Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW AXS TV Results: G1 Climax 29, Part 6!
This is it for A Block!
The A Block reaches its conclusion!
This is it! The final round for A Block! Will Rainmaker or Golden Star take the block to be a G1 Climax Finalist?!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- EVIL VS Lance Archer; Archer wins.
- SANADA VS Bad Luck Fale; Fale wins.
- KENTA VS Zack Sabre Jr; Sabre wins.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Will Ospreay; Ospreay wins.
- Kota Ibushi VS Kazuchika Okada; Ibushi wins and advances to the G1 Climax 29 Finals.
PLAY BY PLAY
NJPW and AXS set the scene for the penultimate Climax!
A dream match-up determines the entire fate of the finals! The Rainmaker went on a 6-0 run, only to run into the Cold Skull for the seventh time in his career. And in perhaps the biggest shock ever, Sanada came away as the 1 in 6-1 for BOTH streaks! Meanwhile, the Golden Star had an epic rematch from the epic G1 Climax 28 Finals as he defeated the Ace! Ibushi not only overcame the wrestling icon, but he firmly made himself the second place contender in the A Block! Ibushi and Okada would continue into Night 15, Ibushi winning again while Okada rebounding just in time. But now, they have their first match against each other in five years! Even a draw helps Okada make it to the end, but Ibushi could win to be a back-to-back finalist! Will the Golden Star shine in the heavy rain? Or will Okada take that next step towards making history?
EVIL VS Lance Archer!
Just because the standings have eliminated the King of Darkness and the Killer Elite doesn’t mean they won’t fight for pride and glory! Who comes out of this the better man?
AXS jumps into the action as Archer drags Evil to a corner and suplexes him into bare buckles! Evil writhes in agony as Archer soaks up the heat. Archer looms over Evil, then grinds a knee into him for a cover. TWO, but Evil clutches his legs. Archer reels Evil in for a lariat, then covers with just a hand. TWO, and Archer rains down rights on Evil’s head! Archer shouts at the ref then drags Evil to a drop zone. Archer stomps Evil then goes to the apron. He climbs the ropes, but Evil gets clear of the senton! Archer stings from having to roll through, but he’s still up first. Fans rally for Evil but Archer is angry. Archer drags Evil up but Evil fights back! Evil runs, dodges and collides with Archer! Archer ends up in a corner and Evil gets a clothesline! Evil sweeps Archer’s legs then roars. Fans fire up as Evil drums the mat. Evil runs corner to corner, BIG bronco buster! Cover, ONE!?
Evil keeps his composure as he grits his teeth. Archer slowly stands but Evil is on him with a suplex. Archer blocks with height and strength, to then spin and knee Evil into a lariat! The “American Psycho” shakes the cobwebs out as he eyes the corner again. He climbs up but Evil intercepts him with hands! Evil climbs up to throw forearms, but Archer gives them back. Evil headbutts, grabs Archer, and SUPERPLEXES! Cover, TWO!! Fans still rally and Evil stalks Archer. Archer stands, Evil runs, but the clothesline barely staggers Archer! Archer grabs Evil by the throat! But Evil breaks free, to catch the kick! Evil throws it at the ref, but Archer’s so big, the ref goes flying! Evil still mule kicks, but he runs into the DERAILER POUNCE! With the ref down, Archer goes out to fetch chairs! Archer brings the chair in, wedges it in the bare-buckle corner, and fans rally up as they anticipate his evil plans for Evil.
Archer drags Evil up, whips him over, but Evil stops himself! Then baits Archer in, sending Archer crashing through the chair! The plan backfired! Evil runs, to LARIAT Archer down! Fans are thunderous and the referee has revived. Evil slashes the throat and drags Archer up. He suplexes Archer to the ropes, hanging Magic Killer! Cover, TWO!! Archer still lives, but Evil has more left. He slashes the throat again, spins Archer around, but Archer slips out to a full nelson! Evil breaks free, kicks, spins, but into the CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!? Evil lives! But Archer drags him up to a fireman’s carry, F5!! That’s not enough for Archer, he wants to use his claw! Archer reaches down to bring Evil up, Everybody- misses! Evil headbutts! Then spins Archer, only to get the claw!! Everybody Dies, cover, Archer wins!!
Winner: Lance Archer, by pinfall
Not everything is evil, but Evil is still trying everything he can to fight out of the claw! Archer holds on tight to punish him, but Young Lions rush in to help. So Archer goes after one of them with the claw! He lets go when he is satisfied, but will Archer be satisfied with anything less than crushing everyone’s dreams with that vicious claw?
Archer goes to English commentary to talk to them. “Next year, nobody lives!” This year was “sh*t”, so next year, Archer vows to be undefeated. “It does not stop!” Rocky, say it! Rocky Romero says the catchphrase, and Archer leaves him alone. Will G1 Climax 30 be the year #EverybodyDies?
SANADA VS Bad Luck Fale!
The Cold Skull isn’t too upset that he won’t be a G1 Climax finalist. After all, he has a win over Kazuchika Okada, the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion! But will Sanada survive the Rogue General so he can cash in that title shot burning a hole in his back pocket?
The bell rings and fans are of course on Sanada’s side against Bullet Club. Sanada stares down with Fale as they circle, but Chase Owens swipes at him from behind. This distracts Sanada for Fale to attack! Fale throws heavy hands then grinds Sanada into the ropes. Fale stops at the ref’s count, then whips Sanada, but Sanada stops himself when he sees Jado and that kendo stick. Fale comes up but Sanada is ready with big haymakers! Sanada rocks Fale then runs, and dodges, only to get that kendo SMACK after all! Fans boo but Jado gets away with it again. Fale kicks Sanada out of the ring, and they end up by commentary. Fale tosses Sanada over the railing onto monitors! And uses a mic cable to choke him! The ref reprimands him and fans boo, but Fale does let up.
Fale goes back to the ring and stays where the ref says. The ref also makes sure Chase and Jado leave Sanada alone. Sanada catches his breath and gets out of the mic cable. He heads back to the ring, but Fale is on him with stomps. Fale stands on Sanada’s stomach! The ref counts and Fale stops, only to stand on Sanada’s chest! The ref counts again and reprimands Fale, but now Chase gets cheap shots in! Fans boo but Bullet Club is too good at the game. Sanada gets up and tries to scoop Fale, but Fale’s just too big. Fale clubs Sanada down, and then clamps a hand on the trapezius muscle! Sanada endures the claw, and gets a ropebreak with his feet. But Fale stomps him down and brings him back up. Fale clamps that hand on Sanada’s side, right under the armpit! Sanada endures this new nerve hold, then stands with a cocky salute cover. TWO, and fans rally hard for Sanada!
Sanada throws CHOPS on Fale, but the scoop still doesn’t work. Fale scoops Sanada but Sanada escapes, to get the scoop! But then he falls over with Fale’s weight! Cover, TWO! Sanada survives being squashed but Fale keeps stomping him. Fale steps on Sanada, to then drop a big elbow! Cover, TWO! Fale drops more elbows out of frustration, covers, TWO! Fale scoops Sanada and slams him down, to then get a running start, only to miss the elbow drop! Sanada catches his breath while Fale clutches his elbow. Sanada throws hands on Fale then whips, but Fale reverses. Sanada dodges, dodges, and dropkicks the legs! Fale staggers so Sanada dropkicks his chest! Sanada clotheslines Fale out of the ring! Fale still stands, so Sanada slingshots to topple him over! He slingshots to take Jado out! Chase runs into the ring but Sanada redirects him. Sanada hurdles and dropkicks Chase out, to then slingshot! A hat trick for Sanada!
Fans are thunderous for Cold Skull and he wants the cameramen to see that. Sanada uses the ring count to catch his breath and get Fale in the ring. Sanada aims from a corner, springboards, but Fale dodges the missile dropkick. But Sanada gets a fireman’s carry! Only for Fale’s weight to topple him over again. Fale splashes down, cover, TWO! Sanada survives becoming a pancake, but Fale still has something left to try. He drags Sanada up, Grenade hits! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives again and Fale is furious! Fale vows to end this while fans reach a fever pitch for Sanada. Fale lifts Sanada to the crucifix, but Sanada slips out! Sanada dodges in the corner and gets the scoop slam!! Then the fireman’s carry, to the TKO neckbreaker! Cover, TWO!! Fale still lives, but Sanada keeps his cool. He drags Fale up into the dragon sleeper!
Fale endures, but Sanada drops back for the body scissors! True Skull End is in, but Chase yanks the ref out! Fale is tapping but no one can call it! Fans boo but Bullet Club does it again. Sanada lets go, Jado runs in, but he misses the kendo strike! Sanada kicks Jado low, tosses the stick aside, and ties Jado up in Paradise! Chase runs in, but even he gets put in Paradise! Fale clubs Sanada and whips, but Sanada tumbles out, springboards in, and dropkicks Fale down! Sanada gets up top as the ref returns, Moonsault! Fale dodges but Sanada lands on his feet! Sanada runs in, tilt-o-whirl to Skull End! Cradle counter, Fale wins!?
Winner: Bad Luck Fale, by pinfall
The Rogue General’s soldiers sacrificed themselves and he comes away with one last victory in the G1! But he forgets to help Chase out… Jado kicks Chase free, and Bullet Club leaves together. Well, Crown Jewel aside, is Fale poised to get a title match from the Cold Skull if he dethrones Okada?
KENTA VS Zack Sabre Jr!
The TakeOver continues, even without being a G1 Finalist. Will Kenta makes ZSJ #GoToSleep? Or will the Submission Master make Kenta #JustTapOut?
The bell rings and the two stare down. They circle as fans duel, and Kenta is wary of ZSJ’s grip. Kenta uses a corner for defense but ZSJ just grins and taunts him. They circle again and Kenta just stays out of ZSJ’s holds. Kenta waistlocks but ZSJ drops down. Kenta floats over then back around, but ZSJ switches. ZSJ floats, Kenta pushes him over, and the two break. Fans cheer this already impressive exchange. Kenta and ZSJ go again, pushing for headlock control. ZSJ gets the facelock but Kenta puts him into the ropes. They end up in the corner, and ZSJ pats his shoulder for a clean break with “senpai.” They circle again, and ZSJ tries to reel Kenta in. They end up on ropes again, and now Kenta is a good senpai as he gives the. Only to swing a kick! ZSJ gets under and is upset senpai wasn’t more respectful, as are fans.
