Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (4/30/18)
In the aftermath of the Greatest Royal Rumble, it is The Monster Among Men who stands tall! What new heights will this achievement bring Braun Strowman? Plus, the fallout of the controversial ending to the Universal Championship Steel Cage match, and the WONDERFUL new Raw Tag Team Champions, Bray Wyatt & WOKEN Hardy!
All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Bobby Roode VS Elias; no contest.
- The Authors of Pain VS Jean Paul & Francois; AoP win.
- Sasha Banks VS Ruby Riott w/ The Riott Squad; Ruby wins.
- Six Man Tag: Roman Reigns, Bobby Lashley & Braun Strowman VS Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn & Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh; win.
- Baron Corbin VS No Way Jose; Jose wins.
- Mickie James w/ Alexa Bliss VS Natalya w/ Ronda Rousey; Natalya wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins VS Finn Balor; Rollins wins, retains, and will defend the title against The Miz at Backlash.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw has a highlight reel of the Greatest Royal Rumble event!
Both Raw and SmackDown were represented in star-studded matches, seven of which were for championships. The first-ever 50-man Royal Rumble naturally had star after star and some amazing surprises. Now we move on towards Backlash!
Roman Reigns is in Montreal!
Welcome to Montreal, Quebec, ??, @WWERomanReigns…and welcome all of YOU to Monday Night #RAW! pic.twitter.com/W2sZpt2sm7
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The Big Dog did not defeat The Beast inside a Steel Cage match for the Universal Championship, but there is some controversy behind that. Roman would have Brock Lesnar on the ropes and Spear him through the cage! But Lesnar retained on a referee decision that because Lesnar landed first, he was the winner. The controversy is that Roman’s feet touched first. It was an incorrect decision, but it was the decision that was made. Raw General Manager Kurt Angle agreed it was wrong, but agreed that it was a split-second situation. Therefore, Lesnar remains the WWE Universal Champion.
Roman hears the boos and jeers, then speaks. “I’m not gonna make any excuses, because there’s no need to.” Everyone’s seen the footage and the Tweets, Roman is the real Universal Champion. Fans don’t seem to agree, as they chant “Roman Sucks!” But Roman feels he should be the champion, even though he isn’t yet. Fans may doubt him, but Roman keeps his word: “I beat Brock Lesnar in that Steel Cage.” That is why he’ll never lose faith in himself. He’d say that to Lesnar personally, but Lesnar isn’t here. So Roman turns his attention to his opponent at Backlash. Speaking of, Samoa Joe speaks via Titantron!
"This Sunday #WWEBacklash, I put your downward-spiraling career to SLEEP!" – @SamoaJoe delivers a message to @WWERomanReigns! #RAW pic.twitter.com/PLa1eEGRLg
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
The Samoan Destroyer, now of SmackDown, says no one had faith in Roman to begin with! Joe knew Roman would lose and he did. So now this Sunday, Joe will put Roman to sleep! Roman has nothing to say to Joe, but now Jinder Mahal appears to say something to Roman!
It seems @SamoaJoe isn't the only one who has a beef with @WWERomanReigns tonight…#RAW @JinderMahal pic.twitter.com/DaqkD0skYM
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The Modern Day Maharaja can’t stand it when someone makes excuses for their failures. Mahal always has legitimate reasons, not that he’s complaining. Roman lost fair and square to Lesnar, he will lose fair and square to Samoa Joe, and tonight, Roman will lose to Mahal! Mahal will flourish on Raw and eventually be Universal Champion! Tonight starts that when he proves why the Maharaja is better than The Big Dog! But wait, Sami Zayn is here! Fans explode for their hometown hero!
Take a bow, @SamiZayn…
WELCOME HOME! #RAWMontreal #RAW #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/uSDOhizppq
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Sami is so flattered by Montreal’s response. He speaks to them in French while making his way down the ramp. Sami then speaks in English to Mahal and Roman. Those two are whining about losing at The Greatest Royal Rumble, but Sami couldn’t even go because of an injury Bobby Lashley gave him on last week’s Raw. It was a serious case of vertigo, but he’s over it now. In fact, Sami feels so good, he’ll make things right here in his hometown and take on Roman Reigns! Fans love that idea! But now, Kevin Owens appears! And fans explode for their other hometown hero!
Speaking of "WELCOME HOME"…
Here comes @FightOwensFight! #RAW #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/4MzUwxGinU
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The Prizefighter also speaks French on his way down to the ring, and fans reply “Oui! Oui!” Kevin says Sami, with all due respect, that while Sami can beat Roman, Kevin wants to have a match with Roman. But wait, three guys want to beat up Roman Reigns… Idea! It’ll be a coin flip. No wait coins have two sides. Then a popularity contest! Roman VS Sami? Good reaction. Roman VS Mahal? Bad reaction. Then how about Roman VS Kevin?!
Does the @WWEUniverse in Montreal want to see @FightOwensFight take on @WWERomanReigns TONIGHT?#OuiOuiOuiOui #RAW #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/riPWfDFx8U
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Best reaction! “Sorry, boys.” Roman uppercuts Kevin and now it’s a brawl! Roman is alone in a 4v1 beat down! Bobby Lashley rushes the ring, and fights off Mahal and Sami. He is also outnumbered, though, but here comes BRAUN!!
EQUALIZER SPOTTED!@BraunStrowman is on his way to aid @fightbobby & @WWERomanReigns in the FIGHT against @JinderMahal @SamiZayn & @FightOwensFight…and Sunil @SinghBrosWWE! #RAW pic.twitter.com/4zE9WR6kqt
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The Monster Among Men hits the ring and throws down the hometown “heroes”. He also clubs down Mahal, and Lashley helps fight off some. Strowman explodes out and Roman recovers, they and Lashley clear the ring. But Sunil Singh is last, for Strowman to throw at the others! Strowman, Lashley and Roman stand tall to start Montreal Raw. Will there be a match or two coming out of this for later tonight?
A scene of destruction…#RAW #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/cOsuYppOMU
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
“Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.”
One question for everybody in Montreal…
WHO WANTS TO WALK WITH @IAmEliasWWE?! #RAW pic.twitter.com/NYHpAxT3wf
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The Drifter is in Montreal, “consider yourselves blessed.” He has one question: “Who Wants to Walk with Elias?!” Montreal does. The world already knows, WWE means “Walk With Elias!” Who here saw the Greatest Royal Rumble. All the favorites were there, from New Day to Randy Orton to Kurt Angle. Elias eliminated them all. He’s reaching a new level of fame no one can comprehend. Certainly not Bobby Roode. Elias has a song so he asks the fans silence phones, hold applause–which fans don’t–and shut mouths! He plays, fans clap along. Roode thinks he’s Glorious, but he’s not. It’s gonna take a lot to impress the best thing going on Monday Night Raw. Roode’s as pathetic as the people of Montreal. But then Roode makes his entrance!
Bobby Roode VS Elias!
While Elias won last week, that was just one match. Can the GLORIOUS One even the score at one apiece?
#RAW. JUST. GOT. GLORIOUS!@REALBobbyRoode has heard enough from @IAmEliasWWE… pic.twitter.com/sALlpZvjcQ
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Raw returns to this match in progress as Elias has Roode in a headlock. Roode reverses out to a wrench and then hammerlock to headlock. Elias powers Roode to the corner and hits him with stiff forearms. Roode manage to block and counter with chops, then whips Elias corner to corner. Elias reverses but Roode fires out with a clothesline! Roode gives Elias an atomic drop and dropkick, “That’s why I’m Glorious!” Roode puts Elias in a corner and chops him more. Another corner to corner whip reversed but Roode boots Elias away to hit the GLORIOUS Blockbuster! Cover, TWO, and Elias slips out of the ring. Roode goes over and gives Elias more chops. Elias chops back but Roode knees low.
Roode puts Elias back in the ring, but Elias goes to leave again. Roode walks over but Elias gives him a hotshot! Elias runs Roode over with a clothesline, then stomps on him. Elias puts Roode in a chinlock, and fans rally for Roode while we go picture in picture. Roode stands up but Elias wrangles him back down to the mat. Elias squeezes while Roode feeds of the fans’ energy again. Roode stands up and fights back but Elias still brings him down to the mat. Roode keeps fighting, using elbows to break free. He throws haymakers and chops to back Elias, then whips. Elias kicks Roode away, then stomps on him more. Elias scoops and tosses Roode!
He's much more than just the songbird of his generation.#RAW @IAmEliasWWE pic.twitter.com/5ImkV1dTvq
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Roode gets to a corner, but Elias goes over to him. Roode kicks but Elias chops. Elias whips but Roode reverses. Elias goes up and over, Roode catches him, but Elias still kicks him away. Cover, TWO. The Drifter is in control while we go to break.
Raw returns again, and Elias wrangles Roode down with another chinlock. Roode stands up and runs to a corner, driving Elias’ face into buckles. Elias holds on, so Roode does it again. Elias still holds on, so Roode backs him into a corner. Roode is free again, but runs into Elias’ elbow. Elias stalks Roode into a corner and chops him. He whips Roode corner to corner but Roode reverses. Roode sees the kick coming this time, and now he rallies with clotheslines. He hits one in the corner but Elias denies the neckbreaker. Roode boots Elias away, hopes up but Elias ducks under. Elias runs into the Glorious SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Roode keeps his focus and goes to a corner.
Fans fire up as he climbs, but Elias is there to stop him with a chop. Elias climbs up now, but Roode fights back. Roode sends Elias down with haymakers and a headbutt, then hits the flying clothesline! Roode winds it up… GLORIOUS Pose! He kicks, but Elias pushes him away. Elias gets to the ropes then elbows Roode again, roll up, but Roode rolls it back! TWO! Elias kicks and throws Roode to the apron, but Roode shoulders back in. Roode gets rocked by Elias’ right hand, then Elias throws him into the turnbuckle’s crossbar throat first!
Clearly, @IAmEliasWWE doesn't want @REALBobbyRoode to be able to sing any time soon… #RAW pic.twitter.com/HfAYTteTBi
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Roode goes down, gasping for air. The referee checks on Roode, he calls for medical help. Roode says he can’t breathe, but Elias doesn’t care. Elias slips out of the ring to fetch a mic: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, Elias!” Well, no, the referee has said no such thing. But with Roode gasping for air, this match will not finish.
No Contest
Can the Glorious One recover from such a devastating blow? Will Elias move on and up to bigger and better things?
It seems @IAmEliasWWE just declared himself the winner over @REALBobbyRoode as officials tend to @REALBobbyRoode… #RAW pic.twitter.com/93DHj2Fj2T
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
The Authors of Pain VS Jean Paul & Francois!
?☠️?☠️?☠️?☠️?☠️#AOP has arrived. #RAW @Akam_WWE @Rezar_WWE pic.twitter.com/TDc466sNRC
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Akam & Rezar have struck out on their own, leaving Paul Ellering home in NXT. Even so, they still destroy opponents as always. Yet, this pair of local Montreal wrestlers think they can win. They are proud French Canadians who never back down from a challenge. Montreal is excited for their local boys, but will it all come to a tragic end?
