Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (1/2/23)
2023 is Raw!

The first Raw of the year is golden!
After reviewing the Absolute Best of 2022, Raw starts with what could be the absolute best of 2023! TWO huge title matches kick off the New Year with gold!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Alexa Bliss; Bianca wins by disqualification and retains the title.
- Music City Street Fight: Elias VS Solo Sikoa; Solo wins.
- Six Man Tag: Sami Zayn & The Usos VS Kevin Owens & The Street Profits; Sami & The Usos win.
- Dexter Lumis VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Lumis wins.
- Becky Lynch & Mia Yim VS Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky w/ Bayley; Kai & Sky win.
- WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory VS Seth Rollins; Theory wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Bloodline is disrupting Raw!
Solo Sikoa TOSSES security aside while Sami Zayn & The Usos tear apart commentary! Solo then TOSSES the security guard into the crowd! Jimmy wants us to check it out! The Bloodline is in the building and they’re taking over Monday Night Raw! Last year, this year, it’s all the same! Then they tip the commentary desk over! Sami says this is a message to everyone in the back! The Bloodline runs the show! UNDERSTAND?! But here comes KEVIN OWENS! Fans fire up as The Prizefighter shows up, with a mic in hand. Sami shouts at him first, “Hey! Hey! I see you got your little microphone there, Kev. Don’t open your mouth, and don’t say a word. Listen very carefully.
“Because in case you can’t tell, we’re not in a very good mood tonight. In case you can’t tell, tonight is a hostile takeover of Monday Night Raw by the Bloodline!” Kevin says, “Is that right?” Sami says they’re taking over by any means necessary. People are going to get hurt, and it is all because of Kevin! Kevin says, “Because of me?” Fans chant “UCEY! UCEY!” but Kevin says, “I could swear I Had something to say when I came out here, that’s why I’ve got the microphone. But just now, after hearing you, all I really wanna do is come punch you in the face, so…” Kevin heads to the ring!
But Adam Pearce is shouting no! He stops Kevin and says The Bloodline is NOT the authority here, PEARCE is! And he’s let them get away with stuff for far too long, and that goes for Roman, too! They’re not doing this tonight or at all in the New Year! The Bloodline are going to leave and they will do it peacefully. Security, please escort The Bloodline from the ring and from the building. The guards rush in but Solo CLOBBERS each and every one of them! The Enforcer and his brothers dare them to try again, so KEVIN rushes in! He fights 4v1, Pearce shouts for reinforcements! And out comes the Raw roster!!
Shelton Benjamin, the Good Brothers, the Profits, you name it, they’re here, turning the tide back on the Bloodline! The Bloodline bails out and retreats! But Pearce says now they’re not getting out of this that easy! In fact, they’re not getting out at all! Bloodline wants to come to work? Then they’ll be put to work! Get your gear, because each and every one of you are in a match tonight! And that is official! Fans are fired up, Sami says what happens now is on Pearce’s hands! But just what happens now that Sami, the Usos and Solo must face the wrath of the Raw roster?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the RawEST Women’s Champion, and says that after falling victim to Alexa Bliss two weeks ago, how has this shift in Alexa’s behavior changed their relationship? Bianca says, “With all due respect, Byron, I am no victim.” And she’s done talking to or about Alexa. Their friendship is far beyond repair. Alexa can blame Bray Wyatt all she wants, but we all know Alexa is her own person. She can do what she wants when she wants and no one else can convince her otherwise. So, Alexa wanted the match, and Bianca wants to prove why the title belongs with the EST. Bianca heads out, but will she be ready for whatever twisted thing is lurking in Alexa’s mind?
The Raw roster is riled up!
Adam Pearce tells everyone to calm down! Montez Ford says if Pearce is booking matches, that better include The Profits! Kevin Owens says the Bloodline wants him, so he wants in, too. Pearce understands that everyone wants a piece, but there are only four of them so not everyone gets a shot. Elias says he doesn’t care about any of that. Not Sami, the Usos, just SOLO! That animal smashed Elias with a guitar and tried to end his career! He wants a match with Solo 1v1! He demands it! No, not a match! A FIGHT! Then if no one objects, Pearce will give Elias that. They’re in Nashville, so Elias VS Solo is a Music City Street Fight!
And as for the rest, he thinks Six Man Tag: Sami & Usos VS The Profits & KO! Ford & Dawkins say that’s easy money. Pearce says for everyone else, this is a new year. It is time that we start acting like it. Thank you very much, gentlemen. The roster relaxes, and they hope the Bloodline gets what they deserve. Will the Bloodline face the consequences of their actions here tonight?
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Alexa Bliss!
They were united against Damage CTRL, but ambition and success always divides. Will the EST keep on the road to WrestleMania this year? Or will we see Lil’ Miss Bliss become the newest Raw Women’s Champion?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see just how twisted the new year can be!
The bell rings and the two stare down. They approach and Bianca DECKS Alexa! Bianca eggs Alexa on, Alexa rushes in, but Bianca holds her back with one hand! Bianca then DECKS Alexa again! Alexa kicks back, into a kick and a HEADBUTT! Alexa staggers, Bianca has her dukes up. Alexa glares at Bianca, they tie up and Alexa swings! Bianca narrowly avoids it, Alexa avoids the kick, and she SHOTGUNS Bianca out of the ring! Alexa runs, but Bianca catches the wrecking ball dropkick! Bianca brings Alexa up, Alexa fights, but the rana is blocked! Bianca SWINGS Alexa into the barriers! Nashville fires up with Tennessee’s own, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Alexa fires forearms on Bianca! Alexa ROCKS Bianca, runs, but gets run over! Fans fire up while Bianca snarls. Bianca looms over Alexa, brings her up, but Alexa shoves her away. Alexa then slides under, but Bianca handsprings over! Bianca wags her finger, then dares Alexa to bring it. Alexa laughs that off, but tries to run away. Bianca gets her by her hair, but Alexa breaks free to crucifix. Bianca fights and swings Alexa around, but Alexa arm-drags! But Bianca handsprings through that, then goes to the corner to say kiss this! Fans fire up while Alexa sighs. Alexa runs in but Bianca goes up and over to dropkick her down!
Bianca kips up, fans fire up, and Bianca waits on Alexa. Alexa stands, Bianca runs in, but Alexa sends her into the POST! Alexa smiles and there are Bliss fans here. They cheer as she bows and says she’s smarter than Bianca. Alexa stomps away on Bianca in the corner, lets off at 4, and then gives Bianca space. Bianca crawls along the ropes but Alexa steps on Bianca. Alexa stomps Bianca down, then gives her skateboard stomps! The ref counts, Alexa lets off at 4 to cover, TWO! The toughEST isn’t going to be stopped by that, but Alexa brings Bianca up. But Bianca blocks the suplex to suplex Alexa! Alexa throws knees, but Bianca keeps her up!
Bianca gets Alexa back up, but Alexa slips out to use the hair to bring Bianca into a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Alexa is frustrated, but she storms up on Bianca to bring her up. Fans rally, Alexa bumps Bianca off buckles then digs her boot in. The ref counts, Bianca pushes the foot away at 4, but Alexa stalks Bianca at the ropes. Alexa brings Bianca up but Bianca throws body shots. Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS and KNEES Bianca, then SHOTGUNS her down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally while Bianca checks her cheek. Alexa brings Bianca up, but Bianca blocks the DDT! Bianca pops Alexa up into a suplex! And then SLAM!
Fans fire up while both women are down! Bianca grits her teeth and drags Alexa up. Alexa SLAPS Bianca again! Bianca fires off furious fists! She’s the angriEST she’s been, and she bumps Alexa off buckles! And off more buckles! And more buckles! Bianca hits all four corners! Alexa wobbles, Bianca scoops her, and SLAMS her! Bianca scoops and SLAMS again! And then again! Alexa flounders so Bianca stomps Alexa down, then handsprings to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Alexa survives and Bianca is annoyed. Bianca drags Alexa up, scoops her again, but Alexa slips off! Bianca rushes in but Alexa dumps Bianca out to the apron!
Alexa kicks Bianca off the apron, goes to the apron, and she CANNONBALLS! Direct hit, both women are down, and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Bianca RAMS Alexa into a corner! Bianca RAMS into Alexa more and more, lets off to snapmare, but Alexa gets around to a waistlock. Bianca swings, Alexa ducks to shove and SHOTGUN! Bianca hits buckles and falls, Alexa covers, ONE!! Alexa clamps on with a chinlock! Alexa squeezes tight but Bianca endures. Fans rally up, Bianca fights up and throws body shots, but Alexa throws Bianca by her hair! The ref reprimands, but Alexa drops knees! Insult2- NO, Bianca avoids Injury for the ghost pin! TWO, and Alexa has a cover, TWO! Alexa hooks an arm, but Bianca uses that to lift Alexa!
Bianca has the torture rack, but Alexa fires off elbows! Alexa is free, tilt-o-whirls around, IRON- NO, Bianca powers out of the octopus for a BACKBREAKER! That’s the power of the strongEST! Alexa goes to a corner, Bianca is right on her! Bianca rains down fists! Fans count all the way to TEN! Bianca hits 12, but Alexa slips free! Alexa YANKS Bianca down by her braid!! Bianca tumbles to the floor, fans are torn, but Alexa stalks Bianca to the barriers. Someone’s wearing an Uncle Howdy Mask?! Alexa locks eyes with that man and seems scared of it. Alexa hurries after Bianca, puts her in the ring, and hurries up the corner.
Alexa reaches the top, but then there’s ANOTHER man in an Uncle Howdy Mask?! She’s scared again, but then the White Rabbit symbol flashes on the tron! Alexa tries to resist the power it has over her but she seems to be losing control! SHE CLOBBERS THE REF!!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by disqualification (still Raw Women’s Champion)
Fans are losing their minds as Alexa rains down fists on the ref! Then Alexa CLOBBERS Bianca! She rains down fists, throws Bianca out of the ring, POSTS her, then RAMS her into the barriers! And then into another POST! Alexa RAMS Bianca into the apron, RAMS her into the steel steps, then drags Bianca onto them. DDT to the steel steps!! Bianca flops off the steel with a bloody mouth! Alexa is no longer concerned about the title, she drags Bianca up for ANOTHER DDT to the steel steps!! Fans boo while Alexa leaves Bianca down on the ground. Medics rush out to check Bianca, has Alexa taken the title from her one way or another?
Backstage interview with Austin Theory.
Cathy Kelley asks how confident he feels going into the huge title defense against Seth Rollins. Theory says it is at an all time high! This is the new year, so new year, new him. NOT. Theory made 2022 his year, and he’ll do the same with 2023. Theory brings up how he got under Rollins’ skin at the end, and then when Rollins wanted a fight with The Bloodline, Theory waited until Rollins least expected it, and he dropped Rollins! Guess that clarifies that Seth Freakin’ Rollins is the past, and Theory is the Now.
But not only does Theory hold the title, and all the cards. Theory is outplaying Rollins every turn! That means the forever reign is just beginning! Not too bad for a kid. But will Theory still have the upper hand? Or will he bust when taking on The Visionary?
Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is in the ring and introduces himself before strumming the guitar. Nashville appreciates his country stylings and Elias shouts out Music City. “Tonight, I’ve got a Music City Street Fight, and I plan on smashing this guitar over Solo Sikoa’s face. But tonight, he is gonna find out what Hardy knows, what you know and what Nashville knows. And that is that WWE stands for…” “WALK WITH ELIAS!” Elias says you better believe he’s come prepared with a song to get us in the mood. But then Solo’s theme song interrupts! Elias is frustrated, but the Street Champion of the Island is never in a good mood! Who will be singing the blues after being beat black ‘n’ blue?
