Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/23/23)
Round 9, part 1, FIGHT!
A Block gets the top of the ninth!
Best of the Super Juniors enters the ninth, and A Block gets today all to themselves! Who will be A Block’s top two going through to the semifinals?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- TJP & Great-O-Khan VS Oskar Leube & Yuto Nakashima; TJP & Khan win.
- El Desperado & Ryohei Oiwa VS Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita; Desperado & Oiwa win.
- Francesco Akira & Dan Moloney VS Clark Connors & Gedo; Akira & Moloney win.
- Six Man Tag: Kevin Knight, Master Wato & YOH VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Taichi & Taka Michinoku; Knight, Wato & Yoh win.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS Ryusuke Taguchi; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: DOUKI VS SHO; Sho wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Lio Rush VS Mike Bailey; Bailey wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Titán; Titan wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings.
Mike Bailey: 6-2, 12 points
Lio Rush: 6-2, 12 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 6-2, 12 points
Titán: 5-3, 10 points
Taiji Ishimori: 5-3, 10 points [INJURED]
TJP: 4-4, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
DOUKI: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
SHO: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
KUSHIDA: 2-6, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Ryusuke Taguchi: 0-8, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: KUSHIDA VS Ryusuke Taguchi!
This match may not matter to the standings and who heads for the semifinals, but dammit, the Timesplitter and Funky Weapon have pride on the line! Will Taguchi finally score at the last possible moment? Or will he be the very bottom of the block?
Kushida offers a handshake and fans cheer as Taguchi takes it. The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, Kushida powers Taguchi to ropes but Taguchi turns it around. The ref counts the break, Taguchi lets off and fans cheer. Kushida hurries after a leg, trips Taguchi and floats to a cover but Taguchi keeps a shoulder up. Kushida floats to a headlock, Taguchi rolls it to a cover, ONE! Kushida holds on, goes after an arm, but Taguchi goes to headscissors. Kushida fights those off to float and wrench the arm. Taguchi gets a leg, Kushida hops around, and Kushida slips free. Fans applaud as the two reset.
Taguchi and Kushida feel things out, knuckle lock, and then Kushida spins and wrenches to trip Taguchi again. Taguchi fights off the cover but Kushida shifts to go after an arm. Taguchi moves around, he ties up the legs, and Taguchi pulls back on the deathlock. Kushida reaches back, floats to a headlock and takeover, but Taguchi headscissors. Kushida kips free, Taguchi turns things around with a headlock takeover of his own. Kushida headscissors but Taguchi kips free, and the fans cheer the new standoff. Kushida and Taguchi reset again as fans rally up. They tie up, and Taguchi headlocks.
Kushida powers out but Taguchi RAMS him. They stay up, so Taguchi goes again. Kushida goes the other way, they crisscross as they run the ropes, and then Kushida drops. Taguchi hops over and comes back, they RAM shoulders. They both run, both drop, and then both dropkick! Fans fire up as both men stand. Taguchi and Kushida reset again and circle. They feel things out, Kushida drop toeholds then wrenches an arm. Kushida grinds the elbow, Taguchi rolls but Kushida CLUBS the arm! Kushida CHOPS then whips, but Taguchi holds ropes. Kushida runs in but Taguchi puts him on the apron.
Taguchi rams Kushida, then triangle jump DROPKICKS! Fans fire up and Taguchi builds speed! But Kushida avoids the sliding dropkick. Taguchi pursues as Kushida goes around the way. They both jog around, fans rally up as they keep going, and then Kushida slides in. Taguchi follows, avoids the Penalty Kick, and then drags Kushida out for OH MY GAH ANKLE! The ref reprimands, Kushida holds ropes and kicks at Taguchi. Kushida then stands, and Taguchi stops in frustration. Fans rally, Taguchi gets up and shoulders in, but into a HOVERBOARD! The ref counts, Kushida lets off at 4, and then PENALTY KICKS the arm!
Taguchi writhes out to the apron but Kushida drags him back in. Kushida wrenches the arm, for an ELBOW BREAKER! Kushida drags Taguchi around, ties up the arms and traps them in that crisscross, to then SNAP LOCK them! Taguchi endures, Kushida gets his legs, HOG TIE CRADLE! TWO!! Kushida SNAP LOCKS the arms again! Taguchi writhes, Kushida paces, and then Kushida brings Taguchi up. Kushida snapmares to scrape his soles off Taguchi’s face! Kushida cartwheels to basement dropkick! Fans fire up while Kushida covers, TWO! Kushida brings Taguchi up and has the straitjacket stretch!
Taguchi endures and fans rally up with chants of “TA-GU-CHI!” Taguchi fights up, turns the jacket onto Kushida, but Kushida turns it right back onto Taguchi! Fans continue to rally, Taguchi fights up, and Taguchi swivels and wiggles the jacket down! Taguchi steps over to put it on Kushida! But Kushida arm-drags free! Kushida runs in but into a BOOT! Taguchi runs, but into a knee! Kushida runs, but into the SOMERSAULT HIP ATTACK! Fans fire up as Kushida flops to ropes. Taguchi runs to HIP ATTACK Kushida against ropes, then goes side to side for another HIP ATTACK! And then a basement dropkick!
Kushida falls out of the ring, Taguchi triangle jump PLANCHAS! Direct hit and down goes Kushida! Fans fire up while both men are down. The ref checks, Kushida stirs and Taguchi shakes out his arms. Taguchi brings Kushida up and into the ring, and then aims from the apron. Kushida stands, Taguchi springboards, MISSILE- ARMBAR!! Kushida catches Taguchi into the armbar!! Fans fire up, Taguchi fights the hold, rolls and turns Kushida over, to LA MA- NO, Kushida rolls Taguchi up! TWO, Kushida steps through, LA MA- NO, Taguchi blocks to a cover, TWO!! Taguchi and Kushida get right up to DOUBLE LARIATS!
Fans fire up, both men get up again, and DOUBLE LARIAT again! And they’re up again! Another DOUBLE LARIAT! They want a fourth, but they both fall down first! Fans fire up again and Kushida rises. Taguchi shakes his arms, both men sit up, and they crawl for each other. Taguchi throws a forearm, but Kushida gives it back. Taguchi throws a flurry but Kushida KICKS the arm! Kushida whips, Taguchi reverses, Kushida handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Fans fire up and Kushida says it’s time! Taguchi rises, Kushida runs in, HOVERBOARD!! Taguchi stays on his feet but Kushida’s got the body scissors!
Taguchi steps, reaches, but Kushida switches sides! Taguchi tries the other way, Kushida double underhooks! But Taguchi fights out and ROCKS Kushida with a forearm! But Kushida DROPKICKS the arm! Fans fire up, Kushida runs, but into a mule kick! But Kushida PELES! Taguchi ENZIGURIS Kushida! But Kushida winds up, only for Taguchi to “homer” the fastball! And then he BODY BLOWS back! Taguchi reels Kushida in, chicken wings, DODON BUSTER!! No throne?! Fans fire up and Taguchi crawls to the cover, TWO!! Kushida survives, but OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taguchi has the ankle!
Kushida endures, fans are thunderous, and Taguchi’s butt is partially exposed!? When did that happen!? Kushida crawls, rolls, but Taguchi holds on! Then drops an elbow on the leg! The rope censors the shot but Taguchi goes booty up to lean as much as he can onto the hold! KUSHIDA TAPS!! TAGUCHI WINS!!!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by submission (gains 2 points; Kushida earns 0)
Incredible! At the last possible moment, Taguchi finally gets a win in this year’s BOSJ! Though, was that only because he returned to his Strange Style? As for Kushida, he has an uncharacteristically 2-7 finish! Will he be able to keep up in the Junior Heavyweight singles division like this?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: DOUKI VS SHO!
Another match that won’t affect the standings, but will establish a personal best! Will Japones Del Mal get to eight points? Or will the House of Torture stack the deck again?
Sho rushes back up the ramp as Doukie makes his entrance? Sho goes after him behind the curtain! And he drags… Wait, that’s not Douki, that’s Ryohei Oiwa with a Douki mask! Sho used a very Douki-pipe looking pipe to choke Oiwa, but then Sho makes the formal introductions and rings the bell himself! Sho stomps Oiwa, the ref wants him to stop because this isn’t Douki! SNAKE BITE!! Sho chokes Oiwa out, but here comes the REAL Douki! He is covered in tape just like Hiromu was a few days ago! Douki stomps away on Sho and tells Sho this is what he gets for messing around! Douki then drags Sho up as the bell officially rings!
Douki CHOKES Sho against ropes, lets off as the ref counts, and whips. Sho reverses but Douki RANAS back! Fans fire up, Douki runs in to clothesline in the corner! Douki keeps moving and he FLYING HEADBUTTS! Fans fire up with Douki while Sho bails out. Douki builds speed but Sho uses Kosei Fujita as a shield! Douki slides out, Sho slides in, and Sho comes back, but into a shoulder! Douki aims but Sho uses the ref as a shield! Douki stops the slingshot, and Sho dropkicks the legs out! Sho goes out after Douki, CHOKES him, but the ref reprimands. Sho drags Douki up, brings him around the way, and to the back part of the arena.
Sho throws Douki into the wall! And then Sho brings Douki along the backside of the bleachers, and all the way to the other corner, to CLUB Douki, and bring him into a backstage area! Douki fights back, Sho claws his eyes! Sho throws Douki in a trash bin! The ref reprimands but Sho leaves Douki in the dumpster to go back to ringside. The ref and a Young Lion help Douki out of the trash. Sho grins as he slides in the ring, and he says Douki really is trash! Fans boo and the ref reprimands, but the ring count still starts. Douki’s so far away, though! Douki crawls at 5 of 20, stands at 10, and Sho starts celebrating already.
