NXT
Date: May 14, 2024
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Booker T., Vic Joseph

We’re coming up on Battleground and last week seemed to set the stage for the show’s main event. Noam Dar seems to be coming for Trick Williams and the NXT Title, but Lash Legend is in the middle of the whole thing. Other than that, the Heritage Cup is on the line as Tony D’Angelo challenges Charlie Dempsey. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Noam Dar has been attacked, with the rest of Meta Four arguing about it. Dar looks…confused?

We look back at last week’s combine, which set up the qualifying matches for the Women’s North American Title match.

Kiana James gives Izzi Dame a pep talk.

Sol Ruca won the combine and is ready to win the title too.

Women’s North American Title Qualifying Match: Sol Ruca vs. Izzi Dame

Ruca walks to the ring on her hands. Dame grabs an armbar to start but Ruca suplexes her way out rather quickly. A middle rope flipping X Factor sends Dame outside and another dive hits her on the floor. Back in and Ruca tries a headscissors but gets thrown over the top for a face first landing into the steps.

Ruca gets dropped onto the announcers’ table and Dame grabs a backbreaker back inside. The reverse chinlock goes on but Ruca fights up with a springboard elbow to the face. Ruca’s standing moonsault gets two but Dame’s big boot gets the same. Dame sends her into the corner, where Ruca tries another headscissors, with this one being flipped into the Sol Snatcher for the pin at 5:38.

Rating: C. There are certain moves where you know it’s over as soon as they connect and the Sol Snatcher is the newest on the list. I’m still not sure I can believe she’s doing it every time and you do not see a move like that very often. It’s pretty clear that Ruca is destined to be a star so her winning here was hardly a big surprise.

Ava isn’t happy with the D’Angelo Family for switching referees last week but they claim a bad case of bronchitis. Tony can still have his title match, but he’s getting fined $20,000. That’s fine, as an envelope full of cash (more than $20,000) is handed over.

Brinley Reece fires up a nervous Edris Enofe (with his rabbit’s foot) and Malik Blade.

Shayna Baszler, with Lola Vice implies she’s coming for the Women’s Title but Natalya and Karmen Petrovic run in for the brawl.

OTM vs. Edris Enofe/Malik Blade

Jaida Parker and Brinley Reece are here too. Nima picks Enofe up to start as it’s off to Blade for a double drop toehold. Some rapid fire elbows stagger Nima but he’s up for the tag to Price. Everything breaks down and OTM get caught with stereo hurricanranas and dropkicks. Parker grabs Enofe’s foot though and the women get in a fight on the floor as we take a break.

Back with the women getting into it again and this time they go up the aisle, with referees getting rid of them. Enofe gets knocked down out of the corner for two, setting up a standing camel clutch (with Enofe’s legs wrapped around the standing Price’s ribs). That’s broken up but Enofe, who is losing his boot, can’t get over for the tag. The assisted Alabama Slam to Enofe is enough at 10:43.

Rating: C. It’s a bit weird to see a team whose story is bad luck but it’s not like Enofe and Blade have anything else going on at the moment. They still feel like a team who could go somewhere if they were treated as a basic, athletic team but instead they’re in a spot like this. OTM is already better without Scrypts, as he really didn’t add anything to the team.

Meta Four is still arguing about Noam Dar but Lash Legend doesn’t have time for this.

Ridge Holland praises Chase U to Axiom and Nathan Frazer. The OC come in to mock him but Holland is willing to find a partner for a match tonight.

Women’s North American Title Qualifying Match: Ivy Nile vs. Lash Legend

Jakara Jackson is here with Legend who wastes no time in knocking Nile out to the floor. Nile fights up and glares at Jackson, followed by a spinning kick to Legend’s head. Legend’s super chokeslam is countered into a super bulldog for two and the Diamond Chain Lock goes on. Jackson offers a distraction though and Legend hits the pump kick for the pin at 3:56.

Rating: C. I’m not sure what happened to Nile but she has fallen through the floor. There was a time where she seemed primed for at least a title run but it never came together. Now here she is, more or less just a jobber to a potential big star like Legend. There wasn’t much to the match, but Legend has come a VERY long way in the last few months.

Je’Von Evans doesn’t know who attacked Noam Dar but he’s ready to face Oro Mensah.

Carlee Brights wants to face Lola Vice tonight but Ava isn’t sure after Bright’s combine score. Then she gives Bright the match anyway.

Oro Mensah vs. Je’Von Evans

Jakara Jackson is here with Mensah, who strikes away to start and rakes Evans’ eyes over the top rope. Mensah sends him crashing out to the floor and we take a break. Back with Mensah hitting Big Show’s old Alley Oop for two but Evans fights up. Evans goes up top and kicks Mensah down, setting up a springboard clothesline. A springboard cutter sends Mensah outside and of course Evans is right there with the dive. Cue Lash Legend with a chair but Trick Williams pops up to glare at her. Evans fights out of a powerbomb and hits a superkick into the corkscrew splash for the pin at 10:10.

Rating: C+. It was good, though not quite up to the levels of excitement that Evans has shown in his previous outings. He’s athletic and the fans like him, but right now he still needs wins like this one to boost him up. That is a necessary thing, but it might not make for the most riveting action.

Post match Williams shows respect to Evans.

Charlie Dempsey is on his own tonight and promises violence and revenge against Tony D’Angelo.

Here is Wes Lee for a chat. Last time he was in this ring with this mic, things were going very badly for him. He wasn’t sure if he was ever going to be able to get back but dang did he miss this. Fans: “WE MISS YOU!” He is back six months earlier than scheduled because he missed this so much. Lee needs a minute to compose himself but Oba Femi interrupts. Femi respects him but Lee has taken the title as far as he can. While Lee has shown the spirit of a warrior, Femi is a real warrior. Lee says he wants a title shot, but Femi tells him to prove it.

Cue Ivar to interrupt, saying he knows what it’s like to have a career ending injury. He and Lee even had the same spinal surgeon! They both want a title shot, but here is Josh Briggs to interrupt and try to get in on this too. He came this close at Stand & Deliver with broken ribs, but now he’s all healed up. Femi likes the arguments, so Femi says make it a fatal four way. Instead, Femi says fight among yourselves and the winner gets the title shot. This was really basic simple stuff but it did its’ job.

Chase U comes up to see Ridge Holland, who can have Riley Osborne as his partner tonight. Holland is very grateful.

We hear an alarm clock go off but see nothing.

Lexis King hits on some women when Jazmyn Nyx comes in with a get well soon card for Jacy Jayne. King signs but gets the name wrong.

OC vs. Ridge Holland/Riley Osborne

The rest of Chase U is here with Holland and Osborne. Holland trades shoulders with Gallows to start, with a jumping version putting Gallows down. Osborne comes in and is quickly taken into the wrong corner. Some dropkicks get him out of trouble in a hurry though and a standing shooting star press gives Osborne two. Gallows isn’t having that and knocks Osborne into the corner again and we hit the chinlock.

Osborne fights up again but gets sent hard into the corner. A quick flip dive out of the corner finally gives Osborne a breather and the diving tag brings Holland in to clean house. Holland loads up an Alabama Slam but Osborne misses a springboard dropkick and hits Holland by mistake. That’s enough for Anderson to roll Holland up for the pin at 5:10.

Rating: C. The OC might be stars but they’re not exactly the most thrilling addition to the show. They’re the same team they’ve been for years now, meaning they’re here to collect a check and follow the formula they’ve had for far too long. The ending was what mattered here, as it is going to be an issue for Holland and his path to redemption.

Video on Carlee Bright.

Carlee Bright vs. Lola Vice

Vice has Shayna Baszler in her corner. Bright tries some early rollups to start but Vice kicks her off the ropes. More kicks and strikes set up a dance, allowing Bright to grab a rollup for two. A front flip kick to the face in the corner gets two more but Vice kicks her out of the air. The spinning backfist finishes Bright at 3:10.

Rating: C+. Bright has been around on NXT LVL up in recent weeks and it’s nice to see her do some things that she hadn’t done around there. Right now though, she’s just another newcomer in great shape and that isn’t going to be enough to carry her to the next level. It was a nice match, but little more than a decent first step.

Post match Natalya and Karmen Petrovic come out for the brawl, with the villains bailing in a hurry. The tag match is made for next week.

Riley Osborne apologizes to Ridge Holland in the back but Holland says it’s cool. Holland hopes Chase U trusts him and that seems to be the case, albeit a bit tentatively.

We look back at Noam Dar being attacked. NXT loves itself some mystery attacker stories.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Heritage Cup: Tony D’Angelo vs. Charlie Dempsey

D’Angelo, with the Family, is challenging. Round One begins with D’Angelo taking over and grabbing an early rollup for two. Dempsey isn’t sure what to do to start and D’Angelo takes him down again to make it worse. A cravate finally slows D’Angelo down for a bit, only to have him reverse into a cradle for the first fall at 2:46.

We take a break and come back with just under a minute to go in Round Two. They trade forearms until Dempsey suplexes him into a cross armbreaker but D’Angelo survives until the round ends. Round Three begins with D’Angelo’s arm in trouble so Dempsey goes right for the cross armbreaker. With that broken up, Dempsey grabs a Fujiwara armbar. That’s reversed into a rollup but D’Angelo misses a charge into the post, allowing Dempsey to German suplex him and tie it up at 2:10 of the round and 9:14 overall.

Round Four begins with D’Angelo going right after the arm, including some stomps into a short armscissors. D’Angelo can’t quite roll out so Dempsey pulls him into a triangle choke. A powerbomb gets D’Angelo out and a belly to belly puts Dempsey down. D’Angelo grabs a spinebuster but can’t cover as the round ends. Round Five begins with D’Angelo grabbing a German suplex as the rest of the No Quarter Catch Crew, looking a bit banged up, arrives. They’re dispatched just as fast and Forget About It gives D’Angelo the pin and the cup at 1:08 of the round and 14:08 overall.

Rating: B-. I was a bit surprised by the ending as they seemed to be setting up the No Quarter Catch Crew interference to retain the Cup. D’Angelo needed to win something on his own and it’s nice to see him finally do it. He has the talent and has managed to get this rather stupid gimmick over, which is more than I would have expected. Solid stuff here, with the Crew’s run already looking to be in trouble.

We cut to the back where Wes Lee, Josh Briggs and Ivar have been attacked. The camera pans up to Gallus, as the trio is back (I wonder if they attacked Noam Dar) to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. This wasn’t the strongest show from a wrestling standpoint but the main event was good and it had a nice surprise at the end. You can see at least some of the Battleground card coming together and there is almost a month to go before the show to fill in the gaps. Not their best show here, but it covered a bit of ground, including the first few qualifying matches.

Results
Sol Ruca b. Izzi Dame – Sol Snatcher
OTM b. Edris Enofe/Malik Blade – Assisted Alabama Slam to Enofe
Lash Legend b. Ivy Nile – Pump kick
Je’Von Evans b. Oro Mensah – Corkscrew splash
OC b. Ridge Holland/Riley Osborne – Rollup to Holland
Lola Vice b. Carlee Bright – Spinning backfist
Tony D’Angelo b. Charlie Dempsey 2-1

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: April 30, 2024
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

The Draft is done and now it is time to wrap up Spring Breakkin. Last week’s card was absolutely stacked while this week’s show isn’t quite as big. The main even seems to be Natalya vs. Lola Vice in NXT Underground. Other than that, we might find out what is next for new NXT Champion Trick Williams. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of Trick Williams winning the NXT Title last week.

Here is Williams for his big celebration as champion. He likes the sound of hearing his name as champion but he wants to thank Ilja Dragunov. Raw is getting a good one, but this is officially the Whoop That Era. Cue Lash Legend to praise Williams, who thinks something is going on.

The last time they were in the same ring, she hit him in the face, but now he has some gold and now she wants him to be her Reese’s Cup: take the gold off and get to the chocolate inside. Legend is more into Kit Kats but she has an envelope, which means the end of his title reign. We don’t see what is in said envelope and Legend leaves. These two are funny together.

Gigi Dolin and Arianna Grace are at a fancy dinner so Dolin can learn dining etiquette. This turns into a preview for the show.

North American Title: Oba Femi vs. Ivar

Ivar is challenging. They slug it out to start with Ivar getting the better of things by clotheslining him to the floor for a dive off the apron. Back in and the spinning powerslam gives Ivar one but Femi is back with an Irish Curse. They’re already back on the floor, where Femi is sent into the steps, setting up a big crash against the barricade.

We take a break and come back with Ivar knocking him off the top again and hitting a big flip dive to the floor. Back in and Femi runs him over with a hard forearm for two but Ivar knocks him back down for the same. It’s too early for the Doomsault though and Femi pulls Ivar into a torture rack drop for two. Ivar is back up with another knockdown and now the Doomsault connects but Femi makes the ropes. Another Doomsault is loaded up but Femi cuts it off with an electric chair drop. The pop up powerbomb retains the title at 11:04.

Rating: B. I do appreciate a match that is exactly as advertised. This was always going to be two big, strong guys beating the fire out of each other and that’s exactly what it was. Ivar wasn’t likely to win the title here but he makes a nice addition to Femi’s resume. Good stuff here, with Femi’s star continuing to rise at an amazing rate.

Post match Wes Lee returns after several months away and the fans approve.

Thea Hail talks Fallon Henley into coming with her to ringside.

