Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/25/24)
LOOK IN MY EYES~!
What do you see~? CM Punk on your TV!
With Monday Night Raw coming to Chicago, it was only natural that CM Punk would be here! What will he have to say this close to WrestleMania?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Ricochet VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio; Ricochet wins.
- Candice LeRae w/ Indi Hartwell VS Ivy Nile; Candice wins.
- The New Day VS #DIY; No Contest.
- Andrade VS Giovanni Vinci; Andrade wins.
- Sami Zayn VS Bronson Reed; Bronson wins.
- Jey Uso VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Jey wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
Chicago fires up for the American Nightmare and sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets both rounds of pyro, then steps into the ring. The fans cheer in him and he revels in it a moment before saying, “So, Chicago…! What do you wanna talk about? I mean, I could say nothing. You get it, right? We’re in that final, awkward two weeks before WrestleMania where the time for talk is really over, the time for action has arisen, the wagon is in the barn. Last week on SmackDown, well even before SmackDown, in his media rounds, Roman Reigns…” The fans boo here. “Roman Reigns said a lot, particularly on my friend, Pat McAfee’s show. Let’s hear it for Pat.” The fans cheer here.
Cody says there’s 15 THOUSAND here, let’s hear it for Pat! The fans cheer more, and Cody has them dial it back, it’s just Pat. What about Michael Cole? The fans cheer for Cole, and Cody says see, that awkward two weeks. There are people freaking out backstage, Cody isn’t sure where they’re going with this. Oh, right, Roman Reigns. The fans boo again. Cody says yes, Roman Reigns, he referred to Cody as a politician. The fans chant “Roman Sucks! Roman Sucks!” Cody continues by saying Roman would double down in their face-to-face and say Cody’s been making promises he cannot keep, and that got under Cody’s skin.
The reason being: this city more than any other that when Cody makes a promise, he absolutely, 100% keeps it! The fans are all in on that! Cody says there was a unique ask. A man last night used a sign to ask Cody if he’d be the best man and the guy’s wedding. So explain that to Cody’s wife: Cody is going to this guy, Anthony’s wedding, and paying for the bachelor party. Honey, who is Anthony? No idea. But he’s still doing it! A little boy named Hudson is having a birthday party, asked if The American Nightmare would be there, and Cody said absolutely!
The Wrestling Club, men and women just wanting to attend WrestleMania, both nights. Cody says this and asks for nothing in return. The reason Cody does what he does is lost on Roman Reigns. Roman thinks it is desperation. Maybe it should be, as this is Cody’s final crack at the Universal Championship. But it isn’t desperation. Cody dresses how he dresses, talks how he talks, walks how he walks and spends all this time for a simple reason. He pretends to be the champion because the champion isn’t here! The fans fire up and chant for Cody again.
Cody says he has filled the air, filled the ring with positive platitudes. He clearly respects The Tribal Chief. But make no mistake, Cody is fully aware that Roman Reigns is the man who screwed Cody out of the biggest dream he’s ever had in his life last year at WrestleMania. So while Cody respects Roman, please understand that he also hates Roman’s guts! And it is totally fine if Roman hates Cody, too. It is Cody’s fault that Roman and his cousin can’t have this “wank fest” they were hoping to have at Mania. And it is pretty simple: It is Cody’s fault because he won the Royal Rumble! Not once, but twice!
Now, everyone knows the winner of the Rumble points at the sign. And if Cody has learned anything, pointing at that sign, WrestleMania 39 and now WrestleMania 40, Cody cannot do it alone. He said he’d ask for nothing back but this time, he is. April 6th, the biggest tag match in WWE history, Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins VS Roman Reigns & The Rock, will you, the fans, ride with him? The fans cheer yes! Cody says on April 7th, hopefully what will be a fair fight with Roman Reigns, will the fans fight with him? The fans cheer yes again! Then how about we have a little moment here with 15 thousand strong.
If Cody is going to point at the WrestleMania sign, please point along with him. Cody looks around and asks if they’re ready. The fans cheer, and Cody points. Everyone points with him! And pointing at the sign means just what Cody said: WrestleMania 40, two main events, defeating The Final Boss, defeating- WAIT! The Rock is here tonight!? The Final Boss promised he’d be here on April 1st but maybe that was the prank all along! Chicago can’t believe it, but The Rock, in another Versace vest, goes right to the ring. The Rock hits his pose on the corner, then steps inside. The Rock walks past Cody to pose on another corner.
The Rock then paces around Cody, and the fans are torn between cheers and jeers. The Rock stares Cody down, the fans start losing their minds, and then they calm down as the stare down continues. “This is Awesome!” as The Rock and Cody continue to stand still. The Rock finally steps forward, and now Chicago chants for “CM PUNK! CM PUNK!” The Rock then holds his hands out to his side, showing that he comes in peace. He even puts his hands behind his back before stepping closer. The stare down intensifies and The Rock says something without a mic. Fans want to know what he said, but then The Rock steps away.
Cody seems confused, and then The Rock exits the ring. Fans boo, hoping there was more to this surprise than just the surprise. Cody’s confusion shifts to frustration but The Rock just goes up the ramp to take his leave. The fans chant “ROCKY SUCKS! ROCKY SUCKS!” but The Rock just smirks and chuckles. The Final Boss exits to the back, but just what was this visit about?
Backstage interview with The Rock.
Jackie Redmond waves him down and asks what we all want to know: What exactly did he just say to Cody out there? The Rock says to go ask Cody. The Rock continues making his exit, will we be able to get an answer out of Cody?
The Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.
Priest is throwing darts with Finn while Rhea & Dom talk. Rhea gets it, Dom has unfinished business with his dad, but he could’ve told them his plan. Rhea would’ve loved to join in. Plus, communication is key. Dom says Mami’s right, sorry. Won’t happen again. Priest says cool, and now to the business at hand tonight. JD, you better handle Ricochet like they know he can. Finn is sick and tired of JD & Dom being made to look like fools against that clown! Priest has Finn calm down, and they trust JD will take care of things. Priest also has a plan for how the odds can be in their favor at WrestleMania. Finn loves it!
JD says no worries, he’s got Ricochet’s number tonight. Rhea says just win. Please? Dom assures Rhea that he will make sure things go their way. Good. They all fist bump and the boys head out.
Ricochet VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio!
The One and Only is currently 2-0 with Judgment Day, having beat The Prodigal Son 1v1 then beating the Necessary Evil at the start of the Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Gauntlet. Will it be a hattrick for the human highlight reel? Or will the King of Flight fail to trump the Irish Ace?
The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, Ricochet puts JD on ropes but JD turns things around. The ref counts, separates the two, and the fans chant “DOM, YOU SUCK!” Ricochet gets distracted by Dom and JD sucker punches him! JD brings Ricochet up to whip, then he ELBOWS Ricochet down! Dom cheers, the fans boo, and JD lifts Ricochet up. JD back suplexes but Ricochet lands on his feet! Ricochet rolls off JD’s back, rolls under then handsprings back to headscissor! Kip up and DROPKICK!
JD tumbles outside, Ricochet builds speed, but he fakes JD out with the handspring! Then he FLIES the other way! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Ricochet is feeling it as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and JD has Ricochet in a corner. JD RAMS into Ricochet, stands him up, and the fans rally for Ricochet as JD CHOPS! Ricochet fires forearms in return! Ricochet runs, but JD kitchen sink knees! The fans boo but JD clamps on a rear bearhug! Ricochet endures the squeeze, throws elbows, then reaches out, tot he ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, JD holds on, but Ricochet fires elbows! JD lets go, Ricochet swings, but into an URENAGE! STANDING MOONSAULT FLOPS as Ricochet moves! The fans fire up and Ricochet dodges a haymaker to handspring and BACK ELBOW! Both men are down but Chicago rallies up!
JD goes to ropes, Ricochet stands, and JD swings! Ricochet blocks, fires shots in return then a JUMP KNEE! JD goes to a corner, Ricochet runs corner to corner, but JD puts him on the apron! Ricochet RAMS into JD, springboards and FLYING LARIATS! The fans fire up for the STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! JD stays in this, but Ricochet stays cool. Ricochet waits on JD to rise, the fans rally behind him, and JD stands. Ricochet fireman’s carries, pop-up, but JD blocks the kick! JD stands Ricochet up but Ricochet TIGER WALL KICKS then ENZIGIRIS! Ricochet runs, into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!
JD hurries to suplex, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives and Dom is beside himself! JD goes to ropes, Dom coaches him up, but the fans rally for Ricochet. JD storms back up on Ricochet, drags him up, and puts him in a corner. JD puts Ricochet up top, CHOPS him, then CHOPS again! JD climbs up after Ricochet now, but Ricochet fights the clinch! Ricochet CLUBS JD again and again, then adjusts his position. SUPER POISON-RANA!! Ricochet fired up, he runs in, RECOIL!! Cover, Dom helps with the ropebreak!! The fans boo as Dom saves JD! Ricochet is mad at Dom but Dom gets away.
Ricochet hurries to springboard and 450Â onto knees!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and the fans are thunderous as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Ricochet trades forearms with JD. Ricochet BOOTS JD, but JD ducks the heel kick to DISCUS LARIAT! JD reels Ricochet in to SITOUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Ricochet stays in this! JD is beside himself, but Dom coaches him back up. JD has an arm, but Ricochet ROCKS JD first! JD kicks Ricochet, Ricochet fires SLAP after SLAP, but JD fires Kawada Kicks! Ripcord, but DESTROYER!! Ricochet turns things around on JD and he hurries up a corner! The fans are thunderous ag Ricochet climbs! Dom panics, he gets on the apron! The ref tells him to stop!
The fans boo, but Dom SLAPS the ropes to trip Ricochet! The ref says that was blatant, so he EJECTS Dom! The fans fire up as Dom gets what he deserves! JD panics now, but he hurries to go after Ricochet! But Ricochet shoves him back down! SHOOTING STAR CROSSBODY!!! Cover, Ricochet wins!!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall
Dom tried to screw Ricochet over but he just gave Ricochet the highlight of the night! Now that he’s 3-0, does The One and Only just have Judgment Day’s number?
CM Punk is here!
Chicago’s own gets a warm welcome as he steps out on stage in the Allstate Arena. His arm is in a brace, but he’s still able to check and say, “It’s Clobbering Time!” Punk also high fives and shakes hands on his way down the ramp and around the ring. Punk gets a mic then stands on top of the desk! The fans cheer, then Punk hops down to get in the ring. “Oh, I gotta lot of things I wanna say and a lot of business I gotta get to, but before that, is it good to be alive in Chicago on a Monday night or what?” The fans cheer that! Punk continues by saying everyone is asking Punk if he’s gonna be at WrestleMania. The short answer is: YES!
Punk says everyone is asking how his elbow is doing. Not great, not 100%. Not medically cleared, but dammit, his mouth works. We’re not on Netflix yet, April knows what he’s talking about. But not only are people asking if he’ll be at Mania, but people have suggestions. Is he gonna host it? Who knows. Ten years ago, he would’ve thought hosting Mania was beneath him. But he wants to be in front of the fans, he wishes Mania was in Chicago. Hint hint. But people say Punk’s great in the ring, on the mic, at commentary, why not be a referee? He thought, “Hmm… Is there a title match that maybe needs the ‘most impartial’ referee?” Who knows.
But is seems people also talk about him. A lot of people talk about him. Even if they hate him, they certainly need to talk about him. Pat McAfee! You got a little program, right? Punk apologizes for not being a regular listener, but he had a guest on that show by the name of Roman Reigns. Fans boo Roman again, as they did earlier. Punk sat back and thought why did Roman need to bring little ol’ one-armed Punk up? Roman earned that right, Punk respects him for it. But Punk has a feeling that him coming back and climbing his way up, while Roman’s on the way back down, they’ll see each other soon.
Another guy that likes to talk about Punk is Seth Rollins. Fans are torn here but Punk says they go way back. They don’t see eye to eye, mostly because Rollins wears high heels now and has somehow found a way to make himself taller than Punk. But LOL’ing that Punk hurt his arm paying the price of being a pro-wrestler since he was 15 years old, maybe Rollins has earned that right. Though coming from someone with two bad knees, that’s funny. Someone who has NOT talked about Punk, not a word, is The Rock. Maybe because 10 years ago, The Rock remembers coming face to face with The Second City Saint, and realizing his arms were just too short to box with God!
The fans fire up remembering back to those days. Punk says, “Then there’s Drew McIntyre.” Punk hasn’t said a word, because he doesn’t perpetually live on the internet. Punk handles business live and in living color! Because when you’ve got a problem in Chicago, you handle it face to face like a man! Well speak of the Scottish Terminator, and here he comes! Punk tells them to turn off that stupid song off, no one wants to listen to it! The fans cheer that! Punk says he ain’t medically cleared but he ain’t looking for a match, so McIntyre should get his b*tch ass in here! Fans chant “CM PUNK! CM PUNK!” for that one.
McIntyre says he would love to get into that ring and beat Punk’s arse, but doesn’t he remember what happened the last time? McIntyre stomped that stupid little arm because Punk deserved it. McIntyre prayed for this, and it happened. Punk asks if McIntyre is really the Scottish Psychopath in a kilt, or just a troll in a skirt? Let’s find out! McIntyre says this is 2024, you could get canceled for talking like that. But no, tonight is perfect. McIntyre couldn’t have prayed for better. Punk is in the ring, hurt, we’re less than two weeks to Mania, we’re in Chicago, McIntyre is in the World Heavyweight Championship match. This is divine intervention!
McIntyre realizes he’s wearing the shirt, this was bad manners. McIntyre shows off that first on the checklist that’s on the back is “Injure CM Punk.” Punk tells McIntyre that he never had to put another man’s name on a shirt just to sell it! McIntyre takes off that shirt to show off his other shirt, the tombstone meme. McIntyre says that was a struggle because of his big biceps, something else Punk’s never had. McIntyre then gets on the desk so everyone can see him. McIntyre the most ironic thing about this: Punk is straight edge. Never drinking, never doing drugs, yet he spends all his time in rehab.
McIntyre sees in Punk’s eyes that he doesn’t like McIntyre. And Punk thinks McIntyre hates Punk like Rollins does. Maybe at one time, McIntyre did hate Punk. And maybe those issues do need resolving. But right now, McIntyre doesn’t hate Punk. Punk completes him! Punk says boo this man, tell him who you paid to see. But McIntyre says no, when he can’t get that last rep using weights Punk could never manage in his prime, that weight magically goes up. In the Elimination Chamber, when McIntyre was the first man up, 30 minutes in, burst eardrum, equilibrium shot, couldn’t possible win, McIntyre thins of Punk and he gets the job done! Punk is his muse!
Punk says he can’t hear a word McIntyre’s saying from way over there. Maybe get in this ring and say it right into Punk’s good ear. C’mon, coward! McIntyre says he’d love to get into the ring, but he knows what Chicagoans are like! Punk probably has a weapon to shank McIntyre with before Mania! Punk rests on the mat, but then McIntyre sits cross-legged. Don’t look up the kilt, pervs. But c’mon, Punk, listen to McIntyre. McIntyre knows Punk wants to be at Mania, so does McIntyre. McIntyre wants Punk to be in the front row. Punk honestly believes he should be in McIntyre’s spot, but he shouldn’t.
