Who will face Der Ring General?

As we continue down the Road to WrestleMania, a #1 contender to the Intercontinental Championship will arise through a star-studded six man GAUNTLET!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan; Becky wins.
• Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Ivy Nile & Maxxine Dupri; Candice & Indi win.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Kabuki Warriors VS Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark; The Kabuki Warriors win and retain the titles.
• R-Truth VS Damian Priest; Priest wins.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet: Sami Zayn wins and will challenge Gunther for the title at WrestleMania 40.

PLAY BY PLAY

Drew McIntyre is here!

The Scottish Terminator heads to the ring, feeling good after beating Jey Uso last week, though with a lot of help from The Bloodline. McIntyre gets his pyro, gets the mic, and Houston is torn as McIntyre looks to the WrestleMania sign. “Selfish, delusional, arrogant, hypocrite junkie. You couldn’t help yourself, Seth, could you? You had to accept the tag match, two main events back to back. You just had to get that fix. Junkie! Y’know, at least when I dropped Cody, he saw sense, he chose to finish his story. I drop you, Seth, what do you do? You find that energy and fire you’ve been missing, you decide to channel it into your own selfish agenda because of course you do.

“Say ‘what’ if you’re glad I took out CM Punk.” The fans boo as he almost got them. McIntyre says he always tells the truth and always has the answers. Do you wanna know what “the bigger picture” is? Do they want that answer? The fans chant for “C M PUNK!” instead. McIntyre chuckles and says no, that’s not it. Punk should have a handwritten thank you card ready because McIntyre’s the one keeping Punk relevant. The bigger picture isn’t Cody, Roman, Seth Rollins or even McIntyre. “The bigger picture is The Rock!” Fans boo but McIntyre wants them to hear him out. Think about the history of our industry.

Wait, most Houstoners don’t even know the history of America, so here’s a refresher on pro-wrestling. We started in the carnivals, then the armories, then arenas like this, and then stadiums and billion-dollar deals! What do you think the next evolution is? It’s working together with one of the most powerful people on planet Earth! Obviously The Rock is upset with Cody! What’d Cody do? He promised a match, took it away! He’s a liar, he insulted The Rock’s family. It is none of McIntyre’s business and it is none of Rollins’ business. But Rollins thinks this industry revolves around him. The minute Rollins realizes the business is bigger than Rollins, then he might become the legend he is in his own mind!

And everyone’s prayers will have been answered! From the locker room to the crowds to the top of the board, we will have a future champion in McIntyre that we can invest in and be proud of! Tell him he’s wrong! Wait, here comes Rollins! He tells “Drew, Drew, Drew, Drew, Drew… Would you do us all a favor and shut your mouth, big man?” The fans sing with the song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHHH~!” and Rollins says we’ll get to that. But McIntyre has been begging for attention! So let’s give him a little rub, shall we? Goo d news, Drew! Now that Night One’s main event is in the bag, Rollins has been thinking about that Claymore from last week.

McIntyre almost got Rollins’ full attention with that shot. Maybe we can go all the way with one more Claymore right here and right now. The fans fire up as Rollins stares McIntyre down. Rollins dares McIntyre to show us what’s under taht kilt! He’ll even make it easy and kneel! Rollins takes off the sunglasses and waits. Oh, wait, right, McIntyre’s a coward so he’ll turn around. Rollins waits, the fans sing, but McIntyre chuckles. “Before this gets any weirder, I just want to talk to you. I just want hyou to listen. For once, don’t just listen. Actaully hear me! I wanna tell you that you were right!”

Rollins turns around to hear that better as McIntyre says Rollins is right. Before their last match, the one Damian Priest screwed up for him, Rollins told McIntyre that McIntyre has to get over The Bloodline because they’re over him. “Get over it!” McIntyre says Rollins is right! McIntyre got over it! It kills him when Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso get involved, he wants to drop them on sight, but he did what Rollins said. He focused on the task at hand to get the wins, get the momentum, because he does it for the world title, for Monday Night Raw, because as a champion, that his all he should care about!

Then McIntyre returned the favor. He pleased with Rollins to take his own advice, but he didn’t because all Rollins cares about is Rollins. Rollins tells Drew that he’s starting to remind him of someone. Can’t quite remember that guy. McIntyre doesn’t like the guy, has a lot of tattoos, he’s from Chicago… The fans chant “C M PUNK!” Oh, yeah! McIntyre is like Punk! Because Rollins always thought that guy was the biggest hypocrite, until he met Drew. For years and years, McIntyre has gone on about The Bloodline screwed him, cost him the title, cost him the big match. Until a few weeks ago, McIntyre was saying it over and over!

And now, it’s like McIntyre wants to be an Honorary Uce! Houston, help Rollins with this. McIntyre beat Cody Rhodes, but did he do that without The Bloodline? “NO!” What about beating Jey Uso? “NO!” Rollins doesn’t buy this bull crap about McIntyre not wanting interference. McIntyre would love nothing more than for the Bloodline to help take the title off Rollins’ waist! McIntyre would love to stand next to The Rock, to be the People’s Champion’s Chosen One. But newsflash, jack: it ain’t gonna happen. Rollins will lay it out for us: Night One, Seth & Cody will take down The Bloodline!

Then on Night Two, Rollins VS McIntyre, the same thing happens that always happens when it’s them 1v1 for the title! Rollins will stomp McIntyre’s head into the mat, pin his shoulders, and the last thing McIntyre hears in the biggest moment of his career is the fans singing Rollins’ song! “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” McIntyre scowls and says he knows what Rollins is trying to do. Rollins wants McIntyre to put him out of his misery, to swing on him, to drop him. McIntyre won’t do it, because he has to face Rollins at Mania, pin him at Mania, and there is nothing Rollins can say that will provoke him.

McIntyre leaves but Rollins calls after him. Does McIntyre wanna know why Rollins hasn’t paid much attention to him on this Road to WrestleMania? Because of all the things, all the threats, the list of threats that Rollins is worried about going into WrestleMania, from the The Rock to Roman Reigns to the bad back and bad knee, at the very bottom of that list… the thing Rollins is worried about least, is Drew McIntyre. McIntyre turns around and storms up to the ring! Rollins is ready, but then McIntyre stops short. McIntyre storms away, controlling his anger. Is Rollins going to regret pushing the buttons? Or will nothing stop the Visionary from making it through WrestleMania 40?

