Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (7/3/23)
Judgment Day is (not) fine.
We begin the Road to SummerSlam!
Judgment Day was all over Money in the Bank, but only Damian Priest came away a winner! Can Rhea defend her title tonight on Raw so the team breaks even?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Damian Priest w/ The Judgment Day VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Priest wins.
- Undisputed WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tag Team Turmoil; Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville win and will challenge Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez for the titles.
- Mixed Six Tag: The Alpha Academy VS The Viking Raiders; The Alpha Academy wins.
- WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Natalya; Rhea wins and retains the title.
- Matt Riddle VS Giovanni Vinci w/ Imperium; Riddle wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day; Rollins wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE mourns the loss of Darren “Droz” Drozdov.
Seth Rollins is here!
Baltimore fires up and sings along as the Visionary is still WWE World Heavyweight Champion after Money in the Bank. Rollins swaggers his way into the ring, and he of course revels in the echoing, “WHOA~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins then takes a bow and the fans cheer. Rollins gets the mic to welcome Baltimore to Monday Night Rollins! “Let me introduce you to our host for this evening’s festivities! I am a Visionary, I am a Revolutionary, I am…” “SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS!!” Fans all cheer and Rollins gets them to sing again. Rollins says Baltimore sounds so sweet, but how sweet was MITB?
Fans all cheer because it was sweet! Rollins reviews: Jey Uso hands Roman Reigns his first pinfall defeat in three YEARS, ya love to see it! The NEW Miss MITB isn’t Becky Lynch, but it is Iyo Sky! The NEW Senor in the Bank is Damian Priest. And by the skin of Rollins’ teeth, he beat Finn Balor and is still here as WWE World Heavyweight Champion! But a little birdy told Rollins that SummerSlam is just five weeks away, and there’s only one thing on his mind! But wait, here comes Cody Rhodes! The fans sing along with his song now, “WHOA~ OH!” Pyro goes off, Cody grins but Rollins frowns as Cody continues to the ring.
Cody gets himself a mic, steps to Rollins, and Rollins takes off his sunglasses while the fans chant for Cody. “So…” BROCK LESNAR!?! Fans go nuts again as now The Beast joins in! Cody ditches Rollins to rush Lesnar, but Lesnar picks him up to RAM him into railing! And more railing! And then Lesnar fires knees again and gain, shoves Cody down the ramp, then fires off more shots! Cody hits back, Lesnar puts Cody in the ring, and Rollins moves aside. Cody goes back after Lesnar but Lesnar powers Cody to a fireman’s carry! Cody slips off, springboards, CODY CUTTER!! Lesnar bails out but Cody wants more!
Fans cheer Cody while Lesnar staggers up. The Beast returns and we know why, but will he and the American Nightmare go another round for SummerSlam?
Rollins is still in the ring.
Fans sing for the Visionary again as Raw returns. Rollins laughs and says, “Well, that was a crazy way to kick off the show. Looks like them boys’ got some unfinished business. But now, back to MY business! I am very much looking forward to seeing who is the next person in line-” Here comes Damian Priest! And he has Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio with him! Mami says “Seth, Seth, Seth. That’s enough about you. We all know that everyone’s here to see the Judgment Day take over.” Uh, everyone? Rollins knows all the fans and everyone at home, but the Judgment Day doesn’t even have everyone in their own group here. Where’s Finny Finn?
Rollins isn’t a stranger to sneak attacks, but something tells him that tonight is not the case. Rhea says Finn is fine. Finn has a match, but what he’s up to is not Rollins’ concern. Dom asks if that’s true and Rhea tells him yes…! Priest tells Rollins that he doesn’t need to worry about Judgment Day business, that is Judgment Day’s business. The only thing Rollins needs to worry about is the MITB briefcase. Rollins knows how this works, too, right? IF Priest decides to cash in for the World Heavyweight Championship, it could be at SummerSlam, Survivor Series, Royal Rumble. Or maybe it could happen tonight!
Fans like the sound of that. Priest says after he beats Shinsuke Nakamura, he might go from Senor MITB to El Campeon Mundo! Well, sounds all well and good, but the problem is, to cash in, Priest has to have a champion down and out, beaten and tired. And Rollins is fresh as a daisy right now! He has no match on the card, and honestly, when he was done here talking to you three idiots, he was planning to go party in Baltimore so they can sing his song in the streets! Priest says before Rollins gest too carried away, Priest will make sure Rollins is useless. And if Rollins is looking for a match, isn’t he the guy who loves giving opportunities? Isn’t Rollins the guy who loves to fight?
Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~” again and Priest dares them to try that after Rollins gets beat by a certain person next to Priest. Who? Well, Rhea’s defending her title against Natalya, but Dom-Dom’s looking for a fight. Fans boo as Dom tries to speak. Rollins gives Dom a chance, but the fans boo again. Rollins is very amused. Rhea whispers to Dom, but fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Rhea says Dom says he wants to fight Seth Freakin’ Rollins TONIGHT! Oh, c’mon, guys! As someone who knows all things MITB, this sounds like a very obvious, very poor attempt at a trap.
But… Rollins would love nothing more than to slap that weak ‘stache off Dom’s face. So this is a conundrum. He’ll let the fans decide. What do they think? The fans are already cheering but Rollins asks if “Sexy Seth” should beat the brakes off of “Dirty Dom” right here tonight in the main event. The fans cheer “YES!” Then that’s your answer, see you punks later! HAHAHAHA! The Punisher is ready for a fight of his own, but will he get more than he bargained for against the King of Strong Style?
Damian Priest w/ The Judgment Day VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
Raw returns and Nakamura makes his entrance, to which fans sing along. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, Priest calls for knuckle locks, and Nakamura obliges. But then Priest kicks low, wrenches a wrist, and twists the arm. Nakamura endures, but Priest RAMS him with a shoulder! Priest keeps on the arm, Rhea & Dom cheer him on, but Nakamura hits back. Priest goes after the wrist more, but Nakamura rolls, kips up and cartwheels to wrench back. Priest pulls hair, the ref counts, but Priest lets off at the ropes. Fans boo, but Priest sucker punches Nakamura! Dom & Rhea like that!
Priest wrenches and throws body shots, then whips Nakamura. Nakamura reverse to knee low, and then get Priest down for more knees! Nakamura runs, sliding BOOT! Priest staggers up, Nakamura storms up and fires off in the corner. Nakamura gives GOOD VIBRATIONS! But Priest pushes Nakamura back! Nakamura dodges and runs, ducks and dodges again but Priest runs him over! Cover, ONE!! Priest is annoyed and he drags Nakamura up. Priest ROCKS Nakamura, RAMS him into a corner, then stomps away! The ref counts, Priest lets off and fans boo. Nakamura checks his chin while Rhea coaches him up.
Priest whips corner to corner and ELBOWS Nakamura down! Rhea & Dom cheer while Priest drags Nakamura up. Priest suplexes and holds Nakamura up, but Nakamura fights down! Priest BELL CLAPS, then BOOTS! Priest runs in again, but Nakamura dodges to GAMANGIRI! Nakamura puts Priest up top, runs and TOP SHELF KNEE! Fans fire up while Priest sputters to the floor. Fans chants, “DOM, YOU SUCK!” while Nakamura pursues. Priest his Nakamura low, but then Nakamura blocks being thrown into barriers! Nakamura hits back, and SMACKS Priest off barriers! Nakamura reels Priest in, but Priest suplexes! BROKEN ARROW on the barriers!!
Nakamura writhes, the Judgment Day all sit on the apron and cheer themselves on while Raw goes picture in picture.
Dom and Rhea say Priest is the man, and Priest gets in the ring. Nakamura crawls but Priest goes out after him. Priest puts Nakamura in the ring, high-fives with Dom & Rhea, then goes back in. Priest stalks Nakamura, then JABS! JABS! And ROCKS Nakamura with a right! Priest soaks up the heat, brings Nakamura up, and talks some trash, but Nakamura fires off shots in return! Priest knees low, suplexes, and Nakamura writhes. Priest pushes Nakamura to a cover, TWO! Priest wraps on a chinlock and he grinds Nakamura down. Nakamura fights up while fans rally, and he gets to his feet.
Nakamura pries at the hold but Priest CLUBS him down! Priest soaks up more heat, then has Nakamura in a motorcycle stretch. Nakamura endures the knee in his back, and Priest kneels to pull back harder on the arms. Fans rally up and Nakamura fights to his feet again. Nakamura turns things around, kicks a leg and throws an elbow! And then he fires off forearms! Priest ROCKS Nakamura, but they both KICK an arm! And then they both BOOT the other! Raw returns to single picture as the ref checks both men. They’re both okay, and a standing count starts. Fans rally, both men rise before 5!
Nakamura fires off fast hands, but Priest fires off kicks! ROLLING- NO, Nakamura ducks to give more strikes back! Priest blocks a kick, but Nakamura clinches, STO! Fans fire up as Priest goes to a corner. Nakamura runs in, blocks boots and puts Priest in the ropes. ROUNDHOUSE, and SLIDING GERMAN! Nakamura taunts Dom & Rhea with his own Latino Heat. Maybe Japanese Heat? He blows a kiss to Mami?! Nakamura runs in, dodges Priest and RYDER KICKS! Cover, TWO! Nakamura goes up, leaps, but Priest DECKS him outta the air! Priest snarls and he drags Nakamura up as the fans rally again.
Priest fires off more forearms, then clinches, for the FLAT- NO, Nakamura victory rolls it, TWO!! Priest gets up but Nakamura drags him down to a full mount and ARMBAR!! Priest clasps hands, fights up and looks to stack Nakamura. Nakamura fights it with kicks! Priest staggers away but comes back with the JUMP KICK! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives that shot and both Dom and Rhea argue with the ref! The fans boo Priest as he drags Nakamura up again, reels him in, and Canadian Racks. Crucifix lift, but Nakamura sunset flips through it! TWO!! Priest choke grips but Nakamura breaks free, WHEEL KCIK! Cover, TWO!!
Nakamura goes to a corner, climbs up, aims, and Priest stands, FLYING KNEE! Fans fire up with Nakamura as he goes to the other corner, “YAO~!” KIN- NO, Priest ducks and rolls Nakamura up! High stack, TWO, but Priest wrenches, hammerlocks, and PEPSI TWISTS!! Priest brings down the straps, choke grips, and SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
No jet lag here, Senor MITB keeps momentum going from London! When and where will he hit the jackpot to become a champion?
Ronda Rousey is here!
The Baddest Woman on the Planet is probably in an even worse mood after losing the Undisputed Women’s Tag Team Championships, because Shayna Baszler betrayed her! Ronda gets a mic, but before she can even say one word, Shayna makes her entrance! The Queen of Spades says she’s pretty confident when she says, on behalf of everyone here, “we are all sick and tired of hearing you try to speak on a microphone.” Fans cheer because that’s true. Ronda says fine, Shayna should talk. Shayna should tell us all why, after ten YEARS of “Loyalty means everything,” it suddenly means nothing!
Ronda wants an explanation! Shayna owes Ronda that much. OH, Shayna owes Ronda? What a narcissist! Shayna is the ONLY reason Ronda is in the WWE right now, yet Shayna owes her!? The only thing Shayna owes anyone is an apology for every bringing Ronda into this business! Ronda says what? Shayna’s been hiding this for how long? Why not say something to Ronda before, oh, uh, costing them the tag titles that they worked- THEY!? THEY!? Oh, sorry, Shayna doesn’t remember seeing Ronda beside her building rings just for a chance to wrestle in front of maybe 30 people. Shayna doesn’t remember seeing Ronda having to fill out an application or going to a tryout.
Shayna tells Ronda to look at her and fans cheer. Unlike Ronda, Shayna paid her dues! She scratched and clawed for her chance to get here. Shayna kicked the door down, while Ronda just walked in through the back door to WrestleMania. Believe it or not, Shayna LOVES this, and Ronda has ruined it for her! Shayna owes Ronda, alright. She owes Ronda the sobering reality that there is someone here, i.e. Shayna herself, who can finally shut Ronda up. Fans cheer Shayna on and Ronda is beside herself. So she BOOTS Shayna instead! Ronda goes out and CLOBBERS Shayna! And then puts her in the ring!
Fans boo Ronda, but Shayna comes back! Into a SLEEPER from Ronda! Only for Shayna to reach back, grab some hair, and THROW Ronda over! Shayna gets the ANKLE LOCK!! Ronda flails, grabs ropes, but there are no breaks in a fight! Shayna drags Ronda back in, but Ronda boots her away. Shayna comes back to KNEE Ronda down!! Ronda is slumped against ropes and Shayna storms off. Ronda looks up, demands Shayna come back because they’re not done! Shayna knows that, too, but she’s willing to wait for this to be on record. When and where will these former friends have it out?
The Alpha Academy works out backstage.
Maxxine Dupri works on her headlocks, using Otis as her sparring partner. Coach Chad Gable blows the whistle and says that was great. How’s Maxxine feeling before her first match? Not only is she ready, but the Fourth o’ July is coming early, cuz tonight, there will be fireworks. And y’know what? She is sick and tired of the Viking Raiders underestimating her, and Gable’s coaching abilities. They wanna do that to Gable? he’s a five star man, five star coach, an Olympian who has passed on his skills to his number one guy, Otis, and to Maxxine the Alpha Queen!
Tonight, they’ll use all that on the Eve of America’s Birthday to slap those Viking weirdos right in the face with the biggest dose of patriotism you’ve ever seen! Otis adds “OOOH YEAH~!” Will the Alpha Academy take Erik, Ivar & Sarah Logan to school? Or is this too tall an order for Maxxine’s in-ring debut?
Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez are here!
The fans are ready to #LiveLarge with the NEW Undisputed Women’s Tag Team Champions! They go to ringside, ready to watch this next match!
Undisputed WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Tag Team Turmoil!
The Complaint Department is out first, and they’re just one of FIVE teams going for gold! Kayden Carter & Katana Chance, Indi Hartwell & Candice LeRae, Nikki Cross & Emma, as well as Dana Brooke & the returning Tegan Nox all have a fair shot, but who will come away with their golden tickets to the titles?
Teams make their entrances in picture in picture, but we return to single picture as crazy Cross and Emma make their way out. They already seem a bit out of sync just here in their energy levels. Last but not least is KC Squared, ready to get some gold back. But it would seem we start this gauntlet with the Complaint Department and The Way.
Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green VS Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell!
The teams sort out, Indi starts with the Hot Mess, and Indi BOOTS Chelsea, DECKS Sonya, then continues to rally! Scoop and SIDE SLAM for Chelsea, then another haymaker for Sonya! Indi gives Sonya SNAKE EYES, puts her in the ropes, and then UPPERCUTS! Tag to Candice before a BOOT! Half nelson GUT BUSTER, and Candice hits a ROLLING NECKBREAKER BACKBREAKER! Cover, Chelsea breaks it! Indi returns to fire off on Chelsea, but Chelsea SUPERKICKS! Candice TOSSES Chelsea, runs up on Sonya, STEP-UP SENTON! LIONSAULT FLOPS and Chelsea tags in!
Chelsea gets Candice up, Sonya DECKS Indi, I’M PRETTIER to the RUNNING KNEE! Double cover, the Complaint Department ELIMINATES The Way! But now Nikki & Emma get in!
Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green VS Nikki Cross & Emma!
Nikki CLOBBERS Sonya & Chelsea from behind, then fires off on Chelsea! Fans fire up with Nikki as she throws her jacket around! Nikki thrashes Chelsea, but then gets worried about Candice. Tag to Emma and Emma asks what’s going on! Nikki still wants to be friends with Candice but Emma BOOTS Chelsea down! Cover, TWO! Emma dribbles Chelsea off buckles, then brings her around. Emma suplexes, covers, TWO! Emma drags Chelsea around, and stands on her hair while pulling the arms! The ref counts, Emma lets off at 4, and she TOSSES Chelsea to a corner! Emma runs corner to corner, EMMAMITE SANDWICH! Cover, Sonya breaks it!
Fans boo and Emma storms up on Sonya but she gets away. Emma SUCKER PUNCHES Sonya! Emma underhooks Chelsea but she wrenches out to ROCK Emma! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Both women crawl but Nikki’s nowhere to be seen! She’s distraught over not being Candice’s friend? Sonya tags in, I’M PRETTIER to RUNNING KNEE!! Cover, the Complaint Department ELIMINATES Nikki & Emma! But next is Nox & Brooke!
Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green VS Dana Brooke & Tegan Nox!
Nox SHOTGUNS Chelsea to a corner! And runs in to UPPERCUT! Nox keeps going, another UPPERCUT! Nox eggs Sonya on, then UPPERCUTS Chelsea in the corner! Tag to Dana, she and Nox double suplex to DOUBLE GOURD BUSTER! Chelsea flops around, gets out of the ring, and she wants a timeout! But Dana & Nox DOUBLE WRECKING BALL DROPKICK! Down go Chelsea & Sonya, Dana & Nox say they’ve got this. Liv says we’ll see, and Raw goes picture in picture.
Dana & Nox get Chelsea up and into the ring. But Sonya trips Dana up! Dana kicks Sonya away but Chelsea BLASTS Dana down! The ref starts a ring count while Sonya soaks up heat. Sonya taunts Dana but the ref tells her to stay back. Nox coaches Dana up, the champs also cheer her on, and Dana crawls her way back. Dana slides in at 8 of 10 but Chelsea hammers away on her! Chelsea bumps Dana off buckles, tags in Sonya, and Sonya fires off kicks! Snapmare and chinlock! Dana endures, fights up, but Sonya whips her away to the corner. Dana BOOTS back, then DECKS Chelsea! She dodges Sonya, but not by much as Sonya grabs a leg!
Dana hops and hops and reaches, but then she ENZIGURIS! Down goes Sonya, but Chelsea trips Nox! Sonya runs in, Dana dodges and LARIATS! Dana rallies on Sonya, fires up with the fans, but Chelsea tags in. Dana spins her around, short arm LARAIT after short arm LARIAT, and then a whip. Nox tags in, Dana runs Chelsea over, and Nox goes up! CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives and shocks Nox! Chelsea flounders around, the champs like where this is going, and Nox UPPERCUTS! Sonya sneaks a tag, Nox runs in, CANNONBALL only gets buckles! Another I’M PRETTIER, and another RUNNING KNEE!! Cover, Complaint Department ELIMINATES Nox & Dana!
Fans are annoyed with Sonya & Chelsea but here comes KC Squared!
Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance!
Kayden & Katana fire off on Sonya & Chelsea, fans fire up, but Chelsea & Sonya get the edge. Katana and Kayden hit back, they stagger, but Sonya gets around. Kayden bucks the O’Conner, Sonya ducks the Buzzsaw but not the HEEL KICK! Cover, TWO!! Sonya survives but Kayden hurries to get her to the corner. Tag to Katana, and they both springboard, but Katana has a slip-up! Kayden hits her LEG DROP, and Katana resets to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The delay may’ve saved Sonya, but Katana drags her up. Sonya YANKS Katana into ropes! Sonya storms up, fires off, and then tags Chelsea.
Chelsea & Sonya double stalling suplex! ELBOW DROP, cover, TWO! Chelsea is annoyed with Katana, bumps her off buckles, and tags Sonya back in. They mug Katana in the corner, then tag back. Chelsea pushes Katana around, taunts Kayden, and says it’s too easy. Chelsea whips but Katana holds ropes, and she BOOTS back! Kayden sneaks a tag, Katana ducks Chelsea and Kayden ROCKS her! Kayden whips Chelsea into the corner but Chelsea BLASTS Katana! Chelsea dodges Kayden but Kayden ROCKS her first! Kayden drags Chelsea up, but Chelsea ROCKS her! Chelsea climbs onto Kayden but Katana tags in!
Fans fire up as Katana fires off on Chelsea, then coordinates with Kayden. SUPER DUPER STEINER!!! Cover, Sonya break sit!! The champs can’t believe it! Kayden forgot to play defense, but she TOSSES Sonya out now! Fans rally up for KC Squared as Katana gest up, tag to Kayden. Kayden gets Chelsea up, turns her, but Sonya SHOVES Katana down! Kayden DECKS Sonya, but Chelsea SLAPS Kayden! I’M- NO, no prettier! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Into a sucker punch from Sonya! Reset! I’M PRETTIER!! Cover, COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT WIN!!
Winners: Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the Undisputed Women’s Tag Team Championships)
A clean sweep!? From Sonya & Chelsea?! Well, at least they won’t have anything to complain about now. Will this finally be their time? Or will nothing stop Morgan & Rodriguez from #LivingLarge?
Bronson Reed speaks.
“You wanna know how I got to where I am? Fear. Someone disrespects me, they get hurt. They challenge me, I break them. Truly, a spectacle of gruesome acts is what’s needed to keep things in order. Enough to impress a brutal reminder of ramifications. And it’s not by choice because… I’m a nice guy. But sooner or later, everyone sits down to a banquet of consequences. And Bronson Reed… is inescapable.” Then who will be next to feel the full force of Auszilla?
Becky Lynch is here!
Baltimore has entered The Big Time as she heads to the ring. Becky gets the mic as the fans cheer and she says, “The Man has come around to Baltimore! And well, I didn’t win MITB. But that’s okay, I can move on from that, but there is one thing that I can’t seem to move on from. The thorn in my side, that shrill, high-pitched ringing in my ears that is Trish Stratus.” Fans boo and Becky says, “But I can’t think of a better time or a better place to end this than right here, right now! So Trish Stratus, come on down and let’s fight!” Becky waits and fans want to see it, but no music for Trish. Becky says she’s waiting!
The music plays now, and Trish makes her entrance, with Zoey Stark by her side. But Trish shows off the new face mask! Becky laughs at her “stupid face!” Get at close up! Trish & Zoey say no, stay back! It’s not funny! Oh, it’s very funny! Trish says haha, Becky broke her face, her moneymaker! Very funny, Lynch. And the fans can shut up! She is still prettier than all of them, even with this face mask! In fact, they all need a mask like this to hide all the ugliness! And Trish would love to indulge Becky’s request, but she is not medically cleared cuz Becky broke her face! Becky yawns, and says well then, she regrets nothing.
But if Trish can’t fight, send the lap dog, Zoey Stark! Uh, is Becky sure she wants that after we saw Stark dominate at MITB? Well, she’s certainly better than Trish’s “broke ass” anyway! Excuse me?! No one is better than Trish! Becky’s kinda thinking there is. Trish says no one, including Becky. One day, Zoey will perhaps be better than Trish, thanks to Trish’s teachings. But currently, presently, no one is better than Trish because Trish is the greatest of all time! Becky is skeptical about that. But if Trish thinks that, that’s funny seeing as how Trish couldn’t beat Becky on her own. If Becky recalls, Zoey stuck her dopey head out, hit a Z360, and Trish got the pin.
Now why is that, Trish? Seems like Trish ain’t the GOAT, it seems Becky is! And if Stark wants to get better, she has to go through Becky! We all know that Trish isn’t gonna be sticking around. She’s only here to get glory, rub up against The Big Time, push her crappy little talent show or whatever little magazine she paid to be on the cover of. And then, what’s gonna happen? What happens to Stark? Will she push the Trish merch, wearing the same janky T-shirt she’s been wearing the last six weeks? Is Trish gonna bring her home to Canada, sit her at the front desk of her little yoga studio, and make her answer calls?
Why is Trish still here, if she doesn’t wanna fight? Trish repeats, “Why am I here? Because I am the face of the Women’s Division! The division I built, the division I gave relevancy to!” And Becky hated when Trish and her were strolling around backstage, and people excitedly walked up and said, “Thank You, Trish!” Oh yes, Becky hated that. And the irony is not lost on Trish that Becky tried to break the face of the face of the Women’s Division. But now Zoey is gonna break Becky’s face! Becky is ready to go, but then Trish says she has an appointment she has to take care of. They’ll leave this dump called Baltimore. Or maybe “Balti-less!”
But hey, keep the calendar open for next week. Trish & Zoey leave, Becky is more than ready. Will The Man finally get some payback next week?
On-stage interview with Cody Rhodes.
Jackie Redmond welcomes the American Nightmare back out, and fans again get to sing along, “WHOA~ OH!” Cody’s in a suit now, so he’s not looking for a fight anymore. Jackie says that earlier tonight, he got a fight with Lesnar, does he have a comment? Cody notes this is Jackie’s Raw debut, so everyone say hi. “Hi, Jackie!” Now, Cody is a man of his word. He said that after Night of Champions, he would be waiting on Brock Lesnar. Tonight, The Beast reared his head, Cody spoke Lesnar’s language, and the translation was simple: “Welcome back, Brock! We are not done yet!”
Cody says Lesnar broke Cody’s arm, but Cody busted Lesnar’s face. There is no way that they can continue to coexist on Raw, so Cody wants one more shot at Lesnar. And he’ll fight Lesnar any night, and every night! Cody thanks Jackie and heads back out. But then when and where will we see round three between American Nightmare and Beast Incarnate?
Mixed Six Tag: The Alpha Academy VS The Viking Raiders!
We’ve heard both sides out the last couple of weeks, but now it’s time to “SHOOOOOSH! Shoosh, please.” Will Maxxine join Gable & Otis in saying “A THANK YEW~!” tonight? Or will Erik, Ivar & Sarah Logan bring about Ragnarök before Independence Day?
The trios sort out and Erik starts against Gable. They tie up. Gable wrenches but Erik whips. Gable goes up and over, sunset flips, ONE! “A THANK YEW~!” Erik runs in but into a headlock. Erik powers out and runs Gable over! Erik scowls, brings Gable up, and ROCKS him with a forearm! Erik chinlocks to grind Gable down but Gable endures. Gable reaches out, throws body shots, but Erik shifts to back suplex! Gable lands on his feet, dodges and tags in Otis! Otis hits Erik, hits Ivar, CLOBBERS Erik, and then Ivar gets in, but Otis scoops him! And SLAMS him! Fans fire up with the Dozer as he SPLASHES Erik in a corner!
Erik staggers and falls, and Gable says its time! Off comes the shirt, the fans fire up as Otis pumps and does the CATERPILLAR ELBOW! Erik bails out, the Academy stands together to say “A THANK YEW~!” with Baltimore, and Raw goes picture in picture.
Erik bails out to regroup with the Vikings, but Otis waits. Ivar storms back in but the ref says there was no tag. Ivar goes out, but Erik RAMS Otis into a corner! It was all a strategy! Tag to Ivar now, and he SPLASHES Otis against the apron! Otis sputters, Sarah has a sinister smile, and Ivar tags Erik. The Vikings get Otis up and in, then Erik covers. TWO, and Erik clamps on with a facelock. Erik drags Otis up, Ivar tags in, and they KNEE Otis, and KNEE him down! Ivar beats his chest and roars, but Otis flounders to ropes. Ivar throws crossfaces but Otis snarls and shakes his head. Ivar stands Otis up but Otis throws hands!
Ivar knees low, Otis goes back to ropes, and Ivar tags Erik. The Vikings mug Otis again, hammer him down, but the ref counts. Ivar lets off, Erik looms over Otis. Erik stomps Otis, then stays between him and the Academy. Erik stomps more and more, but Otis fires back! Erik RAMS Otis into ropes and they scrap! Erik ROCKS Otis and throws hands from all sides! Erik chinlocks, grinds Otis, but Otis fights up to throw more hands! Raw returns to single picture as the two scrap, and Erik RAKES eyes! Tag to Ivar, the Vikings double whip to ropes. Otis blasts through the lariats to DOUBLE SHOULDER the Vikings down!
Hot tag to Gable! Gable fires off on Ivar! Throat chop and UPPERCUT then knee and UPPERCUT! Ivar swings but misses and Gable mule kicks! “SHOOSH!” ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Erik is in, but runs into an EXPLODER! “A THANK YEW~!” Fans fire up with Gable and he goes up the corner. But Ivar ROCKS him! And ROCKS him again! Ivar climbs up after Gable, but Gable fires forearms and headbutts! FLYING BULLDOG! Gable runs to clothesline Erik and himself up and outta the ring! Gable then goes to the apron, CANNONBALL! Down goes Erik but Gable keeps moving! DIVING HEADBUTT on Ivar!! Cover, Erik breaks it in time!!
Otis runs in but Erik dodges! Ace Ten Maou! ROLLING ELBOW from Gable! LEG LARIAT from Ivar!! Both men are down, and they crawl to their corners. Fans fire up for the hot tags to Sarah and Maxxine! Maxxine dodges Sarah, and arm-drags! And arm-drags! And then facelocks, for the suplex! Maxxine says “A THANK YEW~!” Maxxine SPLASHES in the corner a la Otis, and then Sarah falls! Otis says, “MAXXINE~! Do the worm, baby!” Maxxine shakes it up, fires up, and hits the worm! But Sarah KNEES her down!! The Vikings go after Otis! Gable goes up to ARIHARA MOONSAULT to take them out!!
Maxxine staggers, Sarah clamps onto her face, and whips her to a corner! Maxxine goes up and over and sunset flips! THE ACADEMY WINS!
Winners: The Alpha Academy, by pinfall
Maxxine’s in-ring debut is a success! Will this finally SHOOSH the doubters?
WWE shares footage from backstage at MITB.
After the Men’s MITB ladder match, and after their quite truly death defying crash through tables, Ricochet and Logan Paul brawled it out! Security, refs and producers had to pull them apart, is this beef between them only heating up?
Backstage interview with Ricochet.
Jackie is with the One and Only and brings up the “interactions” with Logan Paul, both during and after the ladder match. Ricochet says a lot of people felt Logan never belonged in that match in the first place. But take it from Ricochet, from Royal Rumble to MITB, Logan can hang and Ricochet can respect that. But what he doesn’t respect is Logan gets in Ricochet’s face, made things personal, when it just wasn’t Logan’s night. Ricochet issues a challenge to Logan. But not on social media like a keyboard warrior. No, they do it BIG in the WWE. So how about next week, here on Raw, Logan returns to meet Ricochet in the ring face to face?
WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Natalya!
At Night of Champions, Mami got the advantage thanks to her Dom-Dom. The second time around wasn’t even a match because Rhea used her brutality. Will the third time be the charm for the Queen of Harts? Or will this time be when Natty is truly eradicated?
Wait, Natty rushes down the ramp to get the ambush on Rhea! Natty fires off on Rhea and the fans fire up! Natty RAMS Rhea into barriers, hammers away on her again, then brings her up to RAM into steel steps! Rhea falls over and Natty gets in her face. Natty says this is for those other times! Natty SMACKS Rhea off the apron, CLUBS her, and then pushes her in. The ref reprimands, Natty gets in, but Rhea still wants this face. The bell rings, and Natty fires off on Rhea for real now! The ref counts, Natty lets off, and then storms back in. Trip and leg lock, then Natty throws more fast hands!
Natty wants the legs but Rhea scrambles away! Fans fire up as Natty goes out after Rhea! But Rhea DECKS Natty! Rhea SMACKS Natty off the desk! And again! And again! And again! Natty flops over with the desk hood! Rhea TOSSES the hood, puts Natty in the ring, and then runs in. Natty gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up as Natty drags Rhea up to CLUB her again and again! Fans duel, Natty SLAPS Rhea, and Natty scoops. Rhea slips free, and CLUBS Natty on the back now. Rhea scowls and she clamps onto Natty. Rhea whips Natty to CLUB her on the back! Natty grits her teeth while Rhea argues with the ref.
Rhea shoves and CLUBS Natty again! The ref reprimands Rhea more but Rhea tells him to shut up. Rhea shoves, but Natty comes back with haymakers! Fans fire up, Natty has Rhea in the corner and fires off again. Rhea shoves Natty away, then catches her in body scissors to HEADBUTT her down! That’s new. Rhea covers, TWO!! Natty survives and Rhea grows frustrated. Rhea slaps Natty around and eggs her on. “You wanna fight me, Natty? HUH?” Rhea SLAPS Natty! Fans rally and duel, Rhea HIP DROPS Natty, then HIP DROPS her again! And again! Rhea taunts Natty, drags her up, and KICKS her in the side!
Natty writhes, but Rhea sits her up to MULE KICK! But Natty comes back with more fists and forearms! Rhea hits low, kicks Natty down, and looms over her. Rhea bumps Natty off buckles, hoists her up top, then ROCKS her! And ROCKS her again! Rhea climbs, but Natty resists, so Rhea fires off more hands! Natty hits back, HEADBUTTS, and Rhea staggers away. Natty adjusts, and CROSSBODIES! Direct hit and both women are down! Fans rally up, Rhea and Natty stir, and Rhea crawls over to Natty. Rhea swings but Natty counter punches! And again! And again! And again! Rhea kicks low, stomps feet, and hits a KNEE SMASH!
Rhea runs to DROPKICK Natty down! Cover, TWO! Rhea argues the count as Raw goes picture in picture.
Rhea scowls as she gets to her feet. She tells Baltimore to “SUCK IT!” and to shove it, then she stomps Natty more. Rhea KICKS Natty in the back, then swings around one of the leather straps that snapped off her leg. Rhea bumps Natty off buckles, then RAMS and RAMS and RAMS her! Rhea lets off as the ref counts and they argue again. Natty goes to ropes, but Rhea CHOKES her! The ref counts, Rhea lets off again, but Natty comes back with hands! Natty CLUBS Rhea, but Rhea kicks low! And KICKS Natty down! Rhea SMACKS Natty off the mat, pushes her to a cover, TWO! The Queen of Harts is still in this!
Rhea frowns, throws hands, but Natty throws them back! Natty whips, but Rhea reverses, and reels Natty right into a COBRA TWIST! Natty claws at Rhea’s legs, Rhea drives an elbow into Natty’s ribs, but Natty keeps fighting. Natty smacks and clubs Rhea’s leg, gets around, and puts the Cobra Twist on her! Rhea endures, grabs at hair, and powers her way back to the Cobra Twist! But Natty pops free to HIP TOSS Rhea away! Rhea gets up, Natty ELBOWS her! And BOOTS her! And runs up, gets around, and SLAPS her! Natty whips, Rhea reverses but Natty dodges in the corner! REBOUND SIT-DOWN!
Natty steps on Rhea and basement dropkicks! Raw returns to single picture as Natty gets the legs! Rhea BOOTS Natty away, and again! Rhea then reaches up to EDDY GORDO KICK! Both women are down and fans fire up again! Rhea stands, she drags Natty up and reels her in, but Natty RANAS free! Rhea stands, into the DISCUS LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Rhea is still in this and Natty grows frustrated. Natty gets the legs, steps through, but Rhea powers it to a cradle! TWO, and Natty CLUBS Rhea again. Natty whips, runs in at the corner, but Rhea BOOTS her down! Rhea goes up top, and leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!!
Rhea is beside herself! This is thee same person she bullied and decimated, maybe that’s why Natty’s fighting so hard. But then Rhea ROUNDHOUSES Natty down! Rhea pushes Natty over, gets her legs now, PRISM TRAP!! Natty endures the inverted cloverleaf as fans fire up again! Natty reaches out, crawls and claws to roll and send Rhea into buckles! Rhea is dazed and Natty has new life! Natty trips Rhea up, steps through, but Rhea YANKS her into buckles! Rhea returns the favor, and then stomps Natty! Rhea drags Natty out, stomps her, then goes to the corner. Rhea says this is for Dom-Dom!
Rhea climbs up, gives us Latina Heat, and then FROG SPLASHES onto BOOTS!! Natty saves herself and Rhea is dazed again! Rhea runs back in, but only gets POST! Rhea staggers and stumbles, into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Natty gets Rhea’s legs, steps through, SHARPSHOOTER!! Rhea endures, powers up, blood in her mouth, and she powers her way over to the ROPEBREAK!! Natty lets go reluctantly, and Rhea bails out of the ring. Natty builds speed, to slide, but Rhea dodges! Natty pursues but Rhea KICKS, HEADBUTTS, and pump handles! RIPTIDE!!! Cover, Rhea wins!!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s World Champion)
The Queen of Harts gave Rhea one hell of a fight, but now Rhea gives Natty a beating for it! Rhea throws down hands and headbutts, but here come Liv & Raquel! The Women’s Tag Champions run off the world champion, but Rhea waves bye to her old rival. Will Big Mami Cool look to revisit the past with Mami Eradicator?
Raw shares Tommaso Ciampa’s WWE social media exclusive.
“You know what the difference is between Tommaso Ciampa and The Miz? When I had a problem with The Miz, I walked down that aisle, I looked him in the eye, and I punched him in the teeth. When Miz had the opportunity to do the same, instead he chose to attack me from behind like a coward. There is a silver lining in all of this. Y’see, this past Monday, I finally saw that look in his eye again. The Miz, he’s a guy who’s accomplished everything there is in the WWE, and he’ll be the first to tell ya. But the last couple o’ years, he’s had loss after loss after loss.