ZSJ and Kenta circle again, and Kenta gets a leg. ZSJ leans back to fight the takedown, then goes for Kenta’s arms. Kenta pushes to the ropes and ZSJ has him in the corner again. The clean break is immediately marred by a stiff European Uppercut. Fans cheer but Kenta eggs ZSJ on. ZSJ throws more uppercuts, but Kenta only steps into them! Then Kenta DECKS ZSJ with one hard right! ZSJ flounders up but gets kicks to the chest! ZSJ is knocked off his feet with a high one, and then Kenta kicks him in the back. Kenta toys with ZSJ now and ZSJ gets annoyed. ZSJ gives Kenta more uppercuts, but Kenta just decks him again! Kenta dares ZSJ to do something before kneeing him back down. Kenta snapmares ZSJ to kick him in the back again. ZSJ gets up but Kenta is on him with a facelock.
Kenta shifts around for a chinlock, but ZSJ works on the grip. ZSJ gets an arm and wrenches a couple times, but Kenta just narrowly avoids the Pele! ZSJ narrowly avoids another kick, then gets up to boot! But he runs into Kenta’s knee! Kenta looms over ZSJ, to drop knees. Then he hops, to scuff ZSJ’s face. Fans boo again but Kenta pretends to be confused. But ZSJ gets his leg to stomp the arm! ZSJ wants to torture the surgically repaired arm with twisting, wrenching, and stomping! ZSJ then goes after a leg for a fast deathlock, and a butterfly mount. Kenta grits his teeth and slaps ZSJ. ZSJ digs his knuckles into the knees, then stands on Kenta to grab the bad arm! ZSJ has a double wristlock on top of the leg lock! Kenta pops his legs free to then use them to knee ZSJ in the shoulder and head! ZSJ lets go and gets away to ropes.
Kenta kicks ZSJ against the ropes! And again! And again! ZSJ flops over, and Kenta drops a knee on him again. Cover, ONE, but Kenta is on ZSJ with a snapmare. Kenta wraps the chinlock back on but ZSJ quickly slips out to hammerlock the arm! ZSJ pulls on this arm, then pulls legs into a figure four. He digs his knuckles in before getting the other arm, and practically makes Kenta into a pretzel. ZSJ flops Kenta over for a cover, ONE, and ZSJ grows frustrated. ZSJ toys with Kenta now, kicking him around. Kenta gets up to SLAP ZSJ. ZSJ SLAPS back, so Kenta forearms back. ZSJ fakes the uppercut to snapmare Kenta and crank the neck! ZSJ comes back to bring Kenta up in a half nelson. Kenta resists the full nelson and fights out with elbows. Kenta runs but into a boot. But he still catches ZSJ into a powerslam!
Both men are down and fans rally up. Kenta goes to a corner while ZSJ gets up. ZSJ runs in but into boots. Kenta hops up and grabs ZSJ for the tornado hotshot! Kenta climbs again and leaps at ZSJ for the flying clotheslines! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer and rally as ZSJ stays in this. Kenta drags ZSJ up, blocks the kick, but ZSJ starts slapping him. ZSJ even toys with Kenta, but he gets hard SLAPS back for it! Kenta runs corner to corner to give ZSJ a helluva kick! Then again for a basement dropkick! Kenta drags ZSJ to a drop zone and goes up top, for flying double stomps, only to roll through. Kenta runs into an uppercut, but gives back fast hands. ZSJ Northern Lights to a Kimura and headscissors! Then shift to an armbar! Kenta holds it off with a grip, but ZSJ works on the fingers. They roll, the armbar is complete but the ropebreak is, too!
ZSJ lets Kenta go to come back with a kick to the bad arm. And again! He won’t let up, he grinds the shoulder and wrenches, but Kenta forearms back. ZSJ holds on to still wrench, but he gets another forearm. ZSJ refuses to let go, and wrenches there times. Kenta gives three forearms back, but ZSJ kicks the shoulder! Kenta back hands ZSJ down as he falls! Both men hit the mat and fans fire up! Kenta and ZSJ head for each other, and Kenta eggs ZSJ on. ZSJ forearms but Kenta give sit back. The go back and forth, and ZSJ starts kicking. They stand, and Kenta forearms, but ZSJ EuroUppers back. Kenta, ZSJ, repeat. Kenta dares ZSJ to keep going, so ZSJ does. ZSJ fires kicks and one more uppercut! Kenta is down now, and ZSJ eggs him on. Kenta blocks the Penalty Kick! To spin and LARIAT! Kenta heads back up while ZSJ is down. Flying double stomps! Cover, TWO!!
ZSJ survives Kenta’s coup de grace, but Kenta vows to end this. Fireman’s carry, but ZSj slips out to PELE the arm! And sweep the legs! Penalty Kick hits! Cover, ONE?! And ZSJ is shocked! ZSJ and Kenta throw forearms again, then Kenta SLAPS ZSJ! ZSJ SLAPS back! Now it’s a SLAP fight! Kenta ROCKS ZSJ, and again, and again, and again! But ZSJ ducks the buzzsaw to get Kenta into the EuroClutch! TWO!! Fans are thunderous as Kenta escapes. ZSJ boots Kenta’s clothesline away, uppercuts back, and then catches the discus into a takedown! ZSJ wants both arms, but Kenta slips out to his own hold! #GameOver, but not yet! ZSJ gets a Triangle Hold! Kenta pops out to get back to the GameOver LeBell lock! ZSJ scrambles with his legs for a ropebreak! Kenta lets go in frustration.
Kenta gets up first, and kicks ZSJ off the ropes! Then he runs, to Psycho Knee ZSj down! Cover, TWO! Kenta vows to end it, fireman’s carry, GUILLOTINE! ZSJ shifts to a Triangle, and brings Kenta around! Kenta gets up again, but he can’t stack to a cover. ZSJ has the arms again! ZSJ pulls on the bad arm with Rings of Saturn! Bow ‘n’ Arrow even! Kenta endures even as ZSJ kicks his head! Verbal submission, ZSJ wins!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission
Kenta didn’t tap, but he couldn’t withstand the man of 1000 holds’ arsenal! ZSJ survives to finish strong, and brags as he holds up his Rev-Pro British Heavyweight Championship. Will ZSJ only get stronger from here?
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Will Ospreay!
The Ace and the Aerial Assassin is a dream match to say the least! This may not be as big as the G1 Finals, but can the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion still win big against the Once in a Century Talent?
The bell rings and fans are dueling already! “Go Ace!” “Ospreay!” goes back and forth as the two circle. They tie up, and Tanahashi puts Ospreay against the ropes. He gives a clean break and they circle again. The dueling gets louder and Ospreay is clearly appreciative of having fans in attendance. He and Tanahashi tie up again, and Tanahashi works to power Ospreay to ropes. Ospreay locks his legs, and then pushes forward to put Tanahashi back! Ospreay lets up and keeps it clean, too. Fans cheer this respect between both men. Ospreay calls for a test of strength! Tanahashi obliges, and they lock up with the knuckles. They go shoulder to shoulder, and they’re deadlocked in the middle of the ring. Tanahashi brings things up, and uses leverage against Ospreay.
But Ospreay bridges to power back up! Then he kicks and wrenches Tanahashi to a wristlock. Tanahashi reverses the wrench, and brings Ospreay to a knee. Ospreay stands and rolls to handspring and break free! Ospreay headlocks and fans cheer! Tanahashi powers up and brings Ospreay back down, standing on his leg. Tanahashi pulls Ospreay back for a headlock, but Ospreay powers out. Tanahashi runs Ospreay over but Ospreay springs right up! Ospreay plays an air guitar! Tanahashi kicks Ospreay low, air guitar is his thing! Tanahashi whips Ospreay to a corner, Ospreay goes up and over, then keeps moving to huricanrana Tanahashi out! Ospreay builds more speed, to fake Tanahashi out! Superhero Landing! And then he slingshots, but Tanahashi gets in. Ospreay forearms Tanahashi but Tanahashi dropkicks Ospreay in the ropes! Dragon screw jams Ospreay’s leg!
Fans duel hard as ever, and Tanahashi drags Ospreay in by the bad leg. Tanahashi stomps the hamstring and yanks on the leg. Ospreay crawls to ropes but Tanahashi is after him again. Tanahashi drops an elbow on the leg then wraps on an toehold. Ospreay fights back but Tanahashi keeps the chinlock off. Tanahashi then laces the legs for a deathlock. Tanahashi uses the butterfly mount, but Ospreay endures and keeps his shoulders off the mat. Ospreay drags himself and Tanahashi towards ropes, but Tanahashi stands to apply more pressure! Ospreay holds himself up on one hand, but Tanahashi bridges back! No hands! Ospreay endures this unique Ace Deathlock, but still scrambles to ropes! Tanahashi lets go with the ropebreak, but the damage has been done.
Tanahashi drags Ospreay back up but Ospreay throws forearms. Tanahashi gives them back, then eggs Ospreay on. Ospreay obliges, and now they brawl with forearm after forearm! Ospreay gets an edge, but Tanahashi kicks the bad leg. Tanahashi whips but Ospreay handsprings to enziguri! Fans rally and duel again, but the Ospreay fans are gaining steam. Ospreay throws more forearms on Tanahashi, but Tanahashi reverses the whip. Ospreay dodges to hit a flying forearm smash! Tanahashi ends up in a corner, but Ospreay runs at him, only to be put on the apron,. The leg jams but Ospreay still punches Tanahashi away. Ospreay springboards but Tanahashi intercepts and punches him down! Tanahashi runs over but is dumped out! Ospreay dropkicks Tanahashi away, then builds up speed! SASUKE SPECIAL! Direct hit takes Tanahashi down!
