What’s old is new again!

While Liv Morgan has to watch out for Iyo Sky, she and Raquel Rodriguez want to reclaim the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships for their own! And Der Ring General prepares for another round with Damian Priest! In what way will history repeat itself?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Woman Tag: Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective; DMG CTRL wins.
• Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Pete Dunne; Dunne wins.
• Damian Priest VS Ludwig Kaiser; Priest wins.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Bianca & Jade win and retain the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE celebrates Veterans Day.

Today, we honor the valor, courage and sacrifice of our United States Military. The sacrifices they gave to protect our freedoms and safeguard our future. We are forever grateful and humbled by their service. Today, we remember and say thanks.

Gunther is here!

Grand Rapids is a bit turn seeing Der Ring General head to the ring, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist. Gunther may not be Crown Jewel Champion, but he must still defend his world title at Survivor Series in Vancouver. The fans are torn again between cheers and jeers as Gunther grabs a mic. The fans remind him he lost to Cody, but Gunther starts by saying, “All that matters is, is that I am still the World Heavyweight Champion!” Gunther says he does not live in the past, but he looks to what is in front of him. And next is his challenger, Damian Priest.

There are a lot of things Gunther has to say about Damian Priest. But wait, here comes the man himself! The fans all fire up as The Punisher heads right to the ring, grabs himself a mic, and soaks up the cheering. Priest then tells Gunther not to look surprised. It was advertised to the world that Gunther would talk about Priest, so just say it all to his face. The fans cheer that! Gunther says honestly, look at Priest! His attitude! Priest is and always- Oh, let’s guess: Priest is street trash. He’s a thug, a bum, his parents didn’t care enough to raise him right. He had to scratch and claw and fight just to get here, but Gunther just waited on a phone call.

Priest asks if that covers all the insults. Because what Priests sees is that the first time the two went around, Priest understood the vibe, he got why we feared the unbeatable killer. And for the first time in Priest’s career, he felt doubt. He didn’t know if he could beat Gunther. It sucks to admit that, but it’s the truth. And yet, if not Priest’s so-called brother, that title wouldn’t be around Gunther’s waist. And in fact, the wildest thing about SummerSlam was, when it was over, Gunther becoming champion, his vibe started to fade. Priest sees it now. It faded because Gunther started doubting himself!

Oh, no? That’s not what it is? Gunther was just in Saudi, and the vibe faded more because he got beat by Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer for Priest and Cody while Gunther gets heated. This is what Priest means! Gunther can’t even talk now because he’s full of doubt! Let’s be real. The way Gunther feels now, let’s say why. It’s because Gunther knows he can’t beat Priest! And we know this, we know the killer is dead, is because Gunther would’ve taken a swing by now. Priest offers Gunther to take a swing now. The fans don’t wanna wait, right? The fans fire up for that! Gunther paces but Priest says he won’t take a shot.

Because if Gunther did, Priest would drop his ass right now. The fans fire up but here comes Ludwig Kaiser! He asks what is even going on here! Kaiser tells Priest, “What’re you doing here? Out of everyone in this building, it is you doubting the Ring General?” Does Kaiser have to remind Priest that Gunther beat him once already? Kaiser will give Priest some advice: Get out of this ring right now and save yourself, because the second time Priest faces Gunther, the result will be the same! Gunther will beat him again, because Priest is not even worthy- Gunther stops Kaiser from talking! Gunther tells Kaiser that HE is the problem now.

Kaiser says no! He is not going to let street trash talk to Gunther like that because- Priest DECKS Kaiser! The fans are thunderous, and then Priest LARIATS Kaiser up and out! Gunther backs down! The fans are eating this up as Priest dares Gunther to bring the fight. Gunther backs out of the ring! The fans boo but Priest smirks. Is Priest

Backstage interview with Damage CTRL.

Cathy Kelley is with Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane, and she congratulates Iyo on becoming the #1 contender to the WWE Women’s World Championship. How does she plan on taking down the self-proclaimed greatest women’s champion in WWE? Iyo says she is ready for Riv. Bianca & Jade better save a piece for her. Kairi says they also have other business tonight. Yes, a Six Woman Tag, and the third woman is… DAKOTA KAI! She’s back again! And she missed the team so much. But while she’s happy to be back, she’s pissed at Pure Fusion Collective for taking three MONTHS away from her career. But as long as DMG CTRL is there, no one gets them down!

Not Shayna, not Zoey, and not Sonya. They’re going to remind everyone what DMG CTRL is capable of. Will #CobraKai help the Evil Genius & Pirate Princess put PFC in their place?

Kofi Kingston comes across R-Truth.

They say hey, and Kofi realized he never got to thank Truth for that thing with Final Testament. Kofi also apologizes for the aftermath, because for some strange reason, Xavier Woods didn’t want to get involved. Woods walks in to ask what’s going on. Kofi says they were just talking about how- Pete Dunne barges in? Dunne tells Truth they need to talk. Dunne’s told Truth his name, but every time they cross paths, Truth calls him that name. Oh, sorry, that’s on Truth. What does he want Truth to call him today? Oh, c’mon, that- Kofi asks what’s the issue. Oh, does he want to make this his issue?

Woods says no, this is not their issue so Dunne can handle this. Wait, does Woods talk for Kofi now? Kofi says no, he doesn’t. Well, Woods is actually right, you don’t want this fight. Maybe Kofi does! Let’s settle this in the ring! Because if you have a problem with Truth, you have a problem with Kofi. Woods says he’s out, Dunne says bet, and he’ll meet Kofi in the ring. Truth says this is getting good! And hey, good luck with Pete. Just watch out for Butch. Oh, wait… Truth walks off, grumbling to himself that he messed up again. But will the Bruiserweight be getting himself a win one way or another?

Six Woman Tag: Damage CTRL VS Pure Fusion Collective!

Raw returns and PFC makes their entrance. The trios sort out and Iyo starts against Zoey Stark. They tie up, go around, and Zoey headlocks. Iyo wrenches free to hammerlock, then headlock, but Zoey fires body shots. Zoey whips, Iyo ducks ‘n’ redirects, then rolls off Zoey’s back! The fans fire up as things keep moving, and Zoey avoids the handspring kick! Iyo eggs Zoey on again, but Zoey dodges her dropkick to scuff her face! Zoey back suplexes but Iyo lands out! Zoey dodges with a handspring of her own! Zoey then grabs hair and whips Iyo for a BACKDROP! Zoey flexes, then she kicks Iyo around.

Zoey tags Sonya and then scoops Iyo, BACKBREAKER and NECKBREAKER! The fans boo while Sonya covers, TWO! Iyo is tougher than that buy Sonya taunts DMG CTRL. Sonya snap suplexes Iyo, drags her up, and fires knees. The fans rally but Sonya suplexes again. Iyo slips free, then shoves Sonya to the corner! SHOTEI! Tag to Kairi and she helps Iyo double whip. They trip Sonya, AX KICK her, then snapmare for the DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! The fans fire up for DMG CTRL, but Zoey runs in. Kairi sidesteps, then goes up and over to RANA! The fans fire up as Sonya and Zoey are in one corner, Kairi DROPKICKS them both!

Kairi keeps moving, SLIDING D for Sonya! The fans fire up again as Kairi sees Sonya go to the floor. FLYING KABUKI ELBOW! The Queen of Spades taunts the Pirate Princess, then she goes after her! Sonya distracts the ref for Shayna to CLOBBER Kairi! PFC now stands tall while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Kairi BLASTS PFC! She dodges Sonya and POSTS her! Kairi crawls, but Shayna runs in to BLOAST Iyo! But Kairi dodges Shayna to tag Dakota! The fans fire up as Dakota fires off furious fists! Shayna shoves Dakota, but Dakota kicks a leg out! Dakota runs, redirects and DROPKICKS! Then arm- NO, Shayna stops the arm-drag to whip. Dakota comes back, FLYING MARE! Dakota then runs up to SCORPION KICK, but Shayna ROCKS her back! Dakota hits Shayna, Shayna ROUNDHOUSES Dakota! Shayna fires up, runs up, but Dakota ducks the boot! Shayna is stuck in ropes, Dakota KICKS and BOOTS her!

Dakota then uses ropes to JUMP STOMP! Cover, TWO! Shayna survives but Dakota is right on her! BOOT WASH in the corner! The fans fire up and Dakota aims again. Around the World, but Sonya takes the BOOT for Shayna! Shayna hits a BIG back suplex on Dakota, to then have the leg! HALF BOST CRAB, but Dakota rolls! Shayna turns Dakota back over, and then Zoey intercepts Iyo! Iyo comes back but Zoey DECKS her! Zoey PLANCHAS, but Iyo dodges! Iyo BLASTS Shayna! Sonya KNEES Iyo! Kairi FLYING KABUKI ELBOWS Sonya! Zoey MISSILE DROPKICKS Kairi! Dakota BOOTS Zoey! And now, Around the World, but Shayna dodges!

KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Dakota fights her way over, Iyo tags in! Shayna ELBOWS Iyo, then has her int he KIRAFUDA! But Iyo flails, fights, and the ref reprimands! Dakota BOOTS Shayna! The fans fire up as Shayna falls, and Iyo rises! OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, DMG CTRL wins!

Winners: DMG CTRL, by pinfall

Dakota’s back and that made all the difference! Will Captain Kick help the team kick it up a notch and take control of the Women’s Division yet again?

Jey Uso and Sami Zayn meet backstage.

They do the handshake! But then Jimmy walks in. What’s Sami’s problem? No problem, no problem. Jimmy’s coming in with the problem. Jey says same page, get right. Sami says it is good to see Jimmy, he looks nice. Nice chain. Jimmy says Sami looks… Ok, see, this is what Sami means. Jey says move on from that, what’s the game plan tonight? Jimmy says they still need a fifth man for WarGames, that’s all. Oh, is Jimmy calling the plays? Yes, dawg. But 5v5, that’s WarGames. Jey says they don’t really have friends on Raw or SmackDown, but there’s gotta be someone. Sami says hold on, he knows someone.

Oh? Who’s he know? Don’t worry about who he knows. Sami will text. Jey says yeet. Sami heads out, Jey tells Jimmy to just be nice. Can the Honorary Uce find an Honorary Honorary Uce to join the fight?

Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Pete Dunne!

Despite what “Quarterback” Woods wanted, Kofi is going to fight on behalf of his friend, R-Truth. Will Kofi make sure the Bruiserweight takes a chill pill? Or will Dunne butcher Kofi for Truth’s mistakes?