What does it mean to “run the gauntlet?”

Colloquially, it means “to go through an intimidating or dangerous experience in order to reach a goal.” Chad Gable says he’s been running the gauntlet in his own head since his match with Gunther last September. The only tears you wanna wipe off your child’s face should be tears of joy. But if Gable wants that chance, this new gauntlet stands before him. His path to Heaven runs through the gauntlet from Hell. “A gauntlet filled with demons from my past that I’m gonna have to overcome this time, in order to earn my date with destiny. My date with redemption.

“It’s a rare chance to rewrite history, we don’t get those every day, so I intend to claim it and become a beacon of perseverance that my fans and my family can be proud of.” Gable vows to endure, “because for Chad Gable, this match just means more.” The Alpha Academy’s fearless leader wants to finally hold singles gold, will he survive the star-studded six pack to get back there?

Becky Lynch VS Liv Morgan!

The Man is ready for Rhea Ripley and the Women’s World Championship, but her Road to WrestleMania ran afoul of Liv Morgan’s revenge tour! Will Becky keep her momentum up? Or is she running into a big time speedbump?

Raw returns and Liv makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, end up in a corner, then go along ropes into another corner. Liv lets off to shove Becky! Fans are torn but Becky gets around to waistlock and SLAM! Becky drags liv back up but Liv throws elbows. Liv headlocks, Becky powers up and out, but Liv runs her over! Liv grins and runs, but Becky drops, runs the other way, then runs Liv over! Becky dusts herself off but Liv gets up to SLAP! So Becky SLAPS back! Liv fires forearms, Becky ROCKS Liv and bumps her off buckles. Becky bumps Liv off another corner, but then Liv bumps Becky back!

Liv brings Becky around, grabs an arm, but Liv moves around! Liv arm-drags free, runs up but Becky dodges! Becky BLASTS Liv off the apron, then builds speed, but Liv avoids the baseball slide! Liv gets in to build speed and she DIVES! Not the cleanest flight but she still takes Becky down, and the fans fire up as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Becky storms up to Liv in a corner. Liv ELBOWS Becky away, waistlocks, but Becky bucks the O’Conner! Liv runs Becky over with shoulder tackle after shoulder tackle, then kicks, KICKS and ENZIGIRIS! Liv kips up and the fans fire up! Liv runs in at the corner now, back body blocks, then runs, rolls and comes back. Becky dodges to JUMP KICK! Then she clinches, BECKSPLODER! Liv stands into another clinch, another BECKSPLODER! The fans rally up and runs to WRECK Liv with a dropkick! Becky goes to the apron, leaps and CLOBBERS Liv with a flying forearm!

Becky puts Liv back in the ring, goes up a corner and the fans rally. Becky leaps, into a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down and the fans fire up! The ref checks, they’re both okay to continue, and the fans rally and duel! “Let’s Go, Becky!” “Let’s Go, Liv!” Becky crawls after Liv as Liv goes to ropes. Becky ROCKS Liv, Liv ROCKS Becky! Becky ROCKS Liv, but Liv ROCKS Becky! They go back and forth, faster and faster, and the fans fire up! Becky gets the edge, UPPERCUTS and SOBATS, then runs, but Liv follows! Springboard CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Becky survives and Liv is frustrated!

Becky stands, Liv runs up but into a BOOT! Becky whips but Liv reverses to put Becky on the apron., Liv runs up but Becky KICKS her! Becky brings Liv to the apron, but Liv fights the suplex! Liv pushes Becky, ROCKS her, but Becky ROCKS her back! Becky waistlocks and aims for the floor! Liv holds on for dear life and throws elbows! Becky lets go, Liv BOOTS her to the corner! Becky staggers, Liv SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS to the floor!! The fans are all fired up and Liv hurries to get Becky in the ring! Liv hurries to cover, TWO!! Becky survives and shocks everyone! Liv works to calm down, because Houston knows “This is Awesome!”

Liv refocuses and brings Becky up. Becky resists the lift, to clinch, MAN- NO, Liv victory rolls! TWO, and Liv runs up! But into the MANHANDLE SLAM!! But Liv flops out of the ring to deny Becky the pinfall! Becky is stunned, the fans fire up, and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once again and Becky looms over Liv. Becky grabs an arm but Liv rolls her up! TWO, and Liv clamps on with RINGS OF SATURN!! Becky fights, moves, rolls free and kicks low! Underhooks for the BUTTERFLY SLAM into an ARMBAR! Liv flails, reaches out, fights up and stacks Becky, TWO! Back to RINGS OF SATURN!! Becky flails, kicks, make sit a cover, TWO and Liv ghost pins! TWO, both stand up and Liv slips around to DDT!! Becky flounders to ropes, stands up, into OB-LIV-ION!! But now Becky flops outta the ring! Liv is seething as Becky survives! A ring count starts but Liv goes out after Becky.

Liv DRIBBLES Becky’s face off the apron edge! Liv puts Becky in, sees her go to a corner, and she runs up! Becky sends Liv into buckles! Becky comes back but Liv slips out and Becky hits buckles! Liv KNEES Becky away, goes up and leaps, but into the MANHANDLE SLAM!!! Cover, Becky wins!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall

That battle was itself worthy of the Women’s World Championship, but it is still The Man heading down the Road to WrestleMania! Becky does nod Liv respect, will they look to run this back one day? Will Becky be the world champion by then? But speaking of, here comes Rhea Ripley! Houston fires up as Mami swaggers her way out, title in hand. Rhea looks at Liv and Liv says she’ll be the one to take everything Rhea loves! Rhea just blows her a kiss, then goes to the ring with a mic to stare down Becky. The fans chant for “MAMI! MAMI!” but Rhea says, “Congratulations, Becky. You beat Liv Morgan. Now was it all worth it?

“Because every single week, you seem to be getting into these fights and leaving everything you have in this ring. And every single week that goes by, we seem to be getting closer and closer to WrestleMania. But that’s what The Man is all about, right? You fight anyone, anywhere. You say that you do it for these people, you say that you do it for your family. See, I know the real reason as to why you do it, Becky. You say that you have to prove to yourself that you’re still the best here. But the thing is, you know deep down that I am better than you.” So that is why Becky keeps accepting all these matches! She wants an excuse as to why she can’t beat Rhea!

