Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Summer Struggle Report! (8/8/21)
Super Junior Tag League, round two!

Nothing is slowing down the Super Junior round robin!
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions got off to a great start, will they continue it as NJPW’s Super Junior Tag League continues?
NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru VS Gedo & Dick Togo; Desperado & Kanemaru win.
- Tiger Mask & Robbie Eagles VS Roppongi 3K; Tiger Mask & Robbie Eagles win.
- Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato VS El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori; ELP & Ishimori win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current Super Jr. Tag League standings:
Tiger Mask & Robbie Eagles: 1-0, 2 points
El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 1-0, 2 points
El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori: 1-0, 2 points
Roppongi 3K: 0-1, 0 points
Gedo & Dick Togo: 0-1, 0 points
Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru VS Gedo & Dick Togo!
The Rogue Luchador and Heel Master kicked off this year’s Super Junior Tag League with a win over “Six or Nine,” Taguchi & Wato! Will they continue on by keeping Bullet Club’s dastardly duo down in the dumps?
Desperado fakes out Gedo and Dick, making them think his slide in is for an attack. He (supposedly) just wanted to shake their hands. But the teams sort out, Desperado politely asks an opponent step up, and Dick starts. The fans rally as Desperado and Dick circle. But then Dick bails out and Desperado asks he please return. Dick takes his time returning, and circles with Desperado again. They tie up but Dick kicks low. Dick wrenches an arm, YANKS on it, clamps on the shoulder, and clubs it! Dick wrenches again but Desperado wrenches his eyes! Gedo protests but Desperado CLUBS Dick, then headlocks. Kanemaru tags in and he gets Dick’s arm to wrench it!
Kanemaru YANKS the arm, and again, then hammerlocks the arm for a scoop and SLAM! Dick writhes but Kanemaru stomps him around. Kanemaru tags Desperado, they mug Dick, and then Desperado tells Gedo to shut up. The ref is busy with Gedo as Desperado wrenches and hammerlocks Dick. Desperado wrangles Dick, YANKS back on the arm, then uses his leg to hook it for a SNAP LOCK! Cover, TWO! Desperado gets Dick up, bumps him off Kanemaru’s boots, then tags Kanemaru. Desperado DECKS Gedo, Suzuki-Gun wrenches and whips Dick. Kanemaru runs to back elbow, then he whips Dick into Desperado’s boot.
Dick fights the back suplex combo, boots Kanemaru and punches Desperado. Kanemaru kicks, runs, but Gedo trips him! Dick hurries out as Gedo holds Kanemaru out, DOUBLE STOMP to the legs! Desperado goes out but Dick ROCKS him with a haymaker! Dick whips Desperado into railing! Desperado writhes while Gedo SLAMS Kanemaru’s leg on the apron! Gedo drags Kanemaru out, wraps his leg around railing, then BOOTS the railing to jam the leg! And again! Gedo taunts Kanemaru while pulling the leg, and he KICKS railing again! Kanemaru falls over but fans rally up for Suzuki-Gun.
The ring count climbs while Kanemaru is still down. It’s at 10 of 20 before he sits up, and climbing to 15 as he struggles to drag himself up! Kanemaru is up and in at 18, but Dick is right on him with a knee SMASH! Kanemaru writhes and clutches his leg but Dick stomps and kicks away on the bad leg! Dick drops an elbow on the leg, pulls on it in a toehold, but fans rally as Kanemaru endures. Desperado rushes in and Dick backs off, giving Kanemaru some time to rest. But Dick gets Kanemaru up then throws him out. Dick keeps the ref busy as Gedo gets chairs from under the ring. Gedo gets Kanemaru’s leg around railing, and SMACKS it with a chair!
Gedo mockingly asks if Kanemaru is still alright, but fans rally up. A new ring count starts, Kanemaru drags himself up at 10 of 20, then flounders at 15! Dick DECKS Desperado, Kanemaru claws his way back up, and Kanemaru is in at 19.5! Gedo is pissed, Dick stomps Kanemaru’s bad leg. Dick taunts Kanemaru, stomps the leg more, then stands on Kanemaru’s leg while he tags in Gedo. Gedo stomps Kanemaru’s leg, he and Dick DOUBLE KNEE SMASH Kanemaru’s legs! Gedo mocks Desperado as if he can’t hear him, and the ref has to keep Desperado back in his corner. Gedo drags Kanemaru around, turns him over and ties up his legs for a figure four!
The ref is still busy with Desperado, and Dick digs his boots into Kanemaru’s face and throat! The ref tries to stop this but there’s too much arguing going around. Desperado pushes the ref aside to MONO LOCO Gedo down! Gedo falls, but that just tortures Kanemaru’s legs more! Kanemaru gets the ropebreak, the ref wants Gedo to let him go, but Gedo claims he needs help undoing the hold! The ref undoes the hold for Gedo and Kanemaru is finally free, but Gedo still laughs as he looms over Kanemaru. Gedo stomps Kanemaru’s legs, puts them on the ropes, and he springboards to drop down on it! Dick tags in, he stomps Kanemaru, and he taunts Kanemaru.
Kanemaru takes swipes but can’t hit hard enough. Dick CLUBS Kanemaru down, Kanemaru gets up and EuroUppers! Fans rally, Dick rakes Kanemaru’s eyes! Dick CHOPS Kanemaru, whips him corner to corner, then runs in. Kanemaru BOOTS Dick, runs but into a kick! Dick runs but Kanemaru dropkicks the legs out! Both men are down, fans rally up, hot tag to Desperado! Desperado rallies on Bullet Club, Dick kicks and whips, but Desperado gets around to a roll up, ONE, STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! Dick endures, writhes, reaches out, and gets the ropebreak! The ref counts, Desperado thrashes before he lets go at 4!
Desperado drags Dick from ropes to stomp his leg, but has to stop when Dick grabs rope again. Desperado gets Dick up to whip, and Dick falls over! Fans fire up with Desperado as he stomps Dick’s legs. Desperado drags Dick up but Dick ROCKS him with a right! Desperado forearms back, Dick pokes him in the eye! Dick headlocks and punches, then winds up, but Desperado stomps a foot! Dick spins Desperado around to snapmare and ghost pin, TWO! CROSSFACE! Desperado endures, fans rally up, and Desperado reaches out, but Dick rolls him from ropes! Kanemaru stomps Dick but he won’t let go! Gedo gets in to KICK Kanemaru’s bad leg!
Kanemaru bails out, Gedo goes out after him, and Dick vows to end this. Dick gets Desperado up, reels him in, underhooks the arms, PEDIGREE! Dick calls for the corner and he climbs up top! SUPER SENTON ONTO KNEES! Desperado saves himself but it was double-edged given the leg damage! Fans rally up, Dick tags in Gedo, and Gedo gets Desperado up for a JAWBREAKER! SUPER- No, Desperado blocks that! Desperado spins Gedo, but Gedo pokes him in the eye! Gedo runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up as Desperado crawls, tag to Kanemaru! Kanemaru brings Gedo up, but Gedo throws body shots and even goes after Kanemaru’s leg!
Gedo whips, Kanemaru reverses, and Kanemaru calf kicks Gedo down! Gedo gets to a corner, Kanemaru runs in and BOOTS! Kanemaru rolls Gedo to run and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Kanemaru keeps cool and fans still rally as he goes to a corner. Kanemaru hops up, takes aim, but Gedo gets to the other corner. Kanemaru runs corner to corner, Gedo rolls him up, TWO! Kanemaru kicks low, reels Gedo in, but Gedo turns scoop to cradle! TWO! Gedo mule kicks, but Kanemaru trips him up first! Kanemaru drags Gedo up by his ears! And spins him, to scoop, BRITISH FALL! Cover, TWO! Gedo survives but Kanemaru keeps his focus.
Kanemaru goes back to the corner but Dick grabs at him! Desperado gets around to trip Dick! Kanemaru adjusts, Gedo gets up, DEEP- ATOMIC DROP!? Well not exactly, but whatever it is, Gedo’s savvy saves him without getting disqualified! Fans rally as both men are down, and Gedo sits up first. Kanemaru grits his teeth as he gets up in a corner again. Gedo runs in, blocks a boot and dropkicks the bad leg! Gedo still has to catch his breath as he and Kanemaru get up again. Gedo gets the leg, DRAGON SCREW! Gedo steps through, ties up the legs, FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK! Kanemaru endures as fans rally up!
Kanemaru drags himself over, reaches out, but Gedo drags him back! Dick and Desperado brawl, Kanemaru holds on and Desperado stomps Gedo! Dick knocks Desperado into the ref! Dick ROCKS Desperado, underhooks, but no Pedigree this time! BACK DROP! Fans fire up as Desperado MONO LOCOS! But Gedo BRASS KNUCKLES Desperado down!! Kanemaru gets up, but catches Gedo to a Gory Especial LOW BLOW! Kanemaru shouts to the ref, then hops up top, DEEP IMPACT!! Cover, the ref is back to count, Kanemaru & Desperado win!
Winners: Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado, by pinfall
Suzuki-Gun wins again and Bullet Club loses again! Will these trends both continue until the end of the round robin?
Tiger Mask & Robbie Eagles VS Roppongi 3K!
