Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW New Beginnings Osaka! (2/9/20)
So much gold in Osaka!
NJPW returns to Osaka in a big way!
NJPW begins again in Osaka, and with three huge matches for FOUR major titles! Will Tetsuya Naito still be Double Champion after facing KENTA?
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
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS Ryu Lee; Takahashi wins and retains the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
- IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley VS Minoru Suzuki; Moxley wins and retains the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship.
- IWGP Heavyweight AND Intercontinental Double Championship Match: Tetsuya Naito VS KENTA; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS Ryu Lee!
The Ticking Time Bomb has been on a great run since his shocking return! He defeated the Aerial Assassin to take the title, and was the one to get the very last pin on the living legend, Jushin Thunder Liger. But now, he faces another old friend in CMLL’s lucha dragon. Will Lee have what it takes to defuse and dethrone Hiromu?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this highly anticipated rematch begins!
Hiromu rushes right at Lee but Lee rushes right at Hiromu! SNAP German from Lee to Hiromu but Hiromu is right up to give one back! They collide with clotheslines without falling, Hiromu blocks a knee but Lee dodges a clothesline to give another German! But Hiromu’s back up again to LARIAT Lee down! Both men are down but Osaka fires up after that fast and furious thirty seconds! Fans rally and cheer as both Lee and Hiromu get to their feet.
Lee dares Hiromu to bring it, and even gives a free shot. Hiromu CHOPS, then dares Lee to give it back. Lee puts some stank on his CHOP! Hiromu grins though it stings, and CHOPS back. Lee CHOPS, Hiromu CHOPS, we have a CHOP fight! Fans fire up as the two men pick up speed! CHOP for CHOP, neither man is backing down, and the fans are rallying! Hiromu, Lee, repeat, but then both me have to take a breath, before Hiromu comes back with more! They go back and forth again a few more times, but they’re not done. Lee chops, Hiromu chops, repeat! How many times have they chopped in this match!?
Neither man wants to stop before the other, despite the stinging and redness of their chests! Hiromu gets Lee on his knees and just keeps going! Hiromu runs but Lee follows to CHOP one more time! Lee dares Hiromu to keep going, so Hiromu gives another chop. Fans fire up as Lee just nods and CHOPS again! Hiromu shakes it off to CHOP. Lee staggers but comes back to CHOP! And we begin the cycle all over again! Hiromu staggers and Lee just adds on. Lee whips corner to corner then boots Hiromu. Hiromu whips Lee back the other way to clothesline. Hiromu rolls Lee and runs, into a CHOP!
Fans cheer as Hiromu leans on the ropes. Lee takes this moment to catch his breath, but Hiromu is grinning. Hiromu CHOPS, Lee CHOPS, and the only thing that’s changed is the color of their chests. The red is only gettnig deeper as more CHOPS fly! Lee knees low then runs but Hiromu follows to huricanrana! Lee handsprings through, but Hiromu CHOPS him again! Fans are loving this as Lee fires himself up. Lee eggs Hiromu on as he takes off the wrapping on his hand. Lee puts some more stank on the hand to CHOP! Hiromu grits his teeth as Lee waits, and Hiromu CHOPS! Lee comes back and we’re on the CHOP train again!
Hiromu, Lee, repeat, then both men stagger a bit. Hiromu fires off another CHOP, Lee wobbles but CHOPS back! There is no quit as each men shots and CHOPS! They even CHOP at the same time! Lee fires off three, Hiromu gives on, but Lee CHOPS Hiromu his feet! Both men are down, their chests stinging and red. Fans rally up as each man goes to a corner. Lee stands and runs in, basement dropkick in the corner! Then underhooks, butterfly backbreaker! Basement dropkick sends Hiromu out! Fans rally again as Lee catches his breath.
Hiromu is on the apron, Lee takes a page of his book with the FLYING HURICANRANA! Lee sends Hiromu flying to the floor! Lee borrows a drink from Hiroshi Tanahashi to refresh himself before fetching Hiromu. He puts Hiromu on the railing and commentary gets worried. Lee CHOPS, then goes into the ring? Lee builds speed as fans reach a fever pitch, to DIVE!! They crash ‘n’ burn on the desk then the floor!! Lee and Hiromu are wrecked at the railing!
The referee hurries to check on them both as the fans are stunned by what they just witnessed. Somehow, Hiromu and Lee are okay to continue, so a ring count begins. Lee sits up first, gets another drink of water, and drags Hiromu up. The count is already 10 of 20 as Lee dumps Hiromu back to ringside. Lee hurries over himself and gets Hiromu in at 15. Fans cheer that this will end in the ring, and we’ve passed 10 minutes. Wait, it’s only been 10 minutes?! Lee aims at Hiromu and springboards, into a SUPERKICK! Hiromu laugs as he runs and FLIES, for the SUNSET POWERBOMB! Lee is folded up on the floor and Osaka is in love all over again!