Good luck to Quebec's own, Jean-Paul & Francois! #RAW pic.twitter.com/wgSZ3IFPwW
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
The bell rings and Rezar starts against Francois, and immediately boots him down! Rezar throws Francois to Jean Paul, who tags in. Jean Paul dodges Rezar but that jab, it does nothing! But Rezar’s lariat, it hurts Jean Paul. Rezar tags in Akam, then fetches Francois, for the Super Collider! But it doesn’t end there. Rezar tags back in, and they take Jean Paul for the Last Chapter! Cover, AoP win!
Winners: The Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar), Rezar pinning
It doesn’t matter if you have hometown advantage, the story is the same: AoP dominates. Now Akam & Rezar speak. “The Book of Pain remains open!” And there will be a chapter for every single team on Monday Night Raw. These two are #CenteredOnDestruction, who will be destroyed in the next chapter?
In case there was any doubt, The #AuthorsOfPain are CENTERED ON DESTRUCTION. #RAW pic.twitter.com/DO4mUFwvt4
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Seth Rollins is in Montreal!
Give it up for YOUR #ICChampion @WWERollins!
?????????????? #RAW pic.twitter.com/CNnLoMHSEQ
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
And he’s still the WWE Intercontinental Champion, even after a grueling Fatal 4 Way Ladder Match during the Greatest Royal Rumble event. However, this Sunday at Backlash, The Miz still has his rematch clause to use, and he looks to make history should he take that title back. But Rollins loves how wild Montreal is tonight! And the last month of his career has been wild. Wrestlemania saw Rollins become the Intercontinental Champion for the first time, in a triple threat. Saudi Arabia saw him retain the title in a fatal 4. And now he’s here live with “you maniacs” in Montreal! Fans chant “Burn It Down!” for the Architect, then shift to singing “Rollins~ Rollins Rollins Rollins~! Rollins~, Rollins~!” Then they move to “You Deserve It!” And Rollins soaks it all in.
Rollins does speak again, thanking them in French. The fans make it all worth it, he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. But with all that time to reflect on the trip back from Arabia, Rollins thought on what kind of champion he wants to be, and not want to be. Rollins does NOT want to be Lesnar. Because Lesnar isn’t the real champion, we all saw Roman touch his feet first. Rollins doesn’t want to be a part-timer who fights when the price is right. He wants to be a fighting champion. Rollins wants to be out here every Monday! Before Rollins can continue, Finn Balor appears!
"You're out here talking about being a fighting champion. Well, how about you show everyone that you're a fighting champion by putting that title on the line versus me RIGHT HERE TONIGHT?!" – @FinnBalor to @WWERollins #RAW pic.twitter.com/Jh40jFn3YH
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Finn uses French to introduce himself. And Seth’s right, that flight was a long one. Finn also reflected on that Ladder Match, and just how close he was to being Intercontinental Champion. But he will congratulate Rollins on winning, by mere inches. They themselves had have four singles matches, and they’re 2-2. And Rollins said he wants to be a fighting champion? Then show us by putting the title up on the line, right here in Montreal! Fans say “Oui! Oui!” to that. Rollins says The Miz waits at Backlash, but… What does Montreal want? Rollins VS Balor for the IC Title tonight?! “OUI! OUI!” Then it’s happening! But wait, The Miz is here? He’s on SmackDown now, so it’s just The Miztourage instead.
It seems The #Miztourage might have some unfinished business with @WWERollins and @FinnBalor…#RAW @RealCurtisAxel @TheBoDallas pic.twitter.com/l9KTvkyP8K
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Curt Axel says not to care about what fans want. They need to worry about what’s best for themselves. Don’t fight each other, fight together! All of them should fight together, in fact. Bo and Axel join Rollins and Finn in the ring. They’re going to have a group conversation! They’ve made shirts with all four of them on it? Okay, it’s a bit sloppy, and it’s obvious what they’re thinking. Forget Balor Club, forget Shield, think about this: all four of them… as the NEW Four Horsemen!
.@WWEShop #RAW pic.twitter.com/vXwnzGhYVi
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Yeah? Yeah? Umm… Finn and Rollins huddle up, but they’re thinking what the fans are thinking. “That’s gonna be a hard ‘no’, guys.” Bo wants Axel to keep his chin up. They don’t need Finn and Rollins, it’s their loss. But then they swing on Finn and Rollins! Only to get a SUPERKICK, and a Slingblade! Rollins clotheslines Axel out, but Finn gets him with the elbow drop DDT!
A little message from @FinnBalor to the #ICChampion @WWERollins… #RAW pic.twitter.com/19DsTqwuxP
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
And he has a grin on his face the entire time. Rollins agreed to their match and shook his hand, but Finn wants Rollins to remember to keep his eyes on the prize. Will the Extraordinary Man add the Intercontinental Championship to Balor Club? Or will Rollins #BurnItDown to continue on to Backlash?
Sasha Banks VS Ruby Riott w/ The Riott Squad!
Let's start a riott.#RAW @RubyRiottWWE @YaOnlyLivvOnce @sarahloganwwe pic.twitter.com/8r3ozW751h
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Ruby and her Squad attacked both The Legit Boss and the Huggable Bayley the moment they came over to Raw during the Superstar Shake-Up. Now Sasha wants 1v1 revenge, but how will that go when Ruby always has Liv and Sarah by her side?
Quick interview with Sasha Banks.
Did Sasha at least attempt to patch things up with Bayley? No, because she hasn’t even heard a single word from her. The Squad is taking over and Bayley seems okay with that. Sasha isn’t. This Women’s Division runs on Boss Time, so if Ruby wants a fight, bank on it that Sasha will give it.
BOSS. TIME. ?#RAW @SashaBanksWWE pic.twitter.com/IU3EyQqDkz
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The bell rings and Sasha circles with Ruby. They tie up, spin around, and Ruby puts Sasha in a corner. Ruby breaks and backs off. She and Sasha circle again, Sasha gets the arm wrench and wrist control. Ruby throws Sasha down by her hair, but Sasha stands back up to arm-drag Ruby away. Sasha dares Ruby to come back for more, and she goes to hip toss. Ruby reverses but Sasha reverses back. Sasha whips but Ruby rolls her up, TWO, so Ruby runs her over with a shoulder. Ruby taunts Sasha and she runs the ropes, but Sasha gets her with a stiff overhand chop! Sasha gets wrist control back and goes acrobatic to arm-drag Ruby down! They keep moving, another arm-drag and Sasha has Ruby in an armlock.
Ruby endures while Bayley watches backstage. Fans rally and Ruby stands up to pull Sasha’s hair. The referee counts and Ruby lets go, but then kicks Sasha right in the face. The Squad enjoy what their leader is doing as she stomps a mudhole into Sasha. Ruby bumps Sasha off buckles, then rams in her shoulder. Ruby backs off but comes back with a forearm, then stalks Sasha at the ropes. She gives Sasha forearms then whips but Sasha dodges to Thesz Press and throw hands! Sasha puts Ruby in a corner again, then climbs up to grind her foot into Ruby’s face. She snapmares Ruby into a half-straitjacket, then completes it.
The Squad coach Ruby as she stands up and fights out. Ruby runs, but into the hip toss. Sasha runs, meteora knees! TWO, but she’s on Ruby again with the armlock. Ruby fights up and out again, then dumps Sasha to the apron. She knocks Sasha down with a forearm, where Liv and Sarah wait. Sasha dodges Sarah and hits back, so Liv stays back. Sasha dodges Ruby’s wrecking ball to give a baseball slide in return! The Boss is in control while we go to break.
Raw returns to Ruby bending Sasha in a seated abdominal stretch. Sasha endures while fans rally. She arm-drags out of the hold but Ruby dropkicks her into buckles! Ruby keeps on Sasha with an STO and cover, TWO. Ruby keeps her cool while her Squad protests. She grinds Sasha’s face into the mat then bounces her face off it. Sasha fights back with body shots but Ruby clubs her down. Ruby kicks Sasha while she’s down, then wraps Sasha into a chinlock. Sasha endures the squeeze while fans rally again. Sasha stands up and fights back, but Ruby knees her low and whips her to a corner. She goes up and over to O’Conner roll, TWO but Sasha uses the momentum to hop up and fly for a crossbody! Cover, TWO!
Ssaha gets to a corner and elbows Ruby away. She boots Ruby then rallies with clotheslines. SHe dropkicks Ruby down, Ruby staggers up, Sasha counters the kick with a knee! Ruby staggers into a corner and Ssaha gives double knees. Ruby dodges the second set and throws Sasha down for a SUPERKICK. She then climbs up, stage dive senton!
CANNONBALL!!!#RAW @RubyRiottWWE pic.twitter.com/97SfGfr6Sh
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Cover, TWO! And no one can believe it. Ruby tries another cover, TWO, and the frustration grows. She argues with the ref, but goes back to Sasha. She drags Sasha up, but Sasha counters the arm wrench with the backstabber! Sasha flips Ruby over for the crossface, but Sarah distracts! Liv gets in and saves Ruby, Sasha doesn’t’ know who to go after first. The referee reprimands the Squad but Ruby hotshots Sarah. Sarah still knees back and Ruby sits down. Swinging meteora! And then for Liv, FLYING meteora off the apron! The Boss returns to the ring and climbs up but Sarah gets up. Sasha kicks her away, but Ruby catches Sasha with a right. Ruby hits a Riott Kick, covers, Ruby wins!
Winner: Ruby, by pinfall
The numbers game is TOO MUCH for @SashaBanksWWE as @RubyRiottWWE picks up the victory on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/qmtwo8nDkd
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The Squad helps their leader win, showing the power of numbers. Assists aside, will this big win bring Ruby up the ranks towards the Raw Women’s Championship?
Alexa Bliss gives another PSA.
“You never know when a bully will strike.” The Goddess shares another story of when she was bullied by Nia Jax. They were in Disney World, and Nia kept making fun of Alexa’s short stature. Nia joked if Alexa was tall enough to even ride the teacups. Then she said Alexa should have the kids’ menu at the restaurant. Alexa remembers Nia, turkey leg in each hand, laughing and laughing. “Nia turned the Happiest Place on Earth into the saddest day ever.” But at Backlash, Alexa says she’ll win back the Raw Women’s Championship. This match will be for everyone who has ever had a Nia in their life. Alexa won’t let bullies win. Twisting the truth aside, will the Goddess of Raw become the champion once again this Sunday?
"At #WWEBacklash, no matter what nasty tricks @NiaJaxWWE may have up her sleeve…I will win BACK my #RAW #WomensChampionship!" – @AlexaBliss_WWE pic.twitter.com/gcLuXmAhon
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Backstage interview with Titus O’Neil.