These natural predators want to keep going, while… Well, that depends. Are Desperado, ELP and Taiji all correct? Has Sho lost his spark? Has Yoh lost his drive? Is RPG3K calling it quits? Or will they find new life against Tiger & Eagles?
The teams sort out and Tiger starts with Sho. They circle, fans rally up, and the two feel out the grapple. They knuckle lock but Sho blocks Tiger’s kick. They circle again, knuckle lock again, and Sho shoots in to waistlock. Tiger wrenches free to a wristlock but Sho wrenches and wristlocks back. Tiger gets the ropes, Sho lets off cleanly and fans cheer. They go again, tie up, Sho headlocks. Tiger powers up and out but Sho runs him over. Eagles gest in, kicks, runs, but into the RPG3K drop toehold and basement dropkick combo! Eagles bails out, RPG3K double dropkick Tiger, and fans fire up!
Sho stomps Tiger, brings him back up, and whip him to ropes to elbow him down. Cover, TWO! Tag to Yoh and Yoh clubs Tiger down. Yoh stomps Tiger, then drags him up to snap suplex. Cover, TWO! Yoh wrenches Tiger, tags Sho, and Sho takes the wrench hand-off to then tag Yoh back in. Yoh CLUBS Tiger’s arm and Sho intercepts Eagles. Yoh throws a forearm on Tiger, RPG3K double whip corner to corner. Sho whips Yoh but Tiger evades to then rush Sho. Sho kicks first, has hold of Tiger, but Tiger still boots Yoh away. Tiger Mask then somersault dropkicks Sho away! Yoh comes back and throws hands, then whips Tiger to a corner. Yoh runs in but into a sobat!
Tiger KICKS Yoh down, then tags in Eagles. Fans rally up, Eagles gets Yoh turned around and drops a knee on the thigh! Eagles gets Yoh up, runs and PENALTY KICKS him down! Fans cheer and Eagles covers, TWO! Fans rally more as Eagles KICKS Yoh in the back. Eagles gets Yoh to his feet, Yoh throws heavy forearms but Eagles eggs him on. Yoh keeps throwing but Eagles dropkicks the leg out! Eagles drags Yoh around, knees the thigh, tags in Tiger Mask, and then they get Yoh up for double whips. They kick his legs out then KICK, KICK, repeat, before a DOUBLE KICK! Then they double basement dropkick sandwich! Tiger covers, TWO!
Fans rally up as Yoh hangs tough. Tiger gets Yoh up, throws forearms and Yoh staggers over. Tiger gets Yoh up, throws more forearms then KICKS Yoh down! Cover, TWO! Sho coaches Yoh, Tiger dares Yoh to get up. Yoh slowly rises and Tiger circles him. Tiger KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! Yoh grits his teeth and eggs Tiger on, then blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally up as Yoh crawls over, but Tiger heads for his corner. Hot tags to Sho and Eagles! The forearms start flying and build up speed! Fans rally as things get faster and faster, and Sho gets the edge. Sho eggs Eagles on and Eagles KICKS his leg! Eagles runs but Sho follows to run Eagles over!
Fans fire up with Sho, he stomps around and Eagles rises. Sho KICKS Eagles down, covers, TWO! Sho stalks up behind Eagles, waistlocks but Eagles elbows free. Sho reels him back into a waistlock, lifts, but Eagles victory rolls but Sho pushes him to ropes. Eagles rebounds and knees Sho’s clothesline away to then rolling kick him in the back of the leg, and BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Fans fire up as Eagles and Sho go to opposite corners. Eagles runs in and DOUBLE KNEES, then rolls back to METEORA in the corner! Cover, TWO!! Sho survives and fans fire up more! Eagles keeps cool and goes to the corner. Eagles goes up top, 450’s but Sho moves!
Eagles lands on his feet, Sho rushes in but into a knee! Eagles KICKS Sho down! Eagles gets Sho back up, cravat, but Sho slips through to hit a BIG suplex! Fans fire up again as Sho and Eagles are both down. Sho and Eagles head for their corners, hot tag to Yoh! Yoh DECKS Tiger to then get Eagles up. Eagles reverses the whip but Yoh hits a flying forearm! Yoh kips up and runs at Eagles in the corner, but Eagles boots him away. Eagles runs in, sunset flip but Yoh rolls through to spinning toehold! And another spinning toehold! And another spinning toehold! Yoh keeps going, for the FIGURE FOUR! Eagles endures and fans rally both ways as he reaches for ropes!
Yoh drops back to put pressure, but Eagles rolls it over! Yoh rolls it again but they end up in the ropes. The ref counts, helps them out of the hold, and fans rally up again. Yoh gets Eagles up, waistlocks, but Eagles holds ropes to resist. Yoh CLUBS Eagles, full nelsons, but Eagles breaks that, only for Yoh to make it a waistlock again! GERMAN SUPLEX! But Eagles lands on his feet! Only for his bad leg to jam! Yoh goes to dropkick it but Eagles avoids it, and then Eagles ENZIGURIS Yoh! Yoh ends up on ropes, Eagles runs, but into RPG3K DOUBLE KNEES! Tiger runs in but into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! RPG3K gets Eagles up, spins around, BACK STABBER to SHOTGUN BOOT!
Fans fire up with RPG3K as they wait on Eagles. Eagles slowly rises, staggers, but slips out of 3K to kick Sho and TORNADO DDT Yoh! Sho gets back up, whips Eagles but Eagles reverses to wrench and WHEEL KICK! Fans fire up and Eagles gets Yoh out to center. Eagles steps over, traps Yoh’s arm with a leg then ties up Yoh’s legs into a figure four, to KNEE STOMP! Yoh writhes but Eagles isn’t done, as he gets Yoh back up. But Yoh fights the backpack and shoves Eagles into a corner. Yoh SUPERKICKS Eagles, then FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! But Yoh has the leg for a HEEL HOOK! But Tiger stomps Yoh right down!
Tiger gets Yoh up but Yoh fires off forearms! Tiger ducks to mule kick, underhook, and TIGER DRIVER! Tiger intercepts Sho but Sho ROCKS him! Sho ROCKS Eagles, but Eagles sweeps the legs, dropkicks Sho off the apron, and Tiger DIVES! Tiger’s tope knocks Sho into railing! Tiger calls to Eagles and Eagles gets Yoh up. Fans fire up, Eagles gets Yoh up, STANDING SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO!! Yoh is still in this, and so is RPG3K! Fans rally up more as Eagles goes to a corner. Eagles aims from the apron, springboards in, and dropkicks Yoh’s legs out! Eagles steps through but Yoh turns leg lock into cradle! TWO, and Eagles ROUNDHOUSES Yoh down!
And SUPERKICKS! But Yoh ducks the Pele to ROLLING ELBOW Eagles! Yoh aims as Eagles slowly rises up. SUPER- NO! Eagles blocks, reels Yoh in, TURBO BACKPACK! Cover, TWO!? But Eagles keeps focus and wants Yoh to get back up! Yoh sits up, into a SUPERKICK! Eagles goes to the corner and right up top, for 450 SPLASH to the legs! RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Yoh endures, Tiger keeps Sho anchored on the outside and Eagles clubs away on Yoh’s legs! YOH TAPS! EAGLES & TIGER WIN!
Winners: Tiger Mask & Robbie Eagles, by submission
The three-time Junior Tag League winners have lost twice in a row?! Eagles as a teammate in Chaos makes sure Yoh is alright, but his friends are still having a hard time with this loss. Are all the doubters actually right? Or is what they’ve all said simply getting in RPG3K’s heads?
Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato VS El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori!
As already stated, King Coach Taguchi and the Way of the Grandmaster lost to start and are looking for redemption! But the Headbanger and Bone Soldier started off strong beating the THREE-TIME Super Jr. Tag League winners in RPG3K. Will the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions (and the Bullet Club’s Cutest Tag Team) continue on and dominate the tournament?
But before teams sort out, Taguchi insists: check ELP’s shoe! ELP is exasperated, but he obliges by sitting down! Red Shoes is nearby as ELP undoes the straps and laces, then goes to pull the shoe off. The shoe is handed over, Red Shoes looks inside and is surprised! Taguchi looks, and is offended! He takes out what’s inside, and it’s a paper note that just says “F*** U TAGUCHI!” Taguchi makes sure we understand by showing it to the camera. The Bullet Club has a good laugh, and then ELP makes sure the camera sees inside that there is nothing suspicious inside. ELP also does a smell check, and says it’s “not bad.”
Teams sort out as ELP redoes the boot, but he says they can get going without him. Fans rally while Taguchi is frustrated he didn’t get anything out of the check. Taguchi and Taiji start and circle. Taguchi tests the waters with some spinning hip jumps, only to get caught into a headlock on the third time! Taguchi powers out, things speed up as he drops and drops to make Taiji keep going. Taiji stops himself with ropes, and stomps Taguchi down! Taiji gets Taguchi up to throw hands, then Taiji runs, but Wato gets in as Taguchi leap frogs! Wato back elbows, back hands and gets in Taiji’s way so he doesn’t see the HIP ATTACK coming! Direct hit and Taiji bails out!
