Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (4/22/24)
It’s a golden Raw!
When it comes to becoming champion, you gotta do it yourself!
While DIY challenge Awesome Truth for the World Tag Team Championships, the Raw Women’s Division battle (royal) to be THE Women’s World Champion!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE World Tag Team Championships: The Awesome Truth VS DIY; Awesome Truth wins and retain the titles.
- The New Day VS Imperium; New Day wins.
- Sheamus VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Sheamus wins.
- Ricochet & Andrade El Idolo VS
Dominik MysterioSantos Escobar & JD McDonagh; Ricochet & Andrade win. - Vacated WWE Women’s World Championship Battle Royal: Becky Lynch wins and is the new WWE Women’s World Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
Michael Cole & Pat McAfee are in the ring!
They welcome us to the show, and note that Rhea Ripley had to vacate her Women’s World Championship last week due to injury. And so in the majestic state of O H I O, this is one of the biggest matches in WWE history! For the fourth time ever, a battle royal will determine a new champion! Nearly every woman on Raw is in this match, and the last one standing will be the BRAND NEW Women’s World Champion! Columbus loves the sound of that, and we get a recap package of Rhea’s emotional departure.
Jey Uso is here!
Columbus is bouncing with the YEET Master, as is Pat, as we’re just weeks away from Backlash and the World Heavyweight Championship match. Jey gets a mic to tell Columbus, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your city~!” Jey continues by saying Backlash is in two weeks. “YEET!” Backlash is in two weeks! “YEET!” So he’s got a lot to prove! “YEET!” To the world! “YEET!” That he is Main Event Jey Uso! “YEET!” Jey has to beat Damian Priest. He has to make sure everything he’s been through was worth it. But wait, here comes Priest! The World Heavyweight Champion makes his way out, without the rest of the Judgment Day, to go right to the ring.
Priest gets a mic as he steps in and tells Jey to take it easy. Whatever Jey thins Priest is here for, he’s wrong. Priest just wants to tell Jey that his whole presentation, the YEET, “Main Event Jey,” that vibe… It suits Jey. Congratulations. The fans applaud the respect shown. Priest then tells Jey that they went to war last year. But Priest wants to talk about one specific night. Priest’s never said this publicly, and Jey will know if he’s lying. But there was one night where Jey whooped Priest’s ass so bad, that Priest then went up to Jey backstage and told him to his face that Jey earned Priest’s respect. That’s why Priest wanted Jey in the Judgment Day.
And then Priest said they were going out and drinks were on him. Now, Priest doesn’t remember much else, but he does remember one: he paid the bill, Jey had that Bloodline good stuff. Jey admits, they needed Uber. And two: Jey said something to Priest that Priest is very proud of. Jey told Priest that they were next. Jey said that “We next, Uce.” Priest stands here now, proud to stand with Jey, because Jey was right. The fans applaud, and Priest says if he’s being honest, Jey was half right. Priest was next. Jey says hey man, you almost had him liking you. But Priest says the world title proves why he’s next. And why he’s the now.
It’s okay, though, Jey. Jey is just the first on a list of many that the machine is going ot feed Priest to make sure this looks good on him. Nothing to be ashamed of! Nothing at all! First to fall, but then first to lead the people. The first to lead the fans all across the world in making sure… they all rise for El Campeon. The fans boo Priest’s arrogance, but then Jey says hold on, hold on. Take it easy, Priest. Come on back, let him holla at you. Priest isn’t sure what Jey can say, but go ahead. Jey asks if that’s all Priest sees him as. As just one of the Usos, huh? Tough talk coming from the leader of the Judgment Day.
But the only reason why Priest is in charge is cuz Rhea’s hurt. By the way, how Mami doing? Tell her he said hi! Hey, champ, y’know what that makes you? Dom Mysterio’s B*TCH!! Priest is mad but Jey says GOTTEE! Yeah, Priest did what he did. He cashed in at Mania, made himself World Heavyweight Champion. But you think they’re just feeding Jeyu to Priest? No, Priest’s getting fed to Jey! Jey’s next! The NEXT World Heavyweight Champion! Ohio, if you rocking with Jey Uso, lemme hear ya say “YEET!” “YEET!!” The fans are fired up with Jey and Priest, but then JD McDonagh runs in! Jey dodges JD, who almost runs into Priest!
Jey takes aim, JD ducks, SUPERKICK hits Priest! Whoops! The Irish Ace messed up and Jey says his bad. Jey leaves, JD apologizes, but will Priest have to handle things himself at Backlash?
“The time draws near…”
“The throne… is calling. The King and Queen… will be crowned.” The champions of tomorrow are forged in combat, and victory will set you on a path to greatness. Future Hall of Famers take their first steps towards immortality, and in May, we begin again! Who will make it through the tournament to seize destiny and don the crowns?
WWE World Tag Team Championships: The Awesome Truth VS DIY!
The Miz & R-Truth won the Raw Tag Team Championships at Mania, and were gifted the newly minted World Tag Team Championships just last week. However, all the fun could be done for #RegenerationX as they now face off as opponents. Will these titles still be Awesome? Or will Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano finally have gold again?
Raw returns as the champs make their entrance, “What’s Up?” The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who are truly championship material!
The teams sort out and Truth circles with Gargano. The fans rally behind Truth, he high-fives Gargano then they tie up. Truth wrenches, wristlocks, but Gargano rolls, wrenches and wristlocks back. Truth rolls, rolls, rolls, then gets free. Gargano runs up but into an arm-drag! Truth has the armlock, Gargano fights around, and Gargano powers up to arm-drag free! Truth sweeps, covers, ONE! Gargano goes to sweep but Truth jumps it to do the splits! The fans cheer and even Gargano is impressed. They shake hands, reset, and tie up again. Gargano headlocks but Truth powers out. Miz tags in and Awesome Truth DOUBLE HIP TOSS!
Awesome Truth do their secret handshake then DOUBLE ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE!! Miz whips Gargano, Gargano goes up and over to roll Miz, but Miz blocks the kick! Gargano kicks free of the Figure Four, tag to Ciampa! Ciampa runs up, fights the full nelson, and elbows free! Miz sees Ciampa means business, so he runs up! Ciampa dodges to CHOP, forearm, and CHOP! Miz swings, but into a dragon sleeper! Miz turns that around, BACKBREAKER, but Ciampa turns neckbreaker into backslide! TWO, Miz trips Ciampa and steps through! FIGURE FOUR! Ciampa endures as the fans fire up, Gargano DROPKICKS Miz!
Truth runs up to whip but Gargano reverses! Truth tumbles out, Miz TOSSES Gargano! Ciampa rolls Miz! TWO, tag to Gargano! Miz swings, Ciampa dodges and Gargano SLINGSHOT SPEARS! Miz tumbles out, Ciampa shakes out his leg to go after Truth. Gargano PLANCHAS onto Miz, DIY meet around the way to pat themselves on the back and applaud! The fans are torn, but DIY is in control as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Truth suplexes Ciampa for a GOURD BUSTER! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Ciampa and Truth crawl, hot tag to Miz! Miz rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT, then KICK after KICK! Miz fires off in the corner, then goes corner to corner to A-LIST LARIAT! Miz goes to the apron, Gargano runs up but Miz kicks low! APRON DDT! Miz then resets, RAMS into Ciampa, and springboards, into a JUMP KNEE! Cover, TWO! Miz survives but Ciampa keeps his focus. Ciampa drags Miz up, reels him in, but Miz drops under! Miz reaches out, but Ciampa drags him away from the corner! Miz BOOTS Ciampa away, hot tag to Truth!
Truth rallies on DIY! HE dodges Ciampa to shoulder tackle! And shoulder tackle again! Then the SPIN-OUT BOMB! The fans fire up for the Cena shoutout as Truth says “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” But Gargano SUPERKICKS him! Ciampa says “SUCK IT!” Kick and underhooks, PEDIGREE!! Cover, TWO!! Truth survives and DIY can’t believe it! Ciampa BLASTS Miz, then Gargano DIVES to take Miz down! Ciampa gets Truth up, but Truth cradle counters! TWO!! Ciampa escapes, Truth kicks and runs, to SCISSOR- NO, Ciampa dodges! And ROLLING ELBOWS! Down goes the kneepad, Ciampa KNEES Truth down!
Tag to Gargano, and DIY have the corners! Truth sits up, for DIY to MEET IN THE MIDDLE!! Cover, MIZ DRAGS GARGANO OUT!! Ciampa is furious, then hurries out after Miz! But Miz DUMPS Ciampa into the front row! Miz puts Gargano in, Truth crawls over and tags Miz in! Miz swings, Gargano dodges and tilt-o-whirls! Miz stops that but Gargano victory rolls! TWO!! Miz catches Gargano this time, Truth joins in, THE TRUTH-CRUSHING FINALE!! Cover, Awesome Truth wins!!
Winners: The Awesome Truth, by pinfall (still WWE World Tag Team Champions)
Miz & Truth manage to hold off DIY in the first defense of these belts, but they also show respect. They shake hands and hug it out, except for Ciampa. Ciampa is understandably frustrated, but will DIY find a way to another shot? Will the Awesome Truth be there to meet them when they do?
The Judgment Day regroups backstage.
JD is upset about what Jey said. He knows that didn’t go as planned, but- Priest stops him there to say there was NO plan. Priest didn’t ask for JD’s help here. Not this week, and not last week. Which JD failed both times, by the way. But Priest got kicked in the face this time! JD apologizes, but then Dom walks in, arm in a sling! And he’s also brought Santos Escobar! Priest asks what is going on here. Dom says he was supposed to have the match alongside JD against Ricochet and Andrade tonight, but he’s a bit banged up. So instead, he asked Santos to return the favor from WrestleMania. Santos will team up with JD, the GMs approved it.
Is there a problem? Yes! But we don’t have a choice, huh? So Santos, do them all a favor and handle this. Santos says Priest has nothing to worry about. Dom apologizes but Priest stops him. Just go out there and handle business! And while they’re at it, just stay out of his. JD says yeah, they’ll handle Judgment Day business. JD wants a fist bump, but Priest refuses. JD and Dom fist bump then heads out with Santos. Is Judgment Day falling apart without Mami on top of things?
Shawn Michaels speaks.
HBK is proud to announce that NXT Battleground is coming to Las Vegas and the UFC Apex! Sunday, June 9th, NXT hits Sin City and this state of the art facility! The partnership under TKO is already making history, but who will reign in NXT for the Summer?
Imperium is here!
Der Ring General returns after his defeat at WrestleMania, flanked by Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci, and they go right to the ring. Kaiser hands Gunther the mic, and Gunther takes a moment before speaking. “I know what you expect me to say up here. Talk about WrestleMania, take some shots at Sami Zayn, but I’m sorry to disappoint you. That’s not what I’m gonna do. See, I took some time away to digest everything that happened, and I wanna say this. For 666 days, I elevated the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship to heights never seen before.” The fans do applaud that.
Gunther says in that process, he became the greatest champion in that title’s history. His name, Der Ring General Gunther, will forever be embedded in the Intercontinental Championship. However, that also means for almost two years, he was walking around here with a big target on his back, the pressure of living up to everyone’s expectations, and his own. That weight has now been lifted. So to Sami Zayn, Gunther wants to thank you. The fans applaud that, too. Gunther says now, he isn’t a target anymore. he is going from being the hunted to being the hunter. He can do whatever he wants.
This is a brand new era, and no matter which brand Gunther is drafted to, he will make sure his name will be embedded in this new era. So therefore, Gunther officially declares his participation in the King of the Ring Tournament! The fans love the sound of that! Gunther says after that, it is up to Gunther to decide which championship he takes next. Whether it is Sami Zayn and Gunther’s IC title, or any other title in the WWE. “But fair warning. As a champion in WWE, you will be targeted, you will be hunted by a challenger that is not only able of winning titles, but is also able to hold on longer to them than anybody else!”
“Already, The General of the Ring, SOON to be the King of the Ring, Der Ring General, GUNTHER!” The fans are fired up with Gunther, will he assume the throne- Wait! The New Day is here! Xavier Woods tells everyone to hold on and sound the alarm. Sound the alarm! Kofi Kingston says Gunther is correct, this is a new era. But what better way to usher in this new era than with ya bois the NEW~ DAY~! See, what you’re looking at is the reigning, defending, King, of the RING~! Woods & Kofi step into the ring, and Woods says Gunther is an USURPER to the throne. A PRETENDER! And he’s not the only one thinking about legacy.
Woods is going to cement his legacy when he becomes a TWO-TIME King of the Ring! Say it again! TWO~ time King of the Ring! Three times for emphasis! TWO~! Gunther says okay, we got it, Clown King. But let’s make it clear. After Gunther wins, he will reestablish the image of that tournament. Then Woods will be remembered as someone who won by accident and pretend to be champion. Oh, champion, huh? The thing Gunther used to be? He lost his gold to Sam Zayn! Where your gold at, Gunther? Kofi & Woods make it a song and the fans join in! Gunther says enough! This is beneath him. Vinci & Kaiser will take care of this.
NO NO NO! Woods & Kofi have faced them enough already. Woods and Gunther will handle their business during King of the Ring. But if his “bump boys” want a match here and now tonight in Columbus, Ohio~! That’s right, COLUMBUS, OHIO~! Then they will gladly beat those cheeks! BECAAAAAUSE~! NEW! DAY ROCKS! The fans fire up, but will Der Ring General’s soldiers finally finish this feud once and for all? Or will Woods & Kofi be building momentum back to the throne?
The New Day VS Imperium!
Raw returns as Kofi circles with Kaiser. They tie up, Kaiser headlocks and grinds the hold. Kofi powers up and headlocks back, but Kaiser powers up and out. Kofi ducks ‘n’ turns hip toss into MONKEY FLIP! Then he DROPKICKS Kaiser down! The fans rally, Kaiser staggers up and Kofi clinches. Kaiser pulls hair, puts Kofi in the corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Kaiser blocks Kofi’s kick and says “NEIN!” UPPERCUT, snapmare, cover, ONE! Kaiser stays between Kofi and Woods. Kaiser bumps Kofi off buckles, tags Vinci, and Imperium mugs Kofi. Vinci brings Kofi around to UPPERCUT!
Kofi goes to a corner, dodges Vinci, then CHOPS back! And CHOPS and CHOPS and then brings Vinci around. Tag to Woods, Kofi wrenches and Woods goes up, to AX HANDLE the arm! Woods wrenches, CLUBS the arm again and again, then tags Kofi. Whip into Kofi’s shoulder, then roll up to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Kofi whips, Vinci BOOTS back and Kaiser tags in. Imperium POSTS Kofi, then they run to DOUBLE DROPKICK at the corner! Imperium soaks up the heat, Kaiser digs his boot in, but lets off as the ref counts. The fans rally for “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Kofi throws body shots then JAWBREAKERS!
Kofi reaches but Kaiser keeps him from Woods! Kaiser reaches out to tag Vinci, but Kofi TOSSES Kaiser! Kofi ROCKS Vinci, but Kaiser returns, HIGH LOW!! Then they CLOBBER Woods! Cover, TWO! The fans boo but Gunther is still impressed as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Kaiser drags Kofi up by his hair. Kaiser clinches but Kofi fights free. Kofi fires body shots, haymakers, then forearms! Kofi reaches out but Kaiser keeps him from Woods! Kaiser whips, Kofi goes up and up and FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES! The fans fire up while both men are down! Kaiser and Kofi crawl, hot tags to Woods and Vinci! Woods rallies on Vinci with big LARIATS! Woods whips, LEG LARIATS, then whips again. Vinci reverses, but Woods tilt-o-whirls and brings Vinci in to suplex! Gunther is annoyed as Woods BLASTS Kaiser! Woods drop toeholds Vinci onto ropes, then runs to SLIDING ATTACK! Woods even hits Kaiser as part of it!
Woods hurries back up, step-in DDT! Cover, TWO! Vinci stays in this but Woods stays cool. Woods brings Vinci up to CHOP! Tag to Kofi, New Day double whips but Vinci KICKS Woods down! Kofi kicks, Vinci blocks for a short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Kofi stays in this and Gunther grows further annoyed. Kaiser gets in, goes up, and Vinci hauls Kofi up. But Woods SHOVES Kaiser down, and bomb becomes RANA! Kofi then clotheslines Kaiser up and out! Woods aims, and he FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES Kaiser! Kofi BOOTS Vinci, tags Woods, and they get Vinci up! UP UP, DOWN DOWN! Cover, New Day wins!
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall
Der Ring General is rather beside himself. In fact, he CHUCKS his armchair away! Gunther is very disappointed in Kaiser & Vinci, but will he just have to take his frustrations out on whoever is in his way during the King of the Ring Tournament?
As for Kaiser & Vinci, Kaiser does his best to encourage Vinci and help him up to his feet. They leave together, having been left behind by Gunther. The Draft is coming, will these two be able to stick together like always? OH NO! Kaiser RAMS Vinci into the LED boards! The Impeccable German PENALTY KICKS the Pride of Italy! Kaiser SPITS on Vinci, drags him back up, and then POSTS him! Gunther’s disappointment in Kaiser leads to Kaiser’s anger towards Vinci as he CLUBS away on Vinci! Vinci hobbles up, Kaiser SMACKS him off the desk! Kaiser says, “How many years?!” Kaiser CHOPS Vinci down!
Kaiser gets Vinci up again, to RAM him into steel steps! Vinci tumbles up and over, clutches his knee, but Kaiser drags him onto the steps now! Kaiser snarls, but referees and producers hurry out here to stop him from doing anything worse! Kaiser leaves Vinci behind now, fans booing his mistreatment of a former friend. But then Kaiser jukes the producers, runs around the ring, and he DROPKICKS Vinci against the steps!! The fans lose their minds at Kaiser’s savagery! Cameras follow Kaiser to the back and he asks if Gunther saw that. Kaiser told Gunther he would get things done. Gunther smiles, has Imperium cut Vinci off like he’s dead weight?
Andrade El Idolo speaks.
“Be careful when you hear about a problem. You might be hearing it from the problem. I am many things, but the one thing I am not is someone’s fool.” As he sees it, he didn’t betray The Judgment Day and Legado Del Fantasma. “How can you pressure someone when from the beginning, they were never loyal? They didn’t want to do business with me. They didn’t want a business partner. They wanted a servant. Nobody tells me what to do. So now, they’re right. I am now their biggest problem.” El Idolo es Ingobernable, will he and the King of Flight be unstoppable against The Irish Ace and the Emperor of Lucha?
Drew McIntyre is here!
The Scottish Terminator makes his way to the ring, gets a mic, and hears the fans chant “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” McIntyre sits down on the mat cross-legged, his own shot at the Second City Saint. “As usual, don’t shoot up my kilt, ya perv.” Then he asks the fans, “Why do you insist on chanting his name every single time I come out?” The fans chant for Punk again, but the amount of evidence we’ve had over the years, don’t they realize Punk actually hates the fans? The only person he hates more than the fans is himself! Did you ever love something so much that it doesn’t quite love you back as much? That is McIntyre’s relationship with pro-wrestling.
