to run into a SAMOAN DROP! The ring count climbs again, we’re at 5 of 10 as Roman gets up. Roman gets in at 6, then exits at 8 to go after Edge. Roman POSTS Edge, then goes back into the ring. Now Roman will let the count take care of Edge!
Edge sits up at 6 of 10, gets up at 8, and slides in at 9! Roman is annoyed and he stomps Edge down. Roman gets Edge up, knees him in the side, then stomps a mudhole into him at the corner. The ref counts, Roman digs his boot in, but lets off at 4. Roman glares at the ref as the ref reprimands him, but Roman gets Edge up to throw him back out. Roman follows, bumps Edge off steel steps, then drags him up again just to smack him back off the steps. Roman puts Edge in, covers, TWO! Roman is furious so he rains down forearms on Edge! Edge can’t even get a guard up as Roman throws headbutts! Fans rally and duel again as Roman lets off.
Roman talks trash as he paces around, and he drags Edge. “You’re trying to take my money, huh?” Roman POSTS Edge! Fans duel harder than ever and Roman can’t believe fans are booing him when he’s winning! Roman gets Edge out of the corner, makes fans look at him, and says, “This is what happens when you get in here with the Head of the Table!” Roman POSTS Edge again! Fans boo as Roman swaggers around, then he snap suplexes Edge! Cover, TWO! Roman clamps on the inverted cravat to crank Edge’s neck! Edge endures as Roman leans all his weight on him. Fans rally up, Edge pries at the hold, and he fights up off the mat!
Roman tells Edge not to do this, but Edge pries the hold open! Roman just shifts to a sleeper! Roman thrashes Edge down to the mat, and Roman says, “I could lay on this sumbish all night long!” Roman squeezes tight but Edge still endures. Fans rally up, Roman throws his weight down on Edge, and Edge starts to turn red in the face. Roman doesn’t want fans to clap but they clap! They rally up, Edge gets a second wind, and the fans fire up! Edge stands, throws body shots and is free! Edge runs but into an uppercut! Edge goes down and ends up on ropes! Roman goes out to the apron, takes his time going down the steps, and builds speed to DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! “OH YESSIR!”
Roman pushes Edge into the corner, covers, TWO! Edge is still in this and Roman is growing frustrated. Roman goes to a corner as Edge flounders his way to the other, and Roman locks ‘n’ loads! Roman aims at Edge as he stands, SUPERMAN- NO! Edge ducks to backslide! TWO!! DOUBLE BOOTS take both men down! And yet Heyman is the one stunned! Fans fire up again as Edge and Roman stir. A standing count begins, it reaches 5 of 10, but Roman sits up at 6. Roman gets up, Edge follows, we’re at 9 as both men are on their feet! Edge throws a forearm, Roman rebounds to give it back! Edge rebounds to give another, but so does Roman!
Edge, Roman, Edge, Roman, then Roman gets the edge on Edge again! Edge dodges the uppercut to get an EDGE-O-MATIC!! Cover, TWO!! Edge sighs and gets back to ropes. Fans are thunderous as Edge rises, and he snarls as he looks at Roman. Roman staggers up, Edge CLOBBERS him! Roman boots from a corner, runs, but Edge hits a FLAPJACK! Then an IMPALER!! Cover, TWO!! Roman survives #Edge-ecution, and fans are hoping these two “Fight Forever!” at this rate. But someone has to win, Edge gets up and stalks Roman to a corner. Edge CLUBS Roman, ROCKS him with a right, then puts him up top backwards.
Edge climbs up behind Roman, but Roman elbows Edge down! Edge is on the apron, Roman catches his breath but Edge goes up to SMACK Roman off the post! Roman ends up in a Tree of Woe! Edge hurries back in as Heyman protests, and Edge stomps a mudhole into Roman! The ref counts, Edge lets off at 3! Roman falls out of the Tree but Edge gets him for an STF!! Roman endures a form of the crossface, pries at the hold, but Edge clamps it on tighter! Roman crawls, drags himself and Edge along, Heyman stresses out, but Edge shifts to a FULL CROSSFACE! The arm is caught, Roman shows fear in his eyes again! Roman scoots, reaches, and gets the ROPEBREAK!
Edge holds until the ref counts 4, and both men are down again. Edge slithers to a corner as he watches Roman. Roman slowly rises, Edge wants his target! Edge runs in, SPE- NO! GUILLOTINE!! Roman catches the Spear but Edge still RAMS Roman into a corner! Roman lets go, but then just shifts to the other arm! Roman cranks back on the Guillotine but Edge endures! Edge reaches, but he’s turning red again! Edge gets a third wind and he powers Roman OUT of the ring! They tumble and hit the floor and a ring count begins. Roman and Edge stir as we reach 5 of 10. Roman gets in at 6 to refresh the count, and he aims at Edge.