The referee checks on the two again, and again they’re miraculously able to continue. Hiromu grins as he gets up and flounders around. The count reaches 10 of 20 as Hiromu puts Lee back in. Hiromu drags Lee up, fireman’s carries and hits DYNAMITE PLUNGER! Cover, TWO!! Lee lives but Hiromu keeps his cool. Fans rally as Hiromu drags Lee up, Death Valley Driver into the corner! Hiromu drags Lee back up for another fireman’s carry, switches him around, but Lee slips down to powerbomb lift! Lee tucks Hiromu in, and everyone panics, remembering that this is what led to Hiromu’s neck injury over a year ago!
Hiromu pops out to huricanrana, into Triangle Hold D! Lee resists, but Hiromu drags Lee in deep. Lee moves around and gets a ropebreak with his legs! Hiromu lets Lee go and walks off to a corner. Lee gasps for air while Hiromu takes aim. Hiromu runs corner to corner but has to block a boot first, to then give a clothesline! Hiromu hoists Lee up top and then CHOPS and CHOPS again. But as Hiromu climbs, Lee trips him up! Hiromu ends up in a Tree of Woe! Lee stands, but Hiromu avoids the stomps! Hiromu sits up but Lee comes back from the outside.
Lee hits Hiromu then climbs up to join him. Another flashback to that match a year ago as the two are brawling up top. Lee gets the edge but Hiromu gives it back. Lee throws more forearms, Hiromu is back in the Tree, but Lee pulls Hiromu back up. Hiromu shouts, “MOTTO! MOTTO!” He wants more?! They throw more forearms back and forth, and now Hiromu gets Lee in the Tree! Lee sits up to headbutt! Hiromu is in the tree, WOE STOMPS TO THE APRON!! Both men crash to the floor and another ring count begins. Hiromu stirs at 7 of 20 but Lee is up on his feet. Lee puts Hiromu in at 11, and then brings him to the apron.
Lee drags Hiromu up but Hiromu SUPERKICKS! But Lee KNEE TRIGGERS back! Lee runs but Hiromu THROWS him with an overhead suplex! Lee crashes on the floor, having almost collided with cameramen! The ring count begins again but Hiromu tells the ref to stop that. Hiromu climbs up top!? Hiromu LEAPS, HIROMU BOMB SENTON! Direct hit and Osaka is fired up again! Both men are down and the count starts all over. Hiromu sits up at 7 but stands at 13. He wobbles and goes to the ring at 15. Lee stands at 16, flounders at 17, crawls at 18, and leaps in at 19.5! Both men are down as fans cheer this match continuing.
Hiromu stands and runs but Lee follows! Hiromu dodges, Lee wheelbarrows, but Hiromu blocks the takedown for a wheelbarrow SUPLEX! Lee flounders up, Hiromu runs in, but Lee dodges to rebound GERMAN! But Hiromu is up again to GERMAN Lee! Lee pops up to waistlock and GERMAN! Both men stand and run at each other to collide with clotheslines. Lee KNEE to SNAP GERMAN! Hiromu SUPERKICKS to GERMAN! Both men wobble up as fans fire up, and Lee waistlocks again, for another big German Suplex! Hiromu flounders up, Lee GERMANS again!
Lee fires up and Osaka fires up with him! Lee drags Hiromu up again, lifts and suplexes, but Hiromu flips through to huricanrana! Into Triangle Hold D! But Lee dead lifts and BUCKLE BOMBS Hiromu! Lee runs in but Hiromu throws him overhead into the buckles! Both men are down as fans rally and cheer. Hiromu stands first and fires up! He drags Lee up, fireman’s carry, but no Death Valley! Lee dragon sleepers to suplex but Hiromu lands on his feet to return the favor! Lee slips out, gets Hiromu up and tucks him in, ROKUDENASHI! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives Lee’s take on the Bastard Driver, and we’re at 20 minutes now!
Lee drags Hiromu back up, suplexes and hangs him out to dry on the top rope. Lee kicks away at Hiromu then goes to the corner. He climbs up top and leaps to DOUBLE STOMP Hiromu down! But he’s not done, Lee KNEE TRIGGERS Hiromu at the ropes! Cover, ROPEBREAK!? Hiromu saves himself and Osaka rallies up behind him. Lee stands and drags Hiromu up again. Lee lifts and tucks Hiromu in again! Hiromu slips out again, but Lee holds on to lift again! Lee pops Hiromu up a little higher, but Hiromu makes it a DESTROYER!! Cover, TWO!?! Lee lives but Hiromu shouts and fires himself back up. Hiromu fireman’s carries, Death Valley Driver in the corner again!
