SmackDown celebrates the Greatest Of All Time, one last time!

We are 24 hours away from John Cena’s final match, and SmackDown prepares for a stacked Saturday Night’s Main Event!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Championship: Ilja Dragunov VS Tommaso Ciampa; Ilja wins and retains the title.
• Alexa Bliss w/ Charlotte Flair VS Lash Legend w/ Nia Jax; Lash wins.
• The Miz VS Je’Von Evans; Je’Von wins.
• Jade Cargill VS Mia Yim; No Contest.
• Mixed Tag: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley VS Aleister Black & Zelina Vega; Priest & Rhea win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Nick Aldis speaks.

“As you know, Drew McIntyre was recently suspended from SmackDown. And despite what Drew might think, since that time, I’ve been working tirelessly to reinstate him and bring him back where he belongs. That’s become increasingly difficult this week, given that Drew won’t return my calls, has not returned emails, has not returned text messages. So he’s left me no choice but to use this platform to address him directly, and say Drew, consider this an official invitation to come here tonight so that we can discuss a resolution together to bring you back to SmackDown.”

The General Manager wants the Scottish Terminator to return, so long as Drew is willing to play by the rules. What will Drew’s response be?

Cody Rhodes arrives backstage.

The American Nightmare then crosses paths with Aldis. Cody asks if Drew is here tonight. Aldis says no, he is not. He has instead issued a legal letter via his attorneys, claiming this is not a “safe work environment.” He refuses to come in until the issue is resolved. Aldis will personally go to Drew’s house this weekend to get this taken care of. Cody looks the document over, crumples it up, and throws it away. Cody storms to gorilla now, makes his entrance, and the fans in Wilkes-Barre fire up! They sing along with Kingdom, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, gets the fans even more fired up, and he high-fives the front row as he goes down the ramp.

Cody goes to the ring, we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro, then Cody gets the mic. The fans cheer Cody on while the music dies down. Cody asks, “Wilkes-Barre, PA…! Whaddya wanna talk about? Let’s talk about Drew McIntyre!” The fans boo that name, but Cody says, “Drew McIntyre has said that this, this with all of you, is an unsafe work environment. Nearly snatched him bald, and now this is an unsafe work environment. There’s a reason Drew’s not getting up at 5AM for a press junket, there’s a reason Drew’s kicking officials, there’s a reason Drew’s not mingling with each and every one of you.

“And those reasons are the same reasons for him not being WWE Champion: Drew McIntyre is only half in, and that’s why I don’t sweat you, Drew McIntyre!” The fans cheer that, and Cody says in fact, if he was the boss, he’d FIRE Drew! But he’s not the boss, so he can’t do that. But what Cody can do is whip Drew’s ass! The fans cheer that! But then OBA FEMI is here!? The Ruler was going to meet Cody Rhodes in Washington, DC, but it seems he wants to be here in Wilkes-Barre tonight! The fans cheer as the TWO-TIME NXT Champion steps up to the Undisputed WWE Champion, and stares him right in the face!

The fans fire up for the stare down, and Cody takes a step back so that he can fetch a mic for Oba. The fans cheer for “O~BA! HOOT!” Oba says Cody is all fired up, he loves the passion, but he is afraid Cody is worried about the wrong man. Cody is worried about Drew, but Drew is not here. But the NXT Champoin is in the building tonight! The fans cheer that! So allow Oba to formally introduce himself to the WWE Universe: He is Oba Femi, The Ruler, The Destroyer, the Bringer of War, the mountain you cannot climb and you cannot conquer! And he is also the man Cody will face on Saturday Night’s Main Event.

The fans cheer again, and Oba says in the spirit of SNME, it has been advertised as The Present VS The Future. Everyone is acting like the future is this distance thing so far away, but that is where Oba disagrees. Oba is here, knocking on Cody’s door, telling him that the future is now, is here, and it is OBA FEMI! So in the spirit of hustle, loyalty and respect… Oba says Cody’s time is up, and Oba’s time is now! The fans cheer, and Cody nods. That’s a good John Cena quote. Glad Cena is someone Oba looks up to, they share that. But the man right here is the man who beat Cena for the WWE Championship.

Cody goes to leave, but Oba stops him. Oba raises his title high, Cody does the same. The fans cheer as we’re just 24 hours away from this epic showdown. Drew or no Drew, will Cody be able to focus on his future? Or will all that awaits him be a Fall From Grace?

Ilja Dragunov heads to gorilla.

On the way, Fraxiom is there and they wanna let him know, if DIY tries anything out there, they’ll be there to kick DIY’s teeth down their throats! Axiom has Frazer cool down, and says they’re just watching. If anything happens, they will be there to help. Ilja says he appreciates that, but no, he promised to carry the legacy of the US Championship with honor. It is the painful way, but it is the honest way. Ciampa has spit on everything this title stands for the last few weeks, so Ilja will put him- No, he will PUNCH Ciampa in his place! Because the Greatest Of All Time, John Cena himself, started the tradition of the Open Challenge.

Cena never backed down from a bully, Cena never backed down from a fight, so neither will Ilja! Tonight, Ilja will teach that jackass that if he plays with a Mad Dragon, he will burn! Pain shall entertain! Fraxiom likes that, and they wish him luck. The Czar is ready for another war, but will he break the Blackheart of the Sicilian Psycho? Or will Ciampa make sure no one will survive?

WWE United States Championship: Ilja Dragunov VS Tommaso Ciampa!

SmackDown returns as Ilja makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly intense!

The bell rings, the two tie up, and they go around. Ciampa pulls hair, puts Ilja in a corner, but CHOPS and ROCKS him as the ref counts! And CHOPS again! Ilja KNEES low, CHOPS again, then UPPERCUTS! And CHOPS! Ciampa headlocks, Ilja powers up and out, but Ciampa ROCKS Ilija! Ilja ROCKS Ciampa! And repeat! Ilja rebounds to CHOP, but Ciampa CHOPS back! The CHOPS and SLAPS go back and forth and the fans fire up! Ilja JUMP KICKS! Down goes Ciampa and the fans fire up again! Ciampa checks his teeth while Ilja paces. Ilja drags Ciampa up, CHOPS him, and CHOPS him again! Ciampa kicks low, CHOPS then CHOPS, but Ilja CHOPS!

