Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Live Report! (7/10/18)

Published

7 years ago

July 10, 2018

The final SmackDown before Extreme Rules gives us another rematch between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura ahead of their respective title matches on Sunday!

All images courtesy of the WWE’s official Twitter

OFFICIAL RESULTS

AJ Styles VS Shinsuke Namakura; Styles wins, by disqualification.
AJ Styles & Jeff Hardy VS Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev w/ Aiden English; Nakamura & Rusev win.
Lumberjack Match: Asuka VS James Ellsworth; Asuka wins.
Sin Cara VS Andrade “Cien” Almas w/ Zelina Vega; Almas wins.
10 Man Tag: The New Day & Team Hell No VS The Bludgeon Brothers & SAnitY; The New Day & Team Hell No win.

PLAY BY PLAY

SmackDown opens with Miz TV!

The Most Must-See Talk Show in WWE starts off the night as the Hollywood A-Lister recounts how everyone is talking about the Miz & Mrs. debut! The fans can boo but he’s going to win an Emmy for it. But there is something else fans are talking about, and it’s the special reunion of tonight’s guests. Fans “YES! YES!” for the team fighting for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships this Sunday. Give a standing ovation to Kane & Daniel Bryan, Team Hell No!

Kane & Bryan make their way out to the ring, headed for Pittsburgh and the Bludgeon Brothers. But to address the elephant in the room, Miz knows Bryan is upset over their Gauntlet match encounter. Miz will be professional so long as Bryan promises the same. Fans say “NO! NO!” but Bryan wonders if Miz is really asking if he’s getting punched in the face. Fans say “YES! YES!” Kane calms Bryan down, it’s not the time to punch Miz. Bryan promises to be professional. Miz doesn’t appreciate the fans booing that, so he raises his hand. “You want to act like children, I’ll treat you like children.”

This is the level of respect Hell No deserves. They were box office record breakers and tag team champions. They’re a well-oiled machine, and Miz never thought he’d see the day. It’s like an N*Sync reunion. But are they prepared to face one of their greatest challenges? Kane says N*Sync will never reunited. But he will admit Harper & Rowan are formidable. But they’re not Team Hell No. Miz actually agrees. If there’s a team that can handle those two, it’s these two. Let’s look back at the “most united” tag team in WWE History! Footage rolls from two weeks ago, when they #HuggedItOut. And the week after, the two talked it out. Bryan always has a demon watching over him. But then the footage recaps everything Bryan says: the Tombstones, the attempted abductions, the other Tombstones, the arguments, and the beatings.

Miz “claims” that was not what he intended to show. Someone is getting fired over this. Though, with that all being brought up, let’s address it. Bryan stops Miz, and tells him to stop right there. They both see what he’s up to. Miz claims to be professional but he just stirs the pot. It won’t work, because he’s the Miz, who is terrible at everything. Fans agree with that. In fact, the only thing Miz is worse at is actually wrestling. Is that what Bryan thinks? That’s just what Bryan thinks. Because Miz is smarter. Miz doesn’t think, he knows it’ll implode because it’s always happened. Bryan came back from his injury, but Miz has wanted to be the one to end Bryan. Bryan hides behind nostalgia because he can’t hang with Miz anymore.

Kane works to keep Bryan calm. Breathe, deep in and out, to keep the energy focused on the Bludgeon Brothers. Yeah, hide behind the broken down demon. That angers Kane! But then the Bludgeon Brothers appear! Harper & Rowan head to the ring, ready with their hammers and belts. But Kane & Bryan aren’t going anywhere. Wait, now it’s SAnitY?! THey jump Kane & Bryan in the ring! They feed Kane to Harper & Rowan while they stomp away on Bryan! Harper & Rowan throw Kane into steel steps, but here come The New Day! Kofi, Xavier & Big E make the save as Kofi leaps on Rowan & Harper! Woods throws Eric Young while Big E runs Damo over! Woods is on Wolfe, but Young and the Bludgeon Brothers come back. Bryan knocks down Young but Damo runs Bryan over!

Referees finally appear but they can’t stop the chaos! Young gives Woods the wheelbarrow neckbreaker, then Harper & Rowan throw Kofi at the apron. Big E ends up in the powerslam neckbreaker from Wolfe & Damo, and only then does the carnage stop. This is far from how SmackDown was meant to open, will GM Paige have something to say about this?

AJ Styles VS Shinsuke Namakura!

It’s yet another Dream (Re)match between the Phenomenal One and King of Strong Style, but not for the title. At Extreme Rules, the WWE Champion defends the House that AJ Styles Built from the Bulgarian Lion while Nakamura looks to become United States Champion against Jeff Hardy. Who will win this main-event caliber opener to gain momentum for Extreme Rules?

But before the match can begin, Rusev & Aiden English make their presence known. “Hey champ!” Rusev doesn’t care what happens Sunday, Styles can fortify the House all he wants, Rusev is going to break it down. Fans chant “Rusev Day!” as Rusev vows to claim his first ever WWE (world) Championship, to celebrate on a day that will haunt Styles forever. Rusev Daaaaaay~! The bell rings and Nakamura goes right at Styles! Things speed up but Styles dropkicks Nakamura out of the ring! Nakamura bails out while we go picture in picture.

Styles waits for Nakamura while Rusev & English walk to ringside. Styles chops Nakamura against the barriers, then puts him back in the ring. Nakamura rolls all the way out on the other side, but Styles pursues. Nakamura knees Styles then puts him into barriers. He drags Styles up and into the ring, and Styles gets to a corner. Nakamura kicks and knees Styles in the corner, then backs off at 4. Styles stands up but Nakamura is on him with a suplex. Styles blocks, even as Nakamura tries again and again. Nakamura shifts strategies and throws in knees and stomps. He walks it off while Styles crawls to a corner. Styles kicks back then bumps Nakamura off the buckles. Styles rams in his shoulder then brings Nakamura out for a snap suplex. Cover, TWO, but Styles keeps his cool.

Styles brings Nakamura up again, for a backbreaker! Nakamura writhes while Styles catches his breath. Styles comes back to bring Nakamura up and whips him corner to corner. Nakamura hits buckles hard and falls to the mat. Styles keeps on him, driving an elbow into his face. Styles then gets room for a running knee drop. Cover, TWO! Styles grows a bit annoyed but he keeps on Nakamura with a chinbar. Nakamura endures and grabs at Styles’ face. Nakamura stands an dfights out of the hold. He has Styles in a corner and rams knees in. He backs off again, but comes back with kicks. Nakamura walks around to embrace the ehat, but Styles mule kicks Nakamura! Styles whips Nakamura into the corner, then runs in, but is put on the apron. Styles hits Nakamura away, then springboards, but Nakamura trips him up!

The champ crashes and burns, but Nakamura throws him into barriers! Nakamura puts Styles back in the ring, cover, ONE. He tries again, ONE. Nakamura grabs Styles into a modified cobra clutch, but fans rally up for Styles. Styles stands but Nakamura brings him back down. Nakamura thrashes him around, but fans still cheer for Styles. Styles gets up again and fights out. He backs Nakamura down but Nakamura gives a strike fest and ax kick! Then a gordbuster! Nakamura backs off to take aim… But Styles rolls him up! TWO, enziguri from Styles! Nakamura staggers to a corner again as Styles stands up. Styles runs into a boot! Styles runs back in but is put on the top rope, for the Top Shelf Knee!

Nakamura drags Styles up from the corner, and scoops for a slam. Cover, TWO! Rusev likes what he sees, and thinks of how he’d improve on the move. Fans duel while Nakamura stomps Styles to the ropes. Nakamura kicks and kicks, but Styles catches on, only for Nakamura to kick with the other leg. Cover, TWO! Nakamura is frustrated but in control while we go to break.

SmackDown returns as Styles chops away on Nakamura. He whips but Nakamura reverss into a knee. Nakamura swings kicks but gets the Phenomenal Blitz instead! Styles adds the sliding forearm! Nakamura gets to a corner, and Styles runs in, for a big corner clothesline. Styles lifts Nakamura but Nakamura slips off to say, “C’MON!” Styles falls for it, but the sleeper becomes the Ushigoroshi! Cover, TWO! Both men are down but Rusev questions Styles’ strength to pick the Bulgarian Brute up. Styles drags Nakamura up but Nakamura denies the Clash. Styles clubs Nakamura to try it anyway, but Nakamura’s legs grab Styles into a triangle hold! Nakamura brings Styles to the mat, but Styles powers up to lift Nakamura into position. He can’t get free so he works ot make it a cover. ONE, but Nakamura still has the hold.

Styles rolls and makes it another cover, TWO! Nakamura had to let go this time, but he keeps his eyes on Styles. Styles swings but ends up in the inverted exploder! He lands on his feet, and tells Nakamura, “C’MON!” Nakamura falls for it and is thrown outside! Styles slingshots for the forearm! English trash talks Styles about Rusev beating the crap out of him, so Styles haymakers the crap out of English! Rusev protests, but Nakamura boots Styles right in the face! Nakamura takes aim, but Styles dodges, KINSHASA for English!! Styles throws Nakamura into a post, then into the ring. Styles takes aim, but Rusev trips him up!