Say “What” if you French kiss your cousins. “WHAT?” “You’re sick.” The fans don’t get complex relationships, because most guys in here, the most complex relationship they’ve had is with their own right hands. McIntyre could sit here and complain all night, but he’s not gonna do that, even though at WrestleMania, he was attacked from behind but that coward, CM Punk! Priest who could’ve never beat McIntyre 1v1, used his briefcase like a coward! Then that next Monday, McIntyre didn’t get an automatic rematch like everyone else would. No, McIntyre was in a Fatal 4 Way, beat everyone’s asses, but Punk had to screw him over again, and Jey takes advantage, like a coward!
But McIntyre won’t complain. As usual, his back is against the wall but he’ll come out swinging and target his next prize, the King of the Ring! But next week, it doesn’t matter about the Draft, he- SHEAMUS IS HERE! The Celtic Warrior has Columbus all fired up, and he has a mic to tell Drew, “What’s going on, man? I don’t get it. You’re sitting in the ring here sulking. Complaining about how everybody’s a coward, yeah? How are you, by the way? But let’s be honest, man. All I see is the only person here who’s not gonna take responsibility for his own mistakes.” Sheamus steps in the ring and says that makes McIntyre the coward.
Sheamus wants to continue but he asks if McIntyre’s still gonna sit there or what. McIntyre stands, and Sheamus says good, because after all this time, he’s earned that respect. They’ve known each other 20 YEARS. And yet for the last four, all McIntyre’s gone on about is how he was robbed of his career-defining moment. Then at WrestleMania 40, he did it! McIntyre got his moment! He became World Heavyweight Champion, in front of a live crowd! His brother, John Galloway, was there! His wife, Caitlyn, was there! They kissed and hugged! And then McIntyre blew it! Over some stupid social media spat!
McIntyre should be here the World Heavyweight Champion. But over memes and T-shirts, McIntyre threw it all away. Is Sheamus to keep wearing black after that bleeding burial at Mania? Sheamus wants McIntyre to hear him out. They’re friends, traveled the world together, had epic booze ups together, and banger after banger after banger matches. So to tell McIntyre the hard truth, a one-armed CM Punk kicked McIntyre’s ass. McIntyre is incensed, especially with fans chanting for Punk again. McIntyre says he doesn’t care what the fans think they know, Sheamus knows what Punk did to McIntyre. How that affected McIntyre’s career. Sheamus knows better than anybody!
Yes, but this obsession is tearing McIntyre’s career down! He has to get it out of his head! McIntyre says fine, Sheamus wants to do this in front of the world, this is a conversation they’ve had backstage before. But go ahead, tell the world the truth now! Before Sheamus was hurt, it was banger after banger. But since Sheamus’ return, looks more like it’s been burger after burger. The fans boo and Sheamus laughs off the fat jokes. Sheamus will say, since he’s been gone, McIntyre is getting good at one-liners. And Sheamus deserves that. But the thing is, he could still lose the weight. McIntyre can’t lose his stupid.
So then stop blaming everyone else! But it IS everyone else! Burger after burger, the Ginger Pillsbury Dough Boy! Flubber Man! That’s not McIntyre’s words, that is what everyone was saying during Sheamus’ match! McIntyre was standing up for him! Sheamus says it doesn’t matter what anyone says! It doesn’t bother Sheamus! But it bothers McIntyre! They’re still friends! Whether Sheamus gets it or not, or if the fans get it or not, McIntyre tells the truth. And he’s Sheamus’ only real friend here! In the past, they’d throw hands, then throw back pints. McIntyre is past that, he only fights if it is worthwhile. So this here… isn’t.
But McIntyre will still be there for Sheamus. McIntyre will be ringside, at commentary, and he will watch Sheamus’ back. Shinsuke Nakamura makes his entrance, will the Celtic Warrior get a workout from the King of Strong Style?
Sheamus VS Shinsuke Nakamura!
Raw returns and the two circle. They tie up, Nakamura waistlocks then CLUBS away on Sheamus. Nakamura KICKS Sheamus, whips, but Sheamus reverses. Nakamura holds ropes, DUMPS Sheamus to the apron, but Sheamus body shots back! Sheamus then brings Nakamura around, but Nakamura slips free to throw elbows! Nakamura winds up but Sheamus SWATS the kick! Sheamus DECKS Nakamura, goes up, but Nakamura kicks Sheamus’ legs out! Nakamura CLUBS Sheamus on the top rope, then runs to TOP SHELF KNEE! McIntyre reminds Michael Cole & Pat McAfee that he can hear them both talking about him.
Nakamura digs his boots into Sheamus to give BAD VIBRATIONS! McIntyre does his best to put Sheamus over while Nakamura eggs Sheamus on with “C’MON!” Sheamus eggs Nakamura on in return! Nakamura stomps but Sheamus blocks! Sheamus ROCKS Nakamura, ROCKS him again and again, then swings. Nakamura dodges to fire a strike fest! Nakamura KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! Then AX KICK! Sheamus drops to his knees, Nakamura runs, but Sheamus CLOBBERS him! The fans fire up while Sheamus stares McIntyre down. McIntyre gives a thumbs up, and Sheamus stalks Nakamura to ropes.
Sheamus stands Nakamura up against ropes, and the fans fire up for BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes all the way to nine, then winds up for TEN! Nakamura sputters and Sheamus goes out after him. Sheamus brings the kneepad down, takes aim, KNEE CAP! Sheamus drags Nakamura back up, puts him in, but Nakamura bails out the side. Sheamus pursues, McIntyre says go ahead. Sheamus scoops Nakamura, but Nakamura slips free! ROUNDHOUSE! Sheamus wobbles, Nakamura SMACKS him off the desk! And again, and again! Nakamura goes up the barriers and aims, for a FLYING KNEE DROP!!
The Celtic Warrior is down, the King of Strong Style stands tall, and the Scottish Terminator shakes his head, all while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Sheamus fires body shots. Nakamura KICKS back, runs, but into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! And another IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Sheamus climbs a corner, Nakamura stands, and Sheamus FLYING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Sheamus drags Nakamura up, fireman’s carries, but Nakamura fights free! Sheamus blocks one kick but not the ENZIGIRI! Nakamura runs in at the corner, blocks boots and puts Sheamus in ropes! Nakamura KICKS, runs, and SLIDING GERMANS! Sheamus flounders, Nakamura goes up a corner, and FLYING KNEE ATTACKS! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally as Sheamus stays in this. Nakamura clamps on with a SLEEPER, then he drags Sheamus up. The fans rally, Sheamus fights, but Nakamura becomes a backpack! So Sheamus RAMS Nakamura into buckles! Sheamus fires elbow after elbow, lets off as the ref counts, and he fireman’s carries Nakamura up the corner! The fans fire up for the SUPER WHITE NOISE!! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives and Sheamus is beside himself! Sheamus goes back to the corner, the fans rally up, and McIntyre coaches Sheamus, only for Nakamura to KNEE him down! cover, TWO! Nakamura snarls but he takes aim from the corner.
Nakamura waits as Sheamus rises, “YAO~!” Nakamura runs in, but into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Sheamus fires up with the fans and he aims from the corner. The fans shout along as Sheamus beats his chest. Nakamura rises, but dodges the Brogue! Roll up, TWO! Sheamus ducks one kick, another kick, KNEE CAP! cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives but Sheamus hauls him back up. Sheamus reels Nakamura in, Canadian Rack, but Nakamura fights free! V-TRIGGER! Then BOOT! Sheamus wobbles, Nakamura aims, runs in, into a BROGUE!! Cover, Sheamus wins!
Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall
A banger to be sure, and the Celtic Warrior shows off the beef! McIntyre also applauds, but will he really be Sheamus’ friend through all of this?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Cathy Kelley is with the Intercontinental Champion and notes the recap of what happened in Montreal. Has Sami been able to process everything? Sami isn’t sure. He’s been angry, hurt, and there’s a lot he’d really like to say. But he is biting his tongue. He heard Chad Gable is going to address what he did last week, so Sami will be listening like everyone else. Sami just doesn’t see how Gable could defend his actions. But then in steps Bronson Reed. He says never mind Gable, Sami has bigger problems to deal with. Sami says if this title is what Bronson wants, then any time, any place. Bronson says okay.
The Colossal Aussie leaves, Cathy still wants Sami to expound on his feelings, but then Bronson returns to CLOBBER Sami!! And he throws Sami around against the road cases! Bronson says he already warned everyone that if he wants to take that title, he will! You’re looking at the NEW Intercontinental Champion! Refs and producers rush in, Bronson backs off, and Sami gets to his feet. Bronson CLOBBERS Sami again!! Another blindside attack for Sami, will there be anything left of him to even defend the title?
Chad Gable heads to the ring.
The Alpha Academy still follows their mentor out here, but they are perhaps as confused and concerned as anyone else. What will Gable say about him snapping on Sami? We’ll find out, after the break.
Raw returns as the Academy is in the ring. A new QR code flashes… Raw shares footage from the Pat McAfee Show as Charles Barkley says Gable can’t go whooping a man’s ass after a match, and certainly not in front of that man’s wife, kids and family. In the present, Gable has the mic but the fans boo. Gable says after what happened to Sami backstage, it is safe to say he’s had a rough couple of weeks. Now look, at least what Gable did to Sami was justified. It was…? Gable paints us a picture: capacity crowd in Montreal! Intercontinental Championship match, Gable VS hometown hero, Sami Zayn.
They tear the house down, and Sami walks out as champion. A great story, right? One Gable could accept, even if he didn’t want to. But not Sami, no. That wasn’t good enough. Sami saw Gable weeping in the corner, he placed the title right in front of him. Gable took that on the chin, got up and raised Sami’s hand in the ring to give Sami his moment. But even that wasn’t enough. What’d Sami do? Went up to his wife in the front row, brought that title to celebrate with her, when he knew Gable was standing there! That should’ve been Gable at Mania! That should’ve been Gable with his wife and daughter in the front row!
But Gable was wasting his time training Sami Zayn! And training a bunch of freakin’ losers! The fans boo as Gable insults the Academy! Gable asks if Tozawa has a problem with that. Go ahead, say something. Because Gable has a problem with Mr. Funny Man! All Tozawa does is come out here, do his little dance, and he gets loss after loss! It’s PATHETIC! The fans boo more but then Gable goes to Maxxine. “Sweet Miss Maxxine. Pretty as a princess, right? But dumb as a box of rocks.” What else does Gable have to do? He’s given everything and gotten nothing in return! It’s PATHETIC!! And that leaves Otis. “Don’t even get me started on you.”
Gable looks at Otis, the fans rallying behind him. Gable says his “prized pupil,” his “number one guy,” has proven himself beyond a shadow of a doubt… to be the biggest disappointment of them all. Guys, hold on, let’s back up a second. This is why they signed up, right? For feedback on how to get better. They can’t be upset with him. Just get on the same page and know that from now on, they focus… on Gable. They will all win Gable’s Intercontinental Championship together. They are going to help him no matter what. Right? The fans say “NO! NO! NO!” Gable wants them to say it, though. “No matter what.”
Otis, Maxxine and Tozawa look to each other. Gable doesn’t hear Otis. Say it. Gable holds the mic to Otis’ face, the fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” Otis says, “No matter what…” Gable says, “Good.” Master Gable has become a tyrant, but will he have the title no matter what he has to do?
Dominik finds Ricochet backstage.
Dirty Dom tells Ricochet that he’s lucky Dom isn’t cleared tonight, or else Dom would- Yeah, yeah, yeah, Ricochet gets it. Dom would should what happens when you mess with The Judgment Day. But Ricochet is with Dom. There is no one more upset that Dom isn’t cleared than Ricochet. Because Ricochet was looking forward to beating Dom specifically. But hey, he and Andrade will now settle for Dom’s boys, JD and Santos. By the way, if Dom sees Bobblehead JD before Ricochet, tell him that Ricochet will also see JD this Wednesday for WWE Speed, where Ricochet will further embarrass him. Because Ricochet IS like that.
Ricochet leaves, Dom says keep walking. Dom turns around to see Liv Morgan. Liv looks at Dom’s arm in a sling, and they both know the issues here are far from settled. Will Liv win the Women’s World Championship tonight to make sure Mami comes back for her?
Nia Jax speaks.
“Tonight, we’re having an all-star battle royal for the Women’s World Championship. Fourteen women. That means there’s 13 females and one monster. And I’m that monster. I’m gonna terrorize each and everyone of them, and I’m gonna eliminate them one by one by one. Until I’m the last woman standing, and I become your Women’s World Champion.” Will the Irresistible Force be unstoppable on her way to the top?
Ricochet & Andrade El Idolo VS Santos Escobar & JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio!
Raw returns as Andrade makes his entrance to join Ricochet in the ring. The Judgment Day make their entrance, followed by the Emperor of Lucha. The teams sort out and Andrade starts against JD. The bell rings, JD takes a swing but Andrade dodges to fire back! Andrade clamps onto an arm, wrangles JD, but JD fights up to chinbar Andrade to ropes. The ref counts, JD takes a swing but Andrade dodges to CHOP! JD staggers, tags Santos, and the fans rally up as we get multi-generational luchadores meeting. They tie up, Andrade waistlocks but Santos elbows free. Santos whips, things speed up, and Andrade rolls off Santos’ back!
Andrade runs Santos over, the fans fire up, and he brings Santos up. Tag to Ricochet, Andrade whips Santos, they both hurdle to then DOUBLE ELBOW Santos down! Double BASEMENT DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Santos goes to a corner, Ricochet brings him up and UPPERCUTS! And DROPKICKS! And then snapmare for the running ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Ricochet clamps onto Santos with a chinlock, then wrenches to an armlock. Ricochet hooks Santos up to trap the arm and chinbar, then ghost pin, TWO! Ricochet drags Santos up, but Santos swings! Ricochet dodges, handsprings and RANAS!
Ricochet kips up, DROPKICKS Santos down, then covers again, TWO! The fans chant “DOM, YOU SUCK!” and Ricochet taunts JD. But Santos YANKS Ricochet onto ropes! Santos brings Ricochet up, JD tags himself in, and they mug Ricochet. JD stomps away, then brings Ricochet up. JD wrenches, whips, and ELBOWS Ricochet down! Cover, TWO! JD keeps cool and he brings Ricochet around. JD wrenches to hit a BIG back suplex! JD paces, the fans tell Dom, “SHAVE YOUR MUSTACHE!” Ricochet headlocks but JD powers up and out. Ricochet reverses but JD avoids the kick! Ricochet blocks a boot to UPPERCUT!
Santos distracts the ref, Dom trips Ricochet up! JD KNEES Ricochet outta the ring! JD then BLASTS Andrade, Santos FLYING RANAS Ricochet down! Santos and the boys soak up the heat while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ricochet fires hands on Santos! Santos ENZIGIRIS Ricochet down! Santos brings Ricochet up, puts him in the corner, then runs up to DOUBLE KNEE! JD tags in, he reels Ricochet in to snap suplex! JD runs and tags Santos in, to drop a leg, brother! JD BLASTS Andrade, Santos SPLASHES down, TWO! The fans rally for Ricochet but Santos stays on him. Santos whips, runs in, but Ricochet ROCKS him! Ricochet fires elbows and hands, ENZIGIRIS JD down, then dodges Santos! Hot tag to Andrade! Andrade dodges Santos to CLOBBER JD, then DRAGON SCREW on Santos! Another DRAGON SCREW!
Andrade ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Santos, and then he kips up! The fans fire up with El Idolo as he has Santos in a corner! “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade runs corner to corner, Santos is CIEN SHADOWS! Cover, TWO! Santos survives but Andrade keeps cool. Andrade drags Santos up, underhooks, but Santos RAMS him into buckles! Ricochet tags in, Andrade BOOTS Santos away! Ricochet springboards, FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up with Ricochet, and he STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, JD breaks it! But Andrade runs up! JD HEADBUTTS Andrade down, dodges Ricochet, but Ricochet blocks a kick to KNEE JD!
Santos runs in, Ricochet dodges, DOUBLE FLYING FOREARMS take both men down! The fans fire up and the ref checks. Ricochet and Santos stir, rise up, and the fans rally. Santos and Ricochet crawl, reach out, hot tags to JD and Andrade! Andrade fires off with JD, they go back and forth! The fans fire up as the forearms fly, then Andrade gets the edge! JD knees low, but Andrade snap suplexes first! Uno Amigo! The fans cheer as Andrade hits Dos Amigos! Santos gets in to save JD, they DOUBLE SUPLEX Andrade! They high-five but Ricochet springboards in, only for Santos to KNEE him outta the sky!
JD & Santos get a man each, and they go to corners. They put Andrade and Ricochet up top, then climb up. But Andrade & Ricochet fight back! Andrade HOTSHOTS JD, Santos SUPER STEINERS Ricochet, but Ricochet uses that to 450 LEG DROP onto JD!! Fans lose their minds, and Andrade boot feints to ELBOW Santos down! Andrade gets JD up, for THE MESSAGE! Cover, Andrade & Ricochet win!
Winners: Ricochet & Andrade El Idolo, by pinfall
Dom is disappointed, but then Priest gets in to POST Andrade! And SUPERKICKS Ricochet! The Punisher is pissed, and he gives Ricochet the RAZOR’S EDGE! Priest then gets Andrade up and around, to go SOUTH OF HEAVEN! El Campeon handled business for The Judgment Day, and tells Dom that in Spanish. JD asks what that means, and Priest tells JD that he doesn’t need them, they need him. Priest storms off, but is that true? Is Priest the only reason Judgment Day even has anything right now?
Zoey Stark speaks.
“Well, ladies and gentlemen, it has been one year since I have been drafted to Monday Night Raw. And what a year it has been! When I first got here, I was told to go in the corner and watch, learn, stay humble and be patient. No. See, instead, Trish Stratus? Hit her with a Z360, sent her packing. Becky Lynch, The Man? I beat her 1-2-3. Money in the Bank, I was inches from that briefcase. And at Survivor Series, one on one against Rhea Ripley, and I was this close to becoming Women’s World Champion. See, this last year has been a hell of a year. The scariest part of it all is that I’m just getting started.”
Backstage interview with Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell.
Jackie Redmond is with the Poison Pixie & #IndiWrestling just moments from our main event. In recent weeks, some would argue that they’ve used underhanded tactics to win. But tonight, it is every woman for herself. Then what is she implying? Indi doesn’t say it was underhanded, it’s just that the way Candice does things- Candice stops Indi, too, and says that they don’t need to defend their wins. And that is what they are: wins. But then something goes down nearby?! Nia and Liv want after each other! Tensions are running high just moments before the battle royal, and Becky walks by to say hey.
Becky knows Jackie does a bang-up job as an interviewer. The Man wears many hats, can she try Jackie’s on? Jackie says sure, and lets her have the mic. Becky is walkin’ and talkin’ as she says it is CHAOS~ back here! Pure chaos! And it’ll get even more chaotic out in the ring, because we are about to have the most important battle royal in the history of Raw. She passes by Ivy and Maxxine and stops to check in with them. Maxxine’s first time for a world title, right? Becky wants Maxxine to go out there and show everyone why it won’t be her last. Becky keeps going and says how we got here wasn’t ideal. But to Rhea Ripley, when you’re ready, Becky will be here waiting.
With that all said and done, The Man has come around to Columbus, Ohio, and she’s looking for a fight! Becky gets to gorilla, makes her entrance, and this main event is about to hit the Big Time! But will Becky win the belt here despite her losing out at WrestleMania?
