Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (10/16/23)
It’s a Raw Season Premiere!
The champions of Raw are in action!
It’s a truly colossal Raw as “Big” Bronson Reed takes on Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Championship! Can Der Ring General survive a Tsunami?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Falls Count Anywhere: Ricochet VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins.
- Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS Natalya; Piper wins.
- Ludwig Kaiser w/ Giovanni Vinci VS Johnny Gargano; Ludwig wins.
- Rhea Ripley VS Shayna Baszler; Rhea wins, by disqualification.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER VS Bronson Reed; Gunther wins and retains the title.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso VS Finn Balor & Damian Priest; Finn & Priest win and become the new Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.
PLAY BY PLAY
Sami Zayn is here!
Oklahoma City fires up for the Great Liberator as he makes his way out to the ring, wearing the Kevin Owens duct tape shirt, because Sami is now without Kevin after SmackDown revealed Kevin is the superstar traded over for Jey Uso. Fans rally for Sami and he welcomes us to the season premiere of Monday Night Raw! Sami has to be honest, it feels a little weird being out here by himself. As most know by now, his tag team partner and best friend, Kevin, was moved to SmackDown. To be honest, Sami has mixed emotions. He is very sad that he lost his teammate this way, but he’s also excited for Kevin because Kevin will do huge things on SmackDown!
And if Sami’s being honest, he’s excited for himself, too! Because Sami can do what he hasn’t done in a while, and that is stand on his own two feet and prove what he’s known for years! That is that Sami Zayn is a WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION LEVEL SUPERSTAR! Fans love the sound of that! Sami thanks the fans for all that, he’s feeling good. He also has to address the elephant in the room, the reason Kevin was traded away from Raw. It is because of the arrival of Jey Uso. Fans boo but Sami says no, no one was happier than Sami when Jey came here. But now Sami’s struggling right now.
Sami is also struggling with how after it took them their whole lives to reach the top, Sami & Kevin main eventing WrestleMania, after all that work to get their, their reign was tainted by the fact that week in after week in, they had to deal with the Judgment Day. And now tonight, the Judgment Day are the ones getting a tag title match. So yeah, Sami has mixed emotions, and he isn’t sure what is next. But what he does know, the last year of Sami’s career has been by far the BEST year! And the reason for that is because of each and every single fan! The reason Sami is able to- Wait, here comes the Judgment Day!
Damian Priest, Finn Balor, Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio all walk out and Finn says NOBODY should be kicking off the season premiere but the Judgment Day! Fans boo but Finn says, “What have we got here? Looks to me like poor little Sami Zayn is all alone!” Priest says that it feels like they’ve had these thorns in their sides for, what? Ever? But gladly, one has been removed. The only thing that’d make them happier is removing Sami, and the Undisputed Tag Team IDIOTS, Cody & Jey! And y’know what? Priest would be happy to remove Drew McIntyre! Priest goes off in Spanish but the others calm him down.
Rhea says they talked about this. Forget Drew, focus on tonight Dom says tonight, Mami is going to tear Shayna Baszler apart! And then she’ll put the whole Woman’s Division back on notice! Fans boo, but Rhea says Dom’s right. And then Finn & Priest will bring back the tag titles to the Judgment Day. Fans boo more, but Rhea says before getting to all that, she happened to notice something. Sami’s looking lost. What’s funny, back in the day, The Judgmetn Day would recruit the lost and give them direction. Like what they tried with Jey. But when it comes to Sami, they have a different plan. They just wanna get rid of him, permanently.
Rhea has an evil laugh, and the four of them surround the ring! Fans boo but wait! Here comes Jey! And a chair! Main Event Jey has Sami’s back, and now the Judgment Day reconsiders things. They back away while the fans chant “USO! USO!” Sami and Jey keep their guard up, but will Sami have Jey’s back in tonight’s tag title match?
Shinsuke Nakamura speaks.
“Ricochet. Falls Count Anywhere match? Whose decision? Yours? Or Adam Pearce’s? You are like a fly or mosquito, so I am going to smash you like a bug on the dirty floor.” Nakamura laughs now, but who will have the last laugh in this most epic battle in their rivalry yet?
Jey finds Sami backstage.
Jey asks what’s up, is he good? Yeah, Sami just needs a minute. Are they good? C’mon, talk to him. Sami does want them to be good, to be happy for Jey, but it shouldn’t be Jey having Sami’s back. It should be Kevin, but Kevin’s not here, because of Jey. And now sure, things are going good for Jey and Sami wants to be happy for him, but it’s Jey who has everything going for him. Jey has Cody, he has a friend, and he has the tag titles, and Sami has neither. And it’s because of Jey. Jey says he didn’t know Sami felt like that. But Sami still has Jey. It is what it is, Uce. Jey heads out, and Sami shoves a ladder over.
Sami then hurries after Jey and he says forget what he just said. Sami apologizes for venting. It’s just been tough. Sami is happy for Jey because Jey deserves what he has, so Sami’s sorry, okay? Sami offers a handshake, and Jey says YEET! They hug it out, will Sami having his dawg with him help him through this?
Falls Count Anywhere: Ricochet VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
Raw returns and the King of Strong Style makes his entrance. Ricochet WRECKS Nakamura with a dropkick even before the bell! The bell rings and they brawl, and Ricochet RAMS Nakamura into barriers! Ricochet then CHOPS Nakamura, puts him back in the ring and he fires up with the fans. Ricochet runs in but blocks a boot! Ricochet spins Nakamura but Nakamura WHEEL KICKS! Nakamura puts Ricochet on the top rope, runs in, TOP SHELF KNEE! Then an INVERTED EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Nakamura powers up and watches Ricochet sit up. But Ricochet avoids the kick to hit a RECOIL! Cover, TWO!!
Nakamura survives and bails out but Ricochet shakes out the cobwebs. Ricochet runs to triangle jump DROPKICK! Nakamura falls and Ricochet builds speed! Ricochet FOSBURY FLOPS! Direct hit, cover on the ramp, TWO! Nakamura crawls away but Ricochet pursues up the ramp to the stage! Fans fire up as Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura! Ricochet brings Nakamura up, UPPERCUTS, but Nakamura CLUBS Ricochet! Nakamura whips Ricochet into the LED tron! Then Nakamura says laters, and brings Ricochet to the backstage area. But Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura, CLUBS him, but Nakamura knees low! They brawl in gorilla position!
Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura, but Nakamura shoves ref in the way. Ricochet flips up and over the ref to ROUNDHOUSE Nakamura down! Cover, TWO! Nakamura stays in this but Ricochet drags him up. Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura, tells Gregory “Hurricane” Helms to stand back, there’s a Ricochet coming through. They go back out on stage and fans fire up as Ricochet CHOPS! Nakamura HEADBUTTS! Nakamura whips but Ricochet runs up the wall! SUPERKICK and down goes Nakamura! Ricochet runs up but Nakamura ducks the penalty kick! STANDING MOONSAULT, but onto knees! Nakamura then gets Ricochet up!
But Ricochet blocks the GTS, to DRAGON SCREW the leg! Then STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Both men writhe while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ricochet is fighting with Nakamura up in the stands! Wait, Ricochet goes up higher! He gest on the railing and fans go wild already. Ricochet SHOOTING STARS Nakamura and the security!! Fans go wild while Nakamura tumbles away from the cluster. Ricochet pursues, they make their way back to ground level, and the brawling continues! Nakamura grabs someone’s popcorn and throws it in Ricochet’s face! The buttery, salty puffs blind Ricochet momentarily, and Nakamura puts him on the barriers! And he BOOTS Ricochet to the floor! Nakamura then brings Ricochet up to whip him into more barriers!
Nakamura goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a TABLE! The fans love that! But Nakamura isn’t done, he brings out DOUBLE NUNCHUCKS! He swings and SMACKS and SMACKS and swings and SMACKS and SMACKS Ricochet down! Then he KNEES Ricochet down, to then set up the table! Fans fire up as Nakamura even clears off the desk. Ricochet KNEES Nakamura back! Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura, puts him on the table, and then rains down fists! Ricochet sees the ring, and fans fire up as he climbs a corner! But Nakamura gets off the table and to the apron. Fans boo but Ricochet hops down. Nakamura HOTSHOTS Ricochet!
Nakamura goes to suplex but Ricochet fights! Ricochet suplexes but Nakamura slips free! Ricochet swings, misses, fireman’s carry! GO TO SLEEP! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet stays awake but Nakamura goes to a corner. KIN- TIGER WALL KICK! ENZIGURI! Ricochet fires up with the fans and he runs corner to corner at Nakamura! But Nakamura puts him on the apron! Ricochet GAMANGIRIS back! Ricochet springboards to 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Nakamura survives and shocks Ricochet! Ricochet hurries to go back to a corner and fans are thunderous! But Nakamura ROCKS Ricochet first!
Nakamura climbs up, but Ricochet CLUBS him and shoves him down! But Nakamura is right back up! So Ricochet dumps him over! Ricochet adjusts, KICKS Nakamura, then brings him back around. Nakamura resists, he bends fingers and KICKS Ricochet! Ricochet falls through the table!! Nakamura aims and Ricochet slowly rises. KINSHASA!!! Cover, Nakamura wins!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall
The King of Strong Style trumps the King of Flight! Will this win help Nakamura rise back up for another go at the World Heavyweight Championship?
Tegan Nox talks with Kayden Carter & Katana Chance.
They’re all very excited, and then Nikki Cross is just in the corner? Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk over and Chelsea asks what is going on here. A viewing party to watch one half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions beat Natalya? Speaking of, where is she? Shouldn’t Natty be here finding a naive rookie to manipulate? Unlike Chelsea, who made Piper a champion. Nox says Piper forced Chelsea to be a tag partner. Gasp! Gasp~! Now, go annoy someone else, okay? Um, actually, Chelsea already tried talking to Adam Pearce. But Tegan, was it? Do not cross Chelsea or she’ll do what Piper’s about to do to Natty.
Nox says she may not have won the NXT Women’s title from Becky, but if there is anything she learned is that you never let anyone disrespect you. So the question is, how quickly can Chelsea hide behind Piper before Nox smacks her across the jaw? Chelsea says Nox is lucky they have things to do! Pip, let’s go before these losers rub off on them. Nox and the group talk about how cocky the Hot Mess is, but will Piper be able to back it all up?
Gunther speaks.
“A good general knows that the ends do not justify the means. Because there are no ends, there are only means. You are not brave, you have merely forgotten the fear of suffering. There is no man like me, there is only me.” Der Ring General is in action later tonight, will he put fear into the heart of Auszilla?
Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS Natalya!
Raw returns and the Queen of Harts makes her entrance. The bell rings and Natty circles with Piper. They tie up, Natty headlocks but Piper powers out to run Natty over! Piper soaks up the heat and Natty gets up. The two tie up, Piper puts Natty in the ring, and she lets off to shove Natty. Natty SLAPS Piper! Fans fire up, Chelsea protests but Natty fires off hands on Piper! Natty runs, leaps, but Piper catches her! Piper pops Natty around but Natty slips fere and runs to tilt-o-whirl and RANA Piper to a corner! Then Natty rolls Piper up, TWO! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Piper sunset flips, TWO! Natty DROPKICKS Piper down! Cover, ONE!!
Natty goes to the apron, Piper storms up but Natty shoulders in. Piper KICKS Natty, then has her up to run her to the corner! Natty blocks, and she runs Piper into buckles! Natty dribbles Piper off the buckles, goes up, but Piper HEADBUTTS back! Then she KNEES Natty down! Fans rally for Natty while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Natty throws hands, but then Piper sweeps the leg! But Natty avoids the senton! Ghost pin, TWO! Natty runs to step on Piper, then she basement drop- NO, Piper blocks! Piper runs, BASEMENT CROSSBODY FLOPS as Natty dodges! Natty KICKS, steps over, Oklahoma Roll! TWO! DISCUS! Cover, TWO! Piper survives but fans fire up with Natty! Natty gets the legs, Chelsea gets on the apron! The ref reprimands, Piper boots Natty into Chelsea, and then Piper throws Natty by her hair! BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Cover, Piper wins!
Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall
The Hot Mess ends up Piper’s ace in the hole to trump the Queen of Harts! But Natty SLAPS Chelsea for mouthing off! Natty and Piper brawl, Chelsea joins in, but here comes Nox! The Welsh Firecracker slides in, she CLOBBERS Chelsea! Then she fires off on Piper! Natty & Piper have the advantage now, and they double whip. Piper holds ropes to bail out. Fans boo but Piper & Chelsea regroup. Will the tag team champions have to watch their backs?
The Judgment Day talks backstage.
Priest says they know that part of him really wanted JD McDonagh to get beat up last week. Finn doesn’t blame him. But then McIntyre hit Dom, so Priest felt bad. So that is why, on the season premiere, Judgment Day NEEDS to take out McIntyre! They need to show the world what happens when you mess with them! Finn agrees, but Dom says Mami said not to. Dom… But then Rhea walks in and perfect timing. Where’s she been? Had a phone call. Oh, okay. She’s had a lot of those lately. Because she’s handling Judgment Day business, okay? She handled this thing with McIntyre, and they trust her, right? Right. Then just focus on the tag titles.
Finn says they’re more than prepared to take care of Cody & Jey. Is Rhea focused on Shayna? Yeah. Does Mami need Dom in her corner? No, she’s got this. Tonight, she reminds her division why Mami is always on top, and it starts with Shayna. Then they remind the rest of Raw just who runs this. They’re all in agreement, and Rhea heads back out. Will Rhea be able to eradicate the Queen of Spades? Or will Rhea have to decide on #TapNapOrSnap?
Seth Rollins is here!
Oklahoma City fires up for the Visionary as he makes his way to the ring! Beat up as he is, he is still all smiles, soaking up the singing. But what will he have to say as we draw closer to Crown Jewel and his match with Drew McIntyre? We see, after the break.
