Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/25/22)
20 YEARS of the Viper!
Raw celebrates Randy Orton’s newest milestone!
April 25th, 2002, Randy Orton made his WWE debut, and the rest is history! How will Raw and Matt Riddle celebrate the Viper reaching 20 YEARS?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Sonya Deville; changed to…
- Raw Women’s Championship No Holds Barred: Bianca Belair VS Sonya Deville w/ Carmella & Zelina Vega; Belair wins and retains the title.
- Veer Mahaan VS ???; Mahaan wins.
- Arm-Wrestling Contest: Omos w/ MVP VS Bobby Lashley; Lashley wins.
- Mixed Tag Match: Dana Brooke & Reggie VS Tamina & Akira Tozawa; Tamina & Tozawa win.
- Finn Balor VS Damian Priest; Priest wins.
- Mustafa Ali VS The Miz; Ali wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens & The Usos VS Cody Rhodes, Ezekiel & RKBRO; Cody, Ezekiel & RKBRO win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Matt Riddle is in the ring!
The University of Tennessee has the Bro in the ring and all the superstars of Raw around ringside. Seth Rollins, however, is sitting by the announce desk. Riddle says what’s up, and welcomes us to Monday Night Raw! Tonight is special, because this is the 20th Anniversary of one of the greatest to ever do it. Let’s take a look back at the debut of Randy Orton! A good match against Hardcore Holly, and even more importantly, a win! Then from there, it was Evolution, the Legend Killer, Intercontinental Champion, the youngest World Heavyweight Champion ever, the Apex Predator, and now RKBRO!
Tennessee applauds and chants for “Randy! Randy!” and Riddle says there’s only one thing left to do. Give it up for Riddle’s friend, the Viper himself, RANDYYY! ORRRTOOON! The man of the hour makes his way out, and he gets nods and fist bumps of respect from the superstars at ringside. Fans cheer as Orton gets in the ring with Riddle, and then he gets a mic. “So I appreciate you, man. This is pretty cool.” And Knoxville is where Orton was born. Wikipedia was right on this one. SO it’s great that they’re able to do this here. His journey has had ups, downs, twists and turns, but he hopes no one is sick of him, because he ain’t going anywhere!
Those 20 years flew by in a flash. He made a to of relationships, had a lot of killer matches with some real badass men. John Cena, Triple H, the Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley especially. It was because of Mick Foley that Orton became the Legend Killer, and that Orton is even here now. Same for HHH, Ric Flair and a lot of others. But there is one thing that’s different these days. Orton is having more fun right now than he’s ever had in his entire career, all thanks to Riddle! Much love. And they hug! Fans cheer for “R K BRO! R K BRO!” and Orton says he’s gotta let us all know something.
We’ve all had our twists and turns, too, but they’ve always supported him. If it wasn’t for the fans, there would be none of this. He thanks all of them, as well. Fans chant, “Thank You, Randy!” “Randy! Randy!” and Riddle says he has a surprise! This man wanted to come out, says Orton’s a mentor to him. This is a second generation star who looks up to Orton as a locker room leader, and even says they were friends. So then, Knoxville, here is the AMERICAN NIGHTMARE, CODY RHODES! Cody makes his way out and Orton can’t help but smile. They hug it out, but now Rollins has to speak up.
“Awwwwwwww… Well, isn’t this cute? Don’t trust him, Randy~. Don’t trust Cody Rhodes. No no no. He’s not out here to show you love. He’s out here to try to steal your spotlight, just like he tried to steal MY spotlight at WrestleMania!” Rollins wants to let Mr. Nightmare in on a secret: not everything is about YOU! Rollins laughs and says tonight is specifically about Randy Orton, baby! Rollins picked out his finest suit for the occasion. What a career, 20 years in the past. Call a spade a spade, Orton’s best years are behind him. Orton is the past, but he’s not the present or the future. And neither is Cody!
Rollins says the next generation won’t be inspired by a Nightmare, a Bro or a Viper, but by a Visionary, a revolutionary, by Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! HAHAHAHA! But Ezekiel speaks up now? Ezekiel says as one of those newer stars, now would be a great time to congratulate Orton and introduce himself. He’s Ezekiel, Elias’ brother. He shakes Orton’s hand and Ezekiel says he’ll never forget him and Elias watching Orton dominate! But then Kevin Owens barges out from the crowd to call Ezekiel a LIAR! Kevin can’t stay back and let someone lie to Orton! Ezekiel looks like and talks like Elias BECAUSE IT IS!
Is Orton gonna let someone lie to him on tonight of all nights? This is how you pay tribute? Ezekiel disgusts Kevin! Kevin says Ezekiel passed the lie detector test but he’ll figure this out! Kevin’s the only sane one around here! Riddle wants Kevin to calm down, but here come the USOS! Jimmy & Jey are back again, and Jimmy says, “20. Years. 20 years, Uce. Two decades your boy, the Viper, been doing this thing in the WWE.” Jey says they were 15 watching Orton! Does Jey have a favorite Orton moment? Yes he does! The Usos get in the ring with everyone, and Jey says check it. They were watching Orton when they were down here, but now they’re fighting him while they’re up here!
What’s Jey’s favorite moment? When the Usos beat them at Backlash and unify the tag titles to solidify THEIR legacy as the best damn team in the world! RKBRO are the twos, #WeTheOnes! Fans boo and Adam Pearce has everyone wait right there. Before the celebration is tarnished, he will make this clear. All of them will be in competition tonight in the biggest match he can make! In commemoration of the 20th anniversary, it’ll be an EIGHT MAN TAG! Rollins, Kevin & The Usos VS Cody, Ezekiel & RKBRO! Fans love that! But as the teams argue, Kevin DECKS Ezekiel! So Orton RKOS Kevin!!
Rollins and the Usos back off, but they’ll have to stand their ground in tonight’s massive main event! Will these combustible elements blow the roof off the University of Tennessee?
Bianca Belair talks with Kane- Er, Glenn Jacobs, backstage.
The Knoxville native gets some encouragement and congratulations from the Knoxville County Mayor. Will Bianca make Tennessee the proudEST ever as she retains the title in her hometown?
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Sonya Deville!
The EST is a fighting champion, but she ended up getting suckered into this by the power hungry and power abusing “Cruella” Deville. Sonya is blurring the lines of competitor and management again, but will Bianca make her pay for it? Or will Sonya end up trading in her jacket for a title belt?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the hometown hero can stay the champion!
The two tie up at the bell, Bianca headlocks but Sonya powers out, only for Bianca to run Sonya over! Fans cheer as Sonya bails out and Bianca blows a kiss. Sonya gets on the apron, Bianca goes after her, but Sonya uses that to trip her up! Sonya drags Bianca out to bump her off the apron, and then whip. Bianca reverses and Sonya goes flying over the table! Bianca gets back in the ring and the count is climbing! Sonya drags herself up at 9, but she can’t get past the desk! Bianca wins!!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by count-out (still Raw Women’s Champion)
But Sonya stops the announce from saying it! She claims there’s a wet spot, this is not a fair match! She wants to restart this, and she wants NO count-outs! Well there Sonya goes again. She uses her authority to bend things in her favor, but Bianca just shrugs it off. The bell rings again, Bianca rushes out to fire off on Sonya! Sonya brawls with Bianca, they go around, and Bianca reels Sonya in, only for Sonya to RAM her into the apron! And RAM her into the barriers! “Tennessee sucks!” But Bianca RAMS Sonya, then scoops! Sonya slips out and pulls the hair! Bianca uses that to whip Sonya OVER barriers!
Sonya flounder sin the timekeeper area, Bianca staggers that way, but Sonya uses a CHAIR! She SMACKS Bianca down, the bell rings again!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by disqualification (still Raw Women’s Champion)
And again, Sonya says no! Bianca cheated first using a foreign object: her hair. The chair just levels the playing field. Now it’s NO HOLDS BARRED!! The bell rings again, and now Sonya is waving to someone? Out come Carmella and Zelina Vega! The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions are at least on the same page now that they’re against Bianca. What will happen as Sonya keeps stacking the deck? We’ll find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Sonya is mugging Bianca with Mella’s help! Fans boo as Sonya talks trash to Bianca’s face, then runs, into a BOOT! Bianca ELBOWS Mella, then SPINEBUSTERS Sonya! Bianca rains down fists on Sonya but Vega helps out! Vega hops onto Bianca’s back, but Bianca stays up. Sonya kicks Bianca down, she and Vega double whip to put Bianca in a corner. Vega whips Sonya in so she can RAM Bianca. Mella returns, Sonya whips Vega in, but Bianca tosses Vega out and DECKS her! Bianca tosses Mella, too, then dodges Sonya! Sonya hits buckles, Bianca ROCKS Sonya! Bianca gets in, chicken wings, but Sonya victory rolls to send Bianca into buckles!
Fans boo but Sonya gets a chair! Sonya puts the chair down and reels Bianca in. FULL METAL DDT!! Cover, TWO!?! Bianca survives and Sonya can’t believe it! Bianca really is the toughEST! Bianca calls to Vega, she helps wedge a chair into a corner. Sonya whips Bianca in, but Bianca turns it around! Sonya CRASHES into chair! Bianca DECKS Vega, handspring kicks Mella away, then torture racks Sonya! KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall (still Raw Women’s Champion)
And this is for real now! Bianca overcame the unfairEST match Sonya could make, and she keeps that gold around her waist! Is there no stopping her now?
Mella and Vega argue backstage.
Sonya barges in and tells them both to shut up! They both failed to get her the title, so now they don’t get an opportunity. Then she’s going back on her word! Vega can’t believe Sonya is doing this to them when she promised! Sonya SLAPS Vega! And she tells Mella not to slap her back. She’s still their boss. Mella blames Vega but Sonya SLAPS Mella, too! Is the tyrant going to cause a revolt on Raw?
Edge and Damian Priest speak.
The Iconoclast says, “We look down on everyone, sitting atop our mountain of omnipotence. And if anyone comes close, we just kick them in the face down to the bottom of the mountain. People like AJ Styles, or Finn Balor. Tonight, Finn’s stay of execution ends. Damian deals with his unfinished business. Now, we’re better than everyone, but we haven’t shown that. We’ve let things like caring about what you think affect us. The kind of people who would cheer for a lousy program like the Tennessee Volunteers. Or the type of people who will fold themselves into their Pintos, shamble down to the polls, and support the current mayor of Knox County.”
The WWE Universe is such a fascinating cross section of society. People mock Edge for wearing suits and using big words and the purple lights, saying those belong to the Undertaker and this is blasphemy. People don’t like it when the truth slaps them upside their ugly faces. Edge and Priest are better than your favorites! Chew on that. You may not like the flavor since it’s not a cheeseburger or bag o’ chips, but you need to choke it down because it’s true. And speaking of favorites, where’s AJ Styles? Jury duty excuse? Or just mending the left arm they went after, the one Edge separated the first time in the Royal Rumble, the night Edge started his miraculous comeback.
Styles, Edge is speaking to you now. Edge thought back and realized Styles didn’t hit the Phenomenal Forearm. Styles probably thinks if he had, he would’ve won. But at WrestleMania Backlash, Edge will show it won’t. Edge says Styles can’t hit that move with one arm. Don’t let the lemmings push you into a situation you can’t handle, AJ. Stay home, hug your kids with your one good arm. As for Finn, they’ll see him later. Priest tells Finn that his guilt has been determined, and Priest shall be the punishment. Judgement day has arrived! But will Finn be able to beat the rap?
Veer Mahaan VS ???
First, he dominated Dominik Mysterio. Then he broke Jeff Brooks. Who will the Lion of India hunt down and maul this week?
Raw returns and Sam Smothers is the opponent. The bell rings and Veer BOOTS Sam down, then drags him up to whip. Sam hits buckles then Veer SPLASHES him! Sam staggers into the MILLION DOLLAR LARIAT! Veer growls and stalks Sam, to hip drop and CERVICAL CLUTCH!! Sam taps, Veer wins!!
Winner: Veer Mahaan, by submission
An even faster victory for Veer, but there’s still no mercy! He POSTS Sam, then goes outside after him! The ref already calls for reinforcements but Veer clamps o the CERVICAL CLUTCH again! Veer thrashes Sam around, but lets go as the refs tell him to stop. Fans boo but Veer revels in this moment. Sam stirs, and Veer drags him up to SPINEBUSTER on the announce desk! Then Veer jumps up onto the desk, to clamp on the CERVICAL CLUTCH!! Sam can only gurgle and sputter! The refs tell Veer to stop but he holds on until he is satisfied. Will all of Raw soon #FearVeer?
Backstage interview with Bobby Lashley.
He is warming up, but perhaps for more than just tonight’s Arm-Wrestling Contest. Well Lashley is confident that he is still stronger than Omos. But if it goes past this, he has to be ready. He doesn’t trust Omos or that backstabber, MVP. Sarah wishes him luck, but will he need far more than that against The Colossus?
Arm-Wrestling Contest: Omos w/ MVP VS Bobby Lashley!
Raw returns and Omos and MVP are already in the ring. MVP has the mic to say, “Aw man, I’ve looked forward to this day. The day where Bobby Lashley is destroyed by his own ego. The ego that made him forget who made him All Mighty.” MVP tells the fans to shut up with the “What?” as he continues to say Lashley’s ego made him think he could go to WrestleMania without MVP, and to accept a challenge from an athlete superior to Lashley in every single way. Lashley’s muscles, athleticism and strength make him unstoppable for the average superstar. But this isn’t average, this is COLOSSAL!
Here’s a way even Tennessee can understand. And if you have a friend who can read, they can read the definitions of these words to you. Anyway, Omos will wrap his colossal hand, wrap it around Lashley’s puny digits, crush them, then rip the hand off at the wrist! But enough talk, here comes Lashley! He steps into the ring and they square up to the podium. Fans cheer for Lashley but MVP wants Omos to teach Lashley some humility. They lock up, the ref makes sure the grip is good. Ready, GO! These titans are in a deadlock and MVP taunts Lashley if he has second thoughts. Omos is gonna beat him! Oh yeah!
Lashley’s arm is at 45 degrees, but MVP is just egging him on and pissing him off! Lashley powers up to tilt things back his way! Omos holds on, keeps his hand off the pad, but MVP keeps talking trash, saying Lashley is nothing without him! Lashley powers through and WINS!
Winner: Bobby Lashley
MVP takes aim with his cane but Lashley is ready! So Omos CLOBBERS Lashley instead! And SMACKS him off the podium! And again! And again! Omos smothers Lashley into the podium then SMACKS him off it again! The podium is pushed aside, Omos drags Lashley up and throws knees! Omos CLOBBERS Lashley again! MVP grins as he and Omos stand over Lashley. But MVP also has Omos keep from dragging Lashley up. Instead, MVP wants Omos to use the podium! Lashley ain’t so might now, is he? Omos SMASHES Lashley with the podium again and again! Then he smothers Lashley with it again!
The refs tell Omos to stop but MVP says one more! Omos listens to MVP and he SMASHES Lashley again! “And there is your All Mighty.” MVP has Omos TOSS the podium out of the ring, and MVP raises Omos’ hand in victory. Lashley manages to sit up, will he be able to recover from such brutality?
R-Truth heads to the ring!
And he’s the special guest referee! Maybe R stands for “Renaissance.” That said, he’s going to keep the peace during this upcoming rematch!
Mixed Tag Match: Dana Brooke & Reggie VS Tamina & Akira Tozawa!
Raw returns and shares what set up this match. The committed couples were arguing about the debacle during their ceremony last week, and “therapist” Truth had them calm down. This was a group couples counseling session. Truth not only marries couples, he keeps them together. He is certified in therapeutic, scientific togetherness training. And y’know what, if he has to, he’d tear them all apart to keep it together. They’ve got 99 problems but love ain’t one. Tozawa says he has a lot of love. This sparks another argument but Truth shouts them down again. They have to put the T R U back in trust.
Management says as an exercise in team work, we have this Mixed Tag Match. And ain’t no one gonna pin Dana for the 24/7 title, the rules will be suspended for the duration. And furthermore, he’s keeping an eye on them as the referee. Yep, he’s certified! Don’t hate. So back to present, the couples have made their entrances, and the gentlemen start! Will this work out to keep them all together? Or will it only tear them all apart?
