Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/23/19)
It’s the Raw Before Christmas!
Will Seth Rollins ruin Rey’s reign right before the holidays?
It’s the Raw Before Christmas, and in a United States title defense, Rey Mysterio looks to deny Seth Rollins’ dominance! Does The Architect take the championship home as a gift to himself?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- No Disqualifications: Kevin Owens VS Mojo Rawley; Kevin wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Christmas Tree Trickery: R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa; Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Bobby Lashley w/ Lana VS Cedric Alexander; Lashley wins.
- Zack Ryder w/ Curt Hawkins VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
- Aleister Black VS Deonn Rusman; Aleister wins.
- Buddy Murphy VS Joeasa; Murphy wins.
- Tony Nese VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
- Charlotte Flair VS ???; Flair wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Ho Ho Hold-up: Akira Tozawa VS R-Truth VS Santa Claus; Santa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Six Man Tag: The OC VS Randy Orton & The Viking Raiders; The OC wins.
- Erick Rowan VS Travis Horn; Rowan wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship to All, and To All A Good Night; Santa Claus VS R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa; Truth wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Rusev VS ???; Rusev wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Rey Mysterio VS Seth Rollins w/ The Authors of Pain; Mysterio wins by disqualification and retains the WWE United States Championship.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kevin Owens is here!
The Prizefighter returns from being stomped out backstage by Seth Rollins and the Authors of Pain. There is an irony to this as Kevin accused Rollins of working with the AOP before, but according to Rollins, it was only because of those accusations that Rollins decided to work with them. Perhaps in the end, it is Kevin’s own fault he was caught 3v1 against them. But that was then and this is now, and Kevin has a mic. “You’re gonna have to bear with me because there’s a lot on my mind,” and Kevin has a lot to say. But before he can say anything more, Mojo Rawley appears! And Mojo says that the first thing from Kevin should be an explanation for the “nonsense” with the steel pipe. Kevin hates to disappoint, but he wasn’t even going to bring that up.
Mojo says Kevin needs a reality check. Does Kevin know what his problem is? Kevin says he’s got about 7 problems. But he hears Mojo is smart. If Mojo is so smart, then he should explain quickly because Kevin is impatiently waiting for their No Disqualifications match! Mojo says Kevin isn’t tough. Everyone is tough with a steel pipe, but this No DQ match will help him out. But it won’t be a Merry Christmas for Kevin. It won’t be the Owens family around their tree opening presents. Kevin says Mojo needs to stop talking so they can get to it already! Both men toss the mics aside, and we begin!
No Disqualifications: Kevin Owens VS Mojo Rawley!
The bell rings and Mojo runs in, only for Kevin to throw forearms! Mojo knees low then runs but Kevin runs him over with an elbow! Mojo bails out, Kevin CANNONBALLS from the apron! And fans are all fired up with the Prizefighter as he takes Mojo “for a ride,” into barriers! Kevin leaves Mojo alone to get things from the ring. He brings out chairs and puts them in the ring, one after the other. Kevin also goes looking around the way, brings more chairs out, then gets the TABLE! Fans are happy to see that! Kevin puts the table in the ring and sets it up. But Mojo returns to SMACK Kevin down! Mojo jams Kevin with the chair more then puts the table out of the ring. Fans aren’t happy to see that.
Mojo runs at Kevin but gets an elbow. Kevin runs but into a fireman’s carry, BODY SLAM on the chair pile! Cover, TWO! Mojo taunts Kevin and rains down hands. Mojo sits a chair up and then another, then jams Kevin with a third! Mojo chokes Kevin with a fourth chair and SMACKS him on the back! “That sucks, right?” Mojo completes the chair square and puts Kevin on the top rope, but Kevin resists! Kevin throws body shots but Mojo forearms in return. Mojo tries again but Kevin still holds on! Kevin throws more hands, headbutts Mojo back then rakes the eyes! Mojo hops down and grabs Kevin by his face, to THROW Kevin onto the chair square! Cover, TWO!! Mojo can’t believe Kevin survives! Mojo stalks Kevin to a corner and pushes him around. Mojo runs side to side, into a SUPERKICK! Kevin climbs up top, SWANTON! Cover, TWO!!
Kevin grits his teeth as he gets a chair for his own. But Kevin realizes there’s something better, and he goes back for the table! Kevin puts the table in and hurries to set it up. The table is ready but Mojo fireman’s carries! Kevin slips out, to give Mojo a STUNNER! Kevin drags Mojo up, pop-up POWERBOMB THROUGH THE TABLE! Cover, Kevin wins!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall
No rules and no hesitation, Kevin gets a win to vent some frustration! But Kevin gets his mic back to say he’s still in a fighting mood! He dares Seth Rollins and the AOP to show themselves. He knows they want to jump him backstage and beat him down again, but maybe they can do it in front of the good people so we can enjoy it! Calling them out may be a bad decision, but making bad decisions is part of Kevin’s charm. Kevin insists they beat him down, and he isn’t leaving until they do! Rollins and the AOP are watching backstage, and decide to take Kevin up on his offer. They march to gorilla while we go to break!
Raw returns as Rollins makes his entrance!
Kevin waits in the ring as The Architect leads the way for Akam and Rezar. Kevin has a chair, too, but Rollins keeps things calm. He has Akam and Rezar stay on stand-by while he joins Kevin in the ring. And Rollins tells Kevin they’re even. Kevin needs to come to the “right side” of this. Fans want Kevin to fight Rollins but Rollins says they should ignore the fans and shake hands. Kevin SUPERKICKS Rollins instead! But before he can get his chair back, the AOP beat him down! Rollins is up and he has them back off so he can get his stomps in. Rollins throws off the jacket and lines up his shot. Kevin gets up, and tackles Rollins! The AOP again hammer Kevin down with heavy hands, and even dribble his head off the mat.
“What’s your problem, Kev?!” Rollins shouts. Then he CURB STOMPS Kevin! Fans boo as Rollins storms off with the AOP behind him. Kevin is bloody and battered, but forces himself to get up and out of the ring. He refuses the help of the referee and makes it to the back. Is this just one battle in the war for Raw?
R-Truth was touring New York City!
It was just this past weekend that the WWE 24/7 Champion was strolling along, singing Christmas carols. He was looking for a sign. Is he on time? He asks a random citizen where he can go for the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Christmas tree lighting. He can’t find it, though. Um, this is all in Japanese. Also it isn’t The Rock Christmas tree lighting, it’s the Rockefeller Christmas tree. And it’s been lit for weeks. Oh…! Then why was he invited to come here? Someone rolls him up!! Akira Tozawa?! And the ref counts three!
Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion
The Stamina Monster takes the title in New York City! Truth now chases Tozawa, but who will be dreaming of a championship Christmas by the end of the night?
Bobby Lashley w/ Lana VS Cedric Alexander!
The Rocky Mountain Machine and Ravishing Russian are now engaged to be married, and they’re planning for a New Year’s Eve wedding! Will Lashley give Lana an early Christmas present by winning?
Raw returns as the #EbonyLion makes his entrance. The bell rings and Lashley circles with Alexander. They tie up, Lashley wristlocks but Alexander rolls and handsprings to break free. Alexander headlocks as fans chant for Rusev, but Lashley body slams Alexander down. Lana smiles as Lashley throws Alexander at a corner. Alexander blocks the buckle bump but Lashley blocks back. Lashley throws haymakers and whips Alexander corner to corner. Alexander goes up and over and then dodges to throw a BIG right hand! But Lahsley just gets mad. Lashley kicks but is blocked into an elbow! Alexander runs, things speed up, handspring headscissors throws Lashley, dropkick sends him out!
Lana grows worried as Alexander slingshots. He fakes Lashley out then mule kicks from the apron! Then MOONSAULTS! Lashley falls and fans fire up! Alexander gets back in the ring but Lana has a mic to say “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” She’s sorry, but who does Alexander think he is? Does he not get that next week, it is THE most important day of her life? Her beautiful fiance has to marry her. Have some respect! Lashley can’t show up all bruised and messy when literally, they have to focus on their vows! Lana is having her wedding live on Raw next week! Everyone is invited, you’re welcome. But here’s an idea: let’s just do a classic Greco-Roman style match. That’s brilliant! Yes, a regular wrestling match. Lana is the most ravishing and brilliant woman has an amazing idea, fans love her, don’t they? They don’t. But no one loves her as much as Her Bobby. Is this really happening? We’ll know after the break.
Raw returns and no, there is no traditional style match happening. Alexander CHOPS away on Lashley, perhaps motivated to bruise Lashley because of Lana’s “brilliant” idea. Alexander whips but Lashley reverses, Alexander goes out to the apron to enziguri Lashley down! Lashley flounders out of the ring, Alexander goes around the way to Penalty Kick Lashley down! Alexander drags Lashley up and against the apron to throw big forearms! Alexander drags Lashley up but Lashley rocks him with a right! Fans still chant for Rusev as Alexander dropkicks Lashley! Lashley puts Alexander on the apron but Alexander BOOTS back! Alexander steps in, gets caught and shoved for a LARIAT! Lana cheers but fans boo. Lashley grinds his foot into Alexander’s face, then whips him to a corner to RAM his shoulder in! And neckbreaker on top! Cover, TWO!
Now Lana is annoyed that Alexander is still in this match. Lashley grinds Alexander down with a chinlock, but Alexander endures. Fans rally up and Alexander fights to his feet. Alexander fights and CHOPS back! Then runs, but Lashley follows, for a LIFTING Complete Shot! Cover, TWO! Alexander still lives, but Lashley shows no mercy. Lashley throws hands, then blows a kiss to Lana. Lashley grinds his foot into Alexander more but lets up at the count of 4. Lashley drags Alexander up to scoop and SLAM him down! Then Lashley goes up to the ropes, just to blow a kiss to the fans. Lashley flexes but fans boo, Alexander dropkicks the legs out! Lana is seething as Alexander dodges Lashley in a corner. Alexander enziguris again, then springboards for a flying clotheslines! Lashley bails out but Alexander runs, to DIVE! Direct hit with the Low-pe!
But Alexander isn’t done, he runs again, to FLY! Tope conjilo takes Lashley down! Alexander puts Lashely back in, runs, handspring, NEURALIZER! Cover, TWO!! Lana is relieved, but Lashley is rocked. Alexander glares at Lashley as he rises and gives a big kick to the ribs. Alexander runs, Lashley scoops and flips him, for the twisting Dominator! Lashley wants Alexander to stand while he takes aim. Alexander does stand, but he dropkicks the Spear down! Now Lashley is in the corner, Alexander dropkicks in the face! Fans fire up for Alexander as Lashley wobbles to his feet. Alexander springboards again, but Lashley dodges. Lashley picks up and SLAMS Alexander! Then SPEARS him down! Cover, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall
Lana cheers her hot, hot fiance and celebrates in the ring with him. Will they be celebrating their wedding with a New Year’s Honeymoon?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins and AOP.
What is Rollins hoping to achieve with his “constant acts of brutality” on superstars, such as Kevin Owens? Whoa, whoa, what? What is he doing? He went out there to extend an olive branch of forgiveness, and Kevin kicks him! So what is Kevin doing picking a fight ever week? Rollins storms off in a huff with Akam and Rezar in tow. But what will these actions accomplish as Raw heads for the New Year?
Raw catches up with the 24/7 Championship chase in New York!
The Stamina Monster starts running out of energy, and keeps his head on a swivel. But he doesn’t check the statues! Truth and the referee sneak up from the fountain, and they’ve cornered him! ‘Tis the season! Oh no, they knock someone’s hot dog out of their hand. Tozawa blames Truth! Truth says that was Tozawa’s fault. Well sorry, pal, Truth is hungry for the title! The chase leaves the man without his meal, but will Truth be feasting on another reign?
Zack Ryder w/ Curt Hawkins VS Drew McIntyre!
The Broski might have wished he got Christmas week off. Will the Scottish Terminator make sure Ryder gets New Years to Valentine’s Day off with a Claymore?
The bell rings, McIntyre and Ryder tie up and McIntyre powers Ryder to a corner. McIntyre wants Ryder to do something, so Ryder shoves him. McIntyre slaps Ryder, Ryder SLAPS back! McIntyre hammers Ryder down then stomps him down. McIntyre whips, Ryder holds ropes and dumps McIntyre out to wreck him with a dropkick! But McIntyre LARIATS right back! Hawkins is worried for his bro as McIntyre RAMS Ryder into barriers, then apron, then barriers again! McIntyre dumps Ryder back in the ring, gets in and overhead suplexes him! Hawkins coaches Ryder up but McIntyre looms over him. Ryder jawbreakers back! And kicks and forearms, but McIntyre DECKS Ryder! McIntyre whips Ryder to a corner but Ryder knees back. Ryder hops up, but leaps into a POWERBOMB!
