Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (10/30/23)
Trick or treat, eat defeat!

Things that go bump in the night!
Crown Jewel is Saturday, but Halloween is tomorrow, so Monday Night Raw’s getting spooky! Will Natalya win her Trick or Street Fight with Chelsea Green?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley VS Ricochet; Dom wins.
- The Alpha Academy w/ Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa VS The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile; The Creeds win.
- DIY VS Imperium; DIY wins.
- Candice LeRae w/ Indi Hartwell VS Xia Li; Xia wins.
- Seth Rollins VS JD McDonagh; Rollins wins.
- Trick or Street Fight: Natalya VS Chelsea Green w/ Piper Niven; Chelsea wins.
- Sami Zayn VS Damian Priest w/ The Judgment Day; Priest wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
Rhea Ripley is here!
Mami leads Dom Dom and the Irish Ace out to the ring, and she gets the mic to welcome us to Monday Night Raw, “the show that The Judgment Day runs.” But it’s not just a saying anymore, they’ve taken care of every single superstar that has stood in their way. Last week, Damian Priest absolutely shattered Cody Rhodes’ ankle! Fans boo but Rhea says that’s just the beginning. Tonight, her Latino Heat, which fans boo, is gonna put down Ricochet and remind him not to disrespect The Judgment Day. And then we have JD McDonagh, who will remind Seth Freakin’ Rollins exactly what it feels like to be an enemy of the Judgment Day.
As for Seth and McIntyre, they’ve got some decisions to make. And whichever one decides to make the right choice, then it really comes down to who walks out of Crown Jewel a loser like all of the fans, or as the World Heavyweight Champion! And speaking of Crown Jewel, Rhea has her own match, against four of the baddest women in the WWE. “But to me, that’s just another opportunity to prove to every single one of you who is the MOST DOMINANT woman in the WWE, and why Mami is always on top!” But then Sami Zayn shows up! Fans fire up as the Great Liberator makes his way out, and goes right to the ring.
Fans cheer Sami on, he apologizes for coming out when not invited, but he is so sick of hearing Rhea talk. He is so sick of her talking about power and how Judgment Day has all the titles, and how they run Monday Night Raw. But let him explain something about himself, in case they haven’t figured it out themselves. Sami’s entire career, his entire life, he has fought people like Judgment Day. People who think like the Judgment Day, that think that all that matters is power. And as long as you’re chasing power, you can do whatever you want! Be ruthless, cutthroat, rule with an iron fist, as long as it’s in the name of power!
So if that’s the name of their game, fine! But in that case, he isn’t Sami Zayn! He is rebellion! He is resistance! And he will fight, 1v1, 2v1, 3v1, 4v1, 5v1!! As long as he has breath in his lungs, he will fight, fight, FIGHT!! Fans fire up for Sami, and Sami says he will fight them and everything they stand for until the Judgment Day is no more. Rhea laughs, and tells Sami that it’s hilarious. Sami can resist all that he wants, it doesn’t matter! The Judgment Day doesn’t need numbers when it comes to him. So if management says it’s okay, why doesn’t Sami go 1v1 against… Damian Priest! Fans cheer that, and Dom says y’know what?
Fans boo Dom, but Dom continues by saying they should teach Sami a lesson right now! The mics drop, Sami is ready, but wait! Here comes Ricochet! The King of Flight has a fight with Dom tonight anyway, so he’s here now! Rhea bails out, but then JD rushes in! Ricochet DUMPSM JD, then swings on Dom! Dom falls back, but he’ll have to fight Ricochet anyway, after the break!
Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley & JD McDonagh VS Ricochet!
Raw returns and Ricochet dodges Dom to RANA! Fans fire up as Ricochet DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Ricochet brings Dom around, CHOPS him to a corner, and then ROCKS him! Dom staggers around, Ricochet ROCKS him again, then CHOPS again! Rhea is frustrated but Ricochet whips. Dom holds ropes to stop himself, then Ricochet runs in, Dom puts Ricochet on the apron, blocks a boot and YANKS Ricochet into rope! Then Dom DROPKICKS Ricochet down! Rhea is happy now but fans boo. Rhea taunts Ricochet, Dom goes out, but fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Dom SMACKS Ricochet off the desk!
Dom soaks up the heat, Rhea & JD cheer him on, and Dom pushes Ricochet into the ring. Dom storms up on Ricochet, RAMS him into the corner, and again! Then Dom whips corner to corner hard, and Ricochet bounces off buckles. Fans taunt Dom but he just ignores them to bring Ricochet up. Dom stomps Ricochet, the ref counts, and Dom stands on the corner to soak up heat. Dom taunts the fans, then he stomps Ricochet back down. Dom drags Ricochet up, whips him corner to corner hard, and Ricochet falls! Fans continue to boo but Dom storms up on Ricochet. Dom throws hands, throws body shots, then whips.
Ricochet goes up and out and Dom hits buckles! Ricochet bumps Dom off buckles, then KICKS Dom away! Fans fire up and Ricochet springboards, but Dom gets under. Dom runs in but into a Tiger Wall Kick, and ENZIGURI! Fans fire up with Ricochet and he NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through to deadlift and BRAINBUSTER! Rhea panics as Ricochet STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Rhea can breathe again, and Dom gets out of the ring. Dom flops over and JD fans him off. Ricochet has the fans behind him, and Ricochet runs to DIVE! Direct hit on Dom! Fans are thunderous, Rhea freaks and JD seethes as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Dom has Ricochet down with a chinlock. Ricochet fights up, throws body shots, and then he ROCKS Dom with a right! And another! Dom kicks low, snap suplexes, and that’s Uno Amigo! Fans boo as Dom hits Dos Amigos! Fans boo more as Dom hits THREE AMIGOS! Rhea & JD like it as Dom gets the legs to CATAPULT Ricochet onto ropes! Dom dials it up, 619 MISSES as Ricochet ducks! Ricochet handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Ricochet sits up first, Dom crawls to ropes, and both men stand. Dom swings but Ricochet counter punches! Ricochet fires off, whips, but Dom reverses.
Ricochet RAANS Dom down, then handsprings up! Fans fire up as Ricochet runs corner to corner to RAM into Dom! Ricochet goes tot he apron, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Then LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Dom survives and Rhea is again relieved. Ricochet drags Dom up, fireman’s carries, but Dom claws the eyes! Dom then runs to NECKBREAKER! Rhea cheers as Dom goes up a corner. Dom aims, but Ricochet avoids the splash! SUPERKICK! Rhea panics again as Ricochet drags Dom to a drop zone! Ricochet goes up and fans fire up, but Rhea distracts! JD runs up but Ricochet avoids him!
JD avoids the superkick! Dom rolls Ricochet up! With tights and the rope!! DOM WINS!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall
But Ricochet SUPERKICKS JD after all! And hits Dom with RECOIL!! Rhea is furious but that’s what her boys deserve! Ricochet goes up the corner but Rhea drags Dom to safety! Dom has to get ready for Halloween Havoc tomorrow night, will Nathan Frazer find a way past Mami to take that North American title?
Raquel Rodriguez speaks.
“I am going up against four of the most dominant women in this division. The biggest, the baddest, the best that this company has to offer. Not one of them has the fight that I have. The drive that I have. So they can consider me the underdog, they can put a chip on my shoulder. It’s okay. It’ll make it that much sweeter when I take each and every single one of them down. At Crown Jewel, I will show the entire world why I am the most dominant woman on Raw when I become Women’s World Champion.”
The Alpha Academy w/ Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa VS The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile!
In order to prove they’re still tag title worthy, Chad Gable & Otis put out an open challenge to any team from any brand! As such, NXT’s Julius & Brutus accepted! Will the Diamond Mine win big on their Raw debut? Or will Gable & Otis SHOOOOSH~ the doubters and get back to the tag titles?
Raw returns and the Creeds make their entrance. The teams sort out and Julius starts against Gable, They tie up, Gable wasitlocks but Julius slips around, They go facelock for facelcok, waistlock for waistlock, and Gable SLAMS Julius down! Gable brings Julius back up, but Julius arm-drags free. Julius shoots in to waistlock and SLAM! Julius brings Gable up, he slips free, and arm-drags! Julius arm-drags! The two stand off and the fans cheer the exchange. Gable and Julius shake hands, tie up, and Gable headlocks. Gable spins, spins and drop toeholds! Gable facelocks, but Julius deadlift suplexes from the floor!
Brutus tags in, he takes the handoff, and Brutus marches around with Gable! Brutus SLAMS Gable down! Fans fire up for the strength, and Brutus brings Gable up. Gable shoves to hip toss but Brutus handsprings through! Brutus fireman’s carries for the takeover! Gable hurries to his corner, tag to Otis! Fans fire up as those legs start shaking. Otis and Brutus tie up, Brutus waistlocks but Otis is too big! Otis throws Brutus away! Otis powers Brutus to a corner, the ref counts but Brutus gets away.
Otis runs to RAM Brutus down! Otis whips Brutus to a corner, runs in, but Brutus dodges! Otis hits buckles, Brutus pushes him away and leaps, DOUBLE AX HANDLES! Otis stays up but Julius tags in. The Creeds double whip Otis to the corner but Otis comes back to DOUBLE LARIAT! Fans fire up, Gable DOUBLE CROSSBODIES! Then the Academy DOUBLE EXPLODER! Fans fire up, the Academy says, “A THANK YEW~!” and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Brutus has Gable’s arm but Gable reaches out. Otis reaches but Brutus keeps them apart! Brutus whips, Gable ducks ‘n’ dodges and rolls to get a leg, ANKLE LOCK!! Brutus scrambles, fans fire up, Brutus victory rolls! TWO, and Gable runs up, but Brutus catches him! Fireman’s carry and SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Gable is still in this and Maxxine is relieved. Brutus snarls, watches Gable rise, and Brutus runs in at the corner, but Gable gets around! GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up and Gable crawls for the corner! Brutus crawls, too, hot tags to Julius and Otis! Fans fire up as Otis runs through the double clotheslines!
Otis rolls under to come back and DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans are thunderous as Otis scoops and SLAMS Julius! And scoop SLAMS Brutus! Short arm LARIAT for Julius! Maxxine says go off, Otis! Otis SPLASHES Julius down, and he has a target! Otis rips the shirt off, and he starts up the CATERPILLAR ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Julius survives, but Otis scoops. Julius slips free, JUMP KNEES, and he tags Brutus! Brutus goes up, to DOUBLE AX HANDLE! Down goes Otis, Julius STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Brutus STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, Gable breaks it! Gable dodges Julius and CROSSBODIES Julius and himself out of the ring!
Brutus and Otis stand and fans fire up! Otis runs up, Brutus dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Brutus tries again but Otis stays up! Brutus LARIATS again but Otis just fires up! They run in again, Brutus ducks and goes up, to then CROSSBODY, but Otis catches him! WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! Cover, Julius 450 SPLASHES it apart!! But Gable’s up top, to MOONSAULT the pile!! Fans are thunderous as all four men are down! Maxxine gets on the apron but Ivy yanks her down! Ivy gets on the apron, but Maxxine yanks her down! Tozawa tells he ladies to relax, but Ivy just GERMAN SUPLEXES him for it!
Gable is distracted, Brutus DUMPS him out! Julius tags in, Otis CLOBBERS Brutus! Otis goes up but Julius CLUBS him! Julius gets Otis in an Electric Chair Lift?! Brutus goes up, for the BRUTUS BALL!! Cover, CREEDS WIN!!
Winners: The Creed Brothers, by pinfall
Gable can’t believe it! He put out the challenge, only to lose! But Gable still shows the Creeds respect. Julius & Brutus have a Tables, Ladders & Scares match tomorrow night, will they survive to have a solid spot here on Raw waiting for them?
The Judgment Day talks backstage.
Finn Balor & Damian Priest are discussing things, but then someone knocks on the door. “Trick or Treat!” What?! Trick or treat! It’s the New Day! They’re cosplaying as the NEW~ Judgment Day! Trick or treat! Put the candy in the- Wait, what is that? Priest doesn’t know? It’s the Money in the Bank Briefcase! No candy? But the light’s on! Lame. They’ll just go to the next house. But as they exit, Rhea and Dom walk in. Woods says hi to Mami, but Kofi tells him to move along. Dom is confused, Finn asks if he’s okay. Good win but what happened after was no bueno. Ricochet needs to pay! And he would’ve, if the entire Judgment Day was out there.
Hey, Dom still won, it is fine. They need to focus on business, okay? Speaking of which… Priest has a lot to focus on. He has Cody at Crown Jewel, and he might even cash in on a broken down Seth Rollins, or even on Drew McIntyre. Maybe even on Roman Reigns! Or he gives LA Knight the shortest title reign of all time. But uh, we’re all equals here, right? No leaders? Finn says yeah, no leaders. Then did Priest miss a meeting where they decided they could make matches for each other? Priest looks at Rhea and Rhea asks if what Cody said last week is bothering him. There are no leaders here, they’ve been through that.
But Rhea made the match for Priest VS Sami is because Priest is the Punisher of the Judgment Day! He takes care of everyone in their way! It’s what he does! Right, guys? Yeah! Okay, okay, take it easy. Then let’s not make tonight about Priest, but about the Judgment Day! They’re gonna show the world who runs this, right? YEAH! JD puts his hand in and the others tell him stop. Right, sorry. But let’s do it! The team is united and Rhea says they run Raw. But will Sami Zayn be just the rebel needed to bring them down?
Nia Jax speaks.
“Ever since my return to Raw, I did everything I said I was gonna do. I’ve squashed everyone. Shayna Baszler: squashed. Zoey Stark: squashed. Raquel Rodriguez: squashed. On my very first night back, I squashed the most dominant women’s champion, Rhea Ripley. At Crown Jewel, I’m gonna show the world that I am the most dominant woman on Raw, and become the next Women’s World Champion.”
The Miz is here!
The Hollywood A-Lister is ready to host perhaps the most prestigious episode of MizTV yet, as he has the WWE Intercontinental Champion, Gunther! We find out what Miz has in store for Der Ring General, after the break.
Raw returns and Miz has the mic to welcome us back to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, and says it is a very special Halloween edition. After the announcement of Bash in Berlin, Miz secured one of the biggest guests in MizTV history. And this is the very first time this man has been on any WWE talk show, so please welcome the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in WWE history, THE RING GENERAL, GUNTHER! … Well, wait, where’s the music? Miz says it is Gunther’s first time, he must not know the protocol. Miz announces the guest, the guest comes out.
So once again, please welcome THE RING GENERAL…! GUNTHER! Still nothing. Does Miz have to say it in German? But Ludwig Kaiser comes out saying “Nein nein nein…!” He hates to break it to The Miz, but Der Ring General isn’t just gonna walk down because Miz tells him to! Ludwig & Vinci join Miz in the ring and Ludwig says especially not The Miz. The Miz is everything that is wrong with the WWE Universe today! The fans boo but Ludwig says Miz is the “embodiment of what we absolutely despise! You are nothing but a clown, Miz!”
Miz says he’s been called a lot of things, but he’s been another man’s sidekick like Ludwig. And that must make Vinci the third wheel! Vinci’s sorry, but wasn’t Miz Maryse’s sidekick on Total Divas? Miz takes his sunglasses off and says, “He talks! With such a deep voice! He said something! Give a round of applause, ladies and gentlemen! He spoke!” And um, it’s Miz & Mrs. And Vinci wishes could be yelled at by someone as hot as his wife, instead of being yelled at by Ludwig. By the way, Ludwig let Vinci talk? Isn’t he supposed to be in charge? Vinci says he talks when he wants to talk, but then Ludwig says Vinci talks when either Gunther or Ludwig wants him to!
But speaking of Gunther, here he comes! Gunther storms his way to the ring, belt on his shoulder as he wears a clean suit. Miz finally introduces us to Gunther! And he welcomes Gunther to the show and offers him a seat. Gunther does not sit, he just takes a mic. Since Miz didn’t understand the message, Gunther will say it: he is not Miz’s guest. He is here to make two things clear to Miz. First, it is the year 2023 and Miz wants to run a talk show? Second, this ring is SACRED to Gunther. And everything Miz does is beneath him. In fact, MIZ is beneath Gunther. Gunther does not respect Miz. Fans boo but Miz says that was one way to break the ice.
Miz says it’s also not the first time he’s heard all that, nor will it be the last. Miz will explain something to Gunther now: Miz interviewed Invisible John Cena, and that was more entertaining than Gunther. And he also explains that from movies to TV to this ring, Miz is the biggest star that WWE has! Gunther says see, this is Miz’s issue. Once the bell rings, it doesn’t matter how “entertaining” Miz is, when things get serious, the only thing that matters is how good of a wrestler you are! And that is why Miz is a talk show host, and Gunther is the GREATEST Intercontinental Champion of all time! Fans are a bit torn there.
Miz says if we’re talking serious, then he can be serious when he wants. He was serious when he beat Randy Orton to earn his first WWE Championship. Miz was serious when he beat John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania! Miz was serious when he won his SECOND WWE Championship over a decade later! And he wants Gunther to really understand this, so Miz will go slowly. Miz was very, very serious when he made the title on Gunther’s shoulder the most relevant title in ALL of WWE! Fans fire up for that one! And Miz has no problem doing it again. Gunther is amused now. Is Miz serious? Fans chant “YES HE CAN! YES HE CAN!”