Hiromu keeps that high energy as he fireman’s carries again. Lee pops out for a Sunset Bomb! Cover, TWO!! Lee pulls the knee pads down and runs, KNEE TRIGGER! Cover, TWO!?!? How?! But Lee doesn’t question it, he just drags Hiromu back up. Waistlock, ripcord, KNEE TRIGGER! Lee whips, pops Hiromu up, but Hiromu hits another DESTROYER!! Hiromu flails as he gets up again. Hiromu fireman’s carries Lee, spins him around, TIME BOMB DRIVER! Cover, TWO!?!? Lee survives again but Hiromu just keeps going. Hiromu drags Lee up, and DECKS him! Then another fireman’s carry, another spin, another TIME BOMB! Cover, Hiromu wins!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
This explosive match finally ends, and Hiromu keeps his belt! Lee does not add a belt to his ROH World Television Championship, but will he back for yet another rematch? Or is Hiromu’s reign going to be even more, more, MORE exciting from here on?
IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley VS Minoru Suzuki!
The Maniac and the Meanest Man in the World have had quite a few confrontations on the road to this match, such as just last week in Sapporo. But while Moxley prepares for Le Champion in AEW, he has to shift focus to the sadistic icon of NJPW! Can the Death Rider survive Suzuki here in Osaka?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this sadomasochistic showdown begins!
But before getting in the ring, Moxley goes up the ramp, and dares Suzuki to come get him! Suzuki exits the ring to grabs a pair of chairs to bring with him! Suzuki tosses Moxley a chair, and the two sadistic samurai start swinging! They clash over and over, and Moxley disarms Suzuki! Suzuki rushes Moxley but gets a headlock, punches and knees! Moxley sends Suzuki tumbling down the way as Red Shoes tells them to get in the ring. Moxley instead whips Suzuki into the railing! Suzuki tears that section off but Moxley jams it into Suzuki’s stomach! Moxley copies Suzuki’s style by throwing the railing down onto Suzuki!
Moxley drags Suzuku up but Suzuki laughs as he throws body shots and big knees! Red Shoes has no choice but to ring the bell so that this brawl is on the record. Suzuki makes fans clear out before he bowls Moxley into the chairs. Suzuki rips up more railing to slam it onto Moxley! The ring announcer warns fans to be careful but Suzuki has already dragged Moxley to another area. Suzuki bumps Moxley off the timekeeper’s table but Moxley returns the favor! And throws hands before dragging Suzuki to the blue railing. Suzuki resists but the two end up on top of the desk! But Suzuki gets Moxley with the Gotch! Moxley fights Suzuki off to drop ax handles!
The 20 count is past 10 as Moxley dumps Suzuki over railing and to ringside. Moxley and Suzuki hear the count climbing, so they both get in at 17. Fans cheer as this match finally enters the ring. Moxley and Suzuki egg each other on, and Suzuki throws the first forearm. Moxley gives it back, and we have ourselves a brawl! Suzuki mocks Moxley’s shoulder rolling before throwing another forearm. Moxley mocks Suzuki’s oni demon tongue before throwing a forearm back. Suzuki ROCKS Moxley, but Moxley comes back with jabs! Moxley throws forearms but Suzuki laughs before giving more of his own.
Moxley responds but Suzuki ROCKS him again! They keep going back and forth, Suzuki grinning all the way. Suzuki throws even more forearms, then whips Moxley corner to corner for a BOOT! Suzuki snapmares Moxley and runs, but Moxley blocks the Penalty Kick! Moxley stands to get a bite of Suzuki’s face! The ref reprimands but Moxley tells him to shut up. Moxley keeps on Suzuki with big forearms, but Suzuki throws body shots, knees and a headbutt! And another headbutt! And then Suzuki bites Moxley back! Fans rally as Moxley knees back and throws Suzuki out. Moxley goes out to pursue Suzuki at the blue railing. Moxley clubs Suzuki then throws him into commentary!
Suzuki staggers away but Moxley is on him with a choke! Suzuki headscissors back to also get the arm! Moxley holds on and Red Shoes tells them to get this in the ring. Moxley gets free, stomps Suzuki’s stomach, then drags him over in a Half Boston Crab! Suzuki endures as Moxley sits on the stretch, but Red Shoes says this doesn’t matter so get in the ring. Moxley doesn’t care but then Red Shoes counts at him. Moxley lets up at 4 to then stomp Suzuki down. This does return to ringside as Moxley throws Suzuki into rails. Suzuki hits back with big strikes, then pursues Moxley around the way.