“Until finally, that spark is back in his eye! That ruthless aggression that has gotten him to the top time and time again! It’s back. That’s the thing. Miz, I want you to listen to me very closely. The next time we’re in the same arena together, I want you to bring that same energy, and I’ll bring the same chip on my shoulder with me. Because now, you’ve shown me your cards, and you have no idea what I’m holding in my hand.”
The Miz responds.
“You wanna talk cards, Tommaso Ciampa? I don’t care if you have the high card, two of a kind, three of a kind, four of a kind, straight, Full House, I am the unbeatable Royal Flush, and I am not bluffing! You wanna talk about me losing and losing and losing, and call me a coward?! The last person to call me a coward is gone! Everyone that I have taken under my wing and has double-crossed me is gone, yet I’m still here. So who’s the real winner? But you’re right, I do have a spark in my eye. I am feeling better than I’ve ever felt before.
“So next week, I want you to bring that chip on your shoulder to our No Disqualification Match! I want the best version of Tommaso Ciampa, because you will be getting the best version of me! And you and everybody else will put respect on my name! Cuz I’m the Miz… and I’m awesome.” The Hollywood A-Lister is about to bring out his full anger, will Ciampa like what he sees?
Rhea Ripley encounters Iyo Sky backstage!
And Miss MITB tells the champ, “Yabai yo, yabai yo.” That is to say, Rhea is in danger. Iyo holds up her MITB briefcase, and tells her, “See you around, Rhea.” Rhea says, “Try me. It’ll be the biggest mistake of your life.” The Evil Genius takes her leave, does she already have a plan in motion? As for Rhea, Dom & Priest walk over and check in on her. And has anyone even heard from Finn? Not since Saturday. But Rhea asks if they saw what happened out there. Liv & Raquel came to help Natty? They wanna get in Rhea’s business after she warned Raquel not to? Raquel either didn’t get the message, or is just thick in the skull. They do that again, they’ll regret it.
Dom says yeah, it’ll be just like Rollins regretting getting in the ring with Dom! Dom’s gonna be the last man standing! The Judgment Day is in agreement, but is Finn (not) fine with how things went on Saturday?
Matt Riddle VS Giovanni Vinci w/ Imperium!
The Original Bro still has his ankle taped up from the damage Gunther did to it, but he isn’t letting it get him down. But he’s now facing the Pride of Italy, who owes Riddle for damaging his ankle! Will Vinci avenge himself and allow Imperium to move on? Or will Riddle get back up now that he’s back in the States?
Raw returns as Imperium makes their entrance. The bell rings and Ludwig swipes at Riddle’s bad foot! The fans boo, Riddle swipes back, but Vinci CLOBBERS Riddle! Vinci stomps and UPPERCUTS and CHOPS Riddle! Vinci scoops and SLAMS Riddle into ropes! Fans boo but Riddle gets up to fire strikes! And KICKS! Vinci ducks, runs, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Vinci stomps Riddle’s bad foot, then grabs it for a toehold. But Riddle kicks with the good leg! Riddle kicks again, Vinci blocks but Riddle breaks free and spins Vinci to a PELE! Riddle kips up, forearm smashes, and then runs again, but into a fireman’s carry!
Vinci ROLLING SENTONS, goes up, MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Riddle escapes, but Vinci drags him up and reels him in. Riddle fights outta the bomb, FINAL FLASH! Gut wrench, but Vinci drops to get the foot! ANKLE LOCK! But Riddle rolls it to a cover, and Riddle wins!
Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall
But Ludwig PENALTY KICKS! Imperium beats up on Riddle and fans boo, but here comes DREW MCINTYRE! Fans fire up and Gunther says hurry, go after him! Ludwig & Vinci hesitate, but they run out. McIntyre BOOTS Ludwig, then HEADBUTTS Vinci! Riddle hits a FINAL FLASH on Vinci again, and McIntyre glares at Gunther. But then he smiles and looks at Vinci. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAYMORE!! Vinci goes down, McIntyre kips up, and now Gunther gets on the apron. But McIntyre stares him down and dares him to do something. Gunther chooses a tactical retreat, but will he have to face the Scottish Warrior soon enough?
Riddle and McIntyre regroup backstage.
The Bro tells McIntyre thanks for that save. The Imperium has been beating him up for weeks. Well not anymore. But then here comes Byron! Byron says McIntyre made his return at MITB, and just made his presence felt in a big way. That’s right! Drew McIntyre is back! And Riddle says now that Drew is back, they should team up and take out Imperium next week. What’s McIntyre say? McIntyre hears the fans saying take his shirt off, but that tag match sounds like a hell of a return match. But that’s next week. Tonight, let’s go out in Baltimore to get some pints? Riddle likes the way McIntyre thinks! And let’s get some Jimmies! Yeah, love it!
Seth Rollins VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day!
The Visionary didn’t mind changing his plans to go from partying to fighting, but he’s also aware this could all be a trap to set him up for Priest. Will Rollins finish this fast and get to the festivities? Or will “Dirty Dom” make sure Raw belongs to the Judgment Day?
Raw returns as Rollins makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle while the fans sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Dom and Rollins approach, but Rollins dodges to go up the corner and enjoy the singing. Dom is annoyed, but he and Rollins circle again. They tie up, go around, and Rollins wrenches to wristlock and hammerlock. Rollins then spins, headlocks and hits a takeover! Fans chant “DOM, YOU SUCK!” while Rollins grinds him down. Rhea says shut up, Dom’s the best Mysterio ever. Dom pulls hair, headscissors, but Rollins kips free. Dom kicks low, headlocks and he hits a takeover.
Rollins moves around, fans rally, and Rollins fights up. Rollins powers out, but Dom runs him over! Things keep moving, Rollins hurdles then redirects to then run Dom over! Fans fire up and sing, and Rollins brings Dom around to throw body shots! Rollins throws Dom out of the ring to the ramp side, and he builds speed, only for Rhea to stand in the way. Fans boo but Dom runs in! Rollins tosses Dom out at Rhea’s feet! Rollins goes out to then FLYING KNEE Dom down! Priest glares at Rollins and Rollins uses Scott Hall fingers to taunt him. Fans sing for Rollins as he gets back in the ring. Rhea keeps Dom calm and Raw goes picture in picture.
Rollins waits on Dom, and Dom takes his time. Rhea and Priest also get on the apron, they flank Rollins. Priest steps in, Rollins rushes over, but he still sees Dom’s attack coming! Rollins CHOPS Dom to a corner, CHOPS him to another corner, then whips him corner to corner. Dom bounces off buckles, into a CHOP! Rhea & Priest are annoyed but Rollins runs back in at Dom, but Dom dodges! Rollins hits buckles and Dom stomps away on him! Dom tells fans it’s done, and he wants a mic. Rhea fetches a mic while Dom throws hands on Rollins! Rhea hands the mic in, but chances are the fans are booing even now.
Dom gets on the corner and tells them off, then he runs at Rollins to stomp him down. Dom soaks up more heat and he stomps Rollins at the ropes. The ref counts, Dom lets off, and Dom gets on the corner again, only for Rollins to Electric Chair Lift! HOTSHOT! Rollins runs to SLINGBLADE! Dom flounders around, Rollins dares him to get up. Rollins stomps Dom again and again and again, then digs the heel in. Rollins lets off, drags Dom up, and Rollins smirks at Rhea before UNO AMIGO! Fans fire up as Rollins goes again, Dos Amigos! Rollins shows off his Latino Heat, and hits THREE AMIGOS!
Fans fire up and Rollins goes to the corner. Rollins climbs, but Rhea gets on the apron. The ref reprimands, but Priest SHOVES Rollins down! Rollins crashes on the mat, and now Dom goes up! FROG SPLASH! But Dom doesn’t cover, he wants to add on! Dom stomps Rollins but fans chant “DOM, YOU SUCK!” Dom goes back up, takes aim, FROG SPLASH again!! But Dom isn’t covering, he is just here to hurt Rollins! Dom stomps Rollins again, then goes up a third time. FROG SPLASH onto knees!! Rollins saves himself and the Judgment Day freaks out! Rollins rises as the fans rally and he runs in at Dom.
Rollins rallies on Dom with lariats, then a mule kick, front kick, and DISCUS LARIAT! Fans fire up more as Rollins grits his teeth. Rollins runs in at the corner, forearm smash! Rollins keeps going, another forearm smash! And then another! Rollins reels Dom in, BACKBREAKER! And then Rollins runs, to KNEE Dom down! Fans fire up again and sing the song! “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins watches as Dom stirs, and Dom rises into a kick! Underhooks, but Priest gets up on the apron! Rollins DECKS Priest, dodges Dom, and clotheslines Dom up and out! Rollins builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit on Dom & Priest!
Priest hits the desk, and Rollins gets Dom up and in! Rhea panics as Rollins ROLLING ELBOWS Dom, then turns him for a DREAM SMASHER! Dom drops, Rollins aims. But Priest gest in!! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by disqualification
Priest hammers away on Rollins! Fans boo as Priest drags Rollins up and TOSSES him out! Rhea has the briefcase for Priest, and Priest RAMS Rollins into the steel steps! Priest fires off hands, then RAMS Rollins into the desk! Those battered ribs are getting beaten up all over again! And now Priest TOSSES Rollins into barriers! Priest has Rollins against the desk to HAMMER away on him! FLATLINER to the desk! Rollins sputters and falls, Priest brings the straps down again! Priest clears off the desk! Fans are thunderous as Priest drags Rollins back up! Priest reels Rollins in, gets him up, Canadian rack to the crucifix, but Rollins slips free!
Rollins SUPERKICKS! Rollins gets Priest in, but Dom CLOBBERS Rollins with the briefcase! Dom RAMS Rollins into the steps, then puts him in the ring. Dom has the briefcase again and he says Priest can do it! Priest looks at the briefcase, thinks about it, and he steps up to the apron! But FINN BALOR is here! He CLOBBERS Rollins into Priest! Priest falls as Finn stomps and punches away on Rollins! Finn climbs up, but Priest gets up on the apron. They argue about what the hell is going on! Dom wants them to keep the peace, there’s bigger fish to fry! But that fish is getting away! Rollins bails out, Dom rushes him, but Rollins kicks low! PEDIGREE to the floor!
Rollins retreats as Priest rushes after him! The fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Priest says Finn ruined this for him! Finn says Priest ruined things on Saturday for Finn! Priest doesn’t care that Finn lost that on his own. Don’t make this about yourself, make this about the team! Rhea tells them to stop arguing as she checks on Dom. Is the Judgment Day falling apart before our very eyes?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to follow up MITB. Though, this also did suffer just a bit from the new condition, “Aftermath Show Syndrome.” A lot more recaps than I thought they were going to give, but they did their best to make it all relevant to what we were seeing. Great opening promo segment that ended up being multiple segments. I do like that Cody, in ring gear, was operating under the assumption Brock was never gonna face him again so he just wanted right after the title. But then Brock shows up, we get a really good brawl, and per Cody’s interview promo where he’s back in a suit, they of course get us on course for a match at SummerSlam.
Great stuff with the Judgment Day all night, too. Good promo with Rollins where they brush past the issue with Finn while in the ring, but then talk about it when they’re “alone” backstage. The one thing WWE still needs to work on is that their wrestlers don’t acknowledge backstage cameramen as if they don’t exist. There should’ve been a moment here where they tried to get away from the cameras, only for the mics to still pick up audio. Great main event from Rollins VS Dom and of course there was the tease of a cash-in. Finn ruins that for Priest, possibly accidental payback for MITB but also totally on purpose. The Bloodline had their civil war, now it’s Judgment Day’s turn. And as I see it, the moment JD McDonagh returns, you know something’s going down.
Rhea also had awesome stuff with Natty and the Women’s Division. Natty had a great showing but of course Rhea wins. Raquel & Liv making the save made some sense, they’re Faces, they respect Natty, and there’s also the history with Raquel and Rhea going back to their NXT days. And good little visit by Iyo Sky backstage to remind Rhea that Miss MITB can target anyone. All those possibilities are great, but Raquel & Liv also have to once again deal with Sonya & Chelsea. I am truly shocked it was a clean sweep from start to finish for Chelsea & Sonya, but the gauntlet did help get other stories get going again, like Nikki’s obsession with Candice.
Raquel & Liv will get past Chelsea & Sonya as their first defense of the titles, and I hope they visit NXT to give the teams down there some chances. Nikki might end up fighting Emma after abandoning her, or Emma helps her take on Candice & Indi. Something feels a bit jumbled in that story, I’m not sure what happened. But also great to see Tegan Nox is back, let’s all hope and pray she doesn’t get hurt again, she really deserves a fair chance on RawDown. And good promo from Becky, Trish & Zoey to show Trish is hurt (not sure how much is work versus shoot), and Becky will have a good match against Zoey next week.
Great stuff out of Shayna and Ronda, and Shayna is definitely the Face here. She calls upon the trope of “I earned this, you were handed it,” same as LA Knight just did to Logan Paul on SmackDown. Good brawl, and while Shayna came out on top here, she could still win out when they finally have their match. Speaking of Logan Paul, I like that they got their feud going while MITB was still on, and Ricochet has a good promo to call Logan out. They’re gonna have a great feud, though I also kinda hope Logan still feuds with LA Knight this year. Great promos from Ciampa and Miz, this is a great callback to “Talking Smack with Daniel Bryan incident” Miz, No Disqualifications is gonna be awesome.
Really good, really fun Mixed Six match from Alpha Academy and Viking Raiders. The fans are really loving Gable and Otis, and now loving Maxxine because she’s along for the ride. Maxxine really did do a good Worm, though she could still be smoother. But also great win for her in her first match, it really feels like she does genuinely wanna get in on the action, not just be a manager/valet character like she was as Sophia Cramwell in NXT, and as Maxxine Dupri with Maximum Male Models. Just still a shame we didn’t get a proper blowoff in that story, Maxxine just kinda ditched her guys for Otis & Gable.
Good promo from Bronson Reed, though they had him use big words. I am still not sure where he’s supposed to be going post Draft since he’s on Raw where the US Championship is not, and Gunther still has the Intercontinental title. Decent match from Riddle VS Vinci, but rather quick. But that was cuz it was all to set up McIntyre making the save. McIntyre and Riddle have a good backstage promo, they’ll have a great tag match against Ludwig & Vinci, and I’m sure this is still leading to McIntyre VS Gunther at SummerSlam for the Intercontinental Championship. Maybe if McIntyre gets the title off Gunther, Bronson will step in to face McIntyre. But even then, I kinda wanna see Gunther VS Face Bronson with this whole “Mr. Nice Guy” thing he’s coming up with.
My Score: 8.6/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/15/25)
Round 3, all together!
Is there a changing of the guard in NJPW?
El Desperado and Hiromu Takahashi both lost last round, but the Best of the Super Juniors is far from over! Do Despy & Hiromu still have a chance to take their blocks?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS SHO; Taguchi wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Dragon Dia VS Clark Connors; Dia wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Kevin Knight; Yoh wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Ninja Mack; Kushida wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Robbie Eagles VS Nick Wayne; Nick wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Robbie X VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Robbie wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Titan VS MAO; Titan wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Kosei Fujita; Fujita wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Taiji Ishimori; Taiji wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Francesco Akira; Akira wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 2-0, 4 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-1, 2 points
Dragon Dia: 1-1, 2 points
Francesco Akira: 1-1, 2 points
Ninja Mack: 1-1, 2 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 1-1, 2 points
Robbie X: 1-1, 2 points
Clark Connors: 1-1, 2 points
Master Wato: 1-1, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 0-2, 0 points
Here are the current B Block standings!
Nick Wayne: 2-0, 4 points
Robbie Eagles: 2-0, 4 points
MAO: 2-0, 4 points
El Desperado: 1-1, 2 points
Titan: 1-1, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-1, 2 points
SHO: 1-1, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 0-2, 0 points
YOH: 0-2, 0 points
Taiji Ishimori: 0-2, 0 points
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS SHO!
The Funky Weapon had a solid first round win, but was then brought back down in the second by Titan. Meanwhile, the Murder Machine failed to cheat Nick Wayne but brought the House of Torture down on Yoh. Who rises and who falls to kick off round 3?
Okay, wait. Last round, Yoh brought out whiskey with Sho’s name on it. Tonight, Taguchi brings out a bottle of champagne. Why’s everyone drinking on the job? Even Sho is wondering what’s going on. Wait, is Taguchi going to do what Yoh did? Taguchi takes a swig of champagne from his cup, and runs up on Sho! Sho runs away and it is another chase in Korakuen Hall! Sho fears the booze smoosh! Taguchi chases Sho to the entryway, but then just like the other day, the Tokyo Pimp was waiting! Taguchi backs up and apologizes. Taguchi decides to go into the orange seats, just like Yoh! But that surely means Evil is waiting behind the exit!
Taguchi storms into the hall, but no, it’s SANADA this time! The fans cheer seeing Cold Blooded in his Astro Boy boots, and Taguchi is just as surrounded as Yoh was last time. Taguchi figures he’ll keep the parallels going, and he fires up! Sanada & Yujiro mug Taguchi while Sho keeps the ref distracted! But this time, Yujiro holds Taguchi. Sanada runs up, but Taguchi slips free and the BOOT hits Yujiro! Then Taguchi shoves Sanada into Yujiro, and uses the pimp cane to DOUBLE LOW BLOW! And he THRASHES it around! And he lifts it again and again! The fans cheer but here comes Sho! Taguchi hurries away, pimp cane in hand!
Taguchi returns to ringside, slides into the ring, and he twirls the pimp cane. The ref confiscates the can, Sho slides in, and the bell finally rings to make this a match! Sho runs in, but Taguchi dodges and sends him into bare buckles! Sho suffers his own cheap trick and Taguchi rolls him up! TAGUCHI WINS?!?
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sho earns 0)
Sho is absolutely dumbfounded! All those shenanigans beforehand don’t matter, this will go down as one of, if not THE quickest match in the tournament! Taguchi does a dance with Yujiro’s pimp cane, but Sho rushes back into the ring! Taguchi KICKS the ropes to jam Sho up! Yujiro storms in from the other side, Taguchi KICKS those ropes! Sanada tries from a different end, but Taguchi KICKS those ropes, too! The Funky Weapon gets the better of the House tonight and they go into retreat. He can be serious and he can be strange, but will Taguchi reach the top of the block one way or another?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Dragon Dia VS Clark Connors!