Gunther says he gets it. Miz is one of the greatest sports entertainers of all time, he’s all about making moments. So why not create a MizTV moment we’ll never forget? Gunther tells Ludwig & Vinci in German what to do, and Ludwig takes one of the Jack O’ Lanterns. The one with the upside-down WWE logo that represents The Miz. Ludwig SMASHES it! Fans boo and Gunther asks what Miz is gonna do. Like always, NOTHING. Vinci & Ludwig get the chairs out of the ring, but Miz DECKS Ludwig and TOSSES Vinci! But Gunther CHOPS Miz down! Gunther looms over Miz and asks who he thinks he is! He is NOT in Gunther’s league.
Gunther takes his leave but Miz fires off haymakers! Fans fire up but the others are back for Gunther to BOOT Miz down! Fans boo as Miz is the one sent out of the ring. But wait! Here comes DIY! Gargano & Ciampa are going to face Ludwig & Vinci, will they get payback by proxy for Miz?
The Miz finds Adam Pearce in his office.
Miz asks if Pearce saw that out there. He has never been so disrespected and humiliated in his career! Is he sure about that? Not the point! Miz asks if Pearce is going to let Imperium do that to a future first ballot Hall of Famer. Pearce can’t imagine that felt good. No it did not! So Miz wants a match with Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship! Why should he do that? Does he need to rattle off the accolades? Two-Time Grand Slam Champion. EIGHT-Time Intercontinental Champion. EIGHT-Time Tag Team Champion. Yes, Miz, we know the credentials, but Pearce can’t just give Miz a title match!
If Miz will calm down, Pearce can give Miz the chance to earn one. In fact, Pearce is supposed to be meeting with someone who also has that in mind. Who? “ME!” Bronson Reed!? Unless Miz has a problem with that. Didn’t Bronson get his shot? Well, okay, Miz says it’s fine. Just know Miz is the one who takes that title off Gunther. Pearce and Bronson talk, what big plans are in store for the Intercontinental Championship scene?
DIY VS Imperium!
Raw returns and the teams sort out. Gargano starts against Vinci and they circle. They tie up, Vinci headlocks but Gargano powers out. Vinci runs him over, things speed up, and Gargano leaps, but into Vinci’s arms! Vinci scoops but Gargano slips free. Gargano ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA Vinci to the corner! Gargano CHOPS, then tags Ciampa. Gargano whips Vinci back into the corner, Ciampa taunts Ludwig before he and Gargano coordinate, DOUBLE KICK COMBO in the corner! Ciampa snapmares Vinci, stomps him down, then tags Gargano back in. Gargano dropkicks Vinci, then brings him around to tag Ciampa back in.
DIY mug Vinci, and Ciampa headlocks. Vinci claws the eyes, puts Ciampa on ropes, and he ROCKS and UPPERCUTS Ciampa. Fans chant “D I Y! D I Y!” as Vinci whips. Ciampa kicks but Vinci blocks to short arm LARIAT! Tag to Ludwig and Imperium stomps Ciampa to a corner. Vinci ROCKS Ciampa, Ludwig runs up, but blocks a boot! “NEIN!” UPPERCUT! Ludwig soaks up the heat, drags Ciampa up to whip but Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges. Gargano sneaks a tag, Ciampa CHOPS, Gargano CLUBS, Ciampa JAWBREAKERS! Gargano wrenches an arm, Ciampa LARIATS! Gargano runs, Vinci grabs him but Ciampa KNEES Vinci down!
Fans fire up as Gargano builds speed. Ciampa holds the ropes open and Gargano DIVES onto Vinci! They sit on the apron to applaud and pat themselves on the back! Fans cheer, Gargano ROCKS Vinci but Ludwig UPPERCUTS Gargano! Ludwig slides in, Vinci APRON BACK SUPLEXES Gargano, and Ludwig DROPKICKS Gargano back out! Fans boo but Imperium taunts Ciampa as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ludwig grinds Gargano down with a chinlock. Fans rally, Gargano fights up and throws body shots. Ludwig whips Gargano, scoops with a gut wrench and SLAMS him! Tag to Vinci, and Ludwig whips Gargano, only for Gargano to TOSS Ludwig out! Gargano DUMPS Vinci, and hurries for his corner! Fans fire up, but Vinci drags Gargano back. Gargano ENZIGURIS Vinci, but Ludwig YANKS Ciampa down! Fans boo but Vinci pops Gargano up for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Vinci taunts Gargano, drags him back up, and SLAPS him! Vinci eggs Gargano on, so Gargano SLAPS back!
Vinci knees low, reels him in, but Gargano turns powerbomb into DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Gargano and Vinci crawl, hot tags to Ludwig and Ciampa! The Psycho Killer rallies on Ludwig! Then on Vinci! Then a clothesline in one corner! Clothesline in another corner! Then he ducks ‘n dodges and DOUBLE LARIATS! Fans are thunderous for Ciampa and he whips Ludwig. THESZ PRESS and fast hands! Ciampa then gets around, ripcord and FOREARM! REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Ciampa drags Ludwig up. Ciampa reels Ludwig in, underhooks, but Ludwig wrenches out to HAYMAKER!
Ciampa fires haymakers back, but Ludwig shoves him away. Ciampa rebounds, into the ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Cover, Gargano breaks it! Vinci runs in but Gargano rolls him up, SCHOOLBOY KICK! But Ludwig PENALTY KICKS Gargano! Ciampa rolls Ludwig up, TWO! Both men scramble up, Ciampa BOOTS! Ciampa runs, into a DISCUS LARIAT! Fans boo but Ludwig huffs and puffs. Tag to Vinci, Ludwig goes up. Vinci brings Ciampa in, but Ciampa resists the bomb to back drop Vinci! Ludwig still leaps, into a SUPERKICK from Gargano! Ciampa sits on Vinci, TWO! Vinci has the sunset, TWO!
Vinci CHOPS, UPEPRCUTS and whips! Ciampa reverses, Vinci goes up and up and MOONSAULTS but FLOPS as Ciampa dodges! PSYCHO KNEE! Tag to Gargano, and they take corners! They MEET IN THE MIDDLE!! Cover, DIY wins!
Winners: DIY, by pinfall
Their first match together in three YEARS, and it’s like they never missed a beat! Will Gunther be furious with his men over this? Will DIY prove they are tag title worthy?
Shinsuke Nakamura speaks.
“I am still looking for the next sacrifice. Where are you? Do you want me to choose you? Or will you choose for me? Go ahead. Step forward. Awaken me. What are you afraid of? Poke the lion. That is what a strong, brave hero does. DO it! Show yourself! I am waiting.”
Xia Li speaks.
“A mighty warrior has their own way of fighting. Don’t turn away from your fears, embrace them. Destiny whispers softly in my ear, saying, ‘You cannot withstand the storm.’ I answer, ‘I AM the storm!'”
Candice LeRae w/ Indi Hartwell VS Xia Li!
The Poison Pixie is still trying to find her way to the top, but The Exterminator will not stop until she is the one standing over everyone! Will Candice show Xia all she’s earned is a Wild Ride? Or will this be Xia’s first step towards the title?
Raw returns as Xia makes her entrance. The bell rings and Xia rushes in! Candice dodges to fire off haymakers! Fans fire up but the ref counts. Candice lets off, runs in and back body blocks! Candice snapmares Xia, then step-up SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Candice CLUBS Xia out of the ring, goes after her at the apron, but Xia drags Candice out. Xia spins Candice to ROCK her, and CHOP her! Xia then smothers Candice with the apron skirt and KNEES her in the back! Fans are torn as Candice gets away and the ref reprimands. Xia runs in but into a BOOT! Candice ELBOWS Xia, rolls her up, ONE! Xia JUMP KNEES back!
Candice rebounds, into a SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE! Fans boo and the ref checks Candice. Xia wants after Candice but the ref keeps her back. Fans rally, Candice does manage to stand but on shaky legs. The ref checks with Candice, again has to keep Xia back, and the ref calls it!
Winner: Xia Li, by referee stoppage
Indi checks on Candice while Xia smiles triumphantly. If Xia is that dangerous, will anyone be able to stop her? As for Candice, medics check her but she insists she is fine. But is she really? Or will she have to be very careful the next time she’s in the ring?
Jey Uso finds Sami backstage.
They say what’s up and Jey loves the passion! He’s all fired up, too! But he also wishes Sami good luck against Priest, Sami has this. Sami thanks Jey, but then in walks Jackie Redmond. She wants a quick word with Jey. Sami says that’s fine, he’s gotta bounce. Yeet! Jackie asks Jey about Judgment Day. Yes, she knows that’s a sore subject, especially with Finn Balor costing Jey against Damian Priest. Jey says he’ll slide on Finn soon, and Sami’s gonna handle business tonight. Cody will handle business at Crown Jewel. But Jey thinks he and Cody can get those titles one more time. And then, we’ll see how Mami feels about it. YEET.
Shayna Baszler speaks.
“You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do. And what I plan on doing is ripping and tearing, limb by limb, four women who parade themselves around on Monday Night Raw as if they’re worthy competition. But not of them truly understand the pain that I am capable of inflicting. And at Crown Jewel, I’m going to show the world that I am the most dominant woman on Raw, and that I am the next Women’s World Champion.”
Candice gets checked backstage.
DIY is there for her, as are Kayden Carter & Katana Chance. Candice has an ice pack on her shoulder and is getting checked for a concussion. What will be the state of the Poison Pixie after tonight?
Drew McIntyre speaks.
The Scottish Warrior sits in the Performance Center. “One of the most memorable moments of my career happened during a time in history that nobody wants to remember. I find myself looking back and asking, ‘Was the sacrifice worth it?’ Of course. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t angry. Before the age of 30, I was named The Chosen One. Failed, then fired, forced to reinvent myself. And ultimately, I took my second chance. Finally, after 20 years of giving absolutely everything to this industry, I won the Royal Rumble. I had the fans behind me. There was gonna be a stadium full of people screaming my name when I slayed the Beast in the main event of WrestleMania.
“Then, everything changed overnight. WrestleMania was gonna be in front of nobody? You gotta be freakin’ kidding me. The Pandemic shut the world down. And although the WWE carried on, I was all alone. I beat Brock Lesnar, became WWE Champion, in this very building. The biggest moment of my career, with no one there to celebrate. Still, I did what I’ve always done: my job. I defended my title against the very best the WWE has to offer. Put my body through absolute hell. I needed to be a champion to be proud of. And when everybody finally returned, my moment had past.
“For years, I fought and clawed my way to get it back. When the WWE returned to the UK once again, everything aligned. I was gonna beat Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship with 60 thousand people screaming me on. Only for The Bloodline to cheat and take it all away from me. Unlike everyone else, I won’t forgive the Bloodline, I can’t erase the past. But at Crown Jewel, I can make it right. For Seth Freakin’ Rollins, this is just another defense in a Hall of Fame career. But for me, this is everything. We both live for this. Seth is willing to break his back to keep his championship. And I’m willing to break his back to take it from him.
“I need this. No more broken dreams. 2020 Seth Rollins was my first title defense. And at Crown Jewel, I will be his last.” The Scottish Warrior is ready, will he slay the Visionary?
Zoey Stark speaks.
“This match, this Fatal 5 Way match, is for me. See, when I’m inside that ring, I’m the Hunter. And the females that are standing in there with me, they’re my prey. Because I was born for this, this is my destiny, I am unstoppable! So at Crown Jewel, I am going to prove to the world that I am the most dominant female on the Raw roster, and become your new Women’s World Champion.”
Seth Rollins VS JD McDonagh!
Speaking of that Visionary, speaking of that Revolutionary, speaking of that WWE World Heavyweight Champion, he is here and ready to #BurnItDown! Will Rollins be rolling into Crown Jewel? Or will he be trumped by the Irish Ace?
Raw returns and Rollins revels in the fans singing his song, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins then has the mic to tell Greenville, “Welcome to Monday Night Rollins!” He is the Visionary, he is the Revolutionary, he IS Seth Freakin’ Rollins! And Greenville, he is feeling like getting a little loose out here tonight. So he graciously agreed to beat the bejeezus out of the Judgment Day’s bag boy here tonight, And he will do that in preparation for Saturday, Crown Jewel, Seth Rollins VS Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship! And Rollins is a fan of McIntyre, so Rollins says this as respectfully as he can after hearing what McIntyre had to say earlier.
“Boo freakin’ hoo! Cry me a river, ya big Scottish baby! Nah, you wanna flashback to 2020, right? All of us were suffering in some way, alright? All of us were fighting our battles in some way! There were a lot of people who had it worse off than you did, okay? They didn’t know when they were gonna get their next paycheck. They didn’t know when they were gonna get their next batch of groceries. They didn’t know when they were gonna see their loved ones again. Some of them didn’t get to! So excuse me for not feeling sorry for you that you didn’t get to win the WWE Championship the way you dreamt it.”
Rollins says McIntyre wants to blame everything else on The Bloodline, his failures and shortcomings, again cry me a river and get in line! Look at Sami Zayn! At Cody Rhodes! You don’t hear those guys asking for pity, now do ya? But Rollins will say this: McIntyre was a hell of a champion. And Saturday at Crown Jewel, if McIntyre can take this title from Rollins, if he can pry it from Rollins’ waist, then Rollins will be the first man to shake McIntyre’s hand and call him the champ, just like he did back in 2020! Fans cheer that. But Rollins ain’t the same guy McIntyre beat back then. The Monday Night Messiah is long gone, he is not the Architect. There’s a reason the fans sing his song!
There is a reason- JD ATTACKS FROM BEHIND! Fans boo as JD stomps away on Rollins! The ref tries to stop him but JD fires down fists! JD lets off to take off his jacket and wants the match to start! The ref check with Rollins, and Rollins is fuming. Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at JD, Rollins says do it. The bell rings, JD runs in, and Rollins BOOTS him down! Rollins TOSSES JD out, goes out after him, and fires haymakers! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Rollins keeps JD from running away into the crowd, and CHOPS him again! Rollins SMACKS JD off the apron, brings him around, and then RAMS JD into barriers!
Fans fire up with Rollins, Rollins puts JD in the ring, and JD wants him to show mercy. Fans sing the song, Rollins storms up, and he blocks the kick to CHOP! And CHOP! Rollins CHOPS JD in the corner, stalks him to another corner, but JD turns it around, JD swings, misses, and Rollins CHOPS JD down! JD crawls away while Rollins smiles. Fans rally and Rollins puts JD in a corner. Fans chant “WHOOP THAT TRICK!” as Rollins runs and RAMS JD into buckles! Rollins whips JD to then back drop him! Fans fire up while JD writhes, and Rollins storms up to drag Rollins up. “How do you like it, kid?”
Rollins whips JD to a corner, JD tumbles up and out and trips Rollins, to then slingshot and TORNILLO SENTON! JD snarls while Rollins goes to a corner. JD CHOPS Rollins, digs his boots in, but the ref counts. JD lets off at 4, Rollins sputters and JD CHOKES Rollins! The ref counts, JD lets off at 4 again, but fans rally for Rollins. JD drags Rollins up to DECK him! And DECK him again! Rollins hits back with haymakers! And a CHOP! Rollins storms up but into a JAWBREAKER! JD drags Rollins up, whips him to ropes, but Rollins holds ropes. Rollins ELBOWS JD away, JD runs in but Rollins TOSSES him up and out!
Fans fire up as JD hits the ground hard! Rollins builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and JD is sent over the announce desk! The fans are thunderous and singing Rollins’ song as we go to break.
Raw returns and JD has Rollins down in a rear bearhug. Fans rally as Rollins endures, and Rollins fights up to throw elbows. JD shoves Rollins into a corner, runs in, but into a BUCKLE SHOT! JD sputters, Rollins catches his breath. Rollins ROCKS JD with haymakers, CHOPS, and repeat! Rollins fires CHOP after CHOP after CHOP and has JD against ropes! The ref counts, Rollins lets off but whips JD. JD reverses but Rollins reverses back to rally with clotheslines! Rollins mule kicks, front kicks and DISCUS LARIATS! Fans fire up and sing while JD goes to a corner. Rollins runs corner to corner, to forearm smash!
Rollins whips but JD dodges, only for Rollins to still LARIAT him down! Rollins hurries to get JD up, to suplex, but JD slips free! O’Conner Roll, TWO! JD goes to a corner, comes back, but into a SLINGBLADE! Rollins hurries to run and KNEE JD down! Cover, TWO! Rollins is frustrated but the fans continue to rally. Rollins aims from a corner, JD sits up, and Rollins run sin. But JD avoids the stomp! Rollins kicks first, underhooks, but JD slips under to then HEADBUTT Rollins down! Rollins flounders, JD goes up a corner! JD MOONSAULTS but has to roll through as Rollins moves! Rollins kicks low, underhooks, but JD trips and jackknife bridges! TWO as Rollins bridges up!