The Gator knows what moment everyone was talking about after the Greatest Royal Rumble. He entered for the Rumble match itself, but tripped and fell all the way under the ring. Titus “stole the show” and “broke the internet”, and he knows he fell flat on his face in front of the entire world. The idea is that you get back up, so perhaps this situation will inspire others. However, Baron Corbin walks over to ask what would’ve been more inspirational? If he hadn’t fallen at all. Corbin doesn’t know why Renee is wasting time interviewing Titus. Will Titus make Corbin regret wasting his time?
The #LoneWolf @BaronCorbinWWE doesn't know why @ReneeYoungWWE is "wasting time" talking to @TitusONeilWWE… #RAW pic.twitter.com/pGkU8LX0Nb
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
WOKEN Hardy speaks.
He loves reading his favorite stories of himself. The vessels of Hardy and Wyatt have transcended time and space~! They were at the very beginning of time, and in history’s greatest triumphs. But nothing compares to their most recent victory. Bray Wyatt appears now. “We are darkness and light.” And this yin-yang will consume everything in its path. “Behold, the Deleters of Worlds! RUN.” Will the WONDERFUL~ new Raw Tag Team Champions leave the rest of the Tag Team Division DELETED?
Behold…the DELETERS of WORLDS!#RAW @WWEBrayWyatt @MATTHARDYBRAND pic.twitter.com/tQZVVjbQn9
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Six Man Tag: Roman Reigns, Bobby Lashley & Braun Strowman VS Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn & Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh!
The #ModernDayMaharaja @JinderMahal has arrived…#RAW ?? pic.twitter.com/wzeNlJVA6c
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Montreal's own…#RAW @SamiZayn @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/PTGTwXEoCl
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The hometown “heroes” and the Maharaja went after the Big Dog all at once, but the Dominater and the Monster Among Men came to his rescue. Now that the numbers are even, will Mahal and the #YEPMovement regret coming home?
His name is @BraunStrowman, and he is the WINNER of the first-ever 50-MAN Greatest Royal Rumble Match! #RAW #MonsterAmongMen pic.twitter.com/A5aGmk6P5J
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Are @SamiZayn @FightOwensFight & @JinderMahal up for a FIGHT?#RAW @fightbobby pic.twitter.com/AeKKrikv2e
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Enter: THE BIG DOG.#RAW @WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/FzI8tYhGAY
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The teams sort out and it will be Mahal starting for his team. Roman convinces Strowman and Lashley he’ll start, and the bell rings. Sami decides he wants to start, so Mahal tags him in. Montreal is of course behind Sami, but then Sami tags out to Kevin. The fans are still cheering, but then Kevin tags to Sami. Roman rocks Sami with uppercuts and right hands. Sami hits back but Roman throws him out. Roman pursues, but Sami kicks back, only for Roman to put Sami into the barriers. Kevin runs over but gets rocked, then they both get the Drive-By Dropkick! Roman is in control while we go to break.
Raw returns and Roman is still in contorl, until Sami opwers him to his corner. Mahal tags in and throws hands on the Big Dog. He then whips Roman but Roman reverses and runs Mahal over with an elbow. Roman brings Mahal over and tags in Lashley. Lashley throws hands on Mahal, then whips him to ropes for a back elbow of his own. Lashley rallies with lariats and a scoop slam, then brings Mahal up for the facelock. Mahal senses the suplex coming, so he fights out and runs, only for Lashley to jump over and knock him down. Lashley lifts Mahal in a fireman’s carry but Mahla fights out. Mahal pushes Lashley in a corner, Sami tags in and stomps away on the man who supposedly gave him a fit of vertigo.
Kevin gets a cheap shot in, too, but it’s Sami who tries to give Lashley a taste of his own medicine. Lashley reverses that into a neckbreaker, then hits a corner to corner clothesline. Lashley keeps moving for the shoulder tackle, then lifts Sami in the stalling suplex. Kevin runs in and kicks Lashley’s ribs! Roman protests but Sami tags to Kevin. Kevin goes after Lashley with furious fists and stomps and the fans go wild! He brings Lashley up and tags in Mahal to mug Lashley in the Canadian corner. Mahal tags Kevin and they keep Lashley isolated. Kevin snapmares Lashley and kicks him in the back before putting on a chinlock. Fans are fired up as he grinds Lashley into the mat. We go picture in picture while Lashley endures.
Kevin squeezes Lashley’s head, but Lashley manages to sit up. Lashley stands as we return to single picture. He fights back but Kevin kicks out his legs, then hits the back senton. Cover, TWO, but Kevin keeps on Lashley with a rain of rights. Kevin drives his knee in then wraps Lashley back into the chinlock. Roman and Strowman reach while Lashley crawls his way over, but Kevin wrangles him away. Fans rally but Lashley starts to fade. Lashley gets a second wind and gets up. He fights out but Kevin knees low. Kevin whips but Lashley kicks him away, to then hit a complete shot! Both men are down but crawling for their corners. Fans rally as hot tags to Sami and Roman! Roman rallies on Sami, then whips but Sami reverses. Roman still blasts out for the clothesline, and gives a shot to Mahal.
Sami gets to a corner, Roman gives him the close-range clotheslines. He then runs, to boot Sami down! Fans are a loud mix while Roman locks and loads. Roman has to hit Sunil Singh first, then throw him back out. Sami tags in Kevin and gets an uppercut, but Kevin DDT’s Roman! Cover, TWO! Kevin is furious while we go to break.
Raw returns again, and Sami has Roman in a chinlock. Fans sing for Sami but Roman works his way up to his feet. Roman works to power Sami back but Sami gives him a forearm. Roman rocks Sami with uppercut after uppercut, then walks to his corner. Sami grabs a leg and drags Roman back, Kevin tags in. Kevin clubs Roman down to the mat, then hops up for a Vader Bomb elbow!
Picture-perfect execution on this one by @FightOwensFight… #RAW #6ManTag pic.twitter.com/vZFi0ZLe0w
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Cover, TWO, and Kevin is furious all over again. Kevin rains rights down on Roman, then tags Sami back in. Sami gives rights of his own to Roman, then covers, TWO, so Sami keeps on Roman with the chinlock. Roman fights to his feet again, and gives Sami a back suplex! Both men are down and crawling towards their corners, and fans rally as Kevin gets the hot tag.
Kevin puts Roman in the corner but Roman fights out. Roman hits everyone and boots Kevin away, but Kevin whips Roman, SUPERMAN PUNCH! Mahal tags in and rocks Lashley to then taunt Strowman. Samoan Drop from Roman! Hot tag to Strowman! The Monster clobbers Mahal, then goes out to steamroll Kevin a la Greatst Royal Rumble! Strowman does the same to Sami, then again to Mahal, then again to Sami! Kevin dodges this time, but not th enext time! Strowman returns to the ring, but Mahal dodges him in the corner thanks to Sunil. Strowman hits the post, Sami runs in, but into Lashley! Mahal boots Lashley, then tags to Kevin! Kevin and Mahal work together but Roman SPEARS Mahal outta nowhere! SUPERKICK to Roman, SUPERKICK to Strowman! Kevin runs but is caught, into the MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, Strowman and team win!
Winners: Strowman, Roman & Lashley, Strowman pinning
Call it a win on the road for @BraunStrowman @WWERomanReigns & @fightbobby! #RAW pic.twitter.com/Vnb8PRtsmr
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
The homecoming for Kevin & Sami doesn’t go their way, while the Monster Among Men continues on his incredible roll. Will Strowman make his way up towards a title match of his own in the near future?
Baron Corbin VS No Way Jose!
The Lone Wolf didn’t want to fight the Fighting Fiesta last week, he just wanted to ruin the fun. Will he continue to have fun ruining Jose’s fun? Or will Jose say No Way to that with a win?
"A wise man once said, to make money, you can't be funny." @BaronCorbinWWE is out to make a fool of @WWENoWayJose on #RAW… pic.twitter.com/s3oDh4FcCy
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
Corbin first speaks, saying, “To make money, you can’t be funny.” Fans can jeer all they want, he still gets paid. He can’t stand the superstars who just want to make the fans laugh. Titus tripped and fell while Jose has a conga line. “This nonsense makes me want to puke.” Corbin is here to win titles and make money. He makes money punching people in the mouth, and that’s why no one is on his level. Corbin will end the nonsense, and promises that “no one will be laughing.”
??????????
PARTY TIME on #RAW! @WWENoWayJose pic.twitter.com/xtGCAGP8eU
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Jose makes his entrance and his conga line stands ringside as the match begins. Corbin lunges but Jose dodges. Jose throws hands but Corbin whips him to a corner. Jose dodges again but Corbin slides out then in to clobber Jose! Corbin mocks the fans then stomps Jose. Corbin drags Jose up but Jose hits back with body shots. Jose dumps Corbin out of the ring, then boots Corbin on his return. Corbin puts Jose on the apron but Jose hits back. Jose climbs up, but misses that double ax handle! Corbin rams Jose into the post, but Titus O’Neil appears! He has Apollo and Dana with him, and their Worldwide~ entrance prepares the runway. Titus comes down, but they keep him from sliding again. Corbin watches Titus but Titus slips on the apron!
OOPS, HE DID IT AGAIN!#RAW @TitusONeilWWE pic.twitter.com/44AceU5McQ
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Corbin laughs at the fool, but Jose rolls him up! Jose wins!!
Winner: Jose, by pinfall
And the party rolls on with Titus Worldwide joining in! That slip was all a feint, the joke is on Corbin. Corbin glares as the conga line heads out, who will have the last laugh?
Mickie James w/ Alexa Bliss VS Natalya w/ Ronda Rousey!
Is @MickieJames confident heading into her first match against @NatbyNature in nearly nine years? We're about to find out! #RAW pic.twitter.com/tmbSg7FyTT
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
The Queen of Harts found herself the target of the vindictive veteran in #KickieJames, but it was the Baddest Woman on the Planet that made her pay for it. Now Natty has a chance at revenge herself, can she get back at Mickie for last week?
.@RondaRousey + @NatbyNature = Dream Team? #RAW pic.twitter.com/VJrrx0ibeU
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The bell rings and Mickie circles with Natty. Natty gets the arm wrench but Mickie gets away tot he outside. The referee counts while Natty waits in the ring. Mickie returns and circles with Natty again, but Natty clubs Mickie and wrenches that arm. Natty snapmares and walks all over Mickie to then dropkick Mickie down. Cover, TWO, but Natty stalks Mickie to a corner. Mickie puts Natty into buckles, then throws her down to the mat. Mickie kicks Natty again, then covers, TWO. She puts Natty in the bodyscissors and squeezes. Alexa likes what she sees as Natty endures, but Natty turns around. She and Mickie brawl, but Mickie puts on the guillotine headlock. Ronda couches Natty and Natty scoops Mickie, but Mickie turns that to a crossbody. TWO, but Mickie keeps on Natty in a corner.