People are starting to realize what McIntyre has known all along, and that is that McIntyre has always been The Chosen One! Chosen One?! Who chose you!? Who?! What was that guy’s name?! You got the balls to say that? Then what paragon of virtue chose McIntyre back in the day? It ain’t anyone in Chicago! It ain’t anyone in San Antonio, when they went off the air chanting “CM PUNK! CM PUNK!” McIntyre says yes, please, get it all in while you can. Punk’s still gonna be out for months anyway! McIntyre’s all excited, he feels like a fan right now.
But maybe, since McIntyre is on commentary, if Punk wants to be part of the show, and he’s only good at talking, Punk could be guest commentator for the World Heavyweight Championship! Then he’d have to watch as McIntyre finally has his moment when he raises the world title in front of live fans! But wait, here comes THE World Heavyweight Champion, Seth Rollins! The fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as Rollins struts his way down to ringside. Rollins steps into the ring with Punk, looks him up and down, then gets a mic for himself. The fans continue to sing as Rollins also looks at McIntyre.
Rollins turns around to stare Punk down, the singing giving way to “CM PUNK! CM PUNK!” Rollins then tells Chicago, “Welcome to Monday… Night… Rollins! And now that we’ve firmly established whose show this is, whose show this has been, and whose show this is going to be…” The fans continue to chant “CM PUNK!” “If you two children…” Punk says this may be Rollins’ show but this is HIS city. Rollins says yes, this may be an away game for him, but if Punk and McIntyre are done trying to out troll each other, let’s get to business.
If these morons had even one brain cell between the two of them, they’d know they don’t make decisions in regard to the world title match when you’re NOT in it! Rollins then says since they wanna take everyone’s opinion’s into account aside from the champ’s, why not take a poll of the entire city of Chicago? So, WrestleMania 40, Drew McIntyre VS Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship, should Punk be on commentary? Chicago starts chanting “REFEREE! REFEREE!” Punk smiles at that. But Rollins says if you don’t know, the bad arm is his counting arm. Punk then gets down and uses his left arm to count three!
The fans cheer, and Punk says in all fairness, he probably wouldn’t be able to be fair “with these two dip*hits” anyway. McIntyre says keep it PG, Punk. Rollins is amused and the fans continue to chant for Punk. Rollins says you wanna know what he thinks? Nope. Oh, well, that’s ironic. Because Rollins doesn’t think about Punk. In fact, Punk hasn’t crossed Rollins’ mind since the last time they were in this ring together. Rollins doesn’t give a damn about Punk. If Punk wants to be on commentary, a referee, it doesn’t matter! But the irony is, Punk talks about everyone needing him, but the fact is… Punk needs Rollins to have a WrestleMania moment.
Commentary is great to Rollins, as the irony of Punk narrating Rollins’ finest hour is not lost on Rollins. And truthfully, the way things are going for Punk, that’s about as close to a world title as Punk’s gonna get again. So look, Punk can do whatever he wants at Mania, but the one thing Rollins needs him to know and to do… is stay out of Rollins’ way. Punk nods and says okay, it is decided. Punk will put some cans on, sit with Michael Cole and the Cole Miners, and even Pat, do some commentary.
And Punk will guarantee, he will do something that McIntyre, with the lipstick on his boots, polish in his beard and that stupid sword, and something that Rollins, with his bellbottoms, his world title, his wife, and Punk’s ten year absence could never do: Make these two interesting! Now hit the music! Cult of Personality plays, Punk takes his exit, but McIntyre says no, Punk doesn’t get the last word! He’s not even in the match! McIntyre says the only thing he is obsessed with is the title! Punk is obsessed with McIntyre because McIntyre is living the dream! Punk is McIntyre’s biggest stan, write him back just to chill. Truly yours, This is Phil.
Rollins SUPERKICKS McIntyre! The fans fire up, and Rollins runs up, to CURB STOMP!! McIntyre may have had the last word, but Rollins is the one who sends a message! If Punk is going to be on commentary, will he have to eat his words when The Visionary makes it through Mania? Or will he have to eat his words when the Scottish Terminator stands tall?
Shinsuke Nakamura speaks.
“Jey Uso gets to go to WrestleMania XL to have his dream match against his brother. It’s unfair. Why? Why does Jey’s dream get to come true? What about Shinsuke Nakamura’s Dream? Tonight, Nakamura is going to turn Jey’s dream into a nightmare!” The King of Strong Style wants to ruin the Road to WrestleMania, but will nothing stop Uso VS Uso from happening?
Candice LeRae w/ Indi Hartwell VS Ivy Nile!
The Poison Pixie has been getting more and more toxic, and the Diamond Pitbull isn’t standing for it anymore! Will Ivy get back at Candice for how she treated Maxxine Dupri? Or will Candice find a way to get through this tiny titan?
The bell rings, the two rush in, and Ivy hits a SPINEBUSTER! Ivy rains down fists on Candice, then runs up to run Candice over! Candice goes to a corner but Ivy runs up to DROPKICK! Ivy then brings Candice around, suplexes, and she holds Candice up! The fans fire up and Candice tries to get free, but Ivy SLAMS her down first! Cover, TWO! Candice flounders to ropes, Ivy runs up, but Candice drop toeholds her onto ropes! Candice dropkicks Ivy to the floor, wants the ring count, but also wants Indi to get involved. Candice distracts the ref, and Indi hesitates. Ivy gets int he ring but Candice hammers away on her!
Candice TOSSES Ivy back out, again distracts the ref, and again wants Indi to get toxic with her! But Maxxine gets on the apron tot ell Candice to stop that. Candice BLASTS Maxxine, then she fakes a knee injury! She blames Maxxine for it! The ref is distracted again, this is Indi’s third chance, but she doesn’t do anything. Ivy runs up but the ref holds her back! Candice then trips Ivy, high stack with feet on the ropes! Candice wins!
Winner: Candice LeRae, by pinfall
Another win by bending the rules of decency, and Candice celebrates all the way up the ramp! Indi has no idea what to make of this, is Candice losing her way?
The New Day talks with #DIY backstage.
Kofi Kingston wants to know why is it DIY, Do It Yourself, when there’s two of them. It makes no sense! Ciampa laughs that off and says why’re they still The New Day when they’re no longer new. Wait, is that Paul Heyman in the back talking with McIntyre? Anyway, Woods says what’ll be new is DIY at Mania, since they’ve never been good enough to get there before. Gargano says New Day has how many wins at Mania? ZERO! Kofi says tonight is friendly competition, okay? But Mania will be real interesting. Wait, in step The Awesome Truth, with R-Truth sporting the Chicago Sox MLB Legacy title, as made by WWE.
Truth says this is gonna be the best match ever! Yeah, the Six Pack Ladder Match is gonna be something else. No, Truth is talking about tonight. The NEW~ DAY~ VS DX! Truth is so hyped, he told JBL that Miz & Truth are going to join commentary. Miz says it’s McAfee, and Truth says gesundheit. What? Miz tries to explain to Truth that it isn’t JBL, it is McAfee now. Oh so JBL changed his name again? Never mind… Truth is still hyped! Will “DX” be able to do it themselves tonight? Or will the New Day show they’re still as fresh as they were on day one?
The New Day VS #DIY!
Raw returns as these teams are already in the ring, with The Awesome Truth on commentary. Truth asks where JBL’s cowboy hat went, and McAfee tries to explain he’s Pat. Kofi starts against Ciampa, they circle, tie up, and Ciampa headlocks. Kofi tops wristlocks, then spins to a headlock, then spins to a waistlock. Ciampa throws elbows to get free, runs up and CHOPS! The fans rally as Ciampa goes up to MONKEY FLIP, but Kofi flips through to land on his feet! Kofi then dodges and DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Kofi brings Ciampa up to whip, Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges then tags Gargano! Ciampa slides under, CHOPS, and Gargano LARIATS!
Ciampa JAWBREAKERS, Gargano ripcords and Ciampa LARIATS! The fans fire up and Gargano CHOPS Kofi in a corner. Gargano whips, Kofi reverses but Gargano goes up and rolls Kofi to schoolboy, but Kofi ducks the kick to FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps on Gargano, HEADBUTTS him to the corner, and Woods says it is time to turn up! The stomping stampede begins! Kofi tags Woods, stomp stomp stomp, then tag back to Kofi. Kofi stomps again, then Woods tags back in. Woods stomps away, then tags back to Kofi. Ciampa runs up, into DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Ciampa falls into a corner, New Day runs to DOUBLE HYDRAULIC DROPKICK!
The fans fire up, and Truth says we’ll be right back with action after this break!
Raw returns again and Ciampa has New Day in corners! He clotheslines Woods, clotheslines Kofi, then back to Woods! Ciampa keeps going, he dodges New Day to DOUBLE LARIAT them down! The fans fire up with Ciampa and he tags in Gargano. Ciampa & Gargano ENZIGIRI-KNEE COMBO on Kofi! Then Woods runs up, but Ciampa catches him! ENZIGIR, FOREARM, and ASSISTED SLICED BREAD! New Day ends up on the apron, Ciampa KNEES them down! Ciampa holds the ropes open for Gargano to DIVE! Down goes New Day! But then JUDGMENT DAY attacks them all!
No Contest
The fans boo and Truth says they’re on commentary, they can’t fight right now! Woods is sent into steps, Finn & JD have Gargano and Kofi int he ring, then Priest CLOBBERS Kofi! And he stomps Gargano! Ciampa gets in to DECK JD! Ciampa fires off on Finn but Priest POSTS Ciampa! The fans want Truth to do something but Finn hits a DDT on Gargano! Dom goes up top to FROG SPLASH! Miz has had enough! Miz and Woods get in to fire hands! Truth says he’s on commentary, he wasn’t gonna fight! FLATLINER for Woods! Miz gets mugged! SOUTH OF HEAVEN for Miz! Then they see Truth and Truth panics! They owe him money!
Truth wants this to go to break but it doesn’t work like that. Finn tells Truth if he wants a break, they’ll break him! Priest puts Truth in the ring! But Truth DECKS Finn! And DECKS Dom! And CALF KICKS JD! And TACKLES Finn! Priest storms in, drags Truth up, and has him right up for the RAZOR’S EDGE!! Priest then drags Truth into position for Finn’s COUP DE GRACE!! Priest’s plan of beating the absolute snot out of Raw’s contenders is a success, but will this really make things easier for them at WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.
Jackie is with the American Nightmare and of course everyone is talking about that moment in the ring with The Rock. The Rock told us to ask Cody for what he said, can Cody share that? Cody apologizes to everyone but it isn’t something Cody would like to repeat. However, it was a promise that The Rock cannot keep. Cody heads out, is nothing going to stop The American Nightmare from finishing his story?
Backstage interview with Gunther.
Cathy Kelley is with the Intercontinental Champion and says in a few moments, we will see Giovanni Vinci face Andrade. But before that, Cathy wants to ask his thoughts on what Sami Zayn said last week, that Gunther is looking in the eyes of the man that will take him down at WrestleMania 40. Gunther says he would’ve answered directly, but Sami then stormed out like a child. So Gunther has thought to it, there isn’t much to say. Those words were empty. Deep down, Sami doesn’t believe he can win. And we’re in Chicago tonight. There are thousands of “shlubby nerds” sitting out there who are just like Sami Zayn. And all of them don’t believe Sami can win, either.
Matter of fact, Gunther doesn’t believe Sami can even beat Bronson Reed tonight. Then will Gunther be out there to watch that match and scout Sami tonight? Gunther chuckles and again says he doesn’t believe Sami will win tonight. Gunther takes his leave, but will he regret underestimating the underdog?
Andrade VS Giovanni Vinci!
El Idolo promises to make this his era, but he’s still gotta prove it. Will this be the first big step towards making WWE tranquilo? Or will Imperium make the mat sacred?
The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, then Vinci pie faces Andrade! So Andrade CHOPS Vinci! Vinci throws hands, CHOPS, and whips, but Andrade reverses. Vinci whips Andrade away but Andrade tranquilos int he ropes! Vinci runs up, but Andrade blocks a kick to CHOP and whip. Vinci reverses, runs up, but is put on the apron! Vinci ROCKS Andrade, springboards in, but into a DROPKICK from Andrade! Vinci bails out, the fans rally up, and Andrade hurries to the corner. Andrade smiles as he climbs, and SUPER MOONSAULTS! A shoutout to his Queen, and Andrade puts Vinci back in.
Andrade goes up the corner again, to MOONSAULT, land on his feet, and MOONSAULT again! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Andrade stalks Vinci. Andrade hauls Vinci up, snap suplexes, Uno Amigo! Andrade brings Vinci up but Vinci throws hands! Vinci suplexes, Andrade lands out but Vinci UPPERCUTS! Vinci runs, into a BOOT! Andrade runs, Vinci follows and CROSSBODIES! Vinci fires up while fans boo, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Vinci has Andrade in a cobra twist. But Andrade powers out to hip toss Vinci away! Andrade ROCKS, CHOPS and CHOPS again! Vinci kicks, Andrade blocks, and DRAGON SCREW! Andrade gets that leg again, another DRAGON SCREW! Andrade runs, CLOBBERS Vinci, then kips up! The fans fire up and Andrade aims as Vinci goes to a corner. Andrade runs corner to corner and back again, CIEN SHADOWS! Cover, TWO! Vinci survives but Andrade stays cool. Andrade drags Vinci up, waistlocks, but Vinci throws elbows. Vinci puts Andrade in a corner, blocks a boot and CLOBBERS Andrade!
Vinci hauls Andrade up, reels him in, but Andrade slips out of the bomb! Andrade waistlocks, Vinci fires elbows and a CHOP! Vinci runs, into the boot feint and ELBOW! Underhooks and ANARCHY SUPLEX! Or as Andrade calls it, THE MESSAGE! Cover, Andrade wins!
Winner: Andrade El Idolo, by pinfall
The Message was sent and it was clear! But will anyone heed that message? Or will Andrade make his way to the top of the WWE despite no one listening?
Rhea Ripley heads to the ring!
Chicago fires up as The Women’s World Champion, with Dominik Mysterio by her side, makes her way down the ramp. They step into the ring and fans cheer for “MAMI! MAMI!” as Rhea gets the mic. Rhea tells Dom, “I feel like I’m not getting enough attention.” Fans cheer more, but Rhea says she feels like a certain someone isn’t giving her their full attention. Dom says it’s not him. Rhea says Becky Lynch continues to fight week after week, and honestly, Rhea could’ve gotten Becky’s attention by attacking her. But no, Rhea was being respectful. But now she’s getting impatient! WrestleMania is just around the corner, and don’t you think Becky should be giving Rhea her full attention?
Tell ’em, Dom. Dom takes the mic and fans boo. Dom says Becky- IS HERE! The Man interrupts Dirty Dom since no one wanted to hear him anyway, and Chicago fires up as she heads to the ring. Becky gets in the ring, checks all sides to get the fans cheering, but Rhea just smiles. Becky gets a mic to say “The Man has come around to Chicago!” The fans cheer, and Becky says look at her coming out here when Rhea’s fresh as a daisy. Becky doesn’t have to wait until Rhea’s wrestled a 20 minute match before feeling confident enough to confront her, which is what Rhea’s done the last month now.