Rhea promises that if Becky doesn’t step into Mania 100%, she won’t be walking out “The Man!” She will be nothing but a disappointment. The fans are torn and Becky paces. Becky has a mic to say before the Royal Rumble, she looked Rhea in the eye and said Rhea might be better than her, and that Becky needs to prove Rhea is not. And that little bit of doubt, that planted a seed. That seed grew into a tree with branches and leaves and roots and vines that are wrapping around the whole world. But what you need to understand about Becky, when people believe in her, she is good. But when people doubt her, she is GREAT!

So Rhea, if it has to be Becky against the whole world, then the whole world doesn’t stand a chance. Becky drops her mic and storms off, ready to give it her all and then some! Will that be just enough to finally take down The Eradicator?

BREAKING NEWS for WrestleMania!

Both the Raw and SmackDown General Managers, Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis, stand side by side as they give us this announcement. As they work together to make WrestleMania 40 the greatest event in wrestling history, they are here tonight. It is their distinct honor and privilege as not just GMs but as fans of tag team wrestling and this “unbelievably deep tag division” in WWE today, to announce that at WrestleMania 40, Judgment Day will defend their tag titles against FIVE of the very best tag teams in WWE today in a very special match that matches the magnitude of the biggest Mania of all time.

It will be a SIX PACK LADDER MATCH! Over the next few weeks, teams from both Raw and SmackDown will compete to earn spots in that match, and the opportunity to walk away with the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania. Pearce and Aldis wish all the teams good luck, but is it Finn & Priest who will need a miracle to survive?

Judgment Day talk about this in their clubhouse.

Priest says he’s never had a problem with a GM before now. FIVE teams?! They wanna go to his office and talk to “that Nick fella.” JD McDonagh also joins Finn & Priest in storming their way out, but will they fail to change management’s mind?

Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Ivy Nile & Maxxine Dupri!

The Poison Pixie got a little spicy last week and took her frustrations out verbally on poor Maxxine the Alpha Queen. Ivy and Indi know Maxxine’s doing her best, but will her best just not be enough? Or will Ivy & Maxxine find the way to win against former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions?

The teams sort out, Ivy and Indi start. They tie up, Ivy arm-drags but then Indi arm-drags! Indi grinds the arm, whips, but Ivy holds ropes. Ivy ROUNDHOUSES Indi, but Candice gets a cheap shot in! Fans boo but Indi didn’t see it. She tags Candice, but Ivy UPPERCUTS! Ivy and Candice DOUBLE LARIAT, and the fans rally up while they’re both down. Ivy and Candice crawl, hot tags to Indi and Maxxine! Maxxine wrenches and ROUNDHOUSES Indi, then ENZIGIRIS! The fans cheer as Maxxine SHOTGUNS! Maxxine is all fired up, she runs up and SPLASHES! Indi flops down, and Maxxine shouts out Otis with the hip swivel!

Maxxine shimmies, shakes, handsprings, and REVERSE CATERPILLARS, but into Candice! Candice says Maxxine just looks stupid! Maxxine is bullied into the corner, and Candice says, “You know why people are booing you, right? Because you don’t belong here!” Maxxine looks close to tears and Candice says if hearing what the internet has to say hurts, try listening to what the others in the locker room are saying! Candice mocks Maxxine’s tears. Candice says it is a good thing her dead brother isn’t here to see what an embarrassment Maxxine’s become! Maxxine pushes Candice away and wants out, but Indi BOOTS her down!

Candice BOOTS Ivy, tells Indi to pin! Indi does, she and Candice win!

Winner: Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell, by pinfall

The poison inside the pixie is truly corrosive, and Indi has no idea what to make of it. Will Maxxine be able to recover from Candice’s toxic words?

The GMs talk in their office.

They talk out the details, and Aldis says it will be three teams from Raw and two from SmackDown. Pearce is quite the tough negotiator. Pearce takes that as a compliment, and they both know it will be one incredible match. Between this and NXT’s Tag Team Eliminator Tournament, the WWE Tag Division is- But then Finn walks in and says, “Excuse me, muchachos, but what the hell is going on around here? Is this some sort of a joke? Me and Damian have to defend our two titles against five teams, at WrestleMania, in a ladder match!? Everyone knows I don’t like ladders!” McDonagh says yeah, Finn’s afraid of heights.

What? This is the biggest Mania of all time. But think of it this way: If Judgment Day wins, they cement their legacies as the greatest tag team of all time! Priest says stop, stop! They already have proven they’re the best! It’s why they have the belts! Whose idea even was this? Was it Pearce? Was it Aldis? Aldis says it is better left unsaid. Pearce has everyone calm down, they take ideas from all over. They should see social media. Finn asks if he is invisible. What about his ideas? He has great ideas! No one listens to his ideas! Okay, okay, since they’re so adamant about it, Pearce & Aldis had a conversation with Miz & Truth-

OH, SERIOUSLY!? That’s who they’re getting advice from? In that case, give them Miz & Truth in a match, tonight! Well too bad, they’re not here tonight, they’re off doing media appearances. Wait, Truth walks in!? Isn’t he supposed to be in Philadelphia? Oh, that’s on Monday, bro. Truth, it IS Monday. Oh… That’s why Miz ain’t here, huh? Priest says he’ll settle for just Truth. Make the match. The Judgment Day heads out and Truth asks what they’re so mad about. Pearce will try to explain, but will it even matter?

Michael Cole is in the ring.

He has chairs prepared because he is going to interview a man who had quite a historic night on SmackDown last Friday. We watch a recap package, and then Cody Rhodes makes his entrance! Houston fires up for the American Nightmare and they sing his song, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off, Cody gets the fans even more fired up, and then he joins Maggle in the ring. They sit down and Cole asks Cody what he wants to talk about. But to cut to the chase, The Rock trumpeted the fact that he is on the Board of Directors, and made it clear as Cody’s boss that if Cody doesn’t get it done at WrestleMania, he may never, ever challenge for another title again.

So then, why did Cody slap him? Cody smirks, the fans chant “ROCKY SUCKS!” and Cody says he knows The Rock is saying that he is Cody’s boss. Not sure that’s really the case, but if The Rock is, then it feels good to slap your boss. And before the red carpet premieres and sipping tequila and promoting energy drinks, etc, etc, The ROck was a wrestler. A great one at that, one of Cody’s favorites, so The Rock knows what that slap was: it was a receipt. Then Cole wants to know why he agreed to that night one tag match. To be fair, Rollins is the one who answered for them, and then Cody did later.