Raw returns and Dunne makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans taunt Dunne with “BUTCH! BUTCH! BUTCH!” Dunne mocks them like he can’t hear them, then circles with Kofi. They tie up, Kofi waistlocks, but Dunne has the ropes. Kofi lets off, but Dunne DECKS him! Dunne chinbars Kofi, claws at Kofi’s face, but the ref counts. Dunne stops, Woods says this is why he didn’t want this, but Dunne whips. Kofi reveres, runs up, but Dunne puts Kofi in the apron. Kofi ROCKS Dunne, springboards and AX HANDLES! The fans fire up, Kofi whips corner to corner, but Dunne goes up and over!

Kofi goes up to DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Dunne bails out! Kofi builds speed and he FLIES! Down goes Dunne and now Woods is into it! The fans are also into it, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Dunne has Kofi caught under him. Dunne bends fingers, twists the arm, but Kofi moves around. Dunne keeps on him, and drops KNEES on the arm! Dunne then traps both arms to neck wrench Kofi! The fans rally as Kofi endures, but Dunne twists the arms, and then STOMPS Kofi on the head! Kofi pushes Dunne, throws hands, but Dunne CHOPS! Dunne stomps Kofi into a corner, lets off as the ref counts, then drags Kofi to center. Dunne HAMMERS away on Kofi with his forearm! The fans boo but Dunne lets off to shout at them. Dunne runs corner to corner, but Kofi runs up to JUMP STOMP!

The fans fire up and Woods feels the energy, too! Kofi drags himself up with the ropes, and Dunne runs in. Kofi DOUBLE CHOSP! And DOUBLE CHOPS! And DROPKICKS! Kofi keeps moving, btu Dunne catches his arm! Dunne wrangles Kofi, but Kofi UPKICKS! Kofi then slips out to the apron to SWING KCIK! Dunne staggers, Kofi climbs, and CROSSBODY SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Dunne stays in this but Woods says Kofi’s got it. Kofi stands Dunne up, but Dunne goes for an arm! Kofi fights but Dunne still wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! The fans rally and Kofi catches Dunne! S O- NO! Dunne ENZIGIRIS!

Kofi staggers back, Dunne runs up at the corner but Kofi BOOTS him! Kofi goes up, up, and- FOREARM!! Dunne takes Kofi out of the air and the fans boo! Dunne runs up, but Kofi dodges to TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Dunne tumbles out, Kofi wants after him but the ref keeps him back. Woods CLOBBERS Dunne for Kofi! Woods then plays innocent but Kofi saw it! Woods says win the match! That’s all that matters! Kofi is reluctant but he puts Dunne in. New Day argues over who they’re doing this, but then Dunne BOOTS Kofi from the apron! Dunne hauls Kofi up, pump handle, BITTER END!! Cover, Dunne wins!

Winner: Pete Dunne, by pinfall

Woods is upset, acting like it’s Kofi’s fault in this. Sure, Woods handed Dunne to Kofi on a silver platter, but Woods isn’t respecting the way Kofi wants to do things! The arguing continues even now, how is New Day going to feel going into their ten year anniversary?

Judgment Day hangs out in the clubhouse.

Raquel Rodriguez says she can’t wait to get her hands on Jade & Bianca. Liv Morgan says tonight, they’re gonna have it all! So exciting! But then Finn Balor says the one thing they don’t have is the World Heavyweight Championship. Isn’t that right, Dom? Because after last week, Priest is one win away from being champion again. Thanks, mate. Dom says that wasn’t his fault. No one was watching his back, and Bronson Reed came out to destroy everyone. Where was Finn? Oh, he was being a team player, doing what Liv told him to do, and that was focus on the World Tag Team Championships and The War Raiders.

Besides, didn’t Dom say he could handle Damian all by himself? Yeah, well, Dom beat Priest, and he got a lot closer to the world title than Finn has lately. So Finn shouldn’t get so upset that Dom’s done something he couldn’t. Oh, wanna say that a bit closer, kid? The rest of the team calms these two down, they have to remember they’re family. Oh, Finn is calm. But yeah, Liv is right, they’re family. And family steps up for each other, even when times are tough. So next week, Dom & Carlito should step up for Finn & JD and show The War Raiders what judgment Day is all about. Can they do that for him?

Dom says he’s got Finn’s back. He’ll go make it official. Carlito isn’t so sure, but Dom’s already headed out. Carlito hurries after, and JD says they’ll be fine. Finn says look, one big happy family. But is this Judgment Day about tear itself apart like all forms have since the beginning?

Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill speak.

The Storm says, “Since winning these titles, everybody wants to step up and has been stepped on.” The EST says, “And Liv, you might have the gold and Raquel to have your back, but none of that’s gonna matter when you step into the ring because we gonna take you down just like everybody else.” So take your shot, because they return to SmackDown #AndStill the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Will the StrongEST Duo still be this duo when they take on Judgment Day’s bad girls?

Bronson Reed is here!

Grand Rapids is torn seeing The Colossal Aussie making his way to the ring. The fans boo as Reed grabs a mic, and Reed says he’s here tonight to tell Seth Rollins, “You are a hell of a competitor.” Rollins proved so when he won over Bronson Reed at Crown Jewel. But Reed is not a competitor, he is a monster! And last week, he not only took Rollins out, but he took out Priest, Sheamus, and will take out anyone that stands in the way of Reed putting Rollins down, for good! “So Mr. Visionary, Mr. Revolutionary, Mr. Seth Freakin’ Rolins… If you want your revenge, I’m right here in the ring, right now! All you gotta do is-”

“BURN IT DOWN!” The fans fire up as Rollins makes his own entrance! The fans sing along with, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” And Rollins rushes the ring! Rollins dodges Bronson to fire off hands! Rollins runs, but Bronson CLOBBERS Rollins! Rollins bails out, but Bronson goes out to scoop him! Only for Rollins to slip free and POST Bronson! The fans fire up as Rollins clears the desk! But Bronson CLUBS Rollins onto the desk first! Bronson then goes back up onto barriers, just like last week! Fans freak out, but Rollins is up! Rollins LEAPS onto Bronson! They fight in the timekeeper’s area but here comes security!

The fans boo, and chant “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Bronson fights off the guards to get at Rollins again! They’re in the ring, throwing hands, but then Bronson RAMS Rollins into a corner! Security swarms again and fans boo some more. Rollins still fires hands, the two are separated, but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHG!” Rollins slips out the back goes from the outside, and he fires hands on Bronson! Security drags Rollins down but Bronson throws off some guards. To then DIVE!! Down goes the guards but Rollins avoided disaster! Rollins fires more shots on Bronson!

Producers and Adam Pearce all rush out here! The Raw General Manager tells Rollins to stop it! Rollins argues, referees anchor Bronson, and clearly, this is FAR from over. When and where will The Visionary and Auszilla settle their score?

Raw returns and…

Rollins is still arguing with Pearce, but Pearce says enough! Rollins says no, he wants this match! He needs this match! He’s explained a million times who he is in his heart, in his soul! Give him the match! Fine, one more time! It happens next week because even Pearce has had enough! Just end it one way or another! Pearce storms off, Sami steps in, and Sami asks if Rollins is good. Rollins says yeah. Sami says he’s gonna ask something, and it’ll sound kinda crazy, just hear him out. They need a fifth man for WarGames. Now look, Sami isn’t dumb, he knows the history of Rollins and Roman. No one knows more about bad blood with The Bloodline than them.

But the whole reason Sami is back, is in this match, is because no matter what, no matter how bad things got, that family bond never goes away. And Sami is sure deep down, that bond between Rollins and Roman, on some level, is still there. Sami has looked up down the roster, both Raw and SmackDown, there’s no one else. It has to be Rollins. Rollins is their fifth man. Rollins thinks on that, and says Sami is out of his damn mind. After everything Rollins went through, everything he sacrificed, to take the tyrant, Roman Reigns, out of power… And now Sami wants Rollins to team with them to build Roman back up? No.

Listen to Rollins. Rollins does know better than anyone who Roman Reigns is, and he is shocked that anyone wants to stand next to him. Especially Sami, after everything Roman put him through. Sami must be blind to how Roman is just using him again. So thanks, and Rollins appreciates Sami, but the answer is no.

Damian Priest VS Ludwig Kaiser!

The Punisher is preparing for another round with Der Ring General, so for the first time 1v1, he’ll be taking on the Impeccable German! Will Priest crush Kaiser before going after Gunther again? Or will Imperium throw away the “street trash” already?

The bell rings and Priest blocks a punch to ROCK Kaiser! Priest puts Kaiser in a corner, ROCK Shim then whips him, then runs corner to corner. Kaiser didges, Priest hits buckles, and then Kaiser POSTS Priest! Priest is stuck in ropes, Kaiser runs to DROPKICK Priest down! Priest flops onto the floor, the fans boo Kaiser, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Kaiser headlocks. Priest fires body shots and is free, only for Kaiser to fireman’s carry! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Kaiser is annoyed with Priest and scuffs him around. Kaiser drags Priest up and reels him in, but Priest fights the suplex! Kaiser still tries, CLUBS away on Priest, then goes again. Priest suplexes first! BROKEN ARROW! The fans fire up while both men are down! Priest huffs ‘n’ puffs as he rises up again! The fans fire up as Priest ROCKS Kaiser, KOCKS him again, but Kaiser dodges the next! Kaiser runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Priest winds up, and he KCISK! KICKS! KICSK! Then ROLLING ELBOW!

Priest winds up again, and ROCKS Kaiser again! Priest whips Kaiser to a corner, runs corner to corner, and he ELBOWS Kaiser! Then FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Kaiser stays in this but Priest smirks. The fans rally up, and Priest brings Kaiser around. Priest reels Kaiser in, lift shim up to a Canadian Rack, but Kaiser slips free! Kaiser BOOTS from ropes, then CHOPS! Priest sputters a moment, but he just comes back with anger in his eyes! Priest kicks, Kaiser ducks and rolls, TWO! Kaiser runs to PENALTY KCIK! Cover, TWO! Kaiser grows frustrated but the fans boo while he paces around Priest.

Kaiser drags Priest up, clinches, SIDE- NO, Priest slips free to BELL CLAP! And SUPERKICK! The fans fire up and Priest powers up. Priest runs, to COMEBACKER LARIAT! The straps come down and the fans fire up! Kaiser stands into the choke grip, and the SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest wins!

Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall

The lieutenant is taken out, and now Priest is rolling towards Der Ring General! Speaking of, Gunther watches from the stage. Is Priest right? Has doubt taken hold of Gunther’s mind?

Backstage interview with Bron Breakker.

Cathy Kelley is with the WWE Intercontinental Champion and brings up how he didn’t quite advance in the current WWE Speed tournament, as his match with Sheamus was a time limit draw. Bron says he’s at an interesting point in his career. He is looking to expand the trophy case. Naturally, being the fastest superstar in WWE today, the WWE Speed Championship interests him. He’d be here with two titles on his shoulders right now, if not for that ugly idiot bonehead, Sheamus, for getting in his way. Speaking of, here’s The Fella now! Sheamus says he couldn’t help but hear from Bron that Sheamus is an ugly idiot bonehead.

Well, Bron has a lot of arrogance. Bit disrespectful since Sheamus has been here 15 years and Bron’s been here 15 minutes. But Sheamus gets it. Bron is on top of the world, momentum on his side, and it’s a lot like Sheamus. Sheamus was one of the fastest to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion ever. Sheamus put his foot on John Cena’s throat. Now that was arrogance. Just like Bron. But Sheamus will say: Does Bron have a “set of tires” big enough to put up the one title that has eluded Sheamus his entire career? Bron chuckles and says he did not listen to a word Sheamus just said.

But if Sheamus wants to fight for this title, then the answer is yes, fella! Bron would love nothing more than to kick Sheamus’ old ass. Sheamus will explain: his old ass is still going, and better than ever. So do him a favor, “kid,” and shine up the belt real nice. Because Sheamus is taking it home next week. Sheamus leaves, will he finally complete WWE’s ultimate slam? Wait, Jimmy steps in? Jimmy asks if Bron has a second to talk. Okay, he’s got a second. Is #BigJim really thinking Badass Bron is going to help them fight The Bloodline?

The Final Testament find The Miz!

Karrion Kross is overly dramatic as he says, “Thank God you’re alive!” But what happened? Miz says he’s had enough. He’s going to Pearce’s office to ask for a leave of absence. Miz is done. Oh, Miz is done? He wants to go home? Well he’s not going home because he’s given Kross NOTHING on the Wyatts! No information! No locations! Where are they? He’s just randomly back? Miz says this is bigger than any of them! He has to think about himself and his family. He settled his business with The Wyatts. Miz apologized and vowed to change his ways, and they let him go. And honestly, he is a better man now.

The Wyatts moved on, Miz moved on, so Karrion… You need to move on. MOVE ON!? Is Paul Ellering supposed to move on!? Miz has the nerve to mention family, but Ellering is KROSS’s family! The Wyatts attacked Ellering and it is Miz’s fault. Hey, remember when Kross promised to break Miz’s legs? Boys, grab him. Akam & Rezar grab Miz and Kross says they need to remind everyone what happens, live on TV! They’re headed to gorilla, then on stage! The fans freak out as The Final Testament drags Miz to the ring! They put Miz in the ring, Kross says Miz is lying! Miz’s story doesn’t add up. Miz pleads with Kross, but Kross SHOVES him back down!

Kross asks where The Wyatts are! Well, they’re HERE~! The lights are coming down and Miz is terrified. The piano plays, the fireflies come out, and Grand Rapids fires up again! Miz disappears, and The Wyatts are in his place! The fans cheer as Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy steps in, followed by Gacy, Lumis, Rowan & Nikki. Then The Miz HITS Rowan with a chair?! So much for being a better person. But Bo just laughs it all off? The brawl is on! Miz SMACKS Rowan again while Kross fires off on Bo and Lumis & Gacy brawl with the Authors of Pain! Scarlett has Nikki on the apron, then THRWOS her down! Miz SMACKS Rowan again!

The AOP give Lumis & Gacy the SUPER COLLIDER!! But Bo has the MANDIBLE CLAW on Kross! AOP saves Kross, Miz hits a FULL METAL FINALE on Rowan!! Kross gives Bo the FINAL PRAYER!! The fans boo as The Final Testament stands over The Wyatts, and Kross hugs Miz! They mastermind this entire trap, and the fans chant “Miz You Suck!” The Final Testament & Miz leave, but Bo slowly sits up. Kross can’t believe it, but Bo is laughing again! Will Uncle Howdy make sure Kross pays for his sins?

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.

Cathy Kelley catches up to Rollins on his way out and wants to ask about how he has his match with Bronson. How does he plan on keeping the monster down this time? Hold on one minute, Cathy. Rollins looks over, and it’s SOLO SIKOA! He and his Bloodline are here, and Solo says bring it in, Uce. Solo knows Rollins doesn’t like Roman, and Solo can’t stand Roman. So why don’t they join forces to take Roman out? Rollins laughs, Solo takes that as a good sign. Rollins says he and Solo haven’t always gotten along, but here’s a little secret, something Rollins didn’t tell Sami when he refused to join Sami’s team.

The next time Rollins is in the ring with Roman, it is to stomp his head into the ground. Never again in Rollins’ life will he team with Roman Reigns. But Rollins will never join forces with a wannabe Roman Reigns. Jacob Fatu gets heated but Solo has him stand down. Rollins leaves for the night, he’s no one’s fifth man. But will it even matter if Bronson breaks him once and for all next Monday?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez!

The StrongEST Duo could’ve started on their two woman power trip if not for lil’ Liv & Big Mami Cool screwing them out of the battle royal last week. Will Bianca & Jade make Judgment Day pay by denying them these titles? Or will it be Liv & Raquel looking to stack titles on top of titles?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really runs the show!

Liv runs up on Bianca at the bell, but Bianca hits a SPINEBUSTER! Bianca rains down fists, but Liv turns it around to give those back. Bianca turns it back around, Liv gets loose, but Bianca DROPKICKS her down! Bianca kips up, runs up and RAMS Liv in again and again! The ref counts, Bianca whips corner to corner, then runs in. Liv dodges and Bianca POSTS herself! Liv runs back up to SLAP Bianca down! Liv stomps away, the ref counts, and Liv stops at 4. Liv runs back in, but Bianca ALLEY-OOPS Liv onto buckles! Liv sputters, Bianca climbs up, and Bianca rains down fists! Raquel runs up but Bianca fights her off!

The fans boo but Liv YANKIS Bianca down by the braid! The ref reprimands both Liv & Raquel but then Jade runs over! YOINK and Jade DECKS Raquel! Liv WRECKS Jade with a dropkick! Liv laughs, but Bianca is out there! Liv dodges, Jade & Bianca almost hit each other! Raquel CLOBBERS Jade! Bianca ROCKS Raquel, but Liv MISSILE DROPKICKS Bianca! All four women are down on the outside, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns, Raquel and Bianca crawl, hot tags to Jade and Liv! Jade rallies on Liv with big forearms, then a SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up with Jade, and she runs to ELBOW Liv in a corner! Raquel is back but Jade scoops her! Jade SLAMS Raquel, but Liv CHOP BLOCKS Jade! Liv runs, but into a scoop and torture rack! Jade brings Liv around for the SWINGING WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER! Cover, Raquel breaks it! Raquel ELBOWS Bianca down from the apron, then drags Liv to safety. Raquel tags back in, and she storms up on Jade. The fans fir eup as Jade dodges, and DOUBLE BOOTS take both women down!

The fans fire up while Jade and Raquel stir, but wait! Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton are here! Tiff distracts teh ref while Nia drags Jade out of the ring! APRON SAMOAN DROP! The WWE Women’s Champion helps out one enemy to screw another! Raquel with the VADER ELBOW DROP! Cover, Bianca breaks it! Tiff wants to distract the ref again, but now NAOMI is here! Naomi YANKS Tiff down, then RAMS her into barriers! But Nia runs uP! Naomi sends her into barriers! Liv hits a BACKSTABBER on Naomi! Liv hurries to tag in, and she climbs up a corner! FLYING CODE- SUPERKICK! Jade tags Bianca and then SUPERKICKS Raquel!

Bianca sets Liv up, torture rack and KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, StrongEST Duo wins!!

Winners: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

But then Nia CLOBBERS everyone! Naomi runs up, Nia CLOBBERS her, too! The Irresistible Force has trucked the Big 3, but wait! Iyo Sky is here! ROUNDHOUSE on Nia! Iyo springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK Nia away! The Evil Genius then dodges tiff to SHOTEI! And wheelbarrow, victory roll, STOMP 182! The Evil Genius roars, but so does Raquel! Iyo dodges Raquel, Jade & Bianca DOUBLE LARIAT her out! Nia fireman’s carries Iyo, but Naomi BOOTS Nia first! Iyo gives Nia a BUZZSAW! The StrongEST Duo DOUBLE SUPLEX Nia! Th efans are thunderous as Iyo and the Big 3 stand tall! Will these four soon be the champions of WWE?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw here, with them quickly shifting gears towards WarGames. Maybe a little too quickly in the Women’s WarGames given it’s coming together right here at the end in the main event spot. But at the same time, they’re quite cleverly just using what they built going into Crown Jewel and bridging it to the next event. Great tag title match, though rather quick and with a lot of overbooking to get it done before the 10 PM Eastern hard cut. Jade & Bianca of course retain, but with Naomi going after Nia’s title and Iyo going after Liv’s title, we got some very natural alliances made here. I imagine Bayley and Candice will be the fifth woman for each team, given their part in the ongoing Nia VS Naomi story.

Though, that technically means this will be a very SmackDown heavy Survivor Series in terms of the WarGames. Because duh, the Men’s WarGames is Bloodline: Civil War, and Bloodline has been a predominantly SmackDown centric story this year. It’s only until Jey left Bloodline and struck out on his own that Raw got included in the overall story. And it seems they really are sticking to 5v5 so that there’s drama for the sake of drama. Jimmy was certainly thinking outside the box asking Bron Breakker, but that’s gonna be a no, nothing is in it for Bron. Also good promo from Bron and Sheamus, with a surprising use of WWE Speed as part of story. Bron VS Sheamus is of course going to be a banger, but it just doesn’t feel like where Sheamus finally wins the Intercontinental Championship.