But no, no, Rhea, Becky could never do that to Rhea. Because Rhea doesn’t wrestle on TV anymore! Rhea laughs that off and asks, why would she want to compete before the biggest match in her career? Rhea doesn’t have to get in this ring just to get these people’s attention. She could just post a photo or video online, and watch the freaks eat it up! Right, Dom? Exactly. It is that easy for Rhea. Rhea doesn’t have to prove herself again and again, week after week- Becky fakes gagging and says listen to yourself, Rhea! This is the problem! They have very different interpretations of what it is to be a champion.
Rhea thinks all she has to do is post her ass on the internet. But for Becky, it is about busting her ass night in and night out! The fans seem to be of both minds, but Becky says this is the thing: there will always be someone newer and younger, someone hotter. But the long game in this business is skill and merit. And survival! It is how you come back after you are in the muck, when the chips are down, and when you’re not “The Chosen One” anymore. But Rhea hasn’t felt that yet. But at WrestleMania, The Man will give Rhea that experience. Rhea says okay, yeah, Becky’s right. Becky’s been through everything. We get it.
Becky IS a survivor, no one can take that from her. In fact, she reminds Rhea of something! Becky’s a roach! Really hard to kill, but it isn’t impossible. Now while Rhea won’t take it that far, she wants to leave Becky alive to sit on the couch and watch Rhea do what she does, with her daughter calling Rhea “Mami!” The fans fire up now as Becky squares her jaw. Becky tells Rhea this is her one pass. You mention Becky’s daughter again, those will be the last words you ever say. You think that’s just a fun little line you can throw out? It’s not funny! Understand, Becky’s dad never got to meet his granddaughter.
Becky knows her dad was proud of her for everything she’s ever done in this ring, but the one thing he would’ve been most proud of is the mother she’s become! So that might be a joke to you, but that ain’t a joke to her! The fans fire up again but Rhea rolls her eyes. Becky says again that is NOT a joke to her! And Rhea says she didn’t attack out of respect? There is nothing respectful about Rhea! Rhea didn’t attack because she knows when she throws the first punch, there’s no going back. At WrestelMania, neither one of them will ever be th esame gain. The mics drop and the two get face to face. Dom has Rhea stand down and fans boo.
Becky says yeah, hide behind your boy. That’s a first. Dom gets up in Beck’s face now, so Becky DECKS him! Then the hands start flying between Man and Mami! Rhea shoves Becky, BOOTS her down, then POSTS her! Becky falls back and Rhea says you don’t do that to HER Dom! Rhea goes out to help Dom up and they retreat. But Becky runs out to CLOBBER them both!! The fans fire up as Becky and Rhea brawl on the ramp! Refs rush in to stop this, Dom hurries to get Rhea to safety, but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Becky gets free and DECKS Dom again! The brawl resumes and more refs hurry!
Dom again gets up to keep Rhea back but things are explosive to say the least! Who will be standing when they’re finally allowed to have it out?
Chad Gable and Sami Zayn cross paths.
Gable finishes his talk with Maxxine to then talk with Sami. Gable wants to talk about how they ending things last week. Sami says no, there’s nothing to say. Gable said his part, thinking Sami can’t beat Gunther, and that’s his opinion. Gunther feels the same, and that’s his opinion. Gunther even thinks Sami can’t beat Bronson, so tonight is about proving Gunther wrong. Gable says no, it’s not about Gunther. Bronson Reed is who is in front of Sami, and this is what Gunther wants. Gunther wants to ruin Sami’s focus! Sami’s gonna let him? Focus on the task at hand, get your head outta your ass!
Sami stares Gable down, and says yeah, he’s right. WrestleMania is two weeks away, Sami knows what he needs to do tonight. And he appreciates that Gable said it. They shake hands, Sami heads out. But will the Great Liberator be able to avoid the Tsunami? Or will he be crushed by the Colossal Aussie heading his way?
Sami Zayn VS Bronson Reed!
Raw returns as Sami makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Sami headlocks, but Bronson picks Sami up. Sami thrashes the hold, the fans sing “Ole~ Ole ole ole~!” Bronson powers out and he runs Sami over! Bronson drags Sami up, HEADBUTTS him, then whips. Sami holds ropes to stop himself, then ELBOWS Bronson away! Sami dodges Bronson, drops down, then hurdles over, to bypass and TOSS Bronson out! The fans fire up and Sami builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit and down goes Bronson! The fans fire up again as Sami stands again. Sami puts Bronson in the ring, then goes to the corner.
Sami climbs, leaps, but Bronson catches him! But Sami fires elbows to get free! Sami CHOPS ROCKS and whips, but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Sami, Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges but Bronson CLOBBERS him! Bronson stalks Sami, drags him up, and then ROCKS him with a right. Sami leans against ropes, and Bronson CHOPS him! Sami sputters and falls out of the ring, but Bronson goes to the apron! Bronson waits as Sami rises, and then runs to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Sami takes a tumble while Bronson soaks up the heat, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Sami fights up from a facelock. Sami throws body shots, forearms, but Bronson scoops to SLAM! Bronson then runs to ELBOW DROP! Sami sputters, Bronson has a bloody nose, but Bronson stands up and brings Sami around. Bronson whips, Sami KICKS back! Sami runs up, LARAITS, but Bronson stays up! Sami CHOPS, CHOPS and runs, to LARIAT again! Bronson is still standing, so Sami fires more CHOPS! Bronson CHOPS in return! Bronson whips again, Sami goes up and over! Then LARIAT!! Bronson falls and the fans fire up! Sami stands, but wait, Gunther is on stage!
The fans boo as Der Ring General ends up scouting after all. Sami stares Gunther down, but Bronson waistlocks! Sami fires elbows, gets around, but he can’t lift Bronson! Or can he!? Bronson fights with elbows, then HEADBUTTS! Bronson runs in at the corner, but Sami dodges the splash to roll Bronson up! TWO!! Bronson escapes, Sami is frustrated but Gunther smirks. Sami brings Bronson up, kicks low, and clinches. Sami scoops, but falls over under Bronson’s weight! Bronson then kicks Sami, gets him up, ANARCHY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Sami stays in this but Bronson snarls.
The fans rally for Sami as Bronson has him in a corner. Bronson CHOPS, CLUBS and repeat! The ref counts, Bronson puts Sami up top but Sami fires hands! Sami kicks and kicks and kicks, then he reels Bronson in! TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up as Bronson ends up in a corner! Sami glances at Gunther, runs in, but into a LARIAT! SENTON! Bronson puts Sami in the drop zone and goes up! TSUNAMI!! Cover, Bronson wins!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall
Gunther said Sami couldn’t beat Bronson, and his very presence made that a reality! Can Sami win the mind games Gunther is playing? Bronson says he should be the one going to Mania, will this win make sure he’s first in line on the other side?
Jey Uso speaks.
“Okay! C’mon, Shinsuke Nakamura Uce! Huh!? You hating on me, saying my dream match about to become a nightmare. Look! The problem is, you’ve been sleeping on Main Event Jey Uso for way too long. And tonight, you about to get woke, Uce!” But then in steps Solo Sikoa. And Jimmy Uso. Jimmy says, “No Yeet.” The Bloodline leaves, simply giving Jey a warning. Will Jey stay strong going towards Uso VS Uso? Or will the King of Strong Style make his own dreams come true?
Sami Zayn is furious backstage.
Gable finds him and has him calm down. Also we can see Dom talking with Andrade in the background, perhaps working on that recruitment spiel. Sami says he let Gunther get in his head. He knew what Gunther was doing and still let him get in his head! How?! How does Sami let that happen!? With everything at stake, how… Gable says this is what Gunther does, he’s been telling Sami. Gunther plants the seeds of doubt. Gable was in the ring with Sami, Sami showed physicality and resilience. Sami is one of the best Gable’s ever been in the ring with. But with Gunther, it’s about m ore than physicality. It is mental!
Gunther will beat you down again and again with those doubts, and you can’t do that. You wanna make it to the other side of Mania with your hand raised? You need a different approach. And if that’s what Sami wants to talk about, he and Gable can talk. Sami says okay. Is Gable going to help Sami do things the Alpha way?
Rollins finds Jey at gorilla.
Jey’s getting ready for the main event but Rollins says something doesn’t feel right about tonight. Rollins and Cody have Jey’s back if he needs it, but just get that W. They fist bump and Jey says, “YEET!” Main Event Jey heads to the ring, will he be able to handle the King of Strong Style before The Bloodline decides his time is up? We find out, after the break!
Jey Uso VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
Raw returns as Nakamura makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans fire up already. The two tie up, Nakamura puts Jey in a corner, and the ref counts. Jey turns things around, but Nakamura pulls hair! Nakamura swings, Jey dodges and he fires body shots and haymakers! “YEET! YEET!” Jey whips, Nakamura reverses but Jey stops himself to come back and UUPPERCUT! Nakamura bails out, Jey builds speed and he DIVES into a GAMANGIRI! Nakamura runs in to AX KICK Jey down! Nakamura then whips Jey to a corner, but Jey reverses! Jey runs in but Nakamura dodges the splash, and Jey hits post!
Nakamura puts Jey on the top rope, then runs up to TOP SHELF KNEE! Jey is still up there, so Nakamura hushes the fans and runs in to TOP SHELF KNEE again! Jey tumbles to the floor, Nakamura mocks the bounce, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and both men are down. They both stand, Jey blocks a haymaker to fire haymaker! “YEET! YEET! YEET”! Jey pops ‘n’ locks and puts some stank on the HAYMAKER! Jey whips, Nakamura reverses but Jey ducks and mule kicks! Then UPPERCUTS! Then kicks, but Nakamkura blocks! The DRAGON WHIP still hits! Nakamkura falls into a corner, the fans fire up and Jey says “UCE! OH!” HIP- NO, Nakamura dodges the hip attack! Nakamura comes back, blocks boots, puts Jey in ropes and KICKS, to then SLIDING GERMAN! Nakamura hurries in to cover, TWO! Nakamura is frustrated but the fans rally.
Nakamura goes up a corner, takes aim as Jey rises, and FLYING- NO, Jey gets away! SUPERKICK! The fans fire up but Nakamura BLINDSIDE KINSHASAS!! The fans fire up, but then they boo as Jimmy & Solo storm over the barrier! But wait! Cody & Rollins intercept! They brawl with the Bloodline, and Cody brings Jimmy up the ramp! Cody sends Jimmy into the LED boards and then backstage. Meanwhile, Rollins POSTS Solo, then CLOBBERS him over the barrier! Only for McIntyre to attack Rollins! Now Rollins meets POST! And then FUTURE CSHOCK to the floor! The fans chant for Punk but what can he do?
Jey snarls at McIntyre, but Nakamura gets him for a SLEEPER! INVERTED EXPLODER but Jey lands out! SUPERKICK! And SPEAR!! Cover, Jey wins!
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall
The Bloodline tried to ruin Main Event Jey’s night, but he comes away with a win! Rollins still got got for it, and we see Jimmy and Cody brawling even in the back! Cody ROCKS Jimmy with haymaker after haymaker, then THROWS him into doors! But Solo has caught up! Cody fights Solo, SMACKS him off a table, then rains down fists! But then THE ROCK sucker punches Cody!! The Rock SMACKS Cody off the table! “Look at you now, boy!” The Rock SMACKS Cody off trash cans, then shoves him around. The Rock CHUCKS the can at Cody! You think Rock was just gonna let Cody talk trash!?
The Rock brings Cody around to RAM him into production cases! The Rock dumps a toolbox’s contents all over Cody and continues to say, “Look at you now.” The Rock whips Cody into spare railing! And he chucks another trash can! They spill out into the parking lot in the back and The Rock says this is perfect, Chicago! They were upset The Rock didn’t say anything? He’s got your attention now, doesn’t he? The Rock cusses Chicago out, and he stalks Cody into the rain. The Rock rips Cody’s shirt up, and kicks him around in the puddles. The Rock stands Cody up to ROCK him with another right, and eggs him on.
Cody hobbles and crawls but The Rock just kicks him down. The Rock says he’s the Final Boss. You wanna run your mouth and be a hero? The Rock has Cody against the ledge! The Rock then whips Cody into the side of his own buss! Cody staggers around, and The Rock says just look at your hero now, world. The Rock tells Mama Rhodes to look at her son. The Rock has a special gift for you now, Mama! Another throw into bus! The Rock stomps Cody’s legs, and says this is what happens. The Rock again throws Cody into the Nightmare Express one more time!
The Rock tells the world that if they wanna know why The Rock is the Final Boss, “Did you think for one single, solitary second that The Rock was gonna let this piece of trash talk a bunch of s*it? NO! Not by a long shot! Because at the end of the day, to all you Cody Crybabies, to him, to Mama Rhodes, and to everybody, at the end of the day, it didn’t have to be like this. But it is like this now, because of him, of Cody Rhodes! He stuck his nose in The Rock’s business. Oh, and the prophecy has come true. Look at this.” Cody sits up, forehead bloodied. The Rock DECKS Cody, then looks at the blood on his hand.
The Rock wants Mama Rhodes to watch as he SMACKS Cody off the picture of Pharaoh. And then SLAPS Cody! Mama Rhodes, here is that special gift. The Rock brings out a custom weight belt, but it now has “MAMA RHODES” on it instead! The Rock is a man of his word! He said he’d put Cody’s blood on this belt, and then her tears. The Rock makes sure the cameraman looks at this as The Rock smears Cody’s blood all over the white leather. There’s the blood, and then The Rock brings Cody up. Look at your son, Mama Rhodes! The blood on his face! This is gonna happen at Mania, too! Cody’s blood, on The Rock’s hands.
Cody’s dad talked about hard times, and Cody’s gonna learn about hard times. The Rock will learn you some hard times, for life! This is what happens, MOTHER EFFER, when you mess with The Final Boss! The Rock RAMS Cody into the door of the bus one last time, and lets him fall over. The Rock spits on Cody, then looks to the camera. “Look at your son, Mama Rhodes. It didn’t have to be this way. But now, this is the only way.” Is this how Cody’s story will end at WrestleMania 40?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here, though the major bulk of what was so great was The Rock. He surprised us during Cody’s promo to open the show, and then holy crap everything we just saw to end the show. Cody getting beat down, bloodied, in the rain, like a gritty action movie, was definitely not expected, but it definitely amped things up. At the same time, how can Cody not be winning in the end? The Rock cut a promo aimed at “Mama Rhodes” the entire time, put Cody’s blood on the belt, Cody has to win the Universal Championship belt from Roman. And that is regardless of what happens on Night One in the dream team tag match. Cody will win if it’s fair and square, he will win if it’s Bloodline Rules, because that is what the hero does after facing all this adversity.
On the side of all that, great stuff with Bloodline. Jimmy & Solo showing up wasn’t just to intimidate Jey, they wanted after Jey, too. Great match of Jey VS Nakamura even with that, and with how Cody & Rollins set both men up for taking falls. Heyman talking with McIntyre after that really good promo segment of McIntyre, Rollins & Punk was a great detail in this story, as this HHH Era has been great about doing. Now, there’s still next week, so you can’t say McIntyre standing tall tonight automatically means Rollins wins. Go-home math might not even apply to this feud with Punk now on commentary, and let’s be honest, even Priest still being Mr. MITB is a factor on this title.
