Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (9/12/22)
DING DONG! Damage Control!
The Bougie & Badass VS DMG CTRL, round two!
Raw holds a rematch from the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament Finals to clear the controversy! Will Kai & Sky take control this time?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Matt Riddle VS Finn Balor w/ Damian Priest; Finn wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Aliyah & Raquel Rodriguez VS Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky w/ Bayley; Kai & Sky win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
- Johnny Gargano VS Chad Gable w/ Otis Dozovic; Gargano wins.
- Raw Women’s Championship Open Challenge: Bianca Belair VS Sonya Deville; Bianca wins and retains the title.
- 2v1 Handicap Match: Omos w/ MVP VS Cash Marazi & Ryan Tombs; Omos wins.
- Edge VS Dominik Mysterio w/ The Judgement Day; Edge wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins is here!
The Visionary is on Portland, Oregon and the fans sing his song, “OH~ OHH~ OHHHH~!” as he heads to the ring. Rollins conducts the fans as he gets the mic and says, “PORTLAAAAND! HAHAHAHA! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins, baybay! And let me introduce your host for this evening. e is none other than the Face of Monday Night Raw. He is a Visionary. He is a revolutionary. He is…” “SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS!” Rollins enjoys that, and even enjoys the fans singing again, “OH~ OHH~ OHHHH~!” Rip City is too kind! But he has a question. “Do you believe in karma?” Good things to good people, bad things to bad people!
Rollins was skeptical, but nine days ago, at Clash at he Castle, the Universe was in perfect harmony because he beat Matt Riddle! Rollins stomped Riddle’s head not once but twice, and he had 60 THOUSAND PLUS singing his song. “OH~ OHH~ OHHHH~!” Now, it has come to Rollins’ attention that he is living rent free in that little pea brain of Riddle’s, because Riddle wants a rematch against Rollins. Fans like the sound of that, but Rollins says the problem is, Rollins is not interested. Aww… But you may be asking, “What’s next for Seth Freakin’ Rollins?” And while Rollins pondered that exact question the past week…
Fans are chanting “REMATCH! REMATCH!” But Rollins says he’s NOT interested in a rematch with Riddle, so zip it! Fans boo now but Rollins says what he is interested in is the fact that it has been far too long since Rollins has held championship gold. “Bro…” Riddle shows up anyway! Rollins is already saying now, but Riddle just says, “Bro.” Then rushes the ring! They brawl, Riddle fires off KICK after KICK bug Rollins RAMS him into a corner. Riddle carries Rollins out to TOSS him over the ropes! They brawl outside, Rollins SMACKS Riddle off the desk and runs away! But Riddle pursues! They brawl in the crowd!
Rollins rakes Riddle’s eyes then runs away again! Rollins hurries up the ramp but Riddle pursues! Only for The Judgement Day to make their entrance! Damian Priest & Finn Balor specifically are here with mics. Riddle gets back in the ring, ready to fight, but Finn says to chill, bro! They’re not here to fight! They’re Riddle’s friends. They all go way back, man! That’s why they’re here: to offer Riddle a spot. If Riddle recalls, not too long ago, they were all in the same situation: superstars on the rise that somehow, someway, got held back. But no more. Priest & Finn are going to change that for Riddle.
Finn says we’ve seen how much Dom’s grown these last few weeks. And Dom finally stepped out of his dad’s shadow. The Judgement Day has taken care of Dom, and Dom is gonna take care of Edge! Riddle has problem, these guys can be his problem solvers. “Matthew, it’s me. Listen, the Judgement Day is simple.” Fans chant for “BRO! BRO!” and Finn says this is what the fans want! Rise with the Judgement Day, or fall against them. Riddle says, “Bro… We do go back, dude. But right now, my focus is on Seth. So the answer is no, bro.”
Fans cheer that but Finn says he knows things are more relaxed here in Portland, so maybe Riddle’s a bit cloudy. Finn will make this very clear. Riddle either stands with them, or he stands in their way. Riddle BOOTS Finn! Riddle clotheslines Priest out! The Bro sends Judgement Day reeling, will they make him regret rejecting them?
Matt Riddle VS Finn Balor w/ Damian Priest!
Raw returns as Finn CHOPS Riddle in the corner, this match already underway! Finn whips corner to corner then CHOPS Riddle again. Finn tells Riddle this is what he gets, then whips Riddle back the other way. Riddle goes up and over to KICK Finn down! Riddle then deadlift gut wrench suplexes Finn, and then drags him up for another! BROTON! Cover, TWO! Riddle stalks Finn to a corner but Finn kicks a leg out! And then sweeps the leg! And again! Finn puts the leg on ropes to HIP DROP on it! Riddle writhes and clutches the leg, but he gets to a corner. Finn puts the leg in the ropes to pull on it!
The ref counts, Finn lets off, and Riddle ROCKS Finn with a forearm. Riddle goes up but Finn YANKS him down! Finn stands on Riddle’s neck but lets off as the ref counts. Finn sits Riddle up to throw down an elbow and wrap on a chinlock. Riddle endures, fans rally up, and Riddle fights to his feet. Riddle throws body shots then shifts to SAYANAGI! Riddle runs, BROTON FLOPS as Finn moves! Finn CLUBS away on Riddle’s head, then covers, TWO! Finn drags Riddle up, ELBOWS him on the neck, and Riddle gest to ropes. Finn brings Riddle up to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Finn clamps onto Riddle with a chinlock and pulls back, #JUSTFACELOCK!
Riddle endures, fights up and fans fire up! Riddle fireman’s carries but Finn slips off to a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Priest nods as Finn still has control. Finn KICKS Riddle in the side, then springboard stomps Riddle. Finn stands on Riddle’s neck, the ref counts and Finn lets off to stomp away on Riddle! The ref counts more, Finn lets off, and the Judgement Day soaks up the heat. Finn goes back for Riddle, throws haymakers, but Riddle catches him and throws him out with a body scissors! Riddle then aims from the apron, but Priest stands in the way! The ref reprimands, Priest moves, and Finn trips Riddle up!
Finns pins Riddle around, throws down fists, then climbs up to stand on Riddle. The ref counts, Finn lets off to stomp, but Riddle moves! Riddle KICKS away on Finn, then fireman’s carries! Finn fights free and claws Riddle into a dragon sleeper! APRON ELBOW DROP DDT! Riddle cries in pain about his neck as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Riddle throws body shots to fight off the facelock. Riddle ROCKS Finn with haymakers but Finn kicks Riddle’s leg out! Finn brings Riddle up, but Riddle FISHERMAN BUSTERS! Both men are down and fans fire up! Finn drags himself up the ropes and snarls. He runs at Riddle but into a flurry of palm strikes! Riddle BOOTS Finn then spins him on the rebound for the PELE! Finn goes to a corner, Riddle kips up and runs in, forearm smash! Riddle goes side to side to forearm smash again! BROSPLODER! Finn bails out but Riddle goes up and out to PENALTY KICK! Finn goes down, Priest hurries over, but Riddle SPRINGBROAD FLOATING BROS!
Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up again! Riddle puts Finn in, Finn wants mercy! But then Finn trips Riddle to throw hands! Riddle monkey flips Finn away, turns Slingblade into wristlock ripcord, FINAL FLASH! Both men are down and fans fire up! Riddle drags Finn to a drop zone, goes up top, but Priest distracts from the apron! Riddle swipes at Priest, but Finn rolls Riddle up! TWO, Finn ducks the roundhouse! ELBOW DROP DDT! Both men are down again, but then REY MYSTERIO Jumps in Priest! They bump off the post, then Rey clotheslines Priest into the crowd! Fans fire up as Rey runs Priest off to the back!
Finn freaks out but he hurries to get Riddle! Riddle gets Finn up, BRO TO SLEEP, to a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Riddle drags Finn to a drop zone and goes up top! FLOATING BRO, onto knees!!Finn turns things around, and he SHOTGUNS Riddle into the corner! Finn grins as he climbs up top! COUP DE- NO, Riddle dodges! Riddle puts Finn through the ropes, for the DRAPING DDT! That one’s for Randy! And speaking of The Viper, Portland fires up as Riddle hears the voices! Finn staggers up but Rollins returns! Riddle DECKS Rollins, brings him through the ropes, but Finn gets Riddle for 1916!!
Finn goes up top again, for the COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn wins!
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall
Between Priest and Rollins, Riddle couldn’t stay focused on Finn and- OH NO! CURB STOMP!! Rollins gets Riddle again and he shouts, “It’s over between you and me! You hearing me? It’s OVER, Riddle. Move on!” Will The Stallion have no choice but to leave this grudge behind?
Backstage interview with Damage Control.
Sarah asks Bayley, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky what this WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship rematch mean to them. Uh, there shouldn’t even need to be a rematch because Kai & Sky should’ve won in the first place. The only reason they didn’t is because Aliyah acts like she’s never been in a tag match before and she pinned the wrong competitor! If you don’t believe Bayley, go back and watch the footage. Everyone’s talking about it! Dakota says that’s the past. Tonight, they make it right. Tonight, they’re in control. Iyo adds in Japanese and English, “This is OUR division.”
Then can Bayley elaborate on how it feels to be the first woman to pin Bianca Belair in almost a year? Bayley has Sarah stop there, because DMG CTRL is done talking. They head out, will #CobraKai and the Evil Genius be able to take those titles from Aliyah & Raquel this time around?
Dominik Mysterio speaks.
“I’ve only ever been known as ‘The Son of the Legendary Rey Mysterio.’ But that all changed at Clash at the Castle. Because for the first time in my life, I felt alive. I became my own person. I was done taking the disrespect and just bottling it up inside. And Edge… Edge got exactly what he deserved. And tonight, I’m going to finish what I started. Jefe. Dad. I know you’re disappointed. But that’s too bad. Because this is MY life, not yours. Instead of being upset with me, you should look in the mirror and ask yourself, ‘Why?’ Why you never bothered just to get to know me. Why, instead of trying to teach me, you didn’t just ask me what I wanted for me career.
“But you know, for such a tiny, tiny man, you cast a large shadow. And I’m done living under it.” Rhea puts a hand on Dom’s shoulder, then whispers something to him. Dom says he’s not Rey’s baby boy anymore. He is a man! Dom heads out, and Rhea smiles. What has the Eradicator taught Dominik in order to destroy the legends in his life?
Austin Theory speaks.
“There’s a lot of surprises going around here lately. A lot of hits rolling in, a lot of exciting news, and if only I had the connect. Oh wait, I do! I know things! And I know who Johnny Gargano’s first opponent’s going to be in his long-awaited return to the ring is going to be. It’s not me, cuz I got my hands full. I’m a busy man. But you know who his opponent is? I’d call him a close friend. A man who created The Gable Method of Success. Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, let me introduce you to Chad Gable!
The Alpha Academy walk in and Gable says, “Johnny Wrestling? After tonight, the only thing anyone’s gonna know you as is Johnny SHOOOOSH~! A THANK YEW~!” But will Master Gable be the one learning something in the ring tonight?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Aliyah & Raquel Rodriguez VS Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky w/ Bayley!
The Bougie & The Badass may have gotten a bit lucky that the ref wasn’t paying attention to who was legal, but it was only because the Role Model kept distracting everyone! Her team paid the price that night, but will Damage Control take control with this second chance? Or will Aliyah & Raquel make sure they get it right when they win again?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we’ll see which team is really the better tonight!
The teams sort out and Raquel starts with Dakota. They rush in, but Dakota gets around to CLUB Raquel on the back. But Raquel laughs that off, then KNEES Dakota low. Raquel suplexes Dakota, holds her up, walks over to the corner and Aliyah tags in. Raquel TOSSES Dakota, then Aliyah CLOBBERS her! Cover, TWO! Aliyah whips Dakota to the corner then SPLASHES! Raquel tags in, she runs and SPLASHES, too! Dakota flops over, Raquel covers, TWO! Raquel drags Dakota away from her corner to wrench the arm and knuckle lock. Straight Arm Lever! Dakota screams, Raquel lets her down to run her over! Cover, TWO!
Bayley is frustrated already but Raquel drags Dakota back up. Raquel wrenches and knuckle locks again, for another Straight Arm Lever! Dakota squirrels around to a sunset flip, but Raquel stays up! Raquel throws down a punch but Dakota avoids it with a bridge! Raquel steps through to elbow drop! Dakota scrambles away to avoid the cover, and Iyo runs in! Raquel puts Iyo out and she falls over onto Dakota! Raquel then picks Aliyah up to TOSS her onto Kai & Sky! The champions are in control over Damage Control as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Iyo wrenches, but Raquel reverses the whip to run Iyo over! Raquel drags Iyo over, tags Aliyah, and Aliyah goes up to AX HANDLE! Aliyah wrenches Iyo to a wristlock but Iyo throws her by her hair! Aliyah handsprings back up to ROCK Iyo! Aliyah whips, Iyo reverses but Aliyah goes up and over and comes back with a THESZ PRESS! And fast hands! Fans fire up with Aliyah and she runs in, into a kick! Iyo brings Aliyah around, suplexes, but Aliyah fights free! Aliyah goes Matrix to dodge, then SIT-OUT HIP TOSS! Aliyah blows Bayley a kiss but Iyo ROCKS her! Tag to Dakota, Aliya dodges Iyo but Dakota trips Aliyah up!
Aliyah ends up on the ropes and Iyo runs in, DOUBLE KNEES into the back! Dakota covers, TWO! Dakota drags Aliyah up while Bayley is annoyed. Dakota CLUBS Aliyah, whips her to a corner and Aliyah sits down. BOOT WASH! Cover, TWO! Aliyah survives but Dakota drags her up. Fans rally but the ref checks on Aliyah. Aliyah says she’s okay to continue, so Dakota drags her over and tags Iyo in. Iyo stomps Aliyah, sits her down, then taunts her. The ref checks again, but Aliyah insists she’s okay. So Iyo DOUBLE KNEES her again! Tag back to Dakota, but Bayley says this is how DMG CTRL does it!