Thea Hail vs. Jacy Jayne

The rest of Chase U, Fallon Henley and Jazmyn Nyx are all here too. They slap each other in the face to start and go to the floor with Jayne taking over. We take an early break and come back with Hail springboarding into a neckbreaker for two. Jayne misses a Cannonball though and they’re both down. Hail is back up with a Michinoku Driver for two but Jayne kicks her outside. Henley shoves Hail out of the way from a kick from Nyx, allowing Hail to Kimura Jayne for the tap at 7:59.

Rating: C. This was the grudge match win that Hail needed to, at least in theory, wrap up the feud. There isn’t much left for them to do or say to each other, though Henley taking the bullet for Hail is interesting. Not a great match, but it did what it needed to do and wrapped up the feud with Hail getting the win.

Post match Henley decks Hail to turn on her and leaves on her own.

Tyson DuPont and Tyriek Igwe are coming to NXT tonight. They’re strong and smart.

Natalya and Karmen Petrovic are warming up.

OC vs. Tyriek Igwe/Tyson DuPont

Igwe powers Anderson into the corner to start, setting up the hard shoulders to the ribs. The bigger DuPont hits a splash for two but Anderson drives Igwe into the corner for the tag to Gallows. Some forearms to the chest set up the chinlock, with Igwe having to power up into a fireman’s carry. DuPont comes back in with a side slam to Anderson and everything breaks down. Anderson grabs a spinebuster and the Magic Killer finishes Igwe at 4:17.

Rating: C+. They had me thinking we might see a big upset here as the OC was getting beaten up for a good chunk of the match. At the same time, I do get the idea of not wanting to put a rocket on a team just yet, as they certainly started well enough. Hopefully they get a win next time though, as you don’t want them being branded as losers right out of the gate.

We look at NXT stars being Drafted. A bunch of the coaches talk about what it means to them too, which is a rather nice touch.

Here is Ava for a big announcement. We are indeed going to have a Women’s North American Champion, as crowned in….a ladder match at Battleground, with twelve wrestlers competing in qualifying matches. Oh joy. Cue Jaida Parker, Sol Ruca, Arianna Grace, Michin and a bunch of other women to say they should be champion. A huge brawl breaks out.

The Street Profits wish Axiom and Nathan Frazer luck against the AOP tonight. Never slow down.

Lola Vice and Shayna Baszler train for NXT Underground.

Shawn Spears vs. Ridge Holland

Spears sticks and moves to start before bailing to the floor for an early break. Back with Spears getting two off a neckbreaker and putting on a reverse chinlock. A front facelock is broken up with pure power and Holland drives some shoulders to the ribs in the corner. The mysterious QR code pops up on the screen as Holland hits a Death Valley Driver into the corner. A lifting DDT (Paige’s old Rampaige) finishes Spears at 7:35.

Rating: C. This wasn’t great but it gave Holland a win after a rather weird period. Odds are that isn’t over, but you can’t have him lose a bunch and then try to do something with him. Spears is interesting in an agent of chaos way and there is a good chance we’ll see him do more of the same going forward.

Roxanne Perez yells at Ava about not getting Drafted, even though champions were protected.

Josh Briggs mocks Ivar for losing to Oba Femi. Wes Lee comes in to say he’s coming for the title, but Briggs seems to be standing in his way.

The Final Testament is ominous. At least Paul Ellering gets to talk for a bit here.

The D’Angelo Family wants the Heritage Cup and it’s going to be a group effort.

Tag Team Titles: AOP vs. Axiom/Nathan Frazer

The AOP, with the Final Testament, are challenging. The fight is on before the bell with the champs superkicking AOP outside. Some dives connect as well and we ring the bell, with Akam throwing Frazer down. Frazer gets caught in the wrong corner and AOP fires off the hard knees to the ribs. Rezar’s neck crank doesn’t last long and it’s back to Akam for a hard German suplex.

We take a break and come back with Rezar missing a running boot but Akam comes in and gets Frazer into the corner. Frazer DDTs his way to freedom but Rezar sends Frazer into a knee to the face for two. The Last Chapter is broken up and Akam is taken up top, only to have Scarlett grab Axiom’s foot. Massive ejections ensue but here is the New Catch Republic for a distraction, allowing Frazer to superkick Akam into a rollup for the pin to retain at 9:34.

Rating: B-. Another match with a simple formula which worked out rather well. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel with teams like these two and they did rather well. The Republic interfering ties things into what they have been doing on the main roster so everything makes sense without making the champs look weak.

Ridge Holland of all people checks on Thea Hail, who is crushed by Fallon Henley’s betrayal.

Meta Four will reveal Lash Legend’s envelope next week.

Fallon Henley tells Kelani Jordan that she’s going to start putting herself first.

Edris Enofe and Malik Blade are worried about breaking a mirror last week but Brinley Reece has the solution: black cats!

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Natalya vs. Lola Vice

NXT Underground, meaning the ropes are gone and the ring is surrounded by wrestlers, with knockout/TKO/submission to win and Karmen Petrovic and Shayna Baszler are the respective seconds. Vice strikes away to start and they fight out to the floor before going with the grappling back inside. Natalya grabs a kneebar but Vice kicks her way out. A hip attack sends Natalya outside and we take a break.

Back with the fight heading to the floor again with Natalya sending her into the apron. A snap suplex on the floor has Vice in trouble but she trips Natalya on the announcers’ table. Back in and Vice grabs a triangle choke with some elbows to the head but Natalya slips out anyway. Natalya can’t power out of a guillotine so she drops it to the floor for the break in a smart move.

The Hartbreaker around the post has Vice in more trouble but Petrovic has to jump an invading Baszler. Back in and Baszler breaks up a Sharpshooter attempt, only to have the second attempt go on. Baszler Kirifuda Clutches Petrovic so Natalya breaks the hold like a moron, allowing Vice to get up and hit a spinning backfist for the knockout at 11:53.

Rating: B-. This is something that is only going to work with the right people and these two did rather well with it. Vice gets a pretty big time win to boost herself up and now we get to see where she can go from here. Natalya is at her best when she is helping make someone look better and that is exactly what she did here.

Ava announces that Roxanne Perez is defending the Women’s Title against Chelsea Green. Perez is livid but Green thinks she’ll like it here.

Overall Rating: B. For a show that didn’t seem like much on paper, this went rather well, with a bunch of stuff happening and some surprise cameos for a special touch. What matters here is they made me want to see where these stories are coming, which is a very important part of any show. Surprisingly awesome show here as NXT is already back up after the Draft gutted a lot of its bigger names.

Results
Obi Femi b. Ivar – Pop up powerbomb
Thea Hail b. Jacy Jayne – Kimura
OC b. Tyriek Igwe/Tyson DuPont – Magic Killer to Igwe
Ridge Holland b. Shawn Spears – Lifting DDT
Axiom/Nathan Frazer b. AOP – Rollup to Akam
Lola Vice b. Natalya – Spinning backfist

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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NXT
Date: April 16, 2024
Location: Capitol Wrestling Center, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Booker T.

We have a big main event this week as it’s a Stand & Deliver rematch between Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes. This time it’s in a cage, though there is also the chance that NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov will get involved. In addition, we have Spring Breakin starting next week and we need a card. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Noam Dar vs. Dijak

Dar, with the rest of Meta Four, kicks away to start before putting Dijak down with a running forearm. They go to the floor where Meta Four’s distraction doesn’t work, allowing Dijak to score with a springboard clothesline for two. A guillotine doesn’t work for Dar as Dijak launches him out to the floor in a heap.

We take a break and come back with Dijak elbowing him in the face a few times, setting up another clothesline. Dar goes flying off the toss suplex but Dar is right back with the guillotine. This one is broken up with High Justice for two and Dijak is stunned. Back up and Dar kicks away at the leg, setting up a fisherman’s buster for two.

Dijak is out of the cross armbreaker without much trouble and boots Dar in the face. Dar hits a spinning elbow to the face but the cyclone boot cuts him off again. Feast Your Eyes is loaded up but Meta Four offers a distraction, allowing the Nova Roller to finally finish Dijak off at 12:10.

Rating: B. This was the good guy version of Dar as he was fighting to avenge his friends against Dijak. I’m not big on Dar but that kind of charisma was only going to keep him a heel for so long. While this was far from a full on turn, it was definitely the biggest step Dar has taken in that direction and that could make for some interesting circumstances for the entire team.

Ilja Dragunov comes in to see Ava, who lets him pick his opponent tonight. The open challenge is on.

Tatum Paxley wanted to be good but no one wants to play with a girl like that. She wanted to be like everyone else and Lyra Valkyria let her in. Then Valkyria lost the NXT Women’s Title, which is what mattered to Paxley the most. Valkyria is nothing without the title and now she’s in Paxley’s way.

Sol Ruca vs. Lola Vice

Ruca takes her down by the arm to start but Vice kicks her way to freedom. Some kicks into the corner set up the running hip attack for two but a second only hits buckle. Ruca strikes away but it’s too early for the Sol Snatcher. With that broken up, Ruca kicks away until Blair Davenport pops up for a distraction. Vice scores with a spinning kick to the face for the pin at 4:15.

Rating: C. This Ruca vs. Davenport feud needs to wrap up already as it’s holding Ruca back. It feels like they have been feuding for months now and that isn’t the most interesting thing when Davenport is barely ever around. Not much of a match here, though it should help set up what is hopefully the final Ruca vs. Davenport match.

Post match Natalya pops up to challenge Vice to NXT Underground in two weeks.

NXT Anonymous shows Ridge Holland choking Joaquin Wilde until Ava yells at him to break it up.

Earlier today, Arianna Grace took Gigi Dolin dress shopping. Dolin hates it but she wants to get this over with as fast as possible.

Joaquin Wilde vs. Ridge Holland

Wilde starts fast but they quickly head outside, where Holland punches the post. Back in and Holland grabs an armbar, which doesn’t get him very far. An overhead belly to belly suplex works a bit better and Holland runs him over, only to pull Wilde up at two. Wilde DDTs his way out of trouble as Shawn Spears is here to watch. Holland is knocked to the floor where a dive is powerslammed out of the air. A lifting DDT finishes for Holland at 3:52.

Rating: C. Holland’s story is starting to take some more shape as he is beginning to embrace more of the violence. That would seem to be his destiny in the whole thing and it could make for a more logical path for him. Holland isn’t likely to become a star, but having him be all violent and evil is a better way to go for him than anything else he could be doing.

Josh Briggs has bad ribs but he’s ready to face Oba Femi. Ivar comes in to say Briggs can rest up and get the first shot at the North American Title after Ivar wins it. Not happening, so they can fight tonight instead.

Brinley Reece is rather perky while working out with Edris Enofe and Malik Blade.

Andre Chase sits down with Thea Hail and explains how he lost everything betting on her but then cost her the match by throwing in the towel. Hail asks why he never told her because she was so mean to him but Chase says he believed in her. Everything seems cool.

Here is the D’Angelo Family for a chat. Tony D’Angelo talks about how things needed to change for the family and yeah he lost at Stand & Deliver. It’s about going one more round though…and here is the No Quarter Catch Crew to interrupt. We get an implication that the Family was paid to take care of Drew Gulak but we aren’t allowed to use specifics.

Payment is implied, but Charlie Dempsey has to ask if there is anything else D’Angelo wants to say. That makes D’Angelo bring up the Heritage Cup, with Dempsey telling him that’s off limits. The brawl is on and we go to break in a hurry. This covered both the informative (the Family got rid of Gulak on the Crew’s request) and the funny (D’Angelo seemingly forgetting his line).

Ilja Dragunov vs. ???

Non-title and a bunch of people try to get in the ring, only to have Je’Von Evans dive over the announcers’ table to get inside instead. The slug out goes to Dragunov but Evans is back up with a superkick for the knockdown. Evans is back up with a bouncing kick to the face but Dragunov hits a hard powerslam.

One heck of a clothesline gives Dragunov two, only to have the Constantine Special countered into a rollup for two more. Dragunov’s running knee gets two but he gets caught with a hard DDT. That sends Dragunov out to the floor so there’s the big dive to take him down again. Back in and Dragunov Death Valley Drivers him into the corner, setting up Torpedo Moscow for the pin at 6:05.

Rating: C+. While it’s not quite the same thing, they were going for the John Cena vs. Kurt Angle moment here and it did quite the big of good for Evans. He felt like someone who was stepping up and the fans were WAY into him, which is about all you could ask for here. Nice stuff, and it’s clear that NXT sees a lot in Evans, which might be validated.

Karmen Petrovic is ready to help Natalya train for NXT Underground but Lola Vice comes in. Vice teases a training partner of her own and we have a contract signing next week.

Sol Ruca wants Blair Davenport next week, No DQ. Ava seems interested.

Thea Hail vs. Tatum Paxley

The rest of Chase U is here with Hail, who gets scared by Paxley crawling around to start. Paxley sends her into the corner before grabbing an upside down surfboard (Paxley was laying on her back and had Hail’s limbs tied up, with Hail looking down at her). That’s broken up and Hail hits the World’s Smallest Slam but here is Jazmyn Nyx for a distraction. Jacy Jayne comes in for another distraction and Paxley grabs a crucifix for the pin at 3:08.

Rating: C. As much as I could go for Hail winning something, Paxley vs. Valkyria seems to be the next big match so they had to give Paxley something here. Paxley revealing that she only cared about the title instead of Valkyria is an interesting way to go and now we could be getting ready for an interesting story involving the title depending on how it falls out. For now though, Paxley gets a much needed boost.

Post match Lyra Valkyria runs in to brawl with Paxley.

Roxanne Perez laughs off the whole thing and says she’ll defend the title at Spring Breakin. Ava comes in to say we’ll make it a triple threat title defense with Lyra Valkyria and Tatum Paxley as the challenges. Perez does not approve.

