Who will grab the last tickets to the G1?

The Road to G1 Climax 36 is almost over, and that means finally filling both blocks! Oskar or Yujiro, ELP or Oiwa, who will reach the Climax?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 8 Man Tag: Yuya Uemura, Taichi, El Desperado & Masatora Yasuda VS Ren Narita, SANADA, SHO & DOUKI; Ren, Sanada, Sho & Douki win.
• 8 Man Tag: Boltin Oleg, Aaron Wolf, Hirooki Goto & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Yota Tsuji, Shingo Takagi, Yuto-Ice & Daiki Nagai; Oleg, Wolf, Goto & Matsumoto win.
• Triple Threat Tag: Tiger Mask & Jado VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Dick Togo; Kanemaru & Dick win.
• G1 Climax 36 B Block Qualifier: OSKAR VS Yujiro Takahashi; Oskar wins and advances.
• G1 Climax 36 A Block Qualifier: El Phantasmo VS Ryohei Oiwa; Oiwa wins and advances.
• IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Shota Umino VS Gabe Kidd; Gabe wins and becomes the new IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: YOH VS Francesco Akira; Yoh wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

After Triple Threat Tag: Tiger Mask & Jado VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Dick Togo…

To be fair, this match started turning into a 4v2 against the House of Torture, but even then, Dick knocking the ref down and choking Jado out gave Kanemaru the opening to use WHISKEY MIST! A roll up and cover, the House of Torture wins! The fans boo but the Heel Master & Spoiler indeed had to spoil Tiger Mask’s final tag match. But even so, Tiger Mask takes the mic to say, “Thank you, everyone, for coming out tonight. Last year, I announced my retirement. And now, finally, tomorrow, will be my last matches. Dynamite Kid, Tommy Billington, and Black Tiger.

“I will do my absolute best and show you the bets Tiger Mask I can tomorrow night. Until the very end, I’ll give it my all. I look forward to having your support.” The fans cheer as Tiger Mask prepares for the final battles of his career. Can this living legend ride off into the sunset one last time?

G1 Climax 36 B Block Qualifier: OSKAR VS Yujiro Takahashi w/ The House of Torture!

Yuto-Ice is already through to the Climax, having overcome Taichi in a very powerful match. But the German Giant might have the bigger challenge because The House of Torture never rolls alone. Will Oskar be able to join his Knock Out Brother in the tournament? Or will Tokyo Pimp lie, cheat, and steal his golden ticket to the top?

The bell rings and Oskar BOOTS Yujiro right down! Then NIGHTMARE SLEEPER!! Yujiro flails but he’s turning red already! But SHO rings the bell! Oskar lets go, having fallen for the trick! The fans boo but Sho plays dumb. Oskar is pissed, but then Yujiro CHOP BLOCKS Oskar’s leg! The fans boo but Yujiro drags Oskar up and TOSSES him out. Then Yujiro distracts the ref so the House can mug Oskar! The fans boo, but then Sho & Douki DOUBLE KNEE SMASH on the floor! Then they drag Oskar up, hold the leg out, and Ren JAMS it up with a chair! The fans boo but The House scurries away like the rats they are.

Yujiro goes out to fetch Oskar, put him in the ring, and stalk him. Oskar tries to stand but that bad leg won’t let him! Yujiro grabs that leg, puts it on the ropes, then stands on it! The ref counts, so Yujiro HIP DROPS the leg! Yujiro drags Oskar up, bumps him off buckles, then puts the bad leg through ropes. Oskar CLUBS away on Yujiro, but Yujiro still BOOTS the bad leg! Yujiro BOOTS it again, then brings Oskar around to snapmare. Yujiro isolates the bad leg so he can SPLASH down on it! Oskar clutches the leg, but Yujiro grabs the other, steps through, and has the FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR! Then he reaches out to grab the ropes for leverage!

The fans boo as Oskar endures, and the ref finally notices! Yujiro lets go of the ropes but he still has Oskar tied up. Oskar fights around, Yujiro grabs ropes again, and the ref counts! Yujiro lets Oskar go this time, and the fans rally as Oskar crawls. Yujiro stalks Oskar, taunts him, then kicks the bad leg. Oskar manages to CHOP! The fans cheer as Oskar ROCKS and CHOPS Yujiro, then reels him in. But Yujiro BITES Oskar’s hand! The ref counts, Yujiro lets Oskar go, but then he blocks a kick! Yujiro CLAWS Oskar’s face, throws him down, then runs to basement DROPKICK! The fans rally for Oskar while he’s down, but Yujiro is right on him.

Yujiro drags Oskar up, reels him in, but now Oskar BITES Yujiro’s hand! the fans cheer the payback, and Oskar lets go so he can RUN Yujiro over! The fans fire up while Oskar hobbles around. Oskar runs up on Yujiro but Yujiro dodges in the corner! Yujiro kicks, whips, but Oskar reverses! Oskar runs up again and ELBOWS Yujiro! Oskar shoves Yujiro down, then slaps his bad leg into working. Oskar manages to run and drop the leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Yujiro survives but the fans continue to rally for Oskar. Oskar rises up, hobbles his way back over, and he brings Yujiro up for a scoop! But Yujiro pulls hair and CLAWS Oskar’s eyes!

Yujiro THROWS Oskar out, and The House is after him! But Oskar guzels Sho, and guzels Douki! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds before he kicks and CLUBS Ren! Oskar POSTS Ren, but Yujiro hurries after him! Oskar CHOPS Yujiro first! The fans fire up as Oskar storms after Yujiro and CHOPS! And then he puts Yujiro in the ring. Oskar hobbles his way back into the ring, fires himself back up, but Yujiro kicks the leg! Yujiro runs, but into a scoop and SLAM! The fans fire up with Oskar as he stands Yujiro back up, for the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! And then a SLEEPER SLAM! Cover, BUT REN YANKS THE REF OUT!

The fans boo, and now Oskar’s mad! Oskar storms out after Ren but he lures Oskar into a trap! SANADA attacks! The fans boo as the Cold-Blooded Snake helps mug Oskar now! They get Oskar back in the ring and Yujiro has his pimp cane! The fans boo as the House all stands Oskar up for Yujiro to CANE SHOT back down! Yujiro then drags Oskar back up, reels him in, and PIMP JUICE! Cover, but YUTO YANKS THE REF OUT! The fans cheer as The House feels the sting of karma! Yuto apologizes, but then explains about the House’s sins. But then they attack Yuto! The fans boo as Sho & Douki kick and whip Yuto, but Yuto grabs ropes!

Yuto BOOTS Douki, ROUNDHOUSES Sho, then intercepts Ren with a THROW! Sanada runs in but gets a POP-UP KNEE! Yujiro kicks Yuto, then runs, but into a BOOT! The fans are fired up now as Yuto feeds Yujiro to the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER, and then into AMBITION! And then a scoop for the K O B DRIVER!! The fans are thunderous, Yuto hurries to fetch the ref, and now we get the cover, OSKAR WINS!

Winner: Oskar, by pinfall (advances to G1 Climax 36)

With a little help from his Knock Out Brother, Oskar brings down the House, and now he is in the G1! Will KOB be able to meet at the Climax and get everyone high?

G1 Climax 36 A Block Qualifier: El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS Ryohei Oiwa!

The Headbanga has been fighting hard and falling short lately, but he’s not giving up! The same can be said for The Mullet as he also continues to grind. Will ELP be able to #TurnItAllAround? Or will Oiwa prove that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. ELP offer a handshake, Oiwa accepts, and the fans cheer. The two circle, and the fans cheer on “E L P! E L P!” ELP nods, but then Oiwa gets the fans cheering him on. The two tie up, ELP headlocks, but Oiwa wrenches free. ELP wrenches back to hammerlock, half nelson, spin and snapmare, then ghost pin! TWO, and the two back away. The fans applaud as the two reset, then tie up. Oiwa wrenches to wristlock but ELP uses the ropes to flip through. ELP wrenches back, but Oiwa rolls to wrench again. ELP rolls, trips Oiwa, then ties up the legs! ELP hooks Oiwa up, for the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! But Oiwa pops free to a cover, TWO!

The fans applaud the standoff, and the two take their time resetting. The fans duel as the two reset and tie up again. Oiwa headlocks, ELP powers up but can’t power out. ELP goes to the ropes, powers free this time, only for Oiwa to run him over! Oiwa runs to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Oiwa headlocks again but ELP endures the grind. ELP fights up and fires body shots. ELP powers up and out, then drops down to DROPKICK! Oiwa bails out while ELP kips up, and the fans fire up as ELP builds speed. But Oiwa catches ELP to a headlock! Only for ELP to POST Oiwa! Oiwa falls to the floor, and ELP PLANCHAS him back down!

The fans cheer as ELP stands, and then ELP points to the corner. ELP climbs, the fans rally, and they join in with “E! L! P!” ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes Oiwa and the fans fire up again! ELP pushes the Young Lions aside so he can stand, and he brings Oiwa back up. ELP puts Oiwa in the ring, then aims from the apron! Springboard SWANTON, then the LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives but ELP stays focused. The fans rally as ELP slashes his throat. ELP reels Oiwa in, tucks the arms, but Oiwa powers up and BACKDROPS free! The fans cheer as ELP sputters. ELP still gets up and runs up, but Oiwa arm-drags to the armlock!