Cody has so much at stake on Sunday, “finishing the story” with Roman, why put that in jeopardy? So much can go wrong in that 24 hour period, including how if he and Rollins lose, the match becomes “Bloodline Rules,” aka no rules. More importantly, and hear Cole out, Rollins and Cody have a long history. Rollins has made it very clear that he wants to be THE top champion in the WWE, and he is the last person to have defeated Roman Reigns 1v1. It was via disqualification but still, and he never got a rematch. Perhaps it is Rollins wanting to be the one to finally end Roman’s streak. With all that said, how the hell can Cody trust Rollins?

Cody smirks and says, “People change, Michael. It wasn’t that long ago you were sitting over there in a Plexiglas enclosure, wearing a Syracuse wrestling singlet, heckling everyone of the boys. Hell, I went off in the distance, I smashed the throne, and the person who sits on that throne has now become my closest working ally. I even teamed with Jey Uso!” The fans “YEET!” for that one. Cody says he and Rollins have not always gotten along, that is true, but Rollins has always had Cody’s respect. If he has to go to war with anyone, he happily does it with Rollins. Besides that, this is Cody’s one shot, the one opportunity at getting a fair fight against Roman Reigns.

Cody knew he’d be talking tonight, he and Cole are old friends. But here is an answer to a question the last time they were both in the ring. Flashback to October when he and Jey were tag team champions. Cole brought up Cody’s great year: Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, and that close to winning the title, same as Dusty Rhodes. Is that going to be Cody’s story? Cody was flustered at the time, but here tonight, Cody says that was a good question. Even now. So here’s another: Does Cody look nervous? Fans so “NO!” and Cody asks if he looks afraid. Because to be honest, he is nervous, he is scared, and he knows there are these “old head podcasters” who want this Jerry Springer thing.

The suit, the big words, admitting to being afraid. Cody can’t say “I’ll get ’em next time,” because that already happened. But the story is no longer about Roman’s championship and Cody. The story is about all of the fans who have followed Cody to the absolute ends. The story is all about a young girl named Hannah, blind, held up a sign for Cody just to feel it. There’s Cody’s friend, Harley, was in the front row, went through spinal fusion, who wanted the weight belt. Cody’s own family, like his sister, the one The Rock didn’t even mention. The original shotgun-riding kid for Dusty, who went from watching him in front of thousands of people, to driving him to signings where there were only 40.

Or even Cody’s mother, the only one left. Cody can’t hand it to Dusty Rhodes, but he sure can hand it to Michelle Rubio. The fans cheer as Cody gets emotional here. Cody then says, “How about my number one fan? Someone you know really well because you hired her, my wife, Brandi Rhodes. The most beautiful woman on the Earth. She took a shot on me when I was wearing a goofy mask and taking RKOs every night. If anyone deserves it…” The story is beyond Cody. But it is still up to him. Cody tells Roman now that last year, Roman said this was the third inning. But Cody wants to say this, and he’s sure Roman knows it, too. We are no longer in the third, this is the bottom of the ninth!

And Cody is so glad to have this moment. Night two of WrestleMania, Cole can say for the first time in the history of this company, for the first time in the history of Cody’s family, a RHODES will be Undisputed WWE Champion! Cole gets to say at WrestleMania 40, “Cody Rhodes finished the story!” Cody and Cole shake hands and hug it out, but will the American Nightmare make that dream come true?

More of the gauntlet competitors speak.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Ricochet returns tonight for in-ring action for Monday Night Raw. He actually returns for an opportunity to reclaim something that was taken from him.” He’s said it once and he’ll say it again, from day one stepping into the WWE, Ricochet has known where he wants to be. And tonight, after he runs through the gauntlet, where he is going to be will be WrestleMania to reclaim his Interconnectional Championship. So his Road to WrestleMania starts tonight.

JD McDonagh say that he woke up and in the mirror, he saw a guy “who after a lifetime of effort is now just one match, one win, away from WrestleMania. I saw a guy looking back at me who is willing to do anything, to sink to any depth, to MAIM to get to WrestleMania. And most importantly, I saw a guy looking back at me that I KNOW can beat Gunther. If you don’t believe me, I don’t give a damn. But I will tell you this: You never bet against an Ace.”

The One and Only and the Necessary Evil are ready, but will either of them make it to the end?

Becky finds Liv backstage.

Liv stands up to stare down Becky eye to eye, but Becky offers a handshake. Liv takes it, but then Nia CLOBBERS them both!! Nia says, “Aw, how cute! You guys supposed to make up, huh?” Nia TOSSES Liv into a road case! Nia tells Becky they’re not done. URENAGE through a table!! Refs and producers rush over, Nia tells them to back off, then she leaves. Will nothing stop The Irresistible Force from getting her way on the Road to WrestleMania?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Kabuki Warriors w/ Damage CTRL VS Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark!

The Empress of Tomorrow & The Pirate Princess have been dominating since coming back together, but they’re up against a combo that’s just as tough and just as mean! Will Asuka & Kairi not be ready for the Queen of Spades & Hunter? Or will Damage CTRL still be in control?

Raw returns and Shayna makes her entrance, followed by Zoey. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who truly dominates the tag division!

The teams sort out, Asuka and Stark start. They tie up, Stark headlocks but Asuka powers out. Stark ducks then handsprings and the fans cheer. Things speed up, Stark dodges then drops to then hurdle, roll back, but into a basement dropkick! Asuka swaggers, runs up at Stark in a corner, but Stark goes up and over then DROPKICKS back! Cover, TWO! Tag to Shayna, Stark snapmares Asuka for Shayna to KICK! And KICK! And KICKS! Asuka blocks, throws Shayna down, then aims to KICK! And KICK! And KICK! Shayna block snow, and goes for the ANKLE LOCK! Asuka hops and reaches out, but Shayna brings her away to go for an arm!

