- 1 day ago
Category
🥇
SportsTranscript
00:02What type of strategy do you imply when it comes to the gauntlet, especially starting things off?
00:06You're gonna try to look for quick pinfalls.
00:09Any sort of opportunity to capitalize quickly and exert minimal energy.
00:13Much easier said than done, but you want to stay as fresh as possible as this match goes on.
00:18Lyra Valkyria has been in a gauntlet match before, a tag team gauntlet last year.
00:22Io Sky has never participated in this format here in WWE.
00:26And Lyra Valkyria, nice takedown of Io Sky, and Io switches things up pretty quickly.
00:35Big night here tonight on Monday Night Raw.
00:38World champ CM Punk is here.
00:41Kim Uso says that he has something to say to the world champ.
00:45Can you blame him?
00:51Two of the best technical grapplers in the women's division today.
00:56Going at it to kick off the gauntlet match.
00:58Nice throw by Lyra.
01:00Now controls Io momentarily.
01:01And again, head scissors by Sky.
01:02And this is a smart strategy by both women in the early moments, trying to utilize MAAC games.
01:06Trying to not take any unnecessary risks.
01:09You want to keep yourself as fresh as possible.
01:11Mentioned before, Lyra the first ever Intercontinental Champion Io Sky.
01:17Would love to earn her first Intercontinental Championship opportunity.
01:20She's a two-time world champion.
01:23I guarantee you, AJ Lee keeping a close eye on this one.
01:28This also provides an opportunity for AJ to study her potential opposition.
01:32You can see somebody in this sort of format.
01:34You can strategize for the matchup next week.
01:40Beautiful kick.
01:41Takes down Io into the cover.
01:42Goes Lyra.
01:43And a hook of the leg and a kick out.
01:45AJ Lee posted on social media just a bit ago.
01:47Her thoughts on this matchup.
01:48Realizes that there's some danger.
01:50No matter who wins this thing.
01:52Could be a short reign for AJ.
01:56Now Io Sky sends Lyra into the ropes.
02:00Io looking to use quickness here.
02:03And that athletic ability.
02:04Oh, nice takedown.
02:06And Io now with a drop kick.
02:13Seattle showing their appreciation for the genius of the Sky.
02:17Io with that knack of being able to take her opponent out of the equation.
02:21And now Lyra Valkyria through the ropes to the floor.
02:25Luckily, Lyra able to land on her feet.
02:27And Io Sky.
02:28Suicide dive.
02:30Down goes Valkyria.
02:32And Io is fired up.
02:39We crowned a brand new NXT Women's North American Champion this past week.
02:44Congratulations to Tatum Paxley.
02:47At NXT.
02:48And look at Lyra Valkyria now up to the second rope.
02:52Oh!
02:52And Io hung up on the top rope and falls to the floor.
02:55And here comes Lyra.
02:58Dropping Io with a kick.
03:01Lyra Valkyria starting to control the early goings of this gauntlet match.
03:06Two.
03:08Come on, get in the ring.
03:16Hey, is this the pace you expected between these two to start off this gauntlet match?
03:20Yes, I expect both of these women to operate in their wheelhouse.
03:24Cover.
03:25And that kick out by Sky.
03:26Both Io and Lyra incredibly comfortable pushing the pace of the matchup.
03:30The problem arises when you try to sustain that speed.
03:35When you try to stay full speed ahead for several minutes at a time in a match like this.
03:39You can burn yourself out.
03:41You can empty your own gas tank a little too early.
03:43Yeah, the fact that there's still a number of women that still have to enter this matchup.
03:48Valkyria is so excited to be a part of this gauntlet match.
03:51Talked about how distraught she was over the fact that she lost to Becky back at SummerSlam.
03:56And would never have another opportunity for gold until Becky lost the title.
04:01It's far from a foregone conclusion that Lyra Valkyrie is going to survive the gauntlet.
04:05They're in the opportunity from behind.
04:07Io Sky rolls her up and a kick out at two.
04:13Backslide.
04:15Near fall for Lyra.
04:17That was close.
04:17That was two and a half.
04:19Referee Sean Bennett right there.
04:26Lyra with almost a modification of Becky Lynch's own disarmor.
04:30Trying to punish Io Sky here.
04:34And it's got to just be eaten at Becky Lynch that she's no longer the Intercontinental Champion.