ELP fights up, whips Oiwa to ropes, but Oiwa RUNS him over! Things keep moving, and Oiwa counters hip toss with HIP TOSS! Then another arm-drag, back to the armlock! Oiwa wrenches and whips ELP to a corner, but only to YANK the arm and DEATH ROLL! ELP clutches the arm but Oiwa vows to end it now! Oiwa clamps on for the ARC CLUTCH! But ELP has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Oiwa lets go. Oiwa then drags ELP up, puts him in a corner, and CHOPS! ELP staggers to another corner, Oiwa stalks him, and he winds up to CHOP again! Oiwa wraps the bad arm around ropes, pulls on it, but lets go as the ref counts 4.

Oiwa runs in, but ELP dodges! ELP GAMANGIRIS, then goes up to TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! ELP kips up and the fans cheer! ELP goes to the corner, tunes up, and he waits on Oiwa. Oiwa stands, into SUDDEN DEATH! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives but ELP is right on him! ELP tucks the arms, lifts, but Oiwa fights free! Oiwa wrenches the arm, YANKS it, but ELP ROCKS Oiwa! Oiwa UPPERCUTS ELP! ELP mule kicks! Oiwa spins, ELP blocks, but then Oiwa comes in with the DISCUS LARIAT! The fans rally up again and Oiwa nods. Oiwa rises, he brings ELP back up, and he gut wrenches! But ELP RANAS to a cover, TWO!!

Oiwa stands, sunset flips, then stacks! TWO, into a deadlift POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up! Oiwa rises again, and he powers up the arm. The fans duel again as Oiwa spins, but ELP ducks The Grip! ENZIGIRI! ELP goes to run, but Oiwa reels him in for a GERMAN SUPLEX! ELP is right up, and he reels Oiwa in for a GERMAN SUPLEX! But then Oiwa is up to O’Conner and CHAOS THEORY! The fans fire up as ELP rises again, he runs up on Oiwa, they collide, but Oiwa hurries to whip! And THE GRIP!! Cover, Oiwa wins!!

Winner: Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall (advances to G1 Climax 36)

ELP tried, but once again fell short of the goal! How much harder must he fight to finally reach the top? As for Oiwa, he hurries to get the mic to say, “The G1 Climax is now complete with Ryohei Oiwa! I won the play-in to the tournament, I will go to the finals and be the big name of the summer! The G1 Climax is now within my grip!” The Mullet moves on, but will he have a mighty run at the trophy?

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Shota Umino VS Gabe Kidd!

Just as the Roughneck finally had his moment, the Mad Man came outta nowhere to ruin it! Gabe has betrayed NJPW all to be All Elite, but will he also take this title? Or will Shota’s Second Chapter stay golden?

OH NO, Gabe SHOTGUNS the ref, Marty Asami! Then he gets up in President Tanahashi’s face! The fans boo but here comes Shota! They brawl and Shota KNEES low! Shota TOSSES Gabe out, throws his jacket off, then hurries to put his title belt and other entrance gear aside. Shota then storms after Gabe, eggs him on, and they start throwing hands! The fans rally for Shota as the shots go fast ‘n’ furious, but then Gabe sends Shota into the metal barriers! Gabe drags Shota up, they go into the orange seats, and through a row! The fans move aside as best they can as Shota hits back! Shota ROCKS Gabe, ROCKS him again, and again!

Shota and Gabe go up the narrow middle aisle, go to the iconic gap, and the fans rally up as the shots keep going! Shota gets the edge, but Gabe ROCKS him! Gabe gets in Shota’s face, eggs him on, then ROCKS him again! Shota DECKS Gabe in return! The fans cheer while Gabe sputters. Shota snarls, then stands Gabe up, but Gabe SMACKS Shota in return! Gabe then SMACKS Shota off the stairwell wall! The fans boo but Gabe soaks up the heat. Gabe finally takes off his sweatpants, but the ankle cuffs aren’t agreeing with his boots. Gabe finally gets free, then storms back over to Shota. Shota is busted open from hitting the edge of the solid wall!

Gabe says zoom in, and then he HAMMERS away on the bloody forehead! The fans boo but Gabe BITES Shota’s forehead! Gabe shoves Shota down, talks trash, then soaks up the heat. Gabe mocks the fans cheering Shota on, then he drags Shota up, just to CHOP him back down! Gabe sees Shota’s blood on his chest and just shrugs. Gabe CHOPS Shota, stalks him along the way, then ROCKS him! Shota staggers around, but he comes back to ROCK Gabe! Gabe eggs Shota on so Shota ROCKS him! Gabe eggs Shota on, telling him to protect NJPW from Gabe, the AEW wrestler! Shota ROCKS Gabe again, but Gabe ROCKS him right back!

Gabe shoves Shota along, then storms down the stands to intimidate fans. The fans boo but Gabe goes back to Shota. Finally, a new ref arrives so there can be order, and Gabe CHOPS Shota! Shota staggers along, but now Gabe goes up a few rows to snatch a fan’s towel! The fans boo but Gabe uses that Shota Umino merch to CHOKE Shota! Gabe mocks the fans, then soaks up the heat. Gabe goes back to Shota, drags him up and brings him along with a headlock. Gabe CHOPS Shota, and Shota tumbles down the steps! The fans rally for Shota, even as he tumbles all the way to ground level. Gabe drags Shota up again, just to DECK him!

Gabe snarls, then he drags Shota up. Gabe whips Shota into a POST! Shota tumbles, Gabe flexes, and the fans boo. Gabe taunts Tanahashi before he brings Shota into the ring. Gabe says just give him the belt already, but then he snatches it off the table! Gabe THROWS the belt away, then he SPITS on Tanahashi! The fans boo but Gabe says The Ace is gutless! Gabe goes to the ring, but Shota LARIATS! The fans fire up, and we finally get the bell to ring! The fans fire up as Shota runs, and he LARIATS Gabe again! Shota hauls Gabe up, SECOND- NO, Gabe fights free and bails out of the ring! Shota pursues, catches Gabe’s lariat, to then suplex and BRAINBUSTER on the floor!

The fans rally as Shota smiles through the crimson mask. Shota flops over but the fans still cheer him on. Shota and Gabe stir, and Shota sits back up. The ring count starts, Shota stands at 4 of 20, and he takes a moment to fire up! The fans are with him as he drags Gabe up and puts him in the ring. Gabe flounders but Shota stalks him to a corner. Shota ROCKS and CHOPS Gabe on repeat! But Gabe turns things around to fire SLAP after SLAP! Shota turns it around again to CHOP and ROCK! Gabe shouts, “C’MON, P*SSY!” so Shota DECKS him! The fans cheer, and Shota runs corner to corner, SHINING WIZARD!

Shota lets Gabe fall, then watches him crawl. Gabe sits up, into the STRIKE KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives but Shota just brings him up and around. The fans rally as Shota reels Gabe in, scoops, and SECOND- NO, Gabe slips free to GERMASN SUPLEX! Then LARIAT! Gabe doesn’t stop, he hauls Shota up for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans fire up! Gabe seethes as he sits back up while the fans continue to cheer Shota on. Gabe drags Shota up, puts him in the corner, and then SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS! Gabe HAMMERS and stomps Shota down, the ref counts, and the fans boo. Gabe tells them all off!

Gabe CHOPS Shota on the back, so Shota UPPERCUTS Gabe down! The fans rally again, and Shota roars as he rises up! Shota storms over to Gabe, drags him up, but Gabe fires more palm strikes! So Shota fires them back! They go SLAP for SLAP, again and again, fast ‘n’ furious! Shota ROCKS Gabe with one, but Gabe just fires a flurry! Then he bobs ‘n’ weaves, SMACKS Shota, and again! And again! STRAIGHT RIGHT! The ref reprimands but Gabe stumbles away to the ropes. Gabe flips everyone off, but the fans boo and cheer Shota on again. Gabe stomps Shota, taunts him, then sits him up. “Is this your hero? This your boy? This your boy, Tanahashi? F YOU!”

Gabe stands Shota up, SPITS in his face, but Shota ROCKS Gabe! And ROCKS him again! Then SWATS the lariat! Gabe staggers, falls, and Shota goes to run, but the ref checks on Gabe. Gabe clutches his arm, the same arm that’s given him problems before, but Shota wants Gabe to bring the fight! Gabe is pissed, but then wait! IT’S A LIE! He LARIATS Shota down!! The fans boo, but then Gabe lifts Shota for a PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans fire up again! Gabe kicks Shota out of the ring, reels him in, and he stares Tanahashi right in the eye as he hits a PILEDRIVER on the floor! Then Gabe SPITS on Tanahashi!

Gabe puts Shota in the ring, drags him back up, and hooks a leg, LEG TRAP PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!? Shota survives and the fans are thunderous again! Gabe is frustrated but the fans are still cheering Shota on. Gabe drags Shota up, brings him around, and underhooks the arms. DEATH RIDER DRIVER!! Cover, GABE WINS!!!

Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)

Shota tried, but he could not stop this Mad Man, this man full of hate and violence, from taking away the title! Tanahashi must reluctantly hand the belt over to Gabe, and Gabe just THROWS it down anyway! Gabe then tells Tanahashi to put the belt on him. Tanahashi reluctantly does as told, putting the belt around Gabe’s waist. Gabe then SLAPS Tanahashi down! And he throws the belt on the floor! The fans boo but Gabe just soaks up the heat. For the first time in wrestling history, a man owns a championship in a company he hates. Will nothing stop this Dog from doing whatever he wants?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: YOH VS Francesco Akira w/ The United Empire!