AOP vs. Edris Enofe/Malik Blade

Blade gets knocked into the corner to start and the beating is on quickly. Akam gets in some clubbering and Rezar comes in to do the same. A missed charge allows the desperate tag to Blade, who tries to pick up the pace. Blade tries a dive to the floor but gets pulled out of the air. The Super Collider finishes for AOP at 3:08.

Rating: C. Another squash here and unfortunately against a team I want to see go further. That being said, giving the AOP a dominant win is why Enofe and Blade were out there in the first place and they did make the monsters look good. There are worse ideas than putting the AOP back in NXT as the big bad team, especially with the Wolfdogs gone.

Post match Nathan Frazer and Axiom come out for the staredown with the AOP.

Back to dress shopping and Gigi Dolin hates a green dress that Arianna Grace recommends. Dolin offers to try it on, though she uses some scissors to make it her own. Grace is aghast but has to pay anyway.

Josh Briggs vs. Ivar

Briggs has bad ribs coming in and kicks Ivar in the face at the bell. Ivar cartwheels over him and plants him down as Oba Femi is watching in the back. Back up and Briggs hits another big boot, setting up a splash, which only hurts his own ribs. Ivar goes back to the ribs, including the spinning powerslam to crush Briggs again. A tiger driver gives Ivar two but Briggs is back with a not very good Boss Man Slam for two of his own. They go outside with Briggs getting in a hard shot, only to get kicked in the head. Back in and the Doomsault finishes for Ivar at 4:11.

Rating: B-. Take two big guys and have them beat each other up for a bit before one of them gets the pin. It’s an idea that has worked for years in wrestling and it worked here too. Briggs has an out with the bad ribs as Ivar moves up for a match to make Oba Femi look like that much more of a monster.

Oba Femi is impressed. Then he leaves and knocks Oro Mensah down again, just like at Stand & Deliver.

Here’s what’s coming at Spring Breakin.

Video on Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes.

Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes

In a cage (pin/submission only) and Hayes says he’s ready to finish this. They start slowly with Williams grabbing a slam but Hayes flips over him. Hayes sends him into the cage and a security guard slips in a billy club. Some shots to the back have Williams down and we take an early break.

Back with Hayes hitting a Codebreaker on the arm for two before cranking on said arm. Williams fights up and is sent into the cage, only to avoid a charge to send Hayes into the steel instead. A super Rock Bottom plants Hayes again and the fans are getting behind Williams. Some kicks to the face into a flapjack set up a reverse suplex to drop Hayes again. Hayes is sent into the cage over and over, with a neckbreaker giving Williams two.

Another shot to the arm slows Williams down but he’s fine enough to grab another Rock Bottom for another near fall. A knee to the face connects and they’re both down for a double breather. They go up in the corner until Hayes tries a super bulldog, with Williams managing a block. Cue the security to distract Williams, who beats them up without much effort. Hayes grabs a chair but the Trick Shot sends the chair into his face to give Williams the pin at 12:20.

Rating: B. I liked this a bit better than the Stand & Deliver match, but it was still only so good. Maybe these two have too much pressure on them or something but they didn’t get to a high level in their first match and they didn’t do it again here either. Granted the short time didn’t help, though Williams seems primed for a real shot at the NXT Title at Spring Breakin. Good main event, though certainly not great.

Ilja Dragunov comes out for the staredown with Williams to end the show.

Overall Rating: B+. The opener and main event were both good as this is a rare strong show before we get to the big stuff. The thing that impresses me the most about this one is how much stuff they got into it. With eight matches over about two hours and ten minutes, they crammed in quite a bit without feeling like they were cramming it in. That’s not bad and they had a heck of a show as a result. Now just keep this up with the big shows over the next two weeks.

Results
Noam Dar b. Dijak – Nova Roller
Lola Vice b. Sol Ruca – Spinning kick to the face
Ridge Holland b. Joaquin Wilde – Lifting DDT
Ilja Dragunov b. Je’Von Evans – Torpedo Moscow
Tatum Paxley b. Thea Hail – Crucifix
AOP b. Edris Enofe/Malik Blade – Super Collider
Ivar b. Josh Briggs – Doomsault
Trick Williams b. Carmelo Hayes – Trick Shot into a chair

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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AND

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Monday Night Raw
Date: April 15, 2024
Location: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

We’re getting back to normal this week as Wrestlemania is now getting more firmly in the rear view mirror. Last week saw Jey Uso become the new #1 contender to Damian Priest so odds are we’ll be hearing more from them this time. The main event is a big one though as hometown boy Sami Zayn will be defending the Intercontinental Title against Chad Gable. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Earlier today, people who work here came to work.

Here is Rhea Ripley to get things going and her arm is in a sling. She looks very upset and gets right to the point: she’s out for a few months and has to vacate the Women’s World Title. Ripley blames the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour and promises to come back and have to be put in jail to avoid killing Morgan. Cue Morgan, with security having to hold them apart. Ripley beats up one of the guards.

Post break the Judgment Day gives Ripley a hug and tell her to come back and make Morgan regret it.

Sheamus vs. Ivar

Sheamus, complete with his old theme music, is in shorts now instead of his regular gear. Hitting Ivar doesn’t get very far so they go up top, with Sheamus muscling him up for a super White Noise. We take a break and come back with Sheamus hitting a powerslam, setting up the ten forearms. Ivar kicks Sheamus in the head and hits the top rope splash for two but Sheamus fights out of the corner. A running knee sets up the Brogue Kick to finish Ivar at 8:18.

Rating: C+. Sheamus is back at what he does best by hitting people really hard until the match is over. He’s the definition of a simple character and that is not a bad thing. That’s what he did here against someone who can slug right back with him. If nothing else, having the old theme back freshens things up a bit, which is long overdue.

Video on Chad Gable vs. Sami Zayn.

Here is HHH for a chat, with Pat McAfee making a Terry Ryzing reference. HHH talks about how hot the crowd is tonight before talking about how many changes happened at Wrestlemania. This included the Tag Team Titles changing hands so let’s bring out Awesome Truth. We get a long bit of praise for the champs before HHH (with Adam Pearce) unveils the new World Tag Team Titles.

R-Truth thinks HHH is a magician because those titles just appeared! He doesn’t trust magicians after Little Jimmy…..so he knows that’s really Tommaso Ciampa! Miz calms things down a bit and talks about being in Montreal, thinking the fans want Sami Zayn. Miz explains the idea to R-Truth in French….and that just works. HHH: “Can I just go please?” He swaps the titles, shakes their hands, and wishes Pearce luck before leaving. Pearce isn’t pleased but let’s get to the triple threat #1 contenders match.

I like the new titles (they’re gold, but for some reason they look like WWE themed pizzas) but this felt like a segment designed to have R-Truth out there doing his wacky stuff. That is still entertaining, though it came off a bit forced here. Either way, the new titles are definitely an improvement over the rather dated previous versions.

New Day vs. Creed Brothers vs. DIY

During New Day’s entrance (complete with Xavier Woods doing Buff Bagwell’s strut and pose), we get a weird graphic to interrupt the signal but it isn’t acknowledged. Brutus powers Woods and Ciampa around to start, setting up a double clothesline. We hear about Brutus ripping the handles off microwaves when he was in school as the Creeds’ stereo suplexes are broken up. The Creeds cut off DIY’s dives so New Day hit dives of their own as we take a break.

Back with Julius and Ciampa slugging it out, with Julius getting the better of things. Trouble In Paradise is blocked as everything breaks down again. Project Ciampa gets two on Kofi but the Fairy Tale Ending is broken up. Woods comes in with a tornado DDT and the Honor Roll before having to drop Brutus. The Creeds are back up to clean house, including a pair of double suplexes for a double near fall. Back up and the Brutus Ball is broken up, leaving Woods to hit a top rope elbow on Julius. That takes too long though and DIY hits Meet In The Middle on Woods for the pin at 10:32.

Rating: C+. That was certainly a triple threat tag match for a future title shot and I’m not sure what else they were expecting. There’s not much to see here outside of the normal, expected stuff. DIY getting the shot is fine as they have a connection to the champs and are just enough of a threat to possibly take the belts.

We look at Jey Uso becoming the #1 contender last week.

Drew McIntyre won’t say anything about it but seems livid.

Ivy Nile/Maxxine Dupri vs. Candice LeRae/Indi Hartwell

Nile takes Hartwell down to start and hands it off to Dupri for a high crossbody. A fisherman’s suplex gives Dupri two but she stops to yell at LeRae, allowing Hartwell to get in a clothesline. LeRae comes in to stomp away but Hartwell offers a distraction, with Dupri grabbing a DDT. Hartwell offers a distraction though and the referee doesn’t see the tag. That means Hartwell can come in with a big boot to give LeRae the pin at 3:36.

Rating: C-. This story has been going for a few weeks now and while it has been progressing, it isn’t very interesting. Hartwell and LeRae feel like the bottom rung of the division and trying to make them into more of a thing isn’t exactly working. Dupri still needs so much ring time to get better and having her in these short matches on Raw isn’t doing her much good.

Video on Damian Priest’s rise to the top of WWE.

Priest tells the Judgment Day to keep focused even if Rhea Ripley is hurt. Tonight, JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio need to deal with Andrade while Finn Balor needs to take out Jey Uso.

Earlier today, Chad Gable was training with the Creed Brothers in the ring. He’s trained Sami Zayn, but that means he knows Zayn’s weaknesses too.

Dominik Mysterio vs. Andrade

JD McDonagh is here with Mysterio. Andrade starts fast with the corner chops into a crossbody but Dominik is fine enough to reverse the third Amigo. McDonagh offers a distraction though and Dominik gets in a cheap shot as we take a break. Back with Andrade hitting the running knees in the corner, only to miss the moonsault. They head to the apron with Dominik hitting a Canadian (or “this country” according to McAfee) Destroyer for two, only for Andrade to come back with the Message for the pin at 8:40.

Rating: C. They lost me a good bit near the end, with a Canadian Destroyer on the apron being such a nothing part of the match. That really should be a bigger deal but the match was over about thirty seconds later. Other than that, Andrade just isn’t clicking for whatever reason. Maybe he needs someone to talk for him, but there’s a piece missing and it’s holding him back.

Post match McDonagh comes in for the beatdown on Andrade with Ricochet making the save.

We look at Tama Tonga joining the Bloodline and taking out Jimmy Uso.

Jey Uso isn’t sure what’s going on but he told Jimmy to come with him. Enough of that though, as he has Finn Balor tonight.

Piper Niven/Chelsea Green vs. Katana Chance/Kayden Carter

Niven runs both of them over to start so it’s off to Green. Carter has some better luck and works on the arm before putting Green in a fireman’s carry. Chance comes off the top, jumps off Green’s back and…is pulled out of the air by Niven. A fall away slam sends Chance flying and a basement crossbody crushes Carter to give Green the pin at 2:11.

We look back at the opening segment.

Liv Morgan says this is karma for Rhea Ripley injuring her and says this is just the beginning of her Revenge Tour. The ending will be her winning the Women’s World Title.

Here is Cody Rhodes for a chat. He’s glad to be on Raw despite being a Smackdown guy (don’t worry because he’s not going anywhere) but we can’t talk about Wrestlemania forever. We are on our way to Backlash where this title will be on the line, but he does want to thank Seth Rollins for being his shield at Wrestlemania. The Rock had something to say yesterday when he talked about the training he did, with Cody knowing that Rock has more in him. That brings him to the Bloodline, and here is someone who knows them very well.

Cue Jey Uso, with Cole being amazed at how much McAfee gets into the dance. Cody welcomes Jey and says he’d love to have Jey’s back like Jey had his. Jey appreciates the offer but wants to do this on his own, which Cody understands. Cody: “Until we yeet again.”

Nia Jax doesn’t care about Rhea Ripley and is ready to win the Women’s World Title.

Jey Uso vs. Finn Balor

Balor runs in from behind to jump Jey before the bell and we start fast. The loud chop in the corner has Jey wincing around the ring before Balor sends him to the apron. Some right hands knock Jey outside and we take an early break. Back with Jey hitting an enziguri to leave both of them down, followed by the dancing right hands. The Samoan drop gives Jey two but Balor rakes the eyes to take over again. The Sling Blade looks to set up the Coup de Grace but Jey rolls away, setting up the spear. Jey drops the Superfly Splash for the clean pin at 9:12.

Rating: B-. This was the “here’s a win for Jey to get him ready for the World Title match”. While Jey isn’t likely to win, he’s just close enough that you could buy a fluke win and that’s not a bad thing. Jey has been in enough big matches on his own that something could come of this, though the Bloodline is going to be looming. For now though, a win over Balor means a lot for him, especially when it’s completely clean.

Post match Damian Priest comes out for the staredown but here are Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh to run in for the beatdown on Jey. They head outside and Jey manages to whip two of them together and escape through the crowd. We follow Jey through the concourse (where he shoves a fan away for trying to get in front of him for a video).

Jey runs into Sami Zayn, who is looking up at the building. This is where he saw his first show, and now he’s headlining. We follow Zayn into the arena and he comes through the crowd with a Canadian flag wrapped around his shoulders. Jey leaving until Zayn came into the arena was one long tracking shot and my goodness that was great.

Chad Gable is coming to the ring but runs into Bronson Reed, who is waiting for the winner.

Intercontinental Title: Chad Gable vs. Sami Zayn

Zayn is defending and gets the hometown reception during the Big Match Intros. Gable easily wrestles him down to the mat to start but Zayn takes it to the floor. Zayn’s tease of a dive lets him bounce back into the middle as we take a break. Back with Zayn trying to run the corner but Gable drops him down, with Zayn favoring his knee. The top rope headbutt gives Gable two and Gable works on the knee.