JD wrenches out of the underhooks and then ripcords, but Rollins KNEES JD down! Rollins runs, but JD gets him for a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives and JD is furious! JD hurries around, drags Rollins up and in, but Rollins slips free to get JD up! BUCKLE BOMB! JD falls, Rollins goes up! Fans fire up but here comes Damian Priest! Rollins still FROG SPLASHES, into knees! JD cradles, TWO!! Rollins sputters, Priest has his own ref! Could he cash-in tonight!? JD goes up, but Rollins trips him! Priest smirks as Rollins goes up, and JD throws elbows! Rollins falls, fans rally for him, and Rollins springs back up!
Rollins gets JD up for a SUPER BACK SUPLEX!! Both men are down but Rollins fires back up! Priest still smirks and Rollins dares him to make his move. JD kicks Rollins and underhooks! But Rollins back drops! JD sunset flips, Rollins rolls through and flips JD into the PEDIGREE!! And then the CURB STOMP!! Cover, Rollins wins!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
The Visionary stares Priest down, but Priest still smirks. Rollins then storms out to stare Priest down face to face. Rollins again dares Priest to make his move. Priest holds up the briefcase, and says it is inevitable. Be careful what you wish for. Rollins says Priest better not waste it. Will the Punisher take down whoever it is that holds onto the World Heavyweight Championship on Saturday?
Ricochet talks with Pearce backstage.
Ricochet knows Pearce saw, just as everyone did, what happened out there with Dominik. Pearce did, but Ricochet still had a great showing. Here’s a way to make it up for him. Ricochet can earn a shot at the Intercontinental Championship. Well, that does sound good, but Ricochet still has a bone to pick with Dom. Pearce feels that. Ricochet heads out, and then in storm Chelsea & Piper, cosplaying Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart. Chelsea is furious that her match with Natalya is a Trick or Street Fight! Is he for real? Are they for real in this get-up? He has no time to discuss this, Hitman & Anvil. He has a lot on his plate. Yeah, he does! And cute costume.
What? He turns around and sees The Viking Raiders! Sarah Logan says the gods demand they speak about the Intercontinental Championship. See you in your office. Ivar & Sarah head out, and Pearce says he needs a drink.
BREAKING NEWS for Crown Jewel!
As part of the Crown Jewel Kickoff Show, it will be Sami Zayn VS JD McDonagh! The Great Liberator said he would rebel against the Judgment Day, but will he be able to get through JD?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.
Jackie Redmond is with The Man, and says it has been a few days since the epic battle in which Becky lost the NXT Women’s Championship. What’s Becky’s takeaway looking back at that title reign? Well, she’s a little lighter around the waist and a little heavier in the heart. But if anyone was gonna take that title from her, it had to be someone passionate, hungry and eats, sleeps and drinks this business, and that is Lyra Valkyria. But Becky isn’t afraid of losing, because that doesn’t keep her down and never will keep her down. In just 42 days, Becky defended her title more than Rhea Ripley has all year! More than Roman!
Becky is the catalyst for change, and is the reason why everyone who wanted their shot got one. Becky doesn’t need a title, the title needs her. But then in walks Xia. Xia asks if Becky is so scared that she lost the title so she wouldn’t have to face Xia. What’s she doing? Becky says if Xia wants to fight, we can do that here and now. Xia says they will fight, on her time. Her time? It’s been three weeks! When is it her time?
Trick or Street Fight: Natalya VS Chelsea Green w/ Piper Niven!
The Queen of Harts may not be a platinum recording artist, but she’s looking like bad bunny tonight. Will she quite literally whip the attitude out of the Hot Mess? Or will Chelsea look to establish herself as the best there was, the best there is, and the best there ever will be?
Raw returns and Chelsea makes her entrance, using the Bret Hart music! Natty is not amused. The bell rings and Chelsea kicks low then throws Natty by her bunny ears! Piper fetches a pie and Chelsea PIE FACES Natty! Then Chelsea dribbles Natty off the crust! But Natty trips Chelsea to get the legs! Chelsea kicks her away, BOOTS her down, then hurries out to get some candy bowls. Chelsea puts those in one at a time, and even a kendo stick and some chairs. Natty rushes out to kick Chelsea! Natty SMACKS Chelsea with the kendo stick! And DISCUS LARIATS her into the timekeeper’s area!
Fans rally as Natty hops up and over the railing, but then Chelsea SMACKS her down with a trash can lid! Piper fetches more items and Chelsea SMACKS Natty down again! The tag champs move the table closer and fans like that! Another SMACK with the trash can lid, and Chelsea puts Natty on the table. Piper helps Chelsea go up onto the barriers, and Chelsea grins as SENTONS through the table, but no Natty!! Natty avoided disaster, and she puts Chelsea in the ring. Chelsea hurries away but Natty pursues up the ramp! Natty drags Chelsea back to DUNK in the apple tank! Fans fire up as Chelsea sputters, but then Natty dunks her again!
Piper runs up but Natty SLAPS her! And trips her! Natty has the legs, but Chelsea runs up! Natty trips her, and has them both! But they both BOOT Natty into the POST! Piper tells Chelsea to keep on Natty, and Chelsea stomps Natty down. Chelsea drags Natty up to SMACK off the apron. Natty hits back, and has a pumpkin! Chelsea BOOTS Natty down first! Chelsea picks up the biggest pumpkin, something’s under it so Chelsea puts it back. Wait, what was under it? Chelsea picks that one up, and it’s NIKKI CROSS’S HEAD!? Chelsea freaks out, the pumpkin falls onto her head! She blindly staggers around and falls over!
Chelsea sits up, sees Nikki again and freaks outa gain! Natty dribbles Chelsea off the table! Natty whips, Chelsea reverses and Natty hits steel steps! Piper tells Chelsea to keep going and she puts Natty in the ring. Chelsea hoists Natty up top, Piper gets a black bag! Chelsea empties the bag out, to reveal CANDY CORN! Chelsea goes up the corner, but Natty slips under! POWERBOBM onto the candies!! Cover, TWO!!! But Natty gets the legs! SHARPSHOOTER!! Fans fire up, but Piper shouts at Natty! Natty runs up to ROCK Piper! Piper grabs Natty, Chelsea runs in, but Natty moves! The pie hits Piper! Natty runs in, Chelsea sends her into Piper!
Piper falls but Chelsea doesn’t care, she chicken wings for the I AM PRETTIER on the candy!! Cover, Chelsea wins!
Winner: Chelsea Green, by pinfall
The Hot Mess makes a mess of everything, but she still gets a win thanks to her tag partner! Will Natty ever live this down? Will Chelsea & Piper make it through Halloween Havoc and their tag title defense?
Rhea Ripley speaks.
“Every woman in this match thinks that this is their chance to make a name for themselves. Well, the reality is, it’s not. It’s nothing to do with them. It’s to do with me. This is MY chance to beat every single one of the top females here in this division all at once. To claim this as Mami’s show. And at Crown Jewel, I will prove to the world that I’m the most dominant woman here on Raw. And I will stay your Women’s World Champion.”
BREAKING NEWS for next week’s Raw!
To determine the next contender to the Intercontinental Championship, a Fatal 4 Way has been created! The Miz, Bronson Reed, Ricochet and Ivar will all battle it out, who will stand tall to challenge Der Ring General?
And to prove himself to Coach Gable, Akira Tozawa is accepting the somewhat open challenge put forth by Shinsuke Nakamura! Can the Stamina Monster defeat, let alone survive, the King of Strong Style?
Sami Zayn VS Damian Priest!
So long as the Judgment Day, or any force, thinks themselves the unstoppable dictators of the WWE, the Great Liberator vows to be there to stop them! Will he stop Senor Money in the Bank from rolling into Crown Jewel? Or will the Punisher make an example out of Sami Zayn?
Raw returns, the bell rings, and the two tie up. Priest powers Sami to a corner, the ref counts, but Priest lets off. Fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Sami but Priest ROCKS then DECKS Sami! Priest TOSSES Sami back to the corner, but Sami dodges to CHOP! CHPO! And fire haymakers! Sami bumps Priest off buckles, goes up and AX HANDLES him down! Cover, ONE! Priest bails out but Sami follows. Priest knees low, whips Sami at the barriers, but Sami goes up to QUEBRADA! Direct hit and fans fire up! Sami drags Priest up, puts him in the ring, and fans rally behind Sami. Sami runs in but Priest JUMP KICKS!
Priest snarls, soaks up the heat, and drags Sami up. Priest whips Sami to ropes, then DECKS him! Priest eggs Sami on as he paces around, then he drags Sami up to KICK him in the chest! And again! Then he ROCKS Sami with a forearm! Sami goes to a corner, Priest whips him corner to corner then runs in to STAGE DIVE ELBOW! Priest suplexes to BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Priest is annoyed but he stalks Sami back to the corner. Priest runs in, but into an ELBOW! Priest is annoyed, but Sami BOOTS him! Sami spins and wrenches to knuckle lock and CHOP! Sami goes up and up and TORNADO DDTS!
Fans fire up as Priest bails out. Sami takes aim, builds speed, but he has to stop as Priest moves. Sami goes out to rush Priest, but Priest catches him! APRON CHOKE SLAM! Sami writhes and fans boo as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and the forearms are flying! Fans fire up, Priest ROCKS Sami, then kicks him low. Priest soaks up the heat, whips Sami to ropes, but Sami goes up and over. Sami then LARIATS Priest down! Fans fire up, but here come Dom & Finn! Fans boo, Sami swipes at them, but then Priest choke grips again! SOUTH OF- NO, Sami wheelbarrows to victory roll, TWO!! Priest gets up, but runs into a BOOT! Dom gets up, Sami DECKS him! Sami storms up on Priest but Priest kicks low. Priest dragon sleepers, RECKONING!! AKA the Cross Rhodes! Priest grins and brings down the straps as he sends a message to the American Nightmare.
Priest goes back for Sami, hoists him up to a crucifix, but Sami slips free! Sami dodges the splash and Priest hits buckles! Finn gets on the apron to distract the ref, Dom DECKS Sami! Fans boo, but here comes JEY USO! Main Event Jey is gonna make sure his dawg has a fair fight, so he CLOBBERS Dom! And UPPERCUTS Finn! Dom gets up, Jey brings him around, but the ref reprimands them all. Jey lets Dom go so he can get in at Priest. Priest grabs at him, Jey SUPERKICKS Priest!
Winner: Damian Priest, by disqualification
Jey saves Sami but hands Priest the win. And now Finn & Dom attack anyway! Fans boo the 3v2 mugging, and Priest taunts Jey about where Cody went. But wait, here comes Cody! Priest says he’ll handle this! Cody runs in, and he fires hands with Priest! Fans fire up as Cody ROCKS then BOOTS Priest! Cody goes out to SMACK Priest off the desk! And again! And again! The brawl is now 3v3, and Jey DECKS Finn! Sami fires off on Dom! SUPERKICK for Dom, then Sami clotheslines Dom up and out! Sami & Jey nod, build speed, and they DOUBLE TOPE to take out the Judgment Day! Cody gets Priest and POSTS him!
Cody clears the desk! Fans fire up and Cody drags Priest onto the desk. But JD makes the save! Fans boo as Priest gets away, but a HELLUVA KICK hits JD!! Fans fire up again as Cody calls to Sami to set JD up. Sami says okay! They put JD on the desk, Cody drags him up, CROSS RHODES!! The Irish Ace suffers for sticking around the Judgment Day, and fans want that “One More Time!” Cody says why not!? Cody drags JD back up, for another CROSS RHODES!! Cody gets a mic to shout, “Hey, Damian! Last week, you took a steel chair, you wrapped it around my ankle and you tried to take me out. You were unsuccessful!
“I got back up, because that’s why my story is: the guy who gets knocked down and gets back up! What’s your story? 6’6″, 20 year pro, you’ve got a briefcase that you are this close, within a whisper of immortality, and yet you are not the leader of the Judgment Day? It’s because you’re a walk-behinder! You walk behind Finn Balor, you walk behind Rhea Ripley, and you even walk behind DOMINIK MYSTERIO! When you think it’s somebody else, when you’re like, ‘Oh, maybe, maybe it’s not Cody Rhodes.’ You gotta know something, Damian Priest. It’s ALWAYS me! I’m back on my path, and this Saturday at Crown Jewel, my path goes straight through you!!”
Fans are fired up with the American Nightmare, will he ruin everything for The Judgment Day this Saturday? Or can The Punisher still cash-in on the top champions to return stateside as a top champion?
My Thoughts:
A great episode for Raw, but being a go-home, it still had that go-home vibe that can kinda kill momentum. Great promos from all five women in the Fatal 5, but uh, Rhea’s was a bit redundant since she already talked to open the show. Also nice of them to give everyone the same closing line about being the most dominant woman and becoming champion over Rhea. Great promo out of Sami with that fire. He already experienced and fought against one faction that tried to be the top of the mountain at all costs, he ain’t gonna stand for it here.
And Rhea making the main event of Sami VS Priest was great for feeding Priest’s promo. There continues to be tension within the group, but it’s shifting from “Who is top champ?” to “Who is on top?” aka the leader. They all claim there isn’t a leader but clearly Rhea acts like it. Hell, take a cue from Shayna’s favorite saying, “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.” Rhea takes charge, figures things out, comes up with a plan, she clearly wants to be a leader. Sami had a good promo with Jey and Jey had a good promo to say he still wants tag titles. That main event was great stuff, Jey makes a great save, as does Cody. Great momentum for Cody but I wonder if this means Priest wins their match now so he’ll be better primed for a cash-in.
Speaking of that, McIntyre had a great promo to reflect on his title history, and Rollins also had a great response. I see both sides, which is why the title match feels like it can go either way. Rollins VS McDonagh was great, as was Priest showing up to remind Rollins of the MITB. Now, the looming factor of Priest cashing in could be exactly what gets someone to lose. If McIntyre tries to stop Priest from cashing in, that could cost him against Rollins, but so could the reverse. Rhea said she’s just waiting for one of them to accept the offer, that could also come into play.
Pretty good stuff in the Trick or Street Fight, with Chelsea & Piper cleverly being the Hart Foundation to taunt Natty. Could’ve been a bit better, and maybe if Tegan Nox was healthy, Natty would’ve had her helping in this match. They didn’t really do a good job of that Nikki Cross under the pumpkin bit, and I don’t think fans are that into the black bag fake out. I believe AEW just did that on Saturday for their Fright Night Fight. But maybe with Nikki still hanging around, she and Natty will find a way to make this work to be a team. Great promo from Nakamura, and Tozawa is definitely getting destroyed, but Tozawa isn’t going to be that mysterious someone Nakamura needs to “awaken.”
Great tag match of Alpha Academy VS Creed Brothers, and I was really surprised the Creeds won. But at the same time, the Creeds easily could’ve been on RawDown by now, but maybe that moment is coming closer and closer. There’s half a chance Garza & Carrillo win tomorrow’s TLC tag match, sending Diamond Mine off to Raw in epic fashion. Really good MizTV segment with Miz standing up to Imperium as a Face of sorts, and great stuff setting up that Fatal 4 Way #1 contender’s match. On paper, Bronson and Ivar feel like top choices, but those guys work Heel and Miz can be rather opportunistic, I feel like Miz is going to find a way to win.
Great tag match from DIY VS Imperium, and great win for DIY. The Raw side of the tag division is getting really strong, there are plenty of teams that could take the Judgment Day on for. For that matter, I really liked New Day dressed up as Judgment Day to poke fun. I kinda wish Big E was at least traveling with Kofi & Woods, he could really add to moments like this. Candice VS Xia was good but I do appreciate them making Xia look strong with that knockout kick. And just as I figured last week after Becky lost to Lyra, Xia was gonna rub that in Becky’s face before they still have their own match. Becky’s promo was great, calling out Roman and Rhea, Becky will definitely be waiting on the other side of Crown Jewel.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Cero Miedo on Cinco de Mayo!
Penta made sure Judgment Day didn’t win the WWE World Tag Team Championships, and now he’ll make JD McDonagh pay for the WrestleMania screwjob!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- PENTA VS JD McDonagh w/ The Judgment Day; Penta wins.
- Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS Sheamus; Sheamus wins.
- Iyo Sky VS Roxanne Perez; Iyo wins.
- Rusev VS Otis w/ Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri; Rusev wins.
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Jey Uso VS Seth Rollins w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker; Rollins wins by disqualification, Jey retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Jey Uso is in the concourse.
The fans are all fired up as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion makes his way out into the crowd! Omaha, Nebraska all YEET along, and even Pat McAfee does, no concern for what Gunther might think. Jey high-fives fans on his way to the ground level, high-fives some more fans on the way to ringside, and Jey daps it up with Pat & Cole. Jey then goes to the ring, and the fans continue to bounce while singing along with Day One Ish! Jey then gets a mic while the fans cheer. Omaha even says, “One More Time! One More Time!” Jey thinks about it, and he figures why not! YEET! Jey and the fans bounce again, then Jey goes back to the mic.