Vacated WWE Women’s World Championship Battle Royal!
Mami’s misfortune is now a golden opportunity for the rest of Raw! Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, Natalya, Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, Chelsea Green, Piper Niven, Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Indi Hartwell, Candice LeRae, Ivy Nile, Maxxine Dupri, and even The Man, Becky Lynch, all have an equal opportunity, but there can only be one! Who will replace Rhea Ripley as the NEW WWE Women’s World Champion?
Raw returns as Liv makes her entrance, with Natty, Candice, Indi, Zoey, Shayna, Maxxine, Ivy, Piper and Chelsea already waiting with Becky. Kayden & Katana make their entrance together as always, followed by Nia’s entrance. The belt is raised, the bell rings, and the fight is on! The field divides up to go after Nia and Piper, the biggest and the baddest in here! But they both explode free! The fans fire up as Piper and Nia storm up and start throwing hands! Nia gets the edge then HEADBUTTS! But then the others all get up. Becky fires off on Nia but Natty GERMAN SUPLEXES her! Natty puts Becky on the apron, but theN Nia scopos Natty!
Nia puts Natty on the apron, Becky gets up and around on Nia for a SLEEPER! Nia RAMS Becky into buckles, gets free, then runs in, only for Becky to POST her! Indi and Candice fight with Ivy and Maxxine given their beef over the past few weeks, and Natty puts Liv on the apron. Liv RAMS into Natty, Shayna has Becky but Becky turns that around into a BECKSPLODER! Chelsea and Piper work together, of course, going after KC Squared with Zoey Stark. Becky HOTSHOTS Shayna, Natty scoops Stark. Nia is after Shayna, Liv helps Candice with Ivy, but then goes after Candice! Ivy ROCKS Candice, but Candice kicks back!
Maxxine DUMPS Candice and ELIMINATES her! The fans fire up, “A THANK YEW~!” But then Indi DECKS Maxxine! Indi drags Maxxine up, whips, but Maxxine reverses to TOSS and ELIMINATE Indi!! The fans fire up again, “A THANK YEW~!” as Maxxine makes sure there’s no way Candice & Indi get their way! But that still leaves a dozen stars left as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and while Katana has Maxxine in a corner, Chelsea is helping Piper out of another, Kayden has Shayna in the third, and Nia CLOBBERS Liv and Ivy in the fourth! Natty and Becky are on ropes, Zoey runs in at Kayden but is sent into Shayna instead! Kayden then sits them both down, gets space, then waits on Katana. Katana SHOTGUNS Ivy down, then runs to Kayden, MONKEY FLIP CANNONBALL on Shayna & Zoey! Then MONKEY FLIP CANNONBALL onto Ivy & Maxxine! The fans fire up for the party girls, but Shayna dumps Kayden out! Then she dumps Katana, but Kayden helps Katana get back in and RANA!
The fans fire up, but Stark whips Katana! Katana reverses to put Stark on the apron! Stark fights off KC Squared but still gets a SUPERKICK! Shayna fireman’s carries Katana, tosses her out, but Kayden catches her! But Stark SUPERKICKS Kayden, she and Katana fall, DOUBLE ELIMINATION! Natty fires hands on Chelsea, Piper shoves Maxxine aside, and Nia hauls Ivy up! But Ivy clamps on a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Nia puts Ivy up top, throws body shots, then swings, but into a HANGING ARMBAR! Stark EXPLODERS Liv, Nia SWINGS Ivy into the post! Ivy lets go and falls to the floor, Nia ELIMINATES her!
Nia soaks up the heat, but then Maxxine glares at her. Maxxine won’t let Nia’s size intimidate her! So Nia SHOVES Maxxine down! Maxxine gets back up, dodges Nia to ROUNDHOUSE! And ROUNDHOUSE! And ENZIGIRI! Maxxine runs up, but Nia blocks the boot! Nia DUMPS and ELIMINATES Maxxine! The fans boo but Nia mocks the “A Thank Yew.” Nia then runs to SPLASH Natty in a corner! Shayna is there to KICK Nia! Piper SPLASHES Becky in a corner, SPLASHES her again, then runs up at the ropes! Becky BOOTS back! Liv CLUBS away on Stark while Becky ROCKS Piper! PIper runs up again but Becky DUMPS her to the apron!
Becky runs up as Piper holds on, FOREARM SMASH! Piper wobbles, Becky SHOTGUNS her down and ELIMINATES her! Chelsea is upset her insurance policy is gone, but then Piper drags Becky out from under the bottom rope! Piper RAMS Becky into steel steps, gets space, and CANNONBALLS into her! Chelsea fights off Nia, but those fists don’t do much… Piper clears off the desk! Piper gets Becky up, Nia still dares Chelsea to fight her. Piper HEADBUTTS Becky, puts her on the desk, and CHOPS her! Chelsea LARIATS Nia, but Nia doesn’t budge! Nia fireman’s carries Chelsea, Piper hurries to go after Nia!
Nia TOSSES Chelsea away, goes under teh bottom rope and she ROCKS Piper! Nia clinches Piper, the refs and fans freak out, URENAGE onto Becky!! Piper and Becky are both on the desk, but then Nia drags Piper up! Fireman’s carry, SAMOAN DROP onto Becky and the desk!! Chelsea is furious, but Natty DUMPS her out and ELIMINATES her!! But the refs don’t see it while checking on Becky, so it doesn’t count!? Natty is mad, she fires off on Chelsea in a corner! Natty whips, Chelsea reverses and POSTS Natty while Raw goes to break!
Raw returns once again, Becky is still down in the wreckage of the desk. In fact, it got wrecked over the break from Nia’s POWERBOMB! Stark & Shayna stomp away on Liv, Natty CLUBS away on Chelsea. Chelsea fights free, shoves Natty, but Natty RANAS! They both end up on the apron, then they start throwing hands! Natty ROCKS Chelsea, Chelsea ROCKS Natty, repeat! Chelsea BOOTS Natty into the post! Chelsea gets in safe, but Stark clotheslines Chelsea up and out to officially ELIMINATE her! Then Shayna BOOTS Natty down to ELIMINATE her, too! The teammates high-five, and they see Nia and Liv in the corners.
Shayna runs up to KNEE Nia, Stark HEEL KICKS Liv! They get Liv up, ALLEY-OOP KNEE!! But Nia CLOBBERS Stark! Shayna jumps on Nia for a SLEEPER! Stark SUPERKICKS Nia but that sends her and Shayna into buckles! Stark runs, but Nia scoops her! Nia puts Stark on the apron, DECKS her and ELIMINATES her! Then Nia runs in at Shayna! Shayna dodges, runs up, but Nia dumps her out! Stark saves Shayna, but Nia CLOBBERS Shayna onto Stark, to ELIMINATE her! The fans fire up as the final three are Nia, Liv and Becky, because yes, Becky rises like the phoenix to get back in the ring!
Nia is furious and she runs up, but Becky BOOTS her! Liv runs up, Becky ROCKS her! Becky fires off on Nia but Nia CLOBBERS her! Liv ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl Nia onto ropes! Liv then runs up to SHOTGUN Nia in the back! The fans fire up as Liv runs in, but Nia dodges the back body block! Liv runs up again, but no Code Breaker! Becky adds on, CODE BREAKER NECKBREAKER COMBO!! The fans are thunderous while all three women are down! The fans rally for Becky as she rises, and she TOSSES Liv! Liv lands safe on the apron, and Nia gets Becky in a fireman’s carry! SAMOAN DROP!
Nia runs up on Liv but Liv gets in the ring first. Nia hits a SAMOAN DROP anyway! Nia soaks up the heat from the fans, then she drags Liv up. Becky ROCKS Nia first, though! Becky fires off forearms, UPPERCUTS, and a SOBAT! Becky TOSSES Liv, but Nia DUMPS Becky! Then she runs up, but they DOUBLE HOTSHOT her! Liv and Becky get in to fire off on Nia, then reel her in! The fans fire up but Nia is too big to double suplex! Nia DOUBLE SUPLEXES Becky and Liv!! Nia drags them both into a drop zone, and then goes up a corner! But Becky & Liv DUMP Nia to the apron! Becky fires hands, Nia ROCKS her!
Nia steps through but into Liv’s CODE BREAKER! Becky goes up, GUILLOTINE LEG DROP!! Nia flops to the floor, Becky & Liv ELIMINATE her!! The fans are thunderous as it comes down to two! Liv and Becky square off, and they fire off furious fists! The fans fire up, Liv TOSSES Becky! Becky holds on, KICKS and ROUNDHOUSES Liv in return! Becky goes up and leaps in, but Liv gets under! Then Liv runs up to whip! Becky reverses, TOSSESS Liv, but Livv ROCKS Becky back! Liv drags Becky out to the apron for a risky move! They brawl, Becky kicks low and reels Liv in! But Liv throws body shots! Becky still tries but Liv fights the suplex!
Liv drops to a knee, but Becky gets around to waistlock! Liv holds ropes to resist the suplex again! Liv throws elbow after elbow, then kicks and KICKS and CODE BREAKERS! Becky staggers, Liv runs up, but Becky blocks ObLivion! Becky shifts to clinches, APRON MANDHANDLE SLAM! Liv falls, BECKY WINS!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s World Champion)
Columbus fires up as Becky wins lucky number seven! She couldn’t knock Rhea Ripley off the throne, but she did survive thirteen other stars to shine bright once more! She goes out into the crowd to celebrate with the fans, and she grabs a fan sign that says “Women Run the WWE!” Becky even finds a fan wearing a Monday Night Mami shirt to celebrate with her, because as Becky said, she’s waiting for Rhea’s return as eagerly as anyone. Will The Man be the champion when that day comes?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw as both the go-home to the WWE Draft, I just hope some of the stories they’ve set up aren’t going to get shafted because of the Draft. For one, great video package to hype up the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments, and really good promo from Gunther to stake his claim to the crown. Woods also wants to get back to that, feels like he and Gunther could have a great semifinal match. Really good tag match from New Day VS Imperium, good win for New Day, and it seems Vinci has once again been separated from Imperium. Maybe the Draft will move Vinci to whatever brand Gunther & Kaiser aren’t on, and Vinci will return to that Veni Vidi Vinci persona he had in NXT 2.0.
Really good stuff in the Judgment Day story, though the pacing of the promo between Jey and Priest was odd. It felt like they were actually trying to make room for the fans to “YEET!” during it. But I do appreciate that Priest showed some respect, and then immediately didn’t by talking down to Jey. I also appreciate that Priest wants to do things cleaner than Judgment Day usually does, with how JD’s attack was all his idea, not Priest’s. Now, Priest did beat the crap outta Ricochet & Andrade after they won the match, but that was him showing his dominance. Priest VS Jey is going to be great stuff, and there is a lot of intrigue on how it’ll affect Priest’s standing within Judgment Day.
Great tag title match from Awesome Truth and DIY, and of course Awesome Truth won. The fans love Truth and mostly like Miz, they only just got the new belts after only just winning the titles at Mania. And interesting detail that Ciampa didn’t want to shake hands, but it works that it was Ciampa. He was the one that turned Heel first back when DIY was in NXT, maybe Gargano will end up following suit if things don’t turn around for DIY. That with how Candice is basically Heel and Indi is one step away from turning Heel herself, maybe we get a Heel main roster version of The Way after The Draft.
Great promo from McIntyre and Sheamus to not only bring back their rivalry but to work-shoot the whole chubby Sheamus thing from over the last week. Great match from Sheamus VS Nakamura, but clearly we’re going to get Sheamus VS McIntyre again between now and Clash at the Castle: Glasgow in June. That is going to be awesome stuff, so hopefully the Draft keeps them both on the same brand. Great Heel move from Bronson to attack Sami, there’s your Backlash Intercontinental title match. And great Heel promo from Gable, and it seems the Alpha Academy are going to follow him for now. Surely Gable pushes things too far and it’ll be Otis who stands up to him, thus ending the Alpha Academy as a stable.
Great news from HBK here to learn where NXT is going for June. Now, the UFC Apex doesn’t look any different than the WWE Performance Center but hey, still cool that they have a guaranteed Las Vegas venue whenever they want it. And great promos from a handful of the ladies before tonight’s main event, and that was an awesome battle royal. For one, very clever to have a missed elimination because the refs were busy with Nia, Piper and Becky. Now, I will say I was a little surprised Becky won, or that she was even in the match given she lost at Mania, but at the same time, why wouldn’t they go with Becky? She’s incredibly popular, her book is a New York Times Best Seller, and she will definitely carry this title well for however long until Rhea’s 100%.
My Score: 8.7/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Will this become King of the YEET?
Though he lost the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Jey Uso has a chance to be King of the Ring, if he can beat Sheamus, Rusev and Bronson Reed!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Stephanie Vaquer VS Raquel Rodriguez VS Ivy Nile VS Asuka; Asuka wins and advances to the next round.
- AJ Styles VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio; Styles wins.
- Liv Morgan VS Kairi Sane; Kairi wins, by stoppage.
- King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Sheamus VS Rusev VS Bronson Reed VS Jey Uso; Jey wins and advances to the next round.
PLAY BY PLAY
Liv Morgan & Dominik Mysterio are here!
Green Bay is a bit torn as the Bonnie & Clyde of WWE go to the ring together, proudly wearing their belts. And Liv seems extra proud of herself after insulting and then knocking out Nikki Bella last week. Liv grabs the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monday Night Morgan~! And please make some noise for the most gorgeous man in WWE. He is the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, Dominik Mysterio~!” The fans make noise, but it isn’t all positive. Dom has the mic and thanks Liv, but tonight is not about him. Tonight is all about Liv! The fans boo again but Liv thanks Dom for that.
Liv says respect is the thing she is out here to talk about. Everyone needs reminding that this is LIV’s division! And when you talk about her division, you talk about HER! See, Nikki Bella had to learn that the hard way, and now she’s home all beat up, watching Liv on her TV, which is where she should be! Wanna know what was worse than that? The fact that Iyo Sky claimed Nikki paved the way for them all. What a joke. No one paved the way for Liv, and especially not Nikki! Liv paved her own way, and she became the history-making, record-breaking, FOUR-TIME WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion!
The fans boo a bit more but Liv asks the fans if they know what that makes her. What it makes her is the greatest WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion of ALL~ TIME! So she is not asking for respect anymore, she’s demanding it! Just like she is demanding for a rematch she never got over the Women’s World Championship. So Iyo, they can do this the easy way or the hard way. Well, here comes Iyo! The fans cheer the Genius as she holds up the Women’s World Championship and goes to the ring. Iyo grabs herself a mic while the fans cheer her on. Iyo tells Liv, “Do everyone a favor, and shut your mouth!”
The fans cheer and Liv is upset, but Iyo says all Liv does is whine and show disrespect. Iyo rants in Japanese a second and the fans appreciate that. But Iyo says Liv disrespected Nikki Bella, and she disrespected Iyo! If Liv wants to fight, then Iyo is right here! The fans cheer that and Liv says okay, okay. She does wanna fight her, but only for the title. But if Iyo is scared because Liv has beaten her more than any other woman in the WWE, then Iyo can just hand the title over, Liv doesn’t mind. Liv smiles and Iyo sneers. Iyo is not handing Liv anything. If Liv wants it, she has to earn it. Liv can’t just steal it like she stole Dirty Dom from Rhea!
Dom says hold on, hold on! The fans boo Dom but Dom says let’s just make this easy for Liv and give her what she wants! Like Dom does every single day! Liv tells Iyo to listen to Dom, he’s smart. Just shine the belt up and hand it over, thanks. Oh, Liv wants it? Yes, she wants it. Iyo says alright, she can have it. Catch! Liv catches the belt, and then she gets a DROPKICK! And a BUZZSAW! Dom is upset but then Iyo ROUNDHOUSES him! The fans fire up as Iyo holds up her title while Dom & Liv run away! Liv still has to face Kairi Sane later tonight in a rematch of their own, will the Pirate Princess just add insult to injury?
Queen of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Stephanie Vaquer VS Raquel Rodriguez VS Ivy Nile VS Asuka!
The final Fatal 4 Way for the Queen of the Ring is here, with Alexa Bliss awaiting the winner! But will it be La Primera making big moves in her “rookie year” on Raw? Will Big Mami Cool make up for Liv falling short? Will this tournament soon be American Made? Or will the Empress of Tomorrow have a massive return?
Raw returns and Raquel gets ready backstage. Liv finds her and tells her to win, no matter what. Raquel says got it, then she makes her entrance. Ivy is already in the ring, so that leaves Asuka to make her entrance for the first time in just over a year! The fans fire up to see her back, from classic theme to the face paint. The bell rings, Raquel rushes Asuka and Ivy is after Vaquer! They brawl, and then Ivy and Raquel whip! Vaquer reverses, Asuka CLOBBERS Ivy, and then the two work together against towering Raquel! KICK after KICK, then DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! The fans fire up and chant, “Welcome Back! Welcome Back!”
Asuka and Vaquer tie up, Vaquer ducks a kick to shove, then follow. Vaquer dodges a lariat, sweeps to cover, ONE! Asuka sweeps to cover, ONE! The two standoff and the fans cheer. But Ivy CLOBBERS Vaquer! Raquel puts Asuka in a corner, but Ivy tries to roll Raquel up! Raquel YANKS Ivy up to PUSH her away! Asuka headscissors, but Raquel uses that to POWERBOMB Asuka onto Ivy & Vaquer! Ricky Desperado stands tall while the fans boo, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Vaquer ROCKS Ivy! Vaquer fires more hands, then runs, itl-ow-rhils and rolls Ivy up, TWO! Ivyh swings, but Vaquer spins her and snap suplexes her! But Raquel is up, only for Vaquer to serv eher SOLE FOOD! Asuka is back, Vaquer dodges to mule kick! Vaquer runs and METEORAS Raquel in a corner! Vaquer runs up, blocks Asuka’s boot, and DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS her! Asuka writhes but she goes to a corner. Ivy runs up, but into a BIG back suplex! Vaquer grins as she wraps on the headscissors! The fans fire up for the DEVIL’S KISSES! AH AH AH AH, but then Raquel KICKS Vaquer in the side!
Raquel drags Vaquer up, suplexes, but Vaquer slips free! Vaquer wrenches, snapmares, and now she puts Raquel in the headscissor! DEVIL’S KISSES, but Raquel Electric Chair Lifts! The fans fire up for that feat of strength, but Asuka runs in! Raquel BOOTS Asuka, but Vaquer RANAS Raquel to the apron! And she holds on, for DEVIL’S KISSES on the apron!! AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH, YEEEEAH~! The fans fire up and Vaquer smiles. Raquel flounders around, Vaquer climbs and springboards, CROSSBODY! Asuka is in to clinch, chicken wing, but Vaquer fights the rest of the Asuka Lock!