Moxley kicks and whips Suzuki into railing! But Suzuki is right back in Moxley’s face with a slap! Moxley slaps back and now it’s a slap fight! Suzuki knees low and ROCKS Moxley again. Suzuki stalks Moxley back near commentary to slam into railing and choke him! Red Shoes reprimands Suzuki but Suzuki slaps Moxley around. Moxley snapmares and rebounds off railing for the sliding lariat! Fans rally and duel as Moxley starts searching under the ring. Suzuki crawls away to rest by commentary, but Moxley has found a table! Moxley sets up the table but Suzuki stealthily grabs a chair.
Moxley goes back to Suzuki and drags him up, but Suzuki fights back! Suzuki jams Moxley with the chair, then sits on the table for a GUILLOTINE! Moxley endures and Red Shoes counts. Suzuki lets Moxley go at 4, then puts the chair on Moxley’s arm. The chair doesn’t cooperate and that only infuriates Suzuki. Suzuki goes back to commentary to take another of their chairs! This chair is put around Moxley’s arm and Suzuki takes the first chair. Red Shoes tries to stop Suzuki but Suzuki shoves him down! Suzuki gives Moxley’s arm a CON-CHAIR-TO!! Moxley has one bad eye, does he now have a broken arm?!
Suzuki laughs as he pulls Moxley’s arm to bend it against the table! Suzuki throws the bad arm against the post! And then hops up onto the apron for a modified armbar! Red Shoes reprimands again, but Moxley uses his good arm to lift and POWERBOMB Suzuki through the table!! Osaka is fired up as Moxley wrecks the King of Pancrase. And yet, Suzuki smiles?! This man is insane for sure! Suzuki drags himself from the wreckage and carries a piece of the table around with him. Suzuki starts hitting himself in the head with it?! “Insane” is no longer enough!
Suzuki laughs like the mad man he is, but Moxley won’t be outdone! Moxley has the other half of the broken table and starts smacking himself in the head! This is a match of certifiable lunatics! The two go into the ring and Suzuki still smiles. Suzuki taunts Moxley with, “Come on, boy!” Moxley shakes out the bad arm to throw forearms with it! That is double-edged, and Suzuki takes advantage as he ROCKS Moxley with one of his own! Moxley grits his teeth to give another forearm with the bad arm! Suzuki throws another HARD one! “C’mon, Jon!” Moxley uses his left arm but that’s still not good enough.
The two grind foreheads, and Moxley throws forearms from all side. Suzuki just laughs as he ROCKS Moxley again. Moxley slaps himself to fire up, and then ROCKS Suzuki! “C’mon! I don’t give a f***!” Suzuki smiles as Moxley insults him more, and the brawl is on again! Suzuki, Moxley, repeat, forearm for forearm, with no signs of slowing! Moxley hits from all sides again, then adds a headbutt. Moxley runs, Suzuki follows and slips around to get the SLEEPER HOLD! Suzuki squeezes tight and Moxley already fades. But Moxley punches himself to stay awake! Moxley gets up, throws Suzuki but Suzuki holds on! Suzuki squeezes tighter and leans on Moxley.
Moxley is turning purple and starts fading! Suzuki shifts to a cover, TWO!? Moxley has his second wind but Suzuki runs, basement BOOT! Cover, TWO!! Moxley lives and fans cheer, but Suzuki just keeps on him. Suzuki drags Moxley up, throws slapping palm strikes, but then Moxley knees him back! REGAL KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Suzuki survives and fans cheer again. Moxley forces himself to stand and grabs Suzuki. Moxley underhooks but Suzuki slips out to ROCK Moxley! The Maniac shouts “F*** YOU!” as he ROCKS Suzuki back! Moxley runs, into Suzuki’s dropkick! Osaka cheers as both men flounder to opposite ends.
The rally builds as Suzuki brings Moxley in. Moxley spins out, double underhook, DEATH RIDER! Cover, TWO!?! Suzuki survives!? Moxley is shocked and even begs with Red Shoes. But the count is the count, and someone in NJPW finally survives that dangerous DDT. Moxley goes back to Suzuki and says, “We’re gonna finish this, mother f***er.” He gives Suzuki a kiss on the forehead?! Moxley says that is the kiss of death, and he goes out to prepare something truly sinister. He checks under the ring, and brings out two chairs. Just as Suzuki did to start this, Moxley tosses a chair to his opponent so that they can finish this like warriors!
Suzuki wobbles as Red Shoes grabs at Moxley’s chair. Moxley and Red Shoes argue but Suzuki grabs the chair, too! The tug o’ war sends Red Shoes flying away, and Moxley HEAD SHOTS Suzuki with that chair shot!! The seat is gone so Moxley hurries to grab gthe other chair. Suzuki is still standing, and still smiling! Moxley brings Suzuki to the other chair, but Suzuki resists the underhooks. Suzuki slips out and kicks, to GOTCH! Moxley resists, slips out, DIRTY DEEDS ON THE CHAIR! Moxley gets away with that one while Red Shoes is out. Suzuki just keeps laughing!
