CM Punk is back in the WWE?!

Just as the smoke settled at Survivor Series: WarGames, we witnessed the shocking return of CM Punk! On top of that, he’s going to be on Raw tonight!! What will the controversial “Best in the World” say about his return?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tag Team Turmoil: The Creed Brothers win and will challenge The Judgment Day for the titles.
• Bronson Reed VS Ivar w/ Sarah Logan; Double Count-Out Draw.
• Nia Jax VS Zoey Stark; Nia wins.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Natalya & Tegan Nox; Chelsea & Piper win and retain the titles.
• Randy Orton VS Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh; Orton wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The first hour of Raw is COMMERCIAL FREE!

Randy Orton is here!

Nashville fires up as The Viper is back! Orton came through for Cody Rhodes and the team in WarGames and they all defeated The Judgment Day plus Drew McIntyre, and he is feeling good being back on Raw. Orton signs a young fan’s action figure box, then goes to the ring. Orton thinks about how long it has been, and he steps up to finally and once again hit his pose! The fans cheer, and they chant for “RANDY! RANDY!” as Orton gets a mic. “Well, it seems, or I should say it sounds like a few of you missed me.” Fans cheer again, and Randy says, “I’m back! I’m back for as long as I can stay here. Now without any further ado, let me cut right to it. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monday Night Raw!”

Fans cheer again and Orton says he was gone awhile, wasn’t he? Nashville chants “Welcome Back!” and Orton nods. He thanks them and says the whole time he was gone, it gave him plenty of time to think about all his accomplishments and accolades. They already know all that and he won’t bore us to day, but he had never done one particular thing. And it was WarGames. So when his dear friend, Cody Rhodes–fans cheer a lot–called, of course Orton was in! But there was another reason he wanted in. It is because WarGames was invented by the late, great American Dream, Dusty Rhodes! To be part of that match is to be part of pro-wrestling history!

And guys, that is what it is all about. Making moments. Two nights ago at Survivor Series, he got to make a moment. But he also came back because he has unfinished business to attend to. And that business has to do… with The Bloodline. Now, if anyone gets where those guys are coming from, it’s him. Orton’s the Legend Killer, he made a living out of putting people on the shelves. He can forgive, but he can’t forget. So point of the matter is, he has a bag full of receipts for every single member of The Bloodline, and he means every single member! Now, he is sure they know what form the receipts come in, right?

These receipts are in the form of the three most dangerous letters in the WWE. NO, the most dangerous letters in ALL of Sports Entertainment: R K O! Fans fire up for that! But then Rhea Ripley makes her way out here? Mami waves hi to Randy as she struts down to the ring. Rhea is still Women’s World Champion after dealing with Zoey Stark, but she welcomes Orton back. What a performance he had at Survivor Series. She didn’t think he was the kind to do favors for others, or to team with someone who tried to end his career. Or have his big return a year in the making upstaged.

But hey, don’t get Rhea wrong. Randy looks more dangerous than ever, so it’d be a shame to have all of that wasted. Because Randy doesn’t realize that the landscape here has changed. The Bloodline has fallen, and the Judgment Day has risen as the most dominant force here in the WWE. Fans boo but Rhea says when it comes to WarGames, that was just a bump in the road. The reality is, Randy, they’re all dripping in gold! Rhea wiped the floor with Zoey, Her Dirty Dom is THE NXT North American Champion, and when it comes to Finn & Damian, they hold those Undisputed Tag Team Championships that Randy lost everything trying to get.

And if not for Randy, Damian would be the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! So he’s come in here, made all these enemies that could make his life a living nightmare. He needs to stop focusing on The Bloodline because unlike them, The Judgment Day gets the job done, and they will put Randy out permanently! Fans chant “R K O! R K O!” and Randy looks around. He stated how he kept in touch and watched for a year and a half. It’s Mami this, Mami that, blah blah blah. Guess what, Mami? Daddy’s back! Fans fire up for that! They chant “Who’s Your Daddy?” Randy says yeah, things have changed. A lot of things.

But the one thing that hasn’t changed, the one thing that will never, ever, EVER change as long as Orton is here, is that no one tells Randy Orton what to do. Rhea laughs and says he’s made his bed. She tried to warn him, tried to give him an out, but Orton has made them his enemy. And the Judgment Day attacks from behind! Dom, and McDonagh in a neck brace, stomp away on Orton in a corner! Orton fights back, POSTS McDonagh and puts Dom in ropes! Fans fire up as Randy drags Dom along, but McDonagh CLUBS Orton! RKO FOR JD!! Fans fire up as The Viper keeps the Irish Ace down and gets the mic back.

“Don’t you go too far, Dom. Don’t you leave this damn arena. Cuz as soon as I leave this ring, I’m gonna find Adam Pearce, and I’m gonna make damn sure I get you in this ring, one on one, TONIGHT!” Fans love the sound of that! Rhea freaks out, is her Latino Heat about to end up snakebit?

The Raw Tag Division gathers backstage.

Chad Gable says tonight is the night! For the first time ever, Otis & Tozawa team up! You guys ready? OOOH YEAH~! Woods & Kofi can’t believe this, the New Day’s been at this a decade and a team that literally just got put together is facing them? Maxxine & Ivy walk in, and no pressure but they have a very special guest. He is a CMA award winning, Grammy nominated and multi-platinum artist, it’s JELLY ROLL! Everyone’s excited to say hey, and Otis brings it for a belly bump! Jelly is excited to see them all in his hometown, but then R-TRUTH is here! Wassup, guys? Where’s them jelly rolls? His sweet tooth’s got a sweet tooth.

Uh, no, Truth, this guy is Jelly Roll. He’s got ’em all? He can’t have ’em all. Truth say she gotta go check catering. Tozawa, hit ’em with the roll. Ooooooh, that’s naaaaaaasty~! Truth’s confusion aside, will this Tag Team Turmoil be sweet and spicy?

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tag Team Turmoil!

Judgment Day held onto the titles on SmackDown last Friday, all thanks to Mami. The Profits are down, so who steps up to go after Finn Balor & Damian Priest next?

First out, Gable’s guys, Otis & Tozawa! And their opponents? Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano! Will the Psycho Killer and Johnny Wrestling finally get on track towards former glory?

Otis & Akira Tozawa w/ The Alpha Academy VS #DIY!

Ciampa and Tozawa start, tie up, and Ciampa headlocks. Tozawa throws body shots and powers out, but Ciampa runs him over! Things keep moving, Tozawa jumps but Ciampa catches him! Tozawa slips free, SOBATS, but Ciampa ducks the spin kick. Tozawa slides under, “A THANK YEW~!” Ciampa swings, Tozawa dodges and CHOPS! Then he does his Tozawa Shuffle! But Ciampa knees low in return. Ciampa whips, Tozawa reverses but Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges, tag to Gargano! Ciampa slides under, CHPOS, Gargano LARIATS and Ciampa JAWBREAKERS! Whip and LARIAT! Gargano does his shuffle, then puts Tozawa in a corner.

Gargano CHOP LARITS, whips corner to corner, but Tozawa reverses. Gargano BOOTS him away, goes up and leaps, but into a GUT BUSTER! Fans fire up, Tozawa and Gargano crawl, hot tags to Otis and Ciampa! Otis blasts past DIY, does it again, then rolls under to CLOBBER them both! Fans fire up as Otis whips Gargano, WRECKER ELBOW! Clinch on Ciampa, whip and WRECKER ELBOW! Otis ELBOWS Gargano in a corner, then SPLASHES Ciampa in another! DIY falls over, and Otis rips off the shirt! Tozawa joins in, but his shirt is a bit tougher… Otis rips it off for him! The fans fire up as they DOUBLE CATERPILLAR ELBOW!

Nashville fires up as Otis tags Tozawa back in. And then Tozawa gets on Otis’ shoulders! But Gargano SPERKICKS, and Tozawa falls into a JUMP KNEE! Ciampa DUMPS Otis out, tags Gargano, and DIY sets up! MEET IN THE MIDDLE!! Cover, DIY ELIMINATES Alpha Academy! But that only brings out Indus Sher! Will the Modern Day Maharaja’s menacing proteges pulverize DIY?

#DIY VS Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal!

DIY attacks first, DROPKICK and BOOT sends Veer & Sanga down! But then the brawl continues on the outside, and Indus Sher pick DIY up, to SANDWICH and POST! Jinder approves as Veer stomps away on Gargano in the ring. Fans boo but Veer whips Gargano to ropes. And then THESZ PRESS! Tag to Sanga, and Indus Sher double whips to CLOBBER Gargano! Sanga BOOTS Ciampa for good measure, then tags Veer back in. They drag Gargano up from the apron, have him along the ropes, and Sanga runs to BOOT Gargano down! Fans boo but Indus Sher shouts “NAMASTE!” Veer then runs in, but Gargano dodges!

Gargano manages a sunset flip, and high stack! DIY ELIMINATES Indus Sher!! But while Indus Sher is furious for getting caught off guard, here come The Creed Brothers!

#DIY VS The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile!

Ciampa hurries to reset, and he starts against Julius. They feel thigs out, Julius hits a fireman’s carry takeover and then an armlock. Tag to Brutus, and they hit a fireman’s carry takeover! Brutus sends Ciampa into Julius’ fireman’s carry takeover! Then they DOUBLE fireman’s carry takeover! Brutus has a cording hold to keep Ciampa back from Gargano, tag to Julius. Julius wrenches but Ciampa fires shots! Julius scoops, Ciampa slips free and hits a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Fans fire up as both men crawl, hot tags to Brutus and Gargano! Gargano rallies on the Creeds! ENZIGURI for Julius! CHOP in a corner for Brutus! BULLDOG LARIAT COMBO!

Fans fire up and Gargano runs in at Brutus. Brutus puts him on the apron but Gargano PENALTY KICKS Julius, the SLINGSHOT SPEARS Brutus! Cover, TWO!! Brutus survives, Ivy is relieved, and fans rally up for “Johnny Wrestling!” Gargano feeds off that, tags in Ciampa, but Brutus sends DIY into each other! Ciampa sends Gargano back to ELBOW Brutus, then assisted SLICED BREAD! SLIDING KNEE! Cover, Julius breaks it! Gargano runs in, Julius TOSSES him out! Ciampa SLAPS Julius down, then goes back for Brutus. Brutus ROCKS Ciampa, SPLASHES him in the corner, and tags in Julius.

