Now this is Maximum Carnage!

There’s a star-studded dirty dozen, as well as TEXAS DEATH between Hangman Page and Christopher Daniels, all on AEW Maximum Carnage: Collision!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Texas Death Match: Hangman Page VS Christopher Daniels; Hangman wins.
• Six Man Tag: The Undisputed Kingdom VS Shane Taylor Promotions; The Undisputed Kingdom wins.
• Brian Cage & Lance Archer w/ Don Callis VS Top Flight w/ Leila Grey; Cage & Archer win.
• AEW Continental Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Tomohiro Ishii; Okada wins and retains the title.
• Dustin Rhodes VS Adam Priest; Dustin wins.
• Julia Hart VS Harley Cameron; Julia wins.
• 12 Man Tag: The Death Riders & The Learning Tree VS “Powerhouse” Hobbs, The Outrunners & Rated FTR; win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Rated FTRunners & “Powerhouse” Hobbs speak.

Dax Harwood says, “12 men, one ring, chaos will ensue.” Truth Magnum says the only thing he knows for sure is that if you think you can mess around with the Outrunners and not find out, you got a better chance of pissing in a hot sauce bottle! Tell ’em, Turbo! Turbo Floyd says messing with the Outrunners is one thing, but what about this big super group right here? The best super group since the Yankees! Give it to ’em, big man! Hobbs says on Wednesday, he almost had that AEW World Championship. But even with a bad leg, he’ll hobble out there and beat dat ass! Cope adds that Moxley better shut up and listen.

The Rated R Superstar himself is coming for The Maniac, and he is going to take that AEW World title. The road to that starts tonight, Cash says #TopGuysOut.

Kazuchika Okada speaks.

The Rainmaker tells “Ishii-san, you are the Stone Pitbull. So~ scary~! But I’m the Continental Champion. You were my friend. I used to look up to you. But tonight, I’ll put you down like the dog you are. B*tch!”

Christopher Daniels speaks.

“Hangman Page, I tried over and over to explain my intentions to you, but it seems that all you understand is violence! Well, if you want violence, I’ll show you how violent I can become. Tonight, Hangman Page, Fallen Angel, Texas Death Match!”

Hangman Page speaks.

“Christopher Daniels, for far too long, I have listened to the ruminations and opinions of how I should live my life from old men like you. CD, you are wrong. And you are long in the tooth. Tonight, Texas Death, I take you out to pasture.” The Blackhat Cowboy is ready to put the Fallen Angel out of his misery, but will he hit that Buckshot right in Daniels’ face?

Texas Death Match: Hangman Page VS Christopher Daniels!

No sense in waiting to find out, the Cowboy and the Fallen Angel start us off! Will “Maximum Carnage” be an understatement after these two go until one man can’t keep going?

The bell rings and the fans rally up already. Hangman and Daniels stare down, step up, and Daniels says Hangman could’ve just let it all go. It didn’t have to be like this! The fans duel, but Hangman SLAPS Daniels! Hangman throws hands in the corner, but Daniels CHOPS in return! Daniels ROCKS Hangman, RAMS him again and again, but Hangman CLUBS Daniels back. Hangman fires hands, but Daniels kicks low! The shots go back and forth but Hangman ROCKS Daniels! Hangman CLAWS Daniels’ eyes, then fires body shots and haymakers! Hangman CLUBS away on Daniels, the fans fire up, and Hangman whips corner to corner.

Daniels reverses, runs up, but into a BOOT! Hangman rains down fists, then lets off to pace around. Daniels bails out, but Hangman runs to triangle jump LARIAT! Daniels falls to the floor, but he rises up, into a PLANCHA from Hangman! The fans fire up again while the ref checks Daniels. Daniels is in this but Hangman puts him in the ring. Hangman snarls, but Daniels WRECKS him with a dropkick! Daniels then aims, ARABIAN- NO, Hangman YANKS Daniels down, then sends him into railing! The fans are torn as Hangman grabs a chair! Hangman runs up, and he CLOBBERS Daniels with the chair!

Daniels flounders, Hangman fires the fans up, then he puts the chair in the ring. Hangman grabs more chairs, and Daniels rises up. Daniels is busted open, but Hangman shoves Daniels into the ring. Hangman goes looking, and he brings out BARBED WIRE! Hangman is escalating this quickly as he goes for Daniels’ face! Daniels fights back, but Hangman still DIGS the wire into Daniels’ forehead! He was already bloodied but it’s only gonna get worse! The fans tell Hangman he’s sick, but Hangman LASHES Daniels on the back with the wire! And LASHES him again! Hangman then puts the wire in Daniels’ mouth!!

The fans are freaking out as Hangman is practically flossing Daniels’ teeth with the wire! But Daniels throws Hangman away! Daniels blocks a kick, ducks a lariat, but then the BOOT comes back! Daniels is down, Hangman grabs the rest of the wire, and he wraps it around his arm! Hangman aims, Daniels staggers up, BARBED WIRE ROLLING ELBOW! Daniels falls again, Hangman holds up the wire and the fans cheer, but Collision goes picture in picture.

Hangman stalks Daniels to the ropes, then CHOKES him! Hangman only lets off so he can grab a chair. Hangman sits that chair up, and Daniels sputters from behind his crimson mask. Hangman sets another chair up, those sit facing each other. Hangman brings Daniels over, fireman’s carries, but Daniels fights free! Daniels staggers to a corner, Hangman runs up, but into a BOOT! Daniel runs up, but into a POP-UP POWERBOMB onto the chairs! Daniels writhes and Hangman snarls. The standing count starts, but Daniels uses ropes to stand at 5 of 10! Hangman KICKS him in the side!

Hangman grabs a chair, wedges it into a corner, but Daniels flops out of the ring. Daniels is buying himself as much time as he can but Hangman clears everything else out of the ring. Hangman storms after Daniels, scoops him, and FALL AWAY SLAMS him onto the floor! Daniels writhes again but Hangman goes looking under the ring again. Hangman brings out a TABLE! Hangman positions the table to be ringside, but Daniels drags himself to the apron. Hangman goes up to join Daniels as Maximum Carnage returns to single picture. Hangman brings Daniels over, Alabama Lifts, but Daniels CLUBS away on Hangman’s back!

Daniels underhooks! Hangman lifts! Daniels fights and slips around, to then LARIAT Hangman into the ring! The fans rally up and Daniels steps back in. Daniels storms up on Hangman, but Hangman sends him into the chair! Daniels falls back, the chair stuck around his head! Hangman snarls again while Daniels sputters. Daniels rolls out and ends up on the table, so Hangman runs to DOUBLE STOMP him down through the table!! The fans lose their minds, the standing count begins, and Hangman watches Daniels crawl. Daniels manages to rise at 7, but Hangman KICKS him back down! Hangman rains down fists on the bloody forehead!

Hangman goes looking, and he finds a table with barbed wire on it!! Hangman shoves that into the ring, careful not to poke himself too bad. Hangman sets this monstrosity up near a corner, and Daniels has made his way to the apron. Hangman climbs the corner to bring Daniels up. The fans are already worried, and Hangman Alabama Lifts Daniels! Daniels fights with everything he has left! Daniels HEADBUTTS away on Hangman, then fires down elbows! Daniels slips in, clinches, and URENAGE DOWN THROUGH THE BARBED WIRE TABLE!!! The fans lose their minds while both men are down!

The ref clears the wreckage while both men crawl to the corners. Daniels runs in to LARIAT from behind! GERMAN SUPLEX! S T O! Daniels roars and the fans fire up! Daniels drags Hangman up, clinches again, UREN- NO, Hangman arm-drags free! Hangman LARIATS Daniels up and out, onto the ramp! Hangman snarls, aims, and BUCKSHOT- NO, Daniels ducks that to mule kick! Daniels underhooks, but Hangman BACKDROPS Daniels back into the ring! Daniels snarls through the crimson mask, but Hangman has more barbed wire! Daniels storms up, and Hangman DIGS the wire into Daniels’ face!!

Daniels staggers away, Hangman wraps his arm again! BARBED WIRE BUCK- FLATLINER!! KOJI KLUTCH!! Hangman endures, the fans fire up, and Daniels squeezes as tight as he can! But Hangman DIGS the wire into Daniels’ face again!! Daniels lets go, sputters through the blood, and slowly rises. Hangman aims, lifts, but Daniels grabs ropes! Daniels holds on, but then lets go to underhook! ANGEL’S WINGS!! Both men are down so the count is on them both! Daniels is already up at 5, Hangman is up at 6! The fans fire up for another URENAGE! Daniels points to the corner and the fans fire up!

Daniels goes up, up, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! But Daniels isn’t done, he grabs what’s left of the barbed wire table and pushes it onto Hangman! BEST MOONSAULT EVER onto the wood!! Daniels crushes Hangman under the wood, then shoves it aside! Fans hope these tow “FIGHT FOREVER!” but it has to end somehow! Hangman is still down at 5 of 10! And at 7! Hangman scrambles to his feet at 9!! Hangman is bloodied but he’s going nuts! He steps on the chair so Daniels can’t use it! Daniels ROCKS Hangman, Hangman LARIATS Daniels! Scoop and tuck! TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER onto the chair!!

Daniels crawls with one good arm, and he’s somehow still in this! Fans want that “ONE MORE TIME! ONE MORE TIME!” Hangman waits on Daniels to stand, then reels him in! Alabama Lift, DEADEYE onto the chair!!! Daniels sputters but he’s staying down! Hangman goes to the apron and he loads up all the same. Daniels somehow rises up before 5 of 10, so a BUCKSHOT from behind takes him down!! The count starts again while Hangman stands over Daniels. The count is 5 of 10, then 7. 8! 9! 10!! Daniels is done, Hangman wins!

Winner: Hangman Page, by knockdown

The medics check Daniels, but Hangman leaves him behind. But then on second thought, Hangman drags Daniels up! Underhooks and ANGEL’S WINGS!! Hangman adds insult to injury by using Daniels’ own move!! Hangman storms off, leaving Daniels to the medics. Is this the end of the Fallen Angel? Is this only the beginning of Hangman’s violent road back to the world title?

Tony Schiavone is in the ring.

He welcomes us back to Maximum Carnage, and he welcomes out Toni Storm! Cincinnati fires up as The Rockstar is back again, and “Rookie” Toni joins Schiavone in the ring. Schiavone notes her historic win in the inaugural Women’s Casino Gauntlet, and with it, her shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship! It will be Grand Slam: Australia, Toni’s hometown of Brisbane, how does she feel? Toni says honestly, she doesn’t even know what her life is right now. It is so surreal! All she can say is, her dreams are finally coming true!

Because she’s going to Australia, to the building where she saw her first wrestling show, and she’ll never forget how her mom scraped together all she could so that they could get tickets, just to sit in the back row. Mom sold hot dogs to pay for Toni’s training. Mom sewed together Toni’s original ring gear. Now Toni can call mom and tell her, “Get ready, cuz I’m coming home!” The fans cheer that! Schiavone says that is a great feeling, but Toni surely realizes she is facing Mariah May, and that is an entirely different feeling. The fans boo Mariah, but Toni says Mariah is “the best in the business today. She’s killing it!”

