Tribal Chief, Samoan Werewolf, and Backlash!

Jacob Fatu stated point blank, he’s coming for that WWE World Heavyweight Championship! How will Roman Reigns respond?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• PENTA VS Rusev; Penta wins.
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Iyo Sky; Becky wins and retains the title.
• El Grande Americano w/ Los Americanos VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
• Grayson Waller VS Oba Femi; Oba wins.
• Bayley & Lyra Valkyria VS Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez w/ Liv Morgan; Raquel & Roxie win.

PLAY BY PLAY

The OG Bloodline sits down to talk.

The Tribal Chief tells The Usos that he appreciates them coming, being here with him. They know exactly where Roman Reigns comes from, and they know exactly why he stands here today. Roman knows the past is the past, that’s where they’re gonna leave it because they’re blood, and The Usos are the only ones Roman can trust. He needs their thoughts. he doesn’t understand where Jacob is coming from. Roman said it to the whole roster, the family included, that they had two years to take advantage of Roman taking a backseat. And what’d Jacob do? He pushed, procrastinated, then Roman climbed the mountain and beat CM Punk.

Now, Jacob wants to take that from Roman? Help him understand! #BigJim tells #BigUce that he does not disagree. But he also agrees with Jacob. Jacob wants to upgrade his household. Jimmy gets that, they all get that, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of Roman Reigns. Jacob is a different breed. Jey says he’s DANGEROUS! On SmackDown, we all saw Jacob drop MFT one by one by one! Unpredictable, Uce! Unhinged! They left him “out there” for a reason! If Jacob beats Roman, Jacob takes it all! Ula Fala, the family name, Jacob becomes the shot caller! Jimmy debates that but Jey says Jimmy saw it! This is it, Uce!

It can’t be all about respect here. There has to be consequences! Roman’s the Tribal Chief! Roman ponders on the concept of consequences. Jey is right, they’re not doing charity. Roman thanks The Usos for this. He will make it his own, then he will address this later tonight. He appreciates The Usos. They say it is all love and respect, too. Family first, Uce. They all put hands in, for they are the “first family.” Is the Tribal Chief giving Jacob his match at Backlash? We simply have to wait and see.

Seth Rollins is here!

Laredo, Texas cheers as The Architect makes his way to the ring in all black like Neo from the Matrix! The fans sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as Rollins goes right to the ring. Rollins grabs a mic, revels in the singing, then says, “Laredo, Texas! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins~! I am the Visionary, I am the Revolutionary, I AM Seth! Freakin! Rollins!” The fans cheer for that! Rollins continues by saying he has a lot of ground to cover so let’s get to it.

There is a reason he lost to Gunther at WrestleMania, and it is NOT because Gunther was better that night. There is a reason Roman Reigns is walking around with ROLLINS’ World Heavyweight Championship, and it is NOT because Roman pinned Rollins’ shoulders to the mat. The reasons for those things are one in the same, and they have a name, and that name is BRON BREAKKER! Fans boo and bark, but Rollins knows Bron is sitting in the back, NINE staples in his dome, which you can thank Rollins for. But they have business to tend to, a score to settle, so Bron can get his pea brain out here so they can do the damn thing!

The fans cheer as Bron obliges! The Unpredictable Badass storms down the ramp, Paul Heyman following behind. The fans are torn as Bron keeps eyes locked on Rollins as he steps into the ring. Bron stares Rollins down while fans either bark or sing the song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins tells Bron, “I gave you everything. I gave you the world, I handed it to you on a silver platter, and you repaid me by taking EVERYTHING away from me! You are the reason I had to forfeit the World Heavyweight Championship, you are the reason I didn’t get to main event WrestleMania this year, and you are the reason I didn’t get my hand raised at WrestleMania this year.

“But I gotta ask you, Bron… For what? What’d you get out of it? How did it benefit you in any way?” Heyman has Bron step back, then hands him a mic. The fans tell Heyman off but Bron says, “You gave me everything? What’d you give me, by the way? What’d you give Reed and I? Because the way that I see it, every single week, we were like you errand boys. We got to come out here and fight all your battles for you, and put out all the fires that YOU started all on your own! Because look around, Seth! You got nothing! You got no one! You got no friends, you are nothing! You needed us to fight all your battles for you!

“And what? You were giving me such great wisdom and all this guidance when every single week, you’d kick off the show, and Reed and I would have to stand in the back and listen to you regurgitate the same crap every single week.” Bron plugs his nose so he can imitate Rollins’ voice as he repeats, “I am a Visionary, I am a Revolutionary, I am Seth Freakin’ Rollins!” Bron wants to make it clear to Rollins that he never needed him or Rollins’ Vision. The only reason they’re standing here today is because Bron needed HEYMAN. Rollins double checks: Bron needed Heyman? “That dried up sack o’ meat? You needed him?”

Rollins almost laughs, and he says Bron just proved Rollins right on everything. Let’s go on a little ride down memory lane. A couple years ago, Rollins is World Heavyweight Champion, he won a fight with the Best in the World, then calls up The Heartbreak Kid. Rollins asked Shawn Michaels about facing NXT’s best, and who was NXT’s best? Bron Breakker. Rollins said hell yeah, let’s do the damn thing! Last year, Heyman comes to Rollins, asks Rollins about taking Bron under his wing and Rollins said hell yeah, that kid with a year under Rollins’ tutelage will be THE next main event star in this industry!

Just look at Bron! Bron’s got it all! Rollins has been here for 14 YEARS, seen athletes from every single discipline, they are big, strong, fast, but Bron is unique. Bron is the biggest, strongest, fastest, most versatile performer Rollins has ever seen here. Bron has EVERYTHING to be THE next big star… except the most important thing. Rollins points to the brain, and Rollins knows better than anyone what it means to be a 28 year old young cat full o’ piss ‘n’ vinegar, thinking this business owes him something, not wanting to wait for nobody. Rollins knows better than anybody to bet on yourself, take chances, make the hard decisions.

But the difference between them is, Bron tries, Rollins succeeds! And do you know why? Rollins will paint a picture: Every time Rollins bet on himself, it ended with a world title or a main event. Bron bets on himself and it gets him Austin Theory & Logan Paul. It gets him steak dinners, private jets, and happy endings from Heyman. Bron tries, Rollins succeeds, because Rollins will say this plainly for even Bron’s pea brain: Bron is NOT ready. Bron says, “I’m not ready? That’s the narrative you wanna go with? I hate to break it to you, superstar, but before all this was a thing, I was well on my way to becoming a main event with or without you!”

Bron never needed that help, and yet you blame Bron for losing the WHC? The truth is, Rollins’ body can’t handle it, his mind is brittle, and his shoulder can’t handle the weight of a strap on it anymore! The fans boo, but Bron grins as he says yeah, he took his shot and came up short. But y’know what? Bron can go to sleep at night a lot better knowing he lost to the Best int he World instead of someone who self-proclaims it! Bron believes Rollins is everything he says, with all the accolades, titles, everything there is to win here. A first-ballot WWE Hall of Famer, no doubt.

Rollins is THE very best pro-wrestler in the entire world… at being number two. The fans are torn, but Rollins says that was pretty good for Baby Steiner. He come up with all that on his own? Or did he call Big Poppa Pump for the hook up? Bron thinks he is ready, but Backlash is two weeks away! Rollins is going to give Bron the opportunity to prove that he is ready. But let Rollins let you in on a little secret that everyone else knows. As a Steiner, Bron’s not even number two in his own family. Rollins drops the mic and heads out, but will Rollins be ready for the backlash of challenging Bron to a match?

Stephanie Vaquer arrives backstage.

La Primera is ready to get back at Liv Morgan, but RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ ATTACKS! La Ruda catches Vaquer with the cheap shot, then THROWS her into road cases! Roxie & Liv are there, and they RAM a road case into Vaquer! Judgment Day stands over Vaquer, and Liv tells Vaquer this is HER title! Judgment Day leaves Vaquer behind, but have they truly moved past her? Or is the Dark Angel only going to be more hellbent on her revenge?

PENTA VS Rusev!

Speaking of revenge, the Man With No Fear may still be Intercontinental Champion, but now he owes The Bulgarian Brute a beating for last week. Will #CeroMiedo withstand the power of MACHKA?

Raw returns as Rusev makes his entrance. But wait, then so does Ethan Page! The fans boo All Ego getting involved in this, but he technically was part of the problem last week. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Rusev KNEES and CLUBS Penta while Ethan takes a seat ringside. Rusev suplexes Penta, then drags him up for a GUT WRENCH PLEX! The fans rally for Penta, but Rusev scoops for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Penta tumbles, but Rusev CLUBS him and BOOTS him! Rusev stands on Penta, but only Ethan applauds. Rusev steps off to whip Penta, but Penta KICKS on return! and SUPERKICKS!