Roman runs in, but Edge dodges! Roman spears himself through barriers!! Edge hurries back to the ring and has the ref stop counting. Edge goes back out to fetch Roman because he has to win this in the ring but he SPEARS Roman through more barriers!! Heyman is freaking out, as are the fans, and Edge drags Roman up. Edge fireman’s carries Roman to the ring and gets him in at 8 of 10! Edge drags Roman back to center, covers, TWO?!?! Roman barely survives and no one can believe it! Edge sits up as fans are electric! Edge stands, brings Roman up, reels him in, but Roman resists the DDT! Roman ROCKS Edge with an uppercut, then runs, SPUERMAN PUNCH!
But Edge falls into the ref! Heyman points that out to Roman, and they both look at each other. Roman looks back at the downed ref, and now the door is wide open! Roman goes out of the ring, looks at what’s around, and takes the timekeeper’s chair away. Roman breaks off the crossbar, just as he did Friday, and as Edge has done time and again! Roman brings the crossbar to the ring, saying he’s going to teach Edge a lesson about fear! Fans boo as Roman creeps up on Edge. Roman tells fans to shut up but they boo harder. Roman gets Edge, but Edge holds off the crossbar! Edge throws elbows, haymakers, and then HEADBUTTS!! SO MANY HEADBUTTS!!
Heyman tries to shout to the WWE officials and medics helping the ref about this but they leave as Edge puts on THE CROSSBAR CROSSFACE!!! Roman’s eyes are full of fear again as his mouth is full of metal again! But here come the USOS! But behind the Usos are the Mysterios! Jimmy & Jey get in but are pulled right back out by Rey & Dom! Revenge for the tag titles as Dom SEATED SENTONS Jimmy and Rey RANAS Jey! The Mysterios run the Usos off, Roman is fading!! If only there was a ref! But then Roman gets a second wind, but wait, something’s coming in from the crowd! It’s ROLLISN! SUPERKICK to Edge!! The Architect wants next, but why did he stop Edge?!
Rollins storms off, having gotten some payback on Edge. Roman crawls, Edge stirs, but there’s still no ref to call anything! Roman says he never gives up! The Bloodline owns everything! “I’ve got the juice!” Roman fires himself up as fans boo, and Roman lets out the battle cry, “OOOAAH~!” Roman runs in, but Edge SPEARS him first!!! Cover but where’s a REF?!?! This is a five count! Here’s a ref, the count now, TWO!??!! This was Edge’s if not for Rollins!! Heyman is the only one elated about this! “This is Awesome!” and somehow still not over! Edge goes back to a corner, he watches Roman flounder, and ten Rollins returns?! Edge BOOTS Rollins, Roman SPEARS Edge!! Cover, Roman wins!!!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall (still WWE Universal Champion)
And it is all thanks to the Architect!! Rollins may have wanted next, but he made sure it wasn’t the Rated R Superstar! Roman draws ever closer to one full year as champion, is he going to make it there now?
And then Rollins goes after Edge to vent with furious fists! Fans boo as Rollins stomps away, then Rollins and Roman lock eyes. Rollins tells Roman that this is all thanks to him! This isn’t Roman’s show! But then Edge goes after Rollins! Edge throws Rollins out of the ring, then into barriers! And then over barriers! And then they brawl in front of the fans! They fight to the back and Roman finally gets to celebrate in the ring. Heyman fetches a mic for Roman and hands it over. Fans boo as Roman looks to address the WWE Universe. “Now the whole world can acknowledge me!” BUT WAIT! IS THAT JOHN CENA?!?!
Fort Worth practically explodes as Cena is back! Cena says he missed us all, and he gets in the ring! Cena gets to run the ropes and throw his hat again for the first time in over a year! Roman and Heyman are the only ones not happy about this. Cena steps closer, and closer, and looks at the Universal Championship. Then with his hand gesture says, “You Can’t See Me!” Fans are thunderous for the return of the 16 time world champion, but is he planning on making the 17th universal?
My Thoughts:
What! A! Night! Alright, not everything was perfect, and there was an entire rant I had in real-life about the Peacock having those damn technical difficulties as the Men’s MITB was about to start. But I can’t hold the errors of that overrated streaming service against the WWE, this show was awesome. And you know it’s awesome when the kickoff match gets a “This is Awesome!” chant. The Usos VS Mysterios was great stuff, and the Mysterious had an amazing entrance with the “portal,” but I am utterly shocked that the Usos won. I thought Jimmy’s DUI was going to get in the way, but there was that oddly humorous little allusion to it when Roman was talking with the Usos. Maybe there’s something going on that’s under wraps since it is technically a personal issue.
