Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/30/22)
Raw’s on the highway to hell!
Raw gives us just a taste of what’s to come!
Before Hell in a Cell on Sunday, Raw Women’s Champion, Bianca Belair, takes on Asuka in the 1v1 we would’ve seen before Big Time Becks butted in!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Bianca Belair VS Asuka; Belair wins.
- Six Man Tag: Ezekiel & The Mysterios VS Kevin Owens & The Alpha Academy; Ezekiel & The Mysterios win.
- Alexa Bliss VS “Doudrop” Piper Niven w/ Nikki A.S.H; Bliss wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Must-See Moment: Tamina wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Must-See Moment II: Akira Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- WWE United States Championship Contenders Match: Mustafa Ali VS Tommaso Ciampa w/ (Austin) Theory; Ali wins by disqualification and earns a title opportunity.
- WWE United States Championship: (Austin) Theory VS Mustafa Ali; Theory wins and retains the title.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships Contenders Match: The Usos VS Shinsuke Nakamura & Matt Riddle; Nakamura & Riddle win by disqualification and earn a title opportunity.
- Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley; Liv wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Becky Lynch is here!
The Man is in Des Moines, getting ready for this Sunday’s Raw Women’s Championship Triple Threat! She gets the mic to welcome everyone to The Big Time, as well as Monday Night Raw. She feels so good saying that again, because it’s been awhile. Truth be told, she hasn’t felt up to it without the title. She didn’t feel like coming out here, pretending it’s all okay, when she knows that so many fans pray for her downfall! Yeah, you didn’t didn’t you? So many of you hope Becky will never get the title again. But lucky for her, she doesn’t live for us! She lives for herself! She does what she wants and is fueled by spite and coffee! And right now, Becky’s all fueled up!
Becky says some people, they collect stamps or friends. Becky collects enemies! She will keep collecting enemies as she rises to the top because it lets her know she’s on track. And she knows she’s on track because she is just days away from regaining the title at Hell in a Cell! Becky knows the odds are stacked against her, but haven’t they always. Those odds never stopped her before. She defies the odds! She defies convention! But first, let’s look back to Money in the Bank, 2020. Asuka won the Ms. MITB contract, and credit where it is due, she earned it. That is why when Becky went off to create life like the god she is, she generously gave Asuka the greatest gift of her career: the title.
The title was inside the briefcase, and Asuka was elated. But even then! Becky had a plan. Becky knew Asuka was the best but that Becky could still beat her. The plan would be Asuka would reign until Becky returned to beat her, and then no one could touch her! But what Becky realized is that she created a selfish, entitled little monster by just handing the title over! Asuka became accustomed to being handed things! But speaking of, here comes Asuka! And Becky isn’t happy about it. Asuka gets a mic to say, “Becky, Becky, Becky. You’re still a Big Time Baby!” Asuka fakes crying and Becky says SHE is the baby? Asuka’s the one-
Asuka tells Becky to shut it! No one is ready for Asuka! Not Bianca, not Becky, because at Hell in a Cell, Asuka is ready to be the NEW Raw Women’s Champion~! Fans like the sound of that, but Becky says no, because Bianca- Oh, here comes Bianca! The RawEST Women’s Champion has her own mic already, and she says, “Uh-uh. Both of y’all need to stop because both of y’all are doing way too much.” She isn’t complaining about a Triple Threat, thanks to Becky, where Bianca doesn’t even have to get pinned to lose the belt. But it is what it is. So unlike the two of y’all, Bianca likes to do her talking in the ring.
So Asuka, while Bianca respects you, you kicked Bianca last week. And in their match tonight, Bianca will have a lot to say. And Becky, girl. Bianca can’t wait to give Becky a piece of her mind on Sunday. Because Bianca doesn’t care what her odds are, the only percentage she is sure about, is that the belt is 100% not going anywhere. And if Bianca has to, she will 100% drop Becky like she did at WrestleMania. Becky DECKS Bianca! Asuka fires off on Becky! Bianca goes after them both! Asuka pushes Bianca aside to get at Becky but so Bianca returns the favor. They stare down, but Becky DECKS Asuka! But Bianca gets Becky in a torture rack!
Bianca throws Becky to the apron! Asuka HIP ATTACKS Becky down! Fans fire up and Becky is furious, but The Man will have to stand aside while the EST and the Empress have it out! Who wins the match that would’ve been if not for Becky?
Bianca Belair VS Asuka!
Raw returns and the bell rings! Asuka and Bianca tie up, go around, and Bianca arm-drags Asuka but the tie-up stays on. Asuka throws Bianca in return, Bianca waistlocks and SLAMS Asuka down. Becky is on commentary to watch this while Asuka waistlocks. Bianca headlocks, hits the takeover, but Asuka keeps her shoulders up. Asuka headscissors, Bianca kicks and kips free, but Asuka rams a shoulder. Bianca rebounds to run Asuka over! Bianca dusts off her hands, runs, but handsprings over Asuka. Asuka hurdles, Bianca leaps, and Bianca tells Asuka to kiss this. Things speed up again, Bianca hurdles but Asuka KICKS Bianca down!
Asuka says she’s smarter than that, and she brings Bianca up to toss. But Bianca handsprings through! And again, kiss this! Bianca then flips up and over Asuka to dropkick her down! Fans fire up and Bianca brings Asuka up. Bianca puts Asuka in a corner, fans rally and Bianca TOSSES Asuka! Asuka goes to the opposite corner, Bianca drags Asuka up to TOSS again! Fans fire up and Asuka goes to another corner. Bianca runs in, Asuka drop toeholds her into buckles! Asuka then TOSSES Bianca again! Becky reminds us she’s won Triple Threats before but Asuka digs her boots into Bianca.
The ref counts, Asuka lets off to bring Bianca up. Bianca fights the waistlock, then wrenches and suplexes! Roll through, deadlift, but Asuka fights free! Asuka rolls Bianca to get the leg, ANKLE LOCK! Bianca endures, rolls, but Asuka holds on! Bianca still endures as Asuka twists the foot! Fans rally, Bianca fights up, but Asuka GRAPEVINES! Bianca fights back and pries Asuka off the leg! Asuka fires elbows and Bianca lets go, Asuka jumps on for a GUILLOTINE! Bianca fades, fights back up and fans rally as she suplexes Asuka! Becky is annoyed seeing the resiliency, Bianca HANDSPRING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!
Becky says she can get outta that, she’s a wizard. Asuka wrenches Bianca’s arm to drag her down! Bianca rolls, but Asuka makes it an ARMLOCK! Bianca moves around, but into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Bianca deadlifts Asuka, but Asuka gets the ropes! Asuka’s headscissor sends them both tumbling! Becky stands up to look at them. Becky mockingly says that looked painful, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Bianca elbows Asuka away, kicks her low, then scoops for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Bianca kips up, fans fire up, Becky looks stressed. Asuka elbows and BOOTS Bianca, then LARIATS! Bianca stays up and wags her fingers but Asuka SOBATS, KICKS and BACK HANDS Bianca, into a GERMAN SUPLEX! BASEMENT HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Becky says she’s actually liking this, they’ll beat each other up and she can pick at the scraps! Asuka goes to the apron and talks trash on Becky before climbing up. Becky tells her to worry about Bianca! Bianca ROCKS Asuka, and Becky says she’s proven right!
Bianca CLUBS Asuka, drags her up, but Asuka fights the superplex! Asuka throws body shots, but Bianca backflips away from the haymaker! Only for Asuka to missile dropkick! Asuka hurries to get the cover, TWO! Asuka keeps cool, runs in at the corner, but Bianca slips out! Asuka hits buckles, Bianca bumps her off buckles! And again, and again! Bianca slingshots in to torture rack! But Asuka throws elbows and Bianca tosses her away! Asuka clutches a leg and Becky is loving this. Asuka bails out, Becky mocks her pain, “Who’s the crybaby now?” Bianca goes out after Asuka, puts her in the ring, then she tells Becky that she’s still champ.
Becky says the champ’s days are numbered. Bianca gets in, POP-UP KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Asuka almost had Bianca! Bianca and Asuka slowly get up, Bianca ducks the roundhouse and blocks the backhand, but Asuka gets the FLYING ARMBAR! Bianca moves, into an ASUKA LOCK!! Bianca flails, kicks around, tries to keep the hold from sinking in! Asuka almost has it, fans rally up, and Bianca gets to her feet! Bianca RAMS Asuka into a corner! Bianca keeps hitting Asuka into buckles, but Asuka clamps back on! Bianca switches, chicken wings, GlamEST Slam! HANDSPRING MOONSAULT FLOPS as Asuka moves!
Asuka gets the arm, LA MAGISTROL, but Bianca blocks it to a cover! Bianca wins!!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall
But Becky ruins the moment by throwing Bianca out! BECKSPLODER to Asuka! Bianca returns, into the MANHANDLE SLAM! Big Time Becks leaves both Bianca and Asuka down, but will she be able to do this again when they’ll see her coming? Or do the numbers spell disaster for Becky this Sunday?
Six Man Tag: Ezekiel & The Mysterios VS Kevin Owens & The Alpha Academy!
Elias’ younger brother teams with the father-son duo of Rey & Dominik to take on the outright obsessed Prizefighter, Chad Gable & Otis! Will Ezekiel & The Mysterios teach them what happens to bullies? Or will Kevin expose the truth even before Hell in a Cell?
Raw returns as Ezekiel makes his entrance. The Alpha Academy then make their entrance, followed by Kevin. The trios sort out and Kevin wants the Academy to be fired up like he is about this. Gable starts with Rey and they tie up. Gable headlocks, spins around and drop toeholds to float to another headlock. Rey fights up to waistlock, but Gable switches and goes back tot he headlock. Rey throws body shots, powers out, but Gable runs him over. Rey monkey flip counters to a wheelbarrow and arm-drag! Things speed up, Rey tilt-o-whirl headscissors Gable down! Tag to Dom, the Mysterios mug Gable, and Dom ROCKS Gable with rights.
Dom clubs but Gable kicks low. Gable throws big forearms, whips Dom to ropes, and then hits a BIG Belly2Belly! Roll through, another Belly2Belly! Cover, TWO! Gable wrenches Dom, Dom ROCKS Gable with forearms! Dom knuckle locks, goes up and up and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Gable bails out, Kevin rushes in! Dom dumps Kevin out, Rey dodges Otis to dropkick him! Zeke gets in to boost Dom and Dom dropkicks Otis! TRIPLE DROPKICK sends the tree trunk out! Fans fire up with Ezekiel & The Mysterios, but then Gable CLOBBERS Dom off the corner! Fans boo but Gable says “SHOOSH!”
Gable goes out to fetch Dom and whip him into barriers! Dom is down, Gable shooshes everyone, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Kevin stomps Dom down, then steps through for the SHARPSHOOTER! The Mysterios are wearing Hart colors but Kevin is the one using the move! Dom endures, Rey gets in to SHOTGUN Kevin down! Fans rally, Dom and Kevin crawl, tag to Otis! Otis runs to DECK Rey! Otis whips Dom to a corner, runs in and clotheslines! Dom is down and Otis goes up! VADER BOMB FLOPS as Dom moves! Fans rally up as Dom and Otis crawl, hot tags to Gable and Ezekiel! Fans fire up as Zeke rallies! Ezekiel whips, Gable reverses but Ezekiel goes up to mule kick! Kevin runs in, JUMP KNEE!
Zeke runs to SPLASH Gable, then SPLASHES Kevin! SPLASH for Gable again, then a fireman’s carry! Electric Chair, spin and POWERBOMB! Cover, Otis breaks it! Dom is up top, he CROSSBODIES but into Otis’ arms! But Rey SEATED SENTONS! The Mysterios take Otis out, but Kevin tosses Dom! Rey runs in, RANA to put Kevin on ropes! Rey dials it up, 6 1-NO! Kevin dodges, but then Rey ducks, SUPERKICK hits Gable!! Kevin realizes what happened, and Zeke throws him out. Gable is on ropes now, Dom and Rey dial it up, DOUBLE 619!! Ezekiel gives Gable the TWISTING BRAINBUSTER! Cover, Zeke & Mysterios win!
Winners: Ezekiel & The Mysterios, by pinfall
Kevin is furious! He tears up the announce desk! Will Kevin absolutely lose his mind on Sunday if Ezekiel wins again?
Cody Rhodes is here!
The American Nightmare goes to the ring with all his pyro and the fans all fired up. But with Hell in a Cell and his third match with Seth Rollins on Sunday, Cody isn’t here to fight. He wants to address the underhanded attack and horrible behavior of The Visionary before they have it out one last time. What will he say to Rollins? We hear it all, after the break.