Penta runs, DROPKICKS, and Rusev tumbles out! Penta then FLIES! Down goes Rusev, right in front of Ethan and commentary! Ethan mockingly applauds but Penta warns him. Ethan says eyes on the prize, and Rusev back suplexes! Penta lands out to SUPERKICK Rusev again! Penta puts Rusev in, Ethan protests how close that got, but Penta keeps moving. Springboard, but into the MACHKA KICK! Rusev scoops for a SWINGING SLAM! The fans boo, Rusev snarls, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as Rusev has Penta up top! Penta fights the suplex with body shots, then with forearms! The fans cheer as Penta HEADBUTTS Rusev down! Penta then adjusts and leaps, CROSSBODY! Penta keeps moving, he ducks ‘n’ dodges to mule kick a leg! SLING-DOG! Rusev goes to a corner, Penta GAMANGIRIS! Penta sits Rusev down, then runs up to headstand and SWINGING DROPKICK! Rusev sputters but Penta drags him to a cover, ONE!! Rusev still has a lot of gas in the tank, and he KNEES Penta down low! Rusev whips, Penta goes up and over, BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Even Ethan is surprised!

Penta and Rusev rise, the fans rally, and Penta runs up to DEST- NO, Rusev BACKDROPS! Then ROUNDHOUSE! Rusev clinches, URENAGES, and he goes to a corner. The fans boo as Penta stirs and Rusev stomps around. Rusev runs up, MACHKA KICK! Penta falls, but Rusev isn’t done there! Ethan applauds as Rusev shouts, “CRUSH!!” Stomp and ACCOL- NO, Penta slips out, SUPERKICKS, then feints the springboard! Machka kick misses, Penta rolls Rusev up! PENTA WINS!

Winner: Penta, by pinfall

The fans cheer, but Rusev CLOBBERS Penta! Ethan cheers, he is also a sore loser so he likes this! The fans tell Rusev off while he stomps away on Penta! Ethan steps in the ring, takes off his jacket and undoes his cufflinks, but then Rusev glares at him. Ethan says okay, Rusev can have his time with Penta. But then Penta CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Ethan CLOBBERS Penta! The fans boo as now Ethan and Rusev stomp away on Penta! But wait, here comes Je’Von Evans! The fans fire up as The Young OG DUMPS Rusev out, then RAMS into Ethan! And then springboards to FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up as Evans taunts Rusev!

Rusev runs up, Penta SUPERKICKS! Evans goes up, up, O G CUTTER!! The fans fire up as Evans kicks Rusev out, and he stands tall with Penta. They shake hands on it, they’ll stand against Rusev & Ethan to clear them out of the way. Will Cero Miedo get BOUNCY~?

Los Americanos speak.

Rayo introduces himself, Bravo, and El Grande himself. El Grande steps forward to say, “In a few weeks, I will be competing in one of the biggest and most important matches in the history of lucha libre against Chaparro Americano, Mask VS Mask!” And he cannot lie, this match will be the most important match of his entire life! The biggest fight he’ll ever have. And y’know what? He’ll have to be ready to fight for his life. And to be honest, there is much more on the line. He must be ready to fight for his name, his colors, for Mexico, and for his home.

And what better way to prepare for that than to issue a respectful challenge to the biggest lucha libre legend ever, Rey Mysterio? It would be an honor to step into the ring against Rey here in Laredo, Texas! That is a GRANDE challenge, but is he biting off more than he can chew facing the King of Lucha?

Becky Lynch is here!

The Man has come around to Laredo, and she is the THREE-TIME Women’s Intercontinental Champion. But what will Becky have to say about her big time WrestleMania win? We’ll find out, after the break.

Raw returns as Becky stands in the ring, still wearing the ring gear from her WrestleMania victory. Becky takes a moment before she says, “The Man, and the NEW Women’s Intercontinental Champion, has come around to Laredo, Texas!” The fans are torn on that, but Becky says we just entered a whole new era of “The Manosphere,” because a lot of history was made at WrestleMania 42! Becky finally got rid of Loser AJ Lee, having ended her horrible title reign, and she put gold around the waist of someone who truly deserves it in herself. She became the first WWE Superstar to win four different titles at Mania.

She became the first-ever THREE TIME Women’s IC Champion! She’s now won more WrestleMania matches than any woman in history! And Undertaker, she’s coming for that streak next! And she proved once and for all why she is the Greatest Women’s Wrestler of All Time, and it’s not just her saying that, other people say it. Sports Illustrated says it, The Bleacher Report says it. All of that is wonderful, all of that is great, but what was most important is that she looked out at a sea of over 50 THOUSAND fans, and she saw her baby girl in the front row.

Becky was able to take her out, walk with her up the ramp, and she realized that she needed to show her daughter what a real champion is. It isn’t about the five-star hotels, the fancy restaurants and the private jets, even though they indulge in all of those. It is not about going to the biggest cities and performing in front of the best crowds. It is also about going to the rundown towns like Laredo and showing out for the commonfolk like everyone here. And Becky knows what they need and what they want. They want a fighting champion! They want her to defend the title! And not just against some nostalgia act or an underdog.

They want Becky VS the best of the best! They want new, exciting, shiny! So Becky stands here before us as The Man of the People, issuing an open challenge to whoever wants to come out here, look them in the eyes and say, “Welcome to the Big Time. Now let’s throw some hands!” Who is it gonna be?! Becky waits, and we get… IYO SKY! The fans cheer that! Iyo gets herself a mic while Becky is rather stunned, and she tells Becky, “I accept!” Becky laughs and asks what Iyo accepts. She wanted to fight the best of the best, the new, the shiny, the exciting. Iyo is none of those things! The fans boo but Becky says that’s for Iyo!

Iyo says no, that’s for Becky! The fans cheer Becky but Becky says okay, okay, she understands. Iyo is accepting on behalf of Rhea Ripley, the part of the team that actually has gold. Is Rhea coming back? Mami VS Becky, Becky Two Belts again. Becky wanted Shawn Michaels, not Marty Jannetty. And clearly, Iyo was holding Rhea back. Iyo SLAPS Becky down! The fans fire up as Iyo stomps Becky, Becky bails out, but Adam Pearce says whoa, hold on, where are you going? The champ wanted a fight, Iyo answered the call, and in case you forgot, we’re in Laredo! So it will be a title match, let’s get a ref, cuz we’re doing it now!

The fans cheer, but Becky CLOBBERS Iyo! The ref hurries in here and backs Becky off. Iyo is still getting her shot, is the Genius about to make The Man’s historic reign historically short, too?

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Iyo Sky!

Raw returns as the match is already going, and Iyo SHOTGUNS Becky down! the fans fire up with Iyo, and she CLUBS Becky on the back. Iyo whips, Becky reverses, but Iyo goes up, only for Becky to BOOT her outta the sky, and LARIATS her down! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Becky scowls as Iyo survives. Becky runs up in the corner, forearm SMASH, then clinch for the BECKSPLODER! Iyo bails out but Becky builds speed, and Becky WRECKS Iyo with a dropkick! The fans boo but Becky aims, FLYING FOREARM and down goes Iyo! Becky gets Iyo back into the ring, climbs up a corner, and drops the MAN’S LEG! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Iyo survives, but Becky talks herself down. Becky drags Iyo up, clinches again, BECKS- NO, Iyo slips free and ROCKS Becky! Becky fires back with forearms, UPPERCUT, and SOBAT, but Iyo blocks! GERMAN SUPLEX! Becky sputters but both women are down! The fans rally up, Iyo and Becky go to ropes, and Becky runs up! Iyo dodges, and URAKEN! SHOTEI! And then FLAPJACK! The fans fire up for Iyo as she brings Becky up to whip. Becky reverses, but Iyo goes up, out, and ROCKS Becky! Then HOTSHOTS her! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, to then MISSILE DROPKICK! Direct hit, and Iyo kips up!

The fans fire up as Iyo does her crazy taunt! Iyo then aims at Becky in the corner, SHINKANSEN! Iyo pushes Becky to the cover, TWO! Becky survives but Iyo stays focused. Iyo goes up, up, but Becky YANKS her back down! And dragon sleeper for an EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO! Iyo is still in this and that frustrates Becky. Becky demands Iyo stand, then clinches, but Iyo victory rolls for STOMP 182! Becky bails out, Iyo builds speed, but Becky ROCKS Iyo first! Becky reels Iyo in, but Iyo PELES free! Iyo then runs up, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB to the FLOOR! The fans are thunderous while both women are down, and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again as Becky has Iyo up top! The fans rally as Iyo fights, but Becky SUPERPLEXES! Then roll through for a DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Iyo survives! Both women are down, “This is Awesome!” Becky and Iyo stir but it is Becky that stands first. Becky brings Iyo up and clinches again, but Iyo turns the lift into a crucifix, then sunset flip! TWO, Becky ducks the roundhouse but not HEEL KICK! Iyo hurries to underhooks and TIGER BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Iyo is shocked! The fans rally as Iyo goes to the corner! Iyo goes up, but Becky trips her up again! Becky climbs, but Iyo ELBOWS her away!