But Toni hasn’t even had a chance to introduce herself to Mariah. Maybe next week, in Jacksonville, Daily’s Place, the home of AEW… It’s time for Toni and Mariah to finally meet face to face. The fans cheer, but Schiavone wants Toni to understand. C’mon now, Toni. Aw, c’mon yourself, Schiavone! It’s Tony and Toni! That means… IT’S TONI TIME~! WOO~! Say it with her! Okay. It’s TONI TIME! The fans cheer and Toni gets Tony to be all fired up! But the point Schiavone was trying to get to is valid: Is Toni really unaware of her timeless rivalry with The Glamour?

The Hurt Syndicate speaks.

It was after the show on Wednesday that MVP said a definitive statement was made. MVP promised Lashley & Shelton that when they came to AEW, the championship gold would be theirs for the taking. The All Mighty has never been a tag team champion while the Standard of Excellence has many times. That changes everything. With the defeat, the ASS KICKING, they just put on Private Party, that should make the Hurt Syndicate the #1 contenders. So Private Party, time to crash the party! Next week, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Private Party better put up the AEW World Tag Team Championships against Shelton & Lashley. See what you’ve really got!

But just remember: #WeHurtPeople. Lashley says this ish is gonna be easy. He and Shelton fist bump, but will they put the hurt on Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy?

Six Man Tag: The Undisputed Kingdom VS Shane Taylor Promotions!

Adam Cole, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly are reunited once more, ready for more, and they have all sorts of targets in mind. But Lee Moriarty, Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo have their eyes on those same championship targets, which is why they’re crossing paths here tonight. Will #TAIGASTYLE & The Infantry show the Kingdom how to rumble, bad men, rumble? Or will Maximum Carnage be undisputed?

The trios sort out and the ROH Pure Champion starts against Adam Cole BAYBAY. They circle, tie up, and Lee already gets a leg pick. Lee then switches to a waistlock, Cole switches with him, repeat. Cole headlocks, Lee powers up and out, but Cole KICKS the backdrop! Cole then dodges the lariat, PELES, and he brings Lee over. Tag to Roddy, they mug Lee, and Roddy CHOPS! Roddy CHOPS again, then wrenches to a wristlock. Lee rolls, slips through, traps the arms, and he pulls on an ear! Tag to Dean, STP mug Roddy, and then Dean scoops, only for Roddy to slip free. Roddy shoves and DROPKICKS Dean down!

The fans fire up, Strong tags Kyle, and they CHOP and KICK away on The Captain! lee runs up, Kyle KICKS him down! Kyle & Roddy double suplex Dean onto Lee! Cover on Dean, TWO! Kyle drags Dean up but Dean JAWBREAKERS free! Tag to Carlie but Kyle kicks, clinches, and fires Muay Thai knee after knee! Kyle KICKS Carlie down, then stalks him to ropes. Kyle whips, Carlie reverses, and Dean trips Kyle up! The ref is arguing with Carlie, and now with The Kingdom, as Dean hits an APRON CUTTER! Carlie goes up and out to then GUILLOTINE AX HANDLE! Kyle flops down, STP pose together, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Kyle sputters, The Infantry distract the ref, and that lets Shane THROW Kyle into railing! Shane DECKS Kyle while The Kingdom protests! The ref keeps everyone back, and Dean brings Kyle around. Carlie puts Kyle in the ring, whips him to a corner, then storms up to JAB! JAB! JAB! Carlie pops, locks ‘n’ winds up, to CHOP! Carlie talks smack, tags Dean, then Dean sends Carlie in to SPLASH! Dena runs up, whips Carlie in again, forearm SMASH! Then Dean ELBOWS Kyle! Kyle staggers, into a LARIAT from Dean! The Captain scowls while he stands over Kyle. Dean then pushes Kyle to a cover, TWO!

Dean drags Kyle back, anchors him, then tags Lee. Lee drags Kyle up to UPPERCUT! Kyle staggers around, Lee Mongolian CHOPS! Kyle staggers some more, and Collision goes to break.

Collision returns while both Kyle and Lee are down. The fans rally up, both men crawl, hot tags to Dean and Cole! the fans fire up as Cole dodges Dean, BLASTS Lee & Carlie, but Dean waistlocks! Cole elbows free, then LARITS Dean down! And ELBOWS him! And BOOTS him! Dean staggers, Cole fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Cole keeps his focus and he climbs a corner. Dean rises, for the PANAMA- NO, Dean slips under the sunrise! But Cole SUPERKICKS! Cole suplexes, LAST SHOT! Cover, TWO!! Well, not quite the last shot, so Cole tags ROddy. Rioddy hauls Dean up to CHOP away!

Roddy runs, BLASTS Carlie, then runs to SHINING WIZARD Dean! Side to side, forearm SMASH! Then a RUNNING FACEBUSTER! Cover, Carlie & Lee break it! STP mugs Roddy, double whips, but Roddy grabs ropes! Roddy BOOTS and ENZIGIRIS Lee, Kyle sneaks a tag! Roddy TOSSES Carlie and Kyle FLYING KNEES him down! Lee runs up but Cole gets him with 52 Fake Out! Then a PANAMA SUNRISE! The fans fire up as Dean staggers up! Roddy & Kyle call their shot, TOTAL ANNIHILATION! Cover, Undisputed Kingdom wins!

Winners: The Undisputed Kingdom, by pinfall

STP put up quite the fight, but now Shane himself CLOBBERS Kyle! And he blocks a kick to KNEE Cole down! And he HEADBUTTS Roddy down! The fans boo but Big Bad Shaney T is that bad! He talks trash, even to Daddy Magic! Matt Menard says alright then! If Shane thinks he’s bad, then step to him! Or rather, step to DANIEL GARCIA! The TNT Champion makes his way out here, and he CLOBBERS Carlie! He CLOBBERS Dean! And he fires hands on Shane! Garcia throws off his jacket, storms in, and he fires more hands! Shane shoves Garcia away, but Kyle KICKS! Cole SUPERKICKS! Strong KNEE!

Daniel reels Shane in, SAIDO! The fans fire up as Garcia and the Undisputed Kingdom stand tall together! STP retreats, but then The Kingdom eyes that TNT Championship. Garcia holds it up, and he dares any which one of them wants it to come get it. Who will be the first from The Kingdom to challenge the Red Death?

AEW shares more footage from after Dynamite.

Alicia Atout was with Will Ospreay and asked him about the save he made for Kenny Omega against the Don Callis Family. What are his thoughts after all that? Ospreay says you can call it a save for Kenny but it was really Ospreay trying to get after Kyle Fletcher. But hey, he and Kenny have had their differences. Their battles in Japan and Canada have gone down as legendary. But they both know each other because of Don Callis. That is their link, that is how they’re tied together. Before, it was all about egos, but to be honest, this is bigger than both of them. Time they had a chat. Next week, Dynamite in Knoxville, Ospreay calls out Kenny to have that chat.

The Bruv wants to talk with The Best Bout Machine, will they come to an agreement when it comes to their common enemies?

Brian Cage & Lance Archer w/ Don Callis VS Top Flight w/ Leila Grey!

Speaking of Don Callis, his Murder Machines are back in action, ready to make #EverybodyDie! Will Cage & Archer be waiting on the other side of Private Party VS Hurt Syndicate for their tag title shot? Or can Dante & Darius Martin show that the bigger they are, the harder they fall?

The teams sort out and then the Murder Machines attack! The fans boo but the bell rings as Cage beats up Dante and Archer CLUBS Darius. Archer scoops Darius to SLAM him, then Cage waistlocks Dante. BOOT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO! Dante flounders out of the ring while Cage RAMS Darius into the corner! And RAMS him in again! Then he CHOPS Darius, tags Archer, and they THROW Darius into the corner! Archer whips Cage in to UPPERCUT, then Cage feeds Darius to the scoop! BACKBREAKER! BASEMENT DROPKICK! Cage adds on and Archer says, “EVERYBODY DIES!” Dante is up but Archer DECKS him!

Archer puts Darius in the corner, fires body shots, then he ROCKS Darius! Archer goes corner to corner and back again to ELBOW! And then he keeps going, but Darius dodges! The fans rally up as Darius crawls, but Archer BLASTS Dante again! Darius fires haymakers, but Archer knees low! Archer bumps Darius off buckles, tags Cage, and the mugging continues. The fans boo but Cage runs side to side, and he BOOT WASHES Darius! Cage says “Ain’t nobody betta!” Cage drags Darius up, whips him to an open corner, then he runs in, but into BOOTS! The fans rally but Cage ROCKS Darius! Darius TIGER WALL PELES with the corner!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Darius crawls, reaches out, but Cage also carwls. Hot tags to Archer and Dante! Archer SHOVES Dante to the apron! Archer laughs, but Dante RAMS into him! Dante springboards, CROSSBODY, but Archer catches him! Archer pops Dante around, but Dante slips free! Datne shovves Archer iinto Cage! Dante fires forearms on Archer and the fans fire up! Dante throws even more shots, then whips, but Archer blocks! Archer whips Dante, runs in, but Dante slips out! Dante goes up and around, then GAMANGIRIS! Dante springboards, FLYING CANNONBALL!

The fans fire up and Dante calls Darius. Cage shoves Dante at Darius, but Darius pops Dante up and over Cage! ASSISTED TORNADO- NO, Cage powers out of that! Archer has Dante, Cage DISCUS LARIATS Darius! Archer ripcords Dante into the HELLICOASTER! The fans boo but Cage drags Dante up. Cage puts one out, lifts Dante up, and Archer adds on! CHOKE SLAM BOMB!! Cover, Murder Machines win!

Winners: Brian Cage & Lance Archer, by pinfall

Top Flight are fast but they don’t hit hard enough to stop these tanks! Will nothing stop the Murder Machines from taking the tag titles for their own? Wait, Action Andretti makes his way out here? The Sight to See is rubbing salt in the wounds of his former friends, and Lio Rush attacks from behind! the fans boo as The Bad Child beats down Dante, TOSSES him out, then beats up on Darius! Leila wants them to stop, but Action just talks trash on Darius. The fans boo more but Lio goes up the corner. Action smiles as Lio gives Darius the FINAL HOUR!! Is this the final hour for Top Flight? Or will they make sure Lio & Action get what’s coming to them?

Backstage interview with The Learning Tree.

Lexy Nair is with Chris Jericho, Bryan Keith & “Big Bill” Morrissey, and she asks Jericho about how on Dynamite, he assured us all that The Learning Tree and The Death Riders would be on the same page, and that Jon Moxley can trust them. How is Jericho so sure that things will go well when The Death Riders didn’t even show for this interview? The Redwood says, “As the Learning Tree always says, ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder.'” Jericho says that’s so true. And Moxley isn’t the type to show up and do interviews. Jericho isn’t the type to stand here and allow someone to stir the pot.

So enough of this muckraking! Bryan Keith adds, “No mother effin’ muckraking!!” Lexy is a bit taken aback, but Jericho tells Moxley that he’ll address him directly. They’ve known each other a long time. They were the first two AEW World Champions! They have beaten the hell out of each other around the entire world! Moxley left this scar right on Jericho’s left eyebrow. See? And Jericho took a spike and tried to take Moxley’s eye. So like Jericho said, they’ve beaten each other all around the world, but tonight they have common enemies! Moxley knows there is no one in AEW as driven or as smart as Moxley as Jericho.

