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Mitchell’s WWE Payback Results & Report! (9/2/23)

Hosted by John Cena!

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There’s gold in the Steel City!

WWE returns to Pittsburgh in a big way! And the World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Rollins, has a big fight on his hands against Shinsuke Nakamura!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Steel Cage Match: Becky Lynch VS Trish Stratus; Becky wins.
  • LA Knight VS The Miz, John Cena as special guest referee; Knight wins.
  • WWE United States Championship: Rey Mysterio w/ The LWO VS Austin Theory; Rey wins and retains the title.
  • Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships Steel City Street Fight: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Finn Balor & Damian Priest; Finn & Priest win and become the new Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.
  • WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Raquel Rodriguez; Rhea wins and retains the title.
  • WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Rollins wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the Payback Kickoff Show!

Join Kayla Braxton, Jackie Redmond, Wade Barrett, Booker T & Peter Rosenberg in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action in Pittsburgh!

 

Grayson Waller joins the panel.

Jackie brings up how Cody Rhodes will be on tonight’s premium (live event) edition of the Grayson Waller Effect, and asks if he’s the biggest guest Waller’s had so far. Waller says yes, that is a SUPER superstar right there. But how much video are we going to see about Cody? Now, Waller has heard Cody has huge news tonight, and who did he come to? Grayson Waller! Waller can’t wait! Kayla says Waller surely is feeling good, just like last night on SmackDown. Waller agrees, and says his boy, Austin Theory, is gonna ride that wave to become the NEW US Champion. Waller would party with Theory here tonight but Pittsburgh’s “a bit of a hole” so they’ll wait until they leave here.

Kayla brings up social media buzz about Waller has read John Cena’s book. How does he feel about Cena hosting Payback tonight? Waller says it’s great. Cena’s book is so motivating, and it’s maybe 600 words. Get that paycheck, Cena! Impressive. But as Waller said on social media, he’ll teach Cody how to finish the story. Peter commends Waller on buttoning up two buttons on his shirt. Well he didn’t wanna embarrass Peter. Peter’s button popped when he sat down. But his bald head looks great, what shine. Kayla wants Waller’s input on The Miz VS LA Knight, two men Waller’s had history with.

Waller can’t believe they’re arguing this! It’s not a question, his close, personal friend The Miz is gonna win and teach Knight a lesson. Is LA Knight gonna win? NOPE! NOPE! Fans chant “YEAH! YEAH!” but Waller says they’re so stupid here. Miz wins! Well, anything else Waller is excited about tonight? Booker wants to know, he was watching Waller grow up in NXT, how is it different going from an NXT TakeOver even to a WWE PLE? Waller says he appreciates that question. Booker is someone who kept an eye on Waller.

But just look at the people he’s been in the ring with: Edge, a Hall of Famer; John Cena, one of the best ever; and now, Cody Rhodes, arguably the biggest name today. And they’re all coming to Waller cuz they’re legends, had some losses, been away, and wanted to be relevant again. That’s what Waller does for them. If Cody’s news is what Waller heard, then this will be massive! Waller will get back to everyone later. Jackie says yes, he’ll want to get to that scoop, but what is the one question Waller is dying to ask Cody? Oh so many things. But for Cody, Waller will say something nice here, which is rare. Cody is an example of what a superstar should be, both in and out of the ring.

When Cody walks by, he carries himself like a superstar. But Waller won’t do what everyone does and ask him backstage what it takes. No, Waller will learn in the ring, see if Cody can keep up on the mic. Wow, Waller can be nice. Well don’t tell Cody what Waller said here, okay? But Wade Barrett says he’ll try to be a friend here. Waller says he’s got some bad news, that probably won’t happen. Wade says Waller is a ten in the ring, but Cody Rhodes is one of the most dangerous men in the WWE. Cody just conquered Brock Lesnar, and Waller has a history of pushing people’s buttons. If that happens, Waller will regret it.

Waller says just watch past Grayson Waller Effect segments, he gets the best of the best on there, and he finds a way. If Cody punches Waller in the face, maybe that’s what Waller wants. Either way, Waller is taking this and going viral tonight. He might even take Wade’s advice and get on that Australian cricket team. Waller polishes Peter’s head, and Jackie thanks Waller for his time ahead of tonight’s Grayson Waller Effect. Will the Aussie Icon get to the bottom of the American Nightmare’s rumored news?

 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steel City.

“You know that feeling? When something is coming? Something you started, but now you can’t stop? Well, that something is here. Tonight, Payback is currency, and it’s time to pay up. Tonight, get ready to raise some hell! Payback has arrived.”

 

Steel Cage Match: Becky Lynch VS Trish Stratus!

The Steel City gets a heavy metal opening to the show as The Man looks for big time payback on the selfish WWE Hall of Famer who betrayed her months ago, all so she could hog the spotlight. She’s got all of Becky’s attention tonight, will Trish survive her first steel cage match ever? Or will Becky finally humble her Hall of Fame ego?

Tiffany Stratton is in the crowd, NXT Women’s Championship on her shoulder. She’s talked down on Becky already, is she here to see Becky fail? Trish finally gets in the cage with Becky, the door closes, and the bell rings. Becky stands by the door and glares at Trish, as if to say that’s one way Trish ain’t gonna win. The two step up, Tirsh dodges Becky, and goes for the door! Becky reels her back in, but Trish fights the clinch to shove Becky away! Trish goes up the wall but Becky yanks her down. Trish SLAPS Becky, but Becky just glares at her! Becky fires off forearms, then bumps Trish off buckles! Becky runs Trish into another corner! And then another! And then a third!

Fans fire up as Becky ROCKS Trish with a right! Trish staggers, Becky fires up and eggs Trish on, then catches a kick to a BECKSPLODER! And then another BECKSPLODER! And then a third BECKSPLODER! Fans fire up with Becky as she storms up to Trish. Becky drags Trish up to throw her at the steel, but Trish blocks! Trish tries but Becky blocks! Becky elbows Trish but Trish throws elbows back. Trish throws Becky down by her hair! Trish checks her face, stomps Becky around, then goes to a wall. Trish climbs, but Becky hurries after! Becky drags Trish back down, they fight on the top rope, and then Becky throws Trish down!

But Trish gets up to YANK Becky down! And then Trish THROWS Becky into steel! Fans boo but Trish soaks it all up. Trish stomps Becky around, stands her up, and then THRWOS her into the steel again! Fans rally, Trish stands Becky up, and Becky is again sent into the steel! Trish bends Becky back against the ropes, and pulls hair to add on! The ref can’t do anything but reprimand, and then Trish BOOTS Becky into the steel! Trish digs Becky’s face into the chain links and tells the camera to get a close-up! But Becky fights up to fight back! Becky runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Trish shows her strength and covers, TWO!

Trish hurries to go for the door! But Becky rolls Trish up! TWO, and Becky hurries up, but into a LARIAT! Trish covers, TWO! Trish is frustrated, but she drags Becky up to THRWO her into more steel! Fans rally for The Man but Trish traps Becky in the ropes. Trish pulls Becky back and makes her smile with fishhooks, before throwing her into steel! Trish digs Becky’s face into the chain links again! Fans boo but Trish revels in it as she looms over Becky. Trish smacks Becky off the mat, then drags her back up. Trish taunts The Man and smacks her off the mat again! Trish stomps Becky while mocking the fans rallying up.

Becky crawls to ropes but Trish CHOKES her against them! The ref reprimands and Trish lets off, but Becky rises up. So Trish whips, but Becky reverses to send Trish into steel! Becky then drags Trish up, to throw her into more steel! And then a scoop, for a LAWN DART into steel! And then another LAWN DART! And a THIRD! Becky runs to CLOBBER Trish! Cover, TWO! DISARM-HER!! Trish can’t use ropebreaks, so she fights her way around. Trish CLUBS Becky’s back, fights up to her feet and reaches for the door! But Becky slips around, only for Trish to RAM her into steel! Trish then sends Becky into more steel!

Becky runs in, Trish goes Matrix! But Becky drops a leg on Trish’s stomach! Both women are down and fans fire up! Becky and Trish stir, Trish runs in, but Becky blocks to ROCK Trish! Trish ROCKS Becky back, and the forearms fly! Becky SOBATS! Becky runs Trish to RAM her into the steel! Becky gets in the gap with Trish, to dribble her off the steel! But Trish gives it back! They go back and forth with throwing the other into the steel! Becky gets the edge and just thrashes Trish around! Fans are all fired up with Becky now! Becky then springboards, JUMP KICK! Becky goes up the ropes, drags Trish up with her, to then THROW her into steel!

Trish is stuck on the top rope, Becky hits a GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!! Trish survives and fans can’t believe it! Becky keeps her cool, a part of her knows a Hall of Famer doesn’t get there without being that tough. Trish sits up, a lump on her head, and Becky adds on with a forearm smash! And a JUMP STOMP! Becky climbs up, but Trish SHOVES her into the steel of the corner! Trish runs in, goes up, STRATUS- NO, Becky blocks Stratusphere, so Trish sits up! They brawl with forearms while sitting up top! Fans fire up as Trish fires a flurry! Trish then climbs up and over Becky, wanting to get to the top!

Becky anchors a foot! Trish kicks with the other and sends Becky away! Becky springs back up, catches up to Trish, and drags her back down! Trish fights out of Electric Chair position, only for Becky to turn this around! RUNNING POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Trish survives again and now Becky is starting to grow frustrated. Pittsburgh says “This is Awesome!” as Becky storms around. Becky drags Trish up, reels her in, but Trish fights free! So Becky goes for an arm! Trish sends Becky away, kicks her low, and reels her in! Canadian Rack, for a WIDOW’S PEAK! Shoutout to Victoria! Cover, TWO!!

Trish is fuming, but she drags Becky around to dribble her off the mat! Trish headlocks, points to the sky, but Becky powers out to hit a TWIST OF FATE! Shoutout to Lita! Cover, TWO!!! Trish survives her greatest rival’s move, but Becky drags Trish to a drop zone. Becky fires herself up and the fans are with her as she climbs. LEG- NO, Becky has to roll through as Trish moves! Trish gets her for STRATUSFACTION!! Cover, TWO!!! That was so close and Trish is seething! Trish drags Becky up, SMACKS her off the mat again, and then stomps her around. Fans again declare “this is Awesome!” even as Trish throws Becky around.

Trish storms up to a wall and climbs. But Becky hurries to get the feet! Trish slips free, gets to the top, but Becky drags her back down! Trish throws forearms, Becky throws body shots, they brawl up top again! Becky again smacks Trish off that steel! Then clinches! But Trish fights with panic! Trish headlocks, for a SUPER STRATUSFACTION!!! Trish crawls to the cover, TWO!!! Becky survives again and Trish is shocked! Trish stalks Becky, aims from a corner, and climbs. She goes up again, but Becky springs back to life! Becky catches up to Trish, to SMACK her off the top of the cage! They both sit up there and start throwing hands!

Fans are thunderous as these two literally fight on the edge! Trish SMACKS Becky off the top, then shoves her down! Trish starts descending, but Becky hurries up! Becky grabs Trish by her hair!! Becky drags Trish up but Trish throws hands! Becky still drags Trish back over! Trish is stuck in the railing! Becky ROCKS Trish into a Tree of Woe!! Becky doesn’t let Trish off that easy, she drags her right back up, throws some hands, and then SMACKS Trish off the steel! Trish gets her legs free, but Becky uses that to drag Trish into position, for a SUPER DUPER MEGA PLEX!!! Fans are going nuts over that crash landing!

Becky crawls to cover Trish, TWO!??! Trish survives and no one can believe it! Again, “This is Awesome!” but those words don’t even really do this justice! Becky staggers up, goes back to the wall, and now she climbs up! Becky’s reached the top, but Trish is hurrying for the door! Becky realizes that, jumps down and drags Trish back! But ZOEY STARK is here!! She’s trying to drag Trish out of the cage! IT’s a tug-o-war over Trish! Becky has a grip on those legs but Stark has a grip on the arms! Becky wins out!! So Stark SLAMS the door shut on Becky!! Trish rolls Becky up, TWO!! CHIKC- NO, Becky dodges! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, Stark breaks it!!

Fans boo but there’s nothing to stop Stark from helping out! Stark drags Trish’s limp body to the door, but Becky’s in the way! Becky slams the door shut, this has come full circle. Stark says okay, and they fire off fists! Fans fire up while Trish stays back. Stark CLOBBERS Becky and Trish starts climbing! But then Becky MANHANDLE SLAMS Stark!! Becky climbs up to get Trish’s leg! Becky drags Trish back in, SMACKS her off steel, and clinches, for a SUPER MANHANDLE SLAM!!!! Cover, Becky wins!!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall

Even with her protege’s help, Trish could NOT stop Becky Lynch! The Big Time Payback is complete, and she has proven herself as THE greatest of all time! Will Becky finally be able to move on and focus on what she really wants: the women’s world title?

As for Trish, Stark helps her up. Fans boo as Trish starts to get upset with Stark. Stark says she tried to help, what more could she have done? Trish SLAPS Stark! Stark doesn’t let Trish leave the cage just yet, but Trish tells her to get out. Stark walks over to the door, and closes the door! Stark says this is how Trish repays her? Trish gets angrier, but Stark scoops Trish for Z360!! She throws the #ThankYouTrish shirt away and storms off! Will Zoey Stark move on and focus on what she wants now?

 

John Cena heads to the ring!

Pittsburgh fires up for the special guest host of Payback as he runs down the ramp and slides into the ring! Cena gets the mic to say, “Welcome, welcome, welcome! Pittsburgh, welcome to Payback! What a first match! That was awesome!” Fans cheer, and Cena says he’s done a lot of things in his 20 years. He’s done the opener, the main event, he’s been the champion, he’s been the challenger. He’s been a guest, he’s been a fan, a doctor and a prototype. But Cena’s never been a host! He wasn’t gonna pass this up, and so his job as host is to make tonight special.

Cena got to thinking that there is no better way to make tonight special than by being the special guest referee in a match he’s had his eye on for awhile! The match of LA Knight VS The Miz! But speaking of, here comes The Miz! Fans boo as Miz gets the mic, and Miz frowns at Cena. Miz would expect this from LA Knight, but not Cena! Pandering? To this audience? He’s John Cena, the Greatest Of All Time. But as a host, Cena sucks! Fans boo and Cena says hold on. This is his first time, Miz has had a lot of experience, so does Miz have any advice? Yeah! Don’t put yourself as a special guest referee into Miz’s match!

Oh. That was Cena’s one idea. Any other advice? Yeah, when they call you to be a merman in the Barbie movie, say no. Oh, well, okay. Miz still has it. Cena admits, he doesn’t like Miz. But he does respect Miz. And Cena still wants to make tonight special. he’s just asking for help, please give him advice. Miz admits, he has hosting experience from MizTV to WrestleMania. Cena has to be more involved. When Miz as more involved, he wasn’t in just one match, but two matches! Yeah, Cena remembers that! So be more involved. Okay. Miz asks what Cena is wearing. Miz wore a 10 THOUSAND dollar suit! Cena is almost 50 and still looks like a Teletubby!

Okay, point taken. Be more involved, dress the part. Good, good. Miz says yes, take charge! Right, right, okay. Like making himself a guest referee! NO!! But fans chant “YES! YES! YES!” Miz tries the “hand up, mouths go shut” bit, but fans just boo. Miz says Cena doesn’t even have a ref shirt, so… Wait, Cena makes one magically appear from his pocket! Perks of being the host. So Cena really IS the special guest referee for Miz’s match! NO! Yeah. Miz is angry as Cena goes back and forth with him, “NO!” “YEAH!” And here comes THE MEGA STAR! Is Miz going to make it through this with his sanity, let alone his dignity?

LA Knight VS The Miz, John Cena as special guest referee!

Pittsburgh is thunderous for “LA KNIGHT!” already while Miz complains about the entire situation. Miz still gets in the ring, and then fans taunt his “TINY BALLS!” Miz storms out to the steel steps and fans boo. Cena says c’mon, this has to happen. Miz slowly returns into the ring, the bell rings and then Miz bails out! Fans boo again as Miz paces around the outside. Miz says Knight is not on his level and he already dealt with Cena years ago. Knight holds ropes open for Miz but Miz says to hecc with this, and to hecc with Pittsburgh! Miz is going up the ramp! Knight says hold on, and he hurries out after him!

Miz takes a swing, but Knight dodges to ROCK Miz! And ROCK him again! Knight puts Miz in, and then TAKCLES him! The two scrap, Cena watches closely as the two stand up. Miz ELBOWS Knight away, then ROCKS him! Knight ROCKS Miz back, and the haymakers fly! Miz ROCKS Knight, kicks low, but Knight ROCKS him back! Knight whips and CLOBBERS Miz! Knight reels Miz in, HALF HATCH! Miz staggers up, Knight puts him on the top rope. They go to the very top but Miz fights back with body shots! Miz SUPER GOURD BUSTERS! Fans boo while Miz steadies himself. Miz sneers and leaps, AX HANDLE!

Fans boo as Miz glares and stomps Knight around. Miz digs his boots in but Cena reprimand. Miz lets off and Knight sputters. Miz says he’s watching Cena and stalks Knight to ropes. Miz CHOPS Knight, tells fans to shut up, but the fans boo. Miz whips Knight, Knight reverses but Miz ducks, only to run into a POWERSLAM! Knight throws down hands! Knight hauls Miz up to suplex, but Miz slips free! Full nelson, but Knight slips free! Miz powers out of the cravat to bail out of the ring. Fans boo but Knight waits on Miz. Miz storms back up but Knight WRECKS him with a dropkick! Fans fire up as Knight goes out, to RAM Miz into steel steps!

Knight brings Miz around, and SMACKS him off the desk! And again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Cena counts, Knight stops at 5 of 10 to get back in the ring. Knight says “YEAH!” to Cena and goes back out. But Miz YANKS Knight into the desk! Both men are down and Cena goes out to check them. Miz is alright, he smirks as he sits back up. Knight stirs, Miz drags him up, but fans still cheer Knight. Miz mocks the “YEAH!” as he dribbles Knight off the barrier again and again! Miz slides into the ring to taunt Cena but fans boo. Miz goes back out, sets up and runs in, but Knight TOSSES Miz into the timekeeper’s area!

Fans fire up as Knight drags Miz up to TOSS back over! Knight then clears out some space, gets a running start, and he LEAPS over to CLOBBER Miz! Fans fire up with Knight and Cena goes out to tell them to get this in the ring. Knight puts Miz in the ring, but Miz throat chops him! Cena reprimands but Miz stomps Knight and fires off the It Kicks! Miz digs his boots in, Cena counts, and has to drag Miz away to stop him! Miz and Cena argue, but then Knight LARIATS Miz! Fans fire up as Knight stomps a mudhole into Miz! Cena starts  a count, then he drags Knight away. Knight jukes to stomp Miz more!