As such, great stuff from Judgment Day all night. Great group promo before the great match of Ricochet VS JD, and great win for Ricochet. Great promo from New Day, DIY & Awesome Truth with Truth again being a comedic genius. But then Judgment Day “ruining” the great tag match of New Day VS DIY was of course the move Priest was talking about. They wipe out the Raw field but I wonder if they try to do the same this Friday on SmackDown to at least one of the winners in the little tag tournament that’s going on. Maybe to New Catch Republic since those guys came super close to winning 2v2.
We got an awesome promo segment turned brawl with Rhea, Dom & Becky. That punch to Dom was so good, and kudos to him for taking it. And in relation to Judgment Day, Andrade got a great match out of Vinci and a great win. The match was originally supposed to be against Ivar, commentary said Ivar wasn’t cleared to compete, hopefully it isn’t anything serious for Ivar, he just got going again. Maybe part of this was they didn’t want Andrade beating Ivar, and also that Andrade’s new finisher wouldn’t work on a man as big as Ivar.
Candice VS Ivy went pretty quick but Candice faking the bad leg was very clever, especially with how she didn’t show mercy to Katana’s “bad leg” last week. Indi has to confront Candice and have it out with her, even if it isn’t at Mania or in a kickoff show. I’d also appreciate if there was some connection between this story and DIY, Gargano should also be concerned why Candice is getting like this. Meanwhile, great stuff with Sami, Gable, and Gunther. Good promos, great match from Sami VS Bronson, and it was actually a good move for Sami to lose. Sami is frustrated, but Gable is there to apparently be his coach now, so that’ll be good stuff.
My Score: 9/10
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Opening weekend wraps up with the Funky Weapon!
There’s more mix ‘n’ match as Best of the Super Juniors 32 keeps going! But will Ryusuke Taguchi kick Bone Soldier butt in tonight’s main event?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Dragon Dia & Katsuya Murashima VS Francesco Akira & Jakob Austin Young; Akira & Jakob win.
- El Desperado & Shoma Kato VS Nick Wayne & Daiki Nagai; Nick & Daiki win.
- Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi VS Kosei Fujita & Hartley Jackson; Hiromu & Takagi win.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Robbie X; Mack wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS MAO; Mao wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Clark Connors; Connors wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles; Eagles wins.
- Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori; Taguchi wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Ninja Mack VS Robbie X!
It’s the return of the Mack! Will the American Ninja start to take the block? Or will he be unable to solve for X?
The bell rings and the fans rally while the two circle. They start a “NINJA! NINJA!” chant, but then Robbie brings out a copy of the Ninja Mack mask! Just to rip it up! The fans boo, but Robbie throws it at Mack, and then SMACKS him down! The fans boo but Robbie stomps Mack at the ropes! The ref reprimands but Robbie ROCKS Mack! Robbie whips, Mack reverses, and Robbie handsprings over to then handspring with the ropes! Mack catches him, shove shim, hurdles over him, then backflips over, only for Robbie to SOBAT! The fans cheer, Robbie whips, but Mack reverses. Robbie goes up and over and shows off with his own handspring!
Mack runs in, Robbie slips out to the apron to ROCK Mack! Robbie springboards but Mack gets under. Robbie handsprings through, comes back and RANAS, but Mack handsprings through! The fans fire up and the two reset. Robbie runs up, Mack TOSSES him up and out! The fans fire up as Mack builds speed, and he handsprings for the NINJA- NO, Robbie moves back! But the Ninja Special continues even on the floor! Robbie runs away but Mack catches up, to HANDSPRING KICK him down at the stage! The fans fire up for that Super Ninja Special, and Mack leaves Robbie behind for the ring count.
Robbie sputters and crawls at 4 of 20, but is still far away at 10! Robbie hurries, the fans rally, and Robbie runs at 15 to slide in at 17! But Mack is on him with a facelock! Robbie fights up, lifts Mack, and then throws him away! Mack comes back, but Robbie uses the ref as a shield! Then he throws Mack down by his mask! Robbie throws down forearms and a stomp! The fans are torn but Robbie storms up on Mack to BOOT him in the corner! Robbie brings Mack around, suplexes then covers, ONE!! Mack is tougher than that and the fans rally up. Robbie CHOKES Mack on the ropes, then soaks up the cheers and jeers.
The ref counts, Robbie steps off at 4, then he WRECKS Mack with a dropkick! Mack is on the ground but the fans rally up. Robbie stands Mack up, CHOPS him, then stalks him to railing. Robbie pushes Mack into the ring, clamps on with a half nelson and covers, TWO! The fans cheer and Robbie gets annoyed. Robbie hauls Mack up to a fireman’s carry, but Mack slips around to sunset flip! TWO, and Robbie SWATS Mack’s haymaker to CHOP! Robbie whips, Mack reverses, but Robbie slides and then dodges! Mack is on the apron, Robbie runs to CANNONBALL KICK! The fans fire up as now Robbie builds speed!
Robbie goes up, up, and he ESCALARAS! Down goes Mack and the fans fire up with Robbie! Robbie drags Mack up and puts him back in the ring. Robbie then slingshots for a stalling SENTON! Cover, TWO! Mack is still in this and the fans rally up. Robbie and Mack slowly rise, and Robbie takes aim. Robbie runs in but blocks a boot! Robbie puts the leg on the ropes, KICKS the ropes, then SPIN KICKS Mack! Robbie snapmares Mack, RUNNING SHOOTING STAR onto knees! Mack cradles Robbie, TWO! Mack waits on Robbie, and DOUBLE CHOPS him! Then he DOUBLE CHOPS against the ropes! Mack won’t let Robbie get away as he unleashes CHOP after CHOP!
The fans fire up and Mack whips. Robbie reverses, then Robbie runs past Mack to fireman’s carry! ROLLING SENTON, STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Robbie is frustrated but the fans fire up! Mack flounders to the corner, the fans rally up, and Robbie runs up to BOOT! Snapmare and now Robbie goes up the corner! From the top rope, X EX- NO, Mack dodges! Robbie rolls through, handsprings, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Mack holds on but Robbie victory rolls! TWO!! Mack and Robbie hurry up, Robbie handsprings, but into a DREAMCAST KICK AND CRADLE!! MACK WINS!!
Winner: Ninja Mack, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Robbie earns 0)
Innovating in the blink of an eye, Ninja Mack ends this just as quickly! Will every match Mack has be as fast ‘n’ furious as this? Or will someone find a way to slow Mack down?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Kevin Knight VS MAO!
The Jet may be All Elite now, but he’s always going to be #2Flyy! However, he’s up against DDT Pro’s Idol Wrestler. Can Knight get through the Michinoku Tornado? Or will his flight to the top be grounded?
The bell rings and the fans rally as Knight and Mao stare down. The fans seem strongly behind Mao as he and Knight circle. They tie up, Knight headlocks, then he hits a takeover. Mao fights around, stands back up, and he powers his way out of the headlock to have the armlock. Mao steps over to wrench the arm, but Knight rolls, handsprings, and wrenches back! Knight hammerlocks, but Mao reaches back to headlock. The fans applaud, but Knight rolls Mao to get free. Mao ducks a kick, Knight dodges a spin kick, and the fans cheer the standoff. Mao runs up, Knight dodges then arm-drags! Knight runs up, springboards and FLYING ARM-DRAGS!
Mao is up but Knight FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES! The fans fire up and Knight runs corner to corner to LARIAT! Knight goes up to rally the fans, then he hops down to stomp and UPPERCUT on repeat! The ref counts as Knight stomps a mudhole in, and Knight snapmares Mao for a SLIDING SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans rally, Knight covers, TWO! The fans applaud while Mao grits his teeth. Knight stands Mao up but Mao fires body shots! Knight ROCKS Mao, runs, but Mao ELBOWS him! Mao runs, Knight follows, but Mao goes up and around! Knight tumbles out to the apron, but he ROCKS Mao first!
Knight springboards but Mao WHEEL KICKS him down! Mao wrenches an arm and SLINGSHOT CUTTERS! The fans fire up and Mao climbs up, to then SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO, but Mao goes right to the corner! Mao aims again, for a KING KONG KNEE DROP! Mao rolls off the impact, but then rolls back and has Knight in the COBRA TWIST! Knight endures, the fans rally, and Knight powers his way to switch the twist! Mao endures now and the fans rally more. Knight says he’s #MecchaTsuyoi, but then Mao throws elbows! Mao switches things back, and he says he is meccha, meccha, TSUKAKUI! Mao puffs up to show how strong and handsome he is!
The fans cheer, but Knight powers out with a HIP TOSS! But Mao drags Knight down into a JUST FACELOCK! Knight endures, reaches out, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer again while Mao lets go. Mao rises and the fans rally while Knight is on the ropes. Mao runs and CANNONBALLS Knight against the ropes! Knight writhes but Mao brings him up, only for Knight to fire a forearm! Mao fires one back! Knight fires another forearm, so Mao fires back! They go forearm for forearm, then Knight has the edge. Knight winds up but Mao SHOTEIS! Mao whips Knight to a corner, but Knight comes back to LARIAT!
Knight LARIATS again, then whips, but Mao reverses. Knight goes up and over, runs back in, and he LARIATS again! The fans fire up with Knight as he goes to a corner. Knight aims, runs in corner to corner, but Mao dodges! Mao runs, but into a DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Mao survives and Knight is stunned but the fans rally up! Knight fires up and the fans rally again. Knight runs up but Mao stops the satellite DDT! Mao BOOTS Knight against the ropes, then runs, but he goes Matrix to avoid Knight’s superkick! Mao BOOTS Knight’s lariat to SHOTEI, but Knight ROCKS Mao with a forearm! Mao REAR HEADBUTTS!
Mao runs, Knight hurdles over to PELE! But Mao tiger-feints and rewinds to SPIN KICK! The fans fire up even more while both men are down! Knight staggers to his feet, Mao ROCKS him with a hard right! Mao reels him in, but Knight suplexes first! The fans fire up and Knight covers, ONE as Mao goes Matrix again! Knight is stunned, runs up on Mao, but blocks a boot. Mao ENZIGIRIS Knight, goes up, only for Knight to go to the UPPER ROOM! The fans fire up as Knight hurries to the apron and then the corner. Knight climbs, but Mao rises again! Mao goes up the ropes to SUPER STEINER Knight in return!
The fans fire up as Mao hurries up top again, but Knight goes back up! But no Upper Room, this is a SUPER DUPER PLEX!! But Mao’s right up!? And so is Knight! But then both men fall over! The fans fire up as Knight and Mao slowly stir. They both rise up, but Knight goes to the apron. Knight springboards, but into a DREAMCAST KICK! Mao reels Knight in and gut wrenches, but Knight TORNADO DDTS free!! Knight roars, runs, but Mao uses the ref as a shield! Then Mao runs to jump over the ref, only for Knight to jump over Mao! ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!! Mao survives and the fans are thunderous!
Knight and Mao hurry back up, Knight runs up, but Mao stops the satellite again! MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? The fans rally as hard as they can and Mao aims, SUPERKICK! Cover, MAO WINS!
Winner: Mao, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Knight earns 0)
The Idol Warrior’s Samurai Kick strikes down the Knight! Knight shows respect with a bow, will we see these two meet again down the line? Will Mao soon take over the BOSJ for DDT Pro?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 A Block: Master Wato VS Clark Connors!
The Way of the Grandmaster is once again IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, but that just means he has a target on his back. Will Wato soon owe a golden ticket to this War Dog? Or will Wato be stronger than 100 Proof?
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. Connors and Wato circle, the fans rally more, and the two feel things out. Wato stays away from the leg takedown, then they feel out a knuckle lock. They back off, step forward, but Connors KNEES low! Connors ROCKS Wato, CHOPS Wato, then whips Wato. Connors bypasses but Wato hurdles over the backdrop! Connors still ROCKS Wato and has him in a corner. Connors runs in, but Wato BOOTS Connors, then BULLDOGS! The fans fire up with Wato and he KICKS Connors’ leg. And KICKS, and KICKS! Wato snapmares Connors, KICKS him again, then KICKS, KICKS, KICKS!
Connors ducks Wato, shoves him, and then hits the JEEP FLIPPER! Wato tumbles out of the ring but Connors pursues. Connors SMACKS Wato off the apron, then tells fans to move! The Young Lions usher fans out of the way, and Connors BOWLS Wato into the chairs! That was a STRIKE and then some! The fans fire up and even bark with Connors. Connors storms over to Wato, stomps him, then drags him up to his feet. Connors SMACKS Wato of a chair, then brings him back around. Wato fires elbows and CHOPS, but Connors CHOPS back! Wato staggers deeper into the crowd and Connors pursues!
The fans rally as Connors BOWLS Wato into more chairs! Connors has cleared out the whole section! The fans rally as Connors shoves the ref aside. Connors JAMS Wato up with a chair, then tells another section of fans to move! They hurry out of the way as Connors BOWLS Wato into even more chairs! Connors hits a turkey, aka bowling hattrick, and the fans fire up more. The ref reprimands but Connors clears out the chairs so he can stand Wato up. Wato fires body shots and forearms! Wato ROCKS Connors, and then Connors falls onto chairs! This entire area is a mess but Wato drags Connors up.
Connors body shots Wato, then POSTS him! Wato falls in a heap and the fans are torn. Connors intimidates commentary, then he goes looking under the ring. Connors brings out… a TIRE?! Why was one of those under there?! The ref reprimands Connors but Connors shoves him aside! Connors brings the spare tire over and JAMS Wato up! Connors sets the tire down, and he has Wato’s leg! Connors SMASHES Wato’s knee on the hubcap! The fans are torn but maybe so is Wato’s knee! Connors puts Wato in the ring, covers, TWO! Wato stays in this and the fans applaud, but Connors ties the legs up in a knot!
Wato endures, reaches out, and he claws his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Connors doesn’t let go. The ref counts so Connors stops at 4. Connors mocks the fans cheering Wato on, then drags Wato to his feet. Connors CHOPS Wato, whips him, but Wato blocks by holding ropes! Connors KNEES low, whips again, btu Wato reverses to ROCK, KNEE, and SHOTGUN Connors to a corner! The fans fire up and Wato rises. Wato runs in, Connors dodges, and Connors comes back, only for Wato to dodge! Wato then reels Connors in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Connors stays in this but Wato goes to the apron.
Wato slaps his leg into working, then watches Connors rise. Wato springboards but Connors gets under! Wato lands on his feet but his bad leg jams! Connors CHOP BLOCKS the leg! The fans are torn as Wato writhes, but Connors circles like a shark. Connors runs, but Wato catches him to a cradle! TWO!! Wato ROUNDHOUSE, but Connors blocks! And pops Wato up for a SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Connors rises, drags Wato up, then whips, but Wato avoids the powerslam! Wato runs in, tilt-o-whirls, then hooks Connors up, RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, TWO!!
Connors survives but Wato doesn’t stop! He body scissors and rolls Connors into VENDEVAL!! Connors endures, fights around with his legs, and he rocks the boat, only for Wato to pour on the pressure! Connors still fights, but Wato puts even more pressure on!! Connors powers through to have the ROPEBREAK!! The fans cheer while Wato lets go in frustration. Wato drags Connors up, reels him in, but Connors holds ropes to fight the suplex! Wato KICKS the arms, TSUTEN- NO, Connors mule kicks the legs! Wato SOBATS and runs, but into a POWERSLAM!! Wato rises up, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Wato survives, and Connors hurries to bring Wato up. Connors puts one out, but Wato fights No Chaser! ROUNDHOUSE, and Wato fires back up! The fans rally, Wato hooks Connors up, RECIENTE- NO, Connors slips free and reels Wato back in! NO CHASER!!! Cover, CONNORS WINS!!