The bell rings, Tozawa and Reggie tie up. Tozawa whips and hip tosses, but Reggie kangaroo kicks and arm-drags! Reggie holds on, Dana tags in, but that allows Tamina in. Tamina runs in but Dana dodges, only for Tamina to scoop! Dana slips out, kicks low and whips Tamina. Tamina blocks, whips Dana, then reels her in and dips her. Tamina says if Tozawa has a lot of love, then so does she! Truth say sno, that ain’t PG! Tozawa tags in, Reggie gets in and dodges to then TWISTING CROSSBODY! And then, SOMERSAULT- NO! Tozawa avoids the seated senton, he sobats, spin kicks, slides under and SCREW HIGH KICKS!
Tozawa drags Reggie to a drop zone, goes up top, and “I LOVE YOU!” SUPER SENTON!! Cover, Tozawa and Tamina win!
Winners: Akira Tozawa & Tamina, by pinfall
Tozawa and Tamina hug, and then Tamina looks at Dana. Tamina throws Dana down, Tozawa covers, but Truth throws Tozawa into Tamina! Dana wants the title! Truth offers her an escape, but then rolls her up! And he counts it himself! TWO!! Dana escapes again and asks what the heck! She trusted him! Truth says he was testing her! Dana runs, leaving Reggie behind. Is the title too important to everyone to leave room for love?
Becky Lynch is here!
But despite the great sunglasses and outfit, Big Time Becks is feeling pretty low since she’s not Raw Women’s Champion. What will The Man have to say about not bringing the belt back home at WrestleMania? We’ll hear about it, after the break.
Raw returns and Becky has the mic. Fans are torn but she says, “Three years. It’s been three years since I’ve walked out on Raw without my championship. Three years and nobody was able to beat me for that title, and I’ll be honest with you, I haven’t wanted to show my face on Raw because I don’t know who Becky Lynch is without that title. I’ve grown so accustomed to looking in the mirror and seeing a champion that after WrestleMania, I didn’t recognize myself anymore. I’ve hit rock bottom. That’s it. I’ve hit rock bottom, that’s all I have to say, so…” Becky takes a breath and supports herself with hands on knees.
But wait, wait. If Becky hit the bottom, then there’s nowhere else to go but up! This isn’t the end! No no no! This is just the beginning of a legendary comeback! Becky laughs a bit like Rollins as she says no one can do a comeback better than her! She can’t stay down and wallowing with the shlubs of the Earth! She’s an arrow being pulled back so she can shoot into heights unknown! PEWWWW~! And all of you, you get to witness and be inspired by her rise! Her returning to the top, her prize, her precious! She’ll overcome Tennessee’s hometown girl and Becky will be champion again! She’ll be champion forever! No one can stop her! Not Bianca, not Sonya, not Liv, not Dana, not-
ASUKA!?! Fans go nuts seeing the Empress of Tomorrow return! And she goes right to the ring, where Becky looks like she’s seeing a ghost! Asuka takes off the mask to smile and dance around. Asuka gets herself a mic and says in Japanese that she’s happy to be back! Fans are happy to have her back, too! Asuka then tells Becky, “I will stop you! Because no one is ready for ASUKA!” Becky smirks, Asuka boops her on the nose, and that upsets Becky. Becky swings, misses, and barely dodges a back hand! Asuka’s put Becky on notice, will the Big Time Comeback be over before it even begins?
The Street Profits speak.
Angelo Dawkins is fired up as usual, and Montez Ford says 20 years of Viper, chef’s kiss. That’s a lot of RKO. Dawkins’ neck hurts just thinking about it. But real talk, much respect to Orton. Bottles poppin’, show ain’t stoppin’, even Mayor Glenn Jacobs spotted. And of course, Bianca Belair successfully defended her Raw Women’s Championship in her hometown! You go, girl! Sonya making excuses like Ben Simmons in Game 4. But that ain’t all, fam! RKBRO uniting with The American Nightmare and Ezekiel, who we keep confusing for his brother, Elias. And they’re against the Usos, Seth Freakin’ Owens & Kevin Owens.
Who Dawks got? Oh, his money’s on ZEKE! Ford isn’t sure so. Usos might have to do their Tribal Chief proud and make someone ACKNOWLEDGE THEM. But straight from Pearce, no matter who wins here or at Backlash, Profits got next for those tag titles! They’re coming for THE Unified WWE Tag Team Championships because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke!
Finn Balor VS Damian Priest w/ Edge!
The Prince knows the Archer of Infamy all too well between their battles on NXT and Raw. But this Priest has a new Edge to him. Will Damian cut Balor down once and for all? Or will Finn make things Too Sweet on behalf of AJ Styles?
Raw returns and Edge and Priest makes their entrance. Edge sits upon the obsidian throne from his mountain of omnipotence, and he sends his envoy of punishment to the ring. The bell rings, the two circle, and tie up. Balor waistlocks, headlocks, but Priest powers out. Priest runs Balor over, but Balor hurries to get up. Priest is on him and tosses him to a corner! Priest ROCKS Balor, fires off stomps and uppercuts, but lets off as the ref counts. Priest then HEADBUTTS Balor, wrenches and whips corner to corner, and Balor hits buckles hard! Priest runs in but misses the back elbow, and Balor fires off shots!
Priest shoves Balor but Balor clotheslines Priest out of the ring! Edge looks upset but Priest drags Balor out. Balor fires back, body shots and haymakers, but Priest CLUBS Balor down. Priest Canadian racks Priest, APRON RAZOR’S EDGE! Edge is amused and Priest stands tall as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Priest grinds Balor down in a seated cravat. Balor fights up as fans rally, but Priest knees him low. Priest whips Balor to a corner, runs in, but Balor BOOTS him! Balor runs in to forearm, but Priest stays up! Balor whips, Priest reverses but Balor ducks and dodges to forearm again! Balor trips Priest to DOUBLE STOMP him! Edge is annoyed again as Balor runs and CHOPS Priest in a corner! Balor whips, Priest reverses and scoops but Balor slips out to ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, TWO! Priest and Balor slowly get up, Balor KICKS Priest in the side. Balor throws body shots, wrenches, but Priest ROCKS him!
Priest KNEES, KICKS and KICKS, but Balor SLINGBLADES outta nowhere! Balor aims from a corner, runs in, but Priest choke grips! But Balor turns coke slam into victory roll, TWO! Priest runs in at the corner, Balor dodges and goes to the apron! GAMANGIRI and Priest goes down! Fans fire up and Balor climbs, but Edge stands up! Balor is distracted, Priest choke grips and drags Balor down! SOUTH OF HEAVEN CHOKE SLAM!! Edge is pleased again, and Priest drags Balor up. Priest reels Balor in, for a COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
Judgement Day came for Balor and dealt out the punishment. Priest returns to his mentor and kneels before him. Edge says he may rise, and Priest raises his hand in victory. Will they continue to deal out pain and punishment against even the Phenomenal One?
The Miz heads to the ring!
And he’s ready to host a championship edition of MizTV as his guest will be the NEW WWE United States Champion, (Austin) Theory! Will the University of Tennessee be able to handle all this hot air? We’ll see, after the break.
Raw returns and Miz welcomes us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, and what a night it’s been! They’re celebrating the 20th anniversary of Randy Orton! A living legend whose career might stack up to Miz’s one day. But not only that, tonight’s guest is a true star in the making, who might remind you of someone in this very ring. Miz welcomes (Austin) Theory! Theory makes his entrance, and then takes a selfie with Miz. Miz admits, it’s like looking in a mirror. They take their seats and Miz says when he was a younger man, he had to earn “The.” But Theory will get there. So, “The Theory?”
No no, Vince McMahon has made it clear to him, it’s #JustTheory. Well then, Just Theory, it has been awhile since someone has brought credibility back to the US Championship. In fact, it has felt like 12 years since, wink wink nudge nudge. Miz was champion then, wasn’t he? CORRECT! And for the second time! He escalated the title to a level he knows Theory will uphold. Well thanks, Miz. The Miz. Now, how does it feel to be the new champion? Honestly, feels like he’s on another level. Miz is someone Theory grew up watching. Like, an inspiration! Guys, stop with the “What?” already.
But Miz overcame the odds and became a TWO-TIME Grand Slam Champion! A WrestleMania main eventer! Miz did! And y’know what else? Theory wants to live up to those standards, and continue to prove why he is Vince’s best investment ever. Fans boo but Miz applauds. Show respect to the guest, please! They boo more. Theory says he’ll take the US Championship to heights it’s never been to before! And sure, he’s the youngest US Champion in history, but he’ll be remembered as THE US Champion! Bet all your money on that, because he can do this all day.
Miz does want to give him some advice, though. When you become champion, everyone around you becomes jealous. “Nothing infuriates people more than when handsome, young trendsetters like us succeed at every turn.” The locker room is full of parasites, and previous champions handed out title matches like glow sticks at Coachella. Everyone needs to EARN the right to face Theory in the ring! No one comes out and just demands a title match! Theory is THE US- Wait, someone is interrupting Miz! It’s MUSTAFA ALI! The Beacon is back on Raw! And he joins these two in the ring, holding a mic of his own.
Ali soaks in the moment as fans chant, “Welcome Back!” But then Miz keeps him form speaking. This guy still works here? Ali pushes the hand aside, but then Theory says, “Aren’t you the guy who took his ball and went home?” Miz laughs but says he knows what this is! It’s Mufasa, younger brother of Mustafa. Get it? Yeah, Theory gets it. Oh, Miz, that joke was not funny at all. Honestly, why is Miz out here cracking jokes? If Ali wants a laugh, he can just watch Miz wrestle. Theory has Miz keep cool but Ali says to get to business. He is back on Monday Night Raw!
Ali was back there talking with Pearce, discussing matters, but when Ali heard the NEW US Champion was going to be on MizTV, Ali just had to come out here! Cuz he’s kinda hoping Theory is going to announce he’s holding an Open Challenge for the title. And Ali is also kinda hoping that he’s the one to answer it. What’s Theory think about that? Theory VS Ali, US Championship, TONIGHT! Fans want it, but Miz says not to listen to that. Theory says he’ll think about it. NO. Well, Ali isn’t surprised. Theory is Mr. McMahon’s protégé, right? So he has no spine, all biceps and no balls. Is he afraid? Theory’s out here running his mouth but running away like his name’s The Miz!
Theory says Ali is talking to a former champion! A trailblazer! A future Hall of Famer! Miz doesn’t run away! Miz knows Ali is using his name to get himself some notoriety. There is nothing Miz would love more than to embarrass Ali right here and now, but he must’ve forgotten how thinks work around here. Miz doesn’t have some magic wand that makes matches. Theory says he does! He texted Vince, Miz VS Ali is happening now! He… What? Yeah, it’s what Miz wanted, right? Well, yes, thank you… But then Miz explains to Ali. After this match, Ali will wish he got those walking papers.
Ali SLAPS Miz! Ali dares Miz to bring it, and then Ali exits so the MizTV set can be set aside. Will the Hollywood A-Lister be blinded by the Beacon taking his spotlight?
Orton and Glenn Jacobs talk backstage.
These two know each other well. They seem to be reminiscing on old times and having a good laugh.
Mustafa Ali VS The Miz!
Raw returns and the match begins! Ali and Miz circle, feel things out, knuckle lock, but then Ali wrenches and wristlocks. Miz rolls, cartwheels and wrenches back to a wristlock. Miz says, “How ’bout that?” Ali rolls, handsprings, wrenches, but Miz ROCKS him with a right! Miz headlocks, Ali endures the grind and powers out, then spins Miz around for his own headlock! Miz powers out, Ali ends up in a corner but he goes up and over and handsprings! Miz didn’t even know where he went! Ali says “AWESOME~” to mock Miz, then he CHOPS and ROCKS Miz. Miz shoves and BOOTS Ali down!
Miz snarls, stomps Ali, then stomps him to ropes. Miz chokes Ali, smothers him, claws his face, then lets off to run and STRADDLE ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Miz stalks Ali, hip drops him, then claws his face again. The ref reprimands, Miz shifts to a chinlock. Ali endures, fans rally up, and Ali fights up. Ali throws body shots, CHOPS, then CHOPS again. Ali whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Miz runs to basement BOOT! Cover, TWO! Miz is annoyed as Ali goes to a corner. Miz storms over, drags Ali up and CHOPS him back. Miz stands Ali up to CHOP him again. Ali staggers but Miz follows him.
Miz and the ref argue, Ali dodges the chop to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP! Ali whips, Miz reverses and Ali hits buckles hard! Miz is seething while Ali is writhing. Miz rains down left hands and then digs his forearm into Ali’s face! The ref counts, Miz lets off and taunts Ali. Miz stomps Ali, KICKS him, but Ali manages to sit up. Miz KICKS him again, then KICKS him again! And again, and again! And again! And again! Ali still sits up, fans boo but Miz soaks it all up. Miz runs in, Ali ducks the buzzsaw to WHEEL KICK back! Fans fire up while both men are down, and Ali rallies the fans.
Ali blocks Miz’s punches to give punches, then he whips. Miz reverses but Ali ducks and dodges to DROPKICK! Ali CHOPS Miz in the corner again, whips, but Miz reverses. Ali slides, slips out, Miz hits buckles and Ali somersaults in for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ali is surprised but he focuses and gets Miz up. Miz blocks the suplex, suplexes back but Ali slips out. Miz elbows but Ali waistlocks. Miz bucks the O’Conner roll, kicks low, BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO! Miz is frustrated and shouts as Ali gets to a corner. Miz goes to a corner, runs in, but Ali puts him on the apron. Miz ROCKS Ali, climbs, but Ali ROCKS him back!
Ali goes up top to join Miz, but Miz shoves him away! Ali lands on his feet but Miz dropkicks the legs out! Miz has the leg, steps through, but Ali rolls him up! High stack, Ali wins!!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
Miz is shocked! The TWO-TIME Grand Slam Champion just lost! Ali’s return is off to a great start, but then TOMMASO CIAMPA attacks?! The Psycho Killer looms over the Beacon, just what brought this on?
Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley.
One week after viciously attacking Liv Morgan, will she tell us why? “You wanna know why, Sarah? Because I finally opened up my eyes. When I first came here, I became the Raw Women’s Champion, on my own. And since then, I’ve been tossed into the Tag Division, surrounded by tag partners that do nothing but bring me down to their level and make me weak. So I’m done.” She’s done with disappointments like- LIV ATTACKS! They brawl, referees hurry in to stop it, but easier said than done! Will Rhea and Liv tear each other apart on sight from here on out?
Kevin Owens argues with Chad Gable backstage.
They’re of course arguing about the lie detector test. Kevin refuses to pay what he owes until he gets definitive results. But then Rollins walks over to say hey to his best bud. But Gable has him SHOOOOSH! This is an A+ and B conversation, so Rollins can just see himself out. Did he just say Kevin is a B? Get outta here! He’s still not paying! And what does Rollins want? Duh, the tag match. They gotta game plan. Oh really? You think Kevin just magically forgot about last week? What does Kevin mean? Uh, he was fighting his heart out for Rollins against Cody, and Rollins goes and insults him!
Rollins laughs that off but Kevin isn’t. Maybe Kevin should but Rollins in a lie detector test to see if he means what he says! Cuz Rollins has not been as good a friend to Kevin as he is to Rollins! This is not a competition, Kevin. Well if it was, Kevin would win! But the Usos have these two calm down. They need to fall in line behind the Bloodline. Ain’t no more games, Uce. They need the W, they need to win! And the Usos are gonna make sure these two don’t lose it for them. Tonight ain’t just about Orton’s 20th anniversary. After Backlash, Usos are gonna show RKBRO and everyone why you don’t mess with the Usos. So we all better be on the same damn page.
Otherwise, The Tribal Chief gon’ be real mad. And you don’t want to be on his bad side. Rollins laughs that off and asks Kevin if he can believe those guys. Raw is THEIR show. Now- Kevin shrugs Rollins off and heads out after the Usos. FINE! Rollins will just do this on his own! But will that only ensure their team falls apart?
MVP and Omos talk backstage.