Cena counts again, and loudly, but he still has to back Knight off. Knight argues with Cena now, but Cena is being fair to both me. Miz CLOBBERS Knight now! Miz stomps Knight at the ropes, soaks up the heat, and then CHOKES Knight on the ropes! Cena reprimands, Miz lets off at 4, and Cena says good. More of that please. Miz stands Knight up but Knight shoves him and BOOTS him! Knight goes up but Miz kicks the legs out! DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Miz is annoyed but Cena’s count was fair. Miz looms over Knight, clamps on with a fishhook then a chinlock. Knight endures and fans rally up.

Cena checks Knight, and Knight fights up to his feet! Knight reaches out, fans fire up, and Knight throws body shots! Knight whips Miz to a corner, runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Miz then slides out to YANK Knight down! Miz spells it out, “M I Z! YEAH~!” Miz drags Knight up, and sends him back into the ring. Miz mocks the fans as they boo, and then Miz stalks up to Knight. Miz fires off IT KICKS! Knight flounders but sits up, so Miz KICKS him again! And again! Knight staggers up to his feet, Miz winds up, but Knight ducks the roundhouse! BIG back suplex! Both men are down and fans fire up!

Cena checks both men, Knight crawls his way over, then pushes up. Miz stirs, fans rally for Knight, and Knight manages to stand up first. Miz runs in but Knight fires off haymakers! Knight DECKS Miz, whips him to a corner, then hits a JUMPING NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up as Knight climbs up, to FLYING BULLDOG! Knight watches Miz rise, and runs in to SLIDING BOOT! Cover, TWO! Miz is still in this but Knight keeps his cool. Knight stomps Miz in the corner, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Cena counts, Knight lets off at 3 to run corner to corner, KNEE WASH! Miz flounders around and fans fire up again.

Knight brings Miz up, fireman’s carries, but Miz slips free to full nelson! Knight RAMS Miz into the corner, Miz holds on, so Knight RAMS him in again! Miz sunset flips! Knight rolls through but Miz ducks the boot to kick a leg out! BASEMENT DDT! Miz rolls through to BASEMENT DDT again! Cover, TWO!! Miz is upset that Knight survives, and fans boo as Miz calls his shot. Miz full nelsons, but Knight drops down! Victory roll, TWO! Miz escapes, Knight runs in but only gets buckles! Miz almost swaggers past Cena as he goes to the other corner. Miz runs back in, but he only gets buckles! Knight hits a DRAPING SIDEWINDER! Cover, TWO!!

Knight is annoyed that Miz is still in this. Knight stalks Miz to ropes, gets a foot but Miz has the ropes. Miz boots Knight away, knight returns, into a JAWBREAKER! Miz storms up, into a scoop! Miz slips free, O’Conner Roll, with the rope! Cena sees that and says NOPE! He KICKS Miz’s arm, reprimands him, but Miz says Cena can’t touch him. Oh yes he can! He’s the ref here! Miz always takes the low road. Knight runs up, Miz fights the cravat and has the full nelson! Knight arm-drags free and Miz almost runs into Cena! Knight runs in, Miz dodges, and Knight almost runs into Cena! SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!! Cover, TWO?!?!

Miz cannot believe Knight survived his best shot! Cena assures us his count was fair, but that doesn’t make Miz any less angry. Miz decides to parody Cena! And not for the first time, y’know. Miz says you can’t see me, but Knight kips up, scoops and SLAMS him! Fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BIG elbow drop! Knight then gets Miz for the cravat, B F T!! Cover, Knight wins!!

Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall

Whose game is it? With everybody saying L A KNIGHT, YEAH!! Miz couldn’t get his ego and his grudges out of the way, that is why he lost! Will Miz ever live down losing to the man he called the flavor of the month? Will Knight continue to prove to the world that he IS the Mega Star? As for Cena, he throws off his ref shirt so he and Knight can stare down. Knight says he doesn’t mind going around with him. Cena offers a handshake in respect, Knight says Cena almost cost him that one out there. Even so, Knight shakes Cena’s hand and Cena raises Knight’s hand in victory! Is this Cena’s seal of approval on Knight’s future?

 

WWE United States Championship: Rey Mysterio w/ The LWO VS Austin Theory!

When Santos Escobar went down with a bad leg, all Theory’s doing, the King of Lucha Libre stepped up and took this title for the LWO! Will Rey also hold onto it? Or will Theory once again be The Now of the WWE?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Steel City sees it’s first piece of gold tonight!

The bell rings and Theory RAMS Rey right into a corner! Theory RAMS into the corner, fires off hands, then stalks Rey around. Theory whips, Rey slides under, and then Rey kicks Theory from below. Theory storms up but into another kick! Rey runs up, Theory kicks low and whips again. Theory runs in, only gets buckles, and then Rey fires hands! Fans count along and Rey gets all the way to TEN! Rey then brings Theory around, whips, but Theory reverses. Rey goes up but Theory catches him! Rey still slips free, waistlocks, but Theory runs to HOTSHOT Rey with the rope! Theory then LARIATS Rey down!

Fans boo while Theory seethes. Theory looms over Rey, mocks Rey’s posing, and then whips Rey to a corner. Theory runs in to clothesline, goes up and over, throws Rey down, and he slingshot STOMPS! Then deadlift suplexes! Cover, TWO! Theory pushes Rey down, talks trash, and gets Rey up for another suplex! Theory grins but fans boo, and Theory says that’s two! He wants three, and mocks Latino Heat. Fans boo but Theory gets Rey’s wrists again. But Rey turns suplex into a cradle! TWO, and Theory CLOBBERS Rey! Cover, TWO! Theory clamps on with a chinlock, and he SWINGS Rey around before a SLAM! Cover, TWO!

Theory has the chinlock back on and he grinds Rey back down. Rey endures, fans rally up, and Rey fights up. Rey throws elbows, but Theory throat chops him! Theory then CHOKES Rey on the ropes! The ref counts, Theory talks trash but he still lets off at 4. Fans boo even harder, but Theory drags Rey up to ROCK him with a haymaker. Rey staggers, Theory brings him around and whips him hard into buckles! Rey falls back, Theory mocks the champ, and then throws down hands. Theory says Rey ain’t nothing, then he soaks up the heat. Theory drags Rey up, puts him on the top rope backwards, and then climbs up behind Rey.

Theory CLUBS away on Rey, tells the ref to leave him alone but the ref says Theory has to listen to him. Theory climbs up again, and he tries to take the mask off! Fans boo, the ref reprimands, and Rey holds on! Rey throws elbows! Theory drops back a bit, Rey fixes his mask, and then throws more elbows! Theory keeps trying but Rey ELBOWS him down! Rey QUEBRADA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Theory! Fans fire up as Rey and Theory stir. Theory goes to ropes but Rey fires off on him! Rey ROCKS and KICKS and whips, but Theory blocks to reverse. Rey ducks ‘n ‘dodges to tilt-o-whirl RANA!

Theory tumbles out of the ring, fans fire up as Rey builds speed, and Rey SLIDES, to TORNADO DDT at the ramp! Fans fire up even more as Rey fetches Theory and puts him in the ring. Rey climbs a corner, leaps, SEATED SENTON! Cover, TWO! Theory is still in this but Rey rallies the fans. Rey then brings Theory around, but Theory shoves him away. Rey KCIKS Theory, shoves him, runs, springboards and tilt-o-whirl RANA again! Theory staggers up, into a drop toehold! Theory is on the ropes, Rey dials it up, but Theory ducks it! Theory runs up, into an elbow! Rey springboards, into a torture rack! TOWER HACKER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!

Theory is furious, but Rey wouldn’t be a Hall of Famer if he wasn’t this level of tough. Theory still calls his shot, but the fans boo. Theory stalks Rey to ropes, drags him up and fireman’s carries, A-TOWN- NO!! Rey slips out to ENZIGURI! Theory runs up, but Rey puts him on the apron! Theory RAMS into Rey, slingshots and somersaults to SHOTGUN! Rey rebounds to BASEMENT DROPKICK! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Rey and Theory stir, crawl around, and Theory sits up first. Theory grabs Rey by his mask, throws hands, but Rey kicks back! And forearms back! Theory ROCKS Rey, Rey KICKS Theory!

Rey fires off shots, Theory knees low, then CLUBS Rey down! Theory whips, Rey reverses to wheelbarrow and put Theory on ropes! Dial it up, 619!! Theory is down, DROP THE DIME onto knees!! Theory scoops Rey, brings him up to the fireman’s carry, A- VICTORY ROLL! REY WINS!!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, Rey wins and now celebrates with The LWO! The Now is still The Former, and the King of Lucha Libre is still the now! Will Theory have to go back to the drawing board if he wants to get this title back? Or will ATL still be less than 619?

 

Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.

Cathy Kelley is with The Man and says that now she’s finally done with Trish, what is next? But before Becky can say anything, in walks Tiffany Stratton. The NXT Women’s Champion congratulates Becky on the win, but feels they got off on the wrong foot just because Tiff said she plans to be the greatest NXT Women’s Champion of all time then name-dropping Charlotte, Asuka, Bayley and Becky. Because Tiff totally forgot that Becky was never NXT Women’s Champion. So this is a formal apology, woman to woman, for unfairly calling her what she wasn’t. Becky appreciates Tiff “crawling out of your Mattel box” to tell her that.

But Tiff should focus on her title defense. And maybe Becky will see her soon. Okay then. Tootles. Tiff heads out, but is she getting ahead of herself with Kiana James on the horizon?

 

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships Steel City Street Fight: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Finn Balor & Damian Priest!

The Prizefighter & Great Liberator have gone back and forth with The Judgment Day for months now, but it all comes to a head here! With nothing holding them back, will they use anything and everything they can get a hold of to put down The Prince & The Punisher? Or is this the night all parts of The Judgment Day hold gold?

The introductions are made, the tag titles are raised, and we see just how brutal things get in Pittsburgh!

The bell rings and the brawl is on! Kevin and Priest, Finn and Sami, and fans fire up as the champs get the edge! Kevin TOSSES Priest but Priest drags him out! Sami TOSSES Finn, goes out to throw more hands, but Priest ROCKS Kevin! Kevin ROCKS Priest! They go up the ramp, Kevin CHOPS Priest, and Sami has Finn against barriers. Priest ROCKS and CLUBS Kevin but Kevin hits back! Finn turns things around on Sami, Kevin ROCKS Priest, and Sami turns things back around to send Finn into barriers! Sami puts Finn in the ring and he looks under the ring! Fans want tables but Sami has chairs!

Sami throws in three chairs, but Finn bails out the other side. Sami hurries over to that side, but gets a KENDO STICK for it! Finn then looks under the ring, and he brings out so many more kendo sticks! And a bucket? With a Terrible Towel in it? Finn swings it around, but then throws it down and STOMPS it! The fans boo him harder just for that! Kevin CLOBBERS Finn and fans cheer! Kevin SMACKS Finn off the desk, dribbles him, then SMACKS him with a kendo stick! But Priest CLOBBERS Kevin from behind! Priest ROCKS Kevin with a right, he and Finn mug Kevin, but Sami builds speed to FLY! Direct hit and down goes everyone!

Fans are thunderous and Sami is all fired up! Kevin stands up, he and Sami storm around and they look under the ring. They bring out some trash cans! Fans fire up as they bring those over, and the SMACK Priest! And they SMACK Finn! Another for Priest! And another for Priest! And another still! The cans are put in the ring, Kevin rips off his shirt to reveal he’s a Terry Funk fan! Kevin has the can, Sami has some kendo sticks, and they put the can over Finn! They start beating the can with the sticks! The Pittsburgh Pirates might wanna recruit these two with those homers! Then they DOUBLE SMACK Finn! It is GONE!

Fans are thunderous as Sami & Kevin coordinate. Kevin goes out, Sami follows, and they wanna hear the fans. The fans get loud, and here comes as TABLE! Fans get what they want after all as Sami & Kevin set that table up ringside. The champs go find Priest, Sami holds him up, but Priest BOOTS Kevin away before another can can smash him! Priest then ROCKS Sami, UPPERCUTS Kevin, and takes that can to SMASH it on Sami! And CHUCK it into Kevin! Priest DECKS Kevin onto the desk! Kevin hits back, JABS Priest, but Priest kicks back. Finn has a chair and he JAMS Sami with it! The Judgment Day then coordinate and go after Kevin in the ring.

Finn JAMS Kevin with the chair, and Priest has one of his own! Priest JAMS Kevin, then soaks up the heat. Finn takes the trash can, Priest stands Kevin up, TRASH CAN SMASH! Sami returns but he gets mugged by the Judgment Day! Fans boo as Finn & Priest stomp away in the corner! Finn soaks up the heat and Priest keeps Kevin down. Priest then looks around on the outside while Finn stomps Sami out of the ring. Priest adds more chairs to things, and Finn has Sami with knuckles in the eyebrow! Finn ELBOWS Sami in the head! Priest adds more chairs, this is itself a Funk shoutout. Finn mugs Sami right on the desk!

Fans boo but Priest has stacked some chairs. Priest swings, Kevin dodges and he fires off on Priest! Kevin stomps away on Priest, fans fire up, and Kevin just keeps going! Kevin SMACKS Priest with a chair! Finn JAMS Kevin with a chair, then SMACKS him! Sami returns and runs up to JAM Finn with a chair! Sami SMACKS Finn on the back! And SMACKS him again! Finn tumbles out, fans fire up, and now the Judgment Day is running away! Kevin & Sami pursue in the crowd! Fans fire up as the brawling gets even closer! Sami SMACKS Finn off a road case! But DOMINIK MYSTERIO attacks!

Fans boo as now Dirty Dom is the third man for his guys! Priest TOSSES Kevin and Dom & Finn TOSS Sami over the barriers! Fans boo but Judgment Day soaks it up. But now they discuss how to finish this off. Fans chant “DOM YOU SUCK!” But wait! Kevin, bloodied as he is, rises, as does Sami! And they’re in Pittsburgh Penguins gear!! Fans are thunderous as this turns into a real hockey fight! They use the hockey sticks to JAM and SMACK everyone! Fans are loving it as Sami clacks the stick on the stage! Dom snatches a stick from Kevin, but that only makes things worse! Gloves off, HERE’S THE HOCKEY SCRUM!

Fans fire up as Dom gets mugged and sent off running to Mami! Finn hobbles to the ring but Kevin JAMS him! And then he JAMS and SMACKS Priest! Sami adds on, then puts Finn in the ring. Sami hurries in and moves the chair pile around. Sami brings Finn up but Finn blocks the lift! Finn ELBOWS away on Sami, ELBOWS Sami away, and Priest grabs him! Finn grins, has a chair, but Sami BOOTS him him away! Kevin YANKS Priest down, RAMS him into steps, and Sami hits a FULL METAL BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Finn survives, Kevin wipes his crimson mask away, and he rejoins Sami.

“This is Awesome!” as Sami & Kevin pick up some chairs. They arrange those in a nice little square, but Priest returns! Priest JAMS Sami with the hockey stick! And then one for Kevin! Priest BOOTS Kevin, then drags Sami up! BROKEN ARROW onto the chairs!! Sami writhes, Priest covers, Kevin breaks it with a chair! It kinda got Sami, too, though… Priest drags Sami up, tosses him out, and Finn stomps Kevin out of the ring. Kevin eggs Finn on, but Priest chicken wings! Finn WRECKS Kevin with a dropkick! But Kevin just fires off fists! Priest TOSSES Kevin over the desk, and Kevin even hits barriers!

Priest SMACKS Kevin with a trash can! Finn storms in past Corey Graves, drags Kevin up and clotheslines him over the barriers! Fans get closer to the action yet again as the Judgment Day storm after Kevin. They mug Kevin, keep him going towards the back, and even into the cameraman! Kevin kicks back, throws Finn into Priest and just fires wild shots! Priest CLOBBERS Kevin, but Sami’s back! Sami fires off on Priest! Fans are thunderous as they end up by the kickoff show set! Sami RAMS a stool into Priest and fires off hands! Kevin brings Finn along, but Finn knees him low! Sami SMACKS Sami off the Plexiglas desk!

Sami gets on said desk and fans go wild! Sami CANNONBALLS to take out the Judgment Day! Pittsburgh is thunderous for Sami but Dom returns! Dom CLOBBERS Sami, stomps him around, but Kevin fires off fists! Kevin brings Dom around to SMACK into road cases! Dom falls over, Kevin brings a spare table around, and then brings Dom around. Kevin RAMS Dom into railing and then lines up a shot. Kevin DECKS Dom onto the table, rains down some more shots, then climbs up to the upper level! Fans are going wild as Kevin hops up onto the safety railing! Not so safe right now as Kevin howls for a SUPER SWANTON BOMB through the table!!!

Fans lose their minds while Kevin clutches an arm and Dom clutches his ribs! That move broke the table but might’ve broken both men at the same time! “This is Awesome!” as Kevin crawls from the wreckage. Sami and Finn are in the ring, Finn runs in at Sami but into a CORNER EXPLODER! Sami takes aim, runs in, but into a TRASH CAN!! Priest hits the target, Finn covers, TWO!! Finn shouts to Priest to get in so they can finish this! Finn wants a combo move to end this, and Priest likes it. Priest brings down the straps, drags Sami up, and Finn climbs up. Crucifix lift, but Sami flips free to trip Finn!

Finn tumbles down, Sami ELBOWS Priest away! CORNER EXPLODER for Priest!! Fans fire up as Sami runs in at Finn to BLAST him off the apron, and through the table!! Fans are thunderous, Sami runs in at Priest, but Priest choke grips! Kevin returns! STUNNER!!! Priest staggers to the corner, Sami takes aim! HELLUVA KICK!!! Cover, JD MCDONAGH drags Sami out!!! And POSTS him!! The Irish Ace just saved The Judgment Day, but Kevin CLOBBERS JD! Kevin fires off on JD, reels him in, POP-UP POWERBOMB on the desk!! The desk doesn’t break but JD might just have! Fans rally for Kevin as he checks on Sami.

BUT RHEA RIPLEY SPEARS KEVIN THROUGH THE BARRIERS!!! The entire Judgment Day has gotten involved in this match! Sami and Finn both crawl into the ring, flounder about, and fans rally up. Sami and Finn manage to stand, but Finn hits a SLINGBLADE first! Finn aims, runs in, and he SHOTGUNS Sami into buckles! Sami is down, Finn goes up, and Pittsburgh boos the COUP DE G- NO, Sami dodges! To CORNER EXPLODER!! Sami takes aim again, he throws off his shirt, and he runs in to HELLUVA KIIIICK!!!! Cover, DOM CLOBBERS SAMI WITH THE BRIEFCASE!!! Finn covers now, JUDGMENT DAY WINS!!!

Winners: Finn Balor & Damian Priest (NEW Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)

Rhea laughs victoriously! She put the ultimatum in on Monday, and the team came together to take these titles! Finn & Priest stand up, holding the belts high over head, even as Pittsburgh rains down boos. Will The Judgment Day now run Raw, NXT AND SmackDown?

 

WWE continues to fight pediatric cancer.

It’s been nearly ten years, and they thank all those who have donated and given their support to both Connor’s Cure and The V Foundation. But WWE still needs you to be there so we can #TagInACure and stomp cancer once and for all! Top fundraisers could win a chance to meet superstars like Cody Rhodes and Bianca Belair, so keep up the fight!