Becky staggers but Iyo reels Becky in, TORNADO DDT! Iyo goes up, up, and OVER THE MOONSAULT, but into BOOTS! Becky hurries to clinch! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!? Becky is shocked as Iyo survives her best shot! Laredo is all fired up for Iyo but that infuriates Becky. Becky drags Iyo to the drop zone, goes up, but Iyo trips her up now! Becky SMACKS off post, tumbles to the apron then the floor, but Iyo goes right out! ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Becky at the ramp! Iyo hurries to get Becky up and in, then takes off a shoe that’s bothering her. Becky distracts the ref, ASUKA TRIPS IYO!! Becky clinches, MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, Becky wins!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)

The Man survives thanks to a big time assist from The Empress of Tomorrow! Asuka may be without her Pirate Princess, but she’s still pissed at Iyo for her supposed disrespect! BUZZSAW! ASUKA LOCK!! Iyo flails, even taps, but nothing can save her from Asuka’s wrath! Fans chant “We Want Kairi!” but Asuka stands on Iyo with a sinister smile. Will Asuka break Iyo and make her respect her senpai?

El Grande Americano Original talks with Rey Mysterio.

EGA OG says hola to Rey, and knows Rey is fraternizing with that faker, that supposed El Grande Americano Dos. First he endorses the guy, then he has a match against him. Original just wants to know that on May 30th for AAA, Mask VS Mask, does Original have to watch his back? Rey says no, he does not, Mr. OG Grande. Listen, the only thing Rey is looking for is for them all to respect lucha libre. Rey says in Spanish that for a luchador, their mask is everything. All OG Grande can says is si, bueno. But then Los Americanos step into the room! And they ask what Rey is doing with this guy! Rey says it is not what they think.

The Grandes start arguing, both in Spanish and English, but Rey shouts them all down. Tranquilos, cabrones! He is not choosing sides. Rayo & Bravo say he better. Is that a threat?! No, take it easy, jefe, they’re just saying. See you in the ring. Los Americanos head out, Rey is a little annoyed with them and OG Grande, but will the King of Lucha teach them all a thing or two about the culture?

Backstage interview with The Usos.

Byron Saxton is with Jimmy & Jey, and he gets to it: Can they give us some intel on which direction Roman Reigns is leaning towards? #BigJim says the OTC will make his decision when The OTC is ready to make his decision. Jey adds YEET, but LA Knight steps in. The Mega Star hopes he didn’t just hear them say that. OTC, sitting at the head of the table. Knight isn’t here to tear them down but to remind them of who they are. Main Event Jey Uso, a former world champion, and how’d he do that? On his own! Big Jim Uso, also all the potential in the world to be world champion, but how is he gonna do that? Not under Roman Reigns, that’s for sure!

Jey tells Knight to stay in his lane, but Jimmy calms him down. Jimmy told Knight that this is family business. Knight understands that, and he can respect that. But the problem is, the whole Bloodline thing, they had immense power, they run roughshod over everybody. But the problem was, that power corrupts, and when it does, it becomes Knight’s business, YEAH! Knight leaves it at this, but does he have a point? Is The Bloodline about to relapse into their old ways?

Joe Hendry is here!

Laredo waves their hands from side to side as The Prestigious One is in the ring. “Say his name because he has appeared in Laredo, Texas!” The fans cheer, and Hendry knows they know he had a big decision to make, so he wants to tell us all about it in the song. “I’ve won the titles everywhere I go. I’ve been on WrestleMania and many other shows. But the time has come for me to pick one brand. I’m sorry to the others, I hope they understand. Joe Hendry’s on Raw, Raw, Joe Hendry signed to Raw. Raw, Raw, Joe Hendry signs to Raw.

“Next time you turn on Netflix, you won’t just want to chill. I’ll have you believing in a better kind of thrill. Raw, Raw, Joe Hendry’s on Raw. respect to the Ruler, I acknowledge The OTC. But Adam Pearce, if you’re listening, can you make one change for me? That’s Logan Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan Paul? Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan Paul? Everyone! Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan Paul? All together! Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan-” Well, now The Maverick is here, and he says you can’t fire him! You can’t fire him, he’s unfireable! Boo you, Hendry, you can’t fire him! He’s Logan Paul! All of you are awful, just like that song!

Logan says, “You’re awful!” to the fans in the front row. He knows this is Hendry’s first not on Raw, and now it’s also his last! He’s made the worst mistake of his life! Theory then tells Hendry that he isn’t seeing things right. See this right here? That’s gold, that makes them the greatest tag team champions of the world! Of the UNIVERSE! What they’re telling Hendry is that they are winners! Hendry asks if these guys are winners. The fans say, “NO!” Hendry says Joe says no to that. He saw ESPN< he saw Mania, he just saw some primetime losers! Now The Vision is mad, and they throw stuff out of the ring!

Theory says lemme tell you something! This mat belongs to The Vision! The camera that everyone sees through belongs to The Vision. And The Vision goes through everybody! Hendry is in a lucky spot, because they’re gonna go through him! They push Hendry, but he TURNS! LARIAT for Theory! Hendry RAMS Logan into a corner! Theory goes after Hendry, the Vision mugs him 2v1, and the fans boo as they KNEE Hendry low! But wait! Here come the Street Profits! Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins went after The Vision last week, so here we go again! Dawkins DUMPS Logan out before he DECKS him!

Dawkins ROCKS Theory, whips him, REVELATION! The fans fire up and pump it up with Ford! He goes up top but Logan saves Theory! At least, for now. Ford points to Hendry, he HIGH JUMPS to take The Vision down! The fans fire up for Hendry & The Profits, and we all get to wave our hands from side to side! The Profits are believers, but will they also be the hunters when it comes to The Vision and those World Tag Team Championships?

Grayson Waller complains to Adam Pearce.

The Aussie Icon doesn’t like the Raw General Manager just giving people opportunities outta nowhere. That bouncy idiot, Je’Von, is one cutter away from retirement! Then Pearce has one guy singing songs, there’s some little vampire kid cursing people, where are the opportunities for Waller? He’s in the shape of his life, lad! Pearce says he’ll give Oba Femi a shot. Wow, okay, he beat Brock at the END of his career? #Obarated! Uh, no, Oba’s behind you. Waller regrets everything but Oba says if Waller wants a chance, then Pearce can give him one against Oba tonight. Waller says Pearce should’ve warned him!

Pearce says he did, but too late. Waller needs to go get his gear on, because that match is official. Is Waller about to have a Fall From Grace?

Joe Hendry & The Street Profits regroup backstage.

Ford & Dawkins are singing the very catchy, “Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan Paul?” Hendry thanks for the help, what a welcome to Raw. They shake hands on it, and Ford says get a different colored shirt now that he’s on the red brand, you know what he means? Hendry nods and heads out, and The Profits secret handshake. And then Rollins steps in, and he tells them that last week- Ford stops Rollins there, because there he goes thinking this is all about him. Last week wasn’t about him but about those tag titles. Rollins thinking he special. The Profits leave and Rollins does have to consider that.

But either way, will Rollins and The Profits find themselves working together against The Vision? Or is this all going to be for naught?

El Grande Americano w/ Los Americanos VS Rey Mysterio!

The battle of Los Grande Americanos is set for May 30th, and the King of Lucha has ended up in the middle of it all. Will Rey be much more than just a tune-up for El Grande Americano Dos? Or will this El Grande be more than ready to face the other Grande Americano next month?

Raw returns as Los Americanos make their entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, and Grande wrenches to wristlock. Rey rolls, uses the ropes to flip through, then Rey wrenches, only for Grande to wrangle him. Rey kips up to wrench but Grande rolls, spins, and he drop toeholds Rey to then go for the wristlock. The fans applaud the technical exchange as Grande then floats to a cover, ONE as Rey gets an arm up! Grande puts the arm down, TWO as Rey gets the other arm up! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO as Rey bridges! Grande hops on, but Rey stays up! The fans cheer while Grande is stunned!

Grande jumps again but Rey uses that to get up and up and sunset flip! TWO, Grande runs up but Rey sweeps! Cover, ONE! Grande sweeps and covers, ONE! The fans cheer as the two stand off. Rey and Grande applaud each other, then Rey offers a handshake. Grande accepts, but Rey kicks low! Rey whips, Grande reverses to kick low! Grande hammerlocks Rey, brings him around, but Rey fires elbows. Rey cravats to jump and flying-mare! Grande RUNS Rey over! Things keep moving, Rey bypasses Grande to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! Grande’s on the ropes, Rey dials it up, but Grande GAMANGIRIS first! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as Rey whips Grande to ropes and BACKDROPS him! Grande goes to a corner while the fans cheer, and Rey whips corner to corner. Grande reverses, blocks a kick, and SMACKS Rey! Rey staggers to another corner but Grande whips corner to corner. Grande runs up but Rey BOOTS him! Rey ELBOWS Grande, then goes up, but Grande CLUBS him on the back! Grande gets under Rey but Rey slips free. Grande SMACKS Rey again, whips, but Rey reverses. Grande goes up and over, but Rey goes up to QUEBRADA, but Grande stays up! Only for Rey to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up while Rey covers, TWO!