Winner: Styles, by disqualification

Rusev claims Styles knew the Kinshasa was going into English, so he’s making Styles pay. But then here comes Jeff Hardy! The Charismatic Enigma fights Rusev and Nakamura but numbers get the better of him. They double whip but Hardy dodges to dropkick them down! Hardy takes aim, wrecking ball dropkick wipes them out! Fans chant “DELETE! DELETE!” Here comes GM Paige! The Glampire wants the boys to calm down. With all four men in the ring all set to face off Sunday, why not have us a tag team match? Yes, and right now! Will the reigning champions thwart their challengers together tonight?

AJ Styles & Jeff Hardy VS Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev w/ Aiden English!

In the wise words of former SmackDown GM, Teddy Long: Holla holla! SmackDown returns to this match as Styles and Rusev circle. Styles kicks Rusev in the leg but Rusev keeps with him. Rusev catches the next kick but Styles throws haymakers. Rusev runs Styles over with a lariat, cover, ONE. The Bulgarian Brute stomps Styles now, then brings him up for big haymakers. Rusev drags Styles up for a knee while fans duel between Styles and “Rusev Day!” Rusev lifts Styles in a Bulgarian bearhug, but fans rally up for Styles. Styles fights against the hold, then leaps for a tag, but Rusev catches him. Rusev scoop slams then snap suplexes Styles. He drags Styles up again, for more bearhug! We go picture in picture as Styles endures the squeeze.

Rusev keeps his grip on Styles, and Styles begins to fade. But Styles comes back to fight with forearms again. Fans rally up, and Styles breaks free. But not for long, as Rusev gets him again. We return to single picture as fans boo and jeer. Styles endures and fights out again. Styles gets free, but Rusev knees low. Rusev suplexes but Styles slips out to jump onto Rusev for a sleeper hold! Rusev reaches but backs Styles down into buckles. Styles lets go, but he dodges Rusev’s shoulder! Rusev hits post, and now Styles crawls for his corner. Fans rally, hot tag to Hardy! The US Champ throws hands on Rusev, but Rusev whips Hardy. Hardy runs Rusev over, then atomic drop to leg splitting leg drop and dropkick. He adds a splash, cover, TWO. Hardy keeps his eyes on Nakamura while he waits for Rusev.

Rusev denies the Twist, but runs into an elbow. Whisper in the Wind! But Nakamura breaks the cover! Styles throws Nakamura out, then hits the sliding knee from the apron. MACHKA Kick takes Styles out, then Rusev thrusts at Hardy. Hardy dodges, Twist of Fate! Hardy climbs up quick, but Nakamura trips him up. Rusev is up, MACHKA KICK! Cover, Rusev & Nakamura win!

Winners: Rusev & Shinsuke Nakamura, Rusev pinning

It took distractions and opportunism to do it, but the challengers beat the duo of champions. Will Nakamura have tricks up his sleeve for Hardy? Will Rusev demolish the House that AJ Styles Built? Or will the champions get revenge and retain their belts at Extreme Rules?

James Ellsworth warms up backstage.

Carmella wants him to take care of Asuka tonight. Don’t worry, eh’s got it. She doesn’t seem as assured. And don’t ever wink at her, or you’ll get a beating worse than Asuka this Sunday. Ellsworth is “ready”, but is he really?

Lumberjack Match: Asuka VS James Ellsworth!

The WWE Battle of the Sexes has another go after the count-out draw from last week. With the entire SmackDown Women’s Division at ringside, will the Chinless Wonder weasel his way out of a beating from the Empress of Tomorrow? Or will he shock the world by defeating her?

Before the match, #EllsworthisExquisite wants to address everyone with his shirt off. It must be tempting, but please show some restraint around him. “None of you are ready for Asuka, but James Ellsworth is! Bring her out.” Bold last words, someone better put those on his headstone. Asuka appears as Ellsworth wanted, and this match begins.

Ellsworth and Asuka circle, but Ellsworth avoids her grapple. He also avoids the back hand, but the Lumberjacks keep him in the ring. Ellsworth wants a time-out, but there’s no time-outs in wrestling. Asuka swings a kick, and Ellsworth again narrowly avoids it. Sonya & Mandy keep him from fleeing, so Asuka kicks away and hip attacks him to the floor. Ellsworth ends up surrounded, then swarmed as they put him back in the ring. Asuka kicks him again, then fires off palm strikes from both sides. She gives body shots, then the pop-up knee. Asuka adds a sliding kick, but Ellsworth runs away from the cover. Sonya & Mandy surround him again, but he flees to the timekeepers area. Everyone grabs at Ellsworth, but then theys tart fighting each other! Ellsworth retreats, but Becky pursues! The Lass Kicker knocks him down and drags him over, with help from Naomi.

But then, the Lumberjacks swarm! Asuka has grown impatient, she LEAPS onto everyone! Carmella hands Ellsworth something. It’s pepper spray! He tries but fails to use it on Asuka, she back kicks him in the stomach. Carmella shouts at Asuka, and Asuka shouts at Carmella. Ellsworth stands back up, so Asuka kicks him into Carmella! Carmella falls, Asuka grabs Ellsworth into the armbar! Then the Asuka Lock! Ellsworth atap,s Asuka wins!

Winner: Asuka, by submission

But Carmella is on Asuka already! It fails, Asuka fires off on Carmella! She goes back to Ellsworth, who uses the pepper spray! He holds her down, for Carmella’s FABULOUS Kick! The Princess of Staten Island stands tall thanks to help from her henchman, but will she learn the truth that NO ONE is ready for Asuka?

The New Day & Hell No talk strategy.

Their opponents are all huge, so go after the knees. No, they need something permanent like setting them on fire! How? Summon Satan through a portal? Yes! This is why SAnitY got the jump on them. Hell No needs to work together. Well if Kane let Bryan punch Miz, they would’ve seen SAnitY coming. No. Yes. No… Yes… No…! Yes…! STOP!! If they don’t get ti together, they don’t stand a chance. Xavier, use that big brain of yours! Kofi, run circles around them! Daniel, become the Goat Face Killer! Kane– Kane, are you paying attention? The Big Red Machine promises that they will win, and forever has now begun. YES!! Wait was that an N*Sync lyric? It still applies. YES!

Carmella & Ellsworth encounter Paige backstage.

Did she see what Ellsworth just did? His stock is higher than WWE’s! And he’ll make an exception if she wants to kiss. Pucker up! Ew no. Back off. Paige wants Ellsworth to be high above the ring this Sunday, because it’s now a SHARK CAGE Match! Ellsworth is going to be a Chinless Pinata, will he end up watching Carmella lose from the best seat in the house?

Sin Cara VS Andrade “Cien” Almas w/ Zelina Vega!

The former Lucha Dragon wanted this match over a month ago, but El Idolo ambushed him backstage. Sin Cara was injured for some time after that, but now he’s back. Can he get revenge on his former amigo and get him away from Vega’s influence? Or will Almas finally get the spotlight Vega believes he deserves?

The bell rings and the two circle. Almas slaps Sin Cara, then back elbows out. He puts Sin Cara against ropes to CHOP! He whips Sin Cara but Sin Cara counters the tilt-o-whirl with an armdrag! Then he headscissors Almas out of the ring. Vega panics but Sin Cara DIVES! The tope suicida sends Almas to the ramp! Sin Cara puts him back in the ring, then drags him up. Almas standing switches but Sin Cara bucks him off. Almas catches the boots to give Sin Cara a draping backbreaker and elbow DDT. Cover, TWO, and we go picture in picture as Almas stomps away on Sin Cara.

Almas brings Sin Cara over to the ropes to then slingshot wrecking ball dropkick him out! He builds speed, to Tranquilo with Vega! He stops posing to put Sin Cara back in the ring, then stomp him more. Almas brings Sin Cara up but Sin Cara fights back. Almas whips but Sin Cara hits back. Sin Cara whips but Almas tumbles to the apron. Almas catches Sin Cara into a hanging armbar! He lets go at 4, then covers. TWO, but he keeps on Sin Cara with an armlock. Sin Cara endures and gets up. Almas throws forearms then whips him corner to corner. Almas catches the boots again but Sin Cara back elbows Almas. Sin Cara dodges the splash, then throws forearms. Almas throws them back while we go single picture. Sin Cara gives chops, but Almas shoves. Sin Cara springboards for the crossbody!

They stand up, Sin Cara whips but Almas reverses, only to get another springboard crossbody! Sin Cara keeps going while fans fire up. Vega coaches Almas up, and Almas gets Sin Cara only for a spike-rana! Cover, TWO! Vega is frustrated for Almas while Sin Cara keeps the fans in it. Sin Cara brings Almas back up, an dsuplexes, but Alma sslips out. Sn cara elbow sbut runs into an elbow! Almas drags Sin Cara up, Hammerlock DDT coutnered! Cover, TWO, Sin Cara gets Almas with an uppercut! Almas runs in, but is dumped out to the floor!

Sin Cara fires up again while Vega panics. Slingshot huricanrana! Then back into the ring as Sin Cara climbs up. Frog Splash hits knees! Almas crawls over, then climbs up top, but Sin Cara trips him up! Sin Cara climbs up to join him, but Almas trips him up into Tree of Woe! WOE STOMPS! Almas keeps going, CIEN KNEES!! Cover, Almas wins!