That’s broken up and Zayn hits a middle rope elbow to the head as McAfee keeps trying to speak French. Zayn knocks him to the floor and hits an Arabian moonsault as we take another break. Back again with Gable hitting a super Angle Slam and they’re both down. Gable is up with some rolling German suplexes, only to have Zayn reverse into his own string of German suplexes.

They trade standing switches until Zayn puts him down again for another double breather. Gable charges into the corner but gets caught with the exploder, only to have the Helluva Kick countered into the ankle lock. Zayn tries to reverse into a Sharpshooter (of course) but the ankle gives out before he can pull it on. The ankle lock goes on again, only to have Zayn roll out. The Helluva Kick (limping version) retains the title at 17:24.

Rating: B. Good main event here with Zayn getting the clean win to help make up for some of his loss to Roman Reigns here last year. In theory this should wrap things up with Gable and move Zayn on to Bronson Reed, though it makes me wonder what is next for Gable. It’s a shame to see him drop back down after doing some rather good stuff in recent weeks, but that’s pretty normal for him around here.

Post match Zayn celebrates…and Gable jumps him from behind. Gable puts on an ankle lock in the corner and Zayn is in agony to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. They shifted back towards a much more normal Raw this week, though the Draft coming up in two weeks is going to change everything again. What mattered here was starting to set things up for Backlash and we have one match set with some more looking likely. You can’t keep up the Wrestlemania season energy all year but they did enough here to keep the show interesting, which is all you can do after such a big time ends. Nice enough show this week.

Results
Sheamus b. Ivar – Brogue Kick
DIY b. New Day and Creed Brothers – Meet In The Middle to Woods
Indi Hartwell/Candice LeRae b. Maxxine Dupri/Ivy Nile – Big boot to Dupri
Andrade b. Dominik Mysterio – Message
Piper Niven/Chelsea Green b. Katana Chance/Kayden Carter – Basement crossbody to Carter
Jey Uso b. Finn Balor – Superfly Splash
Sami Zayn b. Chad Gable – Helluva Kick

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

Main Event
Date: April 10, 2024
Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Blake Howard, Brian James

It’s the first show after Wrestlemania (first taped that is) and I was in the house for it so we’ll take another look. One would think that Main Event after Wrestlemania might be the place to put in someone new for a look but that doesn’t tend to be the case. The action can be good enough though so let’s get to it.

Opening sequence.

Kayden Carter/Katana Chance vs. Shayna Baszler/Zoey Stark

Baszler drives Carter into the corner to start so it’s off to Chance, who is taken into the wrong corner as well. Chance springboards her way to freedom and takes Stark down, allowing Carter to monkey flip her into Stark for two. Back up and Stark drops Chance onto Baszler’s raised knee (ouch) for two. Baszler starts in on the arm and hands it back to Stark, who gets kicked in the head. Carter rolls over and hits a low superkick on Stark, followed by the springboard spinning legdrop for two. Baszler isn’t having this and stomps on Carter’s arm, leaving Stark to hit the Z360 to finish Chance at 4:46.

Rating: C. The knees to the face were good but the fans weren’t exactly into this for some reason. Baszler and Stark continue to be a team who feel like they should be moving up the ladder but it just hasn’t happened. Then again there isn’t much of a ladder to go up in the women’s tag division, but it’s better than having Baszler doing nothing for so long again.

Video on Cody Rhodes’ path to being WWE Champion.

From Raw.

Cue Cody Rhodes to quite the hero’s welcome. Before HHH leaves, he congratulates Rhodes for ending one of the greatest title runs of all time at the greatest Wrestlemania of all time. On his first night as champion, Rhodes is responsible for a record gate of over 20,000 people. In addition, on his first night as champion, some people in the production office have made a little something for him. There’s no Titantron, so Rhodes has to watch a musical tribute to him on a portable monitor (with HHH making a joke about it).

After some tears are shed, HHH leaves and Cody asks what the fans want to talk about. First, he has Samantha Irvin announce him as the new champion one more time. Two years ago, Cody returned to WWE and announced his dreams, but now those dreams are reality. He and the fans are on top of the mountain and the previous man on top of that mountain has to be acknowledged as well.

That gives us a THANK YOU ROMAN chant before Cody shows us a clip of his daughter telling him to finish the story. Cody wanted his daughter to know that when her daddy goes to work, he’s going to work as champion. He was once undesirable, then he was undeniable, and now he is undisputed.

Cue the Rock and the fans know this is about to get serious. The fans won’t let him talk, with an UNDERTAKER (McAfee: “TOO SOON!”) chant, followed by SHUT THE F*** UP. Rock says he is a lot of things but “sucks” is not one of them. Rock finally gets some words in by saying he is here to deliver flowers to Cody Rhodes but there is another announcement to make: Philadelphia has set the record for the largest gathering of trailer part trash in history. Rock tells the fans they can keep going with their “SHUT THE F*** UP” chants (muted on TV, not in the arena, which is bizarre to hear in WWE).

Rock gets a bit more quiet and talks about their history, including how happy Mama Rhodes was last night. You know who else was smiling? Dusty Rhodes up in Heaven. Dusty was Rock’s hero and their dads ran the roads together. Maybe Rock’s daddy wasn’t happy with what Rock did to Cody….but he doesn’t care.

Rock talks about Cody’s belt and says the People’s Title he has is real too. But maybe….could he hold Cody’s title? He’s held every title, except for that one. Cody says Rock can hold his if Cody can hold Rock’s, so they switch off for a bit. Rock puts the title on his shoulder (fans: “THIS IS AWKWARD!”) and says it feels right before they switch back.

As Cody knows, the Rock has got to go away for a little while, but he loves wrestling and the two of them made it cool again. The fans sing the Goodbye Song but Rock says he’ll be back for Cody one day. While Cody might have beaten Roman Reigns, Rock beat Cody the night before.

Cody talks about Rock being the Boss, but he’s the champion. He’s the people’s champion and the Rock’s champion. Rock agrees and says he has something for Cody. He reaches into his pocket and hands it to Cody without us seeing it. Rock says don’t you ever break his heart again, if you smell what he’s cooking. Rock leaves and we still don’t know what he handed Cody.

And with that, we’re 45 minutes into the show. This was a weird segment as they went on for a long time but didn’t actually say much. It was basically “Wrestlemania was great, thank you fans, Cody is great, Cody talks about how he did it, Rock comes out, says he’s leaving, awkward exchange, Rock gives him something. That was about a fourth of the show and they more or less just teased Rock vs. Cody for later.

From Raw.

Here is most of Judgment Day to brag about the team’s success at Wrestlemania. Cue Rhea Ripley (the fans seem to like her) to brag about retaining her title. With Ripley’s topness confirmed, here is Damian Priest for the big celebration. Fans: “YOU DESERVE IT!” Priest: “You d*** right I do.” The team poses with their titles but R-Truth pops up behind them. He brought the Tag Team Titles back to the team and thinks it’s time to induct Miz.

Cue Miz, who doesn’t want to be in the Judgment Day. He knows R-Truth doesn’t want to be in the team either (Priest: “He’s not in the Judgment Day!” R-Truth: “I am in the Judgment Day!”) and introduces Awesome Truth as the new champs. Finn Balor wants a title shot right now but R-Truth says there are three of them. The challenge is thrown out for a six man, with R-Truth saying they can team with “the guy you can’t see”. Works for Judgment Day, who don’t come off as very bright here.

Judgment Day vs. Awesome Truth/???

Awesome Truth is jumped and sent to the floor as we take an early break. Back with the match (billed as a handicap match) joined in progress and McDonagh kicking away at Truth. The chinlock doesn’t last long as R-Truth is up to avoid a splash in the corner. Miz comes in and kicks away, including a double DDT to Mysterio and McDonagh. The Skull Crushing Finale is broken up and Miz scores with a clothesline to take over.

We take another break and come back with Miz kicking McDonagh away but Mysterio pulls R-Truth off the apron. And here’s John Cena, which somehow only Judgment Day and commentary didn’t figure out. Cena gets the tag almost immediately and house is cleaned, setting up triple Shuffles and triple AA’s for the triple pin on Judgment Day at 10:05.

Rating: C. Oh this was fine with the match being nothing of note until Cena came out there for one of the most obvious reveals in a long time. That being said, this is what Cena is perfect for these days: he can be put in there as a hot tag guy and pop the crowd with his usual stuff. It’s nothing but a cameo but on this kind of a show, he’s the exact right option and didn’t hurt anything whatsoever.

Sheamus is coming back.

Julius Creed vs. Ivar

Brutus Creed is here with Julius. Ivar runs him over without much trouble to start and then hits a boot to the head for a bonus. Julius fights up and gets in a running forearm to stagger Ivar before managing to knock him against the ropes. A fireman’s carry doesn’t work but Julius sends him outside for a slingshot dive. We take a break and come back with Ivar sitting on Julius’ chest out of the corner. Julius’ comeback doesn’t work as Ivar knees him in the ribs but Julius is able to catch him with a dropkick on top.

They head outside with Ivar nailing a big boot, setting up a rather scary flip dive off the apron. Back in and Ivar loads up the Doomsault, only to have Julius jump up top for the top rope superplex. Ivar is right back with a tiger driver for two and Ivar is stunned. With nothing else working, Ivar goes up top but Julius pulls him back down for a rather hard slam. Julius’ 450 misses, though of course he mostly sticks the landing. Ivar kicks him in the face and comes back with a super World’s Strongest Slam, setting up the Doomsault for the pin at 7:03.

Rating: B-. This is the kind of match that lets two people get to beat the fire out of each other with one big spot after another. Julius got to show off his insane athletics, but he still needs a lot of work in the personality department. Other than that, you have Ivar who can hit a spinning kick to the face and a Doomsault. What else can you ask for from him?

From Raw.

Here is Drew McIntyre for a chat before the main event and he is not happy. What happened last night was BS because his moment only lasted 5:46. The fans laugh but he says that’s five minutes longer than most of them last in bed. He respects Seth Rollins but then that bondage Undertaker messed everything up. McIntyre would whip Damian Priest but Priest would probably like it. The reality is that this is all CM Punk’s fault and the next time he sees Punk, it’s time for revenge. He’s going for Punk’s weakest part…which is his entire body. This was hilarious as McIntyre can be funny and angry at the same time.

Drew McIntyre vs. Jey Uso vs. Bronson Reed vs. Ricochet

For a future shot at Priest and the World Heavyweight Title. Everyone but Ricochet goes to the floor to start so he hits a big flip dive and we take a break. Back with a table in the corner and Reed dropping an elbow on Uso. Commentary says that this is one fall to a finish despite the introductions saying that this is under elimination rules, so things are already a bit confusing. Uso tries a spear on Reed, who sends him through the table as we take another break, 2:09 after coming back.

We come back again with Ricochet striking away at Reed until McIntyre sends him flying with a release belly to belly. We get the McIntyre vs. Reed showdown until McIntyre gets two off a Michinoku Driver. Uso and Ricochet start firing off the superkicks until Uso spears Reed for two. McIntyre and Uso go up top, with McIntyre doing his situp choke throw to send Uso flying.

Reed plants Ricochet for two but McIntyre breaks up the Tsunami. McIntyre and Reed brawl to the floor with the latter getting posted. Uso goes up but Ricochet kicks him down, allowing Ricochet to hit a 450 off the top through Reed through the table (though he BARELY made it). Back in and McIntyre Futureshocks Uso and loads up the Claymore, only to have CM Punk pop up for a distraction. Uso hits a superkick (mostly), a spear and the Superfly Splash to end McIntyre at 17:40.

Rating: B-. It was a fun match with multiple options to win, with Uso making the most sense. Priest needs a first challenger who can make him look good and that’s what Uso will be for him. At the same time, Punk costing McIntyre the win is exactly what should have happened and it worked well here. I’m not sure when that match is going to take place but they are setting it up as an amazing fight. For now though, Ricochet gets to do his flips and Uso gets the win he needs.

Overall Rating: C+. The opening match was nothing special but the rest of it was more than good enough. Julius vs. Ivar was the best thing from the show, if nothing else due to the fact that it felt fresh. Main Event isn’t meant to be a show of new stuff, but for a recap of a victory lap, it could have been worse.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

Smackdown
Date: April 5, 2024
Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Wade Barrett, Corey Graves

It’s the last show before Wrestlemania and that means the usual: the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, one other match that matters and a bunch of hype videos for Wrestlemania. Other than that it’s a big warmup for the night’s real main event in the Hall Of Fame so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a look at the bigger Wrestlemania matches, which feels like a pay per view opening rather than a television show.

The entrance set is stripped down again and that’s a nice visual.

It’s time for the KO Show with Kevin Owens (featuring his traditional KO Mania shirt, now up to VII), who gets things started with some good old fashioned sign staring. With that out of the way, Owens brings out Randy Orton as his guest. Owens displays the chairs’ ability to spin before talking about their (Owens and Orton’s, not the chairs’) upcoming triple threat match at Wrestlemania as both of them want Logan Paul’s US Title.

Before Orton can get very far about how annoying he finds Paul, here is Paul live from the Wrestlemania stage at the stadium. Owens finds it interesting that they’re right across the street from the stadium so it’s time to head outside. With the two of them gone, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller pop out from underneath the ring, apparently having missed their cue to jump Owens and Orton. Ok that’s clever.

Back from a break and Owens has stolen a golf cart to head over to the stadium, with Waller and Theory following.