Natty elbows Mickie away, then ducks to discus clothesline Mickie down. Natty gets the takedown, and the legs, but Alexa distracts. Mickie kicks the bad leg out! Ronda glares at the Goddess, and Alexa decides to run! They go around and around the ring, Natty rolls Mickie up! Natty wins!
Winner: Natty wins, by pinfall
Ronda enters the ring to check on Natty, that knee is still bugging her. The Queen of Harts still won, will she be able to reach the title? Speaking of the title, Nia Jax appears! The champion chases off The Goddess tonight, but there won’t be running at Backlash. For now, Nia enters the ring and eyes the Rowdy Ronda. They’re not enemies tonight, she helps Natty celebrate along with Ronda. Will the Irresistible Force retain her title this Sunday?
A little congratulations are in order for @NatbyNature on the win by @RondaRousey and the #RAW #WomensChampion @NiaJaxWWE! pic.twitter.com/pnwuNP4a8t
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre speak.
When they speak, you feel it. It’s real, like them. Other superstars are just “happy to be here”, but these two know they deserve to be here. They’ll show everyone why. If they were everyone else on Raw, they’d be afraid. The Show-Off and the Stud aren’t here to steal the show, they’re going to take it.
"We didn't come to #RAW to steal the show. Nah, we're just going to take it."@HEELZiggler @DMcIntyreWWE pic.twitter.com/IMMPyYryYW
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2018
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins VS Finn Balor!
Is @FinnBalor on his way to earning #ICTitle gold? #RAW pic.twitter.com/tUWN07WSey
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
As the Extraordinary Man said, he and the Architect are tied at 2-2 in 1v1 competition. This title match will be their tiebreaker, but whoever wins will have to turn around and defend the title at Backlash! Who will the A-Lister meet this Sunday as he attempts to make history for himself?
It is MAIN EVENT TIME on Monday Night #RAW…or should we say #MondayNightRollins?@WWERollins @FinnBalor pic.twitter.com/jDMm7nwKny
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
The bell rings and they circle. They tie up and spin around until Rollins puts Finn in a corner. He gives Finn a little shove as they break, letting Finn know he remembers that sneak attack earlier. They tie up again and Finn gets around Rollins but Rollins reverses to a headlock. Finn powers out and things speed up, Finn arm-drags Rollins but Rollins springs up to whip Finn. Things speed up again and Rollins runs Finn over with a back elbow. Rollins throws Finn out then slingshots over! He wipes Finn out, then we go to break.
Raw returns once more, with Rollins holding Finn down in a chinlock. Finn endures and stands up. He goes to fight back but Rollins intercepts with a knee. Rollins chops, so Finn chops back. Rollins gives a chop, Finn gives a chop, so Rollins kicks and whips Finn. Finn boots back, then runs out to rally with forearms. Finn whips but Rollins reverses, only for Finn to hit another forearm! Fans fire up, and Finn chops Rollins in the corner. Finn whips but Rollins reverses and reverses direction. Finn hops up and over but runs into a boot. Rollins hops up and blocks Finn’s swing kick, to then hit the blockbuster! Fans fire up again while Rollins takes aim. He runs in for the forearm smash, then the buckle smash! He aims at the dazed Finn, and springboards for the clothesline!
Finn rolls out of the ring while fans fire up more. Rollins builds speed, and DIVES on Finn! He keeps moving, for another- Swing kick! Finn gets back up on the apron and drags himself up to his feet. Fans declare “This is Awesome!” while Finn throws forearms and body shots. Rollins ducks, swings out, but has to swing again, still ends up in a DDT from Finn!
May @FinnBalor have this dance?@WWERollins just got PLANTED on #RAW! #ICTitle pic.twitter.com/gErtbxZlh2
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Cover, TWO! Finn keeps focus while he gets to his feet. He takes aim from a corner while Rollins slowly stands. Rollins counters the slingblade but still gets a dropkick, then the elbow drop DDT. Cover, TWO! Finn grows a bit frustrated, but keeps his focus while catching his breath. Rollins stirs but Finn is on him with chops. Finn stalks and trash talks Rollins, then chops again. He whips Rollins corner to corner, but Rollins comes out with a slingblade!
Rollins wrings Finn out for Revolution Knee! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up again with Rollins, and he stomps the mat. “Burn It Down! Burn It Down!” Mule kick, then the run, but into a forearm from Finn! Finn puts Rollins on the apron, but Rollins springboards back in. Finn evades and hits the takedown to double stomps! He doesn’t make the cover, he stands up. Finn evades and swing kicks Rollins down! Rollins is in the drop zone while Finn climbs up, but Rollins revives to shove Finn backwards! Rollins then climbs up to join Finn, and fans fire up. Finn fights back and shoves Rollins down, but Rollins returns for the SUPERPLEX, roll through to– No wait, Falcon Arrow from Finn! Cover, TWO!! Fans give a standing ovation for this amazing main event.
Both men stand up while fans chant “This is Awesome!” Rollins gives a forearm, so Finn gives a forearm. Finn fires off, but Rollins swings, dragon sleeper to- No, Rollins knees that away, but Finn PELE! Rollins PELE in return! Finn still clotheslines Rollins out of the ring. But he’s not done there, Finn builds speed and FLIES!
FLY, FINN, FLY!!!#RAW #ICTitle @FinnBalor pic.twitter.com/DoXMV4IikS
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
Finn hurries to put Rollins in the ring, then takes aim from a corner, blasting dropkick! Rollins goes down and Finn climbs up again. Finn takes aim, COU DE- No, Rollins evades, then mule kicks, but Finn evade the stomp. Roll up, TWO, Finn avoids the stomp again, another roll up, TWO!! SLINGBLADE! Finn’s feeling it as he– runs into a SUPERKICK! Both men are down but not for long. Rollins has Finn, CUR STOMP!! Cover, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Rollins, by pinfall; still Intercontinental Champion
It is #MondayNightRollins indeed with this incredible victory! The Architect retains the title tonight, but can he and Raw retain it against the A-Lister of SmackDown?
That concludes this episode of #MondayNightRollins.#RAW @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/aa1GPGqGOq
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2018
My Thoughts:
For the first ever Raw After Greatest Royal Rumble, this was a really good show. The events of GRR are treated as canon, but not really that touched upon. There was no overruling or debate over the cage match ending, Lesnar is the champ without question. If it’s true the “Roman Experiment” is taking some time off, then perhaps that’s why they put him up against literally all three hometown superstars to get him booed more than usual. Luckily they teamed him with two guys who are still very popular. I’m personally disappointed Strowman didn’t have the GRR belt. It’s like he can’t be seen holding a belt past 24 hours. And given how he was the one to win the Six Man Tag, he should be the next person to challenge Brock Lesnar and be the one to finally take that belt from Lesnar.
Roode-Elias really upped the intensity with that throat spot. Too bad Extreme Rules isn’t until July, I’d love these two having at least a No DQ match. AoP needs to move up from jobbers already, maybe take on The Revival for throwbacks to NXT. It’s actually great progress for the Sasha-Bayley story that Bayley wasn’t there at all tonight. Taking a slow burn to their true main roster blow-off is the way to go. Meanwhile, Sasha still has a great match with Ruby, and it’s okay that Sasha loses because her story will be with Bayley. Ruby can move towards the title like she did on SmackDown, but in the same way as on SmackDown, she probably won’t win with the current champion being so strong. Maybe if Alexa wins it back and then the Squad somehow goes Face against the Mean Girl Goddess, Ruby can win.
Corbin-Jose looked like filler, but then tying in Titus Worldslide, it was just a proxy to Corbin-Titus. That feud can do a lot for both guys, and can go either way at this point. Assuming Alexa doesn’t win the title back, I imagine we could get a Natty-Ronda VS Alexa-Mickie, to then maybe move to Ronda’s first singles feud with Natty. They’ve been touted as friends, so maybe something turns Natty against Ronda. That IC Championship main event was incredible, and I was honestly surprised The Miztourage didn’t interfere. Their bit before was great, but I just thought they’d want revenge and make sure Miz has a weakened opponent. Instead, it was allowed to finish, and the dodging and countering was so great. Rollins is on his way back to being The Man and is keeping that IC title going strong.
My Score: 8.5/10
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Rockin’ around the Christmas Collision!
The Continental Classic continues on Christmas Collision, with crucial points on the line this close to AEW Worlds End! Who will finally take the lead in Gold League?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford; Kris wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia; Garcia wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos; Briscoe wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!
Claudio Castagnoli: 2-1, 6 points
Will Ospreay: 2-1, 6 points
Ricochet: 2-1, 6 points
Darby Allin: 2-1, 6 points
Brody King: 2-2, 6 points
Komander: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!
Kyle Fletcher: 3-1, 9 points
Kazuchika Okada: 2-1-1, 7 points
Mark Briscoe: 2-2, 6 points
Shelton Benjamin: 2-1, 6 points
Daniel Garcia: 1-1-1, 4 points
The Beast Mortos: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Ian Riccaboni is in the ring.
He has Big Boom AJ & Big Justice with him in the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they’re ready to bring the BOOM~! They’re ready to watch the action tonight, and even the final face-to-face of MJF and Adam Cole. AJ says if MJF is gonna bring the doom, then you know he and Big Justice will bring the BOOM~! But tonight, their guy, Adam Cole will bring the BOOM~ too! And of course we have big Continental Classic action! Daniel Garcia VS Shelton Benjamin in a critical showdown, and while Shelton is tough, Garcia is going to bring the BOOM~! Plus, Mark Briscoe battles The Beast Mortos! The Chicken is their guy, time to bring the BOOM~!
In Gold League, we have Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli, and the Swiss Superman is a DOOM~! Let’s go, Darby, bring that BOOM~! And then a match everyone wants to see, the fireworks rematch of Will Ospreay VS Ricochet! If you’re a fan of high-flying wrestling, this is the right night to be right here in AEW! Ricochet and their guy, Ospreay, will bring the BOOM~! But speaking of, that match is up first! The Aerial Assassin joins AJ & Big Justice in giving a BOOM~, but will Ricochet make sure tonight is #OuttaThisWorld?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet!
Wait, are the fans throwing white streamers or is that… No, yeah, it’s toilet paper! Ospreay laughs at the fans basically calling Ricochet crap. Ricochet throws the toilet paper back! The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans fire up for Ospreay as he and Ricochet circle. The fans also sing, “F HIM UP, OSPREAY, F HIM UP!” Ricochet shrugs that off, he and Ospreay tie up, and then Ricochet rolls. Ospreay shoots in, waistlocks, but Ricochet switches. They go around, Ricochet gator rolls with Ospreay, then floats to a headlock. Ricochet wrenches, hammerlocks then headlocks again. Ospreay powers up and out, Ricochet runs him over, but Ospreay kips up!