Jey says, “The World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey Uso, is now in your citaaay~!” The fans cheer, and Jey says look. He’s here. He knows Logan Paul’s here. So let’s just stand on business tonight! Where you at, Logan!? But instead, “Ladies and gentlemen…” The Wise Man walks out on stage! The fans boo as Paul Heyman continues his introduction, and he says he cam here tonight not to disrespect the World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey Uso. But he dragged himself all the way to Omaha, Nebraska because he wanted to say something straight to the face of the World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey Uso.
Jey tells OG Heyman, “You got a lotta balls stepping to me after what you just did to my family.” Heyman says wow, Jey is going to lecture Heyman about betraying their Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns? Jey says yeah, he’ll talk to Heyman. Day one, Jey saw past him. He warned Roman about him, and he warned CM Punk about him! Well, a shame that no one warned Heyman. Warned him about his best friend, his BFF, his brother in arms, CM Punk. And while he’s at it, keep your damn boos to yourselves while he’s on the mic! Not one of these fans, or Jey, had to live through what Heyman did.
Heyman’s best friend, CM Punk, put him in a position that 100% absolutely guaranteed it would sabotage him! The fans chant for Punk and Heyman mocks them for it. “They chant his name because they don’t know what’s in the dark heart of that man.” Punk put Heyman in a guaranteed lose-lose situation with Roman Reigns. And let’s talk about Roman Reigns for a minute! The fans chant for “O T C!” and Heyman sighs. Heyman says he had a dream with his best friend, CM Punk, while Roman was still playing high school football. Long before Roman thought about following in his father’s footsteps into pro-wrestling.
And while Heyman helped Punk overcome adversity, what’d Roman think he was going to do? Sell him out to Punk? Why? After Heyman built the Bloodline for five years, why would he do that?! The fans boo more but Heyman sighs again. Heyman found a “stray big dog on the island of irrelevancy, and I turned him into the Tribal Chief and the ruler of the WWE Universe. We were the Undisputed WWE Champion for 1,316 days! And I’m not the one that blew it by getting beat by Cody Rhodes after being distracted by Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40! HE lost the title! HE lost the title that I spent five years of my life building him up as the champion!
And then what’d he do? He disappeared. He went back to being a big dog licking his big wounds, and left me in the hands of Solo, and Jacob Fatu and those Tongans, who put me through a table at Madison Square Garden and almost ended MY 40 year career. And he didn’t come back toa venge me, he came back to get his ula fala back! But I betrayed Roman Reigns, right? I betrayed Roman Reigns, who couldn’t handle the fact that I just wanted to help out my best friend live out his dream! No, it’s always Paul Heyman! I’m always the liar! I’m always at fault! I’m the betrayer, I’m the double crosser, I’m always the freakin’ scumbag in this situation! NOT THIS TIME! I’M RIGHT! I’M RIGHT! I’M IN THE RIGHT! And you blame me?! Screw you!! And screw each and every one of you for booing me!”
The fans boo more but Jey isn’t sure what to think. The fans chant “You Suck! You Suck!” and call Heyman an a-hole, but Jey takes a moment. Jey asks if Heyman is okay. In fact, is Heyman done? Jey has another question: What does this have to do with Jey? Heyman smirks and says that he does owe an apology. It has nothing to do with Jey. Not that part. He didn’t come out here to talk Roman and Punk. Here is the thing Heyman did come out here to talk with Jey. See, Jey won that title because he wanted that title> But that title is all about power and control. And honestly, Jey doesn’t know how to wield that. Jey doesn’t understand that!
Jey thinks coming out here to YEET with the audience and putting on the best in-ring performance is all it takes. But that’s not what this title is about. So while Jey needs in his heart and wants to be a champion… Seth Rollins has to be a champion. Rollins has to have that power, that control, and Bron Breakker… Well, that is just stage one of the plan. Stage two is the World Heavyweight Championship. But Heyman is out here tonight to do Jey a favor. And we all know how well Heyman’s favors work out> Jey gets to sign his own death warrant. Jey gets to chose the night he loses the World Heavyweight Championship.
Because Seth Rollins hereby challenges Jey to the World Heavyweight Championship! Rollins pinned Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, Rollins deserves to be #1 contender! Jey gets to pick the time and the place, because Rollins will fight Jey for that title any time, and any place. Heyman drops his mic then takes his leave. Jey tells Heyman to hold on, OG. Omaha, can you help him out? Jey asks if Heyman just said “any time,” and “any place,” “any where,” for the world title, against Seth Freakin’ Rollins? Then it’s on TONIGHT! FOUR LETTERS! ONE WORD! UH, UH… YEET!!
Jey had Logan Paul on his mind, but now he is daring the Visionary to put up or shut up! Will Jey turn the tables on Rollins? Or is Jey playing into Rollins’ hand?
Heyman returns backstage.
He finds Rollins & Bron, and Heyman smiles. Heyman says, “He fell for it> I cannot believe he fell for it! He wants to do the match tonight! You were so right!” Rollins asks you know what he loves. He loves to say< “I told you so.” And he tells Heyman, “I told you so.” Heyman says that is true. Bron says Seth Freakin’ Rollins, World Heavyweight Champion… Heyman asks if Bron understands what is going on. Roman Reigns prepared Seth Rollins at Mania, and Rollins pinned the biggest star in the main event. CM Punk prepared with unbridled passion for Rollins at Mania, and Rollins not only beat Roman & Punk, Roman & Punk lost to Rollins in the main event.
Jey Uso is a great champion, don’t take that away from him. He made Gunther tap out! Gunther! Jey is no easy day in the park. But Jey wasn’t focused on Rollins, he was distracted by Logan Paul! And now he has no time to prepare for Rollins. But Rollins is fully focused on Jey because there’s no one left. Rollins is a sniper, and he has Jey in his sights. And tonight, we get handed the keys to the kingdom when the ref hands that World Heavyweight Championship to Seth Freakin’ Rollins…! Bron can see the vision now, but will we all see Rollins burning down the YEET Era?
PENTA VS JD McDonagh w/ The Judgment Day!
The Intercontinental Championship Fatal 4 Way at WrestleMania only went well for “Dirty Dom” because he had an Irish Ace up his sleeve! JD is back, but will Penta make him pay for the part he played? Or will The Judgment Day be able to screw Penta over again?
Raw returns and JD is in the ring. The bell rings, JD and Penta circle while Carlito & Finn Balor watch from ringside. The fans rally for #CeroMiedo as Penta throws it up. But JD kicks low! JD headlocks for the takeover, but Penta headscissors. JD kips free, arm-drags and has the armlock. Penta headscissors again, JD kips free, and then he waistlocks. Penta ELBOWS free, runs, but JD drop toeholds! Penta avoids the basement dropkick, but JD avoids the Penalty Kick to roll Penta up! TWO and JD returns. Penta again avoids a kick but the STANDING MOONSAULT hits! Cover, TWO! Finn argues the count but JD CLUBS Penta.
JD stands Penta up to bump him off buckles, then he CHOPS! Penta CHOPS JD in return! And CHOPS again! Penta runs up to KICK JD’s leg out! The fans cheer while JD hobbles away. Penta CHOPS again, then KICKS the leg out again! The fans fire up with Penta while JD goes to another corner. Penta storms up, but JD puts him in the corner, only for Penta to dodges and CHOP! JD sputters, Penta swaggers, and Penta KICKS the legs out! Cover, TWO! Finn wants a timeout but there’s no such thing here. Penta drags JD up, whips him to a corner, but JD BOOTS in return! JD ELBOWS Penta down, then drags him up to bring him around.
Penta blocks the buckle bump, GAMANGIRIS, then CHOPS! JD leans back, Penta climbs, but JD SLAPS him! And SLAPS! JD shoves Penta down, kicks him, then goes to the apron. Penta blocks the boot, then ENZIGIRIS in return! The fans fire up, but Penta tells Finn to stay back. Finn says he’s just standing nearby. JD fireman’s carries Penta to APRON DEATH VALLEY! JD is in control and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and JD has Penta up top. JD pulls Penta into the Tree of Woe, then runs corner to corner, but Penta sits up! JD slides into the POST! Penta is free of the Tree, and then he runs to handstand and SWINGING DROPKICK! JD gets feet right to the face and Penta covers, TWO! JD stays in this but the fans rally behind Penta. Penta fires up, and he counter punches JD! Penta bobs ‘n’ weaves to CHOP, then ROCK JD! Penta fires forearm after forearm, whips, but JD reverses. Penta KICKS in return! Penta runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, SLING-DOG! Cover, TWO! Penta hurries to stand JD back up and JAB!
Penta puts JD against the ropes to CHOP! The fans fire up and Penta whips. Penta scoops JD to BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! JD stays in this but Penta fires himself back up! The fans fire up but Finn distracts on the apron! That lets Carlito pull no Penta’s mask! Penta breaks free to GAMANGIRI! JD runs up but Penta TOSSES him out! Penta climbs, the fans fire up, “CERO! MIEDO!” SUPER CROSSBODY! Down go JD and Carlito! Finn freaks out but the fans rally up behind Penta. Penta puts JD in, but Finn creeps up! JD distracts the ref and Finn YANKS Penta down! Finn puts Penta in, but the ref DOES see it!
The fans fire up as the ref now EJECTS Finn & Carlito! The fans cheer whiel Finn & Carlito freak otu! They apologize, but it’s too late for that! Penta goes up a corner, but CHAD GABLE is here?! Gable grabs at Penta, Penta kicks him away, then Penta leaps over JD! Penta dodges JD to then FLY out onto Gable! Penta drags JD up but JD hits a JAWBREAKER! JD goes up, up, MOONSAULT FLOPS as Penta moves! MEXICAN DESTROYER!! Cover, Penta wins!!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
Despite all the extra help on the outside, JD could not win! Cero Miedo is victorious, but when will Penta be Numero Uno?
Adam Pearce talks with Grayson Waller.
The Raw General Manager says the Aussie Icon wanted a match, so here’s his match. Yeah, but he didn’t know it’d be against him! Austin Theory finds Waller and Waller says good timing. Waller was talking with Pearce about how Waller’s been a bad friend to Theory, wanting a singles match for himself, but that’s selfish. Waller wants Theory to have the match, it’d be great for him. Okay, Theory is down! Pearce asks if Waller is serious, and Waller says he is! Well, if that’s what they want, fine. Theory has a singles match now. It’s official! Great! But who is it against? Uh, well, it’ll be better as a surprise, but they better get to the ring. #AllDay, remember?
Waller hurries away and Theory wonders what kind of surprise it could be. Well, everyone is wondering that. Who will Waller pass over to Theory to avoid getting brutalized?
Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS ???
Raw returns as A-Town Down Under is already in the ring. And who is Theory’s opponent that was meant for Waller? It’s SHEAMUS! Monday Night Raw is once again Fight Night Raw as the Celtic Warrior is back again! Will Theory regret taking this banger?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, the two tie up, and Theory waistlocks. Sheamus throws Theory away and the fans cheer him on. Theory brushes that off, resets with Sheamus, and then Theory kicks low! Theory throws hands, puts Sheamus in a corner, but Sheamus ROCKS Theory! Sheamus UPPERCUTS, but Theory ELBOWS back! Sheamus fires a BODY SHOT, an UPPERCUT, then whips. Theory goes up and over, rolls, comes back, and he DROPKICKS Sheamus down! Waller says that’s his best friend right there! But then Sheamus CLOBBERS Theory! The fans fire up, and Sheamus storms up on Theory.
Theory ELBOWS Sheamus, whips, but Sheamus reverses to scoop, IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up as Sheamus says one more time! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Sheamus goes for the legs but Theory kicks at him! Theory reels Sheamus in and throws some hands, but Sheamus stomps Theory down! The fans cheer as Sheamus turns Theory over for a CLOVERLEAF! Theory crawls and has the ROPEBREAK! Sheamus lets go, Theory rolls out, and Waller checks on his friend. But Sheamus climbs up! SUPER FLYING LARIAT! Down goes Theory! The fans fire up, and Sheamus finds a fellow Ginger! The fans cheer more while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and the fans rally behind Sheamus. Theory CLUBS Sheamus and throws hands, but Sheamus shoves him and eggs him on! Theory BOOTS Sheamus, but Sheamus just eggs him on more! Theory runs, but into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Theory flounders to the apron and Sheamus storms his way over. Sheamus stands Theory up and Waller stays back, but Theory HOTSHOTS free! Theory slingshots and somersaults, but into the KNEE CAPPER! Cover, TWO! Theory survives but Sheamus stays cool. The fans rally while Sheamus catches his breath, and then Sheamus goes to the apron.
Sheamus glares at Waller, Waller backs away, and Sheamus climbs. Theory avoids the flying lariat but Sheamus comes back! Theory dodges and Sheamus POSTS himself! Theory SUPERKICKS, somersaults, and BLOCKBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up for Sheamus while Theory goes back outside. Theory checks his jaw, shakes out the stars, and Theory climbs. Sheamus ROCKS Theory, fires body shots, and Sheamus climbs. Sheamus brings Theory up, tucks him in, WHITE NOISE! The fans fire up and Sheamus smiles as he’s clearly enjoying this. “This is Awesome!” as Sheamus rises up again.
Waller coaches Theory as Theory crawls to the apron, but Theory asks why Waller did this to him! Sheamus stands Theory up, and the fans cheer on the BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! The fans count along, Sheamus goes past TEN, and Theory slumps down at FOURTEEN! The fans fire up, Waller is worried, and Sheamus goes to a corner. The fans cheer Sheamus on, and we get a BROGUE! Cover, Sheamus wins!
Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall
The Celtic Warrior made quite the return, and Theory is surely regretting subbing in for Waller. Will A-Town Down Under have a meltdown because of this?
BREAKING NEWS for Backlash!
Penta was so close at WrestleMania, and he got through JD here tonight, so now he will be challenging Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship!
Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.
They’ve clearly heard the news, and JD storms in asking what happened out there. The ref kicked them out? And why did Gable go out there? That wasn’t on any of them. JD says then Penta and Gable need to get it ASAP! Dom says Penta will be handled at Backlash, but as for Gable- Wait, who is this walking into the clubhouse? It’s A J STYLES! The Phenomenal One nods to Finn, Finn nods back, but Carlito asks how Styles even got here. Oh, R-Truth told him where they were. Plus, it wasn’t that hard to find. But he’s not here to fight or cause trouble. Styles just wants to give a friendly warning. Whether it is Dom or Penta, Styles is after that title.
Dom says whatever, old man. Wow, oh, so hurtful. But Styles tells Dom that it doesn’t matter who wins, he want the title! And then he’ll beat Dom up either way. Dom says this is crazy. Who knew being a champion was this hard. Penta, Styles, his hands are full! Wait, Finn has history with Styles. Can’t he handle Styles for Dom? Oh, what? Now Finn cleans up Dom’s messes for him? Nah, just messing with you. Finn’s got this. They fist bump, but will Judgment Day (not) hold it together without Liv around?
Chad Gable is backstage.
“Freakin’ luchadores. Bloody my nose?” The New Day walk over and Gable says it is not the time for this. Kofi Kingston says hold on, hold on, hear them out. They saw what went down, and that was awful. And they know that it is around time American Made got some respect around here. Xavier Woods says the War Raiders are already talking about getting a rematch, but New Day beat the bejeezus out of them, so that’s a no. What the New Day thinks is that opportunities need to start coming back to American Made. Gable likes what they’re saying. Give him some more ideas like that. But then Becky Lynch pushes through.
Woods tells The Man it was messed up how Lyra Valkyria treated her. Becky thanks him for that. Becky heads to the ring, what will she have to say here in Omaha?
Becky Lynch goes to the ring.
Omaha is torn as The Man has a mic in her hand. Becky says The Man has come around to Omaha, and she’s baffled by the bit of boos and “You Suck” chants she’s getting. Wait, wait, wait. She is very confused. The fans are treating her like she’s the bad guy here? No, she’s the victim! Okay, okay, she took out Bayley, fine. But when she came out to WrestleMania, everyone lost their minds! A woman in the crowd cried tears of joy! No one asked where Bayley was, because no one cared, Bayley is garbage! Becky took out the garbage! The fans were happy the garbage was taken out, but then Becky took credit for it and everyone got mad she took out the garbage!
That’s not what they should say when someone takes out the garbage! You tell that person, “Thank you for taking out the garbage! And what’s more than that, I also took out the recycling! Because that’s what Lyra is! She’s less offensive than garbage, but she’s still garbage! And what is garbage about her is her attitude. She doesn’t have a dream if it isn’t for me! She doesn’t have a title if it isn’t for me! She doesn’t make history if it isn’t for me! She doesn’t even have a freakin’ fiancé if it isn’t for me!!” The fans boo, but Becky says she still gets all this disrespect! But wait, here comes Lyra! Becky says this is what she’s talking about!
Lyra has a mic and asks, “Did you actually just call me recycling? You’re the Queen of Recycling! You’ve been recycling the same moves and the same tired old act for years! But that’s fine, Becky, you do you, I don’t care. What I have a problem with is you acting like you had anything to do with my success. The one thing I want to drive into your skull more than my foot is that you didn’t make me!” The fans cheer, and Lyra says she’ll catch Becky up. Becky went on holiday, and everyone here got better. Becky went on holiday, and Lyra made history of her own. Lyra holds up the Women’s Intercontinental Championship and the fans cheer.