Yoh finally proved he was the Best of the Super Juniors, and he finally took this title off the false god that was Douki, only to have challengers come out the woodwork. A Fatal 4 Way was held, and when the smoke cleared, it was the Nova Fireball standing tall. Will Akira conquer the Junior Heavyweights for the United Empire? Or will Direct Drive still be in the driver’s seat?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the Best of the Super Juniors!

The bell rings and the fans rally up for Yoh. Akira is annoyed already, but he does have his fans cheering him on out there. The two circle, Akira says that title will be his, and the two tie up. Akira goes for an arm, wrenches and wristlocks, but Yoh rolls, kips up, wrenches back and hammerlocks. Akira drops down, rolls, wrenches and hammerlocks in return. Akira then shifts to a headlock, hits the takeover, but Yoh headscissors. Akira kips free and the fans cheer the standoff. They circle again, tie up again, but Akira pulls hair! Red Shoes reprimands as Akira puts Yoh on the ropes. Yoh turns things around, but lets off slowly.

Yoh then winds up, fakes the chop, and then fakes it again! Akira says c’mon, stop it! Yoh CHOPS Akira for real! Akira storms up to headlock, but Yoh powers up and out. Akira RUNS Yoh over, SPITS on him, then runs. Yoh stays low, then sidesteps, drop toeholds, and runs to basement DROPKICK! Akira bails out, Yoh copies the “A! KI-RA!” rhythm, maybe for “Y! O H!” Yoh then aims and PLAN- NO, Akira trips Yoh up, drags him out, and SMACKS him off the apron! Akira slides in, aims, and PLANCHAS but onto a Young Lion! Akira is upset but Yoh kicks him low. Yoh checks on Tatsuya Matsumoto, then SMACKS Akira off the apron.

Yoh gets the clapping going again, then takes aim. PLANCHA but back onto Tatsuya! Akira uses the same trick, and he RAMS Yoh down! Akira says, “Baka ne!” The fans cheer that, and Akira brings Yoh around to CHOP! Akira then brings Yoh around with a headlock, and SMACKS him off the timekeeper’s table! Akira smiles at the title, picks it up, and takes aim at Yoh! Red Shoes reprimands, then he and Akira fight over the belt. Akira SHOVES Red Shoes down, but Yoh kicks Akira! Yoh POSTS Akira, then helps Tatsuya to his feet. But then he brings Tatsuya over to whip him into Akira! The fans applaud as Yoh raises Tatsuya’s hand in victory!

Yoh then stalks Akira, but the Empire is there. They stay back, and Akira SMACKS Yoh with a serving tray! It literally has Yoh’s name on it! Then Akira SMACKS Tatsuya with it! Akira mocks Yoh with the tray, then drums his head with it. The fans are torn but Akira brings Yoh up and reels him in. Snap suplex to the floor! Akira then goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a TABLE! The fans are again torn, but Akira sets that table up nearby. Red Shoes reprimands but Akira brings Yoh over. Akira drags Yoh up, reels him in, and lifts, but Yoh fights with fists! Yoh slips down, Akira CLUBS him, and then Akira RAMS Yoh into the apron!

Akira puts Yoh in the ring, kneels for the cover, but Red Shoes says no! Akira argues with Red Shoes, but Red Shoes says there were too many shenanigans on the outside. Akira storms over to Yoh for a CHOP! Akira whips Yoh corner to corner, but Yoh reverses. Yoh runs up, but Akira goes up and catches him into the TARANTULA! The fans cheer the Tajiri special, and Akira lets go of Yoh. Akira struts around like Tajiri, then he taunts Yoh. Yoh rises up to BODY SHOT! Yoh fires forearms, Akira fires back, and Akira DECKS Yoh! Akira then snapmares Yoh, steps over, and traps one arm in a hammerlock while he clamps on with a chinlock!

The fans rally for Yoh as he endures, and Yoh kicks his way around. Yoh almost gets his arms free, but then Akira has a dragon sleeper! Yoh still kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! Akira lets go and looms over Yoh as he talks some trash. Akira stands Yoh up, CHOPS him, but Yoh eggs Akira on. Akira CHOPS again, but Yoh wants more. Akira CHOPS again and Yoh falls to his knees! Akira soaks up the cheers and jeers, then he talks more trash on Yoh. Yoh stands to ROCK Akira! Akira and Yoh go forearm for forearm, but then Akira throat chops! Akira whips but Yoh FLYING FOREARMS! The fans fire up while both men are down!

The fans rally as Yoh sits up, and he runs up to CLOBBER Akira! And CLOBBER him again! And turn for the NECKBREAKER! Akira flounders away but Yoh runs up. Yoh blocks a boot, then trips Akira! Yoh ties Akira up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh then sits on Akira to mock Great-O-Khan’s throne! Khan gets on the apron but Red Shoes has him stay back. Yoh mocks Khan again, “HMPH!” Khan has no choice but to stand down as Yoh goes for a third, with a smug smile. Then Yoh runs to DROPKICK Akira out of Paradise! Cover, TWO! The fans rally but Khan tells Akira to kill Yoh for making fun of him!

Yoh looks to the table Akira set up, and he gets an idea. Yoh brings Akira up, reels him in, and calls his shot! Yoh suplexes, but Akira fights free! Akira runs up, but Yoh dumps him out! Akira tumbles to the apron, Yoh fires forearms, and Akira holds onto the ropes! Yoh runs, but Akira slingshots for the CUTTER! Akira then dragon sleepers for the FINAL CUT! Cover, TWO! Akira clamps right on for the roll and GROUND TARANTULA! Yoh scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira brings Yoh up, reels him in for a facelock, but Yoh fights the lift. Yoh fires a body shot, then another.

Akira pie faces Yoh and eggs him on. Yoh fires a forearm, but Akira fires back! Yoh fires another, so Akira fires back! The fans rally as the forearms keep going, faster ‘n’ faster, then Akira fires a flurry! Akira runs, but Yoh UPPERCUTS! Yoh runs but Akira LARIATS at the ropes! Akira then feints the run to tabletop and DROPKICK! Akira runs, but into a scoop! FALCON GOROSHI! And then the ANACONDA VICE! Akira endures, fights around, but Yoh swings him through to suplex and FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Akira survives and the fans applaud. Yoh shakes out his arms while we pass 15 minutes on this one hour time limit.

Yoh goes to ropes, drags himself up, and he tunes up! The fans rally behind him, but Akira drops back down! Yoh is annoyed, but he brings Akira up. Akira rolls Yoh up, with tights! TWO, but Akira victory rolls to STOMP 182! Yoh writhes while Akira goes to ropes. Akira drags himself to a corner, he takes aim, but Yoh ducks the Fireball! Yoh waistlocks, Akira elbows free, but Yoh ROCKS Akira! Akira BOOTS Yoh! Yoh ROLLING ELBOWS! Akira ENZIGIRIS! Yoh rewinds, I’LL BE BACK SUPERKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down. The fans rally as Yoh pushes Akira to the apron, near the table…

The Empire protests but Akira is the one who brought the table out. Yoh drags Akira up, reels him in, and the Empire tries to warn Akira. Akira fights the suplex, then fireman’s carries! Yoh fights free with elbows, but Akira fires a forearm! Yoh fires back! They brawl on the edge while the fans rally up again. Akira ROCKS Yoh, POSTS him, then gets under him! Akira brings Yoh over, POWERBOMB onto the table! It mostly breaks, but it doesn’t fall! Red Shoes hurries to check Yoh while The Empire checks on Akira. Yoh has a bloody cut on his back now, but he seems otherwise able to continue. Akira rolls into the ring and a ring count starts.

The fans rally for Yoh while he’s still down. The count is 10 of 20, then 12! Yoh stirs at 13, crawls around at 14, but is still down at 15! Yoh reaches up at 17, rises at 18, and LUNGES in at 19! But Akira LIONSAULTS onto Yoh! Then he reels Yoh in for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! But Akira reels Yoh back in, SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives and the fans are thunderous! Akira is stunned, but he refocuses and drags Yoh back up. Akira reels Yoh in, hooks a leg, and- NO, Yoh fights the lift! The fans rally as the two fight for control, and Akira lets go to KNEE down low! Akira grins while Yoh sputters on the mat.

Akira tells Yoh he’s gonna finish this! But Yoh anchors a foot to keep Akira from running ropes. Akira ROCKS Yoh, goes to run again, but Yoh again anchors a leg! Akira is annoyed, and he sits Yoh up to ROCK him again! But again, Yoh anchors a foot! Yoh eggs Akira on, again saying he’s not even using full power! Akira DRIBBLES Yoh off the mat! Akira taunts the fans even, then he runs the ropes, but Yoh springs up and waistlocks! O’Conner Roll, FIVE STAR- NO, Akira slips free! But runs into a SNAP DRAGON! Akira is up, but Yoh LARIATS!! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! Akira stirs but Yoh roars as he rises up.

Yoh brings Akira up and suplexes, FALCON GOROSHI again! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that, but Yoh just fires up again. The fans rally as Yoh stands back up. Yoh slashes his throat, vowing to end this. Yoh underhooks, but Akira fights the lift! Akira wrenches but Yoh full nelsons! Akira reaches out for ropes, but Yoh spins him around! DIRECT- NO, Akira fights the lift, fireman’s carry takeover, GROUND TARANTULA!! Yoh kicks and flails while the fans rally as hard as they can! But Yoh is still so far away! Akira bends the arms, but Yoh refuses to let this stop him! Yoh kicks, and kicks, and kicks, but Akira puts on more pressure!