Julius feeds Ciampa to Brutus’ underhooks, then Julius runs, LEAP FROG FACEBUSTER! Cover, Gargano breaks it! Gargano TOSSES Brutus, then PLANCHAS! Fans fire up, Julius storms up on Ciampa and throws hands. Ciampa hits back, they go back and forth. Nashville is on Ciampa’s side, and he BOOTS! Then roll up! TWO!! Ciampa goes to a corner, Gargano tags in, GAMANGRI for Julius! Another BOOT, and DIY sets up again! MEET IN THE- BRUTUS POUNCES! Julius picks Gargano up, POWERBOMB! And deadlift, to then fireman’s carry! Tag to Brutus, and another pop-up, for the BRUTUS BALL DOOMSDAY!! Cover, Creeds ELIMINATE DIY!

Fans are stunned, but “it’s a New Day, yes it is!” The Creeds take on ELEVEN-TIME Tag Team Champions, who will make it through to face Imperium?

The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS The New Day!

Woods starts against Julius, they tie up and Woods arm-drags! And SHOTGUNS! And then forearms! Tag to Kofi, Woods CHOPS and CHOPS and then feeds Julius into Kofi’s DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kofi drags Julius up, brings him over, wrench and tag to Woods. Woods CLUBS the arm, wrenches it, and tag back to Kofi. Kofi goes up to DOUBLE STOMP the arm! Kofi pushes Julius down, covers, ONE!! Julius hangs tough but Kofi snapmares. Tag to Woods, PENALTY KICK! SLIDING LARIAT! IMPLODER SPLASH! ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Julius survives the speed blitz but fans rally behind the “NEW~ DAY~!”

Woods climbs up on Julius, rains down fists, but Julius stops him at five! Julius fights out of the corner but Woods trips Julius! And then Kofi SPLASHES in outta nowhere! Cover, TWO! Kofi clamps on with a chinlock and he grinds Julius down. Julius endures, fights up, and reaches out. Julius has Kofi as a backpack as he storms over, but Kofi slips around to knee low! Kofi cradles Julius, TWO! Julius has the cradle, then deadlifts Kofi from the mat! And the SLAM! Fans rally up as Julius crawls, as does Kofi. Hot tags to Woods and Brutus! Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges and slides to ROLLING ELBOW! Brutus rebounds, blocks the superkick and clinches! EXPLODER!

Fans rally as Woods goes to the apron. Brutus storms over, drags Woods up, and uses the ropes to deadlift Woods for a suplex! Cover, TWO! Woods toughs it out but Brutus tags Julius. The creeds whip to scoop and POWERSLAM! Brutus STANDING MOONSAULTS, and Julius STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Woods is still in this and the fans fire up. Julius drags Woods over, tags Brutus, and Brutus fireman’s carries. Julius runs, but Woods slips free and kicks Julius, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Brutus hangs in there, but Kofi tags in. Woods lifts Brutus, Kofi goes up, BACKBREAKER and the DIVING STOMPS! Cover, Julius breaks it!

Woods runs up on Julius to CLUB away on him! But Julius TOSSES Woods out! Kofi TOSSES Julius out! Kofi claps and the fans join in, “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Brutus stands, but ducks Trouble in Paradise! Tag to Julius, he runs but Kofi trips him! Kofi hurries up top, CROSSBODY! But Julius rolls through and lifts Kofi! Woods is back but Julius BOOTS him! FALL AWAY SLAM for Kofi! Brutus MOONSAULTS out onto Woods! Tag to Brutus, Julius has Kofi up, BRUTUS BALL DOOMSDAY!! Cover, CREEDS ELIMINATE NEW DAY!! But now, here comes European Elegance! Will Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci make Gunther proud by taking the golden tickets?

The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS Imperium!

The brawl is on and fans fire up! Ludwig TOSSES Brutus, then he and Vinci mug Julius. The ref reprimands and counts, but Ludwig soaks up the heat. Vinci CLUBS Julius, Ludwig stomps Julius down, and Vinci stays legal. Ludwig sends Brutus into the desk! Julius whips, Vinci springboards to CROSSBODY! Vinci kicks Julius around, drags him up, and short arm LARIATS! Tag to Ludwig, he and Vinci taunt Julius, but Julius fights back! Fans fire up but it’s 2v1! Shove and SPINEBUSTER, then a PENALTY KICK! Ludwig shouts “NEIN!” but fans boo. Tag to Vinci and Ludwig goes up! Vinci hauls Julius up, IMPERIUM BOMB!! Cover, BRUTUS BREAKS IT!

Fans fire up but Ludwig tosses Brutus out. Ludwig tells Vinci to focus on Julius, but then Julius dumps Vinci out! Julius crawls, but he has no one to tag. Ludwig goes for legs, Julius boots him away! Julius hurries, Brutus is back, but Vinci intercepts! Julius dodges, hot tag to Brutus! Tag to Ludwig, but Brutus SMASH! He rallies on Imperium, clotheslines Ludwig up and out, and then SPINEBUSTER for Vinci! Brutus SMASH SMASH SMASH! Brutus snarls, gorilla crawls, then gets under Vinci to fireman’s carry! Ludwig CHOP BLOCKS a leg! Ludwig rains down fists but he isn’t the legal man! The ref counts, Ludwig fires off more furious shots, but lets off at 4.

Ludwig stands Brutus up to whip him into the corner. Ludwig runs in, blocks the boot, “NEIN!” And UPPERCUT! Vinci gets Brutus up, BACKBREAKER and a cover, TWO! Vinci clamps onto Brutus with shoulder claws but Brutus endures. Fans rally, Brutus fights up, and he arm-drags Vinci away! But DOUBLE BOOTS bring both men down! Vinci and Brutus crawl, hot tags to Ludwig and Julius! Julius clinches to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY for Vinci! Another OVERHEAD for Ludwig! And another for Vinci! Ludwig fights the next one, Vinci adds on, but Julius DOUBLE NORTHERN LIGHTS!

Fans fire up for Julius, and he scoops to POWRSLAM Ludwig! Cover, Vinci breaks it! Vinci gets Julius up but Julius TOSSES Vinci! Ludwig rolls Julius up, TWO! Julius facelocks, Ludwig wrenches out and UPPERCUTS, then fireman’s carries. But Julius slips free to gut wrench and lift, POWERBOMB! Tag to Brutus, and they drag Ludwig up. Another Electric Chair, but Ludwig claws eyes! Vinci SHOVES Brutus down! Ludwig POSTS Julius! DISCUS LARIAT for Brutus! Tag to Vinci and Ludwig goes up. Vinci lifts Brutus, but Julius uses Vinci as a step up to get to Ludwig! Brutus runs with Vinci, SHELL SHOCK! Julius has Ludwig for a SUPERPLEX!!

Fans fire up again, “This is Awesome!” Brutus tags Julius back in, and they get Vinci up. Brutus climbs, Vinci fights desperately but can’t get free! BRUTUS BALL!! Cover, THE CREEDS WIN!

Winners: The Creed Brothers, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the Undisputed Tag Team Championships)

Diamond Mine doesn’t break, they thrive under pressure! But will Julius & Brutus be able to take down The Prince & Punisher to take those titles?

Judgment Day regroups backstage.

Rhea says Randy is dangerous, so Dom has to be absolutely focused. Finn walks in, he just finished watching Tag Team Turmoil. Those Creed Brothers are the real deal. Priest, we can’t take them lightly. Priest, you hearing them? Priest snaps out of his funk. He hears them. And he sees the look on their faces. Go ahead, say what you wanna say. They made him WarGames captain and he let them down. He lost the match, embarrassed them, let them all down. Go ahead, say it. Finn wasn’t gonna say any of that. Priest says no, he can tell. But Rhea says no, they’re a family. They all rise together and they all fall together.

Finn says yeah, don’t sweat it, it was one loss. They’re still champions, right? Dom says yeah, it’s all good. This is real? Yeah, 100%. Rhea says that just because Priest made himself team leader for WarGames and it didn’t go their way, that doesn’t mean they are gonna hold a grudge. Just relax. Priest says okay, that’s what families do, he appreciates it. And on that subject, how is McDonagh? Still getting checked out. Finn & Priest should go check on him. Good idea. The tag champs head out, but will their tensions be eased by the time they have to defend the titles?

Cody Rhodes is here!

Nashville fires up and sings along as the American Nightmare makes his way to the ring, “WHOA~ OH!” Cody goes to the ring and gets his pyro, “WHOA~ OH!” before he gets the mic. Fans cheer Cody on, and he gets fired up! Then he smiles and asks Nashville, “Whaddya wanna talk about?” Cody says so many stories stemming from this weekend. Here is one of gratitude. His team in WarGames was able to secure the victory, and Cody wants to thank each and every one of his teammates. Sami Zayn, #YeetMaster Jey Uso, the World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” And let’s not forget the man who came through, the Legend Killer, Randy Orton!

Fans cheer again, and Cody says Randy was a mentor, is still a mentor, and is a dear friend. They had a handful of memories before but they got a new one. Orton fed Priest to Cody for the Cross Rhodes and let him have the 1-2-3. But not just in any match, it was in his dad’s match. Fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” and Cody gets a little teary eyed. The other story from Survivor Series: The WWE return of C M Punk. Fans are a bit torn, but plenty chant for Punk. Cody says no one knew that was gonna happen, and no one knows what will happen. That is why tonight, we’re all tuned in to see what Punk has to say. Here’s what Cody has to say: Welcome back.

But what’s the saying? Fishermen always spot other fishermen from afar. That is why Cody feels this news being made, all these stories, well Cody wants to make some news and make it right here. At this point, everyone here truly knows him. So there is only one destination for Cody now. And that is why, granted by Adam Pearce, Cody is the very first to declare for the 2024 Royal Rumble match!! Fans fire up for that! But then wait, the lights start going down? And then SHINSUKE NAKAMURA is on screen! “Cody… You are a brave hero who has won his battle. Now you say you need to continue your story. But, I need you to set me free. To awaken me. To evolve!”

Nakamura was patient to wait week after week, btu no more waiting! He will bring CHAOS to Cody! And then the REAL Nakamura is already behind Cody!! RED MIST!!! Cody writhes and fans boo but Nakamura grins a sinister smile. The King of Strong Style takes a bow, will he destroy the American Nightmare’s dreams?

Bronson Reed VS Ivar w/ Sarah Logan!