The Women’s MITB opening was a great move, because it teased a cash-in, though not getting one tonight was a bummer. It was a great match, and I like that the others buried Alexa under ladders to keep her down. Though, it was also like the perfect set-up to her using Fiend powers to teleport and be in the ring. Fans were really behind Liv, but I just knew from Friday that the math wasn’t in her favor anymore. Still, she seemed almost legitimately emotional in the kickoff and after the match, you do have to feel for her. But Nikki winning it by simply getting up and over everyone was the most creative way to win any ladder match period. Nikki’s been on a great roll, even if it was all quick pin wins, and she is going to have a lot of fun with that briefcase.
Speaking of that women’s title match, Rhea VS Charlotte here might’ve topped their WrestleMania 36 match. Charlotte still has Rhea’s number and wins again, but that’s part of why I was hoping for some kind of same night cash-in from Ms. MITB. I suppose Charlotte will build to a SummerSlam match with someone while Nikki just waits in the background. With pieces moving all over the place because Vince is impulsive, no Mandy & Dana to challenge Natty & Tamina, and that also makes you wonder what Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler are going to do. I honestly feel like this could be an opening for Shayna to get back up after the Lily debacle, but Alexa could also move up, eventually pitting her and Nikki against each other again.
The Raw Tag Team Championship match was very good, Omos is really coming into his own. He isn’t just a big guy who lumbers around and relies too much on how he’s the big guy, he is actually doing some stuff in there. For that reason, it’s why he and Styles are champions at all, and they get a great win over the Viking Raiders. Then, I was a little surprised the world title went before the men’s MITB, I would’ve thought they’d want maximum MITB tease, but guess they figured to put that more on the Universal title. At the same time, I don’t think we’ve ever gotten a case where on MITB PPV night, a (Heel) champion insisted they go before the respective MITB match to avoid a cash-in.
This wasn’t that, and Lashley VS Kofi was brutal because Lashley was destroying Kofi. I feel like it would’ve been a better match if, y’know, Kofi got to give Lashley a fight. Yes, it was pretty apparent from the math that Lashley was winning, but why is it that Kofi was only strong during KofiMania at WrestleMania 35? Lesnar squashes him, Kofi gets more tag titles, but then can’t even put a dent in Lashley tonight. But we got an awesome Men’s MITB to make up for some of that. The lead in with Boogs and Riddle was great, I loved that Rollins and Morrison first argued then teamed up over their shared dripocity, and naturally, Mahal and his guys keep McIntyre out of the running.
There was a lot of great innovation in the Men’s MITB, some slightly really rough stuff, but Ricochet got to do some amazing stuff, too. Big E winning is amazing, and apparently there are rumors of a New Day/unicorn design for the briefcase already in the works so that is great. When a superstar gets to customize the briefcase, you know something special- Well, okay, Damien Sandow got to customize his briefcase and then he got buried like a chump by Cena. But for the most part, a custom briefcase is a sign of big things so hopefully that’s how it is for Big E.
Then the Universal Championship was another epic from Roman and Edge, a lot of great story beats borrowed from previous encounters, but they did one sloppy ass job with that ref bump. And also getting a new ref out there, but I suppose how else was “The Deal” supposed to be used? Can’t crossbar crossface someone in a normal match, that’s a DQ, so the WWE had to look like a bungling management system for a minute to make it work. I like that the Usos were thwarted by the Mysterios, and I hope we get a rematch of those two on the way to SummerSlam, if not AT SummerSlam.
Rollins costing Edge was a given but it does contradict with how he said he didn’t care. He obviously did care, he didn’t want Edge winning. Roman wins, Edge and Rollins fight, and those two will go on a detour for SummerSlam so that JOHN CENA can be Roman’s next opponent! A little disappointed we never got “Cena breaks out of Firefly Funhouse” as a story arc, but screw it, WWE isn’t even using Fiend right now because they’ve hit another Vince creativity anomaly or something. But I think there was continuity in that the outfit Cena wore tonight was the same one he wore in the Firefly Funhouse Match, so that’s something.
Roman VS Cena 2 for SummerSlam is going to be great, and it’s already a great story: Roman’s dominance as Tribal Chief or Cena’s historic 17th top title reign, something’s gotta give.
My Score: 9.5/10
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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, NXTÂ 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)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!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
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?