The fans cheer and Ospreay smiles as he and Ricochet reset. They tie up, go around, and Ricochet wrenches to a wristlock. Ospreay rolls, wrenches and wristlocks, but Ricochet spins and wrenches to hammerlock. Ospreay reaches back, headlocks and hits a takeover. Ricochet rolls to a cover, TWO! Ospreay holds onto the headlock but Ricochet powers up and out. Ospreay runs Ricochet over, Ricochet bails out, and then Ospreay handsprings to fake Ricochet out! The fans cheer as Ospreay superhero lands out, and Ricochet is annoyed. Ospreay holds ropes open for Ricochet, but Ricochet goes around the way to step in on his own.
The fans boo Ricochet being a bad sport but Ricochet ignores that. Ospreay and Ricochet knuckle lock, then Ricochet kicks low! And CHOPS! Ricochet whips, Ospreay reverses, but Ricochet rolls off Ospreay’s back! Things keep moving, Ospreay avoids the handspring to then duck ‘n’ dodges and RANA! But Ricochet handsprings through! The fans fire up, and Ospreay arm-drags Ricochet down! The fans cheer while Ricochet endures the grind. Ricochet fights up and puts Ospreay on ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet and Ospreay slowly let g o, and Ricochet SLAPS Ospreay! Ospreay CHOPS Ricochet!
Ospreay takes a swing, Ricochet ducks under to roll back and RANA! But now Ospreay handsprings through! Ricochet dodges to waistlock but Ospreay bucks the O’Conner. Ricochet arm-drags Ospreay down, but Ospreay headscissors back! Ricochet pops free but Ospreay arm-drags! Ricochet headscissors, Ospreay pops free, and Ospreay handsprings, but Ricochet catches him! Ricochet then THROWS Ospreay into the Tree of Woe, and Ospreay falls down! The fans boo while Ospreay bails out, but Ricochet FOSBURY FLOPS! The fans boo but Ricochet takes the toilet paper to wipe himself, then he SMOTHERS Ospreay with it!
The fans boo that literally disgusting act of disrespect, but Collision goes picture in picture.
Ricochet taunts the fans, then drags Ospreay up. Ricochet puts Ospreay in, soaks up more heat, then KNEE-BOARD SENTONS! Ricochet swaggers to taunt the fans more, then he goes back to Ospreay. Cover, ONE!! Another cover, TWO! Ricochet taunts the fans more, then goes back for Ospreay. Ricochet stands Ospreay up to CHOP, and Ospreay goes to a corner. Ricochet RAMS into Ospreay, RAMS him again, then snapmares to UPPERCUT in the back! Cover, TWO! Ospreay stays in this but Ricochet drags him into a motorcycle stretch. Ospreay endures while Ricochet digs a knee into the back. Ospreay fights up, fights with elbows, then runs, but into a DROPKICK!
Ospreay is down in a daze but Ricochet has to shake out the stars in his own head. Ricochet covers, ONE! Ospreay then uses that one to flip off Ricochet. Ricochet RAMS Ospreay in the back! Ricochet then clamps on with a chinlock, and he digs his knee into Ospreay’s back. Ospreay endures, even as Ricochet JAMS Ospreay. Collision returns to single picture as the fans rally for Ospreay again. Ospreay fires up, fires hands, but Ricochet RAMS him into a corner. Ricochet runs up, RAMS into Ospreay, then goes to the apron. Ospreay takes a swing but Ricochet dodges and gets around him to GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay runs, handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay goes to the apron, takes aim, and he springboards to PIP PIP CHEERIO! Down goes Ricochet, Ospreay covers, TWO! Ospreay stays focused and the fans rally up. Ospreay drags Ricochet up, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again! Ricochet staggers, Ospreay runs, but Ricochet TIGER WALL KICKS! Forearm, SOBAT, and Ricochet runs, but into a POP-UP, and STYLES- NO, Ricochet sits up, slips free, and he underhooks Ospreay for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives but Ricochet goes up.
Ricochet has to double clutch, the fans let him hear it, but Ricochet still MOONSAULTS! Ricochet lands out as Ospreay moves, and Ospreay runs up, but into an ELBOW! Ricochet handsprings, but into a pop-up, Electric Chair, spin around, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Ospreay is surprised. Ospreay pulls on the elbow pad and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Ospreay aims, but Ricochet bails out! The fans boo but Ospreay storms after Ricochet. They’re both on the apron and Ospreay goes up a corner. Ricochet anchors Ospreay first! Then Ricochet has the Electric Chair Lift!
Ospreay fights free, fights off a nelson, then he KICKS Ricochet! Ospreay runs, but into a pop-up APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans chant “You Still Suck!” but Ricochet adds a SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Ricochet puts Ospreay in, then springboards to 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives, but then Ricochet AX KICKS! Dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, VERTIGO! Cover, TWO!? Ospreay survives and Ricochet is shocked! Ricochet snarls and he aims from a corner. The fans rally for Ospreay but Ricochet loads up. SPIRIT- NO, Ospreay ducks under! Ospreay gets up, Ricochet blocks a kick!
Ricochet V-TRIGGERS, then he reels Ospreay in! But Ospreay fights out of the bomb, but then Ricochet returns the favor! Ricochet suplexes, into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Ospreay springboards for the OSC- CUTTER FROM RICOCHET!! Ricochet hurries to get Ospreay up, powerbomb into fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! SPIRIT- HIDDEN BLADE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Ospreay and Ricochet both slowly sit up and the fans rally as hard as ever. Ricochet and Ospreay stare down, talk a bit of trash, then stand up. Ospreay draws a line in the sand and dares Ricochet to step up.
Ricochet steps right up, they stand toe to toe, literally! They start firing forearms! The fans cheer Ospreay, boo Ricochet, and Ricochet wobbles! But then Ricochet comes back with forearm after forearm! Ospreay wobbles, but he grins as he rises and roars! Ospreay fires a flurry on Ricochet, then ROCKS him! Ricochet flops over, Ospreay hauls him up! But Ricochet grabs at the ref! Ospreay kicks Ricochet’s arm away, but then Ricochet RAMS Ospreay into the ref! The fans boo but then Ricochet hurries to HOOK KICK! And VERTI- NO, Ospreay slips free to underhook! STORM BREAKER! Cover, but the ref is down!
The fans count, Ospreay would’ve won twice over! Ospreay calls to the ref, the ref sputters around, and Ospreay goes up. But then Ricochet kicks the ref into ropes! Ospreay gets tripped up and the fans boo more! Ospreay is confused as to what happened, but SPIRIT GUN hits the mark!! Cover, RICOCHET WINS!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Ospreay earns 0)
The One & Only got away with murder, but there’s nothing that can be done now! Ricochet has NINE points, will he be headed to Worlds End?
Adam Cole heads to the ring!
The fans cheer as the Panama City Playboy returns to the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they join in for the “BOOM~!” and the “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY~!” Cole grabs a mic, but he keeps his eyes on the ramp. That’s because we all know who’s next. MJF makes his entrance, but with a handful of security guards in front of him first. And not even AEW security, that’s his own personal security. MJF grabs a mic and has them cut his music. The fans boo but MJF tells them, “If I wanted your help, I’d ask for it. Sit down and shut up.” The fans tell MJF to STFU, but MJF shrugs that off.
MJF tells Cole that MJF is frustrated. It’s because for the past few months, MJF has had to listen to Cole say MJF is Cole’s biggest enemy! If memory serves, and MJF’s memory always does because unlike the fans here, he isn’t a complete moron… Didn’t Cole turn on MJF? But then does Cole realize he has bigger enemies out there? Like spray tan, cracks in the floor, gusts of win, and maybe… a cavity. Because last MJF heard, Cole’s dentist isn’t seeing him anymore. Cole was already staring daggers into MJF, but now he’s pissed. MJF has Cole calm down, and he tells the fans to shut up so he can shoot straight.
When MJF was the longest-reigning and greatest AEW World Champion of all time, Cole was nothing more than MJF’s cute little sidekick. That ate Cole up inside. Cole wanted to be MJF. Cole wanted #TripleB. But the sad truth is, Cole had many opportunities to win the title before MJF got anywhere near it. It’s almost like when it comes to Cole being elite enough to become world champion, just like his “s*itty little ankle,” Cole blows it. MJF laughs at his own joke, and then tells the fans he is talking, it is not that complicated. But this is why MJF doesn’t buy the hogwash that Cole turned on MJF because MJF would turn on Cole first.
Cole turned because he, like all these shmucks, is jealous of MJF. And who can blame Cole? MJF is rich, handsome, funny, entertaining, and then look at Cole. For crying out loud, Cole used to be ADAM COLE BAYBAY. Now, he’s just a crack baby! Cole asks if MJF is done. Was that the last line? Because it felt like MJF practiced that for two weeks in front of a mirror. But MJF killed it, really. Cole could come back with childish comments to hurt MJF’s feelings, but he won’t. Cole could mention MJF has had two surgeries on that fake head of hair of his while only in his 20s, which is hilarious, but he won’t.
Cole could talk about how MJF pulled some strings to get his girlfriend hired, like the real politician he is, but Cole won’t go there. Cole could talk about how every single time MJF enters a room, everyone waits for him to leave because he is loud, obnoxious and annoying as hell. But Cole won’t go there. Because Cole is not like MJF. They are nothing alike. That is why the friendship was ruined. Because, MJF, the truth is you say Cole is a failure, but in virtually every wrestling company Cole has worked for, he is the longest-reigning champion in so many!
In this very building, Cole bled BUCKETS against Kyle O’Reilly, wanting to prove he was one of the best in the world, and that is exactly what he did! Does Cole have regrets? Sure. Are there things Cole wishes he could take back? Absolutely. But Cole does NOT regret turning on MJF. The only reason it drives MJF insane is because Cole beat MJF to it. That’s MJF 101: Get close to someone, then turn on them. It’s what MJF does. Cole just did it better than MJF, and MJF knows it.
But Cole has been thinking, trying to understand what’s going on in MJF’s head, and he finally figured it out. MJF is terrified of having anyone close to him, because he feels it is a weakness. That hit a chord? Because not only does MJF act like a child, he thinks like a child! MJF knows in his heart that he was going to be the one to turn on Cole first! DAMN RIGHT HE WAS!!! MJF realizes he let the cat out of the bag. MJF says congrats, Cole, he solved the mystery! A regular Scooby-Doo! Great job, Adam.
But you want the truth? Here it is. The fact of the matter is, last year at Worlds End, MJF had every intention on stabbing Cole in the back that night. Cole just got lucky. When #BetterThanYouBaybay started, MJF didn’t give a damn about Cole. Cole was nothing more than a pawn. But MJF will admit, he did eventually start to care. For the first time in MJF’s life, he cared about someone else. Fans mockingly go, “Aww…” But MJF says that is just when Cole became a liability. And since Cole’s “a fragile little freak,” him jumping off that ramp and exploding his ankle made him a distraction!
