Tag: Asuka

WWE Raw live results: Elias returns

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: June 20, 2022
Location: Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, NE 

******** 

Show Recap —

There was a memorial graphic for Tim White (1954 – 2022). RIP.

******** 

The announcers mentioned that Riddle’s quest to win the championship wasn’t over because he faces Omos in a Money in the Bank qualifier tonight.

Opening segment

Bianca Belair entered. She announced that Rhea Ripley would not be cleared in time for MITB so, unfortunately, that match wasn’t happening yet. Belair looked forward to every challenge and looked forward to facing Rhea Ripley eventually.

Belair announced a fatal five-way match tonight between Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, Carmella, Asuka, and Becky Lynch with the winner earning a title shot at MITB.

Lynch interrupted. She complained about recent events before stating that she would the match tonight and get her title shot.

Asuka interrupted. She mocked Lynch for crying again and called her a big-time baby. Lynch said Asuka should spend less time making Simpsons memes and more time worrying about her because it was Asuka’s shoulders down on the mat each of the last two times they’ve wrestled.

Morgan interrupted. She noted that she already qualified for MITB, unlike Lynch, but was willing to trade that for a title match against Belair.

Carmella interrupted. She said Morgan didn’t belong in the match because she’s never been a champion.

Bliss interrupted. She said Carmella has never accomplished anything on her own and threatened to beat her face right now.

Belair was (finally) tired of all the talk and suggested they start the match now.

******** 

There was a John Cena video package. He returns next week.

Fatal 5-way match: Carmella defeated Liv Morgan, Asuka, Becky Lynch and Alexa Bliss (12:28)

Carmella won and will face Belair for the title at MITB. The match started slow but was good once they returned from the commercial break.

Byron Saxton mentioned that Carmella’s mask was gone. Corey Graves said he took out an expensive insurance policy for her.

Bliss and Morgan worked together briefly before shaking hands and facing off. And by facing off I mean they rolled around the ring trading cradles. They went to a commercial after Carmella pushed Morgan off the top rope to the outside into everyone else.

After the break, Carmella brought Lynch down from the top with a hurricanrana and Lynch landed right on top of Morgan but Asuka broke up Carmella’s cover. Asuka put Carmella in the Asuka Lock but Bliss broke it up.

Asuka tried the Asuka Lock on Lynch but Morgan brought her down with a missile dropkick. Lynch did the Man-handle slam but Bliss broke it up with a Twisted Bliss and her cover was broken up by both Morgan and Carmella. The crowd chanted “this is awesome.”

Asuka wiped out Bliss with a kick to the head but Lynch chucked Asuka from the ring. Lynch blocked an Oblivion and hit a Man-handle slam but Asuka yanked her out of the ring. Asuka kicked her in the head too but Bliss knocked out Asuka. Bliss tried Twisted Bliss but Morgan got her knees up.

Carmella dropped Morgan with a superkick for the pinfall win.

— After the match, Lynch marched to the back and ranted at Adam Pearce. She was still complaining after a break. Pearce said she was originally scheduled to face Asuka tonight in a qualifier so he decided to make that match again. Lynch was happy to hear it until she was informed that it was happening tonight.

********

Vince McMahon entered. The crowd cheered. He called John Cena the greatest of all time and plugged his return. He left.

******** 

There was a recap of Roman Reigns retaining his title over Riddle and Brock Lesnar’s return.

Riddle entered. He mentioned that the Bloodline may have ended Randy Orton’s career and he made a promise to himself that he would get revenge. He came close on Friday but Roman was Roman in the end and he came up short. Riddle let the fans down, let down himself, and he let down Randy.

Riddle wasn’t finished yet and wanted to win MITB so he could cash in on Roman and end his reign of terror. Riddle mentioned the other MITB competitors but specifically focused on Seth Rollins. He wasn’t happy that Rollins attacked his boy Cody Rhodes with a sledgehammer and planned on hitting him with a ladder in response.

MVP and Omos interrupted. MVP wondered what kind of stuff Riddle was on if he thought he was winning tonight. Riddle said he would get high — when his hand was raised high in victory and he moves on to win MITB.

[SECOND HOUR]

Money in the Bank qualifying match: Omos (w/MVP) defeated Riddle (3:54)

Riddle had tape around his midsection. Omos had him in a long bearhug but Riddle fought back with a knee strike and floating bro. Riddle tried an RKO but Omos blocked it and hit a tree slam for the pinfall win.

Omos gave him another tree slam after the match.

— Seth Rollins entered. He decked Riddle and chucked him from the ring. He said he didn’t share airspace with losers and called Riddle the ultimate loser for losing his buddy, losing to Reigns, and losing his shot at MITB. He said it didn’t matter who else was in MITB anyway because he was the only man on the planet who had Reigns’ number.

Riddle attacked Rollins as he did his catchphrase but Rollins knocked him down and gave him a curb stomp.

******** 

Theory segment

Theory stood on the platform from last week’s pose-down. He tried to get through his promo while also telling the crowd to shut up about five different times. He dismissed Cena’s return because Cena’s time was up and his time was now.