Asuka endures the double wristlock, pulls hair, and then tags Kairi. They whip Shayna away and Asuka drops so Kairi can LARIAT! Cover, ONE! Kairi pie faces Shayna, pie faces her again, but Shayna wrenches and brings her over! Tag to Stark, Shayna GERMAN SUPLEXES Kairi and Stark runs up to SLIDING BOOT! Stark BLASTS Asuka, too, then aims at them both! Springboard DOUBLE CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as the challengers stand tall, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Asuka headlocks Shayna, but Shayna hits a BIG back suplex out of it! They’re both down, the fans rally as they crawl, hot tags to Kairi and Stark! Stark LARIATS, LARIATS again, then runs to CLOBBER Kairi! The fans fire up with Stark, she ROCKS Kairi and whips her to a corner. Stark runs in, SPLASHES, then hoists her up top. The fans rally behind Stark as she ROCKS Kairi, ROCKS her again, then climbs. Kairi CLUBS away on Stark, Stark hits back, and Stark brings Kairi to the very top! But Kairi throws more shots! Kairi trips Stark up, HEADBUTTS her into the Tree of Woe, then stands!

The fans are torn as Kairi aims, and she WOE STOMPS Stark down! Cover, TWO! Stark survives and Kairi is furious! Kairi goes corner to corner, SLIDING D into a BOOT! Stark hurries to her corner but so does Kairi, hot tags to Shayna and Asuka! Shayna dodges to fire off a strike fest! She KICKS a leg out but Asuka dodges to URAKEN! SOBAT! KICK! URA- No, Shayna ducks to ROCK Asuka! Shayna runs up, Asuka ELBOWS her! Tag to Kari, CODE BREAKER to BLOCKBUSTER! Kairi keeps moving, she tags back to Asuka, then she BLASTS Stark! The Kabuki Warriors line it up, SLIDING D GAMANGIRI COMBO! Cover, Stark breaks it!!

The fans fire up but Kairi CLUBS Stark! Stark still TOSSES Kairi, goes out after her, and Shayna ROUNDHOUSES Asuka! Shayna tags Stark, Stark brings Asuka up! Fireman’s carry and- NO, Asuka slips free! Asuka blocks the roundhouse to slip around and GERMAN SUPLEX! Tag back to Kairi and she climbs! Asuka has Stark in position, but Stark powers out to shove Asuka! Kairi leaps over, Stark avoids the lariat to SUPERKICK! Tag to Shayna and they set Kairi up! Z360!! Kairi sits up into the RUNNING KNEE!! Cover, ASUKA BREAKS IT! Stark runs up to SUPERKICK Asuka! Asuka bails out, Stark PLANCHAS but FLOPS as Asuka moves!

Kairi and Shayna stands! Shayna blocks the uraken to KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! The fans go wild, Kairi kicks and rolls back to a cover, TWO!! Kairi is still caught! She reaches out for ropes but Shayna gets that arm! But then Dakota grabs a leg! Shayna kicks Dakota away, the fans boo, but Kairi URAKENS! Tag back to Asuka and Asuka BUZZSAWS! Tag back to Kairi and they get Shayna in position now! In-SANE DDT!! Cover, Kabuki Warriors win!

Winners: The Kabuki Warriors, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

#CobraKai made sure her girls didn’t lose control! But she has to face Bayley this Friday now, will the Role Model get a small part of revenge before going for the Evil Genius, Iyo Sky?

Judgment Day talks backstage.

They’re all still annoyed about this ladder match business, but then Andrade walks in. Priest asks, “Can we help you?” Andrade says tranquilo, big man. Rhea says it’s fine, she asked him to stop by. Rhea tells Andrade that unfortunately, Dom isn’t here tonight, but he has spoken extremely highly of Andrade. So maybe when Dom is back, we can all talk business. Is that something that interests him? Andrade says of course, he is all about business. Just let him known when. Okay, they’ll speak soon. Hasta luego. Andrade leaves and Finn says not for nothing, but he’s known that lad a long time. Finn agrees with Dom, Andrade brings a lot to the table.

Rhea says yes, it is intriguing. Priest says great, can they get back to focusing on their own business? Because it starts tonight when Priest handles Truth. They all agree there. Will Senor Money in the Bank punish Truth for thinking up this wild ladder match?

More gauntlet competitors speak.

The King of Strong Style says, “This fight is the Road to WrestleMania and championship gold. It’s worthy for me to let my emotions, anger and frustrations out. Gunther, don’t just sit back and watch. Keep your eyes wide open.” And the Colossal Aussie says, “All these losers are crying about how hard they’ve worked, and how they deserve their moment. You don’t know what real hard work is! You’re entitled and embarrassing! You deserve what you can take, and I’m taking it all! Tonight, Big Bronson Reed punches his ticket to WrestleMania!”

R-Truth VS Damian Priest!

Raw returns and Priest makes his entrance, looking to do this alone. And he just CLOBBERS Truth the moment he’s in the ring! The fans boo, the bell rings, and Priest stomps away on Truth in the corner! The ref has Priest let off, and Priest runs corner to corner, only for Truth to dodge the clothesline! Truth fires off haymakers and the fans fire up! Priest HEADBUTTS Truth away, then ROCKS him with a right! Truth leans against ropes, and Priest tells Truth to suggest something stupid now! Priest ROCKS Truth, whips him, but Truth KICKS back! Priest is furious, and he DECKS Truth with a forearm!

The fans rally for Truth but Priest just smirks. Priest TOSSES Truth out hard, then soaks up the heat. But wait, DIY is here! They cheer Truth on but Priest dares them to do something. Priest reels Truth in, hoists him up, but Truth slips free! Truth baits Priest into the POST! The fans fire up and Truth gets in the ring. Truth then goes to the apron, and he leaps to FLYING LARIAT Priest down! The fans fire up again as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Truth ROCKS Priest, ROCK Shim again, then runs, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Truth still lives and the fans fire up! Priest paces, he kicks at DIY as he goes to the apron and then up a corner. Truth stands, and he hits ropes to trip Priest! Priest falls to the mat then hobbles around. Truth runs up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he shoulder tackles! And shoulder tackles! SPIN-OUT BOMB! Shout out to Cena with “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then sets up, fireman’s carries, and ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! The fans fire up as Truth covers, TWO!!

Truth doesn’t stop, he steps through to STF!! The fans fire up as Priest endures! But then JD & Finn CLOBBER DIY! The fans boo as those four brawl! Truth lets Priest go to go up the corner! Truth SUPER CROSSBODIES and wipes everyone out! The fans lose their minds, Truth manages to stand back up, and he hurries back in! But Priest LARIATS Truth right down! Priest pulls down the straps and vows to end this! Choke grip, SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest wins!

Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall

The Judgment Day didn’t let Truth and “Regeneration X” have their way! In fact, JD CLUBS Ciampa, but Gargano goes after JD! Finn goes after Gargano, he and JD stomp Gargano out! Priest gives Ciampa an APRON CHOKE SLAM! JD kicks Truth around while Finn gives Gargano a COUP DE GRACE!! The fans boo but the Judgment Day does what they want to who they want! Will they do even worse to make sure none of the teams at WrestleMania win out?

Becky Lynch speaks.

She’s in the trainer’s room and says she knows she shouldn’t be doing this so close to WrestleMania, but it is her against the world. “So next week, Nia Jax, you, me, Last Woman Standing!” As if the Road to WrestleMania wasn’t in the Big Time already! Will Becky prove she’s unstoppable? Or will Nia end up removing Becky from the title picture after all?

Jey Uso is here!

Houston fires up as Main Event Jey, the #YEETMASTER, makes his way to the ring! They bounce with Jey and he points to Pat bouncing on the desk. Jey gets the mic to say “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your city~!” The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and Jey calls out Jimmy Uso. “Big Jim. Big brother Jim, lemme holla at you for a minute. I said I came to Monday night Raw for a fresh start. I said I came to Monday Night for a fresh start.” “YEET!” “But the Bloodline won’t let me go!” “YEET!” Jimmy won’t let Jey go. “YEET!” So how ’bout this? Brother VS Brother, Twin VS Twin, Blood VS Blood, USO VS USO! Jey VS Jimmy, AT WRESTLEMANIA!!

The fans are thunderous for that idea! Jey then tells Jimmy, “Accept my challenge. Cuz I’m gonna knock the yeet out yo’ ass!” Going from a tag team main event last year to a Bloodline grudge match this year, will Jimmy accept? Will The Tribal Chief even let Jimmy accept?

Backstage interview with Gunther.

Jackie Redmond is with the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time, and says there are some who believe he has become a little overconfident and is underestimating the six superstars in tonight’s gauntlet. What does he say to that? Gunther asks her, “Who believes that?” Well, there are just speculation among the WWE Universe. Gunther says that whoever believes that is not really his concern. He focuses on his legacy and facts. 640 days ago, Gunther beat Ricochet to become Intercontinental Champion, and he took on the responsibility for himself and for the legacy of this great prize.

And since then, he has elevated this title to heights never seen before. So tonight, the creme de la creme of Monday Night Raw will step into that ring and leave it all out there to compete against him for this great prize at the Grandest Stage of Them All, WrestleMania. And he’s flattered. This is such an affirmation of the work he has put in. But it takes a lot. It takes a lot to be in Gunther’s position. So to whoever wins this gauntlet tonight, good luck. Gunther chuckles and grins, but will he not be so confident once he sees who survives this star-studded field?

WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet!

First out is the One and Only Ricochet, and he has already said he’s ready to finally be where he’s always wanted to be. Will the King of Flight make it through ’til the end? We find out his opponent after the break!

Raw returns and starting against Ricochet is the Irish Ace, JD McDonagh. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, JD wrenches and wristlocks but Ricochet spins, slips through and waistlocks back. JD wrenches out, wrangles Ricochet with the wristlock, but Ricochet rolls, kips up and wrenches to then CLUB the arm, trip JD, and run up. JD BOOTS Ricochet away, but Ricochet rebounds and jumps over. JD gets around, Ricochet switches, but JD elbows free! Things speed up as Ricochet hurdles then MONKEY FLIPS JD! JD gets up into a DROPKICK! Ricochet keeps JD from getting away and whips, but JD reverses.

Ricochet holds ropes to stop himself, then he TOSSES JD up and out! The fans fire up, Ricochet builds speed, and he slides, but JD dodges! Ricochet hurries up to the apron, RAMS into JD, then springboards into a GUTBUSTER! JD then TOSSES Ricochet back out, storms out after him, and whips him hard into barriers! Then into more barriers! Then back into more barriers! JD pushes Ricochet into the ring, storms up behind, but Ricochet ELBOWS back! Ricochet runs up, but JD scoops to BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ricochet gasps and sputters but JD looms over him. JD drags Ricochet up and puts him in a corner.

JD whips corner to corner hard and Ricochet falls back! JD wants after Ricochet but the ref keeps him back. The ref and JD argue, but JD drops an elbow on Ricochet! The fans rally, JD CHOKES Ricochet on ropes! The ref counts, JD lets off, and JD soaks up the heat. JD points to the WrestleMania sign then goes after Ricochet. Ricochet throws body shots and forearms, but then JD ducks to URENAGE, and STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives but JD keeps his cool. JD brings Ricochet up to snap suplex! JD runs to drop the leg, brother! Ricochet sputters and JD mocks the fans, and they just boo back.

JD ROCKS Ricochet and has him in a corner. Ricochet fights back with forearms and UPPERCUTS, but JD kicks low! JD whips, Ricochet handsprings to back elbow! The fans rally and Ricochet runs corner to corner, to RAM into JD and go to the apron! Springboard and CROSSBODY! Ricochet bounces off, clutches the ribs, but he still LIONSAULTS but onto knees! JD turns things around to then suplex and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives and JD is frustrated! JD watches Ricochet writhe while the fans rally up. JD SLAPS Ricochet, so Ricochet SLAPS back! JD SLAPS again, and the forearms start flying!

The fans fire up as Ricochet UPPERCUTS, ROLLING ELBOWS, but JD ROCKS him again! Ricochet HEEL KICKS, then POISON-RANAS! Ricochet runs but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Both men are down and the fans fire up as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Ricochet is on the apron. JD goes out after him, stands him up, and blows a kiss to fans before he SLAPS Ricochet! Ricochet SLAPS back! JD SLAPS, then blocks the kick to CHOP, ENZIGIRI, and he reels Ricochet in! But Ricochet fireman’s carries! APRON DEATH VALLEY!! The fans go nuts while the ref checks both men! JD is somehow still in this so a ring count starts. Ricochet rises and stands at 5 of 10, then slides in before 6. JD crawls around at 7, drags himself up at 8, and rushes to slide in at 9.5! But Ricochet LIONSAULTS! Then he reels JD in for the NORTHERN LIGHTS! Ricochet rolls through to deadlift BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!!