Video on Andre the Giant to set up his namesake battle royal.

Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Angel, Berto, JD McDonagh, Elton Prince, Kit Wilson, Ricochet, Cruz del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, Jinder Mahal, Veer, Sanga, Cedric Alexander, Omos, Ashante Thee Adonis, Akira Tozawa, Otis, Ivar, Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, Apollo Crews, Cameron Grimes

Everyone surrounds Omos to start but only Pretty Deadly go after him. Omos tosses Wilson in a hurry and Prince jumps out to eliminating himself, thereby avoiding pain. Everyone else goes at it with Angel and Berto being thrown out. They pull out Wilde and del Toro (under the rope) as Grimes is tossed. Mahal is eliminated as well but Veer and Sanga throw out Crews. The Creeds get rid of Veer and Sanga, followed by Omos chokebombing McDonagh.

We take a break and come back with Omos wrecking the Creeds on the floor with all three of them gone. After we see Omos clotheslining both of them out but eliminating himself in the process, Alexander is thrown out as well with Adonis following quickly. That leaves us with Ricochet, Ivar, Reed, Otis and Tozawa as Reed and Ivar hit stereo crossbodies.

Reed sends Ricochet to the apron but here is McDonagh to pull Ricochet out. Tozawa eliminates McDonagh (who was still in), leaving Otis to clean house. The Caterpillar connects but Reed throws him out. Reed also throws Tozawa out (onto Otis), leaving him alone with Reed as the final two. They ram into each other a few times until Ivar hits a spinning kick to the face, only to miss the Doomsault. A running clothesline gives Reed the win at 10:08.

Rating: C+. This match hasn’t been the most special in a good while now but it is still something that means a bit for the wrestlers who win. That is what we saw here, as Reed gets a boost after weeks of not having the most success. Odds are it isn’t some big game changer, but it’s better than not winning the thing. It also helped set up McDonagh vs. Ricochet in the future, which should be good.

We look at the Bloodline attacking Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes.

Logan Paul is back in the arena.

The Final Testament is really interested in taking out Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits.

Here is Logan Paul to talk about how stupid everyone is around here, including Kevin Owens and Randy Orton. Paul has a camera at the stadium to show Austin Theory and Grayson Waller, who are there to take out Owens and Orton. That doesn’t work as they have escaped, meaning here are Owens and Orton to lay Paul out.

Dragon Lee has been attacked.

Zelina Vega vs. Elektra Lopez

Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar are here too. Cue Dominik Mysterio and Andrade to uneven things even more and Vega knows this isn’t good. We’re joined in progress after a break with Vega slugging away and hitting some running clotheslines. Running knees in the corner hit Lopez for two before she’s right back with a swinging Rock Bottom for two of her own. Vega is back up with a 619 in the corner and a hammerlock DDT but Dominik offers a distraction. That lets Lopez hit Elektrashock for the pin at 2:52.

Post match the beatdown is on but Andrade turns on Legado and helps Rey and Vega to their feet. So there’s Lee’s likely replacement.

Here are Naomi and Bianca Belair for a chat. Neither of them like Damage CTRL and it was Naomi who got Belair’s attention about them. They needed each other to fight Damaged CTRL and things have been going well, but then they met newest partner: Jade Cargill! She’s ready for Damage CTRL and sign pointing ensues.

Dragon Lee is officially out of Wrestlemania but Andrade takes his place. Carlito doesn’t seem pleased

New Catch Republic vs. Grayson Waller/Austin Theory

It’s a big brawl to start with the Republic sending them outside. That’s fine with the villains as they send Bate into the barricade and we take a break. Back with Bate suplexing his way to freedom, allowing him to hit a bunch of suplexes. Dunne comes back in to clean house, including a bunch of shots to Theory’s jaw. The Birminghammer finishes for Dunne at 7:23.

Rating: C. This was another one of those matches where you can’t get much out of the thing due to the limited amount of television time. It wasn’t much of a match as a result, with the break eating up so much of their time. The titles could go in any way or multiple ways) at Wrestlemania and the ladder match makes it even more complicated.

Post match Judgment Day IMMEDIATELY runs in for the big beatdown.

Long video on Bayley vs. Iyo Sky for the Smackdown Women’s Title. Bayley talks about the history she has made and it’s time to do it again.

Here is LA Knight for a chat. Knight is ready for Wrestlemania and says AJ Styles will be phenomenal at getting taken out on Sunday. Instead of crying like Styles has been doing he owes a thank you for Knight making people talk about him. Knight talks about how ready he is for Sunday to wrap it up.

B-Fab talks about how ready Bobby Lashley and the Street Profits are.

Wrestlemania rundown.

Solo Sikoa vs. Jey Uso

Jey slugs away to start and low bridges Sikoa to the floor. We take an early break and come back with Sikoa knocking him into the corner. The running Umaga Attack misses so Jey hits one of his own. Jey’s spear is cut off but the second connects, setting up the Superfly Splash. That’s enough for Jimmy Uso to come in for the DQ at 6:32. Not enough shown to rate but it was fine enough for a match that wasn’t going to have a finish.

Post match the beatdown is on but Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins run in for the save. Jimmy is left alone and takes the whipping ala Rock to Rhodes. That lets Rhodes talk about what it means to be a champion, which he will get to do on Sunday. When his story ends, a better one begins. That good line wraps us up.

Overall Rating: C. For a show that more or less makes it clear that it’s just there as a big commercial for Wrestlemania with a few matches thrown in, it worked well enough. The action was mostly skippable but it should help push fans all the way up to the brink of Wrestlemania. WWE knows what it has with this show and it doesn’t try to be anything else, which is what should be happening.

Results
Bronson Reed won the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal last eliminating Ivar
Elektra Lopez b. Zelina Vega – Elektrashock
New Catch Republic b. Austin Theory/Grayson Waller – Birminghammer to Theory
Jey Uso b. Solo Sikoa when Jimmy Uso interfered

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

Monday Night Raw
Date: April 1, 2024
Location: Barclays Center, New York City, New York
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

It’s the last Raw before Wrestlemania and the big names are in town. This week will see the Rock and Roman Reigns both in the building and there is fallout to face. Last week, the Rock attacked Cody Rhodes and left him bloody, apparently on the others from Reigns himself. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of the end of last week’s show, with Rock attacking Rhodes and leaving him a bloody mess.

Here is the Rock to get things going. Rock brags about making Cody bleed last week, just like he promised he would. Then he put his blood all over that weight belt, just like he told Mama Rhodes that he would. Rock brings up the Cody Crybabies and we see some footage from TikTok, showing children crying over Rock beating Rhodes up.

Rock says there are time when people have to beat up people like Rhodes when he’s talking s***. You’re feeling the energy right now because professional wrestling is cool, and he’s the reason the ratings have skyrocketed. This crowd is now part of the highest gate in Raw history and FINALLY the Rock has come back to Brooklyn….but he didn’t come alone.

Cue he Bloodline, with Reigns eventually getting to the ring to not be happy with the fans chanting YEET. Reigns apologizes to the Rock for the fans and thanks Rock for helping st up Bloodline Rules at Wrestlemania. Then it’s going to be time to feast, but here is Seth Rollins through the crowd to interrupt.

Rollins says he’s ready for a fight and wants one tonight, but Reigns doesn’t seem convinced. Rollins talks about this being the biggest Raw ever and wants to fight the Rock tonight. Or how about Reigns instead. They can even name the stipulations! Rock says no, but Solo Sikoa says yes, with Rock making it Bloodline Rules. The Rock just literally did a promo where he bragged about making children cry. Yes, he is the best heel going today.

Rhea Ripley was on the MMA Hour earlier today when Becky Lynch came into the studio. Insults were thrown and Lynch had to be escorted out.

Lynch is here tonight to finish what she started earlier today.

DIY/New Day vs. Judgment Day

Of note: commentary mentions that the ladder match will not end until BOTH sets of titles are pulled down. Judgment Day gets sent to the floor to start but it’s Balor taking over on Gargano in the corner. Gargano fights out of trouble and hands it off to Ciampa to pick up the pace with running corner clotheslines. Kofi picks up the pace with a top rope shot to McDonagh’s head, allowing Woods to come in with a bottom rope DDT. Dominik makes the save and everything breaks down, with Gargano hitting a dive (and landing rather nastily. Back in and Priest cleans house, including a chokeslam and Razor’s Edge to pin Ciampa at 4:53.

Rating: C+. This was a good way to get a lot of people into the ring before WrestleMania and it worked well enough. Judgment Day got to look dominant, even though getting a pin has little to do with gaining momentum towards climbing a ladder. Thankfully commentary didn’t mention that, meaning things might finally be changing for the better around here.

Rock says he has things going tonight as Roman reigns is off to write Paul Heyman’s induction speech for the Hall Of Fame this Friday.

Chad Gable is training Sami Zayn for his Wrestlemania match. Gable jumps him from behind (in a training way) and Zayn taps to a sleeper. Zayn says he doesn’t get what he’s thinking by having Gable run him into the ground this soon before Wrestlemania. Gable talks about how Zayn is good enough but he needs the hunger. Zayn says he’s afraid of losing and letting people down but it’s enough to get him fired up again. The training continues and it goes much better this time around. Rocky III it is and that isn’t a bad thing.

Judgment Day is ready for Wrestlemania but DO NOT like it when Legado del Fantasma come in. Damian Priest tells Dominik to get rid of him and Rhea Ripley tells Dominik to work on the communication stuff.

Sami Zayn vs. Bronson Reed

Rematch from last week where Reed scored the upset. Zayn takes him down with a crucifix for two to start but gets chopped up against the ropes. A clothesline puts Reed on the floor and Zayn follows with the big flip dive to the floor. Back in and Zayn hits some middle rope elbows to the head, only to dive into a release Rock Bottom. Reed takes him up top but Zayn manages a sunset bomb for two.

For some reason Zayn tries a fireman’s carry, which fails so badly that he earns the Death valley Driver from Reed for two. We take a break and come back with Zayn fighting out of a nerve hold and managing to knock the monster down. Cue Gunther to drag Chad Gable to the stage though, apparently after quite the beating. Zayn goes to save Gable as Gunther leaves, only to come back and beat up Zayn for the DQ at we’ll say 12:00 (the bell never rang).

Rating: C+. This is a good example of a match where they could have done an actual finish before Zayn went up the ramp for the angle. Gunther going after Gable makes perfect sense and it worked well enough, with fans hopefully wanting to see Zayn fight back and defeat Gunther to win the title and get some revenge. Or Gunther will smash someone else as he has done time after time.

Post match Gunther chops Zayn down to leave him laying and steps on his chest.

Jey Uso runs into Lil Wayne in the back and invites him to Wrestlemania. Deal.

The Rock’s grandmother will be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame.

Indi Hartwell/Candice LeRae vs. Ivy Nile/Maxxine Dupri

Hartwell takes over on Dupri to start and hands it off to LeRae, who sends her into the corner. A small package gives Dupri two and it’s off to Nile to clean house. A running boot in the corner hits Hartwell but LeRae shoves her off the top. Hartwell doesn’t like it so Dupri dropkicks the villains into each other and steals the pin at 3:35.

Rating: C. This was pretty much an angle rather than a match and that isn’t a bad thing. Dupri still can’t do much of anything in the ring but that is to be expected given her experience level. At the same time, odds are this sets up either a Hartwell heel turn or the team splitting, with the latter being the better choice. For now though, Dupri gets the slightest bit of retribution, which is quite the win for her.

Jey Uso tells Seth Rollins that he has his back in the main event tonight. Rollins seems to approve.

Drew McIntyre is in a funeral home and uses CM Punk’s song lyrics to launch into a speech about how he’s going to close the casket on Seth Rollins’ World Title reign. Amen.

Ivar vs. Ricochet

No Valhalla with Ivar here. Ricochet headscissors him out to the floor to start but gets dropped onto the apron for a crash as we take an early break. Back with Ivar missing a running crossbody against the ring screen, allowing Ricochet to hit a running flip dive for the big knockdown.

A springboard clothesline hits Ivar back inside and there’s the running shooting star press for two. For some reason Ricochet tries a fireman’s carry and it fails miserably, allowing Ivar to kick him in the face. A tiger bomb gives Ivar two but he misses a Bronco Buster. Somehow Ricochet manages a fall away slam into the 630 for the pin at 10:05.

Rating: B. This was the match where two people who aren’t going to be involved with Wrestlemania are sent out on Raw for the sake of filling in time without risking a match this weekend. That being said, they had one heck of a power vs. speed match, with Ricochet getting to do all kinds of things out there as he certainly can do. If he keeps that up, there is a good chance he’ll get moved up the card again, as he is certainly capable of hanging on a higher level.

Damian Priest is watching and wonders why Ricochet hasn’t been dealt with yet. They’re ready to get rid of him in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Andrade comes in and Dominik offers him a spot in Judgment Day if he’ll get rid of Ricochet. Works for Andrade but Rhea Ripley has to go deal with Becky Lynch.

Here is Becky Lynch to demand that Rhea Ripley come finish this. Cue Adam Pearce who says not tonight, but Ripley comes out anyway and the fight is on. It’s broken up rather quickly as well but Becky dives off the top to take them out again.

Damage CTRL brags about their bigness.

Clash At The Castle is back on June 15, location to be announced tomorrow.

Adam Pearce has to split up Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch again.