Sami Zayn wanting it to be Seth Rollins is a surprising option, but a logical one after what Sami said tonight. Rollins had a good promo with Sami and with Solo to turn them both down, but it feels like there’s a chance we circle back around to Rollins as the fifth man. I still feel Solo’s side should bringing in Hikuleo, but it would be a much more “shocking” moment if Rollins gave in and made amends with Roman. Making amends seems to be a theme they’re going for, at least, so going for this reconciliation of The Shield fits. That “wannabe Roman” line is really gonna stick in Solo’s mind, too, so you can bet his side goes after Rollins and compels him to join Roman.

Meanwhile, great to see Dakota back, DMG CTRL got a great win of PFC. There was nothing here tonight but should there be a Women’s Intercontinental Championship made, Dakota and Kairi each have a fair chance of winning it. At this rate, PFC do not. Great promo from Truth, Dunne and New Day, followed by great match from Dunne VS Kofi. Woods’ cheating was a very clever way for Kofi to lose while adding even more dysfunction between New Day. Very good promo to add dysfunction into The Judgment Day, too, with a lot of passive aggressiveness between Finn and Dom. Nice Easter egg that JD was simulating Finn & JD VS War Raiders in WWE2K. Pretty sure the faction falls apart when Finn & JD lose to Erik & Ivar.

Speaking of all that, Priest had a very good promo with Gunther to revisit last time and then flip it around. Also, wild to think that was only three months ago with SummerSlam. But great stuff where now even Gunther and Kaiser are at odds, and Gunther is perhaps intimidated by Priest after all. Great win for Priest over Kaiser, and who knows how the title match for Survivor Series go. I won’t say we’re booked into a corner, but it’d be kinda wild for Priest to take this title back after only those three months and for Gunther to more or less fall off from being top Intercontinental Champion of all time.

The Wyatt Sicks6 and Final Testament had a great segment, though it maybe took some time away from the women’s tag title match. Miz with the swerve on the Wyatts was really well done, and was the blood coming from the corner of his eye also planned? That was an interesting touch if so. But clearly, here’s our 8 Man Tag after all, with Miz embracing the darkest parts of his Heel persona. Plus, Bo actually creeping Kross out with how he laughed off the pain was great. I can’t wait to see where this goes.

My Score: 8.9/10

The Japanese Young Punk takes on the Mad Man!

NJPW visits Lowell Memorial Auditorium to have a battle of young stars! Will Gabe Kidd be NJPW Strong? Or will Kosei Fujita rename this all NJPW Mighty?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff – Strong Survivor Match: Matt Vandagriff VS Seabass Finn; Vandagriff wins.
• David Finlay VS Kevin Knight; Finlay wins.
• NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Grizzled Young Veterans; Grizzled Young Veterans win and become the new NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions.
• Lio Rush VS Mustafa Ali; Lio wins.
• Best 2 Out of 3 Tag Match: Fred Rosser & Tom Lawlor VS West Coast Wrecking Crew; WCWC wins.
• NJPW Strong Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Anna Jay VS Trish Adora VS Hazuki VS Koguma; Hazuki wins and will challenge Mercedes Mone for the title.
• Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS The Kingdom; Takagi & Tsuij win.
• Ryohei Oiwa VS KENTA; Ryohei wins.
• Zack Sabre Jr. & Bad Dude Tito VS Shota Umino & Tomohiro Ishii; Shota & Ishii win.
• AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS TJP; Konosuke wins and retains.
• NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Gabe Kidd VS Kosei Fujita; Gabe wins and retains.

PLAY BY PLAY

Grizzled Young Veterans speak.

James Drake says, “On November 8th, NJPW Strong comes to Lowell, Massachusetts. And the match is set. It’s gonna be the Grizzled Young Veterans VS TMDK for the Openweight Tag Team titles.” Zack Gibson says, “In this job, perception is reality. The wrestling world is oh so very fickle. And without tag titles around your waist, it is almost impossible to get any respect in this job. TMDK, you have something that we want, and quite frankly at this point in our career, we need. On November 8th, those titles are coming home with us.”

So when GYV take those titles and expose TMDK for what they really are, the question is: How long is Zack Sabre gonna wanna hang out with you? After all, he’s got GYV’s numbers. Mr. Mayhem & Liverpool’s Number One want to tear The Mighty down, but will they find that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Grizzled Young Veterans!

If tag titles bring respect, then TMDK already lost some respect at Power Struggle. Will they lose all respect if they drop the blue belts tonight? Or will Hysterical Haste & Mad Mikey be mightier than the grizzled Gibson & Drake?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and time to #GritYourTeeth!

The teams sort out and Shane starts against Gibson. The fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up, Shane waistlocks, then spins Gibson to a headlock. Gibson rolls to a cover, ONE, and Shane holds the headlock. Gibson wrenches and arm-drags Shane to an armlock. Shane endures the grind but Gibson bends fingers! Shane fights up, reaches for ropes, but Gibson keeps him back. Shane rolls, kips up, breaks free and snapmares Gibson for a basement dropkick! The fans fire up while Shane flexes. Shane wrenches Gibson, tags Mikey, and TMDK double wrench to RAM Gibson down! Then they split the wishbone!

Mikey brings Gibson up, bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS! Mikey bumps Gibson off more buckles, CHOPS again, then brings Gibson out. But Gibson fires a forearm! Mikey fights back, they go back and forth, and then Mikey CHOPS Gibson off his feet! Gibson is frustrated but Mikey snapmares him into a chinlock. Gibson endures, fights up, but Shane tags in. TMDK whips Gibson to the corner, Shane runs up to UPPERCUT! Mikey runs up but Gibson puts him on the apron! Gibson BOOTS Shane, ELBOWS Mikey, then runs up on Shane. Shane dodges a shot to CHOP! Gibson still headlocks, Drake tags in as Shane powers out.

Gibson whips Shane to drop down, Darke sweeps the legs! Gibson basement dropkicks! Shane bails out, Gibson fetches him, Drake slingshots! PLANCHA BACKBREAKER COMBO! The fans fire up and Drake clamps onto Shane. Drake RAMS him into railing! The fans rally while Drake shoves Shane down. The ring count starts, Drake drags Shane up and puts him on the apron. Drake CLUBS Shane, then slides in. Drake stomps Shane’s arms, then stomps him on the back. Shane fires body shots but Drake CLUBS Shane down. Drake drags Shane back iup, whips him to an open corner, and LARIATS! BULLDOG!

Drake taunts Mikey, then drags Shane over to tag Gibson. GYV double whip Shane to a corner, then Drake ELBOWS him! Gibson LARIATS Shane then feeds him to the WHEEL KICK! The fans fire up while Gibson brings Shane back up. Gibson short arm LARIATS, then covers, TWO! Mikey is a half second behind but he still stomps Gibson! The ref reprimands, Gibson protests, but the fans rally up. Gibson clamps onto Shane and grinds him down with a headlock. Shane endures as Gibson pushes up with his legs. Gibson grinds the hold but Shane still fights up. Shane fires body shots, but Gibson fires forearms.

Gibson reels Shane in, but Shane fights the suplex! Gibson still tries but Shane suplexes Gibson up and over! The fans fire up while both men are down! Gibson crawls, hot tag to Drake! Drake slips around Shane to stand in his way, only for Shane to DROPKICK him down! The fans fire up and Shane crawls around. Drake grabs a foot, but Shane kicks him away! Tag to Mikey! DOUBLE LARIATS on GYV! Mikey LARIATS Drake in a corner, LARIATS Gibson in the other! Drake runs up, is sent into Gibson, and Mikey DOUBLE LARIATS again! Mikey fireman’s carries Drake but Drake slips down. Drake ducks an elbow but ends up in a DDT!

Mikey BLASTS Gibson off the apron! Mikey hurries to SLIDING LARIAT Drake! Cover, TWO! Drake survives but the fans rally up. Mikey says time to blow it up! MIKEY- NO, Drake slips free to ENZIGIRI! Mikey staggers back, Shane tags in! Drake fireman’s carries Mikey, but Mikey slips free! Feed to the UPPERCUT, then the BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, TWO! Shane hurries to FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Drake survives and the fans rally up again. Shane hurries to bring Drake around but Gibson YANKS Mikey down! Shane grabs at Gibson, but Drake rolls him up! TWO!

Shane KICKS Drake, BOOTS him, and hits an INVERTED EXPLODER! The fans fire up as Shane aims from a corner. Drake blocks the Shane-ing Wizard! DRAGON SCREW! Tag to Gibson and GYV get Shane up. Drake reels Shane into a dragon sleeper, and then Gibson suplexes Drake?! ASSISTED STUNNER! And then BACKSTABBER! Cover, MIKEY BREAKS IT! The fans fire up but Drake ROCKS and TOSSES Mikey! Gibson snarls, and he vows to end this. Tag to Drake and GYV drag Shane up again. They mug Shane with shots to the face, and even talk trash, before Drake BOOTS Shane down!

Gibson talks trash on the fans, they boo him but Gibson tags back in. Gibson lifts Shane while Drake climbs, but Mikey makes the save! TMDK shoves Gibson, Drake leaps over, but into the POWERBOMB URENAGE COMBO! AKA the Power Bottom! Gibson runs up but into a scoop! TANK BUSTER!! Cover, TWO?!? Gibson survives and TMDK says they’ll just up the ante! The fans fire up as Mikey scoops and Shane climbs. Gibson slips free, shoves Mikey at Shane but Shane leaps over! Shane’s knee jams! And Drake drags Mikey outta the ring! But Shane cradle counters Gibson! TWO!! Gibson escapes but Shane fireman’s carries!

Gibson scrambles free, shoves Shane, but Shane BOOTS back! But now Drake grabs Shane! Gibson distracts the ref while Drake CHOKES Shane with a towel! Drake HOTSHOTS Shane for good measure! The fans boo but Drake storms in. Gibson & Drake set up, GRIT YOUR TEETH!! Cover, GYV WIN!!!

Winners: Grizzled Young Veterans, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)

Is this truly the TMDK Era? Hard to say now that Shane & Mikey have lost all their belts going into World Tag League season! But then, will NJPW now belong to GYV?

Best 2 Out of 3 Tag Match: Fred Rosser & Tom Lawlor VS West Coast Wrecking Crew!

The name is a bit of a misnomer. Think of this as more a Three Stages of Hell Tag Match, because every fall escalates the violence! This first fall is a TABLES Tag Match, first team to break a table with just one of their opponents takes it. The second fall is a Submission Tag Match, meaning only tap outs, no pins. And if need be, the third fall will be a rather unique combination of LAST MAN STANDING STRAP MATCH!! What won’t Team Dirty Work do to end this with Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson?