Dakota clamps onto a chinlock and she grinds Aliyah down. Aliyah endures and Raquel coaches her up. Aliyah fights up slowly, Dakota CLUBS her, and she tags in Iyo. Iyo pulls on the arms with a motorcycle stretch and even digs a boot in. Aliyah endures, fans rally up but Bayley says Iyo should stick to the plan. Aliyah fights, knees Iyo back, and reaches for Raquel! Aliyah ROCKS Iyo but Iyo holds her back! Aliyah keeps fighting, but Iyo reels her into a waistlock! Iyo shoves Aliyah away, catches her again, and FLAPJACKS her down! Tag to Dakota and DMG CTRL drags Aliyah up. Aliyah lands out of the suplex to DOUBLE NECKBREAKER!
Aliyah crawls and Portland is thunderous! Hot tag to Big Mami Cool! Raquel rallies, sending Sky into Kai just like before! Raquel rallies on Dakota with lariats, then a FALL AWAY SLAM! Dakota is in a drop zone, Raquel runs in and goes up, TWISTING VADER! Then a scoop! Aliyah tags back in, but Dakota slips free! Raquel BOOTS Dakota down, she gives Aliyah that boost, ALLEY-OOP SPLASH! Cover, Iyo breaks it! Raquel runs in but into a SHOTEI! Iyo hops up, but Raquel spins it! She blocks the Rana to hit a POWERBOMB out of the ring! Iyo brings Raquel with her and Aliyah rolls Dakota up! TWO!!
Aliyah is shocked! That worked last time, and Dakota was even legal this time! Aliyah hurries, but Dakota clinches! Aliyah JAWBREAKERS Dakota away, runs in at the ropes, springboard, FACEBUSTER! Cover, Bayley helps with the ROPEBREAK!! Aliyah is furious! Bayley says this is what Aliyah gets for last time! But then Raquel storms up on Bayley! Bayley backs off, but Aliyah WRECKS her with a dropkick! But Iyo is up top and she ARIHARA MOONSAULTS Raquel! Dakota throws Aliyah down, hops on, KAI-ROPRACTOR!! Cover, DMG CTRL WINS!
Winners: Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
With now Bianca, Asuka or Alexa, Bayley gets her way this time! Her girls have the gold, will Bayley grab a belt for herself now?
Rey finds Dominik backstage.
Rey heard what Dom what he said, and he had no idea Dom was holding all of that inside. Rey admits it is his fault. If he could change everything, he would. Dom doesn’t have to go through with this match tonight. They can fix all of this! Just give Rey a chance to make it right so they can be a family again. Wow, not even going to look at him> Rey is begging Dom to not fight Edge. Edge is a brother to Rey and an uncle to Dom! But Dom’s never seen this side of Edge before. When Edge is backed up into a corner, he doesn’t hold back. Fine. Dom, if you do fight Edge tonight, things will never go back to how they were. Edge is that dangerous!
Rhea laughs as she walks in. Edge isn’t the only dangerous one around here. And like she said before, Dom isn’t Rey’s little boy anymore. Papi knows best, and Papi knows Rhea is all man now. Dom leaves with Rhea, but did nothing Rey said get through to him? Or will Edge have to teach Dom the hard way?
Johnny Gargano VS Chad Gable w/ Otis Dozovic!
The one and only NXT Triple Crown Winner finally has his return to action now that he’s on Raw. Will he be the one who SHOOOOSHES Chad Gable tonight?
Raw returns and Gargano makes his entrance. Fans fire up for Rebel Heart already, and the bell rings. Gable circles with Gargano and the two tie up. Gable headlocks for a takeover but Gargano headscissors. Gable kips free, roles reverse as “JOHNNY WRESTLING!” gets the headlock takeover. Gable headscissors, Gargano kips free and fans keep chanting. Gable says he’s the better wrestler, but he and Gargano tie up. Gargano rolls to pick leg, Gable moves around but Gargano keeps up to shift and facelock. Gargano gator rolls but Gable kicks free. Fans rally up as Gargano and Gable circle again.
Gargano and Gable tie up, Gable headlocks, then shifts through to hammerlock and drop toehold! Gable says “A THANK YEW!” as he has the armlock. Gargano endures, fights up, and he clinches to bring Gable down to a knee. La Magistrol leads to a headlock but Gable fights up. Gable powers out, Gargano goes up and over and rolls, then slips around to shove and follow Gable, to RANA! Fans fire up as Gable gets up to get thrown around with arm-drags! And then a DROPKICK! Gable is dizzy, and Gargano runs at him to wheelbarrow. Gable fights that but Gargano drags him down, moves him around, lateral press to a ghost pin! TWO!!
Gargano has Gable with a facelock, and Gable is frustrated. Gargano rolls with Gable, fans rally behind “JOHNNY WRESTLING!” but Gable slips out to ROCK Gargano with a right! “A THANK YEW!” Fans boo but Gable puts Gargano in a corner. Gable CHOPS Gargano, and Gargano is stinging! Gable stands Gargano up and CHOPS again! “I am the master!” Gable waistlocks but Gargano endures the bearhug to switch. Gable switches, Gargano switches, repeat! They go around and around, Gargano school boy KICKS Gable down! Gable gets out and Gargano DROPKICKS him down! Gargano then hurries to the apron to CANNONBALL!
Fans fire up as Gargano gets back in the ring with Gable on the floor, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Gable has Gargano with a standing toehold. Gargano kicks with his free leg, but Gable YANKS the other. Gargano gets to ropes but Gable drags him to center for a SPINNING TOE HOLD! And another! And then another YANK! Gargano writhes while Gable soaks up the heat, “A THANK YEW~!” Gable drags Gargano up, has the leg, and hits a SHIN BREAKER! Then a BIG back suplex! Otis says that’s an athlete! Cover, ONE!! Gable is frustrated but he drags Gargano around for another SPINNING TOE HOLD! Gable keeps on the leg this time, but fans rally up. Gable drags Gargano while in the toehold, but fans taunt him with “SHORTY G!”
Gargano fights with his free leg again and fans cheer. Gable loses the toehold, steps through but Gargano BOOTS him up and out! Gable skins the cat, but into Gargano’s forearm! And another! And another! Gargano whips, Gable reverses but Gargano CROSSBODIES! Gargano rallies, ENZIGURIS, and then fires up! Fans cheer Gargano on as he runs through the pain, but Gable puts him on the apron! Gable runs, into the SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Cover, TWO! Gargano grimaces but he paces around Gable. Gargano drags Gable up, scoops him but Gable slips off. Gargano elbows Gable away, goes up and over, but Gable ducks the kick to get the ANKLE LOCK!
Gargano crawls up the ropes, kicks at Gable again, but Gable uses both legs to get Gargano into a Canadian Rack! CLIFFHANGER DDT! Cover, TWO!! Gable is frustrated but this is the toughness of the NXT Triple Crown Winner! Gable goes up a corner, climbs to the very top, and MOONSAULTS, but has to land out as Gargano moves! Gable blocks the superkick to ROCK Gargano! Gargano ROCKS Gable, wheelbarrows, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Gargano escapes after the “Ocean Cyclone,” but Gable is furious! Gable goes up the corner again, for the DIVING HEADBUTT into a crossface!! GargaNO Escape!!