Ilja spins to CHOP the legs out, then he winds up again! But Ciampa DROPKICKS Ilja’s leg! And KNEES him down! Cover, TWO! Ilja is still in this but Ciampa stomps the legs. Ciampa stands Ilja up, whips, but Ilja reverses. Ilja runs up, KNEES Ciampa low, then goes side to side to BOOT WASH! Ciampa dangles out of the ring, the fans fire up, and Ilja stands Ciampa up, just to BOOT him to the floor! Ilja then goes out the side, builds speed, but Ciampa just sidesteps! Ilja runs right into steel steps! Ciampa hauls Ilja up, and suplexes him into the steps! Ilja writhes, Ciampa pats himself on the back quite literally, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Ilja fights a waistlock. Ilja elbows away until he’s free, but Ciampa whips! Ilja CONSTANT- NO, the leg gives out! Ciampa KICKS Ilja, but Ilja BOOTS in return! Ciampa KNEES Ilja again, but Ilja springs up to ENZIGIRI! Both men are down but the fans fire up! Ilja snarls as he rises again, and he drags Ciampa around. Ilja CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS, then he SLAPS! And CHOPS! Ilja KNEES Ciampa now, but a bit double-edged given the damage done. But Ilja still SLAPS Ciampa again! And KNEES him again! And GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ilja holds onto Ciampa and the fans fire up!

The fans want to see it, “One More Time! One More TIme!” Ilja GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ilja holds on, shakes his bad leg out, and he eggs on “Jackass” Ciampa! Ciampa CLUBS at the leg but Ilja shifts to rain HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then he pump handles, but the leg won’t let him lift! Ciampa has the bad leg, Ilja and Ciampa SLAP and SLAP and SLAP! Ilja ROCKS Ciampa, and then BACK SUPLEX SLAMS Ciampa! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa survives, Ilja is stunned, but the fans fire up again! Ilja goes to a corner, climbs up, but Ciampa CHOPS him first! Ilja SLAPS back! Ciampa BOOTS the bad leg! Ilja falls to the apron!

The fans rally, Ciampa steps out, and he fireman’s carries Ilja. AIR RAID CRASH on the apron! Cover, TWO!!! Ilja survives and Ciampa is furious! But Ciampa also hurries to get Ilja back up top! Ciampa climbs, but Ilja HEADBUTTS again and again! Ciampa falls back, Ilja rises up, and Ilja COAST2COAST MISSILE DROPKICKS! Both men are down and Ilja clutches the bad leg! The fans rally even harder and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Ilja drags himself up with the ropes, and he eggs Ciampa on. Ciampa reaches out but Ilja stands him up. Ilja CHOPS Ciampa, CHOPS him down, then stalks him to a corner. Ciampa goes to the apron, btu Ilja CLUBS and HAMMERS away! The ref counts, Ilja stops, and Ilja drags himself back up. Ilja climbs the corner, drags Ciampa up, and he deadlifts Ciampa! But Ciampa fights the rest of the lift! Ciampa SHOVES Ilja down, and Ilja again clutches the leg. Ciampa hurries in, he gest the leg for the HALF CRAB! Ilja endures, reaches out, but Ciampa pulls on the leg! Ilja fights to turn, and he kicks at Ciampa!

Ciampa powers Ilja back over for the HALF CRAB! Ilja endures, and bites his own hand to ignore the leg! Ilja CHOPS at Ciampa’s legs, then turns back over to KICK free! Ilja BOOTS Ciampa against the ropes! Ilja reels Ciampa in, pump handle and SUPLEX! Both men are down again, but Ilja reaches out for Ciampa. Ciampa reaches out for ropes and rolls away. Both men rise up, and Ilja CHOPS! Ciampa CHOPS! Ilja snarls and HEADBUTTS Ciampa! Ciampa ROCKS Ilja! Ilja SLAPS Ciampa, throws off his wristbands, and fires CHOP after CHOP, and MACHINEGUN CHOPS in the corner! Ilja stops from exhaustion while SmackDown returns to single picture.

Ilja hoists Ciampa up top, but Ciampa SLAPS! Ilja says it is payback time, and he SLAPS back! They SLAP, Ilja SLAPS and SLAPS, but Ciampa shoves him! Ciampa eggs him on, and Ilja SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS! Then CHOPS! Ciampa slumps back against the post! Ilja drags himself up the corner to then roar! The fans fire up, and Ilja brings Ciampa back up. But Ciampa CLUBS the leg! Ciampa fireman’s carries, and tucks Ilja in, for a SUPER AIR RAID CRASH!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Ilja survives, nose bloody and leg hurting, but Ciampa is beside himself! “This is Awesome!” as both men sputter for air.

Ilja and Ciampa stir, and Ciampa sits up first. Ciampa goes to ropes, Ilja smiles through the blood!? Ilja and Ciampa rise up, step up, and Ilja SLAPS! Ciampa SLAPS! Then they CHOP and SLAP and just throw fast hands! The fans are all fired up as Ciampa gets the edge! Ciampa blocks a kick, and DRAGON SCREWS! Ilja writhes, Ciampa brings his kneepad down! PSYCHO- HEADBUTT from Ilja! But Ciampa GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Ilja’s right back up!! TORPEDO MOSCOW!! Ilja flounders around, he goes back to a corner, but GARGANO gets on the apron! The fans boo, but CANDICE HOTSHOTS ILJA! PSYCHO KNEE!!! Cover, TWO!!!!

Ilja survives and DIY is SHOCKED! The fans are thunderous as Ilja BACKDROPS Ciampa, sits on the cover, ILJA WINS!!

Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

But now Gargano CLOBBERS Ilja! DIY couldn’t cheat the champ, so they’ll just beat him down! But here comes MELO! And he fires hands on Ciampa! Gargano is after Melo now but Melo ELBOWS him away! SUPERKICK for Ciampa! FADE AWAY JUMPER on Gargano! The fans fire up as DIY is in retreat! Melo then turns to Ilja, and he helps the man to his feet. The fans cheer, but will we soon see Ilja run it back with H1M? Or do they both have to clear out the jackasses first?

Backstage interview with Je’Von Evans.

Cathy Kelley is with The Young OG, and she says that tomorrow night, Je’Von has arguably the biggest match of his career on Saturday. How is he feeling about this? Je’Von says he can’t lie, he’s giddy as hell! He is having one of the biggest days of his career, and he’s not doing it alone! He’s got his good friend, Leon Slater with him! But then The Miz steps in and says no, no, no! This is ALL wrong! They should be interviewing Miz about his career tomorrow night, but Miz doesn’t have one! Instead, they’re interviewing a KID who wasn’t even alive when John Cena debuted! Je’Von says hold on, Unc!