The fans rally for “FILTHY! FILTHY!” even before the bell, and then the brawl is on! The fans fire up as Lawlor has Nelson and Rosser has Isaacs. Lawlor stomps Nelson into a corner while Rosser CLUBS and TOSSES Isaacs. Lawlor does the same with Nelson then Dirty Work goes out after them. The brawl continues, the fans rally up, and Rosser gives Isaacs SNAKE EYES off the railing! Lawlor CHOPS Nelson down and the fans fire up. Lawlor whips Nelson into railing, but Isaacs ROCKS Rosser back. Isaacs CLUBS Rosser while Lawlor sends Nelson into more railing! But now Isaacs sends Rosser into railing!

Nelson hits Lawlor back and sends him into railing! Isaacs fires knees, and Nelson brings out a table! Rosser is sent into more railing, then Isaacs stomps him down. Nelson JAMS Lawlor with the table, then stands it up near the stairs. Lawlor hurries up those stairs to go to the ramp. Nelson follows, but Lawlor CHOPS! The fans on this upper deck fire up as the action comes closer, and Nelson SUPERKICKS Lawlor! Nelson tells fans to move, even this poor old lady! The fans do move, and Nelson BOWLS Lawlor into chairs! Rosser ELBOWS Isaacs in the head, but Nelson runs into the ring to then WRECK Rosser with a dropkick!

WCWC regroup, and the fans rally for “OLD LADY! OLD LADY!” to encourage the nice old lady who stood up to Nelson. Wait, Nelson takes a camera to film Rosser’s pain up close. Isaacs sets up another table! Nelson stomps Rosser but Rosser hits back! Isaacs CLOBBERS Rosser! Nelson CATAPULTS Rosser to Isaacs, but Rosser CLOBBERS Isaacs back! Rosser BOOTS Nelson, LOW BLOWS Isaacs, and the fans fire up! Rosser trips Isaacs, then CATAPULTS Isaacs into the POST! The fans cheer as Rosser goes back for Nelson. They’re on the apron, APRON BACK SUPLEX! Then BACK SUPLEX to the floor for Isaacs!

The fans fire up as Rosser has wrecked the wrecking crew, but is not done with them! Rosser brings Nelson to his table by the ramp! Rosser CLUBS Nelson, puts him on the table, and Lawlor wants a high-five from the nice old lady. She tentatively gives one, and the fans cheer! Lawlor then DIVING FOREARM SMASHES Nelson through the table! First fall goes to Team Dirty Work!

Dirty Work: 1; WCWC: 0

The fans fire up as Lawlor & Rosser get in the ring, ready for round 2! Isaacs fetches Nelson out of the wreckage and the fans rally up. WCWC get in the ring, and the bell rings on the submission match! Rosser fires forearms and CHOPS on Isaacs, whips him to ropes, but Isaacs reverses. Rosser CLOBBERS Isaacs, snapmares him, then drops a leg! And then another leg! Cover but Rosser forgot, this is submissions only. So Rosser clamps on a chicken wing! Isaacs fights off the crossface but Lawlor waistlocks. Isaacs switches, Lawlor switches, Rosser runs in, SHOULDER TACKLE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO!

The fans rally up as Dirty Work work together. Lawlor sends Rosser at Nelson, HIP ATTACK in the corner! Lawlor RAMS Isaacs, Rosser LARIATS! They bring Isaacs out to DOUBLE FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! Isaacs is caught, but Nelson grabs at Rosser. Nelson drags Rosser from the ring to send him into railing! Lawlor lets off of Isaacs to go for Nelson, but Nelson slides in! Nelson builds speed, but then stops just to flip everyone off. Lawlor slides back in, but then right back out, he tricks Nelson! Nelson runs away from Lawlor, and the cat ‘n’ mouse game leads Lawlor into a  POUNCE from Lawlor! Lawlor hits railing!

The fans boo as Isaacs roars, but Nelson puts Rosser in the ring to beat on him! Nelson HEADBUTTS Rosser, Isaac stomps Rosser, and WCWC have Rosser isolated. They get Rosser up for more mugging, and then they double wrench. They double atomic drop, then Nelson dropkicks a leg out! Isaacs deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! The fans boo but WCWC decide on what holds to use. Nelson grabs a leg, ANKLE LOCK! Isaacs plays defense as Lawlor stirs, but Rosser BOOTS Nelson away! Isaacs hurries to hoist Rosser up, SPINEBUSTER! Isaacs rains down forearms, and only stops when his arm gets tired!

The ref checks Rosser, and Rosser is busted open! And busted open something fierce, that crimson mask is quickly becoming a sleeve of red down Rosser’s arm! Isaacs shows no mercy as he stomps Rosser now! Isaacs hammers away on that bloody wound! The fans that aren’t in shock are booing WCWC hard. Rosser sputters from behind his own crimson mask, and WCWC drag him up. Isaacs whips Rosser to a corner, then he sends Nelson in. Rosser BOOTS Nelson! Isaacs runs up, but he blocks the boots! Isaacs ties up Rosser’s legs, YANKS him from the corner, and turns over, TEXAS CLOVERLEAF! Nelson adds a CROSSFACE!!

The fans freak out as Rosser is stuck in a double submission!! But Lawlor jumps onto Isaacs for a SLEEPER! Isaacs RAMS Lawlor into a corner, and Nelson lets off Rosser to run in. Lawlor puts Nelson on the apron and ELBOWS him down! Lawlor has Isaacs for a TACKLE and FALLING HAMMER! Lawlor staggers while the ref checks Rosser. The fans rally for Dirty Work as Lawlor climbs up. Lawlor has Nelson, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him up with a wristlock! They go to the very top, SUPER ROLLING KEYLOCK! And then a roll through for the KIMURA!! Nelson endures, clasps hands, but Rosser has Isaacs! CROSSFACE CHICKEN WING!

Isaacs fights Rosser’s hold, and he breaks free to switch things around! DEATHLOCK STF!! Lawlor SLAPS away on Nelson, but Rosser is sputtering from all the blood coming out of his forehead!! Lawlor pulls on Nelson’s arm, but he sees Rosser is fading! Lawlor lets Nelson go to STOP Rosser’s hand from hitting the mat!! Lawlor won’t let Rosser give up, but Nelson SHOTGUNS Rosser down!! The ref checks Rosser again, Rosser is OUT, WCWC scores the second fall!

Dirty Work: 1; WCWC: 1

The fans boo, but now we’re all tied up. That means that for the first time in NJPW, and perhaps anywhere in wrestling, we’re about to see a Last Man Standing Strap Match! But Rosser can barely stand as it is! The refs won’t let this start until Rosser is up, but WCWC isn’t waiting any longer! They push the extra refs aside, Nelson beats up on Lawlor while Isaacs stomps Rosser! The fans boo, the main referee reprimands, but WCWC keep beating Team Dirty Work! Isaacs LASHES Lawlor, only because he’s not strapped to Rosser. Speaking of, Rosser runs up to CLOBBER Isaacs! Isaacs CHOKES Rosser with the strap! Nelson adds his boot!

Lawlor runs up but he just gets another LASHING and STOMPING! Isaacs CHOKES Rosser, Nelson drags Lawlor out of the ring to beat on him, and then Isaacs CLOBBERS Rosser! Nelson CHOKES Lawlor on the apron! Isaacs adds on! The ref reprimands, this fall can’t actually start if Isaacs isn’t attached to Rosser! Isaacs doesn’t care, he LASHES Lawlor again! The fans boo, the rest of the refs reprimand, but then Nelson LARIATS Lawlor down! Rosser grabs at Nelson but Isaacs LASHES Rosser down! Isaacs CHOKES Rosser with the strap, and then Nelson LASHES Lawlor. The fans boo as Nelson hops the railing to YANK Lawlor into it!

WCWC stand Lawlor up so Isaacs can LASH him! Rosser CLOBBERS Isaacs again! Isaacs comes back to CLOBBER Rosser! Nelson hops back over the railing and he drags Lawlor into the ring. Isaacs joins Nelson so that they can bring Lawlor up. Rosser flounders but WCWC LASH Lawlor, then PILE- NO, Lawlor fights the lift! Lawlor ELBOWS Isaacs, ROCKS Nelson, then whips Nelson into Isaacs! The fans fire up as WCWC is down! Rosser is back, he pounds the mat, and the fans rally! Rosser ROCKS Nelson, LARIATS Isaacs, repeat! Rosser has new life and the fans are thunderous! Rosser grabs the strap from Isaacs to ROLLING ELBOW!

Rosser is finally secured in the strap, and NOW this fall can begin! The fans fire up as Dirty Work fires off hands on WCWC! They DECK WCWC, then put them in corners for CHOPS and LARIATS over and over! Then Dirty Work sends WCWC at each other for a major meeting of the minds! Lawlor fireman’s carries Nelson, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Rosser has Isaacs, GUT CHECK!! Both Isaacs and Nelson are down so a count can begin! The fans count along, WCWC is down at 5 of 10! Rosser and Lawlor lean on ropes as they watch, and Nelson stirs. Nelson and Isaacs are both down at 8, but they stand at 9!

Lawlor goes after Nelson to STRAP COBRA CLUTCH! Rosser has Isaacs for the same! The fans fire up as WCWC suffers! Lawlor & Rosser let go to DOUBLE ROLLING ELBOW! And then a KNEE for Nelson! Fireman’s carry and a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER for Isaacs! The fans are fired up again as WCWC is down! The count begins again, we pass 5 of 10 again, and only Nelson is stirring. We hit 7, then 8! 9! But then Nelson rolls out of the ring! He stands so that saves Isaacs, too! Isaac rolls out, Rosser BOOTS him! Lawlor PENALTY KICKS Nelson! The fans rally about the table, and Lawlor says sure, why not.

Rosser CHOKES Isaacs on the mat, Nelson and Lawlor brawl on the apron edge. Nelson BOOTS Lawlor, then brings him around. Nelson hoists Lawlor up top, cravat hold, but Lawlor uses the STRAP COBRA CLUTCH!! The fans fire up as Nelson flails! Isaacs gets away from Rosser to CHOKE Lawlor! Rosser tries to pry Isaacs away! Isaacs lets go, and ends up in the CROSSFACE CHICKEN WING! But Nelson fires elbows on Lawlor! No more cobra clutch, but now it’s Isaacs suffering! Nelson uses the strap to bring Lawlor around, and SUPER CUTTER down through the table!! The fans lose their minds over that one!