Douki is back down the aisle at 14, reaches ringside at 16 and slides in at 17! Fans cheer but Sho stands on Douki’s hand! Sho bends the fingers! The ref reprimands and count, and Sho stops at 4. Sho then stomps Douki down, stands on his face, and makes it a cover. TWO as Douki still has fight in him! Sho taunts Douki, and Douki throws forearms! Sho rakes the eyes! The ref reprimands, but Sho wrenches an arm, brings Douki down, and kicks, KICKS and SUPER- NO, Douki blocks! But Sho rakes eyes! The ref counts, Sho whips Douki to a corner. Sho runs in but Douki BOOTS him! Douki goes up and FLYING HEADBUTTS!
Fans fire up and Sho crawls to a corner. Fans rally, Douki runs in, and he clotheslines! Douki keeps running, springboards and back elbows! Fans fire up more and Douki runs, DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Douki keeps cool and he drags Sho back up. Douki hooks the arms, Gory Especial, but Sho fights that off and bends fingers! Then Sho spins Douki, but Douki fights the lift. Douki runs, Sho brings him in, but Douki breaks free to ENZIGURI! Fans fire up again and Douki runs, but Sho uses the ref as a shield again! Douki pushes the ref aside but Sho blocks the kick! And rakes the eyes!
Sho then pretends Douki gave him a low blow! Douki defends his innocence, but Sho KNEES Douki into the ref! Fans boo as Douki and the ref are down, and Sho gets his ‘”torture tool!” Sho aims at Douki, but Douki has his pipe!! Fans fire up and cheer on Douki as he winds up! Sho says fine, swings, but Douki dodges! Douki swings, Sho dodges, but then Douki blocks the wrench attack! Sho’s hands hurt and he drops the wrench, then Douki JAMS Sho with the pipe! Fans fire up, Douki puts Sho in a drop zone and he climbs up top. Fans rally, Douki DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! But into the ITALIAN STRETCH #32!
Fans fire up as Douki pulls on Sho’s arms! Sho fights over, reaches out, but Douki drags him away, ITALIAN STRETCH!! Fans fire up as Sho starts fading! But EVIL is here! Evil claims he wants to throw in the towel, but the ref doesn’t trust that. Douki lets Sho go to shout at Evil. Evil says okay, okay, he’ll leave. But Sho is untying a buckle pad! A remix on the Bullet Club Special, and Douki runs in to hit bare buckles! Sho clotheslines Douki in, then tucks the arms! STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Douki survives and fans fire up! Sho is furious but then he aims his bow. Sho drags Douki up and reels him in.
Sho tucks the arms and brings Douki up again, but Douki slips free to trip and jackknife stack! TWO!! Sho escapes, runs, but Douki BOOTS him! Douki goes to the apron, HELL STABS, and even mule kicks Evil! DAYBREAK!! Fans are thunderous for Douki and he powers up! Douki wheelbarrows Sho in for SUPLEX DE LA LUNA!! Bridging cover, but YUJIRO TAKAHASHI drags the ref out! Evil fakes the count, and he makes Douki think he’s won! Douki turns arounds to see Evil! Fans boo and tell Evil & Yujiro to go home. Douki rushes in but into EVERYTHING- NO, Douki slips around to waistlock!
But Yujiro CLUBS Douki! Douki ROCKS Yujiro! And ROCKS Evil! But Yujiro LOW BLOWS Douki! EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Fans boo as Evil drags Sho over to the cover. The Tokyo Pimp fetches the ref, he counts, Sho wins!
Winner: Sho, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Douki earns 0)
Sho wins but he needed even more members of the House to do it! Is this how Evil & Yujiro are going to get the IWGP Heavyweight & NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships?
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Lio Rush VS Mike Bailey!
The Bad Child and Speedball both stand at 6-2 and 12 points. No matter what, the winner here moves on to the semifinals! Will Lio make this Mike’s Final Hour? Or is there no stopping Mike’s momentum?
The bell rings and fans rally up. Lio and Mike circle, then approach. Mike offers a handshake, Lio takes it, and fans cheer the sportsmanship. Mike and Lio talk a bit, perhaps about respect but each still being the one to win. The two take fighting stances, then things speed up! Mike follows Lio to drop but Lio hops over. Lio avoids the boot, redirects before the chop and then again before another boot! Mike keeps pursuing, triangle jumps but Lio avoids the kick! Mike dodges Lio now, handsprings over, and then hurdles! Lio leaps over and Mike kips up to arm-drag! Lio bails out, Mike goes up and out, and the two stand off on the apron!
Fans fire up and the ref wants this in the ring. Mike and Lio strike stances again! Mike blocks, Lio blocks, Lio ducks the kicks, then shoves Mike back. Lio runs to swing around the post?! Mike pursues as best he can, they get in the ring, but then Lio slides out! Mike follows, they go around the outside, Lio makes Mike think he’s going back in, then goes back up as Mike hops down! Lio mule kicks Mike and then ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit and fans fire up for “LIO! LIO!” Lio has them get louder, then he drags Mike into the ring. Mike scrambles to the far side, Lio runs in, and he blocks a kick to SLAP Mike!
Lio eggs Mike on, so Mike comes back. Mike blocks a kick, flips Lio, and Lio bobs ‘n’ weaves to avoid strikes! Lio whips, Mike reverses, Lio reverses back but so does Mike! Lio goes up the ropes to springboard and arm-drags Mike away! Mike comes back and KICKS Lio down! Fans fire up and Mike goes to a corner. Lio rises, Mike storms up on him and wrenches an arm. Mike UPPERCUTS the arm, CLUBS the arm, wrenches the arm, and KICKS Lio back down! Fans fire up again and Mike covers, TWO! DOUBLE KNEE DROP! Fans continue to fire up, Lio goes to a corner, and Mike CHOPS him!
Mike whips corner to corner, Lio slides to a stop, but Mike blocks his boot to CHOP him again! Fans stay fired up and Mike whips corner to corner. Lio reverses, Mike stops himself, but Lio goes Matrix to duck a kick! Lio comes back into a SOBAT! AX KICK! And ROUNDHOUSE! Fans are still fired up, and Mike SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Lio is still in this and fans continue to rally. Mike keeps his focus as Lio goes to ropes. Lio stands, Mike KICKS his leg out! Mike stalks Lio, KICKS his leg again, then waits on Lio to sit up. Lio ducks the buzzsaw, and the other buzzsaw, but the lightning kicks and ENZIGURI hit!
Fans fire up and Lio sits back up. Mike aims, but Lio blocks the buzzsaw to fisherman, SPINNING BUSTER! Mike bails out, Lio builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and the Young Lions keep fans safe! Lio gets going again, to DIVE again! Another direct hit! Fans fire up and Lio goes back in. Lio builds speed but Mike gets up, so Lio HANDSPRING KICKS him! Lio keeps moving, builds more speed, and DIVES!! Direct hit for a hat trick! Lio drags Mike up, puts him in, and fans rally up. Lio climbs a corner, but Mike rises up! Mike climbs but Lio throws hands! Mike staggers away, but he comes back!
Lio gets away to another corner! Mike rushes over, but Lio goes back to the first corner. Mike rushes over again but Lio hops down to yank Mike down! Lio then jumps in, but Mike avoids the lariat! Mike goes to the apron, ROUNDHOUSES Lio down, and Lio flops to the floor! Fans rally up, Mike goes up the corner, DOUBLE JUMP TORNILLO! Direct hit and fans fire up again! Fans rally for “BAILEY! BAILEY!” now and a ring count starts. Mike rises at 5 of 20, drags Lio up at 10 and puts him in at 11. Fans cheer, Mike stalks Lio, and Mike brings Lio up. Mike suplexes, puts Lio on the ropes, and KICKS him!
Fans fire up as Mike KICKS Lio more! Mike then goes to the corner, climbs, and GUILLOTINE KNEE DROPS!! Fans are thunderous while Lio crashes down! Mike brings Lio up, puts him on the top rope, and tucks him in! FLAMINGO- NO, Lio sunset flips it! TWO!! Mike pushes Lio through, steps over, ARMBAR!! Lio endures, clasps hands, but Mike clubs away! Lio fights around, stacks Mike, TWO! Mike stands to MOONSAULT KNEE DROP!! And back to the ARMBAR!! Lio flails, reaches out, and scrambles over to the ROPEBREAK! Mike lets go quickly but Lio clutches his shoulder.
Fans rally, Mike waits on Lio to rise, and he KICKS Lio right back down! Fans continue to rally and Mike waits on Lio. Lio stands, staggers around, and Mike KICKS him back down! Fans fire up more as Mike waits on Lio again. Lio rises, Mike KICKS him down again! But Lio roars as he sits up! But Mike KICKS him, and MOONSAULT KNEE- NO, Lio dodges! Mike clutches his knees and fans rally up. Lio throws forearms on Mike, but Mike hits back! Lio throws another, and they go forehead to forehead. Mike throws forearm after forearm, and fans rally up. Lio jumps up! But Mike ducks the heel kick!