 

It’s a Premium Live Event edition of the Grayson Waller Effect!

The Moment Maker, the Aussie Icon, the Dynamite from Down Under is already on set in the ring, and fans boo. Waller welcomes us to what could be the greatest GWE of all time. It is very fitting it is taking place here in Pittsburgh, as it and his guest have so much in common. Waller’s seen Pittsburgh’s reading levels, and neither can finish a story! Waller could rip on this city the whole night, but let’s get to business. His guest is the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Fans fire up as Cody makes his entrance, and they of course sing along, “WHOA OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, and then joins Waller in the ring.

Cody picks up a mic as he sits at the desk with Waller, and smiles as the fans chant his name. Cody says, “So… Pittsburgh…! Wh-” Waller cuts him off, saying they’re not doing that tonight! Fans boo, but Waller says he is just being honest. No one cares what Pittsburg wants to talk about. This is the GWE, and all anyone cares about is what Waller wants to talk about. Fans boo but Waller says it must be hard seeing someone this handsome for once. But what Waller wants to talk about is Cody’s “big announcement.” Waller’s heard the whispers, the rumblings, and for Cody personally, what a roller coaster of a year! So many ups! And so many downs.

But it’s okay, Waller appreciates Cody begging to be on the show tonight, in desperate need of the Waller rub. This could be “the beginning of something huge for you, kid.” Cody says fine little speech. And he knows Waller is a newly minted graduate from hip toss class, and has done some school sessions, so he probably knows about shows like this, from the Flower Shop to the Barber Shop to Piper’s Pit, to Cody’s personal favorite of Flair for the Gold. Even MizTV, and now the Grayson Waller Effect. So Waller understands the precedent that has been set. What’s Waller gonna do? Say some mean stuff to him? Probably.

Cody’s sure Waller will try to get under his skin, Cody takes his suit and tie off, they fight, knock over these Hooter’s trees, and then Cody hits a Cross Rhodes. Is that what the fans wanna see? “YES!” NO! Waller says that’s not happening, he will not fight in front of his lovely trees. Fans chant “Hooter Trees! Hooter Trees!” Cody says okay, let’s subvert expectations here. Cody asked to be on Waller’s show, for this massive platform, for the “rub,” and thanks for that. So in turn, Cody will give Waller something. Cody will give Waller that big scoop. Waller watches Raw, right? Every Monday.

And NXT? Of course! Cody shouts out Carmelo Hayes. He don’t miss. Does Waller watch SmackDown? Well, he IS the biggest star on the show, so he watches his stuff. Oh, okay, well, SmackDown is intriguing, wouldn’t he say? In fact, Cody saw something that happened on SmackDown just a few weeks ago, “A wrong that I felt needed to be righted.” Oh? So whatever political stroke Cody has, chips he had, he cashed those in, and he hopes this isn’t a decision that he will regret. But ladies and gentlemen, please welcome your newest member of the Monday Night Raw roster, MAIN EVENT JEY USO!!!

Fans go wild as Cody brings out Jey! Jey remixes Day One Ish in his new theme, cuz it’s all him now, Uce! Fans fire up as Jey makes his way to the ring, and Cody lets him be the guest now! Jey slaps a Grayson Waller Effect sign out of the way to get on the corner and hype the fans up even more! Waller is speechless himself, but he says okay, welcome back, Jey. He was gone like two weeks! But what a huge scoop! First Cody, and now the newest Raw superstar, Main Event Jey Uso! Waller wishes he had something prepared. Well, how does Jey feel being on Raw now? Jey gets a mic but Waller keeps talking.

See, Jey’s been a twin his whole life, he had the Bloodline. Fans chant “UCEY! UCEY!” Yeah, he is Ucey! And as successful as he has been in a tag team, as an individual, Jey has achieved… “Absolutely nothing.” Fans boo but Waller asks what, Cody comes out here, says nice things, and Jey thinks he’s gonna be a big deal now? If anyone is in desperate need of the Waller Rub, it is- SUPERKICK!! Jey takes down Waller in one shot!! Enough said! Will Jey stir things up on Raw? Will he end up overtaking even Cody in the rankings?

 

WWE Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley VS Raquel Rodriguez!

We just saw Mami help her boys beat Kevin & Sami take the tag titles, and now she has to defend her title against an old rival. These two went back and forth during their days together in NXT, but will Rhea look to eradicate Raquel? Or will Big Mami Cool ruin the Judgment Day’s night?

The introductions are made, the title is raised, and we see who is the Top Mami on Monday Night Raw!

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. Rhea grins and then they tie up. They go around, Raquel powers Rhea back, but Rhea puts Raquel in the corner. Raquel powers her way bac out and shoves Rhea away! Fans cheer as Rhea looks surprised. Rhea steps up, shoves Raquel, and talks trash. But Raquel shoves back! Rhea headlocks, thrashes the hold, but Raquel powers up. Rhea holds on and grinds Raquel down. Rhea taunts Raquel with what she did to Liv, but Raquel powers up! Raquel gets free, they RAM shoulders, and fans fire up as neither falls! Raquel even brushes herself off.

Rhea says okay, and dares Raquel to run. Raquel does run, RAMS Rhea again, and Rhea staggers back. Fans cheer, Rhea dusts herself off, and they get forehead to forehead! They push, Raquel dodges but Rhea grabs hair! Raquel gets Rhea’s arm! Rhea wants Raquel to hold on, but Raquel fireman’s carries! Rhea slips free, shoves, dodges, but Raquel dodges and redirects to run Rhea over! Rhea bails out and fans fire up! Raquel waits but Rhea tells the ref to give her a second. But then Raquel drags Rhea up to the apron! Rhea HOTSHOTS Raquel, runs in, but Raquel runs her over again! Fans fire up as Raquel fires off in the corner!

The ref counts, Raquel whips Rhea but Rhea reverses to kick low. Rhea snarls, whips but Raquel blocks! Raquel shakes her head, and still blocks the whip! Rhea short arm LARIATS, but Raquel stays up! “Is that all you got?” Rhea throws another LARIAT, but Raquel eggs her on! Rhea says okay, and LARIATS again! Raquel swings, Rhea ducks but the SOUTHPAW finds her! Raquel hauls Rhea up, scoops and SLAMS her! Raquel scoops again, but Rhea slips free to kick Raquel’s legs out! Rhea gets a leg but Raquel boots her away! Rhea rebounds to DROPKICK! Rhea rains down fists! Rhea KICKS Raquel in the side!

Rhea blows snot on Raquel, drags her up and RAMS her into the corner! Rhea CHOKES Raquel against buckles, the ref counts and Rhea lets off. Rhea taunts Raquel about Liv again, then RAMS into Raquel! And again! And again! The ref counts, Rhea lets off and “apologizes.” Rhea then drags Raquel up, CLUBS her down, and fans rally. Rhea flexes, fans cheer, and then Rhea HIP DROPS Raquel! Rhea SLAPS Raquel around, HIP DROPS her again, then sits her up. “I thought you were doing this for Liv.” Raquel throws elbows, but Rhea HIP DROPS again! Cover, TWO! Rhea pushes Raquel around and then paces around.

Rhea stomps Raquel’s legs, has Raquel in a corner, then snapmares her down to KICK her in the back! Raquel writhes, but Rhea wraps her up in a seated abdominal stretch! Rhea clamps a claw into Raquel’s ribs, then CLUBS away! Raquel endures, fans rally, and Raquel fights up! Raquel tries to hip toss but Rhea blocks to cravat and throw knees! Rhea reels Raquel in, GUILLOTINE! Rhea tells Raquel to just stay down, but Raquel TOSSES Rhea away! Fans fire up, Raquel staggers up, and she storms over to Rhea at the ropes. But Rhea YANKS Raquel into ropes! Then she kicks the rope to jam Raquel up!

Rhea stomps Raquel again and again, then tells fans to shut up with their chants. Rhea stalks Raquel, brings her up, but Raquel throws body shots! Raquel shoves Rhea but Rhea rebounds to DROPKICK again! Rhea CLUBS away on Raquel in frustration! Rhea then stops to grin as she looms over Raquel. Rhea wipes her bloody nose, then CHOPS Raquel! Rhea CLUBS Raquel, and taunts her again. Rhea says no one makes her bleed her own blood! Raquel p ushes Rhea but Rhea choke grips Raquel! Raquel choke grips Rhea! Fans fire up and Rhea swings, but Raquel blocks to CLOBBER Rhea! And again! And again!

Rhea ducks the Southpaw but a BLINDSIDE RIGHT gets her! Raquel scoops Rhea to FALL AWAY SLAM! Fans fire up as Raquel aims. Raquel runs in at the corner to SPLASH! Rhea falls, Raquel goes up! But Rhea kicks her legs out! Rhea has Raquel stuck and fires off kicks to the back! Rhea throws Raquel down, then traps a leg int he corner! Rhea stomps away on Raquel but the ref counts! Rhea lets off to go out to the apron. Fans fire up as Rhea climbs the corner. Rhea drags Raquel up to join her, and she throws down headbutts! Raquel falls back down, Rhea adjusts, but Raquel kicks Rhea’s legs out!

Rhea is stuck up top now, and Raquel is free to CLUB her! And then deadlift suplex, with a stall! Then the SLAM! Both women are down and fans fire up again! Rhea is in the drop zone, Raquel goes up, TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO!! Rhea survives but Raquel keeps her cool. Raquel scoops, has a leg, but Rhea fights free! Rhea waistlocks but Raquel elbows free! Raquel runs up, but into the body scissors and HEADBUTT! Atomic FACEBUSTER, then a SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Rhea is growing frustrated with Raquel’s toughness. Rhea dribbles Raquel’s face off the mat! The ref reprimands but Rhea gets upset.

Fans rally and duel, Rhea says she’ll end this now. Pump handle and RIP- NO, Raquel fights free to GOURD BUSTER! Then she reels Rhea back in, gets her up, ALLEY OOP into the ropes! Rhea staggers, Raquel runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Raquel grows a little frustrated but she drags Rhea back up. Raquel RAMS Rhea into the corner! And again! And again! The ref reprimands and counts, Raquel puts Rhea up top. Raquel CLUBS Rhea, climbs up, but Rhea throws headbutts! Raquel staggers, Rhea stumbles but lands on the apron. Rhea runs in to CHOP BLOCK the bad leg!

Rhea has a wild look in her eye as she has a target! Rhea gets the legs, for the PRISM TRAP!! Raquel endures, but she’s so tall, she can handstand from that position! Rhea CLUBS the leg, but Raquel drags Rhea down to a cover! TWO!! Rhea and Raquel stagger up, Rhea runs in, but Raquel sends her into the POST! Raquel scoops, to POWERSLAM! Both women are down again and fans rally back up! Raquel sits up, slaps her leg into working, and she glares at Rhea. Rhea glares back, they both stand, and fans rally up. Rhea SLAPS Raquel but Raquel SLAPS back! And now forearms and haymakers start flying!

Fans fire up as Raquel BOOTS Rhea! Rhea tumbles out of the ring! Raquel hurries out after Rhea, but Rhea SWEEPS the leg! Raquel falls on the apron and then to the floor! Rhea huffs ‘n’ puffs and lines up a shot. Rhea runs in, into a BOOT! Raquel runs up to bring Rhea in, POST BOMB! And then BARRIER BOMB!! Raquel refreshes the ring count and goes back for more! Raquel hauls Rhea up, scoops her, and brings her around, to LAWN DART into the POST! Rhea flops over in a daze and fans fire up! Raquel nods, she’s feeling it! Raquel puts Rhea into the ring, storms up to the apron, and fans fire up, except here comes Dom!

Mami reaches to Dommy but Raquel grabs Rhea’s legs! Dom holds onto Rhea, but Raquel drags them BOTH in! Dom wants mercy but he still runs away! Raquel drags him back in, scoops him, and POWERSLAMS him! Shoutout to Braun Strowman! But Rhea KICKS the bad leg, then KICKS Raquel down! Pump handle and RIPTIDE!!! Cover, Rhea wins!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s World Champion)

Call Dom the human insurance policy, this is TWICE that he has helped his fellow Judgment Day members in title matches tonight! Will anyone anywhere in the WWE ever stop the dirty, underhanded Dom-inance?

 

John Cena is backstage.

And he’s got a tie and suit on. “What a Payback it’s been so far!” And as a host, Cena realized he has the authority to give himself jobs he’s never had before, so that is why he’s going to be a backstage correspondent! Welcome at this time, his guests, the NEW Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, The Judgment Day! Finn & Priest walk in, and Finn copies Cena’s old catchphrase, “The champs! Are! HEEERE~!” Cena says yes, they sure are. Now there was rumored dissention in the ranks but clearly, they held it together tonight. Any thoughts? Yeah. This is family. Brothers fight. But when they’re united, NOBODY can stop them.

They are here as the NEW tag team champions, Priest is still Mr. MITB, and they have the Women’s World Champion and the NXT North American Champion! The Judgment Day will always rise! Now time to go celebrate cuz they’ve got all the gold~! Finn & Priest head out, and Cena says this job is tougher than he thought.

 

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

The Visionary, the revolutionary, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins thought he could trust The King of Strong Style, but he was wrong. The moment he had his back to Nakamura, Nakamura stabbed him in the back. And worse still, Nakamura revealed to the world that Rollins’ back is badly damaged. Will Nakamura completely break Rollins, both physically and mentally? Or will Rollins fight through the pain and continue to live the dream come true?

Rollins makes his entrance in a very big, very poofy, very gold jacket, and he revels in the fans singing his song, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Nakamura’s entrance is about 30 seconds later, and has a dramatic animated opening! “Seth was once a brave man. Defiant. Bold. Unwavering. But… The storm has eroded him. He has served only his ego, and now the kanji symbol on his back is nothing more than a reminder of the man he once was. Like a horse at the end of his legs, it is MY duty to put Seth out of his misery. I will remove the burden of the World Heavyweight Championship that his back can no longer hold. Tonight, I set the world title free. Seth, this is the beginning of your end!”

Then Nakamura’s song plays, and he makes his way out in a dark red snake skin robe. “The Great Muta,” Keiji Mutoh, is in the crowd to watch his young rival finally main event a WWE PPV/PLE! The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who breaks who first!

The bell rings and fans fire up as the two circle. Nakamura and Rollins feel things out, fans start to duel with their chants, but Rollins likes that, too. They continue to circle, knuckle lock, feel things out, but Nakamura slips away. Nakamura and Rollins reset, Rollins rallies the fans, and the two tie up. Rollins waistlocks, Nakamura pries the hold open and wrenches the arm to a wristlcok. Rollins rolls, wrenches, hammerlocks, and he keeps Nakamura from ropes. Nakamura keeps reaching but Rollins jams his arm. Rollins wants a double wristlock but Nakamura holds it off. Rollins wrenches to a regular wristlock but Nakamura rolls, kips up and cartwheels to hammerlock.

Rollins reaches around, Nakamura headlocks to a takeover, but Rollins headscissors. Nakamura kips free, the two stand off, and fans cheer. Rollins and Nakamura reset, circle again, and fans duel again. The two knuckle lock, then Rollins kicks and wrenches and hammerlocks to a headlock then a drop toehold. Rollins ties up Nakamura’s legs and has an almost Queen Angelito stretch. Nakamura endures so Rollins shifts to focus on just the headlock. Nakamura fights up, squeezes the back with a side bearhug, but Rollins goes to ropes. The ref counts, Nakamura grins as he pats Rollins’ back, and then he lets off.

Nakamura uses his classic, “C’MON~!” Rollins smirks, but he still rushes in! Nakamura gets around to waistlock! Rollins fights, Nakamura shoves him and KICKS him in the back! Nakamura throws Rollins down, Rollins avoids the stomp and the buzzsaw and waistlocks, only for Nakamura to switch fast. Nakamura shoves Rollins but Rollins ROCKS Nakamura! Rollins CHOPS, JABS, and ROCKS Nakamura! Rollins fires off more, stomps Nakamura to a corner, the ref counts but Rollins lets off. Fans sing Rollins’ song, then fire up as he storms up on Nakamura. Rollins whips, Nakamura reverses, but Rollins goes up and over.

Rollins speeds up, ducks ‘n’ dodges and FLYING FOREARMS! Nakamura bails out but Rollins builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit on Nakamura and fans fire up! Rollins nods and he storms over to Nakamura. The ring count climbs, Rollins puts Nakamura in, and Rollins aims from a corner. Rollins runs up to kick Nakamura, then underhooks the arms! Nakamura back drops Rollins away! Rollins clutches his back, and Nakamura KICKS him there! Nakamura stands Rollins up to CLUB him in the back! And KICKS him again! Nakamura has Rollins in the corner, stomps him, then gives him BAD VIBRATIONS!

Fans rally and duel while the ref counts. Nakamura lets off, grins, and he drags Rollins up. Nakamura puts Rollins on the top rope, then runs in to TOP SHELF- NO, Rollins moves and the knee hits buckles! Rollins runs to HOTSHOT BULLDOG Nakamura down! Nakamura is down, Rollins goes to the apron to SPRINGBOARD SWANTON! LIONSAULT but Rollins lands on his feet as Nakamura bails out! Rollins just keeps moving to DIVE again! Another direct hit and fans fire up again! Nakamura crawls away but Rollins pursues. Rollins drags Nakamura up and SMACKS him off the steel steps!

Rollins dares Nakamura to talk more trash, then he SMACKS him off the desk! And again! “C’mon, Shin! Talk trash now!” Rollins SLAPS Nakamura, refreshes the ring count, then goes to the barrier! But Nakamura gets him first! ROCKET LAUNCHER onto the desk! Fans fire up as Nakamura RAMS Rollins into barriers! Nakamura drags Rollins up and into the ring, covers, ONE!! Rollins clutches his back but Nakamura puts him on ropes. Nakamura bends Rollins back against the ropes, then KICKS him! Fans duel as hard as ever while the ref reprimands. Nakamura brings Rollins around, hoists him to the top rope, and CLUBS him on the back!

Nakamura gets space, runs in, TOP SHELF KNEE! Nakamura flips Rollins over now, TOP SHELF KNEE into the back! Cover, TWO! Rollins is still in this but even that lateral press was meant to target the back. Nakamura KICKS Rollins around, and then HIP DROPS! Nakamura pulls Rollins back in a chinlock stretch! Rollins endures and the fans rally up. Rollins fights to his feet, pries the hold open, but Nakamura KICKS Rollins’ back! Nakamura gives Rollins some mocking kicks now, but Rollins fires off hands! Nakamura clinches for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Rollins is hanging in there but Nakamura pushes him around.

Nakamura drags Rollins to the apron, gets some more space, and he runs in to KNEE LIFT Rollins in the chest! Then GUILLOTINE KNEE DROP! Rollins falls to the floor, Nakamura drags him back up and in! Nakamura covers, TWO! Again, hooking the leg was to target Rollins’ back, the King of Strong Style is like a chess master! Rollins sits up into more kicks! Nakamura taunts Rollins, Rollins stands and he blocks a kick, but not the ENZIGURI! Nakamura has the leg now to turn Rollins over! HALF CRAB! Rollins endures, reaches out, and fans rally up again. Rollins crawls forward, but Nakamura drags him back!