ELP gets in but gets double kicks, double whips and double drop toeholds, to a double basement dropkick! ELP bails out and regroups with Taiji, but Six or Nine build speed! To fake out the Bullet Club! Wato strikes his pose and Taguchi swivels them hips! Fans rally for “TA-GU-CHI!” or perhaps “SIX OR NINE!” while Bullet Club vents. Taguchi fakes them out with a triangle jump, then crotch chops to the rhythm of “TA-GU-CHI!” The applause encourage Taguchi to encourage Wato, and Wato strikes his pose while swiveling hips. The champs are getting more frustrated as Taguchi wiggles and thrusts.
The champs are leaving? Taguchi “apologizes” and asks they return to finish this properly. ELP and Taiji return to ringside, Taiji gets back in and tags ELP. ELP calls out Wato so Taguchi tags him. Wato and ELP circle, the fans rally, and the two tie up. Wato headlocks for a takeover, ELP headscissors and digs his elbows in. Wato goes up, pops out, gets a headlock and grinds ELP down. ELP fights up but Wato holds on. ELP throws body shots, powers out, and things speed up. ELP hurdles, Wato leaps, things keep going, and Wato huricanranas but ELP handsprings through! ELP struts, does lunges, and then circles with Wato again.
Wato and ELP approach, ELP waistlocks to a headlock, but Wato throws body shots. ELP grinds the hold, Wato powers out, but ELP runs Wato over. ELP flexes, kisses the guns, then things speed up again. ELP leaps over, Wato bypasses but ELP rolls off his back. Wato ranas, ELP handsprings through again, and then backward lunges. ELP notices the fans clapping to his rhythm so he takes it slow. Wato joins in but that ruins ELP’s fun, so he BOOTS Wato down! Wato rolls him up, ELP rolls through and forearms fly! ELP gets the edge and DECKS Wato! ELP stands on Wato, stomps him down, then puts him in the corner. Tag to Taiji and ELP CHOPS Wato!
Taiji ROCKS Wato, cranks the neck with a cravat, then rams shoulders in over and over. Snapmare and NECK TWIST! Wato writhes, Taiji covers, TWO! Taiji grows annoyed but he gets Wato back up. Tag to ELP, ELP climbs, and ELP does a random clapping rhythm, before he hops down and CLAWS Wato. ELP is upset the fans can’t get his clapping right, but he gets Wato up to suplex. ELP holds Wato up and fans rally as ELP does squats before the slam! Double gun and cover, Taguchi breaks it with his butt. Tag to Taiji, Bullet Club stomps Wato for Taguchi’s cheek, and Taiji CHOPS Wato down! ELP stands Wato up for Taiji to CHOP again!
Taiji gets Wato up on the top rope and into the Tree of Woe. Taiji DECKS Taguchi, runs corner to corner and baseball slide dropkicks Wato! Tag to ELP, he slingshots in, goes corner to corner for a hesitation dropkick! Cover, TWO! Tag back to Taiji and Bullet Club gets Wato up. Taiji CLAWS Wato, then ELP CLAWS Wato! Fans rally for Wato but Taiji gets him back up. Taiji CHOPS Wato to a corner, CHOPS him again, then whips Wato corner to corner. Taiji runs in and back elbows, then keeps going, only for Wato to get around! Taiji fights the waistlock, runs again but into a BIG calf kick! Both men are down but fans fire up!
Wato crawls, ELP gets in and leaps, but misses! Hot tag to Taguchi! Taguchi hits ELP with a HIP ATTACK! Then Taguchi starts up the Funky Weapon Train! HIP ATTACK for Taiji, HIP ATTACK for ELP, then Taguchi slides out. But Taiji dodges the apron hip attack to dropkick Taguchi down! Taiji builds speed but Taguchi gets in, only for Taiji to get around. Taguchi switches, Taiji throws elbows and runs, but Taguchi follows! Only for Taiji to counter hip attack with ATOMIC DROP! Taiji reels Taguchi in, waistlocks, but Taguchi fights the lift! Taguchi runs in place, but again Taiji sees this one coming! Taiji also runs in place, wags his finger, then body shots!
But Taguchi back hands! Taguchi runs, Taiji goes from the corner a la Evil, but Taguchi HIP ATTACKS him after all! Fans fire up as Taguchi catches his breath. Taguchi gets Taiji up, snap suplexes, uno amigo! Then dos amigos! Taguchi wants and hits THREE AMIGOS! Cover, TWO! Fans are thunderous as Taguchi calls upon the powers of Nakamura! “ORAYO~!” But Taiji ducks the Bum-a-ye, only for Taguchi to sit on the sunset flip! TWO, Taiji has the sunset after all, TWO! Wheelbarrow, but Taguchi sits on it again, TWO! Taiji kicks, whips, but Taguchi reverses, only for Taiji to handspring and NEURALIZER! Both men are down and fans fire up again!
Taguchi and Taiji stir as the fans rally. They both crawl for their corners, hot tags to Wato and ELP! Wato dodges, RANAS, and ELP can’t handspring through this time! Wato builds speed and FLIES! Tornillo takes ELP out and Wato fires up! Wato gets ELP up and in, aims from the apron and springboards, FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO! Fans keep going as Wato gets ELP up. Wato wrenches, hooks him up, but ELP resists the Mouse Trap to back drop. Wato sunset flips, ELP rolls through and drags Wato up into a double underhook and lift! Wato resists the driver, trips and jackknifes, TWO! Wato mule kicks then SWITCHBLADE KICKS! ELP is down, Wato covers, TWO!
Fans stay fired up and Wato gets ELP up to wrench his arm. Wato reels ELP in but ELP RAMS Wato into the corner. Taiji tags in, he knocks Taguchi down, then comes back to DOUBLE KNEE Wato! ELP gets Wato around, Taiji goes up to get an Electric Chair boost. TOSS to CODE BREAKER! Taiji holds Wato in place, ELP MOONSAULTS to SANDWICH Wato! Cover, TWO!! Wato survives and Bullet Club gets annoyed. But Taiji tags ELP back in, they get Wato back up, cobra clutch torture rack and springboard FLYING KNEE, into the SPIN-OUT NECKBREAKER! Cover, Taguchi breaks it!
Taiji gets Taguchi and wants ELP to use Sudden Death! ELP hesitates, trying to explain, but Taguchi starts fighting free. Taiji throws hands, he and ELP double whip, but Taguchi holds ropes. Taiji runs in but is thrown out. ELP clotheslines Taguchi out, but Wato rolls him up! TWO!! Wato hurries to ROUNDHOUSE, and ROLLING KICK! EP wobbles into the wrench, reel, MOUSE TRAP DRIVER! Cover, TWO!!! ELP escapes the trap but Wato hurries up top! Fans are thunderous as he reaches the top, for R P P! TO FLOP! ELP aims, and BUZZSAWS! He gets Wato up, underhooks and lifts, C R II!! Taiji keeps Taguchi down as ELP covers, Bullet Club wins!
Winners: El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall
The numbers “Six or Nine” mean ZERO to the Cutest Tag Team in Bullet Club! They’re 2-0 in the round robin and don’t look to be slowing down! But they are patient enough to let Taguchi and Wato get out of the ring before sitting cross-leg across from each other, their IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag titles between them. ELP starts with, “Damn, that was easy…! Huh, Butt Pervert?! You couldn’t get it down with the Rock Pervert, and you sure as hell cain’t get it done with that stupid little blue pervert, either!” And as the fans sit silent, ELP gets annoyed and tells them to clap! They do, and he thanks them.
ELP then turns his attention to the Korakuen audience and thanks them for coming to “Bullet Club’s Cutest Tag Team’s Showcase of the Junior Division.” They’re all fully vaccinated, so he hopes each and every single one of them does, too. Then they can “pack this place to the rafters,” so that the fans can shout “E L P! E L P!” rather than just clap it. “Let’s go, Bone Daddy!” *clap clap, clap clap clap* Not the smoothest rhythm on that but it’s the thought that counts.
ELP continues to say, “That’s right! We’re so so very close, but in the meantime, our boys in LA are gonna hold down the fort at Resurgence. Jay White is gonna defend the NEVER Openweight Championship against David Finlay, some other stuff might happen, and we’re gonna stay here in front of all of you until we win the Super Junior Tag League!” Fans appreciate that but ELP then tells Milano Collection that yesterday, he was going to get him a “Bullet Club’s Cutest Tag Team” shirt, but then he realized he didn’t want to. But today, he does want to! Milano is surprised to hear that, and ELP invites Milano to ringside.
Jado vouches for them, and ELP even says they can just give him Taiji’s! ELP has the fans clapping for it, and fans do want to see it. Milano excuses himself from commentary but can’t go further than the railing. ELP mockingly says, “Oh… you can’t through the barricade~? Aww… Sorry. Maybe next time.” No, Milano, it’s too late, go back to your seat. Milano goes back to commentary, head hanging down low, when ELP calls out to “stupid idiot” Young Lion. Is his elbow hurt? What’s his name? Taiji grabs the Young Lion by his arms! ELP puts the mic down, winds up and, NUT PUNCHES the Young Lion down!
Bullet Club are bullies, but they’re also looking unstoppable! Will the IWGP Junior Tag Team Champions continue to have a spotless round robin record?