Music City Street Fight: Elias VS Solo Sikoa!
The bell rings and Elias storms up to Solo. They tie up, Solo shoves Elias away, but Elias comes back. Elias headlocks, Solo powers out, but Elias RAMS shoulders with him. Neither man falls, so Elias grabs the headlock again. Solo powers Elias to a corner, digs his shoulder in then RAMS Elias! Solo ROCKS Elias with that uppercut! Solo throws body shots and headbutts! Solo CHOKES Elias because he can now! Fans are torn but Solo soaks up the cheers and jeers. Elias CHOPS back! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Elias whips, Solo reverses but Elias turns hip toss into- NO, Solo CLOBBERS Elias out of the hip toss!
Solo has Elias on the ropes, throws hands, then paces around. Elias stands up, Solo runs in but Elias dumps him out! Elias runs, but Solo avoids the dropkick to ROCK Elias again! Fans rally up but Solo brings Elias around. Solo bumps Elias off the apron, then ROCKS him with a haymaker. Solo says this needs more cowbell! But Elias throws a body shot! Elias CLUBS Solo, then he CLONKS Solo with the cowbell! Elias POSTS Solo, ROCKS him with a forearm, then CHOPS again! Solo snarls, Elias grabs the guitar! Solo ducks, the Smash Hit hits the post! Solo ROCKS Elias back, then shouts, “What the hell is wrong with you!?”
Solo whips but Elias reverses, Solo goes through the DRUMSET! Elias grabs the cymbal, and CRASHES Solo into the timekeeper’s area! Fans fire up with Elias as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and they’re fighting up the ramp. Elias SMACKS Solo with a guitar case! Solo stumbles to the stage, and Elias whips him, but Solo reverses! Elias hits the amp! Solo gets the mic, mic check on Elias’ forehead! And again! SUPERKICK! Elias flops over and Solo fires up! Solo drags Elias up to throw him through a DRUMSET! Solo moves things aside, grabs a drum stand, and he JAMS Elias in the ribs! Elias staggers back down the ramp but Solo JAMS him again! Solo admires the stand as he stalks Elias. Solo JAMS Elias again, HEADBUTTS him back to the ring, and they get inside. Solo stalks Elias while fans cheer and jeer.
Elias grabs a keyboard and JAMS Solo! Elias whips, Solo reverses, and Elias hits the buckles hard! Elias staggers into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Elias is still in this but Solo picks up the keyboard. Solo plays chopsticks then drops the board. Solo tosses Elias out of the ring, goes out after him, and they go around the way. Elias grabs a tambourine to SMACK Solo! Elias puts Solo back in the ring, ROCKS him with haymakers, and Solo is a bit busted open. Elias SMACKS Solo with the keyboard! And then again!! Solo writhes and Elias pushes him to a cover, TWO!! Elias has a bloody scratch on his arm but he doesn’t let that stop him form clamping on a chinlock.
Solo endures, fans rally up, and Solo fights up to throw body shots. Solo clinches to BELLY2BELLY! Fans fire up as Solo watches Elias crawl to a corner. Solo fires off haymakers, then gets some space. Solo runs in, but Elias dodges! The splash hits buckles and corner! TAMBOURINE SMASH! And again! Elias CHOPS, ROCKS, CHOPS, repeat! Fans fire up, Elias whips corner to corner then runs in to STINGER SPLASH! Elias keeps moving, STINGER SPLASH again! Elias runs, dodges the lariat to SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up with the Drifter and he has the tambourine again! SMASH! SMACK! SMASH! The tambourine breaks!
Elias clotheslines Solo out of the ring! He brings the keyboard with him, to SMASH it on Solo’s back! Elias looks at what he has left, and Hardy offers his guitar! Elias thanks the country megastar, then goes back to Solo in the ring. SMASH- SUPERKICK!! Solo interrupts the guitar solo to rain down fists on Elias! Hardy says it ain’t going down like that! He gets in the ring, he has the guitar, and Nashville fires up! Solo turns around, into a SMASH HIT from Hardy!! But he doesn’t fall!?! Hardy done messed up! Hardy runs for it, but then Solo turns around into a SYMPHO-KNEE!! Elias grabs the scraps of that guitar and climbs up top!
FLYING SMASH- SAMOAN SPIKE!!! Elias sputters while Solo roars! Solo drags Elias to the piano! SPINNING SOLO through the piano!!! Cover, Solo wins!
Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall
The Street Champion of the Island stands tall, and he scares Hardy off. Will someone be playing Taps for Elias after this one?
Six Man Tag: Sami Zayn & The Usos VS Kevin Owens & The Street Profits!
The Honorary Uce lost alongside The Tribal Chief to end 2022, but now he and the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions look to start 2023 on the right foot. Will the Bloodline sweep the night even after incurring the wrath of Raw? Or will KO, Ford & Dawkins be the ones that send the Bloodline packing back to SmackDown?
The teams sort out and nevermind, it’s a brawl! The ref tries to get this to calm down, but the Profits toss the Usos and Kevin tosses out Sami! The brawl continues outside, Kevin CHOPS Sami and shouts, “You don’t think I know your tricks?!” Dawkins puts Jimmy back in and now the match begins! Dawkins fires off fast hands in the corner, lets off as the ref counts, and Dawkins whips Jimmy to ropes. Jimmy runs Dawkins over, things keep moving, and Dawkins hurdles! Dawkins hurdles, again, then FLYING ELBOWS Jimmy down! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Dawkins throws off his jersey to CYCLONE SPLASH and ENZIGURI! Jimmy falls, Dawkins covers, TWO!
Dawkins drags Jimmy up, tags Ford, and fans fire up as the Profits whip and dropkick Jimmy down! Ford stares Sami down, mocks the Bloodline’s “we the ones” finger, and he kicks Jimmy back tot he corner. Tag to Dawkins, the Profits mug Jimmy and whip him to ropes. Jimmy reverses, Dawkins holds ropes to BOOT back !Jimmy distracts the ref so Jey can ENZIGURI Dawkins down! Jimmy tags Jey, Jey drags Dawkins up and ROCKS him with haymakers! Jey stomps Dawkins to the corner, lets off as the ref counts, and Jey eggs everyone on, even the fans. Jey drags Dawkins over, tags Sami, and they mug Dawkins.
Sami stomps Dawkins around, brings him up for haymakers, then he brings Dawkins back. Tag to Jimmy as fans chant “SAMI USO!” Jimmy & Sami mug Dawkins, then Jimmy tags Jey. The Usos drag Dawkins around, then they split the wishbone! Sami mocks Dawkins’ pain, Jey covers, TWO! Jey snarls, he drags Dawkins up and talks trash, but Dawkins ROCKS Jey with a right! Both men are down, Dawkins hot tags Kevin! Kevin rallies on Jey with clotheslines and haymakers! Kevin whips Jey to ropes then CLOBBERS him! SENTON! Kevin BLASTS Jimmy, then tells Sami to “SUCK IT!” Kevin goes back to Jey and says Sami Uso is more like Sami Bitch!
Kevin brings Jimmy over but Ford is checking on Dawkins. Jey uses that opening to RAM Kevin into an open corner! Jey ROCKS Kevin with an uppercut, then he tags Jimmy. They mug Kevin in the Bloodline corner, then Sami tags in. Sami and Jimmy stomp away on Kevin now, then raise the fingers. Ford is still distracted as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kevin fires haymakers on Jimmy! Jimmy ROCKS Kevin with an uppercut! Jimmy drags Kevin over, tags in Jey, and Jey stomps Kevin down. Sami says that’s what Kevin gets. Jey taunts Kevin as he rises, and Kevin ROCKS Jey with rights! Jey ROCKS Kevin back! Kevin sits back in a daze as Jey raises the finger. Kevin crawls to ropes, but Jey SUPERKICKS Dawkins! Ford loses focus again but Kevin SUPERKICKS Jey down! Fans rally up, Kevin and Jey crawl, hot tags to Sami and Ford! Sami rushes in, Ford ROCKS him! Jimmy runs in, into a GAMANGIRI! Ford goes up, CROSSBODY on both of them!
Fans fire up with Ford and he clotheslines Sami in the corner! Ford ducks ‘n’ dodges Sami to hit a BIG back suplex! Kip up and STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Sami escapes but Ford stomps him back down. Ford goes to the corner, climbs up top, but Sami ROCKS him first! Sami climbs up after Ford, but Ford holds off the superplex! Ford pries free to ROCK Sami! And again! Sami falls down, Ford resets! FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Jey breaks it in time!! Dawkins slides in to ROCK Jey, then toss him out! Dawkins goes out after Jey, runs in, and he POUNCES Jey into the barriers! Jimmy rushes Ford but is sent back out!
Ford mule kicks Sami, throws him out next to Jimmy, and he builds speed! FORD FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! But Solo’s back?! The Enforcer SAMOAN SPIKES Dawkins! But Kevin attacks Solo! Fans fire up but Jey SUPERKICKS Kevin!! Kevin flops against barriers, Ford drags Sami up and in, but Jimmy distracts! Ford DECKS Jimmy, but Sami hits a HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, The Bloodline wins!!
Winners: Sami Zayn & The Usos, by pinfall
The Enforcer was an insurance policy, and he helps his brothers win! And now the Usos & Sami mug Kevin! Fans boo as they throw down fists and stomp away. Solo fetches a chair! Solo gives the chair to Sami, but here come the BRAWLING BRUTES! Drew McIntyre 7 Sheamus are here, having followed the Bloodline from SmackDown! They mug Solo then RAM him into barriers! Then they brawl with The Usos! The Undisputed Tag Title match is happening this Friday, Sheamus KNEES Jey! McIntyre HEADBUTTS Jimmy! McIntyre clotheslines Jimmy out to join Jey, and fans fire up for the Celtic Connection!
McIntyre & Sheamus help Kevin up while Sami has the Usos & Solo retreat. Will there be any stopping McIntyre & Sheamus from taking those titles from Jimmy & Jey? Or will the Usos still be the ones in the new year?
AJ Styles has a tweet update.
After a nasty spill at a house show, Styles lets everyone know that he just has a broken ankle. It won’t need surgery, just recovery time, but this will be the longest he’s been away from the ring. He also thanks fans for the prayers and well wishes. We all certainly hope Styles gets well soon, will he make it back in time for the Royal Rumble? Or will he just have to wait for WrestleMania?
Dexter Lumis VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
The Tortured Artist was screwed out of two big bags of cash by The Miz and big bad Bronson Reed. Will Lumis learn how to deal with a big mouth and a big sidekick by taking on “Master” Gable? Or will even Lumis be told to “SHOOSH~” tonight?
The bell rings and Lumis rushes Gable! Gable runs away, they go around the ring, Gable gets around and waistlocks. But Lumis runs to throw Gable out, then he slithers out! Gable can’t even right now, so Otis stands in Lumis’ way. Gable slides into the ring but Lumis slithers in after Gable! They stare down, Gable swings on Lumis but Lumis dodges! THESZ PRESS! Lumsi fires off fast hands, then runs to drop an ax handle! And another! And another! Otis is furious but Lumis slithers up to him! The tree trunk is scared of Lumis, too! Lumis whips, Gable reverses and FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS Lumis!
Gable CLOBBERS Lumis, Otis says he’s not that scary. Gable CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Gable whips Lumis to the ropes, kitchen sink knees, and says “A THANK YEW~!” Lumis sits up but Gable hooks an arm to hit an elbow breaker! And another! Gable SLAMS the arm down, then clamps on a top wristlock. Lumis endures and Otis talks some trash. Lumis fights up, Gable tells the fans to “SHOOSH!” but they rally. Gable wrenches, whips Lumis to a corner, but Lumis BOOTS Gable away! Lumis swings but Gable spins him around, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Otis tells Gable not to worry, he has this.