Miz says do NOT call him “Unc,” he is not Je’Von’s “Unc.” Je’Von still says Uncle Miz had TWO opportunities, lost them both, so that’s a Miz problem. Miz says he wrestles on a level Je’Von is not ready for! Je’Von says they’re both here, so if Miz wants to throw hands, let him know. Miz says he will go to Nick Aldis, make that match, and he will make Je’Von understand that if he gets injured, he won’t make it to SNME, Nephew. Miz storms off, will the Hollywood A-Lister try and revive his career off the Young OG? Or will we all see dat boy get BOUNCY~?

The Wyatts speak.

Uncle Howdy says, “We’re here. AHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Will everyone on SmackDown have to watch their backs tonight?

The Wyatts head to the ring!

SmackDown returns and the lights go down. The fireflies come out to greet Uncle Howdy, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis & Erick Rowan as they walk down the ramp. Solo Sikoa put them on notice over the WWE Tag Team Championships and even the legacy of Bray Wyatt, but it seems they’re here first. Bow blows out the lantern to sit in the rocking chair. He picks up the mic to say, “Solo Sikoa… You’ve made many claims this past week. Trying to discredit me and my family. But who are you to cast judgment? You may not have the power look within yourself, Solo, but we do.

“And the reality is… Your real family… has all turned their back on you! Because you used and abused those you claimed to love. Your… You’re disillusioned… You’re out of your mind! Saying the MFT runs SmackDown! HAHAHAHA… Rip this veil from your eyes! The MFT runs nothing, while the Wyatt Sick6 have these.” Lumis & Gacy set down the tag titles and the fans cheer. Howdy kneels before the belts, and he tells Solo, “If you and your family tree want these titles… Come and get them!” The fans cheer that! But wait! MFT does indeed make their way out to the ring! But while everyone watches the ramp, Solo is just on the tron.

Solo chuckles and says, “Look at these freaks. Look at ’em. What you thought was gonna happen, huh? That we were just gonna come out there and show up on your terms? Nah. It don’t work like that, okay? Howdy, listen to me, listen to me very, very closely. You don’t get to call the shots around here. Because I’m the one that’s calling the shots. And I see you and your family like to appear from the shadows and attack my family. This time, we are gonna do things my way. Next week, we are coming to take those tag team titles, so you and your family better be ready for war. A word of advice: If you wanna keep your family safe, which I know you do, give us those tag team titles.

“Because if you don’t, the only thing that you can do… is run!” The fans boo Solo using Bray’s words against Howdy, but will Solo regret playing mind games with the Wyatts? Or will MFT finally have gold again?

Charlotte Flair talks Alexa Bliss.

The Queen points out that Lash Legend is bigger than Alexa, and perhaps the strongest woman on the roster. But she’s also young, overconfident, and entitled. Can you believe she walks in here and acts like she owns the place? Can you believe people used to think Charlotte was like that? Alexa sarcastically says, “You? No…!” Well, Alexa has more experience than Lash, this is Alexa’s ring, and she will win. Then #Charlexa will head back for the tag titles. But then Rhea Ripley steps in. Tag team titles, huh? When it comes to who’s next, it is her and Iyo. Alexa says they respect #RheYo, but Charlexa steps aside for no one.

Rhea says good luck tonight. Alexa says good luck, too. Charlotte says Alexa doesn’t need luck. But will Alexa be able to bring down the towering Lash Legend? Or will the Bougie Bully pop #Blisster tonight?

Alexa Bliss w/ Charlotte Flair VS Lash Legend w/ Nia Jax!

The weather is getting colder but the Women’s Tag Division is only heating up as #Charlexa is aiming for the Kabuki Warriors, same as #RheYo and the new combination of Bougie Bully & Irresistible Force. Alexa got a win over Kairi Sane, can she get another win here tonight? Or will Lash pump on the brakes and have her breakthrough moment?

The bell rings, Lash runs up, but Alexa dodges! Alexa jumps on for a SLEEPER! Lash THROWS Alexa away, runs up, but Alexa dodges again. Alexa tilt-o-whirls to RANA Lash outta the ring! The fans cheer, Alexa goes to the apron, and Alexa CANNONBALLS, but Lash catches her! And THROWS her onto barriers! Alexa sputters, Lash drags her back up, and Lash drags Alexa around. Lash puts Alexa in the ring, storms up, and wrenches the arm to knuckle lock. Lash pushes on Alexa’s arm, then CLUBS it! And straight arm lever! The fans cheer the old school feat of strength, and then Lash lets Alexa down to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally for “LEXI! LEXI!” as Lash talks trash on Alexa. Then SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Nia taunts Alexa and coaches Lash. Lash whips Alexa to the corner, but Alexa BOOTS her! Alexa goes up, leaps, but into Lash’s arms Lash then walks around with Alexa, but Alexa swings through to DDT! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Lash rises first, but Alexa ROCKS her again and again, then KNEES and SHOTGUNS! The fans fire up, Alexa runs, but Lash DECKS her! The “Lash Minute” sends Alexa tumbling. Lash stalks her to the apron, but Alexa HOTSHOTS her away! Lash distracts the ref, and Nia TRIPS Alexa up!

Charlotte runs up to SUPERKICK Nia! Lash runs up and BOOTS Charlotte down! Lash goes back to Alexa, but Alexa tilt-o-whirls again! Lash stops the DDT this time to swing Alexa all the way around! LASH EXTENSION!! Cover, Lash wins!

Winner: Lash Legend, by pinfall

And with that, Lash just beat a WWE Triple Crown Champion! Will this be a sign that Lash & Nia are on their way to those tag titles?

Backstage interview with Aleister Black & Zelina Vega.

Cathy Kelley catches up with the menacing couple and asks for any comment on their Mixed Tag tonight. Zelina says it didn’t have to come to this. Damian Priest is only doing this because he doesn’t like the man that he is. But if he thinks he phones a friend, that’ll make him whole, then he is wrong. Aleister says if Damian is so keen to drag his friends to Hell with him, so be it. The Dark Father and La Muneca head out, will they make Damian and Rhea #FadeToBlack? Or will they learn to fear The Terror Twins?

BREAKING NEWS!

Starting with the New Year, Friday Night SmackDowns go to THREE HOURS LONG! January 2nd, 2026 will begin a bigger, badder era of the Blue Brand!

The Miz VS Je’Von Evans!

The Hollywood A-Lister just always has to have the spotlight. But will he steal it from The Young OG just 24 hours away from the tag match in DC? Or will Je’Von prove exactly why he has this phenomenal opportunity?