McIntyre aims from the corner as Ryder rises. McIntyre runs out, CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
The Scottish Psycho barely broke a sweat. He has the ref raise his hand in victory, will 2020 be the Year of McIntyre? Hawkins gets in but McIntyre throws him out! Then gives Ryder a FUTURE SHOCK DDT! McIntyre is merciless! Hawkins runs in to fight back, but he gets a Glasgow Kiss headbutt and a CLAYMORE of his own! McIntyre gets himself a mic and says, “That was fun, wasn’t it?” It was for him, at least. Are Ryder and Hawkins having fun? These two can’t really answer, but McIntyre knows them well. They’d say, “yes, we’re having fun. You’re a big inspiration to us. You’re equally wise as you are jacked, and obviously you’re an incredible wrestler.” McIntyre doesn’t like ass-kissing but he’ll allow it.
This is McIntyre’s definition of fun. He won’t talk about being the future, he’ll get to the point. “2020 belongs to Drew McIntyre!” Can anyone refute that as we head for the Royal Rumble?
Becky Lynch is here!
The Man has a lot going for her, but she still wants to prove she’s worthy of that Raw Women’s Championship. She’s been wanting to collect on a debt, and that’s against the Empress of Tomorrow. Becky hears the fans cheering for her as she gets a mic. “I’ve had some things on my mind lately.” She addressed it last week, but if there is one thing she has learned, she is so much better when she takes things into her own hands! That is what she is doing here tonight. Becky has become the face of this company, but this company is trying to shelter her. Becky doesn’t give a DAMN what the company wants! She stayed quiet for too long. The Man VS The Empress needs to happen! And Becky is not taking “No” for an answer.
Becky is willing to go to some dark places to remind herself of who she truly is. If Asuka has forgotten who she is, Becky wants to remind her that she is the one woman to truly beat Becky fair and square. The Man has come around to collect on this last debt, so what is Asuka’s answer? The Kabuki Warriors appears! Asuka laughs as she introduces herself and Kairi in Japanese. But then in English, does Becky remember TLC? The Kabuki Warriors are still the champions! Then back in Japanese, Asuka talks trash about how TLC was their biggest victory. Then, “Asuka Two Belts.” Oh is that so? The Raw Women’s Championship on the line, huh? Name the time and the place! In case Asuka didn’t understand, Becky gives it back in Japanese! The challenge has been accepted, but when and where will we see this epic rematch?
Aleister Black VS Deonn Rusman!
The Embodiment of the End prepares for a rematch from his show-stealing match with Buddy Murphy! But will it be a nightmare before Christmas tonight for Aleister’s opponent?
The bell rings and Rusman is all fired up already. Rusman runs but into a leg sweep! Then a boot to a KNEE TRIGGER! Aleister is ice cold as he lifts Rusman with a foot. BLACK MASS! Cover, Aleister wins!
Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall
Rusman will likely wake up on Christmas Day after that. Will Aleister make Murphy #FadeToBlack all the way to the New Year?
But speaking of, Buddy Murphy meets Aleister on his way down the ramp. Murphy says anything Aleister can do, he can do faster.
Buddy Murphy VS Joeasa!
The bell rings and Murphy offers his opponent a handshake. Joeasa takes it, but Murphy uses it to reel him in for a KNEE TRIGGER! Aleister glares at Murphy as he lifts Joeasa with a foot. A direct message if there ever was one, then MURPHY’S LAW! Cover, Murphy wins!
Winner: Buddy Murphy, by pinfall
Aleister heads for the ring, will he demand they have their rematch for Christmas?! The two stand face to face, fans are fired up, but Aleister offers a handshake of his own. Murphy grins, and just bumps Aleister on his way out. But then he turns back around, for a BLACK MASS! Murphy should’ve just taken the handshake. Aleister sits with Murphy, will we see this again next week?
Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio!
Ahead of his first-time-ever match with Rollins, the King of Lucha has been looking forward to this. He believes Rollins is one of the best wrestlers on Raw. Mysterio wants to defend against the best. But Rey VS Rollins for the title will be the match that always has an asterisk. Because it isn’t just Rey and Rollins, the AOP will be ringside. And those three are running around like they own WWE. When they attacked Mysterio, they made the mistake of not finishing it. Because as long as Mysterio can get up, he will make the AOP watch Rollins take a 619, and Mysterio walking away still United States Champion. Mysterio kisses the title for luck, but will he be kissing it good-bye?
Tony Nese VS Ricochet!
The Premier Athlete and the King of Flight are each one-of-a-king athletes! Each one is a blend of strength, speed and stamina, but only one can win for the holidays!
The bell rings and the two circle. Ricochet rolls Nese, TWO, but Ricochet headlocks. Nese powers out, Ricochet goes up and over but so does Nese! Nese goes Matrix, mule kicks but is blocked! Ricochet spins and kicks Nese to then CHOP him. Ricochet whips, Nese reverses but Ricochet rolls off the back. Ricochet rolls again, handsprings and headscissors then dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Nese gets to ropes and pokes Ricochet in the eye! Then the bulldog hotshot! Triangle moonsault! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives but Nese is on him with clubbing forearms! Nese even puts on the body scissor squeeze! Ricochet endures and fans rally up. Ricochet fights free but Nese gets a facelock. Ricochet keeps fighting, Nese shoves, but Ricochet hits a forearm!
Ricochet keeps moving and rallies with more forearms. Ricochet huricanranas Nese to a corner, then runs in corner to corner. Shoulder ram and a buckle bump, big kick rocks Nese! Ricochet springboard, but Nese SHORYUKENS! Ricochet crashes and burns, Nese brings down a knee pad, but he runs into a SUPERKICK! Ricochet ripcords, RECOIL! Cover, Ricochet wins!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall
Ricochet rebounds from the gauntlet match, and rolls on as we head through the holidays! Will Ricochet make even bigger leaps and bounds once we’re in the New Year?
The 24/7 Championship chase in NYC continues!
Tozawa finds a Christmas tree farm, and finds a place to hide! He nestles into the pine needles just as Truth and the ref arrive. Truth shouts that Tozawa has no idea what it’s like being 747 7/11 24/7 European Champion. There’s a lot of running. Did he go that way? No, he has to be here still. Tozawa sneaks out and heads out again! Just where will this holiday high speed pursuit go next?
Charlotte Flair VS ???
The Queen looks to rebound herself after losing at TLC. Will Charlotte get back on track for the holidays?
Raw returns and Charlotte’s opponent is Chelsea Green of NXT! Chelsea has already gotten a reputation for aggression and energy in NXT, but will she silence Charlotte in her Raw debut?
The bell rings and Charlotte circles with Chelsea. They tie up and go around, and Charlotte puts Chelsea in the corner. Charlotte backs off but Chelsea goes right at her. They tie up and Charlotte arm-drags Chelsea away before hitting a kip up. Fans echo the “WOO~!” as Charlotte and Chelsea tie up again. Charlotte wrenches Chelsea to a wristlock, but Chelsea gets a ropebreak. The ref has them separate but Charlotte grins. Chelsea shoves so Charlotte SLAPS! Charlotte stomps a mudhole into Chelsea but lets up at the ref’s count. Chelsea kicks the leg out then rolls Charlotte into buckles! And STOMPS her in! Cover, ONE!
Chelsea keeps on Charlotte then basement dropkicks hard! Chelsea chokes Charlotte on ropes but lets up at 4. Chelsea shoves Charlotte down for a cover, ONE! Chelsea wraps on a chinlock and thrashes Charlotte around. Charlotte fights her way up, but Chelsea wrangles her down. Charlotte rights her way up again, throws body shots, then throws counter punches. Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, then reels Chelsea in for a scoop. Chelsea slips out but Charlotte standing switches. Chelsea elbows free then runs, into a BOOT! Charlotte gets the leg, Figure Four to Figure EIGHT! Chelsea taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
The Queen gets that rebound victory, but had to work for it against the new star from NXT. Will Charlotte work harder to get back on top of the Women’s Division?
Raw checks back in with the 24/7 Championship chase.
A corner Santa Claus gets caught up in it! He says there should be no fighting during the Christmas season! Truth and Tozawa fist bump, and Santa is proud. He has a gift for them. Actually, Truth, yours is in Santa’s sleigh. But don’t worry, Tozawa, you’re gift is right here. BLAM! Santa hits Tozawa and covers him! Santa wins!!
Winner: Santa Claus, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion
And now he heads back to the North Pole! Santa runs off just before Truth returns. Santa’s sleigh has a boot on it! Truth realizes what happened, and says they have to work together to get Santa! Will this be naughty or nice?
Liv Morgan speaks.
“When you seek affirmation from someone other than yourself, you give that person all the power.” Liv’s done that before. She was young, impressionable and “typical.” But now, it is up to her to decide who Liv really is. She is anything but typical.
Six Man Tag: The OC VS Randy Orton & The Viking Raiders!
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” as the saying goes. And when The Viper was being beat down by AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson all at once, Erik & Ivar evened the numbers. Now things will be fair and square, 3v3! Will the three most dangerous letters join the raid?
Raw returns and Anderson starts against Ivar. They circle and tie up, and Anderson headlocks. Ivar throws Anderson off and to a corner. Anderson is wary of Ivar’s strength now as they tie up again. Anderson gets another headlock and holds on tighter. Ivar powers out and fireman’s carries but Anderson slips out to waistlock. Ivar bucks him off then runs him over! Ivar drags Anderson up and tags Erik. Anderson is fed to a takedown and a waistlock slam! Erik glares at Gallows and Styles before going back to Anderson. Erik brings Anderson back to the corner and tags in Ivar. The Raiders give Anderson big knees back and forth! Ivar covers, TWO! Anderson crawls to a corner and kicks back, but Ivar uppercuts Anderson down.
Ivar drags Anderson up to throw elbows but Anderson kicks again. Anderson chops but Ivar kicks and scoops. Erik tags in, Ivar slams Anderson. Then Erik scoop slams Ivar onto Anderson! Cover, TWO! Erik clamps right on to Anderson’s arm and grinds him down. Anderson endures and fights his way up, but Erik wrenches and reels him in for shoulder rams. Anderson knees low but can’t get away so he throat chops! Tag to Gallows and Gallows ROCKS Erik with a right, into Anderson’s neckbreaker! Gallows is in to ROUNDHOUSE Erik down! Gallows scrapes Erik out of the ring, and distracts the ref for Styles to go after him with kicks! The ref doesn’t see it, starts a ring count, but Erik gets in at 3. Gallows is on Erik and throws uppercuts! Gallows then has Erik in the OC’s corner for big body shots! Gallows rocks Erik with another uppercut!
Tag to AJ Styles and he stomps a mudhole into Erik. Styles lets up at the count of 4 then taunts Orton. Orton mocks the Too Sweet, Erik fights out of the OC corner! But Styles kicks him down! Erik anchors one of Styles’ feet but Styles chokes him on the ropes. Anderson gets a cheap shot in, then Styles has Erik in another corner. Styles CHOPS Erik then snapmares him to drop a knee! Cover, TWO! Styles keeps his cool as he drags Erik up and over. Tag to Anderson and the OC mug Erik. Snapmare and chinlock and Anderson grinds Erik down. Erik endures and fans rally up. Erik gets to his feet and fights out with elbows, but walks into a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Erik lives but Anderson tags Styles. The OC whip Erik to ropes but Erik throws Anderson out! Erik ROCKS Styles with a right and both men are down!
Fans build to a rally as Erik and Styles crawl. Hot tags to Gallows and Orton! Fans fire up as the Viper rallies on the OC! Orton has Gallows o the apron and pokes his eyes! Then brings him between the ropes, only for Gallows to send Orton out! Orton lands on his feet, but his bad knee gives out! Orton is down and the OC surround him, but the Raiders come over to keep them away. Orton writhes while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Gallows stomps away on Orton’s bad leg! He lets up at the ref’s count of 4 to drag Orton up for another kick! Fans rally for Orton as Gallows stomps a mudhole into him. Gallows drags Orton back and tags in Styles. Styles kicks the leg himself then drops an elbow on it. Styles kicks the leg but Orton hits back. Styles just stomps him down! Orton crawls but Styles keeps him away from the Raiders. Styles brings Orton up and suplexes, but Orton blocks! Orton manages a suplex of his own! Both men are down and fans are rallying. Hot tags to Anderson and Erik! Erik rallies with big forearms for all, then he headbutts Anderson’s forearm! Erik THROWS Anderson overhead! Then again!