Ospreay puts Tanahashi in the ring, for a standing Shooting Star! Cover, TWO! The dueling is at a fever pitch now, and Ospreay brings Tanahashi up. Tanahashi fires off strikes, ducks Ospreay’s roundhouse, but then Ospreay rocks him with a right. Tanahashi ends up by ropes, Ospreay hits him with an elevated 619! Tanahashi staggers, Ospreay springboards, but Tanahashi gets clear of Pip-Pip Cheerio! The leg jams again, and Ospreay hobbles into a dropkick to the leg! Tanahashi gets up as another fan rally begins. He has Ospreay’s legs for the Cloverleaf, but Ospreay resists. Ospreay pries Tanahashi’s hands away, and then kicks until Tanahashi backs off. Tanahashi kicks Ospreay’s leg, but runs into the dropkick-flip! But the leg! He still enziguris, but Tanahashi keeps hold of the other leg! Ospreay grabs at hair, but Tanahashi pulls on the ankle, for a Dragon Screw!
Tanahashi has the legs again, and completes the Cloverleaf! Tanahashi sits deep on Ospreay, bending him from legs to neck! Fans rally and duel as Ospreay endures. Ospreay pops out the back to reach for ropes, but Tanahashi drags him away! Tanahashi sits even deeper! Red Shoes checks on Ospreay, but Ospreay is fading! Ospreay gets a second wind, to get that ropebreak! Tanahashi lets go and fans are loving this match! The dueling does not slow down as Tanahashi stomps Ospreay at the ropes. Tanahashi waits for Ospreay to stand, to kick his leg out. Tanahashi waits for Ospreay to stand again, then runs, but Ospreay dodges the Slingblade! Ospreay wants the full nelson but is denied, and his hook kick misses, too! Tanahashi full nelsons Ospreay, but Ospreay drops down to victory roll! Cover, TWO! ROBINSON SPECIAL!
Fans fire up with Ospreay as he calls for it. Ospreay springboards, but Tanahashi side-steps and slams Ospreay down! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi drags Ospreay up, full nelsons, but Ospreay breaks free, only to be in the trapped-arm German Suplex! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ospreay escapes but Tanahashi still has more to give. Tanahashi waits for Ospreay to stand before he runs. Tanahashi comes in, but gets a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay doesn’t hesitate, he climbs up top and leaps, SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!!! But that still doesn’t deter him, he springboards for OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!?! How does Tanahashi keep surviving?! Ospreay is at a loss for words but the fans reach a new level of excitement! Ospreay gives a thumbs up, then slashes the throat with it. He drags Tanahashi up, underhooks, and Canadian racks, but Tanahashi makes it a SLINGBLADE!
The rallying from fans continues as Tanahashi stands back up. Tanahashi runs, and gets THE Slingblade! Cover, TWO!! But Tanahashi won’t let that slow him down, he goes up top! Ospreay stands, ACE’S HIGH Crossbody! But Ospreay rolls it over, TWO!!! SLAPPING Palm strike, but Tanahashi gets a HOOK KICK! Hidden Blade! But that’s not all, underhooks and lift, STORMBREAKER!!! Cover, Ospreay WINS!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall
The biggest victory to date for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion! But Ospreay shows respect as he checks on Tanahashi as Young Lions help him up. The slogan has long since been “Attack for the Next Generation.” Has that banner officially been passed on from Ace to Assassin?
Kota Ibushi VS Kazuchika Okada!
It all comes down to this very last match of the A Block. The Golden Star lost early on in the round robin while the Rainmaker lost not too long ago. Can Ibushi continue his comeback and shine the brightest he ever has? Or will Okada continue to be on a whole ‘nother level? Who is THE A Block Finalist?!
The bell rings and fans are immediately fired up for these fan favorites! Okada and Ibushi can hear their supporters, but of course know there are just as many for the other. Okada teases rushing Ibushi, but he stays back to give Ibushi a fair fight. They circle and approach, wary of a grapple because they know how skilled the other is. They tie up, and Okada waistlocks. Ibushi wrenches out to a wristlock, but Okada rolls and trips Ibushi to a toehold. Okada wrenches and goes after the ankle, but Ibushi retaliates with a chinlock. They roll and Ibushi gets a headlock, only for Okada to slip out to a hammerlock. Okada rolls Ibushi to a cover, ONE! Fans cheer as Okada backs off and Ibushi stands.
The dueling continues as Okada and Ibushi reset and go again. Ibushi works to push Okada back, but Okada pushes Ibushi. Okada gets Ibushi on the ropes, but in classic Okada fashion, the break is clean, with the chop feint. Okada pats Ibushi’s shoulder and dares him to come back. Ibushi comes back with a forearm to the face! Ibushi waits for Okada’s response, and Okada forearms him back. Ibushi forearms, Okada forearms, and they go back and forth! Okada gets the edge, runs, but into Ibushi’s dropkick! The dueling returns as Okada shakes out the cobwebs. Ibushi is on him with forearms and Okada staggers to a corner. Ibushi elbows then wrenches, then whips Okada corner to corner. Okada whips Ibushi but misses in the corner. Okada still gets Ibushi up top, and dropkicks him down! Ibushi crashes and burns towards commentary!
Okada takes his time as the five minute mark is announced. After all, Okada only needs a draw to still advance. He drags Ibushi up for a DDT right to the floor! Ibushi clutches his head and neck but Okada simply walks away. Okada rests in the ring while Red Shoes checks on Ibushi. Ibushi is okay to continue, but he’s still dazed. The ring count begins, and Ibushi sits up at 10 of 20. Ibushi wobbles but Okada has Red Shoes stop there so this match can continue. Okada brings Ibushi up and throws him at buckles! Okada throws back elbows in at Ibushi, and Ibushi sits down as he clutches his ear. Ibushi wants time, and Okada pretends to give it before stomping him down! Okada lets up to bring Ibushi up, but Ibushi throws forearms back. Okada knees low, then snapmares Ibushi to run an dropkick! Okada walks it off as Ibushi clutches his face. Okada comes back to cover, TWO!
Fans duel as Okada puts on a chinlock. He digs his knee into Ibushi’s back, but Ibushi endures. Ibushi fights his way up but Okda pulls back harder. Fans build to a rally but Ibushi starts to fade. Red Shoes checks on him but Ibushi finds new life. He fights up and out of the hold, but Okada clubs him back. Okada whips but Ibushi reverses and runs in, only to get a boot. Okada runs but gets a huricanrana! Both men are down now and fans rally up again. Ibushi fires himself up knowing the 10 minute mark has arrived. He drags Okada up but Okada swings a punch. Ibushi ducks that to come back with a strike fest! Ibushi roundhouses Okada off his feet! Then standing moonsaults! Cover, TWO! Ibushi keeps his cool as he grits his teeth. Fans duel more and Ibushi stands while Okada bails out. Ibushi slingshots and splashes down on Okada!
Ibushi gets up and walks off the ankle pain. He puts Okada back in and fans cheer as he wants to end this in the ring. Ibushi whips but Okada dodges and ducks to elbow Ibushi down! Okada fires up and the fans do, too! Okada drags Ibushi up, whips him corner to corner, and runs in for a big elbow. Then he kicks for another DDT! Cover, TWO! Ibushi refuses to stay down but he is clutching his neck again. Okada drags him up, scoops and slams him fast, then heads up top. Standard Okada as he aims, but Ibushi is up and gets under. Ibushi runs into an uppercut, and Okada runs, only to get Ibushi’s enziguri! Both men are down and fans rally up!
Okada sits up first but Ibushi follows. Ibushi throws a forearm but Okada give sit back. Ibushi gives another forearm, but Okada gives it back. They go back and forth, Ibushi, Okada, repeat, faster and faster. Ibushi staggers, and Okada throws a big EuroUpper! Ibushi wobbles but stays on his feet. Okada whips Ibushi corner to corner but Ibushi reverses, only to run into an elbow. Okada runs but into Ibushi’s powerslam! Ibushi rolls, moonsaults, onto knees! Okada has control again as he looms over Ibushi. He whips Ibushi to ropes, and hits a big flapjack! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and duel again while Okada drags Ibushi back up. Okada scoops and slams Ibushi, then heads back up. But Ibushi is up fast and intercepts with a body shot. Ibushi climbs to join Okada and wants underhooks. Okada resists with just his legs, and fights back with body shots and clubbing forearms.
Okada clubs Ibushi until he’s down onto the apron. Okada adjusts, but Ibushi is up fast! Springboard SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as both men slowly stand. Ibushi blocks Okada’s meteora into a POWERBOMB! Ropebreak! Okada knew where he was and saves himself. Ibushi sits back in the corner to rest while Okada crawls away. Ibushi stands, vowing to end this. He brings Okada up by his wrists, but Okada reels Ibushi in! Ibushi ducks the Rainmaker and waistlocks, but Okada elbows out. Ibushi still comes back, only to swing into Okada’s German Suplex! The bridge doesn’t stay up, but Okada doesn’t mind, he has the wristlock. Ripcord but Ibushi dodges, only to get Okada’s dropkick! Okada drags Ibushi up, scoops him, but Ibushi flails to reverse the position! Ibushi tucks Okada in for PACKAGE TOMBSTONE!
But Ibushi can’t hold on for a cover, and now both men are down again! The fans are thunderous as Okada and Ibushi stir. Ibushi sits up first and still wants to end this. He throws forearms on Okada, but Okada comes back with his own. They brawl on their knees, Ibushi hitting and Okada responding. Each man roars in turn, and they continue hitting as they stand. The 20 minute mark is given, so Ibushi has 10 minutes to win! Ibushi hits Okada, but Okada hits back. The brawl picks up speed, but then Okada flounders! Ibushi brings him back up for more forearms, and Okada ends up in a corner. But he comes back with a shotgun dropkick! But Ibushi rolls through! LARIAT! Both men are down again and the dueling returns to that thunderous level.
Ibushi stands first, and calls for a corner. He scoops Okada, but Okada fights out to scoop Ibushi! But then Ibushi reverses positions again, only for Okada to slip out and backslide! Ibushi rolls off, to get a point-blank Rainmaker! Okada keeps wrist control and has to slap the stars out of his head. He pulls Ibushi back up, and reels him in, for another Rainmaker! Okada roars and takes off his armbands. He wants the true form of…. No, Ibushi ducks, straitjacket German! But he doesn’t bridge, because he spins Okada around, only for Okada to block. Ibushi fights Okada off the leg, only to get a dropkick to the back! Okada whips but Ibushi counters the dropkick to a bomb! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and the fans are at that fever pitch again!