Raw returns and Cody has the mic while fans chant his name. “I’m gonna say something that might surprise you. I have always been a fan of Seth Rollins. From the very first time I saw Seth Rollins, you could see the potential to do great things.” Someone else who saw that potential was a teacher of his down in NXT. But you don’t have to say that name, it was the man who raised Cody. Fans chant for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” and Cody heard about the special ingredients Rollins had that would make him a generational talent. And we all know Rollins lives up to the hype. So imagine you’re Cody and you get the call that he was going to get his second chance, and against Rollins, at WrestleMania.
It might surprise you but Cody was nervous. He was very nervous! Because everything he had done, everywhere he had gone to, he could not return here with a loss. But he didn’t. He was at the top of his game, he won, and they ran it back at Backlash and Cody won again. Both times, Cody was the better man, and it has driven Rollins mad. “Envy is the act of counting other people’s blessings but ignoring your own. Jealousy leads men to desperate measures. Seth Rollins is an egomaniac, and he wants everything for himself, but that’s one of the things that makes Seth Rollins so dangerous.”
Cody says Sunday, Hell in a Cell, he walks into the biggest challenge in his entire career. Cody needs Rollins to know, to feel this, to hear what Cody is going to say next: All the respect for Rollins, the reverence over their previous matches, and every ounce of self control will be locked outside of that cell! Rollins will be in there with a man that wants to hurt him! But here comes Rollins himself! Des Moines is thunderous for one of their own, but Rollins just laughs. Rollins isn’t walking out there from the stage, he’s up in the crowd! Fans fire up as Rollins swaggers his way down and laughs at “Cody, Cody, Cody.”
Cody can wax poetic all night long about Rollins’ motivation, but he’ll make it very, very easy to understand. “I. Don’t. Like you!” And he doesn’t want Cody here! Rollins tried after WrestleMania to accept this new version of Cody. But every week, the pandering got worse and worse and worse, and the Cody chants got louder and louder and louder! Now all Rollins hears is the chanting and he can’t stand it any longer! Fans chant for Cody even now but Rollins smirks. Rollins says Cody left WWE six years ago because he wasn’t good enough. And then every single day Cody was gone, Cody and his “little friends” tried to tear down what Rollins was building here!
And when that didn’t work out so well, Cody came running back as the prodigal son to fulfill his family legacy! “NOT ON MY WATCH, PAL!” Cody doesn’t get to be a conquering hero in Rollins’ kingdom! You don’t get to take a sledgehammer to the throne and then take that throne from Rollins! Rollins will say it again: “I. Don’t. Like you. I don’t want you here! And in six days, inside Hell in a Cell, I’m gonna prey on your insecurities. And I’m not just going to change you, Cody, I’m going to end you.” Then we can all finally wake up from the American Nightmare.
Rollins laughs as he dances around the steps, but Cody tells Rollins, “Just curious. What right now is stopping me from? Three little ropes? This barricade? What is stopping us? Why are we waiting? It seems, as polite as I’ve been, the time for talk is over.” Oh, he wants to go now? Cody dares Rollins to come to the ring to talk with some actions! Fans fire up for that as Cody throws off his jacket! Oh, Cody wants to do this now? Rollins storms down the steps, starts undoing his own suit jacket, but then stops at the barrier. “Aww… HAHAHAHAH! I’ll see you Sunday!” Rollins goes back to the stairs and blows a kiss to Cody.
CODY RUSHES ROLLINS! They brawl in front of the fans and the fans are loving it! Cody pinballs Rollins off barriers and haymakers, and even trash cans! Rollins hits back, fans are thunderous, and Cody RAMS Rollins into barriers! Rollins and Cody keep throwing hands, they end up going to the ringside area. Rollins rakes eyes! Fireman’s carry, but Cody slips off to shove Rollins, and then CLOBBERS him through barriers! Cody isn’t done, he rains down fists on Rollins right by commentary! Security and officials rush out to stop this but fans boo! “Let Them Fight!” Cody storms off and Rollins tries to egg him on.
But then Rollins gets in the ring and DIVES onto Cody! The brawl is back on by the ramp! The refs have to help now, and the two are forcibly separated! Fans still want to “Let Them Fight!” and Cody returns outta nowhere! He CLOBBERS Rollins! The officials have to drag them away by hands and legs and fans chant, “This is Awesome!” Rollins shouts at Cody, “YOU’RE GOING TO HELL!” and laughs, but will Rollins end up going there right with him on Sunday?
Alexa Bliss VS “Doudrop” Piper Nivens w/ Nikki A.S.H!
The Five Foot Fury is 3-0 in her return, but she’s looking to get back to the gold and glory she had not too long ago. Money in the Bank is on the horizon, but will Alexa even make it past this week? Or will Doudrop pop that comeback bubble?
The bell rings and Alexa rushes Piper with forearms! Piper shoves Alexa way then CLOBBERS her. Piper fires up but fans boo as she drags Alexa up. Piper whips Alexa into a corner, then runs in to SPLASH! Piper snapmares Alexa then wraps on the cobra clutch! Alexa endures but Piper thrashes her around. Alexa throws elbow but Piper ripcords and LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Piper is annoyed but she looms over Alexa. Piper drags Alexa up, SLAPS Alexa, and Alexa staggers to a corner. Piper storms up but Alexa throws body shots! Piper HEADBUTTS Alexa down! Piper hauls Alexa up, and wraps on another cobra clutch
Alexa endures, Piper thrashes her around, and then Piper shoves Alexa back into buckles. Alexa dodges the splash, dodges the haymaker and tilt-o-whirls to throw Piper into buckles! Alexa kicks a leg out, KNEES Piper then dropkicks her! Piper stays up so Alexa dropkicks a gain! Fans fire up and Alexa throws KICK after KICK! Alexa runs, but Piper scoops her! SLAM, and SENTON FLOPS as Alexa moves! Fans fire up as Alexa gets up, but Piper runs her over! Piper drags Alexa to a drop zone and she goes up the corner. VADER BOMB FLOPS as Alexa moves! Nikki is freaking out as Alexa goes up top!
Nikki gets on the apron and goes after Alexa! Alexa kicks Nikki away, TWISTED BLISS! Cover, Alexa wins!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall
And that’s a fourth win! Alexa toughed it out, will she continue until she’s once again on top of the world?
MVP talks with Omos backstage.
The mics aren’t picking up what he’s saying, but it is surely about how they will handle Bobby Lashley both at Hell in a Cell on Sunday, and tonight in the contract signing. Will Montel Vontavius Porter and the Nigerian Giant try to get any advantage they can before their 2v1 Handicap match with the All Mighty?
The Miz heads to the ring!
The Hollywood A-Lister is ready to host another edition of MizTV, with special guests, The Street Profits! What will Miz ask Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Miz has a mic to welcome us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show. And speaking of, the most must-see event of the Summer is next week! Next Monday, after Raw, on the USA Network, it is SEASON THREE OF MIZ & MRS! And not just one episode! NO! It is a double episode premiere! And to help him celebrate, he will have his vivacious and talented wife, Maryse, with him next week! And they’ll celebrate like only The It Couple knows how- Wait, here come the Profits! It rains Solo cups in Des Moines and fans fire up! And Miz doesn’t even get to introduce them. Ford welcomes us to the show, and says it’s the Street Profits~!
Dawkins tells Miz he shouldn’t be talking his show, he should be talking about Hell in a Cell on Sunday! What’re they looking forward to? Cody VS Rollins III, of course! Did you see ’em throwing hands? Good thing they’ll be in HELL IN A CELL! Yo, Miz knows Cody, right? Didn’t he beat Miz last week? Sportsmanship is key, Miz. Yes, but y’know what Ford is ready~ ready~ for? The Triple Threat for the Raw Women’s Championship, in which the beautiful Bianca Belair brings home the gold once again! And Ford is excited! But oh, where are their manners? Their mothers taught them better.
They came out, addressed the fans, so beautiful, and said hello to the babies. But they were rude by asking questions and didn’t wait for an answer. Miz is a leader, a legend, and inspiration! Let’s ask Miz about HIAC. Let’s ask Miz on MizTV, what does Miz think about the show? Well, thanks, here’s what he thinks. IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOU THINK! Bruh, you been here this long and you still fallin’ for that? C’mon, you better than that! Miz gets mad and puts up his hand, but Dawkins gives him a high-five! The Profits shoulder bump but Miz does it again. What, he got a question?
“Do you know what this means?” Dawkins copies Miz. Ford copies Miz! Dana Brooke runs out here? She’s being chased for her 24/7 Championship! Miz notices and says no! None of that! This is HIS show! Dana gets in the ring, Tozawa gets in, and he snatches the belt! Tozawa, that doesn’t count. Dana ROCKS Tozawa, then waistlocks. Tozawa switches, O’Conner Roll, TWO as T-BAR has a choke grip on Tozawa! CHOKE SLAM!! Tamina stomps away in Dana! But Ford SUPERKICKS T-Bar away! Dana turns things around on Tamina, Apollo Crews whips Truth but Truth stops and does his dance. Truth then does the splits and ‘WHAT’S UP?!” SCISSOR-
NO! Crews dodges to ENZIGURI! But Dawkins DECKS Crews! Dana and Tamina brawl, Tamina gets Dana but Dana fights the bomb to ROUNDHOUSE! Dana handsprings but misses in the corner! Tamina fireman’s carries, but Dana fights free! Dana ROCKS Tamina, but runs into the SAMOAN DROP! Cover, Tamina wins!!
Winner: Tamina, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
Tozawa applauds and Tamina helps him up. He prepares his body, and she kisses him! There IS still romance between them! But then he backslides her!! TOZAWA WINS!
Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
That’s what she gets for walking all over his heart before! Will the Stamina Monster be able to keep this belt all to himself? But he also hopes Tamina will forgive him later.
(Austin) Theory is here!
The youngest WWE United States Champion ever is willing to give Mustafa Ali another chance, but only if Ali gets through another mercenary Theory enlisted via Vince McMahon. Will The Beacon still shine through when going up against The Blackhearted Ciampa?
WWE United States Championship Contenders Match: Mustafa Ali VS Tommaso Ciampa w/ (Austin) Theory!
Raw returns and Ali makes his entrance. The bell rings, they tie up, Ciampa knees low! Ciampa CLUBS Ali, Theory says he appreciates himself for being so generous to Ali. Ali dodges a chop to CHOP back, but Ciampa headlocks, Ali powers out, Ciampa runs him over! Ciampa flexes, things speed up, and Ali hurdles while Ciampa slides. Ciampa back suplexes, Ali lands on his feet to waistlock, but Ciampa elbows free. Ciampa runs in but Ali slips out to ROUNDHOUSE! Ali slingshot somersaults, into a KNEE! Cover, TWO! Ciampa rains down elbows on Ali, clamps onto him with a chinlock, and Theory says Ali doesn’t deserve a title shot anyway.
Ali endures the almost Bully Choke, but he fights up and throws body shots. Ciampa knees low, whips, but Ali reverse. Ciampa stops himself and comes back to CLOBBER Ali! Ciampa goes up the corner, just to applaud for himself and pat himself on the back. then FALLING AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Ciampa is annoyed but he stomps Ali’s head! Theory doesn’t see how Ali is championship material as Ciampa stomps Ali more. Ciampa drags Ali up, put shim in the corner and throws more body shots. Ciampa snapmares, wraps on the chinlock, and he grinds Ali down again. Theory says everyone is just jealous that Vince McMahon sees Theory as the greatest thing ever.
Ali fights up as fans rally, and Ali throws body shots. Ciampa HEADBUTTS Ali! Ciampa wrenches, whips corner to corner hard, then runs in. But Ali goes up and over and keeps moving, to duck and dodge and LARIAT Ciampa down! Ciampa bails out, hurries up again, but Ali dropkicks him down Ali builds speed to DIVE! Direc hit and both men hit the desk! Ali puts Ciampa in, climbs up, but Theory goes after Ali! The re sees that, and that’s a disqualification!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by disqualification (earns a title opportunity)
Theory doesn’t care, he rains down fists and stomps Ali against the steel ring steps! Theory won’t let Ali make it to his title match! Theory says Ali is not championship material, then he POSTS Ali! Theory gets the mic to tell Ali, “A win by disqualification, some might call it a coward’s way out. But a win’s a win, right? And me? I’m just on another level. And that United States Championship match ‘for the future?’ I say why wait and we just do it right NOW!” Theory uses semantics to his advantage, will he take Ali’s hopes away all in one go?
WWE United States Championship: (Austin) Theory VS Mustafa Ali!