Winner: Clark Connors, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Wato earns 0)
100 Proof gets his clear shot on Wato, and now he has both two points and a golden ticket for it! Will the DEFY Champion soon run the whole Junior Heavyweight Division?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: YOH VS Robbie Eagles!
The Direct Drive is also once again IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion alongside Wato, but that means the same target is on his back. Will Yoh owe this Ichiban Sweet Boy a title shot? Or can he shoot down the Sniper of the Skies first?
Wait, Yoh’s near jacket and gear is made with… recycled Ziploc bags? Well, guess that’s one way to stay fresh. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Yoh’s height gives him leverage to put Eagles on ropes. The ref counts, Eagles turns things around on Yoh, but he lets off slowly, to kiss Yoh on the cheek. The fans cheer, especially the ladies, and then Eagles asks Yoh for one in return. Yoh steps closer, but Eagles headlocks! Eagles hits the takeover, Yoh headscissors, and Eagles kips free. Roles reverse and Yoh headlocks for a takeover and Eagles headscissors. Yoh kips free, the two stand off, and the fans cheer.
Eagles steps closer and he gives Yoh another kiss on the cheek. Yoh still wants to reciprocate but Eagles says no thanks. Because right now, he wants to “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE!” “OI!” “ROBBIE ROBBIE ROBBIE!” “OI OI OI!” And Yoh kisses Eagles on the cheek three times! The fans cheer and Eagles is stunned. Eagles slaps sense into himself, then SLAPS Yoh! Yoh runs up, Eagles trips him, but Yoh boots him away. Yoh drops down, bypasses, then drop toeholds Eagles! He calls Eagles a “hentai (pervert)” before he DROPKICKS Eagles!
Eagles tumbles out, Yoh PLANCHAS and direct hit! The fans fire up for Yoh, and he uses a fan’s towel to wipe his face. Yoh stalks Eagles, puts him in the ring, then hurries to a corner. The fans rally as Yoh climbs, and he CANNONBALLS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Eagles goes to a corner. Yoh stomps Eagles, throws forearms, then wrenches and whips corner to corner. Yoh runs in and ELBOWS Eagles, then turns him, but Eagles SAIDOS free! The fans fire up while both men are down! Eagles covers, TWO! The fans applaud and Eagles sits Yoh up to run and SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO!
Eagles is annoyed but the fans rally up. Eagles kicks Yoh around, drags him up, and reels him in for a scoop and SLAM! Eagles soaks up the cheers, then covers, TWO! Eagles eggs Yoh on, so Yoh fires a forearm then a kick, and repeat. Eagles kicks low, CHOPS, then whips. Yoh reverses but Eagles stops himself, so Yoh’s dropkick gets nothing. Eagles runs up to roll Yoh into a KNEEBAR! Yoh endures as Eagles grapevines the leg, and the fans rally up. Yoh reaches out, crawls around, and manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Eagles lets go. Eagles drags Yoh from the ropes to drop a KNEE on the knee!
The fans rally while Eagles paces. Yoh rises up, but Eagles KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! Yoh eggs Eagles on, so Eagles runs to LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Eagles drags Yoh up. Eagles cravats but Yoh fights the rest. Eagles CLUBS away on Yoh, UPPERCUTS, then ASAI- NO, Yoh slips free of the Asai DDT! But Eagles back suplexes! Yoh lands out and waistlocks but Eagles switches and CHOP BLOCKS! Eagles runs, but into a DROPKICK! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Yoh and Eagles go to opposite ends, then they both run up! Yoh rallies with forearm after forearm, then whips, only for Eagles to reverses. But Yoh FLYING FOREARMS!
The fans rally more and Yoh brings Eagles around. Yoh scoops and SLAMS Eagles, then he sets up to soak up cheers. Yoh soaks up quite a lot, and then Yoh ELBOW DROPS! Cover, TWO! KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO, SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Eagles stays in this and the fans rally up again. Yoh brings Eagles around, reels him in, but Eagles fights the suplex! Yoh CLUBS away on Eagles, then brings him up to suplex, only for Eagles to fight free! Eagles wrenches, but Yoh ROCKS him! And ROLLING ELBOWS! Yoh reels Eagles back in, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Eagles survives and the fans fire up again!
Eagles and Yoh stir and Yoh goes to a corner. Yoh tunes up and the fans rally. Eagles rises, Yoh aims, but Eagles ducks the superkick to trip Yoh and tie up the legs! RON MILLER SPECIAL!! ROPEBREAK, but Eagles brings Yoh up fast, ASAI DDT!! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up. Eagles drags Yoh up, but Yoh breaks free, only for Eagles to KNEE low! And KICK down! Yoh goes to a corner, Eagles runs in, DOUBLE KNEES! Eagles comes back but Yoh BOOTS him! Eagles returns again to BASEMENT 619, but Yoh jumps it! Yoh then JUMP KNEES Eagles! Eagles DOUBLE KNEES Yoh again!
Yoh sits down, Eagles runs in yet again, METEORA! The fans fire up as Eagles drags Yoh to center and covers. TWO, but Eagles stands Yoh up to hook him up! But Yoh fights the backpack to scoop and FALCON GOROSHI! The fans fire up while both men are down, and Yoh clutches his leg. Yoh crawls to the cover, TWO! Yoh clamps on an ANACONDA VICE!! Eagles endures as Yoh uses Tenzan’s signature hold! Eagles fights around, stands up, but Yoh SLAMS Eagles down! Yoh pulls on the hold but Eagles still endures! The fans rally, Eagles reaches out, then manages to sit up! Eagles stands again, fights towards ropes, but Yoh ripcords and reels Eagles in!
DIRECT- NO, Eagles BACKDROPS out of that! Yoh sunset flips but Eagles rolls through! Eagles steps through, but Yoh BOOTS him away! Both men stand and the fans rally. Yoh ROCKS Eagles, Eagles kicks the leg, and both men back up. Yoh slaps his leg into working, and DOUBLE FOREARMS collide! DOUBLE FOREARMS collide again! And then again! Both men stagger all the way back to the ropes, for DOUBLE I’LL BE BACK! Eagles and Yoh SUPERKICK each other down! The fans fire up and both men go to corners. Eagles runs in, Yoh pops him up! Eagles lands on the apron, KICKS the leg out, then springboards to SNIPER DROPKICK!
The fans fire up as Yoh flounders! Eagles aims again, HYPER- NO, Yoh ducks that and rolls Eagles. Eagles rolls through but Yoh blocks the superkick! But Eagles stops the dragon screw, grabs an arm, and YANKS Yoh up to the fireman’s carry! Eagles shifts Yoh around to the TURBO BACKPACK!! Cover, TWO!!! Yoh survives and Eagles is shocked! The fans fire up as Eagles takes aim, BASEMENT SUPERKICK! Eagles hurries up top, takes aim, and WARP 4.5!! Direct hit on Yoh’s legs, and then Eagles steps through. But Yoh cradle counters! TWO!! Eagles escapes but he and Yoh fight for facelock control!
Yoh suplexes, Eagles slips through to waistlock, but Yoh switches! Yoh half nelsons, but Eagles fights the suplex! Yoh powers up and gets the full nelson! Eagles breaks free, but Yoh hops up to POISON-RANA!! Eagles rises, into a SUPERKICK!! The fans fire up and Yoh powers up again! Yoh drags Eagles up and in, DIRECT- NO, Eagles arm-drags and steps through, but Yoh turns Ron Miller Special into an O’Conner! STAR GAZE- NO, Eagles pushes on the bad leg! Yoh falls forward and Eagles ties the legs up! RON MILLER SPECIAL!!! Yoh endures, flails, and claws at the mat while the fans rally! Eagles drags Yoh away from ropes, YOH TAPS! EAGLES WINS!!
Winner: Robbie Eagles, by submission (gains 2 points; Yoh earns 0)
Both IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions have lost! A golden ticket to Clark Connors, a golden ticket to Robbie Eagles, will Wato & Yoh be busy after the Best of the Super Juniors? Will Eagles use this win to go for the trophy?
Best of the Super Juniors 32 B Block: Ryusuke Taguchi VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Funky Weapon and the Bone Soldier have had quite a few battles through this tournament series, and more often than not, #ItsReborn! But will Taiji keep up that streak #ByGrace? Or will Taguchi finally get lucky here in the main event?
The bell rings and the fans rally behind “TA-GU-CHI!” Taguchi and Taiji circle, feel things out, then clinch. They go around, Taiji facelocks, but Taguchi wrenches out. Taiji wrenches in return and hammerlocks but Taguchi moves around. They stand, Taguchi switches the hammerlock, but Taiji drop toeholds. Taiji floats but Taguchi slips out the back to hammerlock again. The fans applaud this technical exchange, and Taguchi hooks an arm for a cover, TWO! Taguchi holds onto Taiji but Taiji fights up. Taiji wrenches out, but Taguchi rolls, trips Taiji and has the toehold. Taiji goes for an armbar but Taguchi goes for the leg!
Taiji scrambles forward and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Taguchi lets go. Taguchi scoots back and keeps his eyes on Taiji. The fans rally as Taiji stands and the two reset. They circle, tie up again, and Taiji headlocks. Taguchi powers up and out and RAMS shoulders with Taiji! The fans cheer as Taiji dares Taguchi to run. Taguchi runs, they RAM shoulders again, and now Taiji runs. Taguchi drops down, hurdles, but Taiji waistlocks. Taguchi elbows free, whips to arm-drag, then he RAMS Taiji! Taguchi springboards to FLYING ARM-DRAG! And DROPKICK! The fans fire up as the Dropkick Master returns!
Taiji bails out but Taguchi builds speed! Taiji runs away but Taguchi rolls back and swivels them hips! Then Taguchi does the dance moves! The fans cheer but Taiji is annoyed. Taiji rushes up but Taguchi HIP ATTACKS him down! Taguchi slingshots, but Taiji YANKS him down! Taguchi hits apron then the floor, and Taiji stomps him. Taiji drags Taguchi around and CATAPULTS him into the POST! Taguchi falls and clutches his arm but the fans rally up. Taiji paces around the outside while Red Shoes checks Taguchi. Taguchi is okay to continue, but Taiji undoes the blue buckle pad! Red Shoes is none the wiser as he starts the ring count.
Taguchi shakes out the bad arm while he’s down on the mat. We go past 5 of 20, then past 10. Taguchi stands at 14 and the fans applaud. Taguchi hears 17 and rolls in at 19! The fans cheer as Taguchi maximizes his rest time, but then Taiji stomps Taguchi down! Taiji pulls on Taguchi’s bad arm, twists the wrist, and even stands on Taguchi’s face! Red Shoes reprimands, and it sounds like a young fan in the crowd shouts at Taiji. Taiji tries to spot the kid but he just pulls on Taguchi’s arm more. Taguchi fights up, but Taiji hammerlocks and POSTS him! The fans boo as Taguchi is stuck in the bare corner. Taiji brings Taguchi out to snapmare and FIST DROP! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer but Taiji keeps Taguchi down with an armlock! Taguchi endures, and he reaches out to a ROPEBREAK with his foot! The fans cheer but Taiji holds on! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, Taiji lets go at 4, and the fans rally more. Taiji has Taguchi on the apron and drags him up. Taiji wrenches to HOTSHOT the arm! Taguchi drops to the apron and rolls in, clutching that shoulder. Taiji grins and looms over Taguchi. Taguchi CHOPS from below, but Taiji CLUBS him! Taguchi CHOPS again, but Taiji CLUBS Taguchi again! Taiji then grabs the bad arm for a STRAIGHT ARM BAR! Taguchi scrambles around again, ROPEBREAK!
Taiji still holds on so Red Shoes counts again. Taiji lets go at 4 and Taguchi crawls to the ropes. Taguchi kicks from below but Taiji eggs him on. Taguchi kicks more, so Taiji stomps him down! Taiji taunts the fans as they rally up for Taguchi. Taiji drags Taguchi up, Taguchi fires body shots, and the fans rally again. Taguchi runs, but jumps into an atomic drop! Taiji runs, btu Taguchi follows! Only to get another atomic drop! Taiji laughs while Taguchi drops to his knees. Taiji waistlocks but Taguchi fires elbows. Taguchi runs but fakes Taiji out, and then HIP ATTACKS! Then Taguchi TRIANGLE JUMP PLANCHAS! Direct hit and the fans cheer!
Taguchi still clutches the bad arm and shakes it out, but both he and Taiji are down as the ring count starts. Taguchi sits up at 6, drags Taiji up at 10, and puts him in at 11. Taguchi steps in and HIP DROPS! And HIP DROPS! And HIP DROPS again! Taguchi then goes back out to the apron, and he fires the fans up for the SLINGSHOT HIP DROP, but onto knees! Taiji turns things around on Taguchi and Taguchi hobbles away to a corner. Taiji runs in, but Taguchi BOOTS him! Taguchi goes up to get Taiji for the DEADLY BUTT SHADE! Taiji staggers back, Taguchi goes up, FLYING HIP ATTACK! The fans fire up and Taguchi covers, TWO!
Taguchi kips up and the fans fire up! Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strange Style, “ORYA~!” KETSU- NO, Taiji rolls Taguchi up! TWO!! Taiji ROCKS Taguchi, whips, but Taguchi reverses. Taiji handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Taiji hobbles over to Taguchi, drags him up, and gut wrenches. Taguchi slips free and waistlocks but Taiji switches. Taguchi drop toeholds but Taiji scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Taguchi still uses OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Red Shoes reprimands, Taguchi stops, but then he drops KNEE after KNEE on Taiji’s ankle! Taguchi drags Taiji up and chicken wings!
DODON TO THE- NO, Taiji blocks the knees and deadlifts Taguchi into the CIPHER UTA- NO!! OH MY GAH- NO, VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! Taiji runs up, Taguchi dodges, ENZIGIRI! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Taiji and Taguchi stir, and fans rally as Taguchi stands. Taguchi chicken wings but Taiji fights the lift! Taguchi CHOPS Taiji on the back, runs, but Taiji catches and spins him, to POST him again! Red Shoes reprimands but Taiji grabs Taguchi’s arm. Taiji hammerlocks one then half nelsons the other, but Taguchi fights the lift! Taiji powers through to hoist Taguchi up, SHOULDER BUSTER!
The fans rally while Taguchi writhes, and Taiji aims from the corner. Taguchi rises, Taiji runs in, LA MYST- NO, Taguchi powers through to roll Taiji up! TWO, and OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taiji crawls, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! But Taiji drags Taguchi down! FUJIWARA, into the BONE LOCK!! Taguchi endures, fights around, reaches out, but Taiji rolls him away from ropes! Taguchi pops free to OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Taiji flails and reaches out, then grabs Red Shoes! Taiji YANKS Red Shoes into Taguchi, and that undoes the hold! Taguchi hurries back, but Taiji BOOTS Taguchi into Red Shoes!
