Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/18/20)
Drew McIntyre “welcomes” King Corbin!
Raw extends the Brand to Brand Invitation!
The King of the Ring, Baron Corbin, returns to Raw to take on WWE World Champion, Drew McIntyre! Will his warm welcome be in the form of a Claymore?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Humberto Carrillo VS Buddy Murphy w/ Seth Rollins; Murphy wins.
- Charlotte Flair VS Ruby Riott; Flair wins.
- Bobby Lashley VS R-Truth; Lashley wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bliss-Cross VS The IIconics; Bliss-Cross win by disqualification, and retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
- Submission Match: Shayna Baszler VS Natalya; Baszler wins.
- Kevin Owens & Apollo Crews VS Andrade Almas & Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega & Austin Theory; Owens & Crews win.
- Aleister Black VS Buddy Murphy w/ Seth Rollins; Aleister wins, by disqualification.
- Ax Throwing: The Street Profits VS The Viking Raiders; The Viking Raiders win.
- Brand to Brand Invitational: Drew McIntyre VS Baron Corbin; McIntyre wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Charly Caruso introduces Randy Orton.
The Viper made the challenge to the Rated R Superstar: Prove you’re back by having a wrestling match. No gimmicks, no extra stipulations. A default singles match between Randy Orton and Edge is set for Backlash, if Edge accepts. Orton grabs a mic as Charly asks him to explain this challenge. “Is the phrase ‘straight up wrestling match’ really that hard for people to comprehend?” WWE means World Wrestling Entertainment. Wrestling is the basis of everything they do in pro-wrestling. They get into the ring with the dream of being at WrestleMania. At WrestleMania, Orton and Edge tore each other and the Performance Center apart in a Last Man Standing match. Now while it paints Orton to admit he lost that match because Edge was the better man, Orton knows in his heart that Orton is the superior wrestler. He doesn’t need tables, ladders, chairs or to be the last man standing. He just needs a ref, and a ring.
Athletes come and go, but no normal athlete can do what superstars do. Just like no one in the WWE can do what Orton does the way he does, and that includes Edge. Orton directs this next part to Edge personally. “I know why you didn’t accept my challenge last Monday night on Raw. I saw it written all over your face.” It was in Edge’s eyes. Orton saw doubt. Edge’s grit and passion have faded away. What once was grit and passion is now doubt and fear. “You think you know me.” Edge is HERE! He joins Orton in the ring, with a mic, to give his response! “Randy, last week, you spoke a lot of truths. You gave me a lot to contemplate, to chew on, to internalize.” Orton is playing chess, so Edge couldn’t just rush into his next move. But that’s all this is to Orton. It’s a game. Orton smirks because this is just a paycheck. But Edge gets it. Orton is quite possibly the most talented person in a wrestling ring. But this isn’t the life Orton wanted. This is the life he was handed, as a back-up plan! Orton is different from everyone else, because he doesn’t care.
Orton didn’t go to bed dreaming of being champion like Edge. He didn’t save up his allowance to go to the monthly show like Edge. And Orton didn’t cry the night he won the WWE Intercontinental Championship like Edge did, because that title meant Edge was on the track to be one of the best workhorses in the history of this business! And Edge has done just that. In fact, Edge beat Orton for that title in 2004. One of Edge’s favorite matches, that’s for show. And they’ve both grown since then. Orton is getting annoyed by all this, but Edge tells him to shut up! Because most importantly, Orton has never had a career ending injury. Orton didn’t have to fight for NINE YEARS just to get back! Orton doesn’t love this sport like Edge and the rest of the roster does. So yeah, Orton can say the better wrestler didn’t win at WrestleMania. Orton wants Edge to shut up and answer the challenge. Edge’s answer is YES! Orton nods and leaves, having gotten what he wants. But will Edge expose Orton as the best wrestler with the least motivation?
Buddy Murphy finds Seth Rollins backstage.
Murphy is worried Rollins isn’t all there, but The Monday Night Messiah assures his disciple that he has had “a revelation.” And now, Rollins will tell the world. Rollins and Murphy head to gorilla, but what will this new message be?