As if tonight wasn’t already a big night, things are about to get massive! Will Auszilla wipe out the War Beard with a Tsunami? Or will the chosen warrior slay this real life kaiju?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Ivar shoves Bronson, he and Ivar RAM! They throw clotheslines back and forth, and fans rally up with “Let’s Go, Meat! Let’s Go, Meat!” Ivar runs, Bronson swings but Ivar dodges to RAM him! But Bronson comes back, BODY CHECK! Fans rally up again and Bronson ELBOW DROPS! Ivar goes to a corner, Bronson runs in, but into a SEATED SENTON! Ivar drags Bronson up, reels him in, but Bronson blocks the suplex, to suplex! Fans fire up, Ivar bails out, and Bronson goes to the apron. But Sarah stands in the way! Then Ivar YANKS Bronson down, and HEEL KICKS him down!

Bronson sits back, Ivar SPLASHES him against the LED apron! Fans boo but Sarah revels in it as Raw goes picture in picture.

Ivar drags Bronson up and into the ring, then kicks him to a corner. Ivar throws elbows, then body shots! Ivar snarls as he sets Bronson up for more elbows. Ivar ROCKS Bronson, DECKS him, then runs to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Ivar clamps on to CLUB Bronson in the chest. Ivar clamps on a chinbar to twist the neck, but Bronson endures. Bronson fights to his feet, but Ivar Viking Chops! And he fires off hands! Ivar whips, Bronson reverses and Ivar hits buckles hard! Ivar tumbles up and down the corner even! Bronson storms up on Ivar, brings him up to HEADBUTT, and has him in a corner. Bronson RAMS into Ivar, but Ivar CLUBS in return!

The ref counts, Bronson lets off to HEADBUTT Ivar, and then he CHOKES Ivar on the ropes! The ref counts, Bronson lets off, and he brings Ivar up to HEADBUTT! Bronson clamps on a chinlock now and he squeezes tight. Ivar endures, fights up, and throws body shots. Bronson ROCKS Ivar, whips him to ropes, but Ivar ducks ‘n’ dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS take both behemoths down! The fans rally while both men stir, and Bronson sits up. Ivar follows, and Ivar throws hands! Bronson hits back, they throw shots back and forth. Raw returns, fans chant “BEEF!” with the shots! Bronson HEADBUTTS Ivar to a corner, then SPLASHES!

Bronson CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up, but Bronson swings again. Ivar dodges to ELBOW! And ELBOW, ELBOW, ELBOW! Fans fire up and Ivar spins, but the kick is blocked! Bronson SUPERKICKS! Ivar goes to a corner, Bronson runs in but into a BOOT! Ivar runs, into a SAMOAN DROP! Fans fire up as Bronson then SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Bronson stalks Ivar. Ivar rises, Bronson ripcords but Ivar dodges! Ivar scoops to SPINNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Bronson survives and Ivar grows frustrated. Ivar drags Bronson to a drop zone, then he climbs up the corner!

Fans fire up as Ivar reaches the top, for the DOOM-SAULT! But he FLOPS as Bronson moves! Bronson now goes up and fans fire up again! Sarah distracts and fans boo! The ref reprimands, Bronson hurries down, and Ivar goes to the far side. The ref EJECTS Sarah! The fans fire up for that, Bronson runs at Ivar, but Ivar dodges! Ivar clotheslines Bronson out of the ring! Then Ivar goes to the apron, to CROSSBODY, but Bronson catches hiM! And SLAMS him! And then TOSSES him over barriers! Fans rally, a ring count starts, and Ivar BOOTS Bronson in return! Ivar drags Bronson over railing, we’re at 5 of 10!

Ivar DECKS Bronson, goes up the barrier, but Bronson hits him low! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER through the barriers!! And the count is TEN!!

Double Count-Out Draw

Fans fire up for more, and Ivar SMACKS Bronson with a chair! Ivar ROCKS Bronson, and this goes into the crowd now! Bronson HEADBUTTS, but Ivar sends him into the technical staff! The forearms fly, Bronson throws more HEADBUTTS! Ivar throws more forearms, security rushes in, but they get CLOBBERED! Adam Pearce reprimands, but Bronson scoops a guy to TOSS him at Ivar!! Fans cheer and Bronson revels in it, but Ivar goes up onto a road case! CANNONBALL onto Bronson and security!! Producers rush out here, they get Ivar away from Bronson while Nashville loses their minds! Bronson and Ivar shout that this isn’t done, but then when and where will this end?

Zoey Stark stalks with Shayna Baszler backstage.

Stark feels how close she was to beating Rhea. Shayna says yeah, she gave Rhea a good fight. She’ll get another shot, just relax. Right, Shayna’s right. But Nia walks in and sarcastically applauds. “Congrats, champ. Oh, that’s right, Zoey, you had a great match against Rhea at Survivor Series, and you took her to her limit, but you fell a little short, didn’t ya? And ya lost.” It should’ve been Nia against Rhea because then she’d be champ. But Nia will still tear through the division, so every woman should be on notice. That includes Zoey and Shayna. Shayna tells Nia to do us all a favor and “shut your hole,” before someone breaks your arm and puts you on the shelf, again.

Zoey says she’s got this, she doesn’t need someone standing up for her. So Nia, if you want a fight, then they can go 1v1 tonight. Nia says that’s exactly what she wanted. Nia heads out, Zoey and Shayna can’t deal, but will the Irresistible Force turn the Hunter into the Hunted?

Judgment Day regroups again.

But Priest, Finn & McDonagh can’t believe it. R-TRUTH is on their couch, eating jelly rolls, and has gotten powdered sugar EVERYWHERE! And all he can say is, “Wassup, dawg?” Finn asks what the hell! Truth found a comfy place to eat this award winning jelly rolls. Truth… This is THEIR clubhouse! And now it’s a mess! Yeah, and they don’t have a TV. But he heard they wanted a fifth member for WarGames, and so sign him up. Truth… That was Saturday! No! Yep. Did they win? How’d he do? Priest says Truth wasn’t in there, and they lost anyway, thanks for the reminder. Oh, sorry. Cheer up, though. Randy Orton’s back! Ain’t that cool?

The Judgment Day tell Truth to get out! Are they sure they don’t want any jelly rolls? NO!! NOW GO! Truth leaves, the couch is ruined, and McDonagh says he’ll take care of Truth. Is the Irish Ace going to make Truth wish he had stayed gone?

Nia Jax VS Zoey Stark!

Raw returns and Stark makes her entrance. The bell rings and Nia runs in! Zoey slide sunder, KICKS and KICKS and KICKS, then runs to ROCK Nia! But  Nia grabs Zoey to lift her up and TOSS her to a corner. Nia runs in, into a BOOT! Zoey boots again, Nia blocks to put her on the apron, but Zoey ROUNDHOUSES! And slingshots, but Nia ROCKS her! Fans boo but Nia tells them to shut up. Nia storms up on Zoey, drags her up, and TOSSES her, but Zoey handsprings through! Zoey runs back in, but Nia catches her, for a POWERSLAM! Nia mocks the fans cheering on Zoey, tells them to shut up, then TOSSES Zoey again!

Zoey ends up in another corner, Nia runs in to SPLASH! Nia throws Zoey away, then runs at her, but Zoey sends her out! Nia is furious and shouts at Maggle. Zoey goes up and up and FLYING LARIATS! The fans fire up and Zoey stomps Nia as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Nia has Zoey in a torture rack! Zoey endures, throws elbows, and gets free! Then she JAWBREAKERS! Nia wobbles, but she still ELBOWS Zoey down! Nia storms up on Zoey, stalks her and stands on her, then drags her up. The fans rally but Nia hoists Zoey up. Zoey fights with fists! Zoey tries but Nia stops the Rana, to SWING Zoey into buckles! Fans boo but Nia soaks it up. Nia drags Zoey out, dribbles her off the mat, then drags her up to scoop. Zoey slips free to SUPERKICK! And SUPERKICK! Zoey kicks the legs out, runs, but into a BODY CHECK! Nia snarls, runs in at the corner, but Zoey dodges to POST Nia!

Fans fire up as Zoey pushes Nia down, and ARABIAN CORKSCREW SENTONS! And then SLIDING BOOT! Cover, TWO! Nia is still in this but Zoey grits her teeth. Zoey drags Nia up but Nia HEADBUTTS her away. Nia runs in to SPLASH at the corner, and Zoey sits down. Nia runs in to HIP ATTACK! And then Nia drags Zoey into a drop zone, goes up the corner, but Zoey moves! SUPERKICK to the legs! Nia gets stuck, Zoey STOMPS her down! Deep stack, TWO!! Nia gets free, but Zoey goes to the apron. Zoey springboards and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Nia is tough but the fans are behind Zoey!

Zoey CLUBS away on Nia, then roars! Zoey goes up a corner, fans rally as she climbs, but Nia hits ropes to trip Zoey up! Fireman’s carry to a SAMOAN DROP! Nia isn’t done, she runs to drop a SENTON! And that’s still not enough! Nia drags Zoey into a corner and climbs up! A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, Nia wins!

Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall

The Irresistible Force could not be stopped, she puts another name on the list! Will it only be a matter of time before she steamrolls even Rhea Ripley?

Imperium regroups backstage.

Ludwig and Vinci argue over their loss, and Gunther walks over. Der Ring General expects them both to go to Adam Pearce and sort out this DIY issue. Vinci promises- Oh, Vinci promises?! Ludwig says HE promises to get it done. They head out together, Gunther grumbles, but then he turns around to see The Miz. Miz asks if there’s trouble. What does Miz want? Miz says he heard Gunther’s comments during the Survivor Series press conference. Gunther said his next challenger should be someone who challenges him to his face. Well here Miz is! Gunther chuckles. Is Miz sure about this? Oh, he’s real sure.

Miz is sure he CAN beat Gunther and take that title. Miz know sit, and now Gunther knows. Gunther knows that Miz is no threat to his legendary reign. But Miz did stand up for himself so Gunther gives him that. Miz came prepared for a fight. Miz can claim he belongs in that ring, just not with Gunther. So is that a no on a rematch from their great Survivor Series showdown? Or will the Hollywood A-Lister find a way to get that sequel made?

Seth Rollins is here!

Nashville fires up and sings along “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~” as the World Heavyweight Champion makes his way to the ring. The Visionary is feeling good after the WarGames win, but might be feeling some kinda way after seeing CM Punk return. We hear what is on Rollins’ mind, after the break.