Distractions, liabilities, emotions, there are no room for those when all you should be concerned with is maintaining the world championship! But Cole doesn’t get it, does he? Last year was a fluke. Cole ain’t the Devil, he just beat the Devil to it. But this year, Worlds End, December 28th, the same show where Cole tried to end MJF’s world, MJF ENDS Cole!! MJF throws down the mic and the fans are torn. Cole smirks and says MJF ends things then? Well, how about Cole ends this? COLE DECKS MJF! The guards rush in, but Cole fights them off! MJF sends more but Cole SUPERKICSK! And SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS!
But then MJF LOW BLOWS Cole! MJF tells the fans to shut up! MJF takes out the Dynamite Diamond Ring! But then The Kingdom rushes out here! MJF runs away from Matt Taven & Mike Bennett, but he vows this ends at Worlds End. We have one week left, is that the last week Cole has in AEW? Or will MJF finally lose the one thing he has left in that diamond ring?
Backstage interview with Kris Statlander.
Lexy Nair is with the #BornAgainKristen and brings up her trying to make amends with Willow Nightingale last night, as well as making the save when Harley Cameron & Penelope Ford were beating Willow up. Kris says what she and Willow have to discuss is between them. But as far as her and Penelope go, they’ve got a lot of history, and if Ford wants a fight, Kris will give her a fight. Then speaking of history, Kris still has her eyes set on the TBS Championship, can she tells us more on that?
Kris says she looked back on 2024 and she had a downward spiral that started with losing that title. Maybe if she wins it back, Kris will right her wrongs. On that note, Mercedes Mone, you don’t have an opponent for Worlds End so here Kris is. Let her know when you’re ready for round two. Kris heads out, will she prove to everyone that she is still the Galaxy’s Greatest?
Backstage interview with Orange Cassidy.
AEW returns and Lexy is now with Freshly Squeezed. In exactly one week, he will compete against three other men for the AEW World Championship. There are a lot of combustible elements at play, and Cassidy says yeah, we saw that on Dynamite. Jay White, Hangman Page and Cassidy can’t exactly have a conversation. So really, Cassidy wants them to listen. “Between now and Worlds End, Jon Moxley can run and hide. He can hide behind his goons, he can run away in a pickup truck. But when that bell rings in seven days, he has nowhere to go. He will be in the ring with us. Us three. And you both know that we need to remove Jon Moxley from the equation.
“We can. We’ve done it. And after that, us three, we can fight for the AEW World Championship and one of us will become the AEW World Champion. Just something to think about. See you guys on Dynamite.” Cassidy is ready to remove the Maniac from the throne, but will the Switchblade and Cowboy listen to reason?
Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford!
As Kris just said, she’s calling out The CEO in hopes of one more TBS Championship match. But will the Superbad Girl be more like the Grinch for Kris this Christmas?
The bell rings and the fans rally as Kris circles with Ford. They tie up, Kris powers Ford to a corner, then throws Ford back into the corner! The ref counts, Kris lets off, but Ford shoves her! Kris ROCKS Ford, TOSSES her, then runs up on her. Kris whips, drops down, then hurdles over. Kris CLOBBERS Ford and the fans fire up as she flexes. Kris drags Ford up, reels her in, and suplexes, and she holds Ford up! The fans cheer and Kris goes all the way to TEN, but Ford slips into a SLEEPER! Kris pries the hold open and she brings Ford around for another suplex! The fans fire up as Kris holds Ford up for five before the SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Kris drags Ford up, whips her to the corner, but Ford goes up, only for Kris to Electric Chair Lift! Kris climbs, Ford fights with fists, and she shoves Kris down! Ford steadies herself, then hits a FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford is frustrated but she storms up on Kris. Ford bumps Kris off buckles but the fans rally behind Kris. Ford stomps a mudhole, but she lets off as the ref counts. Kris goes to the apron, but Ford jumps up to drop KNEES on her! The fans boo but Ford soaks up the heat, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Ford brings Kris around to THROW her into railing! Ford soaks up more heat, then drags Kris up and RAMS her into the apron! Ford refreshes the count, then stalks Kris around the way. Ford whips Kris into the steel steps! Kris falls over in a heap but Ford drags her up into the ring. Ford covers, TWO! Kris stays in this but Ford kicks her around. Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes, thrashes around, but lets off as the ref counts. Ford drags Kris up and whips her to ropes, then LARIATS as Collision goes to break.
Christmas Collision returns and Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes again! The ref counts, Ford lets off and Kris sputters to the apron. Ford runs and goes up, up, and KNEE DROPS on only apron! Kris then SHOTGUNS Ford off the apron! The fans fire up and Kris brings Ford up, to THROW into railing! Kris puts Ford in the ring, the fans fire up, but Ford kicks low. Ford reels Kris in, but Kris suplexes, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford flounders to a corner but Kris has the fans rallying behind her. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT! Kris goes side to side but Ford dodges the knee! Ford hits a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Ford wasn’t quite perfect there but she watches Kris go to a corner. Ford runs corner to corner, handsprings, but Kris catches her! The fans fire up as Kris GERMAN SUPELXES, but Ford lands out! but Kris goes Matrix to dodge! So does Ford! STUNNER! Ford runs, Kris does her best to follow, but Ford hops up for a POISON-RANA! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and the fans fire up! Ford is beside herself, but she drags Kris to a drop zone. Ford goes up top, and MOONSAULTS BUT FLOPS as Kris moves! Kris hurries to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! And then GERMAN SUPLEX again! The fans fire up as Kris scoops to tuck Ford in! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER! Cover, Kris wins!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Ford gave Kris quite the fight, but Kris came out on top! Wait, here comes Mone! Kris did call the CEO out, so Santa Mone says, “Ho, ho, ho ho ho! New York Citaaaay~! Please say hello to your C E O! Kris, after the year I’ve been having, I was planning on taking Worlds End off. I was planning on going to the Ritz in Boston.” The fans boo Boston, but Mone says since it’s the holidays, Mone feels like being nice. She already beat Kris once anyway, so she’ll just beat her twice! At Worlds End, you see that money changes everything, because Mone is the greatest TBS Champion of all time!
The challenge has been accepted, and Mone is looking to be busy before the New Year. Will Kris make her regret it?
Big Boom AJ & Big Justice return to the ring.
They’re getting Christmas Collision ready to bring the BOOM, but out comes Chris Jericho, who is still ROH World Champion after overcoming Matt Cardona last night at Final Battle. And he has Bryan Keith & “Big Bill” Morrissey with him as he asks if AJ has a permit for being here tonight. Did they talk with Mayor DeBlasio? Because they certainly didn’t run this past Jericho. Do they know who he is? Big Justice says yeah, he knows! “You’re a JACKASS!” Jericho is taken aback, but the fans agree with Justice. The Bad Apple says this is why dumbass kids should be sitting and not heard. Jericho says yeah!
And if being a jackass means he’s the King of New York, then Jericho’s the biggest jackass! And besides, Jericho talks for everyone here saying we do not want AJ & Justice here! The fans boo, they disagree with Jericho. But Jericho says they don’t even have Costcos in New York! New Yorkers shop at bodegas. Fans are torn, because they kind of agree. Jericho says his favorite is the Walgreens a few blocks over in Flushing. And speaking of Flushing, that’s where AJ & Justice belong: in the toilet! This is the Hammerstein Ballroom, the House that Jericho built! The fans boo that, it’s the House that Hardcore built.
But Jericho says there’s no time for goofy gimmicks like BOOM~, or bandit masks, or scissoring! Scissor me, Bad Apple~! But then wait! The Acclaimed is here! Well, Anthony Bowens is, at least. Bowens pushes past The Learning Tree and he joins AJ & Justice in the ring. Bowens has the music cut, and he tells Jericho that he doesn’t get why Scissor King is catching strays, but you caught his attention. Jericho is trying to intimidate a man in a walking boot and an 11 year old child while spouting nonsense about being the King of New York. Why doesn’t Jericho do what he has asked so many others in the past: SHUT THE HELL UP!
The fans cheer but Big Bill says, “As the Learning Tree always says, when a man tries to silence another man, he’s probably afraid of the truth.” The fans do cheer Big Bill because he is from New York. Bowens says he has no idea what that means, Bill. But he does know we’re live on TNT, Christmas Collision, Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City! So Chris, why not walk your ass to this ring and get it whipped by the Scissor King?! Jericho says if Bowens wants him to do that, then not tonight. Jericho waves bye, but AJ says hold on, listen up. We know Jericho is running scared, but we know at some point, Bowens will get to bring the-
Bowens stops the Boom? Because he wants to scissor! AJ says okay, and they SCISSOR BOOM~! But is that true? Will Anthony Bowens be the one to tear down the Learning Tree and be a champion?
Backstage interview with The Vendetta.
Lexy is now with Deonna Purrazzo & Taya Valkyrie, and they’ve got a hot streak going. Deonna’s message last week was ominous, but who was it for? Taya says there are so many options. Everyone deserves a slice of The Vendetta. There’s Mercedes, Mariah, Toni Storm, even Lexy could get some, so watch your back. Speaking of Toni, she stumbles in and apologizes for interrupting. She just wants to say hi to everyone, hello. Oh, Deonna, a pleasure. Deonna says she knows who Toni is. R-Really? So cool! Taya says she’ll make a guess: Toni has a tattoo on her leg, a little duck with a knife through it.
Wow, how’d Taya know? Deonna says no no no, she is not doing this again. She does not get what sick crap Toni’s up to, but she is already done with it. So for Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street, Toni VS Taya! Taya says she’ll make Toni forget everything! Toni nervously thanks The Vendetta, and says this is a big opportunity to face someone like Taya. Toni leaves, Deonna and Taya sigh, and Lexy has no idea what to say. Is Toni’s mind unraveling before our eyes? Or is there still a bit of Timeless inside Toni Time?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia!
This showdown was inevitable, but it’s even more fitting after The Standard of Excellence beat up the TNT Champion just because he stood up to the Hurt Syndicate. Will Shelton continue to bring the pain? Or will he not survive Red Death?
The bell rings and Garcia goes right at Shelton! Garcia fires hands but Shelton RAMS him into the corner! Shelton fires hands but Garcia turns things around to fire more shots! The ref counts, Shelton shoves Garcia back, but Garcia runs up to fire hands! Shelton shoves Garcia again, but Garcia gets under the lariat to waistlock. Shelton fights the lift but Garcia shoves him to SLAP! And CHOP! Shelton just grins and he picks Garcia up again! Shelton TOSSES Garcia away and Garcia goes to ropes. Shelton brings Garcia back up, scoops and SLAMS him, then brings him up again. Scoop SLAM! Shelton drags Garcia up and puts him in a corner.