Theory decided to do a pose-down for us again. Lashley appeared from behind and the crowd cheered. Theory assumed they were cheering for him. He took a selfie but upon opening his camera phone he realized that Lashley was behind him.

Lashley sprayed him in the face with baby oil (or water) and speared him off the platform. Lashley demanded a US title match.

— After a break, Theory told Kevin Patrick that he spoke to Pearce and they made a match: Lashley must win a gauntlet match tonight against three opponents of his choosing to earn a US title shot.

********

The Usos said Reigns would smash Lesnar just like he smashed Riddle. They planned on smashing the Street Profits at MITB.

The Street Profits entered. Montez Ford said the only thing better than money in the bank was gold around their waists. Angelo Dawkins was ready to beat up Jey Uso right now.

Angelo Dawkins (w/Montez Ford) defeated Jey Uso (w/Jimmy Uso) (7:20)

Dawkins got a nearfall with a Silencer but Jey came back with a superkick. Jey went to the top for a splash but Dawkins caught him and hit a sit-out spinebuster for the pinfall win. (Graves noted that Jimmy had his back to the ring because he was so confident that Jey would win.)

********

Ezekiel met with Elias in the back. They sat on opposite ends of the couch. (There was also a complicated painting in the background which I assume was meant to make this split-screen look more convincing.)

Ezekiel wondered if Elias was looking forward to playing in Nebraska considering some of the things he’s said about it in the past. Elias called himself a changed man. The crowd sang along when they said “walk with Elias.”

********

Elias concert 

Elias said his catchphrase and the crowd sang along again. Elias was happy to hear it. He was about to perform but Kevin Owens marched out. Owens said nobody wanted to see this and nobody was buying that video they just showed. Owens knew it had to be special effects. After all, he just saw a movie with dinosaurs and a T-Rex flying a helicopter.

Ezekiel appeared on the screen to prove once more that they were different people. Owens was annoyed and Elias sang “Kevin Owens is a liar.” Owens was pissed so he chucked the guitar from the ring. Elias nailed him with a knee strike and smashed a guitar over his back.

— Owens was accosted by Patrick in the back. Patrick asked if he was convinced yet. Owens said they must have pre-taped the Ezekiel tron video and he must have worn a fake beard. Owens challenged Elias or Ezekiel or whoever to a match next week. Ezekiel showed up (no beard) and accepted the match. Owens freaked out.

[THIRD HOUR]

They played the Cena video for a third time.

Bobby Lashley won a gauntlet match over Chad Gable, Otis and Theory

  • Bobby Lashley defeated Chad Gable (w/Otis) (5:48)

Lashley was completely dominating and hit a delayed vertical suplex but Gable countered a spear with a drop toe hold and applied an ankle lock. Lashley was in the ankle lock for a long time before pushing off Gable. Gable actually knocked Lashley down with a shoulder tackle before hitting a moonsault for two.

Lashley hit an overhead suplex, blocked a roll-up and applied the Hurt Lock for the submission win.

Otis immediately attacked Lashley after the match.

  • Bobby Lashley defeated Otis (w/Chad Gable) via disqualification (8:29)

Otis continued to toss Lashley around ringside and could have won by count-out but he broke up the count. Otis splashed Lashley on the outside which led to break. Otis remained in control until he missed a Vader Bomb and Lashley followed with a flatliner. Lashley avoided a corner charge and hit a spear. He had it won but Gable broke up the cover for the DQ.

After the match, Gable gave Lashley a German suplex and Otis splashed him.

  • Non-title: Bobby Lashley defeated US Champion Theory (1-2 minutes)

Theory tried to take advantage and went for the ATL but Lashley used a nice counter into a cradle for the pinfall win.

Lashley will face Theory for the US title at MITB. The crowd liked Lashley.

******** 

Belair told Sarah Schreiber that she was ready for Ripley so she was ready for Carmella. Carmella decked her from behind.

(Belair popped to her feet after Carmella left but just stood there because Carmella was out of the frame even though she was probably only ten feet away.)

******** 

Miz TV with guest AJ Styles 

Miz was trying to egg on Styles by recapping recent events but Styles wasn’t playing along. Miz took a shot at Nebraska students so Styles let him know this was Cornhusker country. The crowd loudly chanted for their team. Styles also mentioned Miz’s popcorn-sized balls and Miz said we were not making this a thing. Styles asked the crowd if this was a thing and the crowd cheered.

Styles blamed himself for not qualifying for MITB. He’s been through adversity before but that’s how he became phenomenal. When he gets disrespected, he doesn’t run his mouth like Miz.

Styles punched Miz but Ciampa suddenly decked Styles from behind. 

AJ Styles defeated Ciampa (4:30)

They had a competitive match that Styles won clean with the Phenomenal forearm.

After the match, Miz tried to attack from behind but Styles dodged and hit a Styles Clash.

******** 

Patrick interviewed Veer Mahaan on the stage. Patrick asked about his decisive win over Rey Mysterio last week. Mahaan said he would not stop until there was nothing left. He loves carnage. “Fear Veer.”

(In the past, they’ve had Mahaan try to sound like a ‘monster’ but here he seemed to speak in something closer to his regular voice.)