Nakamura steps over to stomp Rollins right in the face! Rollins rolls through, kicks Nakamura back, and fans sing to coach him up. But Nakamura RAMS Rollins into a corner! Nakamura hops up the corner, grins as he takes aim, but Rollins CHOPS him first! Rollins CHOPS again, then CHOPS him again! Rollins climbs up after Nakamura, brings him up to the very top, but Nakamura fights back! They brawl, so Rollins changes plans to a SUPER STEINER! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Rollins goes to the corner, Nakamura sits up, and “This is Awesome!” as the two men rise. Rollins and Nakamura start trading forearms!

Nakamura fires a flurry but Rollins returns it with interest! Nakamura fires off a strike fest! Rollins LARIATS! Mule kick! Front kick! SLINGBLADE! Rollins hurries to the apron and climbs up the corner. FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura is still in this and Rollins is too sore to be frustrated. Rollins and Nakamura rise as the fans duel as hard as they can. Rollins reels Nakamura in, but Nakamura fights the lift! The back doesn’t help, but Rollins CLUBS away on Nakamura. Rollins slaps some fight into himself, but Nakamura slips out of the bomb! Rollins ducks the kick, waistlocks and ripcords, RAINMAKER!! Cover, TWO!!!

Rollins referencing Okada, Nakamura’s heir in NJPW and Chaos, was clever but not enough to finish this. Rollins sits up and frowns but the fans rally up. Rollins nods and gets back up. Rollins says he knows his back is messed up and the risks he takes every single time. Becky already worries, Rollins isn’t gonna let Nakamura make her worry more! Rollins fires off fists on Nakamura’s head! Fans fire up with Rollins and he takes aim from a corner. Rollins runs back in, but Nakamura avoids the stomp! SLEEPER HOLD! Rollins fights it, reaches out, but Nakamura clinches! Rollins CLUBS away and elbows free!

Nakamura goes to a corner, BOOTS back, and goes up to FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura shakes his head and pounds the mat. Nakamura throws knees into Rollins from all sides! Nakamura then drags Rollins up and reels him in, scoop and SLAM! Rollins writhes but Nakamura looms over him. Nakamura stands Rollins up, to snap suplex! Nakamura is using standard moves to just torture Rollins now! Nakamura drags Rollins up again, reels him back in, and scoops, but Rollins slips free! Rollins boots but Nakamura blocks to put him in ropes! KICK and SLIDING GERMAN!! Cover, TWO!!

Rollins is still in this and Nakamura is growing frustrated. Nakamura stands Rollins up, INVERTED EXPLODER! Nakamura aims from the corner now, fans are torn, “YAO~!” Nakamura runs in, into a SUPERKICK!! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives the counter attack, and both men are down again! Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” for Rollins as he rises. Rollins drags Nakamura around, brings him up, and swings a forearm! Nakamura staggers, Rollins ROCKS him with another forearm! Rollins won’t let Nakamura fall yet, and he ROLLING- NO, Nakamura slips around, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!!

Rollins fights around, but he ends up in a TRIANGLE HOLD! Rollins clasps hands, tries to fight up to his feet, and tries to deadlift, but the back gives up!! Rollins falls over!! Nakamura pulls on the arm, squeezes tight around Rollins’ head and neck, and the ref checks. Rollins is still fighting, he gets back up, and fans fire up as Rollins deadlifts for the POWERBOMB!! Rollins manages to sit up and cover, TWO!! Nakamura is still in this and fans are dueling again! Both men stir, both men sit up, and Rollins snarls while Nakamura shakes his arms out. Both men face each other and nod as they stand! Fans are thunderous as the forearms start flying!

Rollins ROCKS Nakamura! Nakamura ROCKS Rollins! Rollins ROCKS Nakamura! Nakamura ROCKS Rollins! They go back and forth, they pick up speed, and then Rollins ROLLING ELBOWS! Rollins turns Nakamura, DREAM- NO, Nakamura ducks! Rollins ducks a roundhouse but not the WHEEL KICK! Nakamura hurries to fireman’s carry, but Rollins slips free to PELE! Both men are down again! Fans are thunderous again as these two are still fighting! Rollins rises as he hears the “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” echo out again. Rollins staggers to a corner, manages to climb up, but Nakamura trips him up!

Nakamura climbs up, SMACKS Rollins off the post, then drags him up again. Fireman’s carry, and a SUPER LANDSLIDE!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Rollins survives and no one can believe it! Nakamura himself can’t believe it, but then he BLINDSIDE KINSHASAS!!! Nakamura reloads and aims from the other corner! Rollins slowly sits up, fans are thunderous, but then Rollins flops back over! Nakamura is annoyed, and he kicks Rollins around. Nakamura drags Rollins up, but Rollins SLAPS him! Nakamura is fuming, but Rollins SLAPS him again! Nakamura KICKS, BOOTS, KICKS, then reels Rollins in!

Rollins and Nakamura scrap, Nakamura just fires off kicks against the ropes! The ref reprimands and counts as Nakamura gives Rollins stomp after stomp in the ropes! Nakamura lets off at 4, then he drags Rollins back up. Nakamura brings Rollins around to suplex, but Rollins slips out! Rollins reels Nakamura into a waistlock, but Nakamura switches! But Rollins switches! But Nakamura switches! They go around and around, Rollins knees low! Underhooks! PEDIGREE!!! But Rollins’ back won’t let him make the cover! Rollins doesn’t care, he goes back to the corner! Rollins aims again, CURB- ENZIGURI!

Nakamura fireman’s carries, but Rollins sunset flips! Nakamura sits on it! TWO, and CURB STOMP!!! But Rollins again can’t cover! Rollins crawls over, has the cover now, ROLLINS WINS!!!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall (still WWE World Heavyweight Champion)

What a fight from Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! Nakamura did everything he could while still playing by the rules, and it just wasn’t enough! The Visionary keeps this reign going, but with his secret out, how much longer will he last?


My Thoughts:

This was a great, maybe even awesome, Payback! If this is what we can call a “B Level” PPV/PLE, then I think WWE has raised the bar on what that means. The Steel Cage match of Becky VS Trish was an awesome opener, even with it playing up the usual steel cage match tropes. Becky winning and Stark ditching Trish were both the right moves. If we’re not getting Lita back in this story, then it’s fine that this story finishes up and moves on so we can see Becky and Stark both fight to get at the Women’s World Championship. And speaking of finishing the story, great Grayson Waller Effect because WOW, Jey Uso is now Raw! Did not see that coming in the Bloodline story, BUT perhaps this leads to Jey leading a team for Survivor Series against like, Jimmy, Solo and a trio from SmackDown.

Cena was a great host, I really liked his interaction with The Miz that led to a Special Guest Referee stipulation for Miz VS Knight. Miz VS Knight would’ve still been great on its own, but I did like the various interactions during the match with Cena. Knight winning is the right move, the fans loved it. And Cena giving Knight his respect and approval is great, would love to see more of them interacting while Cena is here. Great US Championship match from Rey VS Theory, though nothing that above and beyond what we’d see on SmackDown I suppose. Rey winning was also the right move, Theory needs to figure out something else to get him going.

Also great stuff as all the title matches were essentially in a row. The Steel City Street Fight was so wild, but of course The Judgment Day AND JD McDonagh get involved. It helped escalate things, like when Kevin & Sami went Pittsburgh Penguins mode, but of course it also helped Finn & Priest take the titles. They didn’t thank JD McDonagh in their interview promo with Cena, so I would think on Raw, McDonagh shows up, Finn celebrates with him but the others are still reluctant. In fact, Dom can point out his final move is what won things for them. Maybe we get Dom VS McDonagh? If JD wins, he’s in the faction? That’d be an interesting wrinkle to the on-again-off-again dysfunction.

And of course Dom got involved with Rhea’s match, that was also a given. Even so, Rhea VS Raquel was great stuff, and with Rhea retaining, we can bring in Becky. Though at the same time, they’re really trying to make Tiffy VS Becky a thing. WWE stop trying to make Becky VS Tiff happen, it’s not going to happen. I mean, it is, but ugh. But for all I know, Becky VS Tiff happens at NXT No Mercy since Kiana’s title match is Tuesday and she sure ain’t winning. And then after that, Becky VS Rhea can be for Fastlane the week after, or in November for like Crown Jewel or something.

And a great main event from Rollins VS Nakamura. They brought up the bad back, so they had the match be all about the back. A touch surprised Rollins retains here, but that was a great closing sequence. Nakamura after sure didn’t look as finished as you’d think, maybe he comes back for another round by Fastlane. And as I posed as a question, this story now has to be, “How long can Rollins last?” Nakamura revealed to everyone that Rollins is not going to be 100% at all, I feel like this is an even better time for Priest to cash in his MITB contract before the calendar year is out.

My Score: 8.9/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/5/25)

Penta wants payback!

Published

on

Cero Miedo on Cinco de Mayo!

Penta made sure Judgment Day didn’t win the WWE World Tag Team Championships, and now he’ll make JD McDonagh pay for the WrestleMania screwjob!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • PENTA VS JD McDonagh w/ The Judgment Day; Penta wins.
  • Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS Sheamus; Sheamus wins.
  • Iyo Sky VS Roxanne Perez; Iyo wins.
  • Rusev VS Otis w/ Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri; Rusev wins.
  • WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Jey Uso VS Seth Rollins w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker; Rollins wins by disqualification, Jey retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is in the concourse.

The fans are all fired up as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion makes his way out into the crowd! Omaha, Nebraska all YEET along, and even Pat McAfee does, no concern for what Gunther might think. Jey high-fives fans on his way to the ground level, high-fives some more fans on the way to ringside, and Jey daps it up with Pat & Cole. Jey then goes to the ring, and the fans continue to bounce while singing along with Day One Ish! Jey then gets a mic while the fans cheer. Omaha even says, “One More Time! One More Time!” Jey thinks about it, and he figures why not! YEET! Jey and the fans bounce again, then Jey goes back to the mic.

Jey says, “The World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey Uso, is now in your citaaay~!” The fans cheer, and Jey says look. He’s here. He knows Logan Paul’s here. So let’s just stand on business tonight! Where you at, Logan!? But instead, “Ladies and gentlemen…” The Wise Man walks out on stage! The fans boo as Paul Heyman continues his introduction, and he says he cam here tonight not to disrespect the World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey Uso. But he dragged himself all the way to Omaha, Nebraska because he wanted to say something straight to the face of the World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey Uso.

Jey tells OG Heyman, “You got a lotta balls stepping to me after what you just did to my family.” Heyman says wow, Jey is going to lecture Heyman about betraying their Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns? Jey says yeah, he’ll talk to Heyman. Day one, Jey saw past him. He warned Roman about him, and he warned CM Punk about him! Well, a shame that no one warned Heyman. Warned him about his best friend, his BFF, his brother in arms, CM Punk. And while he’s at it, keep your damn boos to yourselves while he’s on the mic! Not one of these fans, or Jey, had to live through what Heyman did.

Heyman’s best friend, CM Punk, put him in a position that 100% absolutely guaranteed it would sabotage him! The fans chant for Punk and Heyman mocks them for it. “They chant his name because they don’t know what’s in the dark heart of that man.” Punk put Heyman in a guaranteed lose-lose situation with Roman Reigns. And let’s talk about Roman Reigns for a minute! The fans chant for “O T C!” and Heyman sighs. Heyman says he had a dream with his best friend, CM Punk, while Roman was still playing high school football. Long before Roman thought about following in his father’s footsteps into pro-wrestling.

And while Heyman helped Punk overcome adversity, what’d Roman think he was going to do? Sell him out to Punk? Why? After Heyman built the Bloodline for five years, why would he do that?! The fans boo more but Heyman sighs again. Heyman found a “stray big dog on the island of irrelevancy, and I turned him into the Tribal Chief and the ruler of the WWE Universe. We were the Undisputed WWE Champion for 1,316 days! And I’m not the one that blew it by getting beat by Cody Rhodes after being distracted by Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40! HE lost the title! HE lost the title that I spent five years of my life building him up as the champion!

And then what’d he do? He disappeared. He went back to being a big dog licking his big wounds, and left me in the hands of Solo, and Jacob Fatu and those Tongans, who put me through a table at Madison Square Garden and almost ended MY 40 year career. And he didn’t come back toa venge me, he came back to get his ula fala back! But I betrayed Roman Reigns, right? I betrayed Roman Reigns, who couldn’t handle the fact that I just wanted to help out my best friend live out his dream! No, it’s always Paul Heyman! I’m always the liar! I’m always at fault! I’m the betrayer, I’m the double crosser, I’m always the freakin’ scumbag in this situation! NOT THIS TIME! I’M RIGHT! I’M RIGHT! I’M IN THE RIGHT! And you blame me?! Screw you!! And screw each and every one of you for booing me!”

The fans boo more but Jey isn’t sure what to think. The fans chant “You Suck! You Suck!” and call Heyman an a-hole, but Jey takes a moment. Jey asks if Heyman is okay. In fact, is Heyman done? Jey has another question: What does this have to do with Jey? Heyman smirks and says that he does owe an apology. It has nothing to do with Jey. Not that part. He didn’t come out here to talk Roman and Punk. Here is the thing Heyman did come out here to talk with Jey. See, Jey won that title because he wanted that title> But that title is all about power and control. And honestly, Jey doesn’t know how to wield that. Jey doesn’t understand that!

Jey thinks coming out here to YEET with the audience and putting on the best in-ring performance is all it takes. But that’s not what this title is about. So while Jey needs in his heart and wants to be a champion… Seth Rollins has to be a champion. Rollins has to have that power, that control, and Bron Breakker… Well, that is just stage one of the plan. Stage two is the World Heavyweight Championship. But Heyman is out here tonight to do Jey a favor. And we all know how well Heyman’s favors work out> Jey gets to sign his own death warrant. Jey gets to chose the night he loses the World Heavyweight Championship.

Because Seth Rollins hereby challenges Jey to the World Heavyweight Championship! Rollins pinned Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, Rollins deserves to be #1 contender! Jey gets to pick the time and the place, because Rollins will fight Jey for that title any time, and any place. Heyman drops his mic then takes his leave. Jey tells Heyman to hold on, OG. Omaha, can you help him out? Jey asks if Heyman just said “any time,” and “any place,” “any where,” for the world title, against Seth Freakin’ Rollins? Then it’s on TONIGHT! FOUR LETTERS! ONE WORD! UH, UH… YEET!!

Jey had Logan Paul on his mind, but now he is daring the Visionary to put up or shut up! Will Jey turn the tables on Rollins? Or is Jey playing into Rollins’ hand?

 

Heyman returns backstage.

He finds Rollins & Bron, and Heyman smiles. Heyman says, “He fell for it> I cannot believe he fell for it! He wants to do the match tonight! You were so right!” Rollins asks you know what he loves. He loves to say< “I told you so.” And he tells Heyman, “I told you so.” Heyman says that is true. Bron says Seth Freakin’ Rollins, World Heavyweight Champion… Heyman asks if Bron understands what is going on. Roman Reigns prepared Seth Rollins at Mania, and Rollins pinned the biggest star in the main event. CM Punk prepared with unbridled passion for Rollins at Mania, and Rollins not only beat Roman & Punk, Roman & Punk lost to Rollins in the main event.

Jey Uso is a great champion, don’t take that away from him. He made Gunther tap out! Gunther! Jey is no easy day in the park. But Jey wasn’t focused on Rollins, he was distracted by Logan Paul! And now he has no time to prepare for Rollins. But Rollins is fully focused on Jey because there’s no one left. Rollins is a sniper, and he has Jey in his sights. And tonight, we get handed the keys to the kingdom when the ref hands that World Heavyweight Championship to Seth Freakin’ Rollins…! Bron can see the vision now, but will we all see Rollins burning down the YEET Era?

 

PENTA VS JD McDonagh w/ The Judgment Day!

The Intercontinental Championship Fatal 4 Way at WrestleMania only went well for “Dirty Dom” because he had an Irish Ace up his sleeve! JD is back, but will Penta make him pay for the part he played? Or will The Judgment Day be able to screw Penta over again?

Raw returns and JD is in the ring. The bell rings, JD and Penta circle while Carlito & Finn Balor watch from ringside. The fans rally for #CeroMiedo as Penta throws it up. But JD kicks low! JD headlocks for the takeover, but Penta headscissors. JD kips free, arm-drags and has the armlock. Penta headscissors again, JD kips free, and then he waistlocks. Penta ELBOWS free, runs, but JD drop toeholds! Penta avoids the basement dropkick, but JD avoids the Penalty Kick to roll Penta up! TWO and JD returns. Penta again avoids a kick but the STANDING MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO! Finn argues the count but JD CLUBS Penta.

JD stands Penta up to bump him off buckles, then he CHOPS! Penta CHOPS JD in return! And CHOPS again! Penta runs up to KICK JD’s leg out! The fans cheer while JD hobbles away. Penta CHOPS again, then KICKS the leg out again! The fans fire up with Penta while JD goes to another corner. Penta storms up, but JD puts him in the corner, only for Penta to dodges and CHOP! JD sputters, Penta swaggers, and Penta KICKS the legs out! Cover, TWO! Finn wants a timeout but there’s no such thing here. Penta drags JD up, whips him to a corner, but JD BOOTS in return! JD ELBOWS Penta down, then drags him up to bring him around.

Penta blocks the buckle bump, GAMANGIRIS, then CHOPS! JD leans back, Penta climbs, but JD SLAPS him! And SLAPS! JD shoves Penta down, kicks him, then goes to the apron. Penta blocks the boot, then ENZIGIRIS in return! The fans fire up, but Penta tells Finn to stay back. Finn says he’s just standing nearby. JD fireman’s carries Penta to APRON DEATH VALLEY! JD is in control and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and JD has Penta up top. JD pulls Penta into the Tree of Woe, then runs corner to corner, but Penta sits up! JD slides into the POST! Penta is free of the Tree, and then he runs to handstand and SWINGING DROPKICK! JD gets feet right to the face and Penta covers, TWO! JD stays in this but the fans rally behind Penta. Penta fires up, and he counter punches JD! Penta bobs ‘n’ weaves to CHOP, then ROCK JD! Penta fires forearm after forearm, whips, but JD reverses. Penta KICKS in return! Penta runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, SLING-DOG! Cover, TWO! Penta hurries to stand JD back up and JAB!

Penta puts JD against the ropes to CHOP! The fans fire up and Penta whips. Penta scoops JD to BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! JD stays in this but Penta fires himself back up! The fans fire up but Finn distracts on the apron! That lets Carlito pull no Penta’s mask! Penta breaks free to GAMANGIRI! JD runs up but Penta TOSSES him out! Penta climbs, the fans fire up, “CERO! MIEDO!” SUPER CROSSBODY! Down go JD and Carlito! Finn freaks out but the fans rally up behind Penta. Penta puts JD in, but Finn creeps up! JD distracts the ref and Finn YANKS Penta down! Finn puts Penta in, but the ref DOES see it!