The two fight for control, Vaquer pulls hair but can’t get a grip. Vaquer RAMS Asuka into a corner, Ivy RIDER KICKS Vaquer down! Ivy then fires off on Asuka! Ivy whips Asuka, Asuka KICKS back! Ivy staggers, Asuka runs up, but Ivy dodge! HIP ATTACK for Raquel! Ivy cradles Asuka, TWO! Ivy waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Ivy is surprised! Ivy says she was that close, and talks trash on Asuka while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Vaquer has Asuka up top. Ivy joins in, Asuka blocks the suplex, but then Raquel joins in! Raquel Electric Chair Lifts both Vaquer and Ivy, and Asuka MISSILE DROPKICKS them all down! The fans fire up as Asuka rises! Asuka KICKS Vaquer, KICKS Ivy, and repeat! Asuka SUPERKICKS Vaquer, then spins to BUZZSAW Ivy! Raquel runs up, Asuka bobs ‘n’ weaves, fires off palm strike after palm strike, and then a SOBAT! And a front KICK! CODE BREAKER! Raquel staggers, Asuka fires up and the fans are with her! Asuka runs up and SOBATS! ROUNDHOUSE for Ivy! Asuka waistlocks, Ivy takes a swing, but gets a POP-UP KNEE for it!
Asuka covers, but Vaquer breaks it! The fans fire up as these two meet again. Vaquer and Asuka smile as they circle. Vaquer dodges a shot to fire of fa flurry! Vaquer whips, Asuka reverses, and Vaquer RAMS Asuka! Asuka fire sup, so the shots keep going! The fans fire up with Asuka, but Vaquer fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! Vaquer runs, Asuka UPPERCUTS her at the ropes! Asuka grins, runs, but Vaquer KNEES her low! Vaquer whips just to reel Asuka in, snap suplex! Vaquer goes to a corner, takes aim, but Asuka runs up! Vaaquer goes up and over, DROPKICKS Asuka, then shakes out her own leg.
Vaquer underhooks, lifts, and TIGER BUSTER! Cover, Ivy drags Vaquer away! Ivy TOSSES Vaquer, scoops Asuka, SWINGING POWERSLAM! Cover, Vaquer breaks it up! Vaquer underhooks Ivy now, but Ivy wrenche sout. Vaquer JAWBREAKERS and ROUNDHOUSES! But Raquel BOOTS Vaquer! Raquel drags Vaquer up, “This is Awesome!” TEXANA BOMB!! Cover, RHEA DRAGS RAQUEL OUT! The fans go nuts for Mami as she waves hi. Rhea BOOTS Raquel, then hits a RIPTIDE to the floor!! Rhea then tosses Raquel back in for someone, anyone! Asuka runs up with the HIP ATTACK! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
The #EmpressImpact certainly made an impact, but so did Rhea! Will Rhea and Raquel have to run back their own classic feud to put this to rest? Cathy Kelley interviews Asuka in the ring to congratulate her on this huge return win. How is Asuka feeling? Asuka smiles and the fans cheer, and Asuka says, “The fire didn’t die! It’s still alive! I will be the Queen of the Ring! No one is ready for Asuka!!” The fans cheer that! And will this big win help Asuka turn this into The Empress of the Ring? Or will Alexa Bliss “welcome” Asuka back by eliminating her from the tournament?
Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.
Roxanne Perez talks with Dom, Finn & JD about some things, Raquel ices from her match, and Liv says they need to go talk strategy for fighting Kairi. Raquel says she’s not really cleared for anything more tonight. Liv says oh, okay, she’ll go handle it herself then. Liv storms off, Dom wants to follow her, but JD has Dom hold on. Isn’t Dom supposed to help JD & Finn get the tag titles? Oh, yeah, but AJ Styles has been breathing down Dom’s neck. So JD can handle AJ for him, then they can get the tag titles. Finn agrees, he’ll be out there to have JD’s back. Actually… Finn was supposed to handle Styles last time, but he didn’t, so…
Dom suggests Finn stays back to hold down the fort. Finn frowns, but then he says Dom is right. He will stay in the back. But then Dom should go out there to watch JD’s back and make sure things go well. Dom agrees and heads out with the Irish Ace. Will JD handle the Phenomenal One so Dirty Dom doesn’t have to? Finn meanwhile talks with Raquel about that stuff with Liv. Don’t worry about her, things are going to work out. Raquel thanks Finn for that, and Finn tells Roxie that while Liv said she wants to handle things herself, but Finn has an idea. Finn and Roxie go off to talk, what is The Prince getting up to tonight?
Gunther is here!
Green Bay is rather conflicted seeing Der Ring General as World Heavyweight Champion again, but Gunther smiles as he makes his way to the ring. Gunther shows off the belt around his waist, and even eggs the fans on with their cheers and jeers. Gunther even gives the belt a kiss before holding it up, and off goes celebratory pyro! Gunther then grabs himself a mic, and while the fans boo, he says, “At WrestleMania…” The fans boo more and Gunther chuckles. “Look, guys, I’m man enough to admit that at WrestleMania, Jey Uso was the better man. He was the better man for one night! Because on every other single night, I am UNTOUCHABLE!”
The fans boo more, but Gunther just grins. Gunther continues by saying he has heard all the rumors and the chatter about what is next for him. The fans chant, “GOLD~BERG! GOLD~BERG!” Gunther says no, no, definitely NOT that guy! Gunther punked Goldberg out in front of his family, Goldberg learned his lesson! Gunther doesn’t care about rumors, he cares about reality. Seth Rollins has that Money in the Bank contract, and Gunther has what he wants! Gunther tells Rollins that he’ll say this directly to him. “A few weeks ago, you said to me when I win your World Heavyweight Championship back, I’m a target.
“Well, since I’m a target, I wanna make it very easy for you. I am right here! So don’t waste anymore time.” WAIT! GOLDBERG IS HERE?! Green Bay fires up as the living legend steps out on stage, gets his pyro, then storms down to the ring! Goldberg thanks the fans for that, and then he tells Gunther don’t be confused, it is all good. Tonight is Gunther’s night! Tonight, Goldberg is here to celebrate Gunther winning the World Heavyweight Championship. Goldberg’s been there before, he knows how Gunther must feel. So congratulations! But y’know what? Before Goldberg leaves, a few months ago, Gunther started something with Goldberg’s family in Atlanta!
And Goldberg is gonna make sure that he ENDS it, in Atlanta! So July 12th, Saturday Night’s Main Event, “You’re MINE! Because YOU’RE NEXT!” Gunther frowns but the fans all cheer on “GOLD~BERG!” Will Goldberg get himself one more win in his storied career? Or will Gunther make sure July 12th is Goldberg’s last match, period?
AJ Styles VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio!
The Phenomenal One has been chasing the WWE Intercontinental Championship for the last few months, and with no spot in the King of the Ring tournament left to him, he’s come back around to try again. But will he be able to trump the Irish Ace? Or will the Judgment Day use their usually dirty tricks to deny him again?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Styles puts JD in a corner, but JD pulls the hair to put Styles in the corner. The fans rally for Styles as JD lets off. Styles dodges a haymaker to hit a headlock takeover. Styles grinds JD down but JD fights up. JD powers up and out to then reel Styles in for a headlock. Styles powers up and out, but JD RUNS him over! Things keep moving, but Styles trips JD to then float to a headlock. JD rolls to a cover, ONE, and Styles holds on. JD powers up and out, Styles sunset flips, TWO! JD hurries to high stack, TWO! Styles pops JD into the sunset, TWO! Styles arm-drags!
The fans fire up, JD headscissors, but Styles flails. Styles moves around to headstand then jackknife, TWO as JD bridges up! JD powers through to spin Styles for a backslide! Styles rolls through but JD gets away before the Clash! The fans oddly sing for “Dirty, Dirty Dom~!” while JD and Styles tie up. JD kicks low, then stomps away in the corner! JD digs his boots in, the ref counts, and JD steps off. JD soaks up heat, then he stalks Styles to the ropes. JD CHOPS Styles, whips him corner to corner, but Styles catches JD to a COBRA TWIST! JD resists, Styles rolls JD and has the CALF CRUSHER! JD scrambles around, but Styles rolls him away!
Styles pulls on the leg, JD fights the other way, and Dom pushes the ropes forward! The ref reprimands but JD still makes the ROPEBREAK! Dom helps JD out of the ring, but Styles goes out there. Styles storms up on Dom, they go running around the outside! Dom tries to get to the crowd but Styles grabs that vest! JD FLIES in over the barriers to wipe Styles out! Dom applauds and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and JD has Styles in the chinlock. The fans rally, Styles fights up, and Styles fires body shots. JD THROWS Styles down by his hair! The fans boo but JD stands on Styles’ hair! The ref reprimands but JD pulls Styles’ arms to also pull hair! The fans rally for Styles, the ref counts, and JD stops at 4. Just to do it again! The ref counts again, JD stops, and Styles KICKS JD from below! Styles rises to fire off a Phenomenal Blitz, with the LARIAT! And SLIDING FOREARM! The fans fire up while JD goes to a corner. Styles runs and LARIATS, then fireman’s carries for an USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!
JD stays in this and Styles frowns. The fans rally, Styles reels JD in, but JD wrenches out to HEADBUTT! JD suplexes, for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives and JD is furious! The fans rally up again as JD brings Styles up. JD puts Styles in a corner, ROCKS him, then hoists him to the top rope. Styles fires hands on JD, but JD CHOPS! JD climbs, Styles fires hands, and JD drops back. JD ROCKS Styles again, climbs back up, but Styles fires body shots! Styles HEADBUTTS and JD falls! Styles steadies himself on the top rope, adjusts, then aims, but Dom gets on the apron! Styles scares Dom off, but JD kicks Styles low!
JD hits a ripcord, but Styles turns that into a headlock takeover! Styles deadlifts JD into the STYLES CLASH!! Cover, Styles wins!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
Dom runs up, Styles dodges! PELE! Dom staggers around, Styles runs up, but Dom puts him on the apron! Styles ROCKS Dom, but Finn rushes out here! Finn gets Dom outta there, but the belt was left behind! Styles picks the belt up and the fans cheer! Will Styles make this title phenomenal? Wait, Finn and Dom coordinate, and JD is up. Judgment Day flanks the ring, but Styles slips right past them all! Styles still has the belt in hand, but will he finally get his shot at it?
Sheamus prepares backstage.
The Fella spots The Alpha Academy walking over and asks Natalya, Maxxine & Tozawa what’s the crack. How’s Otis doing? Doing better, he’ll be back soon. But they know Sheamus has a match tonight, so how is he feeling? Natty says from one vet to another, he has to take care of Rusev. No problem there, Natty. Sheamus will bully the bully. Tozawa shouts, “Sheamus! Kick his ass!” The Celtic Warrior nods, will he get revenge for the Alpha Academy?
Bayley heads to gorilla.
The Role Model wants revenge of her own on Becky Lynch, but uh, what’s going on over here? New Day stands with Grayson Waller as Waller argues with Austin Theory. A-Town Down Under is falling apart, but will Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods be the reason it all ends?
Bayley goes to the ring!
Raw returns as The Role Model makes her entrance, and Green Bay cheers her on. Bayley grabs a mic and says, “Ding dong, Green Bay!” The fans cheer again, and Bayley says it feels so amazing to be back. She missed the fans so much! She smiles as the fans sing and chant for her, and she says we all know that classic quote: You don’t know what you have ’til it’s gone. But every time Bayley gets in this ring, she knows exactly what she has. She knows what it feels like to be here, and she doesn’t take any of it for granted. Every single time she gets an opportunity to be in front of the fans, she revels in it! This is what she was born to do!
The fans cheer, and Bayley says this is what is most important to her, what she puts her heart and soul into every single night. And two months ago, Bayley was stripped of an opportunity. She was robbed of a WrestleMania match! The fans boo, and Bayley says she was robbed of her tag title shot, a division she holds near and dear to her heart. But luckily for her, Bayley doesn’t come in here day in and day out, Raw, SmackDown, NXT, losing sleep and putting her body on the line, just for one night of the year! She doesn’t do it just for the big moments, the titles, or WrestleMania, but for nights like tonight and for people like the fans in Green Bay!
The fans cheer Bayley on more, and she says, “So Becky Lynch… If you think you taking me out for WrestleMania hurt me, if you think it broke me, I want you to know that you’re wrong. It healed me, Becky! It made me better, Becky! That it made me stronger!” The fans cheer again and Bayley paces. Bayley says, “Now, I may have said in the past, hell, right up to WrestleMania, how much it bothers me, how much you’ve been a chip on my shoulder, how you’ve always been just two steps ahead, you’ve always been just two rungs ahead of me and I could never make it there. Yeah, that at at me, Becky!
“But y’know what? I’m climbing that ladder, Becky, and I’m coming straight for you. I’m knocking you down, and I’m taking everything that you took for me! So you better get your ass out here right now!” The fans cheer that! And then here comes Becky! The fans are torn as The Man struts out in Chicago Bears merchandise, holding up her title belt. Becky joins Bayley in the ring and grabs her own mic while the fans boo. Green Bay chants, “Bears Still Suck! Bears Still Suck!” Becky says the Bears still beat Green Bay last time. And Becky has always been a chip on Bayley’s shoulder? No, Bayley, you and Becky are the same!
Becky and Bayley were “never meant to be at the top of this division,” yet here they are! The difference is, Bayley accepts being second fiddle, Becky does not! Y’know, kinda like the Packers. Bayley would rather have her group of friends than a legacy. Becky would rather have a legacy than a group of fake friends! Legacy!? Bayley did build a legacy! She’s a future Hall of Famer! Right, Michael Cole? That’s right! She built her legacy, and is so confident in it, she doesn’t mind helping the locker room. She doesn’t mind bringing people up that need help. Oh, okay, the people, right. Bayley fights for the people~!
Becky used to fight for the people, but the people stopped fighting for her, so that’s why Becky stopped fighting for them! So hey, here’s a secret: The people stopped fighting for Bayley, too. Where’s the proof? It was when Bayley got taken out of WrestleMania and Becky stepped in, and no one gave a DAMN about Bayley! No one cared that Bayley was no longer there, they all cheered for Becky! Bayley asks if Becky can hear herself. She sounds like an idiot! The fans can see it! Becky is so insecure! Becky is so worried about what everyone thinks! She took an entire YEAR off, and she worried about whether fans would cheer or boo, and that’s why Becky took Bayley out!
Becky didn’t know if the fans would care, so she had to make it a surprise! And 24 hours later, it still didn’t sit right. Becky probably couldn’t sleep that night, and then she went and took Lyra out, too, because Becky couldn’t hack it if the fans weren’t going to cheer. Becky says they did cheer for that, too. Bayley asks Becky if she forgot how it is to fight for everything. To fight for WrestleMania, for championships. Or maybe is Becky’s too far up her own ass that she doesn’t know what it is like anymore. Becky says no, she has forgotten what the struggle is like. But has Bayley forgotten what championship gold feels like?
The fans boo but Bayley says maybe she has. Remind her. C’mon, stop hiding and get over here! Becky says no, she’s not turning her back to Bayley. Becky snakes away saying Bayley’s the sneaky one. But if Bayley wants a match, they can have a match. But not here in Green Bay! And not even for the title! See you in Columbus, Ohio! Then Becky SLAPS Bayley! So Bayley DECKS Becky!! The fans fire up as The Man scurries away! Bayley smiles, will she get to do that all over again when she and Becky throw down?
Backstage interview with Jey Uso.
Cathy Kelley is now with Main Event Jey and says it was a bit of a setback last week, losing the world title to Gunther. But how important is it he moves forward with this King of the Ring match tonight? Jey says it is very important. He won his first world title from Gunther, he has Gunther’s respect. Then Gunther won it back, so Gunther got Jey’s respect. So as far as Jey sees it, that makes them 1-1. Gunther can look past Rollins, look past Goldberg, but they’ll run it back one day. If that means winning KOTR, then say less. Four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! But then, will Jey also make that one word, “King?”
Nick Aldis is backstage.
The SmackDown General Manager is here, and he meets with AJ Styles. Aldis thanks Styles for handing over the Intercontinental Championship, and Aldis will make sure it is returned to Dom in a timely fashion. But good news! Styles has a chance to get this title permanently. It is now official for Night of Champions! Dom VS Styles for the Intercontinental Championship! Styles thanks Aldis for that and heads out. Then Bayley steps in and Aldis says he heard all that out there. So speaking of making it official, Becky VS Bayley will happen. But Aldis is putting a little twist on it. As he sees it, WrestleMania was when Becky took Bayley’s title match.
So now, Bayley is owed a title match in return. Next week, Raw in Columbus, it will be Becky VS Bayley for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship! Bayley thanks Aldis and says this is why she always liked him. But then Lyra Valkyria walks over. The Morrigan welcomes Bayley back, and congratulates her on the title match. Bayley says she’s just trying to do what’s best for her. She is sorry that she didn’t get back to Lyra on the texts or calls, it was a rough two months. But it wasn’t personal. Lyra gets it, this is what is best for Bayley. But Lyra just wants Bayley to know, if Bayley wins the title, then Lyra will do what’s best for Lyra and come after her for it.
Lyra heads out, and things have really escalated. Will the Role Model tear down The Man, only to battle someone else who was once a friend?
Liv Morgan VS Kairi Sane!
The greatest women’s tag team champion of all time has been having a hard time against the Pirate Princess. A loss because Roxie and Raquel argued, then Raquel takes a loss because Iyo got the better of Liv, and then the losses in the Queen of the Ring tournament, no wonder Liv lashed out against Nikki. But will Liv take her frustrations out on Kairi in this rematch? Or will Kairi only add to the misery with another defeat?
Raw returns and Liv is back in the ring. The bell rings, Liv runs up, but Kairi dodges! Kairi then blocks a kick, trips Liv, and floats to a headlock. Liv scrambles to the outside and clutches her arms. Is Liv still hurting from things last week? The ref has Kairi wait while the medics check Liv. Liv’s arm is definitely the concern, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, and unfortunately, that rough landing from the takedown did in fact jam up Liv’s arm, she cannot continue. Kairi wins by stoppage, but will Liv’s misery only continue in and out of the ring?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Cathy Kelley is with the Honorary Uce and she congratulates him on advancing in the KOTR. Friday Night SmackDown will see Sami take on Randy Orton, how is he feeling? Sami isn’t sure. He feels he’s talked about the World Heavyweight Championship so much lately, and now somehow, the opportunity is here. Sami has had the chance a few times to challenge for that title, but something about this time feels different. Karrion Kross walks in and says, “Oh, this is so disturbing! It feels… different? There’s absolutely nothing different about this! Sami, you know you’re an insane person, right?
“You know what an insane person does? They do the exact same thing every day, expecting a different result. Lemme explain to you what’s going to happen. You’re going to go to Friday Night SmackDown, and you’re going to compete against one of the most diabolical people this business has ever seen, a guy who knows how to in, The Viper, Randy Orton. And then, you’re gonna lose! And he’s gonna go on to become a FIFTEEN-TIME World Champion, and you are gonna stay at zero.” Sami smiles and says, “You think I’m crazy? You know what I think you are? I think you’re a coward. I think you hide back here, and you talk, and you hide in the shadows, and you lurk, and you talk in riddles.
“Why? You don’t go out there, because maybe all the big talk when you go out there, maybe you can’t back it up?! Maybe you don’t have the courage to talk a big game, and maybe you fall on your face, and you don’t have the courage to go back out there, cuz trust me, I’ve talked a big game, I’ve gone out there, and I’ve lost, and I have the courage to pick myself back up and go out there again. Can you say the same? I didn’t think so. So I’m done listening to you talk, you understand me? Right now, my focus is the King of the Ring, that’s my priority. But I’m telling you now, the second that’s done, the second that’s done, I am going to Adam Pearce.