MVP tells Omos that the world is his now. It’s in the palm of his hand. Kevin Patrick walks over to ask about Omos brutalizing Lashley after Lashley won the arm-wrestling contest. MVP has KP hold it right there. Is he daft? Did Lashley look like a winner after all that? The arm-wrestling contest wasn’t about brawn, it was about brains. And without MVP, Lashley can’t see that. Lashley just isn’t mighty without MVP. And this is just a preview of things to come, because Omos is challenge Lashley to a rematch at Backlash. Omos grabs the mic and says, “After I’m done with him, there isn’t gonna be much left of the All Mighty.”
8 Man Tag: Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens & The Usos VS Cody Rhodes, Ezekiel & RKBRO!
The Architect wants after the American Nightmare, the Prizefighter wants after the Drifter’s little brother, and the SmackDown Tag Team Champions want after the Raw Tag Team Champions. Luckily, the feeling is mutual! Will Cody, Zeke, Riddle and Orton be able to cap the celebration off with a victory?
Raw returns and Ezekiel, brother of Elias, makes his entrance, followed by RKBRO. Then the Usos lead the way out for their team, followed by Kevin, and Rollins. Ezekiel attacks Kevin in retaliation for earlier, and now it’s just a brawl! Cody brawls with Jimmy, Riddle has Jey, and Orton is after Rollins! Then Zeke throws KO out, the Usos and Rollins are also thrown out with them, and fans fire up as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Ezekiel throws Jimmy with a headlock takeover! Jimmy fights up, powers out, but Ezekiel runs him over! Ezekiel runs, things speed up, Ezekiel whips Jimmy to BOOT him! Then backslide, ONE! Zeke rolls, wrenches, reels Jimmy in, and suplexes to hold Jimmy up! Fans count, Ezekiel puts a twist on it for the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ezekiel wrenches Jimmy, knuckle locks, and straight arm levers to lift Jimmy up again! Then tag to Riddle, Zeke wrenches and Riddle KICKS Jimmy! Riddle snapmares Jimmy, tags Orton in, and they coordinate, ASSISTED FLOATING BRO! Orton stomps away, picking Jimmy apart!
Orton scrapes laces on Jimmy’s face, then he tags Cody in. Legacy reunited as they mug Jimmy. Cody stomps a mudhole into Jimmy, Rollins protests that the ref isn’t doing his job. Cody suplexes to TOSS Jimmy, but Rollins gets in just to distract Cody. Jimmy whips, Cody reverses, kicks and Rhodes Uppercut! Jey tags in, Cody throws Jimmy out but Jey SAMOAN DROPS Cody! Cover, ONE!! Jey ROCKS Cody with haymakers and Rollins say sot keep going. Jey keeps Cody from getting away but fans rally up. Cody throws counter punches and kicks but Jey DECKS Cody with an uppercut! Tag to Jimmy and the Usos split the wishbone!
Jimmy keeps Cody from his corner and puts him on ropes. Fans boo, the ref counts, Jimmy lets off but Kevin gets a shot in! Tag to Jey, the Usos mug Cody, then Jimmy holds Cody in so Jey can forearm smash! Rollins wants in, so Jey tags him. Rollins swaggers around while Cody gets to a corner. Rollins runs in, but hits buckles as Cody moves! Rollins hits buckles, but he crawls after Cody! Rollins gets up, to DECK Orton! But he turns around and collides with Cody! Hot tag to Ezekiel! Zeke rallies on Rollins, whips him but Rollins kicks back! Zeke JUMP KNEES and SPINEBUSTERS! High stack, TWO!
Fans fire up with Zeke and he shouts, “Who wants to hear Zeke speak?!” Kevin says no one! But Ezekiel trophy lifts Rollins! Rollins slips off, shoves Zeke away, Riddle tags in! Riddle spins Rollins around to PELE! Then Riddle kips up to BROSPLODER! Fans fire up with Riddle and he BROTONS onto knees! Riddle gets to a corner, Rollins runs in but into an elbow! Riddle goes up top but the Usos trip him up! Orton protests but the ref is busy with him and Zeke! Rollins goes up, drags Riddle up, INVERTED SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and fans fire up again as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once again and Rollins grinds Riddle down with a chinlock. Fans rally, Riddle fights up and throws body shots but Rollins knees and whips him away. Riddle elbows Rollins again, goes back up, and FLOATING BRO ATTACK! Both men are down, they crawl for their corners, hot tag to Jimmy! Jimmy CLUBS Riddle down, covers, TWO! Jimmy clamps on a chinlock and he thrashes Riddle around. Riddle endures again and fans rally more. Riddle fights up again, throws more body shots, but Rollins barks at him. Riddle swipes at Rollins, but Jimmy CLOBBERS him! Jimmy drags Riddle over by a leg, tag to Jey.
Jimmy anchors Riddle and Jey stomps Riddle down. Jey then stays between Riddle and the team, brings Riddle up, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Tag back to Jimmy and the Usos hear fans rally for Riddle. The Usos double whip Riddle to their corner hard, and Riddle falls to the mat. Jimmy then DECKS Ezekiel, DECKS Cody, and swipes at Orton. But Riddle is fighting back against Jey, Rollins and Kevin! Jimmy turns around into a BOOT! Riddle crawls for his corner, Rollins runs in but is sent back out! Jimmy hurries to waistlock and back suplex, but Riddle lands on his feet! Ripcord, FINAL FLASH! Both men are down and fans fire up again!
Riddle and Jimmy crawl, hot tag to Jey, and Rollins trips Orton! Jey runs in to HIP ATTACK Riddle! Jey tags Kevin, then Jey drags Riddle into position for the SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives but Kevin tags Jey back in. Jey looms over Riddle, drags him back up, but Riddle CHOPS and CHOPS and fires off forearms! Jey wobbles, but he blocks a roundhouse! Riddle blocks the kick, but gets the DRAGON WHIP! But he staggers into a hot tag to Orton! The Viper rallies and fans go wild! POWERSLAM! Jimmy gets in, POWERSLAM! Orton is all fired up, he DECKS Kevin and DECKS Rollins!
Orton has Jey on the apron and then drags him in through ropes. But Jey drops to drag Orton out! Jey goes for the desk but Orton blocks that, to SMACK Jey instead! And then ANNOUNCE DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton avoids Rollins’ flying knee, ANNOUNCE DESK BACK SUPLEX! Kevin rushes in, Orton pokes him in the eyes! Kevin shouts in pain, but he gets an ANNOUNCE DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton gets a hat trick, Riddle points out Jey to him. Jey flounders, Orton drags him in through the ropes! DRAPING DDT! Fans are thunderous as Orton hears the voices! Jey staggers up, but Rollins CLOBBERS Orton!
Cody gets in, dodges Rollins to give him a DISASTER KICK! Then RKO for Rollins! Kevin SUPERKICKS Cody, but Orton denies a stunner! Orton gives Kevin to Ezekiel’s haymaker! RKO for Kevin! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Ezekiel! Jimmy aims for Orton but he blocks, Riddle FINAL FLASH KNEES! Riddle then pops Jimmy up for an RKO! Jey is up top, he leaps in but into an RKO!! All four get one, Orton covers, Orton’s team wins!
Winners: Cody Rhodes, Ezekiel & RKBRO, by pinfall
There was no running from it, the RKO hit all of Orton’s opponents tonight! RKBRO look unstoppable, will they commemorate Orton’s 20th year by becoming THE Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions?
My Thoughts:
This was a good Raw, though still lacking a bit. I will say, it was great to see Asuka back. I don’t know why they waited so long for her return, but at least it works to coincide with Becky having her crisis of confidence. Becky and Asuka never did get that feud in 2020 because COVID 19 showed up, but we are also looking at a different Becky than back then. Either way, their match (or maybe matches) will be awesome, and you can be sure the winner goes right for the title. Speaking of, that Raw Women’s Championship match played out how I figured. Sonya would abuse her authority yet still fail, I just wish she didn’t bring Mella and Vega into it. But at the same time, Sonya slapping them like the tyrant she is, I really hope we get a match where if Sonya loses, she’s no longer management.
Another great return out of Mustafa Ali, and he has a very good part of MizTV with Theory and Miz. Theory being dense about making Miz eat his words is still good character stuff out of Miz. I hope Theory keeps that part of his character for a long time, it’s one of the things that still makes him bearable as a Heel. Miz VS Ali was a great match and it was good for Ali to win. Quite the surprise for Ciampa to go after him, but they could have a real great match next week for the Backlash go-home or even Backlash kickoff show. Then maybe if Ali wins, that earns him the US Championship match with Theory.
Edge and Priest having a thing with Balor is logical given the Bullet Club connection between Styles and Balor that WWE still hasn’t ever really said but have always alluded to. Naturally, Edge helps Priest beat Finn. While Edge VS Styles is the plan for Backlash, I wouldn’t mind a tag match of “Judgement Day” (that’s apparently the faction name) VS Styles & Balor. If Styles and Balor get into the tag division and win those undisputed titles, that’d be really cool. Rhea had a good promo and brawl with Liv, that will probably be a go-home match. Veer destroys another rando, but still no Rey, so maybe the go-home has Rey confront Veer to set up a Backlash match?
Good promo out of Street Profits to establish they’re up next, which was a given anyway. We got a pretty good arm-wrestling segment out of Lashley and Omos. Probably the best arm-wrestling match in WWE with Lashley getting stronger with his anger, but then of course we get a beatdown that gives us the Backlash match. Lashley managed to win at Mania so pretty sure Omos wins here with MVP’s help. I really liked what we got out of the 24/7 Championship story tonight, with Truth becoming a jack-of-all-trades. And of course him being special guest ref also led to him trying to count his own pin. Can’t wait to see where this goes next.
And of course, great stuff for Orton and his 20th anniversary. Great video package, though using Voices by Motionless in White is A) financially cheap, they already used that song back in NXT 1.0 and B) not really fitting other than playing a name pun off Orton’s theme, Voices by Rev Theory. But either way, that Orton celebration segment was of course going to set up a match for tonight, and that 8 Man was a really good one. Elias being Ezekiel now, his moveset is a good hybrid of Elias and some old school wrestlers like Ultimate Warrior. And that ending sequence was exactly what it should’ve been with Orton hitting all the Heels with RKOs and getting the win.
Chances are, something happens on SmackDown to give momentum back to the Usos to keep things even going towards Backlash. I still can’t be sure of their chances, but I would love if RKBRO got to be the unified champions to add that to Orton’s career since it’s his 20th year. Plus, Roman is already unified world champion, there needs to be conflict and struggle for the Bloodline somewhere and that can be the Usos not living up to his expectations.
My Score: 8.2/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/25/25)
Round 8, all together!
The penultimate round of this round robin!
Best of the Super Juniors 32 enters round 8, and there are still a lot of moving pieces! Who will be that much closer to the semifinals?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Titan; Yoh wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Dragon Dia VS Robbie X; Dia wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: MAO VS Nick Wayne; Mao wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Ninja Mack; Mack wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS SHO; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Francesco Akira VS Clark Connors; Connors wins, by disqualification.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Kevin Knight; Desperado wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
Master Wato: 5-2, 10 points
Clark Connors: 4-3, 8 points
Francesco Akira: 4-3, 8 points
Kosei Fujita: 4-3, 8 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 4-3, 8 points
Robbie X: 3-4, 6 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 3-4, 6 points
KUSHIDA: 3-4, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 3-4, 6 points
Ninja Mack: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the current B Block standings!
YOH: 4-3, 8 points
Nick Wayne: 4-3, 8 points
MAO: 4-3, 8 points
Taiji Ishimori: 4-3, 8 points
El Desperado: 4-3, 8 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 3-4, 6 points
Kevin Knight: 3-4, 6 points
SHO: 3-4, 6 points
Titan: 3-4, 6 points
Robbie Eagles: 3-4, 6 points
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Robbie Eagles!
The Funky Weapon fell short in last round’s main event, but he proved he’s still got it. But can he get it going again this late into the tournament? Or does the Sniper of the Skies have the kill shot waiting?
The bell rings, Eagles runs up, wheelbarrows, victory rolls and has the legs, RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Taguchi claws at the mat, drags Eagles along, and makes it to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Eagles drags Taguchi back, but Taguchi kicks Eagles down to have OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Eagles scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi lets go, Eagles bails out, and Taguchi goes to the corner, TRIANGLE- NO, Eagles moves, Taguchi lands safe on the apron, but then the leg jams! Eagles 619s the legs out! Taguchi falls to the floor, Eagles brings him around, and he KICKS the bad leg! The fans rally, Eagles taunts Taguchi, then drags Taguchi around.
Eagles SMASHES Taguchi’s knee off the floor! The fans cheer, Eagles stands Taguchi up, and he puts him in the corner. Eagles pulls Taguchi’s legs against the crossbar! The ref reprimands and counts, Eagles lets go at 4, but he sits on Taguchi! Eagles eggs Taguchi on as he hops down, then rallies the fans. Eagles aims from the apron, springboards in, but into ANTIAIR HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taguchi clutches his leg but he rolls his way to Eagles. Taguchi has Eagles on ropes and rubs it in his face! POINT BLANK HIP again and again! Taguchi then runs, to HIP ATTACK! Eagles sputters and the fans cheer!
Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strange Style, “ORYA~!” KETSU- NO, Eagles rolls up with bridge, TWO! Taguchi rolls Eagles, TWO! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Eagles scrambles, rolls, and KICKS Taguchi down! The fans rally while Eagles shakes out the bad leg. Eagles stands, hobbles, and he shows some cheek! HIP ATTACK! And HIP ATTACK! Taguchi sputters, Eagles fires the fans up with some swivel, but Taguchi blocks the hip attack to HEADBUTT the butt! The fans cheer and Taguchi HEADBUTTS Eagles’ stomach! The forearms fly, Taguchi gets the edge, but Eagles ROUNDHOUSES! SUPERKICKS! ENZI- NO, Taguchi ducks! OH MY GAH ANKLE!
Eagles rolls and kicks free, then catches Taguchi. Taguchi shoves free to HIP ATTACK! Eagles says I’LL BE BACK, but Taguchi catches him! OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Eagles reaches out, crawls forward, and the fans rally up! Taguchi stands Eagles up, Eagles cravats, ASAI- NO, Taguchi slips free of the DDT! Drop toehold, and OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Eagles endures, the fans fire up, but Taguchi yanks Eagles back! Chicken wings, DODON- NO, Eagles victory rolls! TWO and Taguchi has it! TWO and they roll, roll, roll, roll, roll! In the end, Taguchi has it, TWO!!! Eagles escapes but both men are dizzy! Taguchi fires up, the fans are with him, but both men fall over!
The fans rally hard, and this is just the first five minutes! Taguchi ENZIGIRIS! Eagles is against ropes, but he comes back to HYPERION!!! Cover, EAGLES WINS!!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taguchi earns 0)
It was a wild shootout from the start, but it is Eagles who hits the mark! Will the Sniper still take aim at the top? Or will someone else in the block block his path?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
The Time Splitter and the Heel Master are on that bubble, one loss means the end for them! Will Kushida pick up speed and make it Back to the Future? Or does Kanemaru have one last cheap trick up his sleeve?
Kushida is on the corner for his entrance, and Kanemaru attacks! And ROCKET LAUNCHES him! The bell rings and Kanemaru whips to then DROPKICK the legs! Kanemaru steps through for a FIGURE FOUR! Kushida scrambles and rolls all the way to the ROPEBREAK! The ref reprimands, Kanemaru lets go, and Kushida scrambles away to the other side. Kanemaru drags Kushida back from ropes, holds him open, then gives a foot to the ref to split the wishbone! The fans cheer, Kanemaru turns Kushida over and SMASHES the knee! Kushida writhes more but Kanemaru is on him again, to YANK the leg!
Kanemaru taunts Kushida, mockingly asking what’s wrong. Kanemaru kicks Kushida to ropes, but Kushida CHOPS! Kanemaru kicks the leg, Kushida CHOPS, then Kushida CHOPS again! Kushida KICKS Kanemaru’s arm! The fans rally, Kushida whips, but Kanemaru reverses. Kanemaru handsprings, but Kanemaru DROPKICKS the legs! FIGURE FOUR!! The fans rally for Kushida while he endures, and he fights to push the main leg! Kanemaru powers the hold back down! Kushida endures, fights over, ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud but Kanemaru holds on until the ref reprimands. Kushida hobbles to the apron, and Kanemaru runs up.