04:39That AJ Lee once again beat Becky Lynch just a couple of weeks back.
04:44Well the reason it eats at Becky.
04:46Cover Lyra.
04:47And a kick out.
04:48The reason it eats at Becky is because people like you keep bringing it up.
04:51Ad nauseam.
04:51Rubbing salt in the wound.
04:52Wait a minute.
04:53She continues to bring it up every day.
04:55Ad nauseam.
04:56On social media.
04:58Conspiracy theories.
04:59Blaming the official.
05:00Blaming the general manager.
05:02Cole I've known you for a long time.
05:03And you usually avoid tweeting at all costs.
05:06You posted today to mock Becky.
05:08Well not really.
05:10I'm sending her best wishes for being ill.
05:13And Valkyria now starting to control Io Sky.
05:20Oh what a clothesline.
05:23Valkyria locked in tonight.
05:24Cover.
05:25Is it enough to win the first fall of the gauntlet match and a kick out by Sky.
05:29And that's what we're going to need to see more of from all the women in this gauntlet.
05:32Some heavy artillery.
05:33Looking for a quick something to take your opponent down just for the count of three.
05:38And Lyra now focusing on the left knee, left leg of Io Sky.
05:44One way to take away the quickness and the high flying ability of the genius of the sky.
05:49Great strategy by Valkyria.
05:54Lyra now back to her feet.
05:59Oh what a boot.
06:01Caught Lyra right under the chin.
06:04Oh!
06:04Oh!
06:08Io Sky so comfortable on the top rope.
06:12Went for the sunset flip.
06:14But Lyra Valkyria works out of it.
06:18Oh!
06:18A big step up in Seguri.
06:19Caught Sky in the ear.
06:21And now Lyra Valkyria slips on the ropes.
06:24But still delivers their tornado DDT.
06:26Hanging on for a little more insurance.
06:29And now looking to put Io away.
06:31Oh!
06:31That fisherman suplexed by Lyra Valkyria.
06:34Cover now.
06:35Hook of the leg.
06:35Kick out.
06:37By Sky.
06:41And that can be disheartening if you're Lyra Valkyria just landing some of your best offense.
06:45And still unable to put Io down for three.
06:49Both of these women expending a tremendous amount of energy with a number of women waiting in the wings.
06:57Well a match could go on for a while.
07:00High stakes.
07:01Intercontinental title opportunity.
07:04I can assure you both Lyra and Io probably thought this match would be over by now.
07:09Or at least hoping that was the case.
07:10Lyra Pound powering Io up on her shoulders.
07:13Went for the night wing.
07:15But Io Sky able to counter with a stomp.
07:23Buzzsaw kick.
07:25Drops Valkyria.
07:26Lyra.
07:28Knocked Loopy off that kick.
07:29And now Io Sky gonna head up top.
07:33Making it look effortless.
07:35To the over the moon salt.
07:40Io Sky advances.
07:44Lyra Valkyria has been eliminated.
07:48Another heartbreaker for Lyra.
07:51Yeah and Corey guess what?
07:53Pumps have gone from bad to worse.
07:55You can say that again.
07:57The powerhouse of the Judgment Day.
08:00Raquel Rodriguez.
08:01We heard what she had to say last week.
08:03She's been focused on this match.
08:05Liv Morgan of course with an opportunity.
08:07And the world champ Stephanie Bacare at WrestleMania.
08:09Raquel Rodriguez would love to be Intercontinental Champion come WrestleMania.
08:14That was great defense there by Sky.
08:16You're absolutely right.
08:17Here comes the genius of the sky.
08:20Io Sky caught by Raquel.
08:24Game changing power.
08:26Io though able to land on her feet.
08:30Io taking the fight to Raquel.
08:32Oh but a back elbow.
08:35And now Rodriguez with a clothesline.
08:39Corey this woman has been red hot in recent months.
08:42I agree with you.
08:43Raquel doing some of the best work of her career.
08:47Improves week after week.
08:50And there's a corkscrew Vader elbow.
08:52And here's the cover now by Raquel.
08:56Io able to grab the bottom rope.
08:58I love the urgency with which Raquel's competing.
09:02Realizing you want to inflict as much damage as quickly as possible and get on to the next one.
09:07And now lifting Io up.
09:08Maybe going for the Dahana bomb.