So if Moxley’s as smart as Jericho thinks, it would behoove Moxley to trust The Learning Tree. And if there’s any doubt, then The Learning Tree will prove it to you before you meet them in the ring. Lexy asks what he means, but Jericho counters with, “What does anything mean, Lexy?” Jericho storms off, Bill says that was a sick burn. Keith says it was a sick ass burn! The Learning Tree heads out, but seriously, what does Jericho mean? How’re they going to prove themselves to The Death Riders before their 12 Man Tag?

Backstage interview with Matt Menard & Daniel Garcia.

Collision returns as Lexy is now with Daddy Magic & The TNT Champion, and she notes them helping out The Undisputed Kingdom. Can they explain how and why? But before Garcia can, Roddy shouts at “DANIEEEL~!” The Kingdom thanks Garcia for that, they appreciate the help. And trust Cole when he says that if there’s anyone who understands competition, certainly it’s Garcia. It is a shame, though, that Garcia & Menard don’t have a third man, because Cole, Roddy & Kyle wanna prove they’re the best trio in AEW. Garcia says yeah, well, they’ll be in Jacksonville next week for Collision: Homecoming.

And Garcia remembers walking into Jacksonville three years ago with two people he barely even knew, at the bottom of the totem pole. Three years later, we’re going back to Jacksonville and it’s a completely different story. Menard checks with Garcia. Is he saying they’re call the brand new father? The new father? Then Kingdom is on! Homecoming, Jacksonville, Six Man Tag! Cole and the boys like that, and they head out. Will things still be undisputed? Or will Cool Hand Ange’s return to the ring tip the scales?

Max Caster is in the ring.

Platinum Max has both a mic and a leather bag, and he thanks the fans, missing how they’re booing him. But Caster says there has been a lot of issues going on within The Acclaimed. There are a lot of rumors online, a lot of talk, but he wants to clear the air right now with his teammate, Anthony Bowens. Caster asks Bowens to come to the ring, and he has the fans cheer Bowens on. Bowens does walk out here, and he grabs a mic for himself. Caster says this has gone on long enough. There has been a huge misunderstanding between the two of them. They are a great team, and more importantly, they are great friends.

The biggest issue here is that Bowens just won’t admit that Caster is the Best Wrestler Alive! The fans boo and Bowens stops Caster there. Bowens says it is finally time for Caster to listen! Because for the last five years, Bowens has tried with every fiber of his being to protect Caster in the ring, in the locker room, and in the media. Because they, The Acclaimed, were tag team partners, and then became best friends. But now Bowens has to live with the very uncomfortable truth that Caster has made Bowens into a liar! Because for those five years, Bowens has had to lie to every single fan about who Caster is as a person!

Because Cincinnati, you need to know that Max Caster is an arrogant, cocky, selfish, edge lord PIECE OF S*IT! And Caster wants the fans to believe he’s the Best Wrestler Alive? Newsflash: The fans believe YOU SUCK! The fans cheer, but Caster brings out a (fake) degree from his bag that says “Best Wrestler Alive!” Bowens says this is what he means! Cater is selfish, he lost the team spirit! Why did Caster start looking down on Bowens? Maybe it’s because Bowens is the Scissor King, not that Caster’s been doing that. Well guess what? Bowens is more than that! He possesses every tool necessary to be a world champion! Cincy agrees there!

Bowens has proudly represented AEW since he put pen to paper! He is the GADDAMN PRIDE of AEW! He is the Five Tool Player!! The fans cheer that! And Bowens doesn’t need some piece of paper to prove it. Caster says don’t touch him! Wait, the music hits? They’re both here, so that means it is DADDY ASS! Billy Gunn is back, mic in hand, and he sighs looking at his boys fighting. The fans cheer and Billy says first off, what is wrong with these two? They are The Acclaimed! AEW World Tag Team Champions, AEW World Trios Champions, and they got everyone to scissor just because it was cool!

Caster claims Billy doesn’t care about them! He just attached himself to a couple of young, hungry wrestlers like them just so they could hear the fans chant his name again. Billy made it about Billy, when it should be about MAX! The Best Wrestler Alive! Oh, and Anthony! They are best friends! Seriously! Okay? They are two guys who were randomly put together, didn’t know each other, but they became the winningest tag team in AEW history! Every team Billy has been a part of has broken up, and there’s a reason for that. Yeah, even Gunn Club! Billy’s own two sons did not want anything to do with him!

Billy gets pissed and he gets in Caster’s face. The fans tell Billy, “KICK HIS ASS! KICK HIS ASS!” Caster says he is not doing this. Bowens has to choose: Caster or Billy. If Bowens wants The Acclaimed to continue, it is either Caster or “washed-up” Billy Gunn. The fans cheer for “BILLY! BILLY!” Bowens is conflicted, but Caster stands there with open arms. Bowens offers the scissors, so Caster says okay. But then Bowens makes it a middle finger! The fans cheer as Bowens stands with Billy! So is that how it is? Caster says fine! Another bad decision from “Bad Decision Bowens.” You can’t walk away from Caster, he’s walking away from them!

Acclaimed is done because CASTER said so as leader of the team! It is Bowens’ fault, it is Billy’s fault, and it’s the fault of every fan here! Caster will prove to everyone that he IS the Best Wrestler Alive, and without him, Bowens sucks, Billy sucks, and all the fans suck! The fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Bowens tells Caster that he didn’t need Caster then, and he doesn’t need Caster now! Get outta his life! Billy, Cincy, one last time! Throw the scissors up! The fans cheer as Bowens & Billy SCISSOR~! Caster is frustrated, but will he just have to put up or shut up?

Backstage interview with Swerve Strickland & Prince Nana.

Lexy is with The Realest and says the past few weeks, he and Ricochet have had this cat ‘n’ mouse game. But it was announced that February 5th, Dynamite in Atlanta, we will get Swerve VS Ricochet. But until then, what is Swerve’s strategy? Swerve says respectfully, the longer they waste time talking, the more time Ricochet has to get away. And as for “cat ‘n’ mouse,” this is more like lion and rat. It will end now. February 5th, Swerve gets Ricochet in the ring to himself, but Swerve plans on seeing him way before then. Swerve has been cursed with the ability where everything he touches dies…

With that said, Swerve plans on using that for when he gets his hands on Ricochet’s throat! The Most Dangerous Man is only going to be more dangerous from now on, will Ricochet have no chance of escape?

AEW Continental Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Tomohiro Ishii!

As Okada said himself to open the show, these two used to be the best of friends in NJPW under the banner of Chaos. But being part of The Elite (The, The Elite) has brought out the worst in one of the best wrestlers today. Will he continue to make it rain even here in Cincinnati? Or will the Stone Pitbull soon sink his teeth into some gold?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Maximum Carnage gets some Strong Style thrown in!

The bell rings and the fans fire up as these two stare down. They circle, but then Okada backs off to the ropes. The fans boo but the ref has Ishii back up. Okada and Ishii reset, the fans cheer on “Both These Guys!” Okada again uses ropes for defense, and Ishii dares him to bring it! Okada runs up, they tie up, and Okada puts Ishii on ropes. Okada lets off, fakes the chop, then pats Ishii on the shoulder. But then Ishii CHOPS! Ishii fires forearms, Okada wobbles, but then Okada CLAWS the eyes! Okada runs, but Ishii CLOBBERS him! Ishii brings Okada up, CHOPS him, then eggs Okada on. Ishii whips, Okada grabs ropes, and Okada bails out!

The fans boo but Ishii storms out after Okada! Okada kicks low! Okada grins, but Ishii RAMS him into the railing! Ishii runs, and he CLOBBERS Okada again! The fans fire up while Ishii paces, and Collision goes picture in picture.

Okada sputters, Ishii drags him up, and Ishii CHOPS! Okada sputters, Ishii CHOPS again, and then Ishii CHOPS again! Ishii pushes Okada into the ring, storms in after him, and runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Okada snarls, Ishii sputters, and Okada brings Ishii up. Okada bumps Ishii off buckles, wrenches and whips, then he runs in to ELBOW Ishii down! Okada soaks up the cheers and jeers while the ref checks Ishii. Ishii is still in this so Okada storms up. The ref has Okada back off and the medic checks Ishii. A leg may have been tweaked after that last fall, but Okada storms up again. Ishii CHOPS him!

Ishii CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Okada kicks low! DDT! Ishii is stuck on his head, but Okada pushes him over to cover. TWO, but Okada kicks Ishii around. Ishii snarls as Okada scuffs him, and then Okada BOOTS! Ishii wobbles but stays on his feet! Okada BOOTS him again, but Ishii eggs Okada on! Okada runs, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down as Maximum Carnage returns to single picture. Okada goes to a corner, Ishii runs up, and Ishii LARIATS! Ishii hoists Okada up top, then he climbs up after Okada. Ishii brings Okada to the very top, for a SUPERPLEX! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Okada survives. Ishii snarls, stomps his foot to get feeling back in it, and he reels Okada in. But Okada fights to lift and REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Okada hauls Ishii up to scoop, SLAM, and he goes to the corner! Okada climbs, aims, and MACHO ELBOWS! The fans fire up as Okada stands, and he winds up for the Rainmaker MIDDLE FINGER~! But Ishii BENDS that finger! Ishii gives a middle finger back, but Okada CLAWS Ishii’s face! Okada swings, Ishii ducks, but Okada elbows free. Okada whips, but Ishii avoids the dropkick! SLIDING0 NO, Okada avoids that to scoop and LANDSLIDE DRIVER!

Okada fires up, the fans are torn, but Okada ripcords and- LARIAT from Ishii!! The fans are thunderous as Ishii waits on Okada! Ishii runs, but Okada DROPKICKS him down! Okada ripcords again, but Ishii RAMS low! Then HEADBUTTS! Okada ROCKS Ishii! Okada brings Ishii around and short arm LARIATS! Ishii takes it, and HEADBUTTS Okada down! Ishii runs to SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and the fans fire up! Ishii fires up and he brings Okada around. Ishii suplexes, but Okada slips free! Okada DROPKICKS Ishii in the back! The fans are torn but Okada grins as he goes outside.

Okada grabs the ring bell!? The ref reprimands but Okada gives up the bell. Ishii runs up, Okada ripcords to LOW BLOW! Then a ripcord and RAINMAKER!! Cover, Okada wins!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (still AEW Continental Champion)

Okada grins, having cheated his former friend out of this one! Will nothing stop the reign when Okada’s willing to drag his own reputation through the mud?

The Gates of Agony speak.

Bishop Kaun has the camera come in close while they tell us who they are. Kaun has eight years in this game, and is a THREE-TIME ROH World Six Man Champion. Toa Liona is a Division I athlete, and so you know these two aren’t here by accident! They have run through the roster, shown up and shown out. Next week, they’re starting the run of a lifetime. Collision comes home to Daily’s Place, and The Gates want AEW to send the best they’ve got! AEW will soon belong to G O A!!

BREAKING NEWS for Collision: Homecoming.

Tony Khan has heard this request and has fulfilled it! The Gates of Agony will be battling The House of Black’s Brody King & Buddy Matthews! Will Kaun & Liona be able to #CloseTheGates on them? Or will the King of Death & Aussie Juggernaut tear the Gates down?