Here are the NEW Super Jr. Tag League standings:
El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori: 2-0, 4 points
El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 2-0, 4 points
Tiger Mask & Robbie Eagles: 2-0, 4 points
Gedo & Dick Togo: 0-2, 0 points
Roppongi 3K: 0-2, 0 points
Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato: 0-2, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great second round to follow the first, and it was actually quite the surprise that the overall standings stayed the same from yesterday. The same three teams that lost, the same three teams that won, just with different opponents. Though I did say yesterday Dick & Gedo were definitely the team to eat losses, so their loss was a given. We got great character stuff between them and Suzuki-Gun what with both teams being Heels, and I do find it an interesting detail that Kanemaru got both pinfall in victories in these first two matches. To be fair, Desperado was feeling like the stronger of the two with how he’d been IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and even Junior Heavyweight Double Champion. This could be to make it up to Kanemaru, to keep him from being called a weak link or something.
RPG3K’s loss was a touch surprising, but I suppose there’s still time for the “big comeback” that gets them to the finals to face Desperado & Kanemaru. Plus, the math may have been tricky since Eagles is a champion and Tiger is a legend. The team with the crisis of confidence can’t just suddenly pin one of those and keep this story on track. But up next for them is the team that lost in the main event, Taguchi & Wato. Speaking of, I like the story of Taguchi and ELP’s boot is continuing and I hope we get a 1v1 match between them, and it’s just all about the shoe. Is there a way Taguchi can get the secret item in hand, show it off to the crowd, but then somehow NJPW cameras never get a good shot at it?
Oh, and the main event match tonight was of course great stuff. I really like the subtle detail that ELP didn’t want to use his super strong Superkick because he didn’t have the item inside the boot. It makes sense the champs win, this is just round two, too early for a round robin spoiler to hit them. They and Milano have another amusing interaction, I wonder if someone will just snatch a shirt from Bullet Club to give it to Milano. And with it being Bullet Club VS Bullet Club next, I’m thinking there’ll be dysfunction and tension because A) Gedo & Dick won’t lie down for the champs, and B) Gedo & Dick get offended the champs assumed they’d just lie down to begin with. It went that way back when Jay White expected a free win from Yujiro, it can happen here.
My Score: 9./10
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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Who will grab their golden tickets to Tampa?
While TWENTY-FIVE men fight in a Battle Royal to face Oba Femi, Jordynne Grace and Giulia go 1v1 to face NXT Women’s Champion, Stephanie Vaquer!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: ??? wins and will challenge Oba Femi for the title at NXT Battleground: Tampa.
- Kelani Jordan VS ZARIA w/ Sol Ruca; wins.
- Six Man Tag: Joe Hendry, Hank ‘n’ Tank VS Dark State; win(s).
- NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Giulia VS Jordynne Grace; wins and will challenge Stephanie Vaquer for the title at NXT Battleground: Tampa.
PLAY BY PLAY
[Due to the scheduling choices of KVIA2 CW (El Paso & Las Cruces), coverage of NXT will not begin until 9PM Eastern]
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Cero Miedo on Cinco de Mayo!
Penta made sure Judgment Day didn’t win the WWE World Tag Team Championships, and now he’ll make JD McDonagh pay for the WrestleMania screwjob!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- PENTA VS JD McDonagh w/ The Judgment Day; Penta wins.
- Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS Sheamus; Sheamus wins.
- Iyo Sky VS Roxanne Perez; Iyo wins.
- Rusev VS Otis w/ Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri; Rusev wins.
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Jey Uso VS Seth Rollins w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker; Rollins wins by disqualification, Jey retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Jey Uso is in the concourse.
The fans are all fired up as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion makes his way out into the crowd! Omaha, Nebraska all YEET along, and even Pat McAfee does, no concern for what Gunther might think. Jey high-fives fans on his way to the ground level, high-fives some more fans on the way to ringside, and Jey daps it up with Pat & Cole. Jey then goes to the ring, and the fans continue to bounce while singing along with Day One Ish! Jey then gets a mic while the fans cheer. Omaha even says, “One More Time! One More Time!” Jey thinks about it, and he figures why not! YEET! Jey and the fans bounce again, then Jey goes back to the mic.
Jey says, “The World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey Uso, is now in your citaaay~!” The fans cheer, and Jey says look. He’s here. He knows Logan Paul’s here. So let’s just stand on business tonight! Where you at, Logan!? But instead, “Ladies and gentlemen…” The Wise Man walks out on stage! The fans boo as Paul Heyman continues his introduction, and he says he cam here tonight not to disrespect the World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey Uso. But he dragged himself all the way to Omaha, Nebraska because he wanted to say something straight to the face of the World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey Uso.
Jey tells OG Heyman, “You got a lotta balls stepping to me after what you just did to my family.” Heyman says wow, Jey is going to lecture Heyman about betraying their Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns? Jey says yeah, he’ll talk to Heyman. Day one, Jey saw past him. He warned Roman about him, and he warned CM Punk about him! Well, a shame that no one warned Heyman. Warned him about his best friend, his BFF, his brother in arms, CM Punk. And while he’s at it, keep your damn boos to yourselves while he’s on the mic! Not one of these fans, or Jey, had to live through what Heyman did.
Heyman’s best friend, CM Punk, put him in a position that 100% absolutely guaranteed it would sabotage him! The fans chant for Punk and Heyman mocks them for it. “They chant his name because they don’t know what’s in the dark heart of that man.” Punk put Heyman in a guaranteed lose-lose situation with Roman Reigns. And let’s talk about Roman Reigns for a minute! The fans chant for “O T C!” and Heyman sighs. Heyman says he had a dream with his best friend, CM Punk, while Roman was still playing high school football. Long before Roman thought about following in his father’s footsteps into pro-wrestling.
And while Heyman helped Punk overcome adversity, what’d Roman think he was going to do? Sell him out to Punk? Why? After Heyman built the Bloodline for five years, why would he do that?! The fans boo more but Heyman sighs again. Heyman found a “stray big dog on the island of irrelevancy, and I turned him into the Tribal Chief and the ruler of the WWE Universe. We were the Undisputed WWE Champion for 1,316 days! And I’m not the one that blew it by getting beat by Cody Rhodes after being distracted by Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40! HE lost the title! HE lost the title that I spent five years of my life building him up as the champion!
And then what’d he do? He disappeared. He went back to being a big dog licking his big wounds, and left me in the hands of Solo, and Jacob Fatu and those Tongans, who put me through a table at Madison Square Garden and almost ended MY 40 year career. And he didn’t come back toa venge me, he came back to get his ula fala back! But I betrayed Roman Reigns, right? I betrayed Roman Reigns, who couldn’t handle the fact that I just wanted to help out my best friend live out his dream! No, it’s always Paul Heyman! I’m always the liar! I’m always at fault! I’m the betrayer, I’m the double crosser, I’m always the freakin’ scumbag in this situation! NOT THIS TIME! I’M RIGHT! I’M RIGHT! I’M IN THE RIGHT! And you blame me?! Screw you!! And screw each and every one of you for booing me!”
The fans boo more but Jey isn’t sure what to think. The fans chant “You Suck! You Suck!” and call Heyman an a-hole, but Jey takes a moment. Jey asks if Heyman is okay. In fact, is Heyman done? Jey has another question: What does this have to do with Jey? Heyman smirks and says that he does owe an apology. It has nothing to do with Jey. Not that part. He didn’t come out here to talk Roman and Punk. Here is the thing Heyman did come out here to talk with Jey. See, Jey won that title because he wanted that title> But that title is all about power and control. And honestly, Jey doesn’t know how to wield that. Jey doesn’t understand that!
Jey thinks coming out here to YEET with the audience and putting on the best in-ring performance is all it takes. But that’s not what this title is about. So while Jey needs in his heart and wants to be a champion… Seth Rollins has to be a champion. Rollins has to have that power, that control, and Bron Breakker… Well, that is just stage one of the plan. Stage two is the World Heavyweight Championship. But Heyman is out here tonight to do Jey a favor. And we all know how well Heyman’s favors work out> Jey gets to sign his own death warrant. Jey gets to chose the night he loses the World Heavyweight Championship.
Because Seth Rollins hereby challenges Jey to the World Heavyweight Championship! Rollins pinned Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, Rollins deserves to be #1 contender! Jey gets to pick the time and the place, because Rollins will fight Jey for that title any time, and any place. Heyman drops his mic then takes his leave. Jey tells Heyman to hold on, OG. Omaha, can you help him out? Jey asks if Heyman just said “any time,” and “any place,” “any where,” for the world title, against Seth Freakin’ Rollins? Then it’s on TONIGHT! FOUR LETTERS! ONE WORD! UH, UH… YEET!!
Jey had Logan Paul on his mind, but now he is daring the Visionary to put up or shut up! Will Jey turn the tables on Rollins? Or is Jey playing into Rollins’ hand?
Heyman returns backstage.
He finds Rollins & Bron, and Heyman smiles. Heyman says, “He fell for it> I cannot believe he fell for it! He wants to do the match tonight! You were so right!” Rollins asks you know what he loves. He loves to say< “I told you so.” And he tells Heyman, “I told you so.” Heyman says that is true. Bron says Seth Freakin’ Rollins, World Heavyweight Champion… Heyman asks if Bron understands what is going on. Roman Reigns prepared Seth Rollins at Mania, and Rollins pinned the biggest star in the main event. CM Punk prepared with unbridled passion for Rollins at Mania, and Rollins not only beat Roman & Punk, Roman & Punk lost to Rollins in the main event.