The 1-1 traffic jam is much worse in A Block than B Block, but one man will break away and leave the other behind. Will the Infinite Carat Diamond make up for his loss to Master Wato? Or will 100 Proof shift into a higher gear?
The bell rings and the fans rally as Dia and Connors slowly circle. The fans bark with Connors but Dia stays cool. The two tie up, Connors puts Dia on the ropes, but Dia dodges his cheap shot! Dia kicks low, whips, but Connors reverses. Dia ducks ‘n’ dodges, then slides under the boot! Dia tilt-o-whirl ARM-DRAGS, then DROPKICKS! Connors doesn’t budge! The fans cheer and Connors brushes himself off. Dia SOBATS, runs, but into the JEEP FLIPPER! The fans fire up as Connors calls it a homerun! Dia bails out but Connors is right on him. Connors CHOPS Dia, brings him around, and POSTS him! Dia flounders and Connors tells fans to move!
The fans hurry away, they know from yesterday how this goes. Connors ROCKS Dia, but then he makes Dia take a seat. Connors stands on a chair to rain down fists! The fans bark and Connors goes to nine, then UPPERCUTS to top it off! The ref reprimands, but Connors goes looking under the ring! It’s WHEEL-SAN~! The fans cheer and Connors aims, but Dia dodges! Connors turns around, throws Wheel-san at Dia, but Dia ducks, and Wheel-san bounces off the post to SMACK Connors! The fans cheer as now Dia takes Wheel-san for his own! Dia hoists Wheel-san up, just to put it back under the ring!
The fans cheer, Dia puts Connors in the ring, and he has Connors in the corner. Dia whips corner to corner, Connors reverses, but then Dia dodges! Dia goes to the apron, ducks a haymaker to trip Connors and slingshot SPLASH! Dia hurries up a corner and the fans rally. Connors stands, into the D D- NO, Connors stops the 4D and makes it a suplex! Dia slips free, runs up and rolls, REPTI- NO, Connors stops that to SITOUT POWERBOMB! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Connors rises, paces, and he aims from a corner. Connors watches Dia rise, then runs in, but Dia hurdles the spear! Dia goes back up, DDDDT!! Dia crawls to the cover, TWO!
The fans fire up as Connors survives and Dia rises again. Dia hurries to the apron, takes aim and springboards, but into a SPEAR!! Connors crawls to the cover now, TWO?!? Connors survives and Connors can’t believe it! Connors slaps Dia around, whips him, but Dia rolls for the REPTILIAN! Cover, DIA WINS!!
Winner: Dragon Dia, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Connors earns 0)
Connors tried burning rubber but now he’s hit a wall! Will he be able to make a U-turn and make it back to a winning way? Will Dia still be shining bright as the tournament rolls on?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Kevin Knight!
Direct Drive got screwed over by a stacked deck, but The Jet’s flight was grounded by MAO. Who finally gets going with their first points of the tournament?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Yoh and Knight slowly circle, feel things out, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Knight’s height becomes a point of leverage. Knight puts Yoh on the ropes, but he lets off slowly, then blows a kiss. The fans applaud and Yoh blows a kiss back. Knight offers a kiss on the cheek and the fans rally up. Yoh walk up, but Knight headlocks! Yoh powers up and out but Knight slides under the hurdle. Knight shoves Yoh, then he hurdles, to then jump and RANA! The fans cheer while Yoh tumbles to the apron. Knight triangle jump dropkicks him down! The fans cheer more as Knight builds speed!
Yoh hurries back in, and he dropkicks Knight’s legs out! The fans rally but Yoh basement dropkicks Knight! Knight goes to ropes, Yoh KICKS a leg, then CHOP BLOCKS it! The fans rally while Yoh covers, ONE! The fans applaud but Yoh clamps on with a HEEL HOOK! Knight endures, crawls over, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Yoh lets go. Yoh stalks Knight to a corner, but Knight fires body shots! Knight CHOPS, but Yoh kicks the leg! Yoh runs, but Knight scoops to BACKBREAKER! But that’s double-edged given the bad leg! The fans rally up while both men are down. Knight hobbles his way to ropes, then runs up to LARIAT!
Knight LARIATS, whips, but Yoh reverses. Knight manages to go up and over, then he avoids a dropkick to UFO SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Yoh stays in this but then bails out. The fans rally and Knight fights through the pain to build speed. Yoh gets out of the way, only for Knight to slide out and then go to the corner! PLANCHA! The fans fire up as Knight knocks Yoh down! Knight fires up and the fans cheer as Knight hobbles back to Yoh. Knight puts Yoh in the ring, aims from a corner, and the fans rally up. Knight somersaults and- NO, Yoh stops the DDT to wrench, waistlock, only for Knight to buck the O’Conner Roll.
Knight aims, but Yoh blocks the superkick! Yoh then DROPKICKS the other leg! Yoh hurries to step through, and he has the FIGURE FOUR! Knight endures as Yoh has a slightly different angle on it than is traditional. The fans rally and Knight backstrokes to the ROPEBREAK! Yoh lets go and the fans rally up again. Yoh brings Knight up to suplex and FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this and the fans cheer. Yoh roars and he tunes up! The fans clap along and Yoh waits on Knight. Knight rises, but he avoids the superkick to SKY- NO, Yoh fights the bomb to whip! Knight reverses, and hits SKY2HIGH!
Both men are down and the fans rally back up. Knight crawls to the apron, goes to the corner, and takes aim. Yoh rises, Knight runs in, but Yoh dodges! Yoh runs in but then Knight dodges! Knight returns to LARIAT! Knight puts Yoh up top, climbs up after him, and SUPER STEINERS! Yoh writhes and Knight hobbles. Knight aims, runs up, somersault and SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives and Knight can’t believe it! Knight stands and he vows to end this. The fans rally as Knight goes to the apron. Knight aims again, springboards, but Yoh SUPERKICKS! And then suplexes, but Knight slips free to backslide! TWO!!
Yoh swings, Knight ducks and sunset flips, but Yoh sits on it! TWO!! Yoh is up, runs in at the corner, but Knight BOOTS him away! Knight goes up, FLYING- NO, Yoh dodges the lariat to DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Yoh wins!
Winner: Yoh, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)
Knight tried to fly but Yoh used that to bring him down! Knight is 0-3, will his fortunes only get worse in round 4? Will Yoh stay fresh now that he’s finally on the board?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: KUSHIDA VS Ninja Mack!
It is shocking to say that the Time Splitter is 0-2 but that’s the truth after losing to Hiromu Takahashi and Robbie X. The American Ninja is only a touch better, having beat Robbie X to open, but then getting burned by Francesco Akira. Will Mack be on the attack and get back up? Or will Kushida finally hit 88 miles per hour and score?
Mack and Kushida bow and even shake hands. The fans applaud, the bell rings, and the two circle. Mack avoids Kushida’s leg trap, then things speed up. Mack rolls over the dropdown, hurdles, the backflips over Kushida’s slide! The fans cheer the standoff, but Kushida kicks and whips. Mack reverses, Kushida RANAS, but Mack handsprings through! The fans cheer but Kushida KICKS Mack’s leg! Kushida runs and tilt-o-whirl RANAS, but Mack handsprings and flips! The fans cheer as Mack shows off a bit, and Kushida isn’t sure what to make of it. The fans rally for “NINJA! NINJA!” and Mack dares Kushida to battle on his knees.
Kushida isn’t sure about this, but Mack insists. Kushida agrees to the kneeling duel. Mack asks the ref also join them. The ref is surprised by that, but he also agrees. The fans cheer as Kushida and Mack tie up, break, then tie up again. Mack headlocks and hits a short takeover. Kushida headscissors, Mack kips up but to his knees, and the ref scoots around. Kushida and Mack scoot, as well, but then Kushida seems to chase the ref! Mack chases Kushida, and Kushida wants a timeout. Kushida stands but Mack just goes back to center. Kushida kneels again, they tie up again, and Kushida wrenches to a wristlock.
Mack rolls, waistlocks, but Kushida sits down to then float around. Mack switches, Kushida switches, then Kushida floats all around. Kushida has the waistlock again, Mack decides to stand, and he runs to ropes to TUMBLE to the apron! Kushida lets go, Mack mule kicks him, and then the Young Lions hurry over! The fans fire up for Mack’s TOP ROPE DOUBLE MOONSAULT!! Mack knocks everyone down and the fans are thunderous! Mack rises and fires up, so the fans fire up with Mack! Mack shouts out Pat McAfee, then he drags Kushida up. The fans rally for “NINJA! NINJA!” and Mack puts Kushida in the ring.
The fans rally as Mack climbs, then DIVING HEADBUTTS! Both men writhe, perhaps that was double-edged for Mack… Mack says, “Itai, itai!” but he still crawls to a cover, TWO! Mack puts on a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Kushida fights up but Mack hops on, it’s a HOVERBOARD!! Mack is using Kushida’s own move, but Kushida powers out to then put Mack in the HOVERBOARD!! Kushida rolls back, Mack reaches for ropes, but Kushida rolls through! Kushida hooks a leg, but Mack fights that into a ROLLING ROLLING ROLLING CRADLE~! Cover, TWO!!! Both men are up, Kushida somersaults, but Mack denies the satellite DDT!
Mack throws Kushida back to JUMP KNEE! The fans fire up as Mack hurries to the corner and climbs again! NINJA- NO, Kushida moves and Mack has to roll through! Mack goes to the far corner, Kushida runs up, but Mack BOOTS him! Mack runs, and he handstand walks over Kushida’s dropdown! But Kushida PENALTY KICKS the arms out! The fans fire up as Kushida takes aim! Mack rises, into the SHOTEI! Cover, TWO!! Mack survives, but Kushida is right on him with a fisherman and BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Cover, KUSHIDA WINS!
Winner: Kushida, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mack earns 0)
It was a wild ride, but The Time Splitter finally has points on the board! But is there still time for Kushida to again be the Best of the Super Juniors? Can Ninja Mack still get back on a winning track?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Robbie Eagles w/ Hartley Jackson VS Nick Wayne!
Two of the three 2-0 block leaders meet already, so someone is taking an L! Will the Sniper of the Skies be the first to shoot down this Prodigy? Or will the ROH World Television Champion stand tall over the Soul of PWA?
The moment Eagles is ringside, Nick FLIES out onto him! The fans fire up as Nick hurries to put Eagles in! The bell rings, Nick is up top, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Eagles survives this sudden start and Nick takes time to take off his jacket. Nick takes Eagles’ shirt off and KICKS him in the back! The fans rally and duel as Nick lines up another shot. Eagles duck that kick, runs and RANAS, and then he WHEEL KICKS Nick down! Eagles kips up, the fans fire up, and Eagles starts up “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!”
Then Robbie KICKS Nick in the back! Cover, TWO! Eagles grabs a leg to drop an ELBOW on it! Nick scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, but Eagles drags him back. Eagles KICKS away on that leg, but Nick BOOTS Eagles away with the other. Eagles goes to the apron, springboards in, but Nick dodges. Eagles kicks first, then CHOPS! Eagles whips, Nick reverses, then Nick hurdles, bypasses, and UPPERCUTS! Nick kips up, the fans fire up, and Nick pushes Eagles to a cover. TWO, and the fans rally up again. Eagles goes to ropes but Nick is on him. Nick stands Eagles up, winds up, and CHOPS! The fans rally while Nick brings Eagles around.
Nick snapmares Eagles, drops a leg, then covers, TWO! Eagles is tougher than that but Nick stays cool. Nick drags Eagles around, has the legs, and ties them up into a modified figure four! Nick then sits Eagles up so he can twist a wrist! Eagles endures as Nick has a double wristlock! Eagles uses his free arm to crawl over and have the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Nick slowly lets go. Nick stomps Eagles on the back, then he brings Eagles up. Nick waistlocks, then goes for the nelson. Eagles fights that off, fires elbows, but Nick has the half nelson! Eagles drops down, slips under, and SNAP SAIDOS!
But Nick is right up! Only for Eagles to CHOP BLOCK! And then BLINDSIDE LARIAT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Eagles rises, and he KICKS Nick in the chest! And KICKS! And KICKS! Eagles runs, the fans rally, and Eagles LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up more and Eagles feeds off the energy. Nick goes to a corner, Eagles runs in and DOUBLE KNEES! Nick sits down, Eagles runs in again, METEORA! The fans fire up and Eagles covers, TWO! Nick stays in this but Eagles vows to end it. Eagles drags Nick up, cravats, ASAI- NO, Nick stops the DDT to go for the nelson! Eagles mule kicks free, but Nick slips around to STUNNER!
Nick cravats, ASAI- NO, Eagles slips free and then he ASAI DDTS! Cover, TWO! But into the RON MIILLER SPECIAL!! Nick endures and the fans fire up! Eagles puts on the pressure but Nick still fights his way forward, ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Eagles drags Nick back! Eagles KNEES Nick’s knee, but Nick spins to cradle! TWO!! Eagles escapes, runs up, but Nick avoids the low dropkick! Eagles blocks Nick’s kick, hooks him up, but Nick full nelsons! DRAGON SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Nick’s bad leg held him back on that but the fans rally up all the same. Eagles stirs and Nick slowly rises.
Nick calls his shot, goes up the corner, but Eagles anchors him! Nick kicks and Eagles tumbles away, but then Nick jams his leg! Nick still tries, up, up and WAYNE’S- NO, Eagles dodges and Nick’s leg jams again! Eagles runs up but Nick ducks Hyperion! Eagles ducks the roundhouse, hops up, and POISON-RANAS!! Nick flounders to the corner and the fans fire up! Eagles roars, the fans fire up more, and Eagles runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! Nick goes up but Eagles BASEMENT 619s! Then SNIPER DROPKICK to the leg! The fans fire up as Eagles then steps through, but Nick UP KICKS! Eagles wobbles, but he feints the slap to KICK the leg!
Nick still blocks Eagles’ kick and ROUNDHOUSES back! Nick goes up, up, into WAYNE’S WORLD!! Cover, NICK WINS!!
Winner: Nick Wayne, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Eagles earns 0)
Truly historic! Nick Wayne isn’t just the youngest entrant in BOSJ history, he’s the youngest to go 3-0 in his first BOSJ! Will nothing stop The Prodigy at this rate? As for Eagles, he may have fallen, but The Mighty Don’t Kneel! Will he get back up and soar higher than before?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Robbie X VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Mr. X is feeling good coming off a clean win over Kushida while the Heel Master had to get down and dirty to screw over Clark Connors. Will everyone hop on the X Express? Or will Kanemaru find a way to screw over another War Dog?
Well speaking of, the moment Robbie is on the apron, Kanemaru knocks him back down! The fans boo and the ref reprimands but Kanemaru stomps Robbie, wrenches his arm and hammerlocks, so that he can POST Robbie shoulder first! Kanemaru CHOKES Robbie with his own shirt! The bell rings, the ref reprimands, but Kanemaru stomps Robbie more. Kanemaru CLUBS Robbie, but Robbie SMACKS Kanemaru! Kanemaru stumbles, Robbie is right on him with another forearm! Robbie SMACKS Kanemaru off the apron, then he runs a lap around the ring! Robbie come sin for a DRIVE-BY DROPKICK!
The fans fire up with Robbie while Kanemaru falls. Robbie puts Kanemaru back in the ring and the fans cheer. Robbie aims and springboards, but Kanemaru dodges. Robbie rolls and comes back, but Kanemaru BOOTS him! Kanemaru wrenches the arm to YANK, YANK, then hammerlock and SLAM! Robbie writhes but Kanemaru stalks him to a corner. Kanemaru drags Robbie up, YANKS the arm, and then wrenches again. Kanemaru WRINGS the arm out and Robbie writhes more. The fans rally for Robbie but Kanemaru stands him up again. Kanemaru WRINGS the arm out a second time, then stalks Robbie.
Robbie tells the ref not to call this, but Kanemaru just stomps him around. Kanemaru whips, Robbie handsprings, but the bad arm gives out! Kanemaru BOOTS the bad arm, but Robbie CHOPS! Robbie fires up, runs, and still handsprings! But Kanemaru uses the ref as a shield! Robbie has to give up on the cutter, and then Kanemaru tilt-o-whirl DDTS! Cover, TWO! Kanemaru “falls” on the ref! The fans know better than that, but Kanemaru takes off his boot! Kanemaru aims, runs up, and he CLOBBERS Robbie with it! Then Kanemaru takes time to put his boot back on! Kanemaru then scoops for BRITISH FALL! Cover, TWO!!!
Robbie survives and Kanemaru is mad with the ref now. Kanemaru goes up, waits on Robbie to stand, and then DEEP- NO, Robbie turns that into a deep atomic drop! The fans fire up, Robbie hits the NO HANDS HANDSPRING! LETHAL INJECTION X!! And then X EXPRESS!! Cover, ROBBIE WINS!
Winner: Robbie X, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kanemaru earns 0)
The Heel Master thought he could get away with more trickery, but Robbie X has those intangibles of grit and determination! Will Robbie continue to rise up the ranks until this becomes the X Block? Can Kanemaru go back to the drawing board and come up with new ways to cheat?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Titan VS MAO!
El Inmortal snatched a quick victory from Ryusuke Taguchi last round, but the Idol Warrior is undefeated at 2-0! Will Titan stay alive? Or will he be cut down as things heat up?
The bell rings and the fans rally and duel a the two circle. It seems rather even, and the two feel things out. They knuckle lock, though Mao plays around a bit with changing levels. Titan trips Mao, things speed up, and Mao hurdles, only for Titan to leap over! Mao kips up, the two stare down for just a moment, then Titan runs up. Mao wrenches Titan and whips him to a corner, but Titan goes up and over to then handspring away! The fans fire up, and Titan runs again. Mao RUNS Titan over! #Tsukakui! The fans fire up while Titan bails out. Mao pumps up more, then goes to the ropes. Slingshot ARIHARA MOONSAULT!
Direct hit on Titan and the Young Lions, but Mao almost wipes out the front row at the same time! The fans fire up and Mao fires up with them. Mao puts Titan in, then runs up to BOOT Titan against ropes! Mao keeps moving, and he CANNONBALLS Titan against ropes! Cover, TWO! Titan is still in this and the fans rally up. Mao drags Titan up, reels him in and tucks the arm, then a leg! Then both legs! Mao uses a very Llave style hold, then dumps Titan down into JUST FACELOCK! Titan endures, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Mao lets go, and Titan shakes out his legs. Mao smiles as he hears the fans dueling.