Dustin Rhodes VS Adam Priest!

The Natural is still the DUAL ROH World Tag Team & ROH World Six Man Champion, and he is looking to prove this is his best run yet! Will that continue through Maximum Carnage? Or will Priest read Dustin his last rites?

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, Dustin offers a handshake, but Priest says nope! The fans boo but the two tie up. Dustin headlocks, Priest powers up and out, drops down, and Dustin jumps over to then whip Priest away. Dustin arm-drags Priest on the return, then he wristlocks. The fans cheer as Dustin wrenches, but Priest kicks low! Priest ROCKS Dustin, then stomps Dustin to a corner. Priest fires hands, the ref counts and the fans boo, but Priest stops at 4. Priest stalks Dustin along ropes, then whips. Dustin says, “Not Today!” RHODES UPPERCUT! Priest staggers around into a SNAP POWERSLAM!

A rough landing for Priest, but Dustin fires up! The fans are with Dustin and he puts Priest in the corner. Dustin puts Priest’s leg in the ropes, UPPERCUTS him, then puts the other leg in the ropes. The ref says don’t do it! The fans say yes do it! Dustin CHOPS Priest, goes corner to corner, and the fans fire up. Dustin lines up the shot, takes a deep breathe, but the ref steps in the way! No shattering dreams tonight! Priest gets free and he CLOBBERS Dustin! The fans boo but Priest soaks up the heat. Priest CLUBS and kicks Dustin, whips him, but Dustin CLOBBERS Priest! And then snatches Priest into a dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!

Dustin isn’t done there, he gives Priest the FINAL RECKONING! Cover, Dustin wins!

Winner: Dustin Rhodes, by pinfall

This result was only natural, and Dustin is looking to keep things going in the New Year. Will he and the Sons of Texas all be shining between AEW and ROH?

Julia Hart VS Harley Cameron!

It was the Women’s Casino Gauntlet when The Princess of the Black Throne was aiming for Jamie Hayter, but she got this wild Aussie right in the face with that black mist! Will Julia soon #FeelTheWrath? Or will she prove that then, now and forever, The House Always Wins?

The bell rings, and Harley takes the sunglasses off. Her eyes are still sensitive from what Julia did to her, but Julia likes the look. The two tie up, Harley trips Julia and rains down fists! The fans fire up as Harley lets off, and then she runs. Julia swings, Harley gets around, but Julia fights the waistlock. Julia ROCKS Harley, whips her, but Harley reverses. Harley arm-drags, then runs up at the corner. Julia puts her on the apron but Harley ROUNDHOUSES back! Harley runs in, dodges, and ENZIGIRIS! Cover, TWO! Julia stays in this, but Harley storms around. Harley clamps onto Julia to rain down elbows!

The fans are torn as Harley drags Julia up. Julia CLAWS the eyes! Harley swings blindly, but Julia wrenches for an STO! Julia smiles while the fans are torn. Julia stalks Harley to ropes and CHOKES her! The ref counts, Julia CLAWS Harley’s eyes while she lets off. Harley flounders away while Collision goes picture in picture.

Julia pushes Harley back onto ropes and CHOKES her again! The ref counts, Julia lets go at 4, and she stalks Harley again. Julia CLUBS Harley, CLUBS her again, then has her back on ropes. Julia SCRAPES Harley’s face off the ropes, then bumps her off buckles. Julia fires forearms, stops as the ref counts, and Harley sputters as she staggers away. Julia pursues Harley, CLAWS her face again, then pushes her down. Julia DRIBBLES Harley off the mat! The ref reprimands, Julia stops and makes it a cover, TWO! Julia is almost amused by Harley, and she brings Harley up to throw her to the corner! Julia fires forearms again and again!

Julia digs her boot in, stops as the ref counts, and again Harley staggers away. Julia brings Harley around, reels her in, and snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Harley stays in this and Julia is now annoyed. Julia CLUBS Harley, CLUBS her more, then brings her up. Harley ROCKS Julia! Julia ROCKS Harley! Julia KNEES Harley low and Collision goes to break.

Maximum Carnage returns and Harley has Julia down! Harley drags Julia up to fire knees into her! Harley then fireman’s carries, but Julia fights with elbows! Julia then shifts around for an IRON OCTOPUS! Harley endures, the fans fire up, and Julia pulls on the arm! Harley pulls on a leg, powers up, and she pops free! Julia pulls hair, but Harley throws Julia away! Julia comes back, whips her to a corner, then runs in. Harley goes out and around to then roll Julia up! TWO, but Julia SUPERKICKS! Julia ELBOWS Harley in the corner, runs side to side and ELBOWS her again! Julia reels Harley in for a DDT! Cover, TWO!

Harley survives and the fans fire up, but Julia snarls. But Harley has her in a ghost pin! TWO!! Julia escapes, and she SWEEPS the legs! Julia clamps onto Harley, brings her around, but Harley fights to the ROPEBREKA! The ref counts, Julia drags Harley from the ropes to try again. But Harley JAWBREAKERS! SOLE FOOD! Julia wobbles, Harley runs up, but Julia FLAPJACKS her off the buckles! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Julia is pissed, she clamps on the HARTLESS LOCK! Harley taps, Julia wins!

Winners: Julia Hart, by submission

Harley put up quite the fight, but Julia found the way to win. Will Julia continue to be just as Hartless until she’s once again a champion?

Something is going down backstage!

Cameras catch the Learning Tree beating up Hobbs! Jericho sees the camera and says, “Hi, guys.” Big Bill shows he has Hobbs’ leg brace! The Learning Tree leaves the Powerhouse down, but is he out of the main event? Time is running out, because the main event is next!

12 Man Tag: The Death Riders & The Learning Tree VS “Powerhouse” Hobbs, The Outrunners & Rated FTR!

The AEW World Champion, the AEW World Trios Champions, the ROH World Champion, and “The Branches” all stand against what was going to be The Book of Hobbs with Turbo Floyd, Truth Magnum, Cash Wheeler, Dax Harwood & Adam “Cope” Copeland. But after what Jericho, Bill & Keith just did to Hobbs, is this going to be a 6v5? Can Cope and comrades still win even with the odds against them?

DING DONG, Hello, Tiffany!

Tiffanny Stratton just won the WWE Women’s Championship but she’s already defending it against Bayley! Will the Role Model be back on top?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae; Bianca & Naomi win.
• Jimmy Uso VS Carmelo Hayes; Jimmy wins, by disqualification.
• Motor City Machine Guns VS Los Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma; MCMG wins.
• Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS B-Fab w/ Mia Yim; Piper wins.
• Rey Mysterio VS Kevin Owens; Kevin wins.
• WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Bayley; Tiff wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Rey Mysterio is here!

San Diego fires up for the hometown hero as he makes his entrance! The King of Lucha high-fives fans along the ramp, and hugs his wife and daughter, before stepping in the ring. Rey grabs himself a mic, the fans chant “619! 619!” and he smiles. Rey tells San Diego, “Bien venidos, welcome to Friday Night SmackDown! This is the home of the 6! 1! 9!” The fans cheer, and Rey says no cap, it feels great to be back home in front of his people, his Raza, his city, and his familia. Rey requested to be here tonight because he couldn’t think of a better place to reminisce as he gets ready to do the impossible once again.

Rey officially declares for the 2025 Royal Rumble! The arena is shaking hearing that! Rey wants to look back: 2006, he entered the Rumble at #2, outlasted 28 other superstars, and became the Royal Rumble winner! And it didn’t end there. he went on to main event WrestleMania, and he became the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! Now, Rey won’t lie, he will be realistic. The competition is heavy this year: Drew McIntyre, who fans boo. CM Punk, who fans cheer; Seth Rollins, who fans are torn on; Roman Reigns, who fans cheer; John Cena, who fans also cheer. It will be tough, but let’s remember back to when he won.

It was 2006, and Rey did it for a friend we all know very well. The fans chant for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” But wait! Kevin Owens makes his way out here! The Prizefighter, still holding onto the winged eagle title belt, showing off his new shirt: The Canadian Dream, Son of a Security System Technician. Kevin has a mic, too, and while fans boo, he tells Rey, “Lemme start off by saying I’m very sorry for coming out here and interrupting you. I mean it, okay? But I had to come out here. Because I heard you just now talking about how you were gonna win the Royal Rumble.

“And Rey, I mean this from the bottom of my heart. It’s never been a secret. There’s a lot of people in this industry that I respect quite a bit, but very few I respect as much as I respect you. In fact, I’ll even go so far as saying there’s nobody in this industry that I respect as much as I respect you.” The fans do cheer that, and Kevin says he has had an incredible career, he’s accomplished things he’s dreamed of since he was a kid. He has main evented WrestleMania with Steve Austin. He won the tag team titles with his then best friend, Sami Zayn. He won countless other tiles, and now he gets to stand here with THIS title!

The fans boo but Kevin says this is the title that as a kid, he saw all his idols win. This is the title he dreamed of winning, and now he stands here as the TRUE, RIGHTFUL WWE Champion! The fans boo again but Kevin says there is one thing left for him to accomplish so that he can truly feel his career is complete. And that is to step into the ring and have a 1v1 match with the legendary Rey Mysterio. The fans like that idea, and Kevin says face to face, man to man, he hopes Rey wins the Rumble! Kevin will root for Rey with everything he has! Rey can and will beat “all those other idiots.”

But just promise Kevin one thing. After Rey wins the Rumble, promise that Kevin is the champion he picks for WrestleMania so that Kevin can have his dream match. Rey takes a moment, and he tells Kevin that we all know Rey loves competition. But… Kevin’s not the champion. The fans cheer that! Rey means that with all due respect, but Cody Rhodes is the champion. But, but, here’s this. If Rey wins the Rumble, and if Kevin wins the title, then yes, Rey will gladly face him for the title. Kevin takes a moment, and repeats, “I’m not the champion? I AM THE CHAMPION! This is my title! I earned it! I deserve it!”

The fans boo but Kevin says Cody has Rey brainwashed, too! Does Rey have bleached blonde hair under that mask? Is it seeping into his brain? Rey wants Kevin to calm down. What’s going on? Drew McIntyre, now Kevin, he’s acting so delusional! It’s reminding him of Dominik. Oh…! Kevin swings on Rey! Rey dodges to fire hands in return! They brawl, Kevin shoves Rey but Rey dropkicks the legs! Kevin is on the ropes, but he bails out before the 619! The fans boo but Kevin is the one offended. Will Kevin be able to let this go so he can focus on Cody?

Bianca Belair meets up with Naomi backstage.

Bianca asks if Naomi finished with Nick Aldis. She did. Any updates? No! No lead on Jade’s attacker. Nothing? Wow. But that’s okay, they’ll keep pushing forward. They will handle Nia & Candice, but Bianca just wants to make sure they’re good after the mishap last week. It wasn’t on Bianca, that was Candice. Naomi knows that. Plus, they have to focus. It may not be Tiffany, but they can at least get some lick back on Candice & Nia. And they still have their gold! Bianca says that’s true. Ready to go? Naomi says maybe Bianca should wrap her up. That way, last week won’t happen again. Bianca agrees, and she hurries to wrap the braid into a bun.