Damage CTRL vs. Shayna Baszler/Zoey Stark/Tegan Nox

Damage CTRL jump them to start and the beating is on with Nox being taken into the wrong corner. The non-Damage CTRL team fights up and kick them to the floor, with Stark hitting a dive as we take a break. Back with Stark hitting a springboard missile dropkick for two on Sane. A quick shot gives Sane a breather and she brings in Kai to get chokeslammed by Kai. Everything breaks down and Nox misses her running reverse Cannonball, setting up the assisted Insane Elbow to give Sane the pin at 8:57.

Rating: C. You know how there are several women’s matches where they don’t get much time and some of that time is cut off by a commercial break. Damage CTRL had more trouble here than I would have expected but at least they won in the end. It was a nice little warmup for the Wrestlemania six woman tag, though I was expecting more of a squash here.

Wrestlemania rundowns, now with the cards set for both nights.

Seth Rollins says he took this match with Solo Sikoa because he is always going pedal to the metal, but he always has a plan b. He runs into Drew McIntyre and says he isn’t dead yet. McIntyre: “Yet.”

Seth Rollins vs. Solo Sikoa

Non-title and anything goes. They fight straight to the floor where Sikoa misses a charge into the steps. Sikoa sends him into the barricade but Rollins is back with some chairs thrown at Sikoa’s head. A DDT onto an open chair plants Sikoa and it’s already table time. That takes too long though and Sikoa hits a super Samoan drop through the table as we take a break.

Back with Rollins sending him into the steps and then hitting Sikoa in the head with said steps. Another table is set up inside but again it takes too long, allowing Sikoa to load up another Samoan drop. This time Rollins reverses into a powerbomb through the able, followed by the Stomp.

Cue Jimmy Uso to go after Rollins but Jey Uso comes out for the brawl. They head up the ramp and here’s the Rock to jump Jey. Rock goes after Rollins but here is Cody Rhodes to get some revenge on Rock instead. The double team is on but Roman reigns comes out from underneath the ring as the fans chant for CM Punk. The Bloodline gets in the big beatdown and stop for a hug before Rock pulls out the weightlifting belt. That means it’s time to go a whipping, with Sikoa holding Rhodes’ arms so Rock can get in some free shots. Rock and Reigns pose to end the show as we’ll say the match was thrown out at around 15:00.

Rating: C+. I was surprised that they had this much time before a fairly obvious ending though that isn’t a bad thing. If nothing else, Rollins has not been in a match on television in a good while so letting him shake off a bit of the ring rust is a good thing. For now though, the Bloodline gets in another beating and Rhodes has one more time to overcome at Wrestlemania, which could be quite the feat at this point.

Overall Rating: B-. This show was always going to be tricky, as it was a final push towards Wrestlemania while also not wanting to shake things up too much before Wrestlemania. They did that well enough and I’m primed up for the show, though they were only going to be able to get in so much here with so little time left. Good show overall, though none of this is going to matter once this weekend starts up.

Results
Judgment Day b. DIY/New Day – Razor’s Edge to Ciampa
Sami Zayn b. Bronson Reed via DQ when Gunther interfered
Ivy Nile/Maxxine Dupri b. Candice LeRae/Indi Hartwell – Rollup to Hartwell
Ricochet b. Ivar – 630
Damage CTRL b. Shayna Baszler/Zoey Stark/Tegan Nox – Assisted Insane Elbow to Nox
Solo Sikoa vs. Seth Rollins went to a no contest

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

Monday Night Raw
Date: March 4, 2024
Location: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

We are just over a month away from Wrestlemania and the big story coming out of Smackdown saw the Bloodline challenging Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes for night one of Wrestlemania. For reasons unclear, the decision is to be made on Smackdown rather than here, but I’m sure we’ll have some fireworks anyway. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of Cody Rhodes challenging the Rock to face him, with Rock coming back by challenging him to the Wrestlemania tag match. Also of note: Roman Reigns requested Rock acknowledge him, which he did, seemingly to a bit of Reigns’ relief.

Here is Rhodes to talk about facing Roman Reigns, but first there is the distraction in the form of the Rock. Cody recaps Rock talking about him over and over last week, including mocking Cody’s dog (this did not please him). Rock had talked to Cody before and tried to convince him that the fans wanted to see Rock vs. Reigns, but the fans said they wanted something else.

Those were the people the Rock referred to as crybabies but then Rock moved on to a certain challenge. That challenged involved Seth Rollins, so here he is. Cody talks about how Rollins has been challenged for Wrestlemania as well but he already has to deal with Drew McIntyre, so Cody gets if he’s busy. Rollins talks about how he and Roman Reigns came in here over eleven years ago and they wanted absolute power. Now we are one win away from Reigns having exactly what he wants.

Rollins isn’t interested in any of that and doesn’t like what the Rock has been saying. Rock threatened to get rid of the World Heavyweight Championship and claims to have made wrestling cool again. The reality is that Rock hasn’t been cool in twenty years, but you know what is cool?

This morning Rollins was 100% medically cleared, so he’ll be at Smackdown to face the Bloodline. He has Cody’s back, so does Cody have his? Cody does, and says he won’t whine for twenty one minutes in a promo (as he’s been in the ring for 15+). They’ll be at Smackdown with an answer. Is there a reason to not give them the answer now?

Dominik Mysterio vs. Gunther

Non-title and JD McDonagh is here with Dominik. We start with Michael Cole bringing up Sting’s retirement and wishing him well (McAfee sounded like he was praising Sting’s match at AEW Revolution but Cole cut that off IMMEDIATELY) as Dominik tries to chop with Gunther for some reason. Gunther easily takes over but one of his chops hits the post. Dominik goes after the hand but Gunther chops away part of his soul as we take a break.

Back with Dominik getting chopped again, with Gunther opening up the shirt to make even more contact. Dominik manages to knock Gunther outside though and hits a dive, meaning it’s time to load up the 619. That just lets Gunther BLAST him with a clothesline, but he pulls Dominik up at two. The powerbomb is countered into a sunset flip for two and the 619 connects. Gunther avoids the frog splash though and hits a heck of a dropkick into the corner. The powerbomb into the Boston crab finishes Dominik at 9:16.

Rating: C+. This wasn’t so much good as much as it was entertaining to see Dominik getting wrecked over and over. Gunther can throw some crazy hard chops and he was having fun beating on Dominik here. It wasn’t exactly meant to be a competitive match and that wasn’t quite what it was, but dang it was fun.

Damage CTRL arrives but Adam Pearce cuts them off. They’re here to scout, but Shinsuke Nakamura interrupts. With Damage CTRL gone, Nakamura wants to talk about the Intercontinental Title. They can do that in Pearce’s office, as he’ll have an announcement about the title later tonight.

Shayna Baszler/Zoey Stark vs. Katana Chance/Kayden Carter

Earlier today, Carter and Chance said they wanted to get back into the title hunt because it’s Wrestlemania season. Damage CTRL is at ringside, as in sitting on the announcers’ table, as Baszler blocks Carter’s armdrag to start and stomps on the arm. Stark drapes Carter over the top rope for a running knee from Baszler as we take a break. Back with Carter and Chance hitting a double super Spanish Fly on Stark. Carter superkicks Stark to set up the After Party (and a nasty one at that) for two with Baszler making the save. Stark rolls Carter up for the pin at 6:44.

Rating: C. I still can’t get into this division as it isn’t interesting and these challengers just keep going with nothing really working. Stark and Baszler are no better than anyone else but now they are likely next in line for a shot. The Kabuki Warriors are pretty much the only worthwhile thing in the division but I guess we have to act like this works for another Wrestlemania season.

Post match Dakota Kai gets in the ring to say Baszler and Stark can have a title shot next week (assuming the Warriors retain at NXT Roadblock tomorrow night). Baszler is pleased.

The rest of Judgment Day check on Dominik Mysterio, with Gunther being told he’s going to make things right with Gunther. Andrade pops in to check on Dominik.

Video on Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax.

Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax

Becky strikes away to start but gets driven into the corner for some shoulders to the ribs. The springboard kick to the face doesn’t do much to Nia, who is right back with a release slam. Jax’s big elbow gets two but Becky fights up, with the missile dropkick sending Jax outside. The forearm off the apron is countered into a Samoan drop on the floor and we take a break.

Back with Lynch’s superplex being broken up and Jax dropping a middle rope legdrop for two. Jax loads up the right hand that broken Lynch’s nose years ago but Lynch snaps off a headscissors. Jax plants her down again and loads up the Annihilator but only hits mat. Lynch gets the Disarm-Her so Jax rolls out to the floor…where Liv Morgan jumps her for the DQ at 10:16.

Rating: C+. This was getting better near the end but hopefully this is all that happens with Jax vs. Lynch. With Lynch being ready to go on to Wrestlemania in just over a month, she needs to move away from Jax so she can get on to Rhea Ripley. Morgan vs. Jax is at least something different, though hopefully it gets them away from the Lynch and the title picture.

Post break Jax is sent running to the back.

Ricochet wants in on the Intercontinental Title situation but Adam Pearce says trust him. Ricochet heads out but here is Judgment Day to say JD McDonagh wants in on the title scene. McDonagh is ready and we go to break while he’s still talking.

Post break Becky Lynch yells at Liv Morgan and a match is made for next week. Rhea Ripley comes in to laugh at Lynch.

Video on Drew McIntyre vs. Jey Uso.

Adam Pearce announces a gauntlet match for the Wrestlemania title shot against Gunther. Next week it’s Sami Zayn vs. Ricochet vs. Chad Gable vs. Bronson Reed vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. JD McDonagh.

Andrade vs. Apollo Crews

This is Crews’ first match on Raw in a bit. Feeling out process to start until Crews hits a dropkick. Crews puts him on top and hits a top rope superplex, only for Andrade to reverse into Three Amigos. The spinning back elbow sets up the running knees in the corner. La Sombra (the hammerlock DDT) finishes Crews at 3:20.

Rating: C. This was quick and to the point with Andrade picking up the win in his return to Raw. That’s a good way to go as Andrade seems to be someone who could be a big deal if he is given the chance (and stays happy). This was at least a good first step and what matters now is keeping the momentum going.

Sami Zayn knew he would get a path towards Wrestlemania and now this is the only path there. Ivar and Valhalla interrupt and a match is made for later.

In Memory of Butcher Vachon.

Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae want a Tag Team Title shot. Natalya and Tegan Nox think it’s time that they get more serious. Candice likes the idea for herself and Hartwell, but Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri come in to say it’ll be ok. LeRae isn’t impressed but Hartwell says she’ll deal with this. This division could not feel less important is they tried.

Judgment Day vs. Imperium

Non-title and Balor hammers Kaiser into the corner to start. Priest comes in to hammer on Vinci, who escapes a suplex. It’s back to Kaiser, who gets kicked in the face and punched in the corner, with Priest hurting his own hand. Kaiser decks Balor, which is enough to bring him in for an abdominal stretch. Balor gets sent into the post though and we take a break.

Back with Balor hitting a Nightmare On Helm Street but a High Low cuts him off for two. Vinci’s clothesline takes Balor down again and Kaiser seems happy to kick the crowd favorite in the face. Balor manages a Pele kick and it’s Priest coming in to clean house. The Broken Arrow gets two on Kaiser but he escapes the Razor’s Edge. Balor comes back in for the Sling Blade but Kaiser grabs a Death Valley Driver. Another Sling Blade drops Vinci and the Coup de Grace gets two with Kaiser making the save. Priest comes back in for a hard clothesline and the South Of Heaven for the pin at 14:08.

Rating: B-. This was more of a showcase for Priest than anything else and he did rather well with it. Priest still feels like someone who could turn into a big star despite his age and wins like this help boost him up every little bit. It might not be a classic, but seeing the Judgment Day as the good guys is oddly fun.

Paul Heyman is going into the Hall Of Fame.

Drew McIntyre calls Seth Rollins a spotlight junkie and points out how Rollins is always involved with the big comebacks. The World Heavyweight Title deserves better than Rollins and Jey Uso.

Rhea Ripley comes up to Damage CTRL and says stay out of her territory.

Sami Zayn vs. Ivar

Valhalla is here too and Cole loses his mind over the stupid antlers. She even gives him the antlers and McAfee can’t contain himself. Ivar shoves him down a few times to start but Zayn is back up with a toss to the floor. The tornado DDT is blocked back inside though and Zayn is sent outside.

We take a break and come back with Zayn reversing a belly to back superplex into a crossbody for two. Now the tornado DDT connects but Ivar kicks him in the face for two of his own. Ivar puts him up top but it’s a sunset bomb to bring him back down for two. The exploder connects but Ivar hits a seated senton to cut off the Helluva Kick. Ivar’s Doomsault misses though and now the Helluva Kick can finish for Zayn at 10:14.

Rating: C+. Perfectly fine match here as Zayn fights back against a monster and wins in the end with his finishing move. That’s as basic yet effective of a way to use Ivar as there is and it worked well here. Not a classic or anything, but it keeps Zayn’s momentum going towards a possible Wrestlemania title match.

Post match Bronson Reed runs in to take out Zayn and crushes him with the Tsunami.

Gunther is ready for any of the stacked field, because they all want the prestigious title. Chad Gable comes in to say this one just means more.

Jey Uso knows Drew McIntyre wants an apology, so here’s an apology for the beating he’s about to get.

R-Truth, DIY and Xavier Woods are playing WWE2K24 when Miz comes in. Miz has an idea of dealing with the Judgment Day: take their Tag Team Titles.

McAfee telestrates Cole’s antlers.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Jey Uso vs. Drew McIntyre

Jey starts fast with an enziguri to send him outside but McIntyre gets in a toss over the announcers’ table. We take a break and come back with McIntyre kicking him out of the corner for two before hammering away with right hands. McIntyre hammers away in the corner but gets caught with a sitout powerbomb for two. That doesn’t work for McIntyre, who knocks him to the floor and suplexes Uso on the floor as we take another break.