SmackDown returns and Je’Von makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. Miz headlocks, Je’Von powers up and out, but Miz RUNS Je’Von over! Miz pie faces Je’Von, the fans are torn, but Je’Von says okay, Unc. Miz shows he still has hops, then he and Je’Von tie up again. Miz powers Je’Von back, Je’Von turns it around, but Miz shoves Je’Von down! Je’Von frowns, but he kips up, then MONKEY FLISP! Miz tumbles, Je’Von mocks The Miz’s old poses. Miz runs up, Je’Von DROPKICKS! Then the BOUNCY~ RANA! Miz tumbles out and the fans fire up! Je’Von throws off his shirt and builds speed to slide!

Miz dodges the slide and he KNEES low! Miz drags Je’Von up, whips him, but Je’Von goes up, up, and ASAI MOONSAULTS! The fans fire up and Je’Von puts Miz in. But Miz BOOTS Je’Von at the apron! And POSTS him! Je’Von scrambles, clutches an arm, but Miz grabs the arm to SNAP it against ropes! Je’Von falls to the floor, Miz shakes his head, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Miz has Je’Von in the YES LOCK! Je’Von endures, the fans rally behind him, and Je’Von claws at the hold! Je’Von fights around, rolls back, makes it a cover, TWO! Miz has Je’Von but Je’Von CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Then he bobs ‘n’ weaves to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! And then JAB! JAB! But Miz BOOTS the bad arm! Miz drags Je’Von around to whip, but Je’Von FLYING FOREARMS! The fans fire up again, Miz blocks a kick but not the SUPERKICK! Je’Von rebounds, RED DOT GAMANGIRI! Cover, TWO! Miz survives but Je’Von stays focused. Je’Von shakes out the arm to climb the corner.

The fans rally up and Je’Von MOON- NO, Miz moves and Je’Von rolls through! Je’Von swings, Miz gets under, SPIN-OUT BOMB! The fans boo as Miz raises his hand. Miz parodies Cena, “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Miz calls his shot, fireman’s carries, but Je’Von handsprings through the AA! Then he TOSSES Miz out! Je’Von builds speed to FLY! Down goes Miz! Je’Von gets Miz up, puts him in the ring, and “This is Awesome!” Je’Von goes up, up, and O G- NO! Miz has the nelson, but Je’Von victory rolls it! TWO and Miz has it with tights! TWO!! Je’Von dodges, goes back up, O G CUTTER!! Cover, Je’Von wins!

Winner: Je’Von Evans, by pinfall

The Young OG got one up on the A-Lister! But will he and the Youngest In Charge soon do the same to the WWE World Tag Team Champions? Or will Styles & Dragon show everyone what it is to be phenomenal?

Nia Jax & Lash Legend find Rhea Ripley backstage.

Nia wasn’t sure if Rhea watched, but she should’ve seen what they did to Charlotte & Alexa. That was just a warning. If Rhea hasn’t noticed, things have changed around here. Sorry, is this some sort of threat? Cuz Nia’s been acting real brave now that she’s got a little backup. Rhea doesn’t think they want them reminding them that Rhea is a problem they don’t want to have. So when Rhea & Iyo want the tag titles, they’ll take ’em. Nia grumbles and leaves with Lash. Priest steps in, asks if Rhea is good, and she says she’s good. Priest says don’t worry about Nia & Lash. But keep this energy! He’ll finish getting ready, she just needs to take it easy.

Priest heads out, but then Jade Cargill walks past. The Storm smirks at Rhea, then heads to gorilla. Will the WWE Women’s Champion soon leave Wilkes-Barre and Mia Yim feeling Jaded?

Jade Cargill VS Mia Yim!

Michin walks ‘n’ walks that ever since Jade became champion, she has just been picking on every single one of them! And nothing pisses her off more than a bully! Mia knows Jade’s gonna give everything she’s got, so Michin’s gonna give everything she’s got. But then Jade DECKS Mia at gorilla! And she SMACKS Mia off the road case! Jade drags Mia up, THROWS her into the wall, then says, “Exactly. Now cue my music.” The Storm storms her way out to the ring, did she just cancel her match with the Head Baddie In Charge? Jade says you already know this is #ThatB*tchShow. Jade goes right to the ring and get a mic.

“Cut the music! Y’all gon’ stop tryin’ me! That is what happens when women don’t know their place in the back! Like I said, anybody can step up and get stepped on! Cuz I’m That B-” WAIT! Michin is still making her entrance? And she’s got her kendo stick! She SMACKS security aside, then fires off on Jade! The fans fire up as Miz bullies Jade for a bit! Mia then goes looking, and she brings out a TABLE! The fans cheer that! But Jade BOOTS her down first! The fans boo but Jade TOSSES Mia into the ring! And she even puts the table back! The fans boo more, but Mia BLASTS Jade at the apron! Mia fires hands, Jade shoves her back!

jade guzels and CHOKE SLAMS Mia right down! Jade tells Mia to stay down. Jade picks up her gold and storms her way back out of here. “This is my ring, this is my show, I AM That B/tch, you better recognize! Gimme some real competition.” Who, if anyone, will try to weather The Storm and end the reign?

Mixed Tag: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley VS Aleister Black & Zelina Vega!

This all started because The Archer of Infamy stood up for R-Truth against The Dark Father, and it has only escalated from there. But will having reinforcements in the form of The Eradicator be just the thing Damian needs to end this? Or will the necessary evil make The Terror Twins and all of SmackDown #FadeToBlack?

SmackDown returns and Priest makes his entrance, followed immediately by Rhea’s. The fans are already fired up as Priest & Rhea step into the ring, and they climb up onto the corners, only for Aleister & Zelina to attack! The fans boo, but Aleister fires off strikes on Priest while Zelina DUMPS Rhea out! The bell rings, Aleister puts Priest in another corner to fire more strikes, but the ref counts. Aleister stops at 4, then storms back up, only for Priest to TOSS him into the corner! Priest fires hands, ROCKS Aleister, then whips him to ropes. Aleister grabs ropes top stop himself, but Priest LARIATS Alesiter up and otu!

Priest finally takes off his vest, and he points to Rhea. The fans cheer that! But Zelina jumps on for a SLEEPER! She’s little more than a backpack, and Priest tags Rhea in. So Zelina SLAPS Rhea! Rhea just gets mad, and Priest says Zelina messed up. Rhea chases Zelina out of the ring, around the ring, then back in, and she stops the slap! Short arm LARIAT! The fans rally for “MAMI! MAMI!” as Rhea then back suplexes! Zelina lands out, tilt-o-whirls, but Rhea stops the DDT! Rhea wags her finger, and powers up to throw Zelina away! Rhea kicks Zelina, KNEE SMASHES, then winds up to LARIAT! The fans fire up with Rhea and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Rhea sees Zelina go to the corner, and she runs up to RAM her! Rhea RAMS Zelina again and again, and again, then backs off as the ref counts. Rhea brings Zelina out to whip to the corner hard! Rhea then smiles, runs up, but Zelina dodges! Rhea POSTS herself! Zelina then WRINGS the arm out, covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Zelina clamps onto an arm and grinds the hold. Rhea fights off the attempt at a cover, and she rolls Zelina to a ghost pin, ONE! Rhea tries again, TWO! Zelina runs up, but Rhea catches her! Rhea pops Zelina around, but Zelina slips free! Zelina shoves Rhea and Aleister stands in the way.