Gable rolls it to an ANKLE LOCK! Gargano endures, moves around, rolls and sends Gable into buckles! Gargano runs, dodges, tilt-o-whirls, and he wrangles Gable. Gable turns that around to CHAOS- NO, Gargano turns that to a victory roll! TWO ad Gable has it, TWO!! BUZZSSAW from Gargano! Gargano runs, into the ROLLING ELBOW! DISCUS LARIAT on the return!! Fans declare “This is Awesome!” while both men are down! Gargano and Gable get to opposite ends and drag themselves up the ropes. Gable runs in but is TOSSED onto Otis! Then Gargano DIVES and sends the Academy into the desk!
Gargano puts Gable in, he avoids Otis’ sweep to SUPERKICK! Then GAMANGIRI for Gable, and the SLINGSHOT DDT!! Cover, Gargano wins!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall
The #OneFinalBeat finishes it off! But Otis runs in! Gargano dodges to SUPERKICK! And SUPERKICK! Otis stays up so Gargano dodges again to say “SUCK IT!” Gargano leaves it at this, but Theory CLOBBERS Gargano with his briefcase! Theory gets a selfie with Gargano while fans boo and chant “YOU SUCK!” Will Gargano make sure to wipe the smile off the Youngest Mr. Money in the Bank’s face?
Raw returns with Austin Theory still in the ring.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Did Johnny Gargano disappoint all of you? Did Johnny Wrestling not walk off into the unrealistic, depressing Portland sunset? You know what happened? Somebody had to show him how it works around here. Because to me, all Johnny Wrestling is, is an overrated bottom-feeding fish at the bottom of the food chain!” Fans “What?” and Theory is already upset. Did Theory ruin Gargano’s big moment? “WHAT?” Say that again! “WHAT?” And here comes KEVIN OWENS! Theory is upset even more now but the fans are happy to see KO! And Kevin has a mic to say, “Y’know, Austin-”
“SHUT UP!” Theory is sick and tired of his moments being ruined by idiots like Kevin, Tyson Fury, Johnny Gargano and more! Theory is the future! He is the YOUNGEST Mr. MITB in all of history, and he will take over this entire damn industry! Kevin says we heard all of that last week. Or rather, Theory did his best to say all that last week, he was having issues with his jaw. Clearly, Theory fixed that so good for him. But we have heard all this for months now! Theory talks about being the future because of how young he is and his good looks. That’s good and all, but Kevin looked Theory in the eyes last week and said Theory was the handpicked future.
That might’ve been the truth, but it is no longer the case. That’s not how it works anymore! See, guys like Kevin and Gargano, they don’t look like Theory. Yeah, exactly! They will never look like Theory! The fans will never look like Theory! Fans boo but Theory says it’s funny. He knows why Kevin’s jealous. Let’s be real here. Theory has done more in the past five months than Kevin and Gargano have combined in the last five years! Kevin says statements like that really go to show just how big of a delusional jackass Theory is.
Because look at what Theory accomplished and how. He had all those opportunities handed to him! From the US Championship in a match he didn’t earn, to the MITB briefcase in a ladder match he wasn’t supposed to be in. It was all handed to Theory. Don’t get Kevin wrong, because he can’t blame Theory. When Kevin first became Universal Champion, that title was literally handed to him. But that is where the similarities end. Except for that moment, Kevin and Theory are complete opposites, and Kevin couldn’t be prouder of that fact.
Let Kevin ask Theory this: “How many guys in the last two decades have come by the WWE that are just like you? Young, chiseled out of stone, full of potential. And how many of those guys fizzled out and went nowhere? Hundreds of them! HUNDREDS!” But how many people like Kevin and Gargano have come around the WWE? How many of them have made it to this level? You can count those people on one hand! Because people like Theory are a dime a dozen, but Kevin and Gargano are one in a million! That is why this place, the fans, they NEED people like Kevin and Gargano! They are the heart and soul of this business!!
And people like Theory are the appendix of this business: completely disposable! And look. Kevin can see he’s upsetting Theory. That may not be the case for Theory. Kevin does hope Theory is everything he says he is. Kevin hopes Theory is the future of the WWE. But, Kevin’s been watching and listening and knows how Theory carries himself. And Kevin is telling Theory now, Theory doesn’t have what it takes to be that future. Theory wants to talk but Kevin tells him to shut up and listen! Theory needs to prove Kevin wrong! Prove the people wrong! Does Theory know how? You stop thinking about the moments that were handed to you and start making moments yourself!
Kevin tells Theory to check the ego at the door, look in the mirror and realize you’re not as good as you think you are, but show your passion and get better. And you leave everything in this ring every time you step foot in front of the fans! THAT is how you prove Kevin wrong and become the future and the Face of the WWE! Kevin gives Theory a push and Theory scowls. The fans cheer for “KO! KO!” and Theory raises his hand… just to flex. “You’ll never be like me, Kevin!” Kevin sighs and says, “Well, talking sense into you didn’t work so maybe this will.” SLAP!! Theory is furious, and the brawl is on!
Kevin tackles Theory down and rains down fists! Theory gets up, Kevin gets at him in the corner, and refs rush out to stop this! Theory hits Kevin back now and he has Kevin in a corner! Fans want to “Let Them Fight!” but refs pull Theory back. Kevin BOOTS Theory, and the hands fly again! Producers drag Theory out of the ring to keep him from Kevin but Kevin comes in and CLOBBERS Theory! Fans are loving this as the brawling goes around ringside! Kevin ROCKS Theory towards the ramp then puts him back in the ring. Theory gets the briefcase! Kevin dodges, kicks, but no Stunner for this Austin!
Theory bails out of the ring and is furious! Theory has a bloody nose, and Kevin wants Theory to prove something to him! Kevin says that nose is just the beginning, but how will this end for the Prizefighter and the former golden boy?
Raw announces the NXT 2.0 Anniversary poll results!
The fans were allowed to choose the fate of two title matches in tomorrow night’s episode of NXT, and the results are in! For the NXT Tag Team Championships, Pretty Deadly will defend the titles against The Creed Brothers, in a STEEL CAGE MATCH! That kicks off the show, which team will escape the other with the gold?
Raw Women’s Championship Open Challenge: Bianca Belair VS ???
The RawEST Women’s Champion wants to prove she’s the readiEST by opening the door to anyone who wants this shot! Who will answer the call? Fans cheer her on as she gets the mic to say, “If there’s anything that these past few weeks has taught me is that I need to stay ready. Because as champion, I’m always gonna have a target on my back. So that’s exactly why I’ve decided to issue an Open Challenge tonight for the Raw Women’s Championship. And I’ve done that to remind everybody that I ain’t nothing to play with. I am the E S T of the WWE, and you can’t whoop me! So, if there’s anybody back there that wants a piece of the EST, who will it be?”