Back again with Uso sending McIntyre into the corner and hitting a boot to the face. Uso strikes away and gets two off a Samoan drop. There’s the running Umaga Attack to send McIntyre outside and Uso follows with the big dive. Cue Solo Sikoa for a distraction though and McIntyre hits the Futureshock for two. Cue Cody Rhodes to take out Sikoa and Uso hits a spar. Now it’s Jimmy Uso for a distraction and McIntyre hits the Claymore for the pin at 16:47.

Rating: B-. Another solid match here as McIntyre continues to build towards the title match at Wrestlemania and Jey continues to seemingly get ready for the match with Jimmy. The idea of Jey finally snapping and wanting to fight Jimmy is going to be a tough way to go but at last they’re starting something here.

Post match Seth Rollins comes out to chase off Jimmy Uso but gets Claymored. McIntyre yells at him to stop being selfish to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. This show did its job in trying to set things up for later as the build towards Wrestlemania continues. The big thing here is that you can see most of the card from a month out and there isn’t really anything major that needs to be started. I’m sure we’ll get some more matches announced soon and some smaller things will have to be covered, but for now WWE is moving steadily along towards Wrestlemania. That’s a lot better than their patented rushing so things are improving.

Results
Gunther b. Dominik Mysterio – Boston crab
Shayna Baszler/Zoey Stark b. Katana Chance/Kayden Carter – Rollup to Carter
Nia Jax b. Becky Lynch via DQ when Liv Morgan interfered
Andrade b. Apollo Crews – La Sombra
Judgment Day b. Imperium – South Of Heaven to Kaiser
Sami Zayn b. Ivar – Helluva Kick
Drew McIntyre b. Jey Uso – Claymore

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

Monday Night Raw
Date: February 5, 2024
Location: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri
Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

Say it with me: and then everything changed, as Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes said that he would not be challenging Roman Reigns for the WWE Title at Wrestlemania. Instead, it appears the The Rock of all people will be getting the shot. While that’s a huge deal, the fans are not exactly thrilled with the change and it has to be addressed this week. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a long recap of the Rhodes/Rock/Reigns segment from Smackdown.

Here is Seth Rollins to get things going. He does his catchphrases and makes a Rock reference, which gets the fans booing again. Seth: “I sense that you guys want Cody.” Well Rollins does too, so he invites Cody out to the ring. Cody asks what the fans want to talk about and we get a ROCKY SUCKS chant. Cole: “Is it 1996 all over again?” Seth: “I didn’t expect to hear that tonight.”

Rollins talks about how he needs this match with Rhodes as well because he needs to know if he’s better than he was when they did this the first time. He gets right to the point: are they going to fight at Wrestlemania? Before Cody can answer, cue Drew McIntyre to interrupt. McIntyre: “I think I speak for everybody when I say what the h***?” He and Rollins both hate Punk and it was time for the two of them to be talking about going to Wrestlemania.

The fans seem to like that and McIntyre even has a shirt commissioned…..which he reveals as himself laughing at a tombstone for Punk’s Wrestlemania main event (that’s freaking brilliant). McIntyre tells Cody to finish the story and even says don’t let your dad down. Rollins says McIntyre doesn’t have to go that far, but why does McIntyre think he’s getting the title shot if Cody isn’t the challenger?

They’ve done that twice and McIntyre lost. Rollins: “Didn’t you lose to him three times?” McIntyre talks about how it should be the best man winning but does stop to cut off Rhodes. McIntyre headbutts Rollins down and Cody decks McIntyre without much trouble. So they didn’t officially announce anything for Cody, which feels like a way to stretch this out what very well may be false hope to avoid some of the booing (which is already here).

Imperium vs. Creed Brothers vs. DIY vs. New Day

The winners move on to face Tyler Bate/Pete Dunne on Smackdown for the title shot at Elimination Chamber. Ciampa takes over on Woods to start but it’s Kingston coming in with a springboard high crossbody. Woods’ fist drop gets two and it’s back to Kingston to work on Ciampa’s arm. Kaiser comes in for the double dropkick to Kingston and we take a break. Back with Kingston dropping Kaiser and the tag brings in Woods as the pace picks up.

The Honor Roll connects and Woods superkicks Vinci. Gargano tags himself in for the slingshot spar and an assisted Sliced Bread takes down Brutus. DIY hit slingshot dives onto the Creeds and we get the applaud. Kingston dropkicks both of them to the floor but gets beaten down by Imperium, with Gargano making the save. Julius flip dives onto all of them Ciampa White Noises Woods onto the pile to leave everyone down as we take another break.

Back with Ciampa getting the worst of a Tower of Doom, followed by Brutus moonsaulting Kaiser for two. We hit the parade of strikes until Brutus ankle locks Vinci. Julius cuts off some people with belly to belly suplexes, including one to Woods and Ciampa at the same time. A bunch of people make the save and everyone is down again. The Brutus Ball takes out a bunch of people on the floor but Ciampa tags himself back in. Meet In The Middle hits Vinci for the pin at 17:55.

Rating: B. Sometimes the best thing to do is let a bunch of people go out there and do a bunch of wild stuff until someone gets the pin. DIY vs. Bate/Dunne should make for a good match and it could go either way for the title match. Heck of a way to fill in part of the show here though, even if asking us to believe that the referee remembered who was legal for the tag after the melee is a bit much.

Shayna Baszler is ready for Becky Lynch.

Becky Lynch is ready for Shayna Baszler.

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Becky Lynch vs. Shayna Baszler

They fight over arm control to start until Lynch has to escape the Kirifuda Clutch. They go outside where Baszler kicks her in the head and kicks the hand against the steps. We take a break and come back with Lynch striking away despite having a banged up arm. A running knee gives Baszler two but Lynch is back with a missile dropkick.

Baszler goes after the arm again, this time tying it in the ropes and then into Lynch’s gear. That astonishingly doesn’t work and Lynch pulls her off the top so they can strike it out again. Lynch can’t get the Disarm-Her but she can get the Manhandle Slam to put Baszler away at 12:38.

Rating: C. This really needed to be five minutes shorter and the extra length hurt it a good bit. The biggest problem here was there was no reason to believe that Baszler had a real chance straight up against Lynch, which makes the match feel that much longer. The match wasn’t particularly good, but at least it got Lynch into the Chamber for the first time ever (it helps when you’ve been champion so many times).

Liv Morgan says no one is about her business but next week, her qualifying match is about revenge.

Shinsuke Nakamura attacked Cody Rhodes at a live event. Tonight, it’s a bullrope match.

Drew McIntyre has been fined for attacking Seth Rollins and Adam Pearce will double it if he keeps wearing that Punk shirt.

Rhea Ripley calls out Nia Jax but Adam Pearce comes to the ring to say the match has been made for Elimination Chamber. Cue Jax to beat Ripley down.

We look at Bayley challenging Iyo Sky for the Smackdown Women’s Title at Wrestlemania.

Akira Tozawa/Maxxine Dupri vs. Ivar/Valhalla

Valhalla sends Maxxine into the corner to start and Maxxine can’t quite get a sunset flip. She also can’t quite time a handspring elbow either but a double high crossbody puts Iva down. Maxxine flirts with Ivar to no effect so commentary talks about Medieval Times. A super World’s Strongest Slam finishes Tozawa at 2:00. This was really bad.

We look back at R-Truth being kicked out of Judgment Day.

Judgment Day is talking about Rhea Ripley when R-Truth comes in. JD McDonagh wants to jump him but has a match and leaves with Dominik Mysterio. R-Truth thinks last week was a pre-initiation and Finn Balor walks away. Priest does as well, but R-Truth finds a box of shirts that gives him an idea.

JD McDonagh vs. The Miz

Before the match, Miz talks about R-Truth being on the line between genius and crazy. Judgment Day attacking R-Truth was a declaration of war though and it’s time to fight. McDonagh (with Dominik Mysterio in his corner) stomps away in the corner to start and hits a knee to the face.

Back up and Miz knocks him to the floor, setting up a suplex from the timekeeper’s area to the floor. We take a break and come back with McDonagh hitting a standing moonsault for two….and here is R-Truth to throw the shirts to the crowd. The distraction lets Miz get his boots up to block a top rope moonsault and Miz kicks away in the corner. A crossbody gives Miz two and he takes out Mysterio for a bonus.

R-Truth puts a shirt around Mysterio’s arms to tie him up, allowing Miz to get in a big boot. The distraction lets McDonagh hit a headbutt into a moonsault for two so R-Truth whips out McDonagh’s cut of the merch money. Works for McDonagh, who gets hit with the Skull Crushing Finale for the pin at 9:44.

Rating: C. There was a lot to this but it wasn’t exactly great action. What matters here is the fact that R-Truth continues to be one of the most over people in all of WWE today. He gets a reaction no matter what he is doing and it’s great to see him getting this kind of a reaction. I could go for seeing more of Miz/R-Truth vs. Judgment Day, perhaps for the titles in a Wrestlemania match.

Imperium makes sure that everything is prepared for Gunther’s celebration for being Intercontinental Champion for 600 days. Adam Pearce says it’s cool, and here is Bron Breakker for a meeting. Imperium does not look pleased.

We look back at CM Punk having tricep surgery last week.

Here is Imperium for Gunther’s celebration. Gunther says no one should be surprised that we are here for this celebration. He doesn’t know why he’s here though, because every milestone is a formality anyway. The fact of the matter is he is running out of competition so who is left to challenge for this title?

Cue Jey Uso with the full dancing entrance, which Gunther calls a simple gesture for a simple audience. He doesn’t like this disrespect though, even if Jey is one half of the best teams ever. It makes sense too as you get all the glory for only 50% of the work. Uso lists off his resume (incorrectly saying he was in the first tag team to main event Wrestlemania) and says he wants the title shot.

Gunther likes his moxie and threatens to beat Jey back to the days when people couldn’t tell the Usos apart. Gunther: “UCE!” The fight is on with New Day making the save to chase Imperium off. This is a perfectly logical next challenger for Gunther and Jey winning the title does not feel out of the question. That being said, Gunther is adding some great quips on the mic, just in case he didn’t have enough tools so far.

Shinsuke Nakamura wants to hurt Cody Rhodes.

Women’s Tag Team Titles: Kabuki Warriors vs. Katana Chance/Kayden Carter

The Warriors are defending and Chance goes after Asuka’s bad ribs to start. The champs are knocked to the floor and we take an early break. Back with Carter fighting her way out of trouble and handing it back to Chance. Asuka gets draped over the middle rope in the corner for some knees to the ribs, setting up the After Party for two. Sane breaks up the Keg Stand though and an Insane Elbow/reverse DDT combination finishes Chance at 9:48.

Rating: C. The problem here was outside of Bayley interfering to cost the Warriors the titles, there was little reason to believe they were losing the titles. Chance and Carter don’t feel like they’re on the same level and it was showing here. They can do some high flying stuff, but the Warriors feel like far more well rounded stars, both on their own and as a team.

We get a sitdown interview with Sami Zayn in an empty arena. Zayn talks about getting close but not quite making it. HHH pulled him aside and said he was like Rocky Balboa, which makes him believe that he’ll be a champion one day. It’s about proving to himself and the people that they should have believed in him.

Cody Rhodes vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Bullrope match and you win by pinfall or submission. The rope is apparently the same one Dusty and Dustin used in their bullrope matches over the years. Nakamura jumps him to start but Cody takes over on the floor as we take a break less than a minute in. Back with Rhodes pulling him into the post but Nakamura uses the rope to break up a springboard.

Nakamura chokes with his boot and hits a running knee to the ribs for two. Cody is back with a dropkick to the knee and the Figure Four goes on, only to have Nakamura use the bell for the escape. We take another break and come back again with Rhodes hitting the snap powerslam.

The Cody Cutter gets two and they slug it out until Nakamura kicks him in the head. There’s the reverse exploder suplex but the Kinshasa is countered into a Pedigree for two. Back up and Nakamura uses the mist but the blind Cody hits Cross Rhodes for two more. Kinshasa is blocked and Rhodes hits him low with the rope, setting up Cross Rhodes for the pin at 16:43.

Rating: B-. This felt like a house show main event and that is likely because they’ve headlined house shows with it for the last few weeks. The good idea here was to have Rhodes get a nice win to give the fans something to cheer about. The fans want to cheer Rhodes right now and it would go a long way to calm them down if he gets to beat up a rival like he did here.

Drew McIntyre runs in to jump Rhodes to end the show. Those two could have a heck of a fight at Elimination Chamber.

Overall Rating: C+. There was a good show in here somewhere but it got bogged down by a lot of the stuff in the middle. That mixed tag was awful and some of the segments really didn’t work. The main event was good though and the Gunther/Uso segment did well too. With that being said, the opening segment and the anti-Rock reaction are what matter the most here, as that press conference could be quite the mess if they go in the expected directions. I’m curious to see what they do though, because plowing straight ahead seems more than a bit risky. For now though, pretty good show that had some rough stretches.