Hot off the heels of the TNA and WWE working relationship announcement, the Kickoff show already has the first sprinkle of NXT talent with Ashante “Thee” Adonis coming out after Ariana Grace tries to take all of the credit for the partnership. Jake something runs over Ashante, but it’s a good quick nod on free YouTube. Oh it also looks like the ring announcer is McKenzie Mitchel again. I did like her first run in TNA in what was that… like 2016-2018 or 19? She’s got personality, she’s cute and a solid announcer, so nice to see her back.
I’m not gonna run down any predictions on who I think will win, because honestly, I just feel like Hendry needs to win today or it’s been an entire waste of momentum. So lets get to the main show!
Ratings:
- X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Ace Austin: Moose retains via Lights Out – *** 1/4
- The System vs Maniac Marines: Marines win via K.I.A. – ***
- Knockouts Tag Titles: Elegance Clique (Heather & Ash) w/Personal Concierge vs Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (c): Spitfire retain via Pressure Drop – **
- Jordynne Grace vs Tessa Blanchard: Tessa wins via Magnum – ****
- I Quit Match: Josh Alexander vs Mike Santana: Santana wins! – ***
- TNA Tag Team Championships: The Hardyz (c) vs The Rascalz: Hardyz retain via Swanton Bomb – *** 1/2
- Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match: TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Rosemary: Masha wins via Avalanche Requiem – ** 3/4
- TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs Joe Hendry: Hendry wins via Standing Ovation – *** 3/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!!!!!!
Results:
X Division Championship: Moose (c) vs Ace Austin
As soon as the bell rings, Ace jumps on him, forces him into the corner and stomps on him. Moose tries to fight out but Ace stays relentless. Ace has a counter for everything Moose is trying to counter in the early goings. Even when Moose catches him during the apron Handstand Dodge, Ace still has a counter for his counter. It’s not until a rake to the eyes from Moose that finally gives him a moment to start dictating the pace. A huge Irish Whip on the outside through the barricade is what Ace feels…twice. Ace tries to fight back from Moose continuing the momentum, Ace eats a Pump Kick, but blocks Moose’s attempt at a Suplex and counters with his own Vertical Suplex on Moose! JDC gets in the proximity of Ace so Ace kicks him, which delays his springboard, so Moose catches him and bounces him off the apron like a super ball.
Moose lets the count go, Ace barely gets in at 9, Moose throws him corner to corner, is slowing things down and being very deliberate. Ace starts powering through the pain, catches a Pump Kick, dodges a Spear into the corner and puts together a few strikes, Double Stomp, Triangle Kick, wants The Fold but Moose puts the brakes on there. Ace tries to spring off the ropes but Moose grabs him and hits Go To Hell for two! Fighting Spirit spot, Ace starts winning the trade, a Headbutt from Moose stops Ace, Moose flips him over the ropes to the apron, tries a few more things, Ace looks for a Springboard, Moose catches him but Ace slips it for a Frankensteiner. Moose powders to the opposite apron and Ace hits his Inside Out Headscissors sending Moose crashing to the floor. Alisha and JDC try to help up Moose, and while the referee is distracted JDC posts Ace. Moose goes for the Around the World Lights Out, but Ace moves and Moose kills JDC! Ace hits The Fold on the floor!
Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers run down the ramp, Ace sees them so he hits the Fosbury Flop to take them out. Ace is rolling, he goes for the Triangle Kick but Moose counters with Lights Out! 1-2- KICK OUT? Moose sets up for another Lights Out, Ace sidesteps it for the Cradle, kickout, Uranage, Cradle counter, Art of Finesse from Ace but Lights Out to the Spine from Moose! Moose sets up another and lands the Lights Out to retain!
Post Match the System looks to beat down on Ace, but Maniac Marines music hits and they go after Myers and Edwards. Guess the match is now!Â
The System vs Maniac Marines
Steve and Eric beat the hell out of the System members while the referee tries to set the match, it still hasn’t started but we get stereo 10 count punches in the corner, big fists causing Myers and Edwards to powder. This is essentially a Tornado Tag right now because the match hasn’t even started. Okay it eventually starts and Maclin hits the Backbreaker on Edwards and Busaiku Knee on Myers. He looks for a SCUD but Lish grabs the foot which is just enough! Maclin tries to charge anyway but gets caught in the Blue Thunder Bomb and now the match slows down and Eddie is in control.
