Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 Night 1 Special! (1/4/2020)
A special edition of Wrestle Kingdom 14, Night 1!
The New Year will be historic for New Japan!
The events of 2019 come to a head in a massive wrestling weekend! What history does just the first night hold for NJPW?
NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Shinjiro Otani & Naoki Sano w/Kuniaki Kobayashi VS Great Sasuke, Tatsumi Fujinami, Tiger Mask IV & Jushin Thunder Liger w/El Samurai; win.
- IWGP United States Championship Texas Deathmatch: Lance Archer VS Jon Moxley; Moxley wins, becomes the new IWGP United States Champion, and will face Juice Robinson on Night 2.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay VS Hiromu Takahashi; Takahashi wins and becomes the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.
- IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Jay White VS Tetsuya Naito; Naito wins, becomes the new IWGP Intercontinental Champion, and advances to Night 2’s Winner Takes All match.
- IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Kota Ibushi; Okada wins, retains the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, and advances to Night 2’s Winner Takes All match.
PLAY BY PLAY
8 Man Tag: Ryusuke Taguchi, Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Shinjiro Otani & Naoki Sano w/Kuniaki Kobayashi VS Great Sasuke, Tatsumi Fujinami, Tiger Mask IV & Jushin Thunder Liger w/El Samurai!
The legendary career of Jushin Thunder Liger is coming to a close, so NJPW is going all out for his final Wrestle Kingdom! So many classic names in one match, what happens in this historic farewell?
The teams sort out, but Liger is calling out his old rival, Sano. Fans are already fired up with the bell as Liger and Sano circle. They tie up, Liger waistlocks but Sano switches. Liger trips and gets a leg lock to then flip Sano over for the low surfboard. Liger stands and pulls on Sano’s arms but Sano pops out. Liger headlocks but Sano powers out, only for Liger to run him over. Things speed up and Sano hurdles to then dropkick Liger out! Sano builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit sends Liger into railing! Sano slowly rises back up and gets back in the ring. Liger returns but Sano tags out, Otani goes after Liger while Takaiwa blows up the Liger corner! Otani gets the fans rallying up for the original boot wash! Otani scrapes Liger’s face over and over then runs to BOOT! Fans want one more and Otani runs to give them one! It gets El Samurai in the face, too!
Fans want a third, but Liger gets up to SHOTEI! But Otani tanks it! He leans into the palm strikes, but Liger gets it on the fifth! Tag otu to Tiger Mask but Otani tags to Takaiwa. Takaiwa ties up with Tiger, puts him on the ropes and CHOPS! But Tiger kicks! To Takaiwa CHOPS! Tiger still kicks! CHOP for kick, but Takaiwa gets a string of chops going. Tiger mule kicks then runs, into a fireman’s carry and DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Takaiwa drags Tiger up to tag in Taguchi. Taguchi stomps and snapmares Tiger to give hip attacks! The Funky Weapon drops down on Tiger’s stomach, covers, TWO! Fans cheer as Taguchi tags out to Sano and he clubs Tiger. Sano and Tiger trade shots, Sano’s sobat rocks Tiger Mask. Snapmare and tag to Otani, Otani drags Tiger up for a scoop slam! Then a whip to the corner, and a boot!
Otani shoves Tiger down then tags Takaiwa. Takaiwa drags Tiger up to CHOP and whip, and hit a corner clothesline! Another scoop slam and Takaiwa fires the fans up for his signature. Takaiwa climbs and leaps, MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Takaiwa drags Tiger up but Tiger resists the suplex to knee. Takaiwa ducks the kick and runs, but into Tiger’s underhooks! TIGER DRIVER! But Tiger is too tired to cover! Both men crawl, hot tag to Fujinami! The Dragon runs in but into Taguchi’s kick. He catches it for the Dragon Screw! Dragon Screw for Otani! Fujinami whips Takaiwa and catches him into a sleeper, then the DRAGON SLEEPER! Sano clubs Fujinami and Fujinami lets Takaiwa go, to throw hands on Sano!
Tag to Great Sasuke, and he drags Takaiwa up. Snapmare and Sasuke calls for his own move. Sasuke climbs up top and aims at Takaiwa, SWANTAON BOMB flops! Takaiwa tags Sano and Sano climbs up top. Sano leaps but Sasuke gets clear of the stomps! Sano back kicks Sasuke quick, then waistlcoks. Sasuke fights out and gives counter punches. Sasuke mule kicks and hurries up top. Sano goes after Sasuke and the two are up top together. Sano SUPERPLEXES Sasuke down! Both men crawl to their corners, hot tags to Liger and Taguchi! The Funky Weapon gets an atomic drop! And a SHOTEI! Liger puts Taguchi up top and then climbs up, SUPER STEINER! Cover but everyone runs in!
Things spill out to the outside, Tiger Mask LEAPS onto Otani! Sano drags Fujinami out while Sasuke FLIES! Liger runs into the Funky Weapon hip attack! Taguchi chicken wings but Liger drops down to deny Dodon! Victory roll, TWO!! Enziguri from Taguchi but Liger fires up, only to run into a second! Taguchi fires himself up, “YAO~!” BUM-A-YE! Cover, TWO!! Liger lives! Tokyo Dome is thunderous but the chicken wings return, DODON BUSTER!! Cover, Taguchi and team win!!
Winners: Taguchi, Takaiwa, Otani & Sano, Taguchi pinning
Liger’s teammates were kept outside, they could not help him escape defeat. Liger’s penultimate match in the Tokyo Dome is not a happy ending, but he doesn’t look sad. Liger stands up, and bows to Taguchi! Taguchi returns the bow, and Liger goes down the line of his great rivals and opponents. They all show him the utmost respect, even his greatest rival in Sano. Liger also bows and shakes hands with his teammates, and everyone celebrates this moment. Liger’s career may be ending, but his legacy will never die!
IWGP United States Championship Texas Deathmatch: Lance Archer VS Jon Moxley!
The Murderhawk Monster says #EverybodyDies, but he doesn’t know the Death Rider well, does he? The Maniac only lost this title on a technicality, will he reclaim it through brutality?
Before the match even starts, MOX prepares for war by taking chairs out from under the ring and throwing them into the ring! As for Archer, he’s dressed to kill, from his spiked jacket to spiked helmet, and brings #EBD branded trash can lids! And as always, Archer warms himself up by beating down poor Young Lions around ringside! The introductions are made, but Moxley won’t even give the ref time to raise the belt before he attacks! The bell rings and this deadly battle begins!
Moxley throws hands then runs but Archer crossbodies?! Archer stomps Moxley then ROCKS him with that right! And another! Archer whips Moxley but Moxley holds ropes. Moxley sends Archer out and builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit takes Archer out to the ramp! Fans are thunderous for the elite Purveyor of Violence as he brings Archer up for forearms. They go around ringside and Moxley dumps Archer over the rails. They fight in No Man’s Land and Moxley whips Archer into the second layer of railing! And back the other way! Moxley brings Archer around and back to ringside to put him in. Moxley checks under the ring and brings out a kendo stick! Moxley taps the railing with it before going up top. Moxley leaps over Archer’s chair shot, but Archer throws the chair into his face!
Moxley is down, the referee checks on him, but Archer SMACKS Moxley while he’s down! And SMACKS him again! And then uses his can lid to SMACK away on Moxley’s head! Archer cusses out the fans booing him, and then SMACKS away on Moxley more! Archer grabs the kendo stick to SMACK even harder! And then he grinds it into Moxley’s throat! Moxley gasps and sputters but Archer SMACKS him again! Archer keeps swinging and hitting Moxley, and then tells him to give up. Moxley refuses and gets himself to ropes. Archer puts Moxley in a corner and chokes him with the kendo stick, to then jab and SMACK Moxley’s chest. The welts are forming already, and Archer takes Moxley by the hand in a knuckle lock. Archer clubs away with his forearm before climbing up top.
Archer wants to go Old School, but Moxley throws him off balance and SMACKS him back with that kendo stick! And again! And again! And again! The stick is breaking but Moxley doesn’t stop until it’s split! Moxley only lets up to go fetch one of Archer’s trash can lids, but Archer choke grips. Moxley elbows free and runs, Archer runs perpendicular, but Moxley SMACKS him on the run! Moxley sets up some chairs and uses the trash can lid for a bridge. Moxley snap suplexes Archer across all that steel! Then runs to KNEE Archer down! But Moxley isn’t done, he watches Archer flounder out of the ring and around the way before using a slingshot. But Archer catches the pescado for an APRON CHOKE SLAM! And then Archer hits a Young Lion just because! Archer drags this poor soul over and CHOKE SLAMS him onto Moxley!! Archer is making weapons out of the LA Dojo trainees!
Archer leaves Moxley behind to build speed and FLY out onto everyone!! Tokyo is thunderous for that insanity! Archer takes his time as a standing count begins on Moxley. Moxley is up at 7 but Archer SMACKS him with a chair. Archer sits that chair up, then another. What is left of the kendo stick is used to SMACK Moxley, and then Archer completes a chair square. But Moxley is up and waistlocks! Archer resists, spins around, but Moxley fireman’s carries! Archer powers out but runs into a boot. Moxley hops up but Archer ROCKS him with a right! Crucifix lift, FULL METAL BLACK OUT!! Moxley writhes in pain as the standing count begins again, and Archer taunts him. The count is at 8 but Moxley stands! Archer grabs him with his claw and dribbles him on a chair!
The Everybody Dies Claw is clamped on, but Moxley reaches up to headscissor and bring Archer down! Armbar! Archer endures, powers his way up and clamps on the claws around Moxley’s throat! Archer drags Moxley up for an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Archer runs corner to corner but into Moxley’s lariat! It doesn’t do it, Archer choke grips and lifts but Moxley slips out to Dirty Deeds! The standing count begins on Archer and it hits 8, but Archer sits up! Archer stands at 9, but Moxley says it’s time to end this! Underhooks, lift, but no Death Rider or even a Paradigm Shift. Moxley throws big knees then runs, but into the DERAILER! Archer sends Moxley flying into a corner! Moxley leans against the ropes but Archer drags him up and over to chairs. Choke Slam ON the chair! Moxley writhes but Archer keeps his eyes on him during the standing count.