Lyra says, “Oh, but you’re what this championship needs, right? That’s what you said. That’s rich, considering I’ve defended it more times than days you’ve shown up to work this year.” The fans cheer that zinger! Becky paces but Lyra says she sees it now. Lyra sees it so clearly. Becky shattered glass ceilings and Lyra is forever grateful. But Becky left all that broken glass on the ground and the rest of the Women’s Division were supposed to just follow behind because Becky never had any intention of taken anyone to the top with her. Becky says okay, okay, Lyra is right. Becky was gone, and everyone had the best year of their careers.
But that’s only because they didn’t have Becky around to compare themselves to! The fans boo but Becky says no, she didn’t help anybody because she doesn’t like anybody. She didn’t help anyone because her job isn’t to help anyone, it is to beat everyone! And Becky is very, very good at her job! She’s the greatest to ever do it! That’s not just her saying it, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED said so! The fans do cheer that, but Becky tells Lyra it doesn’t matter how great she thinks she is or how great she’ll become, because she will always be the moment after Becky! Wow… Sports Illustrated, huh? Lyra is wrong, she’ll take it back. Please, continue listing the achievements.
What can we say? Becky’s first SmackDown Women’s Champion, first woman to win the main event of WrestleMania, and the first Women’s Intercontin- NO! Wait! That’s Lyra! Becky frowns while the fans cheer, and Lyra says Becky must hate it. Becky must hate that this is Lyra’s first ever. But get used to being second. Becky throws hands but Lyra hits back! The fans fire up as these two brawl, and then Lyra hits a SPINEBUSTER! Becky gets up, Lyra is right on her, but Becky puts her in ta corner! Lyra dodges, RAMS into Becky again and again, then things spill outside! Lyra sends Becky into barriers! And apron! And barriers again!
The fans fire up but refs rush out! Omaha says, “LET THEM FIGHT!” but Becky gets free and throws off her jacket! Becky then gets in the ring and tells everyone, “You see this disrespect?! You see this disrespect?!” Lyra gets free and is back for more! The fans fire up, Becky clinches, but Lyra slips free to fireman’s carry! NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Lyra stands tall over Becky, title in her hand! Will this be the scene this Saturday for Backlash?
Iyo Sky VS Roxanne Perez!
The Genius Women’s World Champion won big last week on NXT alongside Jordynne Grace, but now The Prodigy is back in hopes of returning the favor. Will Roxie prove she’s ready for Raw? Or will Iyo show being a prodigy only gets you so far?
Raw returns and Iyo makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally. The two circle, tie up, and Iyo pushes Roxie back. Roxie puts Iyo on ropes, Iyo turns that around, and the two go around. Iyo clinches, Roxie wrenches, but Iyo headlocks. Roxie powers up and out but Iyo runs her over! Things speed up, Iyo ducks ‘n’ dodges, then whips Roxie. Roxie cartwheels over the dropdown, then SLAPS Iyo! Roxie takes a bow, then dodges Iyo to bail out. Iyo pursues, they go back in the ring, and Roxie dodges again to roll back! Roxie RANAS, but Iyo handsprings through! The fans fire up, things keep moving, and Iyo handsprings again!
Roxie dodges, but Iyo comes back to SHOTGUN! Roxie tumbles out, Iyo builds speed, but Roxie is back to dropkick the legs out! Iyo writhes, but Roxie grabs the leg to stomp it and SMASH it! Roxie wants both legs but Iyo BOOTS her away. Iyo runs, but Roxie puts her on the apron. Iyo ROCKS Roxie first, but Roxie grabs a leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Roxie builds speed and DIVES! Down goes Iyo at the ramp! The fans boo but Roxie puts Iyo in. Iyo gets moving and she DIVES! Direct hit on Roxie at the ramp! The fans fire up with Iyo, and Iyo hurries to put Roxie in. Iyo aims, springboards, but Roxie SLAPS her down!
Roxie grabs Iyo’s leg, drags her to a corner, and STOMPS the knee against the crossbar! Iyo clutches her leg and slumps to the floor while Roxie leaves her behind, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Iyo has Roxie up top, for a SUPER ARM-DRAG! The fans fire up while both women are down! Iyo slaps her leg into working, then she crawls her way over. Omaha is behind Iyo as she ROCKS Roxie! Roxie ROCKS Iyo, but Iyo ROCKS Roxie back! The forearms keep going, Iyo fires a flurry, then she winds up to SHOTEI! Roxie staggers, runs up, but Iyo FLAPJACKS! And BUZZSAWS! Cover, TWO! Roxie toughs it out but Iyo goes to the apron. Roxie runs up, but Iyo blocks her punch to HOTSHOT the arm! Iyo climbs, Roxie stands, MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Roxie flounders, and Iyo kips up!
Iyo goes wild, so do the fans, and all aboard the SHIN- NO, Iyo’s leg bothers her! Roxie runs up, wheelbarrows, but Iyo rolls through to STOMP 182! Cover, TWO! Roxie survives and Iyo is frustrated! The fans rally, Iyo waistlocks, and she deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridge, but then a roll through! Roxie fights the second try to SAIDO! Iyo and Roxie stand, Roxie runs up, but Iyo wrenches and hooks her up! TIGER BACKBREAKER! Iyo says time to end this! Iyo CHOPS Roxie, hobbles to a corner, and climbs up! OVER THE MOONSAULT but Roxie moves! Iyo lands out but that jams up the leg! Roxie runs to SPIKE RANA!
Roxie roars, runs, and hits the HANDSPRING KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Iyo survives the Guillotine Knee as taught to Roxie by Meiko Satomura, and Omaha rallies up more. Roxie fires hands, SOBATS, then runs to hop on! Iyo handsprings through, but Roxie blocks the kick! DRAGON SCREW! Roxie then has the arm, LA MAGISTROL BRIDGE! TWO!! Iyo bridges, TWO!! Roxie has the body scissors, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Iyo rolls Roxie up, TWO! Roxie has a lateral press, TWO! Iyo sunset flips! TWO! Roxie high stacks, TWO! Iyo sunset flips again, IYO WINS!!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall
Roxie is shocked! She tried to match speed with speed and move for move, but she just couldn’t keep up with the Genius! But then Roxie gets in Iyo’s face! Roxie offers a handshake? The fans aren’t so sure, but Iyo takes it. They both bow, and surprisingly, there is now respect here between them. But wait! GIULIA ATTACKS! It was all just so the Beautiful Madness could slip in! Roxie grins and they mug Iyo like they have before! Giulia ties up Iyo’s legs, has the arms, and sets Iyo up for a SUPERKICK and SURFBOARD STOMP!! Rhea Ripley is in Australia, she can’t save Iyo! Giulia sets Iyo up again, for another SUPERKICK and another SURFBOARD STOMP!!
Roxie and Giulia stand over Iyo, will these former NXT Women’s Champions soon run Monday Night Raw?
Rusev VS Otis w/ Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri!
Bulgarian Brute no more, he has been REDEEMED! And now, he feels it is his divine appointment to “fix” all those on Raw who were once like him. Will that mean #TheDozer is going to go through baptism by fire? Or will he simply be crushed?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two big men circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and they break. The fans rally more as the two tie up again. Another deadlock, but Rusev manages to power Oits bac. Otis powers Rusev back, the fans duel, and the big men break again. Rusev nods, perhaps liking what he is seeing already. They tie up again, and Rusev KNEES low, CLUBS Otis and fires hands in the corner! The ref counts, Rusev stomps a mudhole, but stops as the ref gets in there. Rusev storms up on Otis, stands him up, and whips him, only for Otis to reverses. Rusev returns to LARIAT! Otis stays up and shakes his head!
Rusev LARIATS, Otis stays up, so Rusev runs. Otis dodges with a roll! Otis then comes back and he LARIATS Rusev! Rusev stays up, but now Otis runs, and Otis LARIATS again! Rusev shoves Otis, Otis ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the WHEEL KICK comes outta nowhere! The fans are torn while Rusev stands tall, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Otis is down on the outside. Tozawa & Maxxine check Otis and coach him up, but Rusev storms outside. Rusev kicks at Otis, stands him up, but Otis EXPLODER Rusev over the desk! The fans fire up as Otis has more to give! Otis shoves the Hydration Station aside, then drags Rusev up to whip him hard into steel steps! Otis puts Rusev in the ring, but then drag shim out to fire clubbing arms! But then Rusev ducks, Otis’ arm hits POST! Rusev aims, but Otis ducks, so Rusev’s kick hits POST! Otis then CLOBBERS Rusev! Otis puts Rusev in the ring, storms in after him, and SPLASHES in the corner!
Rusev sputters and Otis runs up again! But Rusev MACHKA KICKS him down! Rusev roars and he shouts, “RUSEV! CRUSH~!” Stomp and ACCOLADE!! Otis endures, but he’s turning red! Otis shouts for Maxxine and Tozawa, but he TAPS! Rusev wins!
Winner: Rusev, by submission
Rusev continues to make Otis suffer by holding on, but Tozawa storms into the ring! Tozawa tells Rusev he can’t do that to his friend! They’re gonna fight right here and right now! The fans fire up as Tozawa rips his shirt away! Rusev says hold on now. Rusev did what he came here to do, and he spares Tozawa for tonight. But that’s just to lower Tozawa’s guard! Ruzev storms back in and GUT WRENCH POWERBOMBS Tozawa onto Otis!! The fans boo but Rusev shows no mercy! He POSTS Otis!! Then he drags Otis back in, and sends him into another POST! Otis falls out of the ring, Rusev goes out to drag him back in!
Rusev hits another MACHKA KICK!! And then he turns Otis back over, and he clamps the ACCOLADE back on!! The fans boo but that only makes Rusev want to do this more! Pearce, refs, and security rush out here! They tell Rusev to let go, but he waits until Otis is OUT! The fans boo, Natalya is here to console Maxxine, and Pearce reprimands Rusev. Will Rusev not care what he must do to “redeem” Monday Night Raw?
Raw returns and Adam Pearce is in the ring.
The General Manager hopes that they can get this show back on track. That said, please join him in welcoming to the ring… Pat McAfee! Omaha fires up as Pat hops off the desk, grabs a mic, and joins Pearce in the ring. Pearce also welcomes out Pat’s opponent for Backlash… DER RING GENERAL, GUNTHER! The fans are less excited as Gunther makes his way to the ring. Gunther and Pat keep their eyes on each other as Gunther fetches his own mic. Pearce wants to remind them that they’ve gone over this. They will NOT have what happened two weeks ago happen again. Get what you want out verbally, because Saturday, the time for talk is done.
Pearce says the floor is theirs, but keep it professional. Pearce then steps aside so Pat and Gunther can stare down. The fans cheer Pat on but Gunther says, “Well first of all… Do not worry. I’m not gonna do anything tonight, I’m not going to spoil that for myself. Because luckily for you, unlike you and your friend out there, I am professional.” The fans chant “You Tapped Out!” at Gunther, and he tells them to shut up! He’ll get back to that later, don’t you worry! Pat says he heard Gunther mentioned being professional. And Pat’s friend, Michael Cole, that is a walking, talking GOAT right there! The fans cheer that!
Pat tells Gunther, “For 28 YEARS, every single week of his life, except for three times, he has dedicated to traveling the world for this company. 28 years straight, 52 weeks a year, for this company!” The fans cheer that, too! Pat says Maggle has earned the right to have an opinion. And since that opinion pissed Gunther off so bad, Gunther flipped a switch and felt he had to attack a 60-year-old man, Pat will give Gunther an opinion of the man he’s standing in front of. Pat says it is apropos to be here in Omaha, Nebraska. When he thinks Nebraska, he thinks of the Cornhuskers! Pat shouts out Coach Rhule and his players in the crowd.
Pat says he can’t wait to watch the boys in the Fall rise to the top! And when Pat’s in Omaha, he also thinks of their steaks. Nobody beats this town’s meat! NOBODY! The fans chant “BEAT THE MEAT!” Pat says right across from this very arena is a baseball field that has hosted the NCAA World Series since 1950! The fans cheer that, and Pat says this city is a symbol of working hard and dreams coming true. And Pat feels “dreams” is a good word. They both have that in common. Pat might be from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the USA, and Gunther might be from Vienna, Austria, both men grew up with the same dream.
They both grew up wanting to be in this business, idolizing the superstars of yesterday, and spent hours and hours in front of TV watching pro-wrestling, thinking that is what they were put on this earth to do! The problem with Gunther is, he was at this for 20 years. He has been a champion for 80% of his WWE career. He’s jaded! This is no longer a dream but a job for Gunther. For Pat, every time he walks into an arena, he gets jacked up about life, baby! The fans cheer that! Pat says he thinks about 12 year old Pat, the kids out there in the crowd like him, dreaming in the upper rows to get in this ring and let a-holes like Gunther know that they don’t like what Gunther’s about.
And what Gunther’s about right now, as opposed to the Waltering around stage… Gunther doesn’t want it anymore. He’s too comfortable. It happened against Sami Zayn, it happened against Jey Uso, and it’ll happen with Pat. Pat will prove to Gunther and the fans that this Gunther… is SAWFT. The fans fire up for that! Gunther paces a moment, then he stares Pat down as he says, “Did you enjoy your little daughter’s birthday last week? Two years, right? It’s cute. I bet it was a very special day for you. Because for me, Saturday is a very special day, and you just got me into the right mood for it!
“Because it’s my first match since WrestleMania, and I’m going to show up sharp, I’m going to show up prepared, I’m going to show up more focused than every before. Don’t you worry that I’ll overlook you. Don’t worry that I’ll underestimate you. I promise you, you have my full and undivided attention. Because on Saturday, that bell is going to ring, and I’m going to beat you up! I’m going to MAUL you! I’m going to grab you by the head, and DRIVE it into this mat! I’m going to CHOKE YOU OUT until you drop like a wet towel! Tonight, by my grace, you are untouchable. But on Saturday, trust me when I say this! On Saturday, only the grace of GOD can lift my arms off your throat!”
Gunther shoves his mic into Pat, then he storms off. Der Ring General is ready to reload and unleash his full arsenal upon Pat, will Pat survive to even be part of next week’s show?
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Jey Uso VS Seth Rollins w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker!
To what Pat McAfee just said, perhaps Gunther did underestimate Main Event Jey Uso, but Jey also managed to bring something out of himself that even he didn’t know was there. But that confidence was preyed upon to give The Visionary his shortcut back to this title. Will Rollins and his A-Team make the plan come together? Or will we bookend the show with some YEET?
Raw returns as Jey makes his entrance, and from the ramp this time. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly in control!
The bell rings and Jey’s first defense begins. The fans rally behind Jey while he and Rollins stare down. Omaha gets the “YEET! YEET! YEET!” going and Jey is fired up. Jey is already undoing his wrist tape, he wants to throw down! Rollins slowly steps forward, the two tie up, and Rollins waistlocks. Rollins headlocks, spins, hammerlocks, headlocks again and hits the takeover to ghost pin! TWO, and Rollins laughs at how close he had Jey. The fans duel with “YEET!” and “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Jey and Rollins circle, tie up, and Rollins headlocks again. Jey powers up and out, but Rollins runs him over! Cover, ONE!
Rollins sweeps the legs to cover, ONE! Jey kicks, Rollins blocks, and then Rollins ducks the Dragon Whip! Rollins lounges on the top rope and the fans boo. Jey is annoyed but he keeps his cool. Rollins swaggers up, but Jey UPPERCUTS him down! Jey just suckered Rollins! “YEET!” Rollins says okay, and he shoves Jey. Jey shoves back! Rollins shoves again, Jey shoves again, so Rollins CHOPS! Jey fires a haymaker, Rollins fires back, and the fans are torn! “YEET!” wins out but Rollins mule kicks low! Jey avoids the stomp, but Rollins kicks low again. Jey fights off the Pedigree, but Rollins bails out to avoid the superkick!
The fans are torn but Bron & Heyman walk over to check with Rollins. Rollins says it’s alright, Jey is good. Jey is champion for a reason. Rollins goes to the apron, has Bron relax, and then he steps inside. The fans rally behind Jey as Jey and Rollins circle. They feel things out, but then Rollins kicks low! Rollins CLUBS and stomps away on Jey, then stands him back up to bump him off buckles! Rollins stomps a mudhole in, digs his boot in, but the ref backs him off. Heyman sings along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” and Rollins stalks Jey to the ropes. Rollins drags Jey up, “You think you’re on my level?” Rollins whips, Jey ducks ‘n’ dodges, and then UPPERCUTS!