Winner: Andrade “Cien” Almas, by pinfall

El Idolo downs his former friend, and with authority. With Vega by his side, keeping him on this course, will he find his way to the top in no time?

SAnitY speaks.

They are here to “break the status quo.” They are here to make happiness into havoc. And they’re not here for nostalgia. Team Hell No & New Day have had their time in the light, but now it’s time for the “pure, unadulterated chaos.” Harper & Rowan enter the darkness, and agree. “Let the bludgeoning begin.” This collection of cruel and unusual allies is unified, will they conquer their Extreme Rules opponents even before Sunday?

10 Man Tag: The New Day & Team Hell No VS The Bludgeon Brothers & SAnitY!

Alliances born from chaos and convenience, only one side will gain momentum for their respective matches at Extreme Rules. Can Bryan & Kane keep it together long enough to challenge Harper & Rowan for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships? Or will doomsday come early as the champions and their chaotic comrades come out on top?

The bell rings and it’s a brawl! All ten men fight, and it’s The New Day & Hell No who hold the ring! We go to break while things settle down.

SmackDown returns and Woods has Wolfe in a snapmare. Woods tags Kofi and they hit their kick, sliding lariat and elbow drop combo! Big E tags in for the Big Splash! Cover, TWO, but Big E manages to keep Wolfe from a tag. Woods tags back in and throws in body shots. Woods brings Wolfe up but Wolfe hits back. Wolfe whips Woods, but runs into a boot. Woods covers, TWO. Woods brings Wolfe to an open corner for a buckle bump, but has to fight off Young & Damo. Wolfe gets Woods in a German Suplex! Rowan tags in without permission, then drags Woods up in a pumphandle backbreaker. He keeps going for a scoop slam and elbow drop. Tag to Harper for the slingshot senton, cover, TWO. Harper rolls Woods around gator style while we go to picture in picture.

Harper keeps Woods down with a chinlock, but fans rally up. Woods gets up and reaches for ropes, then stands up, but Harper yanks him back down. Harper grinds the chinlock in, but Woods endures. Woods sits up again, then fights out, only to get a scoop slam. We return to single picture as Big Damo tags in without asking. The Beast from Belfast drives in elbows on Woods, then wrenches his neck. Woods endures again, and fans rally up. He fights out with body shots, but Damo shoves him. Woods fights out of the enemy corner, only to run into the Wasteland slam and big back senton! Damo looms over Woods while we go to commercials.

SmackDown returns once more, and Rowan squeezes Woods’ head in a hammer fist vice. Fans rally up again, and Woods jawbreakers free. Woods gets up but gets run over by a back elbow. Rowan whips Woods into an open corner, then tag sin Harper. Harper slaps Rowan to fire him up for the corner to corner whip. Harper hits Woods, then Rowan does, to feet Woods to the Michinoku Driver! Cover, but The New Day breaks it. SAnitY throws them out, including Woods. Harper can’t find WOods, but Woods gets him with the siwng kick and the step-n tornado DDT! Fans rally while Young tags in. Hot tag to Bryan! Bryan fires off on everyone, then focuses on Young. He kicks and kicks away in a corner, “YES! YES!” Young reverss the whip but Bryan goes up and over to hit the leaping lariat!

Bryan boots Wolfe & Damo down, then dropkicks Young in a corner. He hoists Young up top, climbs up, and gives Young the SUPER STEINER! Bryan fires up more, and gives proper YES Kicks. “YES! YES!” Bryan loads up the buzzsaw, but Young dodges to roll up. TWO, into Yes Lock! Young is locked in but Wolfe breaks it. Kane grabs Wolfe, CHOKE SLAM! Rowan heel kicks Kane, but Woods missile dropkicks Rowan. Harper gives Woods a scrapbuster! Kofi gives Harper Trouble in Paradise! Big E returns and works with Kofi for the alley-oop dive! Everyone is down on the outside, but Big E sees his targets. Big Damo hits the DIVIDE on Kofi, but Big E has him. He throws Damo out, to then run and SPEAR him down! Bryan is up, fired up, and aiming at Young! Young staggers over, KNEE PLUS!! Cover, Bryan & team wins!

Winners: Team Hell No & The New Day, Bryan pinning

“YES! YES!” Bryan & Kane worked together with each other and with their pancake-serving allies. Even Kane does the “YES!” hands. But Bryan shows him the proper way of celebrating, BOOM! Wait, no fire? It works for Kane. Bryan tries again… Nope. Kane says he can do it, but Bryan wants to do it himself. Fans fire up with Bryan and… BOOM!! The fire came! Even Kane is surprised! With them this synchronized, can anything stop Team Hell No from becoming champions again?

My Thoughts:

Once again, SmackDown is Raw, but better. We get “impromptu” matches made up of unlikely teams, but at least with SmackDown, there was better delivery on most of it. Miz TV leading to a confrontation and an attack was the usual set up, but I like that Miz kept the spark of him VS Bryan alive for later on. And opening with Styles-Nakamura was clearly to lead into something else, but the resulting 2v2 tag match was pretty good. The challengers stand tall now, but you can expect at least Styles to retain over Rusev. Nakamura VS Hardy can still go either way, and it wouldn’t be so bad if Nakamura won his first main roster title to give him something for Summerslam.

The co-ed Lumberjack match went as about you could expect in WWE. Asuka fires off all the shots on Ellsworth, as he deserves, but Ellsworth only runs away because showing men hitting women would not be good for national, family-friendly television. Carmella gets good Heel Heat at the end there, but I feel like making things a Shark Cage match downgrades it a little. But at the same time, there’s no way to keep Ellsworth out of things when a normal Cage match was already given to Strowman VS Kevin on Raw. I hope Asuka wins this, because otherwise, WWE is just burying the streak NXT gave her. Almas VS Sin Cara was great, hopefully they get something more going for Summerslam’s build.

The one odd point is that Samoa Joe VS Tye Dillinger was advertised, but the only acknowledgement of it was on Twitter. WWE shared a video that had Dillinger making his way out, only for Joe to mercilessly attack and choke him out. It was meant to be from the start of the night, though that doesn’t make sense because Miz TV was advertised to open. Then it wouldn’t make sense to say it was after Miz TV because we went right into Styles VS Nakamura. It would’ve been better if WWE never advertised in the first place and ditched the blindside attack, but WWE seems to be so big that their left hand doesn’t know what the right is doing. The 10 Man Tag was really good, and definitely piques interest for the tag matches on Sunday, and a long-running program for New Day VS SAnitY for the Summer.

My Score: 8/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/12/25)

The night before The Last Time is Now!

Published

3 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Steven Mitchell

SmackDown celebrates the Greatest Of All Time, one last time!

We are 24 hours away from John Cena’s final match, and SmackDown prepares for a stacked Saturday Night’s Main Event!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

WWE United States Championship: Ilja Dragunov VS Tommaso Ciampa; Ilja wins and retains the title.
Alexa Bliss w/ Charlotte Flair VS Lash Legend w/ Nia Jax; Lash wins.
The Miz VS Je’Von Evans; Je’Von wins.
Jade Cargill VS Mia Yim; No Contest.
Mixed Tag: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley VS Aleister Black & Zelina Vega; Priest & Rhea win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Nick Aldis speaks.

“As you know, Drew McIntyre was recently suspended from SmackDown. And despite what Drew might think, since that time, I’ve been working tirelessly to reinstate him and bring him back where he belongs. That’s become increasingly difficult this week, given that Drew won’t return my calls, has not returned emails, has not returned text messages. So he’s left me no choice but to use this platform to address him directly, and say Drew, consider this an official invitation to come here tonight so that we can discuss a resolution together to bring you back to SmackDown.”

The General Manager wants the Scottish Terminator to return, so long as Drew is willing to play by the rules. What will Drew’s response be?

Cody Rhodes arrives backstage.

The American Nightmare then crosses paths with Aldis. Cody asks if Drew is here tonight. Aldis says no, he is not. He has instead issued a legal letter via his attorneys, claiming this is not a “safe work environment.” He refuses to come in until the issue is resolved. Aldis will personally go to Drew’s house this weekend to get this taken care of. Cody looks the document over, crumples it up, and throws it away. Cody storms to gorilla now, makes his entrance, and the fans in Wilkes-Barre fire up! They sing along with Kingdom, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, gets the fans even more fired up, and he high-fives the front row as he goes down the ramp.

Cody goes to the ring, we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro, then Cody gets the mic. The fans cheer Cody on while the music dies down. Cody asks, “Wilkes-Barre, PA…! Whaddya wanna talk about? Let’s talk about Drew McIntyre!” The fans boo that name, but Cody says, “Drew McIntyre has said that this, this with all of you, is an unsafe work environment. Nearly snatched him bald, and now this is an unsafe work environment. There’s a reason Drew’s not getting up at 5AM for a press junket, there’s a reason Drew’s kicking officials, there’s a reason Drew’s not mingling with each and every one of you.

“And those reasons are the same reasons for him not being WWE Champion: Drew McIntyre is only half in, and that’s why I don’t sweat you, Drew McIntyre!” The fans cheer that, and Cody says in fact, if he was the boss, he’d FIRE Drew! But he’s not the boss, so he can’t do that. But what Cody can do is whip Drew’s ass! The fans cheer that! But then OBA FEMI is here!? The Ruler was going to meet Cody Rhodes in Washington, DC, but it seems he wants to be here in Wilkes-Barre tonight! The fans cheer as the TWO-TIME NXT Champion steps up to the Undisputed WWE Champion, and stares him right in the face!