Moxley spasms around 5 and rises at 7, only to flop back down. He springs up at 9.5! And then flips off Archer! So Archer BOOTS him down! Archer produces a plastic shopping back and uses it to SMOTHER Moxley!! Moxley flails as the Full Plastic EBD Claw is wrapped on tight! Moxley fades, the referee checks. The arm drops once! The arm drops twice! But Moxley revives on the third time! Archer rains down furious forearms! Archer goes looking for something under the ring, slapping the trash can lid on railing in frustration. He finds a TABLE! And then another! Archer brings both tables around and sets them up very close to the ring. Moxley crawls over and Archer drags him out onto the apron. Archer DIGS the spiked helmet’s, well, SPIKES into Moxley’s forehead!! Archer then puts Moxley up top and has the crucifix!
Moxley fights for dear life and escapes another Black Out. He gets in the ring but runs into the choke grip! Moxley denies the choke slam and brawls with Archer on the apron. Moxley kicks low, underhooks, DEATH RIDER THROUGH THE TABLES!! Oh the humanity!! A standing count starts on both men, and it reaches 5. Moxley rises from the wreckage and gets into the ring! Archer flops over, bleeding from the arms, and cannot stand! MOXLEY WINS!
Winner: Jon Moxley, by pinfall; NEW IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion
The Maniac didn’t die hard this night, and he’s once again champion! But before leaving, Moxley grabs a mic to address the crowd.
“I’m gonna keep this simple. I am a gambler. I came to Tokyo to either leave with nothing, or leave with everything! JUICE ROBINSON! Tomorrow night, right here at the Tokyo Dome, we settle the score. Once and for all!” Mic drop and message sent! Either Moxley stands tall or this belt goes back to Juice! What will we see on the historic second night of Wrestle Kingdom?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay VS Hiromu Takahashi!
Just when the Aerial Assassin thought he’d cleared out the division, the Ticking Time Bomb came back in time for the New Year! Will Hiromu make NJPW even more, more, MORE fun than before? Or will Ospreay conquer his reckless rival?
Hiromu is a colorful peacock while Ospreay has become a white tiger. The introductions are made as Ospreay draws his sword. Hiromu is not afraid of the blade, and the belt is raised. This epic rematch of rivals begins!
Hiromu rushes Ospreay but Ospreay knows that trick and gets clear. But Ospreay hears all the Hiromu fans and can’t help but chuckle. The two circle and tie up. Ospreay waistlocks, slams, floats all over and has the facelock. Ospreay floats around more and even gives Hiromu a slap on the back. Ospreay lounges on the top rope while Hiromu gets to his feet. Hiromu rushes in, avoids the boot and enziguri but Ospreay runs past him. Ospreay comes back to shoulder bump, Hiromu rebounds into Ospreay’s boot. Hiromu throws a forearm so Ospreay returns it, and we have a brawl! They go back and forth, no hesitation or sign of slowing. Hiromu gets the edge and ducks the back hand to keep going. Things speed up but Hiromu hops over Ospreay to whip. Ospreay reverses, hurdles Hiromu but Hiromu avoids the monkey flip.
Ospreay avoids the dropkick, Hiromu ducks the Penalty Kick and avoids the moonsault. Both men deflect kicks and back hands, Ospreay handsprings into a waistlock but standing switches. Hiromu breaks free and manages to duck the heel kick, and he ROCKS Ospreay with a right! Ospreay CHOPS back! Ospreay runs, Hiromu follows and huricanranas Ospreay down! Ospreay bails out to the apron, Hiromu runs and sunset flips! Ospreay holds on and throws hands, then goes to turn the bomb into a huricanrana. But Hiromu blocks that to APRON BOMB Ospreay instead! Ospreay crawls away but Hiromu aims from the apron, to JOHN WOO! The dropkick blasts Ospreay into railing! Hiromu drags Ospreay up and puts him in the ring. Hiromu stalks Ospreay as fans rally up. Hiromu stands Ospreay up to CHOP!
Ospreay leans on ropes but Hiromu is on him again, with another CHOP. Hiromu toys with Ospreay but Ospreay fires a foraerm back! And another! Hiromu rakes the eyes! The ref reprimands but Hiromu suplexes. Ospreay blocks and suplexes back! Hiromu slips out and waistlocks but Ospreay elbows him away. Ospreay runs into a boot and then Hiromu hops up, draping headscissor hold! The ref reprimands Hiromu and counts, but Hiromu lets go at 4. Hiromu heads up top but to fake Ospreay out. Hiromu forearms Ospreay away, but Ospreay avoids the shoulder to DOUBLE STOMP him down! Hiromu is stuck, Ospreay drags him back up, DRAPING DDT! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives but Ospreay scowls as he stands up tall. Hiromu bails out of the ring but Ospreay pursues.
Ospreay rams Hiromu into the blue railing, and pulls on Hiromu’s hair to bend him back against them! The ref reprimands and counts, Ospreay lets up at 3. Ospreay brings Hiromu up but Hiromu chops! But Ospreay doesn’t flinch, he eggs Hiromu on! Hiromu chops again but Ospreay gives him a neckbreaker! Ospreay brings Hiromu back up and puts him in the ring, then covers. ONE, and Ospreay drags Hiromu up to snapmare and kick Hiromu hard in the back. Then he rolls Hiromu for a Koji Klutch! Hiromu endures and kicks around, reaching with his legs. Ospreay cranks harder, but Hiromu gets the ropebreak with a foot! Ospreay lets go but keeps his focus as he stands back up. Ospreay walks around then drags Hiromu up, Hiromu CHOPS! Ospreay felt that one, and then Hiromu CHOPS again. Ospreay gets mad but gets another CHOP!
Ospreay back kicks then runs, but into Hiromu’s wheelbarrow and COMPLETE SHOT! Ospreay goes reeling from the impact and fans fire up for Hiromu. Ospreay gets to a corner, Hiromu runs in and corner splashes! Then snapmare to basement dropkick! Hiromu keeps going, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay gets free of that deep fold but Hiromu isn’t upset. Hiromu brings Ospreay up to CHOP and CHOP and whip. Ospreay holds ropes but Hiromu pulls hair and CHOPS him again. Hiromu whips then reels Ospreay in for a forearm. He puts Ospreay on the ropes and kicks it to jam Ospreay, then runs. Ospreay dodges, handsprings and enziguris! Both men are down and fans rally up again. Hiromu bails out but Ospreay builds speed, SASUKE SPECIAL! But Hiromu gets clear to waistlock and German Suplex!
But Ospreay lands on his feet! Ospreay runs back at Hiromu but Hiromu THROWS him! Ospreay ends up in the ring and keeps running!? Ospreay SASUKE SPECIALS and HITS! Fans are fired up again! Ospreay gets up and brings Hiromu over. They get back in the ring and Ospreay aims from the corner. Springboard, Pip Pip Cheerio flying forearm! Cover, TWO! Ospreay keeps his cool as he goes to a corner and aims again. Ospreay spins but Hiromu dodges the Robinson Special to hit another JOHN WOO! Ospreay ends up in the other corner and Hiromu has fans rallying up behind him. Hiromu runs in, big corner clothesline then a whip corner to corner. Hiromu runs in but blocks Ospreay’s boot. Ospreay ax kicks and roundhouses! Then top rope 619!
Hiromu ends up on the apron, Ospreay springboards and STOMPS Hiromu down! The Aerial Assassin strikes again and he puts Hiromu back in the drop zone. Ospreay climbs up as Hiromu stirs. Ospreay watches Hiromu rise, and missile dropkicks him in the back! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu still lives but Ospreay vows to end it. Ospreay sits Hiromu up and pulls the elbow pad. Ospreay runs out but Hiromu falls over. The referee checks on Hiromu, as that neck is still a concern. Ospreay waits as Hiromu stirs. Fans rally up to give the Time Bomb power. Ospreay gives toying kicks, and then meaner kicks to Hiromu’s head. Hiromu crawls to a corner but Ospreay kicks him in the ribs. Ospreay gives more toying kicks then drags Hiromu up. Ospreay shovels Hiromu onto the top and tucks him in, CHEEKY NANDOS!
Ospreay keeps Hiromu up there to Electric Chair carry him. And then he goes up the corner?! Hiromu fights free and CHOPS Ospreay! Hiromu climbs all the up and jumps to wheelbarrow, but Ospreay blocks the rest! Ospreay clubs Hiromu’s back over and over, then hauls him up for a waistlock! Back to the Electric Chair but Hiromu keeps fighting back. SUPER VICTORY BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and Hiromu is losing his cool. But Hiromu drags Ospreay up, fireman’s carry, pop up, DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives again but Hiromu keeps his focus. Hiromu drags Ospreay up, another fireman’s carry but Ospreay slips out and shoves Hiromu into a corner. Hiromu turns around into the dropkick-flip and enziguri! Hiromu flounders and Ospreay takes aim, ROBINSON SPECIAL! Direct hit with the spin kick but Ospreay keeps going. Springboard, NO Oscutter!
Hiromu fireman’s carries but Ospreay slips out. Hiromu forearms but Ospreay holds on to reel Hiromu in for a pump handle, half nelson and MADE IN JAPAN! Ospreay borrows a move from Shingo Takagi! Cover, TWO!? Ospreay doesn’t take time to ask why, he heads up top fast! SHOOTING STAR onto Hiromu’s back! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives but Ospreay doesn’t slow down! Tokyo is thunderous as Ospreay springboards, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!?! Now Ospreay is shocked! Ospreay shakes his head and grits his teeth as Tokyo reaches a fever pitch. Ospreay aims from the corner as Hiromu stirs. Ospreay HOOK KICKS and then tightens the elbow pad! Hiromu slowly rises again, but ducks the Hidden Blade! POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Both men are down but Tokyo Dome is as fired up as ever! Hiromu stirs but the standing count begins.
Fans rally and Hiromu gets up at 6. Ospreay follows at 7, both men are up at 8! They still crawl after each other, and Ospreay throws a forearm. Hiromu gives it back! Hiromu eggs Ospreay on and Ospreay hits again. Hiromu returns the forearm but Ospreay throws another. The two stand and Hiromu throws another big forearm! Ospreay gives Hiromu one, so Hiromu gives it back. They go back and forth, back and forth, slowing down as they stagger. Hiromu throws a flurry, Ospreay ROUNDHOUSES! Ospreay whips, Hiromu reverses, handspring into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again but Hiromu is up first. Hiromu fires himself up and runs, but Ospreay slips through the lariat to powerbomb, only for Hiromu to slip through and DESTROYER! Cover, TWO?!? Ospreay survives and no one can believe it!