The ref reprimands Aleister but Zelina runs up to get the ARM CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Zelina grabs Rhea’s arm and CLUBS away on it! Zelina then jumps on for a HOVERBOARD KIMURA! Rhea endures, fights up, but Zelina CLUBS away on Rhea! Rhea still powers up to go for ropes, and she puts Zelina up top! The ref counts, Zelina still CLUBS Rhea’s arm, then has the HANGING ARMBAR! SmackDown returns to single picture while the ref reprimands, and Zelina lets go at 4. Rhea scrambles away but Zelina goes up! Zelina METEORAS! Cover, TWO! Rhea stays in this, but Zelina stays on her with a rain of fists!

The fans rally for “MAMI! MAMI!” but Zelina says shut up! Rhea fires body shots, then suplexes, but Zelina slips free to CHOP BLOCK! And then a handspring into the headscissors, Rhea slips free, so Zelina basement DDTS! Cover, TWO! Zelina tries again, handspring and roll, but Rhea picks Zelina up! POWERBOMB! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Rhea and Zelina crawl, hot tag to Priest! Aleister runs in, but Priest LARIATS! And LARIATS! Priest whips, Aleister reverses, but Priest hits the ELEVATED FLATLINER! The fans fire up as Priest ELBOWS Aleister in the corner, then BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO!

Aleister survives but Priest powers up the arm. The fans fire up, but Zelina jumps on! Again, more of an inconvenience. Priest throws her away, but Aleister JUMP KNEES! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans rally up, Aleister stands Priest up fore fast hands, and he fires off in the corner! But Priest BOOTS back! Rhea tags in! Priest runs up, Aleister SWEEPS the legs! Zelina POSTS Rhea! Aleister brings Priest up, Priest ELBOWS free! Zelina and Aleister work together, ASSISTED DROPKICK on Priest! ASSISTED RANA on Rhea! JUMP KNEE and Priest tumbles out!

Aleister and Zelina go to the aprons, STEREO ASAI MOONSAULTS! The fans cheer, that was legitimately impressive, and Zelina puts Rhea in. Zelina goes up, CROSSBODY, but Rhea catches her! Rhea pops Zelina around, pump handles, and RIP- NO, Zelina slips through, body scissors for a CODE RED! Not the best way of hitting it, but Zelina CLUBS away on Rhea! Reset and CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!??! Rhea survives and Zelina is freaking out! Zelina hurries to BUZZ- NO, Rhea ducks it! Zelina HEEL KICKS, then CLUBS her! Zelina runs, tilt-o-whirls, but Rhea stoops the Octopus Hold to carry Zelina around!

Rhea pops Zelina back up with an Electric Chair and SLAM! Then the cover, but Aleister drags Rhea back! The fans boo and the ref reprimands! Rhea stares Aleister down, Aleister smirks, and Aleister steps out. Rhea HEADBUTTS him anyway! Zelina rolls Rhea up! TWO!! Rhea kicks low, reels Zelina in, and Priest intercepts Aleister! The fans fire up as we get STEREO RAZOR’S EDGE!! Priest says finish her! Rhea hauls Zelina up, RIPTIDE!! Cover, Terror Twins win!

Winners: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

Aleister & Zelina tried to tear them down, but the Terror Twins stood tall! Will this help Priest move on from the darkness? Or will this not end until that darkness consumes him?

My Thoughts:

A very good SmackDown, though not as much of a go-home as you’d expect. They had good video packages for John Cena’s career, but nothing they hadn’t already shown in part. I ended up missing/skipping the celebrity shoutouts to Cena, but it’s not like that was going to change anything about Cena VS Gunther tomorrow. And good promos from Aldis and Cody to address Drew McIntyre making this a legal battle before it becomes another title match. Oba showing up was a nice surprise, he had a good promo with Cody to hype up their match, but I could think Cody finds a way to survive Oba. For all we know, Drew attacks and screws things up anyway.

Je’Von Evans being here was another nice surprise, and he had a very good match with The Miz to keep him strong in the eyes of the main roster fans. Je’Von & Leon really are going to have a great tag match with Styles & Dragon, I’m sure. Je’Von VS Ricky Saints is definitely the NXT New Year’s Evil match, and who knows if Je’Von wins to stay in NXT or loses to move to main roster full time. I would imagine with the New Year, there will be some call-ups, especially with the Royal Rumble as the next stop and we can get some fresh names filling out that match. At the same time, it’d be a shame if Je’Von didn’t win the NXT Championship first, maybe it’ll be Ricky instead.

Very good stuff with the Women’s Tag Division, from the little promo from Charlotte, Alexa & Rhea to Alexa VS Lash. Nia getting involved was a given, but that was still a great win for Lash over Alexa. Nia & Lash had a good promo with Rhea, too, and I’m still banking on the big tag title match where at least Kabuki Warriors, Charlexa, RheYo, Nia & Lash, and some form of Judgment Day battle it out. In fact, Bayley & Lyra should also be in that mix given their beefs with Kabuki Warriors and Judgment Day. SmackDown is going to THREE hours, getting more out of all divisions is a must. With that, I expected a bit more out of Jade VS Mia, but Jade being a bully of a champ still works, we can build towards a title match with the Royal Rumble and these three-hour SmackDowns.

Rhea & Priest VS Aleister & Zelina was a really good tag match in the main event, but Zelina may have needed to work on her fancy new moves a bit more before busting them out on TV. That first Code Red out of the Canadian Rack was clearly botched, but kudos to both Zelina and Rhea going again. Very good win for Priest & Rhea, but this feud does not feel done. A shame they already used Last Man Standing as a stipulation, but maybe they escalate to an I Quit match. And even then, I’m not sure the endgame. Priest can win, but is Aleister really going to inherit the trope of “His opponents are forever changed” from Karrion Kross and Bray Wyatt? But at the same time, is Priest really going to kneel to Aleister and be the heavy in a new faction?