“And you and me, we’re gonna have this match once and for all.” Kross says, “It’s about time.” Mr. Doomsday leaves, has Sami just sealed his doom?
Jey Uso enters through the concourse.
The fans young and old are fired up as Jey asks them to play his music! Four letters, one word, UH UH… YEET! Jey heads down the bleachers, and fans show off the new foam YEET hands! Will Jey get his hands on that ticket to the next round? Or will someone else have that semifinal match with Cody Rhodes?
King of the Ring Tournament Fatal 4 Way: Sheamus VS Rusev VS Bronson Reed VS Jey Uso!
Raw returns and Rusev makes his entrance. Following that, The Celtic Warrior enters, leaving the Colossal Aussie for last. Paul Heyman accompanies Bronson, but why is Heyman holding Rollins’ MITB briefcase…? The bell rings and Bronson goes after Sheamus while Rusev goes after Jey! They end up in the corners, Rusev stomps a mudhole into Jey but Sheamus dodges Bronson. Sheamus CHOPS and ROCKS Bronson, but Bronson hits back! Bronson HEADBUTTS Sheamus, then SHOVES Sheamus up and out of the ring! Bronson goes to the apron but Sheamus CLUBS a leg out! Sheamus sends Bronson into barriers!
Rusev keeps beating Jey down, and Bronson sends Sheamus into steel steps! Then into barriers! Rusev drags Jey up to fire body shots on those wrapped-up ribs. Rusev shoves Jey, runs up, but Jey DUMPS Rusev out! Rusev is right up to ROCK Jey, but Bronson YANKS Rusev down! Bronson and Rusev brawl now, and Bronson HEADBUTTS! Bronson whips, Rusev reverses, and Bronson is sent into steps! Jey then DIVES out onto Rusev! The fans fire up and YEET with Jey, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Bronson is beating up on Jey now. Bronson fireman’s carries Jey but Jey slips free! Jey ROCKS Bronson, counter punches, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks, and puts some stank on the HAYMAKER! The fans fire up as Jey mule kicks, then UPPERCUTS! Bronson blocks the next kick, but Jey DRAGON WHIPS! Bronson tumbles out, Sheamus slides in, btu Jey SUPERKICKS Sheamus! Rusev is back, Jey SUPERKICKS him! Rusev wobbles, Jey SUPERKICKS again! Rusev is still up, Jey runs, but Rusev LARIATS! The fans fire up, Sheamus and Bronson brawl, and Bronson whips. Sheamus reverses to POST Bronson!
Sheamus runs up on Bronson, but Bronson DUMPS Sheamus into the crowd! The fans fire up with Sheamus at their feet, and Bronson gloats. But Sheamus rises up to get Bronson’s arms! Sheamus gives Bronson BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! The fans count along, Sheamus goes TEN! The fans fire up and Sheamus adds another TEN, so that’s TWENTY! The fans fire up with Sheamus, but Jey SUPERKICKS Sheamus at the barriers! But Bronson runs up, only to be sent into barriers! Jey lines up a shot, “UCE! OH!” Jey runs in, but Rusev is there to CLOBBER him first! Rusev roars, the fans are torn, but Rusev goes to the ring.
Sheamus is there, and the fans rally up as these former friends are 1v1. The fans cheer for “RUSEV DAY!” as the forearms fly! They fire hands, haymakers, body shots, and then Sheamus fires off with forearms! Sheamus whips, Rusev ducks ‘n’ dodges to WHEEL KICK! The fans fire up and Rusev watches Sheamus flounder. Rusev runs in at the corner, but Sheamus BOOTS him! Rusev just roars! Rusev runs back in, Sheamus scoops Rusev to POWERSLAM! The fans rally as both men rise up. They throw more haymakers, and the fans duel, “Let’s Go, Sheamus!” “RUSEV DAY!” Bronson CLOBBERS both men because he’s just that big!
Wait, Sheamus and Rusev get up, just to brawl with each other! So Bronson SPLASHES them both in the corner! Jey BOOTS Bronson from the corner! Jey CROSSBODIES, but Bronson catches him! WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM!! Bronson roars, the fans boo, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again, and Rusev sputters from being thrown onto the announce desk! Sheamus leaves Rusev behind to go after Jey. The fans rally for m ore tables, but Sheamus and Jey fire haymakers! They go shot for shot, then it is fast ‘n’ furious! Sheamus blocks the kick, ducks the Dragon Whip, and fireman’s carries! Jey fights free to the apron, but now Sheamus has Jey on the ropes! Jey fires elbows to stop the Bodhrain, and he GAMANGIRIS! Jey hurries inside, but Sheamus gives him an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! But Bronson runs up to HEADBUTT Sheamus down! Bronson wobbles, but he brings Sheamus back up.
Bronson reels Sheamus in, says thumbs down, but Sheamus fights the lift! Sheamus fireman’s carries Bronson!? The fans go nuts for that alone! And then, WHITE NOISE!! Right on the Slim Jim logo! Cover, TWO!! Rusev hurries to stomp Sheamus, and he URENAGES Sheamus onto Bronson! Rusev snarls, the fans are torn, but they do agree, “This is Awesome!” Rusev sees Jey in a corner, runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Bronson is back up, Jey SUPERKICKS him! And he SUPERKICKS Sheamus! Jey aims again, SUPER- NO, Rusev blocks to ROUNDHOUSE Jey! And then ACCOLADE!! Jey endures, the fans fire up, but Jey gets an arm free!
Rusev traps that arm again, pulls on Jey’s back, but Jey keeps fighting! Sheamus gives Rusev a KNEE CAPPER! Rusev flounders away, Bronson is up but he gets a KNEE CAPPER! MACHKA KICK for Sheamus! Sheamus BROGUES Rusev! Cover, SENTON from Bronson! Bronson hurries up a corner while Sheamus is in the drop zone! The fans are going nuts, TSUNAMI onto Sheamus!! Cover, JEY BREAKS IT!! The fans fire up and Heyman is stunned, but Jey keeps this one going! Bronson snarls, runs up, but Jey dodges! And SPEARS!! Jey topples Bronson, but he hurries to the top rope!
The fans are thunderous, but oh no, h ere comes Bron Breakker!! Bron SHOVES Jey off the corner, and he laughs at Jey! The fans bark, but wait! SAMI ZAYN is after Bron! Sami won’t let them screw Jey over! He POSTS Bron! Sami then lines up a shot, runs in, but Bron catches Sami first! And he military presses Sami to TOSS him onto and over the desk!!! But wait, PENTA FLIES ONTO BRON!! The fans are thunderous as #CeroMiedo gets payback on Bron! But Bronson gives Jey a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!! Bronson hurries up top, takes aim, but then L A KNIGHT is here! And he SHOVES Bronson off the top, YEAH!!
The fans are going nuts as Jey hurries to SUPERKICK Bronson! And then SPEAR!! Jey hurries back up like he wanted, and he gives Bronson an USO SPLASH!! But Jey won’t stop there, he knows Bronson is tougher than that! So Jey hits another USO SPLASH!! Cover, JEY WINS!!
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall
The Mega Star smiles as he screws over the guys who screwed him over, and now Main Event Jey Uso is moving on! But wait! Seth Rollins storms out here now! He is furious that his plan has been foiled! Rollins throws off his Chicago Bears colored jacket and tie, rolls up his sleeves, and has Jey all to himself in that ring. Except CODY RHODES is here! The fans are thunderous as the American Nightmare makes sure Rollins can’t make a move! The fans sing along with Cody’s song while Cody stares down with Rollins. Green Bay is losing their minds as Rollins is about to explode with anger, but then that anger subsides…?
Rollins lets Cody and Jey have their moment, and Rollins’ team regroups on the ramp. The Wise Man says this is the right move, because now Cody and Jey are going to be opponents in the semifinals. Jey and Cody look to each other, knowing that in order to get back to the top, they must go through the other. They shake hands and the fans cheer. But will Cody and Jey be able to stay friends after battling it out next week in Columbus?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw with more great build for Night of Champions. Judgment Day ties stories together, with a very good promo from Liv & Dom with Iyo to hype up a possible title match. Unfortunately, Liv legitimately dislocated that shoulder in her match with Kairi. Hopefully for her sake and everything else going on, it isn’t serious and she can still be on TV. And even if not, there is a way to keep the story going in Judgment Day if they were to have Roxanne Perez step in and help defend the tag titles with Raquel in place of Liv. Maybe half the reason Judgment Day loses those titles is because Roxie and Raquel can’t get along while Iyo & Kairi can.
Great Fatal 4 Way for Queen of the Ring, and nice touch with Rhea going after Raquel. Asuka winning is a great way for her to return. Asuka VS Alexa will be really good but I can’t be sure who wins that when there’s also Jade and Roxie on the other side. But I feel like the Women’s Division has a more open title story than the Men’s, because the main thing is that Naomi is Miss Money in the Bank and can cash-in to “ruin” things for whoever is Queen of the Ring and the champion they’re challenging. Though with that, Jade Cargill is probably still the favorite, especially when she towers over Roxie and Alexa, and could overpower Asuka.
Good stuff with Styles VS JD and how he outsmarted the Judgment Day boys. Aldis being here to make matches was a bit of a surprise, but good on him to make a match for Night of Champions. Styles VS Dom could probably go either way, but it’d be a great moment if Finn screws Dom over in that match. Very good promo from Bayley and Becky, and I appreciate Lyra feeling just a touch disrespected with Bayley getting her title match first. Making the title match for next week is fine, Becky VS Bayley will definitely get ratings and be a great match, but I wonder if something involving Lyra is made for Night of Champions. I only count four matches with KOTR, QOTR, Cena VS Punk and now Styles VS Dom.
Gunther had a good promo, and while he said he doesn’t put stock in rumors, the rumors were true and Goldberg is back. That match not being for Night of Champions is a touch surprising, but I suppose having Goldberg as the hometown hero for Saturday Night’s Main Event works out better. Remember what happened the last time Goldberg had a high profile match in Saudi Arabia? And even without that, two weeks is not enough time for Goldberg to get ready, both in kayfabe and shoot. Pushing it to just under a month is better for Goldberg, and I would certainly hope Gunther retains. Remember the last time Goldberg just suddenly had a title match against a younger talent?
Great promo from Sami with Kross, but I feel like it foreshadows Sami not winning KOTR. Though how great would it be if Sami becomes KOTR, takes the title off Gunther like he did with the Intercontinental Championship, and then Sami and Kross feud over the world title. That aside, also good stuff with the promos going into tonight’s main event. And while I figured Jey would win, they did a great job with the overbooking to help it. Great stuff from Sheamus and Rusev as they’re starting a feud, and then of course LA Knight showed up to screw Bronson Reed. Bron Breakker going Knight and then Penta joining in, that was also great stuff, perhaps we get Penta & Knight VS Bron & Bronson as part of something.
Cody protecting Jey is good stuff, and Rollins standing down works so well. Rollins understands what we should all understand: Cody and Jey will battle, the winner of that is probably the favorite to be King of the Ring, but Rollins could make it to where they’re still challenging him. Cena VS Punk at Night of Champions is the first real tease of where Rollins can strike, because Rollins can’t resist screwing his most hated enemy in Punk and the guy who is retiring anyway in Cena. Then if that doesn’t work out and Rollins still has the briefcase, he could go after Gunther during his match with Goldberg at SNME. Or he just waits until SummerSlam when KOTR challenge whoever it is, and we get the next best “heist of the century.”
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Who makes NJPW their dominion?
NJPW returns to Osaka-Jo Hall, and Hirooki Goto defends the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Shingo Takagi! Will the Fierce Warrior slay the Rampaging Dragon?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Shoma Kato & Katsuya Murashima VS Daiki Nagai & Masatora Yasuda; Kato & Murashima win.
- 8 Man Tag: Bullet Club VS House of Torture & “Don Fale”; The House of Torture wins.
- El Phantasmo & Shota Umino VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Ryohei Oiwa; ZSJ & Oiwa win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Yuya Uemura; Tanahashi wins.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: YOH & Master Wato VS SHO &
Yoshinobu KanemaruDouki; Sho & Douki win and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. - IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Callum Newman & Great-O-Khan VS Taichi & Tomohiro Ishii; Taichi & Ishii win and become the new IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Boltin Oleg; Oleg wins and becomes the new NEVER Openweight Champion.
- Dog Collar Chain Deathmatch: David Finlay VS EVIL; Evil wins.
- IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Gabe Kidd; Gabe wins and becomes the new IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto VS Shingo Takagi; Goto wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Bullet Club VS House of Torture & ???
While their leaders will battle in a Dog Collar Chain Deathmatch later tonight, Chase Owens, Clark Connors, “Drilla” Moloney & Taiji Ishimori will wage war with Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi, Sanada, and the newest member of the House. But will it not matter who Evil recruited? Or could new blood be just the thing to turn the tide?
Sanada walks out in a very odd body suit. It’s like he wants to walk out here in a leopard speedo but not really. Also, he’s now the “Cold Blooded Snake,” so clearly he is still evolving. But then, who is this mystery partner? Wait, is that Bad Luck Fale?! A founding member of Bullet Club has now betrayed Bullet Club!? And now he’s “Don Fale?!” Then is this the dawn of a new era in NJPW?
The brawl is on as Taiji, Connors & Drilla rush Sanada, Ren & Yujiro, but Chase wants to know why Fale, why? Chase and Fale were tag partners and friends! But Fale grabs Chase by the neck! Connors rushes in and CLUBS Fale, but Fale BODY BLOWS Connors! Drilla attacks Fale, but Fale BODY BLOWS and BODY BLOWS, and then TOSSES Drilla! Taiji fires off but Fale BODY BLOWS him, too! The bell rings to finally put this on record as Fale steps on Taiji in the corner! The fans rally, Fale drags Taiji to the ropes, and Fale stands on Taiji for the Bullet Club Massage! Or, perhaps the House of Torture Massage now!
Tag to Yujiro and he drops a leg, brother! And then another leg! Cover, TWO! Yujiro CHOKES Taiji as a cover, the ref reprimands, and Yujiro stops at 4. Tag to Ren and he BLASTS the Bullet Club corner! Ren bumps Taiji off buckles, SCRAPES Taiji’s face off the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. The fans rally for Taiji while Ren TOSSES him! Ren distracts the ref, which lets Fale whip Taiji hard into the railing! Yujiro drags Taiji up to put in the ring and Ren covers, TWO! Taiji stays in this, Drilla glares at Ren, but the ref has Drilla back down. Taiji fires hands on Ren, but Ren CHOKES Taiji! Ren puts Taiji in the corner, but stops as the ref counts 4.
Tag to Yujiro and Sanada distracts the ref. Ren snapmares Taiji and holds him open! But as Yujiro lines up the shot, Taiji UP KICKS Ren! Yujiro kicks low, whips, but Taiji handsprings to NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans rally, hot tag to Connors! Connors CLOBBERS Ren, CLOBBERS Yujiro, KICKS ropes to jam up Sanada, and the fans fire up! Connors runs to ELBOW Ren in one corner, then runs to ELBOW Yujiro in the other! Connors reels Ren in and snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Connors and they bark it up. Connors aims at Yujiro, but Fale drags him out!
Fale whips Connors into railing! Chase gets in Fale’s face but the ref has them both back down. Drilla pushes Fale, so Fale whips Drilla into railing! Wait, Connors has Wheel-san! Connors CLOBBERS Fale with Wheel-san! The fans fire up and Connors hurries back into the ring. Connors whips Yujiro to SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tokyo Pimp toughs it out but Connors vows to end it! Connors drags Yujiro up, but Yujiro BITES Connors’ hand! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but then Connors ROCKS Yujiro! Connors runs up, but Yujiro FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS Connors! And then he BOOTS Connors!
Yujiro runs, but Connors goes the other way! JEEP FLIPPER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Yujiro and Connors crawl, hot tags to Sanada and Drilla! GORE OUTTA NOWHERE! The fans fire up as Drilla shows off his dancing pecs and drags Sanada up. DRILLA- NO, Sanada slips free! Drilla HEADBUTTS, Sanada drops, but Drilla blocks the sneaky low blow! Drilla whips and SPINEBUSTERS! The fans fire up and bark with Drilla, then he drags Sanada back up. Gut wrench and DRILLA- NO, Sanada BOOTS the ref! Sanada then slips free, reels Drilla in, and MAGIC SCREW! The fans rally but the House goes after Bullet Club on the outside!
Sanada grabs his guitar! The fans boo as this Cold Blooded Snake steps inside. Chase stops Sanada! He takes the guitar, gives it to Drilla, then sets Sanada up. Drilla takes aim, but then Chase LOW BLOWS Drilla?!? The fans don’t understand! Why did the Crown Jewel do that?! NO WAIT, he’s joining the House, too!?? SMASH HIT from Sanada to Drilla!! It wasn’t just Fale as Mr. X, there was a MOLE inside the club! Sanada covers Drilla, the House wins!!
Winners: The House of Torture, by pinfall
Taiji asks why, Chase, why, but he just gets a LOW BLOW for it!! The old guard of Bullet Club is leaving them all behind to join up with Evil! Then is there nothing to stop this from being a HOT boy summer?
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Yuya Uemura!
The Ace Final Road continues to make connections, and that leads to his first and last 1v1 match with the Heat Storm. Will Tanahashi continue to ride high on his retirement tour? Or will Yuya only get hotter with the summer?
The bell rings and the fans rally for Tanahashi already. Tanahashi and Yuya circle, feel things out, and tie up. Tanahashi waistlocks, Yuya switches, and repeat. Tanahashi trips Yuya but Yuya switches. Tanahashi switches, Yuya switches, repeat, and then the two separate. The fans applaud this opening exchange, and the two reset. They circle, tie up, and Yuya wrenches to hammerlock then headlock, then he spins through to hammerlock, headlock, and hit the takeover! Tanahashi headscissors, Yuya kips free, but now Tanahashi hits a headlock takeover. Yuya headscissors. Tanahashi kips free, and Yuya headlocks.
Tanahashi fires body shots, powers out, but Yuya slides under! Yuya arm-drags! Tanahashi arm-drags, and he has the armlock! The fans rally, Yuya tries to headscissors but Tanahashi fights that off. Yuya rises up, Tanahashi grinds the arm, but Yuya wrenches and SAYANAGIS! Yuya then steps over to SNAP LOCK the arm! The fans rally while Yuya runs, and he basement DROPKICKS the arm! Tanahashi clutches the elbow and the fans rally more, but Yuya drags him up. Yuya wrenches the arm, wrenches again, then snapmares for Short Arm Scissors! Tanahashi endures, even as Yuya puts on the pressure.
Tanahashi turns, clasps hands, and he kicks his way over. Tanahashi reaches out but Yuya turns him back to keep on the scissors! The fans rally as Tanahashi continues to endure, and Tanahashi fights to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Yuya lets go, and the fans applaud. Yuya brings Tanahashi up but Tanahashi fires forearms. Yuya wrenches the arm! Tanahashi fires more forearms, but Yuya DROPKICKS him down! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Yuya stands Tanahashi up. Yuya wrenches and whips, but Tanahashi FLYING FOREARMS! And then he ELBOWS Yuya, whips him to ropes, and BACKDROPS him!