Jey runs, Rollins blocks the kick, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Jey runs and LARIATS Rollins up and out! Jey then DIVES, and Rollins is sent over the desk! The fans fire up while both men are down! Heyman & Bron are worried, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once more, and Rollins slithers into the ring. Rollins runs corner to corner at Jey, and Rollins forearm SMASHES! Jey falls to his knees but the fans still cheer him on. Rollins says the fans are just like Jey, they just don’t understand. Rollins brings Jey up, but Jey ROCKS Rollins! And ROCKS him again! And again! “YEET!” But Rollins kicks low! Rollins fires off in the corner, the ref counts, and Rollins keeps trying as the ref backs him off. The ref reprimands, but Rollins just goes back to Jey. Rollins puts Jey up top, CHOPS him, then climbs. The fans rally as Rollins brings Jey up, and Jey fires body shots!
Jey HEADBUTTS Rollins down and the fans cheer! Rollins stands, Jey leaps, but Rollins gets under! Jey keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but then Rollins runs! DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both men are down again! “This is Awesome!” as Rollins and Jey go to opposite ends. Rollins storms up, but Jey counter punches again! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Rollins wobbles, Jey pops, locks ‘n’ winds up to DECK Rollins! Then SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up again as Jey shakes out the stars. “UCE! OH!” HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Heyman is relieved and Jey grows frustrated.
Rollins slowly rises up, but Jey is there to fireman’s carry! Rollins fights the Samoan Drop and slips out of the ring. Jey pursues, they go around the way, and Rollins slides in. Jey drags Rollins back out, but Rollins BOOTS Jey into barriers! Rollins builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit and Jey hits barriers! Rollins puts Jey in, goes to the apron, and springboards, into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! The antiair didn’t end this and the fans can’t believe it! The fans again declare, “This is Awesome!” as Jey and Rollins stir. Rollins rises, Jey aims from a corner, and Jey runs up, but into a KICK! Rollins fireman’s carries, then pops Jey around!
Rollins aims, runs up and BUCKLE BOMBS!! Jey falls, Rollins climbs, and the fans fire up! FROG SPLASH FLOPS as Jey dodges! Jey runs and SPEARS into a PEDIGREE!!! Cover, TWO!! Rollins is furious and Heyman is shocked, but Jey is showing that championship grit! Heyman coaches Rollins up while he goes to a corner. Rollins nods, he knows he has Jey in his crosshairs. Rollins runs back up, but Jey avoids the stomp again! SLEEPER!! Jey has Rollins like he has Gunther, but Rollins throws Jey away! Jey hurries to get moving! SPEAR!!! Cover, TWO!??! Jey is stunned and the fans are shocked, but Bron has a huge smile seeing Rollins’ own grit on display.
Omaha again declare “This is Awesome!” and Jey rises back up. Jey hobbles to a corner and climbs up. Rollins stirs, rises, and he anchors a foot! Jey tries to get free but Rollins CLUBS him! Rollins climbs up now, HAMMERS Jey, but Jey HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Rollins falls back, but into the ref! Bron grabs at Jey! Jey BOOTS Bron off into the Hydration Station! But that lets Rollins get up and SUPER DUPER PLEX! Roll through and FALCON ARROW! Rollins aims from a corner now, and he CURB STOMPS!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Jey survives and Omaha is thunderous! Bron, Heyman, Rollins, none of them know how this is possible!
Rollins goes to Bron, whispers something to him, but wait! SAMI ZAYN is here?!? Even after what happened last week!? Bron hurries to the ramp, ready to fight Sami. But wait, Sami LEAPS in from the crowd! The fans fire up as Sami fires hands on Bron! Sami POSTS Bron, then Jey SUPERKICKS Rollins! And a SPEAR!!! Jey hurries up top and Sami cheers him on! USO SPLASH!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! HOW?!?! Omaha has no idea what to make of that, and neither does Sami! Sami coaches Jey, Heyman coaches Rollins, and the fans rally back up. But Bron SPEARS Sami!!! Bron then slithers away to hide while the fans boo!
Jey asks what happened to Sami and he goes outside to check. Heyman distracts the ref, Bron SPEARS Jey!!! The fans boo even more, and Bron drags Jey up to put him in the ring! CURB STOMP!!!! Rollins crawls to the cover, laughing all the way, but C M PUNK is here?!?! Omaha goes nuts seeing Punk back! Punk CHUCKS a chair at Bron’s face! Then he gets int he ring! Rollins and Punk brawl, there goes the title match!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by disqualification (Jey Uso retains the title)
Punk SMACKS Rollins with the chair, JAMS him up, then SMACKS him again! Bron slides in, but Punk SMACKS away on him! Rollins tries to get back in but Punk runs him off! The fans are thunderous for Punk as he and Sami stand tall! Jey gets back up, and clearly the battlelines have been drawn! Will Rollins’ vision for Monday Night Raw fall apart?
My Thoughts:
A great Monday Night Raw as the go-home to Backlash, but everything with the world title match was both great and curious. No Logan Paul here in Omaha is a mixed bag itself. From the story side, he should’ve, so he and Jey could’ve had a face-to-face. But as a person, I was glad we didn’t have to endure Logan being smug. And quite the audible bringing Heyman out to talk with Jey. Heyman’s passion was great, really adds some stuff to help us understand his side. And I like that they “suckered” Jey into this match. It was definitely an awesome match, even with the overbooking that eventually threw it out.
Sami and Punk showing up was all fine in story, but after what happened last week, I feel like Sami shouldn’t have come back so soon. But that aside, Jey, Sami and Punk make for a good unit to counter Rollins’ team. Though, Rollins will need another member who can wrestle since Heyman won’t be of any use. Here’s hoping it is Austin Theory given how Theory is upset with Waller after that switcheroo. Good return for Sheamus, though I feel like Sheamus has done more returns in the last 12 months than just about anyone ever. Here’s hoping Sheamus still gets in on the Intercontinental Championship story.
Speaking of, great match from Penta VS McDonagh, even with the overbooking. A bit surprising Penta overcame all that to win, but it works since now Dom and Penta are now set for an Intercontinental Championship. And there is room on the card as it doesn’t seem Jey VS Logan is happening for Backlash. Makes me wonder if they started us on a Jey VS Logan feud before they were really ready, as Backlash “isn’t big enough” for Logan’s “star power.” I like that Styles also got in on this, Styles VS Finn is going to be awesome, and can certainly set up the winner as the next challenger. It really depends on what happens with Dom VS Penta.
Gable getting involved as also good, given how he and Penta had their confrontation last week. New Day had a good promo with Gable to gas up American Made. That is to say, New Day is using American Made as a shield against The War Raiders, but it’ll only help Erik & Ivar earn their rematch. Great return match for Rusev with Otis looking strong even in defeat. Rusev doesn’t waste time teasing he’s a Tweener, he goes right to blindsiding Tozawa and beating Alpha Academy down. Not sure who is next for Rusev, as there aren’t as many Faces not really tied into anything on Raw. Maybe whatever WWE Draft we get moves Rusev to SmackDown, or at least moves some names from SmackDown and NXT to Raw so Rusev can face fresh meat.
Great promo from Becky and Lyra to help hype Becky VS Lyra. Good brawl, but now Lyra standing tall makes me think Lyra loses the title. Becky can start on some sort of second Grand Slam or something like that, but also she and Lyra will be 1-1 and the rematch for the Women’s Intercontinental title can be the tiebreaker at like MITB or SummerSlam. Iyo VS Roxie was a great match, but of course Giulia showed up. No reinforcements with Rhea promoting Crown Jewel: Perth, and sadly, Dakota Kai being hurt and now released, no Damage CTRL to help either. But the Heels did need a moment where they stood tall, and one of them could even get a world title shot.
And honestly, Pat and Gunther had an awesome promo to hype their match. Pat put over Maggle, he put over Nebraska, and quite perfectly framed this story as the hungry dreamer in Pat himself and the complacent veteran who has already done so much. Gunther’s response was also great, because now he’s angry enough to get that hunger and that fire back. I would think Gunther wins, as he needs the rebound from WrestleMania and Pat doesn’t really need much. But Pat can get a moral victory of sorts by lasting longer than Gunther or any of us expect. Pat can just keep getting up after every chop, have a false finish or two, but ultimately lose because his body can’t come through for his fighting spirit. Respect for Pat but momentum for Gunther, that’s the best outcome.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Results & Report! (5/4/25)
It’s a Wrestling Dontaku Weekend finale!

Who will stand atop the NJPW mountain?
The Goto Revolution finally leads NJPW, but will the Fierce Warrior be conquered by The United Empire as Callum Newman goes after the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Ryusuke Taguchi & Katsuya Murashima VS Hitamaru Sasaki & Jet Wei; Taguchi & Murashima win.
- Taiji Ishimori & Gedo VS MENTAI KID & Batten Burabura; Taiji & Gedo win.
- YOSHI-HASHI & Master Wato VS Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young; Hashi & Wato win.
- Six Woman Tag: Maika, Hazuki & Koguma VS Starlight Kid, AZM & Yuna Mizumori; Maika, Hazuki & Koguma win.
- El Phantasmo & Boltin Oleg VS Konosuke Takeshita & Rocky Romero; ELP & Boltin win.
- 10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, YOH, Ryota Chikuzen & TAJIRI VS TMDK; Tanahashi, Yano, Yoh, Chikuzen & Tajiri win.
- 8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Shota Umino, Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi & Taka Michinoku; LIJ wins.
- IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Yuya Uemura; Tsuji wins and retains the title.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Callum Newman; Goto wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Six Woman Tag: Maika, Hazuki & Koguma VS Starlight Kid, AZM & Yuna Mizumori!
It’s a Stardom Showcase as The Crimson Cannon Empress, The Wildheart & The High Speed Genius take on The Masked Idol, High Speed Bomb Girl & Kumamoto’s Unsinkable Ship! Which side of Stardom shines brightest in Fukuoka?
The trios sort out and Koguma starts against Starlight Kid. The fans cheer and the two circle. They approach, but Koguma dodges to do her bear taunt. But then Starlight CLUBS her! Starlight whips, Koguma whips but Starlight handsprings over. Starlight whips, runs up, but Koguma puts her on the apron. Koguma runs up, Starlight slips under and sunset flips, TWO! Starlight runs up, but into an arm-drag! Starlight comes back to hit a headlock takeover! Koguma headscissors, Starlight kips free, and the two strike their animal poses! The fans cheer as bear and tiger reset. They tie up, Koguma spins Starlight, then goes for the arms!
Starlight fights free of being made to bear pose! But then Koguma kicks low, runs, but Starlight blows past her to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then SHOTGUN! The fans fire up and Starlight tags Yuna. Yuna runs up to run Koguma over, then fires up as she keeps moving. But Hazuki jumps in and helps Koguma ELBOW Yuna down! Then they double Yuna into Maika’s shoulder tackle! The fans fire up for the TRIPLE DROPKICK! The ref reprimands but Koguma tags Hazuki in. Hazuki rallies the fans while she stands on Yuna! Then she scrubs her with the boot again and again! Hazuka runs to BOOT WASH her!
Hazuka bumps Yuna off buckles, tags Maika, and the fans cheer as Maika scoops and SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Yuna stays in this but Maika kicks her around. Maika eggs Yuna on, but Yuna rises to CLUB Maika in the chest! Maika comes back to DECK Yuna! Yuna flounders, Maika brings her up and whips her to a corner. Maika runs up but Yuna BOOTS her down, somersaults, and SHOTGUNS! Yuna hurries and she tags in AZM! The fans rally up for AZM as she climbs, then leaps, but into Maika’s arms! Maika throws AZM back, kicks her, and she has Koguma help double whip. But AZM sends Maika into Koguma, and Starlight jumps in!
Starlight hits a TAKEOVER HEADSCISSORS COMBO! Then AZM DOUBLE DROPKICKS Maika & Koguma! The fans fire up for Starlight’s team as she and AZK put Maika & Hazuki at the center of the ring. They coordinate, STANDING MOONSAULT and DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Maika is tougher than that, but AZM drags her into a drop zone. AZM goes up, DIVING DOUBLE- NO, Maika avoids the stomps to then scoop and POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! AZM stays in this but the fans rally behind Maika. Maika drags AZM up, reels her in, and suplexes, only for AZM to fight free! Maika kicks and runs, but into a ROUNDHOUSE!
Maika just roars and comes back! Maika spins AZM, suplexes, but AZM has a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! The fans rally as Maika endures, powers up, and suplexes again! BRAINBUSTER! The fans fire up while both women are down! The fans rally as Maika and AZM crawl, hot tags to Yuna and Hazuki! Hazuki sends Yuna to an open corner, runs up, but Yuna puts her on the apron! Only for Koguma to SPLASH Yuna! Hazuki then goes up and MISSILE DROPKICKS Yuna! Koguma goes up to CROSSBODY! Hazuki hurries to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Yuna survives, but is now in a CROSSFACE! Koguma & Maika intercept AZM & Starlight!
The fans rally while Yuna endures, and then AZM & Starlight break free! They both stomp Hazuki! Koguma & Maika drag Starlight & AZM back out, Hazuki CLUBS Yuna and whips her to ropes. Yuna reverses, Hazuki grabs ropes, then she DUMPS Yuna out! Yuna skins the cat to then LARIAT! The fans fire up with Yuna, she and the others coordinate! TRIPLE DROPKICK at the corner! Yuna then goes out while Starlight goes up! UFO SPLASH! Starlight sets Hazuki up for AZM’s DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Yuna adds the fireman’s carry and TROPICAL VALLEY BOMB! Cover, Maika breaks it! The fans fire up, but Starlight runs in and RANAS Maika!
Koguma runs in and spins Starlight around for a DDT! AZM runs up, Koguma blocks the kick to CUTTER! The fans fire up with Koguma as she and Hazuki coordinate. The “Double Crazy” combo DIVE and CROSSBODY!! Everyone is down at ringside and the fans fire up! Hazuki puts Yuna back in and the fans rally up more. Hazuki springboards and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Yuna survives but Hazuki keeps on her. Hazuki whips Yuna to a corner, Koguma hits a SPLASH, and then Hazuki adds an ELBOW! Maika adds a LARIAT, then she puts Yuna up top! Now we get Triple Crazy as Maika lifts and the others climb!
The fans fire up for the TRIPLE CRAZY BOMB!! Cover, but Starlight Kid breaks it!! Koguma CLOBBERS Starlight, Maika keeps AZM on the outside, and Hazuki drags Yuna up. Hazuki suplexes, Yuna slips free and she trips Hazuki up! Yuna hammerlocks an arm, turns Hazuki over, TROPICAL CRADLE!! TWO!??! Hazuki escapes, but Yuna runs up! But Hazuki spins her to a suplex and stalling BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, Triple Crazy wins!
Winners: Maika, Hazuki & Koguma, by pinfall
A fast ‘n’ furious fight from three rising stars, and it was the Wildheart that finishes it off! Will we see this Triple Crazy trio soon go for the IWGP Women’s and/or NJPW Strong Women’s Championships?
10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, YOH, Ryota Chikuzen & TAJIRI VS TMDK!
As The Ace’s Final Road continues to roll on, this is quite the unique stop. Sure, he’s teamed with the Clown Prince and Mr. Direct Drive before, but he is now honored to be teaming with The Makai Love Machine and yes, THE Japanese Buzzsaw! Will Tanahashi & Tajiri add to their legends with this epic team-up? Or will Zack Sabre Jr, Ryohei Oiwa, Robbie Eagles, Kosei Fujita & Hartley Jackson prove that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
Just as always, Tanahashi shows off the abs, the fans cheer, and Yano even adds a “Sugoi~!” The teams sort out and ZSJ calls out Tajiri! The fans fire up as Tajiri accepts. The bell rings, ZSJ and Tajiri circle, and Fukuoka are strongly behind “TA-JI-RI! TA-JI-RI!” Tajiri and ZSJ feel things out, knuckle lock, and ZSJ rolls to then wrench and wristlock. Tajiri seems rather unbothered, and he slips under ZSJ to then trip him and spread the legs! ZSJ reaches back but Tajiri uses his whole body length! ZSJ pushes up, crawls back, wrenches and hammerlocks, then half nelsons to cravat. Tajiri spins through to wrench and trip ZSJ!
Tajiri has the legs, ZSJ resists then hooks Tajiri to trip him. ZSJ returns the leg sprawl, then has a STRETCH MUFFLER! ZSJ uses it as a means to an end so he can have the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Tajiri pops free and turns ZSJ over to have a headlock. ZSJ slips out the back, they each want the other’s arm, but then ZSJ top mounts. Tajiri pushes ZSJ away and the fans cheer the standoff! Tajiri and ZSJ feel things out, knuckle lock again, and ZSJ turns Tajiri. Tajiri turns that back around but ZSJ has an arm. ZSJ hammerlocks but Tajiri steps through the ropes, then steps back inside, and he has ZSJ’s arm wrapped around ropes!
The fans cheer, but Tajiri shows respect by respecting the ropebreak. The fans applaud, as does ZSJ, and then they tag out to Yoh and Eagles. The fans join in on “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” but Yoh rolls Eagles up! TWO and Yoh kicks low! Yoh whips, Eagles reverses to go up and around to arm-drag! Things keep moving, Eagles hurdles but Yoh dodges to RANA! The fans fire up but Fujita storms in and CHOPS! The Ichiban Sweet Boys double whip, but Yoh ducks the lariats! Yoh kicks and kicks, but the Sweet Boys CHOP and CHOP! They double wrench, and MAX- NO, Yoh fights free! Yoh crisscrosses the Sweet Boys into each other, and DOUBLE BULLDOGS!