09:09And you see Io Sky fighting out of this.
09:12Raquel has come so close to winning championships a number of times over the past couple of months.
09:17She can taste it.
09:18She's almost there.
09:21And now Io Sky.
09:24From the top rope.
09:26Raquel moves out of harm's way.
09:28And now Rodriguez.
09:29Oh!
09:29What a shoulder tackle.
09:31Wow!
09:32And Raquel has won a gauntlet match in her career.
09:35Looking to double that count here tonight.
09:38Bang!
09:38What impact!
09:39By Rodriguez.
09:48You know, Corey, I hate to keep harping on this, but Raquel Rodriguez has been damn near unstoppable as of
09:53late.
09:54And I think she should be the world champ today if it wasn't for a screw up a couple of
09:57weeks back in that match with Stephanie Becker when Liv got involved.
10:00You know, I don't know that I can disagree with your assessment of the situation, Cole.
10:04Look at this power!
10:06Raquel now.
10:07Don't leave Io face first on our announce table.
10:09There's just a malice in everything Raquel does.
10:12We looked right in her eyes there moments ago.
10:15She's just an angry individual with a chip on her shoulder.
10:19I think Raquel's finally starting to believe in herself, believe in her own abilities.
10:25Well, listen, she's a five-time tag team champion.
10:27She knows what it means to wear goals.
10:30She once won an NXT championship as well.
10:32And she, I believe, finally starting to come into her own here on Monday Night Raw.
10:37This is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately industry.
10:40Raquel would love some new gold.
10:42Cover.
10:44Io just manages to kick out as Raquel just continues to wear Sky down.
10:49Think of what the Judgment Day Clubhouse could look like on the other side of WrestleMania.
10:52You could have potentially Raquel as Intercontinental Champion.
10:56Potentially Liv Morgan as Women's World Champion.
10:59Well, Dom's no longer the Intercontinental Champion.
11:00There's still time, Cole.
11:03He's still the Mega Champion.
11:05Triple-A, right?
11:06Yes, sir.
11:08He's gonna defend that title this coming Saturday against Vikingo.
11:13Can't wait to hear you and JBL call all the action.
11:17Cannot wait. It's gonna be a big night in Puebla.
11:19Raquel Rodriguez, speaking to JBL, talks about the influence JBL and his style has had on her career.
11:26You'll see her use the number of JBL's moves as her offense.
11:31Raquel getting right in the face of the official Sean Bennett.
11:38Io just absorbing a tremendous amount of punishment because the first match against Lyra Valkyrie went for a while.
11:45Exactly. Io's already running at an energy deficit and to have a powerhouse like Rodriguez just inflict her will upon
11:52you.
11:53It's tough to deal with. Io's in a lot of trouble right now.
11:55There's one issue with Raquel. Instead of arguing with the official, turn all of that frustration toward your opponent.
12:00It's tough to get out of the road and start.
12:04All right, okay.
12:04Bring it out of there.
12:06Raquel dragging Io to her feet.
12:10Rodriguez.
12:12Oh, what a slam!
12:14Cover now.
12:16And Sky kicks out.
12:18And now Raquel again appears to be becoming frustrated.
12:23Well, unfortunately for Io, that's what's causing the frustration.
12:27Every time Io kicks out, everything Io survives just makes Raquel more and more angry.
12:32She's raining all that fury down on the Genius.
12:45Raquel Rodriguez doing everything in her power to beat down Io Sky.
12:50It has been physical dominance by Rodriguez.
12:53And that shoté by Io Sky stuns Raquel, who's up on the top rope now.
12:58And now the Genius to the Sky, who's already won one match in this gauntlet.
13:03With a hurricanrana, taking down Raquel.
13:10Io somehow able to tap into those energy reserves.
13:13She's found something else from the top.
13:16Sky with a Mitchell dropkick.
13:18Rodriguez is off her feet.
13:22And the adrenaline is pumping through the Genius of the Sky.
13:28And she's got the fans in Seattle coming out of their seats.
13:34And now it's Raquel on her heels.
13:40And Io, once again, going to her bread and butter.
13:43Up to the top rope.
13:45Looking for the over-the-moonsault.
13:47And there's Judgment Day's Liv Morgan.
13:49And that distraction allows Raquel Rodriguez to take advantage.