A standing count starts on Nelson and Lawlor, and Rosser realizes what happened! Rosser lets Isaacs go to try and help Lawlor, but Isaacs anchors Rosser with the strap! They tug-o-war, with Rosser gaining ground inch by inc. But we’re at 8 of 10! NINE! NELSON STANDS, LAWLOR DOESN’T! Lawlor is ELIMINATED! Rosser shouts to Lawlor, but Nelson LOW BLOWS him! The fans boo, but Rosser has to now fight on his own. WCWC are bloody, hard to tell if it’s theirs or Rosser’s. Nelson goes looking under the ring while Isaacs stomps away on Rosser. Nelson brings out chair after chair and puts those in the ring!

But Rosser NUT CLAWS Isaacs! But Nelson SMACKS Rosser with the chair!! As if Rosser wasn’t in a bad way before… Isaacs lifts Rosser and Nelson goes up. FULL METAL BIG MONEY!! That piledriver drops Rosser and the count begins. The fans boo but Rosser is down at 5 of 10! And at 7! WCWC nod to each other, they feel it’s done! Rosser is down at 8! At 9! TEN!! WCWC wins!!

Winners: West Coast Wrecking Crew, 2-1 falls

The fans boo but the “Three Stages of Strong” truly pushed all four men to their limits. Nelson takes the mic to say, “G Y V!! GYV, bring yo asses to the stage right now!” The fans boo as WCWC is already calling out the new champions! Gibson & Drake walk out, rather annoyed by this. But Nelson tells them, “Nice to meet you.” This is the West Coast Wrecking Crew, and now, officially, according to them… Wait, the mic cuts out. The fans chant, “We Can’t Hear You!” Nelson is pissed so he grabs a new mic. “Just like NJPW to put the Wrecking Crew down! Just like NJPW to give us a mic that don’t work!”

The fans boo harder but Nelson seethes. Nelson says this noise means nothing to them. But those tag team championships mean everything! That is what they live for, breathe for, and just ended the careers of Rosser and Lawlor tonight! Nothing personally, but GYV has what WCWC want. And so on December 15th, Long Beach, California, those belts WILL belong to the West Coast! The fans boo but GYV says challenge accepted. Will Isaacs & Nelson show Gibson & Drake that Strong Style has evolved? Or will they just have to grit their teeth?

Mercedes Mone speaks.

Via video message, she says, “When you’re Two Belts Mone, you’ve got a target on your back. And when you’re The CEO, everyone wants to get rich and jump on the Money Train. Koguma, Hazuki, Anna Jay, Trish Adora, all want the opportunity to face me at NJPW Strong Style Evolved, December 15th, in Long Beach, California~! So you better say hello to The CEO, because one of you ladies will get the opportunity at the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship. And when you step into the ring with me, well, you become a star. Because money always changes everything.”

As if the title wasn’t motivation enough, will Mone’s message fire up The Queenslayer, The AfroPunk, The Wildheart and The Little Bear in this Fatal 4?

NJPW Strong Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Anna Jay VS Trish Adora VS Hazuki VS Koguma!

The bell rings and the fans rally up. The four approach, feel things out as they circle, and then Koguma dodges to do her bear ear pose. The fans cheer, Adora and Anna shrug, and the four reset. Then Koguma dodges again! It’s #KumaTime all the time! The fans cheer “KUMA! KUMA!” Koguma gets Anna to join in? Adora and then Adora shrugs and gives in! They all “Kuma! Kuma!” around Hazuki, who knows all about this being Koguma’s tag partner. Hazuki sits down to say no with the X arms but the others all bear ear pose! Anna & Adora stomp Hazuki for being a sore sport! They whip, and use Koguma to DROPKICK Hazuki!

Then Anna & Adora DOUBLE SUPLEX! They DOUBLE MOTORCYCLE STRETCH Koguma! Hazuki runs in, Adora ROCKS her! Now we get STEREO MOTORCYCLE STRETCHES! Hazuki & Koguma endure, crawl forward, and DOUBLE ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Anna & Adora let go. Anna & Adora whip Hazuki & Koguma to corners,  then run up, but Hazuki & Koguma dodge! They STEREO SPLASH, then send Anna & Adora to center. Hazuki & Koguma both climb up, and the fans fire up for the MISSILE DROPKICK and CROSSBODY! Team Fukuoka W Crazy puts Anna & Adora on ropes and the fans rally up.

FWC stand on Anna & Adora, then scrub and scrub and scrub! They both run, and they both BOOT WASH! The fans fire up while Adora flops out of the ring. FWC double whip Anna to DOUBLE ELBOW her down, then stand her back up for another whip! Drop toehold, SENTON, and SPLASH! The fans fire up as FWC surround Anna. They run back up, but Anna dodges! Dropkicks cancel out, and then Anna DOUBLE DROPKICKS them! Anna whips Hazuki to a corner, then whips Koguma into her. Adora is back, Anna ROCKS her and sends her in! TRIPLE LEG LARIAT! The fans fire up as Anna has Koguma up top!

Anna DANGEROUS JAY KICKS, then ICONOCLASMS! Cover, TWO! Koguma survives but Anna drags her up. Anna has the Gory Especial, but Koguma sunset flips! TWO, and Anna hurries after Koguma. Anna whips, Koguma slides out, and Adora slides in! Alabama Lift, and the Air Raid STRETCH! Anna endures #FUBAR and the fans fire up! Anna fights free, Adora wrenches and reels her in, SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Cover, but Koguma is up top! DIVING SPLASH breaks it up! Koguma covers Anna, but Hazuki is up top! Koguma moves as Hazuki SUPER SENTONS! Anna takes the hit and the fans fire up!

Hazuki and Koguma now stare down as teammates. They run up, Koguma dodges, and then runs back in! But now Hazuki dodges! Hazuki victory rolls but Koguma rolls, and they roll, roll, roll! Koguma has the cover, ONE!! Hazuki is up fast and the fans rally up. The two reset, stare down, and Hazuki fires a forearm! Koguma fires a forearm back! Koguma eggs Hazuki on and the fans rally. Hazuki storms up to ROCK Koguma! Hazuki eggs Koguma on now, and Koguma comes back to ROCK Hazuki! The forearms go back and forth, Koguma gets the edge! Koguma runs, but Hazuki BOOTS her down! The fans fire up with Hazuki!

Hazuki drags Koguma up, runs, but Koguma dodges to CUTTER! Hazuki staggers up, and both women swing! They both ROCK each other! Adora is in, DOUBLE LARIAT TUBMAN!! The fans fire up as Adora scoops Koguma to the fireman’s carry. Koguma fights to the apron but Adora DECKS her! Koguma falls on Anna Jay! Hazuki rolls Adora up, TWO!! Adora hurries to haul Hazuki up, REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Hazuki survives and Adora can’t believe it! The fans rally up, Adora rises, and she drags Hazuki up to her feet. But Hazuki fires forearms! The fans fire up as Hazuki HAMMERS away on Adora!

The ref wants Hazuki to stop so he can check Adora. Adora is still conscious but Hazuki roars and runs. But Adora gets her in the BASEMENT GERMAN SUPLEX! But Hazuki rises?! So Adora HIGH ANGLE GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Hazuki survives, but Adora pumps up! LARIAT- NO, Hazuki slips around to sunset flip, high stack, roll through! LA MAGISTROL! HAZUKI WINS!!

Winner: Hazuki, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship)

The High Speed Genius takes this fast ‘n’ furious victory for her own! Adora can’t believe it, and neither can Hazuki’s teammate. But will Hazuki kick it up a notch when she meets Mone? Wait, speaking of, Mone is here! Her video message was a diversion, because The CEO walks out in person! The fans fire up for their Massachusetts Mercedes as she goes right to the ring. Mone grabs a mic and the fans cheer more. Mone dances as they chant, and then says, “We can’t have NJPW in Lowell without the NJPW Strong Women’s Champion, Mercedes Mone! It’s been awhile since I’ve been in Lowell. So Lowellllll~! Thank you for saying hello to your C E O.”

The fans cheer more, and Mone tells Hazuki, “That was one hell of a win, wasn’t it? You just beat three of the very best. But on December 15th at Strong Style Evolved, you’re gonna get the greatest of all time.” Hazuki snatches the mic! Hazuki tells Mone, “This belt will be mine!” Then she shoves the mic back at Mone! The fans fire up for that! Mone says, “You think so, huh? You think this belt’s gonna be yours? Well, Lowell, maybe I should show her a little preview of December 15th!” Mone swings on Hazuki and Hazuki hits back, the fans fire up for this bonus brawl! The forearms keep going, but then Mone spins Hazuki for a BACKSTABBER!

Mone throws off her jacket and wags her finger. Mone holds up her NJPW Strong Women’s Championship, and has been wearing her TBS Championship the entire time! Will Mone make it through 2024 with all her gold? Or will her busy schedule (Full Gear on November 23rd, Strong Style Evolved on December 15th) catch up to her?

After Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji VS The Kingdom…

The Rampaging Dragon & Gene Blast got quite the fight out of Matt Taven & Mike Bennett, but everything was tranquilo after Los Ingobernables de Japon took the win. Respect was shown, everyone was heading out, but then the lights turn off! Tsuji looks around, this seems to be about him. Someone’s in the metal shop, forging a blade…? Tsuji is their target as they STAB a picture of him! And when the lights come back on, JACK PERRY ATTACKS! The Scapegoat is back in NJPW and he’s beating up on Tsuji! What’s this about?! The fans boo as Jack POSTS Tsuji! The fans tell Jack off as he SMACKS Tsuji around some more!

Jack gets a mic, pushes Tsuji into the ring, and then aims from a corner. Tsuji rises up, into the GLASS JAW BREAKER!! Jack finally picks up the mic to say, “I didn’t come here for these people, I came here for you. Now, I’ve got a lot on my plate coming up, but there’s a very special day that I’ve put aside on my calendar, just for you. And that day… is January 5th! In the Tokyo Dome! I challenge you at WrestleDynasty!” The fans are torn, but Tsuji grins! So Jack takes aim again! But here comes Shingo Takagi! Jack goes from Scapegoat to chicken as he runs away. The fans mock Jack for that, but he splashes them with water.