Ibushi calls upon the King of Strong Style as he stands in the corner. “YAO!” Ibushi runs out, but he gets a dropkick! Okada drags Ibushi up, wristlocks and reels him out, but Ibushi ducks! Ibushi wristlocks and ripcords Okada for a roundhouse! Then with both wrists, KAMI- NO! Okada counters, but Ibushi denies the Electric Chair. Ibushi spins around and sunset flips, but Okada sits on it! TWO!! Ibushi shocks himself with his escape! ROUNDHOUSE! Okada staggers but ducks the second, spins Ibushi as he spins, only to get a knee trigger! Ibushi has the wrists, KAMIGOYE!! Cover, TWO!?! Okada survives, but Ibushi wont’ let up! Another KAMIGOYE!! Cover, Ibushi wins!!
Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall; advances to the G1 Climax Finals
Ibushi ties the score at 14, but because of this win, he has the tiebreaker! Okada’s dream of being a G1 winning IWGP Heavyweight Champion will not happen this year! But can Ibushi turn back-to-back finals appearances into a G1 Climax win? And who does he meet from B Block?
NJPW returns with Ibushi’s victory speech.
“With this, I have punched my ticket to the finals.” Ibushi stands up to do this properly. Fans cheer for Ibushi as he takes a moment to catch his breath. “First, I want to say thank you to everyone.” And he also thanks all the other wrestlers in the A Block. As the A Block winner, he vows not to lose. He won’t make the same mistakes from last year. He will not give up until the bitter end. It’s a promise! See you then! Ibushi will only have so much time to rest. Who will he have to prepare for in just a matter of days?
NJPW Media backstage interview
Ibushi sits and says, “Last year, I was a runner-up, and I’m guaranteed at least second place.” But Ibushi won’t be satisfied that for a second year. He will not quit. He’s been waiting for this a whole year. August 12 is Kota Ibushi Day. Ibushi will give back as good as he gets from his opponent. Ibushi just has to keep going, just a little further. He’ll do his very best to the very end, no matter who it is he’s up against. And as for his match with Okada, Ibushi can still barely comprehend it. Okada and Ibushi are roughly the same class, 2004. Ibushi can’t wait to face him again, because Okada is incredible. That was maybe Okada’s 1% against Ibushi’s 100%. There is still more to this between the two of them. Ibushi is writing his own story. You’ll have to wait and see the ending another time. Can Ibushi beat B Block’s best to get that Wrestle Kingdom 14 title match contract?
My Thoughts:
An amazing two hours once again, as every one of these has been from NJPW and AXS. Again, the only match that mattered for the tournament was the main event, but the other matches can make for some great story as the G1 Climax is wrapping up overall. Archer has another good showing, and even though he wins over Evil, he clearly won’t be satisfied. This already plants a story a year in advance of Archer wanting to dominate whatever Block he’s put in. Fale wins thanks to Bullet Club shenanigans, and that could be used to spark a story of Bullet Club and Los Ingobernables de Japon through Sanada. At the same time, Chase seems to be the low rung on the ladder now, I wonder if that becomes something in Bullet Club’s next phase as a faction.
ZSJ VS Kenta was a great match, and that was a great win for ZSJ. This could definitely spark a story for Kenta with ZSJ as the year rolls on. Tanahashi VS Ospreay was incredible! This was worthy of being the A Block Finals in itself, and it was big for Ospreay to win here. It was tantamount to a passing of the torch, between Tanahashi putting Ibushi and Ospreay over. Tanahashi still has a lot left, but this is a big sign that it is time for the new stars to rise up and carry NJPW forward. And of course, that extends even to Ibushi VS Okada here in the main event, which was worthy of the title match already. Ibushi winning is incredible for him and this tournament. AXS will take two more weeks to wrap up G1 even though it’s done in real time, but getting to see B Block next week and the man Ibushi faces/faced is going to be awesome. And without looking it up, I have a feeling it’s Naito just so the two of them can have one more match.
Naito could take it here so that he gets his match to be both IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion. Plus, Okada will have a hard-fought road to Wrestle Kingdom with Sanada having his title match lined up, and technically now even Ibushi. Anything could happen where Okada shockingly loses the title to Sanada or Ibushi so that it’s one of them headed to Wrestle Kingdom to face Mr. G1 Climax 29. Because for one, I don’t see the WK14 contract holder losing that, so it has to still come down to the G1 Climax winner having a title match. This far out, things can always change, but it would be pretty awesome if Naito as Mr. G1 meets Ibushi again when Ibushi is IWGP Heavyweight Champion. At the same time, Naito VS Okada is great because beating Okada is itself a title win, while LIJ VS LIJ as Naito has to face Sanada, his teammate, to prove who is truly the best in the faction.
My Score: 9.5/10
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Rockin’ around the Christmas Collision!
The Continental Classic continues on Christmas Collision, with crucial points on the line this close to AEW Worlds End! Who will finally take the lead in Gold League?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford; Kris wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia; Garcia wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos; Briscoe wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!
Claudio Castagnoli: 2-1, 6 points
Will Ospreay: 2-1, 6 points
Ricochet: 2-1, 6 points
Darby Allin: 2-1, 6 points
Brody King: 2-2, 6 points
Komander: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!
Kyle Fletcher: 3-1, 9 points
Kazuchika Okada: 2-1-1, 7 points
Mark Briscoe: 2-2, 6 points
Shelton Benjamin: 2-1, 6 points
Daniel Garcia: 1-1-1, 4 points
The Beast Mortos: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Ian Riccaboni is in the ring.
He has Big Boom AJ & Big Justice with him in the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they’re ready to bring the BOOM~! They’re ready to watch the action tonight, and even the final face-to-face of MJF and Adam Cole. AJ says if MJF is gonna bring the doom, then you know he and Big Justice will bring the BOOM~! But tonight, their guy, Adam Cole will bring the BOOM~ too! And of course we have big Continental Classic action! Daniel Garcia VS Shelton Benjamin in a critical showdown, and while Shelton is tough, Garcia is going to bring the BOOM~! Plus, Mark Briscoe battles The Beast Mortos! The Chicken is their guy, time to bring the BOOM~!
In Gold League, we have Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli, and the Swiss Superman is a DOOM~! Let’s go, Darby, bring that BOOM~! And then a match everyone wants to see, the fireworks rematch of Will Ospreay VS Ricochet! If you’re a fan of high-flying wrestling, this is the right night to be right here in AEW! Ricochet and their guy, Ospreay, will bring the BOOM~! But speaking of, that match is up first! The Aerial Assassin joins AJ & Big Justice in giving a BOOM~, but will Ricochet make sure tonight is #OuttaThisWorld?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet!
Wait, are the fans throwing white streamers or is that… No, yeah, it’s toilet paper! Ospreay laughs at the fans basically calling Ricochet crap. Ricochet throws the toilet paper back! The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans fire up for Ospreay as he and Ricochet circle. The fans also sing, “F HIM UP, OSPREAY, F HIM UP!” Ricochet shrugs that off, he and Ospreay tie up, and then Ricochet rolls. Ospreay shoots in, waistlocks, but Ricochet switches. They go around, Ricochet gator rolls with Ospreay, then floats to a headlock. Ricochet wrenches, hammerlocks then headlocks again. Ospreay powers up and out, Ricochet runs him over, but Ospreay kips up!
The fans cheer and Ospreay smiles as he and Ricochet reset. They tie up, go around, and Ricochet wrenches to a wristlock. Ospreay rolls, wrenches and wristlocks, but Ricochet spins and wrenches to hammerlock. Ospreay reaches back, headlocks and hits a takeover. Ricochet rolls to a cover, TWO! Ospreay holds onto the headlock but Ricochet powers up and out. Ospreay runs Ricochet over, Ricochet bails out, and then Ospreay handsprings to fake Ricochet out! The fans cheer as Ospreay superhero lands out, and Ricochet is annoyed. Ospreay holds ropes open for Ricochet, but Ricochet goes around the way to step in on his own.
The fans boo Ricochet being a bad sport but Ricochet ignores that. Ospreay and Ricochet knuckle lock, then Ricochet kicks low! And CHOPS! Ricochet whips, Ospreay reverses, but Ricochet rolls off Ospreay’s back! Things keep moving, Ospreay avoids the handspring to then duck ‘n’ dodges and RANA! But Ricochet handsprings through! The fans fire up, and Ospreay arm-drags Ricochet down! The fans cheer while Ricochet endures the grind. Ricochet fights up and puts Ospreay on ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet and Ospreay slowly let g o, and Ricochet SLAPS Ospreay! Ospreay CHOPS Ricochet!
Ospreay takes a swing, Ricochet ducks under to roll back and RANA! But now Ospreay handsprings through! Ricochet dodges to waistlock but Ospreay bucks the O’Conner. Ricochet arm-drags Ospreay down, but Ospreay headscissors back! Ricochet pops free but Ospreay arm-drags! Ricochet headscissors, Ospreay pops free, and Ospreay handsprings, but Ricochet catches him! Ricochet then THROWS Ospreay into the Tree of Woe, and Ospreay falls down! The fans boo while Ospreay bails out, but Ricochet FOSBURY FLOPS! The fans boo but Ricochet takes the toilet paper to wipe himself, then he SMOTHERS Ospreay with it!
The fans boo that literally disgusting act of disrespect, but Collision goes picture in picture.
Ricochet taunts the fans, then drags Ospreay up. Ricochet puts Ospreay in, soaks up more heat, then KNEE-BOARD SENTONS! Ricochet swaggers to taunt the fans more, then he goes back to Ospreay. Cover, ONE!! Another cover, TWO! Ricochet taunts the fans more, then goes back for Ospreay. Ricochet stands Ospreay up to CHOP, and Ospreay goes to a corner. Ricochet RAMS into Ospreay, RAMS him again, then snapmares to UPPERCUT in the back! Cover, TWO! Ospreay stays in this but Ricochet drags him into a motorcycle stretch. Ospreay endures while Ricochet digs a knee into the back. Ospreay fights up, fights with elbows, then runs, but into a DROPKICK!
