An excellent addition of Raw. Everything was clicking here except McAfee’s dumb jokes. Two big interview segments and good in-ring action. I was not a fan of the main event, but the crowd was into it. I have an extensive list of Must-See Moments, so I will suggest just watching the whole episode. You will be able to fast forward past McAfee’s stupid jokes.
Must-see moments:
Punk-Paul faceoff
A typical well executed and tense exchange to open the show. I do not remember Logan Paul being given one of these 15-minute faceoffs, but he did well. Seeing these two men face off was a first and it lived up to the anticipation.
Penta vs. Pete Dunne vs. Ludwig Kaiser
I am not a fan of three-way matches, but this was fun. The outcome was a surprise as Penta has not lost since coming to WWE. While he technically did not lose, Kaiser getting the pin on Dunne was a nice win for him and some much-needed character development.
Gunther vs. Tozawa
This was awesome. You knew going in what this would be, but they performed it so well that the great was going crazy. Tozawa looked like a plucky underdog. Gunther looked like a bully and a jerk, which is exactly how both men needed to be portrayed.
Lyra vs. Dakota
A fantastic match. It was hard hitting and looked like a fight. They had some miscommunication in the middle that hampered the momentum, but they eventually got the people back. And this was a tough crowd to please. It has been a long time since I have seen wrestlers get so much out of bridging out of pinning situations. Nothing was too dangerous either.
Seth Rollins-Cody Rhodes confrontation
Another fantastic segment where both men filled in some of the implications of The Rock’s offer. Both men had great points and said some unflattering things about each other. They managed to remain babyfaces despite illuminating each other’s faults. I loved this.
Quick Results:
- Ludwig Kaiser defeated Penta and Pete Dunne
- The New Day defeated the LWO
- Gunther defeated Tozawa
- Lyra Valkyria defeated Dakota Kai
- Bron Breakker defeated Dominik Mysterio
- Liv and Raquel defeated Naomi and Bianca
Chronological recap:
They kicked off the show with Logan Paul wearing his overpriced, frat boy entire. He told a ridiculous story of flying in on his private jet and asking his pilot to turn around but then reconsidered it. He is a great heel.
CM Punk’s music interrupted the lovefest between Logan and his home state crowd. Punk was wearing a sweatshirt for Chicago’s Teacher’s Union. Logan mocked Punk’s playing to the crowd.
Both men took jabs at each other. Logan made fun of Punk for failing outside of the ring. Punk retorted that Logan was all hype and had no substance. Punk promised to eliminate Paul at Elimination Chamber. Then he called Logan a nobody. Paul slapped Punk and ducked out of the ring.
Penta vs. Ludwig Kaiser vs. Pete Dunne
Ludwig cut a promo before the other two men entered the ring. He was intense and demanded everyone’s attention literally and figuratively. Nice promo.
Dunne came out and they immediately cut to a WrestleMania commercial. Poor Pete.
Penta’s entrance is an adrenaline rush.
The three men kept this moving. They avoided extended periods of selling at ringside by switching in and out rapidly. The crowd was quiet for a good portion of the match, but picked up as Penta took control. Penta had Dunne set up for the Penta Driver, but Ludwig dumped him out of the ring and took the upset victory.
Winner: Ludwig Kaiser
Good to see Jackie Redmond back. The best interviewer in the business. She was with Rhea Ripley in the crowd. Ripley talked about her title defense last week. She said it has been five years since she wrestled Iyo Sky. They pointed out she has never beaten Iyo. Sky interrupted and promised a victory next week. A nice promo setting up next week’s main event.
The New Day vs. LWO
New Day’s theme is awful. I think that is the point, but wow is it bad. Woods took the mic to say something “nice.”
Woods: “Right here in Cincinnati. This chili. This chili that you all have…must be the best dog food we have ever seen.”
They paused several times expecting to be drowned out, but the crowd was mostly apathetic. Kofi tried to get their heat back by bad mouthing Big E. WWE quickly cut to a video game commercial. When they came back Pat said the New Day was still getting booed even though it was silent.
Cole told some story about one of the participants who had an inferiority complex, a terrific way to build someone up. Pat responded by trying to make a joke about everyday being “nerd day.” I see we hit the bourbon early, eh, Pat?
After decent action, The New Day won with the lights out.
Winner: The New Day
Finn was backstage bickering with Dominik. Every week the same thing.