Rey is surprised but many are surprised he pulled that counter off in the first place. Rey waits on Grande to get up, then DROPKICKS him onto the ropes! The fans cheer as Rey dials it up, but Rayo distracts so Bravo can trip Rey! The fans boo but Bravo plays dumb. Rayo hurries to sneak Grande his metal plate! Rey DECKS Bravo, then runs to 619 Rayo down! The fans cheer, Rey slingshots, but Grande dodges the splash! Grande grabs the metal plate, but then ORIGINAL GRANDE is here! They tug-o-war over the plate, Rey BLASTS the Grandes into each other! Rey runs again, RANA! Grande Dos is on the ropes, so Rey redials, 619!!

Rey aims again, slingshot and DROP THE DIME! Cover, Rey wins!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall

El Grande Americano Dos tried to lie, cheat and steal, but Rey spots the metal plate! And he even tells Original that no one is getting it! They’re gonna have to fight fair ‘n’ square in May! Well for now, Grande Original CLOBBERS Grande Dos! The fans fire up as these two brawl while they grapple! Producers and refs rush out here but fans want to “Let Them Fight! Let Them Fight!” The Grandes are separated, but the animosity between them is only growing! Who proves they are El Grande Americano Superior on May 30th?

Asuka speaks.

“Iyo, did you think you were done with me? I say when we’re done! Because I am still your senpai. All I’ve done is try to help you and all you’ve done is disappoint me. For so long, I blamed myself for your mistakes. I thought I did something wrong for you to turn your back on me. But I finally realize YOU are the problem! You are ungrateful, selfish, and my biggest failure. But I didn’t fail you, you failed me. You failed your family! And now, we’re both alone, because I didn’t want another Iyo. I’ve spared you until now because I thought we could be a family again. But now that you killed that family…NOTHING will stop me from destroying you!

“So, at Backlash, I fix my failure. I teach you one final lesson. And that lesson is… You are not and will never be ready for Asuka!” The grudge match is finally set, but will the Empress of Tomorrow make sure Iyo has no future? Or will the Genius prove that she’s left her senpai behind long ago?

Grayson Waller VS Oba Femi!

The Aussie Icon likes him a good “shoey,” but he stuck his foot in his mouth this time. Grayson wanted an opportunity, but will he even survive against The Ruler that conquered The Beast?

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans already chant “O~BA!” as he blocks Waller’s kick. Oba LARIATS Waller, TOSSES him to a corner, then fires body shots from all sides. Oba UPPERCUTS Waller, whips him corner to corner, then UPPERCUTS again! Oba runs corner to corner for another UPPERCUT! Oba keeps going, but Waller bails out! The fans boo, but Oba has Waller at the apron. Waller HOTSHOTS Oba, then somersaults, but into the SHOTPUT BOMB! Oba UPPERCUTS Waller back down and the fans fire up! Pop-up, and FALL FROM GRACE!! Cover, Oba wins!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall

Waller wanted on the card tonight, but maybe he regrets it. At the very least, Waller learned Femi isn’t #Obarated! Oba has the mic to ask Laredo if they’re feeling good tonight. The fans cheer because indeed they are! Oba says they’re feeling good, he’s feeling good, Waller isn’t, but we don’t care about how Waller feels. Waller did say something that was right, though. There is no opportunity around here, because all the big champions are locked in with contenders, the US Champion doesn’t do open challenges, so Oba is going to take it upon himself to create a solution to the problem. Ladies and gentlemen, as of today, the Oba Femi Open Challenge will commence!

The fans cheer, and Oba says to any man back there who wants to prove himself, step up! If you want to see how you fair at the top of the mountain, step up! But Oba will not take too kindly to their decision. Because he will be merciless, unforgiving, and relentless! He will punish them! They are not stepping to just any man, but to OBA FEMI! The fans cheer as Oba makes himself equal to a title! Will anyone be able to overthrow The Ruler?

Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.

Liv, Raquel & Roxie are still feeling great after what they did to Vaquer, because THEY run Raw! Vaquer found out the hard way, and so will BayLyra. Liv asks Raquel for time alone with Roxie. Is this about the thing? Yes, it is. Raquel says sure, she’ll go finish warming up. Raquel heads out, and Liv says hey to Roxie. Liv wanted to finish the conversation they tried having before WrestleMania. Remember? Before Vaquer smacked their heads together? Right, yeah. Well, really, Liv just wants to apologize to Roxie.

Liv is sorry for how things went down with Finn while she was gone. She knows Roxie and Finn were close, and that must’ve been hard watching from home. Liv knows how that felt, because she sat at home watching Finn bring Roxie into the group. And Liv wants Roxie to know that they are family, but Finn put himself before the family. That is not something Liv would do to Roxie, she wants to support her like Roxie supported Liv. So Liv will be in their corner and cheer them on as Roxie & Raquel get one step closer to the tag titles. Liv takes Roxie’s hand and asks, “Do you trust me, my little Roxie?”

Roxie nods yes, but then says she needs a second. Liv says okay, see you out there. Liv heads out, saying this is exciting. But Roxie doesn’t seem so sure. Wait, FINN is in the clubhouse?! Roxie tells him he’s not supposed to be here, but Finn says Roxie CANNOT trust Liv! In fact, she can’t trust anyone in the Judgment Day! Roxie asks if she can’t trust them, or can’t trust Finn. Roxie is with Judgment Day, she has a match coming up, so he has to go. Finn says good luck with the match, and hopes she knows what she’s doing. Finn leaves, but is The Prince right about them all?

Bayley & Lyra Valkyria VS Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez w/ Liv Morgan!

The Role Model & Morrigan fell short of the tag titles at WrestleMania, but Judgment Day wasn’t even in the match! Who proves themselves worthy of the next opportunity with a win tonight?

Raw returns as Judgment Day makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Bayley starts against Raquel. The fans rally as the two circle, tie up, and Bayley wrenches to wristlock. Raquel swings, Bayley ducks, and she puts on the pressure. Raquel powers Bayley to a corner, ROCKS her, then whips her corner to corner. Raquel runs up but Bayley BOOTS her! Bayley headlocks but Raquel blocks the takeover! Raquel lifts Bayley but Bayley fights that with fists. Bayley jumps to tornado takeover! They roll, Raquel fights up, and Raquel hits a BIG back suplex! Raquel looms over Bayley but hears the fans chanting, “We Want Roxie!”

Raquel points to the corner, the fans cheer, so Raquel tags Roxie! The fans cheer even more now as the Judgment Day mugs Bayley! Roxie stomps away, the fans cheer her on, but the ref counts. Roxie backs off, but Bayley lifts Roxie! Roxie kicks and flails but Bayley RAMS Roxie into the corner. Tag to Lyra, she and Bayley mug Roxie, and the fans boo. Lyra headlocks Roxie but Roxie pulls hair. Roxie headlocks and the fans cheer her on. Lyra powers out, but Roxie cartwheels over the dropdown! Roxie takes a bow, then SLAPS Lyra! Lyra CLOBBERS Roxie and rains down fists! Laredo boos but Lyra whips Roxie to ropes.

Roxie tilt-o-whirls through to RANA, but Lyra handsprings through that! Lyra SLAPS Roxie in return! Liv tells Bayley to shut up but Lyra whips Roxie to the corner. Roxie dodges, but Lyra grabs her by the wrist! Tag to Bayley, scoop and BACKBREAKER, but Roxie knees free! Roxie SMACKS Bayley, but Lyra WHEEL KICKS! Bayley goes back up, MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Roxie survives, and she bails out to regroup with the others. Judgment Day avoids Lyra’s dropkick, and Raquel CLOBBERS her! But Bayley fires off on Roxie! Bayley puts Roxie in the ring, but Raquel trips Bayley up!

Bayley POSTS Lyra, all while Roxie distracts the ref! Judgment Day is in control as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as both Bayley and Raquel are down! The fans rally as both women crawl, Liv coaches Raquel, hot tags to Roxie and Lyra! The fans fire up, but then Lyra CROSSBODIES Roxie and GAMANGIRIS Raquel! Lyra LARIATS Roxie, dodges Raquel, and goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Lyra kips up, then clinches Roxie, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through for the fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Roxie survives! Liv coaches her team on but Lyra drags Roxie up. Lyra brings Roxie over, tags Bayley, and Bayley fireman’s carries while Lyra climbs. Roxie slips free, SHOVES Bayley into Lyra, then tags Raquel!