The fans fire up as the ref now EJECTS Finn & Carlito! The fans cheer whiel Finn & Carlito freak otu! They apologize, but it’s too late for that! Penta goes up a corner, but CHAD GABLE is here?! Gable grabs at Penta, Penta kicks him away, then Penta leaps over JD! Penta dodges JD to then FLY out onto Gable! Penta drags JD up but JD hits a JAWBREAKER! JD goes up, up, MOONSAULT FLOPS as Penta moves! MEXICAN DESTROYER!! Cover, Penta wins!!

Winner: Penta, by pinfall

Despite all the extra help on the outside, JD could not win! Cero Miedo is victorious, but when will Penta be Numero Uno?

 

Adam Pearce talks with Grayson Waller.

The Raw General Manager says the Aussie Icon wanted a match, so here’s his match. Yeah, but he didn’t know it’d be against him! Austin Theory finds Waller and Waller says good timing. Waller was talking with Pearce about how Waller’s been a bad friend to Theory, wanting a singles match for himself, but that’s selfish. Waller wants Theory to have the match, it’d be great for him. Okay, Theory is down! Pearce asks if Waller is serious, and Waller says he is! Well, if that’s what they want, fine. Theory has a singles match now. It’s official! Great! But who is it against? Uh, well, it’ll be better as a surprise, but they better get to the ring. #AllDay, remember?

Waller hurries away and Theory wonders what kind of surprise it could be. Well, everyone is wondering that. Who will Waller pass over to Theory to avoid getting brutalized?

 

Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS ???

Raw returns as A-Town Down Under is already in the ring. And who is Theory’s opponent that was meant for Waller? It’s SHEAMUS! Monday Night Raw is once again Fight Night Raw as the Celtic Warrior is back again! Will Theory regret taking this banger?

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Theory waistlocks. Sheamus throws Theory away and the fans cheer him on. Theory brushes that off, resets with Sheamus, and then Theory kicks low! Theory throws hands, puts Sheamus in a corner, but Sheamus ROCKS Theory! Sheamus UPPERCUTS, but Theory ELBOWS back! Sheamus fires a BODY SHOT, an UPPERCUT, then whips. Theory goes up and over, rolls, comes back, and he DROPKICKS Sheamus down! Waller says that’s his best friend right there! But then Sheamus CLOBBERS Theory! The fans fire up, and Sheamus storms up on Theory.

Theory ELBOWS Sheamus, whips, but Sheamus reverses to scoop, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up as Sheamus says one more time! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Sheamus goes for the legs but Theory kicks at him! Theory reels Sheamus in and throws some hands, but Sheamus stomps Theory down! The fans cheer as Sheamus turns Theory over for a CLOVERLEAF! Theory crawls and has the ROPEBREAK! Sheamus lets go, Theory rolls out, and Waller checks on his friend. But Sheamus climbs up! SUPER FLYING LARIAT! Down goes Theory! The fans fire up, and Sheamus finds a fellow Ginger! The fans cheer more while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and the fans rally behind Sheamus. Theory CLUBS Sheamus and throws hands, but Sheamus shoves him and eggs him on! Theory BOOTS Sheamus, but Sheamus just eggs him on more! Theory runs, but into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Theory flounders to the apron and Sheamus storms his way over. Sheamus stands Theory up and Waller stays back, but Theory HOTSHOTS free! Theory slingshots and somersaults, but into the KNEE CAPPER! Cover, TWO! Theory survives but Sheamus stays cool. The fans rally while Sheamus catches his breath, and then Sheamus goes to the apron.

Sheamus glares at Waller, Waller backs away, and Sheamus climbs. Theory avoids the flying lariat but Sheamus comes back! Theory dodges and Sheamus POSTS himself! Theory SUPERKICKS, somersaults, and BLOCKBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up for Sheamus while Theory goes back outside. Theory checks his jaw, shakes out the stars, and Theory climbs. Sheamus ROCKS Theory, fires body shots, and Sheamus climbs. Sheamus brings Theory up, tucks him in, WHITE NOISE! The fans fire up and Sheamus smiles as he’s clearly enjoying this. “This is Awesome!” as Sheamus rises up again.

Waller coaches Theory as Theory crawls to the apron, but Theory asks why Waller did this to him! Sheamus stands Theory up, and the fans cheer on the BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! The fans count along, Sheamus goes past TEN, and Theory slumps down at FOURTEEN! The fans fire up, Waller is worried, and Sheamus goes to a corner. The fans cheer Sheamus on, and we get a BROGUE! Cover, Sheamus wins!

Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall

The Celtic Warrior made quite the return, and Theory is surely regretting subbing in for Waller. Will A-Town Down Under have a meltdown because of this?

 

BREAKING NEWS for Backlash!

Penta was so close at WrestleMania, and he got through JD here tonight, so now he will be challenging Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship!

Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.

They’ve clearly heard the news, and JD storms in asking what happened out there. The ref kicked them out? And why did Gable go out there? That wasn’t on any of them. JD says then Penta and Gable need to get it ASAP! Dom says Penta will be handled at Backlash, but as for Gable- Wait, who is this walking into the clubhouse? It’s A J STYLES! The Phenomenal One nods to Finn, Finn nods back, but Carlito asks how Styles even got here. Oh, R-Truth told him where they were. Plus, it wasn’t that hard to find. But he’s not here to fight or cause trouble. Styles just wants to give a friendly warning. Whether it is Dom or Penta, Styles is after that title.

Dom says whatever, old man. Wow, oh, so hurtful. But Styles tells Dom that it doesn’t matter who wins, he want the title! And then he’ll beat Dom up either way. Dom says this is crazy. Who knew being a champion was this hard. Penta, Styles, his hands are full! Wait, Finn has history with Styles. Can’t he handle Styles for Dom? Oh, what? Now Finn cleans up Dom’s messes for him? Nah, just messing with you. Finn’s got this. They fist bump, but will Judgment Day (not) hold it together without Liv around?

 

Chad Gable is backstage.

“Freakin’ luchadores. Bloody my nose?” The New Day walk over and Gable says it is not the time for this. Kofi Kingston says hold on, hold on, hear them out. They saw what went down, and that was awful. And they know that it is around time American Made got some respect around here. Xavier Woods says the War Raiders are already talking about getting a rematch, but New Day beat the bejeezus out of them, so that’s a no. What the New Day thinks is that opportunities need to start coming back to American Made. Gable likes what they’re saying. Give him some more ideas like that. But then Becky Lynch pushes through.

Woods tells The Man it was messed up how Lyra Valkyria treated her. Becky thanks him for that. Becky heads to the ring, what will she have to say here in Omaha?

 

Becky Lynch goes to the ring.

Omaha is torn as The Man has a mic in her hand. Becky says The Man has come around to Omaha, and she’s baffled by the bit of boos and “You Suck” chants she’s getting. Wait, wait, wait. She is very confused. The fans are treating her like she’s the bad guy here? No, she’s the victim! Okay, okay, she took out Bayley, fine. But when she came out to WrestleMania, everyone lost their minds! A woman in the crowd cried tears of joy! No one asked where Bayley was, because no one cared, Bayley is garbage! Becky took out the garbage! The fans were happy the garbage was taken out, but then Becky took credit for it and everyone got mad she took out the garbage!

That’s not what they should say when someone takes out the garbage! You tell that person, “Thank you for taking out the garbage! And what’s more than that, I also took out the recycling! Because that’s what Lyra is! She’s less offensive than garbage, but she’s still garbage! And what is garbage about her is her attitude. She doesn’t have a dream if it isn’t for me! She doesn’t have a title if it isn’t for me! She doesn’t make history if it isn’t for me! She doesn’t even have a freakin’ fiancé if it isn’t for me!!” The fans boo, but Becky says she still gets all this disrespect! But wait, here comes Lyra! Becky says this is what she’s talking about!

Lyra has a mic and asks, “Did you actually just call me recycling? You’re the Queen of Recycling! You’ve been recycling the same moves and the same tired old act for years! But that’s fine, Becky, you do you, I don’t care. What I have a problem with is you acting like you had anything to do with my success. The one thing I want to drive into your skull more than my foot is that you didn’t make me!” The fans cheer, and Lyra says she’ll catch Becky up. Becky went on holiday, and everyone here got better. Becky went on holiday, and Lyra made history of her own. Lyra holds up the Women’s Intercontinental Championship and the fans cheer.

Lyra says, “Oh, but you’re what this championship needs, right? That’s what you said. That’s rich, considering I’ve defended it more times than days you’ve shown up to work this year.” The fans cheer that zinger! Becky paces but Lyra says she sees it now. Lyra sees it so clearly. Becky shattered glass ceilings and Lyra is forever grateful. But Becky left all that broken glass on the ground and the rest of the Women’s Division were supposed to just follow behind because Becky never had any intention of taken anyone to the top with her. Becky says okay, okay, Lyra is right. Becky was gone, and everyone had the best year of their careers.

But that’s only because they didn’t have Becky around to compare themselves to! The fans boo but Becky says no, she didn’t help anybody because she doesn’t like anybody. She didn’t help anyone because her job isn’t to help anyone, it is to beat everyone! And Becky is very, very good at her job! She’s the greatest to ever do it! That’s not just her saying it, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED said so! The fans do cheer that, but Becky tells Lyra it doesn’t matter how great she thinks she is or how great she’ll become, because she will always be the moment after Becky! Wow… Sports Illustrated, huh? Lyra is wrong, she’ll take it back. Please, continue listing the achievements.

What can we say? Becky’s first SmackDown Women’s Champion, first woman to win the main event of WrestleMania, and the first Women’s Intercontin- NO! Wait! That’s Lyra! Becky frowns while the fans cheer, and Lyra says Becky must hate it. Becky must hate that this is Lyra’s first ever. But get used to being second. Becky throws hands but Lyra hits back! The fans fire up as these two brawl, and then Lyra hits a SPINEBUSTER! Becky gets up, Lyra is right on her, but Becky puts her in ta corner! Lyra dodges, RAMS into Becky again and again, then things spill outside! Lyra sends Becky into barriers! And apron! And barriers again!

The fans fire up but refs rush out! Omaha says, “LET THEM FIGHT!” but Becky gets free and throws off her jacket! Becky then gets in the ring and tells everyone, “You see this disrespect?! You see this disrespect?!” Lyra gets free and is back for more! The fans fire up, Becky clinches, but Lyra slips free to fireman’s carry! NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Lyra stands tall over Becky, title in her hand! Will this be the scene this Saturday for Backlash?

 

Iyo Sky VS Roxanne Perez!

The Genius Women’s World Champion won big last week on NXT alongside Jordynne Grace, but now The Prodigy is back in hopes of returning the favor. Will Roxie prove she’s ready for Raw? Or will Iyo show being a prodigy only gets you so far?

Raw returns and Iyo makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally. The two circle, tie up, and Iyo pushes Roxie back. Roxie puts Iyo on ropes, Iyo turns that around, and the two go around. Iyo clinches, Roxie wrenches, but Iyo headlocks. Roxie powers up and out but Iyo runs her over! Things speed up, Iyo ducks ‘n’ dodges, then whips Roxie. Roxie cartwheels over the dropdown, then SLAPS Iyo! Roxie takes a bow, then dodges Iyo to bail out. Iyo pursues, they go back in the ring, and Roxie dodges again to roll back! Roxie RANAS, but Iyo handsprings through! The fans fire up, things keep moving, and Iyo handsprings again!

Roxie dodges, but Iyo comes back to SHOTGUN! Roxie tumbles out, Iyo builds speed, but Roxie is back to dropkick the legs out! Iyo writhes, but Roxie grabs the leg to stomp it and SMASH it! Roxie wants both legs but Iyo BOOTS her away. Iyo runs, but Roxie puts her on the apron. Iyo ROCKS Roxie first, but Roxie grabs a leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Roxie builds speed and DIVES! Down goes Iyo at the ramp! The fans boo but Roxie puts Iyo in. Iyo gets moving and she DIVES! Direct hit on Roxie at the ramp! The fans fire up with Iyo, and Iyo hurries to put Roxie in. Iyo aims, springboards, but Roxie SLAPS her down!

Roxie grabs Iyo’s leg, drags her to a corner, and STOMPS the knee against the crossbar! Iyo clutches her leg and slumps to the floor while Roxie leaves her behind, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Iyo has Roxie up top, for a SUPER ARM-DRAG! The fans fire up while both women are down! Iyo slaps her leg into working, then she crawls her way over. Omaha is behind Iyo as she ROCKS Roxie! Roxie ROCKS Iyo, but Iyo ROCKS Roxie back! The forearms keep going, Iyo fires a flurry, then she winds up to SHOTEI! Roxie staggers, runs up, but Iyo FLAPJACKS! And BUZZSAWS! Cover, TWO! Roxie toughs it out but Iyo goes to the apron. Roxie runs up, but Iyo blocks her punch to HOTSHOT the arm! Iyo climbs, Roxie stands, MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Roxie flounders, and Iyo kips up!

Iyo goes wild, so do the fans, and all aboard the SHIN- NO, Iyo’s leg bothers her! Roxie runs up, wheelbarrows, but Iyo rolls through to STOMP 182! Cover, TWO! Roxie survives and Iyo is frustrated! The fans rally, Iyo waistlocks, and she deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridge, but then a roll through! Roxie fights the second try to SAIDO! Iyo and Roxie stand, Roxie runs up, but Iyo wrenches and hooks her up! TIGER BACKBREAKER! Iyo says time to end this! Iyo CHOPS Roxie, hobbles to a corner, and climbs up! OVER THE MOONSAULT but Roxie moves! Iyo lands out but that jams up the leg! Roxie runs to SPIKE RANA!

Roxie roars, runs, and hits the HANDSPRING KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Iyo survives the Guillotine Knee as taught to Roxie by Meiko Satomura, and Omaha rallies up more. Roxie fires hands, SOBATS, then runs to hop on! Iyo handsprings through, but Roxie blocks the kick! DRAGON SCREW! Roxie then has the arm, LA MAGISTROL BRIDGE! TWO!! Iyo bridges, TWO!! Roxie has the body scissors, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Iyo rolls Roxie up, TWO! Roxie has a lateral press, TWO! Iyo sunset flips! TWO! Roxie high stacks, TWO! Iyo sunset flips again, IYO WINS!!

Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall

Roxie is shocked! She tried to match speed with speed and move for move, but she just couldn’t keep up with the Genius! But then Roxie gets in Iyo’s face! Roxie offers a handshake? The fans aren’t so sure, but Iyo takes it. They both bow, and surprisingly, there is now respect here between them. But wait! GIULIA ATTACKS! It was all just so the Beautiful Madness could slip in! Roxie grins and they mug Iyo like they have before! Giulia ties up Iyo’s legs, has the arms, and sets Iyo up for a SUPERKICK and SURFBOARD STOMP!! Rhea Ripley is in Australia, she can’t save Iyo! Giulia sets Iyo up again, for another SUPERKICK and another SURFBOARD STOMP!!

Roxie and Giulia stand over Iyo, will these former NXT Women’s Champions soon run Monday Night Raw?

 

Rusev VS Otis w/ Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri!

Bulgarian Brute no more, he has been REDEEMED! And now, he feels it is his divine appointment to “fix” all those on Raw who were once like him. Will that mean #TheDozer is going to go through baptism by fire? Or will he simply be crushed?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two big men circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and they break. The fans rally more as the two tie up again. Another deadlock, but Rusev manages to power Oits bac. Otis powers Rusev back, the fans duel, and the big men break again. Rusev nods, perhaps liking what he is seeing already. They tie up again, and Rusev KNEES low, CLUBS Otis and fires hands in the corner! The ref counts, Rusev stomps a mudhole, but stops as the ref gets in there. Rusev storms up on Otis, stands him up, and whips him, only for Otis to reverses. Rusev returns to LARIAT! Otis stays up and shakes his head!

Rusev LARIATS, Otis stays up, so Rusev runs. Otis dodges with a roll! Otis then comes back and he LARIATS Rusev! Rusev stays up, but now Otis runs, and Otis LARIATS again! Rusev shoves Otis, Otis ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the WHEEL KICK comes outta nowhere! The fans are torn while Rusev stands tall, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Otis is down on the outside. Tozawa & Maxxine check Otis and coach him up, but Rusev storms outside. Rusev kicks at Otis, stands him up, but Otis EXPLODER Rusev over the desk! The fans fire up as Otis has more to give! Otis shoves the Hydration Station aside, then drags Rusev up to whip him hard into steel steps! Otis puts Rusev in the ring, but then drag shim out to fire clubbing arms! But then Rusev ducks, Otis’ arm hits POST! Rusev aims, but Otis ducks, so Rusev’s kick hits POST! Otis then CLOBBERS Rusev! Otis puts Rusev in the ring, storms in after him, and SPLASHES in the corner!

Rusev sputters and Otis runs up again! But Rusev MACHKA KICKS him down! Rusev roars and he shouts, “RUSEV! CRUSH~!” Stomp and ACCOLADE!! Otis endures, but he’s turning red! Otis shouts for Maxxine and Tozawa, but he TAPS! Rusev wins!

Winner: Rusev, by submission

Rusev continues to make Otis suffer by holding on, but Tozawa storms into the ring! Tozawa tells Rusev he can’t do that to his friend! They’re gonna fight right here and right now! The fans fire up as Tozawa rips his shirt away! Rusev says hold on now. Rusev did what he came here to do, and he spares Tozawa for tonight. But that’s just to lower Tozawa’s guard! Ruzev storms back in and GUT WRENCH POWERBOMBS Tozawa onto Otis!! The fans boo but Rusev shows no mercy! He POSTS Otis!! Then he drags Otis back in, and sends him into another POST! Otis falls out of the ring, Rusev goes out to drag him back in!

Rusev hits another MACHKA KICK!! And then he turns Otis back over, and he clamps the ACCOLADE back on!! The fans boo but that only makes Rusev want to do this more! Pearce, refs, and security rush out here! They tell Rusev to let go, but he waits until Otis is OUT! The fans boo, Natalya is here to console Maxxine, and Pearce reprimands Rusev. Will Rusev not care what he must do to “redeem” Monday Night Raw?

 

Raw returns and Adam Pearce is in the ring.

The General Manager hopes that they can get this show back on track. That said, please join him in welcoming to the ring… Pat McAfee! Omaha fires up as Pat hops off the desk, grabs a mic, and joins Pearce in the ring. Pearce also welcomes out Pat’s opponent for Backlash… DER RING GENERAL, GUNTHER! The fans are less excited as Gunther makes his way to the ring. Gunther and Pat keep their eyes on each other as Gunther fetches his own mic. Pearce wants to remind them that they’ve gone over this. They will NOT have what happened two weeks ago happen again. Get what you want out verbally, because Saturday, the time for talk is done.