Fans cheer for any number of names, but the music that plays is… Sonya Deville? SmackDown’s Cruella is here and she asks, “What’s the matter, Bianca? Why do you look so confused? Oh, did you think I’d forgotten what you did to me? Oh, honey, if only things were that simple.” Bianca not only made a mockery of Sonya’s position in WWE Management, but she cost Sonya her job as an official. And if not for people getting involved, Sonya is convinced she’d be the champion now. Bianca says, “Girl, uh-uh. Sonya, girl, shut up. This is an Open Challenge, not an Open Mic. So ref, let’s get this thing started!”
The fans are fired up and the mics are put away. Will Bianca finally settle things with Sonya and send her scurrying back to SmackDown?
Raw returns as the introductions are made. The belt is raised and one way or another, this will put an end to things between Bianca and Sonya!
Bianca and Sonya circle, and Bianca avoids the sweep. Sonya shoots in, Bianca gets around to waistlock and SLAM Sonya, but Sonya shifts around to switch. Bianca switches back, Sonya throws elbows, but Bianca whips Sonya towards a corner. Sonya reverses but Bianca goes up and over to then scoop Sonya for a GUTBUSTER! Fans fire up and Bianca drags Sonya to a cover, TWO! Bianca drags Sonya up, scoops her but Sonya fights free to throw Bianca down! Sonya runs to BOOT Bianca down then covers, TWO! Sonya drags Bianca up and KICKS away in the corner! The ref counts, Sonya lets off, and she puts Bianca through ropes to CHOKE!
The ref counts, Sonya lets off again, and then Sonya brings Bianca around to wrap on a chinlock. Bianca endures, snapmares free, and gets to a corner. Sonya run sin, Bianca elbows her away, then BOOTS her down! Bianca goes out, ROCKS Sonya, then slingshots to LARIAT! Fans fire up as Bianca rallies with more clotheslines, and a DROPKICK! Sonya get sup but Bianca spins her and suplexes up and over! HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Sonya bails out but Bianca pursues, only for Sonya to grab at her. Bianca kicks Sonya away, then MOONSAULTS off the apron! Sonya dodges, Bianca lands on her feet, and Sonya CLOBBERS Bianca!
Fans boo while Bianca is down and Sonya grits her teeth. The Raw Women’s Champion is in trouble as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Sonya has Bianca in a cobra twist. Bianca fights up and hip tosses free! Fans fire up and Bianca runs in, but Sonya WRINGS her into the buckles! Sonya KICKS away on Bianca’s back but lets off as the ref counts. Sonya drags Bianca onto ropes and CHOKES her! The ref counts, Sonya lets off again, and she drags Bianca up to bump off buckles. Sonya KICKS Bianca, taunts her, then snapmares her to a chinlock. Bianca endures and fans rally up. Bianca fights up to her feet, and she snapmares free again! But Sonya YANKS her out to the floor! Bianca staggers up, she gets Sonya’s arm, but Sonya YANKS Bianca into the POST!
Sonya soaks up the heat and brings Bianca up. Sonya SMACKS Bianca off the desk, then talks trash as she smothers Bianca. Sonya puts Bianca in the ring and covers, TWO! Sonya keeps on Bianca with another chinlock and she grinds Bianca down. Fans rally as Bianca fights up again! Bianca shoots around, rolls Sonya up, TWO! Sonya kicks but Bianca blocks to kick back! Bianca brings Sonya around, scoops her, and hits a FALL AWAY SLAM! Fans fire up while Sonya flounders and Bianca stands up. Bianca runs, handsprings and FLOPS as Sonya moves! SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Sonya is beside herself as Bianca survives!
Sonya KICKS Bianca, and KICKS, and KICKS! Bianca ducks the next one, shoves her to ropes and hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Bianca is annoyed but shakes her head. Bianca stalks Sonya to ropes, grabs at her, but Sonya kicks her away. Sonya gets up, Bianca catches the haymaker into chicken wings, and brings Sonya up, but Sonya victory rolls! TWO and Sonya hits buckles! Bianca gets up, she hoists Sonya up to the top rope, and then climbs up after her. Sonya throws body shots, she shoves Bianca away and FLYING KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives again and Sonya can’t believe it!
Sonya hurries to get Bianca up, turns her, but Bianca pushes her away. Bianca spins Sonya, suplexes and then rolls right through! Another suplex but Sonya slips out! HEAD ‘N’ ARM! But Bianca RAMS Sonya into buckles! Bianca gets free, runs in, but into a spin from Sonya! Sonya has a dragon sleeper but Bianca throws knees! Bianca goes up the corner, uses that to get up and over, and she torture racks for the KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall (still Raw Women’s Champion)
Bianca feels better now with that win! But wait, Bayley returns! “Ding dong~! Hey, champ. Great victory, good job, good job. Where you inspired by Dakota’s and Iyo’s championship victory earlier? Because I know I was!” Portland could learn a thing or two! Kai & Sky did what they said they were going to do? And Bayley said they’d take control of the entire division. Tonight was just the beginning! But since Bayley’s here, let’s talk Bianca’s victory. How does Bianca feel? Did her beating the #PrideFighter make her feel good? Because Bayley is pretty sure it did. That match fed just a bit of Bianca’s big fat ego! “What?” Big fat ego. “What?”
Bayley wants Bianca to be truthful to all the fans here. Bayley knows Bianca can’t sleep at night until she gets a match with Bayley. Is that what Bianca really wants? Because if Bayley was Bianca, she’d be embarrassed. Bayley hadn’t wrestled in over a year, and yet she pinned Bianca when no one else has for that same 365 days! Is that what Bianca wants? YES! Bianca dares Bayley to get in the ring but Bayley tells everyone to just relax. The match will happen, when the time is right! Bianca sets down the belt and dares Bayley, but Kai & Sky have slipped into the ringside area! Bianca sees she’s surrounded, and she sighs because she should’ve known better.
DMG CTRL creeps in, Bianca ROCKS Iyo then DECKS Bayley! But she gets mugged by the others! It becomes 3v1 but then here come Asuka and Alexa! Bliss KICKS Iyo, and hits a DDT! Asuka ducks Dakota’s kick to POP-UP KNEE! Bayley realizes that she’s the one outnumbered now! Bayley can’t get past Bliss or Asuka, and she puts up her dukes. But Bianca gets up behind her! Bayley swings, misses, and runs into a SPINEBUSTER! Bianca picks up the Raw Women’s Championship while she, Asuka and Alexa celebrate turning the tides. Will they make sure DMG CTRL doesn’t stay in control for long?
2v1 Handicap Match: Omos w/ MVP VS Cash Marazi & Ryan Tombs!
The Nigerian Giant is back in action, ready to destroy anyone and anything put in his path again. Will Portland’s own even walk out of the arena tonight?