Gable tells fans to “SHOOSH~!” and he drags Lumis up, But Lumis whips Gable into the ropes! Gable tumbles out but skins the cat. Lumis CLOBBERS Gable! And again! Pop-up UPPERCUT! Lumis runs in to clothesline at the corner and hit a BULLDOG! Gable swings, but into a BIG back suplex! Lumis kips up to a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Otis can’t even but Lumis clinches Gable. Gable elbows free, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Lumis flounders out of the ring, Gable rushes out to KNEE him into the POST! Gable and Otis coordinate, and Gable goes into the ring to distract the ref. Otis rushes Lumis, but Lumis sends him into the POST!
Lumis runs in at Gable, Gable turns the clinch into an arm-drag! La Magistrol, TWO! Lumis has the cover, LUMIS WINS!
Winner: Dexter Lumis, by pinfall
The Alpha Academy is shocked! Their new year is off to a bad start! But will 2023 be Lumis’ year to win more than just Miz’s money?
WWE looks at Cody Rhodes’ journey back.
It was April 2, 2022, when the American Nightmare returned home to the WWE at WrestleMania. Cody never thought he would, but you can never say never. And coming out of WrestleMania, Cody felt everyone understood that he has another shot at living the dream. Cody wants to make his father proud. He can’t bestow the WWE Universal Championship to his father, but he can certainly hold onto it for his father. But just as Cody was finally ready, a pectoral injury has slowed him down. The story continues.
Damage CTRL is here!
Bayley, Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai still have the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, and are still in a good mood from screwing over The Man, Becky Lynch, to end their 2022. Bayley gets a mic to say, “DING DONG, Happy New Year’s, TRASHVILLE!” Fans boo but Bayley says they should be proud to be from the city where DMG CTRL was born. Or don’t they remember that little show called SummerSlam? Yeah, finally something good came from this town. But don’t ruin Bayley’s night. She can’t think of a better way to kick off 2023 than alongside Bayley’s heroes, Kai & Sky!
But before celebrating, we should all address the “Irish elephant” in the room. Bayley did beat Becky Lynch. And she isn’t saying it was easy, Becky is one of the best ever. But it sure was fun! And best of all, Bayley did it all by herself! It is almost unfair, Bayley is so good! She beat everyone, including- Wait! Here comes Becky! 2023 just entered the Big Time as Becky has a mic of her own! “Shut up, Bayley, ya dope. You’re out here talking like you invented the wheel, but you’ve just been on a hamster wheel ever since coming back. It’s been the same thing week in and week out. You’re a coward and you’re a fraud, unable to do anything by yourself!”
That is the thing, Bayley feels most comfortable in someone else’s shadow. It took Bayley years and years to get out of those shadows, but only took her one year to put herself back there. Becky recalls calling Kai & Sky the lackeys, but perhaps it’s the other way around. They do all the work, they have the gold, but Bayley takes all the glory. And well, hmm… It’s only a matter of time before someone turns on someone. Bayley tells Becky to shut up. Becky’s just upset from losing! No, no, when Becky loses, she doesn’t get mad, she gets better. But Bayley did bring up a good point. This did all start back in Nashville at SummerSlam. So then how about Becky and Bayley end it in Nashville?!
Bayley laughs that off. That’s a ding dong, NO~! Bayley’s already won! Fans boo but Bayley says they can’t be serious! Bayley won fair and square! But since Becky has an obsession with Kai & Sky, how about they have a match with Becky. Becky can even find a partner! Oh, wow, gee, Becky doesn’t have her phone on her to call anyone. But Becky doesn’t mind a 2v1! The Man storms down to the ring, but is this too big for even Big Time Becks to handle?
Becky Lynch & ??? VS Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky w/ Bayley!
Raw returns and the bell rings as Becky starts against the Evil Genius. It seems Adam Pearce still wants this to be a tag match, but Becky just doesn’t have a partner right now. Becky circles with Sky, ROCKS her, then she DECKS Dakota! Becky fires off forearms and uppercuts and a SOBAT on Sky, then whips. Sky reverses, Becky reverses back to then BOOT Sky! Bayley is annoyed as Becky runs to WRECK Dakota! Becky is on the apron, Sky rushes in but into a KICK! Becky HOTSHOTS Sky away a la Bayley! Bayley is even more annoyed but fans cheer. Becky runs in at Sky but Sky waistlocks. Becky bucks the O’Conner, and ENZIGURIS Sky down! Cover, TWO!
Becky keeps cool and she keeps Sky from Kai. Becky steps over but Sky rolls Becky up! TWO, and Sky drop toeholds Becky into buckles! Tag to Kai and she runs, but Becky dodges the boot! Becky elbows Sky, JUMP KICKS Kai, then hip toss SLAMS Sky onto Kai! Becky covers Kai, TWO! Fans rally up for Becky but Bayley tells them to shut up. Becky drops a leg, brother, then an elbow! Then another leg! Fans fire up and Becky taunts Bayley. Becky runs into forearm Kai, then whips her corner to corner. Kai dodges, Becky elbows Kai, but then Sky catches Becky’s kick. Becky still shoves Sky down but Kai hits a BOOT! Cover, TWO!
Kai drags Becky over while Bayley tells Becky she’s down. Kai tosses Becky out, then whips Sky in to CLOBBER her! Bayley taunts Becky, but Becky ROCKS Sky! Bayley hurries away but Sky SHOTGUNS Becky down! Sky pushes Becky in, covers, TWO! Sky is annoyed but she tags Kai. Kai hooks Becky up into a camel clutch, but she also fishhooks Becky’s mouth! The ref reprimands but Kai SLAMS Becky down! Cover, TWO! Tag to Sky, Kai tosses Becky out and Sky goes out after her. Sky whips Becky hard into barriers, then drags her back up. Sky whips Becky into the POST! Bayley smirks and Sky tells Becky she has no friends!
Sky DECKS Becky, then drags her up with a facelock. Sky puts Becky in the ring, covers, TWO! Bayley mocks the “Let’s Go, Becky!” chants and Kai covers, TWO! Wait, here comes MIA YIM! Michin won’t let DMG CTRL do what they want! Becky JAWBREAKERS Kai, and Mia is on the corner! Kai and Becky crawl, hot tags to Sky and Mia! Fans fire up as Mia dodges Sky, CLOBBERS her, then BOOTS her down! Mia ROUNDHOUSES Sky, drop toeholds Kai, then whips Sky to FLAPJACK her onto Kai! Fans fire up, Mia runs to dropkick Sky down! Cover, TWO! Mia drags Sky up, Bayley has no idea what’s going on!
DMG CTRL bails out, but Becky CLOBBERS Kai, and Mia DIVES onto Sky! Fans fire up as we get a big time assist, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Kai whips Mia into the DMG CTRL corner. Mia BOOTS Kai, elbows Sky, but Kai SCORPION KICKS back! Mia staggers to the corner, Kai tags Sky, and DMG CTRL double whip Mia. They BOOT, sweep and AX KICK, to then SHOTGUN Mia down! Cover, TWO! But into a CROSSFACE! Mia clasps hands to fight off the stretch. Fans rally, Mia throws elbows and she fights free. Mia whips but Sky reverses to tilt-o-whirl FACEBUSTER! Into the CROSSFACE! Mia endures, reaches out, and powers her way to a cover, TWO! Sky lets Mia go, runs in but Mia tosses her out! Sky hurries back in to drag Mia from Becky!
Mia BOOTS Sky away, and the tag knocks Kai down! Mia hurries up, but Sky brings her away! Mia throws body shots, ROCKS Sky then hits a NECKBREAKER! Both women are down, Kai grabs at Becky’s feet! Becky stays standing, and Mia tags her in! Becky mule kicks Kai away, then brings her into the apron for a LEG DROP! Becky ROCKS Kai, then hits a FLYING FACEBUSTER! Becky POSTS Kai, RAMS her into the barriers, then SMACKS her off them! Sky runs in but is sent into Kai! Fans rally up and Becky drags Kai up. Becky tosses Kai back into the ring, goes up the corner, and fans fire up!
Kai stands, Becky MISSILE DROPKICKS her down! Cover, TWO! Bayley is worried for her team but Becky drags Kai up. Becky RAMS Kai into the corner! Becky puts Kai up top, she tags in Mia, and both of them go up after Kai. Fans fire up for the DOUBLE SUPERPLEX! All three women are down but Mia crawls to a cover, Sky breaks it! Bayley is relieved and Sky goes after Becky. They throw forearms back and forth, Becky clinches but Sky slips free! SHOTEI! But Mia SHOTGUNS Sky! Kai HOTSHOTS Mia! But then Mia SPIKE-RANAS Kai!! Cover, But Bayley gives Kai the ROPEBREAK! Fans boo and Mia grabs at Bayley!
But Kai tags Sky! Becky CLOBBERS Bayley and fires off hands! Mia makes Kai EAT DA FEET, but Sky hits the OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Cover, Sky & Kai win!
Winners: Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai, by pinfall
Becky got back-up, but it wasn’t enough when DMG CTRL rolls three deep! The Man is left on the losing end again, what will it take to stop DMG CTRL from taking control?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Rollins says, “Nashville! Who’s ready to sing tonight?” 2023 already looks like 2022: Bloodline is trying to take over Rollins’ show, Theory is trying to take Rollins’ spot. Cathy Kelley, as long as Rollins is bleeding, breathing and doing it all, Monday nights will still belong to him. HAHAHA! And in just a few minutes, so will the WWE United States Championship. Theory will do everything in his power to hold on to the title, and Rollins digs that. That is how much that title means! But as good as Theory is, and as good as he will be, there is one thing that he ain’t, and that’s Seth Rollins. He is a Visionary, he is a Revolutionary, he is Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Rollins promises a party on Broadway tonight, but will things go his way? Or will it be more of a pity party after the main event?
Backstage interview with Alexa Bliss.
Byron wants to get insight as to what happened earlier tonight, and says she seemed to have lost control. Lost control? No. She gained control over Bianca’s headspace. Now she knows the only threat is really Alexa, and that the title actually belongs with her. Can we trust what Alexa was saying just now? Or is someone still pulling her strings?
The Mysterio Familia Telenovela continues!
As if crashing Thanksgiving wasn’t bad enough, Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio crash Christmas at Grandpa’s house! Rey told Dom & Rhea this wasn’t going to happen again. Dom says he’s just here with open arms to celebrate with the family and Mami Rhea. Rey says they should take this outside. They go outside, Dom shoves Rey! Mama Mysterio goes to slap but Rhea blocks her! So Mama SLAPS Mami! Rhea is pissed, but cops are here! The police arrest Dominik for intruding! Rhea protests, she got hit! Dom told Rhea to get Finn and Priest! He won’t make it in jail! Rhea is furious, this is ruining Christmas! Dom did make bail, but will the Judgment Day learn not to be Grinches from now on?
Dominik speaks.
“Sadness. It’s not a bad thing to feel. But it’s that cold absence of feeling, that’s what prison was like. You think I’m playing a game? You think this is a game to me? I served hard time! And I survived! Prison changes a man. And you guys might think that it’s over for me. But no. I’m just getting started. And Mami, I’ll see you soon. Because you know you’re my mamacita.” Is Dominik only more dangerous after living live behind bars?
Bronson Reed is back.
The Colossal Aussie, the Top Dog, and Miz’s mighty new friend is ready to steamroll Raw. Will he crush all those who oppose him and the Hollywood A-Lister?
WWE United States Championship: Austin Theory VS Seth Rollins!