Tag to Ivar and the War Beard rallies on Gallows with shoulder bumps and a sidewalk slam! BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Fans fire up as Erik tags back in. Styles runs into a SPINE BUSTER into the corner! Then gets a hip attack spine buster! Anderson gets THOR’S HAMMER! Cover but Gallows breaks it! Gallows boots but Ivar dodges with a cartwheel, and comes back with a clothesline! Styles runs in to PELE Ivar! Styles slips out of Ace Ten Mao to PELE Erik! But Orton tags in! Styles didn’t see it because he whips Erik to ropes. Dropkick rocks Erik, but Orton gets in, no RKO! Orton puts Styles on the apron,d rags Styles in but Anderson saves Styles from the DDT! RKO for Anderson! Gallows denies the RKO, PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, The OC win!!
Winners: The OC, Styles pinning
The Original, Official and ONLY victory that matters! Will Styles and the Good Brothers make the holidays as Too Sweet as this?
Raw catches up with Santa Claus!
The jolly 24/7 Champion jogs as fast as he can with the title in hand, but he’s getting tired. Luckily for him, a horse-drawn carriage is there. Santa climbs aboard, the driver has his horse start going, and Santa just gets away from Truth and Tozawa! Wait, there’s another carriage! Truth and Tozawa hop on and tell the driver, “After that Santa!” This, well, not high speed chase, goes down the road, but Santa says to stop. Truth and Tozawa also stop, and the foot chase is on again! “Bad reindeer!” Truth is pulling up the rear, but will he back on top again in time for Christmas?
Erick Rowan speaks to his precious pet.
“Hey, hi~! Got you a little present! Yes, a toy!” It’s a clothespin. But Erick just loves how cute this little critter is. But he’s also hungry. Erick promises to get him something after his match. Just what does this thing eat though?
The Street Profits are in the Christmas mood.
The season of giving and love, we are just a week away from the “precious and beautiful ceremony” between Lashley and Lana. And yet they still haven’t got their invitations. Angelo Dawkins doesn’t even wanna go to that wedding. But he does want to hit up that bachelor party! Bobby, hit yo boys up! This is live TV, Dawkins, relax. And furthermore, we just saw Rowan talking to his pet in the pin. Is Dawkins at all curious about what’s in there? Fam, you crazy? No one wants to know what’s under there. It could be anything. Anything? Anything! A squirrel, a rabbit, or even a Komodo dragon gonna breathe fire! Dawkins, Komodo dragons aren’t dragons… But speaking of fire, time for the catchphrase! Those four special words, “We Want the Smoke!” Will the Profits get the smoke for Christmas?
Erick Rowan VS Travis Horn!
Big Redwood already seems to have his most precious possession with him wherever he goes these days. But what could he possibly want for Christmas other than his little critter’s safety?
Raw returns and Horn has a peace offering: a candy cane. Rowan takes the candy, but keeps his eyes on Horn. But Horn is slowly exiting the ring. Is Horn going to run away to survive into the holidays? Or is he… Wait, Horn has even more candy canes, and he says he just wants to offer one to Rowan’s hungry little precious. Horn slowly walks over, but Rowan CLOBBERS him down! The candy canes go flying and then Horn is sent flying into the LED apron! But then Rowan exposes part of it, to SLAM Horn onto that edge! Rowan puts Horn in the ring and runs to BODY CHECK Horn down! Rowan is seething and clamps on the Iron Claw, for a SLAM! Rowan tells his pet it’ll be okay, and he Iron Claw SLAMS Horn again! Cover, Rowan wins!
Winner: Erick Rowan, by pinfall
Will no one learn not to question what is in the cage? But in the end, Rowan does give the pet one of the candy canes. When will Rowan’s warpath lead him to something shinier to show his pet?
Raw keeps running with Santa Claus!
Santa is running out of steam as he reaches the Lincoln Center. He takes a breather at the steps, but Truth and Tozawa have caught up! Santa falls over, Truth shoves Tozawa away to cover Santa! Truth wins!
Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion
And the 25th reign of R-Truth is in time for the 25th of December! Tozawa wants after Truth already, but referee John Cone who has had enough! He’s been chasing after these guys all over New York, and it is TOO COLD! He’s going home for the holidays! Santa says Truth and Tozawa are both getting coal for Christmas, then walks off. Truth says no one wants anymore of Michael Cole. But with no referee, he and Tozawa can’t fight for the title. Well, it is Christmas. How about a truce and they go find that big apple everyone talks about? How do you say Merry Christmas in Japanese? It’s still “Merry Christmas.” Heh, Tozawa’s funny. But these two head out together to celebrate the holidays.
Rusev VS ???
The Bulgarian Brute gets to have a little bit of snow on Rusev Day! And a fan is very forward wishing to be Rusev’s “Hawt Hawt Girlfriend.” Rusev is flattered but it’s time to Machka!
Raw returns and Rusev has the mic. He was so surprised to see snow indoors! Second, he has mixed emotions after TLC. Was he screwed over in that Tables match? Yes he was. Is he upset about it? Yes, he is. But is he going to do something about it? “You’re damn sure I will!” But is Rusev upset that Lana is getting married to the “hawt hawt” Bobby Lashley? No! That will be the best day of his life! That’s because the best punishment “Bob” could have is being married to Lana! Rusev is single but not alone! Lana’s wedding is still on RUSEV DAY! But first, Rusev’s opponent, No Way Jose, makes his way out, conga line in tow! Will the fiesta be festive after this?
The bell rings and Rusev ties up with Jose. They go to a corner but Rusev lets up. JOse dodges the punch to do some salsa. Rusev wants to run at Jose but Jose pop, lock and CHOPS. It doesn’t really do anything but upset Rusev. Jose wants Rusev to forgive but Rusev just hits a MAHCKA KICK! Cover, Rusev wins!
Winner: Rusev, by pinfall
Rusev helps Jose up to show it is no hard feelings. In fact, he starts pop locking, and doe a RUSEVROONI! Or is it a SpinaRusev? But now, Rusev wants in on the party! He joins Jose’s conga line, and gets a kiss from one of the single ladies! And another! Rusev is a ladies man once again! Will Rusev be celebrating all the way into 2020?
Another backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
The match for the United States Championship is up next. What does this golden first-time-ever mean to him? “Right now, Charly? Right now?” Rollins vows to beat Mysterio, win the United States Championship, and then establish dominance on Raw. So if she doesn’t mind, he needs to finish preparations. Rollins has Akam and Rezar follow him to gorilla, but will the AOP be factors in this historic main event?
WWE United States Championship: Rey Mysterio VS Seth Rollins w/ The Authors of Pain!
A first-time-ever match marred by the looming threat of Akam and Rezar. But even so, Mysterio vows to keep this run going while Rollins always looks to #BurnItDown! Who leaves here to have a golden Christmas?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this merry main event begins!
Mysterio goes right at Rollisn with kicks and fists, but Rollins hits back! Rollins stomps a mudhole into Mysterio then backs off at the ref’s count. Mysterio boots back, runs but Rollins follows to SLINGBLADE! Cover, ONE, but Rollins drags Mysterio right up. Snapmare and crucifix cover, TWO! Rollins reels Mysterio in to suplex, but Mysterio slips out and waistlocks. Rollins wrenches out and ROCKS Mysterio with a right! Fans boo Rollins as he taunts Mysterio. Rollins stomps Mysterio around then bumps him off buckles. Mysterio staggers but Rollins rocks him with another right. Rollins whips Mysterio but Mysterio wheelbarrows and victory rolls, TWO! Mysterio tilt-o-whirl headsicssors!
Rollins shoves but Mysterio kicks back! Rollins puts Mysterio on the apron but Mysterio headsissors back. Rollins ends up on the ropes, Mysterio dials it up but Rollins ducks. Rollins RAMS Mysterio into the post! Then Rollins slides Mysterio out of the ring! Mysterio is at the AOP’s feet as we go to break.
Raw returns once more, and Rollins has Mysterio down with a hammerlock. Mysterio fights up but Rollins clubs him down. Rollins throws Mysterio into buckles, then drags him up for a backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Rollins is right on Mysterio with a rear bearhug and squeezes tight! Fans rally for Mysterio and he fights up. Mysterio stomps Rollins’ feet but Rollins clubs him down again. Rollins whips Mysterio at a corner but Mysterio goes up and over to headscissor Rollins out of the ring! Fans rally and Mysterio builds speed, to slide and SUNSET BOMB Rollins into the barriers! The ref checks but Rollins is okay to continue. Mysterio stirs as the ring count climbs. Mysterio puts Rollins in the ring and slingshots, to springboard seated senton! Then springboards for a moonsault, but he’s caught! Rollins pops Mysterio up, but Mysterio tornado DDT’s! Cover, TWO!!
Mysterio keeps focus as he brings Rollins up. Mysterio whips, Rollins reverses, Mysterio springboards into Rollins’ arms! For a BUCKLE BOMB! Then a SUPERKICK! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Mysterio saves himself and Rollins is shocked! Rollins gets up and stomps “BURN! IT! DOWN!” Mysterio rises, Rollins runs, but no Curb Stomp! Mysterio slides under, rolls and huricanranas Rollins back onto ropes! Dial it up, 619! Mysterio hurries up top but Rezar ATTACKS!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by disqualification; still WWE United States Champion
Akam YANKS Mysterio down and throws him into barriers! The Authors of Pain prevented Rollins from losing fair and square, and they wreck Rey by throwing him into the LED! Fans boo and jeer as Rezar drags Mysterio up. The AOP SLAM Mysterio into barriers! Rollins hobbles over and tells AOP to drag Mysterio up the ramp. “Teach him a lesson!” They head to the stage, and to commentary! Only Samoa Joe stays put as the AOP clear off the desk. Joe asks them what they’re going to do about him sitting there. The AOP throw Mysterio into the Christmas trees then glare at Joe. Joe says that if he gets up, it isn’t to move, but to fight. Joe stands, fans fire up, but Rollins has the AOP stand down. “He’s not who we’re here for.”
Rollins wants Joe to calm down, but the jacket’s coming off! Rollins tells Joe this is about Mysterio, not him. Joe settles down, but Rollins sicks the AOP after him! The brawl is on 2v1, and Rollins says “It didn’t have to be like this.” The beating continues, but Mysterio rises from the trees, only to get a CURB STOMP! Rollins then has AOP “finish it,” DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM THROUGH THE DESK!! The Architects of Pain stand tall over what they just tore down. Will they continue to brutally force Raw to bend to their will?
My Thoughts:
For being a prerecorded Raw filmed right after last week (so that the wrestlers could be spared working the week of Christmas) this was a decent episode. Not the best, and could’ve been better in many ways, but still good for cramming it in after last week’s episode. We all knew about the Lana x Lashley wedding for the New Year’s Eve episode was coming, so of course Lashley would have a match to give Lana the opportunity to announce it. They’re really piling on the cringe with this as Lana interrupts the match to blab on about the wedding and making a demand of the wrestlers. Rightfully, the request was rejected, but of course Lashley wins. Alexander and Lashley had a good match, but it is a shame that Alexander is the fodder in this match.
Rusev’s match with Jose was alright, it was mostly so Rusev would get a win and have some fun, too. And I would actually hope they just have Rusev tease messing up Lana’s wedding just to drive her crazy and expose that behavior to Lashley, so that Lashley ruins things by having a change of heart. Ricochet VS Nese was alright, but of course Ricochet wins. McIntyre brutalizing the Major Bros was pretty fun. I really hope McIntyre gets a title in 2020, he really deserves it. I did like that we got the stuff between Aleister and Murphy. It was good to have Murphy try to one-up Aleister, only to get a Black Mass for it. Also I’m starting to think that their opponents were the same person, just in different ring gear. All “Deonn Rusman” had to do was take off those pants and reveal his red tights to be “Joeasa.” But that aside, Aleister VS Murphy for the New Year’s Eve episode will certainly be a highlight that night.
The highlight from tonight was the story of the 24/7 Championship. I was hoping for something pretty big for Christmas as well as Truth’s 25th reign, and we more or less got that here. It’s great that Tozawa was chosen to do this chase around New York. He is the Stamina Monster, and they surely did do a lot of running the night they recorded all those segments. I wonder if Santa Claus with the glasses was the guy with the hot dog that they bumped into. That would make for a hilarious twist, but also great motivation for him wanting to take that title. There wasn’t as much fanfare when Truth took the title back at the end, but it was great that John Cone just quit on them. I hope we get something even bigger for New Year’s. In fact, with New Year’s being on Wednesday, can we finally get this title to go to NXT?