The fans fire up and Tanahashi storms over to Yuya. Tanahashi drags Yuya up to scoop and SLAM into the drop zone! The fans cheer as Tanahashi goes up the corner, SUNSET SENTON! A rough landing but Tanahashi stands back up. The fans rally and Tanahashi waits on Yuya. Yuya slowly rises, Tanahashi builds speed, but Yuya dodges the slingblade! Tanahashi blocks a kick, and waves bye before he DRAGON SCREWS the leg! Tanahashi resets and runs again, SLING- NO, Yuya slips through to trap the arms! Tanahashi kicks at Yuya’s legs, whips, but uses that to reel Yuya in for a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!
The fans fire up with Tanahashi and he tries once again. SLINGBLADE! Down goes Yuya and Tanahashi covers, TWO! Yuya stays in this and the fans rally up. Tanahashi hurries up the corner, aims, but Yuya stands. Tanahashi hits a HIGH FLY- NO, Yuya dodges the High Fly Attack, and now he goes up top! FROG- NO, Tanahashi dodges the Frog Splash Attack! The fans fire up while both men writhe. Yuya clutches his arm, the same arm that he injured all those months ago, and the fans rally. Tanahashi crawls his way over, drags Yuya up, and he fires a forearm! Yuya comes back with a forearm of his own!
The two stand, Yuya fires up, and the fans fire up with him! The forearms go back and forth, the fans cheering both men! Tanahashi eggs Yuya on, so Yuya fires a flurry! Tanahashi fires a strike fest! Yuya goes to a corner, Tanahashi storms up and whips corner to corner. Yuya goes up and over, then arm-drags! And ARMBAR! Tanahashi clasps hands and the fans rally! Tanahashi fights around, but Yuya pulls on the arm! Yuya CLUBS Tanahashi’s grip and has the ARMBAR! Tanahashi has the ROPEBREAK, but Yuya drags him up into a cording hold! Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS, then DRAGON SUPLEXES!
The fans fire up with Tanahashi builds speed. But Yuya catches him for a RANA! Then ARMBAR! Tanahashi stacks the cover, TANAHASHI WINS!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall
Yuya doesn’t realize it as he goes for a cover of his own, but he missed the kick-out by a thin margin! Tanahashi shows Yuya respect with how close that was. But is this really the only time Yuya gets to test himself against one of the best ever? Or will Tanahashi’s Final Road bring them back around before the year is over?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: YOH & Master Wato VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
Direct Drive & The Way of the Grandmaster surprised a lot of people taking these titles off of the Ichiban Sweet Boys, but now some familiar foes come around to take these titles from them. We saw the House of Torture add new members, will they be adding new gold as well? Or can Yoh & Wato keep it fresh like Ziploc?
Wait, Sho grabs a mic. And he talks trash about how in Best of the Super Juniors, Wato lost in a “terrible effort” against Kanemaru, and yet he managed to hurt Kanemaru in the process! Sho also talks trash on Osaka, too, saying Kanemaru is above competing here in Wato’s hometown. The fans boo but Sho says these two don’t even have the right to call themselves proper champions! But don’t worry, Sho has a replacement for Kanemaru! Wait, really? Sho drops the mic and the House has yet another new member! It’s… DOUKI?! What?! Back from injury, and yet he’s turned to the dark side! Will Japones Del Mal make things very, very bad for Yoh & Wato?
Oh, of course Sho & Kanemaru still have to attack from behind! The shock of this return was the perfect distraction! Sho TOSSES Yoh out, Kanemaru kicks Wato out for Douki to RAM into the railing! Douki stomps Wato, drags him around, and then SMASHES the knee off the floor! Sho talks more trash but Douki puts Wato in the ring. The bell sounds so this is finally a match!
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: YOH & Master Wato VS SHO & Douki!
The fans boo as Douki and Sho stomp away on Wato, and the ref reprimands. One in, one out! Douki & Sho say hold on, and they stand Wato up to double whip. Wato grabs ropes, and he BOOTS Sho, ELBOWS Douki, and RAN- NO, Sho stops the rana and Douki basement DROPKICKS! Then they SMASH both knees off the mat! Yoh rushes in and fires off on Douki & Sho! Yoh CLUBS Douki, but Sho BODY BLOWS Yoh! Sho & Douki whip Yoh into bare buckles! Kanemaru still does his part in bringing out the House Special! And then Douki distracts the ref so Sho can hold Yoh open! Kanemaru climbs up, and that bad arm isn’t even hurt! Kanemaru uses it to DICK CHOP!
The fans boo as the House gets away with stooping even lower than usual! Douki brings Wato up but Wato fires body shots. Douki TOSSES Wato out, and he distracts the ref so Kanemaru can SMASH Wato’s knee on the floor! Then Sho SMASHES Wato’s knee off the floor! Then they DOUBLE SMASH the knees off the floor! The fans boo as Sho & Kanemaru mug Wato, then Sho drags Wato to his feet. The ref reprimands, Sho puts Wato in, and Douki DDTS a foot! And then Douki turns Wato over for the HALF CRAB! Wato endures, reaches out, and Sho keeps Yoh down on the outside! Wato crawls forward, but Douki drags him back!
Douki sits deep on the leg and the fans rally harder! Wato endures, pushes up, and he reaches out again! ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Douki holds! The ref counts and Douki lets go at 4. Douki kicks Wato and taunts him. Wato grits his teeth but Douki stomps him. Wato rises up to throw body shots and chops but Douki laughs them off. Wato fires a forearm but Douki kicks low! Douki clamps onto a leg but Wato CLUBS away on him! Douki kicks the bad leg, runs, but Wato manages a scoop and BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Wato crawls, but so does Douki, and Sho tags in first!
Sho BLASTS Yoh from the corner, then he drags Wato back. Douki KICKS Wato’s bad leg! The ref reprimands and the fans boo, but Douki watches Wato go to the corner. Douki runs in, Wato dodges, and he BOOTS Sho! Wato sends Douki into Sho, then he DOUBLE BULLDOGS! The fans fire up while all three are down! Wato crawls, hot tag to Yoh! The fans fire up as Yoh rallies on Sho & Douki with forearm after forearm! Yoh whips Sho into the bare buckles! Then he whips Douki into the bare buckles! Then Yoh PLANCHAS onto Kanemaru! Yoh then whips Kanemaru into railing! Yoh roars and the fans fire up with him!
Yoh goes up a corner, takes aim, and he CANNONBALLS into Sho! Cover, TWO! Yoh drags Sho up, brings him in, but Sho bends fingers! Yoh ROCKS Sho, turns him, but Sho still bends fingers! The ref reprimands but Sho whips. Yoh avoids hitting bare buckles, then he dodges Sho. Sho avoids hitting buckles but Yoh kicks low. Yoh runs but Sho uses the ref as a shield! Then he SPEARS Yoh down! Both Sho and Yoh are down but Sho crawls over, tag to Douki! Douki runs up on Yoh to LARIAT in a corner! Douki scoops and SLAMS Yoh, then runs to DOUBLE STOMP! Then Douki WRECKS Wato with a dropkick!
Douki goes outside and SMASHES Wato’s knee off the floor! The fans boo Douki as he swaggers around the way. Douki aims at Yoh, DAY- NO, Yoh ducks the Daybreak to UPPERCUT! Yoh runs, but Sho trips him up! The ref reprimands but Sho holds Yoh up. Douki runs, but Wato trips him up! The fans cheer and Yoh breaks free. Yoh sets up for WATO IN MOTION! Down goes Sho, and then Wato runs to BOOT Douki down! Wato fires up and the fans cheer as he FLIES! Down goes Douki at the ramp! Wato hobbles but he fires up even more! The fans cheer their hometown hero and he puts Douki back in the ring.
Yoh tags Wato in and then brings Douki up! FALCON ARROW! Kanemaru distracts the ref, Sho RAMS Yoh into the ref! Kanemaru SHOVES Wato down, Sho sends Yoh into bare buckles! The fans boo as now Kanemaru gets his whiskey bottle and Sho gets his Torture Tool! They aim at Wato & Yoh, but Wato & Yoh dodge! Kanemaru & Sho avoid colliding, but they take DOUBLE SUPERKICKS instead! Wato & Yoh aim at Douki, the fans rally up, DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! The fans fire up as Wato helps the ref back to his feet. Yoh suplexes Douki, but Douki slips free, and he shoves Yoh into the ref! Sho LOW BLOWS Yoh!
WHISKEY MIST for Wato! The fans boo but Sho has the Torture Tool! Sho CLOBBERS Yoh with it! The fans boo and Wato hobbles up, but Sho spins him around for Douki’s #DeathPipe! HOMERUN to the legs!! The fans boo but Sho laughs as he brings Wato around. Sho puts Wato on the ropes, holds the bad leg out, and Douki goes up! FLYING DEATH PIPE STRIKE!! Wato writhes, the fans boo more, but there’s nothing to stop Douki from putting Wato in the PARADISE FIGURE FOUR!! Sho keeps Yoh back, Wato TAPS, the House wins!!
Winners: Sho & Douki, by submission (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions)
The Young Lions try to stop Douki from inflicting more damage, but Sho & Kanemaru TOSS them all out! The House mugs Wato, adding insult to injury! Douki beats Wato down with the pipe! Yoh tries to go after him but Sho CHOKES him with the wrench! Douki then CLOBBERS Yoh! Sho is now a DOUBLE champion, and Douki holds gold after his first match back! How much more will the House stack the deck?
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Callum Newman & Great-O-Khan VS Taichi & Tomohiro Ishii!
The United Empire has gone through changes, and they are calling for NJPW to do the same. But is the future here with the younger generation? Or will the Holy Emperor & Stone Pitbull prove old dogs can still learn new tricks?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if past or future is our present!
The teams sort out and Taichi starts against Callum. The bell rings, the two run up, and Taichi BOOTS! Callum BOOTS back, and Taichi eggs him on! Callum fires a forearm, Taichi fires a ridge hand chop, and repeat! They go back and forth, then they add KICKS to the mix! Callum fires a flurry, whips, but Taichi reverses. Callum BOOTS Taichi, Taichi SOBATS and ROUND KICKS! Callum falls but kips up to DROPKCIK! Taichi is up and the two tie up! They scrap, end up in the Empire’s corner, and Khan tags in. The Empire mugs Taichi, Mongolian Chop to a PENALTY KICK! Ishii storms in but Callum BOOTS him!
Khan grabs Ishii’s leg and THROWS him down! Callum DOUBLE STOMPS Ishii, then Callum rains down forearms on Taichi! The ref reprimands so Callum stops and steps outside. Khan drags Taichi up and KNEES him low! And KNEES him again! Khan MONKEY FLIPS Taichi, then fireman’s carries for the SLAM! Khan stands Taichi up again for a SAYANAGI! Cocky cover, TWO! The fans rally as Khan drags Taichi up, his tearaway pants already starting to tear away. Khan CLUBS Taichi into the corner, then hops up to sit on his throne! The fans applaud, the ref reprimands, and Khan hops down,
Khan brings Taichi around to Mongolian Chop him down! Cover, TWO! Ishii coaches Taichi up while the fans rally, but Khan gives Taichi mocking kicks. Khan then BLASTS Ishii off the apron! Khan mockingly asks Taichi what’s wrong, then slaps him around. Taichi fires RIDGE HAND after RIDGE HAND! Khan winds up but Taichi CHOPS him first! Taichi reaches out but Khan keeps him from the corner. Khan UPPERCUTS and whips, but Taichi reverses to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down, but Taichi manages to tag Ishii! Ishii ROCKS Khan, then dodges Callum to send that BOOT into Khan!
Ishii whips Callum into Khan at the corner, then runs up. Callum dodges so Ishii LARIATS Khan! Callum returns but Ishii dodges, so Callum forearm SMASHES Khan! Ishii RUNS Callum over, then suplexes Khan high and hard! The fans fire up and Ishii looms over Khan. Ishii drags Khan up to CHOP! And CHOP again! Khan staggers but he shakes his head. Khan blocks the next chop to wrench, ELBOW BREAKER, and then KNEE the arm! Mongolian Chop to the arm! Ishii CHOPS, though a bit double-edged. Ishii runs, but into a SAYANAGI! Khan holds that bad arm out for Callum to PENALTY KICK into the ARMBAR!!
Ishii endures and the fans rally up! Ishii kicks around, fights his way over, and manages the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Khan lets go, and Khan tags Callum. The Empire double whip just to YANK Ishii’s bad arm, CLUB it, BOOT Ishii, then KNEE him down! Cover, TWO! Ishii toughs it out but Khan drags him back up for a waistlock. Callum runs, but Ishii BOOTS him away! Ishii ELBOWS Khan, then ducks so Callum’s ROUNDHOUSE hits Khan! Ishii then GERMAN SUPLEXES Callum! Callum tumbles away and the fans rally up! Ishii crawls, hot tag to Taichi! The fans fire up and Taichi runs corner to corner.
Taichi BOOTS Callum, and the fans rally behind him. Taichi runs, Callum avoids the Ax Bomber, swats the return, then BODY BLOWS! Callum KICKS Taichi to a corner, but Taichi comes back to AX BOMBER! The fans fire up, and OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi aims at Callum, winds up, but Callum ducks the buzzsaw to roll Taichi up! TWO, and Callum ducks a backhand! Taichi avoids the spin kick! Taichi reels Callum in for a DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Cover, TWO!! Callum survives and the fans fire up! Taichi feeds off that energy and takes aim. Callum rises, but Khan rushes in! Khan stops the Tensho Jujihou to THROW Taichi down!
Ishii runs in, Khan blocks the lariat and runs to LARIAT Ishii! Khan picks Taichi up and RAMS him into a corner! Khan then clamps on the IRON CLAW! Khan climbs up the corner and he drags Taichi up to join him! Taichi fights with ridge hands! Khan falls, but Callum DROPKICKS Taichi to the floor! The fans fire up and Khan brings out the Monster Rage! Khan PLANCHAS Ishii down!? Callum builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit on Taichi and Callum rolls through! The fans fire up while all four men are down on the outside! Callum rises first and he puts Taichi in the ring. Callum climbs the corner and DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!!
Taichi survives and the fans fire up! Khan keeps Ishii on the outside while Callum rises up. The fans rally more and Callum roars! Callum brings Taichi up, BLOODY- NO, Taichi slips out and back suplexes! Callum lands out, and feeds Taichi to a KNEE from Khan! Callum ROCKS Taichi, then coordinates with Khan. ROLLING ELBOW IRON RIGHT COMBO!! Callum then drags Taichi up, hooks up the legs, FIREBOLT!! Cover, ISHII BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, and then Khan CLOBBERS Ishii! Khan throws up the crown, then he fireman’s carries Taichi! Callum says crowns up, runs the ropes, but Ishii CLOBBERS him!
The fans fire up as Taichi slips free of Khan, shoves him at Ishii, and Ishii LARIATS! Ishii blocks Callum’s boot to HEADBUTT! DOUBLE GIRI COMBO!! The fans are thunderous as Taichi stands Callum up! Alabama Lift, but Khan has a SLEEPER on Ishii! Callum fights free, kicks off Ishii, and TORNADO DDTS Taichi! Khan GERMAN SUPLEXES Ishii away! The fans rally up while Callum watches Taichi runs. Callum runs in, V-TRIGGER! Callum runs again, but into a FOREARM! Callum V-TRIGGERS again! Taichi roars and runs in, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous while Callum is furious!
Callum shakes his head, mostly to shake out the doubt. The fans rally even harder for Taichi as Callum runs. Springboard and OSC- TENSHO JUJIHOU!! Alabama Lift, Ishii ROCKS Callum into the BLACK MEPHISTO BRAINBUSTER!!! Khan returns but into a TENSHO JUJIHOU!!! Taichi roars because he’s not done with Callum! BLACK MEPHISTO!!! Cover, TAICHI & ISHII WIN!!!
Winners: Taichi & Tomohiro Ishii, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
The United Empire could not conquer the past, and now Taichi & Ishii reign! This perhaps makes up for how Douki betrayed Just4Guys to make them Just3Guys, but perhaps they can just join Hontai now? As for the Empire, what are they to do after losing what little gold they had?
NJPW announces the participants in G1 Climax 35!
Naturally, Hirooki Goto is in, but will he still be world champion? Joining him in A Block will be: Boltin Oleg; Yuya Uemura; Yota Tsuji; David Finlay; Evil; Sanada; and Hiroshi Tanahashi in his FINAL G1! B Block has: El Phantasmo; Shota Umino; Shingo Takagi; Zack Sabre Jr; Great-O-Khan; Gabe Kidd; Ren Narita; and Konosuke Takeshita to represent AEW & DDT Pro! The remaining spots are up for grabs as part of play-in matches during the New Japan Soul tour! Two on June 23, the other two on July 4th, who will be lucky enough to be chosen for this opportunity?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS Boltin Oleg!
The Alpha of AEW is back, and though he is planning for a big summer, he has a big title defense to start it off! Will Konosuke keep this title going into G1 Season? Or will he be put behind BARS?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if things NEVER change!
The bell rings and the two run up to tie up! Konosuke headlocks, Oleg powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! Oleg rebounds to RAM Konosuke, Konosuke rebounds to RAM Oleg, then Konosuke BOOTS Oleg! Konosuke whips, Oleg reverses, but Konosuke RAMS Oleg! Oleg rebounds to CLOBBER Konosuke! The fans fire up with Oleg and he runs at Konosuke in the corner! SPLASH! Oleg keeps moving, but Konosuke meets him with a JUMP KNEE! The fans duel while Oleg bails out. Konosuke builds speed and FLIES! Down goes Oleg at the ramp and the fans fire up! Konosuke rises and the fans cheer him on.
Konosuke drags Oleg up and into the ring. Konosuke brings Oleg to the apron, but Oleg blocks the suplex! Konosuke powers through to FALCON ARROW Oleg into the ring! The fans rally and Konosuke climbs up. He gets the fans fired up, and then SUPER SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Oleg is still in this and the fans applaud. Konosuke paces around while Oleg rises. Konosuke brings Oleg around as the fans rally for “BO-RU-TIN!” Oleg fights the back suplex and throws elbows. Konosuke keeps Oleg from running and ROCKS him in the back! Konosuke shoves Oleg to the ropes and ROCKS him in the back again!
Konosuke whips, Oleg reverses but Konosuke TAKESHITA LINES into a fireman’s carry! The fans fire up and Konosuke panics! Oleg F5s Konosuke to the outside!! The fans fire up as Konosuke crashes down! Oleg crawls to the apron and then storms up on Konosuke at the ramp. Oleg ROCKS Konosuke, but Konosuke hits back! Oleg ROCKS Konosuke again, and they go further up the ramp. Konosuke ROCKS Oleg in return, but then Oleg ROCKS Konosuke again! They’re up on stage now, and the ALPHA ELBOW knocks Oleg down! The fans fire up while Oleg sputters and rises again. Konosuke uses the full length of the stage for a running start!