Pearce says the floor is theirs, but keep it professional. Pearce then steps aside so Pat and Gunther can stare down. The fans cheer Pat on but Gunther says, “Well first of all… Do not worry. I’m not gonna do anything tonight, I’m not going to spoil that for myself. Because luckily for you, unlike you and your friend out there, I am professional.” The fans chant “You Tapped Out!” at Gunther, and he tells them to shut up! He’ll get back to that later, don’t you worry! Pat says he heard Gunther mentioned being professional. And Pat’s friend, Michael Cole, that is a walking, talking GOAT right there! The fans cheer that!

Pat tells Gunther, “For 28 YEARS, every single week of his life, except for three times, he has dedicated to traveling the world for this company. 28 years straight, 52 weeks a year, for this company!” The fans cheer that, too! Pat says Maggle has earned the right to have an opinion. And since that opinion pissed Gunther off so bad, Gunther flipped a switch and felt he had to attack a 60-year-old man, Pat will give Gunther an opinion of the man he’s standing in front of. Pat says it is apropos to be here in Omaha, Nebraska. When he thinks Nebraska, he thinks of the Cornhuskers! Pat shouts out Coach Rhule and his players in the crowd.

Pat says he can’t wait to watch the boys in the Fall rise to the top! And when Pat’s in Omaha, he also thinks of their steaks. Nobody beats this town’s meat! NOBODY! The fans chant “BEAT THE MEAT!” Pat says right across from this very arena is a baseball field that has hosted the NCAA World Series since 1950! The fans cheer that, and Pat says this city is a symbol of working hard and dreams coming true. And Pat feels “dreams” is a good word. They both have that in common. Pat might be from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the USA, and Gunther might be from Vienna, Austria, both men grew up with the same dream.

They both grew up wanting to be in this business, idolizing the superstars of yesterday, and spent hours and hours in front of TV watching pro-wrestling, thinking that is what they were put on this earth to do! The problem with Gunther is, he was at this for 20 years. He has been a champion for 80% of his WWE career. He’s jaded! This is no longer a dream but a job for Gunther. For Pat, every time he walks into an arena, he gets jacked up about life, baby! The fans cheer that! Pat says he thinks about 12 year old Pat, the kids out there in the crowd like him, dreaming in the upper rows to get in this ring and let a-holes like Gunther know that they don’t like what Gunther’s about.

And what Gunther’s about right now, as opposed to the Waltering around stage… Gunther doesn’t want it anymore. He’s too comfortable. It happened against Sami Zayn, it happened against Jey Uso, and it’ll happen with Pat. Pat will prove to Gunther and the fans that this Gunther… is SAWFT. The fans fire up for that! Gunther paces a moment, then he stares Pat down as he says, “Did you enjoy your little daughter’s birthday last week? Two years, right? It’s cute. I bet it was a very special day for you. Because for me, Saturday is a very special day, and you just got me into the right mood for it!

“Because it’s my first match since WrestleMania, and I’m going to show up sharp, I’m going to show up prepared, I’m going to show up more focused than every before. Don’t you worry that I’ll overlook you. Don’t worry that I’ll underestimate you. I promise you, you have my full and undivided attention. Because on Saturday, that bell is going to ring, and I’m going to beat you up! I’m going to MAUL you! I’m going to grab you by the head, and DRIVE it into this mat! I’m going to CHOKE YOU OUT until you drop like a wet towel! Tonight, by my grace, you are untouchable. But on Saturday, trust me when I say this! On Saturday, only the grace of GOD can lift my arms off your throat!”

Gunther shoves his mic into Pat, then he storms off. Der Ring General is ready to reload and unleash his full arsenal upon Pat, will Pat survive to even be part of next week’s show?

 

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Jey Uso VS Seth Rollins w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker!

To what Pat McAfee just said, perhaps Gunther did underestimate Main Event Jey Uso, but Jey also managed to bring something out of himself that even he didn’t know was there. But that confidence was preyed upon to give The Visionary his shortcut back to this title. Will Rollins and his A-Team make the plan come together? Or will we bookend the show with some YEET?

Raw returns as Jey makes his entrance, and from the ramp this time. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly in control!

The bell rings and Jey’s first defense begins. The fans rally behind Jey while he and Rollins stare down. Omaha gets the “YEET! YEET! YEET!” going and Jey is fired up. Jey is already undoing his wrist tape, he wants to throw down! Rollins slowly steps forward, the two tie up, and Rollins waistlocks. Rollins headlocks, spins, hammerlocks, headlocks again and hits the takeover to ghost pin! TWO, and Rollins laughs at how close he had Jey. The fans duel with “YEET!” and “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Jey and Rollins circle, tie up, and Rollins headlocks again. Jey powers up and out, but Rollins runs him over! Cover, ONE!

Rollins sweeps the legs to cover, ONE! Jey kicks, Rollins blocks, and then Rollins ducks the Dragon Whip! Rollins lounges on the top rope and the fans boo. Jey is annoyed but he keeps his cool. Rollins swaggers up, but Jey UPPERCUTS him down! Jey just suckered Rollins! “YEET!” Rollins says okay, and he shoves Jey. Jey shoves back! Rollins shoves again, Jey shoves again, so Rollins CHOPS! Jey fires a haymaker, Rollins fires back, and the fans are torn! “YEET!” wins out but Rollins mule kicks low! Jey avoids the stomp, but Rollins kicks low again. Jey fights off the Pedigree, but Rollins bails out to avoid the superkick!

The fans are torn but Bron & Heyman walk over to check with Rollins. Rollins says it’s alright, Jey is good. Jey is champion for a reason. Rollins goes to the apron, has Bron relax, and then he steps inside. The fans rally behind Jey as Jey and Rollins circle. They feel things out, but then Rollins kicks low! Rollins CLUBS and stomps away on Jey, then stands him back up to bump him off buckles! Rollins stomps a mudhole in, digs his boot in, but the ref backs him off. Heyman sings along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” and Rollins stalks Jey to the ropes. Rollins drags Jey up, “You think you’re on my level?” Rollins whips, Jey ducks ‘n’ dodges, and then UPPERCUTS!

Jey runs, Rollins blocks the kick, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Jey runs and LARIATS Rollins up and out! Jey then DIVES, and Rollins is sent over the desk! The fans fire up while both men are down! Heyman & Bron are worried, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once more, and Rollins slithers into the ring. Rollins runs corner to corner at Jey, and Rollins forearm SMASHES! Jey falls to his knees but the fans still cheer him on. Rollins says the fans are just like Jey, they just don’t understand. Rollins brings Jey up, but Jey ROCKS Rollins! And ROCKS him again! And again! “YEET!” But Rollins kicks low! Rollins fires off in the corner, the ref counts, and Rollins keeps trying as the ref backs him off. The ref reprimands, but Rollins just goes back to Jey. Rollins puts Jey up top, CHOPS him, then climbs. The fans rally as Rollins brings Jey up, and Jey fires body shots!

Jey HEADBUTTS Rollins down and the fans cheer! Rollins stands, Jey leaps, but Rollins gets under! Jey keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but then Rollins runs! DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both men are down again! “This is Awesome!” as Rollins and Jey go to opposite ends. Rollins storms up, but Jey counter punches again! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Rollins wobbles, Jey pops, locks ‘n’ winds up to DECK Rollins! Then SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up again as Jey shakes out the stars. “UCE! OH!” HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Heyman is relieved and Jey grows frustrated.

Rollins slowly rises up, but Jey is there to fireman’s carry! Rollins fights the Samoan Drop and slips out of the ring. Jey pursues, they go around the way, and Rollins slides in. Jey drags Rollins back out, but Rollins BOOTS Jey into barriers! Rollins builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit and Jey hits barriers! Rollins puts Jey in, goes to the apron, and springboards, into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! The antiair didn’t end this and the fans can’t believe it! The fans again declare, “This is Awesome!” as Jey and Rollins stir. Rollins rises, Jey aims from a corner, and Jey runs up, but into a KICK! Rollins fireman’s carries, then pops Jey around!

Rollins aims, runs up and BUCKLE BOMBS!! Jey falls, Rollins climbs, and the fans fire up! FROG SPLASH FLOPS as Jey dodges! Jey runs and SPEARS into a PEDIGREE!!! Cover, TWO!! Rollins is furious and Heyman is shocked, but Jey is showing that championship grit! Heyman coaches Rollins up while he goes to a corner. Rollins nods, he knows he has Jey in his crosshairs. Rollins runs back up, but Jey avoids the stomp again! SLEEPER!! Jey has Rollins like he has Gunther, but Rollins throws Jey away! Jey hurries to get moving! SPEAR!!! Cover, TWO!??! Jey is stunned and the fans are shocked, but Bron has a huge smile seeing Rollins’ own grit on display.

Omaha again declare “This is Awesome!” and Jey rises back up. Jey hobbles to a corner and climbs up. Rollins stirs, rises, and he anchors a foot! Jey tries to get free but Rollins CLUBS him! Rollins climbs up now, HAMMERS Jey, but Jey HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Rollins falls back, but into the ref! Bron grabs at Jey! Jey BOOTS Bron off into the Hydration Station! But that lets Rollins get up and SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through and FALCON ARROW! Rollins aims from a corner now, and he CURB STOMPS!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Jey survives and Omaha is thunderous! Bron, Heyman, Rollins, none of them know how this is possible!

Rollins goes to Bron, whispers something to him, but wait! SAMI ZAYN is here?!? Even after what happened last week!? Bron hurries to the ramp, ready to fight Sami. But wait, Sami LEAPS in from the crowd! The fans fire up as Sami fires hands on Bron! Sami POSTS Bron, then Jey SUPERKICKS Rollins! And a SPEAR!!! Jey hurries up top and Sami cheers him on! USO SPLASH!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! HOW?!?! Omaha has no idea what to make of that, and neither does Sami! Sami coaches Jey, Heyman coaches Rollins, and the fans rally back up. But Bron SPEARS Sami!!! Bron then slithers away to hide while the fans boo!

Jey asks what happened to Sami and he goes outside to check. Heyman distracts the ref, Bron SPEARS Jey!!! The fans boo even more, and Bron drags Jey up to put him in the ring! CURB STOMP!!!! Rollins crawls to the cover, laughing all the way, but C M PUNK is here?!?! Omaha goes nuts seeing Punk back! Punk CHUCKS a chair at Bron’s face! Then he gets int he ring! Rollins and Punk brawl, there goes the title match!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by disqualification (Jey Uso retains the title)

Punk SMACKS Rollins with the chair, JAMS him up, then SMACKS him again! Bron slides in, but Punk SMACKS away on him! Rollins tries to get back in but Punk runs him off! The fans are thunderous for Punk as he and Sami stand tall! Jey gets back up, and clearly the battlelines have been drawn! Will Rollins’ vision for Monday Night Raw fall apart?


My Thoughts:

A great Monday Night Raw as the go-home to Backlash, but everything with the world title match was both great and curious. No Logan Paul here in Omaha is a mixed bag itself. From the story side, he should’ve, so he and Jey could’ve had a face-to-face. But as a person, I was glad we didn’t have to endure Logan being smug. And quite the audible bringing Heyman out to talk with Jey. Heyman’s passion was great, really adds some stuff to help us understand his side. And I like that they “suckered” Jey into this match. It was definitely an awesome match, even with the overbooking that eventually threw it out.

Sami and Punk showing up was all fine in story, but after what happened last week, I feel like Sami shouldn’t have come back so soon. But that aside, Jey, Sami and Punk make for a good unit to counter Rollins’ team. Though, Rollins will need another member who can wrestle since Heyman won’t be of any use. Here’s hoping it is Austin Theory given how Theory is upset with Waller after that switcheroo. Good return for Sheamus, though I feel like Sheamus has done more returns in the last 12 months than just about anyone ever. Here’s hoping Sheamus still gets in on the Intercontinental Championship story.

Speaking of, great match from Penta VS McDonagh, even with the overbooking. A bit surprising Penta overcame all that to win, but it works since now Dom and Penta are now set for an Intercontinental Championship. And there is room on the card as it doesn’t seem Jey VS Logan is happening for Backlash. Makes me wonder if they started us on a Jey VS Logan feud before they were really ready, as Backlash “isn’t big enough” for Logan’s “star power.” I like that Styles also got in on this, Styles VS Finn is going to be awesome, and can certainly set up the winner as the next challenger. It really depends on what happens with Dom VS Penta.

Gable getting involved as also good, given how he and Penta had their confrontation last week. New Day had a good promo with Gable to gas up American Made. That is to say, New Day is using American Made as a shield against The War Raiders, but it’ll only help Erik & Ivar earn their rematch. Great return match for Rusev with Otis looking strong even in defeat. Rusev doesn’t waste time teasing he’s a Tweener, he goes right to blindsiding Tozawa and beating Alpha Academy down. Not sure who is next for Rusev, as there aren’t as many Faces not really tied into anything on Raw. Maybe whatever WWE Draft we get moves Rusev to SmackDown, or at least moves some names from SmackDown and NXT to Raw so Rusev can face fresh meat.

Great promo from Becky and Lyra to help hype Becky VS Lyra. Good brawl, but now Lyra standing tall makes me think Lyra loses the title. Becky can start on some sort of second Grand Slam or something like that, but also she and Lyra will be 1-1 and the rematch for the Women’s Intercontinental title can be the tiebreaker at like MITB or SummerSlam. Iyo VS Roxie was a great match, but of course Giulia showed up. No reinforcements with Rhea promoting Crown Jewel: Perth, and sadly, Dakota Kai being hurt and now released, no Damage CTRL to help either. But the Heels did need a moment where they stood tall, and one of them could even get a world title shot.

And honestly, Pat and Gunther had an awesome promo to hype their match. Pat put over Maggle, he put over Nebraska, and quite perfectly framed this story as the hungry dreamer in Pat himself and the complacent veteran who has already done so much. Gunther’s response was also great, because now he’s angry enough to get that hunger and that fire back. I would think Gunther wins, as he needs the rebound from WrestleMania and Pat doesn’t really need much. But Pat can get a moral victory of sorts by lasting longer than Gunther or any of us expect. Pat can just keep getting up after every chop, have a false finish or two, but ultimately lose because his body can’t come through for his fighting spirit. Respect for Pat but momentum for Gunther, that’s the best outcome.

My Score: 8.9/10

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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

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Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (5/4/25)

It’s a Wrestling Dontaku Weekend finale!

Published

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Who will stand atop the NJPW mountain?

The Goto Revolution finally leads NJPW, but will the Fierce Warrior be conquered by The United Empire as Callum Newman goes after the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Kickoff – Ryusuke Taguchi & Katsuya Murashima VS Hitamaru Sasaki & Jet Wei; Taguchi & Murashima win.
  • Taiji Ishimori & Gedo VS MENTAI KID & Batten Burabura; Taiji & Gedo win.
  • YOSHI-HASHI & Master Wato VS Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young; Hashi & Wato win.
  • Six Woman Tag: Maika, Hazuki & Koguma VS Starlight Kid, AZM & Yuna Mizumori; Maika, Hazuki & Koguma win.
  • El Phantasmo & Boltin Oleg VS Konosuke Takeshita & Rocky Romero; ELP & Boltin win.
  • 10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, YOH, Ryota Chikuzen & TAJIRI VS TMDK; Tanahashi, Yano, Yoh, Chikuzen & Tajiri win.
  • 8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Shota Umino, Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi & Taka Michinoku; LIJ wins.
  • IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Yuya Uemura; Tsuji wins and retains the title.
  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Callum Newman; Goto wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Six Woman Tag: Maika, Hazuki & Koguma VS Starlight Kid, AZM & Yuna Mizumori!

It’s a Stardom Showcase as The Crimson Cannon Empress, The Wildheart & The High Speed Genius take on The Masked Idol, High Speed Bomb Girl & Kumamoto’s Unsinkable Ship! Which side of Stardom shines brightest in Fukuoka?

The trios sort out and Koguma starts against Starlight Kid. The fans cheer and the two circle. They approach, but Koguma dodges to do her bear taunt. But then Starlight CLUBS her! Starlight whips, Koguma whips but Starlight handsprings over. Starlight whips, runs up, but Koguma puts her on the apron. Koguma runs up, Starlight slips under and sunset flips, TWO! Starlight runs up, but into an arm-drag! Starlight comes back to hit a headlock takeover! Koguma headscissors, Starlight kips free, and the two strike their animal poses! The fans cheer as bear and tiger reset. They tie up, Koguma spins Starlight, then goes for the arms!

Starlight fights free of being made to bear pose! But then Koguma kicks low, runs, but Starlight blows past her to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Starlight tags Yuna. Yuna runs up to run Koguma over, then fires up as she keeps moving. But Hazuki jumps in and helps Koguma ELBOW Yuna down! Then they double Yuna into Maika’s shoulder tackle! The fans fire up for the TRIPLE DROPKICK! The ref reprimands but Koguma tags Hazuki in. Hazuki rallies the fans while she stands on Yuna! Then she scrubs her with the boot again and again! Hazuka runs to BOOT WASH her!

Hazuka bumps Yuna off buckles, tags Maika, and the fans cheer as Maika scoops and SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Yuna stays in this but Maika kicks her around. Maika eggs Yuna on, but Yuna rises to CLUB Maika in the chest! Maika comes back to DECK Yuna! Yuna flounders, Maika brings her up and whips her to a corner. Maika runs up but Yuna BOOTS her down, somersaults, and SHOTGUNS! Yuna hurries and she tags in AZM! The fans rally up for AZM as she climbs, then leaps, but into Maika’s arms! Maika throws AZM back, kicks her, and she has Koguma help double whip. But AZM sends Maika into Koguma, and Starlight jumps in!

Starlight hits a TAKEOVER HEADSCISSORS COMBO! Then AZM DOUBLE DROPKICKS Maika & Koguma! The fans fire up for Starlight’s team as she and AZK put Maika & Hazuki at the center of the ring. They coordinate, STANDING MOONSAULT and DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Maika is tougher than that, but AZM drags her into a drop zone. AZM goes up, DIVING DOUBLE- NO, Maika avoids the stomps to then scoop and POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! AZM stays in this but the fans rally behind Maika. Maika drags AZM up, reels her in, and suplexes, only for AZM to fight free! Maika kicks and runs, but into a ROUNDHOUSE!

Maika just roars and comes back! Maika spins AZM, suplexes, but AZM has a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! The fans rally as Maika endures, powers up, and suplexes again! BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up while both women are down! The fans rally as Maika and AZM crawl, hot tags to Yuna and Hazuki! Hazuki sends Yuna to an open corner, runs up, but Yuna puts her on the apron! Only for Koguma to SPLASH Yuna! Hazuki then goes up and MISSILE DROPKICKS Yuna! Koguma goes up to CROSSBODY! Hazuki hurries to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Yuna survives, but is now in a CROSSFACE! Koguma & Maika intercept AZM & Starlight!

The fans rally while Yuna endures, and then AZM & Starlight break free! They both stomp Hazuki! Koguma & Maika drag Starlight & AZM back out, Hazuki CLUBS Yuna and whips her to ropes. Yuna reverses, Hazuki grabs ropes, then she DUMPS Yuna out! Yuna skins the cat to then LARIAT! The fans fire up with Yuna, she and the others coordinate! TRIPLE DROPKICK at the corner! Yuna then goes out while Starlight goes up! UFO SPLASH! Starlight sets Hazuki up for AZM’s DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Yuna adds the fireman’s carry and TROPICAL VALLEY BOMB! Cover, Maika breaks it! The fans fire up, but Starlight runs in and RANAS Maika!