Hiromu has a wild look in his eyes again as he brings Ospreay up into a fireman’s carry. Corner Death Valley! Hiromu drags Ospreay up, fireman’s carry and a spin, but Ospreay kicks free! Hiromu SUPERKICKS, and SUPERKICKS! Ospreay is on his knees but Hiromu fireman’s carries. Ospreay slips out, HOOK KICK! Underhoooks, Canadian rack but Hiromu slips out, only to run into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives but Ospreay wants the kill shot! Hiromu rises, Ospreay aims, HIDDEN BLADE!! But Ospreay doesn’t cover, he underhooks and drags Hiromu up! Canadian rack, but Hiromu pops through to hit ANOTHER DESTROYER! Cover, TWO?!?! Ospreay survives again and Tokyo is electric!
Hiromu drags himself up with the ropes and shouts at Ospreay! Hiromu runs to LARIAT!! But he’s not done, fireman’s carry to TIME BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!? This cannot be! Hiroum is beside himself, but he drags Ospreay up again. Hiromu runs, runs and LARIATS! Then a scoop, tucking Ospreay in, INVERTED AIR RAID!! Cover, Hiromu wins!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall; NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion
Whatever the name of Hiromu’s new move, it’s a winner and so is he! Hiromu has this title back, will he have even more, more, MORE fun defending it?
IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Jay White VS Tetsuya Naito!
We’re so close to history, everyone can almost taste it. The Switchblade wants to hijack the Destiny of Los Ingobernables de Japon’s charismatic leader! But will he be able to take the next step? Or will Naito be just too Tranquilo?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Naito takes his time taking off his fancy entrance gear. Once he’s ready, this first step in the #DoubleGoldDash begins!
Fans are naturally on Naito’s side but White double guns. Naito is not impressed. And of course, White bails out per his usual strategy of delaying and taunting. Naito ignores it all. White returns and circles with Naito, but White bails out again. Fans boo but White laughs. White struts about but Naito goes after Gedo! Naito has Gedo’s beard and taunts White now. White isn’t sure what to do, so he gets in the ring. Naito gets in, too, whips White and arm-drags him around! Shotgun boot knocks White down and White bails out, but Naito builds up speed! To fake White out and Tranquilo! White catches his breath and checks on Gedo while Naito waits in the ring. White wants a time-out but Naito holds the ropes open for him. White sees Naito is playing around but does take the offer. White tries to boot Naito but gets caught, and then Naito sweeps the legs!
Naito drags White out to the apron and hits a draping neckbreaker! Fans fire up but Gedo comes over. Naito backs Gedo down and Gedo wants Naito to keep his cool. Naito goes back to White and drags him up, to whip him into railing! White is draped over but Naito drags him up by hair and brings him around the way to put back in the ring. Fans cheer the sportsmanship, then Naito stomps White around. Naito drags White up and throws a BIG forearm! Naito stomps away on White, then brings him up for a cravat. White throws body shots but Naito cranks harder. White gets the ropebreak and Red Shoes counts. Naito lets go and kicks White back down. Naito whips, White reverses but Naito grabs ropes. Naito elbows White away but Gedo grabs at Naito’s feet! Red Shoes reprimands but White attacks!
White clubs away then puts Naito in a corner for forearms and stomps! White argues with Red Shoes but brings Naito up to CHOP. White wrenches and whips but Naito reverses. Naito runs in but is put on the apron. Naito hits back but agani Gedo is after him! White hotshots Naito down as fans boo! Red Shoes gets out to argue with Gedo but White YANKS Naito into the post! There go the huevos. Gedo has a chair and he SMACKS the bad leg! Naito falls to the floor and White grins as he takes his time fetching him. White mocks Naito’s pain and stomps him down. White clears space and brings Naito up to whip into railing! White double guns and brushes himself off before going back for Naito. White laces Naito’s leg through the railing! White pulls on it and says, “Smile for the people!”
Red Shoes reprimands but White lets up to refresh the ring count. White drags Naito back up and into the ring. Naito crawls to the corner but White runs in for a big European Uppercut! And then a SAIDO! Naito bails out of the ring and White wants Naito to stand. Red Shoes doesn’t advise this but White builds speed to mock Tranquilo! It’s a Too Sweet version. Fans boo but White RAMS Naito into the apron! And then White puts Naito back in to cover, but Red Shoes won’t count after that bending of the rules. White stomps Naito out of annoyance, and goes after the bad leg. Grounded Dragon Screw! Naito writhes but White is on him again with a standing figure four. White turns Naito over for a standing deathlock, and mocks the LIJ poses before putting on the Muda Lock!
Naito endures as White bridges and cranks, and even makes Naito smile with fish hook fingers! Naito endures and Red Shoes reprimands, Naito gets the ropebreak! White lets go at 4 and releases the legs. White slaps Naito around but Naito SLAPS him! White CHOPS Naito and CHOPS again! White whips Naito corner to corner but Naito boots him back. Naito boots again then hops up, leaps to huricanrana! Fans rally while Naito gets his bad leg moving. White stands but Naito throws haymakers and kicks. Naito whips and elbows White down to then basement dropkick! And neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Naito keeps focus as he drags White back up. White hits back with forearms but Naito fakes White out! Naito kicks low, SPITS on White then whips him to a corner. Naito runs in, rocket kick to sweep, Combinacion… Naito waits for White to drop his guard, CABRON!
Fans fire up and Naito drags White to his feet. Dragon sleeper to a backbreaker, and a leg based half nelson. White endures as Naito slaps him in the head and squeezes tight. White moves around and reaches with his own legs, and manages to get the ropebreak! Naito lets go and gets back to his feet. White flounders up, Naito reels him in, waistlock but no suplex. White gets to ropes and holds on tight as Naito pulls on him. Naito honors the ropebreak, but runs back in. Naito blocks the boot but White counters the clothesline into a DDT! It spikes Naito right into the mat! White sits up and grins again as Naito clutches his neck. White gets up, drags Naito back to his feet, and fireman’s carries. Naito fights but the DVDDT hits! Cover, TWO!
White grows annoyed with Naito as he brings him around. Naito denies the leg lock but White stomps him down again. White drags Naito up but Naito resists the lift. Naito elbows but White throws him down by his hair! White drags Naito back up, suplexes but Naito slips out. The bad leg jams and Naito hobbles, but he still blocks the kick. Naito elbows the knee then whips White, but White reverses and catches the forearms! White waistlocks but Naito elbows free, so White CHOPS him back. White whips, catches the forearm again, but Naito elbows out of the urenage. Naito keeps elbowing White down, but keeps wrist control the whole time. Fans build anticipation as Naito keeps elbowing White. White dodges one last elbow to whip Naito but Naito finally hits those flying forearms!
Naito waistlocks but White elbows out. Naito swings on White but gets caught into the Complete Shot! White waistlocks and dead lifts Naito for the German Suplex! But both men are down as White can’t bridge. Fans rally and Gedo coaches White as the two men stir. White pushes Naito to a corner and hoists him up top. White CHOPS Naito before climbing up to join him. White has Naito up on the very top, but Naito fights back! Naito clubs White off and adjusts, but White returns. Naito boots White then dodges him, and blocks boots to turn White around, draping backbreaker! Now Naito puts White up top and climbs to join him, but White slips out to trip Naito up! Naito hits buckles on the way down! Both men are down again as fans rally up.
White runs in at Naito and blocks a boot to put that leg on the ropes. White goes after the bad leg with stomps, then a knee jammer! Naito clutches his knee while stuck between ropes. White grabs the bad leg and slaps Naito before hitting a DRAGON SCREW! Naito flops to the mat and White says Red Shoes should check on him. Red Shoes does check on Naito but Naito is okay to continue. White whips Naito but Naito falls down. White and Gedo mock Naito’s bad legs, and White gives toying kicks. Naito throws forearms! White kicks the knee then whips Naito again, and again Naito falls over! White acts shocked and upset while Gedo says they should just end this here. White brings Naito up, Naito reverses the whip, but the bad leg prevents a good tornado. White shoves Naito and grabs him again, BIG Urenage! Cover, TWO!! Naito stays in this and fans are still behind him!
White toys with Naito more but Naito elbows him away. White dodges an elbow to SAIDO Naito over and out! Naito crashes and burns on the apron and to the floor! White goes out to bring Naito back up and put him in the ring. White drags Naito up, fisherman but no Kiwi Krusher as Naito fights out. White fires off strikes and reels Naito back in. Another fisherman but Naito fights out again. The bad leg stops Naito from doing anything else, White suplexes for the Anarchy Neckbreaker! White drags Naito up and fisherman, KIWI KRUSHER! Cover, TWO!! Naito still lives and Gedo is shocked! White is frustrated as he drags Naito back up. White has a sleeper but Naito fights out, only for White to chop block the leg! Another grounded Dragon Screw! And then the inverted figure four, a modified TTO, “Tanahashi Tapped Out!”
Naito endures as White cranks on the legs! Naito crawls, claws and reaches but Naito pulls on the legs harder! Naito starts to fade and Red Shoes checks on him. Naito powers back up but flops back down as White moves him around. Naito crawls again, flails and claws for any ground he can gain, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer the heart of Naito, but White reluctantly lets go at 4. White drags Naito but Naito holds tight to the rope. White clubs Naito but Naito refuses to let go right away. White gets Naito away and wants another leg lock but Naito SPITS in his face! White grabs the leg again but Naito boots him away! The two stand, Naito rolling kicks White down! Naito hobbles up, drags White up and whips, but White reverses. Naito reverses back, White waistlocks but Naito switches. White elbows and dodges, but runs into a SPINE BUSTER! Both men are down and Tokyo rallies!
Naito stirs and gets to his feet. Naito brings White up and hammerlocks, but White fight out of Gloria. White elbows Naito in the head over and over until he’s down on the mat, and even then he keeps throwing elbows. White drags Naito up, but Naito throws big forearms! Naito elbows White but Gedo gets in the ring! Red Shoes reprimands him, Naito spits at Gedo, but White swings on Naito. Naito dodges and enziguris, and manages the tornado DDT! Naito drags White back up and onto the top rope. Naito climbs up and spits on him more! SUPER STEINER! Fans fire up as Naito drags White back up. Hammerlock and GLORIA! Cover, TWO!! White survives but Naito isn’t frustrated. Naito drags White back up, wrenches and tilt-o-whirls but White drops down to avoid Destino. White grins, but gets a basement dropkick!