Raw returns and Rollins has a mic to say, “Oklahoma Citaay~! Welcome to the season premiere of Monday, Night, Rollins!” And we had a great “season finale” last week with the new #1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship, the Scottish Warrior, Drew McIntyre! A hell of a guy that Drew. Challenges Rollins to his face, wants Rollins at 100%. Good guy, right? But then, Rollins gets jumped by Priest and McIntyre doesn’t do a damn thing! And Rollins is a little confused by that. But then Dom runs up, the MITB contract in hand, and then McIntyre is the white knight!
It was getting a little weirder, but guys! Rollins can’t answer these questions! McIntyre is the only one, so Drew! Consider this an invitation to come out and join them on the season premiere! McIntyre obliges! McIntyre joins Rollins in the ring, gets himself a mic, and Rollins takes the sunglasses off. McIntyre says that the whole “as close to 100% as possible” thing kinda implied Rollins not standing here in the middle of the ring where he could get jumped. Because buddy, McIntyre isn’t gonna babysit Rollins! Rollins appreciates that, how kind. But if there’s one thing Rollins has proven is that he can handle his bidness on his own.
The question Rollins has for McIntyre is if McIntyre is handling his business on his own, or has he enlisted a little help? Fans wonder what that means, and McIntyre says everyone knows he handles his own business. But clearly, Rollins has something on his mind, so could he elaborate? Oh, yes yes! Fine folks in the trucks, roll the footage. See, here’s Ricochet and Pearce talking, but zoom in and look! Rhea and a very large, ruggedly handsome man. Might be Scottish. Care to elaborate on that, McIntyre? First off, McIntyre ain’t some thirsty creep like Jey, Rhea found McIntyre. And what they talked about is not Rollins’ business.
So stop worrying about the Judgment Day. Worry about McIntyre taking the damn title from you! Oh, thanks for clearing that up. Let Rollins clear this up: NOBODY is taking this title off Rollins, and ESPECIALLY NOT McIntyre! But Rollins gets it. Last couple of years have messed with McIntyre’s head. Lots of big opportunities, lots of big matches, and then lost of big failures. McIntyre is so freaked out by failing that he’s gotten some side help from Judgment Day. That won’t work out how McIntyre thinks. Dealing with Judgment Day is a slippery slope McIntyre doesn’t wanna go down.
Rollins sounds rattled to McIntyre. And he should, because McIntyre remembers the last time they had a world title match, and McIntyre beat Rollins’ ass. McIntyre doesn’t need help, he doesn’t need Judgment Day. And those big matches McIntyre lost? If Rollins studied his tape, he would’ve seen there was interferences, from mist to low blow to Bloodline! OH SHUT UP about the Bloodline! Move on! The Bloodline sure has. To put it plainly and with all due respect, get over it. McIntyre stares Rollins down and says, “Get over it? Get over it?!” Rollins likes being world champion with the fans singing and all that, right?
The fans sing now, and McIntyre sighs. Y’know, McIntyre has a catchy theme song he could bring back, too, but he doesn’t need that “crutch” holding him up. That was the dream, it was McIntyre’s dream, too. And when he achieved that dream by beating Brock Lesnar in under five minutes, there was nobody there. There was a worldwide pandemic, we needed someone to step up, and McIntyre stepped up! Missed moment after missed moment, and by the time the people were back, McIntyre’s moment was gone. But he caught lightning in a bottle in the UK, 1v1 with Roman Reigns, 50K in Cardiff, and the Bloodline screwed him! So sorry if he’s not “over it” so quickly!
But maybe the third time will be the charm! Rollins needs to think long and hard how he’ll reinvent himself for the 53rd time when McIntyre beats him and takes the title at Crown Jewel! Fans are torn here but Rollins shakes his head. Rollins tells McIntyre that no one understands McIntyre better than him. Rollins knows how hard it can be to get yourself back to the top of the mountain. Rollins spent four YEARS digging and fighting and clawing to get back up! But all Rollins is hearing from McIntyre is excuses, pointing fingers, and that won’t get McIntyre where he wants to go. Rollins will win and it’ll be the best thing that ever happened to McIntyre.
Because for the first time in a long time, McIntyre won’t have anyone to blame but himself. Rollins drops his mic and makes his exit. Things are heating up as we head for November, will the Visionary burn down the Scottish Warrior?
Bronson Reed speaks.
“You wanna know how I got to where I am? Fear. Someone disrespects me, they get hurt. They challenge me, I break them. Truly, a spectacle of fearsome acts is what’s needed to keep things in order. And not to impress, but a brutal reminder of ramifications.” Auszilla is eager for this colossal showdown, but will even he fail to stop Der Ring General?
Logan Paul called out Rey Mysterio.
After beating his opponent in boxing on Saturday, the ImPAULsive Influencer challenged Rey for the US Championship. Rey’s response on the Michael Kay Show was that he doesn’t mind hearing Paul out in person, he’s always up for a challenge. As such, Logan Paul will make his return to the WWE this Friday on SmackDown in San Antonio!
Ludwig Kaiser w/ Giovanni Vinci VS Johnny Gargano!
Imperium looked to bring down DIY before DIY could get going again, but they may have only motivated them more! Will European Elegance be able to add on from last week? Or will he regret angering Johnny Wrestling?
Raw returns and Gargano makes his entrance. The bell rings and Gargano CLOBBERS Ludwig! Gargano throws down fists, Ludwig gets up but Gargano dodges to RANA! Fans fire up as Ludwig bails out and Gargano builds speed. Gargano DIVES and down goes Ludwig! Fans fire up more as Gargano stares Vinci down. Gargano throws his shirt at him, hurries in, then dodges Ludwig, only for Ludwig to sweep the legs! Ludwig KICKS Gargano in the back, then POSTS him! Ludwig keeps Gargano stuck in the ropes to run and DROPKICK him down! Fans boo but Ludwig soaks up the heat. Ludwig GAMAN, but Gargano blocks!
Gargano fires off forearms but Ludwig shoves. Ludwig run sin but Gargano goes up to ROPE OCTOPUS! The ref counts, Gargano lets off, and he RAMS into Ludwig, then slingshots, into an UPPERCUT! Ludwig CLOBBERS Gargano on the apron, then drags him back up. Ludwig says to say hi to Ciampa, and he UPPERCUTS Gargano off the apron! Gargano hits barriers and Ludwig soaks up the heat as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ludwig has Gargano down in a cobra clutch. Fans rally as Gargano endures and fights up. Gargano reaches out, throws some short shoulders, but Ludwig ripcords. Gargano ROCKS Ludwig first, and then again, and again! Ludwig whips but Gargano reverses and Ludwig hits buckles hard! Ludwig staggers up in a daze, Gargano ELBOWS him away! Gargano then side steps, schoolboy roll and KICK! Ludwig goes to a corner, Gargano runs in to CHOP! Gargano whips corner to corner, runs in, but is put on the apron. Gargano GAMANGIRIS Ludwig away, then SLINGSHOT SPEARS!
Fans fire up with Gargano as he goes up a corner. Ludwig stands into a FLYIGN COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Ludwig survives but he is still dazed. Gargano storms up, brings Ludwig around, but Ludwig CHOPS! Gargano CHOPS! And ROCKS and ROCKS and ROCKS! Ludwig puts Gargano in a corner, climbs up while talking trash, and he throws down fists! Gargano slips free, tucks Ludwig in, CHEEKY NANDOS! Gargano then goes up, and SUNSET FLIP BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Ludwig escapes in time and crawls to a corner. Gargano storms up on Ludwig to stomp a mudhole in! The ref counts, Gargano lets off, then runs back in, into an UPPERCUT!
Ludwig CHOPS, fireman’s carries, and ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, to a PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Gargano hangs tough and Ludwig is frustrated. Ludwig storms up, brings Gargano around, clinches and SIDE- NO, Gargano rolls Ludwig up! TWO!! Ludwig escapes again, but Gargano dumps him out! Vinci is there to check him but that upsets Ludwig. Gargano runs up to catch Ludwig, WILLOW’S BELL! Shoutout to Ciampa before ONE FINAL BEAT!! Cover, Vinci POKES Gargano in the eyes!! Fans boo but the Pride of Italy gets away with the save. Gargano snarls and storms out after Vinci to CLOBBER him!
Fans fire up as Gargano SMACKS Vinci off the desk again and again and again! Vinci runs away, Gargano pursues, but into the RUNNING GAMANGIRI! And then the SIDEWINDER!! Cover, Ludwig wins!
Winner: Ludwig Kaiser, by pinfall
The 2v1 advantage comes in handy for Imperium, but does Ludwig even realize Vinci saved him? Will he even show Vinci any gratitude when he does? Or is it all about European Elegance and no one else?
Becky Lynch crosses paths with Indi Hartwell & Candice LeRae.
#IndiWrestling tells The Man that while she respects all the opportunities she’s giving to the Women’s Division, when is she gonna give that opportunity to the woman who never truly lost the title? Candice says that’s true. Indi knows Becky wants to be a fighting champion- Becky stops Indi there, because she’s right. Becky is a fighting champion and Indi is the champion who never lost. And Becky’s always wanted to fight Indi, so she’ll go to Pearce to make this official. Wow, she really is The Man. Damn right. Becky turns around, but runs right into Rhea. Rhea smirks as she walks away, when will Mami and The Man have it out?
McIntyre finds Sami backstage.
McIntyre says he’s been meaning to talk with Sami. McIntyre knows things got intense between him and Jey, but McIntyre respects the fact Sami stepped between them. And in fact, McIntyre has been meaning to say, after Sami stepped away from The Bloodline, McIntyre and “the boys in the back” were apprehensive about Sami. But Sami worked hard, proved himself, stepped up as a leader around here. Well, Sami appreciates all that and respects McIntyre saying so. But McIntyre wasn’t finished there. Then he saw what he saw earlier. Sami instantly forgave Jey, a man who has literally done the exact opposite!
The Right Hand Man of the Bloodline is here and is just instantly expecting forgiveness, and then Sami gave it to him! Sami says he and McIntyre obviously don’t see eye to eye on this. And Sami won’t get in the middle of things with McIntyre and Seth, but one thing that Seth is right about is putting the Bloodline stuff behind him. Look, trust Sami. Nobody knows better about how hard it is to do that than Sami, but Jey is working hard to make everyone believe him. He’s done everything he can, and right now, it seems only McIntyre doesn’t buy that. Just saying, from one man to another, putting the drama behind him is hard. Sami can relate.
Oh, seems a lot of people can relate to McIntyre tonight. But Sami can’t, because he’s never been world champion. He doesn’t know the pressure that brings. And to keep going with this happy-go-lucky attitude, trusting everyone, changing allegiances with the wind, he’ll never be world champion. Well if there’s any doubt in McIntyre’s mind about that, go to the middle of the ring with Sami next week. McIntyre doesn’t back down from a fight. So see you then. McIntyre heads out, is Sami the one in trouble?
Rhea Ripley VS Shayna Baszler!
Mami is done with the disrespect from “her” division, and looks to put them all in their place! But will Rhea’s brutality break Baszler? Or will the Queen of Spades be the one that breaks the Women’s World Champion?
Before the match, Rhea gets a mic. “Y’know, everyone wants a part of Monday Night Mami. Hell, even Nia Jax decided to come back just to try and get rid of me. But that didn’t work out so well, did it? But in my absence, the Women’s Division decided to try and prove how tough they are. I have Nia Jax, Raquel Rodriguez, and now Shayna Baszler trying to prove they’re the baddest woman here int he WWE. But the reality is is that this is MY division! And Mami will always be on top!” But here comes Shayna! The battle of bad, bad badasses is on, after the break!
Raw returns and the bell rings. The two tie up, Shayna waistlocks but Rhea switches. Rhea SLAMS Shayna down, brings her up, but Shayna hooks a leg to roll and get the ANKLE LOCK! Rhea flails, turns, and BOOTS Shayna away! Rhea RAMS Shayna in the corner, fires off fists, but the ref backs her off. Shayna ROCKS Rhea to WRING out an arm! Rhea then isolates that arm, to STOMP it! Fans are torn as Rhea clutches her arm, but then Shayna KICKS that arm! Shayna eggs Rhea on but Rhea eggs Shayna on. Shayna KICKS the arm, Rhea still eggs her on then she dodges the kick to throw Shayna down by her hair!
Rhea basement dropkicks, shakes out the arm and covers, TWO! Rhea snarls, brings Shayna up, but Shayna fires off fast hands! Shayna run sin, Rhea dodges the knee to stomp a foot and SMASH Shayna’s face! Rhea then LARIATS! Fans rally up as Rhea snarls and runs in at the corner. Rhea Electric Chair Lifts, but Shayna fights free. Rhea fights off the suplex, ELBOWS Shayna, but Shayna avoids the boot! Shayna ROCKS Rhea but Rhea spins to ELBOW Shayna! Both women fall and fans fire up! Shayna and Rhea rise, run in, and fire off fast hands from all sides! Shayna KICKS, but Rhea ROCKS!
Shayna ducks a roundhouse to GERMAN SUPLEX! And RUNNING KNEE!! Rhea falls, Shayna covers, TWO!! Rhea survives that headshot but Shayna keeps her cool. Shayna drags Rhea up and fireman’s carries, but Rhea fights free. Rhea goes to a corner, Shayna KNEES her again! Shayna hoists Rhea up top, climbs up after her, but Rhea throws body shots! Rhea HEADBUTTS Shayna down! Fans fire up as Rhea adjusts, to MISSILE DROPKICK! Direct hit, and the pump handle! RIP- ARMBAR!! Shayna has the arm!! Rhea flails, pushes up and stacks, but Shayna keeps her shoulders up! So Rhea deadlifts Shayna, to POWERBOMB!!