Mike SOBATS! AX KICKS! But Lio LARIATS!! Fans are thunderous again as Lio goes to a corner. Lio tunes up a la Yoh, but Mike blocks the kick with a kick! Mike BOOTS, HEEL KICKS, but Lio HEEL KICKS back! Both men are down and the fans stay fired up! Lio goes back to a corner, waits on Mike to rise, and Mike goes to the far corner. Lio runs in, but into a BOOT! THRUST KICK! Lio staggers, Mike takes aim now, TATSUMAKI- SPEAR!! Lio shouts out The All Mighty but it was double-edged given his bad shoulder. Mike bails out, fans rally, and Lio goes out, too. They stare down from across the ring, and go around the side.
Fans fire up as the two run in! Lio ducks the Rider Kick! Mike comes back, but into a SPANISH FLY to the floor! Lio puts Mike in, hurries up the corner, and he drags Mike up to join him. Lio positions himself to have Mike up, for a SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Mike survives and fans are thunderous again! Lio and Mike stir, and Lio kips up! Lio goes to a corner, tunes up fast, and Mike rises into the SUPERKICK!! Lio hurries back to the corner, goes up top again, for the FINAL HOUR into a boot! Mike drags Lio into a cradle, TWO!! Lio escapes but Mike goes to a corner! Lio runs in, blocks a boot but not the ENZIGURI!
Mike goes up, ULTIMA- NO, Lio moves! More damage to knees! Lio steps over but Mike rolls him up! TWO!! BASEMENT ENZIGURI! Lio runs, springboards, RUSH HOUR!! Lio hurries up top while Mike is down! Fans are thunderous for the FINAL HOUR, but he FLOPS as Mike moves!! Mike goes forehead to forehead with Lio, they stand up, and they both fire up! Lio avoids one spin but the TATSUMAKI SENPUKKU still hits!! Mike then puts Lio up, tucks and lifts! Lio fights with fists, but Mike still hits the FLAMINGO DRIVER!!! Cover, Mike wins!!
Winner: Mike Bailey, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Lio earns 0)
The Speedball makes it through, this is NOT his Final Hour! Who joins him in representing the A Block? We find out in the main event!
Best of the Super Juniors 30, A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Titán!
For just a moment in this tournament, it looked as if the Ticking Timebomb wasn’t going to make the cut. But just as expected from the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, he’s fought his way back up! But just as with Lio VS Mike, the winner will be the one moving on! Will Hiromu keep his four-peat dream alive? Or will El Inmortal never say die?
Because this is an LIJ VS LIJ match, Tetsuya Naito appears! He lets Red Shoes check him before he joins commentary. Hiromu’s picture diary entry for Titan is something about being the new kid in LIJ. Hiromu is surprised to see Naito, though. As such, he presents Naito the diary! And then Naito drops it! Hiromu asks what the heck. Naito picks it up and apologizes. Titan looks at the entry now, is he surprised by it? Titan offers the LIJ fist bump, Hiromu accepts it, and fans applaud. The bell rings and fans rally up for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” as they circle. The two tie up, break, then tie up again.
Hiromu waistlocks, Titan spins through to facelock, but Hiromu wrenches out. Titan spins, headlocks, but Hiromu powers him down to a headlock on the mat. Titan rolls, slips free, wristlocks, and then brings Hiromu up to wrench. Hiromu spins through, loops and kicks low. Hiromu whips, Titan reverses, but Hiromu denies the tornado DDT! Hiromu rushes in but Titan sweeps the legs! Cover, ONE! Hiromu sweeps, covers, ONE! Titan kips up and fans fire up! Hiromu and Titan reset and fans rally. The two circle, Hiromu offers a handshake, so Titan takes it. Then Hiromu CHOPS! Titan CHOPS back!
Hiromu CHOPS, Titan CHOPS, and they go back and forth! Titan SOBATS! Titan wrenches and whips, Hiromu reverses but Titan goes up and over and rolls back! Titan blocks a chop, knuckle locks and CHOPS, then he goes up the ropes, tightrope walks, jumps and FLYING RANAS! Fans fire up, Titan gets moving, but Hiromu puts him on the apron. Titan GAMANGIRIS, but Hiromu shoulders in! Hiromu runs, but Titan catches him with a body scissors! Fans fire up as Titan brings Hiromu out to the floor! Titan then goes up, but Hiromu gets under! Titan holds on, but Hiromu brings him off the apron!
Titan goes to rana, but Hiromu blocks! Hiromu brings Titan up, to APRON POWERBOMB! Not the sunset flip but it may’ve done just as much damage! Fans rally and Hiromu gets up. Hiromu fetches Titan, puts him in the ring at 9 of 20, then covers. ONE!! Titan still has a lot of fight in him, but Hiromu drags Titan up. Hiromu CHOPS Titan to a corner, CHOPS again, then whips corner to corner. Hiromu runs in to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hiromu brings Titan around and wraps on the headscissors squeeze! Titan kicks around, reaches out, and fans rally as he scoots forward, to the ROPEBREAK!
Hiromu lets go quickly, brings Titan up and whips, but Titan reverses. Hiromu holds ropes, BOOTS Titan back, then BOOTS again! Hiromu brings Titan around to snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Hiromu eggs Titan on. Titan stands to throw a forearm but Hiromu keeps egging him on. Titan throws more forearms, but Hiromu CHOPS! Hiromu whips, Titan holds ropes, and Titan BOOTS Hiromu! Titan runs but into an elbow! Hiromu whips, Titan reveres, Hiromu swings but Titan goes Matrix! And then CALF KICKS! Fans fire up again and both men rise. Titan roars, runs, but Hiromu puts him on the apron.
Hiromu swings, Titan counter punches and then springboards to CROSSBODY! Titan DROPKICKS Hiromu out! Titan runs to DIVE! Direct hit and the Young Lions protect fans! Both Hiromu and Titan are down but the fans rally up. Titan rises and he stands over Hiromu. Titan brings Hiromu up and into the ring, then drags him around by a leg. Titan stomps the leg, hooks it, and rolls into the TRAILER HITCH! Fans rally as Hiromu endures! Hiromu crawls, reaches out, claws his way over, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Titan lets off quickly. Titan storms up on Hiromu, but Hiromu throws a forearm!
Titan brings Hiromu up, Hiromu throws another forearm! Titan tries again but Hiromu throws another forearm! The forearms go back and forth, Titan hitting a bit harder than Hiromu. Hiromu still throws another forearm, but Titan fires off fast palm strikes, kicks and a SOBAT! Titan runs, but Hiromu follows to ELBOW him! Hiromu runs, but then fakes Titan to ELBOW again! Hiromu whips, but Titan reverses, only for Hiromu to block the DDT! FALCON ARROW! But Hiromu’s too tired to make the cover! Fans rally up, Hiromu hobbles over, and he brings Titan up. Fireman’s carry, CORNER DEATH VALLEY!
Fans fire up with Hiromu and he brings Titan up again. But Titan fireman’s carries! Titan throws Hiromu to the apron! Hiromu stands, ducks the haymaker and throws Titan by his mask! Titan kips up to PELE! Hiromu falls to the floor and fans fire up as Titan builds speed! Titan FLIES! Direct hit and the Young Lions get wiped out, too! Fans fire up more while Red Shoes checks them both. Hiromu and Titan stir so the ring count starts. Titan rises at 6 of 20, brings Hiromu up at 13 and puts him in at 15. Fans rally, Titan powers up, and Titan springboards! Hiromu moves, Titan rolls out of the stomps, but runs into a fireman’s carry! DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO!
Titan sputters and Hiromu is frustrated, but Hiromu brings Titan up to a fireman’s carry. Titan fights it, throws some elbows, but Hiromu throws him to a dragon sleeper! Titan spins around but Hiromu suplexes! Titan throws knees, gets free, but Hiromu kicks low. Hiromu runs but into the TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up, Titan gets the legs and hooks Hiromu up, JAVE INMORTAL!! Hiromu flails, fights the chinlock, but Titan keeps fighting for it! Titan has to bridge back up, and he pulls at hair! Hiromu keeps fighting Titan’s grip, fans rally up, and Titan knuckle locks an arm to chinbar! Hiromu breaks that to get the ROPEBREAK!
Titan undoes the hold and the fans fire up. Titan pounds the mat and the fans rally up behind him. Titan goes to the apron, springboards, but Hiromu catches him to a fireman’s carry! TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu fires up and he demands Titan to get up. Titan rises, Hiromu runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! And then dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, but Titan victory rolls it! TWO, and Titan steps through! Hiromu cradles, TWO!! Fans fire up as both men get to opposite corners. Hiromu runs in, into a SUPERKICK!! Fans are thunderous as Titan pounds the mat and goes to the corner.
Hiromu is in another corner, Titan roars and runs in, LOCO LARIAT! Hiromu staggers, Titan goes up a corner! Titan leaps to DIVING NDOUBLE STOMPS!! Hiromu sputters, flounders and writhes as he clutches his chest! Titan roars again and he gets the legs! JAVE INMORTAL!!! Hiromu is caught!! Fans are thunderous, Hiromu reaches but Titan keeps pulling him backward! Titan thrashes, Hiromu claws at the mat, but HIROMU TAPS! TITAN WINS!!!
Winner: Titán, by submission (gains 2 points; Hiromu earns 0)
El Inmortal just defeated the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion!! Everyone is shocked as Hiromu WON’T make the semifinals, meaning he WON’T have a chance at a four-peat! Hiromu’s larger dream of having a decade of BOSJ trophies dies already! But he shows Titan respect for the win here with a fist bump.