Titan slowly rises, the fans rally harder, and Titan CHOPS! Mao powers up to be tsukakui! Titan CHOPS again, but Mao just puffs up! Titan CHOPS, fires up, but Mao hits OSAKA RINKAI UPPER! Titan falls and the fans fire up again! Mao drags Titan up, whips him to the corner, then runs in. Titan BOOTS Mao, SOBATS and fires a strike fest! The fans fire up for Titan and he goes to the apron. Titan springboards to CROSSBODY! Then he DROPKICKS Mao out! Titan DIVES, direct hit in Mao and more of the front row! Titan hurries to put Mao in, then springboards, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! But Titan wraps Mao up in a TRAILER HITCH!
Mao scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Titan lets go and the fans rally even harder! Titan kicks Mao, kicks again, but Mao fires a forearm. There wasn’t much behind it, and Titan eggs Mao on. Mao fires more shots, then fires a flurry! Titan SUPERKICKS back! Mao checks his teeth, the ref confirms it is okay. Titan runs, Mao uses the ref as a shield! And then Mao leaps over to CUTTER! Mao grins and he vows to end this now! Mao drags Titan up, scoops, MICHINOKU- NO, Titan slips free and shoves! TORNADO DDT! Then he drags Mao back up, for a GOURD BUSTER! SUPERKICK! The fans fire up and Titan hurries to the corner!
Titan skins the cat to the top rope! Then he aims for DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Mao flounders, Titan hurries to cover, TWO!! Mao survives and the fans fire up more! Titan roars and the fans cheer. Titan has Mao’s leg, steps through, but Mao makes it a cradle! TWO, and Mao says LOOK! Titan falls for the trick, and Mao DECKS him with a right hand!! The fans are torn and the ref reprimands about closed fists. Mao drags Titan up, reels him in, MICHINOKU- NO, Titan slips free! Mao is shocked, but he capoeria dodges to KICK and- NO, Titan blocks tha tkick to fire a strike fest! But Mao UPPERCUTS!
Mao fires his own strike fest, KICKS Titan down, but Titan kips back up!! The fans are thunderous and Mao says now THIS is tsukakui! They fire forearms back and forth and the fans fire up! It is fast ‘n’ furious, neither man is backing down, and Mao gets the edge! Mao ROCKS Titan with an elbow! Mao then powers up and runs, OSAKA RINKAI!! But Titan stays on his feet!! Mao just runs again, OSAKA RINKAI!! But Titan is still standing! The fans are thunderous as Titan comes back for more! Mao runs, Titan dodges, but then Mao goes Matrix to avoid the superkick! Titan goes Matrix to avoid the uppercut!
Titan CALF KICKS! Mao still runs, goes Spider-Man, and DREAMCAST KICKS!! Mao drags Titan up, goes to the corner and comes back, DREAMCAST KICK, but Titan grabs the leg!! LLAVE INMORTAL!!! Mao is caught, and he TAPS!! TITAN WINS!!
Winner: Titan, by submission (gains 2 points; Mao earns 0)
The star of CMLL clashed with the star of DDT Pro, and in the end, lucha libre and llave win the day! The CMLL World Welterweight Champion is back on the rise, but will he prove himself the Best of the Super Juniors? Can Mao still find his own path to the top after this fall down the block?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Kosei Fujita!
The Way of the Grandmaster crosses paths with the Japanese Young Punk in a partial rematch of their IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match. But will Wato win now like he did then? Or will Fujita grab the golden ticket?
The two get face to face but the ref wants them to calm down. Fujita pushes Wato back, Wato puts his coat aside, and then he gets back in Fujita’s face! Tensions are mounting and there’s more pushing. The ref has them back off, and then the bell rings. The fans duel already as the two stare down. Wato gets in Fujita’s face, so Fujita fires a forearm! Wato fires back, and the forearms fly! The fans rally as this gets fast ‘n’ furious already! Wato ROCKS Fujita, but Fujita storms up, only for Wato to ROCK him again! And again! Wato eggs Fujita on so Fujita fires a flurry! Wato fires it all back! Fujita wobbles and drops to a knee!
The fans cheer, Wato fires more shots, and Fujita falls to the mat. But Wato just keeps raining down forearms! Wato then goes for the bad arm and has a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Wato also steps over Fujita’s head to keep him down. Fujita fights his way over to the ROPEBREAK! Wato holds until the ref counts, then Wato stomps Fujita down. Wato brings Fujita up but Fujita ROCKS him! Fujita whips Wato to a corner, CHOPS him, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! The fans rally as Fujita CHOPS more and more! Wato eggs Fujita on so Fujita CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, then KNEES Wato down! The fans fire up as Fujita stands Wato up.
Fujita CHOPS more, but Wato leans into those shots! A bit reckless as the CHOPS really hit hard now. Wato’s chest is red, but he turns things around to KICK Fujita! And KICK! KICK! KICK! Fujita sits down, but Wato stands him up for more KICKS! The ref reprimands, Wato backs off, and Fujita sputters against the ropes. Wato storms back over and digs his boots into Fujita’s neck! Wato stomps a mudhole but the ref backs him off. Wato drags Fujita up, brings him around, and knees low! Then sunset flip, into VENDEVAL! Fujita endures, rocks the boat, and manages to roll through! Fujita goes for the legs and ties them up!
Fujita adds a chinlock, but Wato fights around! Fujita wants the arms now, and he gets them! NEMOS SPECIAL! Wato endures, tips over, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Fujita lets go. Wato sputters but Fujita waistlocks and deadlifts! Wato fights the suplex, throws elbows, but Fujita CHOPS! Wato KICKS! Wato then ducks a chop to ROUNDHOUSE! And SPIN- NO, Fujita ducks that kick to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Wato survives and the fans fire up again! Fujita storms up on Wato, brings him up, and torture racks! But Wato fights free, runs up, tilt-o-whirl and clutch, RECIENTEMENTE! Cover, TWO!
Fujita survives but Wato roars! Wato drags Fujita up while the fans rally. Fujita fights the suplex, but Wato still GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fujita lands out! Fujtia then slips around Wato to O’Conner Roll and CHAOS THEORY!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Wato survives and Fujita roars! Fujita vows to end this and the fans fire up! Fujita drags Wato up, reels him in, and suplexes, only for Wato to fight it! Wato wrenches, reels Fujita in, but Fujita switches! ABANDON- NO, Wato fights that with knees! Wato KICKS, but then Fujita ducks the roundhouse! UPPERCUT! ABANDON HOPE!! Fujita roars because that’s not enough!
Fujita drags Wato up, torture racks, and THRILL RIDE!! Cover, FUJITA WINS!
Winner: Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
Eagles pinned Yoh, Fujita pinned Wato, the pair is complete! Will the Ichiban Sweet Boys make sure to take those IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships back before the year is over? Will one of them have the trophy to add to the collection?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: El Desperado VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Rogue Luchador lost to The Prodigy, but that proved him right: anyone can win any given match. But will Desperado get back up and keep Taiji down? Or will the Bone Soldier win over THE IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion?
The bell rings and the fans rally for “DE-SU-PI! DE-SU-PI!” Despy fires up and circles with Taiji. They tie up, Despy trips Taiji and things speed up. Taiji hurdles, Despy leaps over, then they keep going. Taiji fakes out the hurdle to BOOT Despy down! The fans are torn, but Taiji runs. Despy does the splits to let Taiji tumble out! Despy then builds speed, but Taiji GAMANGIRIS! The fans fire up and Taiji grins. Despy bails out the side but Taiji goes over to fetch him. Taiji drags Despy up, and POSTS him! Despy falls in a heap and the fans rally. Taiji drags Despy up, and POSTS him again! Taiji then tells fans to move aside!
Young Lions help usher fans out of the way, and Taiji wrenches Despy to whip and BOWL him into chairs! STRIKE! Taiji leaves Despy behind while Red Shoes checks on him. Taiji unties the blue buckle pad and waits on Despy. The ring count starts as Despy rises from the chairs and personal belongings. Despy stands at 9 of 20, hobbles his way over, and rolls in at 14. The fans applaud but Taiji storms over to Despy. Despy throws body shots but Taiji CLUBS Despy! Taiji wrenches and wristlocks to then wrangle Despy to the mat. Despy endures and fires kicks from below. Taiji pushes on the arm, isolates it, and then STOMPS it!
The fans are torn while Despy writhes. Taiji laughs and paces around. Taiji drags Despy up, wrenches, and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Then he hammerlocks the arm, to RAM it into bare buckles! The fans are torn again while Despy bails out. Taiji soaks up cheers and jeers while the ring count starts. Taiji goes out so that refreshes the count, and he drags Despy up by the bad arm. Despy endures while Taiji wrangles him and digs a knee in. Taiji SLAMS the arm down, then rolls back into the ring. Red Shoes checks Despy again and Despy rolls back into the ring. Taiji stomps Despy, then digs his boot into the bad arm!
Red Shoes counts as Taiji has Despy on the ropes. Taiji stops at 4, but the fans continue to rally and duel. Despy stands to CHOP, but Taiji CLUBS him! Taiji whips, Despy holds the ropes, but that just hurts the bad arm! Taiji grins while Despy crawls. The fans rally for Despy, but Taiji stomps him around! Taiji whips, Despy reverses and scoops for a BIG back suplex! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Despy and Taiji go to corners, and Despy shakes out the bad arm. Despy runs in, blocks a boot, and puts the leg in the ropes! Despy KICKS the other leg, then give sit a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Taiji hobbles and falls and the fans fire up again.
Despy rises, storms up on Taiji, and give shim a SHIN BREAKER! Then a GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Taiji writhes but Despy has the STRETCH MUFFLER! Taiji reaches out but Despy goes for that arm! Taiji fights around and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Despy lets go in frustration, and he kneels on the leg. Red Shoes reprimands, Despy plays dumb, but then “Oops!” and he drops a knee on Taiji’s leg! Despy again feigns innocence, then he brings Taiji up. Taiji fights the pump handle, so Despy KICKS the bad leg! Taiji drops to his knee and Despy drags Taiji up again. Gut wrench and- NO, Taiji slips free, but his leg jams!
Taiji hobbles, Despy runs up, but Taiji BOOTS him! Taiji runs up, hops on, CRUCIFIX DIRVER! Into the BONE LOCK!! Despy flails, fights around, and reaches out, but Taiji pulls on the hold! Despy still fights, ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes calls it out to Taiji, Despy’s hand is under the rope but that’s the same! Taiji lets go in frustration, and the fans rally while both men are down. Taiji shakes out his leg and rises back up. Taiji drags Despy up and brings him in, but Despy RAMS him into the bare buckles! Taiji suffers his own trick, and Despy runs in, only to be sent into the bare buckles! And then the POST! Despy clutches his arm while Taiji grins.
Taiji brings Despy around to hammerlock and scoop, SHOULDER BUSTER! But that was a bit double-edged given the bad leg! Taiji shakes his leg out, aims from the corner again, and Despy rises up. Taiji runs in, LA MYSTI- NO, Despy fights Mystica to a roll and STRETCH MUFFLER! Taiji rolls into the YES LOCK!! Despy endures, fights around, and reaches out! But Taiji rolls Despy away! Only for Despy to roll through, STRETCH MUFFLER! NUMERO DOS!! Taiji reaches out, Despy rolls him away, NUMERO DOS PLUS! But Taiji pops free to have the SEATBELT! TAIJI WINS!!
Winner: Taiji Ishimori, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Desperado earns 0)
Desperado continues to be proven right, even as he keeps losing! The Bone Soldier has finally gotten points, will it be #ByGrace that he still takes the block? As for Desperado, will he stop giving out golden tickets to his opponents? Or will the line of contenders only grown longer?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Hiromu Takahashi VS Francesco Akira!
The Ticking Timebomb lost in last round’s main event to Fujita, and Fujita beat Akira to open the tournament. But the Crown of Fire reignited by beating Ninja Mack and is ready to burn even brighter. Just how explosive will this main event be to close round three?
The bell rings and both men rush in! Akira BOOTS Hiromu, Hiromu fires a forearm, and Akira fires back! They go back and forth, and then Akira gets the edge. Akira whips Hiromu to a corner, runs up and LARIATS, then Akira runs corner to corner. But Hiromu follows to LARIAT! Hiromu snapmares, but Akira is right up! Akira dodges, RANAS, and Hiromu has a rough landing! Hiromu bails out, Akira PLANCHAS onto him! The fans fire up with Akira and clap along, “A! KI-RA!” Akira says sup to Great-O-Khan on commentary before he CHOPS Hiromu! Akira hops up onto the apron and wraps on the headscissors!
The fans cheer as Akira squeezes tight while throwing up the crown! Hiromu endures, Red Shoes reprimands, but Akira lets go at 4. Akira has fans move aside before he brings Hiromu around. Akira CHOPS Hiromu, then whips him and BOWLS him into chairs! The fans fire up for the STRIKE, and Akira clears out some of the chairs. Akira drags Hiromu up, makes him take a seat, and CHOPS! Akira then gets space, runs in, and BOOTS! But hiromu stays up, so Akira gets space again. Akira takes a lap, even! And he runs back in, but Hiromu OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES Akira onto the chairs!!
The United Empire at ringside freaks out seeing Akira crash land like that! Hiromu has a very stern look on his face, maybe this isn’t about having fun right now. Hiromu goes back for Akira, drags him up, and CHOPS him! Akira sputters and staggers away but Hiromu stalks him. Hiromu CHOPS again! And he has more fans clear out! Hiromu BOWLS Akira into the chairs for a STRIKE of his own! Akira sputters and Red Shoes wants this in the ring. Hiromu says that’s what he’s doing. Hiromu drags Akira up, puts him in the ring, and the fans applaud. Hiromu drags Akira up, CHOPS him, and then brings him around for another CHOP!
Hiromu CHOPS Akira again and Akira gasps for air. Hiromu whips, Akira reverses, but Hiromu grabs ropes. Akira runs up, but into a BOOT! Hiromu hits the HANGING HEADSCISSORS! Hiromu mocks Akira by telling fans to take pictures of it! Hiromu lets go as Red Shoes counts, and Akira sputters. Hiromu storms in, whips Akira to a corner, then LARIATS, snapmares, and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans duel as Akira stays in this, but Hiromu clamps onto Akira with a CAMEL CLUTCH! Akira endures as Hiromu sits way back! Akira frees one of his arms, but Hiromu just puts it back into place!
Hiromu pulls back on the hold, but Akira keeps fighting! Akira manages the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets go, paces around, and he drags Akira back up. Akira fires a forearm, but there’s not much behind it. Akira fires another, and then CHOPS! That had something! Akira runs, but Hiromu dropkicks the legs out! And then Hiromu ties up the legs, MAXIMUM- NO, Akira has the ROPEBREAK first! Hiromu lets go, but then drags Akira back! Akira kicks free, but Hiromu fireman’s carries! Hiromu TOSSES Akira to the apron, DROPKICKS the legs, then he runs! But Akira SLINGSHOT CUTTERS first! The fans fire up while both men are down!
The fans rally as Akira rises and brings Hiromu around. Hiromu breaks free to CHOP! And CHOP! Hiromu whips, Akira reverses, then Akira blows past to jump up and RANA! Much cleaner this time and Hiromu bails out. The fans rally for “A! KI-RA!” and he FLIES! Down goes Hiromu! Akira rises and the fans fire up with him! Akira goes back for Hiromu, puts him in the ring, and he shouts, “Oi, Korakuen! IKU ZO!” The fans fire up for that, and Akira TRIANGLE LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Hiromu survives and Akira is frustrated but the Empire coaches him up. The fans still duel and Akira shakes his head.
Akira brings Hiromu up, SPEED- NO, Hiromu slips free, suplexes, and FALCON ARROWS! But Hiromu can’t make the cover! The fans rally up again and Hiromu drags Akira up. Hiromu fireman’s carries, Akira slips free, but Hiromu BOOTS him! Akira runs back in, Hiromu puts him on the apron, but Akira ROCKS Hiromu first! Akira climbs, but Hiromu CHOPS! Now Hiromu climbs, and the fans rally as Hiromu fires body shots. Akira fires back, then hops down to UPPERCUT! Akira springboards and- NO, Hiromu stops that to fireman’s carry! SUPER TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO!! Akira survives and the fans are thunderous!
Hiromu shakes his head, and he grins as he stalks Akira. Now it’s fun as Hiromu fireman’s carries. But Akira fights it! Akira throws elbows, only for Hiromu to power up! F5, but Akira lands out! Hiromu kicks, KICKS, but Akira SUPERKICKS! Akira runs, but Hiromu SUPERKICKS back! Hiromu wobbles, but he brings Akira up to fireman’s carry! Swing and TIME- NO, Akira pops free! And he gets around Hiromu for a POISON-RANA! Akira roars, but so does Hiromu! GERMAN SUPLEX! But Akira rises, DOUBLE LARIATS collide!! The fans rally and duel as hard as they can while Akira crawls after Hiromu.
Akira waistlocks Hiromu, then goes for the arms! Hiromu fights the chicken wings, but Akira pulls Hiromu from the ropes! They struggle for every inch, and Akira POPS Hiromu up, into the GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives and Akira is stunned! The fans rally as hard as they have all night, and Akira feeds off that energy to bring Hiromu up. Akira reels Hiromu in, SPEEDFIRE!! Akira then aims from the corner, for the NOVA FIRE- NO!! Hiromu ducks in time! But Akira comes back to METEORA! And then NOVA FIREBALL from the front! Cover, TWO!?!? Hiromu survives and shocks everyone, which is why Korakuen is electric!
Akira goes back to a corner and takes aim again. Hiromu rises, into the NOV- NO, Hiromu ducks again, and then STEALS NOVA FIREBAL!! Hiromu drags himself back up using the ropes, and he hobbles over to Akira! Hiromu roars, fireman’s carries, and hits the DYNAMITE PLUNGER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Akira survives and no one can believe it! Hiromu shakes his head as we hit 15 minutes, and he rises again. The fans rally and duel as Hiromu fireman’s carries once more. TIMEBOMB- NO, Akira sunset flips it! TWO!! Hiromu wrenches, pump handles, HIROMU-CHAN- NO, Akira rolls the roll back to a JAPANESE LEG CLUTCH! TWO!!!!