Naito wrenches, but White’s mule kick gets him in the knee. White whips Naito into Red Shoes! Red Shoes goes down and Gedo has a chair! But Naito kicks Gedo low! White LOW BLOWS Naito! White has Naito in the sleeper hold, but Naito standing switches to hit the Dragon Suplex first! Gedo gets back in but Naito kicks him first. And then gives Gedo a low blow kick! Turnabout’s fair play! But White SMACKS Naito with the chair! Naito wobbles and White hits a SLEEPER SUPLEX! White shouts for Red Shoes so this can end! White has Naito, but Naito fights off Blade Runner! White pulls Naito’s hair and spits in his face, SLEEPER SUPLEX! But Naito is right up, DESTINO OUTTA NOWHERE! Both men are down but Tokyo is thunderous! Naito rises slowly as he feeds on the energy of the crowd.
Naito drags White up, wrenches, but White reels him in! Naito slips out to SLAP White! And then suplex but White slips out, to gut wrench! Fireman’s carry and pop-up, POISON-RANA from Naito! Naito runs in, tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO! Cover, TWO!? White still lives?! But Naito fires up now, and he goes back to White! Naito drags White up, tries again, but White blocks! White spins Naito around, but Naito slips out to BRAIN BUSTER! Naito drags White up again, wrenches, tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO AGAIN!! Cover, Naito wins!!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall; NEW IWGP Intercontinental Champion
Naito’s destiny is drawing every closer! He has the Intercontinental Championship back and will head to Night 2! Who will Naito meet in a match of truly epic proportions?!
IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada VS Kota Ibushi!
The other half of Night 2’s historic match will be decided here! The Rainmaker rose back from despair in 2019 while the Golden Star has made NJPW his home. We’ve all been waiting for this moment since Ibushi won the G1 Climax, but which way will wrestling history go?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and these two modern legends face off on the doorstep of history!
Fans are already fired up for both men as they cheer and duel. Ibushi and Okada circle but keep their distance. They keep circling, approach and tie up. They are deadlocked until Okada gets around for a waistlock. Ibushi wrenches out to a wristlock, but Okada rolls and wrenches back. Ibushi rolls and trips Okada to trap a leg. Okada and Ibushi struggle for control, and Okada gets a leg over. Ibushi pushes the leg back but Okada gets a half nelson. Okada makes it a modified cradle cover, TWO and Ibushi cranks on Okada’s leg. Okada gets a chinlock and uses that to get free. Ibushi slips out to hammerlock Okada back. Okada gets up and the two go around. Okada works on an escape but Ibushi stays in his blind spot. Okada spins to reverse the hammerlock but Ibushi drop toeholds to get on Okada’s back.
Ibushi headlocks, gets the takeover but Okada headscissors. Ibushi pops out and the two back off, and the fans cheer the evenly matched match. Okada and Ibushi reset and circle again. They tie up with a knuckle lock and then another, but separate. They go again, Ibushi lunges in to get the waistlock. Okada stays low and manages to throw Ibushi over. Ibushi can’t get the headscissors counter so he fights his way up. Okada cranks harder on the headlock but Ibushi endures. Ibushi powers out but Okada runs him over, only for Ibushi to kip right back up! The two stare down and Okada throws a forearm. Ibushi returns it right back and a brawl begins! Okada slips around Ibushi, wristlock ripcords but Ibushi dodges! Ibushi fires off the strike fest and a ROUNDHOUSE! Standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer this exchange while Ibushi gets back up.
Ibushi chinlocks Okada and grinds him down, but Okada endures. Ibushi turns Okada over for a partial camel clutch and pulls back. Okada endures more, crawls towards ropes, but Ibushi cranks back harder! Ibushi traps the arm reaching, but Okada has the other, and he gets the ropebreak! Ibushi lets go of the hold but he stomps Okada down. Ibushi drags Okada back up but Okada throws forearms on him. Ibushi shrugs them off and KICKS Okada in the chest! Okada falls to his knees from not being able to breathe! Ibushi whips Okada, Okada dodges and dodges to hit the high-speed elbow! Okada turns the tables as he stands over Ibushi. Okada drags Ibushi up to whip him corner to corner. Okada hits the back elbow and DDT, cover, TWO!
Ibushi bails out but Okada pursues. Okada drags Ibushi up and rams him into railing! Ibushi writhes but Okada drags him up to drape over the railing. Okada hits a draping DDT to the floor! Ibushi is down and Okada leaves him be as he takes a walk around the ring. Red Shoes checks on Ibushi but he’s okay to continue. Okada finishes his lap to put Ibushi in the ring. Cover, ONE, but Okada keeps his cool. Ibushi, however, starts firing up. Ibushi throws a forearm to egg Okada on. Okada dares Ibushi to do that again so Ibushi does. Okada still wants more so Ibushi gives more! The provocation continues so Ibushi throws a BIG forearm! Okada kicks low and hits another DDT! Okada drags Ibushi up into a chinlock and clamps on tight.
Ibushi endures and even talks trash while he’s in the hold, so Okada bends Ibushi against his knee. Ibushi gets up and throws elbows to get free. Ibushi throws forearms again, but Okada catches the kick! Okada elbows the knee but runs into a dropkick! Fans cheer while both men are down. Ibushi sits up first and grits his teeth as he stands up. Okada gets up and Ibushi fires off fast forearms! Ibushi whips, Okada reverses but Ibushi enziguris on the run! Fans fire up with Ibushi while Okada gets to a corner. Ibushi whips Okada but Okada reverses. Okada runs in but Ibushi goes up and over, then catches Okada for a spinning powerslam! MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Both men are down again as Ibushi catches his breath. Ibushi is seething as he drags Okada up to whip again. Okada hits buckles hard and falls to the mat, but Ibushi won’t let up.
Ibushi waistlocks but Okada resists so Ibushi clubs him on the back. Ibushi runs in but Okada puts him on the top rope to dropkick off! Ibushi tumbles down to the floor and Okada takes this time to catch his breath. Okada then goes out to fetch Ibushi, clearing out some space. Okada whips Ibushi into the railing! And then BOOTS him over them! Signature Okada formula, and he rallies the fans up as he gets space. Okada runs and FLIES to crossbody Ibushi down! Tokyo fires up with Okada! Okada hobbles over to Ibushi and drags him back to ringside. They go back in the ring, which fans cheer, and Okada hooks Ibushi’s legs. Okada turns Ibushi over with the deathlock, and clamps on a crossface! Okada revives the Red Ink!
Ibushi endures and talks trash again so Okada cranks him back harder! Ibushi crawls forward but Okada cranks him away from the ropes. Ibushi powers his way back, and gets the ropebreak! Okada lets go right away, almost as tired as Ibushi. Okada brings Ibushi up and scoops him for a slam! Standard Okada, he heads for the top rope. Okada leaps, MACHO ELBOW! And also standard Okada, Rainmaker Pose! Okada drags Ibushi up and reels him into the wristlock. Ripcord, but Ibushi ducks to PELE! But Okada catches it and drags Ibushi up into Tombstone position! Ibushi flips it and tucks Okada in! BASTARD DRIVER!! But Ibushi is too exhausted to cover! Red Shoes checks on both men but both men are still good to continue.
Fans rally up and both men stir. Ibushi and Okada head for opposite corners, but then Ibushi shouts at Okada. Ibushi runs but gets a boot! Okada runs but into the DOUBLE STOMPS! Ibushi might’ve just crushed Okada! Okada slumps out of the ring and Ibushi takes aim. Ibushi runs to a corner, GOLDEN TRIANGLE! Fans are fired up with Ibushi now! Ibushi drags Okada up and into the ring, then heads to a corner. Ibushi demands Okada stand, and then he springboard missile dropkicks him back down! Okada ends up in the opposite corner, Ibushi runs in but is poppsed up for the Alabama! Ibushi fights out and lifts Okada, LAST RIDE!! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives and Ibushi can’t believe it! Fans rally still as Ibushi pays tribute to the King of Strong Style! Ibushi aims, “YAO~!” But Okada dropkicks Ibushi down! Okada flounders as he drags Ibushi up to the gut wrench, TOMBSTONE!
Okada fires up and brings Ibushi up again. Wristlock but Ibushi gets to the ropes! Red Shoes counts, Okada honors the break but he clubs Ibushi on the back. Ibushi holds the ropes but Okada clubs him more. Okada ROCKS Ibushi with a EuroUpper! Fans rally and duel as Okada catches his breath. Okada drags Ibushi back up, and throws another EuroUpper! But Ibushi has flipped the switch! Okada throws another EuroUpper but Ibushi just shrugs it off. And again! Okada throws a forearm but Ibushi just shrugs it off. Ibushi SLAPS Okada with the palm strike! Okada shotgun dropkicks Ibushi down! But Ibushi is right back up!?
Ibushi wipes his nose and Okada is frustrated. Okada walks into another palm strike! Ibushi body shots then DECKS Okada with a right! Red Shoes reprimands Ibushi for the closed fist, but Ibushi doesn’t even care. Ibushi kicks Okada while he’s down over and over, toying with him. Ibushi just CLOCKS Okada with another right! Ibushi has become a Golden Terminator! Red Shoes reprimands Ibushi as he keeps going after Okada with savage strikes! Okada can barely cover up, and some fans turn on Ibushi! Red Shoes tries to pull Ibushi away but Ibushi stays put, giving Okada more stinging kicks. Ibushi lets up finally, but the look in his eyes still say he wants to hurt Okada. Ibushi goes back and drags Okada up from the apron. Ibushi dead lifts Okada up higher, but Okada fights Ibushi off!
Okada drags Ibushi over and back into the gut wrench, but Ibushi powers it back to his favor! Ibushi aims but Okada slips free of the long dart! Okada boots then gut wrenches, APRON TOMBSTONE!! Ibushi hits the floor in a lump while Okada is exhausted on the apron. A ring count begins and Ibushi doesn’t respond even as it passes 10 out of 20. The count reaches 15, but only now does Ibushi stir! Ibushi realizes it’s at 16 an then 17 and forces himself up. 18, 19… Ibushi is in! But Okada is on him, Alabama to AIR RAID CRASH! Cover, TWO!?! Okada doesn’t take a moment to be shocked, DEATH VALLEY BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Ibushi survives Heavy Rain but is still in a bad way. Okada drags Ibushi back up and into a waistlock. HARD GERMAN SUPLEX! Ibushi is folded but Okada isn’t done with him.