Raw returns and Theory stomps away on Ali in the corner, but the match hasn’t officially begun! The ref backs Theory off and asks Ali if he still wants this. Ali wants this match, and he stands up. The introductions are made, the bell rings, and Theory rushes in to fire off on Ali again! Theory CLUBS Ali, whips him to ropes, and back drops Ali! Ali writhes, Theory covers, TWO! Theory grins because he’s still got Ali at his mercy. Theory bumps Ali off buckles, he talks trash on Ali and the fans, and then Theory drags Ali up. Theory RAMS Ali into buckles face first! Theory taunts Ali to get up, and Ali SUPERKICKS him! FLYING TORNADO DDT!
Fans fire up and Ali drags himself over to the ropes. Ali gets up, climbs the corner, but Theory hits ropes to trip Ali up! Theory fireman’s carries, A TOWN DOWN!! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: (Austin) Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
Theory gets the belt and his smartphone to take victory selfies because he took full advantage of the authority given to him by Vince McMahon to screw Ali over. But then Adam Pearce walks out to say to check his texts instead. While Vince was impressed with the tactics, he’s decided he’d rather see them in a fair fight. And it’ll be this Sunday at Hell in a Cell! Theory doesn’t seem worried at all. Will he just beat Ali down again? Or will Ali win when it’s fair and square for once?
Matt Riddle speaks.
“On behalf of Randy, I just want to take everyone for the kind words and support. I love that guy. But as for the Uce-bros, you guys messed with the wrong dude, and I’m gonna get my vengeance.” Randy might not be here, but that doesn’t mean The Bro is alone. Isn’t that right, King? Shinsuke Nakamura says a ronin is a samurai without a kingdom to defend, without a master. Right now, Nakamura and Riddle are two wandering ronin with a common purpose: Toe bleed the Bloodline dry. So the #Bronin are gonna take those titles, and there’s nothing the Usos or the Tribal Trash can do about it, bro!
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships Contenders Match: The Usos VS Shinsuke Nakamura & Matt Riddle!
Jimmy & Jey got the win in the unification match thanks to the Big Uce, but he’s not here right now. Will they be able to get it done when Roman can’t interfere with the ronin? Or will they be owing the King of Strong Style and his new Stallion a shot at these unified titles?
Raw returns and the newly formed #Bronin make their entrances. Nakamura and Riddle have already integrated their poses together. The teams sort out, Riddle starts with Jimmy. Jimmy kicks low, ROCKS Riddle with an uppercut, then another! Jimmy whips corner to corner, Riddle goes up and over and KICKS Jimmy down! Riddle gut wrenches and brings Jimmy over, tag to Nakamura. Gut wrench suplex, PENALTY KICK, and ASSISTED FLOATING BRO! Cover, ONE! Jimmy powers Nakamura to the corner, Jey tags in, and Jey hits a big forearm smash. Jey brings Nakamura around, runs, but into a knee!
Nakamura KNEES Jey in the side and shoulders, over and over! Nakamura runs for a SLIDING BOOT! Nakamura gets Jey up, puts him in the corner, tag to Riddle. The Bronin fire off kick after kick, then Nakamura feeds Jay to the FISHERMAN BUSTER! Bridging cover, TWO! Riddle clamps onto Jey with a chinlock. Jey fights up, fights free, but Riddle dodges the haymaker to jump on, GUILLOTINE! But Jey gets to ropes, Jimmy tags in, HOTSHOT to the SAMOAN DROP! Jimmy covers, TWO! Jimmy drags Riddle to the ropes to choke him! The ref counts, Jimmy lets off at 4, and Jey cheap shots Riddle! Nakamura protests but it doesn’t matter now.
Jimmy stomps Riddle, tags Jey, and the Usos get Riddle up. Fans rally for Riddle but the Usos double whip Riddle hard into the buckles! Riddle writhes but Jey stomps Riddle down. Riddle goes to ropes, and now Jey chokes Riddle! Fans boo, the ref counts, Jey lets off but Jimmy gets a cheap shot of his own! The Usos raise their fingers to the sky, #WeTheOnes. Riddle gets up but Jey facelocks then whips him to a corner hard! Riddle bounces off buckles again, and Jey tags Jimmy. Jimmy taunts the fans, dares Riddle to reach for Nakamura, then ROCKS him with an uppercut! Jimmy CHOPS, then stares Nakamura down.
Jimmy runs in, but Riddle dodges! The splash hits POST! Riddle crawls, but Jey runs in! Riddle dumps Jey, keeps going for his corner, hot tag! The King of Strong Style dodges Jimmy to DYNAMIC DROPKICK! KNEE and AX KICK for Jey! Strike fest for Jimmy! Then KICK after KICK! Nakamura gives Jimmy GOOD VIBRATIONS! Then a whip corner to corner, but he blocks Jimmy’s boots! Nakamura puts Jimmy in the ropes, KICK and SLIDING GERMAN! Nakamura goes up, waits on Jimmy, FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura is furious but he aims from a corner. Jimmy gets up, but Jey rushes in! Nakamura DECKS Jey, Jimmy SUPERKICKS Nakamura!
Tag to Jey, he goes up, USO SPLASH! Cover, Riddle breaks it!! The Bronin are still in this battle and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Jimmy keeps Nakamura jus fingertips away from Riddle! Jimmy reels Nakamura in to scoop but Nakamura slips off! Jimmy ducks the roundhouse but not the WHEEL KICK! Fans fire up while both men are down! Nakamura and Jimmy crawl, hot tags to Jey and Riddle! Riddle spins Jey to PELE, then he kips up and runs in to forearm smash! Riddle goes side to side, another forearm! Jey fights the exploder, but runs into the BROSPLODER! BROTON! Fans fire up and Riddle has Jey on the apron! Riddle brings Jey through ropes, this one’s for Randy! No, Jey slips out! Nakamura tags in as Jey dumps Riddle out!
Jey builds speed, into a KINSHASA!!! Cover, JIMMY BREAKS IT!! Fans are thunderous and Nakamura ROUNDHOUSES Jimmy! Nakamura gets Jey, but Jey SUPERKICKS him! Riddle tags back in, dodges Jey and hits the POWERSLAM! Randy’s spirit is here as Riddle hits another POWERSLAM! Jey is on the apron, Riddle brings him in through ropes, DRAPING DDT, bro! Fans are thunderous again as Riddle hears those voices! Riddle wants Jey to get up, RK- NO! SUPERKICK! Jey has Riddle on ropes, CHOKES him again, but the ref counts! Jey lets off at 4, Jimmy has Riddle’s scooter! Riddle blocks the scooter attack!!
The ref sees Jimmy up to no good, Jimmy CLOBBERS Riddle anyway!!
Winners: Matt Riddle & Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall (earn a title opportunity)
The same thing Theory did to Ali, but now the Usos owe a title match! But the battle isn’t over here, Nakamura goes after Jimmy and Jey goes after Riddle! Fans fire up as Nakamura fires off on Jimmy against barriers! But Jimmy throws Nakamura over the barrier! The Usos regroup and have Riddle in the drop zone! They go up the corners, but Nakamura gets in to ROUNDHOUSE Jimmy down! Riddle springs up after Jey, for a SUPER RKO!!! Fans are thunderous and the Bronin stand tall! They have their golden tickets, will Riddle & Nakamura cash in and strike first blood on the Bloodline?
Backstage interview with Mustafa Ali.
Kevin Patrick asks him what it means that he finally has a fair match with Theory for the US Championship? Ali is hurting right now, but this pain will be worth it. Ali has been through ell and back just to EARN an opportunity. Ali doesn’t care what tricks Theory plays to knock Ali down, Ali still gets up. This Sunday, at Hell in a Cell, the odds my be against Ali, but he will not stay down! Ali walks out of his hometown of Chicago the NEW US- Theory CLOBBERS Ali! What was that? No, highly doubtful. Another selfie, please! New champ, Theory’s ass! Will this sucker punch only motivate Ali to kick Theory’s ass?
Raw celebrates Memorial Day, and thanks those who gave their all for all of us.
“They didn’t volunteer to die. They volunteered to defend values which make up what we call civilization.” – Ronald Regan
“What does it mean to be selfless? To have the courage to put all else first for a greater cause? In every generation, there are those who put everything before themselves. And this weekend, we honor them.” The men and women who fought for our freedom, from World War I to Desert Storm, Normandy to Afghanistan. Look back at the moments, the events, that defined America’s history. The struggles, the battles. Remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Ronald Regan said that we honor their memory so that their pledges and sacrifices will be remembered.
We show our gratitude to those who shaped us, who guided us, and who ensured our values and freedom would live forever. We show reverence and respect. On this weekend, we say, “Thank you.”
Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley!
Finn Balor and AJ Styles aren’t with Liv this time, but they will be at Hell in a Cell as they and the Judgement Day go 3v3 in Six Person Tag Team Match! Will the Prince and Phenomenal One be needed tonight? Or will Edge and Damian Priest allow the Eradicator to handle Liv all on her own?
Raw returns and Rhea makes her entrance. And it would seem yes, Edge is allowing her to take on her former friend and tag partner alone. Will Liv be able to get a semblance of payback now that this is truly 1v1? We find out, after another break.
Raw returns again and the bell rings. Liv SHOTGUNS Rhea, then fires off forearms! Rhea shoves Liv away, Liv dodges but Rhea elbows her down! Rhea brings Liv up, swings but Liv goes Matrix to avoid the haymaker! Liv tries to roll Rhea but she stays up. Liv avoids the stomp but not the HEADBUTT! Rhea scowls, drags Liv up and CLUBS her. Rhea TOSSES Liv across the ring and Liv goes to the corner. Rhea runs in but into a BOOT! Rhea runs back in but Liv goes up and over then runs to the other corner. Liv goes up but Rhea catches her! Liv slips around to a SLEEPER! Liv thrashes around but Rhea RAMS her into buckles!
Rhea RMAS Liv into more buckles, then more buckles! Liv is still holding on tight! Rhea grabs at Liv, Liv thrashes more, but Rhea BACKPACK SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Rhea is annoyed but she drags Liv up and CLUBS her again. Rhea slams Liv down, then storms over. Liv drop toeholds Rhea into ropes! And then SHOTGUNS her in the back! Rhea staggers to a corner, Liv runs in but into BOOTS! Rhea storms up to stomp Liv down, then kicks Liv around. Rhea KICKS Liv to ropes, gets mad, and she CHOKES Liv on the ropes! The ref counts, Rhea lets off, and Liv throws Rhea out! Fans fire up as Liv builds speed, but Rhea blocks the dropkick!
Rhea brings Liv out in an Electric Chair, but Liv gets back to the apron! Liv mule kicks Rhea, then FLYING RAN- NO! Rhea blocks the rana to SLAM Liv into the barriers! Liv is down and Rhea calls her pathetic as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again, and we see Priest and Styles have shown up after all! Rhea hoists Liv up but Liv victory rolls! TWO, and Rhea gets Liv back up for an atomic FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Rhea argues the count but the ref says it was fair. Styles coaches Liv up but Rhea wraps Liv up in a seated cobra twist! Liv endures, even as Rhea digs claws into the ribs! Fans rally, Liv fights up, and Liv throws haymakers! Rhea throws Liv by her hair! The ref reprimands but Rhea doesn’t care. Rhea smirks as she drags Liv up to KICK her in the back. Rhea wraps on a body scissor squeeze and even throws forearms and palm strikes!
Rhea tells Liv she is pathetic so she should just give up! Fans rally, Liv grits her teeth and pushes back to a cover, TOW! Liv is free but Rhea CLOBBERS her! Rhea mocks Styles’ clapping for Liv, and then she stalks Liv. “You’ve always been pathetic, Liv! You made me weak! You brought me down to your level!” Rhea pie faces, Liv SLAPS Rhea! Liv blocks the headbutt and kicks, KICKS and ENZIGURIS! Fans fire up with Liv and Liv runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Liv runs in again but misses the back body block. Rhea runs in, but only gets POST! Styles fires up for Liv as she goes up top! SUPER CROSSBODY! Direct hit and fans fire up!
Liv roars and she gets Rhea back up and in. Rhea hurries to ropes, Liv runs in, but Priest saves Rhea from ObLIVion! Cover, TWO!! Priest can’t believe it, and Styles DECKS him for it! Rhea sees that but she gets Liv up, RIP- NO, Liv slips free to BACKSTABBER! Roll up, high stack a la Rhea, LIV WINS!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall
Styles raises Liv’s hand in victory, they’re rolling into Hell in a Cell! But Priest drags Styles out and RAMS him into barriers! Priest drags Styles up, Liv shouts at him, so Priest lets Styles go. Priest storms up on Liv! But here comes FINN!! Finn tackles Priest and rains down fists! Priest shoves Finn away but gets a SLINGBLADE! Finn and Rhea stare down, but Liv goes up top. Finn and Styles tell Rhea to turn around. MISSILE DROPKICK! And Styles aims at Priest, PHENOMENAL FOREARM! But that’s still not all! Finn is up top, COUP DE GRACE!! The Judgement Day is down without their leader! Will Edge furiously return this Sunday for the Six Person Tag?