Jey Uso is a great champion, don’t take that away from him. He made Gunther tap out! Gunther! Jey is no easy day in the park. But Jey wasn’t focused on Rollins, he was distracted by Logan Paul! And now he has no time to prepare for Rollins. But Rollins is fully focused on Jey because there’s no one left. Rollins is a sniper, and he has Jey in his sights. And tonight, we get handed the keys to the kingdom when the ref hands that World Heavyweight Championship to Seth Freakin’ Rollins…! Bron can see the vision now, but will we all see Rollins burning down the YEET Era?
PENTA VS JD McDonagh w/ The Judgment Day!
The Intercontinental Championship Fatal 4 Way at WrestleMania only went well for “Dirty Dom” because he had an Irish Ace up his sleeve! JD is back, but will Penta make him pay for the part he played? Or will The Judgment Day be able to screw Penta over again?
Raw returns and JD is in the ring. The bell rings, JD and Penta circle while Carlito & Finn Balor watch from ringside. The fans rally for #CeroMiedo as Penta throws it up. But JD kicks low! JD headlocks for the takeover, but Penta headscissors. JD kips free, arm-drags and has the armlock. Penta headscissors again, JD kips free, and then he waistlocks. Penta ELBOWS free, runs, but JD drop toeholds! Penta avoids the basement dropkick, but JD avoids the Penalty Kick to roll Penta up! TWO and JD returns. Penta again avoids a kick but the STANDING MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO! Finn argues the count but JD CLUBS Penta.
JD stands Penta up to bump him off buckles, then he CHOPS! Penta CHOPS JD in return! And CHOPS again! Penta runs up to KICK JD’s leg out! The fans cheer while JD hobbles away. Penta CHOPS again, then KICKS the leg out again! The fans fire up with Penta while JD goes to another corner. Penta storms up, but JD puts him in the corner, only for Penta to dodges and CHOP! JD sputters, Penta swaggers, and Penta KICKS the legs out! Cover, TWO! Finn wants a timeout but there’s no such thing here. Penta drags JD up, whips him to a corner, but JD BOOTS in return! JD ELBOWS Penta down, then drags him up to bring him around.
Penta blocks the buckle bump, GAMANGIRIS, then CHOPS! JD leans back, Penta climbs, but JD SLAPS him! And SLAPS! JD shoves Penta down, kicks him, then goes to the apron. Penta blocks the boot, then ENZIGIRIS in return! The fans fire up, but Penta tells Finn to stay back. Finn says he’s just standing nearby. JD fireman’s carries Penta to APRON DEATH VALLEY! JD is in control and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and JD has Penta up top. JD pulls Penta into the Tree of Woe, then runs corner to corner, but Penta sits up! JD slides into the POST! Penta is free of the Tree, and then he runs to handstand and SWINGING DROPKICK! JD gets feet right to the face and Penta covers, TWO! JD stays in this but the fans rally behind Penta. Penta fires up, and he counter punches JD! Penta bobs ‘n’ weaves to CHOP, then ROCK JD! Penta fires forearm after forearm, whips, but JD reverses. Penta KICKS in return! Penta runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, SLING-DOG! Cover, TWO! Penta hurries to stand JD back up and JAB!
Penta puts JD against the ropes to CHOP! The fans fire up and Penta whips. Penta scoops JD to BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! JD stays in this but Penta fires himself back up! The fans fire up but Finn distracts on the apron! That lets Carlito pull no Penta’s mask! Penta breaks free to GAMANGIRI! JD runs up but Penta TOSSES him out! Penta climbs, the fans fire up, “CERO! MIEDO!” SUPER CROSSBODY! Down go JD and Carlito! Finn freaks out but the fans rally up behind Penta. Penta puts JD in, but Finn creeps up! JD distracts the ref and Finn YANKS Penta down! Finn puts Penta in, but the ref DOES see it!
The fans fire up as the ref now EJECTS Finn & Carlito! The fans cheer whiel Finn & Carlito freak otu! They apologize, but it’s too late for that! Penta goes up a corner, but CHAD GABLE is here?! Gable grabs at Penta, Penta kicks him away, then Penta leaps over JD! Penta dodges JD to then FLY out onto Gable! Penta drags JD up but JD hits a JAWBREAKER! JD goes up, up, MOONSAULT FLOPS as Penta moves! MEXICAN DESTROYER!! Cover, Penta wins!!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
Despite all the extra help on the outside, JD could not win! Cero Miedo is victorious, but when will Penta be Numero Uno?
Adam Pearce talks with Grayson Waller.
The Raw General Manager says the Aussie Icon wanted a match, so here’s his match. Yeah, but he didn’t know it’d be against him! Austin Theory finds Waller and Waller says good timing. Waller was talking with Pearce about how Waller’s been a bad friend to Theory, wanting a singles match for himself, but that’s selfish. Waller wants Theory to have the match, it’d be great for him. Okay, Theory is down! Pearce asks if Waller is serious, and Waller says he is! Well, if that’s what they want, fine. Theory has a singles match now. It’s official! Great! But who is it against? Uh, well, it’ll be better as a surprise, but they better get to the ring. #AllDay, remember?
Waller hurries away and Theory wonders what kind of surprise it could be. Well, everyone is wondering that. Who will Waller pass over to Theory to avoid getting brutalized?
Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS ???
Raw returns as A-Town Down Under is already in the ring. And who is Theory’s opponent that was meant for Waller? It’s SHEAMUS! Monday Night Raw is once again Fight Night Raw as the Celtic Warrior is back again! Will Theory regret taking this banger?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Theory waistlocks. Sheamus throws Theory away and the fans cheer him on. Theory brushes that off, resets with Sheamus, and then Theory kicks low! Theory throws hands, puts Sheamus in a corner, but Sheamus ROCKS Theory! Sheamus UPPERCUTS, but Theory ELBOWS back! Sheamus fires a BODY SHOT, an UPPERCUT, then whips. Theory goes up and over, rolls, comes back, and he DROPKICKS Sheamus down! Waller says that’s his best friend right there! But then Sheamus CLOBBERS Theory! The fans fire up, and Sheamus storms up on Theory.
Theory ELBOWS Sheamus, whips, but Sheamus reverses to scoop, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up as Sheamus says one more time! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Sheamus goes for the legs but Theory kicks at him! Theory reels Sheamus in and throws some hands, but Sheamus stomps Theory down! The fans cheer as Sheamus turns Theory over for a CLOVERLEAF! Theory crawls and has the ROPEBREAK! Sheamus lets go, Theory rolls out, and Waller checks on his friend. But Sheamus climbs up! SUPER FLYING LARIAT! Down goes Theory! The fans fire up, and Sheamus finds a fellow Ginger! The fans cheer more while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and the fans rally behind Sheamus. Theory CLUBS Sheamus and throws hands, but Sheamus shoves him and eggs him on! Theory BOOTS Sheamus, but Sheamus just eggs him on more! Theory runs, but into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Theory flounders to the apron and Sheamus storms his way over. Sheamus stands Theory up and Waller stays back, but Theory HOTSHOTS free! Theory slingshots and somersaults, but into the KNEE CAPPER! Cover, TWO! Theory survives but Sheamus stays cool. The fans rally while Sheamus catches his breath, and then Sheamus goes to the apron.
Sheamus glares at Waller, Waller backs away, and Sheamus climbs. Theory avoids the flying lariat but Sheamus comes back! Theory dodges and Sheamus POSTS himself! Theory SUPERKICKS, somersaults, and BLOCKBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up for Sheamus while Theory goes back outside. Theory checks his jaw, shakes out the stars, and Theory climbs. Sheamus ROCKS Theory, fires body shots, and Sheamus climbs. Sheamus brings Theory up, tucks him in, WHITE NOISE! The fans fire up and Sheamus smiles as he’s clearly enjoying this. “This is Awesome!” as Sheamus rises up again.
Waller coaches Theory as Theory crawls to the apron, but Theory asks why Waller did this to him! Sheamus stands Theory up, and the fans cheer on the BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! The fans count along, Sheamus goes past TEN, and Theory slumps down at FOURTEEN! The fans fire up, Waller is worried, and Sheamus goes to a corner. The fans cheer Sheamus on, and we get a BROGUE! Cover, Sheamus wins!
Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall
The Celtic Warrior made quite the return, and Theory is surely regretting subbing in for Waller. Will A-Town Down Under have a meltdown because of this?
BREAKING NEWS for Backlash!
Penta was so close at WrestleMania, and he got through JD here tonight, so now he will be challenging Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship!
Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.
They’ve clearly heard the news, and JD storms in asking what happened out there. The ref kicked them out? And why did Gable go out there? That wasn’t on any of them. JD says then Penta and Gable need to get it ASAP! Dom says Penta will be handled at Backlash, but as for Gable- Wait, who is this walking into the clubhouse? It’s A J STYLES! The Phenomenal One nods to Finn, Finn nods back, but Carlito asks how Styles even got here. Oh, R-Truth told him where they were. Plus, it wasn’t that hard to find. But he’s not here to fight or cause trouble. Styles just wants to give a friendly warning. Whether it is Dom or Penta, Styles is after that title.