Maclin absorbs some Chops from Eddie in the corner, no sells a little and fires, Eddie tags out Myers tries to slow things down with a Russian Leg Sweep but Maclin continues to try and rally. Eddie’s back in, shortarm Gowan Lariat into a cocky cover for two. Eddie tries to keep moving but Maclin hits the Vertical Suplex. Maclin is too slow to tag out so Eddie tags out and Myers cuts off Maclin. After a few more quick tags from System members, Maclin finally lands a Lariat to get the simultaneous tag and EY comes in hot. EY does the Flair corner flip, knocks Eddie off the apron, Myers eats a Macho Elbow but only two. Eddie knocks Maclin off the apron, Tandem Tiger Driver for two, EY fights back to level Eddie, Tree of Woe Myers Caught in Crosshairs but Lish gets in the ring! Eddie grabs Eric and distracts the ref, Lish clocks Maclin with either knuckles or a full hand of rings, Spear from Myers is only a two!
System Overload attempt, it’s thwarted by EY, Myers gets crotched in like a Reverse Tree of Woe, so Maclin hits the Caught in the Crosshairs on the back, EY with a Plancha to the outside to take Edwards out and K.I.A. from Maclin means Maniac Marines win!
Knockouts Tag Titles: Elegance Clique (Heather & Ash) w/Personal Concierge vs Spitfire (Dani Luna & Jody Threat) (c)
Elegance duo comes out dressed like Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. They do a Go Eagles chant right before the bell rings to a chorus of Boos.
Even though Elegance Clique throws their pompoms and try a cheap shot, Spitfire just plow through them, literally. Quick tags, some assisted moves, Ash gets away from Spitfire, tags in Heather and shoves her forward trying to take them off guard, but they turn around…grab Heather and a long Tandem Stalling Suplex with a Deep Squat for two. Concierge distracts the referee, looks for a low Dive onto Heather but Ash just kicks Dani in the face, and the referee sees nothing. Heather rolls her back in, Kawada Kicks, Forearm Shiver, trip into a Dropkick to the face! Ash hangs Dani off the apron and Heather hits the Double Stomp from the apron to the floor.
Ash starts choking Dani on the ropes, distracts the referee and Heather paintbrushes Dani with pompoms as Ash goes for a series of pinfall attempts. Quick tags, Dani is in their corner, Cartwheel Back Handspring Elbow from Ash into a Seated Dropkick from Heather. Dani has been getting smacked around for the last 4 or 5 minutes. Ash leans on Dani for a while, but Dani gets a head of steam, comes off the ropes and Shotgun Dropkick gives her space. Jody gets a hot tag, she Sack of Shits them both, Vader Hammers in the corner into a Michinoku Driver, which Ash breaks up with a Meteora. Heather and Ash have a nice tandem move for a two count. Jody tries to fight back, but Elegance stops it, blind tag from Dani, Senton takes out both Elegance Clique members and Dani stalks her prey. Snap Suplex two times on Ash, but Heather stops the third and Jody just tosses Heather out of the ring in a rough way. Jody tries her Double Knees German Suplex spot but Ash moves. Dani with the Shinsuke Nakamura Inside Out German, Pressure Drop and Spitfire retains.
Boo…
Jordynne Grace vs Tessa Blanchard
Grace charges Tessa immediately, and the ref needs to pull her off, but Tessa gets thrown around the ring literally, the crowd is chanting “Fuck You Tessa”, Tessa powders, eats a Dive and then a Jackhammer on the outside! Grace puts Tessa on her shoulders up to the ring, but Tessa finally fights off and flips off the crowd, revels in it for a second, tries the Frankensteiner, but Grace holds on, smashes Tessa into the guardrail twice, looks for the Reverse Bomb on the apron, but Tessa gets out, stomps on Jordynne a few times, hooks Jordynne’s face with the crook of her leg and drives Jordynne’s face into the apron. Unique looking and decent.
Tessa has the correct intensity, pushes into two quick pinfall attempts and starts getting deliberate. Drags Jordynne’s face across the rope, throats Grace, kicks her in the face and Slingshot Elbow is another near fall. Tessa with the Front Facelock, Grace tries to fight out but Tessa holds on and drops her with a Scorpion Death Drop for another near fall. Jordynne fights Tessa off with a few elbows, looks for a Superplex, but Tessa fights off, wants the Avalanche Sunset Bomb, but Jordynne stops it, Tessa kicks Grace’s feet, looks for a Rope Hung Death Drop but Jordynne fights it off and smashes Tessa’s face into the turnbuckles but Tessa hits the Rope Hung Backstabber for two. Tessa looks for Magnum, but Jordynne cuts her off, they fight at the top, Avalanche Sack of Shit! They both sell the exhaustion of the match so far.