Raw returns to Rollins and Murphy making their entrance.
Rollins and Murphy go to the ring and Rollins gets a mic. “Sometimes in life, you have to lose who you are to truly find yourself.” When Rollins lost to Drew McIntyre at Money in the Bank, part of Rollins felt he had lost everything. Rollins fell into a dark place. A place so dark, he wasn’t sure he would ever escape. But without darkness, there can be no light. Rollins has seen that light, and it is brighter than ever before! That is all thanks to one man: Rey Mysterio. What happened to Mysterio has been described as “heinous and disgusting and unforgivable.” It has been described by others as “an act of penance” paid to Rollins in Mysterio’s disbelief. Rollins doesn’t see it as either of those ways. What Rollins sees it as simply unfortunate but necessary. That was the cathartic moment Rollins needed for the clarity he needed to be the leader he was always meant to be.
Rollins speaks to Mysterio directly here. “I know you’re at home with your family right now, and you’re healing. And I know that you can’t see it right now, but soon you will come to understand that what happened to you was a blessing in disguise.” So from the bottom of Rollins’ heart, Mysterio, you’re welcome. But here comes Humberto Carrillo! Ultimo Ninja is furious. Does Rollins think anyone believes this? That Rollins cares about Mysterio? Mysterio is a hero to millions, and he is Carrillo’s idol! All that Rollins is, is a coward! Carrillo rushes the ring but Murphy stands in his way. Rollins tells Humberto that while he appreciates and respects this act of defending Mysterio’s honor, if he’s here to fight, Rollins is not dressed for the occasion. However, while Murphy has a match later on with Aleister Black, he will gladly oblige. Will the disciple pull double duty to defend his leader?
Humberto Carrillo VS Buddy Murphy w/ Seth Rollins!
Raw returns, and indeed, Murphy will take on Ultimo Ninja before taking on Aleister Black later tonight! Will Carrillo defeat the disciple to avenge Mysterio?
The match is already underway as Carrillo whips but Murphy runs him over. Things speed up and Carrillo hurdles but Murphy leaps. Carrillo springboards for a flying arm-drag, and then huricanranas! Murphy ends up in a corner but puts Carrillo on a corner. Carrillo shoulders and slingshots over to keep moving, and ducks and dodges only to be sent back to the apron. Carrillo enziguris Murphy back, then goes up top, only for Murphy goes up! The two brawl and Murphy staggers back, and Carrillo BOOTS! But Murphy YANKS Carrillo down to the mat! Rollins smiles as Murphy stomps and KICKS Carrillo while he’s down. Cover, TWO! Murphy keeps his focus and drags Carrillo up to CLUB on the back. Murphy clamps on a chinlock but Carrillo endures. Carrillo fights up, spins around, and jawbreakers free! Murphy blocks the punch to fire off a strike fest! But Carrillo dodges the knee, swings a kick but hits the second!
Murphy flops to the apron, springboard enziguri sends him down! Carrillo FLIES and takes Murphy out, right in front of Rollins! Rollins no longer smiles as Carrillo puts Murphy in the ring. Carrillo hurries up top but Rollins is lurking. The ref reprimands Rollins as Carrillo springboards, into a KNEE! MURPHY’S LAW!! Cover, Murphy wins!
Winner: Buddy Murphy, by pinfall
The distraction allows the disciple to win, and Rollins joins him in the ring. But they’re not done with Carrillo, and Murphy KNEES Carrillo out of the ring! Murphy does his leader’s bidding as he throws Carrillo into steps, but here comes Aleister! These two brawl again, and Aleister puts Murphy in the ring! Aleister dodges Murphy’s haymakers to fire off his own strike fest! Rollins bails and Murphy hurries after. Aleister wants this fight now, but he will have to wait. Will Aleister avenge Mysterio for Carrillo?
Baron Corbin complains backstage.
The King of the Ring doesn’t get why he, the very special guest, doesn’t have his own locker room. He tells the staffer to go find him an individual dressing room. A referee walks over, and Corbin complains to him about how he was welcomed to Raw. There were fingerprint smudges on the crown, no one bowed to him, no one opened doors or brought him food. Does no one get how important the Wolf King is?! What is going on with Raw? That was rhetorical, so don’t answer. Corbin tells the ref what is going to happen in the match with Drew McIntyre later tonight, but Raw goes to break. Will this be the last time Raw lets Corbin answer the Brand to Brand Invitation?