Roxie runs, tilt-o-whirls, and clinches, Raquel adds as BOOT to the LEG SWEEP! Cover, but Lyra SPLASHES onto it! The fans rally again and Raquel crawls, hot tag back to Roxie! The fans fire up again as Roxie BLASTS Lyra, SOBATS Bayley, then hops up and hops on! But Bayley SMACKS Roxie off buckles! Then a BAYLEY2BELLY! Cover, Raquel breaks it! The fans cheer, Lyra runs up and CROSSBODIES Raquel and herself out of the ring! Liv shouts at Bayley, but she gets caught! The fans cheer, but then Liv HOTSHOTS Bayley! Roxie SHINING WIZARDS! Then the POP-ROX!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!

Winners: Judgment Day, by pinfall

Laredo cheers their hometown hero, but it was certainly a team effort as always for Judgment Day! Will nothing stop them from having all the gold again?

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

Laredo, Texas puts up their ones to the sky as The OTC makes his entrance. The WWE World Heavyweight Champion stands on stage, raises the title to the sky, and the pyro goes off. But what has he decided when it comes to him and Jacob Fatu? We’ll find out, after the break.

Raw returns as Roman is in the ring, and he raises the belt again for the second round of pyro. Roman grabs a mic while the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” The fans then shift to singing, “Roman, Roman Reigns~!” then go back to “O T C! O T C!” Roman enjoys that for a moment before he says, “Y’see, it’s been awhile since I’ve been here in Texas. But if you can’t tell from home, they love their Tribal Chief here, baby!” The fans cheer that! Roman continues by saying, “They made this title in spite of me. They made this title to try and take away from my shine. But it never worked. Y’see, there’s an old saying and it’s very true.

“The title don’t make the man, the man makes the title!” The fans cheer that, too! Roman says that’s what he’s done with this strap! He’s put it in the main event! He’s put it on night two of WrestleMania! He’s made this title relevant! See, now you can finally be proud of this title. Now you can respect this title! Now, you can actually choose to acknowledge this title. “As a matter of fact, let’s demonstrate. Laredo, Texas…!” The fans erupt with “O T C! O T C!” Roman says it again, “Laredo, Texas… ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again! But then Jacob Fatu makes his entrance! The fans cheer again as The Samoan Werewolf arrives!

Jacob goes right to the ring while the fans chant “FATU! FATU!” Jacob and Roman stare down, and Roman says, “Fatu, right on cue. Perfect timing, I was just getting to you. I gave you a week, gave you time to think. I’m hoping you made the right choice, Jacob. I’m hoping you made the choice to unite our family, and not divide it.” Jacob has a mic to say Roman gave him a week but he didn’t need a week. He didn’t need a day. Hell, he didn’t even need an hour! He knew exactly what he wanted when he came out here last Monday. Jacob didn’t stutter, didn’t hesitate, when he said he doesn’t want the title, but that he needs the title.

What? Is Roman stuck in his WWE main event bubble? Is he stuck in Tribal Chief Land? Roman ain’t grind like Jacob! Jacob is uncut and raw! 12 YEARS of hard work, 12 YEARS of grinding, 12 YEARS of suffering, not knowing when the next meal was gonna be! While y’all was running things up here as The Bloodline, Fatu was foaming at the mouth, grinding, on the frontlines, trying to figure out if he was gonna be here or not! The fans cheer that, and Fatu says it ain’t how you start but how you finish. And that has Fatu standing here in front of Roman. So before WWE, Roman didn’t call, Jimmy didn’t call, Jey didn’t call.

You know who did call? Solo Sikoa! The fans boo that name but Jacob says Solo gave him a chance! Roman says, “Solo?! Either you’re completely confused or you’re dumber than I think. Solo couldn’t get a cup of coffee delivered to the building if he wanted to. Take a look around. Who you think runs this place?” The fans chant, “O T C! O T C!” Laredo ain’t lying, OTC runs WWE. And yeah, he’s been distracted, things get hectic around here, but Roman never forgot about Jacob. Roman signed off on Jacob. But Jacob’s sounding confused, sounding like a fool. Jacob doesn’t deserve it, he hasn’t earned it.

Roman allowing Jacob to compete against him is nepotism! And Roman can’t allow- JACOB GRABS ROMAN BY THE FACE! The fans freak out as the TONGAN DEATH GRIP grinds Roman down, but then Roman SMACKS him with the mic! Fatu just shakes it off?! TONGAN DEATH GRIP!! Roman sputters as Fatu HEADBUTTS away! Fatu chokes Roman right out, and he tells Roman, “I am going to take everything, EVERYTHING, from you!!” Fatu finally lets Roman go, and he picks up the belt. Fans are torn, but the decision should be clear now. Roman coughs and sputters but he grabs the mic to shout at Jacob!

“You want me at Backlash?! I’ll see you at Backlash!!” The fans cheer, and the match is made! The Samoan Werewolf has made The Tribal Chief into his prey, but will he have what he’s really after in the world title? Or will The OTC punish Fatu for this insolence?

My Thoughts:

A very good Raw that was a bit toned down on the action after that hot Raw After Mania. Great bookending with the OG Bloodline, though I’m not sure about the set-up of Roman & Usos sitting at the table that was more like a press conference table than a meeting. But Jimmy and Jey each having a different side of the argument was good, this builds a bit on what we saw before Mania when Jey was telling Roman to “get him” in reference to CM Punk. And great ending with Roman and Jacob, where Jacob is already done with talking, and he brings out a submission type move to make himself even more menacing. It’d be rather shocking of Fatu actually wins at Backlash, but I feel like Fatu losing and joining Roman is too much of a rehash of everything we’ve already seen in the Bloodline Saga.

Very good match from Penta VS Rusev, and very good win for Penta, but Ethan Page and Je’Von Evans getting involved made sense. That’ll be a great tag match, and I bet we’ll sort out who is challenging Penta for Backlash through that match. Very good promo from Rollins and Bron to set up their match, I appreciate Bron’s perspective because that is how it looked and felt and was definitely not how it should’ve been even in kayfabe. I feel like Bron wins out to then send him to the world title after Backlash. Another great song promo from Hendry, and honestly a great over-the-top angry reaction from Logan Paul for it. Profits helping Hendry out was logical and very good stuff, and Profits putting Rollins in his place was also good. But yeah, there’s gotta be a Six Man Tag there, too.

Waller getting upset only to get humbled by Oba is classic wrestling trope, and Oba making his own open challenge is also great. That’s in the same lineage as like Andre the Giant daring people to body slam him when he knows they couldn’t, or even Chris Masters and the Master Lock Challenge. This will give us some really fun matches while also building Oba up towards a title opportunity of his own. Becky wanting her own Open Challenge series is good, and Iyo challenging her tonight was probably their best way to improvise from releasing Kairi Sane and ruining their own story of Kairi, Iyo & Asuka. The fans are already starting #WeWantKairi, not sure WWE will listen this time, but Asuka VS Iyo is happening for Backlash and that’s all we can really expect.

Very good stuff with Los Americanos, this ended up a great plug for the AAA story of Mask VS Mask. Rey Mysterio being part of the story was good, too, and Rey keeps himself afloat with this win. Gable Americano of course got involved in the match, he and Kaiser Americano are even in math right now, but I would think Gable loses to finally be exposed. And great stuff with Judgment Day, from the attack on Vaquer to the tag match as the main event match. But I’m a little confused as to the Finn & Roxie part. Finn and Roxie should’ve discussed how their ultimate plan was still working. It should’ve been revealed that Finn really did bring Roxie into the group to mess with Liv x Dom. They can still have Roxie turn on Judgment Day in the most pivotal moment, but now it’ll be a bit confusing as to why.

My Score: 8.8/10

Knock Out Brothers VS Bishamon in the main event!

Tonight in Hiroshima, Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi now have their chance to take back the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff – Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Taisei Nakahara; Matsumoto wins.
• 8 Man Tag: Shota Umino, Toru Yano, Master Wato & YOH VS Chase Owens, Yujiro Takahashi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & SHO; Shota, Yano, Wato & Yoh win.
• Six Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Taichi & Masatora Yasuda VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
• 8 Man Tag: Boltin Oleg, Aaron Wolf, Tiger Mask & Togi Makabe VS Ren Narita, Don Fale, Douki & Dick Togo; No Contest.
• Yuya Uemura & Tomoaki Honma VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson; Oiwa & Hartley win.
• 8 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X VS Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita; Eagles & Fujita win and become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Knock Out Brothers VS Bishamon; KOB wins and retains the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

In the closing moments of 8 Man Tag: Boltin Oleg, Aaron Wolf, Tiger Mask & Togi Makabe VS Ren Narita, Don Fale, Douki & Dick Togo…

Tiger Mask puts Douki back in the ring, only for Douki to bail out. Douki eggs Tiger Mask on, but TORU YANO runs down the ramp to throw Douki back in! Yano’s not part of the match, the ref already doesn’t like that. Tiger hits a SAYANAGI, but then Dick storms in and stomps him! Then the floodgates open and EVERYONE gets in the ring, even Sho, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Chase Owens & Yujiro Takahashi! One half of the House already lost to Hontai, they’re gonna get their revenge! It is so chaotic, the ref has no choice but to throw this out as a No Contest!