********

Money in the Bank qualifying match: Asuka defeated Becky Lynch (12:08)

Asuka pinned Lynch clean to qualify for MITB.

Lynch attacked Asuka during her entrance but that just pissed her off and she tackled Lynch when the bell rang. Asuka hit a codebreaker for two but Lynch knocked her off the top rope and she fell to the outside. (As Asuka lay there motionless two seconds after getting knocked down, the ref yelled at her to get back in the ring — “Let’s go! Inside!”)

Lynch missed a leg drop after a break and Asuka followed with a sliding kick, strikes and a cradle for two. Asuka followed with more strikes, a German suplex and a running hip attack for two. They traded submissions until Lynch drove Asuka face-first into the turnbuckle for two. Asuka came back with a missile dropkick for two.

Lynch tried something off the apron but Asuka caught her with a knee strike. They both just barely got back in the ring before a ten count.

They traded counters and rollups until Asuka kicked Lynch in the head for the pinfall win.

Lynch freaked out after the match. 

Asuka vs. Becky Lynch, Elias concert set for next week’s WWE Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The return of Elias, along with a Money in the Bank qualifying match is set for next week’s Raw in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Becky Lynch will face Asuka for a qualifying spot in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, which will take place on July 2 in Las Vegas. Elias will also be making a return to Raw next week to hold a concert.

On tonight’s Raw, Lynch destroyed her scheduled opponent, Dana Brooke, saying Brooke could keep the 24/7 Championship. Lynch promised to win the Money in the Bank match and went to attack Brooke again when Asuka came out for the save. The two have continued to feud in the weeks since WrestleMania Backlash, where the two lost a three-way match for the Raw Women’s Championship to champion Bianca Belair.

Also on tonight’s show, Ezekiel defeated Kevin Owens by count out after Owens threw a fit outside of the ring, yelling at the announcers that Elias and Ezekiel were the same person. After the match, Ezekiel said he had contacted Elias and he would be coming to Raw next week. Owens wasn’t happy and called Ezekiel a liar. 

Bianca Belair vs. Asuka set for next week’s WWE Raw

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Before Hell in a Cell, Bianca Belair will face one of her upcoming challengers in non-title action.

WWE has announced that Belair vs. Asuka will take place on Raw next Monday. The episode is Raw’s go-home show for Hell in a Cell.

Belair defending her Raw Women’s Championship against Asuka and Becky Lynch in a triple threat match has been confirmed for the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view. Lynch was added to the match after defeating Asuka in the main event of last night’s Raw.

Belair was at ringside for Asuka and Lynch’s match. While Asuka and Lynch were fighting on the outside, Asuka went to kick Lynch but accidentally struck Belair. Lynch then attempted to win the match by countout. Asuka was able to make it back into the ring in time, but Lynch pinned her to get the victory.

Asuka had defeated Lynch last week to become the number one contender to Belair’s title.

Belair has been Raw Women’s Champion since winning the title from Lynch at WrestleMania 38 last month.

A non-title match between Belair and Asuka also headlined the May 9 episode of Raw. Lynch caused that to end in a no contest when she attacked both Belair and Asuka.

Next week’s Raw is being held at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Here’s what’s been announced for the episode:

  • Non-title match: Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair vs. Asuka
  • Lacey Evans returns to action

WWE Raw video highlights: Becky Lynch gets added to Hell in a Cell

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A match with Hell in a Cell implications headlined last night’s episode of Raw.

Becky Lynch and Asuka faced off in the main event of Raw for the second straight week. Lynch was victorious this time, which means that she’s now been added to the Raw Women’s Championship match at Hell in a Cell. Bianca Belair will defend her title against Asuka and Lynch in a triple threat match.

Belair was again sitting at ringside for Asuka vs. Lynch last night. As Asuka and Lynch were fighting on the outside, Asuka went to kick Lynch but accidentally struck Belair. Lynch tried to capitalize on that and win by countout. Asuka was able to get back into the ring in time, but Lynch pinned her to get the victory.

WWE has announced that a non-title match between Belair and Asuka will take place on Raw’s go-home show for Hell in a Cell next Monday.

Two new matches were also confirmed for Hell in a Cell last night. Bobby Lashley will face Omos & MVP in a handicap match, while Kevin Owens will take on Ezekiel. MVP got to pick the stipulation for Lashley vs. Omos after Omos helped him defeat Lashley by countout last night.

More coverage from last night —

WWE Raw video highlights —

Riddle swears that he’ll get his vengeance on The Bloodline

Riddle & The Street Profits vs. The Usos & Sami Zayn

Bobby Lashley issues an “All Mighty Challenge” to MVP

AJ Styles & Liv Morgan vs. Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley

The Mysterios save Jerry “The King” Lawler from Veer Mahaan

Alexa Bliss vs. Nikki A.S.H.

Cody Rhodes vs. The Miz

Ezekiel vs. Chad Gable

Bobby Lashley vs. MVP

Asuka vs. Becky Lynch

Raw fallout: Riddle isn’t done with The Bloodline

Raw Talk: MVP reveals stipulation for Bobby Lashley vs. Omos at Hell in a Cell

Becky Lynch added to Raw Women’s title match at WWE Hell in a Cell

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The Raw Women’s Championship match at Hell in a Cell will now be a triple threat.