Red Shoes checks with Yoh, but he still has fight in him! Yoh shifts around, slips his arm free, and he has a ghost pin! TWO!! Akira gets free, goes to a corner, and Yoh runs up! Akira dodges, backslides, but roll through! FIREBALL!! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives, but Akira reloads! NOVA FIREBALL!! Cover, TWO?!?! Yoh survives and Akira is shocked! The fans are electric as we pass 25 minutes, and Akira roars! Akira brings Yoh up, vows to end it now, and he hooks a leg! CROWN- NO, Yoh tries to cradle counter, but Akira stops the counter! Akira suplexes through, but Yoh slips free! Ripcord and- NO, Akira blocks the knee!

Akira swings, but into a clinch! Akira throws Yoh away, but Yoh ducks the Buzzsaw! Ripcord and JUMP KNEE! Then STANDING ANACONDA VICE!! Akira endures, reaches out, but Yoh keeps him from the ropes! Yoh hits the ANACONDA STO! Then ANACONDA VICE!! But Akira makes it a cradle! TWO, and they roll through! DIRECT DRIVE!!! Cover, YOH WINS!!

Winner: Yoh, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)

Akira burned bright tonight, but he could not take the crown! How much harder must he fight to become the best?

As for Yoh, he grabs the mic, and he rests on the mat as he says, “Oi, Akira. It feels like you were only at 99% today. You need to be 100% if you wanna beat me.” Yoh then holds up the title as he says, “Me and this belt, how far are we gonna go together? I’ve already decided. And you (belt) know it, as well. We’re gonna light it up together!” The fans cheer that. The 100th IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion continues to roll on, what more history will he make from here on out?

My Thoughts:

A great finale to the Road to G1 Climax, and we even got some good build going into Tiger Mask’s final event. A little surprised he lost his last tag match, and that it was a Triple Threat in the first place, but in a roundabout way, that is also part of tradition. With that, I’m not sure if Tiger Mask is losing both of his final matches, or if he’s going 1-1 where he can get one last win before his true, final match. Great G1 qualifiers tonight, and I figured Oskar would find a way. Naturally, Yuto had Oskar’s back, and needing only Yuto shows the power level of the Knock Out Brothers. I was a little surprised it was Oiwa over ELP, but I wonder if ELP’s time in NJPW is coming to an end, with him going to AEW as literally just “ELP.”

Another surprise would have to be Gabe Kidd winning the Global title off Shota. Great showing for Shota, including getting busted open, but I wonder where we go from here with Gabe as Global Heavyweight Champion again. Will he come up with his own design for the belt since he literally left the current one behind? It’s a white strap right now, does he make it a black strap with a grittier looking face plate? And then great main event from Yoh VS Akira, including getting Tatsuya Matsumoto in on it as a human weapon. But I had a feeling that the 100th champion of this belt’s history would not lose it so soon. Yoh probably goes all the way to WrestleKingdom 21, and even then he might make it through that.

My Score: 8.8/10

Will the Last Real Good Guy still be Undisputed?

Sami Zayn may be champion, but Cody Rhodes earned his rematch on Friday, so now it’s time to see who is Undisputed WWE Champion 1v1!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE World Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Bron Breakker & Austin Theory w/ Logan Paul; Bron & Theory win and become the new WWE World Tag Team Champions.
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Sol Ruca VS Raquel Rodriguez; Sol wins and retains the title.
• Undisputed WWE Championship: Sami Zayn VS Cody Rhodes; cancelled…
• Chad Gable & Dragon Lee VS Ethan Page & Rusev; Ethan & Rusev win.
• Undisputed WWE Championship: Sami Zayn VS CM Punk; Punk wins and becomes the new Undisputed WWE Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

Sami Zayn arrives backstage.

The Last Real Good Guy pulls into the parking garage in his nice convertible, honking the horn and raising the Undisputed WWE Championship high as he does. Sami is greeted with applause and he shakes hands with all the staff there. Then Cody Rhodes steps in. Sami asks how Cody is feeling. Cody says he’s fine, and Sami says yeah, he must be feeling great. Because here’s what Sami thinks Cody thinks is gonna happen tonight: Cody is just gonna jump right back in and take his spot. There’s no way Sami can hold onto the title. Cody will just swoop in and be Golden Boy champion once again. But Sami says he is not gonna let that happen!

Sami is waling out of Chicago STILL WWE Champion. Cody says that’s great, but he was just going to wish Sami luck. But since Sami already told Cody everything Cody is thinking, then Cody will tell Sami that he’s right! Sami says we’ll just see about that. Sami leaves, and GUNTHER CLOBBERS CODY! Gunther then hauls Cody up to POWERBOMB him through a table! Staff freaks out, refs rush in, but the damage is done. And Gunther tells Sami, “You’re welcome!” Cody is no longer the problem, Gunther is! Because Sami is a disgrace and a fluke of a champion who should’ve never had the title in the first place.

Gunther says he is coming after Sami, and when he gets his chance… Gunther BOOTS Cody into the side of the car! Did Der Ring General just cancel tonight’s main event?!

Seth Rollins is here!

Chicago sings for The Architect, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as he goes to the ring. Sami’s title defense aside, we know from last week that Rollins put the challenge out to Roman Reigns, and Roman Reigns accepted. Rollins is fired up, the fans are fired up, and Rollins grabs a mic. Rollins tells Chicago, “Welcome to Monday Night Rollins! Y’all know me. I am a Visionary, I am a Revolutionary, I am Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! Gawd, I love this building, man.” The fans cheer that! But there are also chants for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Rollins says he gets it, Punk’s from Chicago, it’s obligatory. Get it out of your systems. But he couldn’t care less about that guy right now.

Rollins says hey, it’s just not his business right now. His business is the World Heavyweight Championship, his business is SummerSlam, getting back the title he never lost, and beating the Tribal Chief, beating the OTC, and continuing to own Roman Reigns! The fans now chant for “O T C! O T C!” Rollins says yes, obligatory chant. But bad news: Roman is NOT here tonight. The fans boo but Rollins says he doesn’t like it, either. But we’ve run this play a million times, that’s just how it is. Roman didn’t come to Chicago because either A) he didn’t think it didn’t anything for him, or B) the check wasn’t big enough.

But that’s just who Roman Reigns is, guys! That’s who he’s always been! Because Roman Reigns, from day one, has been “The Chosen One.” No one holds Roman accountable. The Shield debuted as a trio, right? Three of them, but it was made abundantly clear that Roman was the chosen one. Roman was gonna be the guy on the marquee, the big star, the guy who main-evented WrestleMania, and it didn’t matter if he couldn’t cut a promo, if he couldn’t wrestle out of a wet paper bag, it was always gonna be Roman. Rollins is gonna be honest since Chicago is always honest, that didn’t sit right with Rollins.

And here is why. There’s a little boy here in the front row, not sure how old. Nine years old? ANother one a little younger, five years old. Rollins was those boys, sitting in these stands, and all he ever wanted to do his entire life was to walk down that ramp, hold this mic in his hand, get inside this ring. Rollins wanted to main event WrestleMania and be the biggest star in this industry! Those were his dreams. And to watch those dreams be handed off to someone else… That broke something in Rollins. It broke something, and every decision that Rollins made after that was in direct response to watching his dreams be handed off to someone that he didn’t feel deserved it.

When Rollins broke up The Shield, that was to catch up to Roman. When Rollins cashed in at WrestleMania 31 to take Roman’s main event, that was so Rollins could keep up with Roman. He knows that sounds petty, because it was. But Rollins truly believed that if he put in the work, sacrificed, and believed in himself, he could still achieve those dreams. He could still believe that he and Roman were running the same race. Boy, was he wrong. It occurred to Rollins a couple years back, Roman said something that changed everything for Rollins. Roman admitted the fact that he worked ten times less and made ten times more.

Roman said that BS with such bravado that it made Rollins wanna puke! Because for Rollins, it was never about the money! It was never about making billions of dollars, living in some mansion on South Beach. The reward was the work! It was the hustle, the grind, the ability to make something of yourself. Roman has to beat Rollins at SummerSlam, absolutely. And y’know why? Because Roman needs to justify what he’s been trying to prove to himself the last 15 years, and that is he’s not a fraud! But Rollins needs to beat Roman just as much, because he needs to prove to himself, to that five-year-old Rollins, that through hard work and sacrifice, you can still achieve greatness!

But then LA Knight appears?! The fans cheer The Mega Star as he goes right to the ring, has the fans spell it out, “! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” and he catches the mic! Knight then looks to Rollins as the fans cheer him on, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” Knight says Rollins needs to understand: There’s no way two weeks in a row, Knight was gonna sit back and listen to this again. Last week, Roman sauntered out here, bored everyone to sleep, and Rollins joined in and did the same, with the same old trash! Roman, Rollins, give Knight Skippy! They’re happy-handing, bloviating all over each other, and what a great cheat code, bringing up how great Rollins and Roman were, and then surprise, Rollins gets a title shot!