Kushida RAMS Kanemaru, HOTSHOTS him away, then hurries up the corner. Kushida leaps but Kanemaru moves! Kushida’s leg jams, and Kanemaru trips him! Step through, but Kushida cradles, TWO!! Kanemaru escapes, Kushida waistlocks, but Kanemaru switches. Kushida slips under, FLIPS Kanemaru, and has the HOVERBOARD! Kanemaru fights up, spins through, and kicks the bad leg! Kushida PELES! Kanemaru goes to a corner, Kushida runs in, but Kanemaru BOOTS Kushida! Kanemaru runs, Kushida drops then HIP TOSSES into the ARM- NO, Kanemaru stacks Kushida, TWO! Kanemaru kicks and scoops, BRITISH-
NO, Kushida wrenches through to hop on, HOVERBOARD!! Kanemaru endures as Kushida thrashes the arm, and he grabs the ref! Kanemaru sends the ref into Kushida then ENZIGIRIS! Kushida and the ref are both down, so Kanemaru takes a swig of his whiskey! Kushida stands, but he smothers Kanemaru! Then TANAKA FASTBALL sends the mist flying! Backslide, KUSHIDA WINS!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
Another fast and furious match as this night gets going, and Kushida turns things around! Kanemaru is more than likely out of the running now, but can Kushida still make it to the finals? Or is time running out?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Titan!
One man is near the front but the other is near the back! Will Direct Drive kick it into gear and keep it fresh? Or will El Inmortal stay alive for a little longer?
The bell rings and the two rush in! Titan DROPKICKS Yoh and Yoh tumbles out! Titan builds speed, Yoh is back and he trips Titan! Yoh ties Titan up in the Paradise Lock! Milano Collection AT can’t believe what he’s seeing! Yoh fires the fans up, then runs to DROPKICK Titan out of Paradise! Yoh hurries to suplex, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Titan stays in this but Yoh stays focused as the fans rally up. Titan stirs while Yoh tunes up! SUPER- NO, Titan ducks the kick, shoves, and then goes Matrix to dodge! CALF KICK! Yoh tumbles, Titan runs, but Yoh puts Titan on the apron. Titan GAMANGINRIS in return!
Titan then springboards and FLYING RANAS! Yoh tumbles out again and Titan FLIES! Down goes Yoh and the fans fire up again! The fans fire up, Titan puts Yoh in the ring, and then Titan springboards again! DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Yoh stays in this and the fans rally more. Titan waits on Yoh, pounds the mat, and the fans rally back up. Yoh stands, Titan throws off his elbow pads, and he FRAME- NO, Yoh BOOTS Titan first! Titan comes back but Yoh ducks a lariat to full nelson! Titan breaks free, switches, but Yoh elbows and runs! Titan follows to TORNADO DDT, and he brings Yoh up! But Yoh suplexes, FALCON GOROSHI!
The fans fire up while both men are down! Titan sputters, and Yoh roars as he rises up. The fans cheer and Yoh brings Titan around. Yoh underhooks but Titan fights it! The fans rally, Titan wrenches and tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Then he drags Yoh up to suplex, GOURD BUSTER! SUPERKICK! The fans fire up with Titan and he hurries to the corner! Titan skins the cat up top, aims and LA LANCER!! Yoh spasms, Titan covers, TWO!!! Yoh survives and the fans fire up again! Titan loosens his mask a bit, roars and the fans are with him! Titan drags Yoh up, reverse rack, but Yoh slips out of the yoyo! SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Titan still lives, but Yoh roars again! Yoh drags Titan up, underhooks, DIRECT DRIVE!! Cover, YOH WINS!!
Winner: Yoh, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Titan earns 0)
It’s like everyone is going for a speed record in this round! Yoh seals the deal like Ziploc, and now leads with 10 points! Is it freshness guaranteed for the semifinals?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Dragon Dia VS Robbie X!
The block is sorting out with every match, but both men are on the bubble! Will the Infinite Carat Diamond be greater than X? Or will the X Express stay on track?
The bell rings and the fans rally. Robbie gets fans to bark for the War Dogs, and he ties up with Dia. Robbie puts Dia on ropes, the ref counts, and Robbie lets off, to CHOP! Robbie CLUBS Dia, stomps him down, then drags him back up. Robbie ROCKS Dia, whips, but Dia ducks ‘n’ dodges then slides to tilt-o-whirl and arm-drag! Then DROPKICK! Robbie tumbles out, Dia FLIES! Down goes Robbie and the fans fire up! Dia brings Robbie back up, puts him in the ring and covers, TWO! Robbie bails back out but Dia waits. Robbie shakes out an arm, rolls back in, but bails out again. Dia rushes after Robbie, but Robbie picks him up and POSTS him!
Dia writhes but Robbie KICKS him in the back! Robbie then stands Dia up just to DECK him! Robbie tells fans to move aside, and he grabs one of the chairs. Robbie brings that over, sits Dia down and CHOPSS! Robbie wants more chairs so he takes another one from the crowd. Robbie sets that chair up, runs up, and leaps to CANNONBALL Dia down! The fans fire up with Robbie, and he goes back to Dia. Robbie drags Dia up, puts him in the ring, then pushes to a cover, TWO! Dia stays in this and the fans applaud. Robbie stomps Dia on the back, then stands him up to whip corner to corner. Dia hits buckles hard and falls to the mat!
Robbie stands on Dia’s back, shouts for the War Dogs, and the fans cheer. Robbie sits Dia up, steps over, and he BITES Dia’s fingers! The ref reprimands and counts, Robbie stops and tells the ref to shut up. Robbie drags Dia back up, but Dia CHOPS! Robbie eggs Dia on, but Dia CHOPS again! Robbie CHOPS in return! Dia goes to a corner, Robbie runs up, but Dia BOOTS then RANAS! The fans fire up as Robbie staggers away. Dia growls and rises up. The fans rally and Dia runs in, but Robbie dodges. Dia dodges in return, then goes to the apron to trip Robbie! TORNILLO SPLASH! The fans fire up again as Robbie is on the ropes!
Dia dials it up, 619! Robbie flops back, Dia STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Robbie stays in this but Dia fires up more! The fans are with Dia and he goes to the corner. Dia climbs, watches Robbie rise, D D D- NO, Robbie stops the 4DT and suplexes! Robbie hangs Dia out to dry, then goes to the corner! GUILLOTINE DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Dia survives and the fans fire up again! Robbie is frustrated but he drags Dia back up. Robbie CLUBS Dia, suplexes, but Dia cradles! TWO!! Robbie escapes, hobbles away, but Dia runs up. Robbie BOOTS Dia, goes up, but Dia GAMANGIRIS! Dia goes up to get Robbie, ASTRO SCISSCORS!
Dia goes back up, D D D D T!! Cover, TWO!! Robbie survives going 4D but Dia just fires up more! Dia runs, rolls, REPTILI- NO, Robbie stops the rana! And makes it a SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Dia survives and the fans are thunderous! Robbie thinks on what he must do next, but he rises up while the fans rally again. Dia is in the corner, Robbie LARIATS! Robbie puts the leg in ropes to KICK, then he SPIN KICKS! RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Dia stays in this but Robbie stays on him! “You’re dead, b*tch!” Robbie handsprings, Dia dodges, DOUBLE CORK!!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Robbie survives, but Dia SOBATS! ENZIGIRIS! But Robbie PELES! And DREAMCAST KICKS! Then Robbie reels Dia in, lifts, but Dia REPTILIAN RANAS!!! Cover, DIA WINS!!
Winner: Dragon Dia, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
Both men love to go “X-treme,” but this skater boi is the one still standing! Will the Infinite Carat Diamond continue to shine until he’s holding up the trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: MAO VS Nick Wayne!
DDT Pro collides with AEW/ROH, with both men just a step behind first place! But will the Strange Love Connection throw the Prodigy off his game? Or will the Idol Warrior see he just lives in Wayne’s World?
The bell rings and the two rush in! Mao BOOTS but Nick brushes that off! Nick and Mao fire forearms, Mao gets the fans to cheer him, then he kicks low! Mao whips, Nick reverses, then hurdles, then bypasses to UPPERCUT! Nick kips up and the fans fire up. Nick then covers Mao, TWO! The fans cheer while Nick flexes. Nick drags Mao up to CHOP! Mao comes back to SMACK Nick down! And then Tsukakui! The fans cheer as Mao waits on Nick. Nick rises, Mao winds up, and Mao kicks, kicks, and KICKS! Mao whips, Nick reverses, but Mao DROPKICKS! Mao kips up, and Tsukakui! The fans rally and Mao claps along.
Mao runs to BOOT Nick against ropes, then he runs again to CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO! Nick stays in this but Mao has JUST FACELOCK! Nick endures, and the fans rally as he reaches out, fights around, then finds the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Mao lets go. Mao gets a Shikaku chant going, then he brings Nick up. Mao whips, Nick grabs ropes and KICKS back! Nick kicks again but Mao blocks to step over and WHEEL KICK! Mao then reels Nick in and calls his shot, but Nick suplexes first! The fans cheer all the same while both men are down. Mao goes to ropes, Nick rises up, and the fans rally again.
Mao is in a corner, Nick runs in, and Nick UPPERCUTS! Nick snapmares then runs up, spins Mao, and ASAI DDTS! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Nick keeps his cool. Mao sits up and checks his head. Nick stalks Mao, waistlocks, but Mao fights the nelson! Nick still powers through to have half, but Mao REAR HEADBUTTS! Mao whips, Nick reverses, then Nick avoids the knee to SHOOTING STASR! Cover, Mao goes Matrix! GEDO CLUTCH BRIDGE! TWO, and Nick has the body scissors the JAPANESE LEG ROLL! TWO, and Mao has a waistlock! This is a DOUBLE COVER, TWO!!! Both men get up and the fans fire up!
Mao says look but Nick says shut up! Nick says look, Mao says he can shut up! Mao ROCKS Nick! Nick SUPERKICKS back! Nick goes up the corner, WAYNE’S- NO, Mao ducks the cutter, keeps moving, SPIDER-MAN into the GERMAN SUPLEX! Nick handsprings to STUNNER! Bit Mao kips up to STUNNER!! The fans are thunderous while both men are down again! Mao sits up first and the fans rally. Mao and Nick crawl to each other, go forehead to forehead, then they stand to go forearm for forearm! Mao gets the Shikaku chant going again, then he ROCKS Nick! Nick comes back to ROCK Mao!
The forearms keep going and the fans rally up. Nick fires a flurry, but Mao winds up to SMACK Nick! Mao powers up, runs, OSAKA- NO, Nick BOOTS the uppercut! Mao avoids the roundhouse! Mao SLAPS, SLAPS, but Nick CROSS COUNTERS! Nick fires up and runs, but Mao uses the ref as a shield! Then LEAP FROG into the GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Mao survives the turnaround but Nick fires back up! The fans rally, Nick says “IKU ZO~!” and he hooks Mao up! But Mao fights the Prodigy Plex! Mao spins Nick around and around and around, then reels him in for a POWERBOMB! Nick stands, Mao hits a DESTROYER!
Nick ends up in a corner, Mao runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Nick goes up to FLYING CRUCIFIX DRIVER! The fans fire up with Nick as he goes up, up, and WAYNE’S WORLD, but Mao handsprings through!? To STEAL WAYNE’S WORLD!!! Cover, TWO!??! But into the JUST FACELOCK!!! Nick scrambles, Mao rolls him away, DICK KILLER!!!! NICK TAPS, MAO WINS!!
Winner: Mao, by submission (gains 2 points; Nick earns 0)
More like the Nick Killer, but the point is, Mao overtakes The Prodigy to be right behind Yoh! But Mao still shows Nick respect with a handshake. Will these two run it back one day? Will one of them be the Best of the Super Juniors when they do?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Kosei Fujita VS Ninja Mack!
The Japanese Young Punk is mighty, and he is just outside the front of this block. However, the American Ninja Warrior, for all his speed and agility, has fallen completely out of the race. Will Mack manage to spoil something for Fujita? Or will even he see that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The bell rings and Mack offers the handshake. The fans applaud but Fujita dismisses it. Mack and Fujita circle, feel things out, then tie up. Fujita powers Mack back but Mack breaks free. They go again. fight for control, and Fujita pushes Mack to ropes. Mack powers his way back, then shoves Fujita way. The fans cheer and both men fire up as they go again. They clinch, fight for control, and Fujita puts Mack on the ropes. The ref counts the break, Fujita lets off with pats on the shoulder, but then CHOPS! Mack CHOPS, but Fujita CHOPS again! Mack CHOPS again, but so does Fujita! The fans rally as the CHOPS keep going!
Fujita CHOPS and Mack wobbles! Fujita CHPOS, CHOPS, CHPOS, then runs, but Mack UPPERCUTS! Mack runs, leaps over the dropdown, then TOSSES Fujita out! Mack builds speed, Fujita slips in, and he catches Mack in the handspring to GERMAN SUPLEX! Mack tumbles out and the fans fire up! Fujita goes up the corner and the fans rally, SUPER CANNONBALL! Down goes Mack and the fans fire up again! Fujita puts Mack in, then aims to ROUNDHOUSE! Cover, ONE!! Mack is tougher than that and the fans rally. Fujita stomps Mack, pushes him down, then yanks his leg for a HEEL HOOK!
Mack endures as Fujita grinds the hold, but Mack SLAPS and CHOPS! Fujita CRANKS the foot, but Mack scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Fujita DDTS the leg! The ref reprimands but Mack writhes. Fujita drags Mack around, and he SMASHES the knee! Mack writhes more but Fujita has him again. Fujita brings Mack around, turns him over, and has a HALF CRAB! Fujita pulls way back on that leg but Mack refuses to quit! Mack powers up, but Fujita brings him away from the ropes! Fujita has a deep angle on that leg, but Mack still makes the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Fujita lets go at 4, and the fans rally again.
Fujita stomps Mack, brings him up and CHOPS! Mack calls to his “little ninja” fans but Fujita CHOPS! Mack goes along ropes, the fans rally, but Fujita whips him corner to corner. Mack goes up and over, rolls, then comes back to UPPERCUT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Mack rises, hobbles his way over, and he brings Fujita up with a waistlock. GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, ONE, but Mack holds on! Fujita reaches for ropes, Mack GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Another bridging cover, TWO! Mack still holds on, and he GERMAN ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! The fans fire up but Fujita scrambles to the ROPEBREAK!
Mack lets go and the fans rally again. Mack brings Fujita up, bumps him off buckles, and then RAMS him in the back! And RAMS him again! Mack goes up, climbs up, and he CLUBS away on Fujita’s back. Mack drags Fujita up the corner, adjusts position, and the fans anticipate something wild already. Fujita fires body shots, he stands up, but Mack swings! Fujita ducks the punch to SUPER DUPER GERMAN!! The fans are thunderous while Mack flounders around! Fujita hurries to cover, TWO!! Mack survives but Fujita roars and the fans cheer again. Fujita brings Mack up, reels him in, and ABANDON- NO, Mack fights the suplex!
Mack wrenches through, but Fujita wrenches and drop toeholds! Fujita ties up the legs, grabs Mack’s head and has the chinlock! Mack endures, crawls, but Fujita pulls him back! Mack keeps fighting, keeps crawling, but Fujita has the arms! Mack resists against the Nemos Lock to have the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Fujita lets Mack go. Mack writhes but Fujita brings him up. Fujita hooks a leg, suplexes to the torture rack, but Mack fires body shots! Mack slips down, shoves Fujita, then goes Matrix to then HANDSPRING CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Another cover, TWO! Mack is frustrated but the fans rally back up.
Mack rises, he dares Fujita to get up, and the fans rally more. Fujita rises, but he blocks the buzzsaw! Fujita CHOPS, but Mack ducks the heel kick to leg sweep! SHURIKEN KICK!! Mack goes up, up, and NINJA BOMBS!! Cover, MACK WINS!!
Winner: Ninja Mack, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Fujita earns 0)
The underdog comes out on top as Mack still gets another win! Will Mack spoil Fujita’s chances at the semifinals? Or is there still hope for this Ichiban Sweet Boy?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Taiji Ishimori VS SHO!
The Bone Soldier is building momentum in the latter half of this tournament, but now he runs into the Murder Machine, who has done his best to cheat every opponent so far. Will Sho manage to stack the deck again? Or will be #ByGrace that Taiji avoids disaster?