Tag to Yano and the fans cheer, only for the Sweet Boys to double kick! They double whip, but Yano grabs the ropes! Yano then sends Fujita into Eagles, and he SLAPS them both on the heads! Yano then unties the buckle pad! The fans fire up, but Sweet Boys DOUBLE ELBOW, split the wishbone, and DOUBLE KICK! The Sweet Boys BLAST Yano’s corner, then Eagles brings Yano to the Mighty corner. Eagles bumps Yano off buckles then tags in Hartley. Big Hartley UPPERCUTS then ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! Yano is a bit tougher than that so Fujita tags in. Fujita drags Yano up to CHOP! And CHOP!
Fujita whips Yano corner to corner, runs up, but Yano puts him on the apron! Fujita SLAPS Yano back! The fans rally and Fujita aims, springboard for the MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Yano stays in this and the fans rally up. Fujita tags Oiwa and he drags Yano up. Oiwa whips Yano to ropes, then ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO! Oiwa stays on Yano but Yano pulls on the mullet! Oiwa kicks free, runs, but into an atomic drop! The fans rally up while both men are down, and Yano tags in Ryota! Ryota CHOPS Oiwa! Ryota eggs Oiwa on, but Oiwa fires a forearm! Ryota CHOPS again! Oiwa fires another forearm!
Ryota CHOPS, Oiwa ROCKS him, repeat! The fans rally as Oiwa fires a flurry! ROLLING ELBOW! Oiwa runs, but into a BACKDROP! Fujita runs in, but into a scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! Eagles runs in, into a scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! The fans fire up with Ryota, and he invites Tanahashi in! They double whip Oiwa, then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! And then Ryota says, “Genki de masu!” The fans cheer as Ryota and Tanahashi have energy to spare, and Ryota drags Oiwa up. Ryota reels Oiwa in, but Oiwa fights the lift! Oiwa powers up to BACKDROP Ryota! The fans rally, Oiwa runs, SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally more as Oiwa and Ryota rise. Oiwa whips Ryota to a corner, runs up, but Ryota LARIATS him down! Oiwa is up to LARIAT Ryota! Both me are down now and the fans rally again. Hot tags to ZSJ and Tanahashi! One more meeting between these two after yesterday’s final singles match, and the two dosido in a battle of Cobra Twists! Tanahashi has the COBRA TWIST! ZSJ pries free to have the COBRA TWIST in return! But Tanahashi powers out, has a leg, DRAGON- NO, ZSJ sits down for the ARMBAR! Tanahashi stacks ZSJ, TWO! ZSJ RAMS Tanahashi, snapmares, but Tanahashi UP KICKS!
Tanahashi kicks low, snapmares, and he NECK TWISTS! The fans fire up and Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ catches him to wrench! PELE to the arm! Then a STOMP to the elbow! Tag to Hartley and the fans rally up. Hartley runs corner to corner and SPLASHES Tanahashi against bare buckles! Short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The Sweet Boys BLAST Tanahashi’s corner, then they send Tanahashi to a neutral corner. Fujita runs up to CHOP! Oiwa adds an ELBOW! Eagles adds a FOREARM! Then Oiwa scoops Tanahashi to SLAM him! ZSJ NECK TWISTS! Hartley SENTONS! Cover, Tajiri SLAPS Hartley on the head!
Tajiri scurries away before ZSJ can get him! The fans fire up and now Yoh & Yano mug Hartley. They double whip, but Hartley DOUBLE LARIATS! “Jackson Number One!” Hartley fireman’s carries Tanahashi, but Tajiri slips in and dosidos with the ref! GREEN MIST for Hartley!! Ryota runs up and SLINGBLADES!! Tanahashi hurries up top while his team keeps TMDK out! HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi’s team wins!
Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Yoh, Ryota Chikuzen & Tajiri, by pinfall
Legends working together makes for a classic finish to this match! Will this moment be one to remember as The Ace continues his countdown to the end?
8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Shota Umino, Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi & Taka Michinoku!
As Wrestling Dontaku wraps up the weekend, Tetsuya Naito and Bushi have reached the end of their NJPW run. Will they be victorious one last time alongside Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi? Or will the Roughneck, Stone Pitbull, Holy Emperor & Blue Playmaker make this parting a bitter goodbye?
For one last time, Naito takes his time with the elaborate entrance attire. It also seems rather clear that Bushi is emotional over this being his farewell match. The fans rally and the teams sort out. The fans call for “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” LIJ fust bump, the fans cheer, and Naito steps up for the team. The fans rally behind him more as he starts against Taichi. The bell rings and Fukuoka cheers even harder for “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” But then Naito tags out to Bushi. The Black Mask has the fans on his side, too, and he circles with Taichi. They approach, Bushi kicks low then runs, but into a BOOT! Taichi runs, but Bushi TOSSES him out!
Bushi DECKS Taka, but Shota & Ishii attack! They double whip, Bushi sends Shota into Ishii, then Bushi DOUBLE RANAS! BUSHIROONI~! Taichi is back but Bushi DECKS him! Takagi sets Taichi up but Taka trips Bushi! The fans boo but Taichi storms in and stomps Bushi. Taichi CLUBS Bushi, whips him corner to corner, then runs up, but into a BOOT! Bushi runs up and RANAS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Bushi stands and he tags in Hiromu. Hiromu BLASTS Ishii, then Takagi tags in! Hiromu & Takagi double whip Taichi to DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Then they flex! The fans cheer the side chest.
Hiromu stands Taichi up to CHOP him to the corner. Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs in and LARIATS, then snapmares, but Taichi RIDGE HANDS! Taichi wrenches and HOOK KICKS! Shota BLASTS Takagi because he can, and Taichi tags in Taka. Taka BOOTS Naito down, then stomps Hiromu around. The fans rally but Taka brings Hiromu up. Hiromu CHPOS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Taka gets mad, and he pokes Hiromu in the eyes! Taka whips Hiromu to the corner, stomps and knees him, then tags Ishii. Ishii winds up to CHOP! Hiromu grits his teeth and CHOPS back, but Ishii doesn’t budge!
Ishii CHOPS Hiromu and eggs him on! Hiromu stands to CHOP, but Ishii CHOPS back! Ishii gives more trash talk and more mocking kicks. Hiromu stands to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! The fans fire up as Ishii staggers, but then Hiromu CHOPS again! And again! Ishii ROCKS Hiromu, suplexes, but Hiromu fights free! SUPERKICK! Hiromu roars, reels Ishii in, but Ishii suplexes first! But Hiromu’s right up!? And he dodges Ishii to SNAP GERMAN! Ishii’s right up!? SAIDO! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Ishii hot tags Shota, and Shota BLASTS Takagi again! Shota then runs up on Hiromu, but Hiromu dodges!
Shota hits buckles, hurries after Hiromu, but Hiromu fights the half nelson. Hiromu blocks a kick, and a punch, and then DRAGON SCREWS! Hot tag to Naito! The fans erupt as Naito kicks and CLUBS Shota again and again! Naito whips to arm-drag Shota! And ELBOW him down! And basement DROPKICK! TakaTaichi attack and double whip, but Naito reverses to send Taka into Taichi! Drop toehold for Taichi and Bushi basement DROPKICKS! Naito kicks and whips Taka, Taka reverses, but Naito reverses back to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Naito poses, then he tags in Takagi. Takagi runs up on Shota, blocks a boot, and LARIATS through!
Takagi keeps moving, but Shota SWATS the lariat! Takagi YUKON LARIATS, but Shota roars as he stays up! Shota fires boxing elbows, but Takagi shakes his head! Takagi fires boxing elbows of his own! He ROCKS Shota, runs, but Shota LARIATS at the ropes! Shota runs, Takagi LRIATS! Takagi runs, Shota dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shota stays up but the ELBOW and JAB hit! Shota ENZIGIRIS! Takagi SLIDING LARIATS! The fans fire up with Takagi and he whips Shota. Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! Shota LARIATS Takagi down! But then Shota falls over, too! The fans fire up while both men crawl.
Taka tags in, he BOOTS Naito and BLASTS Bushi! Taka runs, redirects, redirects, and BOOTS Takagi down! The fans rally up as Taka brings Takagi up. Takagi ROCKS Taka! Taichi runs up to RIDGE HAND! Ishii ROCKS Takagi! Then we get a RIDGE HAND BACKHAND COMBO! SUPER K from Taka!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi is still in this but Taka goes to scoop! Takagi is too big, so Taka pokes him in the eyes! Takagi still ELBOWS! JABS! Taka UPPERCUTS, but Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! Bushi slips in, as does Hiromu, and they double whip Taka to a corner. Hiromu runs up to forearm SMASH! Bushi adds an ELBOW!
Takagi LARIATS, then he snapmares Taka! Naito is in, LIJ hits a QUADRUPLE DROPKICK!! The fans fire up and Takagi says, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up more as The Rampaging Dragon drags Taka up. Taka fights the lift, and Shota SHOTGUNS Takagi! Hiromu dropkicks Hiromu’s legs! Hiromu dodges Ishii, he and Naito give Ishii TENDEDERO! Taichi runs up, he breaks through the line, but Hiromu sends him into an atomic drop! Takagi BLINDSLIDE BOMBERS! LARIAT in the corner, feed to a SUPERKICK! Naito wrenches Taichi for DESTINO!!! The fans are thunderous after seeing that final Destino!
Bushi then runs in and BLASTS Shota! Bushi keeps moving, for one last DIVE!! Down goes Shota and the fans are thunderous! Takagi has the fans join in for “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi runs, Taka dodges, and Taka BOOTS! Takagi comes back to PUMPING BOMBER! Takagi drags Taka up, pump handles and torture racks, BURNING DRAGON!! Cover, LIJ WINS!
Winners: Los Ingobernables de Japon, by pinfall
Their final battle in Fukuoka, their final battle with their friends, and their final battle in NJPW, it was all victorious! Naito & Bushi stand with Hiromu & Takagi to celebrate this final win. The fans cheer on “NA-I-TO!” as Naito leads the group in one last LIJ fist bump. The wild ride is over for the Uncontrollable Charisma, and he poses with his team one last time. Burn this moment into your memories, for we may never see Naito & Bushi back in a NJPW ring again.
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Yuya Uemura!
The Gene Blast may be one of the Reiwa Era Three Musketeers, but the Heat Storm vows to be the face of this new generation. A match meant to happen months ago finally does happen, but who will truly be the frontrunner of the future?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the true global star!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as Yota and Yuya stare down. Fukuoka duels, but the “YO~TA!” sounds stronger than the “YU~YA!” They circle, feel things out, then circle a bit more. They feel out the knuckle lock, then Yuya rolls. Yota keeps him at bay as they clinch, then they go around. Yuya waistlocks, Yota wrenches free and waistlocks in return, but Yuya switches. Yota headlocks, Yuya rolls him to the mat and headlocks in return. Yota keeps his shoulders up, then fights to his feet. Yuya hits a takeover, Yota headscissors, but Yuya kips up. Yuya is fired up and the fans cheer him on.
Yota stands up and the two reset. They circle while the fans duel, and the two tie up. Yuya wrenches to a hammerlock but Yota switches and full nelsons. Then Yota headlocks and grinds Yuya down. Yuya fights up, pries at the hold, but Yota powers it on tighter. Yuya powers up but Yota squeezes the headlock even tighter! The fans applaud while Yuya endures. Yuya fires body shots, then powers up and out, drops down, but Yota avoids the dropkick! Yota dodges but Yuya arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Yuya has the armlock and the fans cheer again. Yota pulls at the hold, then fights up. Yuya grinds the elbow but Yota reaches for ropes.
Yota has the ROPEBREAK but Yuya brings him away from the ropes quickly. Yota fires forearm after forearm until Yuya lets go. Yota runs up but Yuya arm-drags! Only for Yota to drag Yuya down, trap an arm, and SACRIFICE the other arm! The fans cheer while Yuya writhes. Yuya shakes out the bad arm but Yota brings him back up. Yuya fires a forearm! Yota grins so Yuya fires more shots! Yota wrenches and serves up SOLE FOOD to the arm! Yuya staggers away to a corner and the fans rally more. Yota storms up on Yuya, puts him in the corner, and he wraps the bad arm around ropes! The ref counts as Yota pulls, so Yota lets go at 4.
Yota brings Yuya out to snapmare, then he has the bad arm in a top wristlock! Yuya endures, the fans rally, but Yota puts on the pressure! Yuya fights forward, reaches out, but Yota pulls on the arm! Yuya still manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud as Yota legs go. Yota paces while Yuya shakes out the bad arm. Yota comes back to stomp the arm! Yota then wrenches Yuya, KNEES the arm, then KNEES it again! Yota KNEES Yuya into the corner, then paces again. Yuya stands, Yota runs in, but Yuya BOOTS him away! Yota runs back in, Yuya dodges and CHOPS! CHOPS! CHOPS! The fans fire up as Yuya winds up, but Yota dodges! Yota BOOTS Yuya in the corner!
The fans rally as Yota whips corner to corner. Yuya goes up and over, then arm-drags! And DROPKICKS! The fans cheer while both men are down. The fans rally again as Yuya rises up. Yuya roars, the fans fire up more, and Yuya brings Yota up to wrench and BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Yota stays in this but Yuya stays focused. The fans rally and Yuya brings Yota up. Yoga fights with elbows, then wrenches to YANK the arm! And YANK! And YANK! Yota whips, Yuya reverses, but Yota RANAS! Yuya tumbles out and the fans rally as Yota aims. Yota builds speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit and Yuya is sent into railing!
The fans fire up while Yuya stumbles and falls, and Yota fires back up! Yota has the fans rally more as he takes a lap. Yota comes back for Yuya, puts him in the ring, and the fans applaud. Yota steps in, stands Yuya up, but Yuya fights the suplex! Yota powers through, but Yuya fights free! Yuya CHOPS, then runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while Yota grits his teeth. Yota storms around, goes to a corner, and he aims as Yuya rises. Yota runs in, STINGER SPLASH! The fans fire up while Yota snapmares Yuya down. Yota goes up, up, but Yuya avoids the Marlowe Crush!
Yuya dropkicks Yota’s leg, then has it for a SHIN BREAKER! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Yuya then hurries to step through, FIGURE FOUR! Yota endures and the fans fire up! Yuya pulls on the main leg but Yota works to turn things over! The fans duel as Yuya fights against that, but Yota does turn the hold over! Yuya endures now, so he hurries to turn things over! Yota uses that to get the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Yuya and the ref undo the hold, and Yuya stands over Yota. Yuya brings Yota up to scoop and SLAM him down! Yuya then goes to a corner, climbs up, only for Yota to GAMANGIRI! Yuya is dazed up top, so Yota climbs up after him!
Yota brings Yuya up, throws forearms, then goes to the very top! But Yuya fires forearms! Yota falls, Yuya adjusts, and Yuya leaps! Yota avoids the crossbody but Yuya rolls through! Yota comes back, Yuya slips around and full nelsons! But Yota powers up to break the hold! Only for Yuya to GERMAN SUPLEX! Yuya runs, but into a BOOT! Yuya comes back and takes a swing, but into the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! But Yuya avoids the stomp! Yuya shoves Yota, but Yota DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as Yota keeps moving, and then Yuya DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again!
The two men crawl away to the corners while the fans rally up. Yuya runs in corner to corner, but Yota BOOTS him! Yota runs up, but Yuya clinches! Yota fights free, ROCKS Yuya, and Yuya staggers to the ropes! Yota whips, Yuya ducks ‘n’ dodges but Yota blows past, only for Yuya to get under! URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Yota stays in this and the fans fire up! Yuya shakes out the bad arm, then he stands Yota up for a scoop. Yuya SLAMS, then he fires back up! The fans fire up with Yuya as he climbs again! Yuya is up top, for the FROG SPLASH! But he FLOPS as Yota moves! Yota runs back in, FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!!
Yuya clasps hands, but Yota breaks the grip! ARMBAR!! Yuya endures, flails, reaches out, but Yota pulls on the bad arm! Yuya fights around, but Yota just keeps after the arm! Yuya uses his core strength to sit up, but Yota PULLS the arm straight! Yuya falls over, fights around, and he turns over. Yota does his best to keep the armbar, even with this mounted angle! Yuya bites his thumb to ignore the pain in his arm! Yuya then reaches out, ROPEBREAK!! Yota lets go in frustration but the fans fire up. Yuya clutches his elbow but Yota paces around. Yota drags Yuya up from the ropes, but Yuya CHOPS! Yota brushes that off, but Yuya CHOPS again!
Yuya can’t put enough power behind the strikes with that bad arm, but he keeps trying! Yota BOOTS Yuya, Yuya drops to his knees, and the ref checks with him. Yuya refuses to let the bad arm cost him again, and he rises up to CHOP! And HEADBUTT! And HEADBUTT! Yota ROCKS him!! And then KNEES him down! The fans fire up while Yota stands tall! Yota goes to a corner, watches Yuya sputter and rise, GENE- DROPKICK to the leg! Yuya hurries to grab that leg, but Yota fires off forearms! Yuya eggs Yota on, so Yota HEADBUTT! But Yuya still DRAGON SCREWS!! Yuya steps through again, FIGURE FOUR!!