Raw hears from Liv Morgan.
“What you may not know about me, is my mom is my hero. She didn’t have a job, or much of a savings account or a resume.” But what her mother had was determination. Liv’s mother never quit, and Liv is her mother’s daughter. A couple weeks ago, Liv had a match with 12-time champion, Charlotte Flair. THE Charlotte Flair, pride and joy of the WWE. Did Liv win? No. But did she learn? Yes. And what she learned is that she’s just like her mother. She is determined, and one day, she will become a champion. But when and where will that day come?
Charlotte Flair heads to the ring!
Speaking of the Queen, she brings her NXT Women’s Championship to the ring. Charlotte says that everyone at home is surely in awe. She won’t bore us with how she’s the hardest worker on all three brands as the face of Raw, the champion of NXT, and the very special guest of SmackDown. Instead, she will tell us about Bayley and her lackey- er, sidekick, Sasha Banks, challenging her to a Champion VS Champion match. Charlotte accepted, and is excited! She gets to show Bayley that there are levels to being a champion. As for Raw’s Ruby Riott, she must be dying to say something to Charlotte. Everyone has an opinion about Charlotte, so why not let Ruby share hers in person? Ruby appears, goes to the ring, and stares Charlotte down. The “opinion” Ruby has will be shared through action, because they have a match after the break!
Charlotte Flair VS Ruby Riott!
Raw returns and Charlotte CHOPS away on Ruby! She throws Ruby out of the ring then follows, to CHOP Ruby again! Ruby dodges and Charlotte chops post! Ruby goes after the hand and pulls on fingers. Ruby throws forearms while trapping the other arm. Charlotte reverses to POST Ruby in return! Charlotte puts Ruby in the ring at 7 and stalks her to ropes. Charlotte chokes Ruby on the ropes but lets up at 4. “Hey, Liv! You watching this?” Charlotte puts Ruby in a corner and pulls on her arms against the ropes. She CHOPS again, but Ruby elbows back! Ruby goes up and hits DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Ruby scrapes Charlotte down then climbs up, for the stage dive senton! Cover, TWO! Charlotte toughs it out but clutches the bad hand. Ruby is after that hand with stomps! Ruby wrenches but Charlotte ROCKS her with a right! Ruby runs and spins Charlotte around into a COMPLETE SHOT! Ghost pin, into a Rings of Saturn!
Charlotte endures, powers up, and blocks any Iron Octopus with a grip. Ruby sunset flips but Charlotte fights off the grip. She STOMPS away on Ruby, the pain becoming anger. But Ruby just eggs Charlotte on! Ruby dodges the boot and rolls Charlotte up, TWO! Ruby wrenches the bad hand, but Riott Kick is blocked to a BOOT! Charlotte has the legs, Figure Four to Figure EIGHT! Ruby taps, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
The Queen keeps on winning, but she’s got a busy week ahead of her. On NXT, Rhea Ripley and Io Shirai do battle, which one rises up to challenge Charlotte for the title? And on SmackDown, will Charlotte prove she’s the better champion against bad and bold Bayley?
Backstage interview with Bobby Lashley.
The Rocky Mountain Machine is joined by MVP. They’ve been talking man to man, and they will not be doing business together because Lashley is too focused on clowns like R-Truth while his wife Lana runs the show. Lashley asks Charly to give him and MVP space. MVP doesn’t want trouble, and doesn’t want to feel the power of that full nelson. But MVP wonders what would happen if the full nelson was put on the WWE Champion. Lashley doesn’t know that because he hasn’t had a world title opportunity in 13 YEARS. But Lashley seems okay with that. Who needs the big beautiful title belt on his shoulder when there’s already a trophy wife on your arm? MVP isn’t trying to cause trouble, or wants anything in return. He just wants Lashley to think on when Lashley will finally be Lashley. MVP takes his leave, but what will Lashley’s response be?