They trade blows, two Scoop Slams from Jordynne, Lawn Dart into the Top Turnbuckle! Package Powerbomb for two! Dragon Suplex attempt from Grace, Tessa breaks it, Headlock Takeover, quick counter wrestling, Tiger Destroyer from Tessa! Only for a two count, but still nice. Buzzsaw attempt is shrugged off, Tessa comes off the ropes and eats the Spinebuster from Jordynne for two quick pinfall attempts. Tessa with the Body Scissors and pulls herself up and fights back, Jordynne slaps her around, looks for the Suplex but Tessa slips it and Neckbreaker Counter for a two count! The brawl to the apron, Grace eats a forearm and Tessa hits the Tornillo on Jordynne! They posture on the steps, Tessa wants a move but Jordynne counters her and Spicolli Driver from the stairs to the floor from Jordynne!
More back and forth in the corner, just positioning and counters, it’s like watching chess. Jordynne grabs Tessa for an Avalanche Air Raid Crash, but Tessa fights it and turns it into an Avalanche Crucifix Bomb! After trying a grounded submission Tessa locks in the Octopus, tries to wrench the fingers but Jordynne counters, Rope Assisted German Suplex into a Capture Suplex for 2! Kudome Valentine attempt from Grace but Tessa gets out, Backfist from Jordynne, Tessa bounces off and Cutter gives her a two count! Tessa calls for Magnum, Jordynne dodges it, Tessa rolls through, tries boots but Grace grabs Tessa and hits the around the world Reverse Alabama Slam! Tessa keeps trying to remove Buckle Pads but they’re on good, Tessa reverses out of the Kinikku Buster, hits the Buzzsaw into the partially exposed buckle but Grace grabs the rope. Tessa removes another pad, Bulldog into exposed buckle, Magnum, and Tessa is still sexy.
The turnbuckle pads being on too well made the finish a little flat, but it was a damn good match. There’s also a joke in the match with Tessa coming out wearing Red and Gold (Yellow), so the racism allegations are never going away if she keeps making it easy.
I Quit Match: Josh Alexander vs Mike Santana
There’s intensity but its all just technical tactics to take each other to the ground and grab a limb. But since we just came off of a pretty good match, things can’t start too hot. Every time Santana throws Josh to the outside, Josh scurries back to the ring, he’s playing scared. There’s a “He’s a bitch” chant that pops up. Santana cuts off Josh’s charge with a few well placed boots which sends Josh outside, Tope con Hilo levels the bald man. Santana throws Josh into a guardrail, Yakuza Kicks back to back rock Josh a bit. Fans call for tables and Santana slides one out to a huge pop. Santana sets it up, plays to the crowd, tries a Powerbomb onto the table but Josh slips it and Overhead Belly to Belly sends Santana crashing. A fan can be heard saying “That look like it hurt” to which Santana replies ” It did asshole”. Now Josh is dissecting Santana’s legs to soften him up for the Ankle Lock. Josh goes for the corner spot with the Figure Four around the post after bouncing the knee off the post a few times.
Josh tries to continue but Santana slides out and counters Josh and bounces his face off the post. Josh walks it off a bit as Santana stalks him and then a quick Chop Block has Santana writhing in pain. Josh decides to be a heel and do the Three Amigos instead of the Kurt Angle Germans. Disrespectful bald jerk. Santana gets throated, dropped to the apron on his ass, Low Crossbody but Santana flattens out and Josh goes flying! Santana tries a Dive, but Josh catches him and just drops him spine first on the apron. After a small resilient flurry of slaps from Santana Josh goes for the Germans. Santana brushes off on the third, goes for the Rolling Buck Fifty, gets caught in the Torture Rack, Santana fights off Josh’s shoulders, kicks him into the corner, Senton into the seated Josh. Perches him up top, points at the table, tries something but Josh fights him off, Moonsault from Josh misses and a Death Valley Driver gives both a moment to breathe.
Santana Spin the-BLOCK-ED! Josh sweeps the leg, Ankle Lock and Santana refuses to quit twice but slips the boot ala Eddie Guerrero. Josh pauses a moment, Santana charges and Josh dumps him over the top rope through the table! Santana says he doesn’t quit, Josh looks surprised, so he goes looking for more plywood. He also grabs the bottom set of stairs and throws them into the ring. Scoop Slams Santana into the broken table and continues looking for weapons, like a chair and zip ties. Santana crawls into the ring, Josh steps on the worked on leg and smashes it repeatedly with the chair. Josh goes into Full Mount, rains down strikes, exposes the elbow for Elbow Strikes and tries to soften him up for the zip ties. C4 Spike but Santana raises up like the Undertaker and fires into beating the piss out of Josh. Frankensteiner on Josh into the Frog Splash, Spin the Block! Josh doesn’t quit. Santana grabs the zip ties that Josh introduced, ties the hands behind Josh’s back, Spin the Block 2! Josh doesn’t quit. Santana sets up the steps as a ramp, table in front of Josh in the corner and Cannonballs through the table into Josh! Josh still doesn’t quit off the Jackass stunt. Santana finds a sock filled with quarters and starts beating Josh like it’s a slapjack. Josh still doesn’t quit. Santana tells Josh to bite the curb and is about to Curb Stomp him into the steps and Josh gets scared and quits.