Knight remembers a time when you had to win matches and tournaments to get opportunities at the title. Correct Knight if he’s wrong, but didn’t Rollins LOSE in the King of the Ring? No shame, Knight lost, too! But the difference is, Knight isn’t making a claim to the world champion for nostalgia’s sake. But Rollins and Roman are saying brother, lil’ brother, let’s get a match, a haircut, the same beard! They’re the greatest of all time, brother! AT WHAT?! The fans cheer that! Knight says “Greatest generation?” Rollins is an ironman, Knight gives that. Rollins has had so many world title reigns, Knight sure isn’t gonna catch him.

But talking greatest generation, just a couple years ago, when business was really starting to pick up around here, when things were peaking, who was at the top of that? Not Rollins, not Roman! Knight gives credit to Cody, but what came storming through the WWE? A force no one had seen, with everybody saying, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” So if we’re giving ourselves flowers, Knight gives his! He’s making his rise, but here’s what Rollins and Roman are really good at. Knight got cut off by the Bloodline’s numbers with Roman. Then a little later, it’s Rollins and The Vision. C’mon! Now, here we are, Roman and Bloodline trying to stuff Knight to the bottom, but you can’t do it!

Greatest generation at one thing: Being the two biggest vomits in the business! Great at manipulating numbers to hold others down! You won’t stop him, you can’t stop him, Knight will rise because he must rise! The fans cheer that! But Rollins asks if Knight’s done. Rollins tells Knight that he doesn’t like him. But he respects him. Rollins respects Knight because he is a shining example of everything that Rollins just described. Knight is hard work, grind, hustle, and Rollins believes Knight’s time will come. But right now, he cannot worry about Knight, because he has to go to SummerSlam and get back a title he never lost!

And when Rollins gets that title back, if Knight wants to step up one more time, then Rollins will make him the first person he puts in the dirt! Mic drop from Rollins and he takes his leave. Knight talks a little more trash, but JIMMY USO sneaks in! SUPERKICK on Knight! The fans boo but Jimmy says this is what happens when you mess with the family! Keep their names out your mouth! Jimmy leaves, but is this only proving Knight right? Are there those simply trying to keep him down?

Adam Pearce reprimands Gunther.

The Raw General Manager is furious with Gunther but Gunther asks if the title match tonight is off. Well, of course it is! And that’s on Gunther! Gunther says no, that was Pearce’s decision, but then NICK ALDIS storms in! Pearce has to keep Aldis back while security ushers Gunther out. Gunther tells Aldis he is a failed wrestler AND a failed GM, but he still leaves. Pearce asks if Aldis has to be ushered out, and Aldis says no, he’s just here after Pearce poached Aldis’ main event. Pearce says save it for the investigation. The industry is bigger than Aldis’ ego, and Aldis’ ego is the reason they’re in this mess!

Aldis asks if Pearce would’ve done things differently. Pearce says Aldis lost his temper, but don’t try to tell Pearce how to run the show. Aldis says don’t tell him about egos, Mr. Poached Show! Aldis says Cody was attacked, hurt badly, and THAT is on Pearce. Aldis leaves, Pearce grumbles, what is going to happen with the main roster management at this point?

WWE World Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits VS Bron Breakker & Austin Theory w/ Logan Paul!

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins got a little bit of help in taking these titles off The Vision, but they’ll have to try and keep them on their own. Will the Profits still be up? Or will Bron & Theory make it through the smoke?

Raw returns as Jackie Redmond is with The Vision in gorilla. She mentions they’re about to go out there for a title opportunity, but considering everything that’s been going on, how much pressure are they feeling? Logan wants to say something, but Paul Heyman steps in first. The Wise Man has Jackie go, and he says don’t worry about that whole thing with barrier. Bron didn’t even take out Seth Freakin’ Rollins! And Theory didn’t even take out JOE HENDRY!? The tag team titles, the Street Profits, come back with something worthy of The Wise Man… or don’t come back at all! The ultimatum has been issued, will that be enough motivation to win?

The Vision makes their entrance, the introductions are made, and now the belts and stakes are raised. The teams sort out, and we start with Bron and Ford. They circle, then Bron RUSHES Ford! Bron RAMS into Ford again and again, tags Theory, and Theory scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Bron sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT! Theory covers, TWO! The fans taunt Logan, but Theory drags Ford up to bump him off buckles. Theory whips corner to corner, but Ford goes up and over. Ford cartwheels and handsprings, then stares Theory down. Theory runs up, but into a DROPKICK! Ford tags Dawkins and they whip Theory to then RUN him over!

Dawkins lifts Ford for the BACK SUPLEX SPLASH! Cover, ONE, but Dawkins is right on him with a headlock. Theory powers up and out, hurdles, but then so does Dawkins! Dawkins UPPERCUTS Theory down! The fans cheer, Dawkins covers, ONE! Theory toughs it out, then he RAMS Dawkins into the corner! Tag to Bron, they mug Dawkins, then Bron whips. Dawkins KICKS back, then DROPKICKS! Bron goes to ropes, Dawkins whips, but Bron reverses. Dawkins dosidos with Bron, then Dawkins ends up on the ropes. Dawkins BOOTS Bron, dodges Theory, then DECKS him! Bron headlocks, Dawkins powers out, but Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges to RUN Dawkins over!

Bron stands tall, the fans fire up, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as the fans rally. Theory and Dawkins crawl, hot tags to Ford and Bron! Ford leaps over Bron to LARIAT Theory! Ford LARIATS Bron but Bron stays up! Ford runs gain to ALRIAT, then dodges a shot to mule kick! Front kick! Bron blocks a kick to FLIP Ford, and Ford lands on his feet! ENZIGIRI! Ford runs up in the corner, Bron puts him on the apron, but Ford ENZIGIRIS again! Then CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Bron is still in this but Ford stays on him. Bron swings, Ford ducks, but Bron standing switches. Bron shoves and POP-UP POWERSLAMS! Tag back to Theory and he slingshots to somersault, but Ford dodges!

Ford JUMP KNEES Theory, tags Dawkins, then climbs up! Dawkins Electric Chair Lifts, BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY! Cover, but Bron breaks it in time! The fans boo but Ford goes after Bron! Ford whips, Bron stops himself, then Bron TOSSES Ford up and out! Dawkins runs up, CYCLONE SPLASH and ENZIGIRI! But Theory ROCKS Dawkins! Theory reels Dawkins in, but Dawkins wrenches free! THE SILENCER! Both men are down but Logan is sneaking the brass knuckles out! But the ref catches that right away! Logan argues with the ref but the ref still gets the knuckles put away. But Logan has a SECOND PAIR!

Logan slides this second pair to Bron, Bron grins as he puts them on, but Dawkins ROCKS Bron first! Ford hurries in, and he FLIES over the corner! Down goes Bron and Ford! Theory sees the knuckles are still loose i the ring! But Dawkins takes them first! The fans cheer, Logan argues with the ref, and Dawkins equips the knuckles. But MAXXINE DUPRI is here?! And she LOW BLOWS Dawkins from behind!! Theory covers Dawkins, VISION WINS!

Winners: Austin Theory & Bron Breakker, by pinfall (NEW WWE World Tag Team Champions)

The Alpha Babe smiles, and she runs into Theory’s arms! And plants a big kiss right on Theory’s lips! Theory gets the gold and the girl in a twisted version of a sports hero story! Is nothing going to stop The Vision now that they’re back on top?

Cody Rhodes is being checked in medical.

The doc checks Cody’s arm and his head, and Pearce walks in, asking for an update. The doc says he cannot clear Cody until they get proper scans. Cody says he’s fine, Pearce says normally he’d be right with Cody, but if the doc says no, then Pearce’s hands are tied. The doc helps Cody along, and looks like the main event really is off the card. What is Pearce to do about making up for it?

The Vision regroups backstage.

Logan says he is so proud of Bron, so proud of Theory, and so happy for Theory and Maxxine. They’re the best this business has, and they have Logan, too! He loves these guys! But then Heyman walks up. Heyman says okay, first step. But it’s only a first step. Wait, he’s being too harsh. Someone got something accomplished. Theory thanks Heyman for that, but Heyman says he was talking to Maxxine. Heyman heads out again, Logan says it’s just tough love. The Vision heads out for the n ight, how hardy will they party in Chicago?

but then The Alpha Academy steps out, having seen the whole thing. Otis & Tozawa are speechless and distraught, what’re they to do now?

The Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.

Everyone hypes Raquel Rodriguez up, tonight is her night to take that Women’s Intercontinental Championship! Judgment Day has all the momentum! They took out Iyo Sky, they sent a message to that freak, Danhausen, and now, Raquel is gonna have a championship. They will do everything in their power to make sure Raquel leaves here the NEW Women’s IC Champion! Raquel says she will not let it slip through her fingers. Tonight, she rips that title from Sol’s waist! Tonight, that title is as good as hers! Raquel is all fired up, JD McDonagh says Big Mami Cool is ready! But will things still go Judgment Day’s way? Or are they underestimating the Surfer Girl’s ability to ride the waves?

Backstage interview with Penta.

Jackie Redmond is with the WWE (Men’s) Intercontinental Champion and brings up next week, we will have a #1 Contender’s Gauntlet, the winner challenging Penta for the title at SummerSlam. How does Penta feel about the field? Penta is excited for that. Names like Joe Hendry, Dragon Lee, Ethan Page- Ethan interrupts even, as does Rusev. Penta didn’t mention them there, but y’know one name he won’t get to mention? Rey Mysterio. Rusev laughs and Ethan says after sharing the ring with All Ego, Rey found a way out of the gauntlet and onto the shelf. Rusev says he was CRUSHED! Dragon steps in and tells them both off in Espanol.