The Street Profits go outdoors.
Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins still feel good about ballin’ on the Viking Raiders last week. But what about today? Ax throwing can’t be that hard, can it? But then a “viking” on a horse comes in. There are many other Viking enthusiasts with Erik and Ivar today. The Profits are their guests. The quest for smoke leads you here, to a bonfire! “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke!” No, they don’t mean literal smoke. Ford doesn’t want Dawkins to reject the gift from armed vikings. Right… And so, Ivar starts off, with an ax bull’s eye! Ford wants to forfeit but Dawkins says they can do this. The official ax throwing match will go down later tonight!
Raw goes to Kairi Sane is in the ring.
“Ladies and gentlemen!” The Pirate Princess says that tonight, we celebrate ASUKA~! Ms. Money in the Bank, Kairi’s partner and friend, and NEW Raw Women’s Champion! The Empress of Tomorrow heads to the ring where there are balloons all over for this special celebration! Kairi even presents Asuka with a bouquet of flowers! Asuka is so happy and thankful, and the Kabuki Warriors hug. Asuka thought winning MITB was great, but then last week’s Raw with Becky becoming a mother, Asuka is so happy. She really is, because now she’s Raw Women’s Champion! “I can’t believe it!” Kairi is so happy for Asuka-nee-sama, because now the show is all about her. Asuka has been NXT Women’s Champion, SmackDown Women’s Champion, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, and now RAW Women’s Champion! That makes Asuka the Grand Slam Empress! GRAND SLAM!! Asuka dances for joy, and Kairi plays her theme song on a flute.
But here comes Nia Jax! The Irresistible Force goes to the ring and grabs a mic. “Seriously? Seriously?” There’s nothing to celebrate. Asuka was handed the title from Becky because Becky can’t fight anymore. Nia breaks it down for Asuka: Becky is on maternity leave. Asuka lucked her way into the greatest temp job ever. And soon, she will be replaced by someone far more worthy: Nia. Look at Nia compared to Asuka. There’s only one way this goes down in the ring. And when Nia becomes Raw Women’s Champion, she’ll have a real party. Asuka goes after Nia with furious kicks! And a hip attack! Nia is set from the ring, and Asuka dares her to get back in! Kairi has Asuka’s back, too! Will Nia really steamroll over a woman who beat her way back in NXT?
Backstage interview with Baron Corbin.
The Wolf King begins the Brand to Brand Invitational against McIntyre, but is Corbin having any doubts after seeing how dominant McIntyre has been? Doubts? Oh please. McIntyre may be champion, but he is no king. And Corbin is not going into this blindly. He chose McIntyre, because of how he carried McIntyre last year. Corbin knows what gets under McIntyre’s skin. But yes, McIntyre is dangerous. McIntyre beat Brock Lesnar for the title. But he still has the ability to make mistakes. Corbin will take advantage of those mistakes and defeat him. Then the next time they meet, it will be the main event of WrestleMania and Corbin will take the WWE World Championship! McIntyre was watching this interview. Will McIntyre take advantage of Corbin’s mistakes first?
Bobby Lashley VS R-Truth!
WWE Universe, what’s up?! Well Truth will tell you. Pretty Ricky told Truth that Lashley has been “a bad, bad, bad man.” Let’s look back at the tape. MVP has been recruiting Lashley, getting him to think on Lashley letting loose. Lashley did just that when he gave Truth a SPEAR after his match with MVP. And then the full nelson, as MVP alluded to. Truth says he does not want that nelson again. But his childhood hero, John Cena, would never give up when it comes to facing a mean man. So neither will Truth. Just like Truth isn’t giving up on his “baby.” Tom Brady better be watching so he’ll see what Truth does to Lashley. Then Truth will find and SACK Brady to take back the WWE 24/7, 487, 7/11, I-95 SOUTH, 401k Championship! Yeah, he said it. But is Truth about to get hit so hard, he’ll actually remember it’s Gronk who has the title?