The bell rings and Omos CLOBBERS both opponents! Omos drags Marazi up while Tombs tumbles out, and Omos TOSSES Marazi away! Omos sees Tombs on the apron, and he TOSSES Tombs into the ring! Omos runs to then CLOBBER both men again! MVP says “Just like that!” Omos drags Marazi up into a THRASHING Cobra Clutch!! Tombs CLUBS Omos but Omos grabs him by the neck! Omos scoops Tombs and gives him SNAKE EYES off the corner! BOOT!! Omos then scoops Marazi to SNAKE EYES him, for another BOOT!! Omos then grabs Tombs and MOUNTAINTOP SLAMS him down! And then a MOUNTAINTOP SLAM for Marazi!!
MVP says stack ’em and pin ’em! Omos does as told, double covers, and wins!
Winner: Omos, by pinfall
Marazi & Tombs never stood a chance! Will Omos find his way back up towards a title as we enter the Fall?
Rey talks with Edge backstage.
Rey pleads with him, really. Edge said it himself, he’s known Dom since he was in kindergarten, so please, from one father to another, don’t do this. Rey wants one more chance. Edge says he gets it, but we all heard Dom tonight. Dom is a man, he has to pay for what he did. Rey knows deep down, this needs to happen. And Edge also understands that Rey can’t bring himself to do it. So isn’t it better that it is Edge? Sometimes someone just needs sense knocked into them. This match is happening whether Rey likes it or not. Edge apologizes now for what’s coming. Will the Rated R Superstar go hard on Dom to bring him back to his senses?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Kevin Patrick surprises Rollins, and brings up that Rollins seems to have an “awful lot on his mind.” What was Rollins going to say before Riddle interrupted? No, no, NO! The moment has passed, Riddle ruined it! Rollins doesn’t wanna talk to anyone. How many times will he have to stomp Riddle’s head into the mat before he gets it? If you test the “face of this industry,” the Face of Raw, you cannot miss! Riddle misses every time! But then Bobby Lashley walks over to ask Rollins if he thinks he’s really the face of Raw. He is! Lashley has a problem with that? Yeah, because Rollins is NOT the face of Raw.
Rollins comes in, looking all bright and colorful, except he doesn’t have one color: gold. “He who has the gold is the face of Monday Night Raw.” Alright, alright. Rollins sees what this is. All these MMA guys seem to think the same way. They just fight, fight, fight, but do they ever stop to think? No, they don’t! Lashley must’ve gotten punched around so much, he’s got no more brain cells in that bald head of his! Lashley glares at Rollins but Rollins backs off. And while the US title wasn’t the one Rollins was talking about, he’ll gladly take it of Lashley’s shoulder. So Rollins VS Lashley, next week for the US Championship. And then we’ll find out who the face of Raw really is. HAHAHA!
Lashley says okay. They’ll fight about it. Rollins’ smile goes away quickly, and Lashley takes his leave. Will the All Mighty leave the Visionary staring up at the lights next week?
Raw shares an exclusive at-home interview with The Miz.
The Hollywood A-Lister finishes on his phone and asks if everyone else is ready. Like the harp? The piano? Was that Lumis in the window?! The reporter thanks Miz for this exclusive interview and Miz says that’s right they should be thanking him. This is the interview of a lifetime! After the weeks Miz has been having, he’s not going to Raw right now. This is his place where he feels the safest. Monroe and Madison scamper in to say goodnight, and Madison plays on the piano. Okay, okay, go on and head upstairs. Oh, Maryse looks great! Is he done? What? No, they haven’t even started yet. But they have to go. It’s fine, it’ll only take a few minutes.
Maryse says they have to go to the premiere. Miz says he isn’t sure. Is Maryse comfortable in them leaving the house? Is he kidding? Well, after everything that’s happened… Is it about “the freak?” C’mon, Mike, that guy will never come here. They have guards, an alarm system, and dogs. There is no way Lumis gets here. Miz says she’s right, she’s always right, and he loves Maryse so much. They both look so good. Miz will finish this up, but then Maryse points out the cameraman wearing shoes. Miz knows, but it’s what it is. LUMIS IS IN THE WINDOW AGAIN. Maryse says five minutes. Okay, let’s begin.
Well, as we saw, Lumis- Don’t say his name, thank you. But- But nothing. Miz will conduct this interview now. Do you realize what happened to Miz last week? He had to have a police escort to the arena. WWE ordered double security, and yet that lunatic- Dexter Lumis? DON’T say his name! But yes, him. He was still able to get in and do what he did. What did he do? Miz isn’t sure how to explain this any clearer: he does NOT want to talk about that! This interview is done! Miz is busy, he has a premiere to go to. Everyone, get your stuff and get out.
Miz and Maryse head out, Miz gets the car door for Maryse, and the guards will let WWE production out. They better not be here when Miz returns. Morons. Miz grumbles, gets in the car with Maryse, and drives off. With Lumis IN THE HOUSE NOW!! And he’s done a wonderful ink drawing of the It Family. But what is Lumis’ obsession with The Miz?
Edge VS Dominik Mysterio w/ The Judgement Day!
The Rated R Superstar just wanted to help the younger stars, but The Judgement Day mutinied and kicked him out. Then Edge tried to help The Mysterios against the monsters he created, and Dominik kicked him low! Will the gritty old Hall of Famer have to knock some sense into the younger generation at full speed? Or will Dominik prove that he is no longer in the shadows of legends and is finally a grown ass man?
The bell rings and Edge runs right at Dom! Edge BLASTS Dom into the corner, then says Dom wanted this! Edge HEADBUTTS Dom, ROCKS him with haymakers, and then he lets off as the ref counts. Dom staggers around but Edge ROCKS him again. Edge whips Dom corner to corner and CLOBBERS him in the corner! Dom flounders, Edge is after him with more haymakers! Edge HEADBUTTS Dom again, then whips him corner to corner. Dom goes up and over, rolls and turns around, into a BOOT! Dom sits up but Edge CLUBS him down! And CLUBS him again! Dom goes to a corner, Edge drags him up, to scoop and SLAM him!
Dom bails out and hurries over to Rhea. Rhea coaches Dom, and tells him to remember what Edge did to the relationship between Dom and Rey. Get angry and kick some ass! Dom slides in, runs at Edge, but Edge scoops him. Dom slips free, waistlocks, but Edge bucks him away. Dom handsprings back up but into a LARIAT! Fans fire up as Edge WRECKS Dom out of the ring! Edge glares at Rhea then stalks Dom. Edge brings Dom up, brings him around and RAMS him into barriers! Edge refreshes the ring count, drags Dom up again and bumps him off barriers! Fans fire up and Edge says if Dom’s a man, then take this! SMACK off the desk!
Dom flounders, Edge clears off the desk! Fans fire up more but Dom ROCKS Edge! And again! Dom whips but Edge reverses and Dom hits steel steps! Dom flops down, Rhea shouts to him but now Dom asks for mercy. Edge BOOTS Dom down instead! Edge drags Dom up and into the ring, fans rally behind Edge, but Dom distracts the ref so Rhea can CHOP BLOCK Edge! Rhea laughs as Edge hobbles, and Dom SHOVES Edge into the steel steps! Edge clutches his bad leg while Rhea applauds Dom and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once more and Edge CLUBS Dom to fight the heel hook. Dom lets go to stomp away on the leg! Dom drags Edge up, ROCKS him with a forearm, then pushes him down to drop knees on the knee! And again! And again! Dom pulls on the leg with a toehold and Edge endures. Edge grabs at Dom but Dom slaps that hand away. Edge KICKS free with the free leg, but Dom drags Edge up first. Dom gives us some Latino Heat, and he suplex! Uno Amigo! Not the cleanest, but fans still boo as Dom hits the DOS AMIGOS! Dom gets Edge up again, really pours on the Latino Heat, and he hits THREE AMIGOS!