The fans fire up and Ricochet is frustrated, but Ricochet stands back up. Ricochet waits on JD to rise and the fans rally up. JD stands, Ricochet fireman’s carries, but JD claws the face! JD POSTS Ricochet, then drags him to a cover, TWO! JD is frustrated now and he kicks and stomps away on Ricochet’s ribs and back! Fans boo but JD stands Ricochet up to then suplex him to the top rope. JD CHOPS Ricochet, then climbs up after him. JD fires forearms, then he goes to the very top! Ricochet fights with elbows then shoves JD down! JD is in the drop zone, and Ricochet aims, SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, Ricochet ELIMINATES JD!!

But as if that first round wasn’t hard enough, the 330 pounds of BEEF is coming! Bronson Reed is ready for war, will he become a juggernaut in this match? Wait, Ricochet DIVES out to hit Bronson! Bronson wobbles and staggers but doesn’t fall, so Ricochet shoves him into the ring!

Ricochet VS Bronson Reed!

Ricochet springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK Bronson outta the ring!! The fans fire up as Ricochet builds speed and FLIES! The Fosbury Flop takes Bronson down and the fans fire up again! Bronson still stands up before Ricochet does and Bronson gets himself into the ring. Ricochet follows, but Bronson swings! Ricochet ducks, GAMANGIRIS, then springboards again! Bronson catches Ricochet this time, and RAMS him into a corner before hitting the RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives but Bronson hauls him right back up. Bronson reels Ricochet in, hoists him up, but Ricochet slips free!

Ricochet Tiger Wall Kicks, ENZIGIRIS, and fires back up! Ricochet runs up, hops on, throws down fists, then spins, wheelbarrows, only for Bronson to SLAM him and SENTON! Bronson goes to a corner and the fans feel it coming! TSUNAMI!! Cover, Bronson ELIMINATES Ricochet! But here comes the Master Strategist! Sami Zayn has said he wants to do something truly historic for WrestleMania, will that start by a historic run through the gauntlet?

Bronson Reed VS Sami Zayn!

Sami slides in, dodges Bronson and then baits Bronson into throwing him out of the ring! Sami goes out to CHOP and CHOP and CHOP! Bronson CHOPS in return! And HEADBUTTS! The fans rally behind Sami, but Bronson lines up the shot. Bronson whips, Sami goes up the barriers to QUEBRADA! Direct hit and down goes Bronson! Houston is fired up with Sami and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and the fans rally for Sami as he endures the chinlock. Sami fights up, throws body shots, but Bronson CLUBS him back down. Bronson whips Sami, Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges but Bronson CLOBBERS him! Bronson hauls Sami up to ANARCHY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Sami is still in this but Bronson vows to end this. SENTON FLOPS as Sami moves! Sami goes to a corner, drags himself up, and the fans rally up. Bronson runs in but Sami ELBOWS him away! Sami goes up the corner, leaps, but into the URENAGE! Bronson then runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Sami survives again but Bronson is just getting mad.

Bronson puts Sami in a corner, CHOPS him, then hoists him up top. Bronson HEADBUTTS Sami, climbs up after him, and hoists Sami up with a fireman’s carry! Fans freak out but Sami kicks and moves around, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! Cover, Sami ELIMINATES Bronson!! Even Sami’s a bit shocked, but then the King of Strong Style makes his way out. Wait, Bronson DECKS Sami! The Colossal Aussie is a sore loser, as he goes up to hit a TSUNAMI!! Nakamura grins as Bronson has just served Sami up on a silver platter. Other refs rush out here to get Bronson to the back, but Nakamura slides in the corner to pick the bones!

Sami Zayn VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

Nakamura aims, runs in, but Sami gets around to roll him up! TWO!! SLIDING ENZIGIRI! Sami flounders to ropes, Nakamura stomps away on him! Nakamura lets off as the ref counts, and Sami flops out of the ring. Nakamura goes out the side to pursue, and he runs in to BOOT Sami over the desk! Nakamura paces around and looks to the WrestleMania sign as Raw goes back to break.

Raw returns again and Nakamura gives Sami some Bad Vibrations in the corner! The ref counts, Nakamura lets off, and is stomping Sami while we get some telestrator action on Bronson hitting Sami with the Tsunami. Nakamura paces around Sami, slaps him around, but the fans rally up. Nakamura KICKS Sami, scuffs him, then KICKS again! Sami roars, then blocks a kick! But the ENZIGIRI hits! Sami wobbles, Nakamura whips, but Sami goes up and over, gets around and hits a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives but Sami is too tired to be upset. Sami drags Nakamura back up, ducks a roundhouse but not the WHEEL KICK!

Nakamura aims from the corner again, wanting to end this! KINSHA- NO, Sami blocks! Nakamura fights the clinch with elbows, then he AX KICKS Sami down! Nakamura goes up the corner, aims, FLYING- NO, Sami gets under! Nakamura ends up in the other corner and Sami runs right in to HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, Sami ELIMINATES Nakamura!! Sami survives the screw job by Bronson, but now it’s just him and Chad Gable. Gable said this means more to him than it does to everyone else, will he prove it?

Sami Zayn VS Chad Gable!

Gable storms into the ring with a lot of fire, but he sees Sami still down and stops himself. Gable says Sami has to get up. This is about going to WrestleMania, Gable won’t take it the easy way. Sami sits up, Gable stands him up, and Gable says let’s do this right. The fans cheer the respect and sportsmanship, and the two circle. Sami fires himself up and they tie up. Gable gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! And GERMAN SUPLEX again! Sami fights the hattrick with elbows, then switches. But Gable rolls to get the ANKLE LOCK! Sami moves around, ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Gable lets off and Sami goes to the apron.

Gable runs up but Sami RAMS into him! Gable comes back, slides, and he trips Sami into the ANKLE LOCK! Sami BOOTS Gable into steel steps! Both men are down and the fans fire up while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again and Gable has Sami up top! Gable and Sami brawl, body shots and CHOPS and haymakers! Gable ROCKS Sami, ducks Sami’s haymaker, and then brings him up to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Gable crawls to the cover, TWO!! Sami survives and Gable can’t believe it! Gable pushes Sami around, has him in a drop zone, and then goes to the corner. But Sami anchors a foot! Gable kicks and kicks and gets free! Gable goes up top, but Sami CLUBS him! And CLUBS him again! The fans rally as Sami goes up, but Gable blocks the lift! Gable throws hands, and even elbows! Sami falls back, Gable adjusts and MOONSAULTS onto knees!