Okada shifts to a wristlock, but Ibushi fights out! Okada spins but it’s Ibushi who LARIATS! Ibushi and Okada slowly rise as Tokyo reaches a fever pitch again. Ibushi kicks and kicks Okada so that he’s back on the apron. Ibushi drags Okada up again, waistlocks again, and dead lifts for the SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!! Cover, TWO!! No one can believe that Okada survived that! Ibushi wobbles to his feet but he still focuses on Okada. Ibushi scoops Okada and aims for a corner, but Okada slips out to gut wrench again! JUMPING TOMBSTONE! Okada keeps himself fired up as he drags Ibushi back into the wristlock. Ripcord, IBUSHI STEALS THE RAINMAKER!! Ibushi rises as Tokyo is electric again. Ibushi buzzsaws Okada then hits a BOMAYE!! Cover, ONE!?! WHAT!? So BOMAYE FROM BEHIND! Cover, TWO?!?
Ibushi won’t stop, he ROUNDHOUSES Okada down! Ibushi has both wrists, KAMIGOYE!! Cover, TWO!?!? Okada survives and again we’re in disbelief! But Ibushi won’t let up, he has the wrists again. KAMI- Okada dropkicks!! Both men are down but Tokyo Dome stays at that fever pitch! Red Shoes checks on both men but they’re both somehow okay to continue. Okada sits up first but Ibushi follows closely behind. The two sit up and Okada throws a forearm. Ibushi responds with one of his own. Okada gives Ibushi another, so Ibushi gives Okada another, too. The fans duel and rally more as Okada gives another forearm. Ibushi gives another of his own, and the two rise. Okada throws a fourth forearm but so does Ibushi. We have another brawl of forearms back and forth!
Okada fires off a series but Ibushi palm strikes and fires off a strike fest! BUZZSAW! Ibushi shows no mercy as he gives another! Okada sits up to get a STIFF back kick! And then Ibushi falls over! So much energy has been expended and yet these two still have something left to give! Ibushi stalks up behind Okada and drags him up to the top rope. Ibushi climbs up to join Okada, but Okada holds on for dear life! Ibushi underhooks the arms but Okada fights with everything he has. Okada throws forearms and sends Ibushi down! Okada adjusts, leaps, but into a SIT-OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!?? WHAT?! Ibushi drags Okada into the drop zone and heads up top! PHOENIX SPLASH FLOPS! Okada drags Ibushi up, DISCUS RAINMAKER!
But Okada isn’t done, he wants the original! Wristlock ripcord, RAINMAKER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Okada’s turn to be utterly shocked! Ibushi somehow survives but Okada grabs for his wrist again. Okada shakes his head, he won’t let Ibushi get this. POINT-BLANK RAINMAKER! But that’s not enough for Okada. Okada drags Ibushi up, THIRD RAINMAKER! Okada hits the pose, and again drags Ibushi up. Okada wristlocks, ripcords, but Ibushi ducks to ROUNDHOUSE! Okada flounders, into a V-TRIGGER!! Kenny Omega, are you watching?! But Okada counters Kamigoye into a TOMBSTONE! Wristlock, RAINMAKER!! Cover, OKADA WINS!!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall; still IWGP Heavyweight Champion
INCREDIBLE! Okada conquers the Golden Star! Okada has made history before as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, but now he will have the most historic opportunity of them all! Can Okada become the first-ever dual Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion? Or is there no stopping Destino?
As for Ibushi, Okada does applaud his incredible resilience and effort. But things now shift to the fact that Naito has returned! Naito swings his Intercontinental Championship, the belt he holds both disdain and desire for. But Naito joins Okada in the ring to eye the belt everyone desires as it sits around Okada’s waist. Naito sets the Intercontinental Championship down to grab a mic. Naito asks Okada if he remembers what he said to Naito two years ago, after their own Wrestle Kingdom main event match. “Well, it looks like I’m back in that spot on more time.” Naito continues to say that he will become the first ever dual champion, because that is his goal and his destiny, “cabron!”
Okada looks down at the Intercontinental Championship and then at Naito. Okada lets Naito take his belt back, and Naito compares the two. Fans cheer, knowing how amazing this match will be just by looking at these two here. Okada holds up the Heavyweight Championship, but Naito poses with his Intercontinental Championship. Naito leaves the ring and surely preparations will begin. Who will hold both belts when all is said and down?
But now Okada takes his turn with the mic to address the Tokyo Dome crowd. “TOKYO DOME~! Thank you to the many people that have turned out here tonight.” To Ibushi, Okada thanks him for the fight of his life! And as for tomorrow night’s main event, Okada VS Naito, “Two years ago, what did I say? You wanna come in here and have that call?” Okada doesn’t give a DAMN what Naito wants, Okada is the STRONGEST IWGP Heavyweight Champion of ALL TIME! Okada adds that this wasn’t “to the rafters” event, but he still thanks everyone who came to see the best wrestling in the world! Okada promises that they’ll see the very best of NJPW and the very best of Okada, because once again, for Night 2, Okada will MAKE IT RAIN! But will Okada reign as a double champion? Or does Destino take away everything Okada’s worked for in one match?
My Thoughts:
I know I didn’t watch the entire event of about 4-and-a-half hours, but just taking the five matches I did from the night, I can’t believe Wrestle Kingdom 14 Night 1 could be anything other than amazing! The Intercontinental and Heavyweight Championship matches were obvious choices, but I felt going with the higher praised matches from Andrew Balaz’s review here would make for a great bit of action. The match with Liger and all the NJPW icons was a natural choice for the history being made. I suppose it makes a lot of sense that Liger doesn’t win here, and tomorrow night having THE final match for the living legend, it will be a huge honor for either Dragon Lee or Hiromu Takahashi to get a win off him.
The Texas Deathmatch, which was really more a Last Man Standing Match, was mostly because it had Moxley in it, and Moxley is a hot commodity right now. It makes a lot of sense for Moxley to win the title back when he didn’t lose it in a match but because of circumstances out of his control, aka the bad weather. The match itself was pretty good for a Last Man Standing match, as well as for a hardcore Moxley match. Ospreay VS Hiromu was amazing, and it’s so great that Hiromu wins back the belt he had to give up because of injury. Then both the White VS Naito and Okada VS Ibushi matches were great, with the latter being amazing. I could sense Naito was winning, but Okada VS Ibushi felt like it could’ve gone either way, and for great story in either case. But for one, it probably would be too soon for Ibushi to be Heavyweight Champion, and perhaps too soon for another Naito VS Ibushi match after how scary their previous one went.
Plus, with it being Okada VS Naito, it is just as hard to say who will make history as the double champion. Both are fan favorites, NJPW definitely has a lot of faith in both of them, this could very well be a coin toss. In the end, I just know it’ll live up to all the hype and excitement of such a moment.
My Score: 9.4
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Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!
The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
- Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
- Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony Schiavone is in the ring!
Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!
Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!
Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!
And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?
Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!
The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.
Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.
Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!
Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!
The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.
Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.
Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!
Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!
Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!
Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall
The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!
The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?
The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!
Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!
Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall
Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…
Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!
Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!
Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.
Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall
Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?
Team Triple J speaks backstage.
Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!
While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!
Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!
Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!
Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.
Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!
Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!
Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!
Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!
Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!
Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)
If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.
Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.
And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Feel the StrongEST, the FastEST, the RoughEST, the ToughEST, and the BEST Glow!
With Jade Cargill out of action, Naomi is stepping in to help Bianca Belair defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships tonight on SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade; The Bloodline wins.
- Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes; Melo wins.
- Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley; Gargano wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae; Bianca & Naomi win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Solo Sikoa is here!
The fans boo as the “Undisputed” Tribal Chief leads the Samoan Werewolf and Good Bad Guy to the ring. Roman Reigns put out the challenge for Tribal Combat, and on January 6th, in Los Angeles, for the first-ever Monday Night Raw on Netflix, it will happen! But first, Solo and his Bloodline go to the ring, and the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells them all, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” The fans boo instead, as expected. Solo lets that slide, and he says, “Roman Reigns sat on his little boat with The Wise Man and decided to challenge me on January 6th to a Tribal Combat match for the ula fala on Monday Night Raw, the debut on Netflix.”
The fans “WHAT?” Solo says instead of saying that, the fans should ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. The fans boo more, but Solo says shut your mouths and listen to what THE Tribal Chief has to say! The fans continue to boo and they continue to chant, “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells Roman that if he wants Tribal Combat, if he wants to take THE Tribal Chief to war, then let’s do it! Solo will leave his Bloodline behind, “WHAT?” Roman will leave his behind, “WHAT?” They’ll leave the Wise Man behind. “WHAT?” Jimmy and Jey, too. So listen and listen carefully: On January 6th, Solo walks in and walks OUT as THE Tribal Chief!
The fans boo more but Solo says on January 6th, he will STILL be the Head of the Table! He will STILL be YOUR Tribal Chief! And he will STILL have the ula fala! So Roman, after Solo beats your ass in LA, Roman can go back out on his little boat, sail off to the Island of Irrelevancy, and Roman can finally ACKNOWLEDGE SOLO. But wait! Drew McIntyre is here!? The Scottish Terminator has already hit Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn, but let’s not forget Solo was chief among those who screwed McIntyre out of the world championship. Solo has Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga stand down as McIntyre goes to the ring.
McIntyre grabs a mic but Solo tells him, “I gotta admit, I was very happy when you kicked my brother, Jimmy, in the face last week. Yes, I was very, very happy. But you better have a damn good reason why you’re interrupting me.” McIntyre says he’ll make it quick because it causes McIntyre physical pain to be this close to Solo and not beating Solo within an inch of his life. You like what McIntyre did to Jimmy? What about Sami and Jey? McIntyre wants to know, when Solo lies in bed at night, is he asking when McIntyre is coming after him? Because Solo is the one that cost McIntyre the title at Clash at the Castle.
Solo is the one who caused McIntyre’s family the pain and misery that caused him more pain and misery! But Solo also stood up to Roman Reigns. The only one to have the balls to stand up to Roman! The rest of them acted tough, acted like they were going to do something, but Roman snapped his fingers, didn’t change one bit. McIntyre’s heart says jump Solo, but McIntyre’s head says he and Solo have the same goal. So here’s what McIntyre is thinking: McIntyre can start working through the hit list, taking out more and more OG Bloodline members, and Solo does one thing for him: Take out Roman for good.
The fans boo but McIntyre says once all that business is finished, then he and Solo can settle theirs. But then JIMMY yanks McIntyre out of the ring! And CRACKS him with the crutch! And again! And then he runs up to CLOBBER McIntyre! McIntyre goes running into the crowd, Jimmy does his best to pursue, but now here comes LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade! The Bloodline has a Six Man Tag on their hands, will Knight even let Solo make it to LA?
Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade!