Ospreay is down in a daze but Ricochet has to shake out the stars in his own head. Ricochet covers, ONE! Ospreay then uses that one to flip off Ricochet. Ricochet RAMS Ospreay in the back! Ricochet then clamps on with a chinlock, and he digs his knee into Ospreay’s back. Ospreay endures, even as Ricochet JAMS Ospreay. Collision returns to single picture as the fans rally for Ospreay again. Ospreay fires up, fires hands, but Ricochet RAMS him into a corner. Ricochet runs up, RAMS into Ospreay, then goes to the apron. Ospreay takes a swing but Ricochet dodges and gets around him to GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay runs, handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay goes to the apron, takes aim, and he springboards to PIP PIP CHEERIO! Down goes Ricochet, Ospreay covers, TWO! Ospreay stays focused and the fans rally up. Ospreay drags Ricochet up, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again! Ricochet staggers, Ospreay runs, but Ricochet TIGER WALL KICKS! Forearm, SOBAT, and Ricochet runs, but into a POP-UP, and STYLES- NO, Ricochet sits up, slips free, and he underhooks Ospreay for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives but Ricochet goes up.
Ricochet has to double clutch, the fans let him hear it, but Ricochet still MOONSAULTS! Ricochet lands out as Ospreay moves, and Ospreay runs up, but into an ELBOW! Ricochet handsprings, but into a pop-up, Electric Chair, spin around, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Ospreay is surprised. Ospreay pulls on the elbow pad and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Ospreay aims, but Ricochet bails out! The fans boo but Ospreay storms after Ricochet. They’re both on the apron and Ospreay goes up a corner. Ricochet anchors Ospreay first! Then Ricochet has the Electric Chair Lift!
Ospreay fights free, fights off a nelson, then he KICKS Ricochet! Ospreay runs, but into a pop-up APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans chant “You Still Suck!” but Ricochet adds a SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Ricochet puts Ospreay in, then springboards to 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives, but then Ricochet AX KICKS! Dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, VERTIGO! Cover, TWO!? Ospreay survives and Ricochet is shocked! Ricochet snarls and he aims from a corner. The fans rally for Ospreay but Ricochet loads up. SPIRIT- NO, Ospreay ducks under! Ospreay gets up, Ricochet blocks a kick!
Ricochet V-TRIGGERS, then he reels Ospreay in! But Ospreay fights out of the bomb, but then Ricochet returns the favor! Ricochet suplexes, into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Ospreay springboards for the OSC- CUTTER FROM RICOCHET!! Ricochet hurries to get Ospreay up, powerbomb into fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! SPIRIT- HIDDEN BLADE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Ospreay and Ricochet both slowly sit up and the fans rally as hard as ever. Ricochet and Ospreay stare down, talk a bit of trash, then stand up. Ospreay draws a line in the sand and dares Ricochet to step up.
Ricochet steps right up, they stand toe to toe, literally! They start firing forearms! The fans cheer Ospreay, boo Ricochet, and Ricochet wobbles! But then Ricochet comes back with forearm after forearm! Ospreay wobbles, but he grins as he rises and roars! Ospreay fires a flurry on Ricochet, then ROCKS him! Ricochet flops over, Ospreay hauls him up! But Ricochet grabs at the ref! Ospreay kicks Ricochet’s arm away, but then Ricochet RAMS Ospreay into the ref! The fans boo but then Ricochet hurries to HOOK KICK! And VERTI- NO, Ospreay slips free to underhook! STORM BREAKER! Cover, but the ref is down!
The fans count, Ospreay would’ve won twice over! Ospreay calls to the ref, the ref sputters around, and Ospreay goes up. But then Ricochet kicks the ref into ropes! Ospreay gets tripped up and the fans boo more! Ospreay is confused as to what happened, but SPIRIT GUN hits the mark!! Cover, RICOCHET WINS!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Ospreay earns 0)
The One & Only got away with murder, but there’s nothing that can be done now! Ricochet has NINE points, will he be headed to Worlds End?
Adam Cole heads to the ring!
The fans cheer as the Panama City Playboy returns to the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they join in for the “BOOM~!” and the “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY~!” Cole grabs a mic, but he keeps his eyes on the ramp. That’s because we all know who’s next. MJF makes his entrance, but with a handful of security guards in front of him first. And not even AEW security, that’s his own personal security. MJF grabs a mic and has them cut his music. The fans boo but MJF tells them, “If I wanted your help, I’d ask for it. Sit down and shut up.” The fans tell MJF to STFU, but MJF shrugs that off.
MJF tells Cole that MJF is frustrated. It’s because for the past few months, MJF has had to listen to Cole say MJF is Cole’s biggest enemy! If memory serves, and MJF’s memory always does because unlike the fans here, he isn’t a complete moron… Didn’t Cole turn on MJF? But then does Cole realize he has bigger enemies out there? Like spray tan, cracks in the floor, gusts of win, and maybe… a cavity. Because last MJF heard, Cole’s dentist isn’t seeing him anymore. Cole was already staring daggers into MJF, but now he’s pissed. MJF has Cole calm down, and he tells the fans to shut up so he can shoot straight.
When MJF was the longest-reigning and greatest AEW World Champion of all time, Cole was nothing more than MJF’s cute little sidekick. That ate Cole up inside. Cole wanted to be MJF. Cole wanted #TripleB. But the sad truth is, Cole had many opportunities to win the title before MJF got anywhere near it. It’s almost like when it comes to Cole being elite enough to become world champion, just like his “s*itty little ankle,” Cole blows it. MJF laughs at his own joke, and then tells the fans he is talking, it is not that complicated. But this is why MJF doesn’t buy the hogwash that Cole turned on MJF because MJF would turn on Cole first.
Cole turned because he, like all these shmucks, is jealous of MJF. And who can blame Cole? MJF is rich, handsome, funny, entertaining, and then look at Cole. For crying out loud, Cole used to be ADAM COLE BAYBAY. Now, he’s just a crack baby! Cole asks if MJF is done. Was that the last line? Because it felt like MJF practiced that for two weeks in front of a mirror. But MJF killed it, really. Cole could come back with childish comments to hurt MJF’s feelings, but he won’t. Cole could mention MJF has had two surgeries on that fake head of hair of his while only in his 20s, which is hilarious, but he won’t.
Cole could talk about how MJF pulled some strings to get his girlfriend hired, like the real politician he is, but Cole won’t go there. Cole could talk about how every single time MJF enters a room, everyone waits for him to leave because he is loud, obnoxious and annoying as hell. But Cole won’t go there. Because Cole is not like MJF. They are nothing alike. That is why the friendship was ruined. Because, MJF, the truth is you say Cole is a failure, but in virtually every wrestling company Cole has worked for, he is the longest-reigning champion in so many!
In this very building, Cole bled BUCKETS against Kyle O’Reilly, wanting to prove he was one of the best in the world, and that is exactly what he did! Does Cole have regrets? Sure. Are there things Cole wishes he could take back? Absolutely. But Cole does NOT regret turning on MJF. The only reason it drives MJF insane is because Cole beat MJF to it. That’s MJF 101: Get close to someone, then turn on them. It’s what MJF does. Cole just did it better than MJF, and MJF knows it.
But Cole has been thinking, trying to understand what’s going on in MJF’s head, and he finally figured it out. MJF is terrified of having anyone close to him, because he feels it is a weakness. That hit a chord? Because not only does MJF act like a child, he thinks like a child! MJF knows in his heart that he was going to be the one to turn on Cole first! DAMN RIGHT HE WAS!!! MJF realizes he let the cat out of the bag. MJF says congrats, Cole, he solved the mystery! A regular Scooby-Doo! Great job, Adam.
But you want the truth? Here it is. The fact of the matter is, last year at Worlds End, MJF had every intention on stabbing Cole in the back that night. Cole just got lucky. When #BetterThanYouBaybay started, MJF didn’t give a damn about Cole. Cole was nothing more than a pawn. But MJF will admit, he did eventually start to care. For the first time in MJF’s life, he cared about someone else. Fans mockingly go, “Aww…” But MJF says that is just when Cole became a liability. And since Cole’s “a fragile little freak,” him jumping off that ramp and exploding his ankle made him a distraction!
Distractions, liabilities, emotions, there are no room for those when all you should be concerned with is maintaining the world championship! But Cole doesn’t get it, does he? Last year was a fluke. Cole ain’t the Devil, he just beat the Devil to it. But this year, Worlds End, December 28th, the same show where Cole tried to end MJF’s world, MJF ENDS Cole!! MJF throws down the mic and the fans are torn. Cole smirks and says MJF ends things then? Well, how about Cole ends this? COLE DECKS MJF! The guards rush in, but Cole fights them off! MJF sends more but Cole SUPERKICSK! And SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS!
But then MJF LOW BLOWS Cole! MJF tells the fans to shut up! MJF takes out the Dynamite Diamond Ring! But then The Kingdom rushes out here! MJF runs away from Matt Taven & Mike Bennett, but he vows this ends at Worlds End. We have one week left, is that the last week Cole has in AEW? Or will MJF finally lose the one thing he has left in that diamond ring?
Backstage interview with Kris Statlander.
Lexy Nair is with the #BornAgainKristen and brings up her trying to make amends with Willow Nightingale last night, as well as making the save when Harley Cameron & Penelope Ford were beating Willow up. Kris says what she and Willow have to discuss is between them. But as far as her and Penelope go, they’ve got a lot of history, and if Ford wants a fight, Kris will give her a fight. Then speaking of history, Kris still has her eyes set on the TBS Championship, can she tells us more on that?
Kris says she looked back on 2024 and she had a downward spiral that started with losing that title. Maybe if she wins it back, Kris will right her wrongs. On that note, Mercedes Mone, you don’t have an opponent for Worlds End so here Kris is. Let her know when you’re ready for round two. Kris heads out, will she prove to everyone that she is still the Galaxy’s Greatest?
Backstage interview with Orange Cassidy.
AEW returns and Lexy is now with Freshly Squeezed. In exactly one week, he will compete against three other men for the AEW World Championship. There are a lot of combustible elements at play, and Cassidy says yeah, we saw that on Dynamite. Jay White, Hangman Page and Cassidy can’t exactly have a conversation. So really, Cassidy wants them to listen. “Between now and Worlds End, Jon Moxley can run and hide. He can hide behind his goons, he can run away in a pickup truck. But when that bell rings in seven days, he has nowhere to go. He will be in the ring with us. Us three. And you both know that we need to remove Jon Moxley from the equation.