Moxley fires himself up and dares Suzuki to come back. Suzuki stands and slaps himself back into this. He fires off palm strikes fast and furious, but now Moxley is the one laughing! Suzuki keeps throwing hands, but Moxley is not satisfied! The hands keep flying, Moxley staggers, LUANTIC LARIAT! Suzuki is stunned and leaning, but stays up! So Moxley runs to LARIAT again! Moxley drags Suzuki back up, DEATH RIDER!! Cover, Moxley wins!!
Winner: Jon Moxley, by pinfall (still IWGP United States Champion)
Two of the toughest, meanest, craziest men in NJPW, and perhaps anywhere in wrestling today, just went to war! But in the end, the Death Rider rides into the sunset with the IWGP US Championship! Moxley stands on the ropes as Suzuki flounders out of the ring, and bows out of respect to the King. With his AEW World Championship match at AEW Revolution on the horizon, will Moxley become a dual promotion champion?
As for Suzuki, he does as he always does in losing, and starts ripping apart the railing! But suddenly, ZACK SABRE JR attacks Moxley! Suzuki-Gun’s Submission Master and Revolution Pro-Wrestling’s British Heavyweight Champion is after the Maniac! ZSJ eyes the IWGP US Championship, and holds it up high! To then SMASH Moxley with it!! Fans boo as ZSJ skips around and smiles. ZSJ hops onto Moxley for a sleeper hold! He’s wrapped on tight as the bell rings in protest! Moxley has no one to save him as ZSJ drags him to the mat! ZSJ suffocates Moxley then picks the title up again. It would seem ZSJ has dreams of becoming a dual promotion champion, too! Will Moxley’s return to NJPW be one where he will #JustTapOut?
IWGP Heavyweight AND Intercontinental Double Championship Match: Tetsuya Naito VS KENTA!
Los Ingobernables de Japon’s charismatic leader made NJPW history when his Destino was realized at WrestleKingdom 14! And now, more history is being made in Osaka as BOTH belts are on the line! Will Bullet Club truly be back on top when Mr. Fang Revived sinks his teeth into two titles at the same time? Or will the Double Champion remain tranquilo?
The introductions are made, Jay White joins commentary to troll Naito and both belts are raised. Fans boo as all of the Bullet Club members join Kenta in the ring, for one big group Low Sweet. Naito hasn’t yet finished taking off his elaborate entrance ensemble yet, and fans chant “Go Home!” in Japanese to all of the Bullet Club members. Tama Tonga shoves Red Shoes down! Fans boo more but Naito keeps his cool. Because Red Shoes EJECTS the Bullet Club boys!
Jay White protests as leader, but Red Shoes is the law. Gedo also tries to reason with Red Shoes while Tama apologizes, but Red Shoes has spoken. Or do they want this match thrown out?! Tama and the others exit, willing to actually play by the rules for Kenta’s sake. Fang Revived is now without his pack of wolves as this match finally begins!
Osaka is strongly on Naito’s side, but that’s no surprise. Kenta grimaces as he and Naito circle. They approach, but Kenta bails out. Fans boo as Kenta borrows tactics from Jay White, but he tunes them out. Kenta takes his time returning and Naito gives him room, only for Kenta to hop right back out. Fans boo, but Kenta mockingly throws back invisible flowing locks of hair. Kenta paces around the ring again, finally slithering back in, only to slither back out. Fans boo more but Kenta continues to do things at his pace. Naito waits, even as Kenta mocks, “Tranquilo!”
Kenta hops up and keeps taunting Naito with his own catchphrase. Red Shoes keeps Naito back for Kenta to get in, but then Kenta goes back out. Kenta mocks fans and even eggs them on. Kenta again goes to the ring, Naito stays back, and both men are finally circling again. Fans rally up for Naito, and that just makes Kenta exit again. Kenta tells fans to hush this time before going back to the ring. Naito doesn’t even seem annoyed at this point as Kenta joins him in the ring. Naito and Kenta finally tie up and Naito puts Kenta on the ropes. Red Shoes asks for the ropebreak, and Naito gives it, only for Kenta to bail back out.
Kenta stares down Hiroshi Tanahashi on commentary, then lounges by the English desk. Naito patiently waits as Kenta returns yet again. But then Naito attacks and knocks him down! Naito builds speed but Kenta gets clear, Naito TRANQUILO! Kenta rushes in but now Naito bails out! Osaka loves Naito giving it all back to Kenta. Kenta is not as patient as Naito, which makes Naito only troll him more. Naito insists on a particular side of the ring, and has Kenta hold the ropes open for him. Only to roll under the bottom rope. Kenta stomps Naito for it! Naito throws forearms back so Kenta throws with him. Kenta rakes eyes then whips but Naito holds ropes to boot and huricanrana!