Raw returns and the fans are still singing, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins has the mic to say, “NASVILLE~! Welcome… to Mondaaay! Niiight! Rolliiins!” And he is a Visionary, he is a Revolutionary, he IS Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! The singing returns, but there are also some “C M PUNK!” chants. Rollins takes off his sunglasses and says go on then. Come on with it. Is that all they got, Punk fans? Yeah, get it out of your system, because tell you what. Rollins won’t spend one more second, one more ounce of energy, on that hypocrite! Fans get riled up and Rollins says instead of talking about someone who don’t matter at all, let’s talk about what matters most!

Let’s talk about the title that for the last six months, Rollins has built into the most IMPORTANT title in this entire industry! Fans cheer that, and the singing returns. Now, Nashville, Rollins has to be real. Two days out from WarGames, he is not feeling too good. But he’s starting to get that itch again. He’s starting to get the itch to be a fighting champion again. And he went and saw Adam Pearce earlier today. They sat in the office, talked about- DREW MCINTYRE!? The Scottish Warrior walks down to the ring and Nashville is a bit torn. McIntyre gets a mic to say it has been a crazy 48 hours around here, hasn’t it?

Goodness, people are talking about a lot of things, about what happened outside the ring with McIntyre and Rollins, but they both know what is more important: what happens in the ring. So McIntyre wants to shake Rollins’ hands to congratulate him on the win in WarGames. Rollins accepts, and McIntyre then says Judgment Day had some master plan. They promised Jey Uso on a silver platter, but McIntyre didn’t get Jey, and the real plan was losing, so that’s one hell of a plan. Jey’s been driving McIntyre mental, and McIntyre realized these last 48 hours that he needs to refocus. Jey is on the backburner, McIntyre will focus on what is most important: the World Heavyweight Championship.

Now does Rollins remember what he said before their match at Crown Jewel? Rollins chuckles and says yes, he does. He told McIntyre that when Rollins beats McIntyre, McIntyre would have no one to blame but himself. And that it’d be the best thing to ever happen to him. Was Rollins right? Yes, 100% right. McIntyre has no one but to blame but himself for losing at Crown Jewel. And Rollins surely remembers that one point in the match. If anyone wants to watch it back, there was a point where McIntyre had Rollins on the steps, dropped him on the apron, and Rollins rolled into the ring. McIntyre could see it in Rollins’ eyes that he was finished.

That is where McIntyre should’ve struck. But something came over him as he saw Rollins writhing in pain. It was sympathy and compassion. Something about thinking of Rollins with his daughter backstage, it felt the urge to tell Rollins it was okay and it was over. McIntyre took Rollins by the face to say that, and Rollins SLAPS him! McIntyre deserved that slap, that was on him. Acting like that with Rollins, Rollins was always gonna win. To swim with shark, you gotta become the biggest shark of all. So no more sympathy, no more compassion, forget Jey Uso, McIntyre wants a damn rematch!

Rollins says if there’s one thing he has always respected from McIntyre, it is his honesty. And to be honest with McIntyre, Rollins does believe McIntyre deserves a rematch. The problem is, Rollins also believes there are some others who deserve an opportunity more. And that, Nashville, is why Rollins came out here tonight. He talked with Pearce, and he wanted to tell everyone right here, next week, Rollins defends the World Heavyweight Championship LIVE on Monday Night Raw! Fans cheer, McIntyre sighs, and he says Rollins is the champ, he calls the shot. But can McIntyre ask who the match is with?

Rollins is hesitant. Rollins says okay, he’ll just say it. It’s Jey Uso. Fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and McIntyre looks dumbfounded. Rollins says this wasn’t personal, it- GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT!! Fans are stunned as McIntyre busts his own forehead open with that shot! And as he said, no more compassion! He RAMS Rollins into a corner, then OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! McIntyre gets in Rollins’ face again and asks if this really isn’t personal. JEY USO of all people?! McIntyre BEAT Jey two weeks ago!! He should be head of him! McIntyre throws down another HEADBUTT! But here comes Jey!

Fans fire up as Jey storms up to the ring, slides in, and he dodges McIntyre to fire off haymakers! The fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” with every shot! Jey pops ‘n’ locks and ROCKS McIntyre! Then SUPERKICKS! Rollins is up, he and Jey DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Fans fire up while McIntyre is in retreat. Jey then picks up the world title, looks at it, but smiles and hands it over to Rollins. Fans cheer but will Main Event Jey finally reach the mountaintop next week?

Sami Zayn confronts McIntyre backstage.

McIntyre tells him not now but Sami says no, he needs to hear this. Sami doesn’t know what’s going on with McIntyre, but c’mon. He can’t beat Rollins so he has to headbutt him when he’s not ready? McIntyre says Rollins has something against him, and Sami doesn’t know what he’s going through. Oh, Sami doesn’t know? Guess what? You’re not the only one who’s had disappointments around here! McIntyre lost out on the Universal Championship against Roman Reigns in front of his family? So did Sami! McIntyre came up seconds short of beating Rollins? So did Sami! Every disappointment McIntyre’s had in his career, Sami’s had that times TEN!

The difference is, when Sami falls down, he dusts himself off, picks himself up and keeps moving forward because he knows the endgame for him is becoming World Heavyweight Champion! McIntyre has already been a world champion twice, and he’s 6’6″, 300 pounds of pure muscle! He has everything going for him, but he’s acting like a spoiled little brat. Sami says McIntyre is better than that. McIntyre says maybe Sami’s got a point. Maybe McIntyre should be taking everyone’s advice, including his own, and fighting his way up the ladder. He can go talk with Pearce to get a match next week. With Sami.

McIntyre heads out, and while Sami stood up to do the right thing, did he also just step on a landmine? Or better yet, in front of a Claymore?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Natalya & Tegan Nox!

The Hot Mess & Scottish Viper have been avoiding a fight with the Queen of Harts & Welsh Firecracker but there’s no running from it now! Will Chelsea & Piper be able to survive the Raw after Survivor Series? Or will Natty & Nox finally shut them up?

Raw returns and the champs make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really runs the Women’s Tag Division!

The teams sort out and Chelsea starts against Natty. They tie up before the bell, then go around. Natty trips Chelsea, floats to a facelock but Chelsea wrenches out. Chelsea grinds forearms into Natty’s face, puts her on ropes, then whips. Natty reveres but Chelsea reverses back, but Natty rolls over the dropdown. Chelsea whips again but Natty ELBOWS her, then DISCUS LARIATS! Natty goes for the legs but Chelsea kicks her away! Tag to Piper while fans boo. Piper storms up on Natty, she and Natty tie up but Natty waistlocks. Piper pries free, HEADBUTTS Natty to a corner, and runs in, but Natty POSTS her!

Tag to Nox, she runs up to wheelbarrow and STUNNER! Nox keeps going, PENALTY KICK! Tag back to Natty and Nox brings Piper up, for the CROSSBODY! Natty cheers herself and the fans join in as Raw goes picture in picture.

Natty tells Chelsea to kiss this, then she gets the fans cheering again. Natty stomps Piper, drags her from ropes, and steps through. Chelsea distracts the ref, Nox tells her to stop it, but now the ref is busy with Nox. Piper kicks Natty away and Chelsea is there to cheap shot her! Piper then runs up to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Piper tags Chelsea, Chelsea climbs and Piper sets Natty up, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Chelsea taunts Nox, drags Natty up and taunts her, but Natty throws body shots! But Chelsea throws Natty down by her hair! Chelsea mocks the fans cheering Natty on, then stalks her to ropes.

Chelsea drags Natty over, tags Piper, and Piper scoops Natty to SLAM her! Then Piper scoops Chelsea to SLAM her onto Natty! Chelsea wants to go again, so Piper scoops and SLAMS her onto Natty again! Nox protests, the ref keeps her from getting involved, and then Chelsea tries to scoop Piper? Yeah, not that easy… Piper scoops Chelsea to SLAM her onto Natty a third time! Cover but the ref is busy telling Chelsea to go. The ref finally sees the cover, TWO! Piper keeps cool and she HIP DROPS Natty down! Piper taunts Nox, keeps Natty from Nox, but Natty and Nox reach out! Piper reels Natty in, short arm LARIAT!

Piper tells the rf to deal with Nox but the ref knocks to watch Chelsea. Chelsea plays innocent but Piper bumps Natty off buckles. Piper tags Chelsea, and Chelsea RAMS into Natty! And again! Tag back to Piper and Raw returns to single picture. Piper cobra clutches and ripcords so Chelsea can SLAP Natty, then Piper CLOBBERS her! Fans rally but Chelsea drags Natty back to the corner. Chelsea puts Natty up top, climbs up after her, but Natty hits back! Natty hits Piper, too! Natty sends Chelsea down, adjusts, but Chelsea is back up! Natty slips under to carry Chelsea out, SIT OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!!

Chelsea survives but Natty hurries for her corner! Hot tag to Nox! Fans fire up and Nox rallies on the champs! Nox fires off hands, then LARIATS Chelsea! And again! And UPPERCUTS! Fans fire up with Nox and she runs up, but Chelsea SLAPS her! Nox just laughs! Nox HEADBUTTS, then reels Chelsea in. GOURD BUSTER, and then a KNEE for Piper! Piper tumbles down, Chelsea runs in at the corner, but Nox slips out to the apron! ROUNDHOUSE! Chelsea wobbles, Nox goes up, MOLLY-GO-ROUND! Cover, Piper breaks it! Piper drags Chelsea to their corner and tags herself in. Chelsea staggers after Nox but Nox rolls her up!

Chelsea rolls through to CODE BREAKER! Piper SENTONS onto it all! Cover, Natty breaks it! Fans cheer, Natty drags Piper up but Piper ROCKS her and TOSSES her! Piper tags Chelsea back in, and Chelsea storms up on Nox. Chelsea has the arms, but Nox shoves her away! Piper tags back in, Chelsea TOSSES Nox! Nox drags Chelsea out with her! Chelsea kicks Nox away, then CROSSBODIES, but Nox & Natty catch her! They DOUBLE SUPLEX her into barriers! Fans fire up, but here comes Piper! CANNONBALL!! Fans fire up and Piper puts Nox back in the ring. Piper runs, for the BASEMENT SPLASH!! Cover, Piper & Chelsea win!

Winners: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

Once again, Piper does all the hard work to keep these belts on her and Chelsea. Chelsea smiles and celebrates, but will there come a time when even Piper isn’t enough to save this team?

Jey Uso talks with Randy Orton backstage.