TNA Tag Team Championships: The Hardyz (c) vs The Rascalz
Fraxiom comes out to watch the match, so this nicely sets up a potential early angle between NXT and TNA for the crossover.Â
Trey and Matt start, but it’s a slow Headlock basic counters and feint spots. Jeff and Wentz want to play, so this is very Japanese in giving each member a free chance to interact before any cutoffs or tandems. The crowd likes both men, so this is interesting but more Stalemate spots. Jeff manages a Polish Hammer to tag in Matt and go for a quick tandem move and keep Wentz in the Hardy Corner bouncing his face off buckles in Delete fashion. Tag from Jeff for another tandem Rocket Launcher into the bottom rope and Leg Drop from Jeff. Wentz counters the Twist with a Jumping Knee so he manages a tag to Trey and then a few quick striking double team spots. Quick tag to Wentz, Matt comes in to break it up, drops Matt and Wishbone. Quick Tag, MCMG ACS Rush homage. Wentz Dives onto Matt on the outside, Matt catches him into the Side Effect on the floor! Jeff gets the best of Trey after he’s a little distracted. Manhattan Drop from Jeff, into a tag to Matt and then some double team strikes for a near fall. Delete Head Smashes again on Trey.
Vertical Suplex from Matt for another 2. Matt tags out and Hardys look for more Tandem attacks, Plot Twist but Wentz recovers and makes the break! Trey flips out of Jeff’s arms, tags in Wentz, and Wentz cleans house on both Hardys. Corner to corner, tags back in Trey they hit the Saki Kashima assisted Dropkick on each Hardy and then they dump the Hardys at the feet of Fraxiom. FIVE HOLE DIVE FROM RASCALZ! Misses the Hardys and hits Fraxiom! This builds heat for The Rascalz and Fraxiom as Hardys attack the Rascalz while distracted. Poetry in Motion off the stairs from Jeff!
Facebuster from Jeff for two! Wentz hits a Busaiku Knee on Jeff to stop him from hitting Trey, Side Effect drops Wentz, Enzuigiri from Trey drops Matt and all four are down to catch their breath a bit. Original Poetry in Motion on Trey! Twist of Fate from Matt but countered and Matt is thrown into Jeff who’s selling a knee. Superkick into Feed Em to the Lions! Wentz Dives on Matt but Trey can’t quite make a clean pinfall. Jeff eats a Cheeky Nandos and Top Rope Tiger Feint, Twist of Fates for everyone and Jeff re-NO Trey kicks out! Another Twist but eats a Superkick from Wentz, tries the UFO Cutter on Matt but Matt just throws him to the outside. A Twist of Fate from each Hardy Boy, Swanton Bomb and the Hardyz retain!
Thursday’s Live Show will have Fraxiom vs The Rascalz for the NXT Titles!Â
Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun Match: TNA Knockouts World Championship: Masha Slamovich (c) vs Rosemary
Do Rosemary’s shorts have Pokemon Gym Badges on em? Masha goes for the Staple Gun, it almost gets countered immediately, but she gets the first few clicks of the Staple gun, it actually doesn’t backfire, but she lets Rosemary powder and starts grabbing a few weapons. Masha finally decides to attack Rosemary with a cane, but Rosemary turns things around with the green mist. Slamovich gets some of the mist out of her eyes, chases her into the ring and eats a Drop Toehold into a Chair. Rosemary sets up the table, panders to the crowd and Masha launches herself over the top with a Crossbody, into Rosemary and then through the table! Masha finds her old chain she used to make Killer Kelly submissive and starts choking and dragging Rosemary around the ring and then Sabus the chair at Rosemary for emphasis.
Masha tries to hit the front flip Senton onto a seated Rosemary, but Rosemary moves and Masha hits the chair weird. Rosemary beats her with a chair a few times, looks under the ring, gets giddy and finds Janice! Rosemary swings Janice, breaks it, and then uses the two pieces to block the cane Masha had and then pressed the nail portion into Masha’s back! Rosemary is talking to Janice and goes to the back to find tacks that she spills out on the stage. Rosemary wants a Chokeslam into tacks, Masha counters, misses a Lariat and then eats the Spear into the tacks! Barbed Wire board is set up in the ring, Spicolli…nope! Russian Death Device into the Barbed Wire! Masha goes to the top, Footstomp into the barbed wire but only for 2 again! Masha goes to the outside and grabs a ladder.