13:59That's right, Liv.
14:01Here comes the world champ.
14:03Stephanie McCare and Liv Morgan.
14:06They beat in 40 nights at WrestleMania.
14:09Put the brawls on.
14:10Getting a little WrestleMania preview and appetizer, if you will.
14:14La Primera.
14:16Bringing the fight to Liv Morgan.
14:18And now Io Sky perched on the top rope as those two continue to fight.
14:21Io Sky now.
14:22Inside cradle.
14:23Roll up of Raquel.
14:25Io got it.
14:29Unbelievable.
14:30Raquel Rodriguez has been eliminated.
14:33Raquel was distracted by the Liv Morgan situation.
14:36And Io Sky took advantage.
14:38And now Raquel is ticked off.
14:41Well, Raquel can be as ticked off as she wants.
14:43The fact is, she was just bounced from the gauntlet match.
14:48I told you about the chip on her shoulder.
14:53Raquel Rodriguez.
14:54Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no.
14:56Driving Io into the ring post.
14:58And Io still has to compete in another match or a number of them.
15:02Good luck with that.
15:10Rodriguez muscling up Io and a Tejana bomb.
15:13On the apron.
15:16And finally, some officials rushing down to the ring to get this out of control and upset Raquel Rodriguez out
15:24of harm's way.
15:26And Io Sky now is in another match that immediately begins.
15:29And it's Ivy Nile.
15:30And Raquel essentially just handed Ivy Nile a victory on a silver platter.
15:34Smart decision, Ivy.
15:36Rolling her to cover.
15:39Puts both legs.
15:40Ivy Nile's eliminated Io Sky thanks to Raquel Rodriguez.
15:45Io Sky has been eliminated.
15:47How smart was that by Ivy Nile?
15:50It was brilliant.
15:56But the road to the top, not going to get any easier for Ivy Nile.
16:00Bayley's buddy, Lyra Valkyria, not successful in this gauntlet match.
16:06But Bayley would love an opportunity in the Intercontinental Championship.
16:10She said last week, Corey, you win the Intercontinental title, you punch your ticket to WrestleMania.
16:16Bayley says she's missed out on WrestleMania, of course, last year after the attack by Becky Lynch.
16:20And now Bayley looking at her one-time friend, perhaps feeling sorry for Io Sky.
16:26And Ivy Nile takes advantage.
16:27We learn nothing from Raquel is that you can't take your eye off the ball at any point in this
16:32matchup.
16:32Bayley paid too much attention to Io and is now paying for it.
16:36And it's Ivy Nile in control as this gauntlet match continues.
16:48And again, Corey, Bayley and Io Sky, once part of the group known as Damage Control,
16:53they obviously had a falling out, but Bayley seems to still care about Io and that may cost her.
16:59You're absolutely right.
17:00That's become something of a recurring theme in the career of Bayley.
17:03She is a little too empathetic.
17:05Maybe if Bayley looked out for number one more frequently, she would be champion more often.
17:10Ivy Nile, who's had a couple of Intercontinental Championship matches in the past in her first gauntlet match here tonight.
17:16Bayley is in her fifth gauntlet match.
17:17She's actually won one in her career.
17:20Well, we talked so much about the improvement recently of Raquel Rodriguez.
17:24The same has to be mentioned for Ivy Nile.
17:26Despite failing to become Intercontinental Champion in recent months, she continues to improve.
17:32Everything she does in the ring is a little bit better than the week before.
17:36She's going to be a force.
17:37I completely agree.
17:38She's going to be a champion at one point in her career as Bayley now delivers forearms to the face
17:44of Ivy Nile.
17:44Whipped across the ring, Bayley telegraphed that and Ivy took advantage.
17:49Ripping Bayley down by her hair.
17:52Love the intensity.
17:53Yeah, the viciousness of Ivy Nile of American made.
17:59And now Bayley into the corner, bounced head first off the turnbuckle.
18:03Get out of there, one, two.
18:06And again, I got to give Ivy credit for the way that she took out Io Sky.
18:12I mean, the rules of the match, the next match begins as soon as the match before it ends and
18:15Ivy took advantage of it.
18:20Ivy now just punishing Bayley.
18:24Not sent across the ring.
18:28Big forearm rocks Bayley.
18:30Yeah, Bayley hasn't been able to get back into this matchup since Ivy took advantage early on.