Both women are down again and fans fire up! But here comes Nia Jax! Fans boo as the Irresistible Force can’t resist going for revenge! But here comes Raquel Rodriguez! Big Mami Cool YANKS Nia down then fires off forearms! Nia HEADBUTTS back! Both women stagger, and ZOEY STARK CANNONBALLS FROM THE CROWD!? The Hunter wants her piece of Nia, but Raquel TOSSES her aside! And then into the ring! Fans fire up as Ricky Desperado storms up to BOOT Nia down! Raquel roars and Oklahoma is with her! Raquel runs up, but Nia moves and Raquel only gets steel steps! And then Zoey SUPERKICKS Rhea!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by disqualification
Rhea stays up, she picks Zoey up and THROWS her into Shayna! Fans fire up for Rhea but she locks eyes with Nnia. Mami says if Nia wants some, just get cross th eline and get in the ring. Nia storms up, fans fire up and Rhea says “BRING IT!” Nia does run in, but Rhea dodges and Stark SUPERKICKS Nia! Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia into Stark’s ROUNDHOUSE! Rhea scoops Nia?! But then Stark DROPKICKS them both down! Fans fire up and Stark SUPERKICKS Nia outta the ring! Another badass joins the fight, who will be THE Alpha Female of Monday Night Raw?
Adam Pearce meets with Becky Lynch.
Seems great minds think alike, so next Monday, Becky VS Indi for the NXT Women’s Championship! Becky loves it, and Pearce says he’ll check with HBK to make sure he loves it, too. Then they can make it official. But in storms Xia Li. She tells Becky that first Tegan, no Indi. What about Xia?! Well, Becky’s got two contenders (Indi and Lyra), but if Xia wants to be the third, just say the word. Then she will. On her time. Xia heads out and Becky says everyone wants a piece of The Man. Oh, speak of the devil. Jade Cargill walks in! Jade says, “Nice title.” Becky says get in line. Becky heads out and Jade laughs that off. She’s funny. Yeah. But she can do that when she’s The Man.
Pearce then formally welcomes Jade. Is The Storm coming to Mondays rather than Tuesdays and Fridays?
Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso.
Jackie Redmond is with the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, and she says it is obvious these two are feeling pretty good right now. But before getting to their tag title match, she wanted to ask Jey about what happened between him and Sami earlier tonight. Jey says Sami just has a lot going on in his head right now. But Jey is here for Sami, he has Sami’s back always. That’s his dawg, ya feel him? She does. Cody wants to make sure, does she feel him? Yes, she’s even feeling Ucey. Then tonight being the season premiere, it is all about those who maximize opportunities.
We saw Ricochet and Nakamura tear each other to bits. We saw Zoey Stark stand up and do the right thing by going after Rhea Ripley. And we know that while Judgment Day wants to own Monday Night Raw, there is a roster full of bright futures, and one faction is not going to cast their shadow over it. But they are indeed the utmost perfect challengers for tonight. Cody wants to uphold the legacy of these belts with his man right here, Jey. Jey, say the word. YEET. Jey & Cody head out, but will the second generation stars stay on top?
WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER VS Bronson Reed!
Der Ring General has made history for his reign’s length, but now he might make history for its size! As in, how BIG the Colossal Aussie is as a challenger! Will Gunther continue on as the greatest Intercontinental Champion in WWE history? Or will the reign be washed away by the Tsunami?
Raw returns as Gunther makes his entrance, Ludwig & Vinci by his side. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Gunther makes it through his biggest challenge yet!
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up and they tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but then Reed powers Gunther back step by step! Gunther ends up in a corner, but he turns it around. Reed turns it around, they go around and around and end up in another corner. The ref counts, Gunther lets off to CLUB Reed! Gunther headlocks, Reed powers out and they RAM shoulders! Neither man falls so Reed runs. They RAM shoulders again, Gunther comes back to BOOT! And BOOT again! Reed goes to a corner, Gunther runs in and CHOPS! Fans “WOO~!” and Reed leans on ropes. Reed snarls but Gunther runs in to CHOP again!
Fans fire up as Gunther runs, but Reed CLOBBERS him! Fans fire up from that full body press, and then Gunther goes to a corner. Reed SPLASHES and Gunther bails out! Reed goes to the apron to FLYING SHOULDER into a CHOP! And then Gunther RAMS Reed into the apron! And CHOPS again! The ref has the ring count climbing, Gunther pushes Reed in at 5 of 10 then storms after him. Gunther reels Reed in, but Reed’s too big for a lift like that! Gunther almost has it but Reed kicks. Gunther CLUBS Reed, clamps onto an arm, but Reed fires forearm! Gunther gets around to a SLEEPER!
Reed pries at the hold and fans rally up. Reed RAMS Gunther into a corner, is free, but Gunther CHOPS him on the back! And back to the SLEEPER! Reed drops to a knee, Gunther leans on him, but Reed pries the hold open again. Reed stands up, shifts around, and he fireman’s carries Gunther! Gunther fights with elbows, and back to the SLEEPER! Reed drops to his knees again, reaches out, and fans rally up. Reed picks Gunther up as a backpack, Gunther fights, but Reed BACKPACK SENTONS! Fans fire up as Reed hurries to the corner! Reed climbs, but Gunther is up to CHOP! Reed sputters as he goes to the apron.
Gunther storms out to the apron, BOOTS Reed, and CHOPS! Gunther reels Reed in again, but Reed is still too big to lift! Reed back drops Gunther to the apron! Gunther falls to the floor, Reed runs to FLYING SHOULDER! Down goes Gunther but Reed put his all into that! Both men are down on the outside as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Gunther CHOPS! Reed forearms, the two trade shots, and then Reed CHOPS! Gunther snarls, he CHOPS again! Reed snarls and roars, then CHOPS again! Gunther CHOPS, Reed ROCKS Gunther with a right hand! Gunther CHOPS again! And again! Gunther powers up but Reed blocks the chop! To HEADBUTT! Gunther runs, they both LARIAT! Both men wobble, Gunther LARIATS again! Gunther runs, but Reed SUPERKICKS!? Reed ripcords and POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and Reed is frustrated, but the fans rally back up. Reed drags Gunther up, reels him in, and says thumbs down!
Reed hoists Gunther up, but Gunther slips free! To CHOP! And CHOP! And then he LARAITS from behind, then the front, then behind! And again! Gunther runs, into a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives but Reed is stinging, his colossal chest looking like raw steak! Reed goes to a corner, runs in, and SENTONS onto knees! Gunther hurries to run and LARIAT Reed down! Cover, TWO!! Reed is still in this and Gunther is perhaps too tired to be upset. Gunther stands and staggers, but he makes his way to a corner. Gunther climbs, but Reed ROCKS him first!
Gunther throws hands with Reed but Reed HEADBUTTS! Reed climbs up, Gunther CHOPS him! Reed SLAPS Gunther! Reed goes to the very top!? To SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Both men are down and Oklahoma is thunderous! Reed crawls to the cover, TWO!!! Gunther is still in this! Reed doesn’t even hesitate, he just goes to the corner and climbs! TSUNAMI FLOPS!! Gunther SHOTGUNS Reed, to then LARIAT! Gunther goes up now! GENERAL SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!?! Reed survives Gunther’s take on the Tsunami and no one can believe it! Gunther is furious, he hauls Reed up, and POWERBOMBS?!?! Cover, GUNTHER WINS!!
Winner: Gunther, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Truly the biggest and toughest challenge to date in Gunther’s historic reign, and Gunther makes it through! Will anyone ever stop Der Ring General now?
Backstage interview with The Miz.
Jackie is now with the “self-proclaimed Most Must-See WWE Superstar,” but he doesn’t look to be in a good mood. She says it’s so great to see him, but he asks, “Is it?” Is that why Pearce waited until the third hour to put Miz on? Also, Miz is not the self-proclaimed but he IS the Most Must-See WWE Superstar! His rating is better than any other superstar in this company! How do you start the premiere? With nothing other than THIS face! Not some Sami Zayn pity party! “Oh~, Kevin Owens is no longer here~!” Kevin betrayed Sami a million times, “But I miss him~! He’s my best friend~!” Adam Pearce should be FIRED for this!
And maybe, just maybe, Nick Aldis should take over as manager of both Raw and SmackDown, because maybe Nick Aldis knows how to put respect on Miz’s name! But then Nia steps in. She wants to talk now. Miz speaks up but her glare shuts him up. “Do you see what’s going on here? Everybody has hit me with their best shot. But I’m still standing. And looking pretty. I haven’t hit anybody with my best shot, and if I hit them with any shot, they stay down. Because on Monday Night Raw, I do the squashing.” She then shoves the mic into Miz and storms off. Miz says unbelievable. But as he was saying-
Actually, we’re all out of time. Miz is stunned speechless. But as for what Nia said, will she truly A-Nia-late Raw with her “best shot?”
Pearce is on the phone.
He’s running Becky VS Indi by HBK and it sounds like HBK is on board. Then it is official! Pleasure doing business with you. But then Rhea storms in and says the only “business” Pearce should be doing is making sure Rhea’s matches aren’t interrupted! Pearce better get the division in order or she will! Pearce says that this is the season premiere, so we do things differently from now on. No more coming in here and telling him what she’s gonna do. She tried it and all she got was chaos. So if she wants to make a statement, we do it Pearce’s way, at Crown Jewel. Rhea defends her Women’s World Championship at Crown Jewel, against Nia!
And Shayna! And Zoey! And Raquel! FATAL 5 WAY! Rhea freaks out and says this is a joke! But then she says “fine, fine, fine, fine, fine!” She’ll eradicate them all, okay?! Rhea leaves all flustered and furious, and in step Indus Sher! Jinder Mahal wants to talk. Pearce says okay, let’s talk. Will Rhea make it through Riyadh Season still the champion? Will Jinder, Veer & Sanga reestablish themselves in the same amount of time?
Alpha Academy does Pilates.
Maxxine Dupri has the boys engaging their core and legs. Akira Tozawa is in here, too? Coach Gable blows the whistle, tells Akira that was terrible, keep it up. But as for Otis, hit him once! CHOP! Gunther, that’s for you! It’s a new season, and Gable is coming after that Intercontinental Championship! Then the Academy will go after the tag titles! But then The New Day walks in. What’s going on here? Gable says Kofi & Xavier are “late for class,” grab some dumbbells. What? Class? No, they came here to give advice. Because if you’re talking about the W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, Championships~, that means you obviously talkin’ ’bout ya bois, THE NEW~ DAY~!
Otis says he knows about them hips. It’s a swivel off! SHOOOOOSH! There’s only one way to settle this. Next week, first time ever, Alpha Academy VS New Day, to find who’s got the best hips in the biz! Tozawa then adds “ARIGATOOOO~!” AKA Japanese for, A THANK YEW~! Then he goes back to side step squats. That’s nasty good! Everyone is excited, but who will swivel hardest when Raw arrives in Dallas?
Kofi Kingston returned home to Ghana, West Africa.
He isn’t just a great superstar, he’s a great humanitarian. He and his mother raised funds to open the state-of-the-art Kofi Kingston Library & Digital Center, helping bring books and technology to junior high students who otherwise would not have access. Kofi’s dedication to his origins is uplifting and empowering the future.
Gunther regroups with Imperium.
They applaud his victory, and he smiles. He thanks them and says it was a fantastic job by Ludwig giving Gargano his first big defeat since his return. Ludwig did it. Ludwig fulfilled his responsibilities. Vinci didn’t. Vinci defends he helped Ludwig win! Gunther frowns at Ludwig who feels a bit embarrassed now. Gunther says Gargano was walking alone backstage. After Vinci’s match with Gargano next week, Gunther expects Gargano to be stretchered out! And it will be Ludwig’s responsibility! Gunther heads out and Ludwig tells Vinci no problem. But is all this pressure only going to cause the team to fall apart?
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso VS Finn Balor & Damian Priest!
The American Nightmare & Main Event Jey took these belts from the Judgment Day just nine days ago at Fastlane. However, after some fast ‘n’ furious title defenses last week, Cody & Jey give Finn & Priest their rematch! Will it be 3-0 for the champs? Or will the Prince & Punisher make Mami proud?
Raw returns as Jey makes his entrance, followed by Cody’s, “WHOA~ OH~!” The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if Cody & Jey can shine through the Judgment Day’s shadow!
Raw returns again and Cody starts against Finn. They tie up, go around, and Finn wristlocks. Cody cartwheels, wrenches, headlocks, but Finn powers out. Things speed up, Cody catches the hurdle to a fireman’s carry, and RACK GUTBUSTER DROPS! Then Cody wrenches an arm, tags in Jey, and fans cheer as Jey goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Jey headlocks, Finn powers out and Priest tags. Finn drops then Priest dumps Jey out! Fans boo but Priest storms on on Jey. Priest taunts the fans, brings Jey up and UPPERCUTS! Jey staggers back, Priest puts him in, and Priest kicks Jey down. Then Priest ROCKS Jey to the corner.
Priest runs in, hits the STAGE DIVE back elbow, then tags Finn. Snapmare to the slingshot STOMP! Finn scoops Jey, BACKBREAKER LEG DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO! Jey hangs in there but Priest kicks him around. Priest taunts Jey, then KICKS him in the chest! And KICKS him in the side! And again! Fans rally for Jey and Jey dodges the haymaker! Priest blocks the kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Jey and Priest crawl, hot tag to Cody! Cody fires hands on Priest, whips, but Priest reverses. Cody slides under, kicks and drops, RHODES UPPERCUT! Another kick and drop, another RHODES UPPERCUT!
Cody runs to a corner, baits Priest in, POWERSLAM! Finn runs in, he gets a POWERSLAM! Fans fire up and Cody springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER on Priest! Cover, TWO! Fans boo as Dom runs down the ramp! Dom hops on up the apron but Cody DECKS him! Cody dodges Priest and Priest hits post! Finn runs in, Cody catches him to a dragon sleeper, but Finn turns it around! Only for Jey to SUPERKICK! Fans fire up as Cody & Jey dodge Priest, SUPERKICK to CROSS RHODES! Cody covers, Dom gives Priest the ROPEBREAK! Fans boo as Dirty Dom gets away with that one! Cody shakes his head, and then chases Dom!
Fans fire up as they go around, but Finn tags in! Dom leads Cody around and Finn CLOBBERS Cody! Fans boo as the Judgment Day uses the numbers, as always, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Cody trades shots with Priest! Cody JABS, JABS and JABS! But Priest ROUNDHOUSES! Priest brings Cody around, soaks up the heat, and back suplexes, but Cody lands on his feet! Cody kicks low, underhooks, PEDIGREE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Cody and Priest crawl, hot tags to Finn and Jey! Jey rallies on Finn! Mule kick and UPPERCUT! Finn swings, misses, and Jey SAMOAN DROPS! Fans fire up with Jey as Finn goes to the corner. “UCE! OH!” echoes out, but Finn puts Jey on the apron! Jey GAMANGIRIS back! Jey climbs, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO!