Very good promos from both Uncle Howdy and Solo Sikoa to hype up the tag title match, that’ll be some great stuff for next week’s SmackDown. I can’t be sure who wins, but something in story would just make sense if MFT cheated hard to win against the Wyatts. They can then build to a rematch for the Royal Rumble weekend and have an even wilder match. Ilja VS Ciampa was definitely a wild match, and that was exactly what it should’ve been after weeks of Ilja trolling Ciampa and Ciampa screwing over the other contenders. Great win for Ilja, and great save from Melo to chase off DIY. Feels like that’s a tag match right there, with the real goal being a US Championship match. Fraxiom has been hanging around this story, maybe they also get involved to escalate things.

My Score: 8.7/10

Who will be #WarReady?

World Tag League is almost over, and it will either be the Knock Out Brothers or the rivals, Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji, that face TMDK in the finals?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: Bishamon & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Shingo Takagi, “Drilla” Dan Moloney & Daiki Nagai; Takagi, Drilla & Daiki win.
• Boltin Oleg & Zane Jay VS Lance Archer & Alex Zayne; Archer & Zayne win.
• Six Man Tag: El Desperado, Shuji Ishikawa & Shoma Kato VS SANADA, Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sanada, Narita & Kanemaru win.
• 10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Shota Umino, Yuya Uemura & Katsuya Murashima VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
• Six Man Tag: David Finlay, Hiromu Takahashi & Gedo VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
• Six Man Tag: El Phantasmo, Taichi & Satoshi Kojima VS TMDK; TMDK wins.
• 2025 World Tag League Semifinals: Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji VS OSKAR & Yuto-Ice; Gabe & Yota win and advance to the finals.

PLAY BY PLAY

After 10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Shota Umino, Yuya Uemura & Katsuya Murashima VS The House of Torture…

As usual, The House of Torture cheats! Sho, still posing as “Dick Togo Jr,” uses the SPOILER CHOKER on the Young Lion, Katsuya, to drag him off of Evil. Then he feeds Katsuya to Don Fale’s GRENADE, and Evil tops it off with a SCORPION DEATHLOCK! But bullying the Young Lion isn’t enough! Sho sits Katsuya up, and Evil has one of the NEVER Six Man belts! But Toru Yano snatches it back! Evil wants mercy, but here come reinforcements! Sanada & Narita attack Yano from behind! The fans boo as the full House is here! Evil talks trash while the fans boo, and Evil again picks up the Six Man title.

Evil gets a mic to tell everyone to shut up! And he tells Yano, “Too bad, HAHAHA!” But since they wanna defend these NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag titles so badly, Evil, Sanada & Narita accept! The fans boo and tell The House to go home! Evil says to shut up, bunch of dummies. And at the Tokyo Dome, Hontai will lose these titles! Got it? Remember it! The King of Darkness wants to be the King of NEVER, but will the Cold-Blooded, Souled Out Snakes help him seal the fate of Yano, Wato & Yoh?

Six Man Tag: David Finlay, Hiromu Takahashi & Gedo VS The United Empire!

It was the other day that The War Dogs and Unaffiliated were minding their own business with their 10 Man Tag, and then Great-O-Khan, Callum Newman & Jakob Austin Young decided to attack! Reasons why aside, will the Rebel, Timebomb & Blacksmith get their revenge? Or will they be conquered by the United Empire?

Well now the Empire attacks Finlay, Hiromu & Gedo during their entrance! But they’re ready, and Hiromu CROSSBODIES Callum! Finlay ROCKS Jakob, Khan kicks Gedo but Gedo CLAWS Khan’s eyes! The fans fire up as Hiromu stomps Callum, and Finlay CLAWS Jakob’s eyes! They move towards ringside, but then end up in the crowd! Finlay HEADBUTTS Callum, and SHOVES him down into the chairs! Finlay stomps Callum, then uses a fan’s SHOE to beat him down!? Khan ROCKS Hiromu while against the railing! The ref reprimands, he wants someone in the ring. Finlay whips Callum into the wall!

The brawling continues as Callum turns things around and he sends Finlay into the wall! Hiromu BOWLS Khan into chairs! Not quite a strike, but he drags Khan up by his beard. Finlay CLAWS Callum’s face then ROCKS him with a forearm! Callum kicks back and ROCKS Finlay! But Finlay SMACKS Callum off a table! And then THROWS him over the merch tables! Finlay even CHUCKS shirts and things at Callum! And SMACKS him with a box! Finlay stands Callum up, Callum ROCKS Finlay! Khan CLOBBERS Hiromu, then CHOKES him with a chair! Then he clamps on the IRON CLAW! Khan drags Hiromu up and brings him around, but Hiromu BOWLS him into chairs!

Finlay keeps after Callum and ROCKS him with a forearm! They go to the back end of the crowd, but Finlay whips Callum into another wall! The ref continues to say get this in the ring, but Hiromu CHOKES Khan with a chair in return for earlier! Hiromu stomps Khan, Callum ROCKS Finlay, and where are Gedo and Jakob in all this? Callum has more fans clear out, Hiromu dodges Khan to kick him, and then Hiromu BOWLS Khan into more chairs! Still not a strike. Finlay BOWLS Callum into chairs, there’s the strike! Finlay CLAWS Callum’s eyes, Khan Mongolian Chops Hiromu! And Mongolian Chops again! Hiromu blocks the third, to Mongolian Chop in return!

The fans cheer, but then Khan IRON BODY BLOWS in return! Finlay and Callum still brawl, and Finlay CLOBBERS Callum with a fan’s bag! But then Callum SMOTHERS Finlay with a fan’s jacket! Callum KNEES Finlay away, then stalks him. Khan drags Hiromu through the crowd and right behind commentary! Khan SMACKS Hiromu off the desk! Finlay HEADBUTTS Callum! Callum flops onto chairs, so Finlay ELBOW DROPS onto him! Finlay rains down fists, then kicks him down. Khan drags Hiromu up and whips him hard into railing, and the front row has to watch out! Callum and Finlay brawl again, and Callum KICKS Finlay down!

Khan has a chair! He winds up and JAMS Hiromu up! The fans cheer as he takes aim, and he SMACKS Hiromu on the back! We finally see Gedo firing body shots on Jakob while Khan IRON CLAWS Hiromu again! Finlay and Callum have also made it to ringside, and Callum puts Gedo in. The bell finally rings, and Callum fires off on Gedo in the corner! Callum goes corner to corner to BOOT Gedo! Feed to Jakob for an ANARCHY PLEX! Then PENALTY KICK! Callum covers, but Callum sits Gedo up! Callum hits the EXCALIBUR STOMPS! Cover, Empire wins!