Dom says whatever, old man. Wow, oh, so hurtful. But Styles tells Dom that it doesn’t matter who wins, he want the title! And then he’ll beat Dom up either way. Dom says this is crazy. Who knew being a champion was this hard. Penta, Styles, his hands are full! Wait, Finn has history with Styles. Can’t he handle Styles for Dom? Oh, what? Now Finn cleans up Dom’s messes for him? Nah, just messing with you. Finn’s got this. They fist bump, but will Judgment Day (not) hold it together without Liv around?
Chad Gable is backstage.
“Freakin’ luchadores. Bloody my nose?” The New Day walk over and Gable says it is not the time for this. Kofi Kingston says hold on, hold on, hear them out. They saw what went down, and that was awful. And they know that it is around time American Made got some respect around here. Xavier Woods says the War Raiders are already talking about getting a rematch, but New Day beat the bejeezus out of them, so that’s a no. What the New Day thinks is that opportunities need to start coming back to American Made. Gable likes what they’re saying. Give him some more ideas like that. But then Becky Lynch pushes through.
Woods tells The Man it was messed up how Lyra Valkyria treated her. Becky thanks him for that. Becky heads to the ring, what will she have to say here in Omaha?
Becky Lynch goes to the ring.
Omaha is torn as The Man has a mic in her hand. Becky says The Man has come around to Omaha, and she’s baffled by the bit of boos and “You Suck” chants she’s getting. Wait, wait, wait. She is very confused. The fans are treating her like she’s the bad guy here? No, she’s the victim! Okay, okay, she took out Bayley, fine. But when she came out to WrestleMania, everyone lost their minds! A woman in the crowd cried tears of joy! No one asked where Bayley was, because no one cared, Bayley is garbage! Becky took out the garbage! The fans were happy the garbage was taken out, but then Becky took credit for it and everyone got mad she took out the garbage!
That’s not what they should say when someone takes out the garbage! You tell that person, “Thank you for taking out the garbage! And what’s more than that, I also took out the recycling! Because that’s what Lyra is! She’s less offensive than garbage, but she’s still garbage! And what is garbage about her is her attitude. She doesn’t have a dream if it isn’t for me! She doesn’t have a title if it isn’t for me! She doesn’t make history if it isn’t for me! She doesn’t even have a freakin’ fiancé if it isn’t for me!!” The fans boo, but Becky says she still gets all this disrespect! But wait, here comes Lyra! Becky says this is what she’s talking about!
Lyra has a mic and asks, “Did you actually just call me recycling? You’re the Queen of Recycling! You’ve been recycling the same moves and the same tired old act for years! But that’s fine, Becky, you do you, I don’t care. What I have a problem with is you acting like you had anything to do with my success. The one thing I want to drive into your skull more than my foot is that you didn’t make me!” The fans cheer, and Lyra says she’ll catch Becky up. Becky went on holiday, and everyone here got better. Becky went on holiday, and Lyra made history of her own. Lyra holds up the Women’s Intercontinental Championship and the fans cheer.
Lyra says, “Oh, but you’re what this championship needs, right? That’s what you said. That’s rich, considering I’ve defended it more times than days you’ve shown up to work this year.” The fans cheer that zinger! Becky paces but Lyra says she sees it now. Lyra sees it so clearly. Becky shattered glass ceilings and Lyra is forever grateful. But Becky left all that broken glass on the ground and the rest of the Women’s Division were supposed to just follow behind because Becky never had any intention of taken anyone to the top with her. Becky says okay, okay, Lyra is right. Becky was gone, and everyone had the best year of their careers.
But that’s only because they didn’t have Becky around to compare themselves to! The fans boo but Becky says no, she didn’t help anybody because she doesn’t like anybody. She didn’t help anyone because her job isn’t to help anyone, it is to beat everyone! And Becky is very, very good at her job! She’s the greatest to ever do it! That’s not just her saying it, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED said so! The fans do cheer that, but Becky tells Lyra it doesn’t matter how great she thinks she is or how great she’ll become, because she will always be the moment after Becky! Wow… Sports Illustrated, huh? Lyra is wrong, she’ll take it back. Please, continue listing the achievements.
What can we say? Becky’s first SmackDown Women’s Champion, first woman to win the main event of WrestleMania, and the first Women’s Intercontin- NO! Wait! That’s Lyra! Becky frowns while the fans cheer, and Lyra says Becky must hate it. Becky must hate that this is Lyra’s first ever. But get used to being second. Becky throws hands but Lyra hits back! The fans fire up as these two brawl, and then Lyra hits a SPINEBUSTER! Becky gets up, Lyra is right on her, but Becky puts her in ta corner! Lyra dodges, RAMS into Becky again and again, then things spill outside! Lyra sends Becky into barriers! And apron! And barriers again!
The fans fire up but refs rush out! Omaha says, “LET THEM FIGHT!” but Becky gets free and throws off her jacket! Becky then gets in the ring and tells everyone, “You see this disrespect?! You see this disrespect?!” Lyra gets free and is back for more! The fans fire up, Becky clinches, but Lyra slips free to fireman’s carry! NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Lyra stands tall over Becky, title in her hand! Will this be the scene this Saturday for Backlash?
Iyo Sky VS Roxanne Perez!
The Genius Women’s World Champion won big last week on NXT alongside Jordynne Grace, but now The Prodigy is back in hopes of returning the favor. Will Roxie prove she’s ready for Raw? Or will Iyo show being a prodigy only gets you so far?
Raw returns and Iyo makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally. The two circle, tie up, and Iyo pushes Roxie back. Roxie puts Iyo on ropes, Iyo turns that around, and the two go around. Iyo clinches, Roxie wrenches, but Iyo headlocks. Roxie powers up and out but Iyo runs her over! Things speed up, Iyo ducks ‘n’ dodges, then whips Roxie. Roxie cartwheels over the dropdown, then SLAPS Iyo! Roxie takes a bow, then dodges Iyo to bail out. Iyo pursues, they go back in the ring, and Roxie dodges again to roll back! Roxie RANAS, but Iyo handsprings through! The fans fire up, things keep moving, and Iyo handsprings again!
Roxie dodges, but Iyo comes back to SHOTGUN! Roxie tumbles out, Iyo builds speed, but Roxie is back to dropkick the legs out! Iyo writhes, but Roxie grabs the leg to stomp it and SMASH it! Roxie wants both legs but Iyo BOOTS her away. Iyo runs, but Roxie puts her on the apron. Iyo ROCKS Roxie first, but Roxie grabs a leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Roxie builds speed and DIVES! Down goes Iyo at the ramp! The fans boo but Roxie puts Iyo in. Iyo gets moving and she DIVES! Direct hit on Roxie at the ramp! The fans fire up with Iyo, and Iyo hurries to put Roxie in. Iyo aims, springboards, but Roxie SLAPS her down!
Roxie grabs Iyo’s leg, drags her to a corner, and STOMPS the knee against the crossbar! Iyo clutches her leg and slumps to the floor while Roxie leaves her behind, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Iyo has Roxie up top, for a SUPER ARM-DRAG! The fans fire up while both women are down! Iyo slaps her leg into working, then she crawls her way over. Omaha is behind Iyo as she ROCKS Roxie! Roxie ROCKS Iyo, but Iyo ROCKS Roxie back! The forearms keep going, Iyo fires a flurry, then she winds up to SHOTEI! Roxie staggers, runs up, but Iyo FLAPJACKS! And BUZZSAWS! Cover, TWO! Roxie toughs it out but Iyo goes to the apron. Roxie runs up, but Iyo blocks her punch to HOTSHOT the arm! Iyo climbs, Roxie stands, MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Roxie flounders, and Iyo kips up!
Iyo goes wild, so do the fans, and all aboard the SHIN- NO, Iyo’s leg bothers her! Roxie runs up, wheelbarrows, but Iyo rolls through to STOMP 182! Cover, TWO! Roxie survives and Iyo is frustrated! The fans rally, Iyo waistlocks, and she deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridge, but then a roll through! Roxie fights the second try to SAIDO! Iyo and Roxie stand, Roxie runs up, but Iyo wrenches and hooks her up! TIGER BACKBREAKER! Iyo says time to end this! Iyo CHOPS Roxie, hobbles to a corner, and climbs up! OVER THE MOONSAULT but Roxie moves! Iyo lands out but that jams up the leg! Roxie runs to SPIKE RANA!
Roxie roars, runs, and hits the HANDSPRING KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Iyo survives the Guillotine Knee as taught to Roxie by Meiko Satomura, and Omaha rallies up more. Roxie fires hands, SOBATS, then runs to hop on! Iyo handsprings through, but Roxie blocks the kick! DRAGON SCREW! Roxie then has the arm, LA MAGISTROL BRIDGE! TWO!! Iyo bridges, TWO!! Roxie has the body scissors, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Iyo rolls Roxie up, TWO! Roxie has a lateral press, TWO! Iyo sunset flips! TWO! Roxie high stacks, TWO! Iyo sunset flips again, IYO WINS!!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall
Roxie is shocked! She tried to match speed with speed and move for move, but she just couldn’t keep up with the Genius! But then Roxie gets in Iyo’s face! Roxie offers a handshake? The fans aren’t so sure, but Iyo takes it. They both bow, and surprisingly, there is now respect here between them. But wait! GIULIA ATTACKS! It was all just so the Beautiful Madness could slip in! Roxie grins and they mug Iyo like they have before! Giulia ties up Iyo’s legs, has the arms, and sets Iyo up for a SUPERKICK and SURFBOARD STOMP!! Rhea Ripley is in Australia, she can’t save Iyo! Giulia sets Iyo up again, for another SUPERKICK and another SURFBOARD STOMP!!