Becky Lynch was added to the match on tonight’s Raw, defeating Asuka in a match where she would be added to the Hell in a Cell card if she won. The finish of the match had Asuka going for a kick that missed Lynch but hit Belair, who was sitting by at ringside. Asuka managed to roll into the ring right before the count of ten, but Lynch covered her as soon as Asuka entered the ring, pinning her.

Asuka became the number one contender to the Raw Women’s Championship after pinning Lynch last week on Raw. On tonight’s show, Lynch was unhappy about the loss and claimed that Asuka cheated. Adam Pearce then made the match for tonight’s show.

Here is the current card for Hell in a Cell, which will take place on June 5 in Chicago:

  • Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins in a Hell in a Cell match
  • Bianca Belair vs. Asuka vs. Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship
  • Bobby Lashley vs. Omos
  • Ezekiel vs. Kevin Owens

Wrestling Observer Radio: Sasha and Naomi walk out of RAW, RAW report, Cain legal update, Ric Flair final match, more

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wretling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer returns with tons to talk about including details on Sasha and Naomi walking out of Monday Night Raw, the full RAW report, Cain Velasquez legal update, Ric Flair’s last match and the proposed opponent, Young Rock, and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Timestamps:

Start: Sasha Banks and Naomi walk out of Raw

12:25: Cain Velasquez denied bail

20:15: Ric Flair’s ‘final match’ set for July

27:52: Monday Upfront notes

35:25: Young Rock moved to Fridays, head-to-head with SmackDown

38:45: Ratings

42:01: Raw recap

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WWE Raw video highlights: Main event changed after Sasha Banks & Naomi walk out

Posted on by Joseph Currier

In the main event of last night’s Raw, Asuka defeated Becky Lynch in a match that wasn’t originally supposed to happen.

Asuka and Lynch were scheduled to be part of a number one contender’s six-pack challenge with Sasha Banks, Naomi, Doudrop, and Nikki A.S.H. last night, but Banks and Naomi walking out of the show led to WWE having to change things on the fly. Asuka and Lynch instead faced off in a singles match to determine Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair’s challenger for Hell in a Cell.

Belair was at ringside for the Asuka vs. Lynch match. After Lynch threw Asuka into her, Belair jumped up onto the apron. Lynch tried to use Asuka’s umbrella as a weapon while the referee was distracted, but Asuka spit green mist into Lynch’s face, gave her a buzzsaw kick, and pinned her to get the win.

Naomi was reportedly booked to win the six-pack challenge before she and Banks walked out over issues with the creative plans for the match.

WWE issued the following statement on Banks and Naomi walking out:

When Sasha Banks and Naomi arrived at the arena this afternoon, they were informed of their participation in the main event of tonight’s Monday Night Raw.

During the broadcast, they walked into WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis office with their suitcases in hand, placed their tag team championship belts on his desk and walked out.

They claimed they weren’t respected enough as tag team champions. And even though they had eight hours to rehearse and construct their match, they claimed they were uncomfortable in the ring with two of their opponents even though they’d had matches with those individuals in the past with no consequence. Monday Night Raw is a scripted live TV show, whose characters are expected to perform the requirements of their contract.

We regret we were unable to deliver, as advertised, tonight’s main event.

Banks and Naomi walking out was also acknowledged on television. On commentary, Corey Graves said that they “summarily and unprofessionally left the arena.”

More coverage from last night —

WWE Raw video highlights —

Steel cage match: Bobby Lashley vs. Omos

Mustafa Ali vs. Veer Mahaan (special guest referee The Miz)

Rey & Dominik Mysterio confront Veer Mahaan

Becky Lynch reveals Sasha Banks and Naomi walked out, pleads for a title shot

Riddle vs. Jimmy Uso

The Judgment Day want new recruits to join their movement

AJ Styles & Finn Balor vs. Los Lotharios

Ezekiel’s DNA test gets contaminated

Alexa Bliss vs. Sonya Deville

A video package recaps Seth Rollins’ attack on Cody Rhodes from last week

Cody Rhodes challenges Seth Rollins to a Hell in a Cell match

Ezekiel vs. Chad Gable

R-Truth wants Carmella to help him get the 24/7 title back

Lacey Evans returns to Raw

Riddle promo, The Usos respond

Number one contender’s match: Asuka vs. Becky Lynch

Raw fallout: Becky Lynch says she was robbed

Raw fallout: Sonya Deville reacts to her loss

Raw Talk: Bianca Belair, Theory, Rey & Dominik Mysterio interviews

Bianca Belair vs. Asuka Raw Women’s title match set for WWE Hell in a Cell

Posted on by Ethan Renner

A Raw Women’s Championship match has been announced for WWE Hell in a Cell. 

Asuka defeated Becky Lynch in a number one contender’s match on this week’s WWE Raw episode to earn a title shot at Belair at the June 5 Hell in a Cell event. 

As Raw began, a six-pack challenge was announced for a number one contender’s match, with Lynch, Asuka, Sasha Banks, Naomi, Doudrop, and Nikki A.S.H. set to compete. It was announced during the show that Banks and Naomi had left the arena, and the match was changed to Asuka vs. Lynch. 