Kenta bails out but Naito pursues, to whip Kenta into railing! And then more railing! Naito chases Kenta down around the way to put him in the ring. Naito stomps Kenta down and keeps him from escaping. He pulls Kenta back against the ropes but lets up at Red Shoes’ count. Naito stomps Kenta down and around the ring, then brings him up for elbows. Naito clamps on a cravat to crank Kenta’s neck. Kenta endures and puts Naito in a corner. Kenta rams his shoulder in over and over, then throws big forearms. Naito turns it around to throw wild elbows into Kenta! Kenta sits down so Naito gives him Bad Vibrations, and SPITS on him!
Naito drags Kenta up and whips him corner to corner, but Kenta reverses. Naito dodges Kenta but is put on the apron. He counter punches Kenta but Kenta knicks him back! And again! Naito is stuck in the ropes, Kenta hops up for a guillotine knee drop! Fans rally and even duel as Kenta’s fans are finally vocal. Kenta whips Naito to BOOT him down! Naito rolls out but Kenta pursues. Kenta throws big clubbing forearms and whips him to railing! Naito hits so hard, he tumbles over! Kenta goes out to snatch a Naito teddy bear from a fan and stand on it! Fans boo louder as ever as Kenta kicks the stuffed animal away and stomps Naito down.
Kenta brings Naito up and around to whip HARD into more railing! And even more railing! Naito ends up tumbling over again while Kenta taunts the fans. Fans boo and Kenta soaks up the heat as we reach the 10 minute mark. Kenta waits in the ring while Naito stirs. The ring count begins and Kenta mockingly claps to get the fans rallying. No one plays along. Naito is crawling at 11 of 20, standing at 14, and hobbling over at 16. Naito’s in at 17 but Kenta throws him back out. Kenta dusts himself off as fans boo again. Naito drags himself up and Kenta paces. Naito gets in, Kenta is on him to throw him back out. Kenta goes out to whip Naito into more railing! Kenta drags Naito around to the alley and DDTs Naito to the floor!
Fans boo but Kenta soaks it all up. Naito clutches his head while Red Shoes checks on him. Kenta leaves Naito behind to go to the ring. Naito stirs as the ring count begins again. Kenta unties a buckle pad?! Red Shoes stops him from doing it part way, but Kenta doesn’t get why this is so bad. Red Shoes reties the pad but Kenta goes after the opposite end! Kenta is far nastier than Toru Yano about it as he throws the buckle pad out. Naito drags himself into the ring and Kenta whips him at that bare corner! Naito gets bare buckles to his back! Red Shoes reprimands Kenta but the damage is done.
Kenta stomps Naito down then brings him up for another whip. Kitchen Sink knee! Kenta sits Naito up to KICK in the back! Naito grits his teeth while Kenta soaks up the heat. Kenta drops knee after knee, then brings his knee pad down, to jump, and scuff Naito’s face. Fans boo as Kenta mocks the posing! Kenta brings his knee pad back up and drags Naito up for a snapmare. Kenta clamps on a chinlock but Naito endures. Fans rally up as Kenta cranks back. Naito fights up, throws elbows and gets free! Naito runs, dodges, but gets another kitchen sink! Cover, TWO! Kenta snarls and paces as Naito crawls.
Naito sits up but Kenta kicks and stomps him down. Kenta taunts Naito, daring him to hit back. Naito swings, but Kenta spins him around for a DDT! Cover, TWO! Naito still lives and fans rally for him, but Kenta just mocks them again. Kenta gives toying kicks then HARD kicks, still taunting Naito all the while. But Naito eggs Kenta on! Kenta kicks more and more, but Naito stands up. Naito blocks a kick, elbows the knee, then runs. Kenta boots then runs, but into the dropkick! Both men are down but Osaka cheers as Naito sits up first. Naito goes to Kenta, drags him up and whips him to ropes.
Naito elbows Kenta down then dropkicks him in the back! He whips Kenta to a corner for the rocket kick! Sweep and swinging dropkick, Combinacion Cabron! And Naito shows Kenta how to properly do his poses. Fans fire up as Naito drags Kenta up and around for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Naito keeps his cool as he brings Kenta up again. Naito dragon sleepers for the backbreaker to the leg nelson! Kenta endures as Naito cranks the neck. Kenta moves around, Red Shoes notices the hair pull, and then Kenta gets the ropebreak! Naito lets go at the count of 4, and fans rally up again.