Hiromu escapes, Akira runs up, but Hiromu stops the wheelbarrow! Akira flails but Hiromu still WHEELBARROW GERMANS!! But Akira stands?!? HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!!! Cover, ONE?!?!?! Not even Khan can believe what he is seeing! Akira grits his teeth and he crawls over to Hiromu. Hiromu picks him up, CORNER DEATH VALLEY!! And then Hiromu roars! Hiromu dragon sleepers, but Akira fights with kicks! Akira is free, runs up, but into a tilt-o-whirl SIDEWALK SLAM! Hiromu huffs ‘n’ puffs, and he tells Akira to get up! The fans rally on another level, as Akira stands into the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!?!
Akira is surpassing human limits, but Hiromu dragon sleepers again! Inverted suplex for TIME- NO, Akira slips free! And he has Hiromu down for a BRIDGING FUJIWARA, into a REVERSE CROSSFACE!!! Hiromu endures, reaches out, but Akira is between him and the ropes! Akira BENDS Hiromu and Hiromu TAPS!!! AKIRA WINS!!!
Winner: Francesco Akira, by submission (gains 2 points; Hiromu earns 0)
The Timebomb could not hit the Timebomb, and perhaps that is why he self-destructed! For being a four-time tournament winner, is Hiromu just no longer the Best of the Super Juniors?
As for Akira, he quickly gets the mic to ask Hiromu, in Japanese, to wait a moment. Hiromu stops, and Akira tells Hiromu, “Right now, you don’t have a faction. The United Empire has been looking for new members. Would you like to join?” Hiromu says no thanks and storms off. Waiting until after you’ve beaten someone probably isn’t the time to offer them a helping hand… Akira shrugs that off and says he’s very tired. But pro-wrestling sure is a lot of fun, huh? But hold on, hold on. Akira shifts to English and says that he promised to stop looking at the past, only look to the future. Stop thinking about those who left, but to those who are here.
He has Callum, Jakob, Khan, Templario, Aaron, Akira himself, and the fans! Akira is here to be the best Junior Heavyweight int he world, and tonight, he just beat one of the strongest ever! The fans cheer that, and Akira goes back to Japanese. Akira thanks everyone here tonight, and promises, don’t take your eyes off him as he makes his Japanese dream come true! The fans fire up for that as Akira drops the mic and throws up the crown. Will the Crown of Fire blaze that trail to the very top of the mountain until no one can deny him?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Kosei Fujita: 3-0, 6 points
Dragon Dia: 2-1, 4 points
Francesco Akira: 2-1, 4 points
Robbie X: 2-1, 4 points
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-2, 2 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 1-2, 2 points
Clark Connors: 1-2, 2 points
Master Wato: 1-1, 2 points
KUSHIDA: 1-2, 2 points
Ninja Mack: 1-2, 2 points
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Nick Wayne: 3-0, 6 points
Robbie Eagles: 2-1, 4 points
Titan: 2-1, 4 points
MAO: 2-1, 4 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 2-1, 4 points
Taiji Ishimori: 1-2, 2 points
El Desperado: 1-2, 2 points
SHO: 1-2, 2 points
YOH: 1-2, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 0-3, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome night for NJPW here, and they’re really going hard with all ten matches at once. Still some really quick ones, but those are a lot of fun all the same. The blocks again have unique looks to them, but now everyone in A Block has at least one win, with Fujita rather quickly and quietly moving up as the frontrunner with his 3-0 record. B Block now has only Kevin Knight at 0-3 and only Nick Wayne at 3-0. Rather surprising on both sides, but especially with Nick. Nick beat Sho, beat Desperado, and now beat Eagles, that’s an honestly incredible list. All three of those guys have checked off the Junior Heavyweight singles and tag titles, and at this point, Nick might as well be a semifinalist already.
NJPW also continues to show they’re masters of organizing a match card where everything escalates and gets better as you head for the main event. The last four matches on this card could’ve main evented just about any weekly American wrestling show, aka AEW or WWE TV, and no one would be disappointed. Akira’s win over Hiromu was definitely the best, and Akira had a great promo to put forward that, well, the Empire is moving forward. Ospreay, Fletcher & Davis are in AEW, and now Cobb is in WWE, and that is great for them, but the Empire (both kayfabe and shoot) and the fans can’t let that get them down. What’s left are still amazing, and Akira is making moves towards the top, he is a believable semifinalist.
My Score: 9.1/10
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The Road to Money in the Bank is paved with golden opportunities!
While SmackDown superstars battle to enter Money in the Bank, Tiffany Stratton defends the WWE Women’s Championship against Nia Jax! Is Tiffy Time about to run out?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Chelsea Green VS Mia Yim VS Alexa Bliss; Bliss wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
- Fraxiom VS #DIY; Fraxiom wins.
- Aleister Black VS Carmelo Hayes w/ The Miz; Aleister wins, by disqualification.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Rey Fenix VS Jimmy Uso VS Solo Sikoa w/ Jacob Fatu & JC Mateo; Solo wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
- LA Knight VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu; JC wins.
- WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Nia Jax; Tiffany wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring!
The would-be Head of the Table smiles as he leads Jacob Fatu and the newest member of the WWE roster, Jeff Cobb, to the ring. The Samoan Werewolf is also still WWE Untied States Champion thanks to Solo and Cobb, and the fans cheer for “FATU! FATU!” Solo has the mic to tell Greensboro, “Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome the man who helped keep the United States Championship in this family… My man, JC!” The fans boo as Solo and Cobb dap it up. Solo says, “When Roman lost to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania, he ruined everything for my family. He ruined everything! We lost everything!
“But now, I’m here to take it all back.” The fans boo, but Solo says that starts with him winning tonight’s qualifying match, going on and winning Money in the Bank, and then going after the title to bring it back to the family where it belongs. And if there is anybody in the back that tries to step in front of Solo, they will be dealt with by his man, JC, and the Samoan Werewolf, Jacob Fatu! The fans do cheer that part, and Solo says check it! They better get in where they fit in, cuz Solo’s all gas- Fatu stops Solo from using his shtick! The fans cheer but Solo is upset. Solo lets it slide, and Fatu says, “Let’s keep it 100. Don’t you ever get this thing twisted over here.
“I told y’all I was bringing the US title to the family!” The fans cheer that! “And I told you I was gonna do it with your or without you!” The fans also cheer that. “And if anybody gets in my way, well line ’em up, cuz I’ma deal with ’em all by myself!” The fans cheer again, and Fatu says at the end of the day, FATU is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADA- Solo interrupts by mocking the Yadada over and over. JC chuckles and Solo says of course he knows what Fatu means! Everyone knows what Fatu means! Solo does, and so does JC. But Fatu, don’t worry. The reason Solo is doing all of this is because he loves Fatu. This is all to help!
Look at your shoulder, Jacob. What is that? That is proof! That title is proof of Solo telling Fatu that Solo loves Fatu. But there is something Solo needs to hear from Fatu. Solo is sure Fatu remembers what he used to say all the time, loud ‘n’ proud, every minute of the day. What was that? How’d Fatu used to do it? Fatu says, “I love you, Solo.” The fans boo and Solo laughs. That wasn’t it! That’s not how he used to do it! Everyone here knows how! He used to be loud ‘n’ proud. C’mon, Jacob! Solo pushes Fatu, and asks Fatu who he loves. He wants Fatu to do it the old way. Fatu takes off his sunglasses, but then here comes LA Knight!
The fans fire up as the Mega Star sneaks in from the crowd! Knight drags JC out and SMACKS him off the desk! Knight fires hands, then he gets away before Solo & Fatu can get him! Knight says that’s what they get for messing him over at Backlash! Knight’s willing to fight all three members of Solo’s “family,” but with Solo in tonight’s qualifier, will it be Fatu or JC that deals with LA?
B-Fab talks with Mia Yim backstage.
Fab tells Mia that #MichinInTheBank sounds great. So we need Mia to go out there and win the qualifier. Because you know what goes good with the briefcase? The tag titles~! Mia says yeah, once she brings that briefcase back to them, they’ll have it all! But then the Green Administration laughs their way in. Chelsea tells Mia & Fab that while this is cute, if anyone is winning MITB this year, it is the VIP of last year. But she still lost last year… Chelsea says once she wins, she is going to ring in a beautiful “social economic policy” that has a trickle down effect to lower interest rates for all of… her Secret Her-vice.
But Alexa Bliss walks over and taps Alba on the shoulder. Alba freaks out, as do Piper and Chelsea. Alexa just tells the others, “See you out there.” Piper & Alba calm Chelsea down, but then B-Fab tells them that no, there’s a ringside ban in place. What? Who approved that? Fab says either way, they’re stuck watching backstage with her. Have fun~! B-Fab accompanies Mia to gorilla, and Chelsea shouts she’s putting tariffs on mediocrity! Mia & B-Fab are first on the list! Well, delusions of grandeur aside, will there be no road back for the Hot Mess to MITB? Or can she somehow get one over on the Head Baddie in Charge and Lil’ Miss Bliss?
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Chelsea Green VS Mia Yim VS Alexa Bliss!
SmackDown returns as Michin makes her entrance, followed by Chelsea. The bell rings, and Mia SUPERKICKS Chelsea! The fans are torn but Mia and Alexa high-five. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. They go around, Mia headlocks and hits a takeover. Alexa slips out to headlock right back. Mia fights up, powers out, but Alexa tilt-o-whirls, only for Mia to swing her around. Mia whips, Alexa ducks ‘n’ dodges. Chelsea is back in but Alexa slides to trip her up! Mia adds a basement DROPKICK! Chelsea tumbles out, Alexa rolls Mia, TWO! Mia blocks another try and she backslides Alexa, TWO! Alexa drop toeholds! Oklahoma Roll, TWO!
Mia is up and she body scissor rolls Alexa, TWO! The two stand off and the fans cheer. Chelsea complains but what else is new? But then Alexa & Mia DOUBLE DROPKICK Chelsea! Chelsea is furious, but then Alexa & Mia DOUBLE WRECKING BALL DROPKICK! Chelsea tumbles to the ramp but Mia goes out to fetch her. Mia puts her in the ring, but then Alexa YANKS her down! Alexa goes up but Mia YANKS her down! They argue, and Chelsea DIVES onto them both! Greensboro fires up for Miss Green, and she salutes before shouting, “PLEDGE YOUR ALLEGIANCE!” Hard to tell if anyone does as SmackDown goes to picture in picture.
Chelsea drags Alexa up, THROWS her into barriers, then drags Mia up to throw her into barriers! Chelsea storms back over to Alexa and she puts her in the ring. Cover, TWO! Chelsea is upset with the ref but the ref defends the count. Chelsea bumps Alexa off buckles, talks trash, then bumps Alexa off more buckles. Chelsea whips Alexa right back into the corner, then grabs the arms. Chelsea gives Alexa the motorcycle STOMP into the buckles! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is annoyed but she drags Alexa up and TOSSES her out! Chelsea soaks up cheers and jeers while she leads a Pledge of Allegiance to Chelsea Green.
Chelsea then storms out and whips Alexa into barriers! Chelsea pulls Alexa’s hair, drags her into the ring, and CLUBS her down! Chelsea CLUBS Alexa again, then BOOTS Mia from the apron! But Alexa rolls Chelsea! TWO, Chelsea clinches but Alexa fires body shots! And an ENZIGIRI! Chelsea comes back to SMACK Alexa off the mat! Chelsea soaks up cheers and jeers, but Mia is in! GERMAN SUPLEX for Chelsea! And then another GERMAN SUPLEX for Chelsea! Chelsea elbows free of the third, but Mia blocks her kick! Mia slips under Chelsea to lift her up, and SIT-OUT POWERBOMBS! Cover, Alexa breaks it!
Mia is frustrated but all three women are down while SmackDown returns to single picture. Mia storms up on Alexa, but Alexa blocks a shot! Mia still fires fast hands and kicks, then a PELE! Mia whips Alexa to a corner but now Chelsea runs in! Mia dodges and PELES Chelsea, too! Chelsea falls onto Alexa, and Mia says get this twerk! Mia runs up to CANNONBALL! Mia then drags Alexa to a high stack, TWO! Cover on Chelsea, TWO! The fans rally up as Mia drags Chelsea around. Wrench and- NO, Chelsea avoids Da Feet, then avoids Alexa’s haymaker! Chelsea pokes Alexa in the eyes! Mia runs up, Chelsea dodges, the BOOT hits Alexa!
Mia turns around, she and Chelsea DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSE! Both women fall, and that means all three are down! The fans fire up while the three stir. “This is Awesome!” as Mia bails out. Chelsea and Alexa crawl to each other. Chelsea shouts at Alexa but Alexa fires a forearm! Chelsea fires back, the forearms go back and forth! The fans are torn, but Alexa blocks to SLAP, ROCK, and DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Alexa runs, but Mia SHOTGUNS Alexa down! Only for Chelsea to chicken wing Mia! Mia wrenches out, and EAT DA FEET!! Cover, ALEXA BREAKS IT AGAIN! Mia is frustrated, but Alexa dodges her to tilt-o-whirl and DDT!
The fans fire up and Alexa puts Mia in the drop zone! Alexa climbs, the fans fire up, and it is TWISTED BLISS!! Cover, Chelsea breaks it!! Chelsea DUMPS Alexa out, drags Mia up, UNPRETTY HER!! But Alexa drags Mia out of the ring! Chelsea is furious, takes a swing, but into the clinch! TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, Alexa wins!
Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
Green saw red, but Alexa used that against her! Will Alexa make this #MoneyInTheBliss? Or will there be a second chance waiting for Mia and Chelsea?
Fraxiom VS #DIY!
Whether or not Nathan Frazer & Axiom were in the wrong for facing The Street Profits when Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins were less than 100%, that’s hard to say. But Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano used it as an excuse to go after the new kids on the block instead of admitting they’re jealous of the new kids on the block. But will the undefeated Fraxiom #NeverSlowDown? Or will DIY prove that if you want to get ahead, you gotta Do It Yourself?
SmackDown returns as DIY makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Axiom starts against Ciampa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Axiom waistlocks, Ciampa wrenches to a wristlock, and Ciampa grinds the arm down. Axiom endures, the fans rally, and Axiom fights up. Ciampa keeps on the arm, but Axiom rolls, bridges, then breaks free to DROPKICK! Tag to Frazer, they whip Ciampa and wrap him up but Ciampa fights the Iron Octopus! Ciampa is now in a GROUND OCTOPUS, and Frazer still runs to DROPKICK him! Ciampa bails out, Gargano runs in, but into KICK after KICK, ASSISTED DROPKICK!
Gargano bails out, Frazer DIVES onto Ciampa! Ciampa almost ends up in the front row! Axiom DIVES onto Gargano! Frazer DIVES onto Ciampa again, and he DOES end up in the front row! Axiom DIVES again and Gargano hits barriers! DIY is down, Greensboro fires up, and Frazer drags Ciampa back into the ring. Tag to Axiom and he goes up a corner. Ciampa staggers to his feet, but he avoids the leap. Axiom dodges the chop, but Gargano inadvertently(?) trips him at the ropes! The ref reprimands, but Ciampa KNEES Axiom down. Tag to Gargano, and Gargano LARIATS Axiom down! The fans boo but Gargano grins.
Gargano drags Axiom up, brings him around, and THROWS him into barriers! DIY sits on the barriers, and they applaud themselves and pat themselves on the back. Gargano then puts Axiom in the ring, but Axiom CHOPS! And CHOPS! And then fires forearms! Axiom reels Gargano in, but Gargano scoops to SLAM Axiom into the ropes! Axiom tumbles out of the ring, DIY soaks up the heat, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Ciampa keeps Axiom from Frazer. Axiom fires hands, Ciampa KNEES low, then Ciampa whips Axiom to the corner. Axiom ROCKS Gargano, goes up and over Ciampa, and then rolls! Hot tags to Gargano and Frazer! Frazer springboards to AX HANDLE Gargano, then he BLASTS Ciampa! Frazer LARIATS, whips, but Gargano reverses. Frazer goes up and over then handsprings away! Gargano runs up but into a SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up and Frazer keeps moving, QUEBRADA, then DDT! Frazer keeps moving, RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Gargano survives that speed blitz but Frazer hurries to a corner!
The fans rally as Frazer goes up, up, and PHOENIX- NO, Gargano moves! Frazer rolls through, Gargano ROCKS him! Gargano runs, but Frazer JUMP KNEES! Frazer runs, QUEBRADA into a SUPERKICK! Gargano tags Ciampa and Ciampa reels Frazer in! Underhooks, SUPERKICK into FAIRYTALE ENDING!! Cover, AXIOM BREAKS IT! The fans fire up while DIY regroups. Gargano TOSSES Axiom, then PLANCHAS! Ciampa hoists Frazer up, PROJECT CIAMPA!! Cover, TWO!?! Frazer survives and “This is Awesome!” Ciampa takes his kneepad down and aims from a corner. PSYCHO- NO, Frazer dodges and the knee hits buckles!
Gargano tags in, he BLASTS Axiom and then BOOTS Frazer! Gargano goes up, Frazer GAMANGIRIS! Gargano wobbles, Frazer climbs up, and Frazer brings Gargano up! Gargano fires body shots, SHOVES Frazer, but Frazer backflips through! Ciampa storms up but Frazer ENZIGIRIS first! Frazer hurries back and jumps up to the top rope! Axiom tags in, and Frazer hits the SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through, and Frazer suplexes Gargano! Axiom adds a SUPERKICK, CHASING THE DRAGON!!! Cover, CIAMPA KNEES AXIOM DOWN!! All four men are down and the fans are thunderous! Ciampa and Frazer bail out, Gargano and Axiom scrap with each other!
Gargano stands to ROCK Axiom, but Axiom CHOPS! Gargano ROCKS, Axiom CHOPS, repeat! Gargano fires a flurry, but then Axiom ducks the rolling elbow! Gargano fights the German Suplex, bucks the O’Conner Roll, but Axiom kips up! INTO A SUPERKICK! Gargano then rolls Axiom up, with tights! TWO, and into a RINGS OF SATURN!! Gargano endures, Ciampa hobbles in, and he grabs at the mask! Frazer SUPERKICKS Ciampa down! Gargano SUPERKICKS Frazer! Roll up, but Axiom sits on it! FRAXIOM WINS!!