Now they’re good. The StrongEST Glow heads out, will they be able to get past the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie? Or will they soon be owing some golden tickets to the Queen of the Ring and her new sidekick?

Nick Aldis talks with Rey Mysterio.

After what we saw with Kevin, and since they are in San Diego, we have to have Rey on the card. Rey VS KO happens 1v1! Rey thanks Aldis and promises to handle business. And then Cody Rhodes walks in! The American Nightmare tells Rey he saw what happened while he was going through his physical. Cody says he would’ve been out there to help, but Rey says it’s nota big deal. It is handled, Rey VS Kevin is happening. Cody just needs to heal up. Rey can handle his problems, and will leave something for Cody at the Royal Rumble. Rey fist bumps and heads out. Aldis tells Cody that Rey has a point, Cody needs to be careful.

That said, what’d the doctors have to say? Cody says he has a clean bill of health, fully cleared, and Aldis can read the report himself. Aldis says he trusts Cody, he just doesn’t know if that’s good news. There is a lot of time between now and the Rumble, and even more so to WrestleMania. But with that in mind, Aldis has an addendum to the ladder match. Cody needs to sign it, as does Kevin, because they cannot have what happened at Saturday Night’s Main Event happen ever again. Cody asks if Kevin’s signed it yet. Kevin was Aldis’ next stop. Then Cody will sign it once Kevin has. Cody heads out, will Aldis be able to get what he wants out of this?

Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae!

SmackDown returns as Bianca & Naomi make their entrances. The teams sort out and Nia steps to Bianca, only to CLOBBER Naomi! Candice joins in to mug Bianca, but the fans boo. The ref reprimands, Candice backs off, and Nia soaks up the heat. Naomi throws Bianca down, talks more trash, then HEADBUTTS Bianca down. Nia drags Bianca up, tags Candice, but Bianca fights back. Nia CLUBS Bianca, Candice wrenches, but Bianca runs Candice over! And runs her over again! Bianca suplexes, holds Candice up, then SLAMS her down! The fans fire up as Bianca kips up, and she runs up to RAM Candice!

Bianca then climbs to rain down fists! The fans count along, Bianca goes all the way to TEN! Nia storms in, but Bianca flips up and over! Nia runs into Candice, then turns around into Bianca’s DROPKICK! Bianca runs up but Candice BOOTS her! Candice goes up, but Bianca ROCKS her! Bianca military presses Candice, and she THRWOS her out onto Nia! Nia & Candice fall, the fans fire up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Bianca flexes, then waits on Nia & Candice. Bianca’s braid has unrolled so Bianca swings it to rally the fans. Bianca then goes out to fetch Candice, shoves her into the ring, but Nia anchors Bianca’s feet! Candice DROPKICKS Candice down! Cover, TWO! Candice CLUBS away on Bianca, then scuffs her. Candice stalks Bianca to a corner, KNEES her down, then steps on her to DOUBLE STOMP! Tag to Nia, and Nia stalks Bianca. Nia makes Bianca smile with fishhooks, then HIP DROPS her down! Nia swings the braid around to mock Bianca, and even intimidate the ref. Bianca gets her braid free to SMACK away on Nia!

Bianca LASHES Nia more, backing her down, then she runs. Bianca SHOTGUNS Nia, Nia rebounds, but Bianca avoids the elbow drop! Cover, ONE!! Nia CLOBBERS Bianca at the ropes! Nia argues with the ref, taunts Naomi, then soaks up the heat. Tag to Candice and Candice kicks Bianca around. Candice SMACKS Bianca off the apron, pushes her in, then CLOBBERS her! Cover, TWO! Candice CLOBBERS Bianca again, then digs her knee in for a half Bow ‘n’ Arrow stretch! Bianca endures, fights around, reaches back, and she pulls Candice’s hair! Bianca and Candice fire forearms, but Candice DECKS Bianca! Cover, TWO!

Candice is frustrated but she KNEES Bianca in the side. Candice stomps Bianca more, KNEES her down, then has her on the ropes. The ref counts but Candice bends Bianca back! Candice lets go at 4, SmackDown returns to single picture,. and Candice brings Bianca up. Bianca rolls Candice up, TWO! Candice ENZIGIRIS Bianca down! Candice hurries to a corner and goes up, to then CROSSBODY! But Bianca rolls through! The fans fire up as Bianca lifts, but Candice slips free! Candice pulls the braid! Bianca uses that to reel Candice in for an ELBOW! But Candice grabs the braid to throw Bianca down! Both women are down and the fans fire up!

Bianca and Candice crawl, Candice goes to Bianca! STEP-UP- NO! Bianca avoids the senton! But Nia YANKS Naomi down from the outside! The fans boo but Nia sends Naomi into barriers! Candice stands Bianca up, but Bianca rolls her again! TWO, and Candice SUPERKICKS Bianca down! Candice hurries to the corner, tag to Nia. Nia storms up on Bianca, mockingly reaching out to Naomi, and then CLUBS Bianca! Nia whips, LARIATS, and SAMOAN DROPS! Bianca sputters and goes to the corner, but Nia runs up! Bianca BOOTS Nia first! Bianca ELBOWS Candice, dodges Nia, then RAMS into her! Candice grabs the braid!

Bianca whips Candice into the POST! Bianca climbs, but Nia ROCKS her! Nia climbs up after Bianca, fireman’s carries, but Bianca CLUBS away! Bianca is safe, she shoves Nia away, then CROSSBODIES! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Naomi returns! Bianca crawls, hot tag to Naomi! The fans fire up as Naomi ROUNDHOUSES Nia away, then slingshots for the FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nia still has a lot left in the tank but Naomi HAMMERS away on her! Nia shoves Naomi away, runs up, but Naomi dodges! Nia POSTS herself, falls back, and Naomi goes up! SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, Candice breaks it!

Naomi ENZIGIRIS Candice for it! Tag to Bianca and the tag champs go after Nia. Nia fights back, SAMOAN DROP for Naomi! The fans boo but Nia looms over Bianca. Nia runs, Candice sneaks a tag, and Bianca dodges! Bianca SPEARS Nia! Bianca runs, handsprings, but Candice DROPKICKS her down! STEP-UP SENTON! Nia rises, she adds a SENTON of her own! Candice covers, TWO!! Bianca survives and the fans fire up! Candice can’t believe it, but San Diego declares, “This is Awesome!” Candice storms around, snarls, then runs up at Bianca. Bianca ALLEY-OOPS her onto buckles! Then SPINEBUSTERS her down!

Bianca runs, handsprings, and MOONSAULTS! But Nia runs up! Bianca dodges, LEG DROP hits Candice!! Nia panics, runs up on Bianca, but Bianca tosses her out! LARIAT and down goes Bianca! Naomi tags for the BUBBA BOMB! Gedo clutch, Naomi & Bianca win!

Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall

The tag champs find a way to survive, but now they’ll have to meet NXT’s Meta Four on January 28th! NXT goes on the road to Atlanta, Georgia, will Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson be bringing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships home as souvenirs? Or will they only feel the StrongEST Glow?

Pregame interview with Bayley.

Byron Saxton walked through an empty Pechanga Arena with The Role Model before the show, and noted how last week, Bayley won the Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender’s match. Now, we’re in San Diego, with a sold out crowd as Bayley challenges Tiffany Stratton for the title. What does this match mean to her? Well, sold out here in her home state, that is what dreams are made of. We all dream about being in the main event and fighting for a championship. This is a huge night for her. Thinking on her career, this time last year, she won the 2024 Royal Rumble and earned a guaranteed championship opportunity.

Bayley would challenge former friend, Iyo Sky, someone she respects so much in this business. That felt like the peak of Bayley’s career, where she was going to do something different and change the world. To be honest, she isn’t sure she fulfilled her potential during that reign. Yes, she defended the title, took it all over the world, but she always felt she was just winning by the skin of her teeth. She’s a perfectionist, she loves wrestling so much. And so, that reign was certainly cut short when Tiffany helped Nia take that title from Bayley. Tonight is a big night for her.

Then how does tonight feel different from past opportunities in regaining the title? Well, we’ve seen what Tiffany has done this past year, and she just showed she’s willing to turn on her friends to get to the “Tiffy Top,” as she puts it. Part of Bayley respects her, but the other part wants to beat Tiffy that much more. Tonight, it’s personal. Byron wishes Bayley luck and they shake hands. Will this be a big first defense for Tiffy? Or will it be a big comeback for the former Grand Slam Champion?

Mia Yim talks with B-Fab backstage.

Michin just knows she would’ve had Chelsea Green if not for Piper Niven. They always gotta use numbers! B-Fab knows how they do. That US Championship should’ve been Mia’s! B-Fab tells Mia to keep her head up, because she’ll get another shot to take down sleazy- Piper Niven walks in being all Secret Service. Piper says the room is clear, no threats to the champion. Chelsea walks in, thanks “Spicy Service,” and says B-Fab and “Mimi” should stand up and properly congratulate her as the only woman to successfully defend this title. B-Fab says Chelsea please. We all know that if it wasn’t for Piper the Mall Cop, Chelsea would not be champion.

Piper steps up and tells B-Fab that if she takes another step closer, it’ll be her last. If that’s how Piper wants to play it, then how about this? B-Fab will talk with Aldis, then she and Piper can handle their problem tonight. Then after Piper, Chelsea better watch her back. Mia says that is a threat. Mia follows B-Fab, Chelsea tells Piper to neutralize B-Fab. Piper agrees. But just how will this shake out when Piper’s the one in action?

Jimmy Uso heads to gorilla.

“San Diego! The goal tonight is to make sure Carmelo stays missing. Hey, ya boi got something to prove! Hey, I’m proud of The Yeet Man. My brother got his own title match coming up, and it’s time to go get mine. But it starts tonight with Carmelo. Hey yo, Uce, between me and you, Big Jim is Him!” Jimmy heads out to the ring, will he prove he’s just as worthy of golden opportunities?

Jimmy Uso VS Carmelo Hayes!

SmackDown returns as Melo makes his entrance. Melo has a mic to tell Big Jim that he wants to get this straight. Roman’s in the Rumble, Jey’s got a world title match, and what’s Jimmy got? It just seems like Jimmy is living in the shadow of his brother who is living in the shadow of Roman Reigns. But for some reason, Jimmy’s taking shots at H1M? Then here’s a serious question: How can Jimmy take shots when he’s sitting on the bench? Do Melo a favor: Lace up those shoes real tight, Unc, because you’re about to see that Melo Don’t Miss. But then Jimmy TOSSES Melo into the ring! Jimmy borrows those sunglasses, then he fires haymakers!

The fans fire up as Jimmy pops, locks ‘n’ ROCKS Melo! Jimmy whips, but Melo avoids the superkick! Melo bails out, the fans boo, and Jimmy grins. Jimmy hurries after Melo but Melo HOTSHOTS Jimmy down! Melo storms in to CLOBBER Jimmy, and he stomps away at the ropes! The ref counts, teh fans boo, but Melo lets off at 4. Melo soaks up the heat, then he CHOPS Jimmy against ropes. Melo stalks Jimmy, CHOPS Jimmy in a corner, then brings him around for haymakers. Melo whips, Jimmy reverses, QUICK DRAW! Melo is in a corner, and the fans join Jimmy in chanting, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Melo dodges the hip attack!