The fans fire up for the stare down, and Cody takes a step back so that he can fetch a mic for Oba. The fans cheer for “O~BA! HOOT!” Oba says Cody is all fired up, he loves the passion, but he is afraid Cody is worried about the wrong man. Cody is worried about Drew, but Drew is not here. But the NXT Champoin is in the building tonight! The fans cheer that! So allow Oba to formally introduce himself to the WWE Universe: He is Oba Femi, The Ruler, The Destroyer, the Bringer of War, the mountain you cannot climb and you cannot conquer! And he is also the man Cody will face on Saturday Night’s Main Event.

The fans cheer again, and Oba says in the spirit of SNME, it has been advertised as The Present VS The Future. Everyone is acting like the future is this distance thing so far away, but that is where Oba disagrees. Oba is here, knocking on Cody’s door, telling him that the future is now, is here, and it is OBA FEMI! So in the spirit of hustle, loyalty and respect… Oba says Cody’s time is up, and Oba’s time is now! The fans cheer, and Cody nods. That’s a good John Cena quote. Glad Cena is someone Oba looks up to, they share that. But the man right here is the man who beat Cena for the WWE Championship.

Cody goes to leave, but Oba stops him. Oba raises his title high, Cody does the same. The fans cheer as we’re just 24 hours away from this epic showdown. Drew or no Drew, will Cody be able to focus on his future? Or will all that awaits him be a Fall From Grace?

Ilja Dragunov heads to gorilla.

On the way, Fraxiom is there and they wanna let him know, if DIY tries anything out there, they’ll be there to kick DIY’s teeth down their throats! Axiom has Frazer cool down, and says they’re just watching. If anything happens, they will be there to help. Ilja says he appreciates that, but no, he promised to carry the legacy of the US Championship with honor. It is the painful way, but it is the honest way. Ciampa has spit on everything this title stands for the last few weeks, so Ilja will put him- No, he will PUNCH Ciampa in his place! Because the Greatest Of All Time, John Cena himself, started the tradition of the Open Challenge.

Cena never backed down from a bully, Cena never backed down from a fight, so neither will Ilja! Tonight, Ilja will teach that jackass that if he plays with a Mad Dragon, he will burn! Pain shall entertain! Fraxiom likes that, and they wish him luck. The Czar is ready for another war, but will he break the Blackheart of the Sicilian Psycho? Or will Ciampa make sure no one will survive?

WWE United States Championship: Ilja Dragunov VS Tommaso Ciampa!

SmackDown returns as Ilja makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly intense!

The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around. Ciampa pulls hair, puts Ilja in a corner, but CHOPS and ROCKS him as the ref counts! And CHOPS again! Ilja KNEES low, CHOPS again, then UPPERCUTS! And CHOPS! Ciampa headlocks, Ilja powers up and out, but Ciampa ROCKS Ilija! Ilja ROCKS Ciampa! And repeat! Ilja rebounds to CHOP, but Ciampa CHOPS back! The CHOPS and SLAPS go back and forth and the fans fire up! Ilja JUMP KICKS! Down goes Ciampa and the fans fire up again! Ciampa checks his teeth while Ilja paces. Ilja drags Ciampa up, CHOPS him, and CHOPS him again! Ciampa kicks low, CHOPS then CHOPS, but Ilja CHOPS!

Ilja spins to CHOP the legs out, then he winds up again! But Ciampa DROPKICKS Ilja’s leg! And KNEES him down! Cover, TWO! Ilja is still in this but Ciampa stomps the legs. Ciampa stands Ilja up, whips, but Ilja reverses. Ilja runs up, KNEES Ciampa low, then goes side to side to BOOT WASH! Ciampa dangles out of the ring, the fans fire up, and Ilja stands Ciampa up, just to BOOT him to the floor! Ilja then goes out the side, builds speed, but Ciampa just sidesteps! Ilja runs right into steel steps! Ciampa hauls Ilja up, and suplexes him into the steps! Ilja writhes, Ciampa pats himself on the back quite literally, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Ilja fights a waistlock. Ilja elbows away until he’s free, but Ciampa whips! Ilja CONSTANT- NO, the leg gives out! Ciampa KICKS Ilja, but Ilja BOOTS in return! Ciampa KNEES Ilja again, but Ilja springs up to ENZIGIRI! Both men are down but the fans fire up! Ilja snarls as he rises again, and he drags Ciampa around. Ilja CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS, then he SLAPS! And CHOPS! Ilja KNEES Ciampa now, but a bit double-edged given the damage done. But Ilja still SLAPS Ciampa again! And KNEES him again! And GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ilja holds onto Ciampa and the fans fire up!

The fans want to see it, “One More Time! One More TIme!” Ilja GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ilja holds on, shakes his bad leg out, and he eggs on “Jackass” Ciampa! Ciampa CLUBS at the leg but Ilja shifts to rain HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then he pump handles, but the leg won’t let him lift! Ciampa has the bad leg, Ilja and Ciampa SLAP and SLAP and SLAP! Ilja ROCKS Ciampa, and then BACK SUPLEX SLAMS Ciampa! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa survives, Ilja is stunned, but the fans fire up again! Ilja goes to a corner, climbs up, but Ciampa CHOPS him first! Ilja SLAPS back! Ciampa BOOTS the bad leg! Ilja falls to the apron!

The fans rally, Ciampa steps out, and he fireman’s carries Ilja. AIR RAID CRASH on the apron! Cover, TWO!!! Ilja survives and Ciampa is furious! But Ciampa also hurries to get Ilja back up top! Ciampa climbs, but Ilja HEADBUTTS again and again! Ciampa falls back, Ilja rises up, and Ilja COAST2COAST MISSILE DROPKICKS! Both men are down and Ilja clutches the bad leg! The fans rally even harder and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Ilja drags himself up with the ropes, and he eggs Ciampa on. Ciampa reaches out but Ilja stands him up. Ilja CHOPS Ciampa, CHOPS him down, then stalks him to a corner. Ciampa goes to the apron, btu Ilja CLUBS and HAMMERS away! The ref counts, Ilja stops, and Ilja drags himself back up. Ilja climbs the corner, drags Ciampa up, and he deadlifts Ciampa! But Ciampa fights the rest of the lift! Ciampa SHOVES Ilja down, and Ilja again clutches the leg. Ciampa hurries in, he gest the leg for the HALF CRAB! Ilja endures, reaches out, but Ciampa pulls on the leg! Ilja fights to turn, and he kicks at Ciampa!

Ciampa powers Ilja back over for the HALF CRAB! Ilja endures, and bites his own hand to ignore the leg! Ilja CHOPS at Ciampa’s legs, then turns back over to KICK free! Ilja BOOTS Ciampa against the ropes! Ilja reels Ciampa in, pump handle and SUPLEX! Both men are down again, but Ilja reaches out for Ciampa. Ciampa reaches out for ropes and rolls away. Both men rise up, and Ilja CHOPS! Ciampa CHOPS! Ilja snarls and HEADBUTTS Ciampa! Ciampa ROCKS Ilja! Ilja SLAPS Ciampa, throws off his wristbands, and fires CHOP after CHOP, and MACHINEGUN CHOPS in the corner! Ilja stops from exhaustion while SmackDown returns to single picture.

Ilja hoists Ciampa up top, but Ciampa SLAPS! Ilja says it is payback time, and he SLAPS back! They SLAP, Ilja SLAPS and SLAPS, but Ciampa shoves him! Ciampa eggs him on, and Ilja SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS! Then CHOPS! Ciampa slumps back against the post! Ilja drags himself up the corner to then roar! The fans fire up, and Ilja brings Ciampa back up. But Ciampa CLUBS the leg! Ciampa fireman’s carries, and tucks Ilja in, for a SUPER AIR RAID CRASH!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Ilja survives, nose bloody and leg hurting, but Ciampa is beside himself! “This is Awesome!” as both men sputter for air.

Ilja and Ciampa stir, and Ciampa sits up first. Ciampa goes to ropes, Ilja smiles through the blood!? Ilja and Ciampa rise up, step up, and Ilja SLAPS! Ciampa SLAPS! Then they CHOP and SLAP and just throw fast hands! The fans are all fired up as Ciampa gets the edge! Ciampa blocks a kick, and DRAGON SCREWS! Ilja writhes, Ciampa brings his kneepad down! PSYCHO- HEADBUTT from Ilja! But Ciampa GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Ilja’s right back up!! TORPEDO MOSCOW!! Ilja flounders around, he goes back to a corner, but GARGANO gets on the apron! The fans boo, but CANDICE HOTSHOTS ILJA! PSYCHO KNEE!!! Cover, TWO!!!!

Ilja survives and DIY is SHOCKED! The fans are thunderous as Ilja BACKDROPS Ciampa, sits on the cover, ILJA WINS!!

Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

But now Gargano CLOBBERS Ilja! DIY couldn’t cheat the champ, so they’ll just beat him down! But here comes MELO! And he fires hands on Ciampa! Gargano is after Melo now but Melo ELBOWS him away! SUPERKICK for Ciampa! FADE AWAY JUMPER on Gargano! The fans fire up as DIY is in retreat! Melo then turns to Ilja, and he helps the man to his feet. The fans cheer, but will we soon see Ilja run it back with H1M? Or do they both have to clear out the jackasses first?

Backstage interview with Je’Von Evans.

Cathy Kelley is with The Young OG, and she says that tomorrow night, Je’Von has arguably the biggest match of his career on Saturday. How is he feeling about this? Je’Von says he can’t lie, he’s giddy as hell! He is having one of the biggest days of his career, and he’s not doing it alone! He’s got his good friend, Leon Slater with him! But then The Miz steps in and says no, no, no! This is ALL wrong! They should be interviewing Miz about his career tomorrow night, but Miz doesn’t have one! Instead, they’re interviewing a KID who wasn’t even alive when John Cena debuted! Je’Von says hold on, Unc!

Miz says do NOT call him “Unc,” he is not Je’Von’s “Unc.” Je’Von still says Uncle Miz had TWO opportunities, lost them both, so that’s a Miz problem. Miz says he wrestles on a level Je’Von is not ready for! Je’Von says they’re both here, so if Miz wants to throw hands, let him know. Miz says he will go to Nick Aldis, make that match, and he will make Je’Von understand that if he gets injured, he won’t make it to SNME, Nephew. Miz storms off, will the Hollywood A-Lister try and revive his career off the Young OG? Or will we all see dat boy get BOUNCY~?

The Wyatts speak.

Uncle Howdy says, “We’re here. AHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Will everyone on SmackDown have to watch their backs tonight?

The Wyatts head to the ring!

SmackDown returns and the lights go down. The fireflies come out to greet Uncle Howdy, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis & Erick Rowan as they walk down the ramp. Solo Sikoa put them on notice over the WWE Tag Team Championships and even the legacy of Bray Wyatt, but it seems they’re here first. Bow blows out the lantern to sit in the rocking chair. He picks up the mic to say, “Solo Sikoa… You’ve made many claims this past week. Trying to discredit me and my family. But who are you to cast judgment? You may not have the power look within yourself, Solo, but we do.

“And the reality is… Your real family… has all turned their back on you! Because you used and abused those you claimed to love. Your… You’re disillusioned… You’re out of your mind! Saying the MFT runs SmackDown! HAHAHAHA… Rip this veil from your eyes! The MFT runs nothing, while the Wyatt Sick6 have these.” Lumis & Gacy set down the tag titles and the fans cheer. Howdy kneels before the belts, and he tells Solo, “If you and your family tree want these titles… Come and get them!” The fans cheer that! But wait! MFT does indeed make their way out to the ring! But while everyone watches the ramp, Solo is just on the tron.

Solo chuckles and says, “Look at these freaks. Look at ’em. What you thought was gonna happen, huh? That we were just gonna come out there and show up on your terms? Nah. It don’t work like that, okay? Howdy, listen to me, listen to me very, very closely. You don’t get to call the shots around here. Because I’m the one that’s calling the shots. And I see you and your family like to appear from the shadows and attack my family. This time, we are gonna do things my way. Next week, we are coming to take those tag team titles, so you and your family better be ready for war. A word of advice: If you wanna keep your family safe, which I know you do, give us those tag team titles.

“Because if you don’t, the only thing that you can do… is run!” The fans boo Solo using Bray’s words against Howdy, but will Solo regret playing mind games with the Wyatts? Or will MFT finally have gold again?

Charlotte Flair talks Alexa Bliss.

The Queen points out that Lash Legend is bigger than Alexa, and perhaps the strongest woman on the roster. But she’s also young, overconfident, and entitled. Can you believe she walks in here and acts like she owns the place? Can you believe people used to think Charlotte was like that? Alexa sarcastically says, “You? No…!” Well, Alexa has more experience than Lash, this is Alexa’s ring, and she will win. Then #Charlexa will head back for the tag titles. But then Rhea Ripley steps in. Tag team titles, huh? When it comes to who’s next, it is her and Iyo. Alexa says they respect #RheYo, but Charlexa steps aside for no one.

Rhea says good luck tonight. Alexa says good luck, too. Charlotte says Alexa doesn’t need luck. But will Alexa be able to bring down the towering Lash Legend? Or will the Bougie Bully pop #Blisster tonight?

Alexa Bliss w/ Charlotte Flair VS Lash Legend w/ Nia Jax!

The weather is getting colder but the Women’s Tag Division is only heating up as #Charlexa is aiming for the Kabuki Warriors, same as #RheYo and the new combination of Bougie Bully & Irresistible Force. Alexa got a win over Kairi Sane, can she get another win here tonight? Or will Lash pump on the brakes and have her breakthrough moment?

The bell rings, Lash runs up, but Alexa dodges! Alexa jumps on for a SLEEPER! Lash THROWS Alexa away, runs up, but Alexa dodges again. Alexa tilt-o-whirls to RANA Lash outta the ring! The fans cheer, Alexa goes to the apron, and Alexa CANNONBALLS, but Lash catches her! And THROWS her onto barriers! Alexa sputters, Lash drags her back up, and Lash drags Alexa around. Lash puts Alexa in the ring, storms up, and wrenches the arm to knuckle lock. Lash pushes on Alexa’s arm, then CLUBS it! And straight arm lever! The fans cheer the old school feat of strength, and then Lash lets Alexa down to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally for “LEXI! LEXI!” as Lash talks trash on Alexa. Then SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Nia taunts Alexa and coaches Lash. Lash whips Alexa to the corner, but Alexa BOOTS her! Alexa goes up, leaps, but into Lash’s arms Lash then walks around with Alexa, but Alexa swings through to DDT! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Lash rises first, but Alexa ROCKS her again and again, then KNEES and SHOTGUNS! The fans fire up, Alexa runs, but Lash DECKS her! The “Lash Minute” sends Alexa tumbling. Lash stalks her to the apron, but Alexa HOTSHOTS her away! Lash distracts the ref, and Nia TRIPS Alexa up!

Charlotte runs up to SUPERKICK Nia! Lash runs up and BOOTS Charlotte down! Lash goes back to Alexa, but Alexa tilt-o-whirls again! Lash stops the DDT this time to swing Alexa all the way around! LASH EXTENSION!! Cover, Lash wins!

Winner: Lash Legend, by pinfall

And with that, Lash just beat a WWE Triple Crown Champion! Will this be a sign that Lash & Nia are on their way to those tag titles?

Backstage interview with Aleister Black & Zelina Vega.

Cathy Kelley catches up with the menacing couple and asks for any comment on their Mixed Tag tonight. Zelina says it didn’t have to come to this. Damian Priest is only doing this because he doesn’t like the man that he is. But if he thinks he phones a friend, that’ll make him whole, then he is wrong. Aleister says if Damian is so keen to drag his friends to Hell with him, so be it. The Dark Father and La Muneca head out, will they make Damian and Rhea #FadeToBlack? Or will they learn to fear The Terror Twins?

BREAKING NEWS!

Starting with the New Year, Friday Night SmackDowns go to THREE HOURS LONG! January 2nd, 2026 will begin a bigger, badder era of the Blue Brand!

The Miz VS Je’Von Evans!

The Hollywood A-Lister just always has to have the spotlight. But will he steal it from The Young OG just 24 hours away from the tag match in DC? Or will Je’Von prove exactly why he has this phenomenal opportunity?

SmackDown returns and Je’Von makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Miz headlocks, Je’Von powers up and out, but Miz RUNS Je’Von over! Miz pie faces Je’Von, the fans are torn, but Je’Von says okay, Unc. Miz shows he still has hops, then he and Je’Von tie up again. Miz powers Je’Von back, Je’Von turns it around, but Miz shoves Je’Von down! Je’Von frowns, but he kips up, then MONKEY FLISP! Miz tumbles, Je’Von mocks The Miz’s old poses. Miz runs up, Je’Von DROPKICKS! Then the BOUNCY~ RANA! Miz tumbles out and the fans fire up! Je’Von throws off his shirt and builds speed to slide!

Miz dodges the slide and he KNEES low! Miz drags Je’Von up, whips him, but Je’Von goes up, up, and ASAI MOONSAULTS! The fans fire up and Je’Von puts Miz in. But Miz BOOTS Je’Von at the apron! And POSTS him! Je’Von scrambles, clutches an arm, but Miz grabs the arm to SNAP it against ropes! Je’Von falls to the floor, Miz shakes his head, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Miz has Je’Von in the YES LOCK! Je’Von endures, the fans rally behind him, and Je’Von claws at the hold! Je’Von fights around, rolls back, makes it a cover, TWO! Miz has Je’Von but Je’Von CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Then he bobs ‘n’ weaves to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! And then JAB! JAB! But Miz BOOTS the bad arm! Miz drags Je’Von around to whip, but Je’Von FLYING FOREARMS! The fans fire up again, Miz blocks a kick but not the SUPERKICK! Je’Von rebounds, RED DOT GAMANGIRI! Cover, TWO! Miz survives but Je’Von stays focused. Je’Von shakes out the arm to climb the corner.