The youngest TWO-TIME US Champion says he’s no longer the next big this or the future that, but he is the NOW of the WWE! Will he still be the Now? Or will he end up the Former when facing the Visionary, the Revolutionary, THE Seth Freakin’ Rollins?
Raw returns and Rollins makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the new year will have a new champion!
The bell rings and the fans sing, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Theory rushes Rollins but Rollins evades, and the fans keep singing. Theory frowns but Rollins is having fun. Rollins and Theory circle, feel out a grapple, knuckle lock, and Theory kicks low! Theory headlocks, thrashes around, but Rollins fights up. Rollins powers out, things speed up, and Rollins hurdles to then go the other way and SLINGBLADE! Theory staggers up, Rollins clotheslines him up and out of the ring! Fans sing more and Rollins conducts the choir. Rollins runs to WRECK Theory with a dropkick! Theory hits barriers then falls, but Rollins puts him back in the ring.
Theory bails out the side and fans boo. Rollins goes to the apron, avoids the sweep, and hits a FLYING KNEE! Theory goes down and fans fire up again as Rollins picks Theory up. Rollins SLAMS Theory down onto the barrier, leaving him there as he goes up the announce desk! FLYING KNEE GUILLOTINE! Nashville fires up again as Rollins stands tall, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Rollins CHOPS away on Theory against the barriers! Fans fire up for the MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Rollins lets off, Theory flounders away while clutching his stinging chest, but Rollins puts him in the ring. Theory rushes up but Rollins ROKCS him! SPRINGBOARD FLYING KNEE! Theory flops down under the ropes but Rollins tells the “kid” to get up. Rollins drags Theory up from the apron, but Theory HOTSHOTS him! Then slingshots and somersaults to SHOTGUN Rollins down! Cover, TWO! Theory rains down fists while fans boo. Theory lets off and drags Rollins up to snapmare.
Theory jumps and stomps Rollins down! “You are the past, you hear me? You are the past!” Theory bumps Rollins off buckles then says he’s the one on top. Theory grinds Rollins into buckles with his knee into Rollins’ head! The ref counts, Theory lets off, and he brings Rollins up to whip corner to corner hard! Rollins bounces back off buckles, then Theory drags him around. Theory throws down hands, kicks Rollins around, but fans rally up. Rollins fires off haymakers on Theory, whips him, but Theory reverses. Rollins stops himself in the corner, comes back, but into a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! But Theory clamps on a chinlock!
Rollins fights up, moves around, but Theory wrangles him down. Fans rally up as Rollins endures. Rollins fights up, throws body shots, then hits a BIG back suplex! Fans rally again as Theory goes to the corner. Rollins runs in but Theory dodges the splash! Rollins flounders, Theory covers, ONE!! But it’s back to the chinlock! Theory grinds Rollins down, talks trash, but fans continue to rally behind Rollins. Rollins fights up, throws body shots, but Theory snapmares and jumps, only to miss the stomp! Rollins hits a JAWBREAKER! Then a BOOT! Theory tosses Rollins out of the ring! Theory hurries out after Rollins, brings him up, and smacks him off the desk! And again!
Theory RAMS Rollins into the apron, then TOSSES him over the desk! Rollins hits an armchair, then the barriers! Theory makes Rollins look at the title belt and says, “I am the champ! You will not, NOT, disrespect me!” Theory rains down fists, then he storms off while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Theory pie faces Rollins around. Rollins gets angry, he eggs Theory on so Theory pie faces him again. Rollins ROCKS Theory, ROCKS him again, and again! And CHOPS, ROCKS, CHOPS, repeat! Rollins fires off over and over, whips Theory to ropes, but Theory reverses, only for Rollins to reverse back! LARIAT! LARIAT! Mule kick, front kick, ROLLING ELBOW! Nashville fires up with Rollins but Theory bails out. Rollins conducts the choir and the singing returns. “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit on Theory, and he puts Theory back in the ring!
Rollins kick slow, underhooks the arms, but Theory back drops! Rollins sunset flips, TWO! Theory kicks low, whips Rollins but Rollins reverses again to knee low! Rollins hooks a leg for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Rollins is annoyed, but he hurries to the corner. Fans rally up as Rollins climbs, but Theory ROCKS Rollins first! Theory climbs up after Rollins, fans boo but he grins. Rollins slips under to bring Theory off the corner! Theory fights free of the bomb to hook a leg, but Rollins knees free! Rollins suplexes, Theory slips off, Rollins ducks the haymaker but the ELBOW rocks him! Theory fisherman’s, but Rollins cradles! TWO!!
Theory kicks, Rollins blocks it and slips under, but Rollins’ own leg won’t let him keep Theory up. Theory reels Rollins in but Rollins fights! Rollins slips out to ROLLING ELBOW! Rollins tries again, the leg holds this time, but Theory grabs the corner! Rollins lets Theory go, hobbles, and Theory DECKS Rollins from above! Theory adjusts his position, but Rollins springs right up after him! SUPERPLEX! And roll through, but Theory suplexes! AOI SHOUDO!! Cover, TWO!?! Rollins survives and fans are thunderous! Both Theory and Rollins are down, and fans rally up behind the Visionary.
Theory stands, he calls his shot! Fireman’s carry, A-TOWN- NO! Rollins slips free, but Theory blocks the superkick! Theory KICKS Rollins in return, but Rollins SUPERKICKS Theory! Theory ROLLING ELBOWS, Rollins PELES!! Both men are down and fans are fired up again! Rollins and Theory stir, fans build back up and sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Theory ROCKS Rollins, Rollins ROCKS Theory! Theory ROCKS Rollins, Rollins ROCKS Theory! The haymakers go back and forth, fans cheering Rollins on! But Theory kicks low! Theory underhooks the arms, but Rollins slips out to ROLLING ELBOW!
Rollins reels Theory in, turns him, DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! Theory falls down, but Rollins takes aim from the corner! Fans fire up, Rollins runs in, CURB- NO, Theory dodges! Rollins’ leg jams again and he leans against the ropes. Theory says he’s done with this, and he grabs his belt. Fans boo that Theory wants to use Champion’s Advantage. But Rollins pursues! Rollins grabs Theory by his face to TOSS him back to ringside! Theory runs away into the ring, Rollins follows! SUPERKICK!! Theory flounders, Rollins goes up top! Rollins FROG SPLASHES!! Cover, TWO!?!? Theory survives by nanoseconds!
Rollins is furious but he goes to a corner again. Rollins aims as Theory flounders about, Nashville is thunderous as Rollins runs in, but into a fireman’s carry! Rollins slips off, Theory switches, and Theory shoves Rollins into the ref! Theory back suplexes, Rollins lands out of it but the leg buckles! Theory storms over, but into a kick! PEDIGREE!!! But between the bad knee and no ref, there’s no count! Wait, a spare ref rushes out! Cover, TWO?!!?! The delay saves Theory!! Rollins is angry with the new ref but he refocuses. Theory stirs, Rollins aims again. CURB- NO, Theory dodges again! Theory shoves Rollins at the new ref, but Rollins stops himself!
LOW BLOW!!! Theory gets away with one, then he CHOP BLOCKS the leg! Fireman’s carry, A-TOWN DOWN!!! Cover, Theory wins!!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
The “kid” steals one, proving he knows all the tricks of the trade! Will Theory continue to be The Now by any means necessary?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to open the year, even with the status quo being kept. As I’ve said before, status quo with the titles is fine, so long as they book it in an interesting way. And in the case of the Raw Women’s Championship, that was a great match with a really wild ending. If Alexa is to be believed, she was apparently just pretending to be triggered by the White Rabbit, and she got randos to be fake Uncle Howdy cultists or whatever. Now, I have a feeling some of that is exaggeration, because if Alexa was really in charge of herself, she would’ve won the belt, not cost herself the match. But depending on Bianca’s kayfabe injury, she’ll definitely want a rematch with Alexa at the Royal Rumble to settle this. And then we can see if Bianca retains the title or loses it to Twisted Bliss.
In the case of the US Championship, we got good promos from Theory and Rollins to hype up the main event match, and that match was definitely worthy of the main event. But as things went on, I had the sneaking suspicion that Theory was going to retain. It was a fitting move for Theory to win with cheating, as he is the Heel. This ramps up his heat, and who knows who is next for him. Maybe MVP negotiates Lashley’s return from suspension and Lashley will go after the title for the Rumble. But at the same time, it’d make sense if Rollins wants another shot after being cheated here and he has to fight his way to earn it.
The Bloodline showing up again and “hijacking” the start of Raw was great stuff, and it was smart to have those they attacked a couple weeks ago come back for revenge. I wish we could’ve gotten Good Brothers VS Usos but Karl Anderson is in Japan so he can defend (and most likely lose) the NEVER Openweight Championship at NJPW WrestleKingdom 17 on Wednesday. But Elias VS Solo was a great match with the “Music City Street Fight” (basically just Symphony of Destruction). And of course a piano is in the finish, that was a great urenage that just busted the legs off that thing.
And we got a great Six Man Tag, with Ford taking a sort of zoned out approach to how Bianca’s injury was affecting him in that match. He could’ve been a bit more animated seeing Dawkins go down, but him coming alive to rally on the Bloodline was great stuff. But as usual, The Bloodline always has each other as distractions and that helps them win. I suppose it makes sense, as the Profits had their title opportunity in 2022 and will have to fight their way up rather than jump the line with a win on the champs. But McIntyre & Sheamus showing up was also great, it helps hype up the tag title match on Friday. Though, I see the Usos using Bloodline assists again.
I like the little promo bit from Dominik to add on from the “arrested for Christmas” promo we got last week. It’s a bit comical that Dom says he’s all hard now, as I’m pretty sure he only spent the Christmas weekend in what was probably a nice neighborhood’s jail. But Dom will surely play it up when he returns, and we’ll get some good promos off of that. And I think Lumis VS Gable was mostly because Styles got hurt and The OC couldn’t continue their feud with the Alpha Academy. But that’s alright, we got a really good, really fun match from Lumis and Gable. I just wish we’d get more matches from Gargano. Maybe we can get Lumis & Gargano VS Gable & Otis next week?
And good stuff from Damage CTRL, Becky and apparently now Mia. Good promos for Becky and Bayley, but I’m a bit surprised that if they were going to throw Mia out there partway, why not just kayfabe a way for Mia to have contacted Becky about taking on DMG CTRL together? And even if they played it out this way, it seems a shame that Becky & Mia lose. But at the same time, three still beats two, and they didn’t want Kai & Sky owing a title match to Mia & Becky. Maybe Mia brings in a friend from somewhere and that team takes on Kai & Sky while Becky goes after Bayley 1v1, all blowing off at the Rumble. Or maybe even in the Rumble, so that someone can win a WrestleMania title shot in the process.
My Score: 8.5/10
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Main Event Jey goes for gold!
While Drew McIntyre wants the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, it’s Jey Uso who gets his shot at Seth Rollins tonight on Monday Night Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn; McIntyre wins.
- Shayna Baszler VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
- Best 2 Out of 3 Falls: #DIY VS Imperium; wins.
- The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley; win.
- Natalya & Tegan Nox VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; win.
- Cody Rhodes VS Shinsuke Nakamura; wins.
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Jey Uso; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre is here!
The Scottish Warrior is ready to tear it all down, all because he didn’t get another title match with Seth Rollins when he wanted. But before he tears into Sami Zayn, McIntyres the mic to say, “It’s been awhile since I’ve done this, but welcome everybody to Monday Night Raw!” Fans cheer that! And McIntyre says Raw is the land where it feels like everyone’s lost their minds lately! “Liars, hypocrites, cowards, just plain idiots. Apparently, you can get fired, released, leave, do what you want for a bunch of time, come back, and you’re instantly forgiven these days!” Fans chant “CM PUNK!” but McIntyre says he could be talking about anyone.