Taiji turns the tables on Sho by attacking first! The fans fire up as Taiji runs Sho over from behind, then drags him to ringside, so he can POST him! Taiji has fans clear out, and then he BOWLS Sho into the chairs! STRIKE! Then he SMACKS Sho with a chair! Taiji CHOKES Sho with a chair, the ref reprimands, but this isn’t even a match yet! Taiji still leaves Sho behind so that he can go for the red buckle pad! The Bullet Club Special is now in play but Sho is still down. Taiji JAMS Sho up but almost knocks the ref over! Taiji CLAWS Sho’s eyes, drags him to ringside, and then puts Sho in the ring. Now the bell rings and the fans cheer Taiji on.
Taiji CHOKES Sho but Sho scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Taiji stops at 4, but then he CHOKES Sho some more! The ref counts, Taiji stops, and Sho sputters. Sho then CLAWS Taiji’s eyes! Sho bails out, Taiji pursues, and Taiji has Sho at the ramp. Sho wants to retreat into the crowd but the railing won’t give. Sho goes to the entryway, Taiji pursues, but then something goes on backstage! Sho leaves Taiji behind and acts like it is all okay. But YUJIRO TAKAHASHI is choking Taiji with the pimp cane! The fans boo as this is literally happening behind the ref’s back! Yujiro throws Taiji down and Sho laughs.
Sho stomps Taiji, drags him up, and he has fans move! Sho BOWLS Taiji into chairs, STRIKE! Sho says that’s what Taiji gets! Sho then storms up on Taiji, twists his wrist, and brings him back to ringside. They go in the ring, Sho drags Taiji up, and he whips Taiji into the bare buckles! Taiji suffers his own trickery and Sho says this isn’t on him for once. Sho digs a knee into Taiji’s back while he has the chinlock, but Taiji BITES Sho’s hand! The ref reprimands, but then Sho CLAWS Taiji’s face! The ref reprimands Sho now, and Sho stops at 4. Sho drags Taiji up, TOSSES him out, then goes out to grab a chair!
The ref stops Sho, but this lets Yujiro use the chair to JAM Taiji up! The fans boo but Tokyo Pimp gets away with another one. Sho drags Taiji up, puts him back in, then covers, TWO! Taiji stays in this but Sho drags him back up. Sho TOSSES Taiji back out, distracts the ref, but the ref won’t fall for it this time! The ref stops Yujiro, but then that lest Sho JAM Taiji up! The fans boo more as the ref can’t keep up with both guys. The ref does say Yujiro needs to go, but Sho puts Taiji in the ring. Sho kicks Taiji around but Taiji CHOPS! And CHOSP! And then he CLAWS Sho’s eyes! Taiji runs, but Yujiro is still here to trip Taiji!
The fans boo as Yujiro gets in the ring while Sho is in the ref’s face! Yujiro whips Taiji, but Taiji stops from hitting buckles! Yujiro runs in, and Taiji dodges! Yujiro hits steel, Sho whips Taiji, but Taiji handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! The fans cheer, and Taiji grins as he brings Sho up. Taiji whips Sho into the bare buckles! Sho falls and writhes but Taiji keeps on him. Taiji wrenches and POSTS Sho! The fans cheer while Sho clutches his arm. Taiji brings Sho out, hammerlocks then scoops, but Sho slips free to bend Taiji’s fingers! Taiji CLAWS Sho’s eyes! Taiji runs, the ref is used as a shield! Sho SPEARS Taiji!
The fans boo Sho while both men are down. Sho rises up, he bends Taiji’s fingers, then wrenches to kick, KICK and SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Taiji stays in this and Sho grows frustrated. Sho aims his bow and he drags Taiji up. Sho reels Taiji in, tucks the arms, SHOCK- NO, Taiji slips free to BLOODY- NO, Sho fights free, but Taiji JUMP KNEES first! Sho drops down, Taiji aims and runs in, LA MYSTICA! BONE LOCK!! Sho endures as Taiji pulls on the hold! Sho fights around, Taiji rolls him away to then RAM into Yujiro! Down goes Tokyo Pimp, but then Sho whips Taiji into the ref! LOW BLOW!! The fans boo but Yujiro is back to stomp Taiji!
Yujiro drags Taiji up while Sho crawls to his corner. Sho grabs for his “Torture Tool!” The fans boo as Sho takes aim, but Taiji BOOTS Sho! And LOW BLOWS Yujiro! ZIGZAG for Sho!! And then BONE LOCK!! Sho endures, but where’s the ref? Gedo gets off commentary, but here comes SANADA! Gedo helps the ref, but The Cold Blooded Sanada uses the wrench to CLOBBER Taiji!! The fans boo but Sanada stands Taiji up for the DEADFALL!! Sanada leaves Taiji for Sho, the ref is up, and Gedo is stunned! Sho covers, and SHO WINS!
Winner: Sho, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taiji earns 0)
The House of Torture pulls out all the stops, but Sho is still only 4-4. Will Sho need to cheat one more time to finish above .500? Or was spoiling things for Taiji more than enough?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Francesco Akira VS Clark Connors!
This could be a very explosive combination as The Crown of Fire and 100 Proof are both a step behind the leader. Will Akira conquer this War Dog for the United Empire? Or will War Dogs Racing still have a chance at that final lap?
Oh, what’s this? Akira waits at the ramp for Connors? A bold strategy, Cotton, let’s see if it pays off for him. Connors steps out, sees Akira, and smirks. Connors likes Akira’s guts, and after he puts his things aside, Connors runs up! The two brawl on the ramp and the fans fire up! They RAM into railing, then more railing, then more railing! The railing almost falls over! Akira POSTS Connors hard and then keeps after him around the way! Akira CHOPS Connors, CHOPS again, and then again! And again! Akira is really fired up and the fans join in. But Connors UPPERCUTS Akira, SMACKS him off the apron, but Akira hits back!
Akira CHOPS, and he wants to go bowling! But Connors reverses the whip! Akira puts on the brakes, but the JEEP FLIPPER sends him into the chairs! The fans fire up and bark with Connors while he clears out space. Connors drags Akira up, brings Akira over, and puts him in the ring. But Akira is up to PLANCHA! Down goes Connors and the fans fire up with Akira! Akira drags Connors up, puts him in the ring, and this is finally a match! Akira reels Connors in, SPEEDFIRE! Akira aims, the fans rally, NOVA FIRE- NO, Connors ducks! And SPEARS!! The fans fire up and Connors has a wild look in his eyes as he wants more.
Connors puts one out, drags Akira up, and NO CHA- NO, Akira wrenches out to ROCK Connors! Connors runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Connors comes back, Akira dodges, THE SPEAR HITS THE REF!!! The fans go nuts but Connors isn’t all that bothered. Connors hurries to aim at Akira, runs up again, but Akira dodges the lariat to CHPO, CHOP, and CHOP! The fans fire up but Connors shoves Akira, then SNAP POWERSLAMS! Connors goes out and he finds WHEEL-SAN! The fans cheer, but wait, that’s not what he wants? Connors brings out a TABLE! Table-san is put in the ring and Connors props it up in the corner.
Connors fetches Akira but Akira fires body shots. Akira CHOPS, Connors KNEES low, and then Connors SMACKS Akira off the table! Connors lines up the shot, runs in, but Akira dodge! Connors slams on the brakes, Akira comes back, and Connors LARIATS! Connors says Akira can’t get the better of him, and now he grabs Wheel-san! The fans cheer as Connors slides Wheel-san into the ring. Gedo wants Connors to kill Akira with this one, but the fans rally up. Connors drags Akira over, but Akira blocks the hubcap bump! Connors CLAWS Akira’s eyes, and he DRIBBLES Akira off the hubcap! The fans rally, and the ref is being carried away!
Connors smirks as he now can do whatever he wants. Connors puts Wheel-san over Akira’s face, and he CURB STOMPS!! Gedo loves it, but this isn’t the end! Connors brings Akira up, grins as he SLAPS the bloody forehead! But Akira CHOKES Connors! Akira is furious as he SLAPS and fires hands! Akira trips Connors and he rains down forearms!! The fans fire up as Akira brings it back to when Empire and War Dogs feuded so violently in the past! Akira takes off his belt, and he brings it over to LASH Connors! The fans fire up while Akira LASHES Connors again! Gedo does NOT like this as Akira LASHES Connors again and again and again!
Akira TOSSES his belt aside, that’s a free souvenir now. Akira won’t stop here, though, as he goes looking under the ring. Akira brings out chairs! Akira puts those in, then drag Connors over. Red Shoes is here and he says don’t do it, Akira! Akira stops himself, letting his rage subside. Akira tries to reason with Red Shoes, Red Shoes won’t let it go, so Akira SHOVES Red Shoes down! Connors has a chair, but Akira blocks the shot! Akira JAMS Connors up! Red Shoes says no, he can still stop now! Gedo says just end the match anyway! Akira SMACKS Connors with the chair again and again!! DISQUALIFICATION!
Winner: Clark Connors, by disqualification (gains 2 points; Akira earns 0)
But Akira doesn’t care, his rage has boiled up, and he SMACKS Connors again!! He gave Connors the points he wanted, was settling the grudge worth giving up a spot in the semifinals? Wait, Akira isn’t done, he wedges a chair in a corner, and then drags Connors up! Red Shoes reprimands, commentary all shout for Akira to stop, but Akira puts Connors against the chair. Young Lions rush in but Akira shoves them all away! The Young Lions come back, they keep Akira from running at Connors! Akira powers up and gets free, but Connors SPEARS Akira through the table!!! Both men are down in the wreckage, is nothing settled between Empire and War Dogs?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Kevin Knight!
The Rogue Luchador said at the start of this that anyone could win at any given time, no matter who they are and where they’re from. At the same time, he vowed just the other day that he would finish this off and win the whole thing! Will the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion stop The Jet from taking off? Or will Knight win that golden ticket shortcut to the top?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Knight and Despy circle, feel things out, and Knight waistlocks. Despy wrenches free but Knight rolls, kips up, and wrenches back to waistlock. Then Knight arm-drags for a takedown, and he drops a knee on the arm! The fans cheer, Knight wristlocks, then double wristlocks, but Despy fights up to the ROPEBREAK! Knight lets go slowly, and the fans cheer as Knight flexes. Knight teases Despy’s lack of abs, and Red Shoes checks. Despy says stop, and the two reset. They tie up, Despy trips Knight, then thigs speed up. Despy avoids the hurdle, but not the BACKDROP! Despy tumbles out and the fans rally.
Knight aims to PLANCHA, but Despy blocks his kick! Despy trips Knight up and Knight hits off the apron! Despy then goes for the leg, STRETCH MUFFLER! Red Shoes reprimands, Despy lets go, but he YANKS Knight’s leg. Knight hobbles but Despy kick shim down. Despy stalks Knight around the way, brings him up, but Knight fires body shots! Despy CHOPS back and Knight staggers away. Knight returns to CHOP, so Despy UPPERCUTS! Despy puts Knight in the ring, storms up on him, and hits a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer and Despy covers, ONE!! Knight is tougher than that but Despy taunts him.
Despy stands Knight up but Knight fires body shots. Despy kicks the leg, then grabs it, SHIN BREAKER! Knight hobbles and falls, and Despy looms over him. Despy grabs a leg but Knight kicks and kicks and kicks! Despy kicks in return, then brings Knight in, only for Knight to BACKDROP again! The fans rally as Knight rallies with LARIATS! Knight whips, Despy reverses, but Knight goes up and over! Knight comes back to LARIAT again! Knight then runs corner to corner, BIG LARIAT! Knight powers up to scoop and BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Despy stays in this, and Knight says he was that close.
Knight goes to the corner and the fans rally as he takes aim. Knight springboards but Despy DECKS him! Despy goes out to the apron and stands Knight up, but Knight fires forearms first! Despy SMACKS Knight in return! Despy underhooks, but Knight holds on for dear life! The fans rally, Knight fights free, and he SUPERKICKS Despy! Then he APRON SATE- NO, Despy just shrugs Knight off! Despy laughs as Knight falls on the floor. Despy then grabs a leg and SMASHES it on the floor! Despy YANKS the leg, then has the STRETCH MUFFLER! Red Shoes reprimands as Despy thrashes Knight’s leg! Despy stops and he leaves Knight behind.
Knight writhes and Red Shoes checks him, and somehow Knight is able to continue. The ring count starts, Knight seethes as he sits up, but we already pass 10 of 20! Knight hobbles at 14, grits his teeth, and he rolls in at 17! Despy is on him with a gut wrench! GUITARRA POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Knight survives but the STRETCH MUFFLER returns! Knight endures, reaches out, but Despy rolls him from the ropes! They go around, Despy has NUMERO DOS! Knight activates the core to sit up! Knight reels Despy into an IRON OCTOPUS! Despy sits down but Knight pulls on the arm more! The fans rally as Despy fights around, and finds the ROPEBREAK!
Knight lets go in frustration but now things are even. Knight roars and rises up to bring Despy around. Despy shoves Knight, Knight comes back, but Despy ROCKS Knight! Despy fires more shots, but Knight fires back! Knight ROCKS Despy, roars, but the bad leg won’t let him jump! Despy KICKS the legs out! Despy then storms up to whip, but Knight reverses and SKY 2 HIGH! Cover, TWO!! Despy survives and the fans cheer! Knight snarls, he pushes Despy to the drop zone, and Knight climbs the corner! Bad leg or not, Knight aims, but Despy SHORYUKENS! Despy then ROCKET LAUNCHES Knight off the top!
Knight sputters, Despy goes up, but Knight rises! UPPER ROOM!! The fans fire up as Knight manages that jump, and he goes back up top! MOTHERSHIP UFO SPLASH FLOPS as Despy dodges! SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives, Despy is frustrated, but the fans fire up again! Despy drags Knight up, underhooks, but Knight wrenches out! Cradle, TWO!!! Despy escapes, Knight slips around, backslide! TWO!! Despy and Knight stand, Knight SUPERKICKS! Despy LOCO ELBOWS! Despy runs, into a DROPKICK!! The fans fire up as Knight still manages that jump, too! Knight then takes aim and waits on Despy.
Despy rises, Knight somersaults, and SATELLITE DDTS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Despy survives and Knight is shocked but the fans fire up again! Knight backs away to the corner and he climbs up again. The fans fire up as Knight reaches the top, but Despy rises! Despy hits the ropes to trip Knight up! A savvy move and Despy goes after Knight. Despy brings Knight up but Knight fires body shots. Despy HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! Knight fires more shots, but Despy ROCKS him! Despy goes to the very top, for a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Both men writhe and the fans are thunderous! Despy crawls and covers, TWO!!!
The fans fire up again as Knight survives! Despy roars, he drags Knight up, and he underhooks for PINCHE LOCO!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Knight survives and shocks everyone! The fans love it but Despy is frustrated with Knight. Despy drags Knight up, underhooks him again, FACEBUSTER! Roll through and PINCHE- NO, Knight fights the lift! Knight reaches out, but Despy pulls that arm back! Despy underhooks again, for PINCHE LOCO!!! Cover, DESPY WINS!
Winner: El Desperado, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)
Knight gave it his all but he could not bring down the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion! The Jet is now on the outside looking in, will Desperado make it to his back-to-back BOSJ wins?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Hiromu Takahashi!
The winner of BOSJ 30 now runs into the FOUR-TIME BOSJ winner, and it could all come down to this win! Will the Way of the Grandmaster continue on to the top of the block? Or will the Ticking Timebomb blow up all of Wato’s plans for the future?
The bell rings and the fans strongly rally for “HI-RO-MU!” The two circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Wato digs in and powers Hiromu to the ropes, but Hiromu turns it around. Red Shoes calls the break, Hiromu slowly lets off, and the fans applaud. But then Hiromu takes a swing! Wato dodges, headlocks, but Hiromu powers out. Wato RUNS Hiromu over, things keep moving, and Hiromu hurdles. Wato leaps over, then keeps moving to RANA Hiromu! Hiromu tumbles out, Wato builds speed, but Hiromu is back to ELBOW Wato! Hiromu whips Wato to a corner, Wato BOOTS in return and BULLDOGS!