The fans rally up and Je’Von MOON- NO, Miz moves and Je’Von rolls through! Je’Von swings, Miz gets under, SPIN-OUT BOMB! The fans boo as Miz raises his hand. Miz parodies Cena, “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Miz calls his shot, fireman’s carries, but Je’Von handsprings through the AA! Then he TOSSES Miz out! Je’Von builds speed to FLY! Down goes Miz! Je’Von gets Miz up, puts him in the ring, and “This is Awesome!” Je’Von goes up, up, and O G- NO! Miz has the nelson, but Je’Von victory rolls it! TWO and Miz has it with tights! TWO!! Je’Von dodges, goes back up, O G CUTTER!! Cover, Je’Von wins!

Winner: Je’Von Evans, by pinfall

The Young OG got one up on the A-Lister! But will he and the Youngest In Charge soon do the same to the WWE World Tag Team Champions? Or will Styles & Dragon show everyone what it is to be phenomenal?

Nia Jax & Lash Legend find Rhea Ripley backstage.

Nia wasn’t sure if Rhea watched, but she should’ve seen what they did to Charlotte & Alexa. That was just a warning. If Rhea hasn’t noticed, things have changed around here. Sorry, is this some sort of threat? Cuz Nia’s been acting real brave now that she’s got a little backup. Rhea doesn’t think they want them reminding them that Rhea is a problem they don’t want to have. So when Rhea & Iyo want the tag titles, they’ll take ’em. Nia grumbles and leaves with Lash. Priest steps in, asks if Rhea is good, and she says she’s good. Priest says don’t worry about Nia & Lash. But keep this energy! He’ll finish getting ready, she just needs to take it easy.

Priest heads out, but then Jade Cargill walks past. The Storm smirks at Rhea, then heads to gorilla. Will the WWE Women’s Champion soon leave Wilkes-Barre and Mia Yim feeling Jaded?

Jade Cargill VS Mia Yim!

Michin walks ‘n’ walks that ever since Jade became champion, she has just been picking on every single one of them! And nothing pisses her off more than a bully! Mia knows Jade’s gonna give everything she’s got, so Michin’s gonna give everything she’s got. But then Jade DECKS Mia at gorilla! And she SMACKS Mia off the road case! Jade drags Mia up, THROWS her into the wall, then says, “Exactly. Now cue my music.” The Storm storms her way out to the ring, did she just cancel her match with the Head Baddie In Charge? Jade says you already know this is #ThatB*tchShow. Jade goes right to the ring and get a mic.

“Cut the music! Y’all gon’ stop tryin’ me! That is what happens when women don’t know their place in the back! Like I said, anybody can step up and get stepped on! Cuz I’m That B-” WAIT! Michin is still making her entrance? And she’s got her kendo stick! She SMACKS security aside, then fires off on Jade! The fans fire up as Miz bullies Jade for a bit! Mia then goes looking, and she brings out a TABLE! The fans cheer that! But Jade BOOTS her down first! The fans boo but Jade TOSSES Mia into the ring! And she even puts the table back! The fans boo more, but Mia BLASTS Jade at the apron! Mia fires hands, Jade shoves her back!

jade guzels and CHOKE SLAMS Mia right down! Jade tells Mia to stay down. Jade picks up her gold and storms her way back out of here. “This is my ring, this is my show, I AM That B/tch, you better recognize! Gimme some real competition.” Who, if anyone, will try to weather The Storm and end the reign?

Mixed Tag: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley VS Aleister Black & Zelina Vega!

This all started because The Archer of Infamy stood up for R-Truth against The Dark Father, and it has only escalated from there. But will having reinforcements in the form of The Eradicator be just the thing Damian needs to end this? Or will the necessary evil make The Terror Twins and all of SmackDown #FadeToBlack?

SmackDown returns and Priest makes his entrance, followed immediately by Rhea’s. The fans are already fired up as Priest & Rhea step into the ring, and they climb up onto the corners, only for Aleister & Zelina to attack! The fans boo, but Aleister fires off strikes on Priest while Zelina DUMPS Rhea out! The bell rings, Aleister puts Priest in another corner to fire more strikes, but the ref counts. Aleister stops at 4, then storms back up, only for Priest to TOSS him into the corner! Priest fires hands, ROCKS Aleister, then whips him to ropes. Aleister grabs ropes top stop himself, but Priest LARIATS Alesiter up and otu!

Priest finally takes off his vest, and he points to Rhea. The fans cheer that! But Zelina jumps on for a SLEEPER! She’s little more than a backpack, and Priest tags Rhea in. So Zelina SLAPS Rhea! Rhea just gets mad, and Priest says Zelina messed up. Rhea chases Zelina out of the ring, around the ring, then back in, and she stops the slap! Short arm LARIAT! The fans rally for “MAMI! MAMI!” as Rhea then back suplexes! Zelina lands out, tilt-o-whirls, but Rhea stops the DDT! Rhea wags her finger, and powers up to throw Zelina away! Rhea kicks Zelina, KNEE SMASHES, then winds up to LARIAT! The fans fire up with Rhea and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Rhea sees Zelina go to the corner, and she runs up to RAM her! Rhea RAMS Zelina again and again, and again, then backs off as the ref counts. Rhea brings Zelina out to whip to the corner hard! Rhea then smiles, runs up, but Zelina dodges! Rhea POSTS herself! Zelina then WRINGS the arm out, covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Zelina clamps onto an arm and grinds the hold. Rhea fights off the attempt at a cover, and she rolls Zelina to a ghost pin, ONE! Rhea tries again, TWO! Zelina runs up, but Rhea catches her! Rhea pops Zelina around, but Zelina slips free! Zelina shoves Rhea and Aleister stands in the way.

The ref reprimands Aleister but Zelina runs up to get the ARM CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Zelina grabs Rhea’s arm and CLUBS away on it! Zelina then jumps on for a HOVERBOARD KIMURA! Rhea endures, fights up, but Zelina CLUBS away on Rhea! Rhea still powers up to go for ropes, and she puts Zelina up top! The ref counts, Zelina still CLUBS Rhea’s arm, then has the HANGING ARMBAR! SmackDown returns to single picture while the ref reprimands, and Zelina lets go at 4. Rhea scrambles away but Zelina goes up! Zelina METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Rhea stays in this, but Zelina stays on her with a rain of fists!

The fans rally for “MAMI! MAMI!” but Zelina says shut up! Rhea fires body shots, then suplexes, but Zelina slips free to CHOP BLOCK! And then a handspring into the headscissors, Rhea slips free, so Zelina basement DDTS! Cover, TWO! Zelina tries again, handspring and roll, but Rhea picks Zelina up! POWERBOMB! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Rhea and Zelina crawl, hot tag to Priest! Aleister runs in, but Priest LARIATS! And LARIATS! Priest whips, Aleister reverses, but Priest hits the ELEVATED FLATLINER! The fans fire up as Priest ELBOWS Aleister in the corner, then BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO!

Aleister survives but Priest powers up the arm. The fans fire up, but Zelina jumps on! Again, more of an inconvenience. Priest throws her away, but Aleister JUMP KNEES! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans rally up, Aleister stands Priest up fore fast hands, and he fires off in the corner! But Priest BOOTS back! Rhea tags in! Priest runs up, Aleister SWEEPS the legs! Zelina POSTS Rhea! Aleister brings Priest up, Priest ELBOWS free! Zelina and Aleister work together, ASSISTED DROPKICK on Priest! ASSISTED RANA on Rhea! JUMP KNEE and Priest tumbles out!

Aleister and Zelina go to the aprons, STEREO ASAI MOONSAULTS! The fans cheer, that was legitimately impressive, and Zelina puts Rhea in. Zelina goes up, CROSSBODY, but Rhea catches her! Rhea pops Zelina around, pump handles, and RIP- NO, Zelina slips through, body scissors for a CODE RED! Not the best way of hitting it, but Zelina CLUBS away on Rhea! Reset and CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!??! Rhea survives and Zelina is freaking out! Zelina hurries to BUZZ- NO, Rhea ducks it! Zelina HEEL KICKS, then CLUBS her! Zelina runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Rhea stoops the Octopus Hold to carry Zelina around!

Rhea pops Zelina back up with an Electric Chair and SLAM! Then the cover, but Aleister drags Rhea back! The fans boo and the ref reprimands! Rhea stares Aleister down, Aleister smirks, and Aleister steps out. Rhea HEADBUTTS him anyway! Zelina rolls Rhea up! TWO!! Rhea kicks low, reels Zelina in, and Priest intercepts Aleister! The fans fire up as we get STEREO RAZOR’S EDGE!! Priest says finish her! Rhea hauls Zelina up, RIPTIDE!! Cover, Terror Twins win!

Winners: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

Aleister & Zelina tried to tear them down, but the Terror Twins stood tall! Will this help Priest move on from the darkness? Or will this not end until that darkness consumes him?

My Thoughts:

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Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW World Tag League Results & Report! (12/12/25)

The Semifinals wrap!

Published

4 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Steven Mitchell

Who will be #WarReady?