The brawl is on, Apollo after Tama, Andrade after Jacob, and Knight after Solo! Solo shoves back, but Knight LARIATS him up and out! Apollo DUMPS Tama and Andrade BOOTS Jacob! Apollo BOOTS Jacob, then Andrade BOOTS him again! Jacob tumbles out but Solo has him stand down! The Bloodline regroups while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and the match is already going as Apollo ducks ‘n’ dodges Tama to then slide under. Tama keeps moving, Apollo hurdles over, drops down, then DROPKICKS! Apollo fires up and the fans are with him, then Apollo gorilla presses Tama! The fans fire up and Apollo marches around. Apollo says this is for Solo, and he DROPS Tama! Tama flounders, Apollo brings him over, and he tags in Knight. Knight fires hands on Tama, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight brings Tama around to whip but Tama reverses. Knight catches Tama for a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Tama is tougher than that but Knight stomps him.
Tag to Andrade and the unlikely partners mug Tama. Andrade CHOPS Tama, then has him in a corner. Andrade tags Apollo, they double whip Tama to DOUBLE ELBOW! Apollo covers, TWO! Tama stays in this but Apollo drags Tama up. Apollo ROCKS Tama, the fans rally, and Apollo ROCKS Tama again. Apollo tags Andrade back in, they mug Tama, but Tama fires body shots! Tama shoves Andrade but Andrade RANAS on the return! Tama tumbles out, Jacob runs in, but Andrade DUMPS him out! Tag to Apollo, and then Andrade climbs! Apollo builds speed, and Apollo FLIES while Andrade ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!
The fans fire up as Knight then gets in to keep Solo back! Knight dares Solo to try something, but Solo stays back. Knight goes back to his corner while Apollo puts Tama in. The fans fire up as Apollo reels Tama in. Tama fires body shots and switches to a waistlock. Apollo elbows free, but Jacob sneaks a tag! Tama shoves Apollo and Jacob BODY CHECKS Apollo! The Werewolf is all geeked up while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Solo whips Apollo to ELBOW him down! Solo throws up the one but the fans boo. Solo drags Apollo up, bumps him off buckles, and the fans rally. Solo UPPERCUTS Apollo down, then stalks him along the ropes. Solo drags Apollo up but Apollo fires hands! Solo keeps Apollo from his corner but Apollo throws more shots! Solo whips Apollo hard into the Bloodline corner! Tag to Jacob and he looms over Apollo. Jacob drags Apollo up to scoop and SLAM! The fans boo but Jacob runs to SENTON, onto knees! Apollo saves himeslf and both men are down! They crawl, hot tag to Andrade!
El Idolo dodges Jacob, BLASTS Tama then ROCKS Solo! Andrade fires hands on Jacob, runs, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARM! Jacob tumbles to a corner while Andrade kips up! The fans fire up and chant “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade runs in, CIEN SHADOWES! Cover, TWO!! Jacob survives but Andrade keeps his cool. Andrade goes up a corner, MOONSAULT DOUBLE! Cover, TWO!! Andrade is frustrated now as Jacob survives again! Andrade thinks on what to do, and he brings Jacob up. Andrade fires forearms but Jacob grabs Andrade’s neck! Andrade fights free and fires more shots, but Solo sneaks a tag!
Andrade whips, Jacob reverses, but Andrade KICKS Jacob away! Jacob just roars! Andrade runs up, Jacob FLAPJACKS him into Solo’s HOTSHOT! That combo sends Andrade tumbling out to the floor, and Solo brings him up to POST him! The fans boo as The Bloodline stands tall, and Solo shows off his ula fala. Solo goes back to Andrade and puts him in the ring. Tag to Jacob, and Jacob whips for a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Andrade sputters and coughs while Jacob is geeked up again, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob watches Andrade crawl to the apron, and waits for him to go to a corner. Andrade sits up but into the HIP ATTACK! Jacob snarls as he kicks Andrade around. Tag to Solo and he whips Jacob for Jacob to whip him! Another HIP ATTACK on Andrade! Solo scowls at the fans, then talks trash on Andrade. Solo drags Andrade by his foot and brings him over to tag Tama. Tama then slingshot ELBOW DROPS! Andrade sputters more but Tama covers, TWO! Andrade is still in this, but Tama rains down fists on Andrade to keep him down! Tama HAMMERS and CLUBS Andrade, then he talks smack on Apollo and Knight.
Tama kicks Andrade to the Bloodline corner, drags him back up, and then fires a BODY SHOT! Andrade sputters, Tama tags Jacob, and then Jacob whips Tama in for a STINGER SPLASH! Andrade falls over, Jacob clamps claws into the shoulders! Andrade endures, fights up, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down! Jacob clamps the claws on again and really digs into Andrade’s shoulders! Andrade kicks and flails in pain but Jacob just thrashes him around more! Jacob shouts at Andrade but Andrade fights up to his feet! Andrade fires body shots, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down again! Jacob stalks Andrade to a corner as SmackDown returns to single picture.
The fans boo but Jacob rains down fists in the corner! Jacob then sucker punches Apollo! Andrade sits up, Jacob runs in, but Andrade moves! Hip attack hits buckles and the fans fire up! Andrade and Jacob crawl, Solo shouts for Jacob to get up! Jacob grabs Andrade’s foot and brings him up! Andrade ENZIGIRIS free! Hot tags to Tama and The Mega Star! The fans are thunderous as Knight dodges then CLOBBERS Tama! Tama flounders to a corner, Knight stomps away on him, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” The ref counts, Knight stops at 4, but then he CLOBBERS Jacob! KNEE for Tama! Solo runs up to TOSS Knight!
Knight dodges Solo in the corner and hits a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up even more and Knight tags Apollo. Knight hits Tama with the BIG back suplex! Apollo goes up top for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives but Apollo clamps on with a CROSSFACE! Knight WRECKS Jacob with a dropkick, and the Samoan Werewolf tumbles up and over the desk! Knight goes out to say that’s what Jacob gets, BUT SHINSUKE IS HERE!? Nakamura CLOBBERS Knight into the desk! The King of Strong Style gets away with that while the ref was busy checking Tama! Solo CLOBBERS Apollo, but Andrade whips Solo!
Solo reverses and ELBOWS Andrade! Solo drags Tama to their corner and then tags in. Solo aims at Apollo, HIP ATTACK! Solo hauls Apollo up, URENAGE! And then SAMOAN SPIKE!! Cover, Bloodline wins!!
Winners: The Bloodline, by pinfall
It seems Drew McIntyre isn’t the only one who is surprisingly on Solo’s side. The sinister samurai made sure to strike from the shadows to screw over Knight, will Knight make sure Nakamura comes to regret it? As for Solo, he is rolling towards the Raw Netflix debut, will he not need his Bloodline to retain the ula fala?
Backstage interview with Motor City Machine Guns.
Byron Saxton is with Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin ahead of the emotional grudge match. Shelley takes on his former friend, student, and the man who betrayed MCMG to take those WWE Tag Team Championships. That man is Johnny Gargano, so what thoughts are flowing through Shelley’s mind? Shelley says it is one thought: Payback. Sabin says they’ve known Gargano almost 20 YEARS, and only now does Gargano let the mask fall away to show us the truth. Shelley says it cuts a lot deeper when it’s someone you considered a little brother. Shelley tells Johnny that he makes sure Gargano knows he made the BIGGEST mistake of his life.
Sabin asks Shelley if he’s ready to do this. Shelley says this is something he has to do alone. He wants to see if Gargano is man enough to do the same. Sabin says okay, let’s get warmed up. Shelley wants a 1v1 shootout with Johnny Wrestling, but will Gargano do anything but do this himself?
SmackDown shares footage from after Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Byron Saxton was with Chelsea Green & Piper Niven and said before anything else, congratulations. Chelsea pats herself on the back, Piper pats Chelsea a bit, too, and Byron takes her back through the closing moments. Unpretty-Her on Michin, the bell rings, and we hear Lilian Garcia say the words, “AND NEW Women’s United States Champion, Chelsea Green.” What went through her mind? Chelsea takes out her gum and puts it in “Bryan’s” hand, and then tells him that she always knew this would happen. He might be surprised, and that’s so cute, but she wasn’t. She’s been doing this for ten YEARS, and worked her entire life to be an overnight success.
This is Chelsea’s time! Red, white and Green! Say it with her, Bryan! #RedWhiteAndGreen. So then, let’s talk the historical significance. Chelsea will now go down in the history books as the FIRST-EVER Women’s US Champion, so how does she’s now synonymous with the likes of Harley Race, the first-ever Men’s US Champion? She would say, “Duh.” She’s in the books where she belongs. Probably should’ve been three years ago, but she was released. It should’ve been way back in 2015, but she wasn’t hired. So now is the time. NOW IS THE FREAKIN’ TIME!! Yes, it is her time. What does a Chelsea Green reign look like going forward?
Chelsea says it looks like she’s going to Disneyland, so she’s got a plane to catch. Can they wrap this up? Of course. Have fun in Disneyland. Yes, well-deserved. Piper calls for champagne. Will we never hear the end of this now that Chelsea has gold to go with the ego?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“What happened after Saturday Night’s Main Event was not my fault. There’s a lot of people to blame for it. Cody Rhodes, the referees, Nick Aldis, WWE Management, they’re all to blame. I was screwed out of winning that championship. What happened to me is a travesty, a tragedy! I should be standing here Undisputed WWE Champion, but I’m not. But I took this (the Winged Eagle belt) because I deserve it. And I’m not giving it back until I get what i want. Everyone needs to understand, you can only push a man so much until they snap. But the good news is, I haven’t snapped yet.
“It can all get so much worse, trust me. You don’t want me to snap. So Cody, Nick Aldis, WWE officials, what happens next is on all of you.” The Prizefighter has said his piece, will he hold the championship hostage until his demands are met?
DIY talks backstage.
Ciampa gets it, Gargano’s known MCMG a long time. So it surprises Ciampa that Shelley is so dumb! He wants this grudge match but he can’t win the tag titles back in a singles match. So what’s he doing? Gargano says Shelley wants his payback, that’s obvious. But Shelley wants to challenge Gargano’s manhood?! Gargano is all man! He made a kid! Yeah, Papa John, Daddy Ciampa, of course they made kids. But Shelley did specify that he wants to do this on his own, so Ciampa knows what that means, right? Ciampa has to stay backstage, too. Gargano will handle business by himself. He’s not some naive 18-year-old kid with a dream anymore! Dream came true!
Gargano will go remind Shelley that he’s Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling! So Ciampa can just relax right back here. Ciampa says go get him! Ciampa won’t even move a muscle from here, you can trust him. Can he? Or is this all another facade to lower everyone’s guard?
It’s an all new Grayson Waller Effect!