18:36Cover now by Nile.
18:37One, two, one.
18:39Bayley kicks out.
18:43Ivy Nile's offense is so explosive, so impactful.
18:51And of course, Becky Lynch still mouthing off on social media.
18:56She just sent a note moments ago.
18:58Bye-bye, Looney Lyra.
19:00And of course, after the elimination of Lyra Valkyria.
19:03Looney Lyra.
19:03I think that one might have some legs to it.
19:05I wonder how Becky's sick at home.
19:07I think she's in bad thermometer in her mouth.
19:09I certainly hope she's taking care of herself.
19:12I mean, I would hope there were people there to take care of her.
19:15Probably as a whole team.
19:17Deservedly so.
19:19Bayley trying to fight back into this.
19:21Lyra, I should say Ivy.
19:23Now Becky's got me all messed up.
19:25There you go.
19:26Blaming Becky again for everything.
19:27All your shortcomings, Cole.
19:29Blame Becky Lynch.
19:30No!
19:32And Ivy again in control.
19:45And Ivy Nile has been impressive in this gauntlet match so far.
19:49She picked up a quick victory over Io Sky, who was decimated by Raquel Rodriguez.
19:53And now, taking the fight to Bayley.
19:55I really like the strategy being employed by Ivy now to this juncture.
19:59She's not spending too much energy.
20:03She's utilizing her strength.
20:04Case in point into the cover.
20:06Is it enough?
20:07Kick out by Bayley.
20:08You can tell Ivy's in no hurry.
20:10She's not rushing around.
20:11She's powerful enough that her rear chin lock is gonna drain Bayley's energy as this match goes on,
20:16without forcing Ivy to spend a lot of her own.
20:19And again, the winner of the gauntlet match will face AJ Lee next week for the Intercontinental Championship.
20:23The former Intercontinental Champion, Becky Lynch, who's home sick, is talking about this match on social media as we speak.
20:30She basically said bye-bye, Looney Lyra moments ago.
20:34Lyra Valkyria, of course, a big rivalry with Valkyria over the years.
20:38Bayley able to escape the rear chin lock.
20:40And Ivy continuing to soldier forward into an elbow.
20:43Bayley has a gauntlet win in her career.
20:45Oh, nice neckbreaker by Bayley, who looks to rally here.
20:47The four-time world champion.
20:51Bayley is starving for a championship, Corey.
20:54She hasn't held gold since she lost the WWE title at SummerSlam a couple of years ago.
20:58It's very common knowledge how highly Bayley thinks of the Intercontinental Champion, AJ Lee.
21:04Ah, nice back suplex by Bayley, and Bayley firing up.
21:08Bayley would love to test herself and compete for the Intercontinental Championship against someone she's looked up to for most
21:12of her career.
21:13Ah, so many women on the roster today has looked up to AJ Lee.
21:17Oh, runny knee by Bayley.
21:19Ivy might be out.
21:24Bayley now, second rope, elbow to the spine.
21:28Is it enough?
21:29One, two, three.
21:30And a kick out by Ivy, who again has been very impressive here tonight.
21:34Great display of grit, will, and toughness from Ivy Nile.
21:42Bayley now stalking a downed Ivy.
21:45Looking for Bayley to Bayley.
21:47And Ivy Nile with a nice standing switch.
21:50Roll up now by Bayley.
21:51Shoulders are down.
21:52Ivy's got a kick out.
21:57Here comes Nile.
21:58Big time kick in the corner.
22:01Now a German suplex to Bayley.
22:03Off the release.
22:04Floats into the cover.
22:05Hooks the leg.
22:06Bayley kicks it too.
22:09Nile's so powerful for her size.
22:13Watch the hair, Ivy.
22:14You want the hair?
22:15Here the referee admonishing Ivy for grabbing the hair of Bayley.
22:19Sean Bennett working this matchup tonight.
22:23Ivy can't allow herself to get too overconfident.
22:26Especially when you're dealing with a veteran like Bayley.
22:29Now case in point.
22:31Bayley elbow to the back of the neck.
22:36And Bayley now.
22:38What on earth is Bayley looking to do here?
22:41Oh!
22:42Sunset flip.
22:43Release.
22:44Stacks up Ivy.
22:46Ivy Nile kicks out again.