World Tag League is almost over, and it will either be the Knock Out Brothers or the rivals, Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji, that face TMDK in the finals?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Shingo Takagi, “Drilla” Dan Moloney & Daiki Nagai; Takagi, Drilla & Daiki win.
Boltin Oleg & Zane Jay VS Lance Archer & Alex Zayne; Archer & Zayne win.
Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Shuji Ishikawa & Shoma Kato VS SANADA, Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sanada, Narita & Kanemaru win.
10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Shota Umino, Yuya Uemura & Katsuya Murashima VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
Six Man Tag: David Finlay, Hiromu Takahashi & Gedo VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
Six Man Tag: El Phantasmo, Taichi & Satoshi Kojima VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
2025 World Tag League Semifinals: Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji VS OSKAR & Yuto-Ice; Gabe & Yota win and advance to the finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

After 10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Shota Umino, Yuya Uemura & Katsuya Murashima VS The House of Torture…

As usual, The House of Torture cheats! Sho, still posing as “Dick Togo Jr,” uses the SPOILER CHOKER on the Young Lion, Katsuya, to drag him off of Evil. Then he feeds Katsuya to Don Fale’s GRENADE, and Evil tops it off with a SCORPION DEATHLOCK! But bullying the Young Lion isn’t enough! Sho sits Katsuya up, and Evil has one of the NEVER Six Man belts! But Toru Yano snatches it back! Evil wants mercy, but here come reinforcements! Sanada & Narita attack Yano from behind! The fans boo as the full House is here! Evil talks trash while the fans boo, and Evil again picks up the Six Man title.

Evil gets a mic to tell everyone to shut up! And he tells Yano, “Too bad, HAHAHA!” But since they wanna defend these NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag titles so badly, Evil, Sanada & Narita accept! The fans boo and tell The House to go home! Evil says to shut up, bunch of dummies. And at the Tokyo Dome, Hontai will lose these titles! Got it? Remember it! The King of Darkness wants to be the King of NEVER, but will the Cold-Blooded, Souled Out Snakes help him seal the fate of Yano, Wato & Yoh?

Six Man Tag: David Finlay, Hiromu Takahashi & Gedo VS The United Empire!

It was the other day that The War Dogs and Unaffiliated were minding their own business with their 10 Man Tag, and then Great-O-Khan, Callum Newman & Jakob Austin Young decided to attack! Reasons why aside, will the Rebel, Timebomb & Blacksmith get their revenge? Or will they be conquered by the United Empire?

Well now the Empire attacks Finlay, Hiromu & Gedo during their entrance! But they’re ready, and Hiromu CROSSBODIES Callum! Finlay ROCKS Jakob, Khan kicks Gedo but Gedo CLAWS Khan’s eyes! The fans fire up as Hiromu stomps Callum, and Finlay CLAWS Jakob’s eyes! They move towards ringside, but then end up in the crowd! Finlay HEADBUTTS Callum, and SHOVES him down into the chairs! Finlay stomps Callum, then uses a fan’s SHOE to beat him down!? Khan ROCKS Hiromu while against the railing! The ref reprimands, he wants someone in the ring. Finlay whips Callum into the wall!

The brawling continues as Callum turns things around and he sends Finlay into the wall! Hiromu BOWLS Khan into chairs! Not quite a strike, but he drags Khan up by his beard. Finlay CLAWS Callum’s face then ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum kicks back and ROCKS Finlay! But Finlay SMACKS Callum off a table! And then THROWS him over the merch tables! Finlay even CHUCKS shirts and things at Callum! And SMACKS him with a box! Finlay stands Callum up, Callum ROCKS Finlay! Khan CLOBBERS Hiromu, then CHOKES him with a chair! Then he clamps on the IRON CLAW! Khan drags Hiromu up and brings him around, but Hiromu BOWLS him into chairs!

Finlay keeps after Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! They go to the back end of the crowd, but Finlay whips Callum into another wall! The ref continues to say get this in the ring, but Hiromu CHOKES Khan with a chair in return for earlier! Hiromu stomps Khan, Callum ROCKS Finlay, and where are Gedo and Jakob in all this? Callum has more fans clear out, Hiromu dodges Khan to kick him, and then Hiromu BOWLS Khan into more chairs! Still not a strike. Finlay BOWLS Callum into chairs, there’s the strike! Finlay CLAWS Callum’s eyes, Khan Mongolian Chops Hiromu! And Mongolian Chops again! Hiromu blocks the third, to Mongolian Chop in return!

The fans cheer, but then Khan IRON BODY BLOWS in return! Finlay and Callum still brawl, and Finlay CLOBBERS Callum with a fan’s bag! But then Callum SMOTHERS Finlay with a fan’s jacket! Callum KNEES Finlay away, then stalks him. Khan drags Hiromu through the crowd and right behind commentary! Khan SMACKS Hiromu off the desk! Finlay HEADBUTTS Callum! Callum flops onto chairs, so Finlay ELBOW DROPS onto him! Finlay rains down fists, then kicks him down. Khan drags Hiromu up and whips him hard into railing, and the front row has to watch out! Callum and Finlay brawl again, and Callum KICKS Finlay down!

Khan has a chair! He winds up and JAMS Hiromu up! The fans cheer as he takes aim, and he SMACKS Hiromu on the back! We finally see Gedo firing body shots on Jakob while Khan IRON CLAWS Hiromu again! Finlay and Callum have also made it to ringside, and Callum puts Gedo in. The bell finally rings, and Callum fires off on Gedo in the corner! Callum goes corner to corner to BOOT Gedo! Feed to Jakob for an ANARCHY PLEX! Then PENALTY KICK! Callum covers, but Callum sits Gedo up! Callum hits the EXCALIBUR STOMPS! Cover, Empire wins!

Winners: The United Empires, by pinfall

The actual match only lasted seconds rather than minutes, but even then Callum wants to beat down Gedo! He rains down forearms, he HEADBUTTS a Young Lion away, and Khan sends a chair in! Callum puts the chair around Gedo’s neck! The fans freak out, but Finlay & Hiromu get in the ring! The Empire retreats, and Callum SPITS at Finlay! Finlay demands a mic! “Hey, where they hell do you boys think you’re going, huh? Here’s the thing, Callum, I know for a fact you’ve been running your mouth, talking some s*it, that you and that homeless looking man you call a partner want a rematch against me and Hiromu!

“Well, you got my attention now. You want a rematch? You got it! We’ll see you b*tches in Kumamoto!” The fans cheer that! But will that battle end up as unruly as this one did? Or will the Savage King & Timebomb demolish the Dominator & Prince of Pace once and for all?

2025 World Tag League Semifinals: Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji VS OSKAR & Yuto-Ice!

The Mad Man & Gene Blaster haven’t always seen eye to eye, but they agreed to team together, and they’ve made it to the semifinals! But they didn’t come this far just to come this far, will they also make it to the finals? Or will the Knock Out Brothers knock them out?

The teams sort out and Gabe calls out Ice. Ice steps up, the bell rings, and the fans rally up already. Gabe and Yuto stare down, step up, and they shoulder bump each other. Then Gabe fires a forearm! Yuto fires back, so Gabe fires another! Yuto fires another, Gabe fires another, and the shots keep going. Gabe taunts Yuto, saying it’s “kawaii <cute>” how he’s trying. The forearms go harder and harder, faster and faster, and the fans fire up! Yuto fires a flurry, then he runs, but Gabe drops down, springs up, and CLOBBERS Yuto! Yota tags in, BLASTS Oskar, but Oskar stays up! So Yota kicks Oskar’s legs out!

The fans cheer while Oskar hobbles away. Gabe & Yota then drag Yuto up to double whip, DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE, and then Gabe SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES DOWN! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Yota smiles as he brings Yuto up. Yota cravats for the neck wrench but Yuto endures. Yota snapmares, then he clamps onto the arms and turns Yota over, CAMEL CLUTCH! Yuto endures but Oskar coaches him. Yota lets go, mocks Yuto going gangsta, but Yuto gets up in a huff. They get forehead to forehead, then Yuto ROCKS Yota with a forearm! Yuto fires shots in the corner, Red Shoes counts, and Yuto whips corner to corner.

Yuto runs in, blocks Yota’s boot, but Yota reels him in for the DOUBLE STOMP! The fans cheer, Yota tags Gabe, and then Yota DROPKICKS Oskar back down! Gabe kicks and scuffs Yuto, brings him around, and CHOPS! The fans applaud and Gabe mocks Yuto going gangsta. Gabe CHOPS Yuto, CHOPS him again then whips. Yuto reverses to KNEE low, run and BOOT Gabe down! Gabe tumbles out, Yuto follows, and Yuto goes after Yota while Oskar attacks Gabe! Then Oskar CHOKES Yota while Yuto fires shots on Gabe. Gabe fires back, they fire back and forth, and now they go into the crowd! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Oskar whips Yota hard into railing!

Gabe storms into the crowd, Yuto follows, and fans again have to clear out! The forearms fly again as Gabe and Yuto are in the middle of the crowd! Oskar BOWLS Yota into chairs! STRIKE! Yuto BOWLS Gabe into chairs, STRIKE! The fans rally as Yuto stands Gabe up and ROCKS him with a forearm! Gabe staggers through the crowd, Yuto CHOKES him on the railing, but Red Shoes reprimands. Yuto SMACKS Gabe off the apron, then whips him into railing! Gabe slumps down but Yuto drags him up to put in the ring. Yuto swaggers around, then brings Gabe up to KICK! And KICK! And KICK in the corner again and again!