Koguma runs in and spins Starlight around for a DDT! AZM runs up, Koguma blocks the kick to CUTTER! The fans fire up with Koguma as she and Hazuki coordinate. The “Double Crazy” combo DIVE and CROSSBODY!! Everyone is down at ringside and the fans fire up! Hazuki puts Yuna back in and the fans rally up more. Hazuki springboards and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Yuna survives but Hazuki keeps on her. Hazuki whips Yuna to a corner, Koguma hits a SPLASH, and then Hazuki adds an ELBOW! Maika adds a LARIAT, then she puts Yuna up top! Now we get Triple Crazy as Maika lifts and the others climb!

The fans fire up for the TRIPLE CRAZY BOMB!! Cover, but Starlight Kid breaks it!! Koguma CLOBBERS Starlight, Maika keeps AZM on the outside, and Hazuki drags Yuna up. Hazuki suplexes, Yuna slips free and she trips Hazuki up! Yuna hammerlocks an arm, turns Hazuki over, TROPICAL CRADLE!! TWO!??! Hazuki escapes, but Yuna runs up! But Hazuki spins her to a suplex and stalling BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, Triple Crazy wins!

Winners: Maika, Hazuki & Koguma, by pinfall

A fast ‘n’ furious fight from three rising stars, and it was the Wildheart that finishes it off! Will we see this Triple Crazy trio soon go for the IWGP Women’s and/or NJPW Strong Women’s Championships?

 

10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, YOH, Ryota Chikuzen & TAJIRI VS TMDK!

As The Ace’s Final Road continues to roll on, this is quite the unique stop. Sure, he’s teamed with the Clown Prince and Mr. Direct Drive before, but he is now honored to be teaming with The Makai Love Machine and yes, THE Japanese Buzzsaw! Will Tanahashi & Tajiri add to their legends with this epic team-up? Or will Zack Sabre Jr, Ryohei Oiwa, Robbie Eagles, Kosei Fujita & Hartley Jackson prove that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

Just as always, Tanahashi shows off the abs, the fans cheer, and Yano even adds a “Sugoi~!” The teams sort out and ZSJ calls out Tajiri! The fans fire up as Tajiri accepts. The bell rings, ZSJ and Tajiri circle, and Fukuoka are strongly behind “TA-JI-RI! TA-JI-RI!” Tajiri and ZSJ feel things out, knuckle lock, and ZSJ rolls to then wrench and wristlock. Tajiri seems rather unbothered, and he slips under ZSJ to then trip him and spread the legs! ZSJ reaches back but Tajiri uses his whole body length! ZSJ pushes up, crawls back, wrenches and hammerlocks, then half nelsons to cravat. Tajiri spins through to wrench and trip ZSJ!

Tajiri has the legs, ZSJ resists then hooks Tajiri to trip him. ZSJ returns the leg sprawl, then has a STRETCH MUFFLER! ZSJ uses it as a means to an end so he can have the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Tajiri pops free and turns ZSJ over to have a headlock. ZSJ slips out the back, they each want the other’s arm, but then ZSJ top mounts. Tajiri pushes ZSJ away and the fans cheer the standoff! Tajiri and ZSJ feel things out, knuckle lock again, and ZSJ turns Tajiri. Tajiri turns that back around but ZSJ has an arm. ZSJ hammerlocks but Tajiri steps through the ropes, then steps back inside, and he has ZSJ’s arm wrapped around ropes!

The fans cheer, but Tajiri shows respect by respecting the ropebreak. The fans applaud, as does ZSJ, and then they tag out to Yoh and Eagles. The fans join in on “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” but Yoh rolls Eagles up! TWO and Yoh kicks low! Yoh whips, Eagles reverses to go up and around to arm-drag! Things keep moving, Eagles hurdles but Yoh dodges to RANA! The fans fire up but Fujita storms in and CHOPS! The Ichiban Sweet Boys double whip, but Yoh ducks the lariats! Yoh kicks and kicks, but the Sweet Boys CHOP and CHOP! They double wrench, and MAX- NO, Yoh fights free! Yoh crisscrosses the Sweet Boys into each other, and DOUBLE BULLDOGS!

Tag to Yano and the fans cheer, only for the Sweet Boys to double kick! They double whip, but Yano grabs the ropes! Yano then sends Fujita into Eagles, and he SLAPS them both on the heads! Yano then unties the buckle pad! The fans fire up, but Sweet Boys DOUBLE ELBOW, split the wishbone, and DOUBLE KICK! The Sweet Boys BLAST Yano’s corner, then Eagles brings Yano to the Mighty corner. Eagles bumps Yano off buckles then tags in Hartley. Big Hartley UPPERCUTS then ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Yano is a bit tougher than that so Fujita tags in. Fujita drags Yano up to CHOP! And CHOP!

Fujita whips Yano corner to corner, runs up, but Yano puts him on the apron! Fujita SLAPS Yano back! The fans rally and Fujita aims, springboard for the MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Yano stays in this and the fans rally up. Fujita tags Oiwa and he drags Yano up. Oiwa whips Yano to ropes, then ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO! Oiwa stays on Yano but Yano pulls on the mullet! Oiwa kicks free, runs, but into an atomic drop! The fans rally up while both men are down, and Yano tags in Ryota! Ryota CHOPS Oiwa! Ryota eggs Oiwa on, but Oiwa fires a forearm! Ryota CHOPS again! Oiwa fires another forearm!

Ryota CHOPS, Oiwa ROCKS him, repeat! The fans rally as Oiwa fires a flurry! ROLLING ELBOW! Oiwa runs, but into a BACKDROP! Fujita runs in, but into a scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! Eagles runs in, into a scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! The fans fire up with Ryota, and he invites Tanahashi in! They double whip Oiwa, then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! And then Ryota says, “Genki de masu!” The fans cheer as Ryota and Tanahashi have energy to spare, and Ryota drags Oiwa up. Ryota reels Oiwa in, but Oiwa fights the lift! Oiwa powers up to BACKDROP Ryota! The fans rally, Oiwa runs, SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally more as Oiwa and Ryota rise. Oiwa whips Ryota to a corner, runs up, but Ryota LARIATS him down! Oiwa is up to LARIAT Ryota! Both me are down now and the fans rally again. Hot tags to ZSJ and Tanahashi! One more meeting between these two after yesterday’s final singles match, and the two dosido in a battle of Cobra Twists! Tanahashi has the COBRA TWIST! ZSJ pries free to have the COBRA TWIST in return! But Tanahashi powers out, has a leg, DRAGON- NO, ZSJ sits down for the ARMBAR! Tanahashi stacks ZSJ, TWO! ZSJ RAMS Tanahashi, snapmares, but Tanahashi UP KICKS!

Tanahashi kicks low, snapmares, and he NECK TWISTS! The fans fire up and Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ catches him to wrench! PELE to the arm! Then a STOMP to the elbow! Tag to Hartley and the fans rally up. Hartley runs corner to corner and SPLASHES Tanahashi against bare buckles! Short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The Sweet Boys BLAST Tanahashi’s corner, then they send Tanahashi to a neutral corner. Fujita runs up to CHOP! Oiwa adds an ELBOW! Eagles adds a FOREARM! Then Oiwa scoops Tanahashi to SLAM him! ZSJ NECK TWISTS! Hartley SENTONS! Cover, Tajiri SLAPS Hartley on the head!

Tajiri scurries away before ZSJ can get him! The fans fire up and now Yoh & Yano mug Hartley. They double whip, but Hartley DOUBLE LARIATS! “Jackson Number One!” Hartley fireman’s carries Tanahashi, but Tajiri slips in and dosidos with the ref! GREEN MIST for Hartley!! Ryota runs up and SLINGBLADES!! Tanahashi hurries up top while his team keeps TMDK out! HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi’s team wins!

Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Yoh, Ryota Chikuzen & Tajiri, by pinfall

Legends working together makes for a classic finish to this match! Will this moment be one to remember as The Ace continues his countdown to the end?

 

8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Shota Umino, Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi & Taka Michinoku!

As Wrestling Dontaku wraps up the weekend, Tetsuya Naito and Bushi have reached the end of their NJPW run. Will they be victorious one last time alongside Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi? Or will the Roughneck, Stone Pitbull, Holy Emperor & Blue Playmaker make this parting a bitter goodbye?

For one last time, Naito takes his time with the elaborate entrance attire. It also seems rather clear that Bushi is emotional over this being his farewell match. The fans rally and the teams sort out. The fans call for “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” LIJ fust bump, the fans cheer, and Naito steps up for the team. The fans rally behind him more as he starts against Taichi. The bell rings and Fukuoka cheers even harder for “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” But then Naito tags out to Bushi. The Black Mask has the fans on his side, too, and he circles with Taichi. They approach, Bushi kicks low then runs, but into a BOOT! Taichi runs, but Bushi TOSSES him out!

Bushi DECKS Taka, but Shota & Ishii attack! They double whip, Bushi sends Shota into Ishii, then Bushi DOUBLE RANAS! BUSHIROONI~! Taichi is back but Bushi DECKS him! Takagi sets Taichi up but Taka trips Bushi! The fans boo but Taichi storms in and stomps Bushi. Taichi CLUBS Bushi, whips him corner to corner, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Bushi runs up and RANAS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Bushi stands and he tags in Hiromu. Hiromu BLASTS Ishii, then Takagi tags in! Hiromu & Takagi double whip Taichi to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then they flex! The fans cheer the side chest.

Hiromu stands Taichi up to CHOP him to the corner. Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs in and LARIATS, then snapmares, but Taichi RIDGE HANDS! Taichi wrenches and HOOK KICKS! Shota BLASTS Takagi because he can, and Taichi tags in Taka. Taka BOOTS Naito down, then stomps Hiromu around. The fans rally but Taka brings Hiromu up. Hiromu CHPOS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Taka gets mad, and he pokes Hiromu in the eyes! Taka whips Hiromu to the corner, stomps and knees him, then tags Ishii. Ishii winds up to CHOP! Hiromu grits his teeth and CHOPS back, but Ishii doesn’t budge!

Ishii CHOPS Hiromu and eggs him on! Hiromu stands to CHOP, but Ishii CHOPS back! Ishii gives more trash talk and more mocking kicks. Hiromu stands to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! The fans fire up as Ishii staggers, but then Hiromu CHOPS again! And again! Ishii ROCKS Hiromu, suplexes, but Hiromu fights free! SUPERKICK! Hiromu roars, reels Ishii in, but Ishii suplexes first! But Hiromu’s right up!? And he dodges Ishii to SNAP GERMAN! Ishii’s right up!? SAIDO! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Ishii hot tags Shota, and Shota BLASTS Takagi again! Shota then runs up on Hiromu, but Hiromu dodges!

Shota hits buckles, hurries after Hiromu, but Hiromu fights the half nelson. Hiromu blocks a kick, and a punch, and then DRAGON SCREWS! Hot tag to Naito! The fans erupt as Naito kicks and CLUBS Shota again and again! Naito whips to arm-drag Shota! And ELBOW him down! And basement DROPKICK! TakaTaichi attack and double whip, but Naito reverses to send Taka into Taichi! Drop toehold for Taichi and Bushi basement DROPKICKS! Naito kicks and whips Taka, Taka reverses, but Naito reverses back to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Naito poses, then he tags in Takagi. Takagi runs up on Shota, blocks a boot, and LARIATS through!

Takagi keeps moving, but Shota SWATS the lariat! Takagi YUKON LARIATS, but Shota roars as he stays up! Shota fires boxing elbows, but Takagi shakes his head! Takagi fires boxing elbows of his own! He ROCKS Shota, runs, but Shota LARIATS at the ropes! Shota runs, Takagi LRIATS! Takagi runs, Shota dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shota stays up but the ELBOW and JAB hit! Shota ENZIGIRIS! Takagi SLIDING LARIATS! The fans fire up with Takagi and he whips Shota. Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota LARIATS Takagi down! But then Shota falls over, too! The fans fire up while both men crawl.

Taka tags in, he BOOTS Naito and BLASTS Bushi! Taka runs, redirects, redirects, and BOOTS Takagi down! The fans rally up as Taka brings Takagi up. Takagi ROCKS Taka! Taichi runs up to RIDGE HAND! Ishii ROCKS Takagi! Then we get a RIDGE HAND BACKHAND COMBO! SUPER K from Taka!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi is still in this but Taka goes to scoop! Takagi is too big, so Taka pokes him in the eyes! Takagi still ELBOWS! JABS! Taka UPPERCUTS, but Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! Bushi slips in, as does Hiromu, and they double whip Taka to a corner. Hiromu runs up to forearm SMASH! Bushi adds an ELBOW!

Takagi LARIATS, then he snapmares Taka! Naito is in, LIJ hits a QUADRUPLE DROPKICK!! The fans fire up and Takagi says, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up more as The Rampaging Dragon drags Taka up. Taka fights the lift, and Shota SHOTGUNS Takagi! Hiromu dropkicks Hiromu’s legs! Hiromu dodges Ishii, he and Naito give Ishii TENDEDERO! Taichi runs up, he breaks through the line, but Hiromu sends him into an atomic drop! Takagi BLINDSLIDE BOMBERS! LARIAT in the corner, feed to a SUPERKICK! Naito wrenches Taichi for DESTINO!!! The fans are thunderous after seeing that final Destino!

Bushi then runs in and BLASTS Shota! Bushi keeps moving, for one last DIVE!! Down goes Shota and the fans are thunderous! Takagi has the fans join in for “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi runs, Taka dodges, and Taka BOOTS! Takagi comes back to PUMPING BOMBER! Takagi drags Taka up, pump handles and torture racks, BURNING DRAGON!! Cover, LIJ WINS!

Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by pinfall

Their final battle in Fukuoka, their final battle with their friends, and their final battle in NJPW, it was all victorious! Naito & Bushi stand with Hiromu & Takagi to celebrate this final win. The fans cheer on “NA-I-TO!” as Naito leads the group in one last LIJ fist bump. The wild ride is over for the Uncontrollable Charisma, and he poses with his team one last time. Burn this moment into your memories, for we may never see Naito & Bushi back in a NJPW ring again.

 

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Yuya Uemura!

The Gene Blast may be one of the Reiwa Era Three Musketeers, but the Heat Storm vows to be the face of this new generation. A match meant to happen months ago finally does happen, but who will truly be the frontrunner of the future?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the true global star!

The bell rings and the fans rally up as Yota and Yuya stare down. Fukuoka duels, but the “YO~TA!” sounds stronger than the “YU~YA!” They circle, feel things out, then circle a bit more. They feel out the knuckle lock, then Yuya rolls. Yota keeps him at bay as they clinch, then they go around. Yuya waistlocks, Yota wrenches free and waistlocks in return, but Yuya switches. Yota headlocks, Yuya rolls him to the mat and headlocks in return. Yota keeps his shoulders up, then fights to his feet. Yuya hits a takeover, Yota headscissors, but Yuya kips up. Yuya is fired up and the fans cheer him on.

Yota stands up and the two reset. They circle while the fans duel, and the two tie up. Yuya wrenches to a hammerlock but Yota switches and full nelsons. Then Yota headlocks and grinds Yuya down. Yuya fights up, pries at the hold, but Yota powers it on tighter. Yuya powers up but Yota squeezes the headlock even tighter! The fans applaud while Yuya endures. Yuya fires body shots, then powers up and out, drops down, but Yota avoids the dropkick! Yota dodges but Yuya arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Yuya has the armlock and the fans cheer again. Yota pulls at the hold, then fights up. Yuya grinds the elbow but Yota reaches for ropes.

Yota has the ROPEBREAK but Yuya brings him away from the ropes quickly. Yota fires forearm after forearm until Yuya lets go. Yota runs up but Yuya arm-drags! Only for Yota to drag Yuya down, trap an arm, and SACRIFICE the other arm! The fans cheer while Yuya writhes. Yuya shakes out the bad arm but Yota brings him back up. Yuya fires a forearm! Yota grins so Yuya fires more shots! Yota wrenches and serves up SOLE FOOD to the arm! Yuya staggers away to a corner and the fans rally more. Yota storms up on Yuya, puts him in the corner, and he wraps the bad arm around ropes! The ref counts as Yota pulls, so Yota lets go at 4.

Yota brings Yuya out to snapmare, then he has the bad arm in a top wristlock! Yuya endures, the fans rally, but Yota puts on the pressure! Yuya fights forward, reaches out, but Yota pulls on the arm! Yuya still manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud as Yota legs go. Yota paces while Yuya shakes out the bad arm. Yota comes back to stomp the arm! Yota then wrenches Yuya, KNEES the arm, then KNEES it again! Yota KNEES Yuya into the corner, then paces again. Yuya stands, Yota runs in, but Yuya BOOTS him away! Yota runs back in, Yuya dodges and CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! The fans fire up as Yuya winds up, but Yota dodges! Yota BOOTS Yuya in the corner!

The fans rally as Yota whips corner to corner. Yuya goes up and over, then arm-drags! And DROPKICKS! The fans cheer while both men are down. The fans rally again as Yuya rises up. Yuya roars, the fans fire up more, and Yuya brings Yota up to wrench and BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota stays in this but Yuya stays focused. The fans rally and Yuya brings Yota up. Yoga fights with elbows, then wrenches to YANK the arm! And YANK! And YANK! Yota whips, Yuya reverses, but Yota RANAS! Yuya tumbles out and the fans rally as Yota aims. Yota builds speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit and Yuya is sent into railing!

The fans fire up while Yuya stumbles and falls, and Yota fires back up! Yota has the fans rally more as he takes a lap. Yota comes back for Yuya, puts him in the ring, and the fans applaud. Yota steps in, stands Yuya up, but Yuya fights the suplex! Yota powers through, but Yuya fights free! Yuya CHOPS, then runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while Yota grits his teeth. Yota storms around, goes to a corner, and he aims as Yuya rises. Yota runs in, STINGER SPLASH! The fans fire up while Yota snapmares Yuya down. Yota goes up, up, but Yuya avoids the Marlowe Crush!

Yuya dropkicks Yota’s leg, then has it for a SHIN BREAKER! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Yuya then hurries to step through, FIGURE FOUR! Yota endures and the fans fire up! Yuya pulls on the main leg but Yota works to turn things over! The fans duel as Yuya fights against that, but Yota does turn the hold over! Yuya endures now, so he hurries to turn things over! Yota uses that to get the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Yuya and the ref undo the hold, and Yuya stands over Yota. Yuya brings Yota up to scoop and SLAM him down! Yuya then goes to a corner, climbs up, only for Yota to GAMANGIRI! Yuya is dazed up top, so Yota climbs up after him!