Winners: Fraxiom, by pinfall
Gargano is stunned! But then he and Ciampa CLOBBER Fraxiom! The fans boo but DIY are sore losers! And they still rip at Axiom’s mask! But here come the Motor City Machine Guns! Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin grab Ciampa, ENZIGIRI FLATLINER to the floor! Gargano realizes he is alone and he runs for it! But MCMG flanks him, and Sabin PENALTY KICKS from the apron! MCMG take care of DIY, and they help Fraxiom to their feet. When and where will the two fastest moving tag teams face off?
Rey Fenix prepares backstage.
Andrade finds him and wishes him luck tonight. Fenix thanks Andrade, and also says last week was a great match. Andrade says maybe they’ll see each other in the MITB ladder match. Fenix says he had his WrestleMania Moment, and though he failed, that fire inside him is burning brighter than ever! Fenix feels it! That next level is MITB. But Solo Sikoa says, “Ey, Carnal!” Solo asks Fenix & Andrade where LA Knight went. El Idolo & the Firebird have no idea. Solo says he’s no good at Espanol. Solo and Cobb storm off, Fatu looks Fenix and Andrade over, then Fatu follows.
Will Solo’s family find LA Knight before the night is over? How will Solo prepare for his qualifier if he’s obsessed with the Mega Star?
Fraxiom regroups backstage.
Frazer & Axiom are fired up, because they are on a roll! No one can stop them! But then The Street Profits walk up and applaud. Dawkins says, “Congratulations, boys! You’re on a roll! Beat DIY, Pretty Deadly, Los Garza, and the other night, y’all even got one over on us.” Ford says what they did is so special! So special that Ford & Dawkins just talked with Aldis, and Aldis has granted Fraxiom their tag team championship match! How ’bout that? AHAHAHA! But guess what? The best part is… They don’t gotta wait until MITB, or even Saturday Night’s Main Event! The WWE Tag Team Championship match is next week!
Fraxiom is fired up, and Frazer says all they have to do is beat the Profits again! Axiom stops Frazer there, and says what Frazer means is that they’re looking forward to this. The Profits shake hands with Fraxiom, and Dawkins says they’ll be 100% then. Hopefully Fraxiom will be, too. The Profits head out and Frazer says they’re speed-running this! Axiom has Frazer calm down and focus on next week. Frazer says yeah, let’s go work on that! Will the Jersey Island Rocket & Undeniable Truth be undeniable as #1 contenders? Or will The Profits not only get that smoke, but get that respect?
Exclusive sit-down interview with R-Truth.
Wade Barrett thanks Truth for meeting with him. To get right to it, during the Backlash press conference last Saturday, John Cena hit Truth with an Attitude Adjustment through a table. What is going on with them? Truth says life is tough. This is the constant pressure, man. Career, family, friends, bills. But regardless of what’s going on in your world, you can always depend on John Cena. When you feel like you want to quit, what would Cena say? Never give up! You didn’t know when it was gonna come, when it would happen, but what would Cena say? Your Time Is Now! Hustle, Loyalty, Respect! Those are not just words, those are a beacon of light.
If Cena did it, so can you! Wade wants Truth to listen to himself. Truth sounds crazy! Truth basically won that match for Cena at Backlash when he stopped Randy Orton from punting Cena. And then look how Cena repays Truth! And Truth wants to sing Cena’s praises? Truth says Cena won that on his own. You don’t know Cena like Truth knows! That man at the press conference was NOT John Cena! The Cena that Truth knows would never turn his back on the people that support and love him. The Cena that Truth knows wouldn’t talk about ruining wrestling, or put his friend and brother through a table!
Truth doesn’t wanna fight Cena. But if he has to beat some sense into Cena, then Truth will do it. Truth will do it. He already talked to Nick Aldis. It is set for Saturday Night’s Main Event! Cena is the Greatest of All Time, but Truth remembers what his hero told him about facing the impossible: Never Give Up! Regardless of what happens, Truth will hold his head high, because he will live by Hustle, Loyalty & Respect! That’s what’s up! Wade says this has been rather enlightening, and best of luck against Cena at SNME. Truth says much obliged. So then, will Truth be able to make Cena see the truth? Or will the Never Seen 17 still ruin wrestling?
Damian Priest speaks.
“Drew. It feels like we’re stuck in a cycle. You get involved in my business, I get involved in yours… Sabotage each other until we destroy everything. I’m banged up, I’m frustrated, but most of all, I’m pissed off at myself for getting stuck in this vortex that is Drew McIntyre’s petty, childish, vindictive BS. We need a conclusion, Drew. At Saturday Night’s Main Event, a simple match won’t do it. I want you to hurt real bad. I want you to feel real pain. I want to bash your face in so bad that the hospital will need dental records to identify you. Anarchy, violence, I want this to happen inside a steel cage.
“I hope this is what you wanted, Drew. Because it’s what you’re gonna get. The cycle ends here.” The Archer of Infamy has spoken, will he send the Scottish Warrior way past South of Heaven?
Aleister Black VS Carmelo Hayes w/ The Miz!
The Dark Father made the Hollywood A-Lister #FadeToBlack, and then he made H1M miss like an airball. But will Aleister stay untouchable in his return? Or will this be the night Melo hits the game winner?
SmackDown returns and The Miz tells the camera, “Allow me to explain exactly what is about to happen.” Melo stops Miz there and says he’s got this. “Aleister Black! Ptew! Even saying your name makes me sick. Last week, you had the opportunity to take my head off, and you didn’t take it. And that’s the biggest mistake of your life. Because now, this beef, it will never end. Okay? It’s not over until I win. You in the playoffs, big dog. Ask the last guy, cuz it’s Melo over everybody! It’s MOE! I’m the Tenth Wonder of the World! I am H1M!” Miz says, “Who’s H1M?” Melo says, “I am.” “Who’s H1M?” “I am!” “WHO’S H1M?!” “I AM!”
One month ago was Aleister’s grand opening. Tonight in Greensboro, it’s closing night. Melo & Miz go to the ring, but will they make this Melo’s Rocky 2? Or is this more like riding into the Perfect Storm?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two tie up, Melo headlocks, but Aleister powers his way out to wrench and wristlock. Melo rolls, trips Aleister, then floats to a headlock. Aleister fights up, he and Melo fight for the clinch, then they end up in a corner. Aleister turns things around, lets off slowly, but Melo SLAPS him! The fans boo, Aleister swings but Melo dodges. Aleister dodges Melo and runs, but Melo drops down. Aleister stops himself and arm-drags! Melo fights up, arm-drags free, but Aleister runs him over! Cover, ONE! Melo sweeps to cover, ONE! Both men kip up and the fans fire up!
Melo shakes his head, but then he narrowly avoids Black Mass! Aleister sits down cross-legged but Melo gets up in a huff. Aleister blocks a kick, reels Melo in and waistlocks. Melo ELBOWS free, whips, but Aleister reverses. Melo springboards, but into a BOOT! Melo tumbles out of the ring and Miz is worried. Aleister goes to a corner, goes up and out, but Miz gets Melo in the ring! Aleister MOONSAULTS, lands on his feet, and wonders what happened. Aleister glares at Miz, but Melo FLIES! Down goes Aleister and the fans are torn, but Miz is all fired up! The ref reprimands Miz but Melo puts Aleister in the ring.
Melo springboards, FADE AWAY DDT! Cover, TWO! Aleister stays in this but Melo says he is H1M, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns as Melo goes, but Aleister runs up and steps up to BOOT Melo down! Melo falls to the floor and Miz is worried. The ring count climbs while Miz coaches Melo up. Melo rises at 5 of 10, crawls over at 7, and he rolls in at 8! Aleister dodges Melo to then rally with forearm sand elbows! Aleister ducks a shot, fires a strike fest and sweeps the legs! Then SLIDING KNEE! Aleister handsprings, the fans fire up, but Melo waistlocks! Aleister switches, Melo elbows free, but runs into a DROPKICK! Melo bails out, Aleister goes up, and this time he MOONSAULTS onto Melo! The fans fire up and Aleister puts Melo in. Aleister hurries to cover, TWO!
Melo survives and Aleister grows a bit frustrated. But Greensboro says “This is Awesome!” as Aleister waistlocks Melo. Melo fights up, reaches out, and throws elbows. Aleister lifts, Melo victory rolls, TWO! Aleister escapes, but Melo SUPERKICKS! Melo runs, tilt-o-whirl, LA MYSTICA! And then Melo reels Aleister in for the suplex, only for Aleister to sunset flip! TWO, and Melo BOOTS Aleister! Aleister is in the corner, Melo blocks a boot, but not the KNEE! Aleister goes up to METEORA! Aleister then fires up, to ROUNDHOUSE! And GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Melo survives again and even Miz is surprised!
The fans rally up and Aleister rises. Aleister waits on Melo to rise, but Miz creeps up! Miz swipes at the feet, the ref reprimands, but Melo rolls Aleister! TWO, and Aleister KNEES Melo! Aleister runs, but into another LA MYSTICA! And then a suplex, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Melo is beside himself, Miz argues with the ref, but then Miz tells Melo to go for that three pointer! Miz is on the apron, the ref reprimands, and Melo brings Aleister up. Melo and Miz argue about the game plan, but Aleister shoves Melo into Miz! Cradle, TWO!! Melo escapes, but the SHADOW ELBOW finds him! Aleister fires a strike fest, but the FIRST 48 hits!
Aleister rebounds, BOOTS Melo, then JUMP KNEES! Melo sputters and Aleister lifts with his foot. But Miz CLOBBERS Aleister!!
Winner: Aleister Black, by disqualification
Miz drags Aleister up into a full nelson, but Aleister powers out! BLACK MASS!! But then Melo CHOP BLOCKS Aleister! Melo rains down fists, then he goes to the corner. Melo is going to do just as Miz said to, NOTHING BUT NET!! Melo hits that three pointer but only after the match was done. Will Melo make sure he’s the one who wins in the end?
Backstage interview with Alexa Bliss.
Byron Saxton says last week, she made her return, and tonight, she is the first to qualify for this year’s MITB. How does it feel? Alexa says it is amazing. Now her goal is to be the first woman to win MITB twice. She wants to take that briefcase and… Alexa trails off, then asks to be excused. Alexa walks down the hall, and she sees Charlotte Flair waiting outside Nick Aldis’ office. Alexa says hey, and Charlotte asks Alexa, “What’re we doing here?” Alexa just wants to know if Charlotte gave any thought to what they talked about last week. Charlotte says yeah, they aren’t friends. They weren’t even that close.
No, but when Alexa first came to NXT, no one gave her the time of day. Charlotte took Alexa under wing, and was for some reason a decent human being. Alexa never forgot that. Charlotte doesn’t remember that. Alexa says fine, but then out of the office steps GIULIA! Aldis also walks out to introduce the newest member of the SmackDown roster. Aldis then tells Charlotte, “Let’s talk Money in the Bank.” Charlotte tells Alexa to just stay out of her way, because Charlotte doesn’t need Alexa. Alexa says, “Keep telling yourself that.” Just what was Alexa hoping for from The Queen? And way to bury the lead, will all of SmackDown soon succumb to the Beautiful Madness?
Drew McIntyre is here!
Greensboro is torn as the Scottish Terminator makes his way to the ring, though rather gingerly. Drew still stands on the corner for his pyro, and then he gets the mic. The fans cheer and jeer, but Drew says, “I heard what you had to say, Priest. The only thing that was accurate in that entire video was how much violence we’ve inflicted on each other. But you’re stuck in the Drew McIntyre Vortex, is that what you said? I’ve been in this vortex for over a year. That so-called Drew McIntyre Vortex you’re in is the only reason you’re relevant and the only reason anyone gives a damn about you!” The fans are torn but Drew paces.
“I’ve been trying to tell you for months and months. I beat you at WrestleMania in your own match. I beat you in a Street Fight clean, and you keep getting involved in my business. You’re obsessed with me! It’s getting to the point I was genuinely concerned you wanna wear my skin to your birthday party. But I know what this is. This is jealousy. This is a psychotic level of jealousy! You look at me and you see everything you’ve ever wanted. I am better than you in every single way! I’ve got all the accolades. I would’ve been a Grand Slam Champion if it wasn’t for you at Backlash! You’re trying to take out the competition!
“And I genuinely believe you’re willing to kill me to do it, because you choke slammed me off a 15 foot platform and SLAMMED MY HEAD INTO THE CONCRETE!” The fans are torn but Drew calms himself down a moment. Drew scowls and says, “This has to end. I’ll see you inside that cage next Saturday. And I’m gonna make you a guarantee, because when Drew McIntyre makes a guarantee, it happens. Only one man is gonna walk out of that cage. The other is leaving on a stretcher!” Drew throws down the mic, but who survives when they lock these two in and throw away the key?
As Drew makes his exit, Solo Sikoa makes his entrance, accompanied by Fatu & “JC Mateo.” Drew glares at them, especially the United States Champion. Drew moves on, and Solo’s “family” continues to ringside. Solo may still want LA Knight’s head, but will he settle for the golden ticket to Los Angeles?
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifier Triple Threat: Rey Fenix VS Jimmy Uso VS Solo Sikoa w/ Jacob Fatu & JC Mateo!
SmackDown returns and we follow #BigJim on his way to gorilla. “Money in the Bank is around the corner! But tonight, it’s qualifying night. I gotta get through Solo and I gotta get through Rey Fenix. I’ma take my ass to MITB, climb that ladder, snatch that, win that, cash that. Who’s dat? Big Jim with a big win!” Jimmy makes his entrance, followed by Rey Fenix. The bell rings and Solo CLOBBERS Fenix! Solo rains down fists, perhaps unhappy Fenix didn’t hel;;p him find Knight. The fans boo as Solo THROWS Fenix down, then he tells Jimmy they can work together as true blood brothers.
Solo raises the one, Jimmy raises it, too, but then Jimmy UPPERCUTS Solo! Jimmy CHOPS Solo, CHOPS again, but Fenix runs up! Jimmy gives Fenix a boost to ENZIGIRI Solo! Solo staggers, Jimmy & Fenix DOUBLE LARIAT Solo up and out! Except Solo’s hand gets stuck in the ropes! Jimmy & Fenix get Solo free and Solo clutches that hand, so Fenix rolls Jimmy up! TWO and Jimmy CHOPS! Fenix falls, Jimmy looms over him, and then stands Fenix up. Jimmy whips, Fenix reverses, but then Jimmy dodges. Fenix goes Spider-Man to go to the apron. Jimmy runs up, Fenix RAMS him, and then Fenix GAMANGIRIS!
Fenix slingshots and somersaults to RANA! Cover, TWO! Fenix keeps moving, tilt-o-whirls, but Jimmy fights. Fenix still puts on the IRON OCTOPUS! Jimmy endures so Fenix CLUBS him, CHOPS him, and has him in the corner. Fenix CHOPS again, but Jimmy CHOPS back! The fans “WOO~” and Jimmy whips. Fenix reverses, Jimmy goes up and over, and the two RAM shoulders! Jimmy CHOPS, Fenix BOOTS, and Fenix goes up, up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up, Fenix covers, TWO! The fans rally with Fenix but Jimmy UPPERCUTS! Fenix goes to ropes, Jimmy stalks up and CHOPS again!
The fans rally up, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy whips, Fenix reverses, but Jimmy stops himself to BOOT Fenix down! But then Solo drags Jimmy out! Solo SMACKS Jimmy off the desk! And SMACKS him off the desk again! Solo’s wrist seems okay, but then Fenix kips up to SUPERKICK Solo! Fenix then goes up, up, and SUPER CROSSBODIES! Fenix takes down Jimmy and Solo, and Greensboro fires up with Fenix! Fenix puts Solo in, goes to a corner, and springboards, but into the URENAGE! Solo roars but the fans boo. Solo goes to the ropes, Jimmy drags himself up, and Solo BLASTS Jimmy off!
Jimmy hits off the desk, and then Solo goes out after him. Solo drags Jimmy up, pushes him against the desk, and he says Solo is winning MITB! Understand!? URENAGE onto the desk!! Solo soaks up the heat while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Solo points up at the briefcases, then he stalks Fenix. Solo drags Fenix up, DECKS him, then drops a SENTON! Solo looks to Fatu and says, “I love you, Fatu!” Jimmy is back but Solo has him at the ropes. Jimmy blocks the punch to give a punch! And more punches! Jimmy RAMS into Solo, then slingshots, but into an UPPERCUT! Jimmy falls back down and Solo goes out after him. Solo looks under the ring, looking to use that No Disqualification rule to his advantage. Nothing on this end, so Solo just goes back to Fenix. Solo talks trash but Fenix CHOPS! And CHOPS! Solo eggs Fenix on, then HEADBUTTS him down!
Solo paces around Fenix, stomps him down, and he SUPERKICKS Jimmy off the apron! Solo drops the leg on Fenix! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives but Solo just soaks up the heat. Solo stalks Fenix, drags him up, but Fenix blocks the suplex! Solo still tries, but Fenix fights again. Jimmy returns to help Fenix out, and he mule kicks Solo! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, then he and Fenix POST Solo! Solo falls back while Jimmy and Fenix catch their breath. SmackDown returns to single picture and the fans want tables! Fenix ROCKS Jimmy but Jimmy CHOPS Fenix down! Jimmy goes to the corner and climbs while the fans rally up.
But Fenix somersaults and SHORYUKENS! The fans fire up and Fenix climbs. Fenix CLUBS away on Jimmy, then CHOPS him! Fenix cravats, but Solo is up! Fenix somersaults to get him, but Solo stops the victory roll! Jimmy adjusts, leaps, but Fenix victory rolls through! The ref checks Jimmy as he rolls, but he misses the cover! TWO, and Fenix SUPERKICKS Solo down! Fenix ELBOWS Jimmy away, then goes up, up, and leaps, into a SUPERKICK! Solo is back to LARIAT Jimmy! The fans boo but Solo whips Fenix for a SAMOAN DROP! Solo drags Jimmy up, fireman’s carries, SAMOAN DROP! The fans boo more but Solo sees targets in corners.
Solo runs in at Fenix, HIP ATTACK! The fans boo but Solo runs in and HIP ATTACKS Jimmy! Solo holds up his thumb and the fans boo more. Solo drags Fenix up, tells Jimmy he could’ve helped Solo. SAMOAN- NO, Fenix slips around the spike! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Solo into the takedown! Cover, JIMMY BREAKS IT! Jimmy cleans up the mess he made, and the fans rally up. Solo bails out, Jimmy and Fenix go forehead to forehead. Then they go forearm for forearm! The fans duel, Fenix CHOPS, then he boots Jimmy’s uppercut away! Fenix kicks the legs out, then BUZZ- NO, Jimmy ducks! Fenix blocks the superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP!