Dom goes to the corner, he climbs up top, and gives us even more Latino Heat, only for Edge to hit the ropes! Dom falls onto his amigo and fans fire up! Edge CHOPS Dom, ROCKS him, and manages to climb up with one good leg. Edge throws HEABUTTS but Dom throws body shots! HEADBUTT AFTER HEADBUTT! Edge drags Dom up and fans fire up again! But Rhea anchors Dom and Edge falls out of the superplex! Fans boo as the ref missed all that, and now Dom adjusts. FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Edge survives and Dom is frustrated. Rhea is also upset, she argues the count on Dom’s behalf.
But now Dom goes for something else Eddie used to do. Dom steps through, but Edge BOOTS him into the POST! Dom is dazed now and Rhea coaches him up. Fans fire up as Edge gets up, and Dom drags himself out of the corner. Dom runs in, but into a FLAPJACK! Dom staggers up, Edge rallies with clotheslines! EDGE-O-MATIC! Cover, TWO! Dom HAMMERS the bad leg! And then he drags Edge around, but Edge BOOTS him again! Edge hobbles up, reels Dom in, IMPALER!! But the leg won’t let Edge make the cover! So Edge decides to get to a corner instead! Fans fire up and Edge takes aim. Dom stands, Edge runs in, but Dom rolls under! BOSTON CRAB!!
Dom has the bad leg in the HALF CRAB, and Rhea taunts Edge! Edge endures, Dom drags him from the ropes! Dom has the leg twisting across Edge’s body but Edge grits his teeth! Dom sits deep, but Edge pushes up! Fans fire up, Edge rolls through to cradle Dom, TWO!!Dom runs in but gets a HOTSHOT! Edge ties Dom up in the ropes! Edge says Dom wanted this! Edge throws haymaker after haymaker and fans count along! The ref counts, too, but Edge stops at five punches and the count of 4. Fans boo but Edge comes back to SLAP Dom! And then continue! Fans count again, we get ten total!
Edge backs off again and fans fire up again. Edge aims, runs in, but REY gets in the ring?! Rey is pleading with Edge not to do this! But Edge shoves Rey aside! Rey keeps trying, only for Priest to drag Rey out! Finn gets in, he CHOP BLOCKS Edge while Priest TOSSES Rey over the desk!! The ref calls it and the bell rings!
Winner: Edge, by disqualification
Rhea frees Dom and Finn stomps Edge! Rey is down as Finn drags Edge up, but Edge fires off haymakers! Rhea SMACKS the bad leg with a chair! Rhea tells Dom to make Edge pay! Dom has the chair now, and Priest encourages him even more. Dom SMACKS the bad leg! And again! And again! He BENDS that chair on Edge’s knee!! Dom then sits the chair up to put Edge’s leg on it! Finn goes up top, for a COUP DE GRACE to the leg!!! Edge clutches what could be a shattered knee and torn up ligaments! The fans boo but the Judgement Day soak it all up.
Finn tells Edge he is dealing with THE Judgement Day! Finn, Priest, Rhea & Dom are in charge now! Will anyone ever stop their path of destruction?
My Thoughts:
This was a great episode for Raw, and it really turned up the heat for quite a few stories. One it didn’t is Omos, sadly. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: Vince booked Omos into a corner. How can Omos do anything meaningful after building his power level so high yet still losing in the US Championship scene? It might take a draft/trade to put Omos on SmackDown where he can more or less start clean in the Intercontinental Championship scene, except I see him hitting the same wall. Omos didn’t get past Lashley, so I don’t see him getting past Gunther. Also, just to note, I do like that they let us know some of the stuff for NXT tomorrow night to help hook interest in the 2.0 Anniversary.
We got great build for Rollins. He had a good promo, a good brawl with Riddle, and after a great match in Finn VS Riddle, Rollins got the last word with that sneaky Curb Stomp. And I do appreciate that while Rollins was implying he wants a rematch with Roman Reigns, he’s taking on Bobby Lashley for the title. I can sense it right now that should Rollins take that title off Lashley, he could totally hold onto it all the way to when Cody Rhodes returns from injury, and they can pick up where they left off over the US title. Cody having the US title in its current form just makes sense, it would complete his Homelander cosplay.
As for Riddle and Judgement Day, I did like that Judgement Day was branching out for more members, even after finally converting Dom. Not sure Riddle would be a good fit for the group, but obviously now he can have a part in the feud with Judgement Day alongside Rey and Edge. We got great stuff out of that story, such as Dom finally speaking for the first time since joining Judgement Day, with Rhea of course still coaching him in character. Rey also had good promos pleading with both Dom and Edge, but of course Dom didn’t listen while Edge spun it that as a friend, he’d be best for the job.
The match was good, though Dom still needs some polish to pull off Three Amigos cleaner. But of course Rey would try and stop Edge from going too far, and of course Judgement Day would attack them both. It wasn’t about winning for them, it was about taking out two legends. That Coup De Grace to the extended leg spot was unique and looked devastating, which was the point. Riddle joining the story means this can turn into a Six Man Tag while we wait on the possibility of Dom & Rhea VS Edge & Beth. Even if we never get the Mixed Tag, we can get a lot out of Riddle siding with Rey and Edge on this, and we’ll see where it goes from there.
There was a lot of good stuff from Gargano and Theory tonight. Gargano has a great match with Gable, that was definitely a great choice for Gargano’s first match back. And it also makes sense as The Alpha Academy have been Theory’s pals lately. Theory attacking Gargano after was a good touch, as was Kevin Owens’ fired up promo. Kevin VS Theory is clearly happening again, maybe Theory wins that clean to follow through on proving himself to Kevin and the fans. Then after that, Theory also goes by Kevin’s advice and “makes a moment” on his own going after Gargano and they both give us an awesome match.
The Miz and the Mizanin family had a fun promo segment, and of course Lumis was lurking around. Lumis “outside, in the window” were such corny edits, but the twist of him showing up in the house at the last moment was good stuff. This only furthers things so that we need Miz & Maryse VS #InDex more than we need Dom & Rhea VS Edge & Beth. If we don’t get #InDex on Raw, I’m not sure what they’re thinking. Then we got great stuff from the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match, and of course Bayley helps Kai & Sky win this time around. I thought Bayley was going to answer Bianca’s Open Challenge, but it does make sense that she as the Heel is doing things on her time, not Bianca’s.