Melo comes back, but Jimmy puts him on the apron. Jimmy UPPERCUTS Melo, Melo sputters, and Jimmy goes out to join him. Jimmy suplexes Melo onto the apron! Melo writhes, Jimmy refreshes the count, and then Jimmy builds speed! Jimmy DIVES, and Melo is sent into the desk! The fans fire up for Jimmy while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Melo KICKS and CLUBS and stomps away on Jimmy in a corner! The ref counts, Melo lets off, and the fans boo. Melo drags Jimmy up, CLUBS him on the back, then hoists him to the top rope. The fans rally for Jimmy but Melo climbs up. Melo soaks up the heat, brings Jimmy up, but Jimmy fights the suplex! The fans fire up as Jimmy fires elbows! Melo hits back with shoulders! Jimmy and Melo go back and forth, then Jimmy fires elbow after elbow! Melo falls back, Jimmy WHISPERS IN THE WIND, but Melo dodges! Then FADE AWAY DDT! Cover, TWO! Jimmy survives and Melo grows frustrated.

The fans rally up while Melo gets his confidence back. Melo adjusts the kneepads, but he hears the fans rally for Jimmy. Melo brings Jimmy up, but Jimmy suplexes! Melo fights that to suplex, but Jimmy fights! Melo wrenches, dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS hit hard! A double cover, TWO!! Both men are still in this, but they rise slowly. The fans rally behind Jimmy, he UPPERCUTS Melo! Melo blocks a kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Jimmy then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Jimmy UPPERCUTS Melo, Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Jimmy survives and the fans rally up again!

Melo thinks on what he has to do, but the fans rally up more as Jimmy rises. Melo storms up, CHOPS Jimmy, then whips. Jimmy reverses to POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and Jimmy is beside himself! The fans rally up for Jimmy as he climbs up, USO- FIRST 48! Cover, TWO!! Jimmy survives and Melo can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Melo hurries to a corner and climbs. Melo wants Jimmy to stand, and he takes aim, for- NO, Jimmy avoids the three pointer! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO?!? Melo survives again and shocks Jimmy! Melo flounders away, checking his jaw.

Jimmy goes corner to corner, HIP ATTACK! Then SAMOAN- NO, Melo manages the crucifix takedown! TWO! SUPERKICK from Melo! Melo runs, Jimmy SPEARS!! Jimmy hurries to a corner, but JACOB FATU has appeared! Jimmy tells Jacob not to even try, but it’s TAMA TONGA who shoves Jimmy off the corner! The fans boo as Tama & Jacob attack!

Winner: Jimmy Uso, by disqualification

The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Jacob hits a HIP ATTACK on Jimmy! Jacob then drags Jimmy up, and feeds him to Tama’s VENOM DDT! Jacob adds more stomps, and Melo says thanks for the assist. But then Jacob CLOBBERS Melo! Tama puts Jimmy back in a corner, Jaco hits another HIP ATTACK! And here comes Solo Sikoa! He may not be THE Tribal Chief, but clearly Solo still has authority over the rogues. We hear from the would-be Head of the Table, after the break.

SmackDown returns and…

San Diego is booing hard as Solo has the mic. Solo decides not to speak, which the fans cheer. Solo then goes out of the ring, takes off his fancy red jacket, and slings it over his shoulder. Solo leaves, and even his followers seem confused. Is Solo giving up after losing everything? Or is this just more arrogance? Jacob grabs the mic and says, “So this is what it comes to, huh? This is it? I’m tired of the disrespect! I’m tired of the hate! Oh no! You know that I’m tired of the envy! But check this out: envy me all you want, because even on a bad day, y’all still can’t touch me! I don’t give a damn if you cheer us, I don’t give a damn if you boo us.

“But one thing I will not let you do is try to act like I ain’t ever got mine! What, y’all thought I was crazy? Y’all thought I was off the hinges? HUH? Y’all thought I was losing it? The crazy thing about this situation… is that I’m just getting started!” The Samoan Werewolf is all fire dup, but here comes LA KNIGHT! The fans fire up, Jacob & Tama wait, but Knight comes in from the crowd! Knight CLOBBERS Jacob, CLOBBERS Tama, then he stomps away on Jacob! Tama runs up, but Knight tackles him! Knight throws down hands, Jacob is up, but Knight fires hands on him! Tama traps Knight’s legs, and Jacob CLOBBERS Knight!

The fans boo as Tama & Jacob beat Knight down, but BRAUN is here! The fans fire up as the Monster of All Monsters returns! Tama PLANCHAS, but Braun catches him, and TOSSES him! Then Braun stares down Jacob. The fans are going nuts seeing this, and Braun rips his shirt off! But then Tama has Jacob retreat! The Mega Star stands alongside #OneBigSOB, will they get their payback on Tama & Jacob soon enough?

Los Garza gets ready backstage.

Santos Escobar tells Angel y Berto that last week, they exposed Pretty Deadly for the pretty little liars they are. And everything they said, Angel & Berto made them choke on every word. That is what Santos expects. Lopez reminds them that just one win doesn’t make them champions yet. Agreed. Tonight, Motor City Machine Guns, men with reputations and who were former champions, Los Garza will take their momentum away. Why? Because remember: There was no red carpet rolled out for them, and no one is just handing them respect. So if they want respect, they have to take it! Take it from their hands, from their throats, from their pride!

Legado puts all hands in, and say “Familia!” La Madrina accompanies Los Garza, will they take that title opportunity for their own? Or will MCMG be on fire as they go back after DIY?

Motor City Machine Guns VS Los Garza w/ Legado Del Fantasma!

SmackDown returns and Los Garza makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Shelley starts against Angel. They tie up, Shelley headlocks, and holds on as Angel powers up. Shelley grinds the headlock, Angel powers up and out, then he reels Shelley in. Shelley ducks the elbow, Angel drops down then hurdles over, then Angel rolls off Shelley’s back. Shelley trips, covers, ONE! Angelo knocks Shelley down, covers, ONE! Angel kneels and offers a handshake! Shelley is wary, but he accepts. Only for Angel to SLAP him! Angel CHOPS Shelley against ropes, then headlocks. Tag to Berto, Angelo holds Shelley out on the ropes, LEAP FROG ATTACK!

Angel KNEES Shelley down, Berto SOMERSAULT MOONSAULTS! Cover, ONE! Angel shouts for respect, the fans are torn, but Berto CLUBS Shelley. Shelley CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Shelley tags Sabin, whips Berto, and MCMG DOUBLE BACKDROP! Angel runs up, but into double kicks! Atomic drop, dropkick, DREAM SEQUENCE! MCMG snapmare Berto, Sabin covers, ONE! Sabin clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Berto down. Berto endures, fights up, and he powers up. Angel tags in but Sabin ducks ‘n’ dodges. Sabin tilt-o-whirls, but Berto keeps it going so Angel can KNEE Sabin down!

Berto drags Sabin to the apron, and Angel TAKES OFF THE PANTS! He SMACKS Shelley, then runs to KNEE ENZIGIRI COMBO on Sabin! Los Garza is in control while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Sabin fights out of a cobra twist! But Angel blocks his kick, spins him around, Gory Especial! Tag to Berto, SLINGSHOT NECKBREAKER GORY BOMB COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Sabin survives but Berto seethes. Berto goes to the far corner, runs up, but Sabin dodges! Sabin elbows Berto, Berto traps Sabin, and Angel runs in. Sabin slips away, Angel RAMS into Berto! The fans rally up, Angel grabs legs, but Sabin ENZIGIRIS free! Sabin crawls, the fans rally up, and Sabin hot tags Shelley! Shelley fires hands on Berto, then whips, but Berto reverses. Shelley CLOBBERS Berto!

Shelley BLASTS Angel for good measure! BOOT to Berto, then a tilt-o-whirl RANA! Berto ends up in a corner, Shelley runs in, but he blocks a boot! Sabin tags in, Shelley hands the foot off, DRAGON SCREW! Berto is stuck in ropes, Shelley DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS the other leg! Sabin hops up, MCMG coordinate, DROPKICK to one leg, KNEE DROP on the other! Berto falls, Sabin covers, TWO! Berto survives but Sabin brings him up. Sabin has one of the legs, tag to Shelley, and they hand off the leg to ENZIGIRI and trip! Shelley steps through for a FIGURE FOUR! The fans “WOO~!” while Berto endures!

Sabin intercepts Angel, trips him up, and he has a FIGURE FOUR! The fans fire up as Los Garza endure the same hold! Lopez panics, but Berto crawls, ROPEBREAK! MCMG lets go at 4, and Angel crawls away. Shelley stomps away on Berto’s legs, then steps through again. Lopez distracts, Berto BOOTS free! Roll up, deadlift and SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Shelley survives but Berto tags Angel in. Los Garza brings Shelley up, Sabin runs in, but Berto LARIATS Sabin down! Angel fires knees into Shelley, Berto hoists Sabin up to add him on! Berto runs, FLYING CHUCK into the POWERBOMB POWERSLAM COMBO! Cover, TWO?!?

Los Garza can’t believe it, but this is why MCMG are a highly decorated tag team! “This is Awesome!” as Angel stalks Shelley to ropes. Angel KICKS Shelley in the chest! Tag to Berto, they double military press! But Sabin saves Shelley, then runs up. Angel catches Sabin to a full nelson but he BOOTS Berto away. Sabin then arm-drags free, kicks Angel, and he kicks off Berto to TORNADO DDT Angel! Los Garza bail out, Shelley opens the way! Sabin DIVES and he takes Los Garza down! Sabin sends Berto in, Shelley runs up, LARIAT in the corner! Tag to Sabin, but wait! Pretty Deadly is here, and they’re distracting the ref!

Sabin has Berto while Shelley climbs! Elton keeps the ref’s attention so that Kit can DECK Shelley! Berto rolls Sabin up and Kit shouts to the ref! Elton is arguing with the ref too much now! Berto gives up on the pin, tells the ref to pay attention to the match, and Sabin BLASTS Kit! Shelley tags in, Berto runs up, but into the BOOT ENZIGIRI COMBO! And reset, SKULL ‘N’ BONES!! Cover, MCMG wins!

Winners: Motor City Machine Guns, by pinfall

Pretty Deadly tried to screw Shelley & Sabin out of this one, but they were too dramatic about it! Will nothing stop MCMG from taking those tag titles off of Gargano & Ciampa?

Aldis finds Kevin backstage.

Kevin says, “Can’t you see I’m taping my wrists, Nick?” Aldis does, but this shouldn’t take long. He needs to show Kevin the addendum to the title match contract. Kevin doesn’t like the sound of that. And wait, Cody didn’t sign it. Well, Cody isn’t going to sign it until Kevin signs it. Then guess what? Kevin’s not signing it until Cody signs it. And Kevin doesn’t even trust Aldis anyway, he needs to read this addendum first. And he isn’t doing that until after his match so stop trying to distract him! Kevin storms off, and Aldis says that went well. Will Aldis be able to find a way around this stalemate between champion and challenger?

Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS B-Fab w/ Mia Yim!

The Hot Mess is having her “Spicy Secret Service” fight her battles for her again, and that means a fight with one Briana Brandy. Will B-Fab be fab when she drops Piper like she drops the beat? Or will B be mad when P takes the W?