Roxie and Giulia stand over Iyo, will these former NXT Women’s Champions soon run Monday Night Raw?
Rusev VS Otis w/ Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri!
Bulgarian Brute no more, he has been REDEEMED! And now, he feels it is his divine appointment to “fix” all those on Raw who were once like him. Will that mean #TheDozer is going to go through baptism by fire? Or will he simply be crushed?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two big men circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and they break. The fans rally more as the two tie up again. Another deadlock, but Rusev manages to power Oits bac. Otis powers Rusev back, the fans duel, and the big men break again. Rusev nods, perhaps liking what he is seeing already. They tie up again, and Rusev KNEES low, CLUBS Otis and fires hands in the corner! The ref counts, Rusev stomps a mudhole, but stops as the ref gets in there. Rusev storms up on Otis, stands him up, and whips him, only for Otis to reverses. Rusev returns to LARIAT! Otis stays up and shakes his head!
Rusev LARIATS, Otis stays up, so Rusev runs. Otis dodges with a roll! Otis then comes back and he LARIATS Rusev! Rusev stays up, but now Otis runs, and Otis LARIATS again! Rusev shoves Otis, Otis ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the WHEEL KICK comes outta nowhere! The fans are torn while Rusev stands tall, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Otis is down on the outside. Tozawa & Maxxine check Otis and coach him up, but Rusev storms outside. Rusev kicks at Otis, stands him up, but Otis EXPLODER Rusev over the desk! The fans fire up as Otis has more to give! Otis shoves the Hydration Station aside, then drags Rusev up to whip him hard into steel steps! Otis puts Rusev in the ring, but then drag shim out to fire clubbing arms! But then Rusev ducks, Otis’ arm hits POST! Rusev aims, but Otis ducks, so Rusev’s kick hits POST! Otis then CLOBBERS Rusev! Otis puts Rusev in the ring, storms in after him, and SPLASHES in the corner!
Rusev sputters and Otis runs up again! But Rusev MACHKA KICKS him down! Rusev roars and he shouts, “RUSEV! CRUSH~!” Stomp and ACCOLADE!! Otis endures, but he’s turning red! Otis shouts for Maxxine and Tozawa, but he TAPS! Rusev wins!
Winner: Rusev, by submission
Rusev continues to make Otis suffer by holding on, but Tozawa storms into the ring! Tozawa tells Rusev he can’t do that to his friend! They’re gonna fight right here and right now! The fans fire up as Tozawa rips his shirt away! Rusev says hold on now. Rusev did what he came here to do, and he spares Tozawa for tonight. But that’s just to lower Tozawa’s guard! Ruzev storms back in and GUT WRENCH POWERBOMBS Tozawa onto Otis!! The fans boo but Rusev shows no mercy! He POSTS Otis!! Then he drags Otis back in, and sends him into another POST! Otis falls out of the ring, Rusev goes out to drag him back in!
Rusev hits another MACHKA KICK!! And then he turns Otis back over, and he clamps the ACCOLADE back on!! The fans boo but that only makes Rusev want to do this more! Pearce, refs, and security rush out here! They tell Rusev to let go, but he waits until Otis is OUT! The fans boo, Natalya is here to console Maxxine, and Pearce reprimands Rusev. Will Rusev not care what he must do to “redeem” Monday Night Raw?
Raw returns and Adam Pearce is in the ring.
The General Manager hopes that they can get this show back on track. That said, please join him in welcoming to the ring… Pat McAfee! Omaha fires up as Pat hops off the desk, grabs a mic, and joins Pearce in the ring. Pearce also welcomes out Pat’s opponent for Backlash… DER RING GENERAL, GUNTHER! The fans are less excited as Gunther makes his way to the ring. Gunther and Pat keep their eyes on each other as Gunther fetches his own mic. Pearce wants to remind them that they’ve gone over this. They will NOT have what happened two weeks ago happen again. Get what you want out verbally, because Saturday, the time for talk is done.
Pearce says the floor is theirs, but keep it professional. Pearce then steps aside so Pat and Gunther can stare down. The fans cheer Pat on but Gunther says, “Well first of all… Do not worry. I’m not gonna do anything tonight, I’m not going to spoil that for myself. Because luckily for you, unlike you and your friend out there, I am professional.” The fans chant “You Tapped Out!” at Gunther, and he tells them to shut up! He’ll get back to that later, don’t you worry! Pat says he heard Gunther mentioned being professional. And Pat’s friend, Michael Cole, that is a walking, talking GOAT right there! The fans cheer that!
Pat tells Gunther, “For 28 YEARS, every single week of his life, except for three times, he has dedicated to traveling the world for this company. 28 years straight, 52 weeks a year, for this company!” The fans cheer that, too! Pat says Maggle has earned the right to have an opinion. And since that opinion pissed Gunther off so bad, Gunther flipped a switch and felt he had to attack a 60-year-old man, Pat will give Gunther an opinion of the man he’s standing in front of. Pat says it is apropos to be here in Omaha, Nebraska. When he thinks Nebraska, he thinks of the Cornhuskers! Pat shouts out Coach Rhule and his players in the crowd.
Pat says he can’t wait to watch the boys in the Fall rise to the top! And when Pat’s in Omaha, he also thinks of their steaks. Nobody beats this town’s meat! NOBODY! The fans chant “BEAT THE MEAT!” Pat says right across from this very arena is a baseball field that has hosted the NCAA World Series since 1950! The fans cheer that, and Pat says this city is a symbol of working hard and dreams coming true. And Pat feels “dreams” is a good word. They both have that in common. Pat might be from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the USA, and Gunther might be from Vienna, Austria, both men grew up with the same dream.
They both grew up wanting to be in this business, idolizing the superstars of yesterday, and spent hours and hours in front of TV watching pro-wrestling, thinking that is what they were put on this earth to do! The problem with Gunther is, he was at this for 20 years. He has been a champion for 80% of his WWE career. He’s jaded! This is no longer a dream but a job for Gunther. For Pat, every time he walks into an arena, he gets jacked up about life, baby! The fans cheer that! Pat says he thinks about 12 year old Pat, the kids out there in the crowd like him, dreaming in the upper rows to get in this ring and let a-holes like Gunther know that they don’t like what Gunther’s about.
And what Gunther’s about right now, as opposed to the Waltering around stage… Gunther doesn’t want it anymore. He’s too comfortable. It happened against Sami Zayn, it happened against Jey Uso, and it’ll happen with Pat. Pat will prove to Gunther and the fans that this Gunther… is SAWFT. The fans fire up for that! Gunther paces a moment, then he stares Pat down as he says, “Did you enjoy your little daughter’s birthday last week? Two years, right? It’s cute. I bet it was a very special day for you. Because for me, Saturday is a very special day, and you just got me into the right mood for it!
“Because it’s my first match since WrestleMania, and I’m going to show up sharp, I’m going to show up prepared, I’m going to show up more focused than every before. Don’t you worry that I’ll overlook you. Don’t worry that I’ll underestimate you. I promise you, you have my full and undivided attention. Because on Saturday, that bell is going to ring, and I’m going to beat you up! I’m going to MAUL you! I’m going to grab you by the head, and DRIVE it into this mat! I’m going to CHOKE YOU OUT until you drop like a wet towel! Tonight, by my grace, you are untouchable. But on Saturday, trust me when I say this! On Saturday, only the grace of GOD can lift my arms off your throat!”
Gunther shoves his mic into Pat, then he storms off. Der Ring General is ready to reload and unleash his full arsenal upon Pat, will Pat survive to even be part of next week’s show?
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Jey Uso VS Seth Rollins w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker!
To what Pat McAfee just said, perhaps Gunther did underestimate Main Event Jey Uso, but Jey also managed to bring something out of himself that even he didn’t know was there. But that confidence was preyed upon to give The Visionary his shortcut back to this title. Will Rollins and his A-Team make the plan come together? Or will we bookend the show with some YEET?
Raw returns as Jey makes his entrance, and from the ramp this time. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly in control!
The bell rings and Jey’s first defense begins. The fans rally behind Jey while he and Rollins stare down. Omaha gets the “YEET! YEET! YEET!” going and Jey is fired up. Jey is already undoing his wrist tape, he wants to throw down! Rollins slowly steps forward, the two tie up, and Rollins waistlocks. Rollins headlocks, spins, hammerlocks, headlocks again and hits the takeover to ghost pin! TWO, and Rollins laughs at how close he had Jey. The fans duel with “YEET!” and “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Jey and Rollins circle, tie up, and Rollins headlocks again. Jey powers up and out, but Rollins runs him over! Cover, ONE!
Rollins sweeps the legs to cover, ONE! Jey kicks, Rollins blocks, and then Rollins ducks the Dragon Whip! Rollins lounges on the top rope and the fans boo. Jey is annoyed but he keeps his cool. Rollins swaggers up, but Jey UPPERCUTS him down! Jey just suckered Rollins! “YEET!” Rollins says okay, and he shoves Jey. Jey shoves back! Rollins shoves again, Jey shoves again, so Rollins CHOPS! Jey fires a haymaker, Rollins fires back, and the fans are torn! “YEET!” wins out but Rollins mule kicks low! Jey avoids the stomp, but Rollins kicks low again. Jey fights off the Pedigree, but Rollins bails out to avoid the superkick!