Belair was on commentary during the bout, and Lynch repeatedly tried to bait her into interfering in the match. As Belair jumped on the apron, Lynch tried to use Asuka’s parasol as a weapon, but Asuka spat green mist on Lynch and rolled her up for the pin to become number one contender. 

Two matches are official for Hell in a Cell. Here is the lineup so far: 

WWE Hell in a Cell, Sunday, June 5, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —

  • Hell in a Cell match: Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
  • Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Asuka

WWE Raw video highlights: Mustafa Ali and Asuka return

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Big returns highlighted last night’s episode of Raw.

After extended periods away, Mustafa Ali and Asuka both returned to Raw last night. Ali crashed a Miz TV segment with United States Champion Theory, while Asuka interrupted Becky Lynch.

Last night was Ali’s first appearance on WWE television since requesting his release from the company this January. He wanted a title match against Theory, but he instead got a match with The Miz.

Ali was able to pin Miz to get the win. After the match, Ciampa attacked Ali on the stage.

Asuka had been out of action since July of last year. While interrupting Lynch last night, she vowed to stop Lynch and said no one is ready for Asuka. She then flicked Lynch’s nose.

Lynch took a swing at Asuka, but Asuka avoided it and tried to strike Lynch. Lynch bailed out of the ring.

A celebration of Randy Orton’s 20th anniversary in WWE also took place on last night’s Raw. In the main event of the show, Orton, Riddle, Cody Rhodes & Ezekiel defeated The Usos, Seth Rollins & Kevin Owens.

More coverage from last night —

WWE Raw video highlights —

Video package looks at Randy Orton’s 20 years in WWE

Randy Orton’s 20th anniversary celebration

Bianca Belair vs. Sonya Deville for the Raw Women’s Championship

Sonya Deville slaps Queen Zelina and Carmella

Veer Mahaan vs. Sam Smothers

Arm wrestling challenge: Bobby Lashley vs. Omos

Reggie & Dana Brooke vs. Akira Tozawa & Tamina

Asuka returns, interrupts Becky Lynch

Finn Balor vs. Damian Priest

Miz TV with Theory, Mustafa Ali returns

Mustafa Ali vs. The Miz

Liv Morgan brawls with Rhea Ripley

RK-Bro, Cody Rhodes & Ezekiel vs. The Usos, Seth Rollins & Kevin Owens

Raw fallout: Randy Orton reacts to his 20th anniversary celebration

Raw fallout: Bianca Belair’s hometown helped her defeat Sonya Deville

Raw Talk: Asuka, Mustafa Ali, Sonya Deville interviews

Asuka returns, confronts Becky Lynch on WWE Raw

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Asuka has returned to WWE programming. 

Appearing for the first time since the July 2021 Money in the Bank pay-per-view, Asuka returned to Raw on Monday in a segment where she confronted Becky Lynch. 

Lynch was addressing the crowd during a promo segment in her first appearance on Raw since losing the Raw Women’s title to Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 38. Lynch said that she was about to embark on a comeback to take the title back from Belair. Asuka’s music then hit.

Asuka said that no one is ready for Asuka, flicked Lynch on the nose, then avoided a strike from Lynch. Asuka tried to connect with a spinning backfist, but Lynch avoided the strike and rolled out of the ring. 

Asuka had been out of action since last July. While it was initially believed that she was simply waiting for WWE Creative to have plans for her, she tweeted a photo last August with her left arm in a sling, indicating that she had been sidelined due to injury.

https://twitter.com/WWEAsuka/status/1432837555498618880

Asuka is a two-time Raw Women’s Champion, one-time SmackDown Women’s Champion, two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, 2020 Money in the Bank winner, 2018 Royal Rumble winner, and a former NXT Women’s Champion.

WWE reportedly planning Asuka’s return

Posted on by Bryan Rose

WWE is reportedly planning Asuka’s return to the company.

Fightful Select reported this afternoon that there have been ‘imminent plans’ for Asuka to return to the company, tentatively as soon as this coming Monday’s Raw. They are also reporting that she may be entering a short-term feud with Becky Lynch, who has been advertised for tomorrow’s show.

Asuka has been off television since last July, last working the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match back at Money in the Bank 2021 that was eventually won by Nikki A.S.H.. In September, she posted a picture of herself after getting new teeth with her arm in a sling. In last year’s WWE Draft, she was not drafted and as a result became a free agent.

In WWE, Asuka is a two-time Raw Women’s Champion and a one-time SmackDown Women’s Champion. She’s also previously won the women’s 2018 Royal Rumble and won the women’s Money in the Bank match in 2020.

WWE notes: Asuka update, Las Vegas workout signings

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: WWE

In this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer provided an update on WWE women’s star Asuka.

Asuka hasn’t been in the ring on TV since July’s Money in the Bank ladder match and before that, her last singles action was on a mid-June Raw against Rhea Ripley. Meltzer said that Asuka is fine and just not being used for anything at the moment, adding that she was at last Monday’s Raw tapings and left early because she wasn’t being used. 