Winners: The United Empires, by pinfall

The actual match only lasted seconds rather than minutes, but even then Callum wants to beat down Gedo! He rains down forearms, he HEADBUTTS a Young Lion away, and Khan sends a chair in! Callum puts the chair around Gedo’s neck! The fans freak out, but Finlay & Hiromu get in the ring! The Empire retreats, and Callum SPITS at Finlay! Finlay demands a mic! “Hey, where they hell do you boys think you’re going, huh? Here’s the thing, Callum, I know for a fact you’ve been running your mouth, talking some s*it, that you and that homeless looking man you call a partner want a rematch against me and Hiromu!

“Well, you got my attention now. You want a rematch? You got it! We’ll see you b*tches in Kumamoto!” The fans cheer that! But will that battle end up as unruly as this one did? Or will the Savage King & Timebomb demolish the Dominator & Prince of Pace once and for all?

2025 World Tag League Semifinals: Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji VS OSKAR & Yuto-Ice!

The Mad Man & Gene Blaster haven’t always seen eye to eye, but they agreed to team together, and they’ve made it to the semifinals! But they didn’t come this far just to come this far, will they also make it to the finals? Or will the Knock Out Brothers knock them out?

The teams sort out and Gabe calls out Ice. Ice steps up, the bell rings, and the fans rally up already. Gabe and Yuto stare down, step up, and they shoulder bump each other. Then Gabe fires a forearm! Yuto fires back, so Gabe fires another! Yuto fires another, Gabe fires another, and the shots keep going. Gabe taunts Yuto, saying it’s “kawaii <cute>” how he’s trying. The forearms go harder and harder, faster and faster, and the fans fire up! Yuto fires a flurry, then he runs, but Gabe drops down, springs up, and CLOBBERS Yuto! Yota tags in, BLASTS Oskar, but Oskar stays up! So Yota kicks Oskar’s legs out!

The fans cheer while Oskar hobbles away. Gabe & Yota then drag Yuto up to double whip, DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE, and then Gabe SENTONS! Yota SPLASHES DOWN! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer and Yota smiles as he brings Yuto up. Yota cravats for the neck wrench but Yuto endures. Yota snapmares, then he clamps onto the arms and turns Yota over, CAMEL CLUTCH! Yuto endures but Oskar coaches him. Yota lets go, mocks Yuto going gangsta, but Yuto gets up in a huff. They get forehead to forehead, then Yuto ROCKS Yota with a forearm! Yuto fires shots in the corner, Red Shoes counts, and Yuto whips corner to corner.

Yuto runs in, blocks Yota’s boot, but Yota reels him in for the DOUBLE STOMP! The fans cheer, Yota tags Gabe, and then Yota DROPKICKS Oskar back down! Gabe kicks and scuffs Yuto, brings him around, and CHOPS! The fans applaud and Gabe mocks Yuto going gangsta. Gabe CHOPS Yuto, CHOPS him again then whips. Yuto reverses to KNEE low, run and BOOT Gabe down! Gabe tumbles out, Yuto follows, and Yuto goes after Yota while Oskar attacks Gabe! Then Oskar CHOKES Yota while Yuto fires shots on Gabe. Gabe fires back, they fire back and forth, and now they go into the crowd! The fans rally as the shots keep going, and Oskar whips Yota hard into railing!

Gabe storms into the crowd, Yuto follows, and fans again have to clear out! The forearms fly again as Gabe and Yuto are in the middle of the crowd! Oskar BOWLS Yota into chairs! STRIKE! Yuto BOWLS Gabe into chairs, STRIKE! The fans rally as Yuto stands Gabe up and ROCKS him with a forearm! Gabe staggers through the crowd, Yuto CHOKES him on the railing, but Red Shoes reprimands. Yuto SMACKS Gabe off the apron, then whips him into railing! Gabe slumps down but Yuto drags him up to put in the ring. Yuto swaggers around, then brings Gabe up to KICK! And KICK! And KICK in the corner again and again!

Yuto mule kicks Gabe, then goes gangtsa. “BOMBACLAT!” DOUBLE KNEES! The fans cheer, Yuto snapmares Gabe for a cocky cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Yuto kicks Gabe around. Yuto sits Gabe up, runs, but Gabe blocks a kick! Gabe spins Yuto to clinch and EXPLODER! The fans rally while both men crawl, hot tag to Yota! Yuto is in a corner, Yota runs up to SPLASH! Yota reels Yuto in, but Yuto suplexes first! Both men are down, the fans rally up, and Yuto crawls to hot tag Oskar! Oskar runs up and CLOBBERS Yota! Then he runs corner to corner to ELBOW Yota! Oskar shoves Yuto down, runs up, and misses the leg drop! Yota basement BOOTS in return!

The fans fire up and Yota encourages them to get louder. The fans rally up and Yota snapmares Oskar to then get the legs! Oskar BOOTS free, runs up, but Yota ducks ‘n’ dodges! RANA! Oskar tumbles out and the fans fire up! Yota builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Oskar hits railing! The fans fire up and they cheer on Yota. Yota puts Oskar in the ring, takes aim, but Oskar ROCKS him first! Oskar suplexes Yota up and in, but Yota slips free! Yota clinches, but Oskar CLUBS free! But Yota BODY SHOTS! Yota fires up, but Oskar reels him in! Oskar SLAMS Yota, then drops the leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Yota survives and the fans fire up!

Oskar hurries to tag Yuto in, and Yuto hurries to BLAST Gabe down! Oskar whips Yota, scoops him, and BACKBREAKER KNEE COMBO! Cover, Gabe breaks it! The fans cheer, but Oskar stomps and TOSSES Gabe out! Oskar drags Yota up, but Yota BOOTS Yuto! Yota fires elbows on Oskar, but Oskar CLUBS him on the back! Yuto returns, and they lift Yota up, but Yota RANA SNAPMARE COMBOS! Yota then scoops Yuto to BACKBREAKER! The fans rally up while both men are down again! Gabe storms in and stands Yuto up to whip to the corner. Gabe LARIATS, then feeds to Yota’s BOOT! Gabe SAIDO! Yota covers, TWO!

The fans bark with Gabe, he and Yota coordinate and they stand Yuto up. But Oskar kicks Gabe! Yota kicks Oskar! Yota runs but Oskar scoops for a SLAM! But Gabe LARIATS Oskar down! Yuto DECKS Gabe, but also falls over! All four men are down and the fans fire up! Gabe and Oskar slump out of the ring while Yota and Yuto go to opposite ends. They both drag themselves up with the ropes, and they both turn around to stare down. Yota and Yuto step up, and Yota fires a forearm! Yuto snarls and fires back! Yota shakes it off to fire another forearm! Yuto fires back! The fans rally, and Yota grins before he fires a flurry! Yuto ROCKS Yota back!