Dom is relieved that Finn hangs in there, but Jey doesn’t lose his focus. “This is Awesome!” as Jey brings Finn up. Fireman’s carry, but Finn claws the eyes! EYE OF THE HURRICAN! Cover, TWO! Dom is frustrated but Finn just watches Jey as he goes to a corner. Finn aims, runs in, but Jey SUPERKICKS first! Cody returns, they coordinate, CODE D!! Cover, TWO?!?! Finn survives the combo and no one can believe it! Cody sees Priest on the outside and he builds speed, and he DIVES, but into a choke grip! APRON CHOKE SLAM! Cody flops to the floor, this is looking like Fastlane minus JD McDonagh!
Priest clears off the desk, but Jey goes up! Priest runs up, Jey BOOTS him! Dom anchors Jey and fans boo! Jey BOOTS Dom, too, then adjusts! USO SPLASH ONTO KNEES! Cover, TWO!!! Jey survives and Dom argues with the ref. The ref tells Dom to go away, but here comes SAMI! Sami YANKS Dom down to fire off hands! Fans fire up as Sami beats Dom down, then POSTS him! Then RAMS him into steel steps! But then Priest POSTS Sami! But then Cody TOSSES Priest into the crowd! Cody hurries up and reaches out to Jey! Jey crawls as fast as he can, but Finn BLASTS Cody first! Jey rolls Finn up, TWO!!
DOUBLE LARIATS wipe Jey and Finn out! And then Priest returns, to LOW BLOW Cody!! The ref was too busy watching Finn and Jey to see that! Priest brings Cody over to the desk, Canadian Rack, crucifix, RAZOR’S EDGE through the desk!!! The ref reprimands and the fans lose their minds! But then Jey DIVES onto Priest! Jey checks Cody but Cody says to finish this. Jey returns to the ring, but Finn SLINGBLADES! Finn reloads in the corner, to SHOTGUN!! Jey hits buckles and falls into the drop zone! Finn hurries up, to COUP DE- NO! Jey dodges, and SPEARS!! Jey hurries up top again, to USO- NO, he has to jump over Priest first!
Jey keeps moving, and Jey SPEARS Priest!! Fans are thunderous again, and Jey drags Finn to a drop zone. Jey hurries back up top, but while the ref is busy with Priest, JIMMY USO SUPERKICKS JEY!!! The Shot Caller just took out Jey for the pride of the Bloodline!! Finn goes up, COUP DE GRACE!!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!!!
Winners: The Judgment Day, by pinfall (NEW Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)
Roman Reigns must be smiling watching this at home. Jimmy does what was asked of him: make sure Jey no longer “besmirches” the family legacy by having these titles. Judgment Day is back on top with all the gold, will they never stop running Raw?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of Raw, with a lot set up to follow, as well. Great interaction from Becky with Indi and Xia and even Jade, so now we’re getting Becky VS Indi next week for the NXT Women’s Championship and possibly Xia the week after as I am sure Becky retains. For that matter, it really only feels like Lyra can get the NXT belt off Becky with Halloween Havoc coming up next week. And great stuff out of Rhea VS Shayna with Raquel, Nia and now Zoey getting involved. I was just thinking it was gonna be a Fatal 4 but making it a Fatal 5 is awesome stuff for Crown Jewel. Good stuff from Rhea being upset by that news and good promo from Nia interrupting Miz, and the Fatal 5 is going to be hard to predict, which makes it fun.
I liked what we got out of the Women’s Tag title story here, with Natty backing Nox up against Chelsea & Piper, setting up that 2v2 for the titles at some point. Heck, it still feels like they want to get KC Squared in on this story with Kayden & Katana sticking around in all this. As it stands, they’re already having more women on the card than last year (they had six women, 2v2 for the tag titles and 1v1 for the Raw Women’s title) so if they can get even more women on the card, that’d be great.
Great Falls Count Anywhere, I really liked the unique way of filming things at gorilla. Nakamura winning made sense, he’s been going strong and should stay strong to stay close to the world title scene. Good stuff with the rest of Bloodline, too. Priest and Finn being united in taking out McIntyre and Dom sheepishly saying they had to listen to Rhea was a great little bit. Rollins has a great promo with McIntyre, with a great use of the Easter egg style stuff HHH is doing as Rollins points out to everyone the moment Rhea and McIntyre talking last week. McIntyre also has a great promo with Sami, who opened the show with some real fire. McIntyre VS Sami next week on the road to Crown Jewel will be some show stealing stuff, maybe even main event worthy.
Great, just hilarious promo from Alpha Academy, New Day and Tozawa. Tozawa is slowly making a resurgence here on Raw, though mostly in comedic ways. But New Day VS Alpha Academy is going to be great stuff and could get each team back into the tag title scene. Combine that with Indus Sher being back, the Raw Tag Division is looking stacked. Great stuff with Imperium tonight. Ludwig gets the cheating win off Gargano thanks to Vinci, which ironically upsets Gunther after he felt good after that epic match with Bronson Reed. I don’t know if Imperium is falling apart, but between Ludwig and Vinci, one might be leaving it behind for their own interests.
And great main event tonight, Sami helping Cody & Jey against Judgment Day, but then creative move to have Jimmy show up here to screw Jey over. Though, also a little disappointing. I was hoping they were going to let this keep going where Kevin would also back Cody & Jey up to parallel Sami, but oh well. Maybe this twists around on Bloodline where Judgment Day isn’t as grateful as they should be and that leads to a match of Finn & Priest VS Jimmy & Solo with Jey returning the favor.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/27/24)
Rural Revitalization continues!
Will Great-O-Khan be setting the table?
It’s Rural Revitalization in Hiroshima for the KOPW Championship! Can Yuya Uemura survive tires, lemons and a table? Or will Great-O-Khan conquer him for the United Empire?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Frontier Zone – Boltin Oleg & Toru Yano VS Rey Paloma & HANZO; Oleg & Yano win.
- Six Man Tag: Tiger Mask & Bishamon VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
- Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita VS Jeff Cobb & Francesco Akira; Cobb & Akira win.
- Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Shota Umino & Tomohiro Ishii VS The House of Torture; Desperado, Shota & Ishii win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuya Murashima VS Tomoaki Honma & Shoma Kato; Tanahashi & Murashima win.
- DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sho & Yoshinobu win.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: TMDK VS El Phantasmo & Hikuleo; TMDK wins and retains the titles.
- KOPW Championship Rural Revitalization: Great-O-Khan VS Yuya Uemura; Yuya wins and becomes the new KOPW Champion.
- 10 Man Tag Elimination Match: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: TMDK w/ Zack Sabre Jr. VS El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado!
Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls snatched the titles away during the Windy City Riot, but the Guerrillas of Destiny are getting their rematch! Will the Headbanga & Young Guerilla redeem themselves on the Road to Wrestling Dontaku? Or will they see The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if The Mighty stay NJPW Strong!
The teams sort out and Hysterical Haste starts against ELP. The fans rally up with the bell and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but then Shane cording holds into a wrench and wristlock. ELP rolls, handsprings and wrenches back. ELP keeps Shane from ropes so Shane rolls, kips up, snapmares and KICKS ELP! The fans cheer while Shane shakes out his leg. ELP grimaces as he stands and shakes out the arm. The two reset, tie up, and ELP waistlocks. ELP goes for a chinlock but Shane standing switches. ELP switches, Shane switches again, and repeat. ELP headlocks, Shane powers out, then reels ELP in for a headlock.
ELP powers out, Shane runs him over, and then he sits ELP up to run. ELP drops under, hurdles over, but Shane shoves him. ELP rolls off Shane’s back to RANA! The fans fire up as ELP kips up and fixes his hair. The fans rally for “E L P! E L P!” while Shane is in a corner. Shane comes back to fire a forearm! ELP fires a forearm back! Shane fires another forearm so ELP gives it back. They go back and forth, faster and faster, and the fans rally up! ELP gets the edge, but Shane UPPERCUTS! Shane CHOPS ELP, whips him corner to corner, but ELP goes up and over and keeps moving. ELP fakes Shane out to avoid the dropkick!
ELP goes to ropes to LIONSAULT but Shane moves! ELP sits up but avoids the Penalty Kick! The two stand off and the fans cheer! Shane and ELP reset, and Leo reaches out. ELP tags him in and the fans rally up. Shane tags Mikey, and he circles with Leo. They get face to face, and Mikey pie faces Leo! They tie up, Leo shoves Mikey away, but Mikey comes back. They tie up, Mikey headlocks but Leo lifts. Mikey thrashes the hold, Leo powers out and they RAM shoulders! Leo eggs Mikey on so Mikey runs and they RAM shoulders! Leo runs, Mikey ELBOWS him! Mikey runs, Leo runs him over! The fans fire up as Leo flexes.
Leo drags Mikey up, suplexes, but Mikey fights it! Mikey tries to suplex but Leo’s so tall! Leo suplexes, Mikehy slips free to waistlock, but Leo RAMS him into a corner! Leo runs in, Mikey dodges, only for Leo to LARIAT outta the corner! Tag to ELP and the Guerrillas get Mikey up. ELP BLASTS Shane while Leo whips Mikey to a corner. Leo SPLASHES, ELP clotheslines, then feed to the SIDEWALK SLAM and FALLING AX HANDLE! The Guerrillas high-five, ELP covers, TWO! ELP brings Mikey up but Mikey fights the suplex! Mikey powers out, whips, but ELP BLASTS Shane! ELP dodges Mikey, waistlocks, but Mikey swings. ELP ducks, into a DDT!
The fans fire up while Mikey shoves ELP over and tags in Shane. Mikey brings ELP up to TOSS him out, and then Mikey BLASTS Leo! Shane whips ELP into railing! Shane flexes, fans applaud, and Shane drags ELP up. APRON BACK SUPLEX! Shane shoves ELP in, covers, ROPEBREAK! The fans rally as ELP stays in this but Shane grabs one of ELP’s hands. Shane stretches out the arm to then KICK ELP in the shoulder! Shane brings ELP up but ELP fires forearms! Shane shoves ELP but ELP ELBOWS Mikey! ELP fires off on Shane, whips, but Shane reverses and Mikey trips ELP up! Shane basement dropkicks ELP and he spins around into a HAYMAKER from Mikey!
ELP flops to the floor, Mikey claims the apron is slippery, but the referee reprimands him all the same. The ring count starts but Mikey puts ELP in at 4 of 20. Shane covers, TWO! Shane keeps ELP down with body scissors. ELP endures, reaches out, drags Shane along as he crawls over, and the fans rally up. Shane grabs ELP’s arm and brings him into a cover, TWO! Shane whips ELP away into The Mighty corner! Tag to Mikey, he sends Shane in, but ELP puts Shane on the apron! ELP BOOTS Mikey, ROUNDHOUSES Shane, then runs, but Mikey catches him! Mikey RAMS ELP back into the corner!
Mikey taunts Leo then digs boots into ELP. The fans rally up and ELP throws body shots. Mikey eggs ELP on so ELP CHOPS! ELP tries to get under but Mikey grabs a leg and drags him back! Tag to Shane, and Shane stomps ELP down. Shane kicks ELP around, kicks him more, but ELP fires off hands! Shane back drops ELP up and away! The fans rally while Shane drags ELP back to a cover, but Leo breaks it! Shane drags ELP back, tags Mikey in, and TMDK mug ELP. ELP sputters, Mikey tags Shane back in, and Shane sucker punches Leo! Mikey hoists ELP up but ELP BOOTS Shane! ELP backs Mikey into the corner, then goes up and over Shane!
Shane runs into Mikey but Mikey still pursues ELP. Mikey drags ELP back but ELP ENZIGIRIS free! The fans fire up, but Shane gets ELP’s legs! ELP BOOTS Shane away, hurries up again, but Mikey BLASTS Leo first! Mikey then brings ELP around to back suplex! ELP lands on his feet, but Shane back suplexes! ELP still lands on his feet, then he ducks under TMDK to hot tag Leo! The fans fire up as Leo UPPERCUTS Shane, swings on Mikey, but Mikey dodges, only for Leo to BOOT him! Leo scoops Shane for SNAKE EYES and a BOOT! The fans fire up with Leo while Shane and Mikey go to opposite corners.
Leo runs in to SPLASH Mikey! Leo keeps going but Shane BOOTS him! Shane runs up but Leo ELBOWS him down! Leo runs to drop the JUMPING ELBOW on Shane! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Leo watches Shane stir. Shane rises, Leo choke grips! GODS- NO, Shane slips free and Mikey fires a forearm! Shane UPPERCUTS, Mikey LARIATS, but Leo stays up! Shane runs to LARIAT! Leo roars, but TMDK double kick! TMDK reels Leo in, but Leo DOUBLE SUPLEXES them instead! The fans fire up and Leo watches TMDK bail out. Leo tags ELP and ELP goes up. Leo helps him walk the tightrope, to ARIHARA MOONSAULT TMDK down at the ramp!
The fans fire up again, and Leo goes out to get Shane in. ELP & Leo get Shane up to CHOP, straitjacket torture rack, and then Leo runs. BOOT into the spin, BRAIN SALAD! Cover, Mikey breaks it! Mikey fires forearms on Leo & ELP, runs, but ELP hurdles so Leo can DDT! Mikey bails out, the fans fire up, and ELP tunes up the band. Shane rises, into SUDDEN- NO, Shane dodges! Shane runs up, but into Leo’s hands! ELP aims, but Shane pulls Leo into SUDDEN DEATH! Shane UPPERCUTS ELP and DROPKICKS Leo! Shane KICKS ELP, BOOTS him, then reels him in for an INVERTED EXPLODER! Cover, TWO!!