Jey doesn’t want any trouble. Just wanted to find Orton before Orton found him. Is that so? Yeah. Jey wants to thank Orton for having their back at WarGames. And if it means anything, Jey heard about those receipts. He is sorry how everything went down back in the day. Cody gave Jey a second chance here on Raw, Jey is trying to do right by everyone. He wants to leave the past in the past. Orton understands that. Listen, Uce, Orton has been watching. He’s seen how these past few months, hell maybe longer than that, but Jey has had Cody’s back. Jey has had a lot of people’s backs. Cody trusts Jey, those other guys trust Jey, that goes a long way.

So as far as Orton is concerned, bygones are bygones. But Orton is handling unfinished business with The Bloodline. So long as Jey is out, they’re good. They shake hands on it and Jey wishes Orton luck. Orton thanks Jey, and now he has one less name on the list. But will Jey’s name just be replaced by Dirty Dom’s? That main event happens next!

Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.

Jackie Redmond is with The Man, and notes that just 48 hours ago, she was in her own WarGames match in Chicago, and came out the winner. How is she feeling now after such an epic battle? Well, she feels like she went to war in an epic battle, and she hopes she looks it. But Saturday was a night about making amends. There is a thin line between love and hate, and she never knows when one switches from one side to the other. But enough about that, she wants to talk tonight! The Man has come around to Nashville. And there’s a couple fights on the horizon, one more pressing than the other. Becky heads out, what fight could she mean?

Randy Orton VS Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh!

Raw returns and Orton makes his entrance. The bell rings and fans cheer on Orton. Orton and Dom circle, they tie up, and Orton powers Dom to a corner. The ref counts, Orton pushes Dom around and lets off. Dom sucker punches Orton! Fans chant “Who’s Your Daddy?” Dom runs, but gets run over! Dom bails out and regroups with McDonagh. McDonagh coaches Dom up, Dom rushes back in, but Orton fires haymakers! Orton has Dom on ropes, UPPERCUTS him, then whips Dom to back drop! Dom writhes from the crash landing and fans fire up as Raw goes picture in picture.

Dom bails out, wants mercy, but Orton storms up to the ropes. Dom gets away, so Orton strikes his pose. Dom wants a mic? No, there’s no time for that. Dom storms around, complains about something, maybe he’s missing his Mami. Orton smirks as Dom keeps pacing around but the ring count starts. Orton goes out after Dom to CLOBBER him! Orton chases McDonagh away while mocking his bad neck. Dom staggers up but Orton UPPERCUTS him down! Orton brings Dom around, Dom throws hands, but Orton SMACKS him off the desk! Orton puts Dom in and then stalks him, to trip him and have the leg.

Orton brings Dom around to stomp him in the stomach! Orton digs his heel in, then stomps a leg! Dom writhes and flounders to a corner but Orton is on him again. Orton whips corner to corner hard and Dom bounces off buckles. Orton drags Dom to a cover, TWO, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Orton drags Dom up while fans again chant “Who’s Your Daddy?” Orton TOSSES Dom out, storms out after him, and McDonagh hobbles away. Orton stands Dom up, to back- NO, Dom slips out of the back suplex, CLUBS Orton and RAMS him into steel steps! Fans boo while Orton writhes, Dom is after that repaired back and shoulder! Dom puts Orton in the ring, covers, TWO! Dom is annoyed by the count but the ref says his count is fair. Dom clamps on a chinlock, he squeezes Orton’s neck, but Orton fights up. Fans rally and Orton throws body shots. Dom CLUBS Orton, whips him to a corner, but Orton comes back to CLBOBER him!

Orton rallies on Dom, ducks him and SPIN POWERSLAMS! Fans fire up with Orton and he is feeling it! Orton puts Dom in the ropes, brings him out, and he grins at McDonagh as he hits the DRAPING DDT! Fans fire up again and Orton soaks it up. Because Orton’s hearing those voices! McDonagh drags Dom to safety! Fans boo, McDonagh asks what they’re all looking at. Wait, Jelly Roll is up front! Fans cheer as Jelly stands up. Jelly and JD argue, and Jelly shoves JD! Fans fire up as now Dom gets mad! So Jelly shoves Dom! Orton high-fives Jelly, goes back for Dom, and hits that BACK SUPLEX TO THE DESK!

Dom writhes and flops off the desk but fans want that one more time! Orton drags Dom up, brings him back around, and indeed, another BACK SUPLEX TO THE DESK! Orton puts Dom in, but McDonagh gets on the apron. Orton gets him for a DRAPING DDT! McDonagh writhes, Dom DROPKICKS Orton onto ropes! Dom dials it up, 619! Dom hurries up top, FROG SPLASH FLOPS! Orton aims, R K O!! Fans are thunderous, Orton covers, Orton wins!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall

The Viper had a successful return to the ring at WarGames, and he has another successful return here tonight! Dom & McDonagh retreat, will Mami not be happy about this?

CM Punk is here!

Nashville fires up one more time and sings along with Cult of Personality. Punk goes to the ring, and gets a mic as the fans chant his name. Punk then says, “Looks like Hell just froze over.” Fans cheer that! And Punk means that as in, this is him, standing in a WWE ring, on Monday Night Raw, with a mic in his hand. He doesn’t mean that apparently, a Blackhawks fan is actually getting love inside the Predators’ territory. Sorry, had to say it. He’s gotta be himself. And lately, he’s been feeling a little more like himself ever since Saturday. That is a career highlight for him, and he’s been trying to come up with the words to explain exactly how he feels.

He has two words that he’s afraid to say. Not because they’re not true. It’s because he’s scared of how true they actually are. It is a bit corner, it won’t sound like CM Punk, but he’s a changed man. Once upon a time, an American Dream taught him that as long as you speak from the heart, you cannot go wrong, because it is the truth. So this is the truth: “I’m home.” Fans cheer that! Punk says he has come back to this familiar place, and he didn’t know how he was gonna react, he didn’t know how it was gonna go, but it has made him feel like himself again. Because this is where Punk belongs! This is home! And he’s been gone for TEN YEARS!

And yet for those ten years, no one ever forgot him, even when he maybe wanted to forget himself. And that is powerful stuff. The fans are all powerful. A bunch of continents, countries, arenas all over the world, people watching at home, they never stopped chanting his name. The fans chant it now! Punk says the Voiceless found their voice, and he couldn’t be more proud. He heard them, that is why he is back. Because he loves them! He loves them! He loves them, missed them, missed all of this, and wishes he could say he didn’t have to leave. But once upon a time, a Wise Man told him that for him to get everything he wants out of this place, he’d have to leave it and come back.

Hate to say it, but the Wise Man was right. But that is why Punk is back. He wants to get everything he needs out of this place. He is back for the fans because the fans are home. Fans cheer that! Saturday was an amazing moment, Monday is an amazing moment. He wants the words to explain how it feels, but in front of and behind the camera, it’s nothing but love, nothing but hugs. It feels like a family reunion. Everybody back there is happy to see Punk, a few kissed him, it is all “Welcome back, welcome home, we’ve missed you, we’re happy to see you. How’s AJ?” And AJ lee is fabulous and sends her regards. Fans cheer that most of all!

Punk says everyone has welcomed him back with open arms. Except… Some are afraid. They’re afraid of the truth, of what they don’t understand, but Punk understands. Everything he has ever wanted has always been right here. The competition, week in and week out, competes to be the Best in the World, but the Best in the World hasn’t been here in almost ten years. Punk understands being afraid. They’re afraid he’s set the bar to an unobtainable level, that he has the brass ring in his back pocket. That the most dangerous and controversial, feared man in this business, walked in and there’s nothing they can do about it.

Some are afraid that tomorrow, they’ll have to come to terms with how their best efforts at being the Best in the World in this ring, on this mic, even at commentary, isn’t just false, but a lie! Because the Best in the World is back, standing in this ring, live and in living color, in Nashville, Tennessee on a Monday night, and his name is… C M PUNK!! He’s baaack~! “I’m not here to make friends, I’m here to make money.” Will Punk prove he is still the Best in the World? Or will that be hard to do even for him?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw to follow Survivor Series, especially with everything they had to build upon. A touch disappointed Tag Team Turmoil wasn’t pretty much the entire commercial free first hour to give everyone a lot of time, and rather surprised that the Creeds won out. But at the same time, not that surprised, given that DIY and Imperium still have to settle things. But I’m a little surprised they didn’t give New Day a shot at Judgment Day, that feud is probably simmering for WrestleMania season. Creeds can still have a good feud with Judgment Day, Ivy can even step to Rhea, but I don’t see them winning the titles.

Great promos throughout the night with the winners and losers of WarGames. Orton and Rhea interacting was really fun, and of course Dom gets in trouble because of it. Great main event match from them with McDonagh of course there to also get whooped. And also good interaction of Jey and Orton to bypass Jey VS Orton happening. Orton is going strong, but I don’t expect him to just shoot up to the world title. Maybe he has a good showing in the Royal Rumble, but I bet he alters course to go after like the Intercontinental Championship and Gunther. Gunther had a good promo with Imperium and also with Miz, that’ll be a fun rematch before Gunther gets on his Road to WrestleMania.

Speaking of Rumble, great promo from Cody to not just declare for Rumble, but to also put WarGames into a heartfelt perspective. And then Nakamura going after Cody, great move there to help them both build momentum to Rumble. Awesome promo stuff with Rollins and McIntyre to give McIntyre’s Heel turn more heat, I busted up laughing that it was Jey getting his shot against Rollins next. McIntyre and Sami also have a great promo, and that rematch of the two of them is going to be great, too. And I just about died laughing during R-Truth’s promo with the Judgment Day. What a great way to bring Truth back, he is a national treasure.

Also really good promo from Becky, and maybe, just maybe, she’s saying she’s gonna go after Rhea now? Thought it was gonna be Nia, but she and Zoey had a good promo and match, maybe Nia has to get through the others first, meaning Shayna is next. Really good women’s tag title match but that could’ve been a touch better. Something seemed a touch off, who knows what. But Chelsea & Piper retaining is fine, because this is all leading to Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn taking those belts back. I kinda wished something had happened while we lingered on Chelsea smiling and waving after the win. Maybe they start on that build this Friday.