Now, Rollins tried to pull a fast one on McIntyre. Rollins could’ve given the match to anyone, but McIntyre beat Jey Uso weeks ago. So Rollins sticks it to McIntyre, slaps him metaphorically, so he headbutts Rollins in his stupid face. And speaking of Jey, O M G, Jey can apologize! He ran to Randy Orton, tail between his legs, “Oh, I’m so sorry, Randy!” Well Jey, your time’s coming. And there’s someone McIntyre is forgetting. Oh, right! Sami Zayn! And wouldn’t you know? Here comes Sami! Fans cheer and sing Sami’s song as he makes his way to the ring, a mic of his in hand. The fans then chant for ‘SAMI! SAMI!” as he sits up top.
Sami tells McIntyre, he clearly has a lot to say about everybody, including Sami, so he may as well say it to Sami’s face. Oh, yes, McIntyre sure does. Last week, Sami wanted to say how alike they are, but they are not. McIntyre has something to say to Sami and it is the truth: Sami is the one person in the world who deserved to get screwed over by The Bloodline. The fans boo but McIntyre says he will explain. Sami was the Bloodline’s lapdog errand boy, he joined them because he was running away from McIntyre, and then what? Sami screwed Bloodline over! What did Sami think was gonna happen to him? Isn’t Sami supposed to be smart?
McIntyre says Sami deserved what he got, it’s the truth. Sami says McIntyre is right about one thing: Sami was wrong. Sami thought they were alike but the more Sami is seeing, the more “truth” he’s hearing, Sami realizes they are NOT anything alike! Sami is not a delusional person. He isn’t someone who points a finger at everyone else for his own shortcomings. And big difference here: When Sami lost in front of his family and let everyone down, he stayed hungry, driven and motivated and that carried him to victory in the main event of WrestleMania! Fans fire up for that! So Sami got his redemption. Sami got to make his family proud. Does McIntyre think he’s making his family proud?
McIntyre glares at Sami, and then says one of them is NOT walking out of here. Get a ref and ring the bell! Fans fire up as we get their match now! Will McIntyre absolutely explode after Sami set him off?
Drew McIntyre VS Sami Zayn!
The bell rings and fans are behind Sami in this one. Sami and McIntyre circle, then McIntyre RAMS Sami into a corner! And OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! McIntyre asks if it was a good idea to talk bad now. McIntyre ROCKS and DECKS Sami, then stalks him. Fans rally with “Let’s Go, Sami!” as he bails out. McIntyre pursues, and SMACKS him off the apron! McIntyre scoops Sami, but Sami slips free to POST McIntyre! Sami aims at the apron, McIntyre body shots and SMACKS Sami off the apron! McIntyre puts Sami in but Sami builds speed to FLY! Direct hit and down goes McIntyre! Fans fire up with Sami as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and fans rally as McIntyre has Sami in a motorcycle stretch. But Sami flips then BOOTS McIntyre away! But McIntyre CHOPS Sami back! Sami bails out, McIntyre pursues, but Sami kicks and CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Sami throws hands, whips, but McIntyre reverses. Sami goes up the barriers to QUEBRADA! Down goes McIntyre again and fans fire back up! The ring count climbs, the fans fire up with Sami, and Sami brings McIntyre around to put him in at 7 of 10. Sami slides in, but McIntyre LARIATS Sami back down! McIntyre seethes while fans boo, and McIntyre throws fists down on Sami!
Fans rally even harder for Sami and Sami sits up. McIntyre drags Sami up, to CHOP! Sami flops right back down, McIntyre grins, and he drags Sami up. McIntyre CHOPS and Sami wobbles around! Sami shakes his head, grits his teeth, and CHOPS in return! And CHOPS! McIntyre CHOPS and Sami falls over! McIntyre stomps Sami, smother shim, then stomps his head again! McIntyre stomps Sami’s leg, then stomps the other leg! McIntyre paces around Sami, waits on Sami to get up, and Sami goes to a corner. McIntyre runs in but Sami ELBOWS him away! Sami goes up, McIntyre runs in but into a BOOT!
Sami leaps, AX HANDLE! Sami fires up with the fans, he kicks McIntyre and reels him in, but McIntyre is a little too big to suplex! McIntyre suplexes, Sami slips free, then he lures McIntyre into the corner to POST him! Sami kicks and reels McIntyre in, to SUPLEX! Fans fire up while both men are down! Sami clutches the ankle, but he stands up to fire off haymakers! Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami ducks ‘n ‘ dodges to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Sami is stunned! Sami hurries to the apron while fans fire up! Sami climbs, leaps, but into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! And then another OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY!
McIntyre hits a NECKBREAKER, then kips up! Fans are torn as McIntyre shakes the ropes. But then Sami clotheslines him up and out! Sami aims, and PLANCHAS! McIntyre catches him! And SLINGS him over the desk! Fans lose their minds and McIntyre seethes as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and McIntyre ELBOWS Sami, then Reverse Alabama Lifts! For the REVERSE ALA- NO, Sami victory rolls! TWO!! Sami runs up, into a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO!! But McIntyre deadlift POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!?! Sami survives and surprises even himself! The fans declare “This is Awesome!” but McIntyre snarls. McIntyre sits Sami up, fireman’s carries, and then goes up a corner! SUPER- NO, Sami flails and fights to a SUPER SUNSET FLIP BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Sami is beside himself! Sami hobbles up, fans rally behind him and he brings McIntyre around.
Sami reels McIntyre in but McIntyre fights the lift! Sami CLUBS away on McIntyre and fans fire up! Sami tries again, BLUE- NO, McIntyre fights free to GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! McIntyre then aims from the corner! Sami flounders up as the countdown begins! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” BOOT from Sami! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives again and Sami can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Sami and McIntyre rise again. Sami throws a haymaker, McIntyre gives it back. They stand, Sami CHOPS! McIntyre CHOPS in return! Both men wobble, McIntyre CHOPS again! Sami BOOTS! And BOOTS!
Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami goes up and over. The leg jams! The ref keeps McIntyre back but he storms in, Sami ELBOWS McIntyre, then TOSSES him out! Sami thinks about it, he wants to build speed but the leg won’t let him do it! McIntyre sees a target, and he gets in to CHOP BLOCK! The ref reprimands and backs McIntyre off. McIntyre just aims, to CLAYMORE!!! Direct hit and McIntyre covers, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
No mercy from McIntyre, and that is how he wins! Will the Scottish Warrior force everyone’s hands by fighting his way to a title opportunity?
Zoey Stark finds Shayna Baszler backstage.
The Queen of Spades is getting ready, but then Byron Saxton walks over to ask a few questions. Shayna faces a former tag partner in Nia Jax- Look, she has one goal tonight. Shayna put Nia on the shelf by breaking her arm. So she’ll remind Nia of that, limb by limb. Shayna heads out, Zoey follows. Will the Irresistible Force run into that immovable object again tonight?
Jey Uso speaks.
“Tonight, I have a chance to do something I thought I’d never be able to do again. A few months ago, I had a chance to dethrone the Tribal Chief and become the WWE Undisputed Universal Champion. That moment was ripped away from me by the one man in this world I love the most, my Day One. My own twin brother. Man, that hurt me more than you could ever know. I couldn’t be around this business anymore, I had to walk away. I really convinced myself I was done. Until I got a call from Cody Rhodes.” Cody told Jey he couldn’t quit, he could have a fresh start to be his own man. And the more Jey thought about it, the more he realized Cody was right.
Jey’s whole life, he’s fought for others. For Roman, for his brothers, for his father. From now on, Jey fights for HIS legacy. Before the Bloodline, before record-breaking reigns, before the Uso Penitentiary, before the Day One, before the dance, the face paint, FCW and long ass training nights, making money, being broke… There was just Jey, Uce! So Seth Rollins, we know you’re about game. Rollins has fought against Jey, fought with Jey, but now you’re fighting a starving individual ready to eat! It’s just Jey now. Jey proves to the whole world, to Rollins, to his family and himself why he IS Main Event Jey Uso! But will he become World Champion Jey Uso?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Jackie Redmond shows Sami being checked by medical staff, but then McIntyre attacks! McIntyre throws Sami into road cases, rains down fists, and says Sami can’t talk about McIntyre’s family! They’re nothing alike! NOTHING! Sami brought this upon himself! Then he STOMPS the bad ankle!! Producers rush in to get McIntyre to leave, but has McIntyre just sidelined Sami for the rest of 2023?
Raw returns as Sami is being reevaluated.
The medics check the leg, Jey hurries over to say it’ll be alright, Uce. Jey looks around for McIntyre, will Jey be able to focus on his main event after this just happened?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.
Byron is with The Man and asks about last week, her statement that… Oh, Nia walks in now. She tells “Barney” she has this. And Becky, she talked about some fights on the horizon. Does one include anyone in particular? Yes, Nia, it does. Nia would be number one because Becky had forgotten about her, as everyone had, but then Nia showed up on Becky’s interview and they never got to this. Becky still owes Nia a receipt. A receipt, huh? Well, once Nia squashes Shayna, she is all Becky’s. Becky can’t wait. The music hits, will we see a big time grudge match in the near future?
Shayna Baszler VS Nia Jax!
The bell rings and Nia runs in, but Shayna dodges to KICK and KICK! Nia blocks one, SLAPS Shayna, then TOSSES her! Shayna gest up in a corner, but Nia SPLASHES in the corner! Shayna flounders, Nia pushes her around and slaps her some more. Nia talks trash then TOSSES Shayna across the way! Nia runs back in, but Shayna dodges! Nia hits buckles, Shayna KNEES Nia down! Shayna then knuckle locks and twists that wrist, then goes up the corner for a HANGING ARMBAR! Nia endures, powers up, and POWERBOMBS Shayna down! Shayna gets out of the ring, Nia pursues, and fans rally up as Nia drags Shayna up.
Nia SMACKS Shayna off the desk, then SMACKS her off the apron! Nia brings Shayna around, fireman’s carries, but Shayna fights free! And she POSTS Nia! Shayna slides into the ring, then goes to the apron to PENALTY KICK the arm! Shayna isolates that arm, lets her hair down, and says Nia’s done! But Nia SWEEPS the legs! Shayna hits the apron, and Nia gets up to APRON LEG DROP! Fans boo as Shayna writhes and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Nia has Shayna in a neck wrench. Shayna endures, even as NIa leans on the hold. Fans rally, Shayna fights up, and she JAWBREAKERS free! Nia staggers, Shayna fires body shots and KICKS! Shayna ROCKS Nia into a corner, then runs, but Nia URENAGES Shayna down! Nia then drags Shayna up to POST her! Nia goes to the apron, lines up the shot, runs in and HIP ATTACKS against the post! Cover, TWO!! Shayna survives but Nia drags her up. Nia puts Shayna in a corner, throws body shots and slaps Shayna around, but Shayna fires off forearms! Shayna runs, but Nia scoops her! SIDEWALK SLAM!
Nia dribbles Shayna while taunting her, then she covers, TWO! Nia is frustrated but she drags Shayna up into a cobra clutch. Shayna endures, fans rally up, and Shayna throws elbows! Then kicks! And KICKS! And KICKS! Shayna runs, KICKS, then runs again. Another KICK but Nia still stays up! Shayna runs, dodges Nia, but Nia scoops to SAMOAN DROP! Shayna crawls to a corner, Nia runs in, but Shayna ducks and the hip attack hits buckles! Then Shayna hits a roll up into buckles! Shayna goes to the far corner, Nia crawls after her, but Shayna runs in to KNEE Nia down! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives and Shayna is frustrated.