Bobby Lashley heads to the ring!
The All Mighty’s challenge last week was used against him, and now he’ll have a huge 2v1 Handicap Match for Hell in a Cell! But for right now, he’s here to sign on the dotted line. Will Lashley, MVP and Omos refrain from letting loose here? Or will they brawl it out like we saw with Cody and Rollins earlier tonight? We’ll just have to see, after the break.
Raw returns once more, and Omos makes his entrance with MVP. Adam Pearce is already in the ring and there are security guards all around to make sure this stays civil. Pearce welcomes us to the contract signing, and he says their signatures will make it official. Just take a seat and we can begin. Lashley and Omos stare each other down, neither moving. But then MVP takes his seat, so Omos sits with him. Lashley sits last, and they pull up to the table. Omos signs, and MVP gets a mic to say, “It should’ve never come to this, Bobby. We shouldn’t be here right now, man. I did everything for you. Money, celebrity, championships, I got you everything. I got you things you didn’t even know you wanted, man.
“But now here we are. At this Sunday in Hell in a Cell, there won’t be any ordinary matches with rules to protect you, no raggedy cages for you to crash through and accidentally win. The only thing that waits for you Sunday is the brutal beating that I’m gonna put on you with the Nigerian Giant, Omos. The All Mighty Era exists because of me. And it’s nothing without me, so it’s fitting that this Sunday, a Hell in a Cell, it comes to an end once and for all.” MVP signs, and Lashley says that’s a wonderful little story MVP spun. But he got it all wrong. Lashley never needed MVP. MVP is that leech that latches on just to keep himself relevant.
MVP says Lashley’s talking too much so just sign the contract. Lashley says it’s like that, huh? The sad part is, Lashley thought of MVP as a friend. MVP says he considered Lashley a brother! But Lashley turned his back on MVP, so sign the contract. Well even though this contract says “Handicap Match,” and MVP and Omos think Lashley’s at a disadvantage, the truth is, this is just Lashley’s chance to send both their asses to hell! Signed and delivered! But MVP says this isn’t done yet! Lashley is surely full of anxious energy. And no one wants to wait until Hell in a Cell, least of all Omos! Pearce wants them to keep calm as all three stand up.
Lashley and Omos stare down, but Lashley tosses the table first! The security swarms in but Omos BLASTS free! Omos TOSSES man after man, as does Lashley! They take out about 20 all on their own, and then Omos tosses armchairs around! MVP wants Omos to go after Lashley, but then Cedric Alexander CHOP BLOCKS Lashley outta nowhere! Cedric handsprings, but Lashley dodges the Neuralizer, and he also dodges Omos to RAM Omos in the corner! Cedric runs in, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! But Omos BOOTS Lashley down! And MVP rains down fists, a vulture picking the bones!
MVP tells Omos to get a table, and Omos does as told! Fans fire up as Omos puts the table in, sets it up in a corner, then brings Lashley up! Omos ROCKS Lashley, scoops him, but Lsahley slips free! Lashley SPEARS Omos through the table!! MVP is freaking out as the Rocky Mountain Machine is rolling towards Sunday! Will Hell in a Cell be where Lashley finally ends things with MVP and Omos?
My Thoughts:
A decent Raw, but pretty typical for go-home episodes. It didn’t have Go-Home Syndrome, at the very least, but that’s because of all the new faults Raw has given itself. The recaps of what we saw this very episode were shoved in right as Liv VS Rhea was about to get started, so several minutes were wasted on what could’ve been a very good “main event” match. And while Liv and Rhea didn’t walk out with Styles, Finn, Priest or Edge, I knew we’d see some of them at some point before the match was over. And while Finn was here this week, Edge was the no-show. And them just announcing the Six Person Tag in a graphic really took out the drama of this story. It’ll still be a very fun match, but who knows what happens.
Oddly, I’m hoping Ciampa joins The Judgement Day and turns things back to their side. He seems to have lost his first name again so if he joined up, maybe he’d be used better in kayfabe. Ciampa and Ali did have a good match but I should’ve known Theory would use it to screw Ali over. Rather surprising that Vince (in kayfabe) is the one saying Theory can’t get away with the screw job, but I do like that at least one of the midcard titles is on a PPV again. Ali in Chicago, I would hope WWE does the right thing and gives him the win, especially with Theory standing tall twice on Ali, both in the ring and with the backstage attack. But this is WWE, Vince tends to make hometown heroes lose, so that might still happen here.
Good opening segments from the Raw Women’s Championship scene. Good promos from Becky, Asuka and Bianca, very good match between Bianca and Asuka, and of course Becky gets the better of them at the end. Given that, Becky might not even be in the decision and her comeback will have to go through Money in the Bank. Honestly, that’d be a great “full circle” moment, where Asuka wins the title at HIAC, Becky wins MITB, and then Becky cashes in on Asuka the Raw after MITB. Bliss VS Piper should’ve been more than it was, but we’ve seen this kind of booking for the women’s midcard a lot lately. There’s a good chance they and Nikki will be in MITB with Becky to spice things up.
Great Six Man from Ezekiel & Mysterios VS Kevin & Alpha Academy. Kevin basically costing his team and having a freak out over it is great stuff, and I can’t wait to see how things go with Kevin VS Ezekiel at HIAC. MizTV was a very good segment, mostly because the Profits hijacked things from Miz and the 24/7 Championship chase also spilled in. Tozawa getting the belt to end the segment was a nice change of pace, and it basically frees Dana up for that impending feud with Carmella. Rough for T-Bar and Apollo Crews to end up in this but guess the 24/7 Division needs bodies to fill it out. Maybe if they hadn’t cut people…
Great segment from Cody and Rollins. Cody’s promo was solid, Rollins’ response was solid, especially with his allusion to AEW, and of course that brawl was the moment of the night. Those guys are going to have an awesome Hell in a Cell match, but it’s hard to say if Rollins will really lose 0-3. MITB can still be redemption for Rollins, he and Becky could parallel each other, and of course Rollins has been Mr. MITB before and could try to chase that Heist of the Century high. He could even wait to screw Cody over during an Undisputed Universal Championship match, taking the title(s) from him and Roman, like a two birds, one stone situation.
Great stuff from the Undisputed Tag Team Championship story. I like #BROnin as the team name for Riddle & Nakamura, it is actually rather creative. Fusing names would sound like shipping, and combining nicknames to make them “Bros of Strong Style” or “Kings of Bro Style” would be too much like RKBRO. Plus, ronin samurai are cool. A bit of copy ‘n’ paste with Usos disqualifying BROnin like Theory did Ali, but this tag title match should happen anyway. Usos probably still win the title match, and maybe with Roman’s help again, but maybe Riddle and/or Nakamura get after Roman and his titles for the summer.
And lastly, the contract signing for Lashley, Omos and MVP went about how 90% of contract signings go. MVP did the talking, Omos and Lashley did the brawling, but Lashley stands tall with a great table spear spot. With that, Lashley probably ends up losing, and maybe Omos goes to MITB. I don’t want him to crash into ladders, but he could at least take a few jams from the ladders, or have someone else climb up him to go for the briefcase.
My Score: 8.3/10
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The Hollywood A-Lister’s got his own nightmare before Christmas!
Christmas is just a few days away, but things aren’t merry and bright for Raw! The Miz must face his fears as he faces Dexter Lumis 1v1!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Natalya VS Alba Fyre VS Iyo Sky; Iyo wins and advances to the next round.
- Chad Gable w/ Team American Made VS Akira Tozawa w/ The Alpha Academy; Gable wins.
- Dominik Mysterio VS Damian Priest; Damian Priest wins, by disqualification.
- The Miz VS Dexter Lumis; Lumis wins, by disqualification.
- Sami Zayn VS Drew McIntyre; wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre walks to gorilla.
The Scottish Terminator makes his way through the curtain and to the stage, and the fans have a mixed reaction as he goes to the ring. McIntyre grabs a mic, and he says, “After Hell in a Cell, I’ve never been so beat up in my entire life. 16 staples in my head, my back almost broken from landing on the steel steps. And I went home to Scotland. The reason I went home, and I haven’t really talked about it publicly, is because a very close family member passed away. Some people probably feeling sympathy right now. Some guys in the back are probably talking to each other, saying, ‘I didn’t know.’ Maybe if you cared enough, you would’ve asked.
“Over these past two months, guess how many people phoned me to check. Not how I was doing mentally but how i was doing physically after Hell in a Cell. ONE PERSON! These past 17 years, I’ve been led to believe we’re all a big happy family in the back. We’re brothers and sisters, we travel the world together, we spend more time with each other than with our actual families, but it’s all BS! My brother, John, in Scotland wouldn’t stab me in the back to take my spot, but people like Jimmy, Jey and Sami 100% would.” The fans boo that, then chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” McIntyre says that proves his point.
After watching everything The Bloodline did, Jey says he is a changed man. He does a cute hand sign, he says a made up word, and the fans just forget about it and move on. That’s the other thing McIntyre realized: He has given and given and given all this time, and the fans turned on him for a guy who was gone for years and has told the WWE fans to go screw themselves! McIntyre was fighting for the fans, he thought they believed in him, so he believed in the fans! McIntyre bled out in the cell, and while he was gone, the fans instantly forgot him! The fans boo, that’s not true! But McIntyre says from now on, he gives no more for anybody!
McIntyre will take and take and he will tell the truth! The real villains are Roman Reigns and CM Punk! And if you choose to prop them up, as he already said, Jey, Jimmy & Sami, the things Roman did to you… Roman took a vacation, then simply snapped his fingers and they were by his side again! McIntyre suggests everyone who ever wronged McIntyre should sleep with one eye open. But wait, here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer and sing for Sami but Sami says hey, McIntyre is angry, he doesn’t have to believe Sami in place of believing everyone has ulterior motives. Sami doesn’t blame him.
But personally, man to man, Sami did not know what happened with McIntyre’s family. They figured he was recovering from one of the most vicious matches of all time. Sami thought that, all the guys ‘n’ girls in the back thought, and that’s all the fans thought. Believe that or not, fine, but Sami wants to level with McIntyre. Talk about 17 years, Sami has 22 years in this game. Sami’s been through what McIntyre’s been through. Sami’s had losses. Trust him. He has had losses he had to put on the side and go to work that week. The same sacrifices, from birthdays to weddings to funerals that he should’ve been at? Sami’s done it all.
Sami has put unnecessary stress on his wife, on his kid, and why? Because this is the life that they both chose! They are WWE SUPERSTARS! The fans cheer that! And as such, they are LUCKY to be WWE Superstars! And you thnik this is just your story or Sami’s story? Y’know who else has stories like this? Every single person sitting in the stands. Every single person at home! The kids who struggle at school, the adults who struggle at work, who struggle economically, physically, and they have their losses and sacrifices, but they still get up every day to do what they gotta do to soldier on, without pointing a finger at everyone else!
The fans fire up for that passion. Sami says McIntyre dares pointing a finger at the fans for forgetting him?! They didn’t forget, brother! They MADE McIntyre! And McIntyre still thinks the world revolves around him just because once upon a time, someone told him he was “The Chosen One.” But newsflash, just because you’re mad doesn’t make you special. And now McIntyre thinks everyone else is somehow tied to him? What Jimmy does has nothing to do with McIntyre. What Jey does has nothing to do with McIntyre! What SAMI does has nothing to do with McIntyre!
But McIntyre, if you want to still walk around all angry and pointing fingers at the fans, at Sami, at Jey, at Jimmy, at Punk, at Roman, and still be mad about The Bloodline, fine. No one is stopping McIntyre. But Sami has no problem being McIntyre’s problem and facing him in this ring right now! McIntyre says if Sami wants to know the truth… IT isn’t just anger. McIntyre’s anger comes from pain, and he doesn’t doubt what Sami just said. There was so much truth and passion, but it’s never the whole truth, is it? Sami has a way of spinning things. Because Sami can fly back home every week to his family. McIntyre is halfway across the world from his!