The bell rings and Truth stays back in a corner. Truth needs a minute. “You gonna Debo me?” Truth bails out, then becomes PRETTY RICKY! Ricky dares Bobby to fight him! Lashley goes out, chases Ricky, and they start brawling! Truth kicks but misses, and Lashley RAMS him into barriers! Then scoops and fireman’s carries, to bring Truth over and RAM into a post! Truth writhes and clutches his forehead but Lashley drags him up into the ring. Lashley sweeps Truth’s legs and feints, to slap him around. Truth gets up and throws more haymakers, then forearms and elbows. Truth runs, into a LARIAT! Lashley brings Truth up to throw knee after knee into the ribs and stomach, then puts on the FULL NELSON! He thrashes and SLAMS Truth down! But Lashley isn’t done, he puts the full nelson back on until Truth is a ragdoll! Truth taps, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission
The All Mighty decimates Truth, and again impresses MVP. MVP applauds Lashley, but has he successfully recruited him?
Lana watches this backstage.
She is furious! She throws whatever she can get her hands on. But is this rage, or fear that she has lost her Bobby to another manager?
Asuka and Kairi still celebrate backstage.
But Nia is lurking. She may have gotten lit up by Asuka, but her eyes seem to be on Kairi Sane. We’ve already seen Nia A-Nia-Late Kairi before, but will she sink the Pirate Princess once and for all?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bliss-Cross VS The IIconics!
The two-time champions, Alexa and Nikki, welcomed Billie Kay & Peyton Royce back last week, but the Aussie mean girls didn’t reciprocate the sentiment. Billie & Peyton have mics as they head to the ring to say, “Well, well, look who’s back.” Did the champions not learn their lesson from last week? That is to say, the match the IIconics essentially cheated to win this opportunity. But Billie & Peyton are glad Bliss-Cross is here to drop off the titles and just be gone. “We appreciate you. PFFF.” But the future of these titles is here, and that future is IICONIC! Will that all be true after this rematch?
The title are raised, the teams sort out, and we begin with Billie and Alexa.
Billie and Alexa tie up, go around, and Billie brings Alexa to the corner. Tag to Peyton, but Alexa avoids the double team to throw forearms! Alexa throws Billie out, spins Peyton around for an STO! Knee drops and tag to Nikki for a basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Nikki keeps on Peyton with an armlock, but Peyton pulls hair. Peyton whips, Nikki reverses, but Billie tags in. Nikki dodges Peyton to hit Billie! Nikki tackles and thrashes Peyton but Billie knees Nikki low! Billie brings Nikki up for a suplex slam! Cover, TWO! Billie argues the count but Nikki flounders to ropes. Nikki dodges Billie’s boot and tags in Alexa! The Five Foot Fury rallies on Billie, SLAPS and ROCKS her with a right, then dropkicks her down! Another knee drop, and Insult2Injury! Cover, but Peyton breaks it! Peyton goes after Nikki but Nikki DECKS her first! Nikki baits Peyton into throwing her out, but Billie BOOTS Nikki down! Billie turns around into Alexa’s RIGHT!
Alexa drags Billie into a drop zone, climbs up top, and leaps for TWISTED BLISS! Cover, but Peyton breaks in just in time! Peyton POSTS Alexa, and AGAIN! The ref reprimands but Peyton POSTS Alexa a third time! The ref disqualifies the match!!
Winners: Bliss-Cross, by disqualification; (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Such fury from the Venus Flytrap! But in the end, it costs her and Billie, and Nikki and Alexa keep their titles! Will Peyton and Billie shriek their way into a second chance? Or are Bliss-Cross headed back to SmackDown to find new competition?
Kairi plays flute all alone backstage.
And that leaves her vulnerable to Nia! Nia SLAMS Kairi into road cases! Nia leaves Kairi down and out, but perhaps Kairi is fortunate that’s all she did. Will Asuka hear about this and come looking for revenge?
Raw returns to the IIconics arguing backstage.
Billie is upset with Peyton, and Peyton is upset with herself. This was their one chance to get those tag titles back! And Peyton blew it! Billie SLAPS Peyton!? Even Billie regrets doing that. The IIconics cry and hug it out. Will the future still be standing after this apparently devastating loss?
Raw shares highlights of Undertaker: The Last Ride, Chapter 2.