Charlotte VS Chelsea Green tonight wasn’t bad for Green’s Raw debut. Green and Deonna Purrazzo both had Raw matches, so I wonder what this means for their WWE careers as they barely started on NXT. Becky and Asuka had a quick promo showdown but it was pretty cool for Becky to use some Japanese given she spent time there in her career. That match better happen at Royal Rumble, since last year we got this for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. And at this point, I could see things going either way. Either Asuka still beats Becky because she’s that good, or Becky finally settles the score which is good story. The Six Man Tag was a good match, and it’s actually good that the OC won so that the story keeps going towards the Royal Rumble. I expect another Raw Tag Team Championship match for Raiders VS Good Brothers at the Rumble, too.
The story meant to dominate the night was okay. Kevin and Mojo have a good No Disqualifications match, that’s just good story blending. Rollins has good Heel promos tonight, but their main event match was trimmed down in time because of all the filler, like Rowan wrecking another jobber. Rollins VS Mysterio was on its way to being a really good match, but the disqualification wasn’t a bad thing either. Mysterio keeps the title and gets beat down, but then Joe’s Face turn begins tonight with both his commentary and his actions. I thought Street Profits were going to step up to help Kevin or even Mysterio, but it seems Kevin and Mysterio might be getting some help from Joe now. That will make for a great Six Man Tag on the way to the Rumble, perhaps even the first Raw of the New Year on 1/6/2020 to give it some buzz.
My Score: 8.1/10
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The Hollywood A-Lister’s got his own nightmare before Christmas!
Christmas is just a few days away, but things aren’t merry and bright for Raw! The Miz must face his fears as he faces Dexter Lumis 1v1!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Natalya VS Alba Fyre VS Iyo Sky; Iyo wins and advances to the next round.
- Chad Gable w/ Team American Made VS Akira Tozawa w/ The Alpha Academy; Gable wins.
- Dominik Mysterio VS Damian Priest; Damian Priest wins, by disqualification.
- The Miz VS Dexter Lumis; Lumis wins, by disqualification.
- Sami Zayn VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre walks to gorilla.
The Scottish Terminator makes his way through the curtain and to the stage, and the fans have a mixed reaction as he goes to the ring. McIntyre grabs a mic, and he says, “After Hell in a Cell, I’ve never been so beat up in my entire life. 16 staples in my head, my back almost broken from landing on the steel steps. And I went home to Scotland. The reason I went home, and I haven’t really talked about it publicly, is because a very close family member passed away. Some people probably feeling sympathy right now. Some guys in the back are probably talking to each other, saying, ‘I didn’t know.’ Maybe if you cared enough, you would’ve asked.
“Over these past two months, guess how many people phoned me to check. Not how I was doing mentally but how I was doing physically after Hell in a Cell. ONE PERSON! These past 17 years, I’ve been led to believe we’re all a big happy family in the back. We’re brothers and sisters, we travel the world together, we spend more time with each other than with our actual families, but it’s all BS! My brother, John, in Scotland wouldn’t stab me in the back to take my spot, but people like Jimmy, Jey and Sami 100% would.” The fans boo that, then chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” McIntyre says that proves his point.
After watching everything The Bloodline did, Jey says he is a changed man. He does a cute hand sign, he says a made-up word, and the fans just forget about it and move on. That’s the other thing McIntyre realized: He has given and given and given all this time, and the fans turned on him for a guy who was gone for years and has told the WWE fans to go screw themselves! McIntyre was fighting for the fans, he thought they believed in him, so he believed in the fans! McIntyre bled out in the cell, and while he was gone, the fans instantly forgot him! The fans boo, that’s not true! But McIntyre says from now on, he gives no more for anybody!
McIntyre will take and take and he will tell the truth! The real villains are Roman Reigns and CM Punk! And if you choose to prop them up, as he already said, Jey, Jimmy & Sami, the things Roman did to you… Roman took a vacation, then simply snapped his fingers and they were by his side again! McIntyre suggests everyone who ever wronged McIntyre should sleep with one eye open. But wait, here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer and sing for Sami but Sami says hey, McIntyre is angry, he doesn’t have to believe Sami in place of believing everyone has ulterior motives. Sami doesn’t blame him.
But personally, man to man, Sami did not know what happened with McIntyre’s family. They figured he was recovering from one of the most vicious matches of all time. Sami thought that, all the guys ‘n’ girls in the back thought, and that’s all the fans thought. Believe that or not, fine, but Sami wants to level with McIntyre. Talk about 17 years, Sami has 22 years in this game. Sami’s been through what McIntyre’s been through. Sami’s had losses. Trust him. He has had losses he had to put on the side and go to work that week. The same sacrifices, from birthdays to weddings to funerals that he should’ve been at? Sami’s done it all.
Sami has put unnecessary stress on his wife, on his kid, and why? Because this is the life that they both chose! They are WWE SUPERSTARS! The fans cheer that! And as such, they are LUCKY to be WWE Superstars! And you think this is just your story or Sami’s story? Y’know who else has stories like this? Every single person sitting in the stands. Every single person at home! The kids who struggle at school, the adults who struggle at work, who struggle economically, physically, and they have their losses and sacrifices, but they still get up every day to do what they gotta do to soldier on, without pointing a finger at everyone else!
The fans fire up for that passion. Sami says McIntyre dares pointing a finger at the fans for forgetting him?! They didn’t forget, brother! They MADE McIntyre! And McIntyre still thinks the world revolves around him just because once upon a time, someone told him he was “The Chosen One.” But newsflash, just because you’re mad doesn’t make you special. And now McIntyre thinks everyone else is somehow tied to him? What Jimmy does has nothing to do with McIntyre. What Jey does has nothing to do with McIntyre! What SAMI does has nothing to do with McIntyre!
But McIntyre, if you want to still walk around all angry and pointing fingers at the fans, at Sami, at Jey, at Jimmy, at Punk, at Roman, and still be mad about The Bloodline, fine. No one is stopping McIntyre. But Sami has no problem being McIntyre’s problem and facing him in this ring right now! McIntyre says if Sami wants to know the truth… IT isn’t just anger. McIntyre’s anger comes from pain, and he doesn’t doubt what Sami just said. There was so much truth and passion, but it’s never the whole truth, is it? Sami has a way of spinning things. Because Sami can fly back home every week to his family. McIntyre is halfway across the world from his!
And no one here in Boston ever leaves Boston, they’re with their families 24/7! McIntyre doesn’t have that luxury! The fans boo that veiled insult, but McIntyre says he will remain calm and ask Sami why he wants this fight. They both know the result, we saw it time and time again, Sami has NEVER beaten McIntyre. So McIntyre suggests, given Sami isn’t 100%, and Sami’s wife and kid are here tonight… Sami should just walk back there, take their hands, and leave this arena. Of all those in the Bloodline, Sami is the least of McIntyre’s worries.
Sami says McIntyre is right about a couple things. When it comes to win-loss records, McIntyre has Sami’s number. And Sami is not 100%. Haven’t been since Saturday Night’s Main Event. And yes, the smart thing would be to just go home, celebrate and get healthy over the holidays. But Sami would so much rather do this. Sami fires hands! The fans fire up but McIntyre shoves Sami away. McIntyre swings, but gets caught! Sami lifts but McIntyre fights free, then GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! McIntyre takes aim, but here comes JEY USO! The fans fire up as Jey runs down the ramp, slides in, and then dodges McIntyre to SUPERKICK!
The fans fire up as Jey & Sami DOUBLE LARIAT McIntyre up and outta the ring! The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” with Jey & Sami Uso! Will the Scottish Terminator’s mission be ended when Sami and/or Jey shut him down?
Adam Pearce is met by Pure Fusion Collective.
The Raw General Manager asks Sonya Deville what he can do for her and she says not much. She knows how stressful this job can be since she once had it. She’s just here to make things easier. And how’s that? Well, Kairi Sane is not cleared to compete, there is an opening in the tournament, and Sonya wants it. Oh, is that so? Y’know, Sonya, that is a terrible idea. They caused this scenario so he’s just gonna reward them? Are they outta their minds? And zip it! Plus, he already filled that vacancy with Iyo Sky. Happy Holidays! PFC is upset by that since Iyo just lost to Liv Morgan, but will there be nothing to stop the Evil Genius now?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Natalya VS Alba Fyre VS Iyo Sky!
Just as Pearce said, PFC taking out the Pirate Princess will not mean they get away with murder! The Queen of Harts and the Fire Keeper must now figure out how to handle this change to the program. Will Iyo redeem herself for losing Saturday Night’s Main Event by moving on to the next round?
Raw returns and Alba makes her entrance, Isla Dawn seeing her to the ramp, and then Natalya makes her entrance. The bell rings and Alba kicks Natty then ELBOWS Iyo! Alba whips but Natty reverses and Alba tumbles out of the ring! Iyo rolls Natty, TWO! Iyo whips, Natty dodges in the corner and gets Iyo up! REBOUND SIT-DOWN, and then Natty steps on Iyo, only for Alba to trip Natty up! Alba brings Natty out to send into steel steps! But then Iyo DIVES onto Alba! The fans fire up with Iyo and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Natty brawls with Abla. Alba knees low, but Iyo CROSBODIES them both down! The fans fire up and Iyo SHOTEIS Alba! And SHOTEIS her again! And then DROPKICKS her down! Iyo brings Alba around, whips, but Alba reverses. Iyo goes up and out, then blocks a shot to ROCK Alba! The fans fire up, Iyo spirnboards, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Iyo handsprings up and the fans fire up again! Iyo gets the fans going, but Alba wrenches and facelocks, TORNADO DDT! Alba gets Iyo up again to GOURD BUSTER her onto Natty! Alba then rearranges them into the drop zone!
Alba goes up, the fans are torn, but Alba grins as she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover on Iyo, TWO! Cover on Natty, TWO! But into a KOJI KLUTCH! Natty endures, flails, fights around, but Alba holds on tight! Natty pushes, stacks Alba, TWO!! Natty has the legs! Alba flails now, but Iyo runs up! Natty trips Iyo onto Alba, and she has them both! Natty turns them both over, DOUBLE SHARPSHOOTER!! Iyo and Alba both flail, both claw at the mat, and Alba gets the ROPEBREAK! No disqualifications so Natty can hold on! But now Iyo drags herself under the ropes, and there’s no room left, so Natty has to let go!
Natty rises up and she stalks Iyo to the apron. Natty drags Iyo up but Iyo HOTSHOTS Natty! Natty staggers, rebounds, but Iyo jumps the baseball slide! Natty hits Alba down, and then Iyo PENALTY KICKS Natty! Iyo fires up and springboards, ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit on both targets and the fans fire up! Iyo hurries to get Natty up and into the ring, then she drags Natty into the drop zone. Iyo climbs, but Alba CLUBS Iyo first! Alba snarls as she climbs up, but Iyo holds onto ropes! Natty CLUBS Alba and she adds on! SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX on Alba! But Iyo stays up top to go OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Iyo wins!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
The Genius of the Sky moves on, ready to fly against The Morrigan! Will Iyo be able to get past Lyra Valkyria and head for the title?
Judgment Day sulks in the clubhouse.
Finn Balor tells JD McDonagh that he can’t believe this. This was supposed to be a Merry Christmas, Finn was supposed to be celebrating with two titles, and now he has none! Liv Morgan tells Raquel Rodriguez to tell Finn that the reason she suggested he stay away from Damian Priest is because she knew this would happen. Raquel starts to relay the message, but Finn has JD tell Liv that she’s got her own problems to worry about and to stay off his back. But then Liv tells Raquel to tell Finn that the reason she’s “on his back” is because he lost the tag titles. JD, tell Liv that Christmas is-
Dominik speaks up to stop the arguing. Christmas IS around the corner, and now they’re not even talking to each other? Dom says he’s gonna go talk with Pearce and get a match with Priest! Dom’s gonna step up for this family. Oh, Dom thinks he’s better than Finn? No, it’s not even like that. Dom has a plan. He’ll talk with Pearce then fill everyone in later. Dom heads out, JD prays for one week of no drama while it’s Christmas. Will Dirty Dom make sure The Punisher pays for screwing Finn & JD over? Or will Priest be given the gift of sending Dom South of Heaven?
Sami and Jey regroup backstage.