Shelton whips corner to corner hard and Garcia falls! The fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton drags Garcia around, stomps him around, then TOSSES Garcia out hard! Garcia sputters but Shelton storms outside. Shelton brings Garcia up but Garcia fires hands! Shelton RAMS Garcia into the apron, then railing, then back to the apron! And repeat! Garcia falls in a heap and the fans fire up. Shelton grins as he drags Garcia up, to then THROW into steel steps! Shelton leaves Garcia behind and the ring count climbs on Garcia. Garcia drags himself up at 7 but Shelton goes out after him again.
Shelton puts Garcia in the ring, then grabs at him. Garcia grabs ropes but Shelton stomps him. Shelton stands Garcia up to DECK him! The fans cheer but Shelton brings Garcia up again. Garcia fires a forearm, then he CHOPS! Shelton eggs Garcia on, so Garcia CHOPS! Shelton grins, Garcia CHOPS, but Shelton DECKS him again! The fans duel but Shelton whips Garcia to ropes, for a BIG backdrop! Garcia flounders and Collision goes picture in picture.
Shelton stalks Garcia to the ropes, brings him up and around, then puts him on other ropes so he can CHOKE him! The ref counts, Shelton steps off, and Garcia coughs and sputters to a corner. Shelton stalks behind Garcia, stands him up, and winds up to ROCK Garcia! Garcia flounders against ropes then falls to the mat! Shelton stands over Garcia, drags him up and puts him in the corner. Shelton throws hands and Garcia stumbles. Garcia falls, but Shelton stands on him. Shelton stomps Garcia, drags him up, but Garcia fires up! Garcia breaks free to fire CHOPS and forearms on repeat!
Garcia whips, Shelton reverses and Shelton BOOTS Garcia down! Cover, TWO! Shelton is still amused, and he clamps onto Garcia with a chinlock. Garcia endures as Shelton grinds him down, and Garcia fights up, only for Shelton to wrangle him back down! Shelton leans all his weight on the hold and he squeezes tight. Garcia fades but the fans rally, and Garcia gets a second wind! Garcia fights up, Christmas Colilsion returns to siongle cipture, and the fans duel as Garcia fires hands! Garcia runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SHOTGUNS SHelton down! The fans fire up and Garcia aims from a corner. Garcia runs up, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX!
The fans are torn while Shelton storms around. Shelton waits on Garcia, waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEX! Garcia flops around but Shelton stalks him to the ropes. Shelton goes to the apron, runs up, but Garcia BOOTS him! Garcia takes a swing, but Shelton waistlocks! Garcia holds ropes to fight off the suplex to the floor! Garcia stands up and elbows Shelton away! Then Garcia LEAPS, but into Shelton’s clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY to the floor! Garcia flounders, fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton runs up but Garcia drop toeholds him into a chair! Shelton sputters and the fans rally up. Garcia makes Shelton take a seat, then rains down fists!
The fans count along and Garcia goes to nine, puts up the dukes, then hits TEN! Garcia gets space, runs back in, and he SHOTGUNS Shelton outta the chair! The fans are thunderous as Garcia goes back for Shelton. Garcia drags Shelton up but Shelton pushes him away. Shelton LARIATS Garcia, then rolls into the ring. The ring count starts, the fans help Garcia stand, and the fans fire up! Garcia hurries to the ring, but Shelton BOOTS, only for Garcia to block! DRAGON SCREW! Garcia runs, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Even with a bad leg, Shelton has so much strength! Shelton storms up in the corner, but Garcia dodges!
Shelton’s knee hits buckles, and Garcia leg scissor rolls him! Garcia steps through for the DRAGON TAMER!! Shelton endures and the fans fire up! Garcia sits on the hold, but Shelton powers up! Shelton powers out of the hold, has Garcia’s legs, and he turns Garcia over into a QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH! Garcia endures, reaches out, and he army crawls his way forward! But Shelton drags Garcia back! Garcia cradles Shelton! TWO!! Shelton escapes, but Garcia BOOTS him! Shelton SUPERKICKS Garcia! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Shelton covers, TWO!! Garcia barely gets out of that and Shelton is furious!
“This is Awesome!” as Shelton looms over Garcia. Shelton drags Garcia up, but Garcia trips Shelton! Jackknife bridge, GARCIA WINS!!
Winner: Daniel Garcia, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Shelton earns 0)
A Christmas Collision miracle? Who knows! But Garcia is still alive in the C2, but Lashley snatches Garcia into a SLEEPER! The fans boo but MVP hands the pimp cane to Shelton! But here comes Mark Briscoe, and he has a chair! Security wants this to stop before it gets out of hand, and even producers get out here! But wait! Is that Swerve Strickland rushing in from the crowd?! It is! He goes right up top to SUPER SWERVE STOMP the Syndicate and security guards! Garcia gets free of the pile, Mark Briscoe is with him, and now the locker room hurries out here to stop this from getting worse!
The fans chant, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” and Nana eventually hands the mic to Swerve. “Bobby FREAKIN’ Lashley! Didn’t I say I was gonna get my hands on you by the end of ’24? By the end of 2024, I said I was gonna get my hands on you, and that’s what I did, courtesy of the most dangerous man in AEW. Whose house?!” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Swerve is still aiming for Lashley’s head, will he and Lashley have it out at Worlds End?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos!
After getting a couple shockers, The Sussex County Chicken could easily jump up to the front of the block with one more! But will he #ManUp and bring down the menacing minotaur? Or will The Beast be a massive spoiler for Briscoe?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock again. The fans rally and duel while both men fire up. They RAM shoulders, and then fire forearms! The fans fire up as Mark gets the edge, but Mortos swings! Mark dodges to CHOP, then fire forearms! Mark ROCKS Mortos, whips, but Mortos reverses and SPLASHES Mark! Mortos runs but Mark follows to LARIAT! Mark runs, Mortos follows, but Mark dodges to CHOP! And CHOP! And forearm! And Mongolian Chop! Mark fires forearms against the ropes, then roars. Mark runs but Mortos follows to UPPERCUT! The fans fire up, Mortos runs but Mark follows to FOREARM!
Mark runs, Mortos follows, and he slingshots to hook and backslide, TWO! Mark trips Mortos to jackknife, TWO! Mortos gets around, hammerlock and cradle, TWO! Mark slips around to roll Mortos, TWO! Both men stand, both men dodge, and the fans cheer the standoff. The fans cheer “BOTH THESE GUYS! BOTH THESE GUYS!” as they reset. Mark and Mortos run up to RAM shoulders again! And again! Mortos is getting the better of this, and he CLOBBERS Mark! The fans cheer Mortos while Mark goes to ropes. Mortos runs in but Mark TOSSES him up and out! Mortos clutches a leg, stands up, but Mark runs!
Mortos slides in, dodges, and he SPEARS Mark! The fans fire up and Mortos roars while Collision goes picture in picture.
Mark rolls to a corner while Mortos headbutts buckles. Mortos then runs corner to corner to DROPKICK Mark! Mark sputters, Mortos drags him to a cover, TWO! Mark stays in this but Mortos drags him into a chinlock. Mark endures, even as Mortos leans on the hold. Mark fights up as the fans rally, and Mark fires body shots. Mortos THROWS Mark down! Mortos then CRANKS Mark’s neck, then KICKS him in the chest! Cover, TWO! Mark is still in this and he goes to ropes. Mortos storms up but Mark CHOPS! Mortos SMACKS Mark and Mark falls into a corner. Mortos stomps Mark, then digs his boots in!
The ref reprimands and counts, Mortos steps off, then Mortos snapmares Mark so he can step on Mark’s face! Then NECK TWIST! Cover, TWO! Mark stays in this and he goes back to ropes. Mortos waits on Mark to stand, then SMACKS him down! Mark dangles out of the ring in the ropes, but Mortos goes after a leg while Collision goes to break.
Christmas Collision returns and Mortos has Mark in a corner. Mortos whips corner to corner, then runs up to UPPERCUT, CHOP, and HEADBUTT! Mark staggers and the fans rally up for Mortos. Mortos brings down his kneepads, runs corner to corner, but Mark dodge! Mortos hits buckles then falls to the outside! The fans fire up as Mark then WRECKS Mortos with a dropkick! Mark builds speed and he DIVES, direct hit on Mortos! The fans fire up and Mark even hugs a few! Mark tosses a chair into the ring, and fans rally for #DEMBOYS. Mark sets the chair up, but Mortos anchors Mark’s legs! Mortos then SMACKS Mark!
Mortos drags Mark to the apron, Mark fires forearms. Mortos shoves Mark, but Mark fireman’s carries! Mortos fires elbows to get free! Mark REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUTS! Then APRON GERMAN SUPLEXES! Mortos falls to the floor while the fans lose their minds! Mark rises up, takes aim, and he fires the fans up more. Mark goes up a corner, for a SUPER SKY TWISTER! The fans are thunderous and Mark high-fives the front row. Mark then goes back to the ring and builds speed! Mark uses the chair to FLY! Direct hit and Mark even lands on his feet! The fans fire up and Mark hurries to get Mortos back up.
Mark puts Mortos in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Mark takes aim. FROGGY-BOW onto knees! Mortos saves himself there, and then roars! Mortos whips Mark, scoops him, and has the torture rack! BEAST BACKBREAKER! Then Mortos hauls Mark up for a POWER BREAKER!! The fans fire up for Mortos and he DISCUS- NO, Mark dodges, runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives and the fans fire up again! Mortos snarls, hauls Mark up, and then scoops! But Mark slips free! Mark crane kicks, then underhooks! But Mortos backdrops free! Mark rises, Mortos runs, but into a fireman’s carry!
Mark hits a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Then Mark goes up the corner, and the fans fire up for the FROGGY-BOW!! Cover, TWO?!? Mortos survives but Mark shakes his head. Mark just goes back up top! Mortos sits up and roars! But Mark still FROGGY-BOWS!! And then he underhooks, lifts, JAY DRILLER!! Cover, Mark wins!
Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Mortos earns 0)
And with that, Mark is now even with Kyle Fletcher, who Mark already beat earlier on! That is all the difference between the one seed and the two seed, how will this final round shake out?
Julia Hart speaks.
“Jamie, Jamie, Jamie. I’m no coward. What you call tricks, I call advantages. I suggested that you watch your back. I gave you all the warnings. So I’m not understanding why you feel the need to call me classless and sneaky. I thought I was being more than reasonable. I know you’re strong, but are you smart? Are my ‘tricks’ too much for you? I guess we’ll find out January 1st, Fight for the Fallen. But remember: The House Always Wins.” The Princess of the Black Throne is ready, but will she learn Hayter Hits Hard?
Backstage interview with Mariah May.
Alex Marvez is with the AEW Women’s World Champion and says in one week’s time, it will be Mariah VS Thunder Rosa for the title, in a Tijuana Street Fight! Marvez notes that Mariah not only had some harsh words for Rosa, but for her father, as well. Mariah says, “Aw~, Papa Rosa is gonna be in the front row. Is that to watch the match? Or does Thunder need a new mami?” But speaking of Rosa, she RAMS Mariah right into the door! And dribbles her off it, too! Mariah pulls hair, Rosa tries to choke Mariah, and then Mariah shoves Rosa away. Mariah calls Rosa crazy, but Rosa says she’s not done with Mariah!