And no one here in Boston ever leaves Boston, they’re with their families 24/7! McIntyre doesn’t have that luxury! The fans boo that veiled insult, but McIntyre says he will remain calm and ask Sami why he wants this fight. They both know the result, we saw it time and time again, Sami has NEVER beaten McIntyre. So McIntyre suggests, given Sami isn’t 100%, and Sami’s wife and kid are here tonight… Sami should just walk back there, take their hands, and leave this arena. Of all those in the Bloodline, Sami is the least of McIntyre’s worries.
Sami says McIntyre is right about a couple things. When it comes to win-loss records, McIntyre has Sami’s number. And Sami is not 100%. Haven’t been since Saturday Night’s Main Event. And yes, the smart thing would be to just go home, celebrate and get healthy over the holidays. But Sami would so much rather do this. Sami fires hands! The fans fire up but McIntyre shoves Sami away. McIntyre swings, but gets caught! Sami lifts but McIntyre fights free, then GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! McIntyre takes aim, but here comes JEY USO! The fans fire up as Jey runs down the ramp, slides in, and then dodges McIntyre to SUPERKICK!
The fans fire up as Jey & Sami DOUBLE LARIAT McIntyre up and outta the ring! The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” with Jey & Sami Uso! Will the Scottish Terminator’s mission be ended when Sami and/or Jey shut him down?
Adam Pearce is met by Pure Fusion Collective.
The Raw General Manager asks Sonya Deville what he can do for her and she says not much. She knows how stressful this job can be since she once had it. She’s just here to make things easier. And how’s that? Well, Kairi Sane is not cleared to compete, there is an opening in the tournament, and Sonya wants it. Oh, is that so? Y’know, Sonya, that is a terrible idea. They caused this scenario so he’s just gonna reward them? Are they outta their minds? And zip it! Plus, he already filled that vacancy with Iyo Sky. Happy Holidays! PFC is upset by that since Iyo just lost to Liv Morgan, but will there be nothing to stop the Evil Genius now?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Natalya VS Alba Fyre VS Iyo Sky!
Just as Pearce said, PFC taking out the Pirate Princess will not mean they get away with murder! The Queen of Harts and the Fire Keeper must now figure out how to handle this change to the program. Will Iyo redeem herself for losing Saturday Night’s Main Event by moving on to the next round?
Raw returns and Alba makes her entrance, Isla Dawn seeing her to the ramp, and then Natalya makes her entrance. The bell rings and Alba kicks Natty then ELBOWS Iyo! Alba whips but Natty reverses and Alba tumbles out of the ring! Iyo rolls Natty, TWO! Iyo whips, Natty dodges in the corner and gets Iyo up! REBOUND SIT-DOWN, and then Natty steps on Iyo, only for Alba to trip Natty up! Alba brings Natty out to send into steel steps! But then Iyo DIVES onto Alba! The fans fire up with Iyo and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Natty brawls with Abla. Alba knees low, but Iyo CROSBODIES them both down! The fans fire up and Iyo SHOTEIS Alba! And SHOTEIS her again! And then DROPKICKS her down! Iyo brings Alba around, whips, but Alba reverses. Iyo goes up and out, then blocks a shot to ROCK Alba! The fans fire up, Iyo spirnboards, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Ihyo handsprings up and the fans fire up again! Iyo gets the fans going, but Alba wrenches and facelocks, TORNADO DDT! Alba gets Iyo up again to GOURD BUSTER her onto Natty! Alba then rearranges them into the drop zone!
Alba goes up, the fans are torn, but Alba grins as she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover on Iyo, TWO! Cover on Natty, TWO! But into a KOJI KLUTCH! Natty endures, flails, fights around, but Alba holds on tight! Natty pushes, stacks Alba, TWO!! Natty has the legs! Alba flails now, but Iyo runs up! Natty trips Iyo onto Alba, and she has them both! Natty turns them both over, DOUBLE SHARPSHOOTER!! Iyo and Alba both flail, both claw at the mat, and Alba gets the ROPEBREAK! No disqualifications so Natty can hold on! But now Iyo drags herself under the ropes, and there’s no room left, so Natty has to let go!
Natty rises up and she stalks Iyo to the apron. Natty drags Iyo up but Iyo HOTSHOTS Natty! Natty staggers, rebounds, but Iyo jumps the baseball slide! Natty hits Alba down, and then Iyo PENALTY KICKS Natty! Iyo fires up and springboards, ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit on both targets and the fans fire up! Iyo hurries to get Natty up and into the ring, then she drags Natty into the drop zone. Iyo climbs, but Alba CLUBS Iyo first! Alba snarls as she climbs up, but Iyo holds onto ropes! Natty CLUBS Alba and she adds on! SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX on Alba! But Iyo stays up top to go OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Iyo wins!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
The Genius of the Sky moves on, ready to fly against The Morrigan! Will Iyo be able to get past Lyra Valkyria and head for the title?
Jdugment Day sulks in the clubhouse.
Finn Balor tells JD McDonagh that he can’t believe this. This was supposed to be a Merry Christmas, Finn was supposed to be celebrating with two titles, and now he has none! Liv Morgan tells Raquel Rodriguez to tell Finn that the reason she suggested he stay away from Damian Priest is because she knew this would happen. Raquel starts to relay the message but Finn has JD tell Liv that she’s got her own problems to worry about and to stay off his back. But then Liv tells Raquel to tell Finn that the reason she’s “on his back” is because he lost the tag titles. JD, tell Liv that Christmas is-
Dominik speaks up to stop the arguing. Christmas IS around the corner, and now they’re not even talking to each other? Dom says he’s gonna go talk with Pearce and get a match with Priest! Dom’s gonna step up for this family. Oh, Dom thinks he’s better than Finn? No, it’s not even like that. Dom has a plan. He’ll talk with Pearce then fill everyone in later. Dom heads out, JD prays for one week of no drama while it’s Christmas. Will Dirty Dom make sure The Punisher pays for screwing Finn & JD over? Or will Priest be given the gift of sending Dom South of Heaven?
Sami and Jey regroup backstage.
Sami can’t believe Jey didn’t text or call about the comeback. Jey says, “My bad.” But Sami says it’s fine, he’s happy Jey is back. And thanks for having his back out there tonight and every night, Sami appreciates Jey. Jey thanks Sami for that, and says you know he had to come back for payback. Jey is gonna handle business! Actually, Sami was kinda hoping he could handle McIntyre. Sami talked a big game, he’s gotta back it up. But Sami, you’re not even 100% tonight. Sami knows, but he started something so he has to finish it. Jey says alright. He’s got next! They secret handshake and Jey wishes Sami luck. Will Sami finally get a win on McIntyre in a Christmas miracle?
Chad Gable w/ Team American Made VS Akira Tozawa w/ The Alpha Academy!
As “Master” Gable said last week, it was about time he settled things with his past. Will Gable prove to the world that he was always the reason the Alpha Academy was relevant? Or will he find out he can’t keep up with the Stamina Monster?
Raw returns and the #AlphaBabes make their entrance, showing off that new merch while they’re at it. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Tozawa and Gable tie up, Gable wrenches and talks trash right to Tozawa’s face! Gable CHOPS Tozawa down, stands him up, CHOPS him down again, repeat! Gable whips and CLOBBERS Tozawa, then raises the fist. The fans boo more but Gable talks smack on Otis. Gable drags Tozawa up, supelxes, but TOzawa slips free! Tozawa SOBATS< spins, slides under, and SPIN KCIKS! Gable goe sto a corner and Tozawa puts him up! But Gable gets Tozawa for a HANGING ARMBAR!
otis protests, the ref counts, and Gable lets off at 4. Gable says he dien’t break a rule, and Otis never learns. Gablde SLAPS Otis, slides into the ring, but Tozawa victory rolls! TWO, but Tozawa SUPERKICKS Gable down! Tozawa ris the shirt off, goes up top, and SUPER SENTRONS onto knees! Gable saves himself and hausl Tozawa up to GERMAN SUPELX! And theN GERMAN SUPLEX agian! Gable GERMAN SUPLEXES again! But he isn’t done, Gable spins Tozawa aorund, and POWERBOMBS him! ANKLE LOCK!! Tozawa flails but he’s so far from the ropes! Tozawa TAPS, Gable wins!
Winner: Chad Gable, by submission
But Gable won’t let go! Th efans boo, the ref reprimands, but Gable just drops into a GRAPEVINE! So Otis storms in and he drags Gable off the leg! Otis TOSSES Gable! The fans are thunderous, but Team American Made steps up to support Gable. Gable says Otis never learns! But Otis’ hips are moving! He’s shaking, quaking, and the fans fire up, but American Made backs off. Will Gable finally fight Otis and put this beef to rest?
The New Day talks backstage.
They still don’t understand how everyone here doesn’t see things their way. But then Dirty Dom walks over, clapping with “New! Day Rocks!” Finally, someone who understands! Dom says he never liked Big E, but uh, no, what they did was crazy. Well, whatever, Broke Ass Tom Selleck! Dom says Tom Selleck wishes! Dirty Dom heads for gorilla, ready to fight for the Judgment Day. But will Dom go from “Broke Ass Tom Selleck” to just broken?
Dominik Mysterio VS Damian Priest!
Judgment Day’s history has always been a rocky one, but it has never been rockier than right now. Betraying Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest probably has a lot to do with it, but will Dom be able to smooth things over by taking Damian down? Or will Priest finally beat some sense into #LatinoCheat?
The bell rings and Dom bails right out! Dom dares Priest to come get him, but Priest says Dom needs to get back in the ring. Priest will even give him a free shot! Dom storms up to the apron, steps in, and takes that swing, but Priest blocks it! Then Priest BELL CLAPS Dom, DECKS him, then DECKS him again! Dom staggers around, Priest picks him up to SLAM DUNK! Dom staggers back up, into a torture rack! Priest bends Dom with the Argentine Backbreaker! Priest then THROWS Dom down and the fans fire up. Priest paces around, powers up his arm, and Dom rises. The fans rally and Priest runs, but Dom ducks a lariat!
Dom kicks, CLUBS and KICKS again! SUPERKICK! Then DROPKCIK! Priest staggers but Dom hurries to stalk behind him. Priest sits up first and glares at Dom. Dom panics, but he DUMPS Priest out! Dom builds speed to DIVE, but into Priest’s hands! FLATLINER onto the desk! The fans fire up and Priest drags Dom up to then POST him! Dom falls in a heap, but Priest puts Dom in the ring. Priest then notices a very suspicious Santa Claus. Priest snatches the beard away, and tada! It’s JD! Priest TOSSES JD and the fans cheer! JD wants mercy but Priest SLIDES him across the desk! The fans fire up as Wade narrowly avoids getting hit!
Priest then has a Spider Sense moment, and he looks under the ring! Carlito spits out his apple in surprise! Priest drags Carlito up and TOSSES him into the timekeeper’s area! But then Finn attacks!
Winner: Damian Priest, by disqualification
Finn fires hands, but Priest blocks the desk bump! Priest body shots and SMACKS Finn off the desk! And again, and again! Priest puts Finn in the ring, Dom runs up, but Priest DECKS him! Priest fires more hands on Finn, but the Judgment Day regroups! They mug Priest 4v1 as usual, and JD even drops elbows! The fans boo but the Judgment Day stand Priest up. WAIT! Here comes the War Raiders! Erik & Ivar fire hands on Dom & Carlito, and Priest TOSSES JD! Finn realizes he’s alone, and Priest SUPERKICKS him down! Priest stomps a mudhole into Finn, the Raiders put Carlito and Dom in the ring!
Ivar KNEES Carlito, then feeds him to Erik’s KNEE! The fans cheer, JD gets up, but Priest LARIATS him inside-out! Dom is fed to the WAR MACHINE!! Finn staggers up, but Priest grabs him! And Finn goes SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! The Judgment Day just got further embarrassed, and that’s not even considering JD’s Santa costume. Will the War Raiders be some unlikely allies for Priest in this ongoing war with the Judgment Day?
Sit-down interview with Seth Rollins.
Jackie Redmond thanks The Visionary for taking this time to talk with her, and he says it is his pleasure. Jackie talked with CM Punk and heard what he had to say, what Punk believes, when it comes to Rollins’ hatred for Punk. And we have heard from Rollins, as well, but Jackie’s still just curious. What is the root cause, the driving force, of this disdain he clearly feels for CM Punk? Rollins says the thing is, he has tried to explain how he feels many times over the years, and it sort of… Well, he won’t say he’s talking into the wind, but Rollins just feels Punk has needed the WWE more than the WWE needed him.