In English, Dragon says watch what you say about Rey Mysterio. Rusev says Dragon better watch what HE says before Rusev crushes him, too! Chad Gable steps in now, and he asks if there’s a problem. Rusev says yes but Ethan says no, no problems. They’ll get to Rusev’s favorite part of this job next week, but time for Ethan’s favorite part. They’ll go negotiate with Pearce and get a little tag match with these two while Penta enjoys the show. Ethan & Rusev head out, Penta thanks Gable & Dragon, and he hopes they go out there tonight with #CeroMiedo! Gable & Dragon fist bump with Penta, will we get a grande tag match.

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Sol Ruca VS Raquel Rodriguez!

Raw returns with champion and challenger already in the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who gets snatched tonight!

The bell rings and the two tie up. The fans rally as they’re in a deadlock, but Raquel uses her height as leverage. Raquel puts Sol in a corner, but stops as the ref counts. Raquel and Sol circle again, tie back up, and Raquel puts Sol on the ropes. The ref counts, Raquel backs off, but then Sol dodges the cheap shot! Sol headlocks, Raquel powers up and out, only for Sol to TORNADO- NO! Raquel stops the takeover to lift Sol and THROW her away! Sol runs up, slips around to waistlock, but Raquel ripcords and WRINGS her out! Then Raquel has a knuckle lock cover, TWO as Sol gets an arm up! Raquel puts it down, TWO as Sol gets the other arm up.

Raquel tries again, TWO as Sol bridges! Sol then lifts Raquel, uses that to teetertotter up, and she sunset flips! Raquel rolls through, stumbles around, but Sol runs up! Raquel stops the monkey flip to put Sol on the top rope! Raquel SHOVES Sol, but Sol body scissors to stay up! Sol ROCKS Raquel, GAMANGIRIS, then slingshots to- NO! Raquel catches Sol and LAWN DARTS her off buckles! Raquel then fires those rough back elbows! The ref counts, Raquel stops at 4, and the fans rally up as Raquel wrenches and scoops again. Sol slips free to SHOVE Raquel into buckles. Raquel staggers, comes ack, but Sol DUMPS her out!

Raquel tumbles, shakes out her arms, but Sol goes to the apron. Sol goes up the corner to MOONNSAULT, but Raquel dodges! Raquel then pops Sol up, but Sol lands safe on the apron! Raquel blocks a kick, but Sol cartwheels through the throw! PENALTY KICK, then a TORNILLO! The fans fire up as Raquel goes down, and Sol says SHE’S the champ! Sol hurries to put Raquel back in the ring, then covers, TWO! The fans rally as Sol dodges, springboards, but Raquel catches her! Sol slips through the choke slam, but that SOUTHPAW LARIAT takes her down! cover, TWO! Sol survives, Raquel seethes, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Sol goes up, but Raquel trips her up! Raquel CLUBS Sol, runs corner to corner, but into a SCORPION KICK! Raquel comes back, but Sol sits up! Raquel POSTS herself, Sol sunset flips, TWO! Sol keeps moving, springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Raquel is still in this, and she goes after Sol. Sol blocks a shot, ROCKS Raquel, then ROCKS her again! Sol kicks, CLUBS, ducks, and UPPERCUTS! Sol bobs ‘n’ weaves, UPPERCUTS again, then whips. Raquel reverses but sol SHOULDER TACKLES! Raquel stays up so Sol RAMS her again! Sol runs up but is sent into buckles! Sol still goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK!

The fans fire up as Sol kips up, and she aims for a SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Raquel survives that knee but Sol stays focused. Sol springboards to FROG SPLASH into knees! Roxie hurries out here as Raquel BOOTS Sol down! High stack, TWO! Raquel drags Sol up, lifts and TEXA- NO, Sol RANAS free! the fans fire up, but now Roxie distracts the ref! Sol runs up, but Liv anchors her foot! Raquel THROWS Sol down, then hauls her up! Fireman’s carry, SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Sol survives and Judgment Day is furious! Liv argues with the ref, but wait! IYO SKY is here! Now Liv is really mad!

Liv shouts at Roxie to go to the ramp, but Iyo CROSSBODIES from barriers! And then she kicks at Liv !Liv ducks one but not the ROUNDHOUSE! Iyo then goes to the apron, waves hi to Raquel, then ASAI MOONSAULTS to dodge! Down go Liv & Roxie! Iyo taunts Raquel, but Sol runs in! SOUL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol wins!

Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)

Judgment Day’s plan clearly left out the possibility that Iyo would be back so soon! Sol is still champion, but is Liv about to lose her title with the Genius of the Sky coming after her?

Raw returns with Paul Heyman is in the ring.

The Wise Man says, “Ladies and gentlemen, my name mis Paul Heyman. I serve as The Advocate for the greatest combat fighter in history, BRRROCK! LESNARRR! I came out here tonight to talk about Oba… Femi…” The fans already chant for “O~BA! HOOT!” Heyman sighs, and he says Oba Femi came into the WWE like he owns the joint, which he doesn’t. Oba saunters down the aisle like he’s King Schlong, until he got punted by a Beast in the little Femis. And that hurt more than anything Oba’s ever experienced. Waters up the eyes, forces everything up into your belly, your knees go together, and your voice gets a little higher.

And the bad news for Oba Femi is that that is nothing compared to the pain he is going to suffer inside Hell in a Cell. The fans continue to chant for “O~BA!” Heyman says, “Oba Femi has inspired Brock Lesnar! Oba Femi has compelled The Beast to emerge from Brock Lesnar! Oba Femi has motivated BRRROCK LESNARRR! Oba Femi has made the biggest mistake of his life by accepting the challenge of BRRROCK! LESNARRR!” Oba will not get out of Hell in a Cell. There is no way and no how. Brock Lesnar will destroy Oba Femi inside Hell in a Cell! Mic drop from Heyman, but then Oba Femi makes his entrance!

Chicago cheers “O~BA! HOOT!” as The Ruler makes his way to the ring. Oba strikes his pose in the spotlight, then he grabs a mic. Heyman is very wary as he stands in the corner, and Oba says Heyman loves to talk so much, doesn’t he? That is why Oba is here. It’s so Heyman won’t be lonely. Oba wants to give Heyman a face to talk to. Heyman composes himself and says Oba surely learned last week that, “Talk Sh*t, Get Hit.” But Heyman will talk facts. He’ll state for the record that the reason he is valuable is because he prevents people from making bad mistakes> Oba made a bad mistake.

Not at WrestleMania. Oba accomplished something. He proved to the entire world that Brock  Lesnar is beatable! And then in Italy, Brock Lesnar proved that Oba Femi is beatable, too. Now comes the trilogy match, and we find out who goes on being the unbeatable superstar. So let’s examine who’s stepping into Hell in a Cell. This isn’t just anybody. This is BRRROCK LESNARRR. The fans cheer “O~BA!” Heyman says Lesnar was the reigning, defending,  undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion of the world,. No one fights in a cage like Lesnar. Lesnar destroyed the Undertaker inside Hell in a Cell! Hell in a Cell was invented by Taker!

And Lesnar didn’t just beat Taker once in HIAC, but twice! Oba didn’t accept a challenge to just step into a cage with Lesnar, he didn’t accept a challenge for a cell, that’s the “Brocktagon!” And inside the Brocktagon, Lesnar is the Bringer of Pain! Lesnar is the Beast you cannot conquer! Lesnar is the mountain Oba cannot climb! The fans boo but Heyman says only one man leaves SummerSlam, only one man leaves HIAC, with their reputation in tact that they are truly the unbeatable superstar in WWE! And that man is not a man but a Beast, and he is BRRROCK LESNARRR! And the beatable one is going to be you, Oba… Femi…

Another mic drop from Heyman while the fans boo. Oba thinks on what to say, and he says Lesnar showed up last week. Do you know what that tells Oba? That after weeks and weeks of calling Lesnar names under the sun, to no avail, Lesnar finally shows up. That tells Oba that every word he said got to Lesnar. Every single thing Oba said about Lesnar got under Lesnar’s skin. Now Lesnar can pretend he doesn’t watch the show, but the fact that he showed up proves he definitely does. But Heyman is here to do his usual damage control, telling us how great Lesnar is, writing these checks Lensar cannot even cash.

Because that is who Heyman is now! He is less than an Advocate, he is just a mouth. And that is the thing about a mouth. Mouths need to be fed. But how can Heyman feed if he has no head? So that’s why Heyman is here, telling everyone how great Lesnar is! Preaching his accolades, telling us about Randy Couture and Undertaker, when really, Lesnar fears Oba Femi! That is why Heyman is here. Because they’re scared! Once again, they are scared, and Heyman is here for damage control. Every man knows when his time has come. And trust Oba, this is the end! This is the final chapter! This is where the book closes! This is Oba Femi VS Brock Lesnar, HELL IN A CELL!

The fans fire up again, and Oba says what bigger stage than SummerSlam, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in front of Lesnar’s friends and family! Oba will beat Lesnar in front of his wife and children! Lesnar has been the singular thing standing between Oba and destiny, between Oba and salvation! And Oba has seen the lesson: You have to go through Hell if you want to get to Heaven! So tell your client… See you in Hell! Mic drop from Oba! The countdown is on, but whose time is up when these two titans battle inside the cell?