Jack soaks up the heat as he makes his exit, but will he even be the Face of TNT come the New Year? Or will the sins he’s committed catch up to this false prophet of pro-wrestling?

AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita VS TJP!

While this match is taking place in the USA, this is still an international crossover as The Alpha returns to NJWP! Will Konosuke become the Alpha of the world? Or will he be conquered by The United Empire?

Wait, the lights go out? Konosuke looks to the ramp, but when they come up, ASWANG TJP is here! Konosuke turns around, into the BLOOD MIST!! TJP DROPKICKS Konosuke out of the ring, then he WRECKS Konosuke with another dropkick! TJP aims from the apron, and he CANNONBALLS Konosuke down! The fans fire up and TJP drags Konosuke up. TJP puts Konosuke in, climbs up, and the bell rings! Konosuke staggers to his feet, for a CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Konosuke goes to a corner, TJP runs in to KNEE him down! TJP scrubs Konosuke’s face while the fans rally up! TJP runs side to side, but Konosuke bails out!

TJP slows down and waits on Konosuke. Konosuke is furious but he waits before storming back in. TJP storms up but Konosuke bails back out. The fans taunt Konosuke with “F DON CALLIS!” The ring count starts, Konosuke slides in, but then slides back out. Konosuke dares TJP to come get him. TJP slides out, Konosuke slides in, but TJP hurries to the apron. Konosuke ROCKS TJP, goes to ram TJP, but TJP catches him into a ROPE OCTOPUS! The ref counts, TJP lets go at 4, and then he slingshots to sunset flip! Konosuke stays up, drags TJP up by his neck, and he SLAMS TJP down! TJP flounders to ropes, but Konosuke brings him up.

Konosuke whips, but TJP goes Spider-Man! Konosuke runs in, TJP slides under and trips Konosuke up! TJP ties up the legs, the fans rally up, and TJP SNAP locks the legs! And SNAP LOCKS again! TJP then shifts around and grabs Konosuke’s hand to BITE the fingers! The ref reprimands, TJP stops to shift around, and he traps one arm to pull on the other. But Konosuke powers out! TJP runs up, Konosuke dodges him, and POP-UP POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO! TJP survives and Konosuke grows frustrated. Konosuke wipes his eyes, still stinging from the mist, and he SLAMS TJP into the drop zone.

Konosuke climbs up the corner, the fans fire up, and he SUPER SENTONS! Cover, TWO! TJP stays in this but Konosuke just gets more upset. Konosuke drags TJP up, wrenches and whips him hard into a corner, and TJP falls in a heap! Konosuke storms back up, brings TJP to his feet, and CHOKES him in the corner! The ref reprimands, but Konosuke stops to then smother TJP with elbows! The fans boo but Konosuke whips TJP to ropes. Konosuke ELBOWS TJP, then covers, TWO! Konosuke clamps onto TJP’s arm and grinds it down. The fans rally and TJP fights up. Konosuke wrenches and wristlocks but TJP rolls and wrenches.

TJP cartwheels, drops, and TWISTING HEADSCISSORS! But Konosuke headscissors back! TJP handstands, bridges, and pops free to have a cover. ONE and Konosuke deadlifts TJP to the Canadian Rack, and shifts it into a GORY STRETCH! TJP endures but Konosuke throws him down! The fans fire up while Konosuke paces. Konosuke drags TJP up, puts him in a corner, and then whips corner to corner again. TJP hits buckles so hard, he goes up, out and to the floor! Konosuke goes out to fetch TJP, and RAM him into railing! Commentary braces for more but Konosuke puts TJP back in the ring.

Konosuke stalks TJP, stand him up, then ROCKS him in the back! TJP goes to a corner, Konosuke whips him corner to corner, but TJP goes up and over! TJP waistlocks, Konosuke switches and back suplexes, but TJP lands on his feet! TJP grabs Konosuke with a dragon sleeper, FINAL CUT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! The fans rally up and TJP rises. Konosuke goes to ropes, TJP runs up to atomic drop! And then a whip, only for Konosuke to reverses. TJP jumps onto ropes, but feels unsteady so he hops back down to UPPERCUT Konosuke down! The fans rally as TJP hurries to bring Konosuke back up.

TJP whips Konosuke to a corner, runs in and ELBOWS! TJP sits Konosuke down, and he does some more scrubbing! The fans rally as TJP goes corner to corner, for the BOOT WASH! The fans are torn, Lowell has a lot of AEW fans, but TJP stands Konosuke up. TJP turns Konosuke for a NECKBREAKER! TJP then hurries to a corner and climbs up. MAMBA- NO, Konosuke moves! TJP lands out, Konosuke waistlocks, but TJP wrenches to MAGISTROL DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives but TJP stays calm. The fans duel as TJP aims. TJP starts up the “CATCH! 2/2!” and then runs in, but Konosuke ducks!

TJP blocks a boot, but not the second BOOT! Konosuke reels TJP in to SNAP GERMAN! TJP is up in a corner, he goes up and over Konosuke! TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! TJP stirs and Konosuke reaches for ropes. The fans rally up and Konosuke sits up. TJP also rises, and they go forehead to forehead. Then they go forearm for forearm! Konosuke stands TJP up, ROCKS him again and again, but TJP holds the wristlock. Konosuke ROCKS TJP again, fires boxing elbows, then ROLLING- TJP BOOTS and SUPERKICKS! But Konosuke reels TJP in! BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as TJP survives! Konosuke pounds the mat in frustration, then he stalks TJP to ropes. Konosuke drags TJP up, reels him in, and lifts, for a LAST- RANA!! Cover, TWO! Konosuke has the cover, TJP shove the ref! MORE BLOODY MIST!! The fans boo as TJP resorts to an extra sneaky move, but TJP takes aim! HIDDEN BLADE?!? Cover, TWO!!! Konosuke survives but TJP hurries to a corner! TJP climbs, aims, MAMBA SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives and TJP can’t believe it! The fans fire up while TJP goes back to a corner. TJP watches Konosuke rise and reach out blindly.

The fans rally up, TJP runs in, ONE BY- LARIAT!! Konosuke hits TJP first! Konosuke clears his eyes, brings TJP up, and RAGING- NO, TJP knees free! TJP ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls, but Konosuke powers TJP into the tuck! BASTARD DRIVER!! And then wheelbarrow- NO, TJP victory rolls! TWO!! Konosuke escapes, TJP SOBATS! TJP runs, into a BOOT! Konosuke runs, into a THESZ PRESS! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke escapes and TJP is beside himself! The fans fire up again as Konosuke runs up. TJP goes up and over, but no tornado this time! ALPHA ELBOW! TJP drops to his knees, and Konosuke brings him to the corner.

Konosuke hops up the ropes, drags TJP up to join him, and the fans fire up in anticipation! SUPER RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Konosuke wins!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (still AEW International Champion)

TJP tried to take down part of The Don Callis Family on behalf of Will Ospreay, but he just couldn’t stop The Alpha’s power. Konosuke stands tall with the title, ready to compete anywhere and everywhere. Konosuke grabs the mic as the fans cheer him on, and he says, “SHUT UP!” Konosuke says in Japanese, then English, that he is the GREATEST International Champion already! Konosuke wants to defend this title in the Tokyo Dome! The fans like the sound of that! So, who’s next? The fans mockingly reply, “GOLD~BERG!” but Konosuke asks the locker room, who is next!?
“Come and take it! Who’s next!?”

No response, so Konosuke says NJPW has a bunch of cowards. WAIT! Shingo Takagi makes his way out here! The fans fire up as the NEVER Openweight Champion makes his way back to ringside to meet Konosuke face to face. The fans tell Konosuke he messed up, and Takagi has the mic to say in Japanese, “Allow me to interrupt. Takeshita… That was one hell of a match. It looks like you’re very much in top form. You wanna do this? Interesting. I’m game! The AEW International Champion or NEVER Openweight Champion, let’s find out who’s stronger!” The fans seem to understand enough of that to like it!

And so Takagi says January 4th, Tokyo Dome, WRESTLEKINGDOM! Wait, not Dynasty? Takagi wants to do this on the even BIGGER show in the Tokyo Dome?! There are more questions than answers now, such as, will this end up Winner Takes All with both belts on the line? And what about Strong Style Evolved? WAIT! Tomohiro Ishii makes his way out here! He seems to stare down both Takeshita and Takagi, could the Stone Pitbull be getting greedy? Will he want the AEW International, NEVER Openweight, and even Chris Jericho’s ROH World Championships all before the year is out?

NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Gabe Kidd VS Kosei Fujita!

The champion will tell you himself, he’s a Mad Man! But The Japanese Young Punk doesn’t sweat it, he’s just crazy enough to challenge him! Will this War Dog show Fujita is NOT #WarReady? Or will Fujita show that no matter what, The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see how strong you have to be to be NJPW Strong!

The bell rings and the two get forehead to forehead. The fans fire up already as “Gabe-senpai” talks a lot of trash on his kohai, Fujita. Gabe pushes Fujita, Fujita pushes back, and the two tie up. They go around on ropes, the ref counts, and Fujita lets off slowly. Fujita CHOPS, and he eggs Gabe on. Gabe brushes that off to tie up with Fujita. Gabe puts Fujita on ropes, the ref counts, and Gabe lets off slowly. Gabe talks more trash, and he SLAPS Fujita! And then CHOSP! And CHOPS! Gabe suplexes, Fujita wrenches out and CHOPS! Gabe swings, Fujita dodges, and the CHOPS fly! Gabe suplexes again, but Fujita slips free.

Fujita spins Gabe around to DOUBLE CHOP! Fujita whips, Gabe reverses, but Fujita ducks ‘n’ dodges! RAN- NO! Gabe brings Fujita up, but Fujita slips out the back! Fujita runs and SHOTGUNS Gabe down! The fans fire up with Fujita as he watches Gabe bail out. Fujita builds speed, but Gabe hurries away. Fujita hops out to the apron to PENALTY KICK Gabe down! The fans fire up again and Fujita wants Gabe to stand. Fujita QUEBRADAS! Gabe lets that bounce off him, and he BRAINBUSTERS Fujita to the floor! The ref checks Fujita while he writhes, and Gabe isn’t much better. The fans lose their minds as Gabe sits up with a snarl.