Naito stomps Kenta down and drags him up for a waistlock. Kenta fights off the lift and switches, but Naito elbows free. Naito runs in but gets a boot! He comes back but gets more boots. Kenta hops up, drags Naito in, tornado hotshot! Naito staggers and Kenta climbs, flying clothesline! Cover, TWO! Kenta keeps his cool as he drags Naito around by his arm. Kenta wraps up the arm but Naito won’t let it be Game Over as he gets the Ropebreak! Fans cheer while Kenta reluctantly releases Naito. Kenta stomps away on Naito at the ropes!
Naito gets under the bottom rope but Kenta kicks and stomps him more. Kenta drags Naito up and in through the ropes, but Naito fights free! Naito blocks the boot and sweeps the legs! Fans cheer as Naito brings Kenta out, for an apron neckbreaker! Kenta writhes while Naito catches his breath. Naito has camera men clear out as he drags Kenta out more, but Kenta gets off the apron. Naito throws forearms but Kenta kicks back. Kenta puts Naito on the railing, DRAPING DDT TO THE FLOOR!
Both men are down but clearly Naito took the worst of that. Kenta goes back into the ring and leaves Naito at the mercy of the count. Naito stirs at 5 as fans rally up for him. Naito sits up at 10, and slowly stands to get to his feet at 15. Kenta says Red Shoes needs to speed up but Naito is in at 17 again. Naito is in a corner, Kenta runs in, BIG boot! Then corner to corner, basement dropkick! Kenta roars as the originator of that move, and then heads up top! Naito is in the drop zone but gets out of the way as the double stomps come in! Kenta turns around, to get a SPINE BUSTER!
Fans rally again as Naito sits up first now. Naito fires himself up as he and Kenta come around. Naito throws a forearm but Kenta gives it back. Another forearm from Naito, another forearm from Kenta. Naito grins as the brawl continues, and even picks up speed! Kenta starts to wobble and Naito keeps on him. Naito throws wild elbows again, and Kenta drops to his knees! Fans fire up more as Naito drags Kenta up for even more elbows! Red Shoes checks on Kenta as he drops again, but Naito toys with him. We’re past 25 minutes as Naito swings more.
Kenta ducks and grabs at Red Shoes! Kenta uses Red Shoes as a shield, Naito pushes Red Shoes away, and Kenta grabs Naito for a Triangle Hold, into the GAME OVER! Naito endures being cranked back in the modified LeBelle Lock, and manages to drag himself and Kenta towards ropes. Kenta rolls Naito away and cranks back even harder! Naito keeps fighting forward, heading for new ropes. Kenta cranks back as hard as ever, but Naito refuses to quit! Naito pushes forward, reaches with his one free arm, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Kenta lets go in frustration, and fans rally hard as ever. Naito sits up in a daze, but Kenta KICKS him in the chest!
Naito rests on the ropes, Kenta runs in, double knees to the back! Kenta waistlocks and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Naito rises, so Kenta whips and runs to PSYCHO KICK! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives but Kenta drags him up. Fireman’s carry, but Naito slips out to rolling heel kick! Kenta rebounds and runs in, but Naito spins him around for a TORNADO DDT! Both men are down but Osaka fires back up! Red Shoes watches both men but Kenta is up and in a corner first. Naito follows and runs in, but blocks boots. He turns Kenta sideways, draping backbreaker! Naito hoists Kenta up top then climbs up to join him. SUPER STEINER!
Fans fire up again as Naito brings Kenta up, hammerlocks and scoops, GLORIA! Cover, TWO!! But Naito is not deterred! Naito drags Kenta up by his hair and wrenches, but Kenta powers Naito into Red Shoes! Then again! And now, Jay White rushes out! Bullet Club has nothing stopping them as White hits Naito with a SNAP Sleeper Suplex! White drags Naito around, but here comes BUSHI! Bushi reels back but White knows what’s coming and gets clear of the mist! BLADE RUNNER! White drags Naito around again but here comes HIROMU! Hiromu baits White in for a SUPERKICK!
Hiromu throws White out and drags him away with a headlock! That leaves it at just Naito and just Kenta in the ring. Kenta and Naito flounder and crawl while Young Lions help Red Shoes get back in. Fans rally as all three men are down, Red Shoes included in that. Kenta drags himself up with ropes while Naito and Red Shoes slowly stand. Kenta runs but Naito dodges to enziguri! Naito whips, Kenta reverses, but Naito hits flying forearms! Tilt-o-whirl but no Destino, DISCUS LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Kenta shouts he’s going to end it, and he fireman’s carries Naito. GO TO- DESTINO!? It wasn’t the full, but an inverted DDT is close enough!