Just hours before WrestleMania 34, Taker and wife, Michelle McCool, rode into town to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. It was the hush-hush mission of getting Taker in to surprise John Cena and the WWE Universe. It was some Spec-Ops stuff for Mark Callaway. What tonight was about was performing at the level the world expects him to be at. He wants to leave us thinking, “This guy’s got a lot left in the tank.” That alone was enough for him.
Asuka finds Kairi backstage!
Medics are already attending to Kairi and assure Asuka that Kairi will be okay. Asuka asks what happened, and Kairi just whispers, “Nia.” Now Asuka is pissed! Is Asuka about to shred Nia to pieces?
Raw returns and Asuka finds Nia!
Asuka demands to know why Nia went after Kairi and not her. Nia just goes to leave, but Asuka grabs the ponytails! And ROUNDHOUSES Nia down! Asuka says that’s what Nia gets! But is this going to only escalate things?
Submission Match: Shayna Baszler VS Natalya!
The Queen of Spades trumped the Queen of Harts not with a grapple but a stiff knee to the head! But now, there might be a chance Shayna gets Natty to #TapNapOrSnap! Will Shayna add on to all the insults and injuries so far?
The bell rings and the two circle and tie up. Natty headlocks, Shayna reverses to her own headlock, and throws Natty down. Shayna taunts Natty but Natty fights up. Natty powers out but Shayna runs her over! Shayna wants Natty to get used to looking up from the mat, then runs. Natty stays low but Shayna drops on her for the Kirafuda! Natty slips out the back, has the legs, and goes to lace the legs up. Shayna trips Natty to an ankle lock! Natty claws and crawls as the two talk trash. Shayna cranks but Natty turns around and boots her away! The two back off, checking ankles and teeth, respectively. Shayna comes back to knee low! She twists Natty’s arm all around but Natty refuses to quit. Natty rolls, handsprings, but Shayna throws her down by her hair! Shayna talks trash then stomps Natty over and over! Shayna goes to STEAL the Sharpshooter, but Natty blocks! Natty uses that to put the Sharpshooter on herself!!
Shayna endures as Natty sits deep! She claws her way to ropes but Natty drags her away! Natty wants Shayna to give up but Shayna powers up to crawl again. Shayna gets to the apron but there are no ropebreaks, so she pulls Natty into the ropes herself. Natty can’t hold on any longer so Shayna gets away, only for Natty to wreck her with a dropkick! “Was that better for you?!” Natty drags Shayna up and into the ring and wants after her! Shayna covers up as Natty grounds ‘n’ pounds! Then she shifts to a KNEEBAR!! Shayna endures, shifts position, and hammers Natty to get the KIRAFUDA!! Natty endures, but she’s caught! She reaches for ropes, but Shayna traps it with a leg! Natty fades, but taps! Shayna wins!
Winner: Shayna Baszler
The Queen of Harts checks off one of Shayna’s boxes, and Shayna has another win. Is Natalya ever going to figure out how she can make Shayna eat her words? She throws a bit of a tantrum while the crew sets up for the next segment. She goes after the Kevin Owens Show stands and throws them out of the ring! And then throws an armchair out! And another! Is this the last straw for the last Hart in the WWE?
Zelina Vega’s stable is arguing again!
Andrade Almas, Angel Garza and Austin Theory are at it again, and again she comes in to shut it all down. She has had enough of this in-fighting! They are going to go on The KO Show, on the same page. It is her business that they are a cohesive unit. Does Almas understand? Yes, because he is the champion. Does Angel understand? Of course. Does Theory understand? Yes. “Yes, what?” “Yes, ma’am.” Well, the situation has been defused for now, but will it explode once they’re in the ring?
The KO Show returns to Raw!