No Contest, interference

The House clears out the rest of Hontai while Douki CLAWS at Tiger Mask’s face and, well, mask! They all stomp away on the living legend, then stand him up. But Tiger SOBATS Douki! Douki blocks the next kick, and LOW BLOWS Tiger! Then Douki snatches the mask away!! Tiger drops down to cover his face while the fans boo Douki for this disgrace! Young Lions use their shirts to cover Tiger Mask, and out rush Shota, Wato & Yoh! The House retreats, taking the mask as their prize! Hontai helps Tiger Mask stand up, head covered in shirts. Tiger Mask then gets the mic to call out Douki!

Tiger Mask tells Douki, “Is this the only kind of match you can do? So, you can’t do it without using your teammates, you bastard?! I don’t know what to say, but if that’s what you want, then I’ll turn our title match into a LUMBERJACK MATCH!” The fans like the sound of that! Tiger Mask says Douki can choose how many to bring, because it won’t matter! Tiger Mask is gonna sink Douki in this ring, remember that! The fans cheer as the stakes have been raised, but will this gamble only work in the House’s favor? Or can Tiger Mask win the title and retire on top?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Taiji Ishimori & Robbie X VS Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita!

Team Super Extreme freed these titles from the House of Torture, but now the Ichiban Sweet Boys have come back around. Will the Sniper of the Skies & Japanese Young Punk once again be golden boys? Or will the Bone Soldier & Mr. X prove they’re still too sweet?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who wins the newest chapter in this storied rivalry!

Them teams sort out and TMDK rush Super Extreme! They DOUBLE DROPKICK the champs out, then the bell rings! Eagles builds speed and DIVES onto Super Extreme! The fans cheer as Eagles lands on his feet through his tope cannonball. Eagles puts Taiji in, then he and Fujita double wrench for the MAXXIE BOMB! Cover, TWO! Taiji survive but Fujita tags Eagles. Eagles whips Taiji into Fujita’s ENZIGIRI! Then Fujita springboards, MISSILE DROPKICK BACK SUPLEX COMBO! Bridging cover, TWO! Tag back to Fujita and he feeds Taiji to Eagles. But Taiji mule kicks Fujita away! Eagles knees and whips Taiji, but X tags in!

Taiji dodges Eagles to DECK Fujita! Taiji blocks a kick, X gives a kick, and Super Extreme double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW! Wheelbarrow, VICTORY SPLASH! The fans cheer as X stands Fujita up, and he SMACKS Fujita. X whips Fujita corner to corner, then Taiji runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Feed to the DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Fujita stays in this. X drags Fujita up, bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS! X snapmares, steps over, and traps an arm to then trap the legs! X pulls Fujita into the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Fujita endures, slips down, but X just CRANKS the arm! Fujita writhes but X covers, TWO!

The fans rally as X looms over Fujita. X bumps Fujita off buckles, tags Taiji, then Taiji fires elbows. Taiji wrenches and ELBOW BREAKERS, then hammerlocks for a scoop and SHOULDER BUSTER! Fujita writhes again but Taiji covers, TWO! Taiji clamps on with a double wristlock! Fujita endures, reaches out, and makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud while Taiji lets go. Taiji tags X and X runs to NO HAND HANDSPRING KICK Eagles! Eagles falls and X goes back to Fujita. X drags Fujita up while the fans rally. Fujita pushes X to fire a forearm, but X eggs him on. Fujita fires more shots, but X SMACKS Fujita!

X suplexes, Fujita slips free, but X elbows back! X whips, Fujita reverses and GAMANGIRIS! Both men are down and the fans rally up! Fujita crawls and hot tags Eagles! Eagles springboards, X dodges, but Eagles BLASTS Taiji! X runs up but Eagles ELBOWS him away, then RANAS! And WHEEL KICKS! Eagles kips up and the fans join in with “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie!” “OI!” “Robbie Robbie Robbie!” “OI OI OI!” Eagles KICKS X, and KICKS, and KICKS! Eagles runs, but Taiji KICKS Eagles at the ropes! The ref reprimands but Taiji steps inside.

Super Extreme double whip, but Eagles reverses to send X away. Eagles ROCKS Taiji, then sends X into him! Then Eagles dodges X, mule kicks, and he runs to BASEMENT DROPKICK LARIAT COMBO! The fans fire up with Eagles and he runs corner to corner to DOUBLE KNEE X! Eagles runs up again, but into an ELBOW! Eagles still basement 619s the legs out! Then METEORA! Cover, TWO! X survives but Eagles stays on him by grabbing the legs. Eagles CLUBS and KICKS and KICKS the leg! X writhes, Eagles goes up and out, and the fans rally as Eagles aims! WARP- NO, X dodges! Eagles runs up but into an UP KICK!

X skins the cat, ROCKS Eagles, then goes up again, only for Eagles to GAMANGIRI! Eagles steps outside and the fans rally up as he climbs! SUPER DUPER STEINER, but X lands out?!? Eagles and X have their own Ospreay and Ibushi moment! X dodges Eagles to SPIN KICK and LIGER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Eagles survives but the fans fire up again. X rallies the fans as he goes to the corner. X climbs up again, takes aim, and X EX- NO, X has to land out as Eagles moves! X hobbles but Eagles runs up! X dodges, sending Eagles into buckles. X then backslides and bridges, TWO! X SOBATS, but Eagles KNEES low! Eagles kicks, but X blocks!

X spins Eagles but Eagles SOBATS! Eagles runs, but into the Tiger Wall Kick! X hobbles again, but tries a roundhouse, only for Eagles to dodge! X PELES, but into a trap! RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Fujita GAMANGIRIS Taiji, then ASAI MOONSAULTS! The fans rally as X endures! Eagles puts on the pressure as X crawls around! X reaches out, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while the ref counts. Eagles lets go in frustration, and then SMASHES X’s knee into the mat again and again! Then DEATHLOCK SMASH! Eagles goes to a corner, calls his shot, and HYPER- NO, X ducks the gamangiri!

Eagles drags X up, but X CHOPS back! Eagles ROUNDHOUSES, SUPERKICKS, and PEL- NO! X ducks the kick, backflips up and over, then deadlifts, but Eagles RANAS! Cover, TWO! X BOOTS Eagles, Eagles BOOTS X, then they each BLAST their partners! The Robbies BOOT at the same time! Eagles rewinds but X handsprings, LETHAL INJECTION X!! The fans fire up while both Robbies are down again! The Robbies crawl, hot tags to Fujita and Taiji! Taiji BOOTS Fujita, Fujita ROCKS Taiji, and the forearms fly! The fans fire up as Taiji fires a flurry! Fujita rebounds to CHOP! Taiji CHOPS! Taiji whips, Fujita reverses, but Taiji handsprings, into a catch!

Fujita slips through and has the legs tied up! NEMOS SPECIAL!! Taiji fights, reaches out, but Fujita powers those arms back! FULL NEMOS SPECIAL!! Taiji endures, pries free of the facelock, and has the ROPEBREAK! Fujita lets go in frustration but he vows to end it now! Fujita deadlifts Taiji, but Taiji fights the German Suplex with elbows! Fujita blocks one, flips Taiji up and over, but Taiji now fights the standard suplex! Taiji suplexes, to make it a gut wrench! CIPHER UTAKI! The fans fire up as Taiji takes aim, BANG! Taiji drags Fujita up, reels him in, but Fujita wrenches and RANAS! Cover, TWO! High stack, TWO!

Taiji ROCKS Fujita, X joins in, and they double whip. Taiji runs up, blocks boots, and he puts Fujita in the ropes! X ENZIGIRIS, Taiji SLIDING GERMANS! X STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Taiji goes up, 450 SPLASH! Cover, EAGLES CLOBBERS X ONTO IT! The fans fire up as all four men are down! X TOSSES Eagles, then regroups with Taiji. They call for the end and reel Fujita in. BLOODY- NO, Fujita arm-drags ‘n’ ranas free! Fujita DUMPS X out, wrenches and slips around on Taiji, GERMAN SUPLEX! Taiji tumbles while the fans fire up again! The fans rally as Fujita crawls, hot tag to Eagles!

Eagles storms up on Taiji, but Taiji fires body shots! Taiji CHOPS, but Eagles kicks him! Taiji fires more chops, but Eagles BOOTS him again! Taiji stands up to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP, but Eagles kicks a leg and ASAI- NO, Taiji turns the DDT into a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY and BASEMENT SUPERKICK! The fans fire up as Taiji roars! Taiji fireman’s carries again, and swings Eagles for a BLOODY FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Taiji aims and Eagles rises. Taiji runs up, tilt-o-whirls, but Eagles stops it! Fujita is in, SWEET BUSTER! Cover, X breaks it! Fujita TOSSES X while Eagles drags Taiji to the drop zone.