As for Titan, he gets the mic, and in Espanol, he says, “Firstly, all thanks to the Almighty God.” Naito tries to trick Japanese commentary into thinking Titan thanked him, but they known well enough that wasn’t the case. Titan then says, “Buenos noches, fans of NJPW! Beunos noches. To those who supported me tonight and all league long, good evening to all the fans of Los Ingobernables de Japon!” Fans cheer that, but Naito keeps trying to take credit for all this. Titan says he’s been working hard in both Japan and Mexico, “But I’m ready for what’s next, thanks to God’s grace. And also thanks to the support from all of you.
“This victory and league aren’t just for me. It’s for the Lord and for all of you!” Fans cheer that, and Naito stays quiet to let Titan have his moment here. Titan then says in Japanese, “Thank you very much!” Fans cheer that best of all, and Titan takes a bow. Will Titan soon have the spotlight all to himself in the semifinals and then become THE Best of the Super Juniors?
Here are the FINAL A Block standings!
Mike Bailey: 7-2, 14 points [SEMIFINALIST]
Titán: 6-3, 12 points [SEMIFINALIST]
Hiromu Takahashi: 6-3, 12 points [ELIMINATED]
Lio Rush: 6-3, 12 points [ELIMINATED]
Taiji Ishimori: 5-4, 10 points [INJURED]
TJP: 5-4, 10 points [ELIMINATED]
SHO: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
DOUKI: 3-6, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
KUSHIDA: 2-7, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-8, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
A great ninth round for A Block here, with a handful of matches from B Block just to fill time. I of course skipped those, but I’m sure they were all really good. On paper, I could’ve skipped the first two A Block matches because all those guys were out, but it was still great fun seeing those matches. I should’ve figured Taguchi finally gets a win, and he ends up using a hybrid fighting style because while his serious style kept up with Kushida, it was butt-cheek-showing Taguchi that finished it. Douki VS Sho was also pretty good for more of the clever House of Torture cheating. I was wondering where Yujiro was, and here he is! This cheat helps Sho win but also gives a touch of momentum to Evil & Yujiro going into Dominion and the vacated double tag title match.
And of course, awesome stuff from the top four guys to get into the semifinals. I am grateful to modern technology for allowing us to pause videos and go back, because Lio VS Mike were just so, so fast. And the main event, Hiromu VS Titan, was equally awesome, and what a great shocker that Titan wins out! This is an awesome moment for both Mike and Titan, and Titan had a great closing promo, especially as I think this was his first time closing out the show. I believe this is also the first time a Mexican wrestler advances in the Best of the Super Juniors since Dr. Wagner Jr. in 1998, another great detail about this choice. I really hope Titan gets in to the finals, but we’ll have to wait and see who is coming in from B Block to know his chances.
My Score: 8.9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Will Eddy Thorpe continue to game the system?
Eddy Thorpe cried wolf, but he still got his shot at the NXT Championship. Will Trick Williams make Eddy regret tricking everyone into feeling sorry for him?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Axiom w/ Nathan Frazer VS Oba Femi; Oba wins.
- Sol Ruca & Zaria VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson; win.
- Jaida Parker VS Wren Sinclair; wins.
- NXT Tag Team Championships: Nathan Frazer & Axiom VS Gallus; wins and
- NXT Championship: Trick Williams VS Eddy Thorpe; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
Axiom w/ Nathan Frazer VS Oba Femi!
The Undeniable Truth oddly thought he could teach The Ruler a lesson for brutalizing Nathan Frazer and the rest of the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge field, which is why he asked for this match. The irony is that Frazer asked for the NXT Tag Team Championship match we’ll be seeing later tonight! Will Axiom even survive the start of the show to join Frazer in that defense? Or will Oba be unstoppable on his way to New Year’s Evil?
The bell rings and Axiom stares Oba down. They feel things out, Axiom kicks at Oba, but Oba shrugs that off. The fans sing, “Oba’s gonna kill~ you!” Oba grabs at Axiom, Axiom kicks and scurries away, but Oba keeps after him. Axiom slips around to waistlock but Oba throws Axiom right off! Oba storms up on Axiom, knuckle locks with him, and powers Axiom into the corner. The ref counts, Oba lets off, and Axiom resets. The fans rally, the two circle, and Axiom kicks! And KICKS! Oba blocks a kick and he RAMS Axiom into a corner! The ref counts, Oba lets off slowly, but then Axiom CHOPS! Axiom dodges and CHOPS again!
Axiom eggs Oba on, the two circle again, and they knuckle lock. Oba blocks a kick, he trips Axiom, but Axiom kicks free. Axiom goes to ropes, Oba runs up, and Axiom holds the ropes down! But Oba stops from being dumped out! Oba stomps Axiom, then whips him to ropes. Axiom ducks ‘n’ dodges, goes up, but Oba CHOPS him on the back! Axiom flops to the outside while fans fire up and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Oba throws hands with Axiom. Oba CLUBS Axiom, then CLUBS him down! Axiom crawls but Oba CLUBS him again! Oba brings Axiom up, but Axiom blocks the shot! Axiom fights up, but Oba knees low! Axiom goes to a corner, Oba runs up, and Axiom BOOTS Oba away! Axiom tries again but Oba blocks, and Oba CHOPS! Oba puts Axiom up top, but Axiom fires hands! Axiom kicks Oba away, adjusts position, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Oba stumbles and falls back, but he gets to his feet. Axiom KICKS Oba’s leg again and again, then runs, to KICK it again! Axiom keeps moving, but Oba LARIATS Axiom inside-out! Cover, TWO!
Oba is annoyed but the fans rally up. Oba drags Axiom to his feet, just to YANK the bad arm! Oba YANKS the arm again, then CHOPS Axiom off his feet! Frazer is wincing as Axiom sits up in a daze. Oba brings Axiom up, wrenches, but Axiom SLAPS him! Oba swings, but into an ARMBAR- NO, Oba stays up! Oba deadlifts Axiom, puts him in a corner, and CHOPS again and again and again! Axiom flops down, the fans are torn, but Oba smiles all the same. Oba dares Axiom to get up, and Axiom stands to CHOP! And KICK! But Oba CHOPS Axiom down! Axiom rises, the fans rally, and Axiom fires fast hands!
Axiom KICKS but Oba CHOPS him down again! Axiom gets up and he roars! Axiom fires more shots, then dodges Oba’s to DROPKICK! Oba staggers, Axiom runs, and Axiom dropkicks the legs out! The fans fire up and Axiom runs up to BUZZSAW! Oba flops over, Axiom covers, ONE!! Oba is seething as he rises, but Axiom BUZZSAWS, SUPERKICKS, and covers, TWO! Oba rolls to get Axiom right up! But Axiom RANAS in return! Cover, TWO!! Oba escapes but Axiom CALF KICKS Oba down! The fans fire up as Axiom rolls to ropes. Axiom rises, goes to the apron and then up the corner. Axiom aims again, MISSILE DROPKICK!
Axiom kips up and the fans fire up! Axiom aims from a corner, runs up, GOLDEN- SHOTPUT!! Oba turns things right around, and he storms right up on Axiom! FALL FROM GRACE!! Cover, Oba wins!
Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall
A valiant effort from Axiom, but the Iron Survivor is rolling on towards his golden opportunity. Will Oba do the same to whoever is NXT Champion come New Year’s Evil? Will Fraxiom be able to make it out of Lowell, Massachusetts still the NXT Tag Team Champions?
Backstage interview with Eddy Thorpe.
Sarah Schreiber is with the Alpha Wolf and says Eddy shocked the world when he admitted to staging an attack to take himself out of the Iron Survivor Challenge, only to get an NXT Championship match tonight against Trick Williams. What does he have to say for himself? Eddy says he is BRILLIANT. For all the know-it-alls out there, Eddy fooled everyone! And they want to say, “Eddy, how could you do that?!” Save it. If it was anyone else, they’d be called a mastermind or a genius. But Eddy does it, he’s a cheater?
Ava Raine storms in and she tells Eddy that he can spin it however he wants, but we all know Eddy took a shortcut. Unfortunately, the contract is signed, it is binding, and this match is happening. Eddy says it must hurt to take the blame for something you didn’t do. Do you know how many times Eddy was told, “Work smarter, not harder.” That’s all he did. Eddy wouldv’e gotten screwed in the Iron Survivor anyways. So call him whatever you want, but by the end of the night, you will call him the NEW NXT Champion! Eddy heads out, will he get what he wants? Or only what he deserves?
Karmen Petrovic talked with Dion Lennox.
She isn’t sure what to do about Ashante THEE Adonis. Dion says they’re friends, yeah? So as friends, he will say that her match with Nikkita Lyons, that was Adonis genuinely trying to help. He literally brought her flowers before the match and… Maybe she should apologize. Karmen says that’s true. She doesn’t know what it is, but she just gets so defensive around him. She will go apologize. She thanks him and they hug it out, but then Adonis walks over. Adonis misunderstands now and both Karmen and Dion defend it isn’t what it looks like. Adonis says why does he even try! Was that “just a hug?” Should he go hug all the other girls?
Robert Stone and Stevie Turner both see this, and they both get an idea, so they both head out. Adonis says the crazy thing is, he cut Nikkita off. But he might just text her now. And don’t even try to explain, Dion. Adonis storms off, Dion realizes he is stuck in the middle of this drama, and he has had it! He will just go back to reading books and minding his own business. But just how will this love story of Adonis and Karmen sort out?
Sol Ruca & Zaria VS Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson!
Speaking of the Iron Survivor Challenge, two women who were in it but didn’t win it are having to face a couple haters who think they would’ve done better. Will Ruca and the Agent of Change snatch some souls? Or will the Meta Girls make them slam on the brakes?