A-Town Down Under is already in the ring, and fans boo as Austin Theory & Grayson Waller show off the abs. Waller then welcomes us to the Grayson Waller- And Austin Theory…! Effect. The hottest show keeps getting hotter cuz Waller gets scoop after scoop, lads. And tonight is a big scoop! A big, BIG scoop! The first transfer from Raw to SmackDown, it’s the Monster of All Monsters, BRAUN STROWMAN! The fans cheer as Braun makes his way to the ring, and he’s coming out as Santa Braun! Or perhaps, Strowman Claus? Either way, Braun throws free merchandise to the fans, what a gift for Christmas!
Braun empties the bag and then goes to the ring. Turns out, nothing for Waller & Theory! Waller sits behind the desk and thanks Braun for coming. And how nice of Braun to help all the poor here in Hartford. The fans boo and Braun asks if Waller’s really starting this like that. Is he really trying to piss Braun off already? No no no! Braun is right, it really is nice. And this is big! The biggest acquisition in SmackDown history! On the biggest talk show in WWE history! Braun says it doesn’t get any bigger than this, baby! The fans cheer and Waller says before we start, he knows how this goes, sometimes.
Waller just wants us to know that he invested a lot of money into the new set. Maybe we continue to spread Christmas cheer and have a civil conversation. No damage. Well, if Waller runs his mouth, then Braun can promise he’ll wear Waller out using all the stuff in here. Waller says he’s a bit surprised Braun agreed to this. If no one has said before, but Braun is a little intimidating. But the more Waller thought about it, the more it made sense. Even Braun sees the sense in associating with ATDU! The fans boo and Braun says he threw up a little bit in his mouth, and that get a good laugh.
Waller says okay, but SmackDown’s a bit scary right now. Bloodline is going wild, people are getting attacked backstage, and you don’t wanna be alone in the car park. Sorry, parking lot. Braun asks if Waller knows who he’s talking to. No, he didn’t mean anything by it. Waller just figures, it’d be a good idea if Braun looked after Braun for once. And that means setting up the ultimate alliance. Braun Strowman & A-Town Down Under as the same team! They’d be untouchable! The cunning and intelligence of Waller & Theory, Braun’s strength. Get it? Brains & Braun. Braun says he already told Waller to watch his mouth! Does Waller want his set shoved up his-
Wait! Carmelo Hayes makes his way out here! Braun sighs and Melo says no, no, no, cut this out. Melo has a bone to pick with Braun. Aldis thought he was going to humble Melo by setting him up against Braun. Everybody here knows that that wasn’t fair. But newsflash, Nick Aldis, you can’t humble greatness! Melo might lose, but he’ll never quit. So Braun, “you big ugly dumb Santa Claus b*tch,” let’s run this thing back right here, right now! Cuz now, Melo’s ready! Braun says if Melo didn’t learn his lesson last week, Braun will remind him what the Braun Strowman Effect is! Waller & Theory run away as Braun grabs the fake palm trees!
Braun CHUCKS trees at Melo but Melo just laughs. Will Melo not miss the game winner in this rematch? Or will Braun be the one to humble H1M?
Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes!
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Braun chuckles at Melo wanting to tie up. They do tie up but then Melo slips around to KICK the leg! Braun just brushes that off as he and Melo circle. Melo uses the ropes and even the ref as a shield so Braun backs off. Melo comes back, taunts Braun, then drops back to ropes. The ref wants Braun to let off, and Braun does, but then Melo sucker punches him! Melo talks smack, then whips, but Braun blocks! B raun shakes his head, whips Melo, but Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides out. Melo says safe! Melo says he’s smart, but then gets spooked as Braun storms up to ropes!
The ref has Braun stay back, and Melo gets cocky again. Braun signals to the fans that he’s taking a lap and the fans fire up. Braun goes outside, builds speed, but Melo runs! Melo slides into the ring, Braun gets on the apron, but Melo KICKS him! The fans boo but Melo hits the FADE AWAY! Braun flounders, Melo CLUBS and KNEES and repeat! Braun SHOVES Melo out of the ring! Braun shakes it off then storms back up on Melo. Braun YANKS Melo up by his hair! And then he TOSSES Melo across the way! The fans fire up and Braun drags Melo up again. Braun whips, Melo dropkicks the legs out! Braun falls, Melo runs, FADE AWAY, but into Braun’s hands!
Braun pops Melo up, but Melo SPIKE-RANAS! Braun sputters and Melo soaks up heat. Braun rises up like the monster he is! Melo turns around, Braun runs up, but Melo DUMPS Braun out! Melo BOOTS Braun away, then gets cocky again. Melo goes out the side and he runs up a la Braun. But Braun BOOTS Melo right down! The fans fire up and Braun looms over Melo. Braun drags Melo up, whips him at steps, but Melo goes up! Melo leaps, but into Braun’s arms! We’re at 7 of 10 as Melo slips free! Melo SLAPS Braun! Braun grabs Melo by the neck and TOSSES him into the ring! We’re at 10!! MELO WINS!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by count out
Talk about rope-a-dope! Melo steals this win by getting the better of Braun’s anger! Braun scowls at smart-aleck Melo, and he storms in! Melo runs out to the crowd and into the night, but Braun pursues! Will Melo #GetTheseHands one way or another?
Nia Jax and Candice LeRae talk backstage.
They’re both excited for the tag title match tonight, because Nia can become a double champion. Tiffany Stratton walks in and Nia says there she is! Tiff wishes them luck tonight, and cannot wait to be there ringside when the ref raises their hands. Nia gets a guilty look on her face and Candice tells Tiff that they were talking… It’s best if Tiff stays in the back. But hey, she can take some notes if she wants. And if she wants to help, she can prepare champagne, balloons and maybe even streamers. They’re gonna need all that after the big win. So Tiff should get on that while Candice & Nia strategize.
Tiff looks to Nia but Nia just says, “Thanks, Tiff.” Tiff leaves, Nia shrugs off the guilt and says she and Candice are ready. Candice is sure Tiff will have the most beautiful party ready for them. Will the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie succeed in taking the tag titles for their own? Or will it be Bianca & Naomi having that champagne to celebrate?
Melo returns backstage.
And he’s on high alert knowing Braun is still hunting him down. Melo bumps into Legado Del Fantasma, and then Braun storms up! Braun asks where Melo went. Santos Escobar says screw that, he’s no snitch. Braun says not telling is gonna get Santos worse. Angel steps in and says Melo went that way. Braun thanks Angel and storms off after Melo. But then Pretty Deadly asks Braun to please read through their script. Braun slaps the script down and says he doesn’t care about their stupid musical! But then Melo SMACKS Braun with a chair! And SMACKS him again! Melo talks trash before heading out, but Braun gets back up.
Braun is angrier than ever, and he still hunts Melo down! Is there going to be nothing left of H1M after Braun #GetsTheseHands on him?
Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley!
Longtime friendships thrown away in order to get ahead is practically cliche in pro-wrestling, but to think Johnny Wrestling would be the kind to do that. Will Shelley make Gargano regret ever treating 20 YEARS like it was nothing?
The bell rings and Gargano runs up! Shelley dodges to fire hands, then he bumps Gargano off buckles. Shelley stomps a mudhole in, then stands Gargano up to dig his forearm in! The ref counts, Shelley lets off, then he climbs up to rain down fists! Gargano YANKS Shelley down! Shelley flounders, Gargano CHOPS Shelley to a corner, then he mocks the MCMG hand pointing. Gargano CHOPS Shelley, ROCKS him, then wrenches him to whip corner to corner. Gargano runs up but Shelley ELBOWS him away! Shelley goes up to FLYING KNEE! And then he CLOBBERS Gargano! The fans fire up as Shelley drags Gargano up.
Shelley wrenches, hammerlocks, but Gargano elbows free! Gargano brings Shelley around to schoolboy ROUNDHOUSE! Shelley sputters, Gargano brings him up, and Gargano says he’s no longer the student. Gargano ROCKS Shelley, stomps away, but stops as the ref counts. Gargano soaks up heat, then shakes out his left hand before he runs up. Shelley puts Gargano on the apron to HOTSHOT! Gargano falls, Shelley aims, and Shelley slingshots to stomp Gargano’s bad hand! Gargano staggers away, but runs back up on Shelley, only for Shelley to jump the sweep! SUPERKICK! Then FLYING KNEE!
The fans fire up while Gargano goes down, and Shelley says that’s what Gargano gets while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Gargano has Shelley in a clinch. Gargano fires body shots, then he hits a JAWBREAKER! Gargano goes to a corner, Shelley runs up, but Gargano BOOTS back! Gargano runs up and slips around Shelley to SLINGBLADE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gargano is frustrated but he stalks Shelley to the apron. Gargano brings Shelley up, talks more smack, and he fireman’s carries. Shelley slips out but Gargano ROCKS him! SLINGSHOT- SUPERKICK! Shelley takes Gargano out of the air and both men are down! The fans rally up, and Shelley stands to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again!
Shelley CHOPS, whips, then kitchen sink knees! And then PENALTY KICKS! Ghost pin, TWO! Gargano escapes, but Shelley wants the arm! Shelley uses the Garga- NO, Gargano turns chicken wing into roll up, TWO!! Shelley escapes, clinches, and spins Gargano, ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Shelley wants the arm again! The fans rally as Shelley drags Gargano up, wrenches and wristlocks, but Gargano ROCKS Shelley with forearms! Shelley CHOPS back, CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Shelley wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! But Gargano ENZIGIRIS! Shelley runs up, Gargano dodges and SUPERKICKS!
Gargano scoops Shelley, takes aim at a corner, LAWN DART! Cover, TWO!! Shelley survives and the fans rally up! Gargano grows frustrated but he brings Shelley around. Gargano wants the arm now! GargaNO Escape, but Shelley says NO to that! They both fight up, end up in a corner, and the ref counts. Gargano lets off, to then ROCK Shelley with a cheap shot! Gargano runs up, but into a BUCKLE SHOT! Shelley shakes out the stars and he goes to the corner. The fans fire up as Shelley climbs, but Ciampa shows up! Gargano GAMANGIRIS Shelley down! But wait, here comes Sabin! Ciampa violated the deal first so Sabin’s not letting him do worse!
Gargano climbs up while Sabin chases Ciampa off, but Shelley SHOVES Gargano! CROSSBODY! Gargano rolls through, and pulls tights! Gargano wins!!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall
Distraction tactic and pulling the tights? Gargano has no shame! But he and Ciampa have the WWE Tag Team Championships, so is that all that matters?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Naomi.