Both men are down again and fans are thunderous! Kenta and Naito stir, and Naito sits up first, followed by Kenta. Naito stalks Kenta and drags him up for a scoop. Kenta slips out and bumps Naito on the exposed buckles! Cover, TWO!!! Naito survives but he is BUSTED open from that bare steel! Red Shoes checks on Naito but Naito refuses to let this end here. Kenta just SLAPS away with palm strikes! Kenta is a shark and he aims at Naito, for the PSYCHO KNEE! Cover, TWO!?!? Naito still lives!! But Kenta takes off a knee pad and drags Naito up to a fireman’s carry. Naito pops up to POISON-RANA! And then scoop, VALENTIA BRAIN BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Kenta survives but Naito and his crimson mask say this is the end! Naito drags Kenta up, wrenches, tilt-o-whirls, DESTINO!!! Cover, Naito wins!!!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion)
The first defense in the book was a battle in which Naito literally shed blood, sweat and tears! Kenta drew first blood but Naito won in the end! A stare down between the two men says it all, as does both men being barely able to stand. Red Shoes presents the Double Champion with both belts, but Naito also wants his time to talk. Red Shoes raises Naito’s hand, and Naito doesn’t even bother wiping away the blood on his face before putting his baseball cap back on. Kenta leaves peacefully so Naito can speak.
“Buenos noches, Osaka-Jo Haaall~!” Naito wants everyone gathered here, that- Oh wait, Kenta’s still here. Hey, Kenta, hurry up, would you? You’re not tranquilo. But as Naito was saying, Los Ingobernables de Japon’s Naito and his first defense… How was it seeing him stay Double Champion? Osaka loves it! The Tokyo Dome was a site of history, sure, with the Double Gold Dash. Osaka-Jo Hall is now a site of history with the Double Gold Defense. So what’s next? Naito wants a match with “that guy.” Hiromu, come back out! The fans cheer for Hiromu, and Hiromu does appear! Seems he got through with Jay White backstage.
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion joins his Double Champion LIJ leader and mentor. Naito wants Hiromu to decide, are they going to have that special 1v1 match? Hiromu grabs a mic as fans cheer for him. “Naito-san, do you remember?” When Naito took Hiromu under his wing and taught him about wrestling. Does Naito remember what he said the day before Hiromu went on his excursion? “When you come back, let’s have a match with one another.” And Hiromu’s been back, so the answer is SI! There could be no other answer! But does Naito want this match? Naito says that of course it’s SI! Hiromu Takahashi VS Tetsuya Naito, special Junior Heavyweight VS Heavyweight showdown for the Anniversary show! Do the fans think that sounds fun? Look forward to this incredible first-time-ever!
So with that, finally, the LIJ tradition! Osaka, you finally get one of these! “EVIL! BUSHI! SANADA! HIROMU! TAKAGI! Y NAITO! Nosotros… Los! Ingoberrrrrrrnableees! DE! JA! PON!” The streamers fly and the two champions and friends set their titles down. But then Hiromu picks up THE Heavyweight Championship to get a better look at it. Hiromu sets it down, and the two give the LIJ fist bump. When it comes down to mentor VS young ward, leader VS follower, and Heavyweight Champion VS Junior Heavyweight Champion, who is going to be the better man on the 48th Anniversary of NJPW?!
My Thoughts:
Even with just the matches I covered, it was obvious NJPW New Beginning in Osaka was another great event. The surprise of the three matches was that Jon Moxley retained. I would’ve thought Moxley loses so he doesn’t have to worry about traveling, as it feels very likely Moxley would win the AEW World Championship at AEW Revolution. But it seems NJPW is totally fine with Moxley going back and forth, as is AEW, so who knows? Moxley might be a bridge that helps open the “forbidden portal.” Seeing him and Jericho carry their feud between both promotions would be pretty cool, too.
I loved so much about Hiromu VS Lee, especially that almost all the strikes were chops. Those chests became like steak after all that stuff. I also really liked the tease of the spot that injured Hiromu, for the sake of the drama. Hiromu maintaining made the most sense, given what we’re getting at the Anniversary Event. The Double Gold match did great with purposefully taking a slow pace to start, because it extended this match to have the rest of it be the hard-hitting, fast paced match we knew it’d be in the end. I did not expect that blood, though! That was pretty great. Naito retains because it was his first defense, because Kenta isn’t at that level yet, and again, so we can get what we’re getting at the Anniversary Event, which is going to be a lot of fun.
My Score: 9.3/10
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Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!
The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
- Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
- Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony Schiavone is in the ring!
Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!
Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!
Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!
And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?
Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!
The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.
Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.
Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!
Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!
The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.
Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.
Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!
Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!
Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!
Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall
The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!
The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?
The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!
Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!
Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall
Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…
Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!
Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!
Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.
Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall
Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?
Team Triple J speaks backstage.
Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!
While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!
Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!
Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!
Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.
Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!
Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!
Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!
Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!
Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!
Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)
If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.
Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.
And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.
My Score: 8.8/10
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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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