NXT returns and the Meta Girls make their entrance. The teams sort out and Jakara starts against Sol, and SHOTGUNS her right down! Jakara rains down fists, then brings Sol up. Jakara ROCKS Sol, whips her, then runs in, but Sol catches her! Sol spins around with Miss Jackson before the FACEBUSTER! Sol stands on Jakara, and she uses her to surf! Then she hops off to SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Sol brings Jakara up and around, but Jakara fires body shots! Jakara backs Sol down, tags Lash, and they whip to drop toehold and ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Lash clamps onto Sol with a waistlock and she thrashes her around!
Lash SLAMS Sol, brings her back up, but Sol switches. They go to ropes, Lash bucks the O’Conner but Sol kips up to ROCK Lash! Lash goes to a corner, Sol runs up, but Lash dumps her to the apron! Sol slingshots back in to CODE BREAKER! Lash staggers, Sol runs up again, but Lash picks Sol up! Lash TOSSES Sol, but Sol is closer to her corner! The fans fire up as Sol tags in Zaria! Lash and Zaria stare down and circle. Lash pushes first, then they tie up. Zaria whips Lash away but Lash RAMS her! Zaria comes back to RAM Lash! Lash rebounds to RAM Zaria, but Zaria dodges the boot! Zaria fireman’s carries, but Lash fights free!
Lash clamps onto Zaria’s neck, CHOKE- NO, Zaria slips free and kicks low! Zaria reels Lash in, but Lash fights the suplex! Zaria fires hands, but Lash still fights! Lash wrenches and scoops, and the fans fire up as Lash spins and SLAMS! Lash runs, but Zaria avoids the splash! Tag to Sol, and Zaria sends her in, Sol RANAS Lash out! Jakara runs up, Sol SUPERKICKS her! Sol goes up a corner while Zaria fireman’s carries Jakara! Sol & Zaria work together for Sol to STAND on Jakara, HIGH TIDE CROSSBODY onto Lash! The fans go nuts, but then Zaria adds on by THROWING Jakara onto Lash! Sol & Zaria stand tall while NXT goes to break!
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Will Finn & JD (not) survive The War Raiders?
The Judgment Day survived Erik & Ivar last time, but now Finn & JD must defend the World Tag Team Championships without any help! Will the Prince lose everything tonight?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker VS Ludwig Kaiser; Bron wins and retains the title.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Raquel Rodriguez VS Kayden Carter VS Zoey Stark; Zoey wins and advances to the next round.
- WWE World Tag Team Championships: Finn Balor & JD McDonagh VS The War Raiders; The War Raiders win and become the new WWE World Tag Team Champions.
PLAY BY PLAY
CM Punk is here!
Boston, Massachusetts fires up as the Best in the World makes his way out, and he says, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!” Punk high-fives fans on the ramp and in the front row as he makes his way to the ring. Punk grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, but he says careful, some people might get mad when you chant his name. “Not to call attention to people that don’t matter, but somebody that might get mad is the brave guy in the New York jersey over here.” The fans boo that man, but Punk says it takes balls to show up in Boston wearing a New York anything. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves!
“Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Boston or what?” The fans cheer that! Punk says he has to be honest, though, he’s feeling a little low. He is in a bit of a bad mood. Two weeks ago, in this ring, face to face, Punk told Seth Rollins, after Rollins said he spends a lot of time thinking of Punk, that Punk told Rollins he doesn’t think of Rollins at all! But over the course of the past two weeks, his mind did wander back to Rollins, and that put Punk in a bad mood. Because Rollins is right: Whatever this is between them, as much as Punk wants to sidestep it, put it in the past, even completely avoid it, it’s only a matter of time before they lock up in this ring.
Punk is also upset because something he very much enjoy doing, which is coming to this ring, mic in hand, and talking to his people, will always be overshadowed by the fact that every time he does it, he knows at some point… “That stupid music is going to hit.” Fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH!” and Punk says yeah, that’s the one. And Rollins is gonna tiptoe on out here in those stupid clogs like the Purple Pie Man from Porcupine Peak, laughing and looking like Liberace. And no, for the sensitive types, that’s not an insult. Punk happens to think Liberace is cool as Hell. What he’s saying, Seth, if you wanna interrupt him before he says it…
Rollins may wear Elton John’s sunglasses, that doesn’t make Rollins Elton John. And just because Rollins grew up idolizing Punk, putting on a pair of wrestling boots does not make you CM Punk! The fans chant for Punk and Punk says Rollins came out here, with a straight face, and told us all Punk “ghosted” him. And that’s true. But Punk isn’t going to litigate the past. HE looks to the future. And “lil’ bro” Rollins isn’t that future, but it seems they’re on a collision course. Rollins wants to paint a picture that Punk is bad. Fine, Punk will be the bad guy. Boston, show of hands: Have you ever been “the bad guy” in your life?
C’mon, now. Boston Bad Boys? Bean Town? Where are ya? Punk owns being the bad guy, but that’s because there’s no such thing as a bad student, just bad teachers. Rollins is CM Punk’s failure. That 16-year-old kid that wanted training, Punk will do it all over again. So if Rollins wants to interrupt, Punk will give Rollins that free lesson he wanted. But hold on, ladies and gentlemen. If Rollins wants to give Punk some shoes to fill, he will fill them. The bad news is, the last guy who did that was Drew McIntyre. Ask yourself the question: Are you tougher than Drew McIntyre? You might think you are, but Boston knows that you’re not!
And one think Punk knows beyond the shadow of a doubt: There’s not enough staples to put Rollins back together after Punk’s done with him. Oh, that doesn’t piss him off enough? Well, here’s something that will. It is the same thing that’s pissed Rollins off the 7 YEARS Punk was gone from here. It is hearing that during Rollins’ time, the world chant Punk’s name! The fans loudly chant “C M PUNK!” but then Rollins joins in! Where is he, though? Punk looks, a spotlight finds him, and Rollins is up in the bleachers! Rollins gets the fans to keep going while he goes step by step.
Rollins says, “Life is about perspective! And I thought, maybe if I came out here, I saw you the way these people see you, it might give me a new perspective. It might make me feel differently about who you are. So if you don’t mind, lemme take a good, hard look here.” Rollins squints as he looks at the ring. No, even from way out here, Punk’s still an a-hole. The fans go nuts hearing that and Punk says while he’s overjoyed Rollins didn’t come out here with that stupid song, this is the first time where Rollins is coming from the right spot. He belongs in the audience with the rest of the fans!
Oh, Punk thinks this embarrasses Rollins? It doesn’t embarrass him to be with the people. Rollins is a fan, he will always be a fan of WWE, even when Punk abandoned WWE and hoped it would die without him. Rollins put WWE on his back and made it stronger than it ever was! If anyone’s embarrassed, it is Punk! Because this “Fan” has more WrestleMania main events than Punk ever will! And that is FACT, Phil! Punk storms out of the ring, and he meets Rollins at the barrier! They brawl and the fans fire up! Rollins RAMS Punk, Punk turns things around, but producers rush out here, along with security and refs!
Boston wants to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Punk LEAPS off barriers to get at Rollins! They scrap on the ground, Adam Pearce gets them separate, and the fans boo. But Rollins breaks free to LEAP off the steps! They brawl more, Punk and Rollins are fuming, but then they go into the ring! They throw hands fast ‘n’ furious, and the fans love it! Refs and producers hurry in there but Boston still wants to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Punk is dragged out of the ring, Rollins is kept inside, but Punk grabs a chair! Rollins gets out, Punk drops the chair, Rollins picks up the chair, and producers continue to herd Punk away.
The fans boo but we all know this is inevitable. Wait, Rollins leaps over barriers to cut Punk off at the pass! The fans are thunderous as the fists fly again! Pearce only has so many refs and producers to stop this, and it takes them and the security to get these two to finally stop. Punk has Boston on his side, but will we see this go down in the near future?
Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.
Finn Balor still seethes over his Saturday Night’s Main Event loss, but Liv Morgan says she listened to Finn, and she did win! But why didn’t it work for Finn himself? Finn is just wondering where they all were on Saturday when he was left 2v1! Aren’t they a team? Liv says the group believed in him, they didn’t he needed the help. Plus, JD was focusing on the War Raiders, as he was asked. And well, Liv isn’t trying to tell Finn what to do, but Finn should try doing the same. The rest of the group is banned from ringside tonight, after all. But hey, don’t worry, Finn & JD have everything under control just like always, right?
And just like Raquel has her Triple Threat under control tonight. Because when we listen to Finn, we win. So, so much luck to Finn & JD! They’re gonna kill it! Finn thanks Liv for that, and Liv says she has something special for Dom & Raquel, let’s go get it. They head out, and Finn is back to seething. Will The Prince and his Irish Ace be able to survive with their gold? Or will it be lil’ sis Liv that holds all the power in the clubhouse?
Seth Rollins storms around backstage.
But Adam Pearce tells him to stop walking away from him. What was that out there?! What does Pearce mean, what was that? Pearce should listen to ROLLINS for once! He wants this fight! He wants the world to see this is the biggest fight they can put on! Pearce knows what to do, so he needs to make it happen stat! Pearce says if the two of them would stop trying to pull each other’s eyes out for ten minutes, maybe he could! Just give it a rest so Pearce can do his job! Yeah, do your job, Pearce! DO YOUR JOB! Pearce laves, but McIntyre steps in.