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.

Jackie Redmond is with the Undisputed WWE Champion, who is taping up. But while we’re waiting on Cody Rhodes’ medical status, Sami is still meant to face Cody in the main event. Unfortunately, it is now confirmed Cody cannot compete tonight. What is Sami’s reaction to that news? Wait, Cody is really out? Sami tries not to smile as he says that’s just terrible. Sami and Cody have their differences, but at the end of the day, Sami is a good guy. Some might say The Last Real Good Guy. Sami doesn’t wish ill upon Cody or anyone. Especially since Sami was hoping to test himself against Cody tonight, #QB1.

Maybe it wasn’t meant to be. It felt cursed to begin with, Sami couldn’t be sure why he was defending his title here on Raw. So at this point, let’s just wait for SmackDown, see what things look like then. Pearce steps in and asks if Sami knows where they are. Sami says he’s very aware, it’s Chicago. Yes, and Pearce promised Chicago a WWE Championship match. So that is what the people gonna get. Yeah, but Cody- No, Pearce knows that, but you just let him worry about that. Sami is the champion, he should prepare to defend his title in the main event tonight. It is official. Pearce heads out, Sami is confused, but the fans have a feeling…

Chad Gable & Dragon Lee VS Ethan Page & Rusev!

Well, it seems that negotiating was successful, because the American Made Man & Boy Wonder will battle All Ego & Bulgarian Lion after all! But who will gain momentum ahead of next week’s #1 contender’s gauntlet?

Raw returns as Dragon Lee makes his entrance to join Gable in the ring. Then Ethan makes his entrance, followed by Rusev. Rusev makes sure Ethan is ready for this, and then they both attack Gable & Dragon! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Rusev stomps away on Dragon while Ethan TOSSES Gable. Ethan & Rusev whip Dragon into the corner! Rusev throws hands, stomps away, and the ref counts. Rusev backs off, then tags Ethan. Ethan stomps away on Dragon, then backs off as the ref counts. Ethan drags Dragon up, but Dragon fires body shots. Ethan whips Dragon away then BOOTS him down!

The fans boo but Ethan talks trash. Ethan stomps Dragon, tags Rusev, and they mug Dragon. Rusev drags Dragon up to suplex high and hard! Then he suplexes high and hard again! Rusev roars, the fans boo, but some Chicago fans still remember “Rusev Day! Rusev Day!” Rusev whips Dragon to a corner, but Dragon DROPKICKS Etahn! Then he dodges Rusev, hot tag to Gable! Gable runs up, slips around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! And GERMAN SUPLEXES! And then- NO, Rusev ELBOWS free before the third. Rusev runs, but Gable OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! Ethan runs in, but he gets an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELL!

Rusev MACHKA- NO, Gable blocks the kick, and he has the ANKLE LOCK! The fans cheer as Rusev scrambles around! Ethan runs up, Gable BACKDROPS him! Dragon is back, Gable gives him the boost, RAILGUN DROPKICK on Ethan! Ethan is down in a corner, the fans fire up again, but Rusev gets Ethan away before Dragon can hit the Meteora. But then Gable claps and the fans join in. Dragon builds speed, Gable gives him a boost, and Dragon FLIES onto Ethan & Rusev! The fans fire up again as Dragon stands on the barriers, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Ethan whips Gable to the corner. Ethan LARIATS, then tags Rusev. Rusev KICKS Gable, the fans rally up, but Rusev short arm LARIATS! Rusev short arm LARIATS again, then short arm LARIATS again! The fans are torn over the hattrick, but Rusev drags Gable up. Rusev whips Gable to the corner, runs up, but Gable BOOTS him! And he ROCKS Ethan! Gable CHOPS Rusev, ROCKS Ethan, then ducks under Rusev! Rusev hurries to waistlock and he THROWS Gable away. But Gable comes back, only for Rusev to catch him! Gable makes that a DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! They crawl, hot tags to Ethan and Dragon!

The fans fire up as Dragon dodges, then he SUPERKICKS Rusev! Dragon BOOTS Ethan, dodges, then comes back to JUMP KICK! Dragon sits Ethan down, SUPERKICKS Rusev again, then COMBINACION DRAGON on Ethan! And a TORNADO DDT on top! Ethan staggers but Dragon puts him up top. Dragon goes outside, GAMANGIRIS Ethan into the Tree of Woe, then goes up! WOE STOMPS! Cover, but Rusev CHOPS it apart! Rusev drags Ethan to the corner, tags back in, and he helps Ethan up. They reel Dragon in, DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Gable makes the save! Gable ROCKS Rusev, dodges Ethan, and ANGLE SLAM!

The fans fire up, Rusev MACHKA KICKS Gable! But Dragon rolls Rusev with a stack, TWO! Dragon dodges Rusev, to SNAP GERMAN! A low angle, but then Dragon SUPERKICKS! Rusev is down, Dragon goes up, and Chicago cheers for the CROSS- NO, Rusev catches Dragon to URENAGE! And MACHKA KICK! And then THE ACCOLADE!! Dragon endures but he can’t, he TAPS! Rusev & Ethan win!

Winners: Ethan Page & Rusev, by submission

The fans boo as Rusev refuses to let go! The ref reprimands, but Gable deadlifts Rusev up for a GERMAN- NO, Ethan CLOBBERS Gable! Ethan then HAMMERS away on Gable, and he lets Rusev get him! ACCOLADE!! But “Say his name and he appears,” JOE HENDRY is here! And he slides in, dodges, and he fires forearms and UPPERCUTS! Rusev UPPERCUTS back, but Hendry then DUMPS Rusev out! And he scoops Ethan for the FALL AWAY SLAM! Hendry kips up and… TURNS! He wants more, and he clinches Ethan for- MACHKA KICK!! Rusev stands tall again, but Ethan tops it off with the EGO PLEX!

Ethan says break his back, and Rusev stomps Hendry! ACCOLADE!! The fans boo as now Hendry endures! Referees and producers finally get out here, they tell Rusev to stop but Ethan tells Hendry that he’s gonna pay for sticking his nose in their business! The officials finally pry Rusev off of Hendry, but Rusev just goes back for more! Ethan has Rusev stand down, they did what they needed to. The gauntlet is coming, will Ethan and Rusev make it until the end? Or will someone else defy the odds and become a contender?

Jimmy Uso is heading out.

Jackie Redmond hurries to catch up with #BigJim, hoping for just one quick question. What was that earlier with LA Knight? What kind of message is he trying to send? Jimmy says it is time for Big Jim to step up for The Bloodline. That means he’ll go to SmackDown, step up to Solo Sikoa, but after tonight he can- LA KNIGHT IS HERE! But then JACOB FATU INTERCEPTS! The Samoan Wolf says he and Big Jim are out this joint. The Mega Star got bodied, but will he only want payback all the more now?

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

He is negotiating something for the main event, but it doesn’t seem to be going well. Can Pearce find a replacement for the main event before it’s too late? Or will someone surely step up for their chance at THE Undisputed WWE Championship?

Bayley speaks.

“Lyra, you once waited in line for hours at a toy shop waiting to meet me, and I made time for you to have a real conversation about your wrestling career. And maybe that never meant anything to you, but to me, that’s the foundation of where my respect for you began, where my trust in you truly began. Because I watched this girl who was just a fan become the first-ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion, to then become my best friend, and stand right beside me at WrestleMania. And when I had one of the hardest years of my career, it was you who kept me level headed. It was you who made me reach deep down and bring out the best version of myself every single week.

“You constantly reminded me of who I was and what I’ve done. And after all the heartbreaks I’ve been through, I never questioned my trust in you. I shared my experiences and my stories with you, thinking it would help guide you. You just used it all against me. And I don’t just understand why you couldn’t just have an honest conversation with me about everything that was going on in your head. Instead, you took the easy way out. So Lyra, I’m giving you one chance to prove to me that you’re not just like everybody else. Meet me next week, face to face.” The Role Model wants to talk with The Morrigan, but will Lyra want anything to do with Bayley?

Pearce is still on his phone.

This time he seems to be texting as his fingers can move, and Aldis steps in. Aldis takes a peek and Pearce reminds him he is on administrative leave. What does he want? Aldis says that’s a funny way of thanking him. Thanking him for what? Well, see, while Pearce was busy leaving voicemails, Aldis was making a call. And he secured the replacement for tonight’s main event. That superstar is in the building. So the only thing left for Aldis to say is… You’re welcome. Aldis leaves, Pearce grumbles again, but who IS the replacement? Though, do we really have to ask?

Judgment Day speaks.

JD McDonagh tells Danhausen that if he thinks what they did to the lab last week was bad, just wait to see what happens at Saturday Night’s Main Event. They saw on SmackDown how Danhausen’s calling in someone for back-up, but they don’t care who it is! JD isn’t just coming for the money! He’s coming to SMASH Danhausen up, grind him down, and dance on his head in front of all his fans. Then he puts this weird Cinderella sob story in the trash bin where it belongs! Dom says they can make this right. Give them the money, uncurse JD! And just like Liv said, give them what they want or they make Danhausen’s life a living hell!

The boys sure talk tough in the clubhouse, but will they really get what they want? Or will the Very Nice, Very Evil Overlord have a big surprise for them in the Big Apple?

Undisputed WWE Championship: Sami Zayn VS ???