“We can. We’ve done it. And after that, us three, we can fight for the AEW World Championship and one of us will become the AEW World Champion. Just something to think about. See you guys on Dynamite.” Cassidy is ready to remove the Maniac from the throne, but will the Switchblade and Cowboy listen to reason?
Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford!
As Kris just said, she’s calling out The CEO in hopes of one more TBS Championship match. But will the Superbad Girl be more like the Grinch for Kris this Christmas?
The bell rings and the fans rally as Kris circles with Ford. They tie up, Kris powers Ford to a corner, then throws Ford back into the corner! The ref counts, Kris lets off, but Ford shoves her! Kris ROCKS Ford, TOSSES her, then runs up on her. Kris whips, drops down, then hurdles over. Kris CLOBBERS Ford and the fans fire up as she flexes. Kris drags Ford up, reels her in, and suplexes, and she holds Ford up! The fans cheer and Kris goes all the way to TEN, but Ford slips into a SLEEPER! Kris pries the hold open and she brings Ford around for another suplex! The fans fire up as Kris holds Ford up for five before the SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Kris drags Ford up, whips her to the corner, but Ford goes up, only for Kris to Electric Chair Lift! Kris climbs, Ford fights with fists, and she shoves Kris down! Ford steadies herself, then hits a FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford is frustrated but she storms up on Kris. Ford bumps Kris off buckles but the fans rally behind Kris. Ford stomps a mudhole, but she lets off as the ref counts. Kris goes to the apron, but Ford jumps up to drop KNEES on her! The fans boo but Ford soaks up the heat, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Ford brings Kris around to THROW her into railing! Ford soaks up more heat, then drags Kris up and RAMS her into the apron! Ford refreshes the count, then stalks Kris around the way. Ford whips Kris into the steel steps! Kris falls over in a heap but Ford drags her up into the ring. Ford covers, TWO! Kris stays in this but Ford kicks her around. Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes, thrashes around, but lets off as the ref counts. Ford drags Kris up and whips her to ropes, then LARIATS as Collision goes to break.
Christmas Collision returns and Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes again! The ref counts, Ford lets off and Kris sputters to the apron. Ford runs and goes up, up, and KNEE DROPS on only apron! Kris then SHOTGUNS Ford off the apron! The fans fire up and Kris brings Ford up, to THROW into railing! Kris puts Ford in the ring, the fans fire up, but Ford kicks low. Ford reels Kris in, but Kris suplexes, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford flounders to a corner but Kris has the fans rallying behind her. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT! Kris goes side to side but Ford dodges the knee! Ford hits a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Ford wasn’t quite perfect there but she watches Kris go to a corner. Ford runs corner to corner, handsprings, but Kris catches her! The fans fire up as Kris GERMAN SUPELXES, but Ford lands out! but Kris goes Matrix to dodge! So does Ford! STUNNER! Ford runs, Kris does her best to follow, but Ford hops up for a POISON-RANA! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and the fans fire up! Ford is beside herself, but she drags Kris to a drop zone. Ford goes up top, and MOONSAULTS BUT FLOPS as Kris moves! Kris hurries to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! And then GERMAN SUPLEX again! The fans fire up as Kris scoops to tuck Ford in! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER! Cover, Kris wins!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Ford gave Kris quite the fight, but Kris came out on top! Wait, here comes Mone! Kris did call the CEO out, so Santa Mone says, “Ho, ho, ho ho ho! New York Citaaaay~! Please say hello to your C E O! Kris, after the year I’ve been having, I was planning on taking Worlds End off. I was planning on going to the Ritz in Boston.” The fans boo Boston, but Mone says since it’s the holidays, Mone feels like being nice. She already beat Kris once anyway, so she’ll just beat her twice! At Worlds End, you see that money changes everything, because Mone is the greatest TBS Champion of all time!
The challenge has been accepted, and Mone is looking to be busy before the New Year. Will Kris make her regret it?
Big Boom AJ & Big Justice return to the ring.
They’re getting Christmas Collision ready to bring the BOOM, but out comes Chris Jericho, who is still ROH World Champion after overcoming Matt Cardona last night at Final Battle. And he has Bryan Keith & “Big Bill” Morrissey with him as he asks if AJ has a permit for being here tonight. Did they talk with Mayor DeBlasio? Because they certainly didn’t run this past Jericho. Do they know who he is? Big Justice says yeah, he knows! “You’re a JACKASS!” Jericho is taken aback, but the fans agree with Justice. The Bad Apple says this is why dumbass kids should be sitting and not heard. Jericho says yeah!
And if being a jackass means he’s the King of New York, then Jericho’s the biggest jackass! And besides, Jericho talks for everyone here saying we do not want AJ & Justice here! The fans boo, they disagree with Jericho. But Jericho says they don’t even have Costcos in New York! New Yorkers shop at bodegas. Fans are torn, because they kind of agree. Jericho says his favorite is the Walgreens a few blocks over in Flushing. And speaking of Flushing, that’s where AJ & Justice belong: in the toilet! This is the Hammerstein Ballroom, the House that Jericho built! The fans boo that, it’s the House that Hardcore built.
But Jericho says there’s no time for goofy gimmicks like BOOM~, or bandit masks, or scissoring! Scissor me, Bad Apple~! But then wait! The Acclaimed is here! Well, Anthony Bowens is, at least. Bowens pushes past The Learning Tree and he joins AJ & Justice in the ring. Bowens has the music cut, and he tells Jericho that he doesn’t get why Scissor King is catching strays, but you caught his attention. Jericho is trying to intimidate a man in a walking boot and an 11 year old child while spouting nonsense about being the King of New York. Why doesn’t Jericho do what he has asked so many others in the past: SHUT THE HELL UP!
The fans cheer but Big Bill says, “As the Learning Tree always says, when a man tries to silence another man, he’s probably afraid of the truth.” The fans do cheer Big Bill because he is from New York. Bowens says he has no idea what that means, Bill. But he does know we’re live on TNT, Christmas Collision, Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City! So Chris, why not walk your ass to this ring and get it whipped by the Scissor King?! Jericho says if Bowens wants him to do that, then not tonight. Jericho waves bye, but AJ says hold on, listen up. We know Jericho is running scared, but we know at some point, Bowens will get to bring the-
Bowens stops the Boom? Because he wants to scissor! AJ says okay, and they SCISSOR BOOM~! But is that true? Will Anthony Bowens be the one to tear down the Learning Tree and be a champion?
Backstage interview with The Vendetta.
Lexy is now with Deonna Purrazzo & Taya Valkyrie, and they’ve got a hot streak going. Deonna’s message last week was ominous, but who was it for? Taya says there are so many options. Everyone deserves a slice of The Vendetta. There’s Mercedes, Mariah, Toni Storm, even Lexy could get some, so watch your back. Speaking of Toni, she stumbles in and apologizes for interrupting. She just wants to say hi to everyone, hello. Oh, Deonna, a pleasure. Deonna says she knows who Toni is. R-Really? So cool! Taya says she’ll make a guess: Toni has a tattoo on her leg, a little duck with a knife through it.
Wow, how’d Taya know? Deonna says no no no, she is not doing this again. She does not get what sick crap Toni’s up to, but she is already done with it. So for Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street, Toni VS Taya! Taya says she’ll make Toni forget everything! Toni nervously thanks The Vendetta, and says this is a big opportunity to face someone like Taya. Toni leaves, Deonna and Taya sigh, and Lexy has no idea what to say. Is Toni’s mind unraveling before our eyes? Or is there still a bit of Timeless inside Toni Time?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia!
This showdown was inevitable, but it’s even more fitting after The Standard of Excellence beat up the TNT Champion just because he stood up to the Hurt Syndicate. Will Shelton continue to bring the pain? Or will he not survive Red Death?
The bell rings and Garcia goes right at Shelton! Garcia fires hands but Shelton RAMS him into the corner! Shelton fires hands but Garcia turns things around to fire more shots! The ref counts, Shelton shoves Garcia back, but Garcia runs up to fire hands! Shelton shoves Garcia again, but Garcia gets under the lariat to waistlock. Shelton fights the lift but Garcia shoves him to SLAP! And CHOP! Shelton just grins and he picks Garcia up again! Shelton TOSSES Garcia away and Garcia goes to ropes. Shelton brings Garcia back up, scoops and SLAMS him, then brings him up again. Scoop SLAM! Shelton drags Garcia up and puts him in a corner.
Shelton whips corner to corner hard and Garcia falls! The fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton drags Garcia around, stomps him around, then TOSSES Garcia out hard! Garcia sputters but Shelton storms outside. Shelton brings Garcia up but Garcia fires hands! Shelton RAMS Garcia into the apron, then railing, then back to the apron! And repeat! Garcia falls in a heap and the fans fire up. Shelton grins as he drags Garcia up, to then THROW into steel steps! Shelton leaves Garcia behind and the ring count climbs on Garcia. Garcia drags himself up at 7 but Shelton goes out after him again.
Shelton puts Garcia in the ring, then grabs at him. Garcia grabs ropes but Shelton stomps him. Shelton stands Garcia up to DECK him! The fans cheer but Shelton brings Garcia up again. Garcia fires a forearm, then he CHOPS! Shelton eggs Garcia on, so Garcia CHOPS! Shelton grins, Garcia CHOPS, but Shelton DECKS him again! The fans duel but Shelton whips Garcia to ropes, for a BIG backdrop! Garcia flounders and Collision goes picture in picture.
Shelton stalks Garcia to the ropes, brings him up and around, then puts him on other ropes so he can CHOKE him! The ref counts, Shelton steps off, and Garcia coughs and sputters to a corner. Shelton stalks behind Garcia, stands him up, and winds up to ROCK Garcia! Garcia flounders against ropes then falls to the mat! Shelton stands over Garcia, drags him up and puts him in the corner. Shelton throws hands and Garcia stumbles. Garcia falls, but Shelton stands on him. Shelton stomps Garcia, drags him up, but Garcia fires up! Garcia breaks free to fire CHOPS and forearms on repeat!