Nia rises, Shayna KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS, KICKS, KICKS! Fans fire up with each shot but Nia blocks one! Shayna gets free to BUZZSAW! Shayna runs, but Nia CLOBBERS her at the ropes! Nia pushes Shayna down, runs and SENTONS! Cover, TWO?!? Shayna survives and fans fire up! Nia is in disbelief, but she drags Shayna to a drop zone. Nia stomps Shayna, climbs up, but Shayna grabs a leg! ANKLE LOCK! Nia kicks Shayna away, but then Shayna returns, SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Both women have a crash landing and fans fire up! Shayna drags herself up while Nia stirs, and the fans rally behind her!
Shayna stalks Nia, KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Nia endures but she has Shayna on her as a backpack! Fans fire up, but Nia stands up! Shayna drags her back down! Shayna rear mounts again, leans all her weight on the hold, but Nia fights back up! BACKPACK SENTON!! Both women are down again as Nia sputters and coughs. But then she gets mad, and she drags Shayna to the drop zone! Nia climbs, soaks up the heat, A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, Nia wins!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
Shayna tried but she could not be the immovable object to the Irresistible Force. Nia crushes the Queen of Spades, but here comes Becky! Fans fire up but Nia backs down! This collision is coming, but will Becky be that big time roadblock to Nia?
DIY talks backstage.
Gargano & Ciampa know what they gotta do, but then in walk Candice & Indi. They’ll be cheering DIY on, ready for back to back wins, and then they all stand at attention because Imperium walks in. Oh, yes, good, show respect. Look at this lovely couple. Yes, a lovely couple of losers! Oh, ow, wow. But it’ll be embarrassing to get beat twice in one match. Hopefully Papa Gunther won’t be too mad after. The Way heads out, and Ludwig reminds Giovanni this is important. Don’t mess up out there. Oh, he’s got it. He hopes Ludwig does, too. The dysfunction between Impeccable German and the Pride of Italy is growing, will it be their downfall?
Best 2 Out of 3 Falls: #DIY VS Imperium!
Raw returns as Imperium makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Ciampa starts against Ludwig. The fans rally behind DIY as we start this first fall, and the two circle. Ciampa and Ludwig tie up, go around, and Ludwig puts Ciampa in a corner. The ref counts, Ludwig lets off slowly, but Ciampa avoids the cheap shot to ROCK and CHOP and repeat! Ciampa whips corner to corner, Ludwig reverses and runs in. He blocks a boot, “NEIN!” UPPERCUT! Ludwig stands over Ciampa, drags him up and bumps him off buckles. Ludwig ROCKS Ciampa, tags Vinci, and Vinci RAMS into Ciampa! Vinci then stays between Ciampa and Gargano to stomp Ciampa.
Vinci throws hands and UPPERCUTS, but Ciampa hits back! They brawl, Ciampa has the edge and whips, but Vinci ducks ‘n’ dodge to CROSSBODY! Fans boo but Vinci stomps Ciampa. Vinci KNEES Ciampa in the back, then he stomps Ciampa more. Vinci talks trash, stands Ciampa up and UPPERCUTS! Vinci CLUBS Ciampa in the back, tags Ludwig, and Imperium mugs Ciampa. Ludwig looms over Ciampa, then scrapes his soles off Ciampa’s face! Ludwig taunts Gargano, fans boo, but Ludwig smirks as he whips Ciampa. Ludwig ELBOWS Ciampa down, covers, TWO! Fans rally but Ludwig clamps onto Ciampa with a chinbar and armlock.
Ciampa fights up, fans rally harder as they go around and around, and Ciampa sends Ludwig into buckles! Fans fire up, Ciampa crawls, but Ludwig anchors the feet! Ciampa ENZIGURIS, but Ludwig still holds on! Ciampa fires forearms, Ludwig keeps him from Gargano to then dodge. But Ciampa dodges, hot tag to Gargano! Fans fire up as Gargano JUMP KICKS Ludwig, then schoolboy rolls and KICKS Vinci! Gargano rallies on Ludwig, whips him to ropes, but Ludwig reverses. Gargano ducks ‘n ‘dodges to tilt-o-whirl, LA MYSTICA! Fans fire up with Johnny Wrestling and he runs in at the corner, but Ludwig puts him on the apron!
Gargano GAMANGIRIS, then he avoids Vinci to SUPERKICK! SLINGSHOT SPEAR on Ludwig! Fans fire up again and Gargano tags Ciampa back in. DIY set up in corners, Ludwig sits up, but Vinci trips Gargano! Ludwig avoids the knee, rolls Ciampa with tights, Imperium scores!
DIY: 0; Imperium: 1
Fans boo as Imperium takes the crucial first fall! But while Vinci & Ludwig gloat, Gargano gets back up, CANNONBALL takes out Vinci! Ciampa PLANCHAS Ludwig down! DIY sits on the desk, and they pat themselves on the backs while applauding! Fans applaud and Raw goes to break.
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Sure #EverybodyDies, but who will tranquilo?
The World Tag League round robin is almost over, and B Block is looking saucy! Will Lance Archer & Alex Zayne burn Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- BUSHI & Shingo Takagi VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; win.
- Six Man Tag: Kaito Kiyomiya, Ryohei Oiwa & Oskar Leube VS The Gates of Agony & Boltin Oleg; win.
- Six Man Tag: Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma VS The United Empire; win(s).
- Six Man Tag: Shota Umino, Ren Narita & Ryusuke Taguchi VS The House of Torture; win(s).
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Bullet Club; wins.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Taichi & Yuya Uemura VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza; Fale & Bonza win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr; ELP & Leo win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki; Bishamon wins.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Lance Archer & Alex Zayne VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr; Tsuji & Zando win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current B Block standings.
Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 4-1, 8 points
Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 4-1, 8 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 3-2, 6 points
Bishamon: 2-2-1, 5 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-2-1, 5 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 2-3, 4 points
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 1-4, 2 points
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 1-4, 2 points
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Taichi & Yuya Uemura VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza!
The Holy Emperor & Heat Storm are just outside the top after their loss to Monster Sauce, but that’s way better than being at the bottom like the Rogue Army. But can Fale & Bonza ruin things for Taichi & Yuya? Or will B Block belong to Just5Guys?
The teams sort out and Yuya starts against Bonza. The fans rally up as the bell rings and the two stare down. They circle, tie up, and Bonza wrenches to hammerlock then waistlock. Yuya switches to then hammerlock, but Bonza switches the hammerlock back. Yuya reaches back, sits down, rolls and wrenches to a wristlock. Bonza spins, breaks free and pie faces Yuya! Yuya keeps cool, and he resets with Bonza. They tie up, but Bonza kicks low! Bonza runs, runs Yuya over, and says he’s pathetic! Bonza runs, Yuya stays low to then hurdle, and then he hip tosses Bonza down! Yuya scoops and SLAMS Bonza, then arm-drags him!
Fans fire up as Yuya has the armlock, but Fale runs in to throw body shots and scoop! Yuya slips free, but Fale’s too big for an arm-drag! Fale scoops again, and SLAMS Yuya! Then Fale DECKS Taichi for the hell of it! Bonza stomps Yuya around, brings him up, and bumps him off buckles. Tag to Fale and the Rogue Army mugs Yuya. Fale brings Yuya around to CLUB him down, then looms over him. Fans rally but Fale stands on Yuya! Fale goes surfing on the Heat Storm! Fale steps off, covers, TWO! Fans cheer but Fale tags Bonza. Bonza storms up on Yuya, drags him around, and then he goes surfing!
Bonza lets off to then drop an elbow! And then springboard stomp! Yuya sputters, Bonza drags him back up but Taichi rallies the fans. Yuya CHOPS Bonza, ROCKS Fale, repeat! Bonza ROCKS Yuya! Bonza bumps Yuya off buckles, whips him corner to corner, then runs in to elbow! Bonza keeps moving, but Yuya DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Yuya crawls, hot tag to Taichi! Taichi storms up to Kawada Kick! Bonza says F U and ROCKS Taichi, but Taichi SOBATS back! Taichi tells Bonza off and BOOTS him in the corner! Fale runs in, but into a BOOT! Fale comes back, Taichi steps aside to GAMANGIRI!
Bonza kicks Taichi, whips him to a corner, but Taichi comes back to AX BOMBER! Fans fire up with Taichi, and OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi then aims, but Bonza blocks the kick to ELBOW! Bonza whips, DISCUS LARIAT! Bonza fires up, he drags Taichi up, and he reels Taichi in to suplex! Taichi fights that off to suplex back! Bonza fights that off, they fight for suplex control, and fans rally up! In the end, Bonza gets Taichi up, but Taichi slips free! SAI- NO, Bonza fights with elbows! Bonza runs, into a RIDGE HAND! Taichi runs, but Bonza deflects the boot to hit a BIG back suplex! Tag to Fale and he storms up on Taichi.
Fale stomps Taichi, drags him up and CLUBS away on the back! Taichi falls over but Fale stalks him to the ropes. Fale drags Taichi up, but Taichi fights and wrenches to HOOK KICK! Fale runs up, into a clinch! Taichi is using sumo! Fale and Taichi hobble around, Fale tries to counter sumo with sumo! But Taichi still THROWS Fale!! Fans are thunderous and Taichi takes aim! BUZZSAW! Both men are down, fans rally up, hot tag to Yuya! Yuya roars, runs in and CHOPS Fale! Bonza runs in, but gets an arm-drag! And then a DROPKICK! Bonza bails out, Fale staggers up into a DROPKICK! He stays up, so Yuya DROPKICKS again!
Fale rebounds, into an ARM-DRAG!! The fans are thunderous and Yuya runs in at the corner. DOUBLE CHOP! Taichi adds a BOOT! Yuya runs in again, DROPKICK! Fale hobbles, Yuya pushes him out and goes up the corner! CROSSBODY! Down goes Fale! But Yuya isn’t done there! Yuya drags Fale up, wrenches and traps the arm, but Fale swings the other! Yuya catches it! But Fale’s too big for Kamuki! Fale TOSSES Yuya to a corner then SPLASHES! Fireman’s carry, but Yuya flails around! Sunset flip, but Fale stays up! So Taichi GAMANGIRIS him into it! High stack, TWO!! Fale escapes, but Yuya has an ARMBAR!!
Fans fire up as Fale endures! Fale fights around, but Yuya powers him down!! ARMBAR!! Fale flails and kicks around, reaches out, but Yuya shifts grip! Bonza sends Taichi into railing before he gets in, Fale has the ROPEBREAK! Bonza CLOBBERS Yuya for good measure! Fans fire up as Bonza BLASTS Taichi off the apron! Yuya CHOPS Bonza, CHOPS him again, and powers up, but Bonza dodges! Only for Yuya to catch the arms! But Bonza knees low! Yuya roars, but Bonza scoops him! BACKBREAKER to ELBOW DROP!! Cover, TAICHI BREAKS IT! Fans fire up but Bonza scoops Taichi! FIRE THUNDER DRIVER!!
Fale hoists Yuya up! Crucifix lift, for BAD LUCK FALL!!! Cover, Rogue Army wins!!
Winners: Bad Luke Fale & Jack Bonza, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Taichi & Yuya earn 0)
The Rogue General & Red Commander just brought down two of the five guys! Did they just blow up the chances of Taichi & Yuya going on to the semifinals? Or will luck be with J5G in the seventh?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr!
The NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions take on the NWA World Historic Light Heavyweight Champion and a former World Middleweight Champion, but both teams are on the bubble in this block. Who pops off and who drops off right before the end?