McIntyre says Rollins once told him, when it comes to Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, he just needed to “get over it.” Not so easy when it’s staring you in the face, is it? Did Rollins hear what Roman had to say last Friday? Once Roman vanquishes Solo Sikoa, the world will have no choice but to once again acknowledge him. Roman is the same person. Everyone is fooled except Rollins and McIntyre. And they both know that everyone enabling Roman needs to be taken out. That includes Jey, Sami, Jimmy, and ends with Roman. Rollins laughs and says yeah, McIntyre thinks they have this common cause and that makes them friends.
Rollins already took Roman out of power back at WrestleMania. And y’know who was by his side when they did that? Jey and Sami! They’re Rollins’ friends. McIntyre is not Rollins’ friend. Common interests don’t make friendships, friendships are made from respect. Rollins respects Sami, he respects Jey, but McIntyre…? Well, jury’s out there. So if he doesn’t mind, Rollins is going to do something that McIntyre couldn’t, and that’s end CM Punk. Rollins leaves, but will the Scottish Terminator only add him to the hit list?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker VS Ludwig Kaiser!
While Survivor Series saw these two put on a banger with Sheamus, it is time for these two second-generation superstars to settle their score. Will Boston be barking with the Badass? Or will the Impeccable German follow in Der Ring General’s footsteps?
Raw returns and Bron makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly championship material!
The bell rings and Kaiser runs up, but Braon RAMS him into a corner! Bron RAMS into Kaiser again and again but lets off as the ref counts. Bron then whips corner to corner, and Kaiser stumbles forward, into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Bron storms up on Kaiser but Kaiser fires hands! Kaiser storms up but Bron fires body shots! Bron wrenches and smothers Kaiser in a corner, the ref counts, and Bron steps off. Bron whips corner to corner but Kaiser reverses. Kaiser runs up, blocks a boot, “NEIN!” SLAP! Bron just scowls, and he TACKLES Kaiser! Bron rains down fists, then he doesn’t get why people slap him!
Bron whips, Kaiser reverses but Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and LARIATS! The fans bark it up for Bron already while Kaiser bails out. Bron lets Kaiser think about what he’s done while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Kaiser has Bron in a double wristlock. Bron powers up and out but Kaiser KICKS back! Bron LARIATS Kaiser! The fans fire up while Kaiser goes to a corner. Bron storms up on Kaiser, the fans fire up, and Bron rains down fists! Boston counts along all the way to nine, then Bron winds up, for TEN! The fans cheer while Kaiser staggers. Bron dodges Kaiser, catches him and POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Bron stays cool while he stalks Kaiser to ropes. Kaiser KICKS Bron from below! Kaiser goes back for the arm, but Bron scoops! Bron SLAMS Kaiser, then shakes out the bad arm.
Bron storms back up on Kaiser, but Kaiser CLAWS Bron’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Kaiser then puts Bron on ropes. Kaiser lets off at 4, but KICKS the ropes to jam up that arm! The fans boo but Kaiser’s homed in on a target. Kaiser stands Bron up, reels him in, but Bron suplexes first! Kaiser flops out of the ring, only for Bron to go to the apron! Bron aims, leaps, FLYING LARIAT onto and over the desk! Boston barks it up for Bron but that might’ve been double-edged for Bron. Both men rise up, and Bron brings Kaiser around to the ring. Bron puts Kaiser in the ring, checks his left arm, and rolls inside.
The fans rally up as Bron storms over to Kaiser, and Bron hoists Kaiser up top. Bron then climbs up after Kaiser, but Kaiser CLAWS eyes! Kaiser wrenches and WRINGS the bad arm out! Bron writhes, Kaiser pushes Bron around, and Kaiser stomps away on the arm! The ref counts as Bron is in the ropes, but Kaiser stops at 4. Kaiser drags Bron into SHANKLY GATES! And he uses the ropes for leverage! The ref counts, Kaiser stops at 4 again, and Bron writhes on the mat. Kaiser soaks up the heat while he paces around. Bron rises up but Kaiser KICKS the bad arm! Kaiser stomps away again, but the ref counts.
Kaiser brings Bron up, traps the bad arm, and TWEAKS it! The fans rally for Bron, but Kaiser has the bad arm again. Kaiser wraps it around ropes and pulls! The ref counts, Kaiser lets off, and then Kaiser runs to DROPKICK the arm! Bron falls in a heap and Boston boos Kaiser while Raw goes back to break.
Raw returns again and Kaiser has the double wristlock, but Bron powers him to ropes! The ref counts, Kaiser lets go and Bron fires haymakers! The ref counts and Bron stops, but mostly from his arm hurting. Kaiser hammerlocks to HOTSHOT the arm! Bron drops to his knees, Kaiser runs up to DOUBLE STOMP the arm! Kaiser then grabs the arm, KICKS it, and hauls Bron up again. Kaiser fires knees but Bron fires haymakers! Bron gets the edge, and he ROCKS Kaiser! Kaiser shoves Bron but Bron comes back, into an ARMBAR DDT! Kaiser covers, TWO! Bron survives but Bron has the top wristlock!
Bron endures as Kaiser leans on the hold. The fans rally and Bron fights up. Bron rises, the fans bark, and Bron fires more hands! Kaiser CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Kaiser runs, but into a JUMP KNEE! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Bron rises slowly and the barking gives him the strength to fire more shots! Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and FLYING ELBOWS! Kaiser falls, Bron rises, and Kaiser goes to a corner. The fans fire up as Bron storms over to hoist Kaiser up again. Bron climbs, but Kaiser fires body shots! Kaiser CHOPS away on the bad arm! Bron drops back, but he gets right up! The legs still work! SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!
Kaiser stays in this and Bron grits his teeth. Bron rises, goes to a corner, and he vows to end this! The fans fire up, Bron runs up, but Kaiser fireman’s carries! KAISER ROLL! Cover, TWO! Kaiser has Bron in the SHANKLY GATES!! Bron endures but the fans rally up! Bron fights up with his legs again, and he manages to RAM Kaiser to a corner! Bron is free, he gets moving, but Kaiser dodges! Bron hits buckles shoulder first! Bron falls to the apron and Kaiser kicks him to the floor. Bron is near the steps, and Kaiser grins. Kaiser goes out the side, builds speed, and fans boo as Kaiser runs in, but where’d Bron go!?
Bron is doing a lap! FLYING SHOULDER outta nowhere!! The fans are barking as loud as they can for Bron! Bron puts Kaiser in the ring, then starts running! Kaiser UPPERCUTS, runs, but into a fireman’s carry! GUT BUSTER DROP! The fans fire up as Bron brings down straps! Bron runs, runs and SPEARS!! Cover, Bron wins!!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Boston is all fired up as Bron proves he truly has that dog in him! Bron toughs it out, takes a bite out of Kaiser, and moves on with the title. Will anyone ever end this badass reign?
The New Day arrives backstage.
They still don’t get why everyone hates them. And then they cross paths with Rey Mysterio. Oh, wow, he’s not gonna let them into the locker room? Rey says it isn’t just him. It is everyone else in there. Whoa, hold up. It is bad enough the fans are treating them like this, but Rey’s doing it, too? Ten YEARS of sharing a locker room, and no one has their back? Rey’s supposed to be a locker room leader, he should do something! Rey says he doesn’t know what to tell them, other than that they crossed a line with Big E. And Rey thinks it is best for New Day’s own good to find somewhere else to change.
Woods says wow. That’s fine. They didn’t wanna share a locker room with the others anyway. New Day rolls on, what will it take for them to get the message?
WWE shares footage from just after Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Kevin Owens brought about the controversy in his loss to Cody Rhodes when he wiped out two refs and brought in a chair. But even so, the Prizefighter was a sore loser, and he attacked Cody from behind! Then, even knowing the damage he’s done with that move to Randy Orton, he used a PACKAGE PILEDRIVER on Cody! The medical team got Cody on a backboard, but Kevin would STAND on Cody’s body, holding up the title belt like he’d won it. Cody was taken away to an ambulance, and social media had Triple H confronting Kevin, resulting in shoving and harsh words. What is the fate of the Undisputed Championship after Saturday night?
The War Raiders speak.
Erik says, “Tonight, we go to war with The Judgment Day. And for us, it’s more than just the tag titles on the line.” Ivar says, “When we first laced up our boots, the last thing on our minds was, ‘What could go wrong when the bell rings?'” Now, they know all too well. Erik tells us, “No one can describe the unbearable guilt when the strength hasn’t returned to your arms, and you can’t pick up your son.” Ivar says, “No one will tell you what it’s like to sit in a hospital bed and wonder if the nerve pain in your arms and your legs will go away.”
What happened to them should have ended their careers, but it didn’t! Ivar has walked out of the hospital TWICE. Erik held his newborn son. The Judgment Day tried to end them. They cheated the Raiders out of their glory once. But the Raiders are stronger than ever. Every match could be their last, but their moment HAS to be now! Erik’s sons have to know that all the pain and the damage was worth it. The only way to prove that is by bringing home the World Tag Team Championships. Erik & Ivar are ready, will nothing stop them now?
Backstage interview with Adam Pearce.
Cathy Kelley is with the Raw General Manager and says the Raw Netflix debut is highly anticipated already! There have been some rumblings of other matches set for that night, can Pearce give us any confirmation? Pearce says we’re in luck. One of the biggest nights in WWE history has just gotten bigger. After negotiating with representatives of both men, which were exasperated by tonight’s events, it is official! Raw’s Netflix debut in Los Angeles will have CM PUNK VS SETH ROLLINS! Cathy agrees, that big night just got bigger! The Best in the World and The Visionary finally have it out, but who will win on the biggest night in WWE history?