The fans are torn but Bron & Heyman walk over to check with Rollins. Rollins says it’s alright, Jey is good. Jey is champion for a reason. Rollins goes to the apron, has Bron relax, and then he steps inside. The fans rally behind Jey as Jey and Rollins circle. They feel things out, but then Rollins kicks low! Rollins CLUBS and stomps away on Jey, then stands him back up to bump him off buckles! Rollins stomps a mudhole in, digs his boot in, but the ref backs him off. Heyman sings along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” and Rollins stalks Jey to the ropes. Rollins drags Jey up, “You think you’re on my level?” Rollins whips, Jey ducks ‘n’ dodges, and then UPPERCUTS!
Jey runs, Rollins blocks the kick, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Jey runs and LARIATS Rollins up and out! Jey then DIVES, and Rollins is sent over the desk! The fans fire up while both men are down! Heyman & Bron are worried, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once more, and Rollins slithers into the ring. Rollins runs corner to corner at Jey, and Rollins forearm SMASHES! Jey falls to his knees but the fans still cheer him on. Rollins says the fans are just like Jey, they just don’t understand. Rollins brings Jey up, but Jey ROCKS Rollins! And ROCKS him again! And again! “YEET!” But Rollins kicks low! Rollins fires off in the corner, the ref counts, and Rollins keeps trying as the ref backs him off. The ref reprimands, but Rollins just goes back to Jey. Rollins puts Jey up top, CHOPS him, then climbs. The fans rally as Rollins brings Jey up, and Jey fires body shots!
Jey HEADBUTTS Rollins down and the fans cheer! Rollins stands, Jey leaps, but Rollins gets under! Jey keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but then Rollins runs! DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both men are down again! “This is Awesome!” as Rollins and Jey go to opposite ends. Rollins storms up, but Jey counter punches again! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Rollins wobbles, Jey pops, locks ‘n’ winds up to DECK Rollins! Then SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up again as Jey shakes out the stars. “UCE! OH!” HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Heyman is relieved and Jey grows frustrated.
Rollins slowly rises up, but Jey is there to fireman’s carry! Rollins fights the Samoan Drop and slips out of the ring. Jey pursues, they go around the way, and Rollins slides in. Jey drags Rollins back out, but Rollins BOOTS Jey into barriers! Rollins builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit and Jey hits barriers! Rollins puts Jey in, goes to the apron, and springboards, into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! The antiair didn’t end this and the fans can’t believe it! The fans again declare, “This is Awesome!” as Jey and Rollins stir. Rollins rises, Jey aims from a corner, and Jey runs up, but into a KICK! Rollins fireman’s carries, then pops Jey around!
Rollins aims, runs up and BUCKLE BOMBS!! Jey falls, Rollins climbs, and the fans fire up! FROG SPLASH FLOPS as Jey dodges! Jey runs and SPEARS into a PEDIGREE!!! Cover, TWO!! Rollins is furious and Heyman is shocked, but Jey is showing that championship grit! Heyman coaches Rollins up while he goes to a corner. Rollins nods, he knows he has Jey in his crosshairs. Rollins runs back up, but Jey avoids the stomp again! SLEEPER!! Jey has Rollins like he has Gunther, but Rollins throws Jey away! Jey hurries to get moving! SPEAR!!! Cover, TWO!??! Jey is stunned and the fans are shocked, but Bron has a huge smile seeing Rollins’ own grit on display.
Omaha again declare “This is Awesome!” and Jey rises back up. Jey hobbles to a corner and climbs up. Rollins stirs, rises, and he anchors a foot! Jey tries to get free but Rollins CLUBS him! Rollins climbs up now, HAMMERS Jey, but Jey HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Rollins falls back, but into the ref! Bron grabs at Jey! Jey BOOTS Bron off into the Hydration Station! But that lets Rollins get up and SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through and FALCON ARROW! Rollins aims from a corner now, and he CURB STOMPS!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Jey survives and Omaha is thunderous! Bron, Heyman, Rollins, none of them know how this is possible!
Rollins goes to Bron, whispers something to him, but wait! SAMI ZAYN is here?!? Even after what happened last week!? Bron hurries to the ramp, ready to fight Sami. But wait, Sami LEAPS in from the crowd! The fans fire up as Sami fires hands on Bron! Sami POSTS Bron, then Jey SUPERKICKS Rollins! And a SPEAR!!! Jey hurries up top and Sami cheers him on! USO SPLASH!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! HOW?!?! Omaha has no idea what to make of that, and neither does Sami! Sami coaches Jey, Heyman coaches Rollins, and the fans rally back up. But Bron SPEARS Sami!!! Bron then slithers away to hide while the fans boo!
Jey asks what happened to Sami and he goes outside to check. Heyman distracts the ref, Bron SPEARS Jey!!! The fans boo even more, and Bron drags Jey up to put him in the ring! CURB STOMP!!!! Rollins crawls to the cover, laughing all the way, but C M PUNK is here?!?! Omaha goes nuts seeing Punk back! Punk CHUCKS a chair at Bron’s face! Then he gets int he ring! Rollins and Punk brawl, there goes the title match!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by disqualification (Jey Uso retains the title)
Punk SMACKS Rollins with the chair, JAMS him up, then SMACKS him again! Bron slides in, but Punk SMACKS away on him! Rollins tries to get back in but Punk runs him off! The fans are thunderous for Punk as he and Sami stand tall! Jey gets back up, and clearly the battlelines have been drawn! Will Rollins’ vision for Monday Night Raw fall apart?
My Thoughts:
A great Monday Night Raw as the go-home to Backlash, but everything with the world title match was both great and curious. No Logan Paul here in Omaha is a mixed bag itself. From the story side, he should’ve, so he and Jey could’ve had a face-to-face. But as a person, I was glad we didn’t have to endure Logan being smug. And quite the audible bringing Heyman out to talk with Jey. Heyman’s passion was great, really adds some stuff to help us understand his side. And I like that they “suckered” Jey into this match. It was definitely an awesome match, even with the overbooking that eventually threw it out.
Sami and Punk showing up was all fine in story, but after what happened last week, I feel like Sami shouldn’t have come back so soon. But that aside, Jey, Sami and Punk make for a good unit to counter Rollins’ team. Though, Rollins will need another member who can wrestle since Heyman won’t be of any use. Here’s hoping it is Austin Theory given how Theory is upset with Waller after that switcheroo. Good return for Sheamus, though I feel like Sheamus has done more returns in the last 12 months than just about anyone ever. Here’s hoping Sheamus still gets in on the Intercontinental Championship story.
Speaking of, great match from Penta VS McDonagh, even with the overbooking. A bit surprising Penta overcame all that to win, but it works since now Dom and Penta are now set for an Intercontinental Championship. And there is room on the card as it doesn’t seem Jey VS Logan is happening for Backlash. Makes me wonder if they started us on a Jey VS Logan feud before they were really ready, as Backlash “isn’t big enough” for Logan’s “star power.” I like that Styles also got in on this, Styles VS Finn is going to be awesome, and can certainly set up the winner as the next challenger. It really depends on what happens with Dom VS Penta.
Gable getting involved as also good, given how he and Penta had their confrontation last week. New Day had a good promo with Gable to gas up American Made. That is to say, New Day is using American Made as a shield against The War Raiders, but it’ll only help Erik & Ivar earn their rematch. Great return match for Rusev with Otis looking strong even in defeat. Rusev doesn’t waste time teasing he’s a Tweener, he goes right to blindsiding Tozawa and beating Alpha Academy down. Not sure who is next for Rusev, as there aren’t as many Faces not really tied into anything on Raw. Maybe whatever WWE Draft we get moves Rusev to SmackDown, or at least moves some names from SmackDown and NXT to Raw so Rusev can face fresh meat.
Great promo from Becky and Lyra to help hype Becky VS Lyra. Good brawl, but now Lyra standing tall makes me think Lyra loses the title. Becky can start on some sort of second Grand Slam or something like that, but also she and Lyra will be 1-1 and the rematch for the Women’s Intercontinental title can be the tiebreaker at like MITB or SummerSlam. Iyo VS Roxie was a great match, but of course Giulia showed up. No reinforcements with Rhea promoting Crown Jewel: Perth, and sadly, Dakota Kai being hurt and now released, no Damage CTRL to help either. But the Heels did need a moment where they stood tall, and one of them could even get a world title shot.
And honestly, Pat and Gunther had an awesome promo to hype their match. Pat put over Maggle, he put over Nebraska, and quite perfectly framed this story as the hungry dreamer in Pat himself and the complacent veteran who has already done so much. Gunther’s response was also great, because now he’s angry enough to get that hunger and that fire back. I would think Gunther wins, as he needs the rebound from WrestleMania and Pat doesn’t really need much. But Pat can get a moral victory of sorts by lasting longer than Gunther or any of us expect. Pat can just keep getting up after every chop, have a false finish or two, but ultimately lose because his body can’t come through for his fighting spirit. Respect for Pat but momentum for Gunther, that’s the best outcome.
My Score: 8.9/10
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