ELP tries to get the fans cheering Soberano but it takes a second to warm them up. The fans fire up and the sons of lucha appreciate it. “AT-LAN-TIS!” and “SOBER-RA-NO!” then return the favor helping in a “HI-KU-LEO~!” chant. They all shake hands and high-five, and then the teams sort out. ELP starts against Soberano and fans rally up. The two wind up, and shake hands! Fans cheer and the two circle. They tie up, ELP headlocks, but Soberano powers up and out to then reel ELP back and run. ELP sidesteps, he avoids Soberano’s handspring, and fans cheer. Soberano flexes and fans cheer a little more.
ELP gives a mocking golf clap and then circles with Soberano again. Soberano headlocks, ELP throws body shots and powers out. Soberano runs ELP over, then things speed up. ELP hurdles but Soberano front flips! Fans fire up and Soberano looks off into the distance. Soberano then runs in, ELP dodges, Soberano RANAS but ELP handsprings through, then does his drop steps! Fans cheer as ELP flexes and kisses the biceps. ELP gives Soberano a push, Soberano pushes back. They start pushing a little harder, then things speed up again! Soberano ducks ‘n’ dodges and rolls off ELP’s back to then run and RANA!
ELP flounders out of the ring and Soberano builds speed! FOSBURY FLOP! Direct hit and fans fire up again! Soberano gets the fans rallying behind him then has the ref tranquilo. Soberano puts ELP in, then gets fans to actually chant for “PHAN-TAS-MO!” Soberano slides in, brings ELP around, and tags Atlantis. The luchadores mug ELP, and the fans still chant for “PHAN-TAS-MO!” but the luchadores double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW! Then wheelbarrow and ENZUGIRI FACEBUSTER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Atlantis keeps cool as he stomps ELP around. Atlantis drags ELP up, keeps him from Leo, and CLUBS away!
Atlantis suplexes but ELP blocks! ELP tries to suplex but Atlantis blocks! ELP RAMS Atlantis into the corner, CHOPS him, then tags Leo. ELP CHOPS again, then hushes the fans. Leo swings, Atlantis dodges to CHOP them in return! CHOP after CHOP then Atlantis runs, ducks ELP’s hurdle but ends up right in Leo’s DDT! Cover, TWO! Leo drags Atlantis up but Atlantis throws forearms and CHOPS! Leo CHOPS right back! Leo then fireman’s carries, but Atlantis fights free! Atlantis dodges the chop, tries to whip but Leo blocks and reverses! Leo runs in, Atlantis dodges and Leo’s boot gets stuck on the ropes! Atlantis dropkicks that leg!
Leo hobbles and Atlantis keeps moving, Atlantis dropkicks the legs out! Fans fire up as Atlantis stomps Leo’s leg, then SPLASHES down on a knee! Atlantis stomps the leg some more, but Jado & ELP coach Leo. Leo CHOPS Atlantis, but Atlantis stomps him down. Atlantis has the leg and works to turn Leo over! HALF CRAB! Leo endures and fans rally up! Leo fights his way over, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Atlantis lets go at 4, and Leo clutches his knee. Atlantis eggs Leo on, Soberano tags in, and they both taunt Leo to go taunt ELP. Leo crawls over, but then the luchadores bring Leo away. “Chotto matte ne!”
Fans applaud as the Mexican luchadores know some Japanese. Then they get LEo’s hands, bend the fingers, and then Soberano BOOTS Leo down! ELP protests, the ref reprimands, but Soberano BITES Leo’s foot! Soberano keeps Leo from ropes with a chinlock, then he and Atlantis get Leo up again. They double whip Leo to a corner, Atlantis runs in but is put on the apron. Leo DECKS Atlantis, and he catches Soberano’s splash! Soberano BELL CLAPS then BOOTS Leo! Soberano taunts ELP by blowing a kiss, then he goes back for Leo. Atlantis returns, they double whip but Leo breaks the line to DOUBLE LARIAT!
Fans fire up and Leo crawls, hot tag to ELP! ELP grins as he runs up to BOOT Soberano! Mule kick for Atlantis! Atomic drop for Soberano! ELP mocks Soberano’s pain, then he atomic drops Atlantis, into a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! ELP clotheslines Soberano up and out, but Atlantis kicks him low! Atlantis whips ELP to the corner but ELP goes up and over then springboards to CROSSBODY! Somersault, LIONSAULT! Another somersault, to PLANCHA Soberano! Fans fire up with ELP and he goes back to the corner. ELP waits on Atlantis to rise up, then he springboards in, FLYING TORNADO DDT!
Fans fire up and ELP drags Atlantis to a cover, TWO! Atlantis survives and the fans rally up again. ELP fires up and Soberano coaches Atlantis. ELP drags Atlantis up, reels him in, tucks the arms, but Atlantis fights! Atlantis ROCKS ELP, ELP ROCKS Atlantis, they go forearm for forearm! ELP whips, Atlantis reverses and Soberano jumps in! Double hip toss into TU LO SABE! Cover, TWO! ELP survives and that surprises Atlantis. The fans rally, Soberano stalks ELP to a corner and eggs him on. ELP slaps Soberano, Soberano SLAPS ELP! Atlantis BOOTS Leo, ELP throws hands on Soberano, but Atlantis kicks ELP low.
Atlantis puts ELP up top, Soberano GAMANGIRIS! Then the sons of lucha vow to end this! They both climb up after ELP, CLUB away on him, and bring him up. But Leo gets in, TOWER OF DOOM!! Fans fire up for the double powerbomb double superplex combo! Leo drags Soberano up to POWERBOMB onto Atlantis! Fans fire up again as Leo helps ELP up! Leo scoops, but Atlantis slips free to shove Leo into ELP! Then Atlantis dodges Leo to SUPERKICK ELP! And DROPKICK Leo! Leo runs back in but Atlantis dumps him out! ELP runs in but Atlantis goes up and over, rolls and SPIN POWERSLAMS!
Fans fire up as Atlantis goes up a corner! But ELP hurries to GAMANGIRI! Soberano sneaks a tag! ELP goes up to the very top, brings Atlantis up with him, SUPER STEINER! ELP goes up but Soberano is there! He springboards up to SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Fans are thunderous with everyone down, and Soberano crawls to a cover! Leo breaks it! Fans fire up again and Atlantis regroups with Soberano. Leo UPPERCUTS Atlantis, choke grips each of them, meeting of the minds! But then the luchadores double basement dropkick the legs out! Fans rally for Leo but Soberano & Atlantis have him! DOUBLE-
NO, Leo fights the suplexes to UPPERCUT Soberano! Atlantis dodges the haymaker but not the BOOT! Leo aims at Soberano now, choke grip! GOD- FLIP! Soberano ENZIGURIS! Leo roars! Soberano SUPERKICKS! ELP SUDDEN DEATH!! Fans fire up with ELP and he DIVES to take out Atlantis! Leo hits GODSEND!! ELP returns, he goes up, SUPER THUNDERKISS 86!!! Cover, ELP & Leo win!
Winners: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Atlantis & Soberano earn 0)
The sons of lucha are eclipsed by the Guerrillas of Destiny! Will the “Big Blue Sexy Boys” still have a fighting chance of entering the semifinals?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vow to break the curse that keeps IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions from winning the league! Will they pull it off? Or will Blue Justice & The Meanest Man in the World not only stop Bishamon, but get golden tickets at the same time?
The teams sort out and Suzuki stares Hashi down. Fans rally up and the two start. They circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. But then Suzuki kicks one, wrenches the other to a hammerlock, but Hashi switches the hold onto Suzuki. Suzuki reaches back to cording hold and chinbar Hashi to ropes. The ref counts and Suzuki lets off slowly, then with strong pats on the shoulder. Fans cheer and Hashi keeps cool as the two reset. They step up, and Hashi fires a forearm! Suzuki fires back! They go back and forth and the fans rally as they pick up speed! Suzuki ROCKS Hashi, ROCKS him again, but Hashi comes back to CHOP!
Suzuki eggs Hashi on so Hashi CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Hashi CHOPS more and more but Suzuki stays standing on sheer anger! Hashi drags Suzuki over, tags Goto, and Bishamon double whip to then double shoulder tackle! Hashi BLASTS Nagata for good measure, then Goto stomps Suzuki. Goto drags Suzuki up, CLUBS him, then whips. Suzuki reverses to then headlock, but Goto powers out. Suzuki pulls hair to HEADBUTT! Suzuki CLUBS Goto down and Goto bails out! Nagata runs in to BLAST Hashi as payback, and then the murder grandpas go out after them! Suzuki whips Goto into railing, then brings him around while Nagata sends Hashi hard into railing!
Suzuki RAMS Goto into railing in front of commentary, then has a railing crossface! The ref reprimands, Suzuki lets off of Goto, but Nagata POSTS Hashi! Suzuki stomps Goto around, the ring count starts, and Suzuki stomps Goto again before sliding in. The count reaches 7 of 20, then 10 as Goto crawls. Goto clutches his neck, the count is 15! Goto stands at 17, and slides in at 19! Fans cheer but Suzuki clamps onto Goto with a camel clutch! Goto endures, Suzuki shifts to bring him up for a facelock. Nagata tags in and he CLUBS Goto on the neck! And CLUBS him again! Nagata wraps on a chinlock to grind Goto down!
Hashi coaches Goto as he fights around, and Goto gets the ROPEBREAK! Nagata lets go, to KICK Goto in the back! Nata then drags Goto up with a facelock and tags Suzuki. Suzuki snapmares Goto to KICK him! And then Suzuki pulls at the tape around the neck and shoulders! The ref reprimands but there’s nothing he can really do! Suzuki reels Goto in but Goto resists the Gotch lift! Suzuki powers up but Goto still fights. Suzuki CLUBS Goto, tags Nagata, and Nagata BOOTS Hashi down! Nagata KICKS Goto in the chest, then KICKS him again! Goto grits his teeth, Nagata eggs him on, but Goto blocks the next kick!
Goto CLUBS the leg, but Nagata ROCKS Goto with a forearm! Nagata whips, Goto reverses, but Nagata BOOTS back! Nagata runs, Goto follows to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Goto and Nagata crawl, hot tag to Hashi! Hashi runs to run Nagata over! Hashi BLASTS Suzuki off the apron and fans fire up as Hashi ROCKS, body shots and CHOPS! Then he fires off forearms over and over in the corner! Nagata sits down and Hashi keeps going! The ref reprimands, the fans fire up, and Hashi lets off to bring Nagata back up. Nagata shoves Hashi so Hashi eggs him on. The forearms go back and forth now!
Hashi gets the edge with forearms, then CHOPS Nagata back to the corner. Hashi whips corner to corner, Nagata reverses, but Hashi comes back to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally again and Hashi fires up. Hashi reels Nagata in, suplexes, but Nagata fights it to suplex, and MAGIC SCREW! Hashi flounders, Nagata stands, and Nagata stomps Hashi. Nagata ROCKS Hashi, whips him to ropes, but Hashi holds ropes. Goto tags in, Hashi sidesteps Nagata and Goto ROCKS him! Hashi CHOPS Nagata down, then he BLASTS Suzuki. Hashi hauls Nagata up, turns him, and Goto adds on, HEAD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Nagata hangs in there.
Bishamon set up in opposite corners, and they aim at Nagata. But Suzuki pushes Nagata to save him from the DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH! Hashi CHOPS, Goto CLUBS and then GOTO GO TO HUNTER! Bishamon have Nagata in a corner, Goto clotheslines! Hashi clotheslines! Feed to the fireman’s carry, FIERCE FLASH! Cover, TWO! Nagata survives and fans rally up again! Goto hauls Nagata up, Hashi calls the shot! Dragon sleeper and leg lift, but Suzuki catches Hashi to a SLEEPER! Nagata drags Goto down into a CROSSFACE! Goto endures, Hashi is turning red! Fans rally up as Goto fights his way around!