Liv Morgan, Dominik Mysterio & Raquel Rodriguez head to the ring!
The WWE Women’s World Champion has her “Daddy” Dom and her Big Mami Cool with her, and she is still the champion after overcoming Iyo Sky 1v1. Liv nuzzles noses with Dom before they get mics to speak. The fans boo as Dom is about to speak, but Liv pets him on the head to calm him down. The fans just boo louder. Dom tells everyone to please put your hands together to welcome the GREATEST Women’s World Champion of all time! Liv says the fans didn’t hear what Dom said, so she gets her megaphone! “I AM THE GREATEST WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPION OF ALLLL~ TIIIIME~!”
Liv laughs but the fans boo more. Liv thanks Dom becuase without a shadow of a doubt, 2024 was the Year of Monday Night Morgan! Liv says be mad, because it’s just getting started. “There are a lot of historic changes happening in the WWE next year, and there is no one better, hotter, more iconic, and more dominant to lead this company to the future than me.” So if you think this year was something, just wait for- RHEA RIPLEY IS HERE! The fans fire up as Mami tells Liv that she’ll wanna stick around to hear what Rhea has to say. Liv says guess what? Nobody in this arena cares what-
Rhea tells Liv to shut the hell up!! This has gone on long enough. So it is time they settle this once and for all. The fans like the sound of that. Adam Pearce just made it official! Rhea is the #1 Contender to the Women’s World Championship! The fans fire up and Rhea tells Liv that she sees into the future. The only thing Liv can get excited about is the end of her title reign. Because Rhea will be the NEW Women’s World Champion! And all Liv will be left with his her “little chicken tender SLUT!” Dom catching strays, but when and where will Rhea look to rip that title away from Liv once and for all?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Jackie Redmond catches up with Rollins and brings up Pearce making it official. Rollins gets what he wants when it is him and CM Punk in Los Angel- SAMI IS GOING AFTER MCINTYRE! Sami wants payback for the sneak attacks and the loss at Saturday Night’s Main Event! The producers and refs rush in to stop this, but McIntyre vows to put Sami in a box! The hands keep flying, but clearly this won’t end without one more fight! When and where will we see Scottish Terminator and Honorary Uce settle the score?
Miz meets with The Final Testament.
The Hollywood A-Lister tells Paul Ellering & The Authors of Pain that he can’t say this enough, he has been so proud to team with them. Ellering is terrifying, Akam & Rezar are big and powerful, they don’t need Miz anymore. They don’t need anybody! Karrion Kross walks over and asks what they’re talking about. Just that they’re done with the Wyatts. They can all move on after beating the Wyatts. Miz and the Final Testament can go their separate ways. Kross tells Miz to stop right there. What the Wyatts did to Ellering and to Scarlett, this whole thing isn’t over until Kross says it’s over. Miz wants to speak but Kross stops him again.
Kross says they’ve just been reactionary to The Wyatts. Now, it is time to take the first strike. Remember the guy who kidnapped and tortured Miz? D-Dexter Lumis…? Yes. Miz is going to face him next week on Monday Night Raw. Miz isn’t gonna do that. Oh yes he is. Ellering says the way he sees it, Ellering has saved Miz twice. Miz owes them. Kross says Miz can just go to Pearce and get the match made. But as a reminder: Miz has won 22 championships in the WWE. Miz can do this. Rezar pats Miz on the back, and Miz says he’ll go talk to Pearce. Miz heads out, and Rezar asks if Kross really thinks Miz can take Lumis.
Kross says honestly, he doesn’t know. But they’re going to test The Wyatts. And Miz will learn a very valuable lesson: When you make a deal with the devil, you don’t run out on him. Kross leaves, and that last part may have been pointed at Ellering & AOP, too. Will Kross keep control of everything? Or is he the one messing with forces beyond his comprehension?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Raquel Rodriguez VS Kayden Carter VS Zoey Stark!
While Liv still has her world title, Big Mami Cool is hoping to join her as the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Championship. But will she make it through the Pinay Party Girl and the Sin City Superstar? Or will one of them be the David to Raquel’s Goliath?
Raw returns and Kayden makes her entrance. The bell rings and Kayden runs up on Zoey! Raquel THROWS Kayden aside to then TOSS Zoey! Zoey and Kayden end up in a corner, Raquel runs up to SPLASH them both! Raquel fireman’s carries but Kayden slips fere! Kayden KICKS, KICKS, but Raquel CLOBBERS her! Cover, Zoey breaks it! Zoey fires hands on Raquel, the fans are torn, but Zoey runs up at Kayden Kayden dodges to then go up, and MONKEY FLIP! Zoey lands out! Zoey SYUPERKICKS Kayden, then slips around Raquel to DDT! Raquel flounders, Zoey runs up on Kayden, but Kayden KCIKS!
Kayden knuckle locks and CHOPS Zoey, to then go up, up and jump around to FLYING RANA Raquel! But Zoey fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Basement SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Kayden survives but Zoey brushes that off. Zoey follows Kayden to the apron, but Raquel is there, too! Kayden ducks and the SUPERKICK hits Raquel! Kayden ROCKS Zoey, but Raquel roars! Kayden ducks again and the BOOT hits Zoey! Kayden BLASTS Raquel off the apron! The fans fire up as Kayden builds speed to TORNILLO TOPE! Direct and down go both Raquel and Zoey! Kayden is all fired up with Boston while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Kayden runs to DROPKICK SPLASH COMBO! But then she has to move, and Raquel’s ELBOW DROP hits Zoey! Basement SUPERKICK for Raquel! Kayden drags Raquel around by her legs, steps through, and ties Raquel up, but here comes Zoey! Kayden RAMS Zoey, reels her in, and she combines FISHERMAN SCREW with NAVARRO DEATH ROLL!! Raquel endures, Kayden pushes on the legs, but Raquel drags herself to the apron. Kayden lets Raquel go and focuses on Zoey. The fans rally up as Kayden runs, BOOT WASH! Kayden kicks Zoey and then IMPLODER LEG DROPS! Cover, Raquel drags Kayden out!
The fans boo but Raquel hobbles and brings Kayden up. Raquel scoops and aims, but Kayden slips free! Raquel runs into the apron! Zoey springboards to SUPER CROSSBODY! Down go Kayden and Raquel! Zoey puts Raquel in the ring, the fans rally up, and Zoey runs up. Raquel swings, Zoey dodges, but then Raquel POUNCES Zoey out of the ring! But Kayden O’Conner Rolls Raquel! ONEE, but Kayden springboards to BASEMENT DROPKICK! High stack, TWO! Raquel flounders to ropes while Kayden grows frustrated. Kayden runs up to SPLASH in a corner! Kayden climbs, but Raquel gets up and under!
The fans rally as Kayden fights with fists! Zoey returns and springs up behind Kayden! SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX for Kayden! A little double-edged but Zoey rises up. Zoey then runs up on Raquel, dodges a lariat, but the SOUTHPAW hits! Raquel covers, TWO!! Zoey survives and Raquel is furious! Raquel stalks Zoey to the apron, drags her up by the hair, but Kayden goes to roll Raquel! Raquel picks Kayden up! FALL AWAY SLAM! Then the VADER ELBOW! But Raquel isn’t done! TEJANA- MISSILE DROPKICK from Zoey! SUPERKICK on Kayden! Z 360!! Cover, ZOEY WINS!!
Winner: Zoey Stark, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
Raquel is furious but she just got sniped by PFC’s sharpshooter! Will Zoey do the same to #CobraKai in the next round? Or will Dakota Kai make sure Damage CTRL takes control of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship?
The Alpha Academy is backstage.
And the “Alpha Babes” are showing off the new merchandise. Maxxine Dupri asks what R-Truth thought of their True Classics commercial. Truth says it was outstanding! They influenced the influencers! Squats, lunges, scorpion, Truth changed his workout cuz of them! If that son of a Butch had just taken their advice, Truth wouldn’t have beaten them so easy. But speaking of, Dunne storms in! Truth needs to keep that name out of his mouth! Dunne keeps hearing it because of him! Truth didn’t tell anyone to say anything! Yes, he did! It all came from Truth! And if Dunne has to hear it one more time, Truth gets his face broken!
Truth says #ButchPlease! Otis steps in between them, and Dunne says this is the last warning. Truth and Dunne go their separate ways, and then American Made walks by. Chad Gable says, “Look at this clown show.” They’re happy with what they’ve done to Gable’s academy?! They RUINED it! Gable made them into stars they could’ve never been, helped them flourish, and they make it a joke! Gable saw that commercial, it was pathetic! Maxxine’s pathetic, Tozawa’s pathetic, and Otis is the worst of them all! When Gable first met Otis, Otis was an insignificant little- Otis tells Gable to SHUT UP!
Gable is taken aback, but he says he was right. Time to kill the past. And he starts with… Tozawa! Gable leads his new team away, but will he regret treating the Stamina Monster as the weakest link?
Backstage interview with The New Day.
Jackie Redmond is with Kofi & Woods as they clearly are still looking for a place to call a locker room. But that’s besides the point. Last week, the Raw media team tried to interview them and it didn’t go well. Woods says yeah, yeah, sure. But it was biased journalism! If someone would give them a fair chance to tell their story- OH NO, another disturbance?! PFC just put Kairi Sane’s arm in a road case and SLAMMED the lid on it!! They run away, DMG CTRL hurries over, and the Pirate Princess might have just been taken out of the tournament without a match! Will Adam Pearce be able to get a replacement for Kairi in time for the final Triple Threat?