The fans fire up with Wato and he goes back to Hiromu. Wato wrenches but Hiromu fights Recientemente. Wato KNEES low, whips, but Hiromu grabs ropes. Hiromu BOOTS Wato and then reels him in for a HANGING HEADSCISSORS! Red Shoes counts, Hiromu lets go to then whip Wato to a corner. LARIAT and snapmare, basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer, Hiromu covers, TWO! Hiromu keeps on Wato with the headscissors squeeze! The fans rally as Wato endures and moves around. Wato reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go, Wato goes to the outside, but Hiromu is after him.
Hiromu CHOPS Wato, stalks Wato around the way, and they go past commentary. Hiromu stands Wato up to CHOP again! Wato flounders but Hiromu stays after him. Hiromu stands Wato up, CHOPS him again, and Wato falls back down. Hiromu brings Wato up, fakes putting him in and CHOPS! Then snap suplexes to the floor! Wato writhes, Red Shoes insists this be in the ring, then starts a count. Hiromu goes back to Wato, brings him up at 5 of 20, and puts him in at 8. The fans applaud and Hiromu covers, TWO! Wato toughs it out but Hiromu is right on him with a CAMEL CLUTCH! Hiromu sits deep on the hold already but Wato endures!
The fans rally, Wato frees an arm, and he uses that to crawl forward! Hiromu sits back down to bend Wato, but Wato still manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Hiromu lets go. Hiromu paces while Wato writhes, and we pass five minutes. Hiromu brings Wato back up, just to CHOP him back down! Hiromu eggs Wato on, and the fans rally again. Wato rises to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Hiromu CHOPS Wato right down! The fans rally, Hiromu drags Wato up to whip, but Wato reverses and CALF KICKS! Hiromu goes to ropes, runs up, but Wato scoops to BACKBREAKER! Hiromu tumbles out and the fans rally up again.
Wato builds speed and he FLIES! Down goes Hiromu and the fans fire up again! Wato drags Hiromu up, puts him in, and goes to the apron. Wato springboards in, FLYING UPPERCUT! The fans cheer, Wato covers, TWO! The fans rally up as Wato rises, and Wato fires himself back up. Wato wrenches and hooks Hiromu up, but Hiromu fights Recientemente! Hiromu fireman’s carries, but Wato fights free! Wato SOBATS, then wrenches again, but Hiromu fireman’s carries! Wato sunset flips, into VENDEVAL! Hiromu endures as Wato pulls on the head and neck! Hiromu rocks the boat to then head for ropes! Wato lets Hiromu go so he can body scissors and roll!
VEND- NO, Hiromu makes it a cradle, TWO! VENDAVAL!! Hiromu endures all over again and the fans rally up! Hiromu leans, but he’s fading! Red Shoes checks Hiromu, but he gets that second wind! Hiromu seesaws around, but he is still fading! A third wind helps Hiromu make it to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Wato lets go in frustration. Wato waistlocks but Hiromu fights the lift! Hiromu reaches out again, but Wato brings him away from ropes! Hiromu fires elbows to get free, but Wato swings through the lariat, CRUCIFIX DRIVER, then RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and the fans fire up!
Wato is frustrated but he just fires up more! The fans rally, Wato brings Hiromu up and chicken wings. RECIENTE- NO, Hiromu fights off The Second with an arm-drag! Wato is up but Hiromu mule kicks! Front KICKS! Hiromu SWATS the roundhouse to SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, but Wato dodges! Wato tilt-o-whirls, schoolboys, but Hiromu rolls through to then HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Both men rise and the fans rally up again! Wato runs up, but Hiromu scoops to SIDEWALK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Wato is still in this and the fans still rally. Hiromu roars, the fans fire up with him, and he brings Wato into the dragon sleeper!
Wato fires knees from below, Hiromu staggers, and Wato ROUNDHOUSES! Hiromu roars, but the DREAMCAST KICK hits! Wato roars, the fans fire up, and Wato drags Hiromu up. Wato waistlocks to TSUTENKAKU!! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and Wato is beside himself! The fans rally even harder as Wato rises. Wato drags Hiromu back up, chicken wings again, RECIENTE- NO, Hiromu flips through! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER meets KOZY LARIAT!! Hiromu slumps down and Wato stands tall! The fans are thunderous and Wato roars! Wato drags Hiromu up,b ut HIromu SUPERKICKS!
Wato kicks, Hiromu ducks, and CODE BREAKAER! Then HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!!! Wato survives and the fans are thunderous! Hiromu hauls Wato up, fireman’s carries, and the TIMEBOMB 1.5!! But Hiromu isn’t done, he dragon sleepers and TIMEBOMB 2.0!!! Cover, HIROMU WINS!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
To battle like this, these two truly are two of the Best of the Super Juniors! But in the end, four times beats one time, and Wato falls off the top spot. Will Wato still find his way into the semifinals?
As for Hiromu, he does offer a handshake of respect, but Wato refuses, too frustrated with himself to accept. Hiromu goes to the mic to tell Wato, “Where’s your belt? Aren’t you a tag champion? Take it easy, it’s okay. I figured I’d challenge. And as for my partner… Me and Kanemaru will challenge! I think! Understand, yesterday wasn’t really how Kanemaru felt. Me and him are challenging, so get ready!” The fans applaud, but is The Ticking Timebomb serious about the Heel Master coming around?
Moving on from that, Hiromu admits he’s really feeling that match now. Maybe Hiromu can’t go anymore. Hiromu thanks you for all your support, please chant for him. The fans do chant for “HI-RO-MU!” and he feels better. And it has been a little while since he’s done one, so maybe let’s do a little Hiromu survey! Don’t be shy, if this is your first time watching wrestling live, please raise your hand. Oh, a lot of you! And you didn’t even leave during this pointless promo! Thank you! The fans cheer and Hiromu wonders… Anyone planning on going to the finals in Ota? Yes, some, but not enough! Hey, Ota is near Nagoya, when you think about it.
In fact, nothing is “too far” within Japan! Everywhere is local in Japan! Everywhere is local in Japan! Right? The fans echo that, and Hiromu says, “Thank you for chanting that!” Hiromu says these are real fans here! The fans cheer that! Now, going through BOSJ, there is one thing Hiromu is sure of. He guarantees that BOSJ will be the best tour in ALL of NJPW! The fans cheer that! Hiromu vows that he will definitely win! IF he has your support! The fans cheer, and Hiromu says no really, he needs you! The fans chant his name again, and he powers up again. Hiromu thanks them, and promises that for the rest of BOSJ…
Hiromu will make it “Moto!” “Moto!” “Moto!” “Moto!” “MOTO!” “MOTO!” “MOTO!” “MOTO!” “MOTO!!” Fun for everyone!! The fans cheer as Hiromu sets down the mic, but will he get into the semifinals? Or could he still be one stumble away from missing out?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Hiromu Takahashi: 5-3, 10 points
Master Wato: 5-3, 10 points
Clark Connors: 5-3, 10 points
Francesco Akira: 4-4, 8 points
Kosei Fujita: 4-4, 8 points
KUSHIDA: 4-4, 8 points
Dragon Dia: 4-4, 8 points
Robbie X: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Ninja Mack: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
YOH: 5-3, 10 points
MAO: 5-3, 10 points
El Desperado: 5-3, 10 points
Nick Wayne: 4-4, 8 points
SHO: 4-4, 8 points
Taiji Ishimori: 4-4, 8 points
Robbie Eagles: 4-4, 8 points
Kevin Knight: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Titan: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Ryusuke Taguchi: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
A great round here, but thankfully the last time all 10 tournament matches are on one card. I also appreciated that so many of those matches in the first half of the card were so fast and short. And at this point in the tournament, it makes sense a good chunk of each block goes down into mathematically eliminated territory. Mack still getting a win despite that was great for him, and he might’ve been the final nail in Fujita’s own run, depending on how the ninth round goes. The blocks still parallel each other at this point, three guys at 5-3 for 10 points, and it will really come down to who loses rather than who wins.
Wato may have lost tonight, but he could beat Kanemaru and still make it in. Hiromu has Robbie X, Connors has Fujita, one of those could end up a huge upset, but so could Kanemaru cheating Wato to then add onto this idea that Hiromu will team with him even though he isn’t going to be House of Torture. On the other side, Desperado VS Eagles, Yoh VS Taiji, and Mao VS Sho, those are also intriguing match-ups. I would think Despy makes it in as both champion and last year’s tournament winner, so the other two are going to be really tricky. And if this is where Nick Wayne’s run ends with him and Titan in a somewhat do-nothing match, it’s still a great first run, and he can be home in the USA and AEW in time for Fyter Fest.
My Score: 9/10
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Who will be the W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~?!
Tonight on Raw, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods defend the WWE World Tag Team Championships in a Triple Threat against War Raiders and Creed Brothers!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: PENTA VS Dragon Lee VS Chad Gable; Penta wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
- Rusev VS Akira Tozawa w/ Maxxine Dupri; Rusev wins.
- WWE World Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: The New Day VS The War Raiders VS The Creed Brothers; The New Day win and retain the titles.
- Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez VS Kairi Sane w/ Iyo Sky; Kairi wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Seth Rollins VS Sami Zayn VS Finn Balor; Rollins wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins is here!
The Visionary leads the way for The Wise Man, the Badass and the Colossal Aussie as they head down the runway. The fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHHH~!” as Rollins steps into the ring in his mint blue floral suit. Rollins revels in the singing a little longer, then the fans bark for Bron Breakker. Paul Heyman has a mic and he gives his introductions. “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman. Let’s see who the players are without even the benefit of a scorecard. First…” The fans bark as Heyman steps to his left. “A man, an attack dog, a badass, THE badass, in a true bloodline of badasses.
“And not just a badass, but the key to the future. If Skynet sent a Terminator from the future to this plane today and you asked that Terminator, ‘Who’s gonna main event WrestleManias 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 and so on?’ That terminator would tell you the answer to that question is BRON! BREAKKER!” Fans are a little torn on that but Heyman says he’ll put his reputation on the line tonight. That’s not a prediction, that is a damn spoiler! The fans chant for “CM PUNK!” but Rollins smirks. Heyman asks Rollins if the fans realize that CM Punk is not here tonight. The fans boo, but Heyman says that is all thanks to “Big Bronson Reed!”
“WWE would never put him in the ring with top tier talent. Why? Because they were afraid of him! Not just the WWE, but the top tier talent here in the WWE! Why? Cuz he’s too reckless! Why? Cuz of the Tsunami! Why? Cuz he’s a violent man in the PG Era, and he’s gonna put everyone down in front of him! So what’d Bronson Reed do? He took the initiative! He went after THE top star in WWE! He went after the legacy player, the future of this industry! Bronson Reed targeted Seth Freakin’ Rollins. In one night, Bronson Reed put a beating on Seth Rollins worse than Roman Reigns ever put on Seth Rollins in ten years.
“In ONE night, Bronson Reed put a beating worse on Seth Rollins than CM Punk was able to do in his entire career! In ONE NIGHT, Seth Rollins fought Roman Reigns and CM Punk in essentially a handicap match at WrestleMania, and they couldn’t do the damage to him that Bronson Reed did to him in ONE NIGHT! Get down on your hands and your knees and thank the Heavens above for the altruism of this man to my right. The sacrifice that Seth Rollins is willing to make for each and every single one of you so that the trajectory of this industry going into the future is bigger than ever before.
“I give to you the most generous man I have ever met in my entire life. I give to you the epitome of the epiphany. I give to you a Visionary! I give to you an Architect! I give to you the future of this entire industry! Ladies and gentlemen… ACKNOWLEDGE Seth Freakin’ Rollins!” The fans boo and Rollins smiles, but then the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Rollins takes a moment, listens for the fans singing his song, but also hears the fans chant, “We Want Roman!” Rollins waits for that to die down, then he says, “Make no mistake about it. Tampa, this is the vision. This is MY vision. This is the way forward! This is how we secure the future of the industry!
“We do it through total control! Through total domination! Through complete POWER!” The fans chant, “You Sold Out!” Rollins asks to who? To himself? Are they outta their minds? Rollins has not changed a beat! He told us exactly what he would do at WrestleMania, and he did it! Rollins takes a moment, but the fans cuss him out. Rollins says the fans are questioning his integrity right now. They are questioning him. Need he remind them, less than five minutes ago, everyone in this building was singing HIS song! And now, NOW, you wanna chant profanity at him? You wanna question HIS integrity?
The singing does return, and Heyman conducts it, but Rollins has everyone hold on. “You people, you morons, don’t even know right from left! You don’t know what’s good for you! But you’re telling ME that I’M the bad guy here, that I don’t deserve the power. I’m the only one who does. I’m the only person capable of leading this company into the future. I’m the only person capable of wielding that power! And that power comes through championships! And I tell you, I would be standing here before you, right now, World Heavyweight Champion, if it wasn’t for Sami Zayn… And C… M… Punk.” The fans chant for Punk again and Rollins sighs.
Rollins stands with Bronson and says, “CM Punk found out on Saturday exactly what happens when you underestimate me! Sami Zayn will figure that out tonight, because ladies and gentlemen, I have found something more powerful than championships. I have found an object that allows me to control the fates of those championships.” Rollins looks up to the Money in the Bank briefcase. Heyman smiles and Rollins says, “I’m going to qualify for Money in the Bank. I am going to win the Money in the Bank contract. And I am going to cash-in the MITB contract.
“But here’s the beauty of it: I can do it whenever I want; I can do it however I want; I can cash-in on whomever I want; and there is NOBODY who can stop me! And THAT is complete domination! THAT is total power! And THAT is why I am a Visionary! I am a Revolutionary! I am SETH! FREAKIN’ ROLLINS!” The mission statement is crystal clear, but will all of the gold soon belong to Rollins and his team?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: PENTA VS Dragon Lee VS Chad Gable!
Speaking of MITB, this could be one of the fastest and wildest qualifiers yet! But will a luchador win their way to LA? Or will Chad Gable give himself a very busy Saturday with both a Worlds Collide AND MITB match?
Raw returns as Gable is frustrated already seeing his Worlds Collide opponent, El Hijo del Vikingo, in the crowd to watch this. The bell rings, Gable, Penta and Lee watch each other. The fans rally, Lee and Penta realize Gable is the common denominator, so they DOUBLE SUPERKICK! They take turns stomping Gable, but then they argue over who gets to do more. They shove each other, then agree to keep on Gable together. They TOSS Gable out, Gable tumbles, and now Penta rolls Lee! TWO, and Lee says okay, if that’s how it is… Lee dodges Penta, runs up, but Penta puts Lee on the apron. Lee RAMS Penta, bumps and ROUNDHOUSES him, then RANAS!
Penta ends up in a corner, Lee runs corner to corner, JUMP KCIK! Leg sweep! COMBINACION DRAGON! But Gable is back to ROCK Lee! Gable whips, Lee reverses and Lee DROPKICKS! Lee runs to DROPKICK Penta! Lee comes back for Gable, but Gable catches him for an EXPLODER! Gable dodges Lee, Penta springboards, but Gable catches him! GERMAN SUPELX! The fans boo but Lee RAMS Gable. Lee slingshots but Gable NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Gable snarls and he drags Lee up. Gable THROWS Lee out, goes back to Penta, but Penta fires body shots. Gable CHPOS, whips, but Penta KICKS Gable!
Penta dodges Gable, mule kicks a leg, then SLING-DOGS! Lee is back but Penta pops him up in the corner, SUPERKICK to Lee! Gable runs up, into a BACKBREAKER! Penta picks Lee up into the Gory Especial, then he reels Gable in! Underhook, TIGER DRIVER GORY BOMB COMBO!!! The ref checks Gable as he flops out of the ring, but Lee also goes out, only for Penta to FLY! Direct hit and the fans fire up while Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Gable whips Penta, but then Penta grabs ropes. Gable runs up, Penta TOSSES him, but then Lee runs up. Penta SUPERKICKS Lee, goes out, but Gable anchors his foot! Gable YANKS Penta down, then SMACKS him off the desk! Gable talks trash on Vikingo, goes back for Penta, then throws hands! Gable wants Vikingo to know what’s waiting for him on June 7th! But Lee FLIES! Gable moves, Lee lands right on Penta and they both fall off the desk!! Everyone loses their minds, even Gable! Gable sucker punches Vikingo! The fans boo and Michael Cole tells Gable to focus on the match! How dare he assault a guest?