The fans fire up as Yota endures again! Yuya puts as much pressure as he can, Yota pries at the hold, but Yuya thrashes around! Yota reaches out, keeps his shoulders up, and he drags Yuya along towards ropes! But Yuya drags Yota back from ropes! Yuya thrashes as hard as he can, we hit 20 minutes, and Yota still endures! The fans rally harder and harder as Yota fights to turn this over! Yota does, but then Yuya turns it back! But this time, Yuya turns back the other way to keep Yota from the ropes! And then he PULLS on the leg! Yota lunges for the ROPEBREAK!! The fans fire up while the ref again frees Yota.
Yota clutches his leg while he crawls away, but Yuya is right on him! Yuya has the leg, but Yota ENZIGIRIS! Yuya falls, but he also manages to waistlock! Yuya drags Yota up, but Yota fires elbows! Yuya still GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!! Yuya holds onto Yota and the fans fire up! Yuya full nelsons, DRAGON SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Yota survives again and Yuya is furious! Yuya roars, the fans are with him, and he reels Yota in! SAIDO BACKBREAKER! Then he puts Yota in the drop zone! Yuya climbs, the fans rally more, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!?! Yota survives and Yuya is beside himself!
Fukuoka is thunderous as Yuya rises! Yuya brings Yota up, cording holds one arm, swings to get the other, but Yota STUNNERS free! Yota roars, runs, but into a DROPKICK! Yota just comes back, GENE- ARM-DRAG!! Yuya hurries to lock in those arms, but Yota fights off the clinch! They go around and around, and Yota frees an arm! But Yota brings it back in! DEADBOLT SUPLEX!!! Yuya roars, the fans are electric, GENE BLASTER outta nowhere!!! Cover, YOTA WINS!!
Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)
The Heat Storm was certainly on fire, but Tsuji was volcanic! The gold stays with Yota, will he and those left in LIJ make sure NJPW stays tranquilo?
Speaking of which, the rest of LIJ returns to the ring so they can stand with their guy. Tsuji gets to also have his final photo op with the group as we know it. We also get one last LIJ fist bump with the five of them, and then Naito & Bushi let Yota, Takagi & Hiromu have the ring. Yota hurries to get the mic to tell Naito & Bushi, “Let me have one last word.” The fans applaud, and Naito & Bushi stop to hear him out. “Naito and Bushi leaving could signal the end of Los Ingobernables de Japon. But remember this: We’re ungovernable. We’ll always be connected in our hearts. Until next time.” The fans applaud that! Naito even gives one last fist bump salute.
The fans cheer as the LIJ Era has changed, and Bushi makes sure we see his mask where it says, “Adios.” Then Yota continues to say that he is still IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, and that he’ll continue to defend the cerulean blue mat of NJPW. The fans applaud, and Yota says he is fortunate to have such a great rival in Uemura. And another in Gabe Kidd. So, who should he defend this belt against next? Well, he said the man’s name, so here comes the Mad Man! The fans bark it up for the War Dog, and Gabe gets right in Yota’s face. Yota says nic eto see him. Should they pick up where they left off?
Gabe takes the mic to say, “You’re an IWGP champion?” No, no, Yota beat Evil and Yuya, but in Osaka… It was a double knockout! Yota never beat Gabe! The fans cheer that point! Gabe says on June 15th… In Osaka Jo-Hall… “Let’s find out who the strongest is!!” The fans love that idea! Gabe heads back out, the fans bark more, and Yota tells Gabe, “Let’s show ’em our NJPW.” The fans also like that, and Yota asks if they’re ready! The fans cheer because they are, but who will make this their Dominion?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto w/ Yoshi-Hashi VS Callum Newman w/ The United Empire!
The Fierce Warrior finally put the G in IWGP at the New Beginning in Osaka when he won this title. But now, the Prince of Pace is looking to blow right past him as the top guy in NJPW! Will the Goto Revolution stay the course? Or will it be conquered by the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really the G of IWGP!
The bell rings and the fans rally strongly for “GO-TO-O! GO-TO-O!” Callum doesn’t let that bother him, and he runs up to BOOT Goto! Callum fires forearms, whips, but Goto reverses! Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges to build speed, but then Goto dodges! The fans cheer as Goto is at least agile like Callum. They tie up, then they just fire off forearms! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Goto gets the edge, headlocks, but Callum powers out. Goto runs Callum over, but Callum kips up to ENZIGIRI! Callum TOSSES Goto out, then PLANCHAS! The fans fire up while Goto goes down!
Callum fires himself up and the fans cheer. Callum brings Goto up, the fans duel a bit more evenly, and Callum whips. Goto reverses and Callum hits railing! But he comes back to BOOT Goto down! Callum snarls, drags Goto back up, and now Callum sends Goto into railing! Goto comes back but Callum BOOTS him down again! And then PENALTY KICKS! The fans rally, Hashi coaches Goto, but Callum KICKS Goto in the back! Callum puts Goto in the ring, the fans applaud, and Callum sits Goto up again. Callum hits another PENALTY KICK! Callum then goes to the corner and climbs up, calling his shot.
Callum aims, DIVING- NO, Goto dodges! Callum comes back, but Goto dodges! Goto LARIATS, then he clinches for the SAIDO! Callum flounders away and the fans fire up. Callum goes to a corner, Goto runs in, MURAMASA! Then Goto puts Callum up top! Goto climbs up after Callum, just to drag him into a draped position! SUPER DRAPING NECKBREAKER!! Callum flounders out of the ring, Great-O-Khan & Francesco Akira check on him, as does Red Shoes. Callum winches, clutches his shoulder, but he manages to sit up. Callum has speed but Goto is taking advantage of his skinnier frame.
Red Shoes starts the ring count and Goto stays back, which annoys Callum. Callum storms into the ring, but Goto kicks him down! Goto has Callum up for a suplex, and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Callum stays in this and the fans fire up, but Goto stays right on Callum. Goto drags Callum up, but Callum clutches his shoulder, so Goto lets him be. We’re only five minutes in as the fans rally up, and Goto stomps Callum around. Callum crawls away to a corner but Goto grabs at him. Callum wants Goto to hold on, and Red Shoes has Goto step back. Callum’s neck and shoulder are really bothering him, but Goto just storms up to stomp him!
Goto drags Callum up, snapmares, then clamps on a chinlock. Callum endures as Goto’s knee digs into the back and neck. Goto then ELBOWS Callum in the head, stomps him around, and brings him up. Goto CLUBS Callum’s neck, but Callum CHOPS! The pain in his shoulders holds Callum back, but Goto clinches for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! And then a GROUND OCTOPUS! Callum endures, reaches out, and the fans rally up. Goto thrashes around but Akira & Khan coach Callum. Callum kicks around but Goto shifts to a headscissor necklock! Callum endures the squeeze, kicks and kicks, and finds the ROPEBREAK!
The fans applaud and Goto lets go in frustration. Goto drags Callum up but he’s a ragdoll again. Goto still brings Callum around, snapmares him back down, then KICKS him in the back! And ELBOW DROPS! Callum sputters but Goto just ELBOW DROPS again! Akira & Khan coach Callum but Goto looms over him. Goto ELBOW DROPS onto Callum’s back! Cover, TWO! Callum toughs it out but Goto is still calm. Goto stands Callum up, kicks him low, but Callum fires a forearm! And another! The pain in the neck holds those back, and Goto CLUBS Callum! Goto runs, but into a DROPKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Khan & Akira coach Callum, Hashi coaches Goto, and both Goto and Callum crawl to the apron. Goto goes to the floor, and Callum smiles. The fans rally as Callum builds speed and FLIES!! Callum does a full 360 to hit Goto and then rolls through more to stand back up at the ramp! The fans are thunderous and Callum fires himself back up! Callum drags Goto to his feet and puts him in the ring. The fans applaud, and Callum hurries back in. Callum aims from a corner while Goto flounders away. The fans rally more, and Callum runs corner to corner. FLYING DROPKICK! Callum then chicken wings for a TIGER SUPLEX!
But the bad neck won’t let Callum bridge! Callum hurries to lateral press, TWO! And we’re just 10 minutes in! The fans rally, Callum fires up with a very Will Ospreay style “OI! OI! OI!” The fans rally behind that, and Callum brings Goto up. Callum reels Goto in, hooks a leg, FIRE- NO, Goto slips free of Firebolt, waistlocks, but Callum fights the lift. Callum runs, Goto follows, but then Callum dodges! Goto dodges, Callum dodges, then Callum hurdles! But Goto fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and the fans fire up for that high speed exchange! Goto has the crowd behind him again as he rises up.
Goto storms up on Callum, stands him up, but Callum fires a forearm! Only to fall to his knees! Callum rises up but Goto DECKS him! Callum is running on fumes, but the fans do rally for him, too. Goto eggs him on and Callum manages to stand. Callum fires a forearm, drops to a knee, but Goto stands him up. Goto DECKS Callum again! Callum shakes out the stars and he snarls! Callum fires another forearm, but Goto DECKS him a third time! Goto eggs Callum on, the fans rally again, and Callum rises. Callum puts his hands behind his back and dares Goto to hit him! So Goto DECKS Callum a fourth time!
Khan & Akira coach Callum on but Red Shoes asks if Callum wants to stop. Callum shakes his head, he’s not gonna stop here. Callum stands again, leans on the ropes, then comes back for more! Callum even SPITS at Goto! The fans boo that, but Goto DECKS Callum for it! Goto watches Callum sputter, and Callum slowly rises again. But then he falls back over! Callum headbutts the mat to fire back up, and the fans rally behind him! Goto winds up and ROCKS Callum! Callum is back to get in Goto’s face! Goto fires a flurry of forearms! Callum CHOPS! Goto feels that one! The fans fire up and Callum roars, but Goto spins him! URA G T R!
Goto goes to run but Callum reels him in! GERMAN SUPLEX! ROUNDHOUSE! Callum runs, but into a fireman’s carry! G T W!! Cover, TWO!! We’re 15 minutes in as Goto stalks Callum to the apron. Goto stomps Callum, then stands him up. But Callum fights the fireman’s carry with elbows! Goto still lifts! Callum flails, slips down, and KICKS Goto! Callum goes up, up, and OSCUTTER 2.0 on the apron!! Both men fall to the floor and the fans fire up! Red Shoes checks, both men are able to continue, so a ring count starts. Khan fans off Callum while the fans rally. The count already passes 7 of 20, then hit 10, but both men are still down!
Callum rises at 13, drags himself in at 17, but Goto is still down! Goto rises up and springs in at 19! The fans fire up as this continues! Callum goes to a corner, runs up, BUSAIKU KNEE! Then he hurries to bring Goto into the drop zone! Callum roars, climbs, and the fans fire up! DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO?!? Goto survives the coup de grace and Callum can’t believe it! Akira & Khan tell Callum to keep going, he’s almost done it! The fans rally and duel as Callum hobbles over. Callum stands Goto up, then runs, but Goto swings, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men stay up, and they DOUBLE LARIAT again!
The fans fire up, Callum returns, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! And again! Callum waistlocks, ripcords, RAINMAKER?!? Cover, TWO!!! Goto survives as Callum shouts out the former leader of Chaos! The fans are thunderous, Callum feeds off that energy, and Callum drags Goto up. Callum calls his shot, springboards, OSC- NO, Goto blocks the cutter! DISCUS- NO, Callum dodges and springboards! OSCUTTER 2.0!!! Cover, TWO!??! But Callum hooks a leg! FIREBOLT!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Goto survives again and the fans are electric! Callum is unsure what to do as we pass 20 minutes, but the fans dueling shakes the arena!
Callum drags Goto up, but Goto wrenches out! Goto spins Callum, dragon sleepers, but Callum slips free! Backslide! Goto rolls through, PENALTY KICK BLOCKED! Goto HEADBUTTS Callum, ripcords, RAINMAKER!!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous again! Goto rises, he brings Callum up, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Goto HEADBUTTS away on Callum, then brings him up to HEADBUTT again! Goto snarls and the fans are thunderous again, as Goto suplexes for SHOTEN KAI!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Callum survives and Goto cannot believe it! The fans duel harder than ever before, and Goto rises again!
Goto roars and focuses his power! Callum sits up, into a BUZZSAW! But then Goto brings Callum around, but Callum drops to victory roll! TWO!! Callum SUPERKICKS, but Goto LARIATS!! Goto stands Callum up, dragon sleepers, but Callum fires shots from below! Goto blocks that arm, traps it, and G T R KAI!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!!
Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
The Prince of Pace did his best to follow in the Aerial Assassin’s footsteps, but he is still a long way from reaching the top of the mountain. However, if this is how close he came on his first try, will nothing stop Callum Newman from being the future of NJPW?
As for Goto, the belt is put back around his waist, and he watches Callum walk away. Callum takes a moment to bow in deep respect to Goto before he and the Empire leave. Goto then grabs the mic, and the fans cheer him on. “No matter what anyone says, this is MY time!” The fans cheer that! Goto continues, “Who’s my next opponent? As a fighting champion, I’ll take on all challengers!” Wait! Zack Sabre Jr. makes his way back out here! Goto took this title from ZSJ so clearly ZSJ wants a rematch. ZSJ grabs a mic to tell Goto in Japanese, “Good work tonight. That was a fantastic match! Truly fantastic.
“You’ve been on a roll lately! You’re indeed a great champion. But I’m you’re next challenger!” The fans like the sound of that! Goto says, “I accept!” The fans really like that, and the two shake hands on it. Will the Submission Master make sure that- WAIT! Shingo Takagi is here?! He storms into the ring with a mic to say, “Pardon the intrusion!” The fans cheer as Takagi asks, “Mind if I speak my piece? Zack, hold on a moment. OI, GOTO! You really are something. You got a belt, a wife, and kids! And on top of that, you’re in Hontai!” The fans do applaud that with a bit of a chuckle.
Takagi points out that he, on the other hand, has no belt, no wife, no kids. “And now it looks like my faction is done… But that doesn’t mean I need to hang my head. I’ll soar to the top!” The fans applaud, and Takagi says the G in IWGP stands for Goto, right? But oi, oi, oi! You can’t spell “Shingo” OR “Takagi” without a G! He has two G’s, so he wants his shot at the title. At least, he’d like to say that. But he has no objects to Zack. Takagi did lose to ZSJ last time. So then Takagi will wait to challenge the winner of Goto VS ZSJ! The fans like that, too! Takagi says if it’s about G’s, Goto can’t argue Takagi’s point!
The three men all look to each other, and it looks like the deal is struck. Fierce Warrior VS Front Man, and the Rampaging Dragon gets the winner! Who will stand on the summit of NJPW going into the summer? Takagi and ZSJ take their leave, and Goto continues. “Again, thank you very much for coming today!” The fans applaud, and Goto says, “No matter who I’m up against, I will not be defeated. The Goto Revolution is far from over! Follow it until the very end! Let’s end with Goto’s G’s.” The fans chuckle, and Goto says he knows most of the locales had G in their names. But not in Fukuoka…
Even so, Goto still has this IWGP World title around his waist, so no worries there. IKU ZO! The fans cheer, and Goto says, “The G in IWGP is for GOTO!” The streamers fly, and the Fierce Warrior is ready to lead NJPW on! But will things only heat up from here on out?
My Thoughts:
An awesome event for Wrestling Dontaku’s finale, and we’re already building towards Dominion next month. I was rather surprised that the Six Woman Tag was so quick. Well, I feel like a lot of Stardom matches on a NJPW show end up like that… But the 10 Man Tag with Tanahashi’s team beating TMDK, and then the 8 Man Tag of LIJ winning, both of those matches felt just as fast/short. I suppose on some level, they did it because we all had a feeling who was winning. Tanahashi’s team wins because he also had special guests Tajiri and Ryota, so that was just a great moment for some longstanding legends.
LIJ winning was apparently to also commemorate their last match as a faction. With Titan being their CMLL member, we only have Hiromu, Takagi and Tsuji. I suppose a trio isn’t necessarily a faction, but I’m surprised they just sprang this dissolution on us. Great match from Yota VS Yuya, but I think they dragged it out a bit at the start. It got hot by the end, and Yota retaining was a great move. Gabe Kidd calling his shot is also a great move, he and Yota are going to have a great rematch from their time limit draw. And then awesome main event from Goto VS Callum, with Callum looking great even in defeat. Callum is definitely on his way, maybe he’ll really build up his power level in the G1 Climax this year.
Great promo to close, with Goto, ZSJ and Takagi establishing the next couple of title shots. I think Goto VS ZSJ has been made for Resurgence this Friday, so they’re getting that right out of the way so Takagi can face the champion at Dominion. At the same time, they kinda have to because Best of the Super Juniors is going to dominate May. Resurgence would be a wild place for a title change since it’s in the US and it’s a true PPV, so I’m not liking ZSJ’s chances.
My Score: 9.1/10
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