And so that hypocrisy from Punk is what just eats at Rollins. It is hard for Rollins to let that go. Jackie mentions how Rollins has talked about getting rid of it by “cutting it out” and fighting through it, and how this fight with Punk has to happen as a catharsis. What does “cutting” Punk out look like? What should we expect from, not even so much a match, that doesn’t feel like the right word now. Rollins says it’ll be fight. That’s what we’re getting, no question. It is the biggest fight in their sport right now, and Rollins needs it now. After Survivor Series, seeing Punk hand-in-hand with Roman Reigns… Roman’s finger in the air, Punk doing the stupid Go To Sleep thing…
Rollins just wanted to throw the remote through his TV, he was so viscerally, internally destroyed. Rollins felt that was it, no more waiting. The world needs to see it. This is perfect. The Netflix debut, the world will be watching. But to answer the question, he doesn’t know what it’ll look like. You might see a side of Rollins that no one’s ever seen. No pun intended, it will be raw, visceral, violent. Rollins needs to exorcise this demon from his soul, he has to cut the cancer out of his brain, or he is going down. Then the only way to process the betrayal is to go through a fight, and we get that on January 6th, Raw in LA for Netflix.
Jackie thanks Rollins for the time and his honesty. Rollins says yeah, he can’t wait. Will Rollins truly #BurnItDown when it comes to fight CM Punk?
The Miz VS Dexter Lumis!
The Hollywood A-Lister has his own history with the man now turned buzzard, and things are only worse now that this is about the Final Testament and the Wyatt Sick6. Will Miz manage to bury the past once and for all? Or will he get no mercy from Lumis?
Raw returns as Miz waits. A message flashes, “I OPENED THE DOOR,” and then the lights go down. And from that mysterious door to the other side, out steps Lumis. He takes off the Mercy the Buzzard mask, then rushes the ring! Miz scrambles right out as Lumis slithers along the mat! The fans cheer Lumis on while Miz tentatively returns to the ring. The bell rings, Miz wants Lumis to hold on, but Lumis swings hands! Miz bobs ‘n’ weaves, then throws a punch! Lumis just glares at Miz! Miz runs away, Lumis gives chase, and they go around the outside, then back inside! Lumis drags Miz out of the ring to ROCK him!
Miz staggers, Lumis THROWS him into barriers! The fans cheer, Lumis ROCKS Miz again, and then Lumis SMACKS Miz off the apron! Lumis pushes Miz into the ring, Miz bails out, but Lumis goes out to the apron. CANNONBALL! The fans fire up and Lumis brings Miz up. Lumis CLUBS Miz, stalks him, then puts him in the ring. Miz again asks for mercy, but then he tries a cheap kick! Lumis blocks and UPPERCUTS! Lumis scoops, Miz slips free and Miz BOOTS Lumis! Miz runs, but into a THESZ PRESS! Lumis rains down fast hands, then runs to AX HANDLE! The fans fire up and Lumis brings Miz up.
Miz breaks free to throat chop! The ref reprimands but Miz runs, only for Lumis to catch him! URENAGE! Lumis storms around, then goes looks to the corner. Lumis climbs, but wait, the Authors of Pain are here! So Lumis CANNONBALLS onto them! The fans fire up but Kross attacks!
Winner: Dexter Lumis, by disqualification
The Final Testament beats Lumis up and puts him in the ring. Miz stands, confident now that he has reinforcements. Kross says they’ve got Lumis where they want him, but Lumis looks to the sky. Seems it’s the other way around! The lights go down, and when they come up, the rest of the Wyatts are here! They brawl with Final Testament and then send them running! Nikki wants uppies, and Erik Rowan pops her up to POWERBOMB her out onto The Final Testament! Nikki is all fired up as the Wyatts stand together! Will The Final Testament be the one buried and forgotten after all is said and done?
The War Raiders regroup backstage.
Erik & Ivar are fired up after getting the better of Judgment Day, and then Priest walks in. He says what’s up, and they give him some pushes and shoves of excitement. Priest says okay, okay, settle down. But that was good, and he appreciates the save. Ivar says hey, they’ve all known each other a long time. And while they haven’t always seen eye to eye, there has always been honor here. They may not be friends, but Priest had their backs in a big way last week and they don’t forget that. They owed him, they got him. Priest respects that. If the War Raiders are at war with the Judgment Day, then he’ll go to war with them.
They all fist bump, and Erik & Ivar say they like the sound of that. Could these three finally tear down Judgment Day once and for all?
The zero symbol returns…
And now it’s joined by a pentagram? What could these clues be leading to?
The New Day barges out to ringside.
And Kofi Kingston tells Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett on commentary that no no no no! You do not get to speak about them like that! Woods asks what is going on around here? What happened to unbiased journalism? How long has Tessitore even been with the WWE? Not that long, right? Certainly not long enough to know that his job is not to have an opinion but to tell the TRUTH like they have! But it seems in 2024, no one wants the truth! Certainly not these fans. Wade was sympathizing with E as well! Well that’s fine, because Wade and Big E have something in common. They’re not man enough to lace up their boots again and get in the ring!
The fans boo now but Kofi says speaking of getting back int he ring, allow the New Day to do that and continue to tell everyone what they were trying to tell people before. They did NOT put hands on Big E. They could have, laid him out here in the ring, stretchered out of the building again, but they didn’t! So why is everyone so upset!? The fans keep booing but Kofi says this was supposed to be a homecoming for Kofi, and for the woman he bought a plane ticket for to come all the way here to Boston from Ghana, and that is Kofi’s mom! Kofi’s mom is in the front row! Miss Elizabeth Kingston is here, but she doesn’t seem very amused.
Kofi says his mom sat in the middle seat for 20 HOURS, just to see Kofi, and the fans are ruining her experience! This is his mother! The woman who taught him how to be the man that he is today! She does not deserve to see her son get booed out of his own hometown! Woods says they gave the fans ten of the best years of their LIVES…! Kofi steps back outside to apologize to his mom for the fans. She does not deserve this. Kofi doesn’t understand why they’re doing this. Kofi wants a hug. Miss Elizabeth stands up, but she pushes Kofi! She’s upset with HIM, not the fans! Miss Elizabeth takes her coat and leaves! Kofi is confused, what’s this about?
Kofi calls after his mom but she tunes him out. Though, it might be hard to hear over the fans. Will it ever get through to the New Day that they are in the wrong?
The New Day regroups backstage.
And then they cross paths with Rey Mysterio. Woods asks if he’s gonna pile on. Rey says no, it’s not like that. Rey thought about what they said last week, being a locker room leader and all. Rey definitely could’ve handled things better, so he’ll apologize to them. Rey just has the responsibility to help everyone as much as he can. So hey, what New Day did was out of pocket, all foul. And if they want to start fixing things, they can start by apologizing. Whoa, hold up. Them? Apologize to Rey and the locker room? No, they aren’t apologizing, because they didn’t do anything wrong! This is ridiculous!
Rey is just as bad as Big E and everyone else! Why not let Woods pop that mask off again so he can hear them better. New Day did nothing wrong. Rey says okay, fine, que pasa nada. Just don’t say he didn’t try. From this point on, New Day is on their own. And oh, get used to hearing this. “New! Day SUCKS!” With that, Rey takes his leave. After hearing that, will Kofi & Woods have anything but a Merry Christmas?
Sami Zayn VS Drew McIntyre!
The Honorary Uce may have just lost to the Scottish Terminator at Saturday Night’s Main Event, but he isn’t going to give up the fight. Will Sami finally get a win over McIntyre as a Christmas miracle? Or will McIntyre ruin the holidays with a Claymore?
Raw returns and Sami makes his entrance. The bell rings and McIntyre kicks low! McIntyre fires hands, then CHOPS Sami in a corner! McIntyre ROCKS Sami, stands him up, and then CHOPS again! The fans are torn but McIntyre paces while Sami sits down. Sami rises up, and he avoids a chop to fire hands! The fans fire up as Sami CHOPS and fires more punches! The ref backs Sami off, but Sami comes back to stomp and punch! The fans rally behind “SAMI USO!” and Sami whips Mcintyre corner to corner. McIntyre reverses, Sami goes up, but McIntyre KICKS him out of the air!
McIntyre snarls and then he deadlift suplexes Sami! Sami writhes and clutches his back, but McIntyre storms over to him. McIntyre STMOPS Sami’s hands! Then he ROCKS Sami with a right! Sami goes to ropes but McIntyre CHOPS him again! The fans “WOO~!” as that chop echoes out! The fans rally for Sami but McIntyre grins. McIntyre whips but Sami KICKS him in return! Mcintyre comes back but Sami TOSSES him out! The fans fire up and Sami builds speed, but then Mcintyre moves so Sami Arabian Presses to land back inside. Sami smiles as he gets the better of McIntyre, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Sami is in the corner. McIntyre storms up to stomp away on him again! The ref backs McIntyre off but then McIntyre storms back up. McIntyre drag’s Sami up to the apron, and he suplexes Sami up and into the ring! Sami flounders to the ropes and the ref checks him. Sami says he’s still in this, so McIntyre drags Sami back up. But Sami CHOPS McIntyre! And CHOSP! And fires forearms! Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for McIntyre to tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and McIntyre grows annoyed. The fans rally up but Sami writhes form all the damage.
McIntyre stalks Sami to the ropes, eggs him on, and then whips him to ropes. Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges again, and this time Sami tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Sami and McIntyre both rise up, and McIntyre bails out. Sami storms up to ropes, grits his teeth, and he PLANCHAS! But McIntyre catches him! And then he aims for the desk! Sami fights free, and he DRIBBLES McIntyre off the desk! Sami backs off as the ring count climbs, but Sami goes back for McIntyre. McIntyre stops the step bump to SMACK Sami off the steps! McIntyre refreshes the ring count because he wants to do more damage!
McIntyre stalks Sami up the steps, then lifts him for an APRON BACKBREAKER!! Sami falls and writhes, and McIntyre has a manic look on his face as he watches Sami suffer, but Raw goes to break.
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The Road to the Tokyo Dome goes through KOPW!
As 2024 nears an end, Great-O-Khan defends the KOPW Championship one more time, against a former KOPW Champion in Taichi! Who will be THE 2024 King of Pro-Wrestling?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Chase Your Dream Match: Shoma Kato VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
- Boltin Oleg VS Satoshi Kojima; Boltin wins.
- Triple Threat Tag: Jeff Cobb & Jakob Austin Young VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson VS Ren Narita & Yujiro Takahashi; Narita & Yujiro win.
- DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS El Desperado & Master Wato; Desperado & Wato win.
- Fatal 4 Way: Kevin Knight VS Robbie Eagles VS Francesco Akira VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Eagles wins.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
- Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita; ZSJ & Fujita win.
- KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi; Khan wins and is the definitive 2024 KOPW Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
After the Triple Threat Tag…
The House of Torture of course cheated to win, but they wouldn’t leave it at that! They waited until the United Empire and TMDK argued with each other to then attack them all! Yujiro Takahashi CLUBS Oiwa down while Narita shoves Cobb into big Hartley Jackson! And then Narita JAMS Cobb with the pushup bar! The fans boo but Narita JAMS Oiwa up, too! The Souled Out Son of Strong Style is so proud of himself as he holds up his NJPW World TV Championship, but wait. Christmas music starts playing? The fans clap along as surprise! Santa and his reindeer are here! Well, one reindeer. But shouldn’t the House of Torture be on the naughty list?
Santa Claus walks over, and he gets the mic. He sounds familiar as he tells, “Narita-san… You have a Christmas present waiting. Would you like it now?” Narita asks what the heck is going on. Santa steps into the ring and offers Narita the little tiny bag. Narita snatches the bag, then he and Yujiro look at it. The fans asks, “Nani nani? <What is it?>” Narita tells them to shut up. Narita gets the bag open and pulls out… Blue sunglasses! With LED lights! The fans cheer as the lights go down! “E! L! P!” EL PHANTASMO IS HERE! The Headbanga has been battling cancer, but he’s here in Korakuen Hall!
Narita is furious but ELP slides right into the ring! Narita & Yujiro run away, but the fans cheer ELP on as he stands side-by-side with Jado Claus. ELP gets the mic now, and the fans cheer him on. ELP takes a moment before saying, in Japanese, “Cancer. Cancer… I’ve beaten cancer! And I love Korakuen!” But ELP asks Jado-san how to say a certain something in Japanese. He whispers it, but then Narita & Yujiro attack! The fans boo these cowards, but then Narita says Merry Christmas! But ELP BOOTS him, ELBOWS Yujiro, then dodges Narita to SUDDEN DEATH! Jado Claus DECKS the Tokyo Pimp!