Eagles goes up, out, and takes aim, but X breaks free of Fujita! X handsprings to PELE Eagles down! The fans fire up as Eagles dangles from the ropes! Fujita runs up but X BOOTS him! X runs up, Fujita wrenches to ROCK him! X CHOPS, Fujita CHOPS, then Fujita ducks a kick! X ducks the haymaker, Fujita blocks to CHOP! X handsprings up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Fujita swings, X handsprings through, PE- NO, Fujita blocks to WHEELBARROW GERMAN! But X is right up?! O’Conner and CHAOS- NO, Fujita elbows free! Fujita runs, but X follows! FLYING CHUCK! The fans fire up as X powers up and calls his shot!

X runs, handsprings, but Fujita stops the Injection! Fujita pops X up into the Electric Chair, spins him around, but almost loses his grip! Fujita powers X up and into position! Eagles is up top, cravats, SLICED BREAD BOMB!! The fans fire up again as the Sweet Boys have Taiji! Taiji slips free of a scoop but Eagles CHOPS, Fujita CHOPS, and they DOUBLE CHOP! The Sweet Boys double whip but Taiji tries to crisscross them! The Sweet Boys deny that and DOUBLE KICK COMBO! The fans fire up with the Sweet Boys again as they haul Taiji up. Double torture rack, but Taiji fights free! Taiji fires forearms and elbows, then a CHOP!

Eagles SUPERKICKS but Taiji ducks! Down goes Fujita! Taiji JUMP KNEES Eagles, then runs to handspring and LETHAL INJECTION X!! The fans fire up as Taiji then ripcords Eagles, LA MYSTICA! And BONE LOCK!! Eagles flails, rolls Taiji, TWO! Taiji smothers Eagles in a cover, TWO! Eagles slips around, roll and bridge, TWO! But step through, only for Taiji to cradle! TWO!! Eagles escapes, Taiji runs up, LA MYSTI- NO! Eagles powers through to SLAP, KNEE, clinch and TURBO BACKPACK!! Eagles crawls to the cover, TWO!! Taiji survives and the fans fire up again! Eagles and Fujita regroup, DOUBLE KICK COMBO!

The Sweet Boys DOUBLE BOOT X, then Fujita goes up, up, and SUPER CANNONBALLS! Down goes X, and now Eagles goes up! WARP 4.5!! Then the step through, RON MILLER SPECIAL!! Taiji endures, reaches out, but Eagles drags him back! Eagles puts on more pressure, Taiji flails, and TAIJI TAPS!! SWEET BOYS WIN!

Winners: Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

Three times, these teams have fought 2v2. And three times, the Ichiban Sweet Boys come out on top! Will Taiji & X ever bring The Mighty down? Or do Eagles & Fujita just have their number?

IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Knock Out Brothers VS Bishamon!

Oskar & Yuto-Ice know everyone wants that wrestling high, so they let their challengers sort things out themselves. Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi conquered the United Empire on the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, but will they #GetBackUp to the top of the Heavyweight Tag Division? Or will the Fierce Warrior & Head Hunter get knocked out instead?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who leaves the Redzone with the gold!

The teams sort out, and while everyone is eager to fight, Yuto starts against Goto. The bell rings, and the fans rally already. The cheers for Ice have the advantage, so Ice takes a swing! Goto dodges, ROCKS Yuto, but Yuto comes back to ROCK Goto! They go forearm for forearm already, but Goto headlocks. Yuto powers up and out but Goto RUNS him over! The fans cheer while Yuto flounders away. Goto kicks and fires off forearms in the corner! The fans fire up with Goto as he whips Yuto corner to corner. Yuto comes right back to CLOBBER Goto! Oskar runs in and BLASTS Yashi! The fans fire up for KOB as they stand Goto up.

KOB double whips but Goto grabs the ropes! Goto DUMPS Oskar out, BOOTS Yuto, then Hashi WRECKS Oskar with a dropkick while Goto RUNS Yuto over! Hashi keeps moving, ZANMAI! Goto drags Yuto back up so he and Hashi can “SE~ NO!” BANG THE DRUM! The fans cheer as Yuto writhes! Hashi flexes while Goto stomps Yuto. Goto bumps Yuto off buckles, tags Hashi in, and they dig their boots in. Red Shoes reprimands, then counts, and Bishamon backs off at 4. Hashi drags Yuto up but Yuto ROCKS Hashi! And ROCKS him again! And again! Hashi spins through to CHOP Yuto! Hashi also SMACKS Oskar!

Oskar snarls but stays on the corner as Hashi CHOPS Yuto! Hashi tags Goto, Goto stomps Yuto, then Goto brings Yuto around to CLUB him down. Goto eggs Yuto on, then whips him to ropes. Yuto reverses, and Oskar catches Goto into a SLEEPER! Yuto BOOTS Goto down, then BLASTS Hashi! The fans rally and duel again as Yuto stands Goto up. Yuto bumps Goto off Oskar’s boot, then tags Oskar in. Oskar steps up and over, still impressive to the fans, and he CHOPS Goto down! Oskar circles Goto, drags him up, and CHOPS him back down! Oskar pushes Goto to the cover, TWO! The fans applaud as Goto toughs it out.

Oskar paces around Goto, drags him up, then THROWS him into the corner! Tag to Yuto and KOB mugs Goto. The fans rally as Yuto snapmares Goto, covers, TWO! Yuto sits Goto up to KICK him in the back! Yuto taunts Goto, kicks him around, and drags him up. Goto CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Yuto SMACKS Goto back down! Tag back to Oskar and he drags Goto around, into a CAMEL CLUTCH! Yuto BLASTS Hashi while Goto endures the stretch! Goto gets one arm free but Oskar keeps on the hold. The fans rally as Goto fights his way over, and manages the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts, Oskar lets go, and Oskar hauls Goto up.

Yuto joins in but Goto BOOTS him away! Oskar shoves Goto to the corner, runs up, but Goto dodges! Oskar hits buckles, and Goto crawls for his corner! Oskar runs up, but Goto avoids the leg drop, brother! Goto continues to crawl while the fans rally up, hot tag to Hashi! The fans fire up as Hashi runs up on Oskar, ELBOW! Whip and- NO, Oskar reverses to send Hashi into the corner! Oskar runs up, but Hashi dodges the splash! Hashi comes back to LARIAT, then he whips, only for Oskar to reverse again! Hashi sunset flips, but Oskar stays standing! Only for Hashi to avoid the elbow drop! Hashi basement DROPKICKS!

The fans fire up as Hashi BLASTS Yuto! Hashi roars, the fans cheer, and Hashi circles the giant German. Hashi brings Oskar up and reels him in, but Oskar fights the suplex! Oskar powers free, scoops Hashi, but Hashi slips free to CHOP! And ROCK! Hashi roars, runs, but Oskar reels him in! HUGE mat slam, then the ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Hashi toughs it out but Oskar snarls as he stands back up. Oskar stands Hashi up, and with both hands, HANGING NECK- DDT COUNTER! Hashi turns things around on Oskar and the fans rally up again! Hashi goes to a corner, then he runs up on Oskar, only for Oskar to scoop and SLAM!

The fans fire up while both men crawl, and Oskar hot tags Yuto! Yuto swaggers over to Hashi, stomps him down, then stands him up. Hashi fires body shots but Yuto DECKS him for it! Yuto drags Hashi back up, whips him to ropes, but Hashi DROPKICKS the leg! Yuto falls over and the fans rally again! Hashi crawls, hot tag to Goto! Goto RUNS Yuto over! And ELBOWS him down! And whips, only for Yuto to reverse! Goto still RUNS Yuto over! Goto runs to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Yuto is tougher than that but Goto brings him right up. But Yuto fights the fireman’s carry with elbows! Goto swings, Yuto fires hands in return!

Yuto bobs ‘n’ weaves to SMACK Goto with palm strikes! Yuto backs Goto down to a corner, KNEES him low, then SOBATS! Goto sits, Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” DOUBLE KNEES! Yuto then drags Goto to the cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Goto toughs it out. Yuto stays close, and he sits Goto up. Yuto runs, ICE- NO! Goto blocks the kick! But Yuto ROKCS Goto! Yuto runs, but into the fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Hashi returns to BLAST Oskar! Hashi calls to Goto and they get Yuto up! Fireman’s carry, FIERCE FLASH! The fans rally as Bishamon brings Yuto back up, dragon sleeper and leg lift! But Oskar LCUBS Hashi!

Oskar kicks Goto, runs the ropes, but Goto follows! Goto LARIATS, but Oskar stays up! Hashi SUPERKICKS, but Oskar is still up! Bishamon double whips, but Oskar DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up as all four men are down! Oskar bails out, but Yuto and Bishamon are all still down. Red Shoes ushers Hashi out of the ring, and he checks as Yuto and Goto crawl to corners. The fans rally up as both men rise. Yuto runs up, but Goto puts him right up top! DRAPING GTR!! But Goto can’t make the cover! The fans rally as both men crawl again, and Goto uses the ropes to stand up. Goto roars, aims, and BUZZSAW!