Cathy Kelley was interviewing AJ backstage when Logan Paul confronted him. He told AJ it was admirable that he had not given up yet. Logan: “If I were you, I would have called it a career by now.”
Gunther made his way toward the ring in his gear. He said he was looking forward to embarrassing Jey Uso at WrestleMania. Gunther said he told Pearce he would fight tonight. His opponent was Tozawa.
Gunther said he was picking Tozawa because he was “doing some sort of Tik Tok dance backstage.” He called Tozawa an embarrassment.
Gunther vs. Tozawa
Tozawa fired up and took it to Gunther early, but Gunther kicked him into next week. Tozawa had a couple of nice reversals. The crowd really got into this. Gunther turned Tozawa inside out with a chop and hit his powerbomb. He pulled Tozawa up before the three count. Instead, he lifted Tozawa off his feet in a sleeper hold and the ref called for the bell. Gunther then beat up Otis too before Jey made the save.
Winner: Gunther
After that great segment, Pat must make more ejaculation jokes. This is beyond old. I hate seeing Jey Uso come out because Pat must make these stupid jokes.
They cut a navel gazing clip from Logan Paul’s ImPaulsive podcast where Cole said how great McAfee is at announcing. Then Pat said Cole was the greatest of all time. McAfee did the telestrator gimmick just to make sure they threw water on any heat the previous segment had built. This was obnoxious.
Lyra Valkyria vs. Dakota Kai – Intercontinental Title
Both women have been hampered by the terrible booking of the women’s division. Lyra, after winning the intercontinental title, lost to Bayley in a Chamber qualifying match. Dakota on the overhand is not defined as a heel or a babyface. She is just floundering about.
Having said all that, this was an excellent match. It stiff and looked like two women trying to win a match instead of two people cooperating with each other to do moves.
Winner: Lyra Valkyria
Jackie Redmond sat down with Sami Zayn. He told a story of going to Kevin’s house to confront him but ran into Kevin’s mother instead. He realized what he was doing was wrong and left. I hope this is not the start of more mothers being involved. That is an AEW thing, let us leave it there.
Cathy Kelley was interviewing Bayley backstage when Roxanne interrupted. It is so awkward that Cathy just leaves when someone walks up. How about holding the microphone while they talk? It was weird.
Bron Breakker vs. Dominik Mysterio
Bron Breakker dominated until Dominik and his cohorts distracted him and Dom would take advantage. When Bron was setting up for a spear, Judgement Day jumped him for the DQ.
If this is a new feud for Bron and The Judgement Day, I am in. Some new opponents for Bron who are upper midcard. Another step up the ladder.
Winner: Bron Breakker
WWE aired an extended highlight package of The Rock asking Cody for his soul.
The New Day chased Jackie Redmond off so they could try to rile the crowd up again. They announced they are going on vacation next week. Odd.
Cathy Kelley caught up with American Made. The Creed Brothers looked like such goofs. Ivy said she would beat up Lyra every week until she got a title match. The War Raiders jumped The Creeds, and they had a brawl in the back. Good segment.
Cody Rhodes came out to address The Rock wanting his soul. He said it is “Good Guy 101” that he never lies to the people. Then he explained The Rock’s offer would take care of him and his family, including his nephews who are getting into professional wrestling. That offer would allow him to reach all his goals without having to destroy himself to get there.
Seth Rollins interrupted just as Cody was getting to his point. Seth was in a red raincoat. A pleather raincoat with highwater pants. What is this guy’s gimmick?
Rollins mentioned this is the first time they have shared a ring in a year. Seth wanted to know what Cody is thinking. He reminded everyone that Seth and Cody were fighting the Bloodline, including The Rock, just a year ago. He said Cody should have slapped The Rock in his face and that it is a slap to Seth’s face that he did not. Once again, Seth has a point.
Cody retorted that Seth should not lecture him. He mentioned all the times Seth has turned on his friends. Rhodes called Seth the MVP of WrestleMania 40.
Rollins said he was there to make sure Cody does not make the same mistakes he has in the past. Seth fired up and said he wanted the Cody Rhodes who won the title a year ago and not a soulless shell. That was excellent.
Raquel and Liv vs. Bianca and Naomi – Tag Team Titles
Lots of moves and kick outs. The crowd was really into this match, but I was not. Dominik was all over this match and the ref just allowed him to hang out no matter what he did. That could have been a lot shorter.
Winners: Liv and Raquel