Goto reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer, and Suzuki sends Goto to a corner! Suzuki BOOTS! Nagata BOOTS! Snapmare, DOUBLE PENALTY KICK SANDWICH! Then EXPLODER!! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives and fans fire up again! Nagata drags Goto up, but Goto fights the saido with elbows! Nagata knees low, and again, then CLUBS Goto’s neck! Goto falls and writhes, but Nagata drags him back up! Suzuki keeps Hashi out with an ANKLE LOCK, as Nagata SAI- NO, Goto fights free! Hashi also gets free, to SUPERKICK Nagata! Goto has a SLEEPER, then rolls it to GOTO NISHIKI!! Cover, Bishamon wins!!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Nagata & Suzuki earn 0)
The murder grandpas almost had it, but Goto finds a way to survive! Does this mean the Fierce Warrior & Headhunter have a chance to #GetBackUp to the WTL finals after all?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Lance Archer & Alex Zayne VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr!
The Monster Sauce is leading the way but they have to finish strong! Will they stay hot going into the seventh and final round? Or will they be sunk by The Gene Blast & King of the World?
Wait, Tetsuya Naito is coming out here? What a great surprise! It sure takes Shingo Takagi by surprise as he’s been on commentary this entire time. Naito joins commentary, even! And he puts his feet up on top of Milano Collection AT’s notes. He makes Milano hold the Right to Challenge bag while he puts his headset on. Monster Sauce then makes their entrance, and Archer suckers a Young Lion in by offering a high-five to then DECK him! He pats another on the shoulder, assuring him it’s fine. Then he RAMS him into railing! Zayne apologizes to each Young Lion in turn, it’s nothing personal. Archer and Zayne then have Red Shoes and Abe-san put on the jackets to see how they look.
Zando and Tsuji make their entrances, the teams sort out, and Archer says that smile of Tsuji’s is gonna be missing some teeth soon. However, Zayne and Zando step up to start and the fans rally up with the bell. They circle, tie up, and Zando powers Zayne to ropes. Zando lets off, fakes the chop, and tells Zayne to take it easy. Zayne and Zando reset and fans rally again. They tie up, Zayne puts Zando on ropes now, and Zayne fakes the chop to twirl his hair. Fans cheer and Zando smirks. The two reset again, tie up again, and Zando headlocks. Zayne wrenches out, but Zando wrenches back to wristlock.
Zayne rolls, handsprings, wrenches and wristlocks, but Zando spins, CHOPS, and whips Zayne to a corner. Zayne reverses, runs in and back elbows! Zayne slips out to the apron and slingshot RANAS! Things keep moving, Zayne ducks ‘n’ dodges and IMPLODER KNEE DROPS down on Zando’s dropdown! Zayne then rolls to STANDING MARIPOSA! Fans fire up and Zayne smirks as he twirls his hair again. Zayne stands Zando up, Zando throws hands but Zayne bobs ‘n’ weaves to body blow! Zayne runs, but Tsuji kicks him! Zayne swings on Tsuji, but Zando reels him in, chicken wings and DODON DROP!
Archer runs in to kick Zando low! Archer reels Zando in to CLUB him, then he runs. Tsuji trips Archer, Zando basement dropkicks! Tsuji then drags Archer out to RAM him into railing! Fans fire up with Zando, and Tsuji sends Archer into more railing! Zando TOSSES Zayne out of the ring, Tsuji fires off on Archer, then CHOPS him! Tsuji holds Archer out along railing, Zando runs in, LEAP FROG ATTACK! Fans fire up while Archer falls over! Tsuji finds Zayne and stomps him, to then put him in the ring for Zando. Zando storms up, drags Zayne up and has him on ropes. Zando lifts Zayne up and Tsuji runs, to LEAP FROG ATTACK!
Zayne flops over, fans rally up, and Zando tags Tsuji. Zando & Tsuij drag Zayne up to double whip. Archer returns, Red Shoes keeps him back, Zayne ends up in the POP-UP KICK! Zando & Tsuji run, basement dropkick sandwich! Fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands. Zando exits, Tsuji digs his knees into Zayne at the ropes before a knee drop! Tsuji drags Zayne up while Archer and Zando shout at each other. Tsuji whips Zayne but reverses direction to send him into the red corner! Tsuji stomps Zayne, Zando CLUBS him, and then Zando tags in. Zando snapmares Zayne to a seated abdominal stretch! Zayne endures and the fans rally up.
Zayne reaches out, but then reaches up to drag Zando into a cradle! TWO, and Zando stomps away! Zando hits Archer, then laughs as he gets away. Zando drags Zayne back, CLUBS him, then grabs a leg. Zando steps over, then clinches, modified cobra twist! Zayne endures, hops on his one free leg, and fans rally up! Zayne reaches out, hot tag- NO, Tsuji drags Archer down and RAMS him into railing right in front of commentary! Zando wrangles Zayne to a cover, TWO! Fans cheer and Zando drags Zayne up. Zando wrenches, wristlocks, then he tags Tsuji. Tsuji BOOTS Zayne’s arm, then brings him around to ROCK with a forearm!
Fans rally up, Zayne ROCKS Tsuji back! And CHOPS! And ROCKS him again! Tsuji knees low, then wags his finger. Tsuji swings, Zayne counter punches! And again! Tsuji runs in, Zayne gets around, roll up and EDDY GORDO KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Tsuji and Zayne crawl, hot tag to Archer! Archer storms around, fires up, and BLASTS Zando! It was a fake out at first, but now he runs to ELBOW Tsuji! “Ichi!” Archer keeps moving, and ELBOWS! “Ni!” Zayne runs in, tilt-o-whirl RANA CANNONBALL! But Zando SUPERKICKS Zayne! Archer CHOPS Zando but Zando just fires up!
Zando CHOPS Archer, and Archer just smiles! Archer CHOPS back! Archer eggs Zando on so Zando CHOPS! Archer CHOPS, eggs Zando on, and fans fire up as Zando CHOPS again! They CHOP back and forth, faster and faster! Archer CHOPS Zando down! Fans fire up with the Murderhawk and he storms up. Zando swings, but into a full nelson that Archer makes into a dragon sleeper. Tsuji runs in, but gets caught! URENAGE REVERSE DDT COMBO! Archer then drags Tsuji up, shoves him to a corner, and DOUBLE CHOPS! Zayne then LEAP FROG MISSILE DROPKICKS! Archer suplexes Tsuji! Then CHOKE SLAM SAULT! Cover, TWO!!
Tsuji survives and fans fire up but Archer fires himself back up. Tag to Zayne, he goes up, but Zando GAMANGIRIS! Archer grabs Zando, but Tsuji DUMPS Archer! Tsuji then rushes the corner, but Zayne jumps and over! Zayne comes back but Tsuji BOOTS him! Tsuji goes up, but Zayne returns, NO HANDS STEINER! Fans fire up as Zando hurries in. Zayne dodges the chop but Zando blocks the chip to CHOP after all! Zando suplexes, Zayne slips free to shove, but Zando blocks the kick! Zando ducks the enziguri, wheelbarrow GERMAN SUPLEX! Archer BOOTS Zando, ripcords, and HELLICOASTERS! Fans fire up with Archer again!
Archer hauls Zando back up, reels him in, but Tsuji saves Zando from the suplex! Tsuji & Zando mug Archer, then go to double suplex! Archer fights it, he wants to double suplex, but they fight it! Zando & Tsuji try again, DOUBLE SUPLEX! All four men are down and the fans fire up again! Zando stirs, flounders out of the ring, and Tsuji rises. Tsuji tags Zando in, they get Zayne up. They double whip, hip toss and SLAM! Then SPLASH, to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Zayne hangs in there and Zando pounds the mat in frustration. The fans clap along, Tsuji & Zando get Zayne up, ANCHOR!! Cover, TWO!! Zayne survives and fans fire up again!
Zando pounds the mat some more and the fans clap along again. Tag to Tsuji, and he climbs up onto Zando’s shoulders! But Archer caches Tsuji, to CHOKE SLAM him into Zando! Then Archer fireman’s carries, Zayne runs in, ROLLING NECKBREAKER SAMOAN DROP COMBO!! Cover, Zando breaks it! Fans fire up, Archer runs in, but he doesn’t fall for the dump trick. Archer CLOBBERS Zando against ropes, then clotheslines him up and out of the ring! Fans fire up with Archer again and Zayne pounds the mat. Archer hauls Tsuji up, sets him up for Zayne, ROLLING- NO, Tsuji avoids the ax kick! Then he dodges Archer, and now Zando dumps him out!
Zayne mule kicks Tsuji, runs, but into the GENE BLAST SPEAR!!! Cover, LIJ WINS!!
Winners: Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Archer & Zayne earn 0)
Monster Sauce drops, making the top of this block really interesting! If #EverybodyDies, are their chances at the finals in danger of dying off?
As for Tsuji & Zando, Tsuji gets the mic to say, “It looks like it’s someone’s birthday today.” It’s also someone in Los Ingobernables de Japon. “HIROMU-CHAN!” Oh wait, is he even here? Well, maybe Hiromu was too busy to be here, but Tsuji hopes tonight’s win is a good birthday gift. Fans applaud that, but then Tsuji says he also has some bad news. It would seem after tonight’s penultimate-penultimate results, there mathematically isn’t a chance for Tsuji & Zando to make it to the semifinals. He asks if that’s true or not. Even commentary has to check the math on that. So then, is there a chance?
Milano is sure it’s not zero percent. Really? Pretty sure. Then there IS a chance! The fans cheer and Tsuji says that even if it seems unlikely, should they win next round, Zandokan will be LIJ! Fans cheer for that, too! Tsuji then brings up that the other day, he talked with the others and hoped Takagi & Naito wouldn’t lose today. Takagi stands up from commentary to say that he does need to get better. Well, hey, tranquilo, right? Tsuji then lets Zando say a few words. “WATASHI WA…! ZANDOKAN JUNIOR!” AKA, he is Zandokan. Fans cheer the introduction, and then he says he’s a BIG DEAL! Fans also cheer that.
Zando then shouts in Spanish, Milano asks for a translation, but Tsuji asks if they’re ready for the tournament’s home stretch. Are you ready for him and Zando to do this? VAMOS, AMIGOS!! Fans cheer, but will Gene Blast & The King of The World really make it to the end?
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 4-2, 8 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 4-2, 8 points
Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 4-2, 8 points
Bishamon: 3-2-1, 7 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 3-3, 6 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-3-1, 5 points [ELIMINATED]
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
A great round, and now with some really complex stuff at the top of the block. Monster Sauce lost to go down to 4-2 so that they’d be tied with ELP & Leo and with Taichi & Yuya. Monster Sauce VS ELP & Leo is next, and so one team will go to 5-2 with 10 points, the other will be 4-3 with 8. This scenario alone seems to be creating confusion because while commentary was not prepared to speak on who is still in this, NJPW’s official website has determined Tsuji & Zando are out despite that great main event win. Even if Tsuji & Zando beat Atlantis & Soberano next round, they’ll get to 8 points, BUT they lost to Taichi & Yuya.
And even if Taichi & Yuya lose, they’d be losing to Bishamon, who would then stand at 9 points, making THEM second place flat out. And if Taichi & Yuya win, they are in as second place, not Bishamon. So despite the moment of cheers and hope at the end of that main event, Tsuji & Zando are really just fighting for pride and apparently for Zando to become Sanada’s replacement so that LIJ maintains six members. That’d be cool stuff, but I wonder if Atlantis & Soberano being CMLL like Zando is CMLL comes into play…
My Score: 8.8/10
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