A trash can lid gets thrown at Rosemary for good measure, Masha ascends the ladder and then Rosemary pushes the ladder and Masha goes crashing through one of two tables set up on the outside. Rough spot, rough looking, but Masha manages to move enough to break the pinfall since its falls count anywhere. Rosemary now goes full Kevin Steen and makes some chair art for a spot, drags Masha into the ring, sets he on the chairs and goes to the top. Masha sits up as Rosemary climbs, counters the momentum and Avalanche Requiem through the chairs! Masha retains.
Cora Jade’s music hits and sets up nicely after Masha was on NXT.Â
The Countdown Panel starts off with their main event picks they hinted towards and it’s necessary because they have to clean up the ring. Mark Henry picks Joe Hendry, and he better be correct. Ryan Nemeth interrupts with the “my brootthhheerrr” stuff, and Santino calls him “Fuck Face Guy”. It’s all good stuff, and I’m still a big fan of the Mokuba gimmick, but now they ban Ryan Nemeth.Â
TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs Joe Hendry
Simple chain wrestling start until Nic has a few words and then snaps off a Dropkick, does his show off Dolph stuff so Hendry runs him over with a Shoulder Block and then a Knee Lift. Hendry tries his Stalling Suplex but Nic slips it into a Rear Naked Choke! Hendry spins Nic around, walks around with the Stalling Suplex before finally dropping Nic. Ryan Nemeth shows up with a ticket, so he’s sitting in the crowd now. Joe gets distracted just enough for Nic to jump up and hit a delayed DDT. After Nic tries to stretch Joe a little, Hendry goes into locomotion Cradles but Nic drops Joe to take a breather. Nic does his single Shot to the Heart Elbow and he’s really embracing the old Dolph Ziggler show off ego. Ziggler looks for a Rude Awakening after more arrogant moments, but Joe tries to fight it off, so Nic just snaps off a Jumping Neckbreaker.
Joe manages to hit a Cutter off the ropes to try and get some energy from the crowd. Strike exchange happens here, Uppercuts from Joe and Fists from Nic. Joe blocks one fist, throws a few of his own together and a Lariat levels Nic. Sack of Shit into the Kip Up! Counters galore from both men before Nic gets caught in the Pop-Up Powerbomb! Attitude Adjustment for just a near fall. You see moments of Nic trying to cheat or find an angle but he hasn’t done anything overtly heelish yet. Joe is rocking him with chops, perches Nic on the top, looks for the Superplex but Nic fights back, Hendry gets pushed off, Crossbody but Hendry rolls through, holds on and gets his Powerbomb countered into a FAMEasser for two! Nic crawls to a corner, looks to climb for something big, Hendry cuts him off, Avalanche Sack of Shit! Kaz walks out with the trophy as both men sell, but JBL comes out of the crowd and Clothesline from Hell on Kaz. JBL punches Ryan in the face as he comes out to say something. Then Tuxedo JBL leaves after doing his job. Standing Ovation from HENDRY! 1-2-NO! Nic kicks out!
The crowd chants “One More Time” and it fires up Hendry, he does the heel turn and goes full Queen Stomp, tries again, but Nic slips it. Superkick into Danger Zone and it’s….HENDRY KICKS OUT! Nic is tuning up the band, Hendry catches Nic, Sack of Shit, Kip Up, big fire, Standing Ovation! JOE HENDRY WINS!
Overall Score: 7/10
Even if the match quality wasn’t bonkers, mostly all the matches did what they needed to do, were fairly good and a good number of NXT talent showed up to make the Live iMPACT! and TNA really feel like something special right now. I’m an unabashed Tessa fan, so I’m giddy she won and Hendry finally getting the title is the latest they could’ve really dragged this out to, but at least it stops him from becoming Tetsuya Nai-Joe.
I’m not gonna be a hypocrite from previous complaints I made with too many champions being babyfaces, because that’s still bad and proves the next few title defenses could prove volatile. However, I of course just enjoy most of the current champions. So while it doesn’t erase the fact it’s bad, it makes it more palatable for me personally. Now if only PCO destroyed the Knockouts Tags instead of a different irrelevant belt.
Also let’s be very clear, anyone that believes the PCO stunt was a legit shoot doesn’t know wrestling. Everything is a work until it isn’t and then it still could be turned into a work. Don’t be gullible and just anticipate something to be worked out of it one way or the other.
Still though, good show with a lot of hype for the Live iMPACT, so Thursday should be fun! See you there!
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!