Oleg meets Konosuke for DOUBLE LARIATS! Oleg CHOPS, then he gut wrenches! The fans fire up for the Shake, Rattle and THROW down the ramp! Konosuke tumbles all the way from the D to the N in “DOMINION!” The fans fire up for Oleg as he hobbles after Konosuke. The ref finally starts a ring count, as is his discretion, and Oleg rolls into the ring at 7 of 20. Konosuke stands at 10, hobbles his way over, and rolls in at 14. The fans applaud as this continues, and then Oleg runs up, jumps up, and VADER BOMBS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Oleg drags Konosuke up. Oleg runs, but Konosuke ROCKS him!
Oleg swings, but into a cording hold! ALPHA ELBOW! Konosuke hauls Oleg up for BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! But right into a BOSTON CRAB! Konosuke sits deep on the hold, wanting to take Oleg down with a “Young Lion” hold! The fans rally for Oleg and he fights around! Oleg reaches out, powers up, and almost throws Konosuke off! Oleg pushes forward to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Oleg is freed. But Konosuke runs and LARIATS Oleg down! Konosuke vows to end this now, and he reels Oleg in. But Oleg blocks the suplex! Konosuke tries, but Oleg lifts him first! But Oleg’s back gives out!
Konosuke waistlocks for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Konosuke grows frustrated but the fans still rally behind Oleg. Konosuke goes to the corner and climbs up. Konosuke fires up and the fans cheer. Konosuke reaches the top, but Oleg ROCKS him first! Oleg climbs up after Konosuke now! Konosuke fires body shots, then LARIATS Oleg off the corner! But Oleg rises!? And he ROCKS Konosuke again! The fans fire up as Oleg climbs up, and he drags Konosuke onto his shoulders for the fireman’s carry! SUPER DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives and now Oleg grows frustrated!
The fans rally as Oleg tries another fireman’s carry! Konosuke flails and slips down to have a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Oleg endures as Konosuke squeezes tight, but the fans rally up! Oleg gets a second wind, Konosuke CLUBS away on him, but Oleg BACKDROPS free! Both men rise, and they DOUBLE LARIAT! Oleg ROCKS Konosuke, Konosuke ALPHA ELBOWS Oleg!! Konosuke drags Oleg up, but Oleg fireman’s carries through! The fans fire up as Oleg hits a POINT-BLANK KAMIKAZE!! Cover, TWO?!? Konosuke survives and the fans fire up! Konosuke and Oleg both catch their breath before they rise again.
Konosuke ROCKS Oleg, Oleg ROCKS Konosuke, repeat! The forearms keep going back and forth and the fans rally up! Oleg gets the edge, but then Konosuke ALPHA ELBOWS again! Konosuke pulls off his elbow pad, winds up again, but Oleg DECKS Konosuke!! Oleg roars, the fans fire up, and Oleg runs! Konosuke dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Konosuke runs, but Oleg LARIATS through!! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives and the fans fire up again! Oleg rises, he fireman’s carries Konosuke, but Konosuke slips down to waistlock! Full nelson, and DRAGON SUPLEX!! But Oleg stirs!? Konosuke hurries to ALPHA ELBOW again!!
Oleg falls in a heap but Konosuke isn’t done! He vows to end this, and he stands Oleg up, but Oleg SHOTGUNS! Konosuke ruses, POWER- NO, Oleg stops the knee attack and fireman’s carries! KAMIKAZE!!! Cover, OLEG WINS!!
Winner: Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (NEW NEVER Openweight Champion)
His first singles championship, and it comes off the incredibly accomplished Konosuke Takeshita! Oleg shows The Alpha respect, but this title is now going to be with Oleg for the G1! Will Oleg be the one to define the NEVER fighting spirit?
Dog Collar Chain Deathmatch: David Finlay w/ Gedo VS EVIL w/ The House of Torture!
If tonight has shown us anything, it’s that the Dog Pound Cage Match barely settled anything! The War Dogs may be THE Bullet Club now, but the House of Torture has been making moves in the shadows. But can The Rebel still put the King of Darkness down? Or will we have to admit that Everything is Evil?
Well, given this is a No Disqualification match, Evil is putting all the cards on the table by having all nine of his henchmen at ringside! Finlay makes his entrance, and it seems he only has Gedo with him. To be fair, his dogs got beat up in the 8 Man Tag, and Gabe Kidd has to focus on his own goal of the Global Heavyweight Championship. Wait, Finlay has Gedo go to the back? Evil chuckles, surely Finlay doesn’t think he can win 1v10. Wait, the rest of the dogs are still here! Connors, Drilla & Taiji walk with Finlay, but they’re still outnumbered 2:1. Even so, five War Dogs step up to the stacked deck of 10.
Finlay has the chain, and he has his boys throw up the Too Sweet. Osaka barks for the War Dogs as Finlay puts his collar on. Evil has his boys put one out, and he smirks as he picks up his collar. Evil puts it on, the factions stay outside, and the bell rings. The fans rally as Finlay and Evil gather up slack, and they circle as they get closer. The tug-o-war gets tenser, but Evil lets some slack go so the distance stays the same. The two feel things out using the slack as a weapon. Evil takes swipes, and then he stands on the chain! Finlay uses that trick against Evil and trips him up! Finlay rains down fists, but Evil scrambles out of the ring!
Finlay quickly reminds Evil that they’re stuck together by reeling him back in! Finlay CLUBS away on Evil, the fans and the War Dogs fire up, and then Finlay throat chops Evil in the corner! And throat chops again! Finlay climbs up to rain down fists, then he wraps the chain around the post! Finlay CHOKES Evil, then RAMS him! Finlay wraps the chain around the post again and he pulls! Payback for when Evil did this in the dog pound! Finlay stomps Evil, CHOKES him, but Evil refuses to give up. Finlay fires point-blank LARIATS again and again and again, all the way to TEN! The fans cheer while Evil sputters.
Finlay lets Evil out of the corner, gathers up some slack, and he LASHES Evil on the back! Finlay then TOSSES Evil over the top rope, and HANGS him! The warring factions keep each other at bay, and then Finlay lets Evil drop to the floor! Finlay takes his time going outside, but Evil YANKS the chain and FLINGS Finlay into railing! The Rebel crashes down and the ref checks him. Evil has the ref check him, but this is a distraction! The House swarms Finlay! The War Dogs rush in, but again, this is a 2:1 ratio, the House beats up on the War Dogs! Evil drags Finlay into the crowd! The fans fire up but they clear out of the way as Evil PUNCHES Finlay!
Evil CHOKES Finlay with the chain! The ref reprimands but there’s nothing more he can do. The factions brawl more at ringside, and oh look, the blue buckle pad is gone! The House Special is waiting while Evil BOWLS Finlay into chairs! The fans clear out a bit more as Evil looms over Finlay. Evil ROCKS Finlay, talks trash, then drags him back to ringside. Evil throws more headlock punches, then he stands on Finlay’s head! The ref reprimands, Evil steps off, and Evil drags Finlay up. Finlay is busted open, but Evil GAGS Finlay with the chain! Finlay flails, fans have to move aside, and Evil CHOKES Finlay on the railing!
The fans boo Evil and rally for Finlay, but Evil brings Finlay back to the ring. The House has thoroughly beat down the War Dogs, and Evil GAGS Finlay again! Finlay can only suffer as Evil wraps the chain around his head a bit more, then BOOTS him down! Evil drags Finlay up, then SMACKS him off bare buckles! The fans boo and the War Dogs coach Finlay on. Evil tells them to shut up, and then he puts Finlay in a Tree of Woe! The bare buckles make that hurt more. Evil’s collar comes undone, and he “complains” to the ref! That’s all a distraction so Dick and the House can CHOKE Finlay using the chain!
The fans boo, the ref does reprimand about the chain detaching from Evil’s collar, but Evil claims it was totally by accident. Finlay is freed from the Tree, the ref grabs the chain, and he reattaches it for Evil. Finlay coughs and sputters while Gedo protests, this has to be because of something Evil did to the chain. Evil whips Finlay hard into more bare buckles, because the House undid one of the neutral corners! And then the same on the other neutral corner! Evil laughs at Finlay but Gedo and the dogs coach Finlay up. Evil whips Finlay back into the House corner and Finlay falls in a heap. Evil says the ref should just call it.
Finlay refuses to let Evil win like that, so Evil whips him at the red corner! Finlay avoids hitting those bare buckles, then he dodges Evil! Evil avoids hitting the bare buckles, but Finlay YANKS the chain and LOW BLOWS Evil! Finlay storms up on Evil, and now Evil is sent into bare buckles! The King of Darkness tastes some of his own medicine! Finlay gathers up the slack and LASHES Evil again and again! Ren, Yujiro & Sanada get on the apron, but Finlay BLASTS them all down! Finlay then stands Evil up to CHAIN PUNCH! The fans fire up and Evil looms over Evil. Finlay drags Evil up, reels him in, and POWERBOMBS him out onto the House!
The fans fire up as The King of Darkness is used to wipe out about seven of his pawns! Finlay goes outside again, and he wraps up his fist again. Finlay says no more games, and he punches away on Evil’s forehead! The fans bark, Finlay shouts, “WAR DOGS~!” and the fans cheer! Finlay fetches Evil, whips him hard into railing, then laces through a corner. Finlay reels Evil in with the chain and has him against the corner! Finlay then runs around Evil to wrap him up! Evil is trapped, and Finlay fires away with HAYMAKERS! Finlay BITES Evil’s forehead, then spits out that awful taste. Finlay unwraps Evil by running around the other way, only for Evil to YANK Finlay into POST!
Finlay is in a daze, and Evil brings out chairs! Evil has Dick distract the ref. No Disqualification or not, Evil wants to escalate things! He puts the chair around Finlay’s head, and then YANKS him into the POST!! Finlay falls in a heap while the fans boo Evil! The ref checks on Finlay, and somehow Finlay is still able to continue. Evil drags Finlay up with the chain, reels him into the ring, and Evil LASHES Finlay now! Finlay writhes but Evil LASHES him again! Finlay flounders but Evil LASHES him again! The fans rally for Finlay but Evil drags him up, to LARIAT! Finlay staggers around, Evil LARIATS again! Finlay leans on Evil, then slumps down.
The fans rally for Finlay but Evil wraps his arm in chain. Evil winds up and stands Finlay for the CHAIN LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Finlay survives and the fans fire up! Evil brings Finlay back up, fireman’s carries, and DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!!! Finlay is still in this and the War Dogs rally the fans! Evil is annoyed but he vows to end this now. Evil drags Finlay up, reels him in, EVERY- NO, Finlay slips free and suplexes! INTO OBLIVION!! The fans fire up as Finlay turns this around! Both men are down, but Finlay uses the chain to bring Evil over. Finlay reels Evil in, lifts, and BUCKLE BOMBS!! Evil falls in a heap from hitting off bare steel!
Finlay shows no mercy, and he POWERBOMBS again! Finlay wobbles but then leans against the ropes. Evil sputters, the House is worried, but Finlay is on Evil again! POWERBOMB!! Finlay staggers, but even the War Dogs want more! Finlay storms over to Evil, uses the chain to CHOKE him, then turns around. But Evil reels the ref in and CHOKES him! Evil and the ref fall, and Finlay realizes what happened. Finlay says that won’t spare Evil, and he KNEES Evil down! Finlay says Evil wanted this, now he’s gonna pay! Finlay stands Evil up to KNEE him down again! The fans cheer Finlay on as he drags Evil back up.
Finlay reels Evil in for another KNEE! Finlay slashes his throat and vows to end this! The fans fire up and bark with Finlay. Finlay wraps his knee with the chain, but Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER! Gedo gets in and uses the chain to CHOKE Dick! Sanada CLUBS Gedo! Connors CLUBS Sanada! Sho hits Connors with the Torture Tool! Drilla kicks Sho low and reels him in, DRILLA- NO, Ren uses the PUSHUP BAR! Taiji fires off hands on Ren, but Yujiro uses the PIMP CANE! Finlay CLOBBERS everybody, but Chase is in! Finlay SMACKS that traitor, then goes after Ren! WHISKEY MIST! DEATH PIPE!! Chase gives Finlay a C-TRIGGER!!
The fans boo as all these traitors help Evil! They even bring in a table! They CHUCK the table right at Finlay’s head! Then they set it up near a corner, and Fale climbs up!?! Finlay is put on the table, and Fale DIVING SPLASHES through the table!! The fans boo as Finlay is completely wrecked! Evil makes sure the collar is back on as if nothing happened. Evil calls for the ref, then he wraps the chain around Finlay’s neck! Evil CHOKES Finlay, a new ref comes in as a replacement, and Evil uses the chain to help with the SCORPION DEATHLOCK!! Finlay endures as Evil bends him back and pulls on the chain!!
The fans boo but Finlay can only endure! Bloody forehead, bloody back, and he’s PASSING OUT!! EVIL WINS!!
Winner: Evil, by submission
The King of Darkness let The Rebel have the name, “Bullet Club,” because clearly he wants what matters more: POWER! The House of Torture is a force of nature at ten men strong, will no one stop them from taking over NJPW?
As for Finlay, the medical team is brought in, and they bring a backboard and stretcher. Will their boss dog ever be able to bark again?
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji VS Gabe Kidd!
When these two battled last, it went to a time limit draw, and obviously everyone was left wanting more. But will sixty minutes be enough this time around? Or will the Gene Blast and Mad Man fight forever?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and these two finally run it back!
Gabe surprisingly shows respect by offering a handshake. Yota accepts and the fans cheer. The bell rings and the two slowly circle. The fans duel, with plenty of “YOTA!” and “GABU!” Gabe then SMACKS Yota, SAIDOS, and Yota tumbles out! “I’m a Mad Man, y’know!” Gabe runs and FLIES! Down goes Yota and the fans fire up! Gabe goes back to Yota, drags him up and into the ring, and the fans cheer. But then Yota BLASTS Gabe off the apron! Yota runs to FOSBURY FLOP! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! Both men are down from bringing out the big moves early, and a ring count begins. Both men stir at 8, and Yota rises at 10 of 20.
Yota brings Gabe up at 13 but Gabe fights the scoop! Yota fights the driver, we pass 15! And then 17! Yota fights the suplex, both men hear 19 and they LEAP in! The fans cheer as these two avoid a rather quick draw. The two then tie up, Gabe headlocks, and Yota powers up and out. Gabe RUNS Yota over, then things speed up. Yota bypasses then HIP TOSSES Gabe, and adds a basement DROPKICK! The fans rally while Gabe goes to ropes. Yota storms up but Gabe CHOPS! Gabe fires forearms and UPPERCUTS! Gabe whips, Yota reverses and hit a KITCHEN SINK KNEE! Gabe sputters but Yota brings him up for a scoop and SLAM!
Yota runs, and he SPLASHES down! Cover, TWO! Gabe shakes his head, he’s tougher than that, but Yota stays calm. Yota storms over to Gabe, stands him up, and CHOPS him back down! Gabe huffs ‘n’ puffs and rises up, but Yota fires a forearm. Gabe fires back, they trade shots, but then Yota BODY BLOWS! Gabe falls in a heap and sputters again. Yota brings Gabe back up, then runs to RUN Gabe over! The fans cheer and Yota pushes Gabe to a cover, TWO! Gabe shakes his head and the fans applaud but Yota grins. Yota brings Gabe up, ROCKS him, and has him in a corner. Gabe eggs Yota on so Yota CHOPS him!
Yota stands Gabe up, RAMS into him again and again, but Red Shoes reprimands. Yota snapmares Gabe, then wraps on body scissors! Gabe endures the squeeze, fights off the chinlock, and he eggs Yota on again. Yota fires a forearm, Gabe SLAPS, and repeat! Yota SLAPS Gabe now! Gabe sputters and Yota turns scissors into a top mount so he can CHOP Gabe! Gabe snarls and grabs at Yota, but Yota CHOPS him again! Yota paces, then he scuffs Gabe. Gabe sits up with a scowl, but Yota scuffs him again. Gabe gets in Yota’s face, so Yota fires forearms. Gabe tells Yota off but Yota fires a flurry! Then he DECKS Gabe!
Yota smiles and paces while Gabe slowly sits back up. Gabe shakes out the stars, but Yota fires even more forearms. Gabe powers Yota to the ropes! Yota HAMMERS Gabe, but Gabe SHOVES Yota up and out! Yota tumbles to the floor but is otherwise okay, so a ring count begins. The fans rally, Gabe sits cross-legged, but Yota is still down at 10 of 20. Yota stands at 13, rolls in at 15, and Gabe says F YOU! LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Yota survives and the fans cheer but Gabe is annoyed. Gabe barks, the fans join in, and Gabe stands Yota up. Gabe winds up to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP as he has Yota against ropes! Gabe then LARIATS and CROSSBODIES!
Yota tumbles away and Gabe snarls. Gabe runs in at the corner and LARIATS! Then he clinches to EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Gabe shakes his head and paces around Yota. Gabe runs, but Yota ducks the lariat to COMPLETE SHOT, then deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Gabe tumbles to a corner, the fans rally up, and Yota growls. Yota runs corner to corner to V-TRIGGER! Gabe falls, Yota grins, and Yota goes up, up, and MARLOWE- NO, Gabe dodges! Gabe runs up, but into a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Gabe is still in this but Yota stays focused. The fans rally and duel as Yota brings Gabe up.
Yota reels Gabe in, suplexes, but Gabe blocks! They fight for suplex control now, and Gabe fires a body shot! Gabe then hangs Yota out to dry and BOOTS him! Gabe goes up the corner now, and he GUILLOTINE SENTONS! Not the best hit and Gabe may have taken as much damage as Yota on that. Gabe crawls over to bring Yota up, and he SAIDOS! Cover, TWO! Yota is still in this and the fans cheer. Both men are down but Gabe sits up. Gabe shakes his head, he doesn’t care about that. He eggs Yota on and dares him to bring the fight! Gabe SLAPS Yota, then eggs him on more. Yota CHOPS in return and the fans fire up!
Yota eggs Gabe on, then catches him for the BACKBREAKER, FLATLINER and STOMP! The fans fire up as the Gene Combination hits! Yota watches Gabe bails out, so Yota builds speed again! Yota DIVES and down goes Gabe! But Gabe’s right up to BOOT Yota! Gabe runs up, but Yota pops him up! Gabe mule kicks, then goes up, up, and ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit and then Gabe inverted suplexes into a gut wrench! TOMBSTONE on the floor!! Gabe and Yota are both down while the fans fire up! Gabe rises and the fans cheer him on! Gabe puts Yota in the ring, hauls him up, and suplexes for the BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
The fans cheer as Yota stays in this, but Gabe frowns. Gabe grabs Yota’s legs and GIANT SWINGS him! Gabe borrows from his new friends in the Death Riders, and then he turns Yota over for a BOSTON CRAB! Gabe wants to use that Young Lion hold to humiliate Yota! The fans rally as Yota endures and powers up! Yota storms his way forward, but Gabe drags him back and sits deep! The fans rally more as Yota powers up again! Yota grits his teeth and fights forward, but Gabe sits deeper! Yota still manages the ROPEBREAK! Gabe lets go in frustration, and he stomps and kicks Yota at the ropes. Red Shoes reprimands but Gabe eggs Yota on.