Garcia whips, Shelton reverses and Shelton BOOTS Garcia down! Cover, TWO! Shelton is still amused, and he clamps onto Garcia with a chinlock. Garcia endures as Shelton grinds him down, and Garcia fights up, only for Shelton to wrangle him back down! Shelton leans all his weight on the hold and he squeezes tight. Garcia fades but the fans rally, and Garcia gets a second wind! Garcia fights up, Christmas Colilsion returns to siongle cipture, and the fans duel as Garcia fires hands! Garcia runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SHOTGUNS SHelton down! The fans fire up and Garcia aims from a corner. Garcia runs up, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX!
The fans are torn while Shelton storms around. Shelton waits on Garcia, waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEX! Garcia flops around but Shelton stalks him to the ropes. Shelton goes to the apron, runs up, but Garcia BOOTS him! Garcia takes a swing, but Shelton waistlocks! Garcia holds ropes to fight off the suplex to the floor! Garcia stands up and elbows Shelton away! Then Garcia LEAPS, but into Shelton’s clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY to the floor! Garcia flounders, fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton runs up but Garcia drop toeholds him into a chair! Shelton sputters and the fans rally up. Garcia makes Shelton take a seat, then rains down fists!
The fans count along and Garcia goes to nine, puts up the dukes, then hits TEN! Garcia gets space, runs back in, and he SHOTGUNS Shelton outta the chair! The fans are thunderous as Garcia goes back for Shelton. Garcia drags Shelton up but Shelton pushes him away. Shelton LARIATS Garcia, then rolls into the ring. The ring count starts, the fans help Garcia stand, and the fans fire up! Garcia hurries to the ring, but Shelton BOOTS, only for Garcia to block! DRAGON SCREW! Garcia runs, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Even with a bad leg, Shelton has so much strength! Shelton storms up in the corner, but Garcia dodges!
Shelton’s knee hits buckles, and Garcia leg scissor rolls him! Garcia steps through for the DRAGON TAMER!! Shelton endures and the fans fire up! Garcia sits on the hold, but Shelton powers up! Shelton powers out of the hold, has Garcia’s legs, and he turns Garcia over into a QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH! Garcia endures, reaches out, and he army crawls his way forward! But Shelton drags Garcia back! Garcia cradles Shelton! TWO!! Shelton escapes, but Garcia BOOTS him! Shelton SUPERKICKS Garcia! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Shelton covers, TWO!! Garcia barely gets out of that and Shelton is furious!
“This is Awesome!” as Shelton looms over Garcia. Shelton drags Garcia up, but Garcia trips Shelton! Jackknife bridge, GARCIA WINS!!
Winner: Daniel Garcia, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Shelton earns 0)
A Christmas Collision miracle? Who knows! But Garcia is still alive in the C2, but Lashley snatches Garcia into a SLEEPER! The fans boo but MVP hands the pimp cane to Shelton! But here comes Mark Briscoe, and he has a chair! Security wants this to stop before it gets out of hand, and even producers get out here! But wait! Is that Swerve Strickland rushing in from the crowd?! It is! He goes right up top to SUPER SWERVE STOMP the Syndicate and security guards! Garcia gets free of the pile, Mark Briscoe is with him, and now the locker room hurries out here to stop this from getting worse!
The fans chant, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” and Nana eventually hands the mic to Swerve. “Bobby FREAKIN’ Lashley! Didn’t I say I was gonna get my hands on you by the end of ’24? By the end of 2024, I said I was gonna get my hands on you, and that’s what I did, courtesy of the most dangerous man in AEW. Whose house?!” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Swerve is still aiming for Lashley’s head, will he and Lashley have it out at Worlds End?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos!
After getting a couple shockers, The Sussex County Chicken could easily jump up to the front of the block with one more! But will he #ManUp and bring down the menacing minotaur? Or will The Beast be a massive spoiler for Briscoe?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock again. The fans rally and duel while both men fire up. They RAM shoulders, and then fire forearms! The fans fire up as Mark gets the edge, but Mortos swings! Mark dodges to CHOP, then fire forearms! Mark ROCKS Mortos, whips, but Mortos reverses and SPLASHES Mark! Mortos runs but Mark follows to LARIAT! Mark runs, Mortos follows, but Mark dodges to CHOP! And CHOP! And forearm! And Mongolian Chop! Mark fires forearms against the ropes, then roars. Mark runs but Mortos follows to UPPERCUT! The fans fire up, Mortos runs but Mark follows to FOREARM!
Mark runs, Mortos follows, and he slingshots to hook and backslide, TWO! Mark trips Mortos to jackknife, TWO! Mortos gets around, hammerlock and cradle, TWO! Mark slips around to roll Mortos, TWO! Both men stand, both men dodge, and the fans cheer the standoff. The fans cheer “BOTH THESE GUYS! BOTH THESE GUYS!” as they reset. Mark and Mortos run up to RAM shoulders again! And again! Mortos is getting the better of this, and he CLOBBERS Mark! The fans cheer Mortos while Mark goes to ropes. Mortos runs in but Mark TOSSES him up and out! Mortos clutches a leg, stands up, but Mark runs!
Mortos slides in, dodges, and he SPEARS Mark! The fans fire up and Mortos roars while Collision goes picture in picture.
Mark rolls to a corner while Mortos headbutts buckles. Mortos then runs corner to corner to DROPKICK Mark! Mark sputters, Mortos drags him to a cover, TWO! Mark stays in this but Mortos drags him into a chinlock. Mark endures, even as Mortos leans on the hold. Mark fights up as the fans rally, and Mark fires body shots. Mortos THROWS Mark down! Mortos then CRANKS Mark’s neck, then KICKS him in the chest! Cover, TWO! Mark is still in this and he goes to ropes. Mortos storms up but Mark CHOPS! Mortos SMACKS Mark and Mark falls into a corner. Mortos stomps Mark, then digs his boots in!
The ref reprimands and counts, Mortos steps off, then Mortos snapmares Mark so he can step on Mark’s face! Then NECK TWIST! Cover, TWO! Mark stays in this and he goes back to ropes. Mortos waits on Mark to stand, then SMACKS him down! Mark dangles out of the ring in the ropes, but Mortos goes after a leg while Collision goes to break.
Christmas Collision returns and Mortos has Mark in a corner. Mortos whips corner to corner, then runs up to UPPERCUT, CHOP, and HEADBUTT! Mark staggers and the fans rally up for Mortos. Mortos brings down his kneepads, runs corner to corner, but Mark dodge! Mortos hits buckles then falls to the outside! The fans fire up as Mark then WRECKS Mortos with a dropkick! Mark builds speed and he DIVES, direct hit on Mortos! The fans fire up and Mark even hugs a few! Mark tosses a chair into the ring, and fans rally for #DEMBOYS. Mark sets the chair up, but Mortos anchors Mark’s legs! Mortos then SMACKS Mark!
Mortos drags Mark to the apron, Mark fires forearms. Mortos shoves Mark, but Mark fireman’s carries! Mortos fires elbows to get free! Mark REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUTS! Then APRON GERMAN SUPLEXES! Mortos falls to the floor while the fans lose their minds! Mark rises up, takes aim, and he fires the fans up more. Mark goes up a corner, for a SUPER SKY TWISTER! The fans are thunderous and Mark high-fives the front row. Mark then goes back to the ring and builds speed! Mark uses the chair to FLY! Direct hit and Mark even lands on his feet! The fans fire up and Mark hurries to get Mortos back up.
Mark puts Mortos in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Mark takes aim. FROGGY-BOW onto knees! Mortos saves himself there, and then roars! Mortos whips Mark, scoops him, and has the torture rack! BEAST BACKBREAKER! Then Mortos hauls Mark up for a POWER BREAKER!! The fans fire up for Mortos and he DISCUS- NO, Mark dodges, runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives and the fans fire up again! Mortos snarls, hauls Mark up, and then scoops! But Mark slips free! Mark crane kicks, then underhooks! But Mortos backdrops free! Mark rises, Mortos runs, but into a fireman’s carry!
Mark hits a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Then Mark goes up the corner, and the fans fire up for the FROGGY-BOW!! Cover, TWO?!? Mortos survives but Mark shakes his head. Mark just goes back up top! Mortos sits up and roars! But Mark still FROGGY-BOWS!! And then he underhooks, lifts, JAY DRILLER!! Cover, Mark wins!
Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Mortos earns 0)
And with that, Mark is now even with Kyle Fletcher, who Mark already beat earlier on! That is all the difference between the one seed and the two seed, how will this final round shake out?
Julia Hart speaks.
“Jamie, Jamie, Jamie. I’m no coward. What you call tricks, I call advantages. I suggested that you watch your back. I gave you all the warnings. So I’m not understanding why you feel the need to call me classless and sneaky. I thought I was being more than reasonable. I know you’re strong, but are you smart? Are my ‘tricks’ too much for you? I guess we’ll find out January 1st, Fight for the Fallen. But remember: The House Always Wins.” The Princess of the Black Throne is ready, but will she learn Hayter Hits Hard?
Backstage interview with Mariah May.
Alex Marvez is with the AEW Women’s World Champion and says in one week’s time, it will be Mariah VS Thunder Rosa for the title, in a Tijuana Street Fight! Marvez notes that Mariah not only had some harsh words for Rosa, but for her father, as well. Mariah says, “Aw~, Papa Rosa is gonna be in the front row. Is that to watch the match? Or does Thunder need a new mami?” But speaking of Rosa, she RAMS Mariah right into the door! And dribbles her off it, too! Mariah pulls hair, Rosa tries to choke Mariah, and then Mariah shoves Rosa away. Mariah calls Rosa crazy, but Rosa says she’s not done with Mariah!
Rosa storms after Mariah into the hall, and then to the stage area! Mariah has made it to ringside, Nigel tries to warn her, but Rosa CLOBBERS Mariah! Rosa rains down fists, then stomps away! Rosa SMACKS Mariah off steel steps, then grabs a chair! Mariah sputters, but gets away before Rosa swings the chair! Security rushes out here for the third time tonight, and Rosa LEAPS! The cluster keeps her away from Mariah but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Rosa holds up the AEW Women’s World Championship, will she send the “Woman From Hell” back where she came from in order to have the gold again?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli!