Gable puts Penta in the ring, CHOPS him, but Penta just gets mad. The fans fire up as Penta winds up and CHOPS! Gable snarls and CHOPS! Penta CHPOS, Lee SUPERKICKS Gable! Penta SUPERKICKS Lee! Lee DRAGON TRIGGERS! And POISON-RANAS! Gable lariats, Lee slips through and lifts! LIGER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Gable survives landing on his head again, and the fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” and Lee rises up. Lee has Penta for a fireman’s carry, but Penta fights free with elbows! Penta spins Lee, pump handles, but Gable waistlocks! GERMAN SUPLEX PUMP HANDLE SLAM COMBO!!!
The fans are thunderous and Gable has the straps down! “A THANK YEW~!!” Gable goes up, up, and MOONSAULTS onto Penta! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and Gable is furious! Lee runs up, but Gable THROWS him overhead! Lee hits buckles, Gable goes up, but Vikingo trips Gable! GAMANGIRI! Gable is in the Tree of Woe and Vikingo cheers on Lee! Lee climbs, aims, and WOE STOMPS Gable!! But Penta hits Lee with a DESTROYER!! Penta gives Gable the PENTA DRIVER!!! Cover, PENTA WINS!!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Vikingo gets even with Gable, but they’ll surely go above and beyond at Worlds Collide! As for Penta, will #CeroMiedo be the one holding the MITB contract?
Judgment Day hangs out in the clubhouse.
JD McDonagh wants to talk tag titles but Finn Balor says one thing at a time. Finn’s gonna focus on MITB first, then they get back to business. As for Carlito & Dominik, they’re too busy playing WWE 2K and the WarGames match. But Roxanne Perez is here? She has a whole platter of chicken nuggets and offers him some. And then she says his shoulders seem tense. Roxie starts massaging Dom’s arm, and then LIV MORGAN walks in! She is absolutely livid, and Dom says hey, she’s back! Roxie wants to introduce herself but Liv hushes her. What’s been going on? Well, see, the time zones and nuggets and-
Liv stops Dom there, because Raquel already filled her in. And something is about to get very interesting. Liv will address that, but not before asking Adam Pearce for an MITB qualifier. Liv tells “Sister” Raquel time to head out, and Raquel tells Dom in Espanol that he messed up. Liv & Raquel head out, Finn chuckles and Dom plays it off by saying it’s so great to have Liv back. Finn says yes it is. Carlito says stop eating Roxie’s nuggies. Is Liv feeling what it’s like to have the tables turned on her? Or will she assert her dominance soon enough?
WWE honors our armed forces on this Memorial Day.
Home of the free because of the brave. Cody Rhodes narrates by saying it is easy to speak of sacrifice and harder to live it. Some did. From Normandy to Vietnam, across the Gulf War deserts and mountains of Afghanistan. Not for praise, but for freedom, for each other, and for all of us. Today, remember the selfless who stood in harm’s way and gave their all. Because of them, we live free. Because of them, we carry on. To them, we say thank you.
Rusev VS Akira Tozawa w/ Maxxine Dupri!
The Redeemer all but demolished The Dozer, and that is why the Stamina Monster is already raging as he stands in the ring. Will Rusev continue to “fix” the Raw roster by breaking them down? Or can Tozawa stop the rampage?
The bell rings and Tozawa rips his shirt! Rusev runs up, Tozawa dodges to fire off hands! Rusev shoves Tozawa, Tozawa is back to throw more hands! Rusev shoves Tozawa to a corner, runs in, but Tozawa dodges! Tozawa runs up but Rusev puts him on the apron. Tozawa GAMANGIRIS, goes up, and leaps to MISSILE DROPKICK! Rusev tumbles, but he comes back to LARIAT! The fans are torn but Rusev roars and stomps around! MACHKA KICK!! Rusev roars, “RUSEV! MACHKA!!” And then the ACCOLADE!!! Tozawa TAPS, Rusev wins!
Winner: Rusev, by submission
Rusev makes Tozawa suffer, he bends Tozawa back! The fans are torn and the ref tries to pry that grip open! But wait! Here comes Sheamus! Rusev throws Tozawa aside, and Bulgarian Brute stares down The Celtic Warrior. They were once friends, but that was a long time ago. The fans rally behind Sheamus, and Rusev stands down. Does Rusev feel Sheamus does not need his “help?” Or is he not deserving?
Backstage interview with Burt Kreischer & Tom Segura.
Cathy Kelley tells Burt welcome back, and brings up Segura being a bit critical of the WWE in the past. What brings him by tonight? Segura knows he’s done stupid things in his life, saying that stuff was part of it. But Cody Rhodes was on their podcast recently, it was a great time, and a real eye-opener. Plus, Burt had such a blast at the show he attended, so Tom couldn’t turn it down. Cathy knows that’s true. They were interrupted last time, so maybe Burt can plug his stuff now? Burt says yes, his new special is called Lucky, on Netflix, watch now. Something has Bur’s attention and he excuses himself.
Cathy knows Tom has something coming up, too, and he says yes, his own special will be a wild sketch show and- Wait, Burt is calling for Tom. Tom says this happens every time… Tom heads over, and Burt’s got his shirt off as he’s excited to see the War Raiders in person! It’s like they could all be related! Ivar says time to fire up! Ivar CHOPS Burt on the chest, Burt is already red, and they chant “WAR! WAR! WAR!” The Raiders head out, Tom has Burt calm down cuz Erik & Ivar left. Burt asks how does he look. Very red. Tom suggests they check with a medic to check before he and Burt go to their seats.
Sami Zayn is backstage.
Sami says he can’t stand listening to those guys talk! Heyman, Rollins, running their mouths, Sami should’ve gone out there to interrupt. But for what? Jey Uso says it would’ve been 1v3. Gotta be smart, Uce. Gotta pick the right time. Rollins wants the power, but this is how they stop him! Sami goes out there, wins the qualifier, and snatch that briefcase. If anything gets messy out there, Jey has Sami’s back. Sami nods, and Jey has him bring it in for the secret handshake. Jey wishes Sami luck, but will the Underdog from the Underground be on top? Will the Visionary’s plan continue to succeed? Or will The Prince have his own golden ticket to LA?
WWE World Tag Team Championships Triple Threat: The New Day VS The War Raiders VS The Creed Brothers!
Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods certainly tried to use their opponents against each other in hopes of crossing one off the list, but now they’ll be facing them both! Will the New Day survive a night in Tampa? Will Erik & Ivar have redemption from WrestleMania? Or will Julius & Brutus make sure these titles are now American Made?
Raw returns as the titles are raised and Burt is seen chugging beer! Tom joins in, and then the War Raiders attack the New Day! The fans fire up, the ref reprimands, but the Raiders TOSS the Creeds! This has to come down to 1v1 but Erik & Ivar throw hands on Woods & Kofi! The Creeds return, but the Raiders stereo scoop and SLAM them! Then Erik scoops and SLAMS Woods! Ivar & Erik scoop Kofi to LAWN DART him out onto the rest! The fans fire up, the Raiders say “UP!” Erik scoops Ivar, and from the apron he THROWS Ivar onto everyone! The fans fire up, Ivar rises, and he puts Kofi in. The bell rings as Erik brings Kofi up.
Ivar climbs a corner, but Woods anchors Ivar’s leg! Kofi BOOTS Erik, Julius DROPKICKS Ivar to the floor! Woods & Brutus THROW Erik into barriers! Julius & Kofi do the same! The New Day and American Made have made an alliance, and they all RAM Erik together! They they go to the ring and stand tall together. The fans boo while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and the Raiders are back. Kofi has Erik but Erik fires body shots. Kofi KNEES low, facelocks, and he puts Erik in the ropes. Kofi KNEES away on Erik, then tags Woods. Woods goes up the corner to GUILLOTINE DOUBLE STOMP! The fans boo but Woods struts around. “NEW~ DAY~!” “SUCKS!” Woods talks trash on Erik, brings him up, but the fans rally. Erik shoves Woods and ROCKS him! Both men fall and the fans fire up! Woods sputters but Erik crawls, hot tag to Ivar! Julius runs in but Ivar BACKDROPS him! BOOT for Woods! Scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM for Brutus!
Kofi runs in, Ivar dodges then scoop shim, SIDEWALK SLAM onto Brutus! Ivar runs and he DOUBLE SPLASHES! Julius is up, the fans fire up with Ivar, and Ivar runs in, only for Julius to dodge. Julius comes back, into the SEATED SENTON! Ivar TOSSES Woods, dodges Brutus and LARIATS him up and out! Kofi runs up but Ivar TOSSES him out onto Woods & The Creeds! The fans fire up more as Ivar says “UP!” Ivar climbs the corner! But Kofi jumps up to GAMANGIRI! Ivar falls but Erik DECKS Kofi! Brutus ROCKS Erik! Brutus RAMS Erik, hoists him up, but Erik SMACKS Brutus! Brutus ROCKS Erik then climbs.
Erik DECKS Brutus, but Julius springs up! The fans fire up for the SUPER DUPER PLEX! Woods hits the LIMIT BREAKER ELBOW on Erik! But Ivar is up top! WAR BEARD SPLASH!! Cover, Kofi & The Creeds break it! The fans fire up while all six men are down! “This is Awesome!” as the teams regroup. Kofi runs up on Erik, but Erik ducks the kick! EriK DECKS Kofi! The Creeds CLOBBER Erik! Ivar breaks their line to handspring DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! And then HEEL KICK for Woods! Ivar helps Erik wake up, and he says it is time to end this! Erik feeds Woods to Ivar, but Julius tags in! Ivar DECKS Julius, Woods FACEBUSTERS Erik!
Kofi KICKS Ivar, he and Brutus TOSS Ivar out! Brutus springboards to BRUTUS BALL Erik! Kofi DIVES at Ivar, but Ivar catches him! And RAMS him into the LED apron! The fans fire up for Ivar, and he runs up, CROSSBODY against the LED board! Ivar goes up, up, but Julius JUMP KNEES him! Woods rolls Julius up with tights! NEW DAY WIN!!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall (still WWE World Tag Team Champions)
Well, The New Day used their opponents against each other all over again and came away with the titles! Will no one ever stop Kofi & Woods as the W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, Champions~?
Liv & Raquel walk ‘n’ talk.
And then they spot something. It’s Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane! What is this? A DMG CTRL reunion? Isn’t that group as dead as Kairi’s chances of winning MITB? Iyo says keep walking. Oh, they will! Liv is gonna walk right into Adam Pearce’s office and get herself a qualifier. And when she wins the briefcase, she cashes in on Iyo. Something Kairi could never ever do! Kairi tells Liv, in Japanese, that Liv keeps on talking, talking, talking like an idiot. Kairi then dares Liv to have a match with her tonight! Liv says challenge accepted. Raquel says Kairi done messed up, but Iyo says good on the Pirate Princess. Will Kairi sink Liv’s ship before it even sets sail?
Jey Uso heads to the ring!
The fans are ready to YEET here in Tampa as the World Heavyweight Champion makes his way down to ringside. After Saturday Night’s Main Event, we know he and Cody Rhodes are preparing for a star-studded tag team match at MITB, what will Jey have to say about it? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Jey has the mic to say, “The World Heavyweight Champ, Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaay~!” The fans cheer, and Jey says it has been a busy week for the champ. “YEET!” Everybody’s after the champ! “YEET!” Logan Paul got YEET’D! Cena ’bout to get YEET’D! And at MITB, it is Jey and his dawg, Cody- WAIT! Gunther is here! Der Ring General interrupts as he goes right to the ring and grabs his own mic. The fans taunt Gunther with “You Tapped Out!” but Gunther shrugs that off. Gunther tells Jey, “Well first of all, I came out here…” The fans boo but Gunther says he wants to congratulate Jey.
“And this one comes from a very personal places. Congratulations on the 15 year jubilee of The Usos in the WWE.” The fans cheer that, and Gunther says, “Secondly, congratulations on your first successful defense against Logan Paul on Saturday. You are holding onto this title way longer than I expected.” The fans boo that but Gunther says he appreciates Jey is doing everything in his power to fulfill this position. He really wants to be the captain of Monday Night Raw. And Jey has his hands full. There’s the long term plan going around, some of Jey’s friends are in trouble, and when they need Jey, he is there, no questions asked.
“And those are great qualities for a human being. But they are terrible qualities for a great champion.” The fans boo, but Gunther says he doesn’t blame Jey. Jey doesn’t know any better. Unlike Gunther, this position as World Heavyweight Champion doesn’t come natural to Jey. Being a great champion doesn’t mean you’re there for everyone else, that you sort out all the problems. Just guess, how was Gunther able to be a champion for almost ay ear? Because the only person he cares about is HIMSELF! The fans boo, but Gunther says if he is fully honest, Jey doesn’t have the intellect to carry himself as a great champion.
And in two weeks, when they step into the ring one more time, Gunther will relieve Jey from his position. Gunther will make things right and choke Jey out! Gunther will take back HIS World Heavyweight Championship and put it back where it belongs: Around Gunther’s waist! The fans boo but Jey takes a moment. “You done? Are you done?” Jey says he’s done, He is done with everybody saying his days as champ are numbered. “YEET!” Jey is done with everybody using an excuse for this title to turn their back on the people who brought them up! Jey does have friends, he does have family. He a real one, Uce. He fights for them, they fight for him!
The fans cheer and Jey paces. Jey tells Gunther he runs his mouth on Jey’s life. Gunther wants to judge Jey? Go ahead! Jey gets worked up and says what Gunther is fighting for is less than what Jey is fighting for. Jey isn’t overlooking Gunther, he knows what Gunther is capable of. Jey knows Gunther in and out. So see you in Phoenix. But at the end of the day, at the end of the day… Jey is fighting for the fans. Because in Phoenix, Jey will make Gunther tap out, again! Four letters, one word, UH UH, YEET!! The fans fire up with Jey as he heads out. Will this be the Summer of YEET?
Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez VS Kairi Sane!
The leading lady of the Judgment Day is back from her time in Japan filming for Hollywood, but now she thinks she can just call the shots for MITB. Will Liv be rolling towards a MITB qualifier? Or will the Pirate Princess prove she’s still got it?
Raw returns as Kairi makes her entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. They go around, Liv puts Kairi on ropes, then they go along ropes. Kairi has Liv in the corner but she lets off as the ref counts. Kairi rushes up but Liv THROWS her down by her hair! Liv KICKS Kairi, stomps away, but the ref counts. Liv stops at 4, bumps Kairi off buckles, then throws hands! The ref counts, Liv shrieks, “OKAY!” But Kairi CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Kairi CHOPS Liv again and then fires boxing elbows! Kairi backs Liv into a corner, ROCKS her, then whips corner to corner. Kairi runs up, Liv puts her on the apron, but Kairi RAMS Liv!
Kairi goes up, up, and leaps, but Liv gets under. Kairi says kiss this! The fans fire up, Liv says okay then! Liv runs up, Kairi sidesteps and drops down, then does it again. Kairi blows past, goes up and RANAS! Liv tumbles to the ropes, the fans fire up with Kairi, and she runs in, SLIDING D! Liv sputters and Kairi goes out to the apron. Kairi brings Liv up, BACKHANDS her, then gets space. Kairi runs in, but Liv dodges! Kairi boots the post, and Liv SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS to the floor! Raquel cheers and the fans are torn, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Liv suplexes Kairi! That’s Una Amiga as Liv brings her back up, for Dos Amigas! Liv brings Kairi up again, for THREE- NO, Kairi slips free, but Liv ELBOWS her! Liv runs, Kairi dodges, and then Kairi SPEARS! The fans fire up while both women are down! Raquel panics and coaches Liv but Kairi goes to a corner. Liv runs up but Kairi DECKS her! And CLOBBERS her! And CROSSBODIES her! Kairi whips, Liv reverses, but Kairi stops herself to come back, BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up with Kairi again and she has Liv in the corner. Kairi marches and then runs up, SLIDING D again!