Sonya Deville answering the challenge even though she’s on SmackDown felt a bit like a throwaway move, but it does round things out for Sonya and Bianca. Bayley is going to get her match at Extreme Rules, I can feel that. But we might even get Asuka & Alexa VS Kai & Sky in another rematch from the tag title tournament for the titles at Extreme Rules alongside it. Which, if they’re all given the time of a PPV, those matches can/will steal the show. Honestly, we just need to see Asuka VS Iyo go down, that’ll get fans excited.
My Score: 8.5/10
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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; 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 think 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! Iyo 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?
Judgment 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, suplexes, but Tozawa slips free! Tozawa SOBATS, spins, slides under, and SPIN KCIKS! Gable goes to 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 didn’t break a rule, and Otis never learns. Gable SLAPS Otis, slides into the ring, but Tozawa victory rolls! TWO, but Tozawa SUPERKICKS Gable down! Tozawa rips the shirt off, goes up top, and SUPER SENTRONS onto knees! Gable saves himself and hauls Tozawa up to GERMAN SUPELX! And then GERMAN SUPLEX again! Gable GERMAN SUPLEXES again! But he isn’t done, Gable spins Tozawa around, 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! The fans 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.
Raw returns once again and Mcintyre has Sami in the Inverted Alabama Lift! INVERTED ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! McIntyre escapes and runs up, but Sami dodges! McIntyre POSTS himself! The fans fire up as McIntyre flops back, and Sami hurries to the corner! Sami climbs, but his back slows him down! McIntyre ROCKS Sami first! And then CHOPS him! McIntyre climbs up after Sami, fires some shots, then fireman’s carries Sami! SUPER WHITE NOISE! A shoutout to Sheamus and McIntyre covers, TWO!! The fans fire up while McIntyre grows frustrated. Sami stirs but McIntyre watches him closely.
The fans rally and McIntyre drags Sami back up. But Sami cradle counters! TWO! McIntyre GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Sami falls and McIntyre snarls. McIntyre goes to a corner, and he takes aim at Sami. Here comes the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” But Sami LARIATS McIntyre! And then a clinch, EXPLODER into the corner! Sami goes to the other side and the fans fire up! Sami aims as McIntyre rises, but that back tightens up. Sami fights through the pain, gets running, but CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
That was perhaps the closest Sami’s come, but he was still so far away from victory over McIntyre. 3-0 in 2024, 10-0 overall, and McIntyre stands over Sami to rub it in. Sami is already dazed, but McIntyre rains down fists! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but McIntyre shoves the ref away to HAMMER Sami down! But here comes Jey, just like earlier tonight! Jey runs in, dodges again, and this time, SPEAR!! Jey has Mcintyre down, but now he goes up! But wait! TAMA TONGA SHOVES JEY OFF THE TOP!! Solo Sikoa & The Bloodline are here! McIntyre is just as surprised, but given the truce they called on Friday, McIntyre takes his leave.
The Bloodline beat down Sami & Jey, which McIntyre loves to see. Tama Tonga rains down fists on Main Event Jey in a corner, but the fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Instead, Jacob Fatu gets running! But Jey dodges the hip attack! SUPERKICK for Tama! Jey fires haymakers on Jacob! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Solo steps in to swing, but Jey dodges! Jey ROCKS Solo! Jacob SUPERKICKS Jey! The fans boo as the Samoan Werewolf gets all geeked up! Solo adds his SAMOAN SPIKE!! Solo throws off his jacket, sits Jey back up, but Sami gets in! Sami fires hands, but Tama TACKLES Sami! Tama beats Sami down and fans boo again.
Solo tells Tama to set Sami up, and Tama stomps Sami into the corner. Jacob runs in, to HIP ATTACK! Jacob isn’t done, he puts Sami in the drop zone to go up, up and BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The fans boo but Solo adds on another SAMOAN SPIKE!! Solo roars, then he and his Bloodline stand over the OGs. Jacob adorns Solo with the ula fala, will not even Roman Reigns be able to stop the “Undisputed” Tribal Chief? Will all of the WWE have no choice but to acknowledge Solo Sikoa?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here to build both the last Raw of 2024 and the first Raw of 2025, aka the Netflix debut. Rollins had a very good interview promo to add just a little more to things, but I feel like there’s little left that they need to say. Very good stuff with Judgment Day, such as the classic “X, can you tell Y…” gag from Finn and Liv. Dom thinking their plan to screw Priest over would work is hilarious, as was how it all fell apart. Priest gets the win from disqualification, but then great save from the War Raiders. Good promo from Priest and War Raiders, love the reference to ROH by saying “honor” there, and that’s a solid Six Man Tag right there.
Fun little bit from Pearce with Pure Fusion Collective, and of course Sonya thought she’d get a second chance, and of course Pearce uses real logic to say no way. Iyo Sky replacing Kairi Sane was announced last week on social media, so I guess Sonya didn’t check between shows. Great Triple Threat from Iyo, Alba and Natty, and of course Iyo won or else why put her in there? Iyo VS Lyra next round will be great stuff, as will Dakota Kai VS Zoey Stark, and whatever combination we get for the title match is going to be great. I don’t think we’ll get DMG CTRL VS DMG CTRL, so if Dakota wins, Iyo loses, and then vice-versa.
Great stuff with American Made and Alpha Academy, but of course Tozawa takes the loss. Otis standing up to Gable & The Creeds was a great moment, and I really hope we get Gable VS Otis for the big Netflix debut. Win or lose, Otis should definitely have a moment where he rallies through Gable and both Creeds, really get the crowd hot before the finish. Miz VS Lumis was good but could’ve been better. With only two hours, I guess they had to trim things down to the basics. Another disqualification finish tonight is a bit much, but I guess it keeps things going until we can come up with some kind of new 8 Man Tag, or even a really wild Mixed 10 Person match so Nikki and Scarlett can get involved legally.
Great stuff with New Day, from their interaction with Dom, then their “interrupting” the show to try and get their point across. It was great to have Mama Kingston there, and I just knew she would be disappointed in Kofi. Good promo with Rey, too, as Rey now leaves New Day out in the cold. I feel like we need a big tag team match to not only have Heel New Day show their stuff against like LWO, Alpha Academy, etcetera, and then they earn their way to a match with the War Raiders to revisit their feud, just with flipped Heel and Face dynamics. That could be some really good stuff as Raw on Netflix paves the road to WrestleMania 41.
And great stuff with McIntyre and the extended Bloodline. He and Sami had a great promo to again bring up family and sacrifice, but also how Roman’s OG Bloodline came back together without Roman ever changing a thing. Great brawls, great saves by Jey, and of course McIntyre won the match. Jey will of course get next, probably also for the Netflix debut, but good stuff with Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline showing up. They beat down Jey & Sami to send a message to Roman, who was obviously not going to be here tonight. There will surely be a response in part on SmackDown, but maybe more verbal than physical.
I feel like the “Transfer Window” will need to put all Bloodline members, old and new, on one brand so the story can be told all on one show. It’d just be easier while Jimmy’s foot is healing, because what can Roman do without backup against Solo, Tama & Jacob? And honestly, still waiting on when and where Hikuleo is going to show up. This is a good time to bring him in with Tonga Loa also hurt, so Solo can get the numbers edge on Roman again.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
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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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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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