Amid a busy week in Las Vegas for WWE, they held open tryouts of which Paul “Triple H” Levesque said they offered contracts to between 13-16 talents to begin training in Orlando next month.

Our Denise Salcedo of Speak Now reported that Faith Jefferies (aka Faithy J) and Isaac Odugbesan are part of that group.

Other names signed include Natalie Holland, Chase Crews, Jamara Garrett, Sydney Zmrzel, James Barron Jr., Jaylen Williams, Inyene Umor, Brooke Vawter, Jacoby Brooks, Kellie Morga and Randy Beidelschies.

After a grueling tryout during #SummerSlam Week in Las Vegas, @TripleH met with a group of recruits to make their WWE dreams come true!pic.twitter.com/8GvXpSazR8

— WWE (@WWE) August 20, 2021

First seven wrestlers qualify for WWE Money in the Bank

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The field for this year’s Money in the Bank ladder matches has started to take shape.

The first five Money in the Bank qualifying matches took place on tonight’s episode of Raw. Ricochet, John Morrison, and Riddle qualified for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match, while Asuka, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, and Nikki Cross qualified for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.

Ricochet defeated AJ Styles to qualify for Money in the Bank, Morrison defeated Randy Orton, and Riddle defeated Drew McIntyre.

Asuka, Naomi, Bliss, and Cross all qualified for Money in the Bank through winning tag team matches. Asuka & Naomi defeated Eva Marie & Doudrop (Piper Niven). Bliss & Cross defeated Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler.

The men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches will each feature eight participants.

Styles, Orton, and McIntyre are set to face off in a triple threat last chance qualifying match on Raw next Monday. It will determine Raw’s final participant for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.

As a stipulation of him unsuccessfully challenging for Bobby Lashley’s WWE Championship at Hell in a Cell, McIntyre can’t challenge for the WWE Championship again while Lashley is still champion. It was said on Raw that, if McIntyre wins Money in the Bank, he would have to wait until Lashley loses the WWE Championship if he wants to cash in on that title. McIntyre could also cash in on the Universal Champion.

Money in the Bank is taking place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas on Sunday, July 18.

Triple threat Women’s title match set for WWE WrestleMania Backlash

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Charlotte Flair has been added to the Raw Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania Backlash.

On Monday’s episode of Raw, it was announced that Rhea Ripley will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Asuka and Charlotte in a triple threat match at WrestleMania Backlash. It had originally been announced as a singles match between Ripley and Asuka before Charlotte was added.

In storyline, Charlotte being added to the title match was a decision made by WWE authority figure Sonya Deville. Deville also reinstated Charlotte from her “indefinite suspension” on Raw last week. Fellow authority figure Adam Pearce wasn’t happy with Deville and confronted her after both of those decisions.

Ripley won the Raw Women’s Championship by defeating Asuka at WrestleMania 37 last month. On the Raw after WrestleMania, Charlotte returned to WWE television and voiced her displeasure with being left off WrestleMania. It was the first time Charlotte had appeared on WWE TV since testing positive for COVID-19 in March.

A Raw Women’s Championship rematch between Ripley and Asuka on the Raw after WrestleMania ended in a no contest when Charlotte attacked them both. On Raw the next week, Asuka defeated Charlotte after Ripley helped cost Charlotte the match. Charlotte snapped after the match and attacked referee Eddie Orengo. Adam Pearce announced that Charlotte had been suspended indefinitely for the attack, but she was reinstated by Deville last week.

Charlotte defeated Dana Brooke on Raw tonight. Following the match, Deville announced that Charlotte has been added to the WrestleMania Backlash Raw Women’s Championship match. Ripley and Asuka were both unhappy with the decision.

WrestleMania Backlash is taking place on Sunday, May 16. Here’s the updated card for the pay-per-view:

  • WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman in a triple threat match
  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Bayley
  • Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Asuka and Charlotte Flair in a triple threat match

WWE Raw live results: Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: April 19, 2021
Location: Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL 

The Big Takeaway — 

Not much happened on another weak Raw show. 

Riddle beat Randy Orton in a good match, while T-Bar and Mace were unmasked by Braun Strowman and Drew McIntyre. 

Bobby Lashley was not on the show. AJ Styles and Omos were absent for the second straight week as well.

Show Recap — 

Drew McIntyre entered. He spoke about the opportunity he earned last week by beating Braun Strowman and Randy Orton. (He claimed Strowman and Orton were “triggered” by his comment that he would get a title rematch, and made a random remark that people are too easily triggered these days.) 

He also spoke about the opportunity that T-Bar and Mace took last week, trying to make a name at his expense. He knew that the mastermind was MVP. He wondered if they would take off their stupid masks and start wearing suits. McIntyre planned on getting himself some retribution. 

MVP interrupted. He said he didn’t recruit T-Bar and Mace. In fact, Bobby Lashley tried to downsize the Hurt Business and already beat McIntyre on his own. McIntyre reminded him that Lashley tried sending the entire locker room at him before WrestleMania. 

McIntyre left the ring to confront MVP when he was attacked by T-Bar and Mace. They gave him a double chokeslam in the ring. They left up the ramp without acknowledging MVP. MVP was amused. 