Awesome stuff from Bronson VS Ivar, though the crowd didn’t get into it right away. Great move to have it be a count out draw and then a brawl, they’re definitely gonna up the ante next time. And then CM Punk of course had the closing moment tonight. I had another laugh when Punk said he was “back home” in the WWE, perhaps out of surprise and how that buries his time in AEW. But whatever any of us think about Punk, from egotistical to hypocritical to emotional to passionate, he’s back, but also, this is it. He messes up here, he is done. He can’t go back to AEW, likewise can’t go to AEW’s friends like NJPW, and he clearly doesn’t want to go anywhere “small time” like Impact or NWA. He needs to keep it under control this time or lose whatever’s left of his legacy.

My Score: 8.8/10

Will the Headbanga & Young Guerrilla have to tranquilo?

The NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions have been rolling through World Tag League, but will that roll come to a screeching halt against Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 8 Man Tag: Tomoaki Honma, Yuto Nakashima & The Gates of Agony VS Bullet Club War Dogs; Bullet Club War Dogs win.
• Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS The House of Torture; The United Empire wins.
• Six Man Tag: Chaos VS TMDK; Chaos wins.
• Six Man Tag: Shota Umino, Ren Narita & Oskar Leube VS Kaito Kiyomiya, Ryohei Oiwa & Boltin Oleg; Kaito, Oiwa & Oleg win.
• 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Lance Archer & Alex Zayne VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr; Archer & Zayne win.
• 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza; Bishamon wins.
• 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki VS Taichi & Yuya Uemura; Taichi & Yuya win.
• 2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr; Tsuji & Zandokan win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current B Block standings.

Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 2-0, 4 points
Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 2-0, 4 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-0, 4 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 1-1, 2 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 1-1, 2 points
Bishamon: 0-2, 0 points
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 0-2, 0 points
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 0-2, 0 points

2023 World Tag League, B Block: Lance Archer & Alex Zayne VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr!

The Monster Sauce just pinned the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions while the sons of lucha managed to bring down the Rogue Army. Both teams are 2-0 but still hungry for more, so who is eating their first loss here tonight?

Zayne is for some reason suddenly shy, and he keeps his jacket closed as he walks out here. Archer doesn’t understand why, either. He claims he’s cold? Archer insists he put the jacket aside, so Zayne reluctantly does, revealing he is just wearing basketball shorts. Did his luggage not make it? Well, the teams sort out, Archer starts against Atlantis and the bell rings. Fans rally up as the two tie up, and Archer laughs at he puts Atlantis in the corner. The ref counts, Archer lets off with pats on the shoulder, and the two reset. They approach, Atlantis gets around and throws a forearm! Archer doesn’t budge!

Archer takes a swing, Atlantis bobs ‘n’ weaves, runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges then CHOPS! Atlantis whips, Archer reverses but Atlantis holds ropes. Archer runs in, Atlantis dodges and comes back, but Archer puts him on the apron. Archer runs in but Atlantis shoulders him back! Atlantis slingshots but Archer stays up! Archer drags Atlantis up, TOSSES him to a corner, and then runs corner to corner. Atlantis dodges to BLAST Zayne, and Soberano GAMANGIRIS Archer! Atlantis & Soberano stomp away on Archer, the ref counts but they let off. Fans fire up and the luchadores mug Archer to then double whip. Archer swings but they dodge the double lariats!

Soberano runs back in but Archer catches his crossbody! Archer BOOTS Atlantis then FALL AWAY SLAMS Soberano! Zayne runs in, UPPERCUTS Atlantis then UPPERCUTS in the corner! Archer ELBOWS Atlantis, then helps Zayne with the HIP TOSS CANNONBALL! Fans fire up and Archer drags Atlantis up. Archer bumps Atlantis off buckles, then tags Zayne. Fans cheer and Zayne CLUBS Atlantis down. Zayne drags Atlantis up to ROCK him, and Atlantis falls back towards a corner. Zayne stands Atlantis up to knee low, then reels him in. Tag to Archer, Zayne scoops to SLAM! And then Archer scoops Zayne to SLAM him on Atlantis! Cover, TWO!

Archer argues with the ref and chases him around. Archer then goes back to Atlantis to snap suplex! Archer talks trash on Soberano then stands on Atlantis at the ropes. The ref counts, Archer steps away and he tells fans to urusei! Archer then whips Atlantis hard into the corner! Tag to Zayne and he clamps on a facelock. Atlantis endures, fights up, and throws body shots. Atlantis is free, he dodges Zayne and then scoops to BACKBREAKER! Fans rally up, both men crawl, and hot tag to Soberano! Soberano DROPKICKS Zayne, whips him to a corner, and then runs in to DROPKICK again! Zayne staggers, into a RANA!

Fans cheer and Soberano eggs on Archer. Soberano keeps Zayne from him, then holds out a hand tauntingly. The ref has to keep Archer back and Soberano CLUBS Zayne. Soberano taunts Archer, whips Zayne but Zayne reverses. Soberano BOOTS Zayne, Atlantis tags in, and Soberano BOOTS Zayne down! Soberano runs in and Atlantis puts him up top, but Archer runs in! Soberano BOOTS Archer, Atlantis SUPERKICKS, and then Zayne runs in. Atlantis gets around to waistlock Zayne, Soberano MISSILE DROPKICK SPLASH COMBOS, sending Zayne into Atlantis’ GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up and Atlantis covers, TWO!

Fans cheer as Zayne hangs tough, and Atlantis stands him up. Atlantis ROCKS Zayne, Zayne ROCKS Atlantis. They trade forearms, Zayne gets the edge and ELBOWS Atlantis. Zayne runs in at the corner but is put up top! ENZIGURI and Zayne’s in the Tree of Woe! Atlantis runs to DROPKICK him down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up while Atlantis argues the count. The ref says his count was fair, so Atlantis brings Zayne up to throw forearm after forearm. Atlantis runs, Archer gets in to scoop! ROLLING AX KICK SIDEWALK SLAM COMBO! Cover, Soberano breaks it! Archer ROCKS Soberano, then runs in, only for Soberano to dump him out!

Soberano aims and SLINGSHOT RANAS Archer! Atlantis puts Zayne on ropes, Soberano GAMANGIRIS and Atlantis DROPKICKS! Fans fire up and Atlantis tags Soberano. Soberano goes up to TORNILLO! Cover, TWO! Zayne is still in this and the fans fire up again. Soberano drags Zayne up to a fireman’s carry, and then hits a WASTELAND SLAM! Soberano goes to a corner, climbs up, but Archer STEP-UP KNEES! Zayne runs, NO HANDS STEINER! And then CHOKE SLAM SAULT but onto knees! Archer hurries to grab Soberano, CHOKE- NO, Soberano slips free and ENZIGURIS! Mule kick for Zayne, and Soberano stands on Zayne’s back!

But then Zayne avoids the Elevator Famouser! Atlantis runs in, but into a schoolboy KICK! Soberano kicks low, reels Zayne in and vows to finish this! Canadian Rack, into the Gory Especial! Swing and- NO, Zayne blocks the knee! Soberano avoids the lariat, but springboards into the choke grip! CHOKE SLAM! Atlantis runs in, into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Fans fire up with Monster Sauce and they say, “ITADAKIMASU~!” Zayne hauls Soberano up, straitjacket and pump handle, TACO DRIVER!! Cover, Monster Sauce wins!

Winners: Lance Archer & Alex Zayne, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Atlantis & Soberano earn 0)

The sons of lucha libre just got burned! Will they be able to recover from this in the next round? Will Archer & Zayne keep things going until they feast in the finals?

2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza!

It is rather shocking that Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi, THE IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, have started 0-2. However, the Rogue General & Red Commando are also 0-2, could this be a huge rebound for them? Or will the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter be the ones to finally get on the board?

The teams sort out and Bonza starts against Goto. Fans rally as the two circle, and they tie up. They go around, Bonza waistlocks but Goto wrenches and wristlocks. Bonza rolls, wrenches and waistlocks, but Goto switches. Goto full nelsons, spins Bonza to cravat then headlock, but Bonza pries the hold open to hammerlock. Goto goes to ropes, Bonza lets off, but then Bonza kicks low! Bonza headlocks and he grinds Goto, but Goto pries at the hold. Bonza clamps on tighter, but Goto powers out, only for Bonza to run Goto over! Bonza runs, Goto stays low but Bonza stomps him down! Bonza paces around then stands Goto up.

Bonza whips but Hashi tags in. Bishamon run Bonza over with double shoulders! Hashi runs and Goto sets up, ZANMAI! Fale runs in but Bishamon kicks him first! “SE~ NO!” They HAMMER away on Fale! Fale explodes out, but then Bishamon runs to double shoulder Fale down! Fans fire up and now Bishamon bring Bonza up. “SE~ NO!” and they HAMMER away on Bonza! Fans fire up, Hashi brings Bonza around to CLUB him again. Hashi whips Bonza to a corner, then storms up to CHOP him! Hashi ROCKS Bonza with a forearm, and then another, and then whips corner to corner. Bonza reverses but Hashi dodges the splash!

But Fale’s there to CLOBBER Hashi! Bonza BLASTS Goto, Fale drags Hashi out and throw body shots. Hashi falls over, the ref reprimands, but Fale sends Hashi into railing! Hashi falls in a heap, Bonza goes out to fetch him. Bonza drags Hashi up, puts him in the ring, and then tags Fale in. Bonza drags Hashi around and Fale stands on Hashi’s chest! It’s technically a cover so the ref counts, TWO! Hashi hangs in there but Fale drags him up. Fale CLUBS Hashi back down! Bonza applauds and Fale taunts Goto. The ref is busy with Goto so Bonza stands on Hashi’s head! Bonza gets away with that, and Fale stands Hashi up.

Fale scoops and SLAMS Hashi, then stands on his back! Fale goes surfing, but then lets off to cover, TWO! Fans applaud as Hashi hangs tough. Fale drags Hashi over, tags Bonza, and the Rogue Army mugs Hashi with a CHOP! Bonza ROCKS Hashi, ROCKS him again, then runs to BLAST Goto! Bonza returns to Hashi, but Hashi fires forearms in return! Hashi fires up, dodges Bonza and sends him into Fale! Roll up, with a bridge, TWO! Bonza checks, he’s safe, but then Hashi kicks. Hashi runs, but into an ELBOW! Bonza whips, Hashi ducks, but Bonza blocks the superkick into an STF! But Goto stomps Bonza!