Rosa storms after Mariah into the hall, and then to the stage area! Mariah has made it to ringside, Nigel tries to warn her, but Rosa CLOBBERS Mariah! Rosa rains down fists, then stomps away! Rosa SMACKS Mariah off steel steps, then grabs a chair! Mariah sputters, but gets away before Rosa swings the chair! Security rushes out here for the third time tonight, and Rosa LEAPS! The cluster keeps her away from Mariah but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Rosa holds up the AEW Women’s World Championship, will she send the “Woman From Hell” back where she came from in order to have the gold again?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli!
While The Relentless One has been after each and every Death Rider, he gets one served up to him on a silver platter. But will Darby bring down the Swiss Superman before the final round? Or will Claudio crush Darby’s hopes and dreams this close to Christmas?
But before Claudio even gets in the ring, Darby DIVES out onto him! The fans fire up as Darby fires fast hands! Claudio gets away but Darby pursues, jumps on, and throws more hands! Claudio carries Darby up the ramp to then THROW him down! Darby writhes, Claudio drags him up, and Claudio gorilla presses! Darby slips free, goes to the entry, and then dodges Claudio to send him into the light truss! And then he shoves Claudio into it again! Claudio falls, and now Darby climbs up!? The fans fire up as Darby is up on the camera balcony! Darby SUPER CROSSBODIES Claudio down!
Claudio tumbles down the ramp and Darby sputters while fans lose their minds. The ref checks Darby, his fall was still really wicked. Claudio sits up in a daze as he’s now ringside, and somehow Darby pursues! They both get in the ring, the bell rings, and Darby runs up! But into a POP-UP UPPERCUT!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio is already frustrated. Claudio drags Darby by his legs, to GIANT SWING~! The fans count as Darby goes around and around, and Claudio goes past TEN, past FIFTEEN, past TWENTY, and all the way to THIRTY!! Darby flounders out of the ring while Collision goes picture in picture.
The ref goes out to check on Darby, and somehow he’s okay to continue. Claudio steps out to fetch Darby, and lift shim up with one hand! Claudio then gut wrenches and carries Darby, to SLAM him onto railing! And DUMP him down! Claudio drags Darby up again, gut wrenches again, and he TOSSES Darby onto the railing! Darby flops back down and clutches his lower back, but Claudio leaves him behind. The ring count begins but Darby sits up. Claudio goes out after him again, and brings him up to CHOP! Darby staggers away to a corner, Claudio storms up and CHOPS again! Darby flops down but Claudio looms over him.
Claudio gets space, runs up, and he UPPERCUTS Darby against railing! Darby stumbles away, Claudio goes to the ring, but Darby rolls in, just to roll back out. Darby earns himself some time, but then Claudio storms out after him. Darby hurries int he ring to get away, but Claudio is after him there, too. Claudio stands on Darby’s hands, then stomps them! Darby writhes, but Claudio stomps his hands more! Darby goes to a corner. Claudio stands him up and CHOPS! Claudio UPPERCUTS, CHOPS, and Christmas Collision returns to single picture. The fans duel, Darby fires hands, but Claudio UPPERCUTS!
Claudio whips, Darby springboards, COFFIN- NO, Claudio catches Darby! Darby fights free, runs, but Claudio runs up! Darby DUMPS Claudio, then runs to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! The fans fire up again and Darby puts Claudio in. Claudio rolls out the far side but Darby DIVES again! Claudio is sent into railing but Darby goes up a corner! The fans fire up for the SUPER COFFIN SPLASH! Direct hit and both men are down again. The ref starts the ring count, the fans rally up, and Darby refreshes the count. Darby LEAPS onto Claudio for a SLEEPER! Claudio goes to steel steps and he steps up, but Darby squeezes tight!
Claudio steps back down, and he runs into the timekeeper’s area! BACKPACK SENTON through the table! The fans lose their minds again while Claudio leaves Darby behind in the wreckage. Darby stirs, the ref starts another ring count, and Darby crawls. “This is Awesome!” as Darby leaps in at 7! Claudio runs but Darby slips around! O’Conner Roll, TWO, springboard and SPALSH! Cover, TWO! Ghost pin, TWO! Claudio is up, but Darby sunset flips! Claudio stays up, and DOUBLE STOMPS! Claudio deadlifts Darby to then TOSS him out of the ring! Darby hits apron on the way out and fans tell Claudio he’s sick!
Claudio goes out after Darby and drags him up again. Claudio scoops and then POSTS Darby! And POSTS him again! Claudio TOSSES Darby aside, rolls into the ring, but only to refresh the count. Claudio then drags Darby by a leg and brings him over. Claudio SWINGS Darby into steel steps!! Claudio puts Darby in the ring, stands him up, and runs to LARIAT! Darby flips through the air! Claudio covers, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio is frustrated. The fans rally for Darby but Claudio rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then Claudio tucks the arms, RICOLA- CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio escapes in time!
The fans rally while both men are down again. Darby and Claudio slowly rise, and Ricochet watches, very amused as Darby is his next opponent in the round robin. Darby crawls to a corner, climbs up, but Claudio UPPERCUTS! Claudio HEADBUTTS Darby, then climbs up again. Claudio brings Darby up and suplexes, but Darby fights around! SUPER SCORPION DEATH DROP!! The fans are thunderous for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as Darby rises up. Darby climbs to the very top, COFFION DROP onto knees! Claudio saves himself, then he hauls Darby up. Straitjacket and RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Darby survives and shocks Claudio! Claudio argues with the ref but the count was fair! Darby’s just that tough! Claudio goes back to Darby and ripcords him into the RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?! HOW?!? Claudio goes outside, and he brings out something from under the ring. He also has a chair! The ref takes the chair from Claudio, but Claudio has BRASS KNUCKLES! BRASS KNUCKLE PUNCH!!! Cover, CLAUDIO WINS!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Darby earns 0)
The Swiss Superman screws over Darby, but then he gets that chair back. But wait, Ospreay slides into the ring! And HE has the brass knuckles that Claudio tossed aside! Ospreay dares Claudio to do something, but Claudio simply leaves. Does this mean Ospreay’s ready to ride against the Death Riders with Darby? Or will we see a Miracle on 34th Street send Ospreay and Darby to Worlds End?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision here as the last one before Worlds End, and therefore a bit of a go-home in itself. While the continued feud of MJF and Cole has still been a bit clunky since they did the double turn, their faceoff did a good job addressing some of that. They got good digs at each other as always, and MJF snapping and revealing “the truth” was their big move to recover this story. We of course got a brawl, and good save by The Kingdom. It feels like MJF still finds a way to hold onto the diamond ring, but c’mon, how fitting is it for Cole to get a diamond.
Good bit with Toni Storm and The Vendetta, and Deonna’s reaction to Toni was great. Deonna is justified in thinking this is still an act from Toni, not a legitimate psychological problem, and Toni VS Taya will be good stuff. Good promo from Kris Statlander, good match from her and Penelope Ford, and of course a good win for Kris. Good promo from Mone to make Worlds End official, but as I’ve been saying, Mone is more likely to lose the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship as part of the big NJPW Tokyo Dome weekend. The irony is, Mina Shirakawa is her challenger and Mina shows up plenty in AEW, so I don’t know how that math is supposed to work.
Good promo from Mariah May as it also turned into a brawl with Thunder Rosa. As it stands, Rosa standing tall holding up the belt means she is NOT winning at Worlds End, but they could still give us a little more from Rosa and Mariah on Dynamite’s Christmas episode to turn the tables. Good promo from Julia Hart to respond to Jamie Hayter, they’ll have a good match. Good promo from Orange Cassidy to try and reason with Jay White and Hangman Page, but that’s all the more reason Moxley likely uses the challengers all against each other like he did on Wednesday. Though, it would be fun if they at least started the match all annihilating Moxley with their finishers, making us think it’ll work out in favor of “Team AEW.”
Good stuff with Big Boom AJ & Big Justice here tonight, both hyping up the show but also interacting with Jericho’s group and even Anthony Bowens. They’re adding some more foreshadowing to The Acclaimed breaking up, and I guess we’re supposed to see this as a positive move, Bowens feuding with Jericho. Unless Bowens is going to be the guy that dethrones Jericho for whatever ROH cable TV debut/return is planned, the Jericho Vortex strikes again. Bowens should be going for an AEW midcard title, but right now, those are all tied up what with the C2 going on and the International Championship being tied up in Worlds End and NJPW plans.
Speaking of the C2, great stuff with all the matches tonight. Shelton VS Garcia was great stuff, and while Garcia gets the win, they’re still giving us some set-up for a TNT Championship match of Garcia VS Shelton. Mark Briscoe of course made the save, but great surprise for Swerve to show up. Lashley VS Swerve for Worlds End just needs to be said, it already feels a given. All that brawling was also a good segue into Mark VS Mortos, and another great showing for Mortos, even in losing. But as Mark has already had all his matches and is at 9 points, Kyle doesn’t even need to win against Garcia, he just needs to draw so that Mark will be out, and Garcia with him.
While Ospreay VS Darby on Wednesday raised the bar, Ospreay VS Ricochet still had great stuff of its own. Plus, Ricochet is bringing out more of his Heel side what with using the ref, and Ricochet’s win puts the pressure on Ospreay for Christmas Dynamite. Now, no offense to Brody King, but I’m thinking Ospreay wins that to take one of the semifinal spots. Darby VS Claudio tonight was also great, but Darby doing his best Sting off the truss was not the best when he gets that whiplash on the floor. I really thought that match was going to be called for concussion protocol, but Darby’s weirdly indestructible.
Claudio still cheats this win so there’s more heat on the Death Riders and Darby is also behind the 8 ball. Ospreay making the save was good, we can definitely have another “Team AEW” VS Death Riders with Ospreay joining Darby and a couple others, but the way they did the order of matches, Claudio’s got a seemingly easy ride against Komander for Christmas. Though, how awesome would it be if Komander pulled off the spoiler? Or if they were really going to add some drama, they should create a situation where the Death Riders end up ringside, violating the Continental Rules of no cornermen and that disqualifies Claudio. Claudio misses out on the semifinals because of a technicality, sending Ospreay and maybe Ricochet to the semifinals.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!
The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
- Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
- Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony Schiavone is in the ring!
Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!
Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!
Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!
And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?
Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!
The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.
Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.
Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!
Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!
The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.
Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.
Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!
Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!
Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!
Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall
The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!
The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?
The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!
Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!
Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall
Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…
Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!
Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!
Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.
Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall
Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?
Team Triple J speaks backstage.
Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!
While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!
Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!
Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!
Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.
Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!
Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!
Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!
Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!
Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!
Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)
If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.
Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.
And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.
My Score: 8.8/10
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