22:48Man, the resilience of Nile tonight.
22:58Bayley taking a moment to survey the scene.
23:00Trying to figure out what's next.
23:02Could be the rose plant.
23:04Ivy Nile able to counter that though.
23:06Sending Bayley to the corner.
23:08Ivy with a kick to Bayley.
23:11Stopped Bayley dead in her tracks.
23:13Ivy with another chance to make something big happen.
23:15European uppercut.
23:19They're going to show off her power yet again.
23:25Vertical suplex applied to Bayley.
23:27Look at the strength from Ivy Nile.
23:30Ivy Nile a freak of nature.
23:33Look at this.
23:34All the blood rushing to the head of Bayley.
23:43This is incredible.
23:45He could be here all night.
23:46That delayed vertical suplex could hand.
23:50Ivy Nile winning this gauntlet match.
23:52Bayley manages to get the shoulder up.
23:54Trust me when I tell you that was probably the most agonizing suplex Bayley's ever experienced.
23:59All that blood constantly rushing to your head before impact.
24:03Feels like your skull is going to shoot out of your head.
24:05That's why Ivy's got to stay on the attack here like she's doing now.
24:08Remember you can't be disqualified so she's got to break before five and she does.
24:14I like this ruthlessness we're seeing from Nile.
24:18But again.
24:21Now Bayley trying to fight to the second rope.
24:24Ivy Nile with a kick to the face and Bayley in deep deep trouble up there.
24:28What does Ivy do now?
24:30We're about to find out.
24:32Ivy trying to place Bayley in a more favorable position.
24:38Could have a superplex on tap.
24:42Superplex delivered.
24:43Weird.
24:44Weird landing and Ivy Nile now.
24:48Ivy fighting through the pain.
24:50Oh!
24:50Swinging Uranagi.
24:52Did you see the way Bayley's head bounced?
24:54And then just a...
24:56I mean the momentum carrying Bayley outside the ring.
24:59But what a move by Ivy Nile.
25:02We've said this before.
25:03One of the most underrated women in WWE today.
25:07And Ivy realizes that's what it's going to take to become rated.
25:10Oh!
25:11Great move by the veteran Bayley.
25:13It's a championship goal.
25:16Driving Ivy hip first into the steel steps.
25:21Bayley trying to drag herself back into the ring.
25:27Bayley now from the second rope.
25:29Went for the elbow.
25:30Ivy got her feet up.
25:31Driving Bayley to the bottom rope.
25:33Landed awkwardly and again falls out of the ring.
25:35Ivy utilizing those powerful legs of hers to shrug Bayley off.
25:40What a hard hitting affair.
25:45And Bayley elbow on the apron and Ivy just collapses.
25:51Bayley not allowing Ivy to roll out of the ring.
25:54The veteran looking for the cover perhaps.
25:56A little more insurance.
25:58Bayley to Bayley.
26:03Bayley advances in the gauntlet.
26:06Ivy Nile has been eliminated.
26:10What a fight by Ivy Nile tonight.
26:12I took the words right out of my mouth.
26:14But now Corey it comes down to these two women.
26:17Bayley and the Empress of Tomorrow, Asuka.
26:20AJ Lee, we know she's watching this matchup.
26:23Good luck, you're gonna face one of these two.
26:25For the intercontinental title on the line.
26:28And here comes the Empress of Tomorrow.
26:31Fresh as a daisy.
26:35Bayley just survived a grueling battle with Ivy Nile.
26:38And things about to get much harder.
26:40Oh my God.
26:41What a forearm to Asuka.
26:43May have broken her jaw.
26:44You ain't kidding.
26:46Quite the history with Bayley and Asuka as well.
26:48And Kyrie saying.
26:51Kyrie trying to come to the aid of Asuka.
26:55Oh!
26:56And look at Asuka taking advantage.
26:57Kyrie running interference.
26:59And Asuka's taking over.
27:01Asuka, Bayley.
27:02Who's going for an intercontinental title match?
27:05Look at this.
27:06Bang!
27:20Again, the Kyrie saying factor of the Kabuki Warriors allowing Asuka to take control of Bayley here.
27:26Two of the most decorated women in the history of the division in this matchup.
27:31Winner will face AJ Lee for the intercontinental title.
27:37You know, Asuka in her career has never competed for the Intercontinental Championship.