Bonza BOOTS Goto and kicks him out of the ring! Bonza complains to the ref, then mocks the fans cheering on Hashi. Bonza drags Hashi up, reels him in, but Hashi suplexes! Bonza fights it, Hashi tries again, but then Bonza suplexes! Hashi slips free but Bonza elbows him away. Bonza runs but Hashi dropkicks the legs out! Fans rally up while both men are down! Hashi crawls over to the corner, hot tag to Goto! Goto runs in to run Bonza over! Goto fires off forearms, whips Bonza corner to corner, and runs in to MURAMASA! And then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Goto keeps his cool and he ROCKS Fale! Fale grabs Goto!

Bonza CLUBS Goto, runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! Fale runs in, Goto kicks him first! Goto reels Fale in, and aims for Bonza! But Fale blocks the suplex to scoop! Goto slips free but Fale elbows him away. Bonza runs in at the corner, but into a BOOT! Fale tries but Goto dodges the splash! Goto fires off forearms on them both! Goto runs, but Bonza drops and Fale LARIATS! Bonza covers, TWO! Fans rally up but the Rogue Army coordinates. They get Goto up, Bonza scoops, BACKBREAKER to Fale’s ELBOW DROP! Cover, Hashi breaks it! Fans fire up but Fale stomps Hashi and throws him out. But then Hashi RAMS Fale into railing!

Fans fire up while commentary takes a hit! Yoh is stunned and Milano Collection AT almost falls out of his seat like yesterday! Bonza has Goto, suplexes, but Goto slips free to waistlock. Bonza switches, Goto elbows free and runs, but Bonza BOOTS him! And LARIATS! Fans fire up and Bonza drags Goto up to reel him in. Gut wrench, DOCTOR BOMB!! Cover, HASHI BREAKS IT!! Hashi saves Goto from disaster but Fale ROCKS and CHOPS Hashi to a corner. The Rogue Army regroups and double whips corner to corner. Fale runs in but Hashi dodges to LARIAT Bonza! Hashi runs to clothesline Fale in the corner!

Hashi roars, fires off forearms, and then a kick and a CHOP! Fale stays up, but Hashi gets around him! Goto is back up and he LARIATS from behind! Bishamon fires up to DOUBLE LARIAT Fale up and out! Fans fire up, Bonza runs in to ELBOW Goto! Hashi blocks Bonza’s kick, Goto KICKS that leg! Goto fireman’s carries, for FIERCE FLASH into SHO- NO, Bonza kicks Hashi away! Goto feeds Bonza to HIDDEN GAP! And then SHOTO!! Cover, BISHAMON WINS!

Winner: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Rogue Army earns 0)

Finally, the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions have points! Does this mean their dream of a WTL threepeat is still alive? Does this third loss in a row mean the Rogue Army needs to call in reinforcements?

2023 World Tag League, B Block: Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki VS Taichi & Yuya Uemura!

Blue Justice & The Meanest Man in the World are 0-2, but the Holy Emperor & Heat Storm are 2-0. But will Suzuki be able to bring down one of his former proteges? Or will Taichi and his new protege keep their roll towards the finals going?

The teams sort out and while Suzuki stares down Taichi, Nagata stares down Yuya. The fans rally up, the ref has the teams settle down, and Taichi starts against Suzuki. The fans fire up with the bell as the two circle. Taichi and Suzuki stare down and Suzuki smirks. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and Suzuki powers Taichi to ropes. The ref counts the break, Suzuki lets off slowly, but Taichi is chill because he knows “Boss” Suzuki well. Suzuki grins as he and Taichi reset. They feel things out again, knuckle lock, and now Taichi puts Suzuki on ropes. They pull hair and ears, but Taichi still lets off. Fans applaud as the two reset again.

Suzuki tags to Nagata and fans applaud. Taichi then backs away to tag Yuya. The fans cheer as these two tie up, and Nagata wrenches. Yuya spins, wrenches, and WRINGS Nagata, reaches down, but Nagata headscissors. Yuya kips free and the fans cheer. Nagata and Yuya reset and circle again. They knuckle lock, then go shoulder to shoulder in a test of strength. They push each other, hands up then back to shoulder to shoulder. Yuya wrenches, hammerlocks then headlocks, and he holds tight as Nagata tries to power out! Fans cheer as Yuya facelocks to keep Nagata down. Nagata fights up, Yuya goes back to the headlock.

Nagata endures as Yuya grinds the hold. Yuya hits a takeover, Nagata headscissors, Yuya kips free and hits a flying takeover! Fans cheer as Heat Storm has Blue Justice back down. Nagata fights up, Yuya grinds the hold, but Nagata throws body shots. Nagata sends Yuya to a corner, runs in, but Yuya dodges to arm-drag! But then Nagata kitchen sink knees! Fans rally up and Nagata KICKS Yuya in the back! Yuya gets up, fires off forearms and CHOPS, but Nagata ROCKS him then snapmares to KICK him again! Nagata tags Suzuki and Suzuki reluctantly gets in. Suzuki drags Yuya up to wrench and hammerlock then headlock.

Yuya endures as Suzuki grinds, then he hits the headlock takeover. Suzuki goes after an arm and shifts to the double wristlock! Yuya endures, clasps hands, but Suzuki changes up to a facelock. They go to the corner, Nagata tags back in, and the murder grandpas mug Yuya. Nagata CLUBS Yuya, snapmares and clamps on the chinlock! Nagata shifts his grip as Yuya pries at it, and Yuya endures as the fans rally. Nagata KNEES Yuya in the back, KICKS him, and brings Yuya to the corner. Nagata ROCKS Yuya, ROCKS him again, Suzuki tags in just as Yuya starts hitting back! Nagata ROCKS Yuya and Suzuki BOOTS him!

Suzuki stomps Yuya, digs his boot in, but the ref counts. Suzuki lets off, fans rally up, and Suzuki brings Yuya around. Yuya shoves Suzuki but Suzuki pulls hair to throw a knee. Suzuki whips, but Yuya reverses to DROPKICK! Fans fire up while both men are down! Yuya and Suzuki stir, Yuya crawls, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi runs to BLAST Nagata, and then he goes back to his mentor. Taichi gives Suzuki some Kawada Kicks! Suzuki just stands up and laughs! Taichi kicks low then fires off more Kawada Kicks! Suzuki kicks back, whips, but Taichi reverses to wrench and DANGEROUS HOOK KICK! Fans fire up as Taichi watches Suzuki go to a corner.

Taichi runs corner to corner to BOOT Suzuki! And then he brings Suzuki around to snapmare and KICK in the back! Suzuki laughs and kicks back, to then snapmare and KICK! Fans cheer and Taichi stands back up. Taichi smiles, SOBATS, then runs to BOOT! Suzuki rebounds to BOOT! Taichi BOOTS again, so Suzuki BOOTS again! They egg each other on and the fans love it! Suzuki fires a forearm, Taichi paces. Taichi KICKS but Suzuki stays up. Suzuki ROCKS Taichi with a forearm, but Taichi KICKS in return! Suzuki laughs as he and Taichi go back and forth, forearm for kick! Suzuki gets the edge, then he eggs Taichi on.

Taichi winds up to ROCK Suzuki! Fans fire up, Taichi KICKS again! Suzuki drops to a knee and Taichi fires up! Taichi’s chest is bleeding but has he surpassed his mentor? Taichi kicks, but Suzuki blocks! Suzuki headlocks, Taichi powers out but Suzuki pulls Taichi’s hair! HEADBUTT! Taichi staggers, Suzuki throws another forearm, but Taichi roars! So Suzuki DECKS him! Fans fire up with Suzuki as Taichi flops against him! Suzuki eggs Taichi on and Taichi slowly rises. Suzuki BOOTS, Taichi growls! Suzuki BOOTS, Taichi BOOTS Suzuki down! Suzuki gets up to BOOT Taichi down! And hot tag to Nagata!

Nagata brings Taichi up to KICK! And KICK! And KICK! Nagata whips corner to corner, runs in and BOOTS! Nagata clinches but Taichi fights with elbows! Nagata waistlocks, Taichi pries free to PELE! Nagata falls and fans fire up! Taichi crawls his way over, hot tag to Yuya! Yuya runs up to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP, but Nagata kicks low. Nagata whips, Yuya reverses and arm-drags! Yuya keeps moving, and he DOUBLE CHOPS Nagata down! Nagata goes to a corner, Yuya runs corner to corner to SPLASH and BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up while Yuya stays focused. Yuya drags Nagata up again and clinches!

Nagata fights the lift, Suzuki attacks from behind! Taichi attacks Suzuki, then runs, but Suzuki follows to shoot around and SLEEPER! Fans fire up and Suzuki spins Taichi, but Taichi knows that one! Taichi slips free, Suzuki dodges a haymaker, but not the AX BOMBER! Fans fire up while those two fall, and then Yuya aims at Nagata in a corner. Yuya fires up and runs in, to DROPKICK! Nagata staggers and Yuya roars! Yuya traps one arm, then the other, but Nagata turns that into a SAIDO! The fans fire up again while all four men are down! Nagata and Yuya stir, and Nagata roars as he rises! He eggs Yuya on, and then fires a forearm!

Yuya fires a forearm back! The forearms go back and forth, and fans rally up! Nagata eggs Yuya on so Yuya fires a flurry! Nagata keeps returning the shots, they go harder and harder back and forth, and the fans love it! Nagata ROCKS Yuya, ROCKS him again, but Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! Nagata WHEEL KICKS outta nowhere! Fans fire up as Yuya flounders to a corner. Taichi returns to kick and whip, but Nagata reverses to SHINING WIZARD! Yuya is back but Nagata BOOTS and ENZIGURIS! Taichi sends Suzuki into railing! Nagata SAIDO- CROSSBODY from Yuya! Cover, TWO!!

Nagata is up, Yuya gets around, Taichi returns, feed to a BOOT! DOUBLE CHOP! GAMANGIRI! Fans fire up with Yuya and he hurries up top. Yuya aims while Taichi keeps Suzuki out! CROSSBODY! But Yuya isn’t done, he traps the arms! KANMUKI SUPLEX BRIDGE! J5G WINS!!

Winners: Taichi & Yuya Uemura, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Nagata & Suzuki earn 0)

The youngest star in this match just pinned the highly decorated living legend, and the duo stays undefeated! Is this a sign that Yuya & Taichi are on the right track? Will Suzuki & Nagata ever get on the board?

2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr!

The NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions just lost last round in the main event, but they’re back again, looking for redemption! Will they prove they can rebound from anything? Or will Gene Blast & The King of the World sink their ship and grab some golden tickets?