Byron Saxton is at gorilla with The EST & The Glow, and before they head to the ring, he wants to recap the crazy couple of weeks. The mysterious attack on Jade Cargill, the big win at Survivor Series in WarGames, and now they can solidify themselves as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bianca says these past few weeks have been rough to say the least. And while you can trust Bianca will find out what happened to Jade, you best believe they won’t be stripped of the tag titles. That’s just what the culprit wants and Bianca isn’t going down without a fight. Thankfully, Bianca has a friend who always has her back.
Naomi says yeah, she’s got her back forever! And she can never turn down a good “snatch ‘n’ drag.” But she also knows how important these titles are to Bianca & Jade, and they’re just as important to her. Naomi will go out there and do everything she has to in order to keep the titles. Bianca holds out Jade’s belt to Naomi, but Naomi says no. Not until she’s earned it. Bianca says okay, and the music hits. Naomi is fired up, will this be the StrongEST Glow yet?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae!
SmackDown returns as the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie make their entrance together. The introductions are made, the tag titles are raised, and we see who is truly the strongest duo!
The teams sort out and Bianca starts against Candice. They tie up as the fans rally, and Bianca powers Candice right to a corner. But Candice pulls the braid! The ref reprimands, Candice shoves Bianca, then pie faces her! But Bianca SHOVES Candice to the corner! Bianca runs up but into an elbow! Candice goes up but Bianca ROCKS her! Bianca gorilla presses Candice but Candice scrambles free! Candice hurries away and she tags in Nia. Bianca says bring it and the fans rally for the “E S T! E S T!” Nia and Bianca tie up, Bianca headlocks, but Nia powers up and out. Tiff is watching backstage as Nia scoops Bianca, only for Bianca to slip free.
Bianca runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and DROPKICKS! Nia rebounds but Bianca avoids the elbow drop! Bianca tags Naomi then sets Nia up! Naomi and Bianca both run the ropes, Bianca handsprings, SPLIT LEG DROP AND MOONSAULT COMBO! Naomi covers, TWO! Naomi hurries back after Nia but Nia shoves her away. Naomi slides under the lariat then mule kicks! Naomi runs but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Nia drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Naomi stays in this for Bianca’s sake but Nia storms back up as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nia DRIBBLES Naomi off the mat, then stares Bianca down. Nia stalks Naomi to a corner, puts her on ropes, and CHOKES her! The ref counts, Nia lets off, and then Nia drags Naomi over to the corner. Nia traps Naomi while she tags Candice. Nia fires some elbows before backing off, and Candice RAMS Naomi! Candice ROCKS Naomi, sits her down, then stomps a mudhole in. Candice taunts Bianca, drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Candice CLUBS Naomi down, then clamps on with a top wristlock. Naomi endures while Candice leans on the hold. Naomi fights up, arm-drags free, then hurries for her corner!
Candice scrambles after Naomi and THROWS her by her hair! Candice stomps Naomi to the corner, tags Nia, and Nia runs up to HIP ATTACK! Nia taunts Bianca, drags Naomi up, and clamps on with a cobra clutch! Nia leans on Naomi to grind her down. Naomi endures, fights up, and JAWBREAKERS free! Nia staggers around, but she scoops Naomi! Naomi slips free to the apron and HOTSHOTS Nia! Naomi BOOTS Candice. RAMS Nia, then reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Naomi is down, but she BOOTS Nia away before heading for her corner. Candice hurries and tags in, but Naomi hot tags Bianca!
Bianca rallies on Candice with shoulder tackles and DROPKICK! Bianca kips up, wrenches, and suplexes Candice! SmackDown returns to single picture as Candice slips free! Candice dodges Bianca, Nia sneaks a tag, and Bianca scoops Candice for a GUT BUSTER! Bianca runs at the corner to RAM Candice, then she climbs up! The ref tries to explain but Nia runs up! Bianca backflips up and over! Nia almost squashes Candice, but she turns around. Bianca dodges Nia, but Candice hits a CODE BREAKER! SAMOAN DROP from Nia! Cover, TWO! Bianca survives and the fans fire up! Nia snarls as she drags Bianca into a motorcycle stretch!
Bianca endures and the fans rally up. Bianca fights up but Nia POSTS her first! Nia then mocks the fans with clapping, then she scuffs Bianca. Nia dares Bianca to tag, then she THROWS Bianca by the braid! Bianca goes to ropes, and Nia pulls the braid around them! The ref reprimands, Nia lets off, but Candice gets her shots in! The fans boo but Bianca gets away. Nia soaks up the heat and then brings Bianca around. Nia has the cobra clutch back on and she thrashes Bianca around. The fans rally as Bianca endures, and Bianca fights back up. Nia kicks Bianca but Bianca rebounds to reel Nia in!
Bianca tries to suplex but Nia’s too big! Nia shoves Bianca to the corner, but Bianca BOOTS back! Bianca ELBOWS Candice, runs up on Nia, but Nia picks her up! Nia RAMS Bianca into the corner! Tag to Candice and she climbs. Nia holds Bianca up, Candice MISSILE DROPKICKS Bianca into the SPINEBUSTER! Candice then BLASTS Bianca off the apron, then uses Nia as the step for the STEP-UP SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives, she’s the toughEST for a reason! Candice is frustrated and she CLUBS away on Bianca! The fans rally for “E S T! E S T!” Bianca throws a body shot but Candice CLUBS her down again.
Candice tags Nia and Nia pulls the braid to keep Bianca back. Nia whips Bianca to Candice but Bianca slips around. Candice standing switches, Nia runs up, but Bianca ducks and Nia clips Candice! Bianca scrambles while Nia checks Candice, hot tag to Naomi! Naomi LARIATS Nia but Nia stays up! So Naomi UPPERCUTS Nia! Nia still stays up! Naomi dodges, goes up the ropes, FLYING CHUCK! Nia wobbles and the fans fire up with Naomi! Naomi reels Nia in but Nia whips her away! Naomi BOOTS from the corner, then goes up! FLYING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nia stays in this but Naomi pounds the mat.
The fans rally up, Naoim brings Nia up, but Nia HEADBUTTS her! Nia runs up at the corner, but Naomi dodges to POST her! Nia is down, Naomi goes up! SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT FLOPS as Nia moves! Nia CLUBS Naomi, puts her in the drop zone, then goes up! But Naomi SMACKS Nia off the post! Tag to Bianca, and Naomi gets under Nia?! POWERBOMB!! Naomi drags Nia into the drop zone! Bianca aims for the 450!! Cover, CANDICE BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, Nia is busted open from hitting that post, but here comes TIFFANY! Is she doing what it looks like? Tiff cheers on Candice & Nia, no cash-in yet.
Candice tags in, goes after Bianca, but Bianca RAMS Candice into the corner! Bianca runs but into a BOOT! Candice goes up, TORNADO DDT! Cover, Naomi GAMANGIRIS Candice! Fans cheer “CASH IT IN!” at Tiff but Bianca tags in Naomi. Nia sneaks a tag, and as the Naomi goes after Candice, the ref has to explain. In that distraction, Nia asks for the briefcase! Tiff is conflicted, but she hands it over. But then the ref sees Nia with it! Bianca HANDSPRING KICKS Nia off the apron! Nia falls right at Tiff’s feet! Bianca tags Naomi, then PLANCHAS onto Nia! Naomi has Candice but Candice cradles! TWO!! Naomi KNEES Candice down!
Naomi hurries up, up and SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, NAOMI & BIANCA WIN!
Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Tiff’s hesitation costs Nia, and that means Naomi has earned that title belt! Bianca personally hands it to her and the two celebrate together. Will they hold onto the titles all the way ’til Jade is back in action? Or will a team come along that outshines even the StrongEST Glow?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of SmackDown here, though I think it was also prerecorded. They were in Hartford last week, weren’t they? And I thought that was prerecorded given how Jimmy Uso’s promo was received… But speaking of, good stuff from Bloodline to open. McIntyre calling a true with Solo was a bit of a surprise, but I suppose we should’ve seen that coming with how McIntyre is a Heel and often a hypocrite. Jimmy going after McIntyre was also good stuff, he can clearly still be a factor even with a bad toe. Very good Six Man Tag, too, but I should’ve known Nakamura would interfere and cost Knight’s team. Good win for Solo, and we’ve still got a couple weeks before Raw on Netflix, so the go-home math will still sort out with the first SmackDown of 2025.
Very good promos from MCMG and DIY, and of course Ciampa still went out to ringside despite the “promise” he made. And of course Gargano cheated, but that adds heat to the coming tag title rematch. They might even put that on the first SmackDown of 2025 to hype it up. Especially as I think it’s going to be the first THREE HOUR SmackDown. NBC is willing to do that knowing Raw is going to Netflix, meaning SmackDown will get more time to do more great things, which works with all the belts we’ve got now.
Good stuff with Braun and the Grayson Waller Effect, but of course we set up more between Braun and Melo. Clever move for Melo to win by count out, and of course Melo gets cocky for it. Braun was almost classic Braun with how he shrugged the chair shots off backstage. We’ll of course get one more Braun VS Melo, and maybe someone from Legado or Pretty Deadly screws Braun over given how he treated them. Very good promo from Chelsea after her big win on Saturday, and I’m sure she’ll be celebrating this win in both kayfabe and real-life through the holidays, ready to start her first title feud on January 3rd.
Very good promo from Kevin Owens, but I feel like he had to contradict himself here from what he said during the Raw on Netflix “kickoff show” on Wednesday. Kevin said then that he’s going to act as the defending champion with the holiday house show tour, but he said here he isn’t the champion since he got screwed. Either way, he’ll really play up how he is somehow the victim in all this, making the return of Cody Rhodes all the better. We’ll surely get one last match of Cody VS Kevin, maybe with a big stipulation on it, and then we’ll have a moment of (more than likely) Cody holding up both Winged Eagle and corporate logo championships.
And of course, very good stuff in the two main Smackdown women’s stories. That promo from Nia, Candice and Tiff was really good because you kinda feel for Tiff being treated as the odd one out. And then very good promo right before the match with Bianca & Naomi. I like Naomi wanting to earn the belt, and we got a great tag match. Nia surely got busted open “hard way,” aka legitimately, that post surely has edges you gotta watch out for. But Tiff showing up was of course for the briefcase distraction, not cashing in. Tiff hasn’t been pushed that far yet, that might come with the Netflix debut. But Naomi & Bianca of course retained the titles, that’ll cue up Jade making a return to identify her attacker, and it might be Naomi after all…
My Score: 8.8/10
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