Yota still smiles, even as he sways! Yota stands up tall, Yuto laughs, and says okay then! But Yota catches him to the BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! CURB- NO, Yuto avoids the stomp! And the Gene Trigger! But Yota blocks a kick to ROCK Yuto, HEADBUTT him, and roar, only for Yuto to ROUNDHOUSE him down! Both men fall and the fans fire up again! Yuto and Yota crawl, hot tags to Gabe and Oskar! Gabe avoids the boot and waistlocks, but Oskar fights with elbows. Gabe CHOPS Oskar on the back! Oskar snarls, swings, but Gabe ducks to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Gabe CHOPS away in the corner and the fans fire up!

Oskar SHOVES Gabe away, but Gabe comes back! Oskar dodges to CHOP! Gabe sputters against the ropes as we hit 15 minute, and the fans rally up. Oskar stands Gabe up to CHOP again! Oskar then DOUBLE CHOPS Gabe on the back! Gabe sits down and the fans rally more. Oskar drags Gabe up but Gabe fires forearm after forearm! Oskar still whips Gabe hard to the corner, and BOOTS him down! Cover, TWO! Gabe survives and the fans fire up! Gabe sputters and Oskar looms over him. Oskar drags Gabe up and clamps on with both hands! NECK HANGING- NO, Gabe fights free with a flurry of fists!

Gabe HEADBUTTS Oskar, HEADBUTTS again, then ducks a lariat to HEADBUTT again! Gabe brings down the kneepad, O-KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Oskar survives and the fans fire up again! Gabe barks, the fans join in, and Gabe brings Oskar up. Gabe reels Oskar in, but Yuto BOOTS him! Gabe pushes Oskar aside so he and Yuto can get forehead to forehead. Yuto SLAPS, Gabe SLAPS back! Yuto SPITS at Gabe, then eggs Gabe on! Gabe SLAPS, Yuto SLAPS again, and the SLAP fight is on! The fans fire up as the SLAPS go faster and faster, from all sides, and Gabe gets the edge! Gabe SPITS on Yuto, then swings, but Yuto cross counters!

Yuto SMACKS Gabe down, but Gabe rolls to his feet and he ROCKS Yuto! Yuto DECKS Gabe with AMBITION! But Yota gets in! GENE TRIGGER! SUPERKICK! Yota then locks ‘n’ loads, runs up and- NIGHTMARE SLEEPER from Oskar! And SLEEPER BUSTER! Then ICE HIGH!! Oskar drags Gabe up now, he and Yuto coordinate, DOUBLE POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Gabe survives and the fans are thunderous! Yuto and Oskar vow to finish this! Yuto sends Gabe to Oskar for the scoop, but Gabe slips free! Gabe SHOVES Oskar into Yuto, then SMACKS Oskar! Oskar grabs Gabe, Gabe slips free, and “IKU ZO!” GERMAN SUPLEX!!

The fans are thunderous and Gabe fires up! COMEBACK- NO, Oskar gut wrenches! But GENE BLASTER hits Ice!! Gabe is free, he ROCKS Oskar, then STUFF PILEDRIVERS!! Cover, TWO!! Oskar survives and the fans are thunderous again! Gabe calls to Yota, Yota stands Oskar up! Gabe runs up, DOUBLE KNEE SANDWICH!! But they’re not done! WAR- NO, Oskar is still down! We pass 20 minutes as Gabe SLAPS Oskar! Gabe runs, and WAR- NO, Oskar guzels them first! But Yota & Gabe break free! SMACK! GENE TRIGGER! DOUBLE HEADBUTTS! Oskar roars, runs up, but they dodge! WAR BLASTER!!!! Cover, GABE & YOTA WIN!!!

Winner: Gabe Kidd & Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (advance to the finals)

Divided they fall, but united they stand! Gabe & Yota stayed on the same page, and they overcame the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions! Yuto & Oskar got this far in their first World Tag League, will they only become more powerful as time goes by?

As for the rivals, Gabe stares down Oiwa on commentary, but Zack Sabre Jr. struts his way back out here. With that, Oiwa hops off commentary to step into the ring with Gabe & Yota. They stare down, Gabe in Oiwa’s face while Yota and ZSJ give each other room. Gabe then gets in ZSJ’s face, too, talking trash. The fans applaud, and TMDK backs down for now. Yota takes the mic first, and he tells Gabe, “I said all along, if we are able to combine our efforts, nothing can stop us. Let’s go, one more time!” The fans applaud that, and Gabe takes his turn. “The talking’s done. You’ve seen who the finals are: Gabe & Tsuji, Oiwa & Zack.”

Gabe then adds in Japanese, “OI, TSUJI! World Tag League 2025, ARE YOU READY!?” The fans fire up as Gabe throws down the mic and Gabe shakes hands with Yota. They are War Ready, but can they make The Mighty kneel?

My Thoughts:

Another very good night for World Tag League, but again, not sure why they didn’t just do both semifinals on the same day. Now obviously in those filler matches, those were actually used to book some things down the line, such as the House of Torture wanting those NEVER Six Man titles. Evil, Sanada & Narita is certainly a combination that even without cheating could take the titles from Yano, Yoh & Wato, but they’re definitely gonna cheat as much as they can to take those titles. Maybe it happens, maybe it doesn’t, but it’ll be a good match.

The Empire brawling all over the place with Finlay and Hiromu was really good stuff, but I didn’t think what goes on record as “the match” would be so quick. Finlay & Hiromu VS Callum & Khan for Sunday will be great stuff, and could go either way depending on tag title plans in the New Year. It also depends on if the War Dogs & Unaffiliated stick together, what with Finlay’s contract up that first week of January and perhaps needing to renegotiate. Would be really weird if Finlay goes the way of Jay White and is “kicked out” of Bullet Club for a new leader, and then he ends up in either AEW or WWE here in the states.

And of course, great main event, and I’m a touch surprised it is Gabe & Yota going to the finals. I suppose it would be too much if Oskar & Yuto went right to the finals in their first try, cuz then it’d be like they go downhill from there. They still have something to strive for as a young team, even while they’re still the champions. Though with this, I’ve been saying Yota has to focus on Konosuke Takeshita for WrestleKingdom, so maybe he and Gabe lose in the finals. I would hope it is a straight up awesome match where both teams are firing on all cylinders. It is more a WWE move if Gabe and Yota suddenly disagree again and that’s why they lose, NJPW is more for fighting spirit, so that’s how they should do this.

My Score: 8.8/10