While The Relentless One has been after each and every Death Rider, he gets one served up to him on a silver platter. But will Darby bring down the Swiss Superman before the final round? Or will Claudio crush Darby’s hopes and dreams this close to Christmas?
But before Claudio even gets in the ring, Darby DIVES out onto him! The fans fire up as Darby fires fast hands! Claudio gets away but Darby pursues, jumps on, and throws more hands! Claudio carries Darby up the ramp to then THROW him down! Darby writhes, Claudio drags him up, and Claudio gorilla presses! Darby slips free, goes to the entry, and then dodges Claudio to send him into the light truss! And then he shoves Claudio into it again! Claudio falls, and now Darby climbs up!? The fans fire up as Darby is up on the camera balcony! Darby SUPER CROSSBODIES Claudio down!
Claudio tumbles down the ramp and Darby sputters while fans lose their minds. The ref checks Darby, his fall was still really wicked. Claudio sits up in a daze as he’s now ringside, and somehow Darby pursues! They both get in the ring, the bell rings, and Darby runs up! But into a POP-UP UPPERCUT!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio is already frustrated. Claudio drags Darby by his legs, to GIANT SWING~! The fans count as Darby goes around and around, and Claudio goes past TEN, past FIFTEEN, past TWENTY, and all the way to THIRTY!! Darby flounders out of the ring while Collision goes picture in picture.
The ref goes out to check on Darby, and somehow he’s okay to continue. Claudio steps out to fetch Darby, and lift shim up with one hand! Claudio then gut wrenches and carries Darby, to SLAM him onto railing! And DUMP him down! Claudio drags Darby up again, gut wrenches again, and he TOSSES Darby onto the railing! Darby flops back down and clutches his lower back, but Claudio leaves him behind. The ring count begins but Darby sits up. Claudio goes out after him again, and brings him up to CHOP! Darby staggers away to a corner, Claudio storms up and CHOPS again! Darby flops down but Claudio looms over him.
Claudio gets space, runs up, and he UPPERCUTS Darby against railing! Darby stumbles away, Claudio goes to the ring, but Darby rolls in, just to roll back out. Darby earns himself some time, but then Claudio storms out after him. Darby hurries int he ring to get away, but Claudio is after him there, too. Claudio stands on Darby’s hands, then stomps them! Darby writhes, but Claudio stomps his hands more! Darby goes to a corner. Claudio stands him up and CHOPS! Claudio UPPERCUTS, CHOPS, and Christmas Collision returns to single picture. The fans duel, Darby fires hands, but Claudio UPPERCUTS!
Claudio whips, Darby springboards, COFFIN- NO, Claudio catches Darby! Darby fights free, runs, but Claudio runs up! Darby DUMPS Claudio, then runs to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! The fans fire up again and Darby puts Claudio in. Claudio rolls out the far side but Darby DIVES again! Claudio is sent into railing but Darby goes up a corner! The fans fire up for the SUPER COFFIN SPLASH! Direct hit and both men are down again. The ref starts the ring count, the fans rally up, and Darby refreshes the count. Darby LEAPS onto Claudio for a SLEEPER! Claudio goes to steel steps and he steps up, but Darby squeezes tight!
Claudio steps back down, and he runs into the timekeeper’s area! BACKPACK SENTON through the table! The fans lose their minds again while Claudio leaves Darby behind in the wreckage. Darby stirs, the ref starts another ring count, and Darby crawls. “This is Awesome!” as Darby leaps in at 7! Claudio runs but Darby slips around! O’Conner Roll, TWO, springboard and SPALSH! Cover, TWO! Ghost pin, TWO! Claudio is up, but Darby sunset flips! Claudio stays up, and DOUBLE STOMPS! Claudio deadlifts Darby to then TOSS him out of the ring! Darby hits apron on the way out and fans tell Claudio he’s sick!
Claudio goes out after Darby and drags him up again. Claudio scoops and then POSTS Darby! And POSTS him again! Claudio TOSSES Darby aside, rolls into the ring, but only to refresh the count. Claudio then drags Darby by a leg and brings him over. Claudio SWINGS Darby into steel steps!! Claudio puts Darby in the ring, stands him up, and runs to LARIAT! Darby flips through the air! Claudio covers, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio is frustrated. The fans rally for Darby but Claudio rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then Claudio tucks the arms, RICOLA- CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio escapes in time!
The fans rally while both men are down again. Darby and Claudio slowly rise, and Ricochet watches, very amused as Darby is his next opponent in the round robin. Darby crawls to a corner, climbs up, but Claudio UPPERCUTS! Claudio HEADBUTTS Darby, then climbs up again. Claudio brings Darby up and suplexes, but Darby fights around! SUPER SCORPION DEATH DROP!! The fans are thunderous for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as Darby rises up. Darby climbs to the very top, COFFION DROP onto knees! Claudio saves himself, then he hauls Darby up. Straitjacket and RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Darby survives and shocks Claudio! Claudio argues with the ref but the count was fair! Darby’s just that tough! Claudio goes back to Darby and ripcords him into the RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?! HOW?!? Claudio goes outside, and he brings out something from under the ring. He also has a chair! The ref takes the chair from Claudio, but Claudio has BRASS KNUCKLES! BRASS KNUCKLE PUNCH!!! Cover, CLAUDIO WINS!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Darby earns 0)
The Swiss Superman screws over Darby, but then he gets that chair back. But wait, Ospreay slides into the ring! And HE has the brass knuckles that Claudio tossed aside! Ospreay dares Claudio to do something, but Claudio simply leaves. Does this mean Ospreay’s ready to ride against the Death Riders with Darby? Or will we see a Miracle on 34th Street send Ospreay and Darby to Worlds End?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision here as the last one before Worlds End, and therefore a bit of a go-home in itself. While the continued feud of MJF and Cole has still been a bit clunky since they did the double turn, their faceoff did a good job addressing some of that. They got good digs at each other as always, and MJF snapping and revealing “the truth” was their big move to recover this story. We of course got a brawl, and good save by The Kingdom. It feels like MJF still finds a way to hold onto the diamond ring, but c’mon, how fitting is it for Cole to get a diamond.
Good bit with Toni Storm and The Vendetta, and Deonna’s reaction to Toni was great. Deonna is justified in thinking this is still an act from Toni, not a legitimate psychological problem, and Toni VS Taya will be good stuff. Good promo from Kris Statlander, good match from her and Penelope Ford, and of course a good win for Kris. Good promo from Mone to make Worlds End official, but as I’ve been saying, Mone is more likely to lose the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship as part of the big NJPW Tokyo Dome weekend. The irony is, Mina Shirakawa is her challenger and Mina shows up plenty in AEW, so I don’t know how that math is supposed to work.
Good promo from Mariah May as it also turned into a brawl with Thunder Rosa. As it stands, Rosa standing tall holding up the belt means she is NOT winning at Worlds End, but they could still give us a little more from Rosa and Mariah on Dynamite’s Christmas episode to turn the tables. Good promo from Julia Hart to respond to Jamie Hayter, they’ll have a good match. Good promo from Orange Cassidy to try and reason with Jay White and Hangman Page, but that’s all the more reason Moxley likely uses the challengers all against each other like he did on Wednesday. Though, it would be fun if they at least started the match all annihilating Moxley with their finishers, making us think it’ll work out in favor of “Team AEW.”
Good stuff with Big Boom AJ & Big Justice here tonight, both hyping up the show but also interacting with Jericho’s group and even Anthony Bowens. They’re adding some more foreshadowing to The Acclaimed breaking up, and I guess we’re supposed to see this as a positive move, Bowens feuding with Jericho. Unless Bowens is going to be the guy that dethrones Jericho for whatever ROH cable TV debut/return is planned, the Jericho Vortex strikes again. Bowens should be going for an AEW midcard title, but right now, those are all tied up what with the C2 going on and the International Championship being tied up in Worlds End and NJPW plans.
Speaking of the C2, great stuff with all the matches tonight. Shelton VS Garcia was great stuff, and while Garcia gets the win, they’re still giving us some set-up for a TNT Championship match of Garcia VS Shelton. Mark Briscoe of course made the save, but great surprise for Swerve to show up. Lashley VS Swerve for Worlds End just needs to be said, it already feels a given. All that brawling was also a good segue into Mark VS Mortos, and another great showing for Mortos, even in losing. But as Mark has already had all his matches and is at 9 points, Kyle doesn’t even need to win against Garcia, he just needs to draw so that Mark will be out, and Garcia with him.
While Ospreay VS Darby on Wednesday raised the bar, Ospreay VS Ricochet still had great stuff of its own. Plus, Ricochet is bringing out more of his Heel side what with using the ref, and Ricochet’s win puts the pressure on Ospreay for Christmas Dynamite. Now, no offense to Brody King, but I’m thinking Ospreay wins that to take one of the semifinal spots. Darby VS Claudio tonight was also great, but Darby doing his best Sting off the truss was not the best when he gets that whiplash on the floor. I really thought that match was going to be called for concussion protocol, but Darby’s weirdly indestructible.
Claudio still cheats this win so there’s more heat on the Death Riders and Darby is also behind the 8 ball. Ospreay making the save was good, we can definitely have another “Team AEW” VS Death Riders with Ospreay joining Darby and a couple others, but the way they did the order of matches, Claudio’s got a seemingly easy ride against Komander for Christmas. Though, how awesome would it be if Komander pulled off the spoiler? Or if they were really going to add some drama, they should create a situation where the Death Riders end up ringside, violating the Continental Rules of no cornermen and that disqualifies Claudio. Claudio misses out on the semifinals because of a technicality, sending Ospreay and maybe Ricochet to the semifinals.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!
The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
- Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
- Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony Schiavone is in the ring!
Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!
Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!
Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!
And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?
Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!
The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.
Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.
Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!
Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!
The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.
Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.
Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!
Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!
Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!
Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall
The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!
The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?
The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!
Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!
Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall
Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…
Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!
Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!
Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.
Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall
Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?
Team Triple J speaks backstage.
Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!
While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!
Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!
Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!
Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.
Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!
Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!
Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!
Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!
Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!
Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)
If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.
Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.
And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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