The fans boo as Red Shoes goes down, but Taguchi rushes up on Taiji! Taiji slips around and hooks the arm, to LOW BLOW MULE KICK!! The fans boo more but Taiji GEDO CLUTCHES, TWO!!! Taguchi survives Taiji’s sneaky tactics and the fans fire up! Taiji, Taguchi and Red Shoes all slowly stand back up, and Taiji hobbles over to Taguchi. Taiji drags Taguchi up, but Taguchi is a ragdoll! Taiji snarls and he drags Taguchi up all the same, BLOODY- NO, Taguchi rolls through, and then has the OH MY GAH ANKLE!!! Taiji endures, Taguchi keeps him from ropes, and Taguchi pushes on that leg! The fans rally as hard as they can as Taguchi puts on the pressure!
Taiji grits his teeth, reaches out, but Taguchi twists the ankle more! Taiji fights forward, Taguchi drags him back, and repeat! Taguchi then yanks Taiji into the DODON BUSTER!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Taiji survives, but Taguchi just goes for OH MY GAH ANKLE!!!! The fans rally for Taguchi but Taiji rolls! Taguchi holds on!! Taguchi ELBOW DROPS the leg, then TWISTS the ankle!!! Taiji endures, but he TAPS!! TAGUCHI WINS!!!
Winner: Ryusuke Taguchi, by submission (gains 2 points; Taiji earns 0)
Taiji tried and tried, but who knew Taguchi would take this one so seriously? Will it only be #ByGrace that Taiji can turn this around and reach the top?
As for Taguchi, he ices his arm while the fans cheer him on. Then he gets the mic to say, “Thank you for the chants.” The fans cheer, and Taguchi continues, “Thank you all for so many of you showing up here in Iwanuma, and thank you for all the support.” The fans cheer again, and Taguchi adds that he’d like to thank Mayo Junichi Sato, as well as the Iwanuma City Board of Education. “The elementary and middle school kids were able to come here for free today, so we got so much support from the kids. For you to understand how pro-wrestling can give you strength is something that brings me so much joy.”
The fans applaud that, too, and Taguchi hopes they’ve all found a new hobby today in pro-wrestling. Please keep watching pro-wrestling, as there are so many great wrestlers for you to discover and enjoy. He hopes watching wrestling makes their lives more fun. He wishes them all the best. The fans applaud, and Taguchi says not just his opponent tonight, Taiji, but also Yoh and Mao are from here in the Miyagi Prefecture. “We produce a lot of great wrestlers, but I guess the Saito brothers are most famous.” The fans have a good laugh at that, and Taguchi says he hopes he can be like them in terms of popularity. Please continue to support him!
The fans applaud, and Taguchi says Hirooki Goto is leading NJPW and his Goto Revolution. The fans do applaud that, and Taguchi says he is willing to follow Goto. The G in IWGP may be for Goto, but the T in “The” that is in “Best of The Super Juniors” will now stand for Taguchi! The fans do like the sound of that. Taguchi says the BOSJ’s T will send his love to Iwanuma today. The fans like that, and Taguchi sees the cheerers are here, as is the mascot! The fans applaud and “Chief Clerk Iwanuma” waves. Taguchi says this is also on NJPW World, so this is good promotion around Japan and the world. You will see how great Iwanuma is today!
So, let’s go! The T in Best of the Super Juniors is for Taguchi! Iwanuma, daisuki desu~!” And since it’s been awhile, let’s do that, huh? The fans cheer and clap along as Taguchi does his dance! Will the Funky Weapon get even funkier as this tournament goes on? Will he lead the Junior Heavyweight Division just as Goto leads all of NJPW?
Here are the updated A Block standings!
Hiromu Takahashi: 1-0, 2 points
Dragon Dia: 1-0, 2 points
Kosei Fujita: 1-0, 2 points
Ninja Mack: 1-0, 2 points
Clark Connors: 1-0, 2 points
Master Wato: 0-1, 0 points
KUSHIDA: 0-1, 0 points
Yoshinobu Kanemaru: 0-1, 0 points
Francesco Akira: 0-1, 0 points
Robbie X: 0-1, 0 points
Here are the updated B Block standings!
El Desperado: 1-0, 2 points
Nick Wayne: 1-0, 2 points
MAO: 1-0, 2 points
Robbie Eagles: 1-0, 2 points
Ryusuke Taguchi: 1-0, 2 points
Kevin Knight: 0-1, 0 points
Titan: 0-1, 0 points
SHO: 0-1, 0 points
YOH: 0-1, 0 points
Taiji Ishimori: 0-1, 0 points
My Thoughts:
A great second day for BOSJ’s opening weekend. Mack VS Robbie X was immediately a high bar with that extra special Ninja Special Mack pulled off, and even how the finish came about with that spin kick into a cradle. Knight VS Mao also had some great innovation, and a great first win for Mao in his first-ever BOSJ. Connors and Eagles each getting a win over the tag team champions was a bit surprising, but they could do some big stuff with the tag teams after the tournament. I did like Connors using a tire in this match, and it sounds like that’s part of a new gimmick or something he’s doing. Yoh’s Ziplock outfit is pretty fun, too.
And great stuff out of the main event with getting “Serious Taguchi” here tonight. Taguchi is usually such a jokester so it’s great when he busts out a banger like this, especially when he wins. I appreciate Taguchi giving such a promo where he genuinely wants the kids to know pro-wrestling can be a hobby but also a career. I also like that he brought out the comedy here, copying Goto’s “the G in IWGP is for Goto” but to where it’s something irrelevant. Taguchi rising back up as a serious contender would be something to see, especially with all these crossovers.
My Score: 9/10
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CM Punk is back! Will Seth Rollins’ vision already be in trouble?
Last Monday Night Raw, CM Punk & Sami Zayn helped Jey Uso against Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker. What happens tonight as they’re all in Louisville?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- PENTA VS Chad Gable; Penta wins.
- The War Raiders VS The Creed Brothers w/ Chad Gable; The Creed Brothers win.
- AJ Styles VS Finn Balor w/ Judgment Day; Styles wins.
- Iyo Sky & Rhea Ripley VS Giulia & Roxanne Perez; Iyo & Rhea win.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE mourns the loss of “Sabu,” Terry Brunk.
CM Punk is here!
Louisville fires up for the Best in the World, and they know, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” Punk goes to the ring, grabs a mic, and asks, “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Louisville, Kentucky or what? I’m a pissed off man but I’m fortunate enough to say that this is my home! All the dust has settled from WrestleMania, and I waited a few weeks, and I’ve nursed a few injuries and a lot of hurt feelings, but I can’t shake being pissed off!” The fans cheer that! Punk says he has a lot of enemies. It’s really easy to list off who he’s NOT pissed off at. But number one with a bullet, a big, fat bullet…
The person that Punk is most pissed off at right now… is himself. The fans are surprised to hear that, but Punk says yeah, he’s mad at himself, mostly because we’ve been here before. This isn’t the first time Paul Heyman stabbed Punk in the back. Stab him in the back once, shame on you. Stab him in the back twice, shame on him. But he though the could trust his friend. Almost 12 years ago, Heyman smashed a ladder into Punk’s head, gave him 13 staples right down the middle, and they moved past that. At least, he thought they had. They had grown and matured as humans, or at least Punk knows Punk had.
And apologies to Jey Uso, but when Punk came back to the WWE, Jey had warned him about Paul Heyman, but Heyman is Heyman. Heyman is who he always has been: a fat little snake! So yeah, while Punk is pissed at Heyman, he’s more upset with himself. He might be upset with “Temu Punk,” Seth Rollins, but Punk will get them all. But we know how this ends, we’ve been down this road, Heyman knows how this ends, Punk can’t wait to get his hands around Heyman’s fat neck and squeeze until Heyman’s eyes pop out. But “Ladies and gentlemen…!” Punk says good, where are you, Penguin?!
Heyman storms out to the stage and Punk dares him to explain why he did what he did. And Wise Man, understand that whatever words you choose, they will be your last! But before that, here comes Rollins! The fans sing and Punk says that’s all Rollins is! But Rollins also has Bron Breakker by his side, and the trio stands together on stage. Rollins, in his all rattlesnake skin ensemble, is handed the mic. The fans chant for Punk but Rollins says, “Just when I think you can’t get any more selfish or any more egotistical, you find a way to top yourself. This man, Paul Heyman, was your best friend! Your best friend! And you made his life HELL on the Road to WrestleMania!
“And now you are out here in front of the entire world, gaslighting all of us, trying to make us believe that he betrayed you?” The fans seem to agree. Rollins says Punk makes him sick! Heyman believed in Punk for YEARS! YEARS, when no one else did. But y’know what Rollins believes? He believes Punk is scum, is trash, is excrement, and that he was right about Punk all along. And just when Rollins thinks he can’t hate Punk more than he already does, Punk stands there in that ring as THE reason Rollins is not World Heavyweight Champion right now! Punk says Rollins ain’t ever gonna be champ as long as Punk’s on two feet.
The fans cheer and Rollins groans. The fans chant for Punk but Rollins and Heyman chuckle. What is Punk’s deal? Does he love punishment? Does he love suffering? Does he love being on the wrong side of history? Wait, wait, wait. Rollins gets it now. Punk loves to play the victim. Punk loves to come out here and boo hoo, poor CM Punk~! Punk so desperately so wants to be a victim, he so desperately wants to die a martyr… The fans bark in anticipation, and Rollins says he believes that can be arranged. Rollins hopes Punk has prepared his last words. And with that, Bron is sent to the ring like the attack dog he is!
Punk says is the little doggy gonna bark or bite. And then the brawl is on! Bron RAMS Punk in the corner again and again, rains down fists, and the fans boo as Rollins swaggers into the ring. Bron runs but Punk BOOTS him! And TACKLES Rollins! The fans fire up but now it’s 2v1 as Bron gets back on Punk! But wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! Sami fires hands on Bron, then on Rollins! The fans fire up but Bron picks Sami up! EXPLODER! Punk is up to brawl with Rollins, but Bron joins in again! They mug Punk, and Heyman brings a chair! The fans boo but wait! JEY USO IS HERE! SUPERKICK and the chair is down!
Rollins and Jey brawl, Bron goes after Jey, it’s another 2v1 mugging! But then Sami is back, as is Punk, and they have chairs! They chase off Rollins, Bron & Heyman! The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but Rollins has Bron stand down. Will Punk, Sami & Jey turn the tide when it’s their three against Rollins’ three?
PENTA VS Chad Gable w/ Ivy Nile!
While he still has #CeroMiedo, he also has zero titles because one way or another, Judgment Day screws him over! Of course, it was “El Grande Americano” who factored into things at Backlash, so Penta knows exactly who to go after this time! At least, maybe? Will Penta prove Gable and Grande are one in the same? Or will Gable #SHOOOOSH all the conspiracy theory noise?
Raw returns as Gable makes his entrance. Penta wants right after him but the ref keeps him back. And just as Michael Cole is wondering if Pat McAfee will make it tonight’s show, Pat arrives! Louisville cheers Pat and he gives high-fives on his way to commentary, still in one piece after his battle with Gunther. He even still has energy to hop up onto the desk to salute the fans.
The bell rings and Gable is a bit off balance from Pat’s entrance. Penta CLOBBERS Gable, stomps away on him, then KICKS Gable’s leg! Penta CHOPS Gable, CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! Penta whips, Gable ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING HEADBUTT! Gable rains down fists, then he paces around in a huff. Gable CHOPS Penta down, CHOPS him again, and CHPOS him again! Gable whips, then CLOBBERS Penta! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Penta and Gable is annoyed by that. Gable drags Penta up, but Penta fires body shots! Penta ELBOWS Gable, whips, but Gable reverses. Gable ELBOWS Penta down and he then hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!
Gable is annoyed but the fans rally for Penta. Gable drags Penta up, whips corner to corner hard, and Penta falls! Gable storms up to put Penta on the top rope. Gable climbs up, pulls on Penta’s mask, but the fans boo. Gable pries at the mask now but the ref reprimands. Penta fires elbows and Gable falls back! Penta leaps to FLYING ARM-DRAG! Gable is up, Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Gable tumbles out, Penta says “CERO! MIEDO!” and builds speed. Gable moves, Penta adjusts to PLANCHA, but Gable HEADBUTTS him down! Gable shouts, “Lucha Libre SUCKS!” and fans boo, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and the fans rally for Penta as he fights up. Penta fires elbows and is free of the chinlock, only for Gable to throat chop! Gable whips, Penta reveres, but Gable ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Penta to SUPERKICK! Both men are down, Ivy is worried, and the fans rally up. Penta runs in at the corner to GAMANGIRI! Gable sits down, Penta headstands and SWINGING DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Penta covers, TWO! Penta is annoyed but he shakes out his arm and brings Gable up. Penta half nelsons, pump handles, but Gable slips around to shove. Penta springboards but Gable catches him to a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Penta escapes and Gable is upset. Gable drags Penta to the center of the ring, then goes up a corner. Gable DIVING HEADBUTTS into a CODE BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up while both men are down, and Gable flounders away. Penta rises up and the fans rally. Penta storms up, KICKS and CHOPS Gable, then CHOPS again! Gable whips, Penta goes up, stumbles, but still goes up! Gable grabs ropes to fight the backstabber, then BUCKS Penta away! Gable goes up, MOONSAULTS, cover, TWO!! But into an ANKLE LOCK!! Penta rolls to throw Gable away, and then SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up while both men are down again! Penta calls his shot, hammerlocks an arm, and he SLAPS Gable into giving up the other arm! But Gable powers out and has the ANKLE LOCK!! Penta endures, fights forward, and reaches out, only for Gable to drag him back! Penta fights up and rolls to victory roll! TWO, and Gable rolls Penta up! TWO! Gable throat chops Penta again! Gable hauls Penta up to the top rope, then climbs up after him! They are on the very top, but Penta fights with body shots! Gable gives shots back, then talks trash, but Penta tells him CERO MIEDO! Penta SHOVES Gable, Gable lands out, but Penta hits a FLYING DESTROYER!! Cover, Penta wins!!
Winner: Penta, by pinfall
Gable tried to belittle lucha libre, but it backfired! Penta comes through and gets even with at least one enemy, but will he even the score with “El Grande” and Judgment Day soon enough?
Roxanne Perez & Giulia speak.
Roxie says, “Tonight, The Prodigy & The Beautiful Madness take on the Genius of the Sky and Rhea Ripley. And I think we’ve made it very, very clear that this division isn’t safe anymore.” Giulia says in Japanese, “They are strong, but we are hungry. We didn’t come here to wait our turn. We came to take over.” Roxie says that means going after the very top. Iyo, Rhea, they don’t give a damn about your history because they’re here to make their own! You are looking at the future of this industry. And the future starts tonight. Will these former NXT Women’s Champions put the WWE Women’s World Champion & Mami in the past?
Judgment Day meets in the clubhouse.