27:41And she's never been in a gauntlet match here in WWE.
27:45And Kyrie now with a cheap shot.
27:47For more than one.
27:52Kyrie taking advantage of the situation.
27:55I still don't understand why Kyrie is so loyal to the Empress of Tomorrow Asuka.
28:00Especially the way she is treated by her.
28:03You don't need to cast aspersions.
28:05I mean, for all we know, Asuka takes great care of Kyrie Sane when the cameras aren't rolling.
28:10Behind closed doors.
28:12What would you, what would you do if I just constantly screamed at you?
28:15Kyrie, Kyrie, Kyrie!
28:17I'll try to ignore you.
28:20And a kick by Asuka.
28:22Bayley's trying somehow to fight back.
28:26It's almost like that elbow at the beginning of the matchup woke up.
28:30Asuka, look at this.
28:31Well, how vicious.
28:33Yeah, give some credit to Asuka.
28:34But how about giving credit to Kyrie who ran interference and allowed Asuka to take control of the match.
28:38Cover now by Asuka.
28:39And a kick out at two.
28:44This is a smart strategy.
28:45Just utilizing lateral presses.
28:47Forcing Bayley to kick out.
28:50Which is forcing Bayley to exert energy unnecessarily.
28:53And again, to your point.
28:54Now into an arm bar.
28:57Bayley needs to block here.
28:59Remember, Bayley taps out.
29:00It's all over.
29:01Asuka goes for the intercontinental title.
29:08Asuka, four time world champion.
29:11Five time tag team champion.
29:13Look at Bayley.
29:14Trying to put this into a pinning combination.
29:17And Asuka kicks it too.
29:20I think the elbow from Bayley might have busted open the lip of Asuka.
29:25See a little blood coming from the Empress's mouth.
29:28Which explains why she is competing with such fury right now.
29:31She does that all the time, I think.
29:33Of course.
29:34Never in a good mood.
29:35I think she just doesn't like you.
29:38And Kyrie.
29:39I happen to find Asuka Bayley.
29:40And Rebel Pleasant.
29:41I'm sure.
29:42And look at Bayley just firing away on Asuka.
29:50Bayley placing Asuka into position.
29:54Oh!
30:06Jam-packed crowd in Seattle, Washington tonight at the Climate Pledge Arena.
30:11The winner of this matchup here between Asuka and Bayley.
30:14We'll take on AJ Lee for the Intercontinental Championship next week on Raw in San Antonio.
30:19Cover by Bayley.
30:20Hook of the leg on Asuka.
30:21Is it enough?
30:22And Asuka able to get the shoulder up.
30:24Man, what an incredible gauntlet match this has been.
30:27Ever since the first two competitors of Io Sky and Lyra Valkyria kicked things off.
30:36Bayley understands.
30:37Win this.
30:38Get an opportunity at the Intercontinental title.
30:40Maybe punch your ticket to WrestleMania.
30:42Look at this counter by Asuka.
30:43Bayley was looking for the rose plant.
30:45Asuka counters in almost a stretch muffler type submission.
30:48Into the ankle lock.
30:50And now Bayley with nowhere to go.
30:51Center of the ring.
30:51She taps out.
30:52But it's over.
30:53There's a good spell.
30:54Doom for the role model.
30:59Asuka really got it locked in.
31:01Bayley able to turn around.
31:02Asuka will not break the hole.
31:05Even if this doesn't particularly end the match.
31:07This is going to weaken Bayley.
31:09No shoulders down.
31:11Bayley's got a kick out at two.
31:12Bayley spent a significant amount of time in that ankle lock.
31:15That was great improvisation by Asuka there.
31:19Kicks again to Bayley.
31:21Bayley now takes Asuka down.
31:23Looking for a knee bar.
31:25And now Asuka's got nowhere to go.
31:27Center of the ring.
31:27Bayley looking for the top out win here.
31:31Asuka trying to roll toward the bottom rope.
31:33And for some sort of break.
31:37And now Bayley's going to have to break as they roll out to the apron.
31:40And Asuka grabs the rope.
31:41I always stress the importance of ring awareness.
31:44Asuka recognizing she was a few feet away.
31:46But was able to get to the safety of the bottom rope.
31:49And preserve our opportunity to challenge AJ Lee.
31:54Here comes Bayley.
31:56And Bayley.