Yota brings Yuya up, throws forearms, then goes to the very top! But Yuya fires forearms! Yota falls, Yuya adjusts, and Yuya leaps! Yota avoids the crossbody but Yuya rolls through! Yota comes back, Yuya slips around and full nelsons! But Yota powers up to break the hold! Only for Yuya to GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuya runs, but into a BOOT! Yuya comes back and takes a swing, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! But Yuya avoids the stomp! Yuya shoves Yota, but Yota DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Yota keeps moving, and then Yuya DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again!

The two men crawl away to the corners while the fans rally up. Yuya runs in corner to corner, but Yota BOOTS him! Yota runs up, but Yuya clinches! Yota fights free, ROCKS Yuya, and Yuya staggers to the ropes! Yota whips, Yuya ducks ‘n’ dodges but Yota blows past, only for Yuya to get under! URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Yota stays in this and the fans fire up! Yuya shakes out the bad arm, then he stands Yota up for a scoop. Yuya SLAMS, then he fires back up! The fans fire up with Yuya as he climbs again! Yuya is up top, for the FROG SPLASH! But he FLOPS as Yota moves! Yota runs back in, FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!!

Yuya clasps hands, but Yota breaks the grip! ARMBAR!! Yuya endures, flails, reaches out, but Yota pulls on the bad arm! Yuya fights around, but Yota just keeps after the arm! Yuya uses his core strength to sit up, but Yota PULLS the arm straight! Yuya falls over, fights around, and he turns over. Yota does his best to keep the armbar, even with this mounted angle! Yuya bites his thumb to ignore the pain in his arm! Yuya then reaches out, ROPEBREAK!! Yota lets go in frustration but the fans fire up. Yuya clutches his elbow but Yota paces around. Yota drags Yuya up from the ropes, but Yuya CHOPS! Yota brushes that off, but Yuya CHOPS again!

Yuya can’t put enough power behind the strikes with that bad arm, but he keeps trying! Yota BOOTS Yuya, Yuya drops to his knees, and the ref checks with him. Yuya refuses to let the bad arm cost him again, and he rises up to CHOP! And HEADBUTT! And HEADBUTT! Yota ROCKS him!! And then KNEES him down! The fans fire up while Yota stands tall! Yota goes to a corner, watches Yuya sputter and rise, GENE- DROPKICK to the leg! Yuya hurries to grab that leg, but Yota fires off forearms! Yuya eggs Yota on, so Yota HEADBUTT! But Yuya still DRAGON SCREWS!! Yuya steps through again, FIGURE FOUR!!

The fans fire up as Yota endures again! Yuya puts as much pressure as he can, Yota pries at the hold, but Yuya thrashes around! Yota reaches out, keeps his shoulders up, and he drags Yuya along towards ropes! But Yuya drags Yota back from ropes! Yuya thrashes as hard as he can, we hit 20 minutes, and Yota still endures! The fans rally harder and harder as Yota fights to turn this over! Yota does, but then Yuya turns it back! But this time, Yuya turns back the other way to keep Yota from the ropes! And then he PULLS on the leg! Yota lunges for the ROPEBREAK!! The fans fire up while the ref again frees Yota.

Yota clutches his leg while he crawls away, but Yuya is right on him! Yuya has the leg, but Yota ENZIGIRIS! Yuya falls, but he also manages to waistlock! Yuya drags Yota up, but Yota fires elbows! Yuya still GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Yuya holds onto Yota and the fans fire up! Yuya full nelsons, DRAGON SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Yota survives again and Yuya is furious! Yuya roars, the fans are with him, and he reels Yota in! SAIDO BACKBREAKER! Then he puts Yota in the drop zone! Yuya climbs, the fans rally more, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!?! Yota survives and Yuya is beside himself!

Fukuoka is thunderous as Yuya rises! Yuya brings Yota up, cording holds one arm, swings to get the other, but Yota STUNNERS free! Yota roars, runs, but into a DROPKICK! Yota just comes back, GENE- ARM-DRAG!! Yuya hurries to lock in those arms, but Yota fights off the clinch! They go around and around, and Yota frees an arm! But Yota brings it back in! DEADBOLT SUPLEX!!! Yuya roars, the fans are electric, GENE BLASTER outta nowhere!!! Cover, YOTA WINS!!

Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)

The Heat Storm was certainly on fire, but Tsuji was volcanic! The gold stays with Yota, will he and those left in LIJ make sure NJPW stays tranquilo?

Speaking of which, the rest of LIJ returns to the ring so they can stand with their guy. Tsuji gets to also have his final photo op with the group as we know it. We also get one last LIJ fist bump with the five of them, and then Naito & Bushi let Yota, Takagi & Hiromu have the ring. Yota hurries to get the mic to tell Naito & Bushi, “Let me have one last word.” The fans applaud, and Naito & Bushi stop to hear him out. “Naito and Bushi leaving could signal the end of Los Ingobernables de Japon. But remember this: We’re ungovernable. We’ll always be connected in our hearts. Until next time.” The fans applaud that! Naito even gives one last fist bump salute.

The fans cheer as the LIJ Era has changed, and Bushi makes sure we see his mask where it says, “Adios.” Then Yota continues to say that he is still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, and that he’ll continue to defend the cerulean blue mat of NJPW. The fans applaud, and Yota says he is fortunate to have such a great rival in Uemura. And another in Gabe Kidd. So, who should he defend this belt against next? Well, he said the man’s name, so here comes the Mad Man! The fans bark it up for the War Dog, and Gabe gets right in Yota’s face. Yota says nic eto see him. Should they pick up where they left off?

Gabe takes the mic to say, “You’re an IWGP champion?” No, no, Yota beat Evil and Yuya, but in Osaka… It was a double knockout! Yota never beat Gabe! The fans cheer that point! Gabe says on June 15th… In Osaka Jo-Hall… “Let’s find out who the strongest is!!” The fans love that idea! Gabe heads back out, the fans bark more, and Yota tells Gabe, “Let’s show ’em our NJPW.” The fans also like that, and Yota asks if they’re ready! The fans cheer because they are, but who will make this their Dominion?

 

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto w/ Yoshi-Hashi VS Callum Newman w/ The United Empire!

The Fierce Warrior finally put the G in IWGP at the New Beginning in Osaka when he won this title. But now, the Prince of Pace is looking to blow right past him as the top guy in NJPW! Will the Goto Revolution stay the course? Or will it be conquered by the United Empire?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really the G of IWGP!

The bell rings and the fans rally strongly for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Callum doesn’t let that bother him, and he runs up to BOOT Goto! Callum fires forearms, whips, but Goto reverses! Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges to build speed, but then Goto dodges! The fans cheer as Goto is at least agile like Callum. They tie up, then they just fire off forearms! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Goto gets the edge, headlocks, but Callum powers out. Goto runs Callum over, but Callum kips up to ENZIGIRI! Callum TOSSES Goto out, then PLANCHAS! The fans fire up while Goto goes down!

Callum fires himself up and the fans cheer. Callum brings Goto up, the fans duel a bit more evenly, and Callum whips. Goto reverses and Callum hits railing! But he comes back to BOOT Goto down! Callum snarls, drags Goto back up, and now Callum sends Goto into railing! Goto comes back but Callum BOOTS him down again! And then PENALTY KICKS! The fans rally, Hashi coaches Goto, but Callum KICKS Goto in the back! Callum puts Goto in the ring, the fans applaud, and Callum sits Goto up again. Callum hits another PENALTY KICK! Callum then goes to the corner and climbs up, calling his shot.

Callum aims, DIVING- NO, Goto dodges! Callum comes back, but Goto dodges! Goto LARIATS, then he clinches for the SAIDO! Callum flounders away and the fans fire up. Callum goes to a corner, Goto runs in, MURAMASA! Then Goto puts Callum up top! Goto climbs up after Callum, just to drag him into a draped position! SUPER DRAPING NECKBREAKER!! Callum flounders out of the ring, Great-O-Khan & Francesco Akira check on him, as does Red Shoes. Callum winches, clutches his shoulder, but he manages to sit up. Callum has speed but Goto is taking advantage of his skinnier frame.

Red Shoes starts the ring count and Goto stays back, which annoys Callum. Callum storms into the ring, but Goto kicks him down! Goto has Callum up for a suplex, and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Callum stays in this and the fans fire up, but Goto stays right on Callum. Goto drags Callum up, but Callum clutches his shoulder, so Goto lets him be. We’re only five minutes in as the fans rally up, and Goto stomps Callum around. Callum crawls away to a corner but Goto grabs at him. Callum wants Goto to hold on, and Red Shoes has Goto step back. Callum’s neck and shoulder are really bothering him, but Goto just storms up to stomp him!

Goto drags Callum up, snapmares, then clamps on a chinlock. Callum endures as Goto’s knee digs into the back and neck. Goto then ELBOWS Callum in the head, stomps him around, and brings him up. Goto CLUBS Callum’s neck, but Callum CHOPS! The pain in his shoulders holds Callum back, but Goto clinches for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! And then a GROUND OCTOPUS! Callum endures, reaches out, and the fans rally up. Goto thrashes around but Akira & Khan coach Callum. Callum kicks around but Goto shifts to a headscissor necklock! Callum endures the squeeze, kicks and kicks, and finds the ROPEBREAK!

The fans applaud and Goto lets go in frustration. Goto drags Callum up but he’s a ragdoll again. Goto still brings Callum around, snapmares him back down, then KICKS him in the back! And ELBOW DROPS! Callum sputters but Goto just ELBOW DROPS again! Akira & Khan coach Callum but Goto looms over him. Goto ELBOW DROPS onto Callum’s back! Cover, TWO! Callum toughs it out but Goto is still calm. Goto stands Callum up, kicks him low, but Callum fires a forearm! And another! The pain in the neck holds those back, and Goto CLUBS Callum! Goto runs, but into a DROPKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down!

Khan & Akira coach Callum, Hashi coaches Goto, and both Goto and Callum crawl to the apron. Goto goes to the floor, and Callum smiles. The fans rally as Callum builds speed and FLIES!! Callum does a full 360 to hit Goto and then rolls through more to stand back up at the ramp! The fans are thunderous and Callum fires himself back up! Callum drags Goto to his feet and puts him in the ring. The fans applaud, and Callum hurries back in. Callum aims from a corner while Goto flounders away. The fans rally more, and Callum runs corner to corner. FLYING DROPKICK! Callum then chicken wings for a TIGER SUPLEX!

But the bad neck won’t let Callum bridge! Callum hurries to lateral press, TWO! And we’re just 10 minutes in! The fans rally, Callum fires up with a very Will Ospreay style “OI! OI! OI!” The fans rally behind that, and Callum brings Goto up. Callum reels Goto in, hooks a leg, FIRE- NO, Goto slips free of Firebolt, waistlocks, but Callum fights the lift. Callum runs, Goto follows, but then Callum dodges! Goto dodges, Callum dodges, then Callum hurdles! But Goto fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire up for that high speed exchange! Goto has the crowd behind him again as he rises up.

Goto storms up on Callum, stands him up, but Callum fires a forearm! Only to fall to his knees! Callum rises up but Goto DECKS him! Callum is running on fumes, but the fans do rally for him, too. Goto eggs him on and Callum manages to stand. Callum fires a forearm, drops to a knee, but Goto stands him up. Goto DECKS Callum again! Callum shakes out the stars and he snarls! Callum fires another forearm, but Goto DECKS him a third time! Goto eggs Callum on, the fans rally again, and Callum rises. Callum puts his hands behind his back and dares Goto to hit him! So Goto DECKS Callum a fourth time!

Khan & Akira coach Callum on but Red Shoes asks if Callum wants to stop. Callum shakes his head, he’s not gonna stop here. Callum stands again, leans on the ropes, then comes back for more! Callum even SPITS at Goto! The fans boo that, but Goto DECKS Callum for it! Goto watches Callum sputter, and Callum slowly rises again. But then he falls back over! Callum headbutts the mat to fire back up, and the fans rally behind him! Goto winds up and ROCKS Callum! Callum is back to get in Goto’s face! Goto fires a flurry of forearms! Callum CHOPS! Goto feels that one! The fans fire up and Callum roars, but Goto spins him! URA G T R!

Goto goes to run but Callum reels him in! GERMAN SUPLEX! ROUNDHOUSE! Callum runs, but into a fireman’s carry! G T W!! Cover, TWO!! We’re 15 minutes in as Goto stalks Callum to the apron. Goto stomps Callum, then stands him up. But Callum fights the fireman’s carry with elbows! Goto still lifts! Callum flails, slips down, and KICKS Goto! Callum goes up, up, and OSCUTTER 2.0 on the apron!! Both men fall to the floor and the fans fire up! Red Shoes checks, both men are able to continue, so a ring count starts. Khan fans off Callum while the fans rally. The count already passes 7 of 20, then hit 10, but both men are still down!

Callum rises at 13, drags himself in at 17, but Goto is still down! Goto rises up and springs in at 19! The fans fire up as this continues! Callum goes to a corner, runs up, BUSAIKU KNEE! Then he hurries to bring Goto into the drop zone! Callum roars, climbs, and the fans fire up! DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO?!? Goto survives the coup de grace and Callum can’t believe it! Akira & Khan tell Callum to keep going, he’s almost done it! The fans rally and duel as Callum hobbles over. Callum stands Goto up, then runs, but Goto swings, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men stay up, and they DOUBLE LARIAT again!

The fans fire up, Callum returns, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! And again! Callum waistlocks, ripcords, RAINMAKER?!? Cover, TWO!!! Goto survives as Callum shouts out the former leader of Chaos! The fans are thunderous, Callum feeds off that energy, and Callum drags Goto up. Callum calls his shot, springboards, OSC- NO, Goto blocks the cutter! DISCUS- NO, Callum dodges and springboards! OSCUTTER 2.0!!! Cover, TWO!??! But Callum hooks a leg! FIREBOLT!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Goto survives again and the fans are electric! Callum is unsure what to do as we pass 20 minutes, but the fans dueling shakes the arena!

Callum drags Goto up, but Goto wrenches out! Goto spins Callum, dragon sleepers, but Callum slips free! Backslide! Goto rolls through, PENALTY KICK BLOCKED! Goto HEADBUTTS Callum, ripcords, RAINMAKER!!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous again! Goto rises, he brings Callum up, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Goto HEADBUTTS away on Callum, then brings him up to HEADBUTT again! Goto snarls and the fans are thunderous again, as Goto suplexes for SHOTEN KAI!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Callum survives and Goto cannot believe it! The fans duel harder than ever before, and Goto rises again!

Goto roars and focuses his power! Callum sits up, into a BUZZSAW! But then Goto brings Callum around, but Callum drops to victory roll! TWO!! Callum SUPERKICKS, but Goto LARIATS!! Goto stands Callum up, dragon sleepers, but Callum fires shots from below! Goto blocks that arm, traps it, and G T R KAI!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!!

Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)

The Prince of Pace did his best to follow in the Aerial Assassin’s footsteps, but he is still a long way from reaching the top of the mountain. However, if this is how close he came on his first try, will nothing stop Callum Newman from being the future of NJPW?

As for Goto, the belt is put back around his waist, and he watches Callum walk away. Callum takes a moment to bow in deep respect to Goto before he and the Empire leave. Goto then grabs the mic, and the fans cheer him on. “No matter what anyone says, this is MY time!” The fans cheer that! Goto continues, “Who’s my next opponent? As a fighting champion, I’ll take on all challengers!” Wait! Zack Sabre Jr. makes his way back out here! Goto took this title from ZSJ so clearly ZSJ wants a rematch. ZSJ grabs a mic to tell Goto in Japanese, “Good work tonight. That was a fantastic match! Truly fantastic.

“You’ve been on a roll lately! You’re indeed a great champion. But I’m you’re next challenger!” The fans like the sound of that! Goto says, “I accept!” The fans really like that, and the two shake hands on it. Will the Submission Master make sure that- WAIT! Shingo Takagi is here?! He storms into the ring with a mic to say, “Pardon the intrusion!” The fans cheer as Takagi asks, “Mind if I speak my piece? Zack, hold on a moment. OI, GOTO! You really are something. You got a belt, a wife, and kids! And on top of that, you’re in Hontai!” The fans do applaud that with a bit of a chuckle.

Takagi points out that he, on the other hand, has no belt, no wife, no kids. “And now it looks like my faction is done… But that doesn’t mean I need to hang my head. I’ll soar to the top!” The fans applaud, and Takagi says the G in IWGP stands for Goto, right? But oi, oi, oi! You can’t spell “Shingo” OR “Takagi” without a G! He has two G’s, so he wants his shot at the title. At least, he’d like to say that. But he has no objects to Zack. Takagi did lose to ZSJ last time. So then Takagi will wait to challenge the winner of Goto VS ZSJ! The fans like that, too! Takagi says if it’s about G’s, Goto can’t argue Takagi’s point!

The three men all look to each other, and it looks like the deal is struck. Fierce Warrior VS Front Man, and the Rampaging Dragon gets the winner! Who will stand on the summit of NJPW going into the summer? Takagi and ZSJ take their leave, and Goto continues. “Again, thank you very much for coming today!” The fans applaud, and Goto says, “No matter who I’m up against, I will not be defeated. The Goto Revolution is far from over! Follow it until the very end! Let’s end with Goto’s G’s.” The fans chuckle, and Goto says he knows most of the locales had G in their names. But not in Fukuoka…

Even so, Goto still has this IWGP World title around his waist, so no worries there. IKU ZO! The fans cheer, and Goto says, “The G in IWGP is for GOTO!” The streamers fly, and the Fierce Warrior is ready to lead NJPW on! But will things only heat up from here on out?


My Thoughts:

An awesome event for Wrestling Dontaku’s finale, and we’re already building towards Dominion next month. I was rather surprised that the Six Woman Tag was so quick. Well, I feel like a lot of Stardom matches on a NJPW show end up like that… But the 10 Man Tag with Tanahashi’s team beating TMDK, and then the 8 Man Tag of LIJ winning, both of those matches felt just as fast/short. I suppose on some level, they did it because we all had a feeling who was winning. Tanahashi’s team wins because he also had special guests Tajiri and Ryota, so that was just a great moment for some longstanding legends.

LIJ winning was apparently to also commemorate their last match as a faction. With Titan being their CMLL member, we only have Hiromu, Takagi and Tsuji. I suppose a trio isn’t necessarily a faction, but I’m surprised they just sprang this dissolution on us. Great match from Yota VS Yuya, but I think they dragged it out a bit at the start. It got hot by the end, and Yota retaining was a great move. Gabe Kidd calling his shot is also a great move, he and Yota are going to have a great rematch from their time limit draw. And then awesome main event from Goto VS Callum, with Callum looking great even in defeat. Callum is definitely on his way, maybe he’ll really build up his power level in the G1 Climax this year.

Great promo to close, with Goto, ZSJ and Takagi establishing the next couple of title shots. I think Goto VS ZSJ has been made for Resurgence this Friday, so they’re getting that right out of the way so Takagi can face the champion at Dominion. At the same time, they kinda have to because Best of the Super Juniors is going to dominate May. Resurgence would be a wild place for a title change since it’s in the US and it’s a true PPV, so I’m not liking ZSJ’s chances.

My Score: 9.1/10

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