Carlito knows with Liv Morgan off making her movie, Raquel Rodriguez doesn’t have anyone to hang out with, so he offers to hang out with her. Maybe get something to eat? Raquel rolls her eyes, but Dom finishes a phone call with Liv. Liv says she misses Dom, but the filming is going great. Though, she said “Good morning,” but it’s night here. JD McDonagh says surely this isn’t the first time Dom’s heard about time zones. Dom says he doesn’t really pay attention to that. But he does need to talk with Finn about something real quick. He knows at Backlash, Finn hesitated with the chair and that almost cost Dom. If not for Grande-
Whoa, easy, Dom. Don’t get all paranoid like Damian and Rhea. Remember what they were like as champions? It didn’t go smoothly, sure, but it all worked out, and Dom is still the champ. Finn pats the title, and says he’ll handle Styles for Dom. Dom knows he will. They fist bump and Finn heads out, and JD tells Dom they’ll explain this. The light is the sun, and this skull is Earth. When the Earth turns, the light is somewhere else. Liv is probably over here where there’s sunlight. Rudimentary science aside, will The Prince come through for the champ and cross off a phenomenal contender?
The fans cheer Pat’s match at Backlash.
Pat stands on the desk again and waves to Louisville. For what was shown in the highlight reel, everyone was making sure he was okay before letting him out here. Pat admits everything is sore head to toe. He got a blood vessel popped in his eye, but he is sure he gave something to Gunther. Pat has respect for everyone who gets in that ring, and he hopes Gunther has respect a bit for him and Cole.
BREAKING NEWS for Saturday Night’s Main Event in Tampa!
Saturday, May 24th, Sami Zayn & CM Punk will have a tag team match against Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker!
Sami and Punk regroup backstage.
Sami says the two of them, SNME, taking on Rollins & Bron. Is Punk good? Punk is, but he isn’t. He can’t really trust anybody right now. Fair enough. Sami gets that given he had a hard time trusting Punk back at WarGames. But it all worked out, right? And Sami isn’t stupid, he knows Punk likes to do things his way, has his goals. Sami isn’t that different. Sami has his ambitions, too. But the truth is, neither of them are going to get anything done if Rollins & Bron are in the way. Punk says that’s no lie. Sami says all they gotta do is work together and take Rollins’ team out. Punk agrees, they fist bump, and things are set. But will Punk & Sami be able to stop “the vision?”
The New Day is here!
Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods strut out to the ring because the WWE World Tag Team Champions want to “grace us with their presence” on commentary. That, and they want to watch Julius & Brutus Creed fight Erik & Ivar in hopes of stopping the War Raiders from earning their title rematch. Will the Creeds come through for the New Day? Or will the raid have its redemption? We find out, after the break.
The War Raiders VS The Creed Brothers!
Raw returns and both teams have made their entrances. The teams sort out, Erik and Julius tie up, and Erik snapmares to a cover, ONE! Julius snapmares to a cover, ONE! Erik runs, Julius drops down then hurdles over. Erik scoops to SLAM Julius, then he tags Ivar. New Day argue with Michael Cole how they cheated at Mania but Cole tried to help Pat by cheating at Backlash! Brutus tags in, he and Ivar circle, but Ivar scoops Brutus to SLAM! Tag to Erik, Julius runs in, but Ivar scoops and SLAMS him! Erik scoops and SLAMS Brutus, then they say “UP!” Erik scoops and SLAMS Ivar onto Brutus! The fans fire up with the Raiders!
Brutus sputters but Erik brings him up. Erik whips, Brutus ducks ‘n’ dodges and Julius sneaks a tag. Erik CLOBBERS Brutus but Julius LARIATS Erik! Julius ROCKS Erik, tags Brutus, and they mug Erik. The Creeds stomp a mudhole in, but stop as the ref counts. The fans boo but New Day puts the Creed Brothers over. Julius tags back in, the Creeds stomp another mudhole, and then they stop at 4. The fans rally, Erik fires body shots, and Erik backs Julius down, until Julius RAMS Erik into the corner! Brutus tags in and the Creeds continue to mug Erik! The ref counts, Erik gets away, and Brutus hits an AX HANDLE!
Tag back to Julius, he facelocks Erik, then BACKDROPS! Julius sucker punches Ivar, but Erik ELBOWS him away! Erik TOSESS Julius onto Brutus! New Day say Ivar is down because he’s a bad partner! Erik says forget it, and he DIVES, into a haymaker! Julius drags Erik out along the ropes, DRAPING BRAINBUSTER to the floor! The Creeds fire up, the New Day applaud, but the fans boo as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Ivar runs and SPLASHES Julius! Julius goes to a corner, Ivar whips him corner to corner, but Julius reverses. Ivar comes back with a SEATED SENTON! Brutus is in, Ivar cartwheels and LEG LARIATS! The fans fire up with Ivar, “WAR! WAR! WAR!” Ivar runs corner to corner and BRONCO BUSTERS Julius! Julius sputters into the drop zone and Ivar climbs. But Julius springs up after Ivar! Brutus tags in, Julius hits a SUPER DUPER PLEX for the Power! MOONSAULT from Brutus for the Glory! Cover, TWO!! Ivar is showing that grit, and then he catches Julius for a SPINNING POWERSLAM!
Both men crawl, Erik tags in! Erik intercepts Brutus to EXPLODER! Erik wrenches Julius to EXPLODER! Tag back to Ivar, then Ivar tags Erik back in. Ivar LARIATS, then feeds Julius to Erik’s KNEE! Erik picks Ivar up, SPINEBUSTER HIP ATTACK!! Cover, but Brutus breaks it! Brutus then CLOBBERS Ivar! Erik DECKS Brutus! Julius JUMP KNEES Erik! All four men are down, even New Day applaud this great match. Kofi takes credit for making this match, and then Julius and Brutus crawl to their corner. Erik crawls over, hot tags to Ivar and Brutus! Brutus ducks the leg lariat, and ANGLE SLAMS Ivar!!
Tag back to Julius and the Creeds double whip. Ivar breaks the double lariats, and then handsprings, but into a DOUBLE BACK SUPLEX!! Cover, ERIK KNEES JULIUS! Erik TOSSES Brutus, but Brutus drags Erik out! Erik DECKS Brutus then shouts for Ivar to rise! Woods gets closer, but Erik glares at him. The fans boo New Day while Ivar climbs. But wait, Kofi sneaks over to ROCK Ivar!! Brutus CLOBBERS Erik from behind! Julius tags Brutus, then Electric Chair Lifts Ivar! BRUTUS BALL DOOMSDAY!! Cover, Creed Brothers win!!
Winners: The Creed Brothers, by pinfall
New Day cheers on as their choices for this match win out! Will this lead to an American Made title opportunity?
Rollins and group regroup backstage.
Rollins looks at Bron seething in frustration, but Rollins says they probably think they got one over on “us.” “They probably think they’ve got us backed against the wall. They might even feel like they’re winning this battle. And maybe they feel like I’ve underestimated them.” Rollins chuckles and says, “They have no idea what I am capable of.” Bron calms down, and Rollins tells him there’s one more thing Bron has to do tonight before he leaves. Rollins whispers his instructions, and tells Bron to have fun with it. Bron smiles, what will Rollins’ attack dog do before the night is over?
Adam Pearce talks with Jey Uso.
The Raw General Manager knows the WWE World Heavyweight Champion was going to hear it at some point, but he wanted Jey to hear it from Pearce first. Jey says, “Yeet,” and they fist bump. Jey is now headed to gorilla, what news will he have to relay to the WWE Universe?
Jey Uso heads to the ring!
Louisville is ready to be #YEETVILLE as Main Event Jey makes his way through the crowd. They bounce along with that Day One Ish, and Jey even joins a young fan in the YEET! Jey reaches ringside, daps it up with Pat & Cole, then the YEET continues as Jey steps into the ring. Louisville is fired up even as Jey gets the mic, and they want that “ONE MORE TIME! ONE MORE TIME!” Jey hears the people, and he figures he’ll give the people what they want. Time for an encore of Day One Ish! Jey then says, “The World Heavyweight Champion, Main Event Jey Uso, is now in your citaaay~!” The fans cheer, and Jey feels that energy.
Jey says there’s a lot going on. “YEET!” Big target on his big back. “YEET!” So let him get something off his big chest. “YEET!” “Logan Paul! You talking out the side of your neck, Uce. You say I’m not championship material. You say I’ve got a glass jaw. He keep on duckin’ me, he keep on sneakin’ me. But look, tho. At Saturday Night Main Event, it’s me and you, Uce. Yeah, yeah! Face to face, aight? Face to face. Two time world shocker, the arena shaker. I promise you this, after that Saturday night, I still will be your world-” GUNTHER IS HERE?! The fans are shocked to see Der Ring General interrupting, but perhaps this should’ve been expected.
Gunther goes to the ring, grabs himself a mic, and the fans taunt him with, “You Tapped Out!” Gunther is a bit annoyed by that, but he focuses on Jey. “The unimaginable came true. Jey Uso: World Heavyweight Champion. It’s the first time since that moment that we meet again.” Jey says, “You mean the moment where I made you tap out?” The fans cheer and keep chanting, “You Tapped Out!” Gunther says he understands what Jey is doing. Gunther knows what it is like to be a champion. 80% of his time here in WWE, he has been a champion. There is a lot of pressure on Jey right now.
But just because Gunther understands doesn’t mean his opinion has changed. He can feel this is not natural to Jey. Because unlike Gunther, Jey is not a natural champion. And since Jey likes to run his mouth, Gunther is surprised Jey hasn’t spread the news. Let this be Gunther’s pleasure. As Pearce told Jey earlier tonight, the winner of Jey VS Logan will have the honor of handing that title over to its rightful owner, DER RING GENERAL, GUNTHER! Jey, in one month from now, June 9th, Phoenix, Arizona, Gunther challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship on Monday Night Raw!
“And Jey… I really do hope it’s you. Because I would love nothing more than to shut you and all these people up for good! I would love nothing more than to get into this ring with you again, and remind you of where your place is! Jey-” Jey stops Gunther there and takes off the sunglasses. Remind him of his place? He is IN his place! THIS is his place! Jey runs this place! With this title on his arm, Jey will handle that YouTuber, and then he will run it back with Der Ring General! Jey will walk into this match the same way he walked out of WrestleMania: The WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! Four letters, one word… Uh, uh, YEET!!
The fans fire up with the very fired up Jey Uso! But from Saturday Night’s Main Event to a hot Raw in Phoenix, will this be the Summer of YEET?
Iyo Sky speaks.
In a mix of Japanese and English, the Women’s World Champion says, “I tried to show Roxanne respect last week. But all she and Giulia proved is that talented as they are in the ring, they don’t deserve any respect! Tonight, you’ll both learn the same lessons that Bianca and Rhea did at WrestleMania. Nobody in this division can stop me. Nobody in this division will ever take this championship from Iyo Sky!” The Genius is ready, but will she and Mami get along in tonight’s main event?
Backstage interview with Ludwig Kaiser.
Jackie Redmond is with the Impeccable German, and says last year was such a breakout year for him. He got wins over Sheamus, Bron Breakker, was a top contender for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, but now we’re almost halfway into 2025, and it feels like we haven’t seen Kaiser in competition that much. The question is- Wait, something is going down! Bron just attacked Jey! Bron knocked Jey down into a road case, then he leaves as producers and refs hurry over. Was this on Rollins’ orders? Sami rushes in and wants to know what happened, and the others explain it was Bron. Punk also hurries over, Sami calls for medics, is Jey going to be okay?
AJ Styles VS Finn Balor w/ Judgment Day!
The Phenomenal One told everyone in the club that whoever had the WWE Intercontinental Championship after Backlash, Styles would be after them next. Dirty Dom is still the self-proclaimed greatest Intercontinental Champion ever, but will Finn remind everyone why he was the original Universal Champion? Or will Styles make sure things are too sweet tonight?
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, Finn hits a headlock takeover but Styles headscissors. Finn kips free, the two reset, and the fans cheer on Styles. Styles and Finn tie up again, Finn goes for an arm to wrench and wristlock, but Styles rolls, only for Finn to wrangle him. Finn kneels on the arm but Styles kips up. Styles wrenches back, but Finn rolls and hooks a leg, Styles fights the takedown to wrangle Finn now. Finn kips up, but into the headlock! Styles has Finn down but Finn rolls to headlock back! The fans rally as Styles rolls to a cover, ONE! Finn holds on, Styles powers up and out, and Styles hurdles, drops down, then DROPKICKS!
Finn flounders out of the ring and the fans fire up! JD & Carlito help Finn focus but a ring count begins. Styles waits on his old friend, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Finn RAMS into Styles at the corner again and again! The ref counts, Finn lets off and soaks up heat with the Too Sweet. Finn then storms up on Styles, but Styles BOOTS him! Styles scoops for a BACKBREAKER and the fans cheer. Styles drags Finn up, snap suplexes, then floats to a cover, ONE!! Finn is tougher than that but the fans still cheer Styles. Styles stays on Finn, brings him up, and he scoops Finn to SLAM him down! The fans rally, Styles runs, KNEE DROP! Finn flounders away to a corner but Styles is right on him. Finn kicks low, puts Styles in the corner and CHOPS! Styles just glares at Finn!
Finn throws hands but Styles CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHPOS in return! Finn FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS Styles! Styles sputters on the mat while Finn paces. Finn runs to KICK Styles in the side! Finn jump stomps away on Styles again and again! The ref reprimands, Finn argues with him, and then Finn mocks Louisville. Finn drags Styles up, throws some body shots from the side, then clamps on for a COBRA TWIST! Styles endures, even as Finn digs an elbow into the ribs! The fans rally and Styles fights with elbows to Finn’s leg! Styles HIP TOSSES free, then he LARIATS! The fans fire up as Styles runs, SLIDING FOREARM!
Styles fires up and the fans are with him! Styles runs in at Finn to LARIAT in a corner! Then fireman’s carry, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Carlito & JD grow worried. Styles stalks Finn, brings him up and in, but JD gets on the apron! The fans boo but Styles chases JD off. Styles goes back for Finn, but Finn cradles! TWO! Finn is up, he slips around, and he dragon sleepers, but Styles drops! Styles KICKS Finn away, then he fires off a Phenomenal Blitz! Finn dodges the lariat, comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans fire up while JD & Carlito coach Finn, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Finn brawls with Styles up top! Styles throws hands, then he brings Finn to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! A hard landing and both men are down! The fans rally up while JD & Carlito are worried all over again. The fans rally up, “This is Awesome!” as Finn and Styles rise up. Styles fires a forearm, Finn fires a haymaker, and repeat! They stand up now, and Finn fires a body shot! Styles fires a haymaker, but Finn fires back! Finn gets the edge again, then soaks up heat. But Styles ROLLING ELBOWS! But Finn PELES, only for Styles to block! Styles then clamps onto that leg, CALF CRUSHER!!
Finn endures, reaches out, and he fights around! Finn drags Styles along for the ROPEBREAK! The fans are torn while Styles lets go. Finn drags himself up with the ropes, but Styles is back on that leg! Finn slips around, dragon sleeper, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! The fans fire up while both men are down again! JD & Carlito coach Finn as he rises up in the corner. Finn aims, runs in, but Styles LARIATS! The fans fire up and Styles whips Finn to ropes. Finn SLINGBLADES first! Finn keeps moving, and he SHOTGUNS Styles into buckles! Styles falls, Finn goes up, and COUP DE- NO, Styles dodges! Finn falls to his knees!