T-Bar and Mace were interviewed by Kevin Patrick when they got to the back. Using incredibly convoluted dialogue, they said that they would make McIntyre extinct. 

After a break, McIntyre confronted Adam Pearce and demanded a match against T-Bar and Mace. Pearce told him to find a tag partner. McIntyre didn’t want a partner and told Pearce to make the match happen. 

The Viking Raiders defeated Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin (5:12) 

Benjamin and Alexander controlled a lot of the match but the Raiders won with the Viking Experience, pinning Alexander for the second straight week. 

(Adnan Virk called the Viking Experience move the “Viking Express.” It could have been a mistake, but he said it a second time after the match as well.) 

In the back, Randy Orton told Patrick that nobody could have done what he did to the Fiend at WrestleMania. He admitted McIntyre won last week but he’d be waiting for the winner of the WWE title match at Backlash. 

Riddle scooted in to interrupt Orton’s interview. Riddle always wanted to meet an apex predator and wondered what an apex predator even was. Riddle said neither of them had titles so they should form a team named R-K-Bro. As Riddle continued to speak, Orton simply walked away. 

Orton approached Pearce after a break. He didn’t know what Riddle’s name was but told Pearce he wanted a match against the guy who rides around in a scooter tonight. 

(Orton vs. Strowman was advertised earlier today, but they didn’t acknowledge that here.) 

Charlotte Flair promo 

(They aired Charlotte’s promo from last week, she entered, they went to break, and she came out for another promo.) 

Charlotte said she didn’t plan on hurting anybody’s feelings last week, she was just telling the truth. She claimed that all the women in the back hate each other as much as they hate her, but they pretended to like each other. She said none of them had any reason to complain, because unlike her, they didn’t have a scheduled Mania match taken away from them. 

She said she could beat both Rhea Ripley and Asuka. She didn’t mean to disrespect Asuka, because Asuka is one of the best, but she doesn’t have to like her. Charlotte said she would show Asuka why she’s the queen. 

Asuka interrupted. Before she could say a word, Ripley interrupted. Charlotte invited Ripley to sit at ringside for her match later so she could take notes. Ripley agreed to take her up on that offer but already figured Asuka would win tonight. 

Asuka tried saying something but Charlotte kept interrupting. Charlotte spoke very slowly at Asuka and told her that she didn’t understand her. Asuka told Charlotte, “I will beat you, bitch.” 

This was awful. 

Riddle rode past Orton on the back. 

They aired a replay of T-Bar and Mace attacking McIntyre for about the fourth time even though the show is not an hour old yet. A handicap match was made official for tonight. 

Riddle defeated Randy Orton (13:31) 

They had a good match that Riddle won clean. 

Riddle kept locking in a sleeper despite Orton’s attempts to counter. Orton finally got enough separation to drop Riddle on the apron before giving him a back suplex on the announce table. 

[Second hour] 

After a break, Orton stomped away at Riddle, particularly targeting Riddle’s bare feet. Riddle fired back until Orton cut him off with a powerslam, followed by a vertical suplex. (Orton might’ve landed awkwardly on his arm/shoulder on the powerslam because he seemed to be favouring it after that.)  

Riddle fired back again until Orton poked him in the eye. Orton applied a chinlock as they piped in “bro” chants. Riddle dodged a charge and Orton went shoulder-first into the post. Riddle fought back and hit a Pelé kick, running forearms, and a senton for two. They fought on the ropes which led to Orton hitting a superplex for two. 

Riddle applied a choke in the ropes but after he let go, Orton hit a draping DDT. Orton went for an RKO but Riddle countered into a crucifix pin for the win. Riddle celebrated big. 

Pearce congratulated Sheamus on winning the US title. Sheamus asked him why he invited him into his office. Pearce recalled the great US champs of the past and noted how some of them did open challenges. John Cena even did it weekly. Pearce said Sheamus was not Cena, and Sheamus agreed. Sheamus also agreed to do an open challenge — just not for the title. 

Naomi & Lana defeated Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler in a non-title match (4:14) 

Naomi and Lana worked over Jax and used frequent tags to stay in control. However, Jax took them both down with a double suplex before tagging in Baszler. 

Baszler stomped Lana’s arm when Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke interrupted to their music. In the middle of this match, Rose and Brooke cut to multiple replays of the two of them attacking Jax and a replay of Jax tripping on the apron. 

Jax left and marched up the apron after Rose and Brooke who went to the back. Naomi and Lana used the opportunity to give Baszler a double facebuster and Naomi pinned her for the win. 

This was very dumb. 

They aired a post-Mania interview with Bad Bunny and Damian Priest. Bad Bunny spoke about how happy he was and put over Priest. Priest talked about how hard Bad Bunny worked and said he deserved the moment. Bad Bunny said it was incredible to be able to work with everyone. He thanked the Latin community and Priest. This was nice. 

MizTV 

John Morrison wasn’t there. Maryse hosted with Miz, who claimed to make Bad Bunny a household name. Maryse called him the greatest superstar of his generation. They gushed over each other and kissed, which set off fireworks. They poured champagne and toasted each other but were interrupted by Damian Priest. 