Sami can’t believe Jey didn’t text or call about the comeback. Jey says, “My bad.” But Sami says it’s fine, he’s happy Jey is back. And thanks for having his back out there tonight and every night, Sami appreciates Jey. Jey thanks Sami for that, and says you know he had to come back for payback. Jey is gonna handle business! Actually, Sami was kinda hoping he could handle McIntyre. Sami talked a big game, he’s gotta back it up. But Sami, you’re not even 100% tonight. Sami knows, but he started something so he has to finish it. Jey says alright. He’s got next! They secret handshake and Jey wishes Sami luck. Will Sami finally get a win on McIntyre in a Christmas miracle?
Chad Gable w/ Team American Made VS Akira Tozawa w/ The Alpha Academy!
As “Master” Gable said last week, it was about time he settled things with his past. Will Gable prove to the world that he was always the reason the Alpha Academy was relevant? Or will he find out he can’t keep up with the Stamina Monster?
Raw returns and the #AlphaBabes make their entrance, showing off that new merch while they’re at it. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Tozawa and Gable tie up, Gable wrenches and talks trash right to Tozawa’s face! Gable CHOPS Tozawa down, stands him up, CHOPS him down again, repeat! Gable whips and CLOBBERS Tozawa, then raises the fist. The fans boo more but Gable talks smack on Otis. Gable drags Tozawa up, suplexes, but Tozawa slips free! Tozawa SOBATS, spins, slides under, and SPIN KCIKS! Gable goes to a corner and Tozawa puts him up! But Gable gets Tozawa for a HANGING ARMBAR!
Otis protests, the ref counts, and Gable lets off at 4. Gable says he didn’t break a rule, and Otis never learns. Gable SLAPS Otis, slides into the ring, but Tozawa victory rolls! TWO, but Tozawa SUPERKICKS Gable down! Tozawa rips the shirt off, goes up top, and SUPER SENTRONS onto knees! Gable saves himself and hauls Tozawa up to GERMAN SUPELX! And then GERMAN SUPLEX again! Gable GERMAN SUPLEXES again! But he isn’t done, Gable spins Tozawa around, and POWERBOMBS him! ANKLE LOCK!! Tozawa flails but he’s so far from the ropes! Tozawa TAPS, Gable wins!
Winner: Chad Gable, by submission
But Gable won’t let go! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Gable just drops into a GRAPEVINE! So Otis storms in and he drags Gable off the leg! Otis TOSSES Gable! The fans are thunderous, but Team American Made steps up to support Gable. Gable says Otis never learns! But Otis’ hips are moving! He’s shaking, quaking, and the fans fire up, but American Made backs off. Will Gable finally fight Otis and put this beef to rest?
The New Day talks backstage.
They still don’t understand how everyone here doesn’t see things their way. But then Dirty Dom walks over, clapping with “New! Day Rocks!” Finally, someone who understands! Dom says he never liked Big E, but uh, no, what they did was crazy. Well, whatever, Broke Ass Tom Selleck! Dom says Tom Selleck wishes! Dirty Dom heads for gorilla, ready to fight for the Judgment Day. But will Dom go from “Broke Ass Tom Selleck” to just broken?
Dominik Mysterio VS Damian Priest!
Judgment Day’s history has always been a rocky one, but it has never been rockier than right now. Betraying Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest probably has a lot to do with it, but will Dom be able to smooth things over by taking Damian down? Or will Priest finally beat some sense into #LatinoCheat?
The bell rings and Dom bails right out! Dom dares Priest to come get him, but Priest says Dom needs to get back in the ring. Priest will even give him a free shot! Dom storms up to the apron, steps in, and takes that swing, but Priest blocks it! Then Priest BELL CLAPS Dom, DECKS him, then DECKS him again! Dom staggers around, Priest picks him up to SLAM DUNK! Dom staggers back up, into a torture rack! Priest bends Dom with the Argentine Backbreaker! Priest then THROWS Dom down and the fans fire up. Priest paces around, powers up his arm, and Dom rises. The fans rally and Priest runs, but Dom ducks a lariat!
Dom kicks, CLUBS and KICKS again! SUPERKICK! Then DROPKCIK! Priest staggers but Dom hurries to stalk behind him. Priest sits up first and glares at Dom. Dom panics, but he DUMPS Priest out! Dom builds speed to DIVE, but into Priest’s hands! FLATLINER onto the desk! The fans fire up and Priest drags Dom up to then POST him! Dom falls in a heap, but Priest puts Dom in the ring. Priest then notices a very suspicious Santa Claus. Priest snatches the beard away, and tada! It’s JD! Priest TOSSES JD and the fans cheer! JD wants mercy but Priest SLIDES him across the desk! The fans fire up as Wade narrowly avoids getting hit!
Priest then has a Spider Sense moment, and he looks under the ring! Carlito spits out his apple in surprise! Priest drags Carlito up and TOSSES him into the timekeeper’s area! But then Finn attacks!
Winner: Damian Priest, by disqualification
Finn fires hands, but Priest blocks the desk bump! Priest body shots and SMACKS Finn off the desk! And again, and again! Priest puts Finn in the ring, Dom runs up, but Priest DECKS him! Priest fires more hands on Finn, but the Judgment Day regroups! They mug Priest 4v1 as usual, and JD even drops elbows! The fans boo but the Judgment Day stand Priest up. WAIT! Here comes the War Raiders! Erik & Ivar fire hands on Dom & Carlito, and Priest TOSSES JD! Finn realizes he’s alone, and Priest SUPERKICKS him down! Priest stomps a mudhole into Finn, the Raiders put Carlito and Dom in the ring!
Ivar KNEES Carlito, then feeds him to Erik’s KNEE! The fans cheer, JD gets up, but Priest LARIATS him inside-out! Dom is fed to the WAR MACHINE!! Finn staggers up, but Priest grabs him! And Finn goes SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! The Judgment Day just got further embarrassed, and that’s not even considering JD’s Santa costume. Will the War Raiders be some unlikely allies for Priest in this ongoing war with the Judgment Day?
Sit-down interview with Seth Rollins.
Jackie Redmond thanks The Visionary for taking this time to talk with her, and he says it is his pleasure. Jackie talked with CM Punk and heard what he had to say, what Punk believes, when it comes to Rollins’ hatred for Punk. And we have heard from Rollins, as well, but Jackie’s still just curious. What is the root cause, the driving force, of this disdain he clearly feels for CM Punk? Rollins says the thing is, he has tried to explain how he feels many times over the years, and it sort of… Well, he won’t say he’s talking into the wind, but Rollins just feels Punk has needed the WWE more than the WWE needed him.
And so that hypocrisy from Punk is what just eats at Rollins. It is hard for Rollins to let that go. Jackie mentions how Rollins has talked about getting rid of it by “cutting it out” and fighting through it, and how this fight with Punk has to happen as a catharsis. What does “cutting” Punk out look like? What should we expect from, not even so much a match, that doesn’t feel like the right word now. Rollins says it’ll be fight. That’s what we’re getting, no question. It is the biggest fight in their sport right now, and Rollins needs it now. After Survivor Series, seeing Punk hand-in-hand with Roman Reigns… Roman’s finger in the air, Punk doing the stupid Go To Sleep thing…
Rollins just wanted to throw the remote through his TV, he was so viscerally, internally destroyed. Rollins felt that was it, no more waiting. The world needs to see it. This is perfect. The Netflix debut, the world will be watching. But to answer the question, he doesn’t know what it’ll look like. You might see a side of Rollins that no one’s ever seen. No pun intended, it will be raw, visceral, violent. Rollins needs to exorcise this demon from his soul, he has to cut the cancer out of his brain, or he is going down. Then the only way to process the betrayal is to go through a fight, and we get that on January 6th, Raw in LA for Netflix.
Jackie thanks Rollins for the time and his honesty. Rollins says yeah, he can’t wait. Will Rollins truly #BurnItDown when it comes to fight CM Punk?
The Miz VS Dexter Lumis!
The Hollywood A-Lister has his own history with the man now turned buzzard, and things are only worse now that this is about the Final Testament and the Wyatt Sick6. Will Miz manage to bury the past once and for all? Or will he get no mercy from Lumis?
Raw returns as Miz waits. A message flashes, “I OPENED THE DOOR,” and then the lights go down. And from that mysterious door to the other side, out steps Lumis. He takes off the Mercy the Buzzard mask, then rushes the ring! Miz scrambles right out as Lumis slithers along the mat! The fans cheer Lumis on while Miz tentatively returns to the ring. The bell rings, Miz wants Lumis to hold on, but Lumis swings hands! Miz bobs ‘n’ weaves, then throws a punch! Lumis just glares at Miz! Miz runs away, Lumis gives chase, and they go around the outside, then back inside! Lumis drags Miz out of the ring to ROCK him!
Miz staggers, Lumis THROWS him into barriers! The fans cheer, Lumis ROCKS Miz again, and then Lumis SMACKS Miz off the apron! Lumis pushes Miz into the ring, Miz bails out, but Lumis goes out to the apron. CANNONBALL! The fans fire up and Lumis brings Miz up. Lumis CLUBS Miz, stalks him, then puts him in the ring. Miz again asks for mercy, but then he tries a cheap kick! Lumis blocks and UPPERCUTS! Lumis scoops, Miz slips free and Miz BOOTS Lumis! Miz runs, but into a THESZ PRESS! Lumis rains down fast hands, then runs to AX HANDLE! The fans fire up and Lumis brings Miz up.
Miz breaks free to throat chop! The ref reprimands but Miz runs, only for Lumis to catch him! URENAGE! Lumis storms around, then goes looks to the corner. Lumis climbs, but wait, the Authors of Pain are here! So Lumis CANNONBALLS onto them! The fans fire up but Kross attacks!
Winner: Dexter Lumis, by disqualification
The Final Testament beats Lumis up and puts him in the ring. Miz stands, confident now that he has reinforcements. Kross says they’ve got Lumis where they want him, but Lumis looks to the sky. Seems it’s the other way around! The lights go down, and when they come up, the rest of the Wyatts are here! They brawl with Final Testament and then send them running! Nikki wants uppies, and Erik Rowan pops her up to POWERBOMB her out onto The Final Testament! Nikki is all fired up as the Wyatts stand together! Will The Final Testament be the one buried and forgotten after all is said and done?
The War Raiders regroup backstage.
Erik & Ivar are fired up after getting the better of Judgment Day, and then Priest walks in. He says what’s up, and they give him some pushes and shoves of excitement. Priest says okay, okay, settle down. But that was good, and he appreciates the save. Ivar says hey, they’ve all known each other a long time. And while they haven’t always seen eye to eye, there has always been honor here. They may not be friends, but Priest had their backs in a big way last week and they don’t forget that. They owed him, they got him. Priest respects that. If the War Raiders are at war with the Judgment Day, then he’ll go to war with them.
They all fist bump, and Erik & Ivar say they like the sound of that. Could these three finally tear down Judgment Day once and for all?
The zero symbol returns…
And now it’s joined by a pentagram? What could these clues be leading to?
The New Day barges out to ringside.
And Kofi Kingston tells Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett on commentary that no no no no! You do not get to speak about them like that! Woods asks what is going on around here? What happened to unbiased journalism? How long has Tessitore even been with the WWE? Not that long, right? Certainly not long enough to know that his job is not to have an opinion but to tell the TRUTH like they have! But it seems in 2024, no one wants the truth! Certainly not these fans. Wade was sympathizing with E as well! Well that’s fine, because Wade and Big E have something in common. They’re not man enough to lace up their boots again and get in the ring!
The fans boo now but Kofi says speaking of getting back int he ring, allow the New Day to do that and continue to tell everyone what they were trying to tell people before. They did NOT put hands on Big E. They could have, laid him out here in the ring, stretchered out of the building again, but they didn’t! So why is everyone so upset!? The fans keep booing but Kofi says this was supposed to be a homecoming for Kofi, and for the woman he bought a plane ticket for to come all the way here to Boston from Ghana, and that is Kofi’s mom! Kofi’s mom is in the front row! Miss Elizabeth Kingston is here, but she doesn’t seem very amused.
Kofi says his mom sat in the middle seat for 20 HOURS, just to see Kofi, and the fans are ruining her experience! This is his mother! The woman who taught him how to be the man that he is today! She does not deserve to see her son get booed out of his own hometown! Woods says they gave the fans ten of the best years of their LIVES…! Kofi steps back outside to apologize to his mom for the fans. She does not deserve this. Kofi doesn’t understand why they’re doing this. Kofi wants a hug. Miss Elizabeth stands up, but she pushes Kofi! She’s upset with HIM, not the fans! Miss Elizabeth takes her coat and leaves! Kofi is confused, what’s this about?
Kofi calls after his mom but she tunes him out. Though, it might be hard to hear over the fans. Will it ever get through to the New Day that they are in the wrong?