But Yuto rises to his feet! Goto fireman’s carries, G T W! Cover, TWO! The fans rally again as Yuto survives! Goto dragon sleepers, but Yuto wrenches through. Goto ducks the haymaker, but Yuto blocks the saido, short arm LARIAT! The fans rally as both men are down again! Goto and Yuto crawl, reach out, and hot tag to Hashi and Oskar! They both run up, but Oskar RUNS Hashi over! Oskar motions to calm down, and he grins as he brings Hashi up. Oskar whips Hashi corner to corner hard, and Hashi bounces off the buckles before landing on the mat! Hashi writhes but Oskar storms over to him.

Oskar drags Hashi up, whips corner to corner again, and just as hard! Hashi again bounces off buckles and writhes on the mat. The fans rally while Oskar takes his time walking over to Hashi. Oskar taunts Hashi, stands him up, and whips, but Hashi rebounds to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Hashi and Oskar both wobble. Oskar CLUBS Hashi down! Oskar drags Hashi up, Yuto joins in, but Hashi BOOTS Yuto away! Hashi CLUBS away on Oskar, but Oskar blocks the lariat! Yuto ROCKS Hashi, then he and Oskar hit THE RUMBLING BOMB!! Cover, but Goto breaks it! Yuto fires off on Goto, TOSSES him out, then regroups with Oskar.

Yuto & Oskar call for the end, and they haul Hashi up! Feed to Oskar, but Hashi SHOTGUNS him first! Hashi stands but AMBITION RIGHT hits first! Then ICE HIGH! Yuto calls to Oskar and they try again. Feed, scoop, and- GOTO LARIATS YUTO! Hashi victory rolls Oskar! TWO!! Goto PENALTY KICKS Oskar down! The fans fire up as Bishamon still has life! Oskar rises in a corner, and Goto sends Hashi in for a LARIAT! Then Goto adds MURAMASA! Goto climbs, Hashi lifts, and somehow, they hit the DANGEROUS LIBRA!! Cover off the super bulldog, but YUTO BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as all four men are down!

The fans rally up as Goto brings Yuto around. Yuto DECKS Goto, kicks him out, but Hashi LARIATS Yuto! The fans fire up again as Hashi roars! Hashi runs at Oskar in the corner and LARIATS! Then he brings Oskar in, hooks a leg, but Oskar fights the lift! Oskar fires body shots, Hashi staggers back, but Hashi LARIATS again! And SUPERKICKS! Oskar wobbles but he roars as he runs back up! Hashi dodges a boot, and he LARIATS Oskar down! Cover, TWO! Oskar is tougher than that but the fans fire up again. Hashi feeds off the energy and he powers up like Goto would! SUPERKICK! Hashi roars, and he brings Oskar back up!

Hashi hooks the leg, and KUMAGOROSHI!! Cover, TWO!!! Oskar survives, with Yuto so close and yet so far because of Goto! Goto throws Yuto back out, then brings Oskar back up. The fans fire up as Goto dragon sleepers and Hashi lifts the legs! But Oskar flails and fights free of Hashi! Oskar powers out of the dragon sleeper, but Hashi HEADBUTTS him down! Yuto fires off on Goto, then runs, but into a fireman’s carry! Hashi is back, FIERCE FLASH into the dragon sleeper! Hashi has the legs, but Oskar has a SLEEPER on Hashi! Hashi is stuck in The Nightmare Hold while Goto fights Yuto off.

Hashi RAMS Oskar into a corner, Goto LARIATS! Hashi LARIATS! Then Hashi goes up while Goto clinches! SUPER GOTO GO TO HUNTER! The fans fire up again as Hashi SMACKS Yuto down! Bishamon roars as they get Oskar back up and in, but Oskar again kicks free! But Hashi CODE BREAKERS! Goto dragon sleepers, Hashi has the legs, and this time for sure! SHOTO!! Cover, YUTO BREAKS IT!!! The fans are thunderous as Yuto saves Oskar with nanoseconds to spare! Red Shoes checks all four guys as they stir, and the fans rally up again. Hashi sits up first, he calls to Goto, and Goto pushes up off the mat.

The fans cheer as Bishamon roars! They stand up, and Hashi brings Yuto around. But Yuto fires forearms and elbows! But then Hashi mule kicks! Goto clinches, Hashi runs, but Yuto sends Goto into Hashi! Then he ROCKS Goto! Goto ROCKS Ice, but Ice ROCKS Goto! The fans get fired up with every forearm! Yuto swings, but Goto spins him, URA GTR! Then Goto runs, but Yuto blocks the lariat to ROUNDHOUSE! Then he blocks the ridge hand! Oskar is up, Yuto sends Goto to him! Scoop and K O B DRIVER!! But they can’t make the cover! The fans are thunderous again as Yuto snarls and Oskar rises!

Yuto brings Hashi up, sends him to Oskar, but Hashi ROCKS Oskar first! Then he ROCKS Yuto! Hashi CHOPS Yuto, ROCKS him again and again, then DOUBLE CHOPS! Hashi runs, but Yuto dodges! Oskar scoops! Hashi slips free to SHOVE Oskar into Yuto! Half nelson, KARMA CRADLE! TWO!! CRUELLA!! The fans are thunderous again as all four men are back down! Yuto roars, he drags Hashi up, and the fans rally behind him! Goto anchors Yuto’s leg, then drags himself up. Yuto stares Goto down before he DECKS him! Red Shoes reprimands about closed fists, but Yuto just roars! Feed to Oskar for the scoop, K O B DRIVER!!! Cover, KOB wins!!

Winners: Oskar & Yuto-Ice, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)

Goto & Hashi put up the fight you’d expect from former tag team champions, but they are still just former tag team champions! What will it take for them to #TurnItAllAround now that they’ve fallen behind?

As for the champs, it takes them a moment to stand back up, but they do stand for Red Shoes to raise their hands in victory. Yuto then sits back down before getting the mic. Yuto calls to Bishamon and asks they wait a moment. Yuto knows normally, the losers have nothing to say, but he wants them to hear this. He was fortunate to see their matches, and knows their philosophy of pushing forward, never giving up, and being able to turn things around. Yuto’s opinion is that even as a Young Lion in the black trunks, he thought of them as incredible strong, warm-hearted, and straightforward guys. The fans applaud that.

Yuto says if Bishamon felt the pure essence of pro-wrestling, then please come again, KOB will do this any time. The fans also applaud that, and Oskar helps Yuto stand up. Yuto continues by saying, “See you again.” Bishamon exits, and Yuto says his body aches and creaks from all that damage. But right now, being alive and being a pro-wrestler is the most fun he’s ever had! He is pretty sure pro-wrestling exists just so Yuto can live. Maybe, you guys who also love pro-wrestling feel the same. The fans cheer that, too! Yuto says he and they are all lucky, cuz pro-wrestling is an escape. If anything happens, they can always come back to wrestling!

Yuto is a huge fan of wrestling! He knows the fans cameramen, the staff, everyone in this company and in this industry in general, are all fans, too! So don’t worry, whatever your crappy reality is, pro-wrestling can save you from it. The fans cheer, that, too! Yuto promises that watching wrestling, you don’t have to think. A false version of himself is rubbish. Only raw emotion shows the real! Just feel! When you want to feel truly alive, watch pro-wrestling! The fans applaud again, and Yuto knows all you guys should just shut up and spend your time and money on Yuto & Oskar! You won’t lose anything, they ARE pro-wrestling!

The fans cheer again, and Yuto says it may vary from person to person. Whether it is work, school, home, or whatever else! As a reward, let’s share pro-wrestling together! Yuto has Oskar by his side, but also all of you “addicts!” The fans applaud, and Yuto says KOB is big money! They’re the best team in the world! And from now on, don’t think, just feel! LET’S GET HIGH! Tch tch, BIG UP! Oskar & Ice continue to reign, will there ever be a team that can keep up with their high?

My Thoughts:

A great Wrestling Redzone in the middle of the Road to Wrestling Dontaku, and I fully admit to forgetting about the first part of said Road to Wrestling Dontaku. Very good stuff in Tiger Mask escalating things for him and Douki, and I believe the House of Torture was also involved in NJPW’s previous Lumberjack Match, so maybe that tradition can replace the Bullet Club War Dogs’ Dog Kennel Cage Match. But it sounds like it’ll just be a reason to have everyone already ringside for when Tiger Mask loses his last chance at the title, because I don’t see NJPW changing tradition. Even so, it’ll be an awesome match with Tiger Mask giving it his all until the very end.

Speaking of, we got that out of the tag title matches tonight. I didn’t think TMDK would win the belts back already, but this adds to the great rivalry between them and Super Extreme. Super Extreme could make number four the one they finally win, it all just fits so well. And great match from KOB VS Bishamon. However, given it was Bishamon, who not only had their run as tag champions but are also Six Man Champions with Boltin Oleg, KOB was naturally winning here. Great stuff for them, and there are some good possibilities for who faces them next, so we’ll see where they go for Dontaku and beyond.

My Score: 8.9/10