ELP survives and Shane is surprised! The fans fires up, Shane and ELP rise, and ELP staggers to a corner. Shane puts ELP up top, ROCKS him with a right, then climbs up. Shane brings ELP up but ELP fires body shots! ELP HEADBUTTS Shane down but Mikey tags in! Shane goes up, ELP sends him back down, so Mikey UPPERCUTS! Mikey gives Shane the boost, and they get ELP for the SUPERPLEX BOMB COMBO! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives but Mikey powers up and runs, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives again and the fans fire up! Mikey grows frustrated, he drags ELP up and reels him in.
ELP slips free of the Blue Thunder to kick and tuck the arms! But Mikey trips ELP to jackknife bridge, TWO! ELP rolling clutches! TWO and Mikey has the cover! TWO and ELP ghost pins, TWO!! Mikey escapes but ELP dodges! ELP DROPKICKS Mikey down and the fans fire up! Both men crawl, hot tag to Leo! Leo runs to BLAST Shane, then he turns to look at Mikey. Mikey eggs Leo on, then fires forearms! Leo ROCKS Mikey with just one! Mikey fires another flurry, but Leo ROCKS Mikey again! Leo eggs Mikey on and the fans rally. Mikey kicks low, ROCKS Leo, then runs, but into a scoop! Tag to ELP before the POWERSLAM!
ELP goes up to SWANTON BOMB! And then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up, ELP tags Leo back in, and they tune up the band again! Mikey rises, but Shane trips Leo! Mikey ROCKS ELP, Shane UPPERCUTS ELP! Feed to the scoop but ELP slips free! ELP shoves Mikey into Shane, and Leo grabs them both! But both Shane & Mikey fight free of the choke slams! Shane KNEES, Mikey FOREARMS, but then ELP fires off on TMDK! ELP runs, but into a double trophy lift! THUNDER- DOUBLE DDTS!! ELP turns things around on TMDK, and the fans are thunderous! Mikey stands up into SUDDEN DEATH! ELP PLANCHAS onto Shane!
GODSEND for Mikey! ELP then climbs up the ropes, then climbs onto Leo! SUPER THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, but Shane barrels through ELP to break it!! The fans are thunderous again but ELP is frustrated. ELP fires off on Shane, runs, but Shane LARIATS! Shane dodges Leo but runs into the POWER TRIP! GOD- NO, Mikey rolls Leo up!! TMDK WINS!!
Winners: TMDK, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
Leo is furious! He is sure Mikey pulled tights there! He stomps at Mikey, pushes past ELP and goes after Mikey on the outside! Mikey and Leo push each other around, but there’s nothing Leo can do about this one. Will he and ELP just have to fight their way back up to the top? As for TMDK, will they continue to rock ‘n’ roll through the ranks with all this gold?
KOPW Championship Rural Revitalization: Great-O-Khan w/ Callum Newman & Francesco Akira VS Yuya Uemura w/ Taka Michinoku & Taichi!
It’s Rural Revitalization 2: Hiroshima Style! The Dominator just managed to make it past Tanga Loa, will he make it through the Heat Storm? Or will KOPW soon belong to Just5Guys?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who can put in the work!
This first round is Mazda tire carrying. Each man has a big orange cone placed in their corner, so they simply have to go fetch the tires from the stacks outside. Whoever gets four tires first wins the round! The bell rings, Yuya kicks Khan then heads for ropes, but Khan reels him in for a BIG back suplex! Khan goes out now, hurries up the ramp, and grabs two tires at once! The fans cheer and Khan gets those tires in the ring. Then he goes back for more! A risky move but that means four tires are on play. Yuya DROPKICKS Khan and here’s where the risk is involved! Yuya aims to PLANCHA but Khan chucks a tire!
Yuya falls back, Khan gets the tires in then drags Yuya out. Khan CLUBS away on Yuya against the apron, then uses a tire to bind Yuya’s legs! Khan CLUBS Yuya more, and Khan even ties Yuya up in the ropes! Khan sacrifices two tires to trap Yuya! The fans cheer the creativity, and Khan STOMPS Yuya on the apron before heading for more tires. Yuya works to get free as Khan brings two more tires to the ring. Khan sets those tires in, Yuya gets free, but Khan has stacked two tires. Then three, but Yuya DROPKICKS him down! Yuya takes the tires off Khan’s cones, leaving him with just one. Yuya goes out to get the last tires remaining!
Yuya brings tires to his cone, then clears out some space. Yuya has two tires, steals Khan’s one, but then Khan grabs Yuya for an IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Yuya fights free, but Khan Mongolian Chops him down! Khan throws the tires off Yuya’s cone, then throws the cone! We’re back to zero and zero, and Khan whips Yuya into a corner, to then clothesline him! The fans fire up as Khan climbs up and sits on his throne! Khan then hops down to Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian CHOP! Yuya sits down, Khan takes a tire, but then THROWS it at Yuya! Yuya goes up and over and AX HANDLES Khan down!
The fans rally as Khan grabs tires and cone, and he starts stacking! Yuya has two, then three! He just needs to find one more! Yuya grabs one from outside, but Khan reels him in! Khan DECKS Yuya, then undoes some of the stack. Khan confiscates a tire, makes sure it’s nice and bouncy, but also works up quite the sweat. The fans rally as Khan aims and takes a swing, only for Yuya to counter tire with tire! They clash again, and again! Then they set up for TIRE SUMO! And again, TIRE SUMO! They run in again, and Khan RAMS Yuya! Yuya is disarmed, and Khan CLOBBERS him with the TIRE SUMO!
The fans fire up while Yuya is down and Khan grabs tires. Khan says he’s not done with Yuya yet. Khan starts stacking tires at the center of the ring, then drags Yuya up. Khan clinches Yuya into HITSUJIGOROSHI! Yuya endures, even as Khan throws knees! Khan then scoops to SLAM Yuya on the tires! That’ll leave some skid marks! Khan then drags Yuya off the stack, brings him up and around, to then put a tire around his head. And then another! Yuya’s two tired to stand but Khan makes him! Khan throws a BODY BLOW, then he TRIPS Yuya into a TIRE DDT! The fans fire up while Khan grabs the other tires.
Khan stacks tires on his cone, that’s two. Khan hurries to find other tires on the outside, and he has a third. Khan considers his options, and takes one of the tires from Yuya. But Yuya clings to the tires, so Khan stomps him! Yuya refuses to let go of the tires! Khan stomps Yuya more but Yuya defends the tire with his body! Khan claws at Yuya, they tug-o-war over the tire, but Khan pulls on Yuya’s ear! Yuya kicks low, kicks again, then SMACKS Khan with the tire, and DROPKICKS Khan down! The tire goes tumbling out of the ring while Yuya fires up! Yuya takes Khan’s tires, hurries them over to his cone, that’s three right there!
Now Yuya has to hurry and find another! Yuya goes outside, grabs the tire, but Khan intercepts! They tug-o-war again, but then Khan RAMS Yuya into a corner! Khan takes this tire, that’s one. Khan finds tires on the outside and brings them in! Yuya hurries to cover tires again! Khan stomps Yuya, still stacks three, so it’s all down to this seventh tire! Yuya and Khan tug-o-war yet again, the fans rallying behind them! Khan grabs Yuya’s arm, but Yuya slips around to a SLEEPER! Khan fights up but Yuya squeezes tight! Yuya then CLUBS away on Khan, runs, but into a TIRE SWEEP! And a BASEMENT DROPKICK!
Khan grabs the final tire, but Yuya schoolboys him away! Yuya rolls through, snatches the tire, and complete his stack! Yuya wins the first round!
Khan: 0; Yuya: 1
Just like with Tanga Loa, Khan drops the ball in the first round! But then, will history repeat itself here as we prepare for the second round?
The tarps are set down, the table is set, and it’s time to eat up some Hiroshima lemons! Khan makes sure the people watching at home and around the world understand that Hiroshima lemons are the best, which probably means they’re the most sour. Khan puts on his bandana and takes his seat at the table. He and Yuya get some wet wipes to clean their hands, and it all comes down to who finishes their one lemon first. Ready, set, EAT! Yuya starts fast and that face shows how sour these are. Khan says hold on, and he just takes a HUGE bite! Yuya is suffering but Khan is reveling in the sourness! Khan’s already halfway through!
Yuya can barely keep the lemon in, but Khan’s eaten it all up! Can he get it all down before Yuya? Khan is chewing and chewing, Yuya is practically shaking from how sour it all is! Khan keeps going and… Yes, Khan has it all down! Khan wins!
Khan: 1; Yuya: 1
Khan now lets his body feel the stinging sweetness, and he says it was delicious! But then, that leaves us with this third and final round. And this time it’s a TABLES match! Who will be feeling sour and sore after this one?
The bell rings, both men rush in, Yuya dodges to fire haymakers! Yuya whips, Khan reverses but Yuya CLOBBERS him! Khan gets up, but Yuya DROPKICKS him down! Khan bails out, Yuya aims and PLANCHAS! Direct hit at the ramp, and the Heat Storm fires back up! The table is there, so Yuya drags Khan right up! Yuya goes to suplex but Khan blocks! Khan fights with body shots, turns things around, but Yuya fights the suplex! They fight for control, but Khan RAMS Yuya into the apron! The fans rally, Khan drags Yuya back up, and whips him into railing! Yuya tumbles up and over into No Man’s Land!
Khan storms out after Yuya and he asks fans move aside. Young Lions help the fans clear out while Khan drags Yuya up. Khan brings Yuya around and reminds everyone, No Disqualifications! Khan BOWLS Yuya through chairs, and that’s definitely a strike! The fans cheer Khan as he stands on chairs, but then asks more fans to move aside! Khan stomps Yuya, stomps a chair onto Yuya, then tosses that chair aside. Sorry to whoever had that seat… Khan then drags Yuya up and brings him around, but Yuya throws body shots! Khan Mongolian Chops Yuya down! Khan drags Yuya back up, and BOWLS him into more chairs!
Yuya is stuck on the seats, that wasn’t quite a strike. But Khan stacks chairs on Yuya to pick up the spare. Khan SMACKS chair with chair! Yuya sputters while fans applaud, and Khan goes back to fetch Yuya. Taichi and Taka are there but so are Newman and Akira. The Empire keeps the two out of five guys at bay while Khan drags Yuya to the back of the crowd. Khan whips Yuya into the emergency exit! Khan then SLAMS railing down on Yuya, and then SMACKS railing with railing! Khan talks trash while Taka and Taichi coach Yuya up. The ref checks Yuya, but he’s somehow able to continue, so Khan drags him up.
Khan brings Yuya around to drag him through the chairs! Khan brings Yuya back to ringside, then into the ring. The fans applaud, and then Khan goes looking under the ring. Khan eventually finds another lemon! Khan takes a big bite and uses the citrus to power up! Then he DIGS the lemon into Yuya’s face! The citric acid burns but the fans fire up! Khan goes to fetch the table from outside, puts it inside, and then sets it up in a corner. The fans rally up as Khan stalks Yuya. Khan drags Yuya up, reels him in to scoop, but Yuya slips free! Khan avoids hitting table, but Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! Yuya whips Khan into the blue corner, then DOUBLE CHOPS again!
The fans fire up and Yuya grits his teeth. Yuya roars, brings Khan up and reels him in for a BIG back suplex! The fans rally again and Yuya brings Khan up. Yuya clinches, but Khan fights the lift! Yuya still tries, but Khan fights it to a head ‘n’ arm clinch. Yuya gets around, headlocks, but Khan pops out to waistlock. Yuya fights being pushed around, then switches to get an arm. Khan clinches but so does Yuya. They fight for control, and Khan’s SAYANAGI takes Yuya down! The fans fire up and both men stir. Yuya flops out of the ring, but Khan crawls in pursuit. Khan drags Yuya up, then RAMS him into railing!
Yuya writhes, Khan goes looking under the ring, and he brings out another TABLE! Khan SMACKS Yuya with the table, then stands the table up at ringside. Khan drags Yuya up, SMACKS him off the apron, then climbs up. Khan drags Yuya up onto the apron, Mongolian Chops, then regular CHOPS! Khan UPPERCUTS, then clamps on the IRON CLAW! Khan scoops but Yuya fights free! Yuya DROPKICKS! Khan holds onto ropes to stay up, but Yuya hurries to run! Yuya LARIATS, but into the IRON CLAW!! Khan drags Yuya up and over, ELIMINATOR- NO, Yuya grabs ropes to fight that off! Khan kicks low, winds up, but Yuya traps the arm!
Yuya traps the other arm, takes aim, but Khan fights the Deadbolt with all his might!! The fans are thunderous as Yuya still tries! Khan BITES Yuya’s ear! And then POSTS him! But Yuya runs up, into a BOOT! Yuya falls back, Khan sits down, and the fans rally again! Khan undoes his hand tape, ends up pushing the table over, and then he folds it all up. Khan puts the table in the ring, pushes Yuya aside, and then he sets this table up again, in the blue corner. Yuya goes up top to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as Yuya roars! Yuya has his choice as he hauls Khan up. Yuya traps the arms, but Khan makes it a BELLY2BELLY!
But Yuya rises back up! Yuya runs in, gets around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Khan’s right up! Khan LARIATS Yuya down! The fans fire up as Yuya is right back up, and URENAGES! Both men are down again and the fans are thunderous! Khan flounders around, he and Yuya crawl to center, and Yuya fires a forearm! Khan gives it back! Both men stand, and Yuya fires a haymaker! Khan comes back to forearm! Yuya wobbles, but he comes back to HAYMAKER! Khan staggers, wobbles, but comes back to FOREARM! Both men stagger, but Yuya fires another haymaker! Khan fires a flurry of forearms, but Yuya haymakers!
Khan ROCKS Yuya, but Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! But Khan throws an IRON RIGHT! The fans fire up again as Yuya falls! Khan roars with Monster Rage and he hauls Yuya up! IRON CLAW, and then ELIMIN- NO, Yuya slips free! Yuya wrenches, traps the arms, DEADBOLT SUPLEX through the table!! YUYA WINS!!
Winner: Yuya Uemura, 2-1 (NEW KOPW Champion)
Yuya slammed the Deadbolt shut on Khan and now he takes the title from him! The Heat Storm is rising, how hot will he make the KOPW Division through the Summer?