ELP enjoys the fans cheering him on. Then the fans cheer on “Yota! Yota!” and he smiles. The teams sort out, and Zando steps up. ELP jokes that Jado should step up, but Zando pushes ELP. ELP says okay then! ELP gets sexy with taking off the shirt, and a great toss to Leo. The bell rings and fans rally up as Zando offers a handshake. ELP thinks about it, but then Zando puts some spit on it! ELP puts a lot of spit on his! They shake hands after all! And then Zando headlocks! ELP powers up and out, but Zando runs him over! Zando shouts he’s El Rey Del Mundo, then things speed up. ELP drops, hurdles, but then Zando leaps over!

Zando dodges ELP, but ELP RANAS! ELP swings, Zando dodges and he RANAS in return! Fans fire up more, and Zando runs in at the corner. ELP BOOTS him, eggs him on, and then blocks the haymaker to knuckle lock and CHOP! ELP goes up and up and jumps around to FLYING RANA! ELP handsprings up and fans fire up again! ELP does jumping jacks to show off, even. Zando backs off, tags Tsuji, and Tsuji smiles as he steps to ELP. But then Tsuji calls out the big guy? Leo looks around, it has to be him. Leo tags in and he steps to Tsuji. Fans rally and Tsuji grins. Leo puts some spit on his handshake, and Tsuji leaves him hanging!

Leo swings, Tsuji dodges and fires a forearm! Then a body shot! Tsuji fires more shots, but Leo ROCKS him! Leo drags Tsuji up, suplexes, but Tsuji slips free to dropkick a leg out! Tsuji runs, but Leo scoops! SNAKE EYES, and Leo runs, but Zando trips him! Tsuji basement dropkicks! ELP gets in but Tsuji kicks low. Tsuji & Zando double whip, then POP-UP KNEE! ELP falls out of the ring and fans fire up. Tsuji storms up on Leo, drags him up, and CHOPS him! Tsuji brings Leo up and around to bump off buckles. Tag to Zando, and he stomps a mudhole into Leo! Red Shoes counts but Zando lets off to bring Leo up.

Leo pushes Zando away but Zando BOOTS him! Zando then thrashes Leo around by his hair! Zandn CLUBS Leo, tags Tsuji, but Leo CHOPS! Tsuji eggs Leo on, so Leo CHOPS again! Tsuji pulls Leo’s hair, then throws him down by his hair! Tsuji BLASTS ELP, but ELP gets back in! Red Shoes keeps ELP back and Tsuji stomps Leo to the corner. Tsuji & Zando dig their boots in, Red Shoes warns ELP to cool off, then counts at him. ELP backs off, Tsuji & Zando let off, and Tsuji grins at ELP. Fans rally, Tsuji stomps Leo and tags Zando. Zando & Tsuji bring Leo around to then CHOP and CHOP in a corner. They double whip corner to corner, then Zando runs in.

Leo dodges Zando to UPPERCUT Tsuji! Fans fire up but Zando CLOBBERS Leo! Zando BLASTS ELP, then looms over Leo. Fans rally, Tsuji & Zando double whip Leo, but Leo DOUBLE LARIATS them first! Fans fire up and Leo crawls, hot tag to ELP! ELP goes right up top to AX HANDLE Zando! Then atomic drop on Tsuji! ELP mocks Tsuji’s pain, then ducks Tsuji’s punch to atomic drop again! ELP TOSSES Tsuji out, the fans rally and ELP runs, but Zando is there to kick him down! Zando whips ELP to a corner, runs in, but ELP catches him into headscissors, for an ELBOW! ELP then eggs Zando on, gets him for another headscissor and an AX KICK!

ELP runs in, BOOTS Zando down, and then suplexes high and hard! Somersault to the LIONSAULT! But ELP keeps going, and he DIVES onto Tsuji! Tsuji hits railing and fans fire up with ELP! ELP throws a fan’s LIJ hat! ELP gets back in, Zando dodges but then ELP dodges, only for Zando to SNAP SAMOAN DRIVER! Zando drags ELP up, “IKU YO~!” Canadian Rack and DOMINATOR! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up! Zando tags Tsuji in and Tsuji BLASTS Leo! Tsuji fires up and the fans are with him as he goes back to ELP. Tsuji stands ELP up, reels him in and suplexes, but ELP fights it and wrenches free!

But Tsuji ROCKS ELP first! ELP swings, but into the BACKBREAKER! COMPLETE SHOT! ELP avoids the stomp, and the chop, to ENZIGURI! Fans fire up while both men are down! ELP rolls to hot tag Leo! ELP then torture racks and Leo runs, BOOT UFO, into the BRAIN SALAD! Cover, TWO!! Tsuji survives and fans fire up! Jado pounds the apron, the fans clap along, and Leo takes aim. Tsuji stirs, then slowly rises. Leo choke grips, for GOD- NO, Tsuji flips through and runs in! Leo scoops, but Tsuji slips free again! But Leo UPPERCUTS! And choke grips again! Zando runs in, Leo grabs him, too! But Zando & Tsuji break free!

Zando & Tsuji double whip, but Leo breaks the line, only to get double basement dropkicks! Ten minutes have passed, but Tsuji & Zando get Leo up. But ELP saves Leo from the Anchor! ELP CHOPS Zando, Tsuji CHOPS ELP! Leo CHOPS Tsuji, Zando CHOPS Leo! Leo roars, runs in, but Zando dumps him out! Zando fires the fans up and he builds speed, to DIVE! Down goes Leo into the railing! ELP runs at Tsuji but he’s put on the apron. So ELP ASAI MOONSAULTS Zando! But Tsuji is up top! SUPER CROSSBODY! Fans fire up as all four men are down on the outside! Red Shoes calls to them, then starts a ring count.

Fans rally, Tsuji sits up first, and he grits his teeth as he stands. Fans fire up with Tsuji, and he puts Leo in at 10 of 20. Fans rally, Tsuji drags Leo up and reels him in. But Leo fights the suplex! So Tsuji ROCKS Leo! Leo fires up but Tsuji V-TRIGGERS, SUPERKICKS, but Leo HEADBUTTS! Leo reels Tsuji in, but Tsuji suplexes first!! Cover, TWO!! The fans rally up, Tsuji calls to Zando and Zando says, “VAMOS AMIGO!” Tsuji climbs, then stands on Zando’s shoulders! Leo stands first, and he reaches up to grab Tsuji! But Zando SUPERKICKS! Tsuji SUPERKICKS! They get Leo up and ANCHOR!! Cover, ELP breaks it while hitting a DESTROYER on Zando!

Tsuji fires off on ELP but ELP fires back! Tsuji gets the edge, whips ELP but ELP reverses to hurdle, and Leo gets in there to POWER TRIP! Fans fire up and Leo coordinates with ELP! ELP tunes up the band, and SUDDEN DEATH, into the choke grip! ELP DIVES at Zando, but Zando catches him! T K O to the floor! Then Tsuji victory rolls Leo!! TWO!! Leo escapes, but Tsuji blows past, and he KNEES the Power Trip down! CURB STOMP!! Fans fire up as Tsuji roars and he takes aim from a corner! Leo rises, into the GENE BLAST SPEAR!!! Cover, LIJ wins!!

Winners: Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr, by pinfall (gain 2 points; ELP & Leo earn 0)

The Guerrillas of Destiny have fallen again! Two losses in a row, will the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions be owing a lot of golden tickets after World Tag League?

As for Tsuji & Zando, Tsuji gets the mic first to say, “Oi, Hikuleo. Don’t think this win is my revenge for the G1! I haven’t really beaten you yet. Back when we were in the dojo, we talked about our hopes and dreams. Let’s spin the rest of the story now.” Fans applaud this show of respect, and Tsuji continues by saying, “Apparently, Hikuleo & ELP are Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions. My apologies, but I don’t care for that brand.” But he knows Leo & ELP aren’t the kind to just accept a loss. Tsuji vows that he and Zando will win World Tag League and go to the Tokyo Dome. Then maybe after that, how about a rematch here in Japan? Or maybe in Zando’s home of Mexico?

Fans like the sound of that! Tsuji then properly introduces his tag partner, Zandokan Jr. About a year ago, while Tsuji was in Mexico on excursion, they teamed up. In Mexico, the fans throw money into the ring when you’ve had a great match. Now that is being a rainmaker! And those memories are still vivid in Tsuji’s mind. “Thank you, Zandokan. Let’s keep it up.” They shake hands and the fans applaud. Tsuji then says “It seems like the owner, Kidani, is really behind Bishamon, huh? He needs them to keep the younger ones down. But I’m not that young…”

Tsuji then calls out Kidani, and says “me and Zandokan Jr. will crush your quiet favorites who don’t move the needle. Please count on us.” Fans fire up hearing that bold statement! Tsuji then asks them, “Are you ready?! We will win this World Tag League!” Then together with Zando, he shouts, “VAMOS AMIGOS!” Gene Blast and the King of the World are ready to claim all the treasure, will they be the ones with the trophies and the titles?

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 3-0, 6 points
Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 3-0, 6 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-1, 4 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 2-1, 4 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 1-2, 2 points
Bishamon: 1-2, 2 points
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 0-3, 0 points
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 0-3, 0 points

My Thoughts:

A great third round for B Block, and a sixth day for NJPW World Tag League. Awesome stuff from Monster Sauce and the CMLL luchadores, and since only one was going to keep their streak going, I really like that Archer & Zayne keep on going. Quite shocking that Nagata & Suzuki are 0-3, but a great match with Taichi & Yuya where the younger guys look great for having beat the old guard. Rogue Army being at the bottom still makes sense, given they gave Bishamon their first win of this tournament. Bishamon needed to get something, so here it was.

And great main event of Tsuji & Zandokan getting one over on ELP & Leo. Bit rough that Tsuji out and says he doesn’t really care about NJPW Strong, that’s like if someone in WWE out and says they don’t care about NXT or someone in AEW doesn’t care about ROH. But I did like the boldness of him saying Bishamon aren’t needle movers/money makers for NJPW, because in a way, I do agree. Goto & Hashi are great, have been great, but they really only have the Heavyweight Tag titles back because Mark Davis got hurt and Aussie Open couldn’t defend the belts. And then Aussie Open moves over to AEW, only for Davis to get hurt again. There’s a very good chance that the WTL winners become the landmark 100th champions, depending on who they give the nod to for winning WTL in the first place.

My Score: 8.8/10