Results
DIY b. Imperium, Creed Brothers and New Day – Meet In The Middle to Vinci
Becky Lynch b. Shayna Baszler – Manhandle Slam
Valhalla/Ivar b. Maxxine Dupri/Akira Tozawa – Super World’s Strongest Slam to Tozawa
Miz b. JD McDonagh – Skull Crushing Finale
Kabuki Warriors b. Katana Chance/Kayden Carter – Reverse DDT/Insane Elbow combination to Chance
Cody Rhodes b. Shinsuke Nakamura – Cross Rhodes

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

Monday Night Raw
Date: January 22, 2024
Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Commentators: Wade Barrett, Michael Cole

This is the go home Raw before the Royal Rumble and while that is big enough, we also have to deal with Seth Rollins and the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins has suffered a torn MCL and meniscus and that means something is going to have to be done. We’re not sure what that is going to include but Rollins is opening the show this week. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Here is Rollins (in an amazing lime green suit) with a big knee brace. Rollins talks about how happy he is to be here and recaps the week, including the knee injury. Last week he messed up his knee on a moonsault and had an MRI, which revealed the extent of the injuries. If he has surgery, he’s looking at being out 3-4 months, but we’re taking it one day at a time.

Cue Imperium to interrupt, with Rollins saying if Gunther is going to do it, then do it. Gunther says they have been avoiding each other but he respects Rollins for fighting to bring honor to a championship. Just like him. It’s kind of pulling the rug out from under him because he is sad at the idea of Rollins missing Wrestlemania. Rollins says Gunther and Imperium should have let him finish: he doesn’t care what the doctors say (the fans like that a lot) or how hard he has to rehabs and push his knee. He’s going to keep his promise and take the title into Wrestlemania, where he will do everything he can to keep the title.

Gunther likes that and says he would do the same thing if he was in Rollins’ position. Rollins reminds Gunther of himself, so on Sunday (the show is Saturday but close enough), Gunther is going to win the Royal Rumble and choose Rollins. However, Gunther is going to target his knee and his back and everything that isn’t 100%. Rollins appreciates the honesty but Gunther needs to remember who he’s coming after. Gunther says Rollins better remember who is coming after him. They shake hands to wrap it up…or in theory at least as here is New Day to jump Imperium for their scheduled match.

So there’s your big answer and it makes sense if Rollins wants to do it. At the same time, WWE is going to need a contingency plan in case Rollins can’t go and they need to have a cutoff point so something can be announced in time for Wrestlemania. For now though it is exciting as Rollins is a major star and I don’t want him to miss Wrestlemania, but we have a long time to go before we get there and quite a bit could change.

New Day vs. Imperium

Joined in progress with Woods getting beaten down in the corner. Kaiser comes in to stomp away as well and Woods is sent outside. A belly to back drop onto the apron has Woods in even more trouble and we take a break. Back with Kofi getting the hot tag and cleaning house, at least until Vinci baseball slides him down. They brawl to the floor with New Day being more aggressive than usual. It’s a double countout at 8:48.

Rating: B-. This was a rather aggressive match and some kind of No DQ/street fight rematch wouldn’t surprise me. It’s almost weird seeing New Day being this aggressive but what we got worked well. At the same time, it’s nice to see Imperium having something to do as they have been up and down since coming up to the main roster.

Post match the brawl stays on, with Kaiser and Woods brawling at ringside and the other two going into the crowd. They get back together with Kaiser grabbing a chair but Woods makes a save. Woods picks Kaiser up and teases putting him into the tech area but Vinci makes the save. Kofi has to save Woods from going through the tech area and all our go crashing through a table. This was a hot segment and the fans were eating it up.

Video on Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest.

Rhea Ripley and Priest argue a big, with Priest accusing her of having a big head for being on the cover of WWE2k24. Priest leaves and Ripley tells them to take care of everything else. She wants to see Finn Balor’s vicious side, which he’ll show her.

Maxxine Dupri is ready for the Royal Rumble, ad her match tonight. The Creeds come in to give her a pep talk.

Ivy Nile vs. Valhalla

There are now some factoids next to the name graphics on the entrances. Valhalla hammers away to start as Nikki Cross is walking back and forth at the entrance (though no one acknowledges her). Nile is knocked outside and dropped again, followed by some ripping at the face back inside. Valhalla sends her to the apron and slowly brought up top, where she hits a top rope bulldog to finish Valhalla at 2:48. This wasn’t very good while it lasted, as both of them looked rather unsure of what they were doing.

Jey Uso interrupts New Day to ask about their issues with Imperium. They talk about how serious they can be and they’ll prove it. New Day wants the big boss, so Kofi wants an Intercontinental Title shot next week. As they were talking, Damage CTRL could be seen walking around in the background.

Here is Nia Jax for a chat. Jax talks about how she squashed Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley, which is why it’s no surprise that Ripley wants to face Lynch. She promises to kill both of their dreams this weekend, but here is Lynch to interrupt. Lynch: “Shut up Nia you dope.” Lynch knows that the only thing people in the locker room can agree on is that they don’t like Jax. She’s probably hurt half of them, so of course she has a target on her back. Lynch is ready to see Jax lose, but here is Bayley to interrupt. She’s going to win the Rumble and point to the Wrestlemania sign, but the brawl is on instead, with Jax cleaning house.

Rumble By The Numbers:

30 entrants
1,310 entrants
34 winners
2.6% have won
20 have gone on to win the title at Wrestlemania
1 woman to enter at #1 and win
20 eliminations for Ripley all time, a record
1:01:08, Ripley’s record time in the Rumble
1:11:40, Gunther’s record time in the Rumble
60% of the winners have come from the last ten entrants
#30 has produced the most winners (5)
3 who have won consecutive Royal Rumbles
3 wins for Steve Austin, a record
3rd time Tampa will host the Royal Rumble (1995/2021)
8 eliminations for Shayna Baszler, the most in a single women’s match

More numbers later.

Becky Lynch is in the back and runs into Rhea Ripley, who wasn’t impressed by what she just saw.

Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz

JD McDonagh and Finn Balor are here with Mysterio. Earlier today, R-Truth told Miz not to tag in tonight (Miz: “It’s a singles match.”) and to watch out for the Mysterio guys. R-Truth: “Tom and Nick.” Miz: “IT’S ONE GUY!” Dominik starts fast and knocks Miz to the floor, where the whole team gets to pose for a bit. Back in and Dominik keeps up the beating as this is one sided so far. Miz gets sent outside again and we take an early break.

Back with both of them down and Miz firing off some clotheslines. The Reality Check gets two and Miz dropkicks McDonagh through the ropes. A hurricanrana to the floor takes McDonagh down again and a springboard high crossbody gets two on Mysterio back inside. The YES Kicks, including the big one to the head, looks to set up the Skull Crushing Finale but Dominik breaks it up. A Balor enziguri sets up the 619 into the frog splash for the pin at 9:18.

Rating: C+. It only kind of works but there is something fun about watching Miz going more aggressive, especially with the high flying. It was nice to see Dominik get a singles win, even with some help, even though he doesn’t have much going on at the moment. For now though, Judgment Day is mainly about whatever R-Truth is doing and that might need to change.

Post match the beatdown is on but DIY makes the save….to almost eerie silence. McDonagh gets out before the Meet In The Middle.

Damian Priest is ready for Drew McIntyre tonight. R-Truth comes in to offer Priest his cut of the merch money but Priest says not now. For now, he’s ready for McIntyre, who couldn’t handle things when people came back. Tonight, McIntyre is getting his punishment.

Bronson Reed wants to face Jey Uso next week.

Ivar vs. Chad Gable

Ivar starts fast with a Tour of the Islands but Gable strikes away and manages a knockdown. The top rope headbutt connects but Ivar suplexes him to the apron, setting up a splash as we take a break. Back with Gable managing a top rope superplex but Ivar grabs a tiger driver for two of his own. Gable victory rolls him into the ankle lock, with Ivar powering out.

Another ankle lock is broken up so Ivar hits a sitout spinebuster for two. The Doomsault misses though and Gable grabs a bridging German suplex for two more. Ivar catches him up top but Gable flips over him and hits a German suplex out of the corner. Cue Valhalla for a distraction though, allowing Ivar to knock Gable down. The Doomsault is good for the pin on Gable at 10:59.

Rating: B. As has been the case for a very long while, power vs. speed is one of those things that is going to work almost every single time. That was the case again here, as Gable was doing everything he could and dealt with a monster like Ivar as well as possible. Ivar has been getting a few wins here and there and it is nice to have a new monster on the show. Rather solid match here with a trade of big spots, which is how you make an entertaining match with people like these two.

Here is Cody Rhodes for a chat but CM Punk (scheduled to be face to face with Cody) interrupts before he can say anything. Punk talks about how they took different paths to get here and wants to let it sink in a minute. Rhodes asks what Punk wants to talk about, so Punk picks Cody’s dad. Punk tells a story about Cody debuting in OVW and Dusty Rhodes asked Punk to keep an eye on him.

It wasn’t hard as Cody didn’t get into a lot of the vices their fellow wrestlers did but here is Cody as a main eventer. It’s a proud moment for Punk, but on Saturday, it’s going to feel like he’s breaking a promise. In the Royal Rumble, Punk isn’t looking out for Cody, but rather looking for him. Punk promises to go on to main event Wrestlemania, which Cody accepts.

Cody talks about how he’s tried to come here and be a light in the darkness. It’s true that he was a nepotism hire in OVW and Punk treated him like a peer when he didn’t have to. They became friends but that is bittersweet because there are no friends in the Royal Rumble. Punk asks what happens on Sunday morning when the Rumble over. Cody grew up in this business and knows what it is about. Punk talks about how he wasn’t born into wrestling and brings up Dusty’s famous catchphrases….which describe him more than Cody. Punk: “I’m more of the American Dream than you are.”

Cody gets more serious and brings up the Pipe Bomb, which Punk said and inspired a generation (including Cody) but then he left for a long time. Cody did everything Punk talked about doing, which makes him more Punk than Punk. That makes Punk take off the jacket and talk about how he’s the bigger star coming to take everything Cody wants. Cody quotes his dad quoting John Wayne: “Courage is being scared and saddling up anyways.”

The only direction Cody can go is forward into the Royal Rumble, and that includes going through Punk. Cody goes to leave and bumps him, with Punk spinning him around to go face to face but nothing gets physical. This had its moments and there were some very good lines, but this didn’t feel natural, at least partially because they were advertised in advance about being out there together.

We look at Hulk Hogan winning his first World Title forty years ago (tomorrow), before transitioning into a look at the Royal Rumble. Hogan teases being in the match himself.

Candice LeRae/Indi Hartwell vs. Shayna Baszler/Zoey Stark

Baszler takes over on LeRae to start before it’s off to Hartwell, who kicks Stark in the face. The villains are in trouble as we take an early break. Back with LeRae getting to clean house, meaning Stark has to make a save. Hartwell is knocked down and the Z360 finishes LeRae at 6:32. Not enough shown to rate but it was pretty short and to the point.

Post match Kayden Carter and Katana Chance come in for the staredown, only to have the Kabuki Warriors (getting a Women’s Tag Team Title shot on Friday) to jump the champs.

Drew McIntyre talks about how important it was to be on top during the pandemic and Damian Priest isn’t there yet.

Damage CTRL runs into Natalya and Tegan Nox and arguing ensues. Adam Pearce comes in to say save it for the Rumble, with Bayley saying they’ll be around more often when the Kabuki Warriors win the Tag Team Titles. With the women gone, Jinder Mahal and Indus Sher come in. Mahal wants to know what Pearce has planned so Pearce says meet him in his office.

Rumble By The Numbers Part 2:

9 two time winners
13 eliminations in one men’s Rumble by Brock Lesnar
Natalya is one of four women to compete in all women’s Rumbles
45 eliminations by Kane over 18 Rumbles, both records
3,653 days since CM Punk has been in a Royal Rumble
34,000,000 social media engagements for the Logan Paul vs. Ricochet clip from last year
9 people have won their first World Title off a Royal Rumble win
60% of winners from the last five years have won the World Title at Wrestlemania

Royal Rumble rundown.

Here’s what’s coming on next week’s show.

Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest

Priest hammers him into the corner to start but McIntyre is back with a running clothesline. They’re already out to the floor, with Priest getting caught diving off the steps. An overhead belly to belly drops Priest again but he’s right back with the Broken Arrow onto the announcers’ table.

We take a break and come back with Priest working on the back until stereo big boots leave them both down. A neckbreaker puts Priest down again but he avoids the Claymore. McIntyre grabs a spinebuster for two but Priest is right back up with a shot to the head. Another Broken Arrow gives Priest two and he knocks McIntyre outside.

A dive takes him down but here is R-Truth to offer Priest his money again. Priest shoves him away but the distraction lets McIntyre hit Future Shock. Truth tries to put the money in the Money in the Bank briefcase but has to ask Priest the password. McIntyre punches Truth down, with the distraction letting Priest hit South Of Heaven. Priest yells at Truth and throws him out, allowing McIntyre to hit the Claymore for the pin at 13:02.

Rating: B-. This was a good hoss match for the most part but then it wound up turning into something of a mess by the end. The R-Truth stuff is hilarious but it didn’t really fit here, which is where having comedy can become an issue. McIntyre getting a win is a good thing and Priest lost via shenanigans, but it was still kind of a jarring twist.

Overall Rating: B. The show was almost all about the Royal Rumble and that’s all it needed to be. That means the majority was rather good, as it made me wonder who was going to win the Royal Rumble, which seems to have several options. It set up some things for the future as well while also giving us the big Cody vs. Punk showdown. Now if we had a good reason for Priest to not cash in on the injured Rollins, it would be that much better.

Results
New Day vs. Imperium went to a double countout
Ivy Nile b. Valhalla – Top rope bulldog
Dominik Mysterio b. The Miz – Frog splash
Ivar b. Chad Gable – Doomsault
Shayna Baszler/Zoey Stark b. Candice LeRae/Indi Hartwell – Z360 to Stark
Drew McIntyre b. Damian Priest – Claymore

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