Yuto mule kicks Gabe, then goes gangtsa. “BOMBACLAT!” DOUBLE KNEES! The fans cheer, Yuto snapmares Gabe for a cocky cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Yuto kicks Gabe around. Yuto sits Gabe up, runs, but Gabe blocks a kick! Gabe spins Yuto to clinch and EXPLODER! The fans rally while both men crawl, hot tag to Yota! Yuto is in a corner, Yota runs up to SPLASH! Yota reels Yuto in, but Yuto suplexes first! Both men are down, the fans rally up, and Yuto crawls to hot tag Oskar! Oskar runs up and CLOBBERS Yota! Then he runs corner to corner to ELBOW Yota! Oskar shoves Yuto down, runs up, and misses the leg drop! Yota basement BOOTS in return!

The fans fire up and Yota encourages them to get louder. The fans rally up and Yota snapmares Oskar to then get the legs! Oskar BOOTS free, runs up, but Yota ducks ‘n’ dodges! RANA! Oskar tumbles out and the fans fire up! Yota builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Oskar hits railing! The fans fire up and they cheer on Yota. Yota puts Oskar in the ring, takes aim, but Oskar ROCKS him first! Oskar suplexes Yota up and in, but Yota slips free! Yota clinches, but Oskar CLUBS free! But Yota BODY SHOTS! Yota fires up, but Oskar reels him in! Oskar SLAMS Yota, then drops the leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Yota survives and the fans fire up!

Oskar hurries to tag Yuto in, and Yuto hurries to BLAST Gabe down! Oskar whips Yota, scoops him, and BACKBREAKER KNEE COMBO! Cover, Gabe breaks it! The fans cheer, but Oskar stomps and TOSSES Gabe out! Oskar drags Yota up, but Yota BOOTS Yuto! Yota fires elbows on Oskar, but Oskar CLUBS him on the back! Yuto returns, and they lift Yota up, but Yota RANA SNAPMARE COMBOS! Yota then scoops Yuto to BACKBREAKER! The fans rally up while both men are down again! Gabe storms in and stands Yuto up to whip to the corner. Gabe LARIATS, then feeds to Yota’s BOOT! Gabe SAIDO! Yota covers, TWO!

The fans bark with Gabe, he and Yota coordinate and they stand Yuto up. But Oskar kicks Gabe! Yota kicks Oskar! Yota runs but Oskar scoops for a SLAM! But Gabe LARIATS Oskar down! Yuto DECKS Gabe, but also falls over! All four men are down and the fans fire up! Gabe and Oskar slump out of the ring while Yota and Yuto go to opposite ends. They both drag themselves up with the ropes, and they both turn around to stare down. Yota and Yuto step up, and Yota fires a forearm! Yuto snarls and fires back! Yota shakes it off to fire another forearm! Yuto fires back! The fans rally, and Yota grins before he fires a flurry! Yuto ROCKS Yota back!

Yota still smiles, even as he sways! Yota stands up tall, Yuto laughs, and says okay then! But Yota catches him to the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! CURB- NO, Yuto avoids the stomp! And the Gene Trigger! But Yota blocks a kick to ROCK Yuto, HEADBUTT him, and roar, only for Yuto to ROUNDHOUSE him down! Both men fall and the fans fire up again! Yuto and Yota crawl, hot tags to Gabe and Oskar! Gabe avoids the boot and waistlocks, but Oskar fights with elbows. Gabe CHOPS Oskar on the back! Oskar snarls, swings, but Gabe ducks to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Gabe CHOPS away in the corner and the fans fire up!

Oskar SHOVES Gabe away, but Gabe comes back! Oskar dodges to CHOP! Gabe sputters against the ropes as we hit 15 minute, and the fans rally up. Oskar stands Gabe up to CHOP again! Oskar then DOUBLE CHOPS Gabe on the back! Gabe sits down and the fans rally more. Oskar drags Gabe up but Gabe fires forearm after forearm! Oskar still whips Gabe hard to the corner, and BOOTS him down! Cover, TWO! Gabe survives and the fans fire up! Gabe sputters and Oskar looms over him. Oskar drags Gabe up and clamps on with both hands! NECK HANGING- NO, Gabe fights free with a flurry of fists!

Gabe HEADBUTTS Oskar, HEADBUTTS again, then ducks a lariat to HEADBUTT again! Gabe brings down the kneepad, O-KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Oskar survives and the fans fire up again! Gabe barks, the fans join in, and Gabe brings Oskar up. Gabe reels Oskar in, but Yuto BOOTS him! Gabe pushes Oskar aside so he and Yuto can get forehead to forehead. Yuto SLAPS, Gabe SLAPS back! Yuto SPITS at Gabe, then eggs Gabe on! Gabe SLAPS, Yuto SLAPS again, and the SLAP fight is on! The fans fire up as the SLAPS go faster and faster, from all sides, and Gabe gets the edge! Gabe SPITS on Yuto, then swings, but Yuto cross counters!

Yuto SMACKS Gabe down, but Gabe rolls to his feet and he ROCKS Yuto! Yuto DECKS Gabe with AMBITION! But Yota gets in! GENE TRIGGER! SUPERKICK! Yota then locks ‘n’ loads, runs up and- NIGHTMARE SLEEPER from Oskar! And SLEEPER BUSTER! Then ICE HIGH!! Oskar drags Gabe up now, he and Yuto coordinate, DOUBLE POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Gabe survives and the fans are thunderous! Yuto and Oskar vow to finish this! Yuto sends Gabe to Oskar for the scoop, but Gabe slips free! Gabe SHOVES Oskar into Yuto, then SMACKS Oskar! Oskar grabs Gabe, Gabe slips free, and “IKU ZO!” GERMAN SUPLEX!!

The fans are thunderous and Gabe fires up! COMEBACK- NO, Oskar gut wrenches! But GENE BLASTER hits Ice!! Gabe is free, he ROCKS Oskar, then STUFF PILEDRIVERS!! Cover, TWO!! Oskar survives and the fans are thunderous again! Gabe calls to Yota, Yota stands Oskar up! Gabe runs up, DOUBLE KNEE SANDWICH!! But they’re not done! WAR- NO, Oskar is still down! We pass 20 minutes as Gabe SLAPS Oskar! Gabe runs, and WAR- NO, Oskar guzels them first! But Yota & Gabe break free! SMACK! GENE TRIGGER! DOUBLE HEADBUTTS! Oskar roars, runs up, but they dodge! WAR BLASTER!!!! Cover, GABE & YOTA WIN!!!

Winner: Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (advance to the finals)

Divided they fall, but united they stand! Gabe & Yota stayed on the same page, and they overcame the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions! Yuto & Oskar got this far in their first World Tag League, will they only become more powerful as time goes by?

As for the rivals, Gabe stares down Oiwa on commentary, but Zack Sabre Jr. struts his way back out here. With that, Oiwa hops off commentary to step into the ring with Gabe & Yota. They stare down, Gabe in Oiwa’s face while Yota and ZSJ give each other room. Gabe then gets in ZSJ’s face, too, talking trash. The fans applaud, and TMDK backs down for now. Yota takes the mic first, and he tells Gabe, “I said all along, if we are able to combine our efforts, nothing can stop us. Let’s go, one more time!” The fans applaud that, and Gabe takes his turn. “The talking’s done. You’ve seen who the finals are: Gabe & Tsuji, Oiwa & Zack.”

Gabe then adds in Japanese, “OI, TSUJI! World Tag League 2025, ARE YOU READY!?” The fans fire up as Gabe throws down the mic and Gabe shakes hands with Yota. They are War Ready, but can they make The Mighty kneel?

My Thoughts:

Another very good night for World Tag League, but again, not sure why they didn’t just do both semifinals on the same day. Now obviously in those filler matches, those were actually used to book some things down the line, such as the House of Torture wanting those NEVER Six Man titles. Evil, Sanada & Narita is certainly a combination that even without cheating could take the titles from Yano, Yoh & Wato, but they’re definitely gonna cheat as much as they can to take those titles. Maybe it happens, maybe it doesn’t, but it’ll be a good match.

The Empire brawling all over the place with Finlay and Hiromu was really good stuff, but I didn’t think what goes on record as “the match” would be so quick. Finlay & Hiromu VS Callum & Khan for Sunday will be great stuff, and could go either way depending on tag title plans in the New Year. It also depends on if the War Dogs & Unaffiliated stick together, what with Finlay’s contract up that first week of January and perhaps needing to renegotiate. Would be really weird if Finlay goes the way of Jay White and is “kicked out” of Bullet Club for a new leader, and then he ends up in either AEW or WWE here in the states.

And of course, great main event, and I’m a touch surprised it is Gabe & Yota going to the finals. I suppose it would be too much if Oskar & Yuto went right to the finals in their first try, cuz then it’d be like they go downhill from there. They still have something to strive for as a young team, even while they’re still the champions. Though with this, I’ve been saying Yota has to focus on Konosuke Takeshita for WrestleKingdom, so maybe he and Gabe lose in the finals. I would hope it is a straight up awesome match where both teams are firing on all cylinders. It is more a WWE move if Gabe and Yota suddenly disagree again and that’s why they lose, NJPW is more for fighting spirit, so that’s how they should do this.