Priest said Miz was as delusional as Jake Paul thinking he was a real fighter. Priest said Miz was boasting about his win last week but didn’t mention how he won the match. Priest showed a replay of what actually happened. Priest wondered what kind of man would brag about a win like that. 

Priest said Miz lost his pants and the whole world saw that he had no cajones. Maryse said if Priest wanted a rematch he could have one (which caught Miz off guard). Priest thanked her. He took a sip of the champagne but spit it out because he thought it was trash. Maryse chucked her drink in his face and left with Miz. 

New Day spoke with Riddle in the back. Kofi Kingston congratulated him on beating Orton, who he hates. They spoke for a bit and they all got excited about pancakes. (After Riddle left, Kingston asked Woods if he ever understood what Riddle was talking about.) 

Elias (w/Jaxson Ryker) defeated Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods) (4:42) 

Elias tried playing his guitar before the match but was once again interrupted by Xavier Woods who played something on an electric guitar instead of his trombone. 

During the match, Woods played Steve Austin’s theme on his guitar which distracted Elias long enough for Kingston to attack. Elias cut him off anyway and dropped him over the top rope before hitting a vertical suplex. 

Kingston came back with a flying crossbody for two and an SOS (which took some time to execute because Elias didn’t budge on Kingston’s first attempt) for two. Kingston tried a hurricanrana off the top but Elias blocked it and hit a flying elbow drop for the surprising pinfall win. 

Alexa’s Playground 

Alexa Bliss told us all about her doll Lilly. She claimed Lily wasn’t new, she has been in Alexa’s life. They showed photoshopped images of Bliss as a child with the doll. She told a story about pushing another girl off the swing because Lilly told her to do it. She warned us that Lilly didn’t like “him” and didn’t like any of us. The CGI version of Lilly giggled at us before snarling. 

Sarah Schreiber asked Rose and Brooke if they thought their behaviour tonight was appropriate. Rose sounded like a child justifying her actions by basically saying that Jax started it. Jax approached them so they bailed. Baszler then entered the frame and warned her to focus or else. Jax responded, “or else what?” Angel Garza entered the frame next to ask Jax what she saw in that circus clown Reginald. Another dumb segment. 

[Third hour] 

2-on-1 handicap match: Drew McIntyre defeated T-Bar & Mace via DQ (5:57) 

T-Bar and Mace attacked McIntyre in the corner and wouldn’t stop so the referee disqualified them. Braun Strowman entered to his music so T-Bar and Mace left the ring. 

T-Bar & Mace defeated Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman via DQ (6:24) 

Strowman was in full control pretty much over both guys until T-Bar took him down with a chop block. Strowman came back with a back body drop before tagging in McIntyre who hit Mace with an overhead suplex and neckbreaker. 

McIntyre ripped Mace’s mask off and told him that he did him a favour. Mace slapped him in response. McIntyre smacked him with the mask and attacked repeatedly with it until the ref called for another DQ. Strowman ripped off T-Bar’s mask too and hit him with it. 

T-Bar and Mace posed on the ramp as they were announced the winners by DQ. 

Damian Priest defeated The Miz (w/Maryse) (5:03) 

Miz took over after Maryse grabbed Priest’s leg to distract him. As Miz hit It Kicks, Virk noted that he stole those kicks from Daniel Bryan, and Corey Graves congratulated him on doing his homework. 

As Priest mounted a comeback, Maryse jumped on the apron. Priest told her, “we’re not doing this again” but was still distracted enough for Miz to use a schoolboy with his feet on the rope like last week. Priest kicked out and used Hit the Lights for the pinfall win. 

Asuka was shown warming up. 

Sheamus segment 

Sheamus was in the ring wearing his street clothes. He boasted about becoming US champion and (sarcastically) claimed he would be a fighting champion. 

Humberto Carrillo came out, presumably to answer his challenge. Sheamus attacked him from behind and chucked him to the outside. Sheamus repeatedly drove Carrillo into the barricade and clubbed away at him. Sheamus posted him before giving him a Brogue Kick in the ring. Sheamus posed with his title. 

This was a good segment for Sheamus, who was openly mocking the open challenge gimmick. (Bad news for Carrillo, though.) 

Charlotte was shown getting ready. 

Asuka defeated Charlotte Flair (9:15) 

Ripley entered last to watch the match from ringside. 

The match started with just over ten minutes left in the show. The fight spilled to the outside after just a minute, conveniently right in front of where Ripley was sitting. This led to a break and they returned with seven minutes left in the show. 

Asuka hit a German suplex and sliding kick for two. Charlotte hit a facebuster but this was followed by Asuka using a Codebreaker, which didn’t look good. Charlotte came right back with a spear for a nearfall. 

Charlotte targeted Asuka’s leg and applied a Figure Eight but Ripley yanked Charlotte down from outside the ring (which the ref somehow didn’t see) which allowed Asuka to escape the hold. Charlotte grabbed Ripley by the head and they struggled until Asuka kicked Charlotte and used a crucifix pin for the win. 

Charlotte attacked the ref after the match and beat the crap out of him until two other referees jumped in and told her to leave. She attacked the ref twice before the show ended. (Asuka and Ripley disappeared.)