ELP again asks Jado, and Jado says on behalf of ELP, that ELP is going to wrestle tomorrow night! And… Then he’ll be at the Tokyo Dome! ELP grabs the NJPW World TV Championship! ELP looks it over, and looks to the crowd, and then to Jado, but then Jeff Cobb and Ryohei Oiwa get in the ring. Cobb asks if ELP’s good. ELP is good. Are they good? Then let’s turn it up a notch! FATAL 4 WAY for the TV Championship! Narita snatches his belt, gets out of the ring, and tells everyone to shut up! The odds just got stacked against the House of Torture, will the New Year have a NEW NJPW World TV Champion one way or another?
Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita!
Ahead of battling for THE IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, The Roughneck and The Front Man bring some back up! The Ace is also preparing to fight Evil, will he and Shota bring a Once in a Century Paradigm Shift? Or will ZSJ and the Japanese Young Punk prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against ZSJ. The fans cheer this WrestleKingdom preview, and Korakuen duels between “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” ZSJ and Shota feel things out, then knuckle lock. ZSJ clinches but Shota fights back with his own clinch. ZSJ slips around to chinbar but Shota wrenches to a wristlock. ZSJ rolls, tries another chinbar but Shota cranks the wristlock. ZSJ bridges, spins, slips around and wrangles Shota! Shota kips up to WRING the arm, but ZSJ UP KICKS! The fans cheer as the two reset. Shota and ZSJ circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ then stands on Shota’s hand!
ZSJ has another hand and twists the wrist! Then he has both arms for a motorcycle stretch but Shota fights up. Shota turns things around, and he fights ZSJ as ZSJ tries to turn them back. ZSJ keeps trying, and he pushes through, but Shota spins things right back around! The fans cheer while Shota digs a foot into ZSJ’s back. ZSJ flips, kips up, spins things around, but Shota spins them back! The fans cheer, and Shota spins ZSJ. ZSJ dodges the lariat, Shota blocks a kick, but ZSJ ducks the enzigiri! Shota avoids the Penalty Kick and arm-drags ZSJ, but ZSJ headscissors! Shota kips free, avoids a leg pick, and the fans cheer!
Shota dares ZSJ to go for the leg but the two reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and each man breaks free of one. They back off, and Shota tags in Tanahashi. The fans cheer, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Korakuen strongly supports President Ace. Tanahashi and Fujita circle, tie up, and Tanahashi powers Fujita back. The ref counts, Tanahashi lets off slowly, but then Fujita turns things around! Tanahashi turns things around, and repeat! The ref counts, Fujita lets off slowly, but then both men block a kick! They argue over who lets go first, and eventually agree for a mutual break. They set the feet down, but then Fujita holds on!
Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi, then whips. Tanahashi reverses but Fujita ducks ‘n’ dodges to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Fujita aims from a corner. Fujita runs corner to corner but Tanahashi BOOTS him! Shota CLOBBERS Fujita, then eggs ZSJ on! ZSJ runs up, Shota blocks a kick and he sends ZSJ into Tanahashi’s ELBOW! Shota CLOBBERS ZSJ and the fans fire up. Shota pursues ZSJ to the outside and CLUBS him down! Shota clamps onto ZSJ with a chinlock but the ref reprimands. Tanahashi CHOPS Fujita, but Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi! The fans fire up as Fujita storms back up, but he blocks a boot!
Fujita DRAGON SCREWS Tanahashi’s leg! Fujita kips up, ZSJ sends Shota into railing, and Fujita stomps Tanahashi. The fans rally and Fujita brings Tanahashi up to CHOP! Fujita eggs Tanahashi on, CHOPS him again, then CHOPS again! Tanahashi flounders and ZSJ tags in. ZSJ drags Tanahashi up to UPPERCUT! Tanahashi ends up in the TMDK corner, ZSJ UPPERCUTS him again! ZSJ says, “Mada mada!” and he UPPERCUTS again! Tanahashi falls, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Fujita brings Tanahashi up. Fujita CHOPS again, and then CHOPS again! Tanahashi is stinging and using the ropes for defense while the fans rally up.
Tanahashi storms up but Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi CHOPS, Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi falls and Fujita BLASTS Shota! Tag to ZSJ and he grabs a leg. Fujita also grabs one, they drag Tanahashi to center, and then they both go after arms. Then they shift, ZSJ has an arm while Fujita has a leg! Then they both have legs again! Then ZSJ has a leg and Fujita has an arm! Then back to the arms! They both isolate the arms for DOUBLE STOMPS! The fans cheer, the ref reprimands and ZSJ “apologizes” with a bow. ZSJ stands on one of Tanahashi’s legs to then twist the other! Tanahashi endures, even as ZSJ TWEAKS the ankle!
ZSJ twists the foot the other way, flips Tanahashi over, and shifts around to have a headscissor and armlock! Shota stomps ZSJ but Fujita goes after Shota! Fujita TOSSES Shota, ZSJ tags Fujita back in. Fujita stomps Tanahashi, KICKS him in the back, but Tanahashi gets mad! Fujita KICKS Tanahashi but Tanahashi fires up! Fujita KICKS and CHOPS, but Tanahashi fires forearm after forearm! Fujita CHOPS again! Tanahashi grits his teeth but Fujita CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! SHOTEI! Fujita falls but so does Tanahashi! The fans rally up while both men crawl, hot tag to Shota! Shota rallies on Fujita with big forearms and elbows!
Shota whips, Fujita reverses, but Shota dropkicks the legs out! ZSJ runs up and RAMS Shota! Then ZSJ runs, but into Shota’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Shota goes to Fujita. Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Fujita in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t mind. Shota clinches but Fujita fights the suplex with elbows. Shota runs up, but Fujita wrenches, waistlocks, but Shota ELBOWS free! Shota whips, Fujita reverses and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Fujita crawls, hot tag to ZSJ!
ZSJ runs up to BOOT Shota! Shota stays up so ZSJ runs to BOOT him again! And BOOT him again! Shota roars and ROCKS ZSJ! Shota runs to ROCK ZSJ again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Shota eggs him on, repeat! Shota UPPERCUTS and ZSJ roars! ZSJ UPPER- NO, Shota hooks the arm, but ZSJ wrenches out of the backslide to PELE the arm! Then ZSJ basement DROPKICKS Shota! The fans fire up while Shota clutches a leg and an arm. ZSJ kicks him around, scuffs him and taunts him. The fans rally, the ref checks Shota, but Shota is okay to continue. ZSJ stands Shota up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT!
Shota clinches to EXPLODER! Both men are down and the fans rally again! Shota crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! Fujita runs up, but Tanahashi blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Payback for earlier! Tanahashi runs up at ZSJ in a corner, blocks a boot, and DRAGON SCREWS! Tanahashi put some stank on that one! Then he goes up the corner for a SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this but the fans continue to rally! “GO ACE! GO ACE!” echoes out as Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ catches him into a COBRA TWIST! Tanahashi endures, then throws elbows into ZSJ’s leg. Tanahashi gets free to DRAGON SCREW again!
ZSJ writhes, Tanahashi ties the legs up, but ZSJ kicks at him! Tanahashi blocks a kick to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And now, TEXAS CLOVER- NO, ZSJ fights the turnover and reels Tanahashi into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Tanahashi endures and the fans rally up, but Shota gets in! Shota stomps away on ZSJ, but then Fujita MISSILE DROPKICKS Shota! Fujita brings Tanahashi up but Tanahashi SHOTEIS him down! ZSJ is after Tanahashi but he avoids the shotei! ZSJ SLAPS Tanahashi, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but ZSJ gives him a NECK TWIST! The fans fire up as ZSJ stand Tanahashi up.
ZSJ scoops but Tanahashi fights that, to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up but Tanahashi isn’t done! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi stands ZSJ up again, but ZSJ scoops to ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, ZSJ & Fujita win!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita, by pinfall
Shota can’t believe The Ace fell, but this is why ZSJ is the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! Will ZSJ do this all to Shota when they’re 1v1 in the Tokyo Dome? Or will Shota prove he’s mightier than The Mighty?
KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi!
The Dominator has, well, dominated as KOPW Champion for a long stretch of 2024, but the Holy Emperor did close out 2023 with this title. Granted, Taichi says that win, lose or draw, this is his final KOPW Championship match. As such, tonight’s stipulation is a sort of “Best Of” compilation as we go Best 2 Out of 3. Part one: a no ropes Sumo Rules match! Part two: Yoshinobu Kanemaru as special guest referee? Well, he would be a neutral party… And part three, if needed, will be a LAST MAN STANDING MATCH! Will Taichi “retire” from this truly freestyle division standing tall? Or will Khan truly conquer KOPW for the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, but Taichi also brings back the trophy for the occasion, and it’s time to end the year in style!
Sumo Rules!
Both men finish preparations with weight belts and some stretching. They square up, the ref says go and they RAM into each other! The fans rally as both men go for those weight belts to use as leverage. They go around, get very close to the ring edge, but then Khan moves things away. Khan THROWS Taichi, but Taichi stays on the ring so the sumo match continues. They reset and go again! Taichi pushes Khan back with both hands, but Khan digs in his heels! They clinch, go around, and Taichi goes for the edge! Khan pulls on Taichi’s leg to get around, but Taichi uses that to steer Khan to another edge! But Khan hits a fireman’s carry takeover!
Khan drags Taichi up but Taichi fights off the throw! They clinch and fight for control again. They each try to lift with the belt! Khan has Taichi near the edge, but then Taichi has Khan near the edge! Khan is teetering and the fans fire up! Taichi THROWS Khan to the floor, Taichi wins the fall!
Khan: 0; Taichi: 1
Special Guest Referee!
The fans are thunderous as Taichi takes the Sumo Rules fall, but now we go to a much more complicated situation. The ropes have to be put back up, sure, but now the Heel Master of all people is going to be the referee! The time it takes to set up the ropes is a reprieve for both sides, especially Khan as he has to catch his breath and refocus. Once the ropes are up, both men wait in the ring. All that is left is the buckle pads, and of course, Kanemaru himself. Kanemaru gets a proper introduction and entrance before he goes to the ring, and wow, he’s even wearing an official NJPW referee shirt with the lion mark on it.
Referee Kanemaru does his check and he even tells Taka Michinoku to watch himself. Kanemaru does a far less thorough check of Khan than Taichi! Did the Empire pay Kanemaru off?! Kanemaru has Taichi cool off, then whispers something to Khan! The bell rings, the fans rally for Khan, and Khan circles with Taichi. They tie up, Taichi powers Khan to ropes, and Kanemaru calls for a ropebreak. Then he has a fast count! Taichi lets off before 4 and argues with Kanemaru! Kanemaru says that’s his count, deal with it. Khan and Taichi reset, tie up, and Khan puts Taichi on ropes. Kanemaru pays more attention to Taka than Taichi!
The fans can’t help but laugh as Kanemaru finally does count, and now it’s really slow! Taichi protests, but Khan pulls Taichi’s arms. Then he CHOPS Taichi and stops at “3!” Khan then goes after Taichi, wrenches and wristlocks, and Kanemaru is asking if Taichi gives up!? Taichi tells him to shut up, but Khan kicks and CLUBS Taichi. Khan whips, Taichi BOOTS Khan down, then covers! Kanemaru strolls over to count! And it’s so slow! “TWO” and the fans cheer. Taichi is upset, but Khan rolls Taichi up! SO FAST!! TWO!! Taichi is getting pissed but Kanemaru backs away. Taichi stomps Khan, and Kanemaru’s untying a buckle pad?!
Taichi stomps Khan around, Khan leaves the pad there loosely, and Taichi whips. Khan reverses, and SURPRISE! bare buckles! Taka protests but Kanemaru SMACKS him with the pad! Khan plays dumb, and then he stands on Taichi’s lower back. Taichi has the ropes, but Kanemaru kicks the arm away! Khan has Taichi’s other arm, Taichi keeps grabbing for ropes but Kanemaru keeps kicking the hand away! Khan drags Taichi up, brings him around, and ROCKS him in the back! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan Mongolian Chops him on the back! And Mongolian Chops again! And Mongolian Chops again! Kanemaru doesn’t bother counting at all!
Taka protests, Kanemaru warns him, but then Khan hops up to sit on his throne! The fans cheer while Taichi endures, and only now does Kanemaru count! Khan asks hold on, hold on, so Kanemaru stops counting! Khan hops down, and then he puts Kanemaru up on the throne! Khan gets the fans to join in on the “Ohh…! HMPH!” Kanemaru isn’t into it so he hops down. Khan apologizes to Kanemaru, then he kicks Taichi around. Taichi gets up to fire hands! Khan kicks low, whips, but Taichi reverses to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down. Taichi stands, and he drags Khan up into SEITEI JUJIHOU!