The ring count starts but Gabe drags Fujita up. The count is 8 of 20, but Gabe CHOPS Fujita. Gabe then stands Fujita up, UPPERCUTS, and we hit 12. Gabe refreshes the count at 13, then tells people to move! Gabe brings Fujita over, CLUBS away on him, then CHOPS him against post! The timekeeper and even commentary have to move, as Gabe TOSSES Fujita over railing! Fujita tumbles over the table and into some chairs! The fans boo but Gabe soaks up the heat. Gabe then grabs a mic so he can talk trash. He tells off the people of Lowell, mocks the Massachusetts accent, then insults everyone’s moms.

Gabe says Fujita can F off, too. Ref, count him out! The fans boo while Gabe mockingly yawns. The count starts, the fans boo, but Gabe soaks it all up. Fujita stirs at 6 of 20, crawls out from behind a desk at 10, and goes to the railing. Fujita flops over the railing at 13, but is down again at 15. Fujita rises at 16, flounders at 18, and springs in at 19! Gabe is on Fujita with CHOPS and LARIATS at the ropes! Gabe runs to CLOBBER Fujita, SENTONS, cover, TWO! Fujita survives but Gabe snarls. Gabe goes out to grab the mic again?! Gabe says one more thing: F KENNY OMEGA! He slapped Omega around, made him look like a b*tch!

The fans boo but Gabe mocks Omega’s finger gun, to make it a middle finger. Gabe stomps Fujita around, scuffs him with kicks, but the fans rally for Fujita. Gabe SLAPS Fujita, but Fujita stands up. Fujita fires forearms but Gabe just eggs him on. Fujita fires a flurry, but Gabe ROCKS Fujita with just one! Fujita sits back but the fans rally up again. Gabe is annoyed by that, but Fujita returns fire! Gable UPPERCUTS Fujita! Fujita rebounds to CHOP! The fans fire up, but Gabe fires a forearm! Fujita CHOPS! Forearm! CHOP! Repeat! The fans rally as these two pick up speed! They just go back and forth and the fans are thunderous!

Gabe finally backs off from the stinging in his chest, but then he comes back to CHOP Fujita! Fujita shakes his head, Gabe eggs him on, and Fujita CHOPS! And CHOPS! Gabe grimaces, but he CHOPS Fujita off his feet! The fans rally, Gabe KICKS Fujita in the side! Gabe demands Fujita stands up. This is NJPW! What was all that time in the dojo for? Fujita stands to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Gabe ends up in a corner, so Fujita CHOPS, SLAPS, and repeat! Then CHOP!! Fujita roars, the fans are with him, but Gabe BITES Fujita’s face!! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Gabe scoops and SLAMS Fujita!

Gabe flips everyone off, but now he has to steady himself. The fans tell Gabe off in return but he just brushes it off. Gabe goes back to Fujita, scuffs him again, the fans insult Gabe’s boots. Gabe says Fujita should’ve stayed in the dojo. Gabe CHOPS Fujita on the back! Gabe tells Fujita to unleash that fighting spirit! Gabe DOUBLE CHOPS Fujita on the back! That just pisses Fujita off! Gabe SLAPS Fujita, but Fujita stares him down! Gabe SLAPS, then SPITS! Fujita DECKS Gabe!! The fans are thunderous as Gabe sputters to a corner! Fujita KICKS and stomps away on Gabe in the corner! Gabe puts up his guard, the ref tries to back Fujita down, but Fujita SHOVES the ref!

Fujita fires off on Gabe, the ref tells Fujita to stop! Fujita shoves the ref down again! Gabe runs up, Fujita gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Gabe rises, takes a swing, but Fujita GERMAN SUPELXES again! Bridging cover, TWO! But Fujita holds on! Fujita deadlifts Gabe, but Gabe fires elbows! Fujita still holds on, and he deadlifts for the GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Gabe survives and Fujita is furious, but the fans are thunderous! Fujita drags Gabe up to suplex, but Gabe blocks it! Fujita fires body shots, then tries another suplex. Gabe still fights, so Fujita SLAPS him! Fujita reels Gabe back in, but Gabe still fights the supelx!

Gabe SLAPS, HEADBUTTS, but Fujita ducks the lariat! Gabe comes back to SLAP Fujita, SLAP him again, but Fujita fires forearms! And a CHOP! Gabe rebounds, Fujita dodges, but the SOUTHPAW LARIAT hits! Fujita gets folded up! High stack cover, TWO!!! Fujita lives and the fans are thunderous! Gabe drags Fujita up, SLAPS Fujita again, but Fujita slaps back. There’s nothing there, and Gabe SLAPS again. Fujita still throws hands but Gabe just SLAPS him again! Fujita throws more shots, but Gabe ROCKS him, and FACEBUSTER! Then SAIDO!! Gabe brings down the kneepad to show his Oni tattoo!

Gabe runs up, but Fujita LARIATS!! Gabe is flipped inside-out and the fans are thunderous! Fujita roars, he brings Gabe up, but Gabe suplexes! BRAINBUSTER!! “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” But Fujita says ABANDON HOPE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous again! Fujita and Gabe stir, and the fans rally for “FU-JI-TA! FU-JI-TA!” The Japanese Young Punk roars and goes back to Gabe. Gabe throws weak chops now, and Fujita hits back with palm strikes! Fujita roars, runs, but Gabe LARIATS! Gabe runs but into a GAMANGIRI! Gabe flops out of the ring, but Fujita goes to the apron! QUEBRADA!

The fans fire up as Gabe falls down this time! Fujita puts Gabe back in, then aims from the apron. Springboard, MISSILE DROPKICK! Gabe flounders around, Fujita suplexes, ABANDON HOPE!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Gabe survives by a literal foot! Fujita snarls, drags Gabe up, and he hoists Gabe to the top rope. Fujita CLUBS Gabe and the fans rally again. Fujita waistlocks but Gabe holds ropes! Gabe fires elbows, but Fujita still tries! Gabe REAR HEADBUTTS! Fujita falls back but Gabe wobbles up top. Gabe steadies himself, stands on the top rope, and he MOONSAULTS BUT FLOPS as Fujita moves!

Fujita runs in, GAMANGIRI! Then the facelock, but Gabe powers up to POP-UP POWERBOMB! High stack, ONE?!?! Gabe is stunned as Fujita says F YOU! Gabe O-KNEES Fujita down!! Cover, TWO!!! Fujita rises, but into a PILEDRIVER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Gabe is seething but this is what he wanted out of Fujita! Gabe drags Fujita up, and JUMPING PILEDRIVER!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Is Fujita even human!? Gabe MADMAN BOMBS!!! Cover, Gabe wins!!

Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)

Gabe seethes, but this was him bringing out the best in Fujita like he wanted to see. And yet, Gabe still overcomes that fighting spirit and… Wait, he drags Fujita back up! The fans boo, but here comes RYOHEI! The Mullet fires hands with the Mad Man! ROLLING ELBOW! Gabe flounders away, he wants mercy from Ryohei, but wait! KENTA slithers out here to CLOBBER Ryohei! The Fang is furious over his loss earlier, and now he stomps away on Ryohei! Gabe & Kenta beat up on TMDK’s young punks! Bullet Club double whips but Ryohei KICKS Kenta, ELBOWS Gabe away, and LARIATS Kenta up and out! Then Gabe gets THE GRIP!!

Ryohei gets the mic to tell Gabe in Japanese, “You think I’m gonna sit on the sidelines when you go after one of ours?” Gabe says speak English! Oh, English? Okay! Ryohei says he’s the next challenger, mother effer! Gabe’s shocked but he did ask for that. Ryohei says he’s next because TMDK is his team, and The Mighty Don’t Kneel! The fans cheer that! Will The Mullet succeed where the Japanese Young Punk fell short? Or will no one be #WarReady for The Mad Man?

My Thoughts:

A great night for NJPW, but I wish I had more time for it. Them doing these NJPW Strong shows on Fridays is always rough given there’s WWE SmackDown and AEW Rampage. Speaking of Rampage, we got more overlapping between NJPW and AEW: The Kingdom lose to LIJ here while winning a Triple Threat on Rampage, and then Lio Rush wins two matches on the same night. But at least they planned ahead with Mone so that she didn’t have an appearance on Rampage while she was here to go after Hazuki. Great Fatal 4 Way to determine a contender, and I figured it would be a Stardom wrestler, not an AEW wrestler, that won here. While Mone is more likely dropping the NJPW title than she is the TBS title at this point, I don’t see her losing to Hazuki.

While I didn’t cover it, great showing from Kevin Knight against David Finlay, but of course Finlay won. Finlay is still Global Heavyweight Champion, set to face Tsuji for that belt. Apparently Tsuji’s gonna be real busy, with Jack Perry showing up to attack and set up a match with him. I feel like Garcia should win the title off Jack first. If Jack faces Tsuji while still TNT Champion, it heavily tips their match in Jack’s favor. But if Jack isn’t a champion, then Tsuij can win and he won’t be owed a title match or anything.

The Three Stages of Strong was wild, I couldn’t help but want that one on record. And at one point, Veda Scott on commentary said just what I was thinking, they really subverted expectations in those first two falls. WCWC are big buff boys who should’ve won the Tables match, but didn’t. And both Rosser and Lawlor have submission finishers, but they lose the submission match. A tag team Last Man Standing match is a rather big brain stipulation, not sure they needed straps. Rosser got busted open hard way and certainly not planned, but it added a lot of drama to how that match finished, and it was a big win for WCWC.

WCWC then calling out the Strong Tag Champs was a fitting move. GYV VS TMDK was great stuff, and a great win for GYV. I suppose Shane & Mikey losing the IWGP Tag titles did open the way for them to lose more belts, and it’s fine since GYV have been stateside and can defend the Strong titles more often. Shane & Mikey will be in World Tag League for sure, and might win out to get their rematch. At the same time, look at how big they’re doing the Junior Heavyweight Tag title scene where former champs get a rematch anyway.

TMDK got a lot of other stuff tonight, though Bad Dude Tito was of course taking that loss. That builds Shota up as he and ZSJ are going to battle over the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship next. And then Ryohei got a great win over Kenta that also played out later. Awesome title matches to close, but I figured the status quos would be kept there. Konosuke VS Takagi is going to be awesome no matter what titles are on the line, and it seems like Ishii wants to at least face the winner. Gabe VS Fujita was great, and Ryohei coming after Gabe was also good stuff. Feels like Gabe & Kenta VS Ryohei & Fujita is a tune-up tag match waiting to happen, and who knows how Ryohei VS Gabe goes when it happens.

My Score: 9/10