Liv flounders, Kairi climbs, and FLYING KABUKI FOREARM! Cover, TWO! Liv lives and Kairi is annoyed, but she hurries to bring Liv back up. The fans rally, Liv breaks free, but Kairi ducks the enzigiri! Kairi has the legs, and she pulls Liv into the ANCHOR HOLD! Liv endures as Kairi bridges back! The fans fire up but Liv pulls hair! The ref reprimands, but Kairi DECKS Liv! Kairi roars, runs, but Liv STOMPS her down! Liv scowls, rises up, and she climbs the corner. FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Kairi survives and Liv is livid! Liv SLAPS Kairi around, kicks her, then has her on the ropes. Liv runs up, but Kairi denies ObLIVion!
URAKEN!! Liv sputters, Kairi runs, SLIDING D the third!! Cover, TWO!! The fans rally, Kairi drags Liv up, and then she Alabama Lifts! But Liv sunset flips it! TWO, and both women hurry to their feet! Liv blocks the backhand to BACKSTABBER! Kairi flounders. Liv runs in, but Kairi pops Liv up! But Liv rolls, Kairi smothers it to a jackknife bridge, TWO! Both women grab at the other but Kairi Alabama Lifts again! ALABAMA SLAM! Kairi goes up the corner and the fans fire up! Raquel distracts the ref, ROXANNE shoves Kairi! The fans boo but then Raquel and Roxie argue! Roxie says she just helped Liv, what’s the big deal?
Liv runs at Kairi, Kairi rolls her up! KAIRI WINS!!!
Winner: Kairi Sane, by pinfall
Raquel is shocked, but Liv let herself get distracted by everything! Roxie says that wasn’t on her. Will Liv get over herself to accept the new girl on the team?
Rhea Ripley speaks.
“Mami’s always on top. It wasn’t just a saying to me, but it was a way of life. Lately, that just hasn’t been our reality, now has it? But at MITB, that all changes. For the first time in my career, I’m in a ladder match, which means no one is ready for the amount of brutality that I am going to unleash. I will do absolutely anything to climb that ladder, to retrieve the briefcase, and to once again cement myself at the top of the women’s division. So Iyo Sky, Tiffany Stratton, I advise you to hold your titles really tightly. Because absolutely no one is safe from Mami in the Bank.” The Eradicator is ready, will she be ready to call her shot after June 7th?
Judgment Day regroups.
Liv still wants to know what Roxie was doing out there. Finn defends Roxie just wanting to help. Dom knows that was the plan, right? Dom stammers, but Raquel says if Roxie hadn’t gone out there, Liv would’ve won! Liv says he can’t believe she’s saying this, but no, Raquel was the veteran out there and she should’ve known better. What? Finn grins again, is this going even better than he expected?
Lyra Valkyria is here!
The fans “WHEW~!” with the song as the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion makes her way to the ring. Lyra has the mic to say, “Well what is up, Tampa? Ugh, I wish I was out here to talk to you guys about some new competition and a new challenger for this championship. But news broke today that Becky went and did what Becky does best. She groveled and she begged and she twisted the arms of the right people in the back, and she once again talked herself into a rematch at MITB.” The fans boo, but Lyra says, “Why would I accept, right? I have nothing left to prove. I’ve beaten her twice.
“Every opponent that I have ever had, I didn’t care what they said about me or what they did to me. Once I beat them between these ropes, I was the ultimate winner. But I didn’t feel any satisfaction when I beat Becky. Because she came out here after Backlash, ego still through the roof, no embarrassment, no sense of shame, even though she’d been outwrestled and beaten. And she sat there, on that top buckle, and she talked like she won the match! She was that delusional! And then she just went on to try and steal the next opportunity from the next person. She’s like a rat with a piece of cheese, and I just couldn’t let her do it.”
The fans cheer, and Lyra says, “At Backlash, all I wanted to do was pin her shoulders to the mat for three seconds. But she came out here and she go tin my fiancé’s face, and she tried to take my eye out, and she tried to break my arm! So yeah, now it’s personal!” The fans like that! Lyra says at MITB, she is going to hurt Becky. She is going to break Becky’s ego! And if that means bashing Becky’s head in, then she’ll do it! But wait! Becky is here now! Lyra frowns as The Man makes her way out to the ring, and Becky has a mic to ask, “I made this personal? I made this personal? YOU cost ME! You cost me my opportunity!
“I was done with you! I was on the bigger and better things, because okay, okay, you won a match. You won a match, I won the night! Because I went home with my hot husband, and you went off to the hospital with your weird little fiancé!” Wow, Becky’s “hot husband?” AKA, the only talented thing about her? Becky says here it goes! Lyra makes it personal! Lyra made it personal first! She could’ve let it go, but she couldn’t. Because Lyra knows Becky is the best thing that ever happened to Lyra, or to that title! Lyra says that is not the flex Becky thinks it is! Becky acts like she just graciously stepped aside and shared the spotlight.
People are talking about Lyra because Lyra beat Becky! The fans cheer that! Okay, okay, Lyra says Becky “steals” opportunities. If Lyra is so confident, how about this? MITB, if Lyra wins again, Becky will never challenge Lyra for that title ever again. Fine! No problem for Lyra. As she sees it, she beat Becky twice, and the last time was with her eyes closed. Becky frowns, but she says Lyra did not let her finish. Because there’s something Becky keeps remembering. When Lyra took the NXT Women’s Championship from Becky, it was a quick roll-up, not really decisive. When Lyra won that match, the good person Becky was, what’d she do? Becky graciously raised Lyra’s hand.
So WHEN Becky wins at MITB, and does it fair ‘n’ square, Lyra must look her in the eyes and raise Becky’s hand! The fans are torn on that, but Lyra says she has never had an issue raising the hand of the woman better than her. It just hasn’t been Becky yet. Mic drop from The Morrigan, but will The Man make her humble? Or will Lyra close this title off to Becky for as long as it is on her shoulder?
Sami Zayn walks the halls.
And Karrion Kross says, “Well, well, WELL! Here we are again, Sami! You’re still trying to claw your way to the top when you could’ve just taken the deal, went to SmackDown, and challenged for the WWE Championship. NO, you gotta do it ‘your way.'” Sami says he has no time for the games, okay? Sami walks off but Kross says Sami knows he will never win the title, right? Sami looks back at Kross and tells him he’ll deal with this later. Sami continues on, but will he be winning his way to the top? Or just falling to the bottom?
Also, in the background, New Day is talking with Grayson Waller like they were last week. Are they still trying to convince the Aussie Icon of something?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Seth Rollins VS Sami Zayn VS Finn Balor!
The Visionary wants all the power, the Underdog from the Underground wants to stop that from happening, and The Prince wants to put Judgment Day back at the top with a world title. Who gets their way in this star-studded three way in Tampa?
Raw returns and Finn makes his entrance, followed by Sami. The bell rings, Sami and Rollins fire hands, and Finn watches. Sami LARIATS Rollins up and out, but Finn attacks Sami! Finn bumps Sami off buckles, throws hands, then CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” and Finn whips. Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges then DIVES onto Rollins! The fans fire up as Rollins tumbles, and Sami is after him again! Finn hurries to join in and he CLOBBERS them both! The fans cheer, Finn brings Sami around and pushes him into the ring. Finn fires hands on Sami, CHOPS him, and Heyman scowls from ringside. Sami kicks back and puts Finn in the corner.
Sami climbs up, rains down fists, and the fans count, only for Rollins to stop Sami at 5! Rollins drags Sami down to CLOBBER him! Rollins rains down fists, huffs ‘n’ puffs as he goes to Finn, but Finn trips Rollins to DOUBLE STMOP! CHOP for Sami, CHOP for Rollins! Finn CHOPS Rollins, fires body shots, then fires haymakers! Rollins fires back, but Finn slips around to dragon sleeper! Sami runs up, Finn kicks him, DOUBLE DDT COMBO! Cover on Rollins, TWO! Cover on Sami, TWO! Finn is in control and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Finn CLUBS Sami! The fans rally, Finn throws hands, but Sami eggs him on! Finn throws more hands, then reels Sami in. The fans want tables but Sami hits a suplex on Finn! The fans rally as Sami rises, but Rollins is in! Sami counter punches Rollins and backs him down! Sami climbs to rain down fists! The fans count and Sami goes to TEN, then fires a flurry to get to TWENTY! The fans fire up, Sami runs up and BLASTS Finn off the apron! Rollins runs up, Sami TOSSES him out! The fans fire up more as Sami goes to the apron! Finn grabs a foot, Sami kicks him away, then Sami kicks Rollins!
Sami goes up, ARABIAN PRESS! Direct hit on Rollins and Finn and the fans fire up with Sami! Sami rises up, gives a shoutout to the late, great Sabu, and then hurries to put Rollins in the ring. Sami waistlocks, Rollins fights the Blue Thunder to FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Rollins is annoyed but he storms up on Sami. Rollins puts Sami in the corner, grinds his forearm into Sami’s face, then CHOPS! Rollins puts Sami up, CHOPS him again, then climbs. The fans rally, Sam fires elbows, and he knocks Rollins down! But Finn CLUBS Sami! Finn climbs up, he and Sami fight, and Sami CLUBS Finn down! Then shoves him down!
Rollins is right up top! Sami fires body shots and then he CLUBS Rollins down! Sami then adjusts, and SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS!! Cover, Finn breaks it! The fans fire up while all three men are down! Finn drags Sami up to TOSS him out, then goes for Rollins. Finn dragon sleepers Rollins, drags him up, but Rollins KICKS free! Rollins then kicks low, underhooks, but Sami is back !Rollins ROLLING ELBOWS Sami first! Then Rollins underhooks Sami, only for Finn to SLINGBLADE Rollins! Finn SHOTGUNS Sami into a corner! The fans fire up, Finn fumbles in the ropes a bit, but he goes up the corner!
Sami is up and he ROCKS Finn first! Sami then climbs up after Finn, goes to the very top, SUPER DUPER PLEX!! But Rollins FROG SPLASHES Sami!! Rollins bounces off that cover, all three men are down again, and “This is Awesome!” Heyman is freaking out while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again, and Rollins DECKS Finn! Sami sputters towards a corner, Rollins stomps him down and then stomps a mudhole in! The fans are torn but Rollins sees Finn sit up. Rollins tells Finn they can be 1v1 if they get rid of Sami first. Rollins & Finn get Sami up top, climb up after him, but Sami fights them both off! The fans rally behind Sami as he fires fast hands! Sami DECKS Rollins, DECKS Finn, and the fans fire up! Sami stands to leap, but Finn gets under. Rollins is there to catch Sami, but Sami DUMPS Rollins out! Finn runs up, but into a clinch! Only to victory roll it! TWO!! Sami escapes, Finn stands, and Finn waistlocks.
Finn dragon sleepers, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, Rollins breaks it! The fans rally, all three men slowly rise, and Rollins watches Finn. Rollins kicks Finn, underhooks, but Finn wrenches out, rolls Rollins up, but Rollins rolls through! Underhooks and PEDIGREE!! Cover, SAMI GHOST PINS ROLLINS! TWO!! Rollins escapes, kicks Sami, PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!??! Sami survives and the fans fire up again! Heyman is beside himself while the fans rally for Sami. Rollins gets in Sami’s face and tells him this is it! Rollins runs from the corner, but Sami avoids the stomp! BLUE THUNDER- NO, Rollins slips free to KICK the legs!
Rollins runs, but into BLUE THUNDER!! Cover, TWO!!! Rollins barely survives and no one can believe it! Where’s Finn in all this? Rollins sputters in a daze as he goes to the apron and the fans rally. Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs, looks up to the briefcase as motivation, and he throws hands on Rollins. Rollins staggers, but then he throat chops! Sami still throws hands! Rollins JABS, CHOPS, and repeat! Rollins CLAWS Sami’s eyes, puts him in a corner, and just SLAPS away! Rollins huffs ‘n’ puffs and almost foams at the mouth! Rollins runs in, btu into a clinch! CORNER EXPLODER! Sami is feeling it and the fans are with him!
Sami aims, runs at Rollins, but FINN SLINGBLADES! Then Finn SHOTGUNS Sami into Rollins! They’re both down but Sami’s in the drop zone! Finn goes up, COUP DE- NO, Sami dodge! CURB STOMP by Rollins! HELLUVA KICK by Sami!!! Cover on Rollins, BRON BREAKKER drags Sami out!! And Bronson Reed is there to rain down fists! The fans boo, because for No Disqualifications, this is still unfair! But then JEY CROSSBODIES Bronson! Jey fires fists on Bron, SUPERKICKS Bronson, then SUPERKICKS Bron! SUPERKICKS again and again, but Rollins grabs Jey! Jey UPPERCUTS Rollins! Bron SPEARS Jey!!
The fans boo, Bronson POSTS Sami, but DOM is here with a chair!! Dom slides that into the ring, halfway between Finn and Rollins. Finn grabs the chair, Rollins FULL METAL CURB STOMPS!!! Cover, ROLLINS WINS!!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Dirty Dom tried to help but that backfired in a big way. But even then, Rollins had his minions help out, so it’s all fair. Bron & Bronson go after Jey & Sami, but CM PUNK is here?!? Bron & Bronson Security now move to the ramp, but Punk sneaks in from the crowd!! Fireman’s carry for Rollins, and a GO TO SLEEP!!! Rollins is down, Punk bails out, and the fans fire up! The Best in the World gets the better of The Visionary! But even so, Rollins is still going to MITB. Will the Visionary take over using that contract once again? Or will Punk make sure that never happens?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to not just follow up Saturday Night’s Main Event but even accelerate towards Money in the Bank Saturday. Great tie-in of Worlds Collide with Vikingo being here, and that was an awesome Triple Threat from Penta, Dragon Lee and Gable. Gable VS Vikingo for Worlds Collide will be great stuff, but I think a graphic gave away that Vikingo’s match with Alberto Del Rio El Patron for the AAA Mega Championship is going to go Vikingo’s way to then escalate the Worlds Collide match. Very good promo from Rhea to hype up her part in MITB but there are still more people to add so I’m not sure Rhea wins.
Rusev VS Tozawa was really quick but I suppose it would be given Rusev is Rusev. But Sheamus confronting Rusev was great stuff, and they’re going to have a great feud. Fun promo with Burt Kreischer & Tom Segura to hype up the tag title match, and the tag title match itself was great stuff. The finishing sequence was quick and brilliant stuff, but it also makes me think we’re getting more New Day VS American Made after this. Great promo segment from Lyra and Becky to set up their rematch, but I feel like the stakes aren’t even. Becky only wants Lyra to raise her hand in victory? I feel like Becky would be pettier than that, but maybe she beats Lyra up so bad that Lyra can’t even stand.
We got great integration of other segments through the big stories. Judgment Day’s new dysfunction is all because of Finn, and he was clearly enjoying it. Liv not liking Roxie hanging around Dom is made all the sweeter because it’s what Liv was doing with Dom while Dom was with Rhea. But then in a great twist, Roxie really did try to help Liv, only for Raquel to not like it and that cost Liv. And then Liv seeing Roxie’s point later was a great detail, too. Finn is either going to break up Liv and Dom or Liv and Raquel and he doesn’t seem to mind which one it is.
Very good promo from Gunther and Jey, not that it really adds much. I was oddly expecting more Logan Paul to show up and talk trash on Jey while putting Cena over, saying stuff like how he and Cena are going to be this unstoppable dream team. Maybe Logan will do that Friday or next Monday, given next Monday is the go-home Raw. Seth Rollins & Paul Heyman had a very good promo to open the night, though they maybe let the chants for Punk and Roman go on when they didn’t need to. Jey and Sami had a good promo and that helped plug Jey helping Sami in the main event.
That main event was also an awesome match, but it works that Rollins won. The MITB contract served him well before, can’t wait to see if he wins it and tries to use it on June 9th during Gunther VS Jey. At the same time, CM Punk either gets in MITB with a qualifier, or he just shows up to make sure Rollins doesn’t win the ladder match. He might even stalk Rollins to make sure Rollins can’t cash in successfully. But such a story would get boring over time, so I would think Rollins just doesn’t win and has one last match with Punk for Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta or for SummerSlam’s night two main event.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Join DJ, Rob and Jason every week as they give their "Mindless" takes on Pro Wrestling and much, much more!
Andrew’s TNA Under Siege Results & Match Ratings: 5.23.25
Let's see if this proves to be better than the awful build.
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/23/25)
Never! Slow! Down!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (5/23/25)
Time to study up!