10 Man Tag Elimination Match: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs!
These factions have been battling all over this Road to Wrestling Dontaku, but now they will fight ’til the last man! Will there be a roll call for Bushi, Hiromu, Takagi, Yota y Naito? Or will this alliance with the Good Looking Emperor, Jake Lee, help David Finlay, Gabe Kidd, Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney shoot down LIJ?
Wait, it seems Naito has brought backup of his own? It’s SLYLY! The dragon-like mascot of Hiroshima Toyo Carp, and half-brother to the Philadelphia Phillies’ Phillie Phanatic! Well, Naito does love him some baseball. Tensions are running high, and Finlay throws his shirt at Yota. Yota balls that shirt up, and throws a fastball over the plate! The teams sort out, Finlay pushes Yota around and Gabe talks trash on Takagi. Red Shoes gets them all to settle down, and the War Dogs bark and put up the Too Sweet. Jake joins in at the end there. LIJ mocks the barking before they fist bump, and the fans cheer.
Things finally sort out and Finlay starts against Yota. The fans fire up behind “YO~TA! YO~TA!” at the bell, and Yota makes sure Finlay hears that. Finlay gets on the corner but the fans all boo. The two circle, tie up, and Yota uses his size to put Finlay on ropes. Finlay turns that around to grind forearms in Yota’s face and push him around. Finlay then backs up to SPIT at him! The fans boo but Yota CHOPS Finlay in return! The fans cheer, Yota headlocks, and Yota grinds Finlay down. Finlay powers up and out to headlock back, but Yota powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, Yota rebounds to run Finlay over!
The fans fire up, things speed up, but Finlay bails out. The fans boo but Finlay says he’s got time. Yota barks at Finlay but Finlay just mockingly applauds. Finlay returns, kips up just to show off, but then Hiromu wants in! Yota tags Hiromu, Finlay tags Drilla. Hiromu fires forearms on Drilla, whips, to ROCK, trip, KICK the ropes, then run and SHOTGUN Drilla down! The fans fire up while Hiromu barks. Hiromu runs corner to corner to clothesline, snapmare and basement dropkick! The fans fire up but Connors runs in to knee Hiromu low! Connors barks, runs, but Hiromu kicks low! Bushi dropkicks legs out so Hiromu can basement dropkick!
The fans fire up but Drilla fires hands and CHOPS on LIJ. Hiromu CHOPS back, he and Bushi double whip to TU LO SABE! Cover, TWO! Drilla stays in this but Hiromu fires Hiroshima up. Hiromu fireman’s carries, but Drilla slips free to RAM Hiromu into the corner! The Dogs mug Hiromu while Jake Lee runs up to BLAST Naito! Finlay and Connors help out in mugging Yota and Bushi! Things have pilled out into the crowd in multiple areas while Naito fights back! Jake kicks Naito, then whips him hard into railing! Naito tumbles up and over into No Man’s Land! Gabe and Takagi throw HEADBUTTS back and forth!
Finlay snatches a phone? He’s taking pictures of Jake stomping away on Naito! But then Yota attacks Finlay! Finlay POSTS Yota, a ring count starts, but the Dogs just keep beating LIJ down! Drilla finds his way back to ringside, Hiromu manages to make his way in! Hiromu crawls in at 17 but Drilla is there to stomp him! Drilla bumps Hiromu off Finlay’s boot! Drilla tags Jake in, they mug Hiromu, and Jake digs his boot in while Finlay pulls Hiromu’s hair! Red Shoes is busy getting everyone to stop brawling! Jake lets off but Hiromu fires off CHOPS! Jake just kicks low, whips, and then HIP TOSSES Hiromu down!
Hiromu staggers up but Jake clamps on a SLEEPER! Tag to Finlay and they mug Hiromu in the corner. Red Shoes reprimands and counts, the fans boo, and Finlay lets off at 4. Finlay soaks up heat, then he takes Hiromu’s Kamaitachi mask and THROWS it to the crowd! Finlay then BLASTS Yota off the apron! The Dogs CHOKE Hiromu more, mug him while Finlay argues with Red Shoes, then Finlay brings Hiromu up. Finlay fireman’s carries and goes to dump Hiromu! Hiromu clamps onto ropes, Bushi runs in to make the save! Connors goes after Bushi so Takagi makes the save! But Connors goes after Takagi now!
Finlay puts Hiromu on the apron but Hiromu rolls back in, SAFE! The fans cheer while Finlay is frustrated. Finlay storms up on Hiromu in a corner but Hiromu CHOPS and CHOPS! Finlay knees low, whips corner to corner hard, and Hiromu flounders all the way back to where he started! Finlay drags Hiromu up and over, the fans still cheering him on, but Connors tags in. Connors BLASTS Naito off the corner, then snap suplexes Hiromu down! Connors runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Hiromu stays in this but Connors stays on him with a seated full nelson. The fans continue to rally for “HI-RO-MU!” as he endures!
Hiromu fights around, even as Gedo barks at him to give up. Hiromu still gets the ROPEBREAK! Finlay pushes the foot away and that distracts Red Shoes, allowing Drilla to join in and stomp Hiromu! Drilla & Connors double whip but Hiromu gets around to lift Connors and throw him at Drilla, FORCED RANA! The fans fire up but Connors keeps Hiromu away from his corner! Hiromu blocks a kick, and a punch, to DRAGON SCREW! The fans rally again while both men are down! Hot tag to Naito! Naito rallies on Connors, BLASTS Drilla, swings on Jake, but Jake gets away. Connors CLUBS Naito, whips, but Naito reverses to arm-drag!
Naito atomic drops, runs, and ELBOWS Connors down, to then basement dropkick! The fans fire up while Naito stares Jake down. Naito covers Connors, TWO! The fans rally, Naito drags Connors up and dragon sleepers, for the NECKBREAKER! And then, LEG HOOK NELSON! Connors endures but Gabe stomps Naito! Gabe BLASTS Takagi, the rest of the Dogs attack, and Gabe stomps away on Naito! Gabe tells off the fans but the fans boo. Red Shoes reprimands so Gabe steps away, and Connors drags Naito up. Connors UPPERCUTS, whips, but Naito reverses to TORNADO- NO, Connors powers out!
Connors dodges Naito, redirects and POUNCES! Naito is down but the fans rally up. Naito and Connors crawl, hot tags to Takagi and Gabe! The fans fire up for the NEVER Openweight Championship appetizer! They RAM shoulders, Takagi ROCKS Gabe then runs to RAM him! Gabe rebounds to RAM Takagi, but Takagi rebounds to RAM Gabe! Gabe fires a forearm, whips Takagi to a corner then runs in to clothesline! Takagi says that’s not enough, so Gabe UPPERCUTS! Gabe says he’s a madman, then whips, only for Takagi to reverses. Takagi runs in, blocks a boot, and clotheslines through! The fans fire up with Takagi, but Gabe shoves him!
Takagi kicks and CLUBS away on Gabe, but Gabe BITES Takagi’s forehead! Red shoes reprimands, but Takagi spins Gabe around to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Gabe’s still in this but the fans rally behind “TA-KA-GI!” Takagi looks around, “Oi, Hiroshima! TOKI GA-” NO, Gabe CLOBBERS Takagi! It isn’t his time yet, and Gabe stands Takagi up to HEADBUTT again and again! Then Gabe suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi’s tougher than that but Gabe shakes his head. Gabe scuffs Takagi, eggs him on and runs, but Takagi blocks the Rebounder to HEADBUTT! Gabe HEADBUTTS! Both men shake their heads, and then Takagi HEADBUTTS!
Gabe HEADBUTTS! Takagi HEADBUTTS again and again, but then Gabe HEADBUTTS again and again! Takagi fires a forearm, Gabe gives it back, repeat! The fans fire up as the shots go back and forth! Gabe gets the edge, but Takagi fires boxing elbows! Gabe CHOP! Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! Gabe UPPERCUTS and YUKON LARIATS! But Takagi’s right up to LARIAT!! Gabe rises and shouts! Both men run in, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And again! Gabe fires palm strikes, talks trash, but gets a JAB, HEADBUTT, and a PUMPING BOMBER take takes both men up and out! DOUBLE ELIMINATION!!
Fans go wild as Takagi’s sacrifice play makes things 4v4! Bushi and Drilla jump in and Drilla fires off shots! Drilla ENZIGIRIS, ripcords, but Bushi dodges to RANA! And DROPKICK! Drilla bails out but Bushi builds speed, only for Connors to SNAP POWERSLAM! Drilla gets in, he and Connors get moving, SPEAR GORE COMBO!! Cover, TWO!! Bushi survives but the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions coordinate. Connors BLASTS Naito off the apron before he climbs a corner, and Drilla gets Bushi up. Drilla suplexes, but Bushi slips free! Bushi shoves Drilla into Connors, then runs back in to CODE-
NO, Drilla blocks and aims for ropes! Bushi slips free, dodges Drilla, but Drilla ducks the enzigiri, only for the REWIND HEEL to hit! Bushi whips Drilla up and out and to the floor, Bushi ELIMINATES Drilla! We’re 4v3 in LIJ’s favor, but then Connors SPEARS Bushi! Connors says this is it, and he reels Bushi in for- NO! Bushi turns No Chaser into a backslide! BUSHI ROLL! Bushi ELIMINATES Connors!! The Black Mask singlehandedly handles the tag champs and the fans fire up! But then Finlay CLOBBERS Bushi and rains down fists! Finlay roars in rage, then he drags Bushi up. Canadian Rack, but Bushi slips free to backslide!
Finlay rolls through to UPPERCUT! Jake BLASTS Naito, BLASTS Yota, and then Finlay gets Bushi up! Finlay POWERBOMBS Bushi to the outside, onto Naito and the rest! Finlay ELIMINATES Bushi! We’re back to 3v2 as Finlay still has Jake but LIJ still has Naito, Hiromu and Yota. And speaking of Yota, he gets in to brawl with Finlay! Yota whips, Finlay reverses but Yota flipping RANAS! Then he BLASTS Jake! Yota runs corner to corner to STINGER SPLASH Finlay! Yota keeps moving, he runs Finlay over to then run and SPLASH! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up with Yota as he smiles and paces around.
Yota brings Finlay up and fireman’s carries, but Finlay slips free. Yota kicks, runs, but Finlay ELBOWS him down, then SENTONS on top! Finlay barks as he aims at Yota. Yota rises, Finlay runs in, and UPPERCUTS at the corner! Then clotheslines! Then FALCON ARROWS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Yota but Finlay grows frustrated. Finlay drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota fights the lift! Finlay CLUBS away on Yota, tries again, and he has Yota up, but Yota fights free of the bomb! Yota fires forearms, but Finlay UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! Finlay runs, but Yota backslides to KNEE Finlay down!
The fans fire up again as we pass 20 minutes, and Yota drags Finlay up. Yota goes up and up but Finlay shoves him over! Yota’s on the apron, he and Finlay brawl! Yota ROCKS Finlay, but Finlay gets in Red Shoes’ face! Jake grabs at Yota, Yota kicks him away, but Finlay BLASTS Yota down and ELIMINATES him! The fans boo but the Dogs have made this 2v2! Finlay and Jake stand together, and they dare Naito & Hiromu to join them. Naito and Hiromu oblige as they step inside. Naito stares Jake down, Hiromu stares Finlay down, and they start swinging! The fans fire up, but then Finlay fireman’s carries Hiromu! Finlay aims for ropes!
Naito gets past Jake to save Hiromu, but then Jake BOOTS Naito down! Jake scrapes Naito out of the ring and goes after him, but Hiromu fireman’s carries Finlay! Hiromu runs at ropes and dumps Finlay out! Finlay stays on the apron but Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Finlay holds onto ropes and wobbles, but Hiromu builds speed! Hiromu DIVES and SUNSET FLIPS, but Finlay still holds on! Finlay throws down hands, gets back inside, he’s SAFE! Hiromu is also safe because he went through the second rope. Hiromu runs back in, but avoids Blue Thunder to wheelbarrow! But Finlay turns that into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER!
Hiromu writhes, the fans rally as hard as they can behind him, but Finlay drags Hiromu up. DOMINATOR! Cover, Naito breaks it! Jake stomps Naito and TOSSES him out! It was all second rope so Naito’s safe, but Finlay talks trash on Hiromu. Finlay drags Hiromu up, reels him in, suplexes, but Hiromu slips free! Finlay UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS! Flashback to the 23rd! Hiromu just takes UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT from Finlay, but he doesn’t stop! Then he SUPERKICKS! Hiromu runs, but into another UPPERCUT! Finlay gets Hiromu up, but Hiromu RANAS Finlay up and out to ELIMINATE him!!
The fans are thunderous as The Rebel is shocked! Hiromu mocks him, but then Jake runs in! Hiromu gets under the boot to get under Jake! Jake fights Hiromu off, snarls, and then runs up! Hiromu dodges to kick a leg! Hiromu runs, but Jake kitchen sink knees! Jake takes aim, runs up, and FACE BREAK SHOT! Hiromu tumbles up and out and to the floor, Jake ELIMINATES him! And now, at 25 minutes in, we’re down to just Jake and just Naito! Naito slowly rolls into the ring as the fans rally behind him. Jake watches Naito stand, and the two stare down. Jake runs in but Naito dodges to fire off forearms!
Naito whips but Jake reverses to KNEE low! Jake fires up but fans boo as he stands Naito up. Jake reels Naito in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Naito protects the plate but Jake is aiming another heater! Jake waits as Naito stands, then winds up to choke grip! But Naito throws back elbows to get free! Naito then wrenches, TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Naito rises, he drags Jake up, and he throws those heavy back elbows! Jake crawls around, Naito brings him up, and Naito throws more heavy back elbows! Jake wobbles and staggers to the corner but Naito is right on him.
Naito brings Jake around for even more heavy back elbows! Jake falls over, the fans fire up, and Naito aims from the corner. Naito drags Jake up and in, but Jake BOOTS Naito down! Naito dangles off the apron! Red Shoes keeps the War Dogs from interfering, and Naito stands up. Jake aims, runs in, but Naito avoid the FBS! Naito drags Jake ot the apron, Jake elbows him back! Jake runs up, but into an ELBOW! Naito goes up and over, sweeps the legs, then BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICKS! Jake falls, LIJ wins!!
Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, Naito as the lone survivor
It came down to the bottom of the ninth, technically speaking, and Naito just hit the walk-off homer! Jake is stunned and Finlay is frustrated, but Yota just smiles back at him. Finlay and Yota will have it out as part of Wrestling Dontaku Night One, who will be smiling then?
As for LIJ, they regroup in the ring and have their hands raised. Slyly’s even still hanging around! But uh, he’s a little too chunky to get in the ring, so he just settles for pumping up the crowd like he does at baseball games. Naito gets the mic to say that it was three months ago, the Splash Strong series back in January, since Naito was last in Hiroshima. Naito would like to thank the fans from coming here tonight, “Gracias, amigos.” The fans cheer, and Naito continues by saying, “Hiroshima is my second home. I really long to have a match at Mazda Stadium.” The fans love the sound of that!
Naito does preface that him saying that doesn’t mean there’s anything planned. So please, tranquilo, be patient, and look forward to the day that finally happens. So, shall they do it? The fans cheer again! So then, for the first time in Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall in a year and eight months, is everyone ready? The fans cheer because they sure are! Well then, the only way to close The Road to Wrestling Dontaku here in Hiroshima… Bushi! Hiromu! Takagi! Titan! Yota! Slyly! Y Naito! NOSOTROS! LOS! INGOBERRRRNABLEEEES~! DE! JA! PON!! Slyly gets in on the roll call! Will all of LIJ have success as we reach Wrestling Dontaku next week?
My Thoughts:
A great event to conclude Road to Dontaku before getting to Wrestling Dontaku itself. An unfortunate change in the card, Sanada fell ill and could not compete, so his match alongside Taichi against Tanahashi & Tomoaki was changed into Tanahashi and a Young Lion VS Tomoaki and a Young Lion. Hopefully Cold Skull gets well soon. Great tag title match from TMDK VS GoD, and while I figured TMDK was going to retain, I didn’t think it’d be in a shady way like holding tights. While ZSJ VS Cobb for the NJPW World TV title is still to come, I doner of GoD shift gears and ELP becomes a singles guy so Leo and Loa can team up. Then ELP can challenge ZSJ in a battle of initials while the Brothers Guerrilla get to take on Shane & Mikey.
Great Rural Revitalization again, they managed to pull off great comeback spots each round. I was very surprised Yuya won out, I felt like Khan could’ve done one more Rural Revitalization before losing. But at the same time, Yuya feels like the unofficial fourth Reiwa Musketeer behind Narita, Shota & Tsuji. Yuya getting a title, any title, ahead of the others is good stuff for him, and could even bring about a feud with one of the Musketeers for the Summer. And then a great 10 Man Elimination Tag. I again really like that NJPW allows over the rope eliminations even in a tag match like this to really mix things up. Jake Lee not winning out for the War Dogs is really surprising, but I feel like that means Jake will defeat Naito 1v1.
My Score: 8.9/10
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It’s a violent end to a legendary friendship!
Former Best Friends, Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor, have been through many Parking Lot Brawls, but this is their first time as enemies! Will there be broken bones to go along with the broken hearts?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Parking Lot Brawl: Trent Beretta VS Chuck Taylor; Trent wins.
- Thunder Rosa VS Deonna Purrazzo; Rosa wins.
- “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Trevor Blackwell; Bill wins.
- Katsuyori Shibata & Daniel Garcia VS Shane Taylor Promotions; Shibata & Garcia win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Parking Lot Brawl: Trent Beretta VS Chuck Taylor!
Years of friendship, thrown away, and why? Because #JustTrent had a problem with Freshly Squeezed having more success in AEW than them? Because #JustTrent had a problem with Cassidy as a person? Because #JustTrent turned out to be the selfish one in the relationship? Well, then will #JustTrent get his ass kicked? Or will he take advantage of how Chuckie T. is a Kentucky Gentleman?
Trent stares Chuck down while we hear the crowd of other wrestlers taunting him. Trent takes a swing, but Chuck dodges to fire off hands! The brawl is on, and Chuck gets the edge! Chuck ROCKS Trent, then SMACKS him off a car hood! And then off the car door! Chuck drags Trent up, but Trent RAMS Chuck into the car! And throat chops him just because! Trent gets space, runs back in, but Chuck dodges so Trent hits the passenger door! Chuck gets a trash can lid and he stands Trent up. Trent jumps through the open window but Chuck drags him back out. Trent kicks low, and he gives Chuck a CAR HOOD BACK SUPLEX!
Trent grabs the trash can lid, SMACKS Chuck right in the head and Chuck falls down! The crowd boos but Trent opens a car trunk to bring out a trash can, a dustpan and a baseball bat! Chuck storms up but Trent CHUCKS the trash can into Chuck’s face! Chuck flounders and Trent smirks. Trent SMACKS Chuck with the trash can, CLUBS him around, and Chuck is busted open! The white car has red polka dots on it now, and Trent talks trash, “This is what you wanted?!” Trent runs up, but Chuck POP UP POWERBOMBS Trent onto a car hood! Trent writhes, Chuck staggers around, and Chuck brings Trent around.
Chuck headlocks Trent before he SMACKS him off another car door. Trent goes around the back and then up onto a truck! Chuck follows, and he CLUBS Trent in the chest! But Trent slips under, and he CLAWS Chuck’s bloody face! Trent DECKS Chuck and Chuck falls through drywall sheets! Trent looms over Chuck as he crawls out of the wreckage. Trent stalks Chuck, brings him around and SMACKS him with the trash can lid! Trent hoists Chuck onto a car roof, SMACKS him again, then goes back to the truck. Trent climbs onto the roof of the truck, to FLYING ELBOW from car to car! Cover, TWO!!
Trent is furious, but Chuck is still in this as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Trent fumes, paces around, and goes back to the goodies. He brings out… Is that a screwdriver?! And he JABS Chuck in the head with it!! And then he DIGS it into Chuck’s forehead!! As if he wasn’t already bleeding badly!! Trent leaves Chuck behind, to fetch what looks to be a flat screen TV. Then he brings out a wood door!? Did someone visit Home Depot before coming here? Chuck CHOPS Trent in return then fires haymakers! Trent CLAWS Chuck’s face! Trent grabs that TV and CHUCKS it, only for Chuck to duck it! Rampage returns as TV screen hits windshield! Chuck kicks low to snap suplex Trent through the door!!
The crowd is losing its minds as Trent crawls. Chuck gets Trent’s legs, to CATAPULT him into the truck’s tailgate!! The crowd fires up while Chuck gets a sinister look on his face. Chuck takes a piece of that drywall to SMASH it on Trent! Chuck gets that trash can, he SMACKS Trent with it! Chuck sees the pile of extra goodies nearby, and he uncovers some light tubes! But first, he’ll clean up the mess, he SMACKS Trent with the dust pan! And SMACKS him again and again! And then one more shot with the trash can! Trent writhes, but Chuck drags Trent up. Chuck SMACKS Trent off the tailgate, then clears some space.
Chuck climbs up, but Trent ROCKET LAUNCHES him onto the light tubes!!! The tubes shatter under Chuck’s back! Trent sputters, he’s bloody now, too. Trent puts Chuck against the car hood and stands on him! Trent soaks up the heat, but Chuck TRIPS Trent! Trent writhes, Chuck reels Trent in, Canadian Rack, RAZOR’S EDGE onto a windshield!! Trent writhes while fans chant “HOLY CHUCK!” Chuck covers Trent on the hood, TWO!! Trent survives and hurries around the back of this sedan. Chuck snarls, goes up after Trent, and they meet on the roof. They’re both so bloody as they fire forearms back and forth!
The crowd cheers Chuck and boos Trent, and as the two swing wild, they end up HUGGING! You GOT to give the people what they want, right? They stand, Chuck ROCKS Trent and reels Trent in, but Trent LOW BLOWS!! Trent has Chuck now, PILEDRIVER ON THE CAR ROOF!!! And then, SNAKE BITE!! Trent is choking Chuck out!!! Chuck IS out, Trent wins!!
Winner: Trent Beretta, by submission
The Best Friends tore each other apart, but it is #JustTrent that stands tall in the end. He’s clearly lost the respect of his peers given how the other wrestlers are chanting “You Suck! You Suck!” But wait, Trent isn’t done? He has a monkey wrench!? Cassidy & Kris step forward to say no, this is going too far! Trent says this is all Cassidy’s fault! And SMASH, Trent hits Chuck’s leg with the wrench, and even shatters the glass behind it!! Chuck clutches the already recovering leg, and now Cassidy wants after Trent! Kris stops Cassidy, Trent’s still got the wrench! Trent escapes into the shadows of the arena, what darkness is living in Trent’s heart?
Don Callis is watching this.
And he seems to like the sadistic savagery he just witnessed. Trent may not have Best Friends anymore, but could he end up with a whole new family?
Backstage interview with Kyle O’Reilly.
Arkady Aura is with #CombatKyle and brings up his impressive showing in Dynamite’s Casino Gauntlet this past Wednesday. But we all want to know, what is next for her? Well, on Saturday, May 11th, AEW is coming to his hometown! Collision in Vancouver, British Columbia! The Rogers Arena, the same building an 11-year-old Kyle saw his first wrestling show ever. And at that show, Kyle told his dad that he was gonna do this one day. Papa O’Reilly said, “Oh yeah, sure you will, kid.” But somehow, Kyle pulled it off. 25 years later, he’s coming back home to do the one thing he’s ever been good at and that’s wrestling.
Kyle is going to take on the best wrestlers this world has to offer, right here in AEW, where the best wrestle. Kyle is ready for a fight, who will take him up on that in two weeks?
Thunder Rosa VS Deonna Purrazzo!
La Mera Mera and The Virtuosa could not coexist in the race for the AEW Women’s World Championship, and now they will Rampage against each other! Who will stand tall, ready for another shot at the title?
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Deonna and Rosa step up, talk a little trash, then Deonna pie faces Rosa! Rosa swings but Deonna catches the arm! Rosa avoids the takedown to knee low! They tie up again, go around and around, and Deonna puts Rosa in a corner. The ref counts, Rosa powers her way out but Deonna headlocks. Rosa powers up and out, but Deonna RAMS her! The two stay up, Deonna eggs Rosa on then kicks her low! Deonna whips, Rosa blocks the hip toss, but then Deonna blocks a hip toss! Rosa avoids the lariat to DECK Deonna! Rosa rains down fists but the ref reprimands.
Rosa sits Deonna up, clamps on a COBRA CLUTCH, and she grinds Deonna down. The fans rally but Deonna fights up. Deonna throws hands, then wrenches, but Rosa breaks free. Deonna BOOTS Rosa, then has the arm for the ARMBAR DDT! Deonna dusts herself off as she paces, then she KICKS Rosa’s arm. And KICKS it again! Rosa goes to ropes, Deonna pushes her down and ties her up in Paradise! Rosa is stuck, Deonna soaks up the cheers and jeers, and then runs to DROPKICK Rosa out of Paradise! Deonna stands Rosa up but Rosa ROCKS her first! Deonna stands, Rosa RAMS into her then bumps her off buckles.
Rosa goes up and up to leap, but Deonna blocks the rana and has a BOSTON CRAB! They’re in the ropes, the ref counts, and Deonna lets go. Rosa crawls to the corner, Deonna paces while soaking up the heat. Rosa stands, builds speed, and she WERCKS Deonna with a dropkick! Rosa fires up despite the pain in her back, and she kicks Deonna. Deonna stands, Rosa CHOPS her against the post! And CHOPS her again! Deonna ducks, Rosa chops post! Deonna SUPERKICKS Rosa down, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Deonna steps on Rosa’s face, steps away, and Rosa staggers up to railing. Deonna storms up but Rosa kicks her low. Rosa then runs Deonna side to side to POST her! But then Deonna RAMS Rosa into apron! And SMACKS her off it! Deonna snarls, brings Rosa around, and she puts Rosa in the ring. Cover, TWO! Deonna clamps onto Rosa to pull her arms in, for a straitjacket stretch! Rosa endures, fights up, but Deonna turns that into a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Rosa is still in this, and she is feeding off the energy of the fans! Rosa stands, and she ELBOWS Deonna! And body shots! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again!
Rosa has Deonna in a corner to UPPERCUT! Rosa runs corner to corner and back again, but Deonna dodges! Rosa POSTS herself and falls to the apron! Deonna storms back over, brings Rosa up and wraps the bad arm against ropes! The ref counts, Deonna KICKS the ropes as she lets off, and Rosa clutches the elbow. Deonna returns but Rosa RAMS into her! Deonna CLUBS Rosa, has her in a corner, and HEADBUTTS the lower back as Rampage goes to break.
Rampage returns and Deonna runs in, but into an ELBOW! And then a BOOT! Rosa goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Rosa as she rises up! Deonna runs in, Rosa dodges to fire forearm after forearm! Deonna shoves, Rosa ENZIGIRIS! Rosa runs, to SHOTGUN BOOT! Deonna flounders to ropes, Rosa pounds the mat and the fans rally again. Rosa runs side to side to DROPKICK again! Cover, TWO!! Deonna toughs it out while Rosa shakes out her arm. Rosa drags Deonna up, but Deonna SOBATS! Deonna runs to KNEE LIFT and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Deonna wants the Fujiwara but Rosa rolls free!
Deonna BOTOS Rosa down, covers, TWO! Rosa is still in this and the fans rally up. Deonna is frustrated but she fireman’s carries Rosa. Rosa fires elbows, waistlocks, but Deonna pries the hold open! Deonna waistlocks, Rosa victory rolls and STOMP 182! The fans rally up again and Rosa covers, TWO! Deonna stays in this but Rosa stays on her. Rosa drags Deonna to a drop zone, goes to a corner and climbs. But Deonna rises and catches the leap! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Rosa endures, reaches out, pushes Deonna over to get a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Deonna is in the body scissors but she fights around!