WWE World Tag Team Championships: Finn Balor & JD McDonagh VS The War Raiders!
With all the cheating, scheming, yet also complaining, The Prince has made his bed and is going to have to lie in it! But will he be bringing the Irish Ace down with him? Or will they be able to survive the war without the rest of Judgment Day watching their backs?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see which team is truly the best!
The teams sort out and Ivar starts against JD. They knuckle lock but JD kicks again and again. JD headlocks but Ivar powers up and out. JD leaps but he bounces off of Ivar! JD scrambles out of the ring, Finn coaches him up, but Ivar TOSSES Finn into the ring! JD returns, but Ivar scoops and SLAMS him! Ivar then scoops and SLAMS Finn onto JD! Tag to Erik, and Ivar scoops to SLAM JD again! Erik scoops Ivar to SLAM him onto JD! JD sputters and the fans fire up with the Raiders while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Erik brings JD up to whip him into Ivar’s knee! Ivar whips JD into Erik’s KNEE! JD flops over and the fans fire up! Ivar whips JD, JD grabs ropes and KICKS back! Tag to Finn, but Ivar scoops! Finn slips free, waistlocks, but I var elbows him away. Finn stumbles into the ref, distracting him from JD’s HOTSHOT! Ivar staggers, Finn dragon sleepers! FINAL CUT! Cover, TWO! Finn CHOKES Ivar on ropes but the ref counts. Finn stops at 4, flexes as he soaks up heat, and then he CHOKES Ivar again! The ref counts, Finn stops, but then he CHOKES Ivar on the bottom rope.
Finn lets off and “apologizes” this time, but JD GUILLOTINE LEG DROPS Ivar in the ropes! The fans boo but JD taunts them all. Finn stomps away on Ivar, then he CLUBS Ivar down. Finn throws hands, tags JD, and they double whip Ivar to ropes. Ivar breaks the line with bulk alone! Ivar then handsprings to DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! Boston goes wild and Ivar reaches out! JD anchors a foot, but Ivar still fights his way forward! Ivar drags JD along, then tags in Erik! Erik wrenches JD to clinch and EXPLODER! JD flounders up, Erik blocks a shot to DECK JD! Then Erik deadlifts JD for a BIG back suplex!
The fans fire up again but here comes Finn! Erik dodges and clinches to URENAGE! The fans fire up with Erik and he whips JD. JD reverses but Erik goes up and over and keeps moving. Erik CLOBBERS JD! Erik TOSSES JD right out of the ring and the fans fire up again! Erik takes aim, and he builds speed, only for Finn to trip him up! Erik drags Finn up by his neck! But JD KNEES Erik out of the ring! Tag to Finn, he and JD double whip Erik hard into steel steps! Finn drags Erik back up, brings him back around, and Judgment Day double whip Erik back into the steps! The steps go sliding away while Finn soaks up heat, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once more and Finn stomps away on Erik at the ropes! The ref counts, Finn stops at 4, and he tags in JD. JD aims to slingshot ARABIAN PRESS! Cover, TWO! Erik is tougher than that, but JD drags him over. JD has the neck for a NECK TWIST! JD then runs to FALLING AX HANDLE! Erik writhes, his neck a major concern. JD goes up the corner, and he DIVING AX HANDLE FLOPS as Erik moves! The fans fire up as Erik crawls, but so does JD! Hot tags to Ivar and Finn! The War Beard rallies on Finn, hits a SIDEWALK SLAM, and a SPLASH! The fans fire up and Ivar runs corner to corner.
Finn dodges, comes back in, but into a SEATED SENTON! JD is back, Ivar cartwheels and clips JD! Then he HEEL KICKS! JD falls in a heap and Ivar has the fans fired up! “WAR! WAR! WAR!” Ivar aims at Finn in a corner, BRONCO BUSTER! Ivar then goes up the corner! The fans fire up but Finn trips Ivar first! Finn tags JD, JD hurries after Ivar, but Ivar’s too much to superplex! Ivar scoops JD for a SUPER POWERSLAM!! Cover, TWO!! JD survives but Ivar tags in Erik! The Raiders haul JD up, whip and pop-up, THOR’S HAMMER! Cover, FINN BREAKS IT! Ivar grabs Finn to TOSS him out!
The War Raiders regroup and Erik tags Ivar back in. Tag back to Erik and the fans rally up. Erik hauls JD up, feeds him to Ivar, another pop up! Ivar goes up the ropes, but Finn trips Ivar up! JD slips free of Erik to roll him up! TWO!! Erik escapes but JD HEADBUTTS! JD falls back but tags in Finn! Finn hauls Erik up, but Erik KICKS, KNEES, and ROCKS Finn! Finn rebounds, into a clinch! Full nelson and BACKBREAKER KNEE! Erik runs but into a SLINGBLADE! Finn aims, Erik rises, SHOTGUN into the corner! Tag to JD and then tag back to Finn! JD goes up to MOONSAULT! Finn goes up to COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, IVAR BREAKS IT!
Finn is shocked and furious, but JD goes after Ivar! JD TOSSES Ivar, and Finn wants a chair!? JD goes out and looks under the ring. JD brings out a chair! Time to use Champion’s Advantage! But the ref stops JD, so Finn goes out the side to get another chair! Wait, someone else is grabbing that chair! Finn looks over, it’s DAMIAN PRIEST! Judgment Day was banned from ringside, but Priest isn’t Judgment Day anymore! Priest YANKS Finn into the barriers! Finn is furious, but then Ivar CLOBBERS JD! Finn goes back to the ring, but Erik tags Ivar! Finn realizes too late what’s going on as Erik whips him to Ivar!
Ivar pops Finn up and Erik has him! Ivar springboards for WAR MACHINE!!! Cover, WAR RAIDERS WIN!!
Winners: The War Raiders, by pinfall (NEW WWE World Tag Team Champions)
Priest applauds as justice is served to Judgment Day! Erik & Ivar once again have championships, and the pyro goes off in celebration! Will nothing stop the raid now that it’s captured gold? What will become of The Judgment Day now that Finn & JD dropped the ball?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here, though surprisingly with only three matches. Granted, there were big promos and set-up for the Netflix debut in three weeks. Punk VS Rollins was a given but that was a very good promo segment and very good brawl to set it up officially. The interaction of Rollins and McIntyre was also really good, especially with how it set up that later moment where Sami may have very well saved Rollins from a McIntyre ambush. McIntyre and Sami could easily have a rematch next week for the Raw Before Christmas, or even the last Raw of 2024, but I guess we’ll hear more on that later.
Great match from Bron VS Kaiser, with probably the most creative way to turn things around on Kaiser’s turn-the-corner dropkick. Bron also did a great job selling bad arm, and he of course wins here to keep his reign going. I feel like they need to do something big to determine his next challenger, which should be a match for either the last Raw of 2024 or the Netflix Raw. At the very least, give us a battle royal on the last Raw of 2024 so the winner can turn around and face Bron in LA. Speaking of LA, I feel like there has to be Nakamura VS LA Knight for the US Championship on that card just on the grounds of LA Knight being from LA.
Great stuff with New Day and how they got kicked out of the locker room, as well as them being used to set up PFC attacking Kairi Sane. Though, I’m not sure why PFC needed to take Kairi Sane out. Kairi’s Triple Threat is against Alba Fyre and Natalya. Dakota Kai is Zoey’s future opponent, but I suppose Dakota will have more heat behind fighting Zoey now, but this was some plot armor here. At the same time, I feel like they dropped Natty telling Sonya she was ready for a change, could they be circling back to Natty as PFC’s fourth member? Meanwhile, I think Iyo Sky could end up replacing Kairi in the match, and Iyo could go for the Intercontinental Championship to make up for not winning the Women’s World Championship.
Very good promo from Miz and Final Testament to not only keep the feud with The Wyatts going, but to also tease that Miz wanted AOP to strike out their own again. Kross counters that idea but saying everyone owes him for keeping them afloat, which in many ways is true, but Kross will have to be careful not to end up fighting The Wyatts and AOP at the same time. Miz VS Lumis will be good stuff, and it’ll surely set up a rematch of the 8 Man Tag, hopefully with a big stipulation that makes it really wild. And good stuff from R-Truth, Alpha Academy, Pete Dunne and American Made, that itself is a potential 8 Man Tag. Gable VS Tozawa next week should really lead to Gable VS Otis so those two can finally have it out in the ring.
We got great stuff out of Judgment Day on the side of that tournament, too. Good promo from the group with Liv being passive aggressive and sarcastically optimistic. Good promo from Liv with Dom & Raquel as well as Rhea, and Rhea ends up speaking for most fans saying this story has to end. Again, this is either a last Raw of 2024 or Netflix Raw debut level match, and I say again, if Tiffany Stratton is going to be in LA for NXT that week, why not have her cash in during the Netflix show? Get the world title to rub it in Candice LeRae’s face, and even tease Tiffany going after whoever is NXT Women’s Champion for a showdown of top champions.
And great main event for the tag titles. The War Raiders had a great promo to put their story in perspective. Their real-life injuries were definitely scary, and their comebacks have been great. And combined with Damian Priest screwing Finn over like Finn’s done to him, great win for the War Raiders here. Finn will probably implode and want after Priest for this, they can finally have it out, and maybe Judgment Day is torn apart because of it. Personally, there should be a “Loser Leaves Raw” stipulation. Even with the “Transfer Window” going on, it should get to where one of them has to go to SmackDown and start fresh.
My Score: 8.8/10
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