The New Day regroups backstage.
And then they cross paths with Rey Mysterio. Woods asks if he’s gonna pile on. Rey says no, it’s not like that. Rey thought about what they said last week, being a locker room leader and all. Rey definitely could’ve handled things better, so he’ll apologize to them. Rey just has the responsibility to help everyone as much as he can. So hey, what New Day did was out of pocket, all foul. And if they want to start fixing things, they can start by apologizing. Whoa, hold up. Them? Apologize to Rey and the locker room? No, they aren’t apologizing, because they didn’t do anything wrong! This is ridiculous!
Rey is just as bad as Big E and everyone else! Why not let Woods pop that mask off again so he can hear them better. New Day did nothing wrong. Rey says okay, fine, que pasa nada. Just don’t say he didn’t try. From this point on, New Day is on their own. And oh, get used to hearing this. “New! Day SUCKS!” With that, Rey takes his leave. After hearing that, will Kofi & Woods have anything but a Merry Christmas?
Sami Zayn VS Drew McIntyre!
The Honorary Uce may have just lost to the Scottish Terminator at Saturday Night’s Main Event, but he isn’t going to give up the fight. Will Sami finally get a win over McIntyre as a Christmas miracle? Or will McIntyre ruin the holidays with a Claymore?
Raw returns and Sami makes his entrance. The bell rings and McIntyre kicks low! McIntyre fires hands, then CHOPS Sami in a corner! McIntyre ROCKS Sami, stands him up, and then CHOPS again! The fans are torn but McIntyre paces while Sami sits down. Sami rises up, and he avoids a chop to fire hands! The fans fire up as Sami CHOPS and fires more punches! The ref backs Sami off, but Sami comes back to stomp and punch! The fans rally behind “SAMI USO!” and Sami whips Mcintyre corner to corner. McIntyre reverses, Sami goes up, but McIntyre KICKS him out of the air!
McIntyre snarls and then he deadlift suplexes Sami! Sami writhes and clutches his back, but McIntyre storms over to him. McIntyre STMOPS Sami’s hands! Then he ROCKS Sami with a right! Sami goes to ropes but McIntyre CHOPS him again! The fans “WOO~!” as that chop echoes out! The fans rally for Sami but McIntyre grins. McIntyre whips but Sami KICKS him in return! Mcintyre comes back but Sami TOSSES him out! The fans fire up and Sami builds speed, but then Mcintyre moves so Sami Arabian Presses to land back inside. Sami smiles as he gets the better of McIntyre, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Sami is in the corner. McIntyre storms up to stomp away on him again! The ref backs McIntyre off but then McIntyre storms back up. McIntyre drag’s Sami up to the apron, and he suplexes Sami up and into the ring! Sami flounders to the ropes and the ref checks him. Sami says he’s still in this, so McIntyre drags Sami back up. But Sami CHOPS McIntyre! And CHOSP! And fires forearms! Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for McIntyre to tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and McIntyre grows annoyed. The fans rally up but Sami writhes form all the damage.
McIntyre stalks Sami to the ropes, eggs him on, and then whips him to ropes. Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges again, and this time Sami tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Sami and McIntyre both rise up, and McIntyre bails out. Sami storms up to ropes, grits his teeth, and he PLANCHAS! But McIntyre catches him! And then he aims for the desk! Sami fights free, and he DRIBBLES McIntyre off the desk! Sami backs off as the ring count climbs, but Sami goes back for McIntyre. McIntyre stops the step bump to SMACK Sami off the steps! McIntyre refreshes the ring count because he wants to do more damage!
McIntyre stalks Sami up the steps, then lifts him for an APRON BACKBREAKER!! Sami falls and writhes, and McIntyre has a manic look on his face as he watches Sami suffer, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Mcintyre has Sami in the Inverted Alabama Lift! INVERTED ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! McIntyre escapes and runs up, but Sami dodges! McIntyre POSTS himself! The fans fire up as McIntyre flops back, and Sami hurries to the corner! Sami climbs, but his back slows him down! McIntyre ROCKS Sami first! And then CHOPS him! McIntyre climbs up after Sami, fires some shots, then fireman’s carries Sami! SUPER WHITE NOISE! A shoutout to Sheamus and McIntyre covers, TWO!! The fans fire up while McIntyre grows frustrated. Sami stirs but McIntyre watches him closely.
The fans rally and McIntyre drags Sami back up. But Sami cradle counters! TWO! McIntyre GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Sami falls and McIntyre snarls. McIntyre goes to a corner, and he takes aim at Sami. Here comes the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” But Sami LARIATS McIntyre! And then a clinch, EXPLODER into the corner! Sami goes to the other side and the fans fire up! Sami aims as McIntyre rises, but that back tightens up. Sami fights through the pain, gets running, but CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
That was perhaps the closest Sami’s come, but he was still so far away from victory over McIntyre. 3-0 in 2024, 10-0 overall, and McIntyre stands over Sami to rub it in. Sami is already dazed, but McIntyre rains down fists! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but McIntyre shoves the ref away to HAMMER Sami down! But here comes Jey, just like earlier tonight! Jey runs in, dodges again, and this time, SPEAR!! Jey has Mcintyre down, but now he goes up! But wait! TAMA TONGA SHOVES JEY OFF THE TOP!! Solo Sikoa & The Bloodline are here! McIntyre is just as surprised, but given the truce they called on Friday, McIntyre takes his leave.
The Bloodline beat down Sami & Jey, which McIntyre loves to see. Tama Tonga rains down fists on Main Event Jey in a corner, but the fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Instead, Jacob Fatu gets running! But Jey dodges the hip attack! SUPERKICK for Tama! Jey fires haymakers on Jacob! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Solo steps in to swing, but Jey dodges! Jey ROCKS Solo! Jacob SUPERKICKS Jey! The fans boo as the Samoan Werewolf gets all geeked up! Solo adds his SAMOAN SPIKE!! Solo throws off his jacket, sits Jey back up, but Sami gets in! Sami fires hands, but Tama TACKLES Sami! Tama beats Sami down and fans boo again.
Solo tells Tama to set Sami up, and Tama stomps Sami into the corner. Jacob runs in, to HIP ATTACK! Jacob isn’t done, he puts Sami in the drop zone to go up, up and BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The fans boo but Solo adds on another SAMOAN SPIKE!! Solo roars, then he and his Bloodline stand over the OGs. Jacob adorns Solo with the ula fala, will not even Roman Reigns be able to stop the “Undisputed” Tribal Chief? Will all of the WWE have no choice but to acknowledge Solo Sikoa?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here to build both the last Raw of 2024 and the first Raw of 2025, aka the Netflix debut. Rollins had a very good interview promo to add just a little more to things, but I feel like there’s little left that they need to say. Very good stuff with Judgment Day, such as the classic “X, can you tell Y…” gag from Finn and Liv. Dom thinking their plan to screw Priest over would work is hilarious, as was how it all fell apart. Priest gets the win from disqualification, but then great save from the War Raiders. Good promo from Priest and War Raiders, love the reference to ROH by saying “honor” there, and that’s a solid Six Man Tag right there.
Fun little bit from Pearce with Pure Fusion Collective, and of course Sonya thought she’d get a second chance, and of course Pearce uses real logic to say no way. Iyo Sky replacing Kairi Sane was announced last week on social media, so I guess Sonya didn’t check between shows. Great Triple Threat from Iyo, Alba and Natty, and of course Iyo won or else why put her in there? Iyo VS Lyra next round will be great stuff, as will Dakota Kai VS Zoey Stark, and whatever combination we get for the title match is going to be great. I don’t think we’ll get DMG CTRL VS DMG CTRL, so if Dakota wins, Iyo loses, and then vice-versa.
Great stuff with American Made and Alpha Academy, but of course Tozawa takes the loss. Otis standing up to Gable & The Creeds was a great moment, and I really hope we get Gable VS Otis for the big Netflix debut. Win or lose, Otis should definitely have a moment where he rallies through Gable and both Creeds, really get the crowd hot before the finish. Miz VS Lumis was good but could’ve been better. With only two hours, I guess they had to trim things down to the basics. Another disqualification finish tonight is a bit much, but I guess it keeps things going until we can come up with some kind of new 8 Man Tag, or even a really wild Mixed 10 Person match so Nikki and Scarlett can get involved legally.
Great stuff with New Day, from their interaction with Dom, then their “interrupting” the show to try and get their point across. It was great to have Mama Kingston there, and I just knew she would be disappointed in Kofi. Good promo with Rey, too, as Rey now leaves New Day out in the cold. I feel like we need a big tag team match to not only have Heel New Day show their stuff against like LWO, Alpha Academy, etcetera, and then they earn their way to a match with the War Raiders to revisit their feud, just with flipped Heel and Face dynamics. That could be some really good stuff as Raw on Netflix paves the road to WrestleMania 41.
And great stuff with McIntyre and the extended Bloodline. He and Sami had a great promo to again bring up family and sacrifice, but also how Roman’s OG Bloodline came back together without Roman ever changing a thing. Great brawls, great saves by Jey, and of course McIntyre won the match. Jey will of course get next, probably also for the Netflix debut, but good stuff with Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline showing up. They beat down Jey & Sami to send a message to Roman, who was obviously not going to be here tonight. There will surely be a response in part on SmackDown, but maybe more verbal than physical.
I feel like the “Transfer Window” will need to put all Bloodline members, old and new, on one brand so the story can be told all on one show. It’d just be easier while Jimmy’s foot is healing, because what can Roman do without backup against Solo, Tama & Jacob? And honestly, still waiting on when and where Hikuleo is going to show up. This is a good time to bring him in with Tonga Loa also hurt, so Solo can get the numbers edge on Roman again.
My Score: 8.8/10
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The Road to the Tokyo Dome goes through KOPW!
As 2024 nears an end, Great-O-Khan defends the KOPW Championship one more time, against a former KOPW Champion in Taichi! Who will be THE 2024 King of Pro-Wrestling?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Chase Your Dream Match: Shoma Kato VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
- Boltin Oleg VS Satoshi Kojima; Boltin wins.
- Triple Threat Tag: Jeff Cobb & Jakob Austin Young VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson VS Ren Narita & Yujiro Takahashi; Narita & Yujiro win.
- DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS El Desperado & Master Wato; Desperado & Wato win.
- Fatal 4 Way: Kevin Knight VS Robbie Eagles VS Francesco Akira VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Eagles wins.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
- Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita; ZSJ & Fujita win.
- KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi; Khan wins and is the definitive 2024 KOPW Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
After the Triple Threat Tag…
The House of Torture of course cheated to win, but they wouldn’t leave it at that! They waited until the United Empire and TMDK argued with each other to then attack them all! Yujiro Takahashi CLUBS Oiwa down while Narita shoves Cobb into big Hartley Jackson! And then Narita JAMS Cobb with the pushup bar! The fans boo but Narita JAMS Oiwa up, too! The Souled Out Son of Strong Style is so proud of himself as he holds up his NJPW World TV Championship, but wait. Christmas music starts playing? The fans clap along as surprise! Santa and his reindeer are here! Well, one reindeer. But shouldn’t the House of Torture be on the naughty list?
Santa Claus walks over, and he gets the mic. He sounds familiar as he tells, “Narita-san… You have a Christmas present waiting. Would you like it now?” Narita asks what the heck is going on. Santa steps into the ring and offers Narita the little tiny bag. Narita snatches the bag, then he and Yujiro look at it. The fans asks, “Nani nani? <What is it?>” Narita tells them to shut up. Narita gets the bag open and pulls out… Blue sunglasses! With LED lights! The fans cheer as the lights go down! “E! L! P!” EL PHANTASMO IS HERE! The Headbanga has been battling cancer, but he’s here in Korakuen Hall!
Narita is furious but ELP slides right into the ring! Narita & Yujiro run away, but the fans cheer ELP on as he stands side-by-side with Jado Claus. ELP gets the mic now, and the fans cheer him on. ELP takes a moment before saying, in Japanese, “Cancer. Cancer… I’ve beaten cancer! And I love Korakuen!” But ELP asks Jado-san how to say a certain something in Japanese. He whispers it, but then Narita & Yujiro attack! The fans boo these cowards, but then Narita says Merry Christmas! But ELP BOOTS him, ELBOWS Yujiro, then dodges Narita to SUDDEN DEATH! Jado Claus DECKS the Tokyo Pimp!