At first, The Last Real Good Guy was ready to fight The American Nightmare so he could defiantly prove a point about his title reign. But then Der Ring General wiped the floor with Cody Rhodes, and Sami was oddly happy to have the night off. But then Pearce said he’d find someone, only for Aldis to steal his thunder on that. But in the end, who IS Sami Zayn facing tonight? The fans already chant for him, and Sami asks, “Who you got?!” We cut backstage, and YES, C M PUNK is here! The Best in the World is getting another opportunity, here in his hometown! Can he seize the day? Or will Sami find a way to survive the Second City Saint?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see which way the winds of change are blowing!

The bell rings and the fans are thunderous for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Punk personally hands his shirt to a young fan in the front row, then he and Sami circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Punk headlocks. Sami powers up and out, but Punk RUNS him over! The fans cheer, even as Sami gets right back up. Sami and Punk reset, circle, and knuckle lock. Sami headlocks, Punk powers him to the ropes, but Sami turns things around. Sami CHOPS, then backs away. The fans boo but Punk brushes that off. Punk and Sami circle again, feel things out, then tie up. Punk powers Sami to a corner, the ref counts, but the two hand fight.

Punk RAMS into Sami, CHOPS him, then snapmares Sami for a CHOP to the back! The fans “WOO~,” but Sami RAMS Punk into the corner again and again! Sami climbs up, rains down fists, but Punk carries him away before ten! Punk hits an atomic drop, then he stalks Sami to a corner. Punk climbs up, rains down fists, and the fans count along! Sami slips free before ten to CLUB Punk on the back! Sami then HOTSHOTS Punk down to the floor! The fans boo but Sami trolls them a bit as he revs up, only for Punk to trip him up! Punk drags Sami out, SMACKS him off the apron, then Punk builds speed! Punk DIVES and down goes Sami!

The fans fire up with Punk as he stands tall, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Sami CLUBS Punk with crossface forearm after crossface forearm. Then he ELBOWS Punk in the head! The fans boo but Sami says he’s still going to be champion. Sami stomps Punk around, but Punk fires body shots! Sami ROCKS Punk, KNEES him down, then stands Punk up to bump off buckles. Sami goes up, up, and AX HANDLES Punk down! Cover, TWO! Sami clamps onto Punk with a chinlock and holds him down. The fans rally as Punk endures, and Punk fights up to fireman’s carry! But Sami fires elbows to get free! But then Punk LARIATS Sami down! And LARIATS again! Punk whips Sami to ropes to then CALF KICK him down!

Sami goes to a corner, Punk runs up, SHINING WIZARD and- NO, Sami stops the bulldog, only to run into a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Punk, he pounds the mat, and the fans cheer more. Punk says night-night! Fireman’s carry and- NO, Sami fights free again! BLUE- NO, Punk fires down elbows! Punk huffs ‘n’ puffs and hammerlocks to PEPSI TWIST! Cover, TWO! Sami survives that classic move, but the fans continue to rally behind Punk as he goes to the corner. Punk climbs, aims, but Sami trips him up! The fans boo but Sami climbs up after Punk.

Sami CLUBS Punk, brings him up to the very top, and hits a SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men are down and the fans fire up again as Raw goes back to break.

Raw returns once more as both men are down again. “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly rise up. Sami fires a haymaker, but Punk fires back! Sami fires another haymaker, but Punk fires back! The shots keep going, Sami gets the edge, but then Punk fires body shots and haymakers! The fans cheer as Punk ROCKS Sami, but Sami kicks low! Sami whips, Punk reverses, and Punk fireman’s carries! But Sami slips free again, BLUE- NO, Punk slips free! ROUNDHOUSE! Punk runs up, SHINING WIZARD again, and then he winds it up for the BULL- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Punk survives!

Punk and Sami stir again, but it is Sami who stands first. Sami brings Punk up, talks trash right in Punk’s face, then clinches for the- NO, Punk fires elbows! The fans fire up as Punk fires KNEE after KNEE now, then SHINING WIZARDS again! BULLDOG! Third time is the charm, and Punk hurries up a corner! MACHO ELBOW! Direct hit but Punk has to crawl back to the cover, TWO!! Sami survives, but Punk snatches him into the ANACONDA VICE! Sami flails, reaches out, but he’s so far away! The fans rally as hard as they can, but Sami hooks Punk with a leg! Punk fights off the headscissors and he puts on the pressure!

Sami reaches, reaches, but he pushes at Punk’s face! Sami has the headscissors, pops free, but Punk moves around to step through on the legs! Sami kicks and kicks and kicks, and Punk staggers away! Sami runs up, but into a fireman’s carry! Sami slips free, Punks witches, but Sami drops down! Victory roll, TWO!! Punk escapes and Sami is beside himself! Chicago is thunderously cheering for Punk, but Sami and Punk trade shots again. Sami fires a flurry, but then Punk ducks to fireman’s carry! Sami still slips free, then he fireman’s carries?! Sami steals GO TO SLEEP!! Cover, TWO?!? Punk survives and Sami is furious!

Chicago is electric as Punk manages to go to a corner. But Sami takes aim from the other! Sami runs corner to corner, but Punk catches him! CORNER EXPLODER! Punk uses one of Sami’s moves now, and he goes to the other corner. The fans rally harder and harder as Punk takes aim! Punk runs up, but Sami fireman’s carries again! And he again steals GO TO SLEEP, to then add BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!!! Punk survives and Sami is shocked! He argues with the ref but the count was fair. Sami unwraps his wrist tape, he’s getting serious now! Sami eggs Punk on, then SLAPS him! Then HEADBUTTS him! The fans boo but Sami SLAPS Punk again! And again!

Sami says HE is champion now! Does Punk understand?! Sami SLAPS Punk again, then ROCKS him with a haymaker! And another! Punk is still standing, and the fans cheer him on! Sami ROCKS Punk again, so Punk JABS! And CHOPS! And ROCKS Sami again and again and again! Sami fires fast hands, then he whips corner to corner. SHINING WIZARD once more! But Punk just goes corner to corner, but dodges Helluva Kick! Punk suckers Sami in so that he can steal HELLUVA KICK!! And then a fireman’s carry! GO TO SLEEP!!! Cover, PUNK WINS!!

Winner: CM Punk, by pinfall (NEW Undisputed WWE Champion)

Sami Zayn said on Friday that no one could take away that he finally became WWE Champion, but CM Punk just took away the championship itself! And as CM Punk once said, you have to be ready for the moment an opportunity falls into your lap, and here is that opportunity! Punk is once again a world champion, is this going to be The Summer of Punk 2026?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw here, but the timing of the episode being in Chicago clearly meant CM Punk was coming back. I did not think they’d clear out Cody like that, but it helped feed into the story of Gunther and Aldis at the same time, so it worked out. Great stuff with Aldis being the reason Punk was even here tonight. Punk VS Sami was a great match, especially for a Raw main event, but clearly if Punk was coming back right into a title match, he was gonna win. A shame for Sami, but then again, nine days as world champion is more than some have gotten in their entire careers. And I feel like this sets up Cody VS Punk for SummerSlam, a match they teased months ago.

Very good stuff with Heyman and The Vision, and I suppose this was a good a time as any for Maxxine to turn and join The Vision. Heyman was probably ready to abandon these guys until this, and we might get The Vision’s story back on track now. And I both laughed and felt bad for Otis & Tozawa after The Vision drove away. That’s definitely a tag title match right there, with Maxxine caught in the middle, but I would think she doubles down on her loyalty to The Vision since she’s now also kayfabe romantically involved with Theory. Heyman also had a great promo with Oba, the fans definitely appreciated it all, but I would think Oba’s gonna need a match or two to keep him sharp since we’ve still got a month to build this story.

We didn’t get as much from Judgment Day as I was expecting, but focusing on Sol VS Raquel was probably the better move anyway. Obviously, Liv & Roxie tried to help Raquel in the end, and luckily for Sol, it backfired because of Iyo showing up. Good promo from JD & Dom to call out Danhausen, and maybe on SmackDown, Danhausen gives us hints as to his friend waiting in New York. Though, I feel like them changing the Saturday Night’s Main Event logo to have orange and blue this time around is big hint that the New York Knicks will be there to help Danhausen out.

Very good promo from Bayley to respond to Lyra, and they’ll have a good faceoff promo next week. That either sets up a Saturday Night’s Main Event match, or a SummerSlam match, or maybe both because of shenanigans at SNME that leads to a rematch for SummerSlam. Very good promo from Penta, Ethan, Rusev, Dragon Lee and Chad Gable to not only help plug the #1 contender’s gauntlet but set up the tag match. Great tag match, and good win for Ethan & Rusev. They not only won but they stood tall in that brawl, even beating down Joe Hendry in the process, so… Are they both out of the running per go-home math? To be fair, any choice in that gauntlet is great for facing Penta, even Dominik Mysterio.

And very good promo from Seth Rollins, but also one from LA Knight to pick apart everything going on with this Rollins VS Roman “One More Time” story. Chicago was certainly on Knight’s side with what he was saying, maybe Knight gets a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship after SummerSlam. It’d fit this story he’s got with The Bloodline 2026, with Jimmy attacking him outta nowhere, and then Fatu watching Jimmy’s back in the parking lot. If nothing else, this is setting up yet another WarGames match with The Bloodline involved, and LA Knight on the opposing side. He could even be team captain, depending on who would be joining him.

My Score: 8.8/10