Deonna rises, to BACKPACK SENTON! Deonna is free, the fans fire up, and Deonna brings Rosa back up. Deonna SLAPS Rosa, then reels her in! Gotch Hold, but Rosa jackknife bridges! TWO, Deonna sunset flips, TWO! Prawn hold, TWO! FUJIWARA!! Rosa rolls it to a cradle, ROSA WINS!!
Winner: Thunder Rosa, by pinfall
Deonna thought she had the perfect formula but Rosa says she just beat her at wrestling! But then Deonna CLOBBERS Rosa at the ramp! The fans boo but Deonna drags Rosa up to RAM her into the bleachers! Rosa slumps down, but Deonna digs her boot in! Deonna SLAPS Rosa around, tells the ref to shut up, and she SLAPS Rosa more! So Rosa SLAPS back! They brawl on stage and then out to the ledge of the upper level! The fans fire up as they keep going! Security rushes in, the fans boo, but Deonna flips Rosa off! It seems nothing was settled here, will these two look to go Double or Nothing?
Backstage interview with The Undisputed Kingdom.
Arkady Aura is with Roderick Strong, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett as she notes Will Ospreay is the NEW #1 Contender to the AEW International Championship. Taven says hold on, before we get started here, “Not Lexy,” as three guys who care deeply about neck health, and as two guys who nursed someone from the brink of paralysis (aka Roddy), The Kingdom wishes a very speedy recovery to “the world’s greatest boss. TK, stay strong, buddy.” Roddy then shouts that “WILL… Ospreay. Congratulations, you did it! You have signed, sealed and delivered the downfall, demise and destruction of The Aerial Assassin at Double or Nothing.”
Roddy says the world can sing Ospreay’s praises, but none of that matters when you step in the ring with Roddy. Just like all the ones before, Roddy will dismantle Ospreay, he will BREAK Ospreay, and he will make Ospreay fall in front of The Savior of the Backbreaker. Roddy’s confidence is strong, but will Roddy be the one feeling the End of Heartache after taking on the #BillyGOAT?
“Big Bill” Morrissey VS Trevor Blackwell!
The human skyscraper says he wants to sit under the Learning Tree, but Chris Jericho’s gonna need a bigger tree if he’s to give guidance to Big Bill. Will Bill prove he is worthy of The Wizard’s sage advice?
The moment Bill is in the ring, he SPLASHES Trevor right in the corner! The bell rings, Bill runs to BOOT Trevor down! Trevor flounders around, Bill runs corner to corner and SPLASHES again! Trevor flops around, Bill wants Jericho to watch this. Bill said he’d show Jericho he is worthy, and we do see Jericho watching backstage, holding the FTW Championship on his shoulder and oddly still wearing a #LionHook shirt… Jericho nods as Bill CLUBS Trevor on the back! Bill then tells Jericho to watch him! Scoop and BIG BOSS SLAM!! Cover, but Bill lets off! Bill wags his finger, he wants Jericho to see more.
Bill brings Trevor up, reels him in, and short arm LARIATS! Cover, but again Bill lets off! Bill is having too much fun at poor Trevor’s expect. Bill says Jericho’s gonna wanna teach him. Bill hoists Trevor up for the SKYSCRAPER CHOKE SLAM!! One foot cover, a very Jericho move, and Bill wins!
Winner: “Big Bill” Morrissey, by pinfall
Trev might want to change his last name to Well-done, because he got roasted. Bill wants Jericho’s guidance, does he even need it when he can do all this?
BREAKING NEWS for Rampage!
Rampage won’t be following up Collision next week but it also won’t be back on Friday just yet. For AEW’s return to Canada, Rampage is going to be BACK TO BACK with Dynamite! Get ready for a truly All Elite Wednesday!
Katsuyori Shibata & Daniel Garcia VS Shane Taylor Promotions!
The Wrestler said during Collision earlier tonight that he was going to take on Shane Taylor Promotions by himself if he had to, but then the Dragonslayer offered his help. Now they’re both going to take on #TAIGASTYLE and Big Bad Shaney T. himself! Garcia wears basic trunks and boots to match Shibata, will The Wrestlers win out? Or will STP rumble, bad man, rumble?
The moment all four men are in the ring, Shibata CLOBBERS Lee Moriarty and then he and Garcia both go after Shane! The fans fire up as they stomp and kick Shane right out of the ring! Then they go out to keep after him! Shibata whips and BOOTS Shane into railing! Garcia fires off on Lee, then Shibata adds an UPPERCUT! Shibata whips and BOOTS Lee against railing! Garcia stomps Shane, Shibata snap suplexes Lee to the floor! Shibata leaves them behind to go into the ring and sit cross-legged! Garcia sits with him! The fans fire up and the two go out again. The brawling continues but Shane throws heavy hands!
Lee ROCKS Garcia, Shane puts Shibata in, and Shane storms in after Shibata. Lee sends Garcia into railing, but Shibata fires hands on Shane! Shibata KICKS and KICKS, but Shane blocks the boot! Shane JABS Shibata and Shibata falls back! Shane talks trash, the fans boo, but Shane drags Shibata up. Shane HEADBUTTS Shibata, tags Lee, and they mug Shibata. Lee stomps a mudhole in, lets off as the ref counts, but he sneaks mule kicks on Shibata the whole time! Shibata trips Lee, stomps him, but Lee gets up to RAM into Shibata! Lee brings Shibata around, suplexes, but Shibata slips free to waistlock!
Lee elbows free, kicks, but Shibata blocks! Lee KNEES Shibata but Garcia tags in! Shibata BOOTS Lee, Garcia LARIATS! Garcia DROPKICKS Shane, gets around Lee, TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! And then another TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Garcia brings Lee up again but Lee suplexes! Garcia slips free, spins Lee and kicks low, to then TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The trifecta is complete and the fans fire up! Garcia storms up on Lee, brings him up, and UPPERCUTS! The fans rally for Garcia, he CHOPS Lee to ropes. And CHOPS Lee against ropes! Garcia runs, but Shane trips him! Lee distracts the ref so Shane can DRAPING DDT to the floor!
Shibata protests but Lee mocks him by sitting cross-legged. The ring count climbs, Garcia drags himself up at 3 of 10, slides in at 5, but Lee stomps Garcia at the ropes! Lee drags Garcia up, bumps him off buckles, then tags Shane. Shane pushes Garcia against the buckles, to then CHOP! Garcia seethes and he fires forearm son Shane! The fans fire up, Garcia throws more shots, then leaps, but into Shane’s arms! Shane RAMS Garcia into a corner, then CHOPS! Shane runs up, but Garcia BOOTS! Garcia spins, but Shane ROCKS him first! And URENAGES! And then SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO!
Shane seethes but he keeps Garcia from Shibata, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Shane mocks Garcia’s dance, drags him up, but Garcia CHOPS! Garcia staggers, but Shane fires body shots in the corner! Shane ROCKS Garcia, tags Lee, and STP mugs Garcia. Garcia flounders to ropes, Lee CHOKES him! The ref counts, Lee steps away, and he stomps Garcia around. Lee wraps an arm around the ropes, then fishhooks Garcia! The ref counts, Lee lets off, and Garcia feeds off the energy of the fans. Lee brings Garcia up but Garcia fires forearm sand CHOPS! Lee gets around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Garcia stays in this but Lee stays on him with a wrench. Tag to Shane, and Lee hooks Garcia up in a COBRA TWIST, just so Shane can KNEE Garcia down!
Shane has Garcia on ropes, ROCKS him with a forearm, then scoops him for SNAKE EYES! Garcia slumps down in the corner, Shane drags him back up, and TOSSES him out! Shane goes out to then put Garcia against railing. Shane ROCKS Garcia, talks trash on fans, then brings Garcia around to scoop and SLAM him to the floor! Shane talks more trash on the fans, Lee has him cool off, and Shane brings Garcia up again. Shane puts Garcia in, tags Lee, and then Lee clamps on with a top wristlock and stretches Garcia out! Garcia endures, turns to fight the pressure, but Lee CLUBS him down. Lee drags Garcia up, tags Shane, and Shane scoop SLAMS!
Shane runs to SPLASH Garcia again! Rampage returns to single picture, Shane drags Garcia to a drop zone, and he goes up a corner. The fans boo but Shane blows them a kiss. FALLING SPLASH FLOPS as Garcia moves! T he fans fire up, but Lee KICKS him down! Lee hurries back and tags in, then he drags Garcia up. Lee wrenches, wristlocks, but Garcia endures. Lee SNAPS the fingers! The fans boo Lee being so villainous, but he drags Garcia up. Lee bumps Garcia off buckles, Shane holds Garcia up, but Garcia fights free with boots and haymakers and elbows! The fans fire up, Garcia sends Lee into Shane!
Lee hurries to waistlock but Garcia switches, SAIDO! The fans are thunderous as Lee and Garcia crawl! Hot tags to Shane and Shibata! Shibata BOOTS Shane! Shane roars, Shibata runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and BOOTS! Shibata whips to BOOT Shane in the corner! Shibata fires forearms, the ref counts, but Lee runs up. Shibata DECKS him! Garcia RAMS Lee into a corner, climbs up, and while Shibata fires forearms on Shane, Garcia rains down fists! Garcia goes all the way to nine, then DOES HIS DANCE! Shibata and Garcia coordinate, DOUBLE HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Garcia stands Shane up. Shibata runs in to BOOT!
Shibata CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS Shane, then CHOPS, CHOPS and JABS! Garcia does his dance while Shibata JABS and CHOPS to the rhythm! The fans are loving this, as now Garcia runs in to KNEE Shane! Shibata & Garcia get Shane up, to DOUBLE SUPLEX!! Cover, ONE?!? Shane has power to spare, but Garcia BOOTS him! Shibata BOOTS him! They go again, but this time Shane DOUBLE SUPLEXES them!! The fans boo but Shane tags in Lee. Lee runs up to clothesline Shibata, and JAB! And CHOP! JAB! CHOP! JAB! CHOP! Shibata just scowls at Lee! Lee says okay, and he fires more JABS and CHOPS!
Shibata steps into the shots, so Lee eggs him on! Shibata ROCKS Lee! Shane runs up, HEADBUTTS, then Lee HALF HATCH SLAMS! Cover, TWO!! Shibata toughs it out and STP grows frustrated. Lee drags Shibata up, kicks then waistlocks, but Shibata fights the lift! Shane storms in, helps Lee put on the full nelson, and Shane promises to knock Shibata out! But Shibata BOOTS Shane first! Garcia jumps on for a SLEEPER! Shibata switches on Lee for a SLEEPER!! The fans fire up as STP start fading out! Shane fires up to RAM Garcia into buckles! But Shibata BOOTS him! And Garcia SAIDOS!! Shibata PENALTY KICKS Lee!! Cover, The Wrestlers win!
Winners: Katsuyori Shibata & Daniel Garcia, by pinfall
Shibata helps Garcia stand up, and Garcia is proud to have won alongside one of his heroes! And with the fans cheering him on, Garcia sets up… to DO HIS DANCE! Will this momentum help Shibata avenge Hook and take that FTW Championship off of Chris Jericho? Or will The Learning Tree have some things to teach Shibata?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here, though I was oddly more excited when I thought it was just Deonna VS Rosa and the Parking Lot Brawl. But even so, at least Bill squashing a dude was used in story. He was showing off, he’ll surely have Jericho’s blessing if he helps defeat Shibata on Dynamite, but a part of me almost wants this to be all a trap. Bill was teammates with Ricky Starks in a feud against Jericho, and if Jericho is being obliviously arrogant then maybe Bill is using that against Jericho, too. But either way, let’s just hope this story helps Bill get going rather than slow him down like the #JerichoVortex has always done.
The Parking Lot Brawl was moving maybe a bit fast for me, especially with how there were some obvious spots already set up when they arrived, such as the drywall draped across the truck bed. But they surely got bloody, and in the end, Trent won out because he was willing to sink to the lowest low. And then they’ve written Chuck off again with that monkey wrench to the shin, so Cassidy VS Trent is definitely a Double or Nothing match. And something is just telling me that if Kris is gonna turn out to be the villain in the Willow Nightingale story, she’s probably gonna screw Cassidy over to help Trent, too.
Really good match from Deonna VS Rosa, and with Rosa getting a quick pin then that brawl, we’re clearly getting more out of them. Good promo from Kyle O’Reilly to hype AEW’s newest Canada tour, and good promo from The Kingdom to tie in their old Neck Health Awareness gag to the Tony Khan piledriver angle. Roddy calling out Ospreay, I would definitely think Ospreay wins the title at Double or Nothing. And really good tag main event from Shibata & Garcia VS Shane Taylor Promotions. STP keeps getting great showings even in losing, but Lee took the loss here to keep Shane himself strong. Great win for Shibata but this just adds to the go-home math where Jericho retains the FTW Championship on Dynamite.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Join the Brothers Wortz as they cover professional sports in unprofessional ways!
Bandwagon Nerds #232: Superhero Madness- A Top Seed Falls
Superhero Madness continues and sees the first #1 seed fall!. Plus, a trailer for a new Transformers movie, and a...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (4/20/24)
HPW looks to the horizon.
Bandwagon Nerds #231: Disney News & Superhero Madness
Round two of Superhero Madness begins this week. Cinema Con gives us plenty of Disney news and a trip to...
Bandwagon Nerds #230: Superhero Madness- Resident Aliens
Superhero Madness continues with first round battles in the Aliens bracket, plus Invincible Season 2 comes to an excellent conclusion.
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (4/1/24)
We got five on it!
Mitchell’s Road to Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (4/27/24)
Rural Revitalization continues!
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (4/27/24)
Trent Beretta's on a Rampage!
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (4/27/24)
It's a slam dunk!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: What Happened Last Week?
After a two-week hiatus, DJ gets to the bottom of why there was no podcast last week. Then, we skewer...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/26/24)
It's Draft Day!
DWI Podcast #427: Get Off My Back…lash
It's time to shake things up again!
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024
We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (4/25/24)
Champions need challengers!
Classic POD is WAR: @PattonOswalt
Tune in for another vintage episode of POD is WAR!!!
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (4/24/24)
Anybody can get it!