The fans fire up as Jimmy reels Fenix in for a fireman’s carry. Fenix slips free, shoves, and DROPKICKS! Fenix goes up the corner, ADIOS AMIGO! Jimmy flounders away and Fenix says “ANIMO!” Fenix runs in, but into a SPEAR!! Jimmy covers, TWO?!?! Fenix survives and Jimmy cannot believe it! The fans rally up and Jimmy climbs a corner. But then Fatu runs up! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Fatu, but that lets Solo hit the SAMOAN SPIKE!! But ADIOS AMIGO AGAIN!! Fenix goes up, up, and DOUBLE STOMPS Solo’s back! JC is up but Fenix DECKS him! Fenix fires up, but then a SAMOAN SPIKE finds him!!! Cover, SOLO WINS!
Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall (advances to Money in the Bank)
As always, it takes the whole family, but Solo is still going to Los Angeles! But then LA Knight attacks JC and Fatu! He gets a chair to keep them all at bay! Nick Aldis shouts for everyone to stand down right now! Aldis tells Knight that if he’s so desperate to get his hands on JC, and if JC loves sticking his nose in other people’s business, then let’s handle this in the ring! In fact… Get a ref right now! JC can make his SmackDown in-ring debut now! JC Mateo VS LA Knight is happening after the break, but will the Mega Star be able to tear down the new recruit? Or will that be the other way around?
LA Knight VS JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and Knight talks trash with the former Olympian turned enforcer. They tie up, JC shoves Knight, and then talks trash. Knight and JC reset, tie up, and Knight waistlocks. JC switches, then he THROWS Knight away! The fans boo but JC eggs Knight on. Knight and JC circle, tie up, and JC waistlocks. Knight endures the bearhug, fires elbows, then rolls, but JC stays up! JC stomps Knight down! The fans boo but Solo cheers him on. JC stands Knight up to ROCK him, then scoop him! Knight slips free, headlocks, but JC powers up and out! Knight RAMS JC, but JC doesn’t budge!
JC tells Knight to run, but Knight kicks and fires haymakers instead! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, JC reverses, but Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges! Knight CROSSBODIES, but JC catches him! JC pops Knight up to a suplex, but Knight slips free! NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! JC is tougher than that, but Knight storms up to RAM into him! And RAM, RAM, and RAM! Knight climbs up and he rains down fists! The fans “YEAH!” along, but JD stops Knight at five! JC carries Knight but Knight still throws hands! Knight fights free of the grip, throws more hands, and then runs, but into an ELBOW! JC trucks Knight and Solo is pleased.
JC drags Knight up to ELBOW him in the head! JC drags Knight up, CLUBS him, then ROCKS him in the back! Knight drops to his knees, but JC waistlocks. Knight fires elbows, then HAYMAKERS! Knight runs, but into another bearhug! Knight BELL CLAPS free, then whips. JC reverses, then runs in at the corner. Knight BOOTS JC, goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! Knight hurries to another corner, goes back up, but Solo is on the apron! Knight runs Solo off, but JC CLUBS Knight down! JC brings Knight up, clinches, and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES Knight up and out of the ring!
The fans boo but Solo mockingly claps and says, “Yeah.” Knight sputters and writhes but SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and the fans rally as Knight fights up. Knight throws elbows to get free of the bearhug, then he fires haymakers! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight runs and ROCKS JC again! And ROCKS him again! And then- NO, JC hits a SPINEBUSTER, and FALLING HAMMER! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but JC grows frustrated. JC drags Knight around, ELBOWS him in the shoulder again and again, then looms over Knight. JC clinches again, OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! Knight survives but Solo says to finish this! JC puts Knight in a corner, but Knight fires hands!
Knight backs JC down, but JC ROCKS Knight! JC whips, Knight KICKS JC, but then JC ELBOWs, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives that Rampaging Dragon combo, but JC has the rear bearhug on again! Knight endures, fights up, but JC wrangles him back down. JC leans on Knight, then thrashes Knight around! Knight still endures and the fans still rally up. JC taunts Knight, Solo says to squeeze Knight, and Knight is fading! Knight reaches out feebly, but then he gets a second wind! The fans rally as Knight rises up. Knight pries at the grip, throws elbows, but JC blocks to HEADBUTT!
JC TOSSES Knight out, then grins as he goes out after Knight. JC clamps onto Knight, and POSTS him! JC pushes Knight against the post, tells him this is what he gets for St. Louis! JC runs up, but Knight dodges! JC POSTS himself! Solo is upset but Knight and JC slowly rise. Knight rolls in at 8 of 10, JC is in at 9! Both men slowly rise, and JC swings, only for Knight to counter punch! And punch! Knight dodges JC’s punch to JAB, JAB, JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” JC grabs Knight, TOSSES him to a corner, but Knight dodges! JUMPING NECKBREAKER! And then a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Knight whips, JC reverses, and JC scoops!
Knight slips free, REVERSE DDT! Time to spell it out! “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! JC stays in this and LA grows a bit frustrated. Knight rises again, rallies the fans, and he waits on JC. Knight kicks low, but JC CLUBS Knight out of the BFT! Then ATHLETIC PLEX! Cover, TWO! Knight survives, but GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Knight survives again and JC is shocked! JC vows to end this now, and he drags Knight up. JC whips, Knight grabs ropes, and then Knight ELBOWS JC! Knight runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Knight staggers, JC runs in, but Knight dropkicks the legs!
JC hits ropes, Knight goes to the apron, and Knight KNEES JC back in! Solo storms up, Knight mule kicks him! Knight then springboards to CROSSBODY onto Solo & Fatu! Knight hurries back in, slingshots, but into a TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, JC wins!
Winner: JC Mateo, by pinfall
Even with Solo’s presence being part of it, JC still put Knight down himself! Will nothing stop Solo’s family now that this Imperial Unit is behind him?
Santos Escobar meets with Angel backstage.
The Emperor of Lucha wants to know where Berto is, and Angel says he can’t seem to reach him. Berto wasn’t home, he isn’t answering messages, but Angel feels maybe Berto just needs his space. Santos says he fears Berto is listening to the wrong people. People who don’t understand about loyalty and the bigger picture. Santos is willing to forgive Berto for last week. Why? Because there is something on the horizon. It’s an opportunity that Santos secured for Legado, for all of them. This opportunity will help them make a statement, but Santos needs Angel to find Berto and bring him home. That is because Santos wants to share this together.
Santos says we can call this an invitation to a sit-down dinner party on him. They can discuss this. This opportunity will help put their names where they belong. Angel says okay, he will try his best, but no promises. Santos tells Angel that when you stand up for something bigger than yourself, something special, that will scare people. But loyalty is the one thing Santos has always seen from Angel since day one. It’d be a shame if they lost all this for the actions of one selfish person. Legado is…? Familia. That’s it! Santos heads out, but could Angel start seeing things more Berto’s way? Or can they all patch things up before it’s too late?
Shinsuke Nakamura speaks.
“LA Knight… You haven’t changed. You’re still the same man as you were when you fought me for the US Title. I see what’s behind the chant…. A hunger for recognition. It’s that hunger that will bring you down. Aleister Black… I do not fear you. You hide behind smoke and mirrors, but deep down inside, you fear the darkness. But there is a deeper darkness lurking behind the shadows. I am sharpening my katana and watching all the while. I know every moment when your heart beats, and ever trigger that makes you lose control. Next week, when you two sink at my feet… I will have my ticket to the Money in the Bank contract.
“And only then will you know that I am an unstoppable storm, an unstoppable blade, and an unstoppable being.” The sinister Samurai of Strong Style is ready to cut down all in his way, but will he be the one to #FadeToBlack? Or will we all be saying YEAH on the way to LA?
BREAKING NEWS for next week!
SmackDown’s next round of qualifiers is set! We already heard from Nakamura calling out Aleister and Knight, so for the women, it is a Triple Threat of Charlotte Flair, Zelina Vega, and the newest member of the roster, GIULIA! Will it be The Queen, the Women’s US Champion, or the Beautiful Madness that earns a ticket to Los Angeles?
Jade Cargill finds Tiffany Stratton backstage.
The Storm tells the champ that she just wants to wish her luck. But to be honest, it doesn’t really matter who wins, because Jade’s got next. Jade will win her qualifying match, will win the MITB briefcase, and then will take her title the same way Tiff did from Nia, “you little backstabber.” Tiff tells Jade that she can talk all she wants, but if Tiff were Jade, do not get comfortable. Tiffy is always ready. Jade might be good enough to win a qualifier, and she might be good enough to win the briefcase, but for as long as Tiff is champion, Jade will never be good enough to cash-in on her. Tootles. Tiff heads out, but will she find herself in the eye of The Storm soon enough?
WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Nia Jax!
While it’s as Jade said, with #TiffyTime only happening because of an MITB cash-in, the Wrestling Barbie has proven herself a champion by holding onto the belt ever since. However, the Irresistible Force is now going to have Tiff all to herself, no caveats or disclaimers! Will Nia break Tiff like a Barbie doll? Or will Stratton find a way to survive?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Tiff’s still the Center of the Universe!
The bell rings and the fans rally for “TIFFY TIME! TIFFY TIME!” Tiff and Nia circle, tie up, and Nia SHOVES Tiff down! The fans boo while Tiff flounders to a corner. Nia soaks up the heat, runs up at Tiff, but Tiff dodge! Tiff kicks Nia blocks it to HEADBUTT her down! Nia shoves Tiff to a corner, whips her corner to corner, but Tiff goes up and over! Tiff handsprings, DROPKICKS a leg out, then runs, only for Nia to CLOBBER her! Nia soaks up more heat, then she stalks Tiff. Nia drags Tiff up, whips her to a corner, then runs in. Tiff dodges, ROCKS Nia, then ROCKS her again! Tiff wrenches, ROCKS and KICKS, then puts Nia in a corner.
Tiff goes to the far side, handsprings corner to corner, but Nia catches her and HOTSHOTS her on the ropes! Tiff sputters and the fans boo, but Nia pushes Tiff around. Nia eggs Tiff on, POSTS her, then goes to the apron. Nia mocks the Tiffy Time, then runs up and HIP ATTACKS Tiff against post!! Tiff falls to the floor in a heap and Nia soaks up the heat while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nia looks down on Tiff quite literally, then drags her up and into the ring. Nia storms in and flexes before she clamps onto Tiff with a motorcycle stretch. Tiff endures, fights to stand up, but Nia THROWS her down! Cover, TWO! Nia is amused at this point, and she kicks Tiff around. Nia puts Tiff on the ropes to CHOKE her! The ref counts, Nia stops, and then Nia paces around. Nia clamps onto Tiff with a COBRA CLUTCH! Tiff endures, fights up, and snapmares Nia away! Nia tumbles to ropes, Tiff runs up to HIP ATTACK! Tiff keeps moving but Nia ELBOWS her down! Cover, TWO! Tiff toughs it out but Nia clamps on with the COBRA CLUTCH!
Tiff endures all over again, even as Nia thrashes her around. Tiff stands to JAWBREAKER free! Nia staggers, Tiff goes to a corner, but Nia runs up! Tiff BOOTS Nia away, goes up the corner, but Nia ROCKS her first! Nia then climbs up, fireman’s carries, and SUPER SAMOAN DROPS!! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives and now Nia is frustrated. SmackDown returns to single picture while the fans rally up. Nia drags Tiff up, runs her to the corner and POSTS her! Nia goes to the apron again, runs in, but Tiff avoids the hip attack! Nia hits post, Tiff RAMS Nia down! Tiff runs and WRECKS Nia with a dropkick!
Nia staggers around, Tiff hurries after Nia, and Tiff whips, only for Nia to reverse! Tiff hops over the barrier, then goes up! FLYING RANA and Nia hits POST, head first!! Tiff hurries to POST Nia again and again! Tiff puts Nia in, hurries up the corner, and Tiff CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Nia survives and now Tiff is frustrated. Tiff runs and TIFFY STOMPS! Nia sputters, Tiff runs again, but Nia fireman’s carries! SAMOAN DROP! SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives and Nia is getting mad. Nia watches Tiff go to a corner, runs in at her, but Tiff dodges! Roll up, TWO! Tiff KNEES Nia, then runs corner to corner! Handspring and BACK ELBOW!
Nia sputters and the fans fire up! Tiff manages the SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nia stays in this and Tiff isn’t sure what to think! The fans rally behind Tiff, Tiff gets running, but Nia stops the cartwheel! POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO, but Nia deadlifts Tiff for another POWERBOMB! Nia DROPS THE LEG, BROTHER! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives again and Nia is losing her cool. Nia drags Tiff to a drop zone, goes up, but Tiff rises! Tiff SHORYUKENS! Tiff climbs, Nia fires body shots, and Nia scoops! SUPER POWER- DDT!!! Cover, TWO!!! Nia survives the counter, and wait! NAOMI IS HERE?! And she has a chair!
Naomi and her bad attitude storm down to the ring, but the ref tells her to hold on! Naomi wants after somebody, but here comes Jade! The fans fire up as Naomi swings on Jade! Jade dodges and SUPERKICKS Naomi! Then Jade TOSSES Naomi over the barriers! Jade and Naomi brawl off into the night, and Tiff is in the corner! Nia runs up, Tiff dodges! Nia hits POST, Tiff pushes her down! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Nia survives and Tiff cannot believe it! Nia’s the first person to survive Tiff’s best shot! Tiff hurries to drag Nia back into a drop zone and then goes back up top!
The fans fire up as Tiff climbs, but Nia SHOVES Tiff to the floor!! Tiff clutches e leg, Nia storms out and clears off the desk! The fans fire up but the ref says keep this in the ring! Nia drags Tiff up, reels her in for a fireman’s carry, SAMON DROP on the desk! These desks really are reinforced! Nia grins and puts Tiff back in the ring. Tiff sputters, Nia steps on her in the drop zone, then goes up! A-NIA- NO, Tiff slips under her!! Tiff pulls, but Nia SUPER A-NIA-LATES Tiff!!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!??! Nia sees that hand on the ropes but she doesn’t believe it!! Nia is furious with the ref and Greensboro is also losing their minds!
But then Nia storms out and grabs the belt? Nia claims it is hers, no matter what anyone says!? The ref reprimands, so Nia says fine. Nia gives him the belt to put back, only to grab the chair Naomi left behind!! But Tiff FULL METAL DROPKICKS Nia!! Nia is busted open, Tiff goes up, up, and PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!!! Cover, TIFF WINS!!!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)
After fury and violence, the dust has settled and Stratton is still at the Tiffy Top of the mountain! If not even Nia can take this title off her, will anyone take this title from the Wrestling Barbie? Or can only an MITB cash-in put an end to Tiffy Time?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of SmackDown here, especially to start us on the road to MITB. Great promo from the women involved in tonight’s qualifier, and Chelsea continues to make her political parody funny. Great match, and it made sense for Alexa to win. She’s finally getting her return push, and there’s also this story they’re building with her and Charlotte. Charlotte is likely to win her qualifier, but that’s a bit tricky with Giulia making her SmackDown in-ring debut. I suppose Zelina can be involved in an opportunistic finish, but maybe shenanigans happen.
Shenanigans sure happened in the men’s qualifier with Solo having Fatu and now “JC Mateo” with him. WWE pulled a JD McDonagh with Jeff Cobb’s WWE name. JC is obviously for “Jeff Cobb,” and then they just threw on a last name that fits his nationality. Solo winning his qualifier is fine, as it’s hard to say he’ll win the briefcase. But Knight doing his hit ‘n’ run on them to then give Cobb his first WWE match was good stuff. For those who’ve seen Cobb before, you can tell this was definitely more an LA Knight paced match. But even then, Solo & Fatu were of course why Cobb won. But this is a great start for “JC Mateo,” surely he and Fatu will feud soon enough and really show what Cobb can do.
Nakamura calling out Knight almost made me fear they were going to run the feud back, but then he pivoted to Aleister and I was relieved. A Triple Threat of Knight, Nakamura and Aleister will be great stuff, but there are a lot of ways that can go. Aleister wins against Melo again, but Melo did stand tall, so maybe #MeloDon’tMiz interfere to screw Aleister over. I feel like Nakamura and Aleister should come to an understanding to take on Melo & Miz as a team, and then Aleister can move on from Melo & Miz to feud with Nakamura. Aleister VS Nakamura would be awesome stuff, and can help build someone (Aleister) towards a title opportunity.
Speaking of title opportunity, Fraxiom getting their shot next week is fine, it’s still the go-home episode to SNME, part of the BIG Tampa takeover WWE is doing for Memorial Day weekend. Fraxiom of course got the win on DIY, and MCMG of course made the save, but I don’t see Fraxiom winning against the Profits. At least, not if it’s only the go-home to SNME and not on SNME or a PLE like MITB or SummerSlam. Good promo from Santos and Angel, and things feel that much closer to Legado falling apart. As for Santos’ apparent opportunity, I’m thinking it relates to AAA now being part of the WWE Universe. Legado is already slated to appear at TripleMania Regia on June 15, 2025, so the team has to stick together at least that long.
Very good promos from both Damian and Drew, but it’s a bit of a worked shoot where they’re both talking about how the feud should’ve ended already because yeah, maybe it should have. But a Steel Cage match where neither guy has anyone to interfere on their behalf will be good stuff, like a smaller version of the Hell in a Cell match Drew and Punk had. Very good promo from R-Truth with Wade Barrett. Truth partly excuses Cena’s actions, but then still has some clarity by saying Cena isn’t himself right now. Cena VS Truth is non-title but that’s because the mission is getting Cena to see the error of his ways. Maybe Truth manages that, or maybe it causes Cena to double down as he resists his better nature out of bitterness.
And awesome stuff with the women’s title tonight. Good promo from Jade with Tiff to establish the line of contenders, and then an awesome match that could’ve been on a PLE or even SNME. Naomi wanting after presumably Tiff and Jade running her off was good stuff, maybe those two are in a qualifier down the line with the third person benefitting from the grudge taking the focus off the MITB opportunity. And then that chair really got Nia good, that was rather wild. But Tiff retains to certainly put her in the position Nia was last time with always worrying Miss MITB is going to try something. Can’t wait to see how Tiff handles things with the proverbial shoe on the other foot.
My Score: 8.8/10
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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