31:57That's vintage Bayley there.
31:58As she delivers that drop kick underneath the bottom rope to Asuka.
32:05Two.
32:07Notice Bayley hobbling a little bit.
32:10Based on the ankle lock of earlier on.
32:14Big.
32:15What a knee.
32:16Oh man.
32:19And Bayley though able to fire off the ropes into a clothesline.
32:23And now Bayley with a running knee.
32:25Cover.
32:26Is it enough to advance and win this gauntlet match?
32:29And a kick out at two.
32:32And Bayley showing some frustration.
32:34Again we talked earlier Corey.
32:36The importance of being a part of WrestleMania this year.
32:38You win the Intercontinental title.
32:39You're going to be a part of WrestleMania.
32:41No doubt about it.
32:42Bayley didn't have the opportunity last year.
32:44Remember Becky Lynch took her out.
32:46So she wasn't able to compete.
32:48Wants to get back to Las Vegas this year.
32:50That has motivated Bayley all year long.
32:53A heartbreak she won't soon forget if ever.
32:59And Bayley and Asuka exchanging blows.
33:06Big heavy forearms and a back fist.
33:10Now Asuka unloading.
33:13Oh man.
33:13What a flurry of offense by Asuka.
33:16And a near fall as Bayley gets the shoulder out.
33:20I don't care who you are.
33:21It's a risky decision to engage in a striking battle with Asuka.
33:24That kick caught her right in the side of the head.
33:25Asuka again into the cover on Bayley.
33:27Who still has enough to kick out.
33:31Been a great performance by Bayley here tonight.
33:36Great interpretive dance performance by Kyrie Sane on the outside of the ring.
33:43And here's Asuka now over a Shining Wizard.
33:46Bayley able to pick her out into a cover and a kick out at two.
33:51And Bayley looking for a back slide.
33:54Asuka counters but Bayley into a Bayley to Bayley.
33:57Cover on Asuka to advance to a title match and a kick out by Asuka at two.
34:07Bayley needs to find a way to keep her foot on the gas pedal.
34:11Tap into whatever she's got left in the tank.
34:13And she's a vet.
34:15She understands Corey.
34:16She can't get frustrated.
34:18Especially against someone as decorated as Asuka.
34:23Dealing with one of the greatest of all time in the Empress of Tomorrow.
34:26Asuka back to her feet.
34:28Bayley looked like she was going to deliver an elbow again.
34:30And she lands hard outside the ring.
34:33And now she's got to be wary of Kyrie Sane.
34:37And look at Asuka drawing the official Sean Bennett.
34:41Masterful teamwork.
34:43Oh!
34:44And Bayley's friend, Lyra Valkyria!
34:49Who is very adamant that Bayley tries to earn an intercontinental title opportunity.
34:56Bayley once again on the middle turnbuckle.
34:59Asuka caught it!
35:00Looking for an Asuka lock!
35:02Bayley trying to fight out of this!
35:04It's in!
35:06Bayley with nowhere to go.
35:07Is she going to tap out?
35:09Lyra Valkyria did what she could to take out Kyrie Sane.
35:13Bayley may not matter.
35:15Bayley rolls through.
35:16Pinning combination!
35:18Asuka able to get the shoulder up.
35:20And Bayley now with a rose plant!
35:24Cover!
35:26Bayley's the number one contender for the intercontinental title!
35:30Here is your winner!
35:34Bayley!
35:35What a gauntlet match!
35:39Absolutely incredible!
35:41Thank goodness for Lyra Valkyria, who came out to help her friend.
35:45And even the odds, and I said it earlier, Corey, Lyra was so instrumental in telling Bayley last week,
35:51take your shot!
35:52Take a chance!
35:53Here's Lyra Valkyria neutralizing Kyrie Sane with a dropkick.
35:58And then back inside the ring, Bayley looking for an elbow drop, picked out of midair.
36:04Caught by Asuka with an Asuka lock.
36:07But the role model able to escape just in time to deliver the rose plant.
36:14Good night, Asuka!
36:15Hello!
36:16Number one contendership!
36:18Next week, on Monday Night Raw, from San Antonio,
36:22Bayley has an opportunity to win the Intercontinental Championship
36:27as he takes on the champion A.J. Lee.
36:31Look at how Asuka was treating Kyrie out there.
Comments