Styles grabs that bad leg again, CALF CRUSHER!! Finn endures, reaches out, but Styles rolls him from the ropes! Deadlift STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO?!?! Finn survives and now JD & Carlito are plotting. The fans rally as hard as they can, “This is Awesome!” Styles drags Finn up, reels him back in, but Carlito gets on the apron! The ref stops Carlito, JD grabs at Styles! Styles DECKS JD, then goes out, but Finn runs up! Styles ROCKS Finn, SLIDING KNEES Carlito, and then aims! Springboard, but Finn slips around! BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO?!?! Styles survives and he shocks Finn! And then PENTA is back! he CROSSBODIES Carlito!
Penta scoops JD to BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up as Penta steps off JD to give Carlito a DESTROYER to the floor!! Styles BOOTS Finn, goes up and out, PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, Styles wins!!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
Penta gets even with Judgment Day after all! Styles gets the win thanks to Penta evening things up, but will Styles be able to take that Intercontinental Championship from Dirty Dom?
Becky Lynch is here!
Though, she isn’t very happy given she isn’t Women’s Intercontinental Champion right now. Becky sits up on a corner while she’s handed a mic and given the proper introductions. The fans are torn, but Becky says, “I… I wasn’t beaten on Saturday. No, no. Lyra was beaten on Saturday. Oh, oh, you don’t believe me? Well, one of us was taken to a hospital, her, and one of us went to their nice big bus, took a nice warm shower, drank a shot of tequila, and basked in their brilliance, me.” The fans are still torn, but Becky says, “Because even after everything that Lyra has done to me, after she came out week after week and attacked my character, the person that I am…
“I still made her the best version of herself! I gave her the best match of her career! And in just three weeks of standing on the outskirts of my spotlight, she has never mattered more than she does right now in her entire life, and it is not even close!” The fans boo that, but Becky hops down as she says, “But… when the bell ring after the match, I didn’t hear defeat. No, no, no. What I heard was an alarm ringing in my ear and I realized how much I had been manipulated not just by Lyra, but by all of you!” The fans definitely boo that. Becky asks if they wanna know why she walked away for almost a year.
“Because you asked me to! The last time that I won the world championship, I felt it, I heard the reaction, I saw all your comments online, and so I stepped away. Because if I’m not here to win world championships, then why am I here? But hey, hey, no, no. I’ve always been for the people. I’ve always been for the people. So whatever you want, because hey, man, I have you to thank for my career, right? You guys carried me on your shoulders into the main event of WrestleMania. You saw yourselves in me! I was you, you were me, we were in this together! Right? But then something happened. Something happened: I won!
“And you couldn’t see yourselves in me anymore, because you can’t recognize success. Because all you know is failure.” The fans boo more, but Becky scowls. Yeah, the fans hate what they cannot understand. You wanna know something? When Becky was out, one of her friends asked, “Do you miss it?” And she had a thought. She did miss being in the ring, but she liked herself more out of it. She didn’t understand what she was saying, but now she does. She wasn’t captured by all the fans! She didn’t have to listen to the fans tell her who she is and what she’s about!
She didn’t have to listen to all of the fans’ lies! The lies that are repeated from the one person she had hope for in this business! Becky didn’t have to spin her wheels to prove she isn’t what people said she was! But that all changes! From now on, whatever the fans say she is, then she is! If they say she’s selfish, then yes she is! If they say she’s greedy, then yes she is! If they say she’s cutthroat, then yes she is! And all those girls in the back that were happy Becky was gone, thought it was safe with the fire gone out inside Becky, well they’re gonna realize what it’s like to be held down by The Man! Will Becky look to burn it down from here on out?
Rusev speaks.
“I didn’t wanna do that, Otis. I don’t wanna do any of this. All I want is just… to go home and be rich. But I was once programmed by lesser people, too. And I can’t leave my brothers until you all wake up. Do you think these people care that you’re missing your family? Do you think these people care that each night, your choices are hurt or be hurt? Last week, Tozawa stepped up to me, and the crowd cheered him on. The world sent him straight into the frontline. And yet, you still seek their approval. That is because you let the sheep control the wolves. Get up off your knees, men! Don’t you see that their cheers are like a stone to a blade?
“But I can see right through them. That’s why they keep mocking me with chanting my name. But I will reclaim my own name once my job here is done. But until that day, remember this, my brothers. It will hurt me to hurt you. But I would rather you fall at my hand than fall out into the abyss.” Rusev is looking to redeem Monday Night Raw one brutal moment at a time, will no one be able to stop him?
Alpha Academy meets with Adam Pearce.
Maxxine Dupri & Natalya are with Akira Tozawa to encourage him to speak up. Tozawa says he wants a match with Rusev. Maxxine & Natty feel Tozawa can do this. Pearce respects Tozawa’s bravery, but think about this. Tozawa isn’t even medically cleared right now. Tozawa knows he will be soon. Pearce says he also knows that. And when Tozawa IS cleared, they will revisit this conversation. But then Sheamus steps in and says fair play, Tozawa. Good on him for not baking down. And Sheamus knows that when Tozawa is cleared, he’ll give Rusev hell. They fist bump, and Alpha Academy heads out.
As for Sheamus, Pearce says what a return. Sheamus says he needed that. He needed to shake off that ring rust. Well, not much rust, maybe it was in his head. But he wants to keep this momentum going. How about next week, Sheamus VS “that bouncing wallaby waster,” Grayson Waller. Pearce says consider that official, because that sounds like a banger. The Celtic Warrior shakes hands with the GM, will Sheamus make sure Waller feels what Austin Theory felt last week?
Iyo Sky & Rhea Ripley VS Giulia & Roxanne Perez!
Between Monday Night Raw and Tuesday Night NXT, we’ve seen the WWE Women’s World Champion battle The Beautiful Madness & The Prodigy multiple times already. The Genius was victorious alongside “Juggernaut” Jordynne Grace last week, but will she and the Eradicator have similar success? Or will this be the start of an NXT takeover?
Raw returns as Iyo makes her entrance, followed by Rhea’s. The fans hit that triple digit mark on the decibels as Mami makes her way to ringside. The teams sort out and Iyo starts against Roxie. They circle, but then Roxie goes to leave, only for Iyo to grab her feet! Roxie kicks Iyo away, but Iyo comes back with a THESZ PRESS! Iyo rains down fast hands, Roxie turns things around, but then Iyo turns it back around. They end up in the ropes, Iyo backs off, only to grab Roxie’s legs and YANK her from the ropes! Iyo covers, TWO! Iyo clamps onto Roxie with a headlock, but Roxie powers up, only for Iyo to hold on tighter!
Louisville rallies, “We Want Mami!” as Roxie powers up and powers out this time, only for Iyo to pull hair! Iyo brings Roxie around but Roxie SLAPS her! Iyo ROCKS Roxie, chase Giulia off, but Roxie ROCKS Iyo! Roxie bumps Iyo off buckles, stomps away, then tags Giulia. Roxie sends Giulia in and she ELBOWS Iyo! Giulia sends Roxie in for an UPPERCUT! Giulia then brings Iyo to ropes to CHOKE her! The ref counts, Giulia steps away, and that lets Roxie get a cheap shot! Roxie takes a bow while the fans boo, but Rhea runs up on her! Rhea TOSSES Roxie into the ring! The fans fire up as Rhea DROPKICKS Roxie back out!
Giulia and Rhea want after each other but the ref stops this. Giulia gets Iyo for a NECK TWIST! Giulia whips, Iyo ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Giulia avoids the handspring! Only for Iyo to SHOTGUN Giulia down! The fans fire up and Iyo headlocks. Iyo reaches out but Roxie YANKS Rhea down! The fans boo but Giulia JAWBREAKERS free! Roxie SLAPS Rhea and laughs about it. Rhea just gets pissed! Rhea chases Roxie around the outside, but Giulia is there to CROSBODY! But Rhea catches her! Roxie DROPKICKS Rhea into the POST! But Iyo DIVES to take out Roxie! The fans fire up, but then Giulia DROPKICKS Iyo!
The ref reprimands everyone, starts a ring count, and the fans rally for Iyo & Rhea while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Roxie has Iyo with a bridging hammerlock. Iyo endures and the fans rally up. Iyo fights to her feet, fires elbows, then hits a FLYING-MARE! Both women are down, the fans fire up more, but Roxie grabs Iyo’s legs! Iyo BOOTS her away, Giulia runs in but Iyo TOSSES her out! Hot tag to Rhea! Rhea rallies on Roxie, whips, but Roxie reverses! Rhea reverses back to wrench and HOOK KCIK! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up with Rhea and she reels Roxie in! Canadian Rack, and RAZOR’S EDGE! Then a DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!! Roxie shows the toughness of a former NXT Women’s Champion but Rhea just stalks her.
Rhea hauls Roxie up, bumps her off buckles, but Roxie BOOTS her back! Roxie BOOTS Rhea down, then goes up, up, and LION- NO, Rhea gets under her for an Electric Chair Lift! Rhea SMACKS Roxie off buckles, then hoists her up there. Rhea climbs, positions herself just right, and has the Canadian Rack again! The fans fire up but Roxie fights free! Roxie ROCKS Rhea, goes up, and SUPER STEINERS! Cover, TWO!! Rhea shows her own championship grit, but Roxie tags Giulia! Roxie DROPKICKS Iyo off the apron while Giulia HEADBUTTS Rhea! Roxie SUPERKICKS Rhea, then Giulia reels Rhea in! Tag to Roxie and Giulia snap suplexes!
Roxie goes up, up, LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Rhea but Roxie rains down fists! Rhea pushes Roxie away, but Roxie hurries to clamp on with a SLEEPER! Rhea rises as the fans rally, but Roxie THROWS Rhea down! Rhea goes to a corner, Roxie runs up and UPPERCUTS! Roxie rolls and returns, but Rhea picks her up, ATOMIC FACEBUSTER! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Rhea and Roxie crawl, hot tags to Giulia and Iyo! The fans fire up as Iyo dodges to SHOTEI! Iyo whips, Giulia reverses, but Iyo goes up and out! Iyo blocks a boot, ROCKS Giulia then goes up top! MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Iyo kips up!
Iyo is ready to run wild and the fans are with her! But Roxie is back in, only for Iyo to dodge! Rhea scoops Roxie but Roxie TORNADO DDTS! Iyo SHOTGUNS Roxie! Giulia reels Iyo in for a cradle, TWO!! Giulia drags Iyo up, hammerlock and scoop, GLORIOUS- NO, Iyo slips free to waistlock! Giulia switches, Iyo victory rolls, STOMP 182! The fans fire up and Iyo hurries to put Giulia in the drop zone! Iyo steps on Giulia and goes up the corner! The fans fire up for OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Cover, Roxie breaks it! The fans boo but Roxie whips, Iyo reverses, Roxie tilt-o-whirls, but Iyo fights the leg sweep! Iyo hooks Roxie up but Roxie powers out!
Rhea is back, and she gives Iyo a boost! Roxie dodges, the SHOTGUN hits Giulia! Roxie SOBATS Rhea, runs up, POP- NO, Rhea pops out the back! MISSILE DROPKICK from Iyo! Roxie tumbles out, Iyo wants a high-ten. Rhea gives Iyo the high-ten, and then Rhea signals she’ll lift Iyo up! The fans fire up, but Giulia TRIPS Rhea first! Roxie runs up, Iyo BOOTS her, but Giulia is right up top! Giulia underhooks the arms, and she gives Iyo a SUPER DUPER BUTTERFLY PLEX!! Giulia roars, brings Iyo around, scoop and NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, RHEA BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, but Roxie DROPKICKS Rhea!
Rhea EDDY GORDO KICKS Roxie in return! Giulia KNEES Rhea down! Giulia then focuses on Iyo, but Iyo wrenches her! Iyo underhooks, TIGER BACKBREAKER! Iyo then fires up and the fans are with her! SHINKAN- NO, Giulia puts her on the apron! Iyo ROCKS Giulia, climbs up, and Rhea sneaks a tag. Iyo leaps, Giulia dodges, Rhea reels Giulia in. But then Roxie is up top, so Rhea shoves Giulia forward, the CROSSBODY hits Giulia instead of Iyo! Roxie is stunned, Rhea smirks, and Iyo BUZZSAWS Roxie! Rhea drags Giulia up, HEADBUTTS her, and hits a RIPTIDE!! Cover, Rhea & Iyo win!!
Winners: Iyo Sky & Rhea Ripley, by pinfall
The Eradicator had the champion’s back and vice-versa, and the top two women on Raw win out! But at the same time, Rhea still wants to be a champion herself. Will Mami get back on top soon enough? Or will the Genius be ready for that rematch, too?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here to not just follow Backlash but to turn the corner towards Saturday Night’s Main Event. Great promo segment from CM Punk and Seth Rollins to open, and it naturally brought out Sami Zayn and Jey Uso for a brawl. This gives us a good set-up for Punk & Sami VS Rollins & Bron at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Jey and Gunther had a good promo together, with Jey getting fired up again because he knows Gunther is again underestimating him. And while I expected Logan Paul bringing another sucker punch, Rollins sending Bron after Jey is just as good. Though I feel bad Kaiser’s interview was no longer an interview but just a way to give us Bron’s attack.
Obviously Rollins won’t give up on the world title so easily, so he’s just trying to soften Jey up to make it easier to take that title, but it might backfire if Logan or Gunther gets the title first. Well, hopefully not Logan but I’m not sure Gunther would either. Great promo from Becky to talk down to not just Lyra but the fans. While blaming fans is a cliche Heel trope, seeing how John Cena did it and now Becky is doing it in a similar way, it still works. And her saying Lyra went to the hospital plants seeds of an injury angle as I was expecting on Saturday, so I wouldn’t mind seeing something where Becky and Bayley fight not just for their own grudge but for one more chance at the title.
Great promo from Rusev to once again frame what he’s doing as if it is a noble mission, but it would be something if someone came around to see things the way Rusev does. Tozawa wanting after Rusev and Pearce saying not yet is good stuff, Pearce is being a responsible boss by not letting Tozawa go right into a one-sided fight. Sheamus wanting his match with Waller “as intended” is also good stuff, and it’ll give Theory a chance to return the favor by being mostly unbothered like Waller was last week. The A-Town Down Under break-up has been on far too slow a burn, it needs to happen now as Rollins’ faction is rising up and we get into MITB season.
Penta VS Gable was a great match that also tied well into the Judgment Day story. Great win for Penta, and it might establish that Gable can’t win unless he’s El Grande Americano and therefore able to load the mask with plates. Penta getting his revenge on Judgment Day while also helping Styles win was good stuff, too. I wonder if Styles and Penta team up against Judgment Day for just a moment, before “El Grande” obviously gets involved and gets a 1v1 match with Penta. There’s also going to be Money in the Bank qualifiers soon, so maybe we see Penta and “El Grande” get in on that while also feuding with each other. Also, hilarious bit with JD teaching Dom about time zones.
Great tag team match of War Raiders VS Creed Brothers with New Day on commentary. New Day of course cost the Raiders since they don’t want another rematch with them, but I feel like helping the Creeds will backfire in that the Creeds will be just as hard to beat in a tag match. And then great promos from the women in tonight’s main event. A little surprised we didn’t get a Rhea one, unless I somehow missed it. But that was also a great main event tag, great win for Iyo and Rhea as a duo, and Iyo VS Rhea feels like a clear choice for the next title match. Nothing in the women’s division has been set up for SNME, so maybe that’s where we’ll get Iyo VS Rhea.
My Score: 8.8/10
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