Gabe tells Yota that this is NJPW, so get up! Yota rises, and he fires a forearm. Gabe shakes his head so Yota fires more shots. Gabe says they’re still not good enough, and he CHOPS in return! Yota sputters, the fans rally, and Gabe waits on Yota. Yota rises to fire a forearm, Gabe CHOPS again, and Yota staggers back. Yota storms up to fire a forearm, but Gabe gives that back. The forearms go back and forth, speed up even, and the fans rally. Yota fires a flurry, then a CHOP! Gabe felt that one! Gabe still comes back and fakes a chop to JAB! Red Shoes reprimands about closed fists but Gabe kicks and CHOPS Yota!
Yota stands to HEADBUTT! Gabe falls right over! Yota waits on Gabe, winds up, but Gabe catches him to a nelson! Yota breaks it but ends up in a COBRA TWIST! The fans fire up, Yota reaches out, but Gabe rolls Yota up! TWO, and Gabe SMACKS Yota! Gabe reels Yota in, but Yota Alabama Lifts! DEADEYE! Yota then reels Gabe in, lifts, and hits a PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives and Yota grows frustrated but the fans love it! Yota runs to CURB STOMP Gabe, then he goes up the corner! The fans fire up for the MARLOWE CRUSH!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives and the fans cheer again. Yota roars and the fans duel again!
Yota aims from a corner as Gabe rises. GENE- KNEE!!! Gabe roars, KICKS Yota in the face, then reels him in! LEG TRAP PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Yota survives and no one can believe it! The fans rally up again and Gabe roars! Gabe brings his kneepad down and takes aim at Yota! O- NO!! Yota pops Gabe up for a KNEE of his own! And then a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives and the fans rally up again. Yota goes to a corner, Gabe stands, GENE- LARIAT!! Gabe counters again, and then he hauls Yota up! Yota fights the driver, wrenches, but Gabe SMACKS him! Yota V-TRIGGERS!
Gabe rebounds, Yota dodges, but then Gabe rebounds again, COMEBACKER!! The fans are thunderous and Gabe aims from the corner! O- GENE BLASTER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Now Gabe survives and the fans are electric! Yota roars and he reloads! Gabe stands, into the GENE- NO! Gabe facelocks, PARADIGM SHIFT?!?! And then the LEG TRAP DRIVER!!!! Cover, GABE WINS!!!
Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)
The Mad Man used The Maniac’s move and made himself a champion! Gabe has been saying he wants to restore the feeling of Strong Style in NJPW, but did he prove he can also be elite?
After being presented the belt, Gabe grabs the mic. “Tsuji, wait, wait, wait.” Gabe hobbles over to his rival and the fans applaud. Gabe tells Yota that NJPW in the 1990s, it was Hashimota and Mutoh. In the 2000s, it was Tanahashi and Nakamura. And then the late 2010s, it was Okada and Omega. But now, with 2025, it will be them, Tsuji and Kidd!! Gabe wants Tsuji to understand, he will see him again later. Gabe then asks if anyone minds that he speaks English. No, let’s be real. It is very public what happened to him, the struggles he has been through. “Getting sectioned in a side checker hospital, not wanting to live anymore…”
But none of that matters now, because he is now the GLOBAL HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! The fans cheer Gabe on as he holds up the belt. Gabe revels in that praise, and then says that he wants challengers now! Who is it gonna be? OI! HIROSHI TANAHASHI! Get out here, ya bastard! The fans cheer Tanahashi on, and Gabe says hurry up, get out here. Here comes The Ace! The fans cheer as Tanahashi makes his way back out here, and Gabe holds the ropes open for the President. The fans applaud, and now they’re face to face in the ring. Gabe says this is Tanahashi’s Final Road. Then let’s go, President! They’ll fight one last time!
The fans cheer that idea! Will Tanahashi and Gabe light it up even before entering the G1? Will the Mad Man regret gambling with The Ace?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto w/ YOSHI-HASHI VS Shingo Takagi!
The dream finally came true earlier this year at the New Beginning in Osaka as the Goto Revolution dethroned Zack Sabre Jr. Goto was handed the banner of Hontai by Hiroshi Tanahashi, and then Goto overcame ZSJ again in their rematch. But now, this former ungovernable has come back to regain former glory! Will this become the Takagi Revolution? Or will the Fierce Warrior slay this Rampaging Dragon?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who makes this their Dominion!
The bell rings and the fans fire up already. The dueling is strong between “GO-TO-O!” and “TA-KA-GI!” The two feel things out, knuckle lock, then clinch, only to separate. They go again, then separate, and the fans continue to rally. The two tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and Takagi powers Goto to the ropes. Goto turns things around on Takagi, lets off slowly, and pats Takagi on the shoulders. Takagi rushes Goto and kicks low! Takagi CLUBS Goto, clamps on a headlock, but Goto poewrs up and out. GOto headlocks inr eturn, but now Takagi powers up and out. They RAM shoulders and Takagi just brushes it off.
Takagi runs to RAM Goto, but Goto grits his teeth. Goto and Takagi egg each other on, then Goto runs. Goto RAMS Takagi, Takagi rebounds and RAMS Goto! Goto rebounds and RAMS Takagi again, and both men stand their ground. The fans rally as Goto fires a forearm and Takagi fires a CHOP, then repeat! They both throw forearms now, but then Goto knees low, snapmares, and KICKS Takagi in the back! Takagi stands to CHOP! The fans fire up and Takagi whips. Goto reverses, Takagi blocks the hip toss, and Takagi THROWS Goto down. Goto avoids the senton and he hits a takeover. Takagi headscissors, Goto kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff.
Goto and Takagi reset while the fans rally. They approach, and Takagi offers a handshake? Goto is wary, but Takagi promises a clean fight. Goto accepts the handshake, but then Takagi KNEES low! Goto fights the pump handle, dragon sleepers, but Takagi arm-drags free. Takagi bypasses Goto, but Goto counters a hip toss with a hip toss! Goto then RUNS Takagi over! Takagi bails out and goes to the crowd. Takagi dares Goto to come get him, but Goto tells Takagi to get in the ring. Takagi stretches out his arms and legs, then steps back to the apron. Red Shoes has Goto stay back, but then Takagi steps in and Goto attacks!
Goto CLUBS away on Takagi in the corner, then he whips Takagi to ropes. Goto ELBOWS Takagi down, then ELBOW DROPS! Takagi sputters, Goto drops an ELBOWS on the back! Cover, ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Goto brings Takagi up. Goto digs his knee into Takagi’s back as part of the chinlock. Takagi endures, but Goto ELBOWS him in the head! Red Shoes reprimands but Goto stomps Takagi around. Goto and Takagi trade forearms but Goto stomps Takagi in the corner. Goto whips corner to corner, runs in and LARIATS! The fans fire up with Goto and he headlocks, but Takagi fights off the bulldog!
Goto fires knees, but Takagi shoves Goto away! Goto comes back, but into the ELBOW! Takagi goes up and reels Goto in, TORNADO DDT! Takagi then runs up and LARIATS Goto up and out of the ring! The fans cheer, then they duel while Goto is down on the outside. Takagi goes out to fetch Goto, and he brings Goto around the way to whip hard into railing! Yoshi-Hashi has to stay back as Takagi storms over that way. Takagi brings Goto around to SMACK him off the apron! Takagi then fireman’s carries for a SNAKE EYES off the apron! Takagi doesn’t stop, he brings Goto to the ramp! Snap suplex onto the ramp! Right on the N and I!
Goto writhes, clutching his leg, and Red Shoes has Takagi stay back. Takagi waits, and Goto is okay to continue. Takagi stomps Goto, drags him up, and Takagi brings Goto to the ring. Takagi then drops an ELBOW of his own! And a SENTON! The fans applaud and rally up again. Takagi brings Goto up, puts him on the ropes, and KNEES him low! And KNEES him again! Takagi backs off as Red Shoes reprimands, and then Takagi whips to KNEE Goto again! Takagi runs to RUN Goto over! The fans fire up and Takagi flexes. Takagi drags Goto back up, reels him in, and suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO!
Takagi looks to the camera, but then says not yet. Takagi wraps on the body scissors! Goto fights around as he endures the squeeze. Takagi clamps on a chinlock, Goto still fights, so Takagi shifts to make it part COBRA TWIST! The fans rally as Goto still endures and still fights around! Goto kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, but Takagi holds on! Red Shoes reprimands and counts, so Goto lets go at 3. Takagi stands while the fans rally. Takagi kicks Goto around, then stands him up. Goto fires CHOP after CHOP, but Takagi RIDGE HAND CHOPS, and RIDGE HAND CHOPS, then DOUBLE CHOPS!
Takagi has Goto in the corner, whips him corner to corner, then runs in, but blocks a boot! Takagi LARIATS through and the fans fire up! Takagi stands Goto up to JAB, CHOP, and repeat! The fans rally with every JAB, then Takagi CHOPS! Takagi then whips Goto back the other way, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up but into BOOTS! Takagi runs, Goto follows and LARIATS! The fans cheer while both men are down. Goto rises as the fans rally and duel again. Goto storms over to Takagi in the corner, fires forearms, then whips corner to corner. Goto runs in and MURAMASA to the SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Takagi stays in this and the fans cheer.
The dueling continues as “GO-TO-O!” rises and storms over to “TA-KA-GI!” Goto scoops, Takagi slips free to the apron, but Goto ELBOWS Takagi. Goto runs up but Takagi RAMS him! Takagi looks to the floor and nods. Takagi brings Goto up but Goto DECKS him! Takagi goes to the floor and leans on the railing. Goto rolls out to go after him, but Takagi RAMS Goto into the apron! Takagi has media clear out, and he whips Goto. Goto stops from hitting railing, then he picks Takagi up! Goto has Takagi on the railing, for a DRAPING SHOTO to the floor! The fans fire up and Red Shoes checks both men. They’re both able to continue, and Goto rolls into the ring first.
The ring count is climbing, Takagi is still down at 7 of 20. Takagi stirs, rises up, and he uses the railing to stand at 11. But then he falls back! Takagi rises again at 15, and he slides in at 17! The fans applaud, and Goto storms his way over. Goto stomps Takagi, brings him up, but Takagi fires a forearm! Goto fires back, but then Takagi CHOPS! Goto ROCKS Takagi, Takagi HEADBUTTS Goto, repeat! Takagi then runs, but Goto catches him to URA GTR! Goto runs and LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Takagi stays in this and Goto snarls. The fans rally and Goto brings Takagi up. Takagi fights the fireman’s carry and CLUBS away on him!
Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! The fans fire up while Goto is down! Takagi drags Goto back up while the fans rally, but Goto takes a swing! Takagi catches him, spins him, and hits a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Takagi then runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Goto stays in this and the fans applaud. Takagi shouts to Osaka and says, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as Takagi stands Goto up and pump handles. Goto fires elbows and gets free, to then fire forearms! Goto runs, but Takagi follows to LARIAT at the ropes! And SAIDO! Goto stands?! But Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON- NO, Goto fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI!
The fans fire up again while both men are down! The dueling begins again and is strong as ever. Goto stands first, he runs, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Takagi drops to his knees while Goto staggers back, and the fans rally up again. Takagi and Goto DOUBLE LARIAT again! Goto roars, runs, but Takagi swats a lariat to BLINDSIDE LARIAT, then PUMPING BOMBER! Takagi hauls Goto up to POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! Goto stays in this and the fans fire up. Both men slowly rise up, and Takagi fires up with “OI! OI! OI!” The fans join in, Takagi runs corner to corner and LARIATS! The fans fire up while Goto sputters.
Takagi roars, the fans fire up more, and Takagi puts Goto up top. Takagi climbs up but Goto fires body shots! Goto shoves Takagi down but Takagi fires ridge hands! Takagi climbs up again, but Goto fires forearms! Takagi HEADBUTTS, Goto HEADBUTTS, and they keep going back and forth! Goto then pushes Takagi down so he can climb up, SUPER KAI TEN!! High stack cover, TWO!! Takagi survives that super sunset bomb and the fans are thunderously dueling! Goto fireman’s carries, G T W!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives again and the fans rally up more. Goto roars and drags Takagi into a dragon sleeper!
But Takagi spins it around! Takagi squeezes tight, but Goto drops down! Takagi holds on, but Goto fires hands from below! Goto is free, runs up, but Takagi puts him in the ropes! Takagi hits the DRAPING GTR! And then he pump handles to hit MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!?! Goto survives and the fans are thunderous again! Takagi drags Goto up, runs, and PUMPING BOMBER! The fans are thunderous as Takagi stands Goto up, pump handles and torture racks, BURNING DRAGON!! Cover, TWO!??! Goto survives and the fans are electric! Takagi is beside himself but the fans continue to duel between them!
Takagi rises and he goes over to Goto. Takagi pump handles again but Goto fires elbow after elbow! Takagi POINT-BLANK LARIATS! The fans fire up while both men stay up, and Takagi LARIATS again! Goto drops to a knee, but Takagi brings him back up. Goto fires forearms! Takagi fires boxing elbows! Goto HEADBUTTS into a FOREARM! But then Goto and Takagi DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Goto fires up, but Takagi JABS! And HEADBUTTS! And POINT-BLANK- NO, Goto catches Takagi to facelock! Takagi fights the suplex, and then he suplexes! But Goto fights that and suplexes, SHOTEN KAI!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous!
Goto and Takagi stir, the fans rally as hard as they possibly can, and Goto rises first. Goto goes to a corner, roars, and he powers up! Takagi sits up, into the BUZZSAW! But then he springs up!? But Goto LARIATS Takagi back down!! Osaka is erupting as Goto dragon sleepers! But Takagi fires hands! So Goto grabs the arm, only for Takagi to somersault clutch! TWO, and SLIDING D!! Both men are down again, and the fans duel as hard as they can! Takagi roars, and then he drags Goto back up! Takagi pump handles, torture racks, but Goto slips down! G T R!!! Goto has to crawl to the cover! TWO?!?!?
The fans are electric as Takagi survives! Goto is almost foaming at the mouth, but he brings Takagi up for HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! And yet Takagi rises!? Takagi says he’s not done yet, but Goto HEADBUTTS him! And then URA SWING into G T R!!! Cover, GOTO WINS!!
Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
The Fierce Warrior reveals he is still growing and evolving as he busts out a brand new take on his classic finisher! The Rampaging Dragon has been slain, but can he rise back up in the heat of the G1?
As for Goto, Hashi helps put the belt back around his waist, and Goto shows Takagi respect by holding out his hand. Takagi stands up, applauds Goto, and then shakes his hand. The fans applaud, will these two run it back soon enough? As Takagi makes his leave, Goto grabs the mic. The fans cheer Goto on, and he says, “The Goto Revolution is all about the will of a veteran.” The fans cheer, and Goto says that in a sense, Takagi is part of that revolution. Goto tells Takagi not to give up. “You’ll find yourself a nice wife. You have to create your own future.” The fans chuckle but they do applaud Goto supporting Takagi both professionally and personally.
Goto says, “As for me, it is my mission to create the future for NJPW!” The fans applaud, and Goto adds, “The Goto Revolution is far from over. Please keep following me until the very end!” The fans applaud again and Goto says they will close with Goto’s G’s. “Let’s go, Osaka-Jo!” The fans cheer, and Goto says, “The G in IWGP stands for Goto!” With that, Goto puts down the mic and the streamers fly! If the Goto Revolution is keeping the G in IWGP, will the Fierce Warrior also make the G1 into the Goto 1?
My Thoughts:
A great night for NJPW, a very packed show, even though I skipped ELP & Shota VS ZSJ & Oiwa. Bullet Club and House of Torture sure had a big night tonight, with “Don Fale” defecting from Bullet Club and apparently bringing Chase Owens with him, and Douki replacing Kanemaru to not only have a shocking return but to take those titles off Yoh & Wato. And then all of this factors into that dog collar match to help Evil win, showing the House of Torture is the new big bad faction everyone has to worry about.
Tanahashi VS Uemura was very good, and a part of me figured Tanahashi would win to stay strong as he goes into the second half of his final year. Oleg VS Konosuke was great stuff, especially for Oleg to win the NEVER Openweight title. Konosuke is still going to be in the G1 but I wonder if after that, Konosuke focuses more on AEW related story, especially since things will sort out between the Continental & International Championships. Yota VS Gabe was great, but that flying senton was perhaps a spot Gabe hadn’t practiced, he really overshot it. Gabe winning was still the right move after how strong he’s been going and is becoming NJPW’s favorite anti-hero. Gabe VS Tanahashi will be great stuff, but I would think Gabe retains the title.
And the main event was awesome, both guys still very popular and still going strong. Goto retaining made sense, there’s still a lot he can do as champion. He will definitely be tested in the G1, with every match being the other guy giving their best against him. But I don’t expect Goto to win the whole thing, or maybe even A Block, with quite a few top names in there. Tanahashi might make a good push, it could be between him and Goto since this is Tanahashi’s last G1.
My Score: 9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
4 Corners Podcast: The Fabulous Finals
The NBA and Stanely Cup Finals near their respective conclusions. Dave and Pat break down the action and whether anything...
4 Corners Podcast: Serving Up A Classic
Patrick returns as he and Dave discuss the Stanley Cup Finals, the NBA Finals, Coco Gauff's epic triumph, and a...
4 Corners Podcast: The Rematch & The Rebuild
Dave and PC Tunney preview the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals as the NBA and NHL reach the conclusion...
4 Corners Podcast: Blown Off Course
Dave and Tunney break down the Conference Finals in the NHL and NBA, discuss the NFL going to the Olympics,...
4 Corners Podcast: Bettor Late Than Never?
Dave, Patrick, and Tunney break down the NHL and NBA Playoffs and a pretty stunning decision from the MLB Commissioner's...
Bandwagon Nerds #293: Father Figures
The Nerds review the latest trailers for Iron Heart and Superman. A Spaceballs sequel is now official and why are...
Bandwagon Nerds #292: Where’s Michael’s Guitar?
The first ever Movie Year Draft highlight's this week's Episode. Plus, the Trailer Park rolls on, as does the search...
Attitude Of Aggression #310- Unidentified History: The Battle of Los Angeles
Unidentified History returns as Dave recaps his visit to Contact in the Desert and the guys do a deep dive...
Bandwagon Nerds #291: Its Pronounced Tuh-Doom
The Nerds cover all the best trailers from Tudum, discuss DC- Marvel crossovers, and get concerned for the future of...
Bandwagon Nerds #290: Norm!
The Nerds recap trailers for Jurassic Park: Rebirth and Welcome to Derry, discuss delays to Avengers movies, and pay their...
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/16/25)
The last spots are on the line!
Mitchell’s NJPW Dominion Results & Report! (6/15/25)
Who leads the revolution?
POD is WAR: Now Without Baby Oil
Andrew Balaz, Rey Cash and PC Tunney invite you to come along on a trip inside the minds of Los...
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: World’s Collide And That’s The Truth
Join DJ, Rob and Jason every week as they give their "Mindless" takes on Pro Wrestling and much, much more!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/13/25)
It's only a matter of time...
DWI Podcast #478: The Whole Truth
Don't drink and drive, drink and podcast! Join AJ, DP and PC weekly for their thoughts on RAW, SmackDown and...
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.12.2025
DO SOMETHING WITH JASON HOTCH AND KC NAVARRO - that is all.
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (6/12/25)
Prove you are worthy!
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (6/11/25)
Winning is just the beginning!
Classic POD is WAR: The Dollar Man (6/10/2021)
Tune in for another CLASSIC episode of POD is WAR!!!