ELP again asks Jado, and Jado says on behalf of ELP, that ELP is going to wrestle tomorrow night! And… Then he’ll be at the Tokyo Dome! ELP grabs the NJPW World TV Championship! ELP looks it over, and looks to the crowd, and then to Jado, but then Jeff Cobb and Ryohei Oiwa get in the ring. Cobb asks if ELP’s good. ELP is good. Are they good? Then let’s turn it up a notch! FATAL 4 WAY for the TV Championship! Narita snatches his belt, gets out of the ring, and tells everyone to shut up! The odds just got stacked against the House of Torture, will the New Year have a NEW NJPW World TV Champion one way or another?
Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita!
Ahead of battling for THE IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, The Roughneck and The Front Man bring some back up! The Ace is also preparing to fight Evil, will he and Shota bring a Once in a Century Paradigm Shift? Or will ZSJ and the Japanese Young Punk prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against ZSJ. The fans cheer this WrestleKingdom preview, and Korakuen duels between “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” ZSJ and Shota feel things out, then knuckle lock. ZSJ clinches but Shota fights back with his own clinch. ZSJ slips around to chinbar but Shota wrenches to a wristlock. ZSJ rolls, tries another chinbar but Shota cranks the wristlock. ZSJ bridges, spins, slips around and wrangles Shota! Shota kips up to WRING the arm, but ZSJ UP KICKS! The fans cheer as the two reset. Shota and ZSJ circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ then stands on Shota’s hand!
ZSJ has another hand and twists the wrist! Then he has both arms for a motorcycle stretch but Shota fights up. Shota turns things around, and he fights ZSJ as ZSJ tries to turn them back. ZSJ keeps trying, and he pushes through, but Shota spins things right back around! The fans cheer while Shota digs a foot into ZSJ’s back. ZSJ flips, kips up, spins things around, but Shota spins them back! The fans cheer, and Shota spins ZSJ. ZSJ dodges the lariat, Shota blocks a kick, but ZSJ ducks the enzigiri! Shota avoids the Penalty Kick and arm-drags ZSJ, but ZSJ headscissors! Shota kips free, avoids a leg pick, and the fans cheer!
Shota dares ZSJ to go for the leg but the two reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and each man breaks free of one. They back off, and Shota tags in Tanahashi. The fans cheer, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Korakuen strongly supports President Ace. Tanahashi and Fujita circle, tie up, and Tanahashi powers Fujita back. The ref counts, Tanahashi lets off slowly, but then Fujita turns things around! Tanahashi turns things around, and repeat! The ref counts, Fujita lets off slowly, but then both men block a kick! They argue over who lets go first, and eventually agree for a mutual break. They set the feet down, but then Fujita holds on!
Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi, then whips. Tanahashi reverses but Fujita ducks ‘n’ dodges to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Fujita aims from a corner. Fujita runs corner to corner but Tanahashi BOOTS him! Shota CLOBBERS Fujita, then eggs ZSJ on! ZSJ runs up, Shota blocks a kick and he sends ZSJ into Tanahashi’s ELBOW! Shota CLOBBERS ZSJ and the fans fire up. Shota pursues ZSJ to the outside and CLUBS him down! Shota clamps onto ZSJ with a chinlock but the ref reprimands. Tanahashi CHOPS Fujita, but Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi! The fans fire up as Fujita storms back up, but he blocks a boot!
Fujita DRAGON SCREWS Tanahashi’s leg! Fujita kips up, ZSJ sends Shota into railing, and Fujita stomps Tanahashi. The fans rally and Fujita brings Tanahashi up to CHOP! Fujita eggs Tanahashi on, CHOPS him again, then CHOPS again! Tanahashi flounders and ZSJ tags in. ZSJ drags Tanahashi up to UPPERCUT! Tanahashi ends up in the TMDK corner, ZSJ UPPERCUTS him again! ZSJ says, “Mada mada!” and he UPPERCUTS again! Tanahashi falls, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Fujita brings Tanahashi up. Fujita CHOPS again, and then CHOPS again! Tanahashi is stinging and using the ropes for defense while the fans rally up.
Tanahashi storms up but Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi CHOPS, Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi falls and Fujita BLASTS Shota! Tag to ZSJ and he grabs a leg. Fujita also grabs one, they drag Tanahashi to center, and then they both go after arms. Then they shift, ZSJ has an arm while Fujita has a leg! Then they both have legs again! Then ZSJ has a leg and Fujita has an arm! Then back to the arms! They both isolate the arms for DOUBLE STOMPS! The fans cheer, the ref reprimands and ZSJ “apologizes” with a bow. ZSJ stands on one of Tanahashi’s legs to then twist the other! Tanahashi endures, even as ZSJ TWEAKS the ankle!
ZSJ twists the foot the other way, flips Tanahashi over, and shifts around to have a headscissor and armlock! Shota stomps ZSJ but Fujita goes after Shota! Fujita TOSSES Shota, ZSJ tags Fujita back in. Fujita stomps Tanahashi, KICKS him in the back, but Tanahashi gets mad! Fujita KICKS Tanahashi but Tanahashi fires up! Fujita KICKS and CHOPS, but Tanahashi fires forearm after forearm! Fujita CHOPS again! Tanahashi grits his teeth but Fujita CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! SHOTEI! Fujita falls but so does Tanahashi! The fans rally up while both men crawl, hot tag to Shota! Shota rallies on Fujita with big forearms and elbows!
Shota whips, Fujita reverses, but Shota dropkicks the legs out! ZSJ runs up and RAMS Shota! Then ZSJ runs, but into Shota’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Shota goes to Fujita. Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Fujita in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t mind. Shota clinches but Fujita fights the suplex with elbows. Shota runs up, but Fujita wrenches, waistlocks, but Shota ELBOWS free! Shota whips, Fujita reverses and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Fujita crawls, hot tag to ZSJ!
ZSJ runs up to BOOT Shota! Shota stays up so ZSJ runs to BOOT him again! And BOOT him again! Shota roars and ROCKS ZSJ! Shota runs to ROCK ZSJ again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Shota eggs him on, repeat! Shota UPPERCUTS and ZSJ roars! ZSJ UPPER- NO, Shota hooks the arm, but ZSJ wrenches out of the backslide to PELE the arm! Then ZSJ basement DROPKICKS Shota! The fans fire up while Shota clutches a leg and an arm. ZSJ kicks him around, scuffs him and taunts him. The fans rally, the ref checks Shota, but Shota is okay to continue. ZSJ stands Shota up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT!
Shota clinches to EXPLODER! Both men are down and the fans rally again! Shota crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! Fujita runs up, but Tanahashi blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Payback for earlier! Tanahashi runs up at ZSJ in a corner, blocks a boot, and DRAGON SCREWS! Tanahashi put some stank on that one! Then he goes up the corner for a SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this but the fans continue to rally! “GO ACE! GO ACE!” echoes out as Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ catches him into a COBRA TWIST! Tanahashi endures, then throws elbows into ZSJ’s leg. Tanahashi gets free to DRAGON SCREW again!
ZSJ writhes, Tanahashi ties the legs up, but ZSJ kicks at him! Tanahashi blocks a kick to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And now, TEXAS CLOVER- NO, ZSJ fights the turnover and reels Tanahashi into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Tanahashi endures and the fans rally up, but Shota gets in! Shota stomps away on ZSJ, but then Fujita MISSILE DROPKICKS Shota! Fujita brings Tanahashi up but Tanahashi SHOTEIS him down! ZSJ is after Tanahashi but he avoids the shotei! ZSJ SLAPS Tanahashi, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but ZSJ gives him a NECK TWIST! The fans fire up as ZSJ stand Tanahashi up.
ZSJ scoops but Tanahashi fights that, to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up but Tanahashi isn’t done! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi stands ZSJ up again, but ZSJ scoops to ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, ZSJ & Fujita win!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita, by pinfall
Shota can’t believe The Ace fell, but this is why ZSJ is the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! Will ZSJ do this all to Shota when they’re 1v1 in the Tokyo Dome? Or will Shota prove he’s mightier than The Mighty?
KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi!
The Dominator has, well, dominated as KOPW Champion for a long stretch of 2024, but the Holy Emperor did close out 2023 with this title. Granted, Taichi says that win, lose or draw, this is his final KOPW Championship match. As such, tonight’s stipulation is a sort of “Best Of” compilation as we go Best 2 Out of 3. Part one: a no ropes Sumo Rules match! Part two: Yoshinobu Kanemaru as special guest referee? Well, he would be a neutral party… And part three, if needed, will be a LAST MAN STANDING MATCH! Will Taichi “retire” from this truly freestyle division standing tall? Or will Khan truly conquer KOPW for the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, but Taichi also brings back the trophy for the occasion, and it’s time to end the year in style!
Sumo Rules!
Both men finish preparations with weight belts and some stretching. They square up, the ref says go and they RAM into each other! The fans rally as both men go for those weight belts to use as leverage. They go around, get very close to the ring edge, but then Khan moves things away. Khan THROWS Taichi, but Taichi stays on the ring so the sumo match continues. They reset and go again! Taichi pushes Khan back with both hands, but Khan digs in his heels! They clinch, go around, and Taichi goes for the edge! Khan pulls on Taichi’s leg to get around, but Taichi uses that to steer Khan to another edge! But Khan hits a fireman’s carry takeover!
Khan drags Taichi up but Taichi fights off the throw! They clinch and fight for control again. They each try to lift with the belt! Khan has Taichi near the edge, but then Taichi has Khan near the edge! Khan is teetering and the fans fire up! Taichi THROWS Khan to the floor, Taichi wins the fall!
Khan: 0; Taichi: 1
Special Guest Referee!
The fans are thunderous as Taichi takes the Sumo Rules fall, but now we go to a much more complicated situation. The ropes have to be put back up, sure, but now the Heel Master of all people is going to be the referee! The time it takes to set up the ropes is a reprieve for both sides, especially Khan as he has to catch his breath and refocus. Once the ropes are up, both men wait in the ring. All that is left is the buckle pads, and of course, Kanemaru himself. Kanemaru gets a proper introduction and entrance before he goes to the ring, and wow, he’s even wearing an official NJPW referee shirt with the lion mark on it.
Referee Kanemaru does his check and he even tells Taka Michinoku to watch himself. Kanemaru does a far less thorough check of Khan than Taichi! Did the Empire pay Kanemaru off?! Kanemaru has Taichi cool off, then whispers something to Khan! The bell rings, the fans rally for Khan, and Khan circles with Taichi. They tie up, Taichi powers Khan to ropes, and Kanemaru calls for a ropebreak. Then he has a fast count! Taichi lets off before 4 and argues with Kanemaru! Kanemaru says that’s his count, deal with it. Khan and Taichi reset, tie up, and Khan puts Taichi on ropes. Kanemaru pays more attention to Taka than Taichi!
The fans can’t help but laugh as Kanemaru finally does count, and now it’s really slow! Taichi protests, but Khan pulls Taichi’s arms. Then he CHOPS Taichi and stops at “3!” Khan then goes after Taichi, wrenches and wristlocks, and Kanemaru is asking if Taichi gives up!? Taichi tells him to shut up, but Khan kicks and CLUBS Taichi. Khan whips, Taichi BOOTS Khan down, then covers! Kanemaru strolls over to count! And it’s so slow! “TWO” and the fans cheer. Taichi is upset, but Khan rolls Taichi up! SO FAST!! TWO!! Taichi is getting pissed but Kanemaru backs away. Taichi stomps Khan, and Kanemaru’s untying a buckle pad?!
Taichi stomps Khan around, Khan leaves the pad there loosely, and Taichi whips. Khan reverses, and SURPRISE! bare buckles! Taka protests but Kanemaru SMACKS him with the pad! Khan plays dumb, and then he stands on Taichi’s lower back. Taichi has the ropes, but Kanemaru kicks the arm away! Khan has Taichi’s other arm, Taichi keeps grabbing for ropes but Kanemaru keeps kicking the hand away! Khan drags Taichi up, brings him around, and ROCKS him in the back! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan Mongolian Chops him on the back! And Mongolian Chops again! And Mongolian Chops again! Kanemaru doesn’t bother counting at all!
Taka protests, Kanemaru warns him, but then Khan hops up to sit on his throne! The fans cheer while Taichi endures, and only now does Kanemaru count! Khan asks hold on, hold on, so Kanemaru stops counting! Khan hops down, and then he puts Kanemaru up on the throne! Khan gets the fans to join in on the “Ohh…! HMPH!” Kanemaru isn’t into it so he hops down. Khan apologizes to Kanemaru, then he kicks Taichi around. Taichi gets up to fire hands! Khan kicks low, whips, but Taichi reverses to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down. Taichi stands, and he drags Khan up into SEITEI JUJIHOU!