Kanemaru might be stuck, he can’t ignore Khan tapping. But then Kanemaru drags Khan over to the ropes! Taichi is frustrated with Kanemaru but Kanemaru says that’s a ropebreak. Taichi storms up on Kanemaru, but then Khan waistlocks! Ripcord and SAYANAGI! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan runs in, but Taichi dodges! GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Taichi snarls. Taichi TAKES OFF THE PANTS! The pants were a bit stubborn, but still. But then Kanemaru “checks” Khan just to stay between him and Taichi! Taichi says move or else! Kanemaru says he’s the ref!
Kanemaru kicks Taichi, CLAWS Taichi’s eyes, then traps his arms! Khan gets up to IRON RIGHT!! Kanemaru “scolds” Khan, then “checks” Taichi. Khan rests in a corner and Kanemaru drags Taichi up for him. Taichi CHOKES Kanemaru! Kanemaru kicks low! Kanemaru whips Taichi into a corner, ELBOWS him, then Khan LARIATS! Khan snapmares and covers, Kanemaru wants more first! Khan sits Taichi up for a BASEMENT DROPKICK! Now cover, TWO!! Taichi survives so Kanemaru hurries to get his whiskey! Khan takes a swig, and Kanemaru sets Taichi up! WHISKEY MIST into Kanemaru! Taichi hits the GEDO CLUTCH, but Kanemaru really can’t count now!
Taichi lets off of Khan since there was no count to be had. Taichi drags Kanemaru up, but Khan WHISKEY BOTTLE SHOTS Taichi! IRON CLAW!! Kanemaru calls for the bell? He just hands the win to Khan without counting, so now we’re all tied up!
Khan: 1; Taichi: 1
Kanemaru has fulfilled the contract, Khan gives him the envelope of money. Khan even makes sure we all see how many thousands that is! Kanemaru heads out, is he going to party hard for the holidays? But that aside, it is time for the final fall!
Last Man Standing!
Taichi gets the mic first, and tells Khan that if that’s how Khan wants to do it, then Taichi will get down and dirty with Khan! No lumberjacks, no special guests, just the straight up ten count, and it can happen anywhere in Korakuen Hall! Khan says bet! The announcement is made for the official rule change, and now we have the final fall! Khan rushes Taichi on the outside, then whips him into railing! And we’re already going into the crowd! Khan throws Taicihi at English commentary, but big Hartley is a solid wall for Chris. Khan then drags Taichi up into the bleachers, and the fans clear out of the way!
Khan CHOKES Taichi with a chair, then lets off to clear chairs out of the way. The Young Lions try to help but Khan gets mad at them and pushes them aside. Khan drags Taichi up, knees him low, and then reels him in! But Taichi fights the sayanagi! Taichi SHOVES Khan, Khan falls to the floor but gets up, only for Taichi to CROSSBODY! Down goes Khan and Red Shoes hurries over. Both men are down but Taichi sits up. The count starts and Khan is still down at 5 of 10! Khan hurries to get up, and Taichi stomps him down! Taichi drags Khan back up into the bleachers, but we go the other way.
Taicih KICKS Khan down, Young Lions keep the fans back again, and Taichi drags Khan along. They keep moving through the crowd, and Taichi shoves Khan into chairs! Khan sputters but Taichi drags him up again. Taichi KNEES Khan, then drags him up. They go back down to floor level, and then Taichi aims at chairs! Taichi whips but Khan reverses and he BOWLS Taichi into chairs! Not quite a strike but he got a good number of those chairs! Khan pops the railing loose from the special corner piece, and he brings that corner piece over! Khan SMACKS Taichi with the steel! Taichi staggers away but he sits in a chair.
Khan starts folding chairs to stack them on the floor. Khan then uses one chair as a leash to drag Taichi over! Khan CLUBS Taichi, adds that one chair to the pile, and then snap suplexes Taichi onto the chairs! Taichi writhes but Khan rises up. Khan roars and the fans fire up! The count begins again but Taichi slowly sits up at 4. Taichi rises up, and he stands at 8! Khan brings Taichi around in a headlock, and they go to the orange bleachers! Khan uses the gate to smother Taichi, then they go up to the higher level! The fans fire up but then fans have to move! Khan KNEES and CLUBS Taichi, then whips Taichi at the exit door!
Taichi tumbles into the hallway! Khan drags Taichi back into the arena and uses the HITSUJIGOROSHI against the chairs! Taichi endures as Khan chokes him, then Khan lets him go! Red Shoes checks on Taichi, Taka coaches him, but the count begins. Khan sits in a chair to relax while he waits. Taichi sits up at 7, and stands at 9! Khan storms up on Taichi to CLUB him on the back! Khan headlocks Taichi, brings him to the other section, and he gets up close to the fans for photo ops. Khan then whips, but Taichi reverses, and Khan is sent into the wall! Taichi leaves Khan behind while the count begins again.
Khan sits up so Taichi KICKS him back down! Taichi drags Khan up, KICKS him again, and Khan falls to his knees. Taichi drags Khan up by his ponytail, and he goes close to the stairs that lead to the back! Khan fights the suplex, and for his life, but then he turns things around! Taichi fights the suplex, throws hands, and then DDTS Khan to the floor! Red Shoes checks both men, then starts the count. Taichi shakes out his arms and sits up at 4. Taichi stands at 6 but Khan is still down at 8! Khan drags himself up at 9! Taichi CLUBS Khan down, then brings him back up. Taichi brings Khan back to ground level, then snapmares him hard for a KICK!
Khan is in agony but Taichi drags him back up. But Khan RAMS Taichi into the railing! Taichi sputters while also sitting in a chair. Khan staggers away to ringside, and he goes looking under the ring. Khan brings out a trolly cart? Khan JAMS Taichi up using his own mic stand, then leaves him behind. Khan brings out a TABLE! Fans rally up as Khan puts the table on the trolly, then he staggers over to Taichi. Khan CLUBS Taichi down, then SHOVES him onto the table trolly combo. Khan has fans clear out, and then he SNOW PLOWS the chairs with Taichi on the cart!! The fans fire up as Khan stands over Taichi.
Khan drags Taichi up, and he brings the table along, too. Khan kicks chairs out of the way as he returns to the upper deck! Khan SMACKS Taichi off the edge, then he clears out space. Khan sets the table up, then he goes up to fetch Taichi. Khan JAMS Taichi up with a chair, then SMACKS him! Taichi writhes, fans rally, and Khan drags Taichi up. Khan vows to end this! IRON CLAW, and ELIMI- NO! Taichi fights Khan off! Taichi stumbles away through the crowd, but then grabs himself a chair. Taichi runs up to JAM Khan right in the face! Taichi then steals Khan’s idea to choke grip and CHOKE SLAM down through the table!!!
Khan writhes and the fans go nuts! Taichi hobbles around while Red Shoes counts Khan. Khan is still down at 5! Still down at 7! 9! KHAN GRABS RED SHOES’S HAND!! Khan survives, and though he has a couple bloody cuts on his back, he crawls his way to the ring. Taichi eggs Khan on and the fans are thunderous! Khan drags himself into the ring, Taichi runs, AX BOMBER!! The fans fire up and the count returns! Khan is still down at 5, stirs at 6, sits up at 7, and he rises at 8! So Taichi just runs up to AX BOMBER!! Khan drops to his knees, flops over, but he’s already pushing himself back up! Taichi runs again, AX BOMBER!!
Khan staggers around but he stays on his feet! Taichi says fine, AX- SAYANAGI!! Khan turns things around, and he AX BOMBERS in return!! Both men are down and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and Khan crawls for ropes at 5! Taichi slowly sits up at 6, and both men go to corners at 7! Red Shoes waits on them to rise up, and then Taichi fires up! Taichi runs up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so Taichi BOOTS! Khan BOOTS back! Taichi URAKENS! Khan MONGOLIAN CHOPS! Taichi SOBATS! Khan BODY BLOWS! Both men drop to knees, but they also grab at each other.
The fans rally as Khan and Taichi slowly rise. They are forehead to forehead, and then Taichi AX BOMBERS! Khan drops to his knees, Taichi BUZZSAWS, but Khan blocks it! Khan ROCKS Taichi with a right! And then Khan reels Taichi in, but Taichi Alabama Lifts! BLACK- NO, Khan fights into a GUILLOTINE! Taichi is stuck in the body scissors!! Taichi flails, even taps out, but that’s not how Last Man Standing works! Khan squeezes tighter and tighter, Taichi fades, and Red Shoes checks! Khan lets Taichi go and the count begins! Khan rises at 6, and Taichi is somehow up at 9!! So Khan clamps on an IRON CLAW!
Khan lifts Taichi, but Taichi slips free! Taichi shoves Khan and ROCKS him! DANGEROUS SAIDO!! But Khan is staggering to his feet?! Khan goes to a corner, flounders along ropes, but he isn’t down yet! The fans rally hard while both men fight to their feet! SUPERMAN PUNCH from Khan! PELE from Taichi! Both men are down again! Red Shoes starts the count on them both, and the fans rally even harder! Taichi is up at 7! Khan grabs Red Shoes at 9 again!! Taichi roars, Korakuen is with him, and he powers up! TENSHI JUJI- NO!! Khan blocks, and he hooks Taichi! Taichi CLUBS away on Khan, but Khan still lifts! ULTIMATE ELIMINATOR!!
Both men are down again and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and they’re both down at 5! At 7! 9! Khan pushes up, but he FLOPS back down!! DOUBLE TEN! IT’S A DRAW!! What does that mean for the belt!? Red Shoes goes out to talk with Abe-san, and then the announcement is made. In the end, with it being 1-1-1, a true draw, it all goes to KHAN!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (DEFINITIVE 2024 KOPW Champion)
Khan flips Taichi off, one last insult added on top. Khan is given the belt back, but Taichi grabs his trophy. Taichi steps up to Khan, and gives him the trophy, saying it is rightfully his now. Taichi shows Khan that respect, and Khan returns it with a handshake. Khan “retires” Taichi from KOPW, what will the Holy Emperor look to do in 2025?
As for Khan, he grabs the mic, and he asks Taichi to wait a moment. “You served this title for three years. We will honor your glory!” The fans applaud that, and Khan asks the previous champion to come closer. No, closer. The fans cheer Taichi on as he steps closer to ringside. Khan says Taichi served this title well, so here is his reward. Khan is giving the trophy back? Taichi says no, he gave that to Khan out of respect. Khan says to Taichi and to everyone to listen well. “We are the last KOPW Champion!” Everyone is a bit surprised to hear that.
Khan says, “As an alternative, on January 4th in the Tokyo Dome… as THE last KOPW Champion, We demand that the January 4th match determine the next IWGP World Heavyweight Championship challenger!” The fans are really intrigued by that idea! Khan throws down the belt, and Chris makes sure English speakers understand what Khan is suggesting. The New Japan Ranbo determining a #1 contender? Khan says that these are the words of the final KOPW Champion, The Great-O-Khan! “HAIL US, PEASANTS!” A New Year, a new era? Will Khan’s revolution bring glory to the United Empire?
My Thoughts:
A very good night for Road to Tokyo Dome, though I did skip a lot just because I didn’t have a lot of time today. But luckily I was skimming through, or I would’ve missed ELP’s great return. Congratulations on him beating cancer, and I like that they’re adding him to the NJPW World Television Championship match. It makes sense given ELP’s beef with the House of Torture, and honestly, why not just have ELP win? Not even so much for getting over cancer (though kind of that, too) but because fans love ELP and it’d help him solidify his singles run with Hikuleo long gone for WWE.
Really good stuff in the other tune-up matches, such as #DespeWado winning and the chaotic end to the Fatal 4 Way. Eagles won to help him and Fujita have momentum, but there is still more to the Road to Tokyo Dome first. Honestly that tag Fatal 4 could really go any which way they want so I’m not sure how the go-home math would even work. And Gedo of course took the loss against LIJ. Yota Tsuji is aiming for David Finlay and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, but who knows how things go before we get to WrestleKingdom.
Very good tag match from Shota & Tanahashi VS ZSJ & Fujita, and it was technically a surprise for Tanahashi to take the loss. This works on many levels, as Tanahashi should be figuratively on the ropes going into his match with Evil, and this gives Fujita equal momentum alongside Eagles. And then great main event, Khan and Taichi really went the distance with this one. And it all makes sense after Khan reveals this is the end of the KOPW Division. Khan wants to make the New Japan Ranbo to basically be the Royal Rumble and that is pretty cool. I think they could keep the belt to represent that contender’s status the same as the G1 Climax having a briefcase, because that KOPW belt actually looks pretty nice.
My Score: 8.8/10
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