SmackDown returns as “B-Fabulous” makes her way to the ring. The bell rings and the two circle. Chelsea talks smack, B-Fab gives it back, but then B-Fab dodges Piper! HEEL KICK in the corner! B-Fab talks smack on Piper, whips, but Piper blocks! B-Fab still tries, but Piper wrenches. B-Fab wrenches and DANGEROUS HOOK KICKS! B-Fab turns Piper, then spins her for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Piper goes to a corner, B-Fab runs up, but Piper picks her up! URENAGE! Chelsea wants to make sure everyone saw that, then Piper runs. B-Fab avoids the senton! Chelsea panics, B-Fab runs up, and she floats around to a DDT! Cover, TWO!

B-Fab waits on Piper as Piper flounders to ropes. B-Fab then runs up, and she BOOTS Piper out of the ring! Chelsea is freaking out again, but Piper gets back up. B-Fab BOOTS Piper off the apron! B-Fab goes out after Piper, puts her in the ring, but then she steps to Chelsea. Chelsea backs away, talks more smack anyway, so B-Fab LARIATS Chelsea! The fans fire up, B-Fab slides in, but Piper SENTONS! Piper shoves B-Fab to ropes, pops her up, and then pops her into the PIPER DRIVER! Cover, Piper wins!

Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall

Even after talking it out with Mia, the number game still gets the better of B-Fab. But then Chelsea beats down B-Fab just because she can! SO here comes Mia! The fans fire up as Chelsea runs! Mia dodges Piper to SMACK her with the kendo stick! Mia swings again, Piper blocks, and she SLAPS Mia! Piper takes aim, but Mia YAKUZA KICKS her first! Mia grabs the kendo stick, and she warns both Piper & Chelsea that payback is still coming. Mia helps B-Fab to her feet, will they be united against the #RedWhite&Green?

WWE mourns the loss of Bob Uecker.

Mr. Baseball also had his love of the WWE, being part of memorable moments in those early days, such as calling Hogan VS Andre at WrestleMania 3.

Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.

Byron says we saw Tiff make history two weeks ago, but she stops him there. She didn’t make history, she made “Tiffstory.” Uh, sure… She made Tiffstory when she cashed in on Nia Jax and became the WWE Women’s Champion. But now it gets real as she defends that title against Bayley, who is extremely driven to win. What’re Tiff’s comments? Tiff heard that, and Bayley is right, she had a ton of big moments. Bayley’s had a career of big moments, really. But guess what? So has Tiff. Tiff’s been on SmackDown for less than a year, became the youngest Miss Money in the Bank, and now is the WWE Women’s Champion.

And unlike Bayley, Tiff doesn’t need to recreate moments, because Tiff IS the Moment. Sorry, Bayley, but you’ll just have to sit back and watch your little dream die, because right now… It’s Tiffy Time. Tootles. Tiff heads out, confident as ever, but will that confidence all fall apart going up against a woman that paved the way?

Rey Mysterio VS Kevin Owens!

The King of Lucha just wanted to enjoy his homecoming, and The Prizefighter had to interrupt it. Rey tried to explain that officially, Kevin isn’t the champion, and Kevin blew up on him! So now, in an ironic twist, Kevin is getting his dream match with Rey here in Rey’s hometown! Will Kevin make his dream of defeating Rey Mysterio come true? Or will the 619 make it all a nightmare?

The bell rings and obviously the fans rally behind Rey. Kevin is annoyed by that but Rey says he asked for this. They tie up, Kevin powers Rey to a corner, but the ref counts. Kevin lets off slowly, and then says, “This is MY show!” The fans boo more but Kevin and Rey reset. They tie up, Kevin waistlocks and SLAMS Rey down. Kevin flips Rey over, but Rey arm-drags Kevin! Kevin gets upset and the fans boo him more. Kevin and Rey go again, and the chants of “619! 619!” are loud as ever. The two tie up, Kevin kicks low! Kevin CLUBS Rey, wrenches an arm to the wristlock, but Rey uses ropes to flip through! Rey KCIKS a leg, then fires forearms!

Kevin headlocks, Rey powers up and out, then he drops down. Kevin CLOBBERS Rey! Rey tumbles out to the floor and the fans boo more, but Kevin just waits on Rey. The ref starts the ring count, and Rey stands at 3 of 10. Rey takes his time to return, and he’s back in at 6. The fans tell Kevin off in Espanol, and Kevin wants to know what that means. Rey says Kevin knows what it means. The two reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Rey avoids the leg hook to then lift Kevin, jump up, and sunset flip! ONE, but Rey dodges a lariat to waistlock. Kevin switches, Rey fires elbows, and then Rey runs. Rey ducks ‘n’ doges, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS!

The fans fire up as Kevin tumbles! Rey ROCKS Kevin at the ropes, whips him, but Kevin reverses. Rey tilt-o-whirls again, but Kevin blocks to SLAM Rey down! And then SENTON! The fans boo but Kevin huffs ‘n’ puffs. Kevin drags Rey up, whips Rey to a corner hard, and Rey staggers back. Rey falls over, the fans tell Kevin off more, but Kevin stays cool. Kevin whips Rey hard to another corner, runs up, but into a BOT! Rey ELBOWS Kevin, goes up, jumps back, and is on Kevin’s shoulders Electric Chair style. Rey throws down hands, then he RAN- NO, Kevin stops Rey from throwing him over! Kevin KNEES Rey down!

The fans boo but Kevin storms out after Rey. Kevin stands Rey up, and he ROCKS Rey in front of the fans! Kevin fires more forearms, the fans rally for Rey, but Kevin puts Rey on the apron. Rey fires forearms and a KICK in return! The fans rally for Rey as he gets up to FLYING RANA! Kevin hits barriers and the fans fire up! Rey gets in the ring, throws off his shirt, and the fans fire up as Rey builds speed! Rey SLIDES and SPLASHES! Both men are down from that hard impact, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Kevin has Rey down with a chinlock. Rey fights up and the fans rally, but Kevin throws Rey down by his mask! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Kevin mocks the 619 chant, and says “SUCK IT!” Kevin stalks Rey to the corner, brings him around, and whips him corner to corner. Rey hits buckles and staggers back, into a back suplex! Rey lands out, dodges Kevin, and Kevin POSTS himself! The fans fire up as Rey goes to the apron. Kevin staggers around, Rey goes up the corner, and Rey FLYING SEATED SENTONS! The fans fire up as Rey keeps moving, and he wheelbarrows to BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!

Kevin stays in this but Rey stays cool. Rey runs, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS Kevin onto ropes! The fans fire up as Rey dials it up! But Kevin SUPERKICKS! Kevin whips Rey to POP-UP, but Rey slips free! Tilt-o-whirl DDT! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives and both men are down, catching their breath. Kevin goes to a corner, Rey fires shots, then Rey hoists Kevin up! Rey climbs, but Kevin fires body shots! Kevin HEADBUTTS Rey down! Kevin adjusts, and he gives some Latino Heat before he FROG SPLASHES!! Cover, TWO!! Rey knows that move too well, even if Kevin’s a bit bulkier than Eddie ever was.

The fans cheer for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” while Kevin stalks Rey. Kevin stands Rey up against ropes, then he fires forearm after forearm! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Kevin brings Rey to the corner. Kevin puts Rey up top, climbs up to join him, but Rey fights the suplex! Rey fires body shots, then climbs up and over, SUPER SUNSET BOMB! Kevin stagger sup, into a CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Rey can’t believe his shoutout to Amazing Red didn’t get it done, but the fans know “This is Awesome!” Rey stalks Kevin, whips him, but Kevin reverses. Rey springboards but Kevin gets under the crossbody! STUNNER!! Cover, TWO?!?

The fans fire up as Rey survives and Kevin is the one stunned! Kevin drags Rey to the drop zone, and he goes up the corner. Kevin aims to SWANTON but onto knees! Rey also knows that move! Rey hurries to dial it up, 619!! Kevin flounders away, and Rey climbs a corner! Kevin stagger sup, bumps the ref, and the ref hits the ropes! That trips Rey, and Kevin whips Rey for the POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Cover, Kevin wins!!

Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall

To think Kevin steals one away from the living legend! “The Canadian Dream” then decides to show some respect, and he helps Rey to his feet. Kevin shakes Rey’s hand, but then kicks him low! And tucks Rey in! But here comes Cody!! The fans fire up as Cody and Kevin brawl! Cody gets the better of Kevin, stomps away on him, but refs and producers rush out here! San Diego wants to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” but Kevin bails out of the ring, winged eagle title in hand. Cody slips free to go around thew ay, and Cody TACKLES Kevin against the desk! The fans fire up as they brawl behind the desk and almost knock Wade & Joe over!

Kevin slips away again as producers pull Cody back! Security rushes out here to also stop this! Cody stands in the ring, Kevin stands on top of a road case. February 1st is still on the horizon, will Cody and Kevin be able to wait these next two weeks?

SmackDown returns and…

Cody and Aldis are in Aldis’ office. Aldis says he tried very, very hard to be patient with Cody and Kevin, but enough is enough. They are out of control! And they won’t even follow simple instructions, like signing a contract! So Aldis has no choice. Next week, Saturday Night’s Main Event, Cody and Kevin must relinquish their respective championship belts so that they can be suspended above the ring at the Royal Rumble. Then they will sign the amended contract in the middle of that ring. And since Kevin doesn’t trust Aldis, and Aldis doesn’t know what Cody’s thinking anymore, Aldis made a call.

Someone else is going to moderate the contract signing. And how perfect for San Antonio than to get their favorite son. Yes, Cody, it’ll be the Showstopper, the Headliner, the Main Event, the Heartbreak Kid, SHAWN MICHAELS! HBK is going to be on Saturday Night’s Main Event, but will he be able to maintain order between American Nightmare and Canadian Dream?

BREAKING NEWS for Saturday Night’s Main Event!

As if San Diego didn’t explode seeing it earlier, San Antonio might erupt as we see Braun Strowman VS Jacob Fatu! Will the Monster of All Monsters be able to slay the Samoan Werewolf? Or will Jacob tear down #OneBigSOB?

Pretty Deadly regroups backstage.

Kit & Elton are confronted by DIY, and Tommaso Ciampa asks what the Hell was that out there! They practically handed the win to MCMG! Elton says admittedly, that didn’t go as planned. But Kit wants Ciampa to see the bright side. Who’s beaten MCMG? DIY! Ciampa says, “Do they think we’re scared of them? We’re not scared of anyone! This isn’t even about them!” Ciampa tells Pretty Deadly to look in the mirror. Just a couple long-haired Englishmen happy to be here, right? Ciampa hates people like that. They are a joke, and everyone is laughing at them! If Pretty Deadly wants a shot at the tag titles, “become nightmares.”

Gargano says that’s tough love. Ciampa is just saying that stuff because DIY believes in Pretty Deadly. But they do need to get their acts together. Pretty Deadly has to make life easier for DIY so DIY can make live better for Pretty Deadly. Chin up, see you next week. Gargano heads out, but Apollo Crews walks in. He pats Pretty Deadly on the shoulders, they shrug him off, but he says he was trying to tell them before. They keep letting DIY string them along, and look where it’s gotten them: Nowhere! Pretty Deadly don’t wanna hear it, Apollo wishes best of luck to them, but then Gargano comes back to attack Apollo!