Kanemaru might be stuck, he can’t ignore Khan tapping. But then Kanemaru drags Khan over to the ropes! Taichi is frustrated with Kanemaru but Kanemaru says that’s a ropebreak. Taichi storms up on Kanemaru, but then Khan waistlocks! Ripcord and SAYANAGI! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan runs in, but Taichi dodges! GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Taichi snarls. Taichi TAKES OFF THE PANTS! The pants were a bit stubborn, but still. But then Kanemaru “checks” Khan just to stay between him and Taichi! Taichi says move or else! Kanemaru says he’s the ref!
Kanemaru kicks Taichi, CLAWS Taichi’s eyes, then traps his arms! Khan gets up to IRON RIGHT!! Kanemaru “scolds” Khan, then “checks” Taichi. Khan rests in a corner and Kanemaru drags Taichi up for him. Taichi CHOKES Kanemaru! Kanemaru kicks low! Kanemaru whips Taichi into a corner, ELBOWS him, then Khan LARIATS! Khan snapmares and covers, Kanemaru wants more first! Khan sits Taichi up for a BASEMENT DROPKICK! Now cover, TWO!! Taichi survives so Kanemaru hurries to get his whiskey! Khan takes a swig, and Kanemaru sets Taichi up! WHISKEY MIST into Kanemaru! Taichi hits the GEDO CLUTCH, but Kanemaru really can’t count now!
Taichi lets off of Khan since there was no count to be had. Taichi drags Kanemaru up, but Khan WHISKEY BOTTLE SHOTS Taichi! IRON CLAW!! Kanemaru calls for the bell? He just hands the win to Khan without counting, so now we’re all tied up!
Khan: 1; Taichi: 1
Kanemaru has fulfilled the contract, Khan gives him the envelope of money. Khan even makes sure we all see how many thousands that is! Kanemaru heads out, is he going to party hard for the holidays? But that aside, it is time for the final fall!
Last Man Standing!
Taichi gets the mic first, and tells Khan that if that’s how Khan wants to do it, then Taichi will get down and dirty with Khan! No lumberjacks, no special guests, just the straight up ten count, and it can happen anywhere in Korakuen Hall! Khan says bet! The announcement is made for the official rule change, and now we have the final fall! Khan rushes Taichi on the outside, then whips him into railing! And we’re already going into the crowd! Khan throws Taicihi at English commentary, but big Hartley is a solid wall for Chris. Khan then drags Taichi up into the bleachers, and the fans clear out of the way!
Khan CHOKES Taichi with a chair, then lets off to clear chairs out of the way. The Young Lions try to help but Khan gets mad at them and pushes them aside. Khan drags Taichi up, knees him low, and then reels him in! But Taichi fights the sayanagi! Taichi SHOVES Khan, Khan falls to the floor but gets up, only for Taichi to CROSSBODY! Down goes Khan and Red Shoes hurries over. Both men are down but Taichi sits up. The count starts and Khan is still down at 5 of 10! Khan hurries to get up, and Taichi stomps him down! Taichi drags Khan back up into the bleachers, but we go the other way.
Taicih KICKS Khan down, Young Lions keep the fans back again, and Taichi drags Khan along. They keep moving through the crowd, and Taichi shoves Khan into chairs! Khan sputters but Taichi drags him up again. Taichi KNEES Khan, then drags him up. They go back down to floor level, and then Taichi aims at chairs! Taichi whips but Khan reverses and he BOWLS Taichi into chairs! Not quite a strike but he got a good number of those chairs! Khan pops the railing loose from the special corner piece, and he brings that corner piece over! Khan SMACKS Taichi with the steel! Taichi staggers away but he sits in a chair.
Khan starts folding chairs to stack them on the floor. Khan then uses one chair as a leash to drag Taichi over! Khan CLUBS Taichi, adds that one chair to the pile, and then snap suplexes Taichi onto the chairs! Taichi writhes but Khan rises up. Khan roars and the fans fire up! The count begins again but Taichi slowly sits up at 4. Taichi rises up, and he stands at 8! Khan brings Taichi around in a headlock, and they go to the orange bleachers! Khan uses the gate to smother Taichi, then they go up to the higher level! The fans fire up but then fans have to move! Khan KNEES and CLUBS Taichi, then whips Taichi at the exit door!
Taichi tumbles into the hallway! Khan drags Taichi back into the arena and uses the HITSUJIGOROSHI against the chairs! Taichi endures as Khan chokes him, then Khan lets him go! Red Shoes checks on Taichi, Taka coaches him, but the count begins. Khan sits in a chair to relax while he waits. Taichi sits up at 7, and stands at 9! Khan storms up on Taichi to CLUB him on the back! Khan headlocks Taichi, brings him to the other section, and he gets up close to the fans for photo ops. Khan then whips, but Taichi reverses, and Khan is sent into the wall! Taichi leaves Khan behind while the count begins again.
Khan sits up so Taichi KICKS him back down! Taichi drags Khan up, KICKS him again, and Khan falls to his knees. Taichi drags Khan up by his ponytail, and he goes close to the stairs that lead to the back! Khan fights the suplex, and for his life, but then he turns things around! Taichi fights the suplex, throws hands, and then DDTS Khan to the floor! Red Shoes checks both men, then starts the count. Taichi shakes out his arms and sits up at 4. Taichi stands at 6 but Khan is still down at 8! Khan drags himself up at 9! Taichi CLUBS Khan down, then brings him back up. Taichi brings Khan back to ground level, then snapmares him hard for a KICK!
Khan is in agony but Taichi drags him back up. But Khan RAMS Taichi into the railing! Taichi sputters while also sitting in a chair. Khan staggers away to ringside, and he goes looking under the ring. Khan brings out a trolly cart? Khan JAMS Taichi up using his own mic stand, then leaves him behind. Khan brings out a TABLE! Fans rally up as Khan puts the table on the trolly, then he staggers over to Taichi. Khan CLUBS Taichi down, then SHOVES him onto the table trolly combo. Khan has fans clear out, and then he SNOW PLOWS the chairs with Taichi on the cart!! The fans fire up as Khan stands over Taichi.
Khan drags Taichi up, and he brings the table along, too. Khan kicks chairs out of the way as he returns to the upper deck! Khan SMACKS Taichi off the edge, then he clears out space. Khan sets the table up, then he goes up to fetch Taichi. Khan JAMS Taichi up with a chair, then SMACKS him! Taichi writhes, fans rally, and Khan drags Taichi up. Khan vows to end this! IRON CLAW, and ELIMI- NO! Taichi fights Khan off! Taichi stumbles away through the crowd, but then grabs himself a chair. Taichi runs up to JAM Khan right in the face! Taichi then steals Khan’s idea to choke grip and CHOKE SLAM down through the table!!!
Khan writhes and the fans go nuts! Taichi hobbles around while Red Shoes counts Khan. Khan is still down at 5! Still down at 7! 9! KHAN GRABS RED SHOES’S HAND!! Khan survives, and though he has a couple bloody cuts on his back, he crawls his way to the ring. Taichi eggs Khan on and the fans are thunderous! Khan drags himself into the ring, Taichi runs, AX BOMBER!! The fans fire up and the count returns! Khan is still down at 5, stirs at 6, sits up at 7, and he rises at 8! So Taichi just runs up to AX BOMBER!! Khan drops to his knees, flops over, but he’s already pushing himself back up! Taichi runs again, AX BOMBER!!
Khan staggers around but he stays on his feet! Taichi says fine, AX- SAYANAGI!! Khan turns things around, and he AX BOMBERS in return!! Both men are down and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and Khan crawls for ropes at 5! Taichi slowly sits up at 6, and both men go to corners at 7! Red Shoes waits on them to rise up, and then Taichi fires up! Taichi runs up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so Taichi BOOTS! Khan BOOTS back! Taichi URAKENS! Khan MONGOLIAN CHOPS! Taichi SOBATS! Khan BODY BLOWS! Both men drop to knees, but they also grab at each other.
The fans rally as Khan and Taichi slowly rise. They are forehead to forehead, and then Taichi AX BOMBERS! Khan drops to his knees, Taichi BUZZSAWS, but Khan blocks it! Khan ROCKS Taichi with a right! And then Khan reels Taichi in, but Taichi Alabama Lifts! BLACK- NO, Khan fights into a GUILLOTINE! Taichi is stuck in the body scissors!! Taichi flails, even taps out, but that’s not how Last Man Standing works! Khan squeezes tighter and tighter, Taichi fades, and Red Shoes checks! Khan lets Taichi go and the count begins! Khan rises at 6, and Taichi is somehow up at 9!! So Khan clamps on an IRON CLAW!
Khan lifts Taichi, but Taichi slips free! Taichi shoves Khan and ROCKS him! DANGEROUS SAIDO!! But Khan is staggering to his feet?! Khan goes to a corner, flounders along ropes, but he isn’t down yet! The fans rally hard while both men fight to their feet! SUPERMAN PUNCH from Khan! PELE from Taichi! Both men are down again! Red Shoes starts the count on them both, and the fans rally even harder! Taichi is up at 7! Khan grabs Red Shoes at 9 again!! Taichi roars, Korakuen is with him, and he powers up! TENSHI JUJI- NO!! Khan blocks, and he hooks Taichi! Taichi CLUBS away on Khan, but Khan still lifts! ULTIMATE ELIMINATOR!!
Both men are down again and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and they’re both down at 5! At 7! 9! Khan pushes up, but he FLOPS back down!! DOUBLE TEN! IT’S A DRAW!! What does that mean for the belt!? Red Shoes goes out to talk with Abe-san, and then the announcement is made. In the end, with it being 1-1-1, a true draw, it all goes to KHAN!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (DEFINITIVE 2024 KOPW Champion)
Khan flips Taichi off, one last insult added on top. Khan is given the belt back, but Taichi grabs his trophy. Taichi steps up to Khan, and gives him the trophy, saying it is rightfully his now. Taichi shows Khan that respect, and Khan returns it with a handshake. Khan “retires” Taichi from KOPW, what will the Holy Emperor look to do in 2025?
As for Khan, he grabs the mic, and he asks Taichi to wait a moment. “You served this title for three years. We will honor your glory!” The fans applaud that, and Khan asks the previous champion to come closer. No, closer. The fans cheer Taichi on as he steps closer to ringside. Khan says Taichi served this title well, so here is his reward. Khan is giving the trophy back? Taichi says no, he gave that to Khan out of respect. Khan says to Taichi and to everyone to listen well. “We are the last KOPW Champion!” Everyone is a bit surprised to hear that.
Khan says, “As an alternative, on January 4th in the Tokyo Dome… as THE last KOPW Champion, We demand that the January 4th match determine the next IWGP World Heavyweight Championship challenger!” The fans are really intrigued by that idea! Khan throws down the belt, and Chris makes sure English speakers understand what Khan is suggesting. The New Japan Ranbo determining a #1 contender? Khan says that these are the words of the final KOPW Champion, The Great-O-Khan! “HAIL US, PEASANTS!” A New Year, a new era? Will Khan’s revolution bring glory to the United Empire?
My Thoughts:
A very good night for Road to Tokyo Dome, though I did skip a lot just because I didn’t have a lot of time today. But luckily I was skimming through, or I would’ve missed ELP’s great return. Congratulations on him beating cancer, and I like that they’re adding him to the NJPW World Television Championship match. It makes sense given ELP’s beef with the House of Torture, and honestly, why not just have ELP win? Not even so much for getting over cancer (though kind of that, too) but because fans love ELP and it’d help him solidify his singles run with Hikuleo long gone for WWE.
Really good stuff in the other tune-up matches, such as #DespeWado winning and the chaotic end to the Fatal 4 Way. Eagles won to help him and Fujita have momentum, but there is still more to the Road to Tokyo Dome first. Honestly that tag Fatal 4 could really go any which way they want so I’m not sure how the go-home math would even work. And Gedo of course took the loss against LIJ. Yota Tsuji is aiming for David Finlay and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, but who knows how things go before we get to WrestleKingdom.
Very good tag match from Shota & Tanahashi VS ZSJ & Fujita, and it was technically a surprise for Tanahashi to take the loss. This works on many levels, as Tanahashi should be figuratively on the ropes going into his match with Evil, and this gives Fujita equal momentum alongside Eagles. And then great main event, Khan and Taichi really went the distance with this one. And it all makes sense after Khan reveals this is the end of the KOPW Division. Khan wants to make the New Japan Ranbo to basically be the Royal Rumble and that is pretty cool. I think they could keep the belt to represent that contender’s status the same as the G1 Climax having a briefcase, because that KOPW belt actually looks pretty nice.
My Score: 8.8/10
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