Sami cradles Gable, TWO!! The fans rally up as both Sami and Gable stir. Sami rises up, Gable uses the ropes. Sami ROCKS Gable, then ROCKS him again! Gable fires back! And again! Sami fires a forearm, Gable fires back, and Gable gets the edge! Gable fires off at the ropes, then CHOPS! Sami CHOPS! And SLAPS! And fires off fast hands! The brawl is on and the fans are loving it! It is fast and furious but then it slows down. They fire forearms again and again, then Sami BOOTS! Sami reels Gable in, BLUE THUNDER- NO, Gable slips free to pick the leg and ANKLE LOCK!! Sami flails while fans fire up!

Sami reaches, Gable leans on the leg as hard as he can! Gable says he needs this way more than Sami! Sami endures, proving with actions that that’s not true! Sami reaches out for the ropes, and has the ROPEBREAK!! Gable lets go in frustration, but he refocuses. The fans fire up as Gable storms up behind Sami. Sami fights the waistlock with elbows, but Gable pushes to the corner! Sami bucks the O’Conner Roll, Gable comes back, into the CORNER EXPLODER! Gable flounders around and Sami goes to the far side. Sami fights through the pain to run, but Gable drops down to get the leg! ANKLE LOCK!!

Sami rolls but Gable rolls with him! Sami still endures, Gable pushes the ankle as far as he can! Sami still fights, but Gable drags him back!! Gable leans, Sami turns over! Sami BOOTS but Gable rolls through!! Gable keeps on the Ankle Lock and Sami is flailing! Sami reaches out, but Gable brings him up, LEG TRAP GERMAN!! Gable goes up top to MOONSAULT but Sami moves!! Gable flounders, Sami hobbles but still runs to HELLUVA KICK!!! Sami has to crawl to the cover! TWO?!? GHOST PIN!! TWO?!?!? Both men escape disaster and “This is Awesome!” Sami clutches his leg as he sits up, but he still clubs Gable.

Gable waistlocks and he drags Sami up! Sami throws elbows so Gable fires crossface forearms! And from all sides! Gable roars, brings down the straps, and says “This is MY moment!” Fans are torn as Gable deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES!! Bridging cover, TWO!?!?! But Gable has the ANKLE LOCK!!! Sami endures, flails, tears at his own hair and beard, and he rolls to a victory roll! SAMI WINS!!!!

Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Gable can’t believe it! But somehow, someway, Sami got through Bronson Reed, Shinsuke Nakamura and even Chad Gable to earn this opportunity! Gable helps Sami up, and the two show each other respect. But then Gunther makes his way out here! Der Ring General smiles as he looks at Sami from the ramp. We now know it will be these two fighting for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania40! Will Sami’s historic moment be him ending Gunther’s historic reign?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw here, so much going towards some extra WrestleMania builds. The Six Pack Ladder Match is way more than I expected they’d do and that is great. I thought it was gonna be a Triple Threat with just one team each from Raw and SmackDown, but I like that we’re getting something this big for the biggest WrestleMania ever. And understandably, Judgment Day was upset about that, and we got good promos out of them that also gave us Priest VS Truth. Truth’s dive from the top was a bit scary because he wasn’t caught by anyone the way pro-wrestlers are supposed to stand there and take the hit. I think the brawling of Finn, JD and DIY went a little long, they forgot to cluster together, and Truth has a rougher landing than intended, but I would think he’s okay, he finished the match.

Great promo segment from Rollins and McIntyre to open the night. McIntyre calling Rollins a junkie parallels a bit of way back when, Chris Jericho accusing CM Punk of still being a drinker/smoker, but maybe that’s just me and not what they’re intending. But then Rollins saying McIntyre is being hypocritical a la Punk was great stuff, too. Both men have such beef with CM Punk, if only Punk was healthy to make this the Triple Threat for the apparent tradition. McIntyre also holding back on beating up Rollins after Rollins was pushing his buttons was a great detail, it really muddies the Face-Heel dynamic of these two and that’s a lot of fun.

Awesome match from Becky VS Liv tonight, probably one of Liv’s best ever. Becky of course won, though, and of course Nia attacked her and Liv at some point. Becky had a great promo with Rhea, and she’s going to have an awesome Last Woman Standing match with Nia. Becky probably still wins, and I thinks he’s actually going to make a point of going into Mania banged up to be an underdog challenger that takes down Rhea, assuming she’s going to beat Rhea at all. Great Women’s Tag Team Championship match, they made Shayna & Zoey look really good even in their defeat, and those two were even kept strong by Dakota helping Asuka & Kairi cheat to win.

Great promo from Jey that was pretty much to the point: he wants Uso VS Uso, and we most certainly are getting Uso VS Uso. Depending on which night they have it, Jey can personally make sure Jimmy is not able to help Roman Reigns during his match with Cody. And Cody had an awesome interview promo segment with Cole, but I can’t say how that factors into the dream team tag match. That could still go either way because both scenarios, Cody VS Roman fair and square or Cody VS Roman under Bloodline Rules, are really intriguing.

And after really good promos from Gunther and all the competitors, we got an awesome gauntlet match. Ricochet and JD had a great opening round, Bronson had a good showing and even a good Heel spot of beating down Sami, but I figured Sami was making it through to the end. Sami VS Gable was incredible stuff, and of course Sami won out. Sami VS Gunther is going to be great stuff, and who knows who wins that. It’d be awesome for Sami since that’s how the story feels this is going, but who knows. Bash in Berlin isn’t until August, so it’s not like Gunther has to reign all the way until then. Gunther could even go for the World Heavyweight Championship by then.

The only thing about tonight I’d criticize is how Candice won the match against Ivy & Maxxine. I do appreciate them coming up with a story to reference Maxxine getting fan heat at house shows, but it felt like Candice was peeling away the kayfabe about how Maxxine looks dumb doing the Reverse Caterpillar and how she wasn’t gonna let Indi “take” it. Then Candice goes and brings up Maxxine’s late brother and that’s a little too much like other controversial moments under the Vince era (promos for Nikki Bella VS Brie Bella and Paige VS Charlotte come to mind). I know the HHH Era isn’t going to reinvent pro-wrestling, but I would hope his team avoids the worst parts of Vince’s time.

My Score: 8.9/10