Johnny Wrestling HAMMERS away on Crews, and says to keep DIY’s name out of his mouth! Gargano throws Apollo down again, then storms off. Will Apollo have to watch what he says?

A Queen is on her way back.

The FOURTEEN-TIME Women’s Champion is almost ready. Will the WWE be ready for a renewed Charlotte Flair?

WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Bayley!

We heard from both sides of this match, and oh look! Roxanne Perez is in the crowd. Bayley’s made a full lap through the WWE this week, from Raw to NXT to SmackDown. Will Bayley make this a homerun? Or will the clock keep ticking on #TiffyTime?

SmackDown returns and Tiffany makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and it’s time to have some gold in the Golden State!

The bell rings, Tiff and Bayley circle, then they tie up. They go around, Bayley puts Tiff in a corner, and she lets off cleanly. The fans rally and duel, the two tie up again, and Tiff puts Bayley in the corner. The ref counts, Tiff lets off at 4, and she ties up with Bayley. Tiff hits a headlock and takeover, but Bayley headscissors. Tiff kips free, headlocks, but Bayley powers out. Bayley waistlocks, Tiff switches, but Bayley bucks the O’Conner. Tiff trips Bayley, covers, ONE! Bayley trips Tiff and covers, ONE! The two back off and the fans cheer. Bayley and Tiff tie up, Bayley snapmares, and runs to ELBOW Tiff in the back!

Bayley keeps moving, but Tiff CLOBBERS her! Tiff says it’s her time, but Bayley avoids the handspring! Tiff sticks the landing, then swaggers. Tiff even goes Matrix to dodge! But then Bayley clinches! Tiff fights the suplex, throws Bayley to a corner, then runs up, Bayley ELBOWS Tiff, goes up, leaps, and arm-drags! Bayley keeps moving, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE!! Tiff gets free, and she SLAPS Bayley! Bayley gets mad, and she LARIATS up and out! Bayley dares Tiff to slap her now! The fans rally behind Bayley while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Tiff has Bayley in a chinlock. Bayley fights up, the fans duel again, and Bayley JAWBREAKERS free! Tiff runs up but Bayley TOSSES her through ropes! HOTSHOT! Tiff flops back, Bayley goes to the apron, and Bayley runs to DAREDEVIL DROPKICK! Tiff staggers away, Bayley pursues, and she DAREDEVIL- NO, Tiff ducks the dropkick! Tiff kicks Bayley, pushes her through the corner, then YANKS her into the post! The fans are torn but Tiff whips Bayley hard into barriers! Tiff mocks the Bayley fans, puts Bayley in the ring, then covers, TWO! Bayley toughs it out, just as a Grand Slam Champion would.

Tiff stalks Bayley, then runs up to DOUBLE STOMP the bad arm! Cover, TWO! Tiff is annoyed, she stomps Bayley and isolates the arm. Tiff YANKS the arm back! Bayley writhes, but Tiff grabs the arm to WRING it out! Tiff covers, TWO! Tiff brings Bayley up, whips, but Bayley reverses. Bayley runs up, but Tiff puts her on the apron! Tiff ROCKS Bayley, then runs up, but Bayley jumps the sweep! But then Tiff blocks the kick! Tiff throws Bayley down! The fans rally up, Tiff grabs the leg to THROW Bayley down again! Cover, TWO! Tiff is annoyed, but she watches Bayley bail out. Tiff taunts Bayley to get back in.

The fans rally, Tiff kicks Bayley to the floor, and then Tiff again dares Bayley to get in. The ref has Tiff back off, so Tiff goes out the side. Tiff runs in around the way, but Bayley CLOBBERS her first! The ring count is climbing, Bayley eggs Tiff on. Tiff staggers up, into a FLAPJACK onto the apron! Bayley pushes Tiff in to cover, TWO! Bayley stays focused, and she drags Tiff up. Tiff ROCKS Bayley! Bayley ROCKS Tiff! Tiff kicks, Bayley blocks and KNEES back! Tiff rebounds to LARIAT! Bayley’s on the ropes, but she avoids Tiff’s hip attack! Bayley BOOTS Tiff to the outside! Bayley builds speed and DIVES, into a forearm!

Tiff puts the apron skirt over Bayley, and says, “You think you deserve a title?!” Tiff leaves Bayley dangling, and then HIP ATTACKS her against the apron! Bayley flops to the floor, Tiff leaves her behind, and the ring count climbs! The count is 5 of 10, Bayley staggers up to the apron, but Tiff HIP ATTACKS her back down! Tiff then aims to PLANCHA! But Bayley catches Tiff! BAYLEY2BELLY to the floor! The fans fire up and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

The ref checks both women, and they’re both conscious, so the match continues. Bayley drags herself up with the apron skirt, but the count is reaching 5 of 10. Tiff also stands, and both women roll in at 8! Tiff and Bayley slowly catch their breath as a standing count now begins. Bayley drags herself up with the ropes, and she heads for Tiff. Tiff rises, and she swings! Bayley blocks to counter punch! And counter punch again! And again! Tiff runs up, but Bayley LARIATS! And LARIATS! And then slips under to SAIDO!

Bayley fires up and she brings Tiff around to put through ropes! Bayley runs side to side for a KNEE LIFT! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives and Bayley snarls. Bayley drags Tiff up, whips her to a corner, then runs up to ROCK her with a forearm! Bayley puts Tiff sideways in the ropes, then goes up, STOCK DROP! Shoutout to The Boss! Or is it CEO? Cover, TWO! Bayley stays cool, and she brings Tiff back up. Bayley whips Tiff but Tiff reverses. Bayley goes up but Tiff catches her! ROLLING SENTON! Then TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives, but Tiff puts her in the drop zone! Tiff goes up, but Bayley ROCKS her first!

Bayley climbs up as SmackDown returns to single picture. Bayley reels Tiff in, brings her up, and SUPERPLEXES! Both women are down but the fans fire up again! Bayley crawls to a cover, TWO! Tiff stays in this, the fans rally up more, and Bayley climbs a corner. Tiff hurries to ROCK Bayley! Tiff HOTSHOTS Bayley’s bad arm! Bayley falls from the apron, tumbles into the desk, but Tiff hurries to fetch her. Tiff goes up the corner again, for a TIFFY SWANTON! Then she reels Bayley in, for a TIFFY BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but Tiff clamps on a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! The fans rally and duel as Bayley endures!

Bayley reaches out, rolls Tiff around to a cover, TWO!! Tiff lets go in time, and she wants the arm again! But Bayley THROWS Tiff out! Tiff staggers, but she grabs Bayley’s legs! Tiff drags Bayley out, CLUBS her, and then runs up! Cartwheel into the- NO, Bayley fights the lift! “This is Awesome!” as Bayley GOURD BUSTERS Tiff onto the desk! The fans fire up as Bayley then suplexes Tiff to the floor! It was almost a brainbuster! But now Roxie has to talk smack to Bayley. Bayley says watch and learn, kid! Bayley drags Tiff into the ring, goes up a corner, and MACHO ELBOWS! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives, but ends up in a CROSSFACE!!

Bayley wants to make a statement, but Tiff SLAMS the bad arm off the mat! But Bayley gets up! BAYLEY- NO, Tiff arm-drags free, then SPINEBUSTERS! High stack, TWO!! Bayley survives and Tiff is growing frustrated. San Diego continues to rally but Tiff drags Bayley to a drop zone. Tiff stomps Bayley, then brings her up for a fireman’s carry. But Bayley fights free! Bayley clinches, BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!!! Tiff survives and Bayley is beside herself! Bayley drags Tiff up, reels her in, btu Tiff wrenches to ARM CODE BREAKER! Tiff hurries to the corner! PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Bayley trips Tiff up! And then she runs, SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB!

Bayley drags Tiff from the corner to cover, TWO!! Tiff stays in this but Bayley wants more! Fireman’s carry, SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Tiff survives Bayley bringing out some classics, and then Tiff sends her into buckles! Tiff KICKS Bayley in the face, then backslides! TWO, and the arms stay hooked up! Bayley stands up, spins Tiff around, hooks her up, REOSE- NO, Tiff cartwheels through! ALABAMA SLAM! Tiff goes up! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, TIFF WINS!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)

Bayley gave Tiffy Time an all-time first defense, and Tiff found a way to win! No cheating, no shortcuts, just Tiffy! Will no one stop her from making even more #Tiffstory?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown that made the best of the three hours. For one, it was only natural Rey Mysterio would be here for San Diego SmackDown, and it was good stuff to have him be part of the Cody VS Kevin story this week. Good promos all around, and then an awesome match between Kevin and Rey. Kevin continues to be a genius in the details, from his “Canadian Dream” shirt to then wearing a Rey Mysterio Hall of Fame shirt for the match, and with how he made the rope trip look like a mistake so that the ref can’t reprimand him. Great win for Kevin, great brawl with Cody, and HBK returning to main roster for the contract signing is going to be awesome.

Good promo from Bianca and Naomi before, and Naomi was maybe the smallest bit of passive aggressive towards Bianca over the braid. The tag match with Nia & Candice was great, and that was a great win for Naomi & Bianca. The way this is going, Jade Cargill is going to show herself again for that NXT episode in Atlanta to say it was Naomi, which then costs Bianca & Naomi the titles, making Lash & Jakara the new champs and finally getting those titles back in NXT. Then Bianca and Jade can feud with Naomi in trying to figure out #WhyNaomiWhy, and we can have “The Big 3” even end up in a Triple Threat.

Good promo from Jimmy VS Melo, very good match, mostly on Melo, but of course Tama & Jacob had to “ruin” things. But in a great twist, Solo Sikoa just silently quits on things, so Jacob takes it upon himself to take command. Surely once Tonga Loa is back, and then should they finally bring Hikuleo in, Jacob’s Bloodline can go wild, which compels Solo to make amends with at least his brothers, Jimmy & Jey. LA Knight & Braun Strowman getting in on things is great, too, and we’re going to get an awesome match between Braun and Jacob.

Very good promo from B-Fab & Mia with Chelsea & Piper, and very good match from B-Fab VS Piper, but of course Chelsea helps Piper win that. Mia coming for the save made sense, and that’s definitely a tag match in the making. Great match from MCMG VS Los Garza, but I should’ve figured Pretty Deadly would get involved. The twist was that it didn’t affect anything, MCMG still won. DIY being disappointed in Pretty Deadly, but then Gargano attacking Apollo, that’s some good stuff going forward. DIY VS MCMG is certainly the planned title match, but maybe Apollo finds a new teammate with Baron Corbin not in WWE.

Charlotte being on her way back is great, that vignette was really well done. This is good timing given the Royal Rumble is coming, but also because the title scenes could use some freshening up. Tiff and Bayley each had great promos tonight, and they had an awesome main event match. Roxie being in the crowd was a good detail, but she didn’t really cost Bayley, outside of maybe Bayley starting to split her focus at the end. But naturally, Tiffy won because she’s only just getting her reign going. Tiff could face just about anyone for WrestleMania, but I would think the next challenger is Nia Jax. Tiff needs to prove she can beat Nia straight up, and that’ll be an awesome match.

My Score: 8.9/10