Kevin Owens finally returns after his victory at WrestleMania, but it isn’t quite the return he hoped. The set is still a wreck after what Natalya did to it, so he just goes to an empty ring and smooths out the carpet. “Well, first of all, thank you, Natty, for getting all the junk out of the way.” How nice of her…? Well, Kevin knows he’s been gone for a bit and people are asking why. Kevin got what he was looking for with that WrestleMania Moment, but it came at a price because as he defeated Seth Rollins, he got pretty banged up. But the good news is, Kevin is okay and is back! And tonight, with a reduced set, this is a major edition of the KO Show because of his special guests! Come on out, Zelina Vega, Almas, Angel and Austin! El Idolo and La Muneca lead the way to the ring, and they’re careful to step over the wreckage of Kevin’s set.
Kevin applauds the four as they enter the ring, and apologizes for that mess. But he wanted them to be on the show- Vega knows why. He was hoping for some Jerry Springer going on. Vega is so sick of people like Kevin and Drew and the entire WWE Universe. They see one single argument and assume there’s dysfunction, that Vega’s empire is crumbling. They’re all wrong. Now, let’s talk about a real champion in Almas. He is a god among insects! Then there’s the Lethal Lothario that breaks men’s faces and women’s hearts. And of course, Austin Theory, the 22-year-old prodigy! And tying it all together is Vega, the best this business has seen in a long time. Talk about a come-up, they all came from the streets and now they’re here. But the street isn’t for everyone. That’s why they invented sidewalks. Sidewalks are for people like Kevin. What is he even doing on the apron? Show respect to your guests by being in the ring.
Well, one could argue that Kevin is showing respect by letting them have the ring. But also, the last few months have taught Kevin that things go off the rails when he’s in a ring with multiple people. But the real reason Kevin is on the apron is because he doesn’t want the ring to be crowded. He has another guest that they’re all very familiar. Here’s Apollo Crews! Crews returns and TACKLES Almas! They fight but it takes a moment before Theory and Garza even try to help. Things spill out of the ring and even Kevin tries to help separate Crews from Almas. Raw goes to break, but are we going to return to a rematch from a few weeks ago?
Kevin Owens & Apollo Crews VS Andrade Almas & Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega & Austin Theory!
Holla holla, it’s even more than that, playa! Kevin’s return to Raw is now in the ring, alongside the furious Crews! Will they take the fight to El Idolo y El Latino esta noche? Or will Vega’s stable hold it together to be victorious?
The bell rings and Crews chases Almas back to the corner. Garza tags in and Crews has to back off. Almas doesn’t want anything to do with Crews right now so Garza circles with Crews. Crews rushes Garza but Garza backs away to an open corner. The ref backs Crews off again, and Garza throws off the pants! They tie up, Crews clubs Garza then drags him down for more. Crews facelocks and brings Garza up to suplex! And hold him! Crews drops Garza after 10, then stares Almas down. Almas stays back and Crews brings Garza over. Tag to Kevin and he fires off on Garza! Kevin stomps and drops a senton! Kevin taunts “tough guy” Almas before he CHOPS Garza. He scoops but Garza slips out and tags Almas! Almas forearms and hotshots Kevin, then runs to basement dropkick! Almas stomps Kevin to a corner then throws hands. Kevin CHOPS back! Almas knees and forearms back then whips corner to corner. Kevin comes back to clothesline!
Vega grows worried as Kevin flounders up to throw haymakers and CHOPS! Kevin whips, Almas reverse but Kevin kicks back! Crews tags in and Almas runs away to tag in Garza! Garza gets in but gets clobbered by Crews! Crews rallies on Garza then BOOTS Almas down! SPINE BUSTER for Garza and Crews is fired up! Crews drags Garza up, fireman’s carries, but Vega distracts. Garza escapes and shoves Crews to ropes. Theory is there, but Crews gets away, the forearm shot DECKS Garza! Crews reels Garza in, for the CREWS MISSILE!! Cover, Crews and Kevin win!!
Winners: Kevin Owens & Apollo Crews, by pinfall
Vega is freaking out! Her team’s teamwork fell apart and now Crews has another win on her stable! Will Crews get that 1v1 with El Idolo soon enough? As for Vega and her stable, Theory does his best to explain but they don’t believe him. Almas CLOBBERS Theory and stomps him down! Vega wants #AllDay out of the team, and Garza helps out! They beat down Theory then throw him into barriers! And again! Garza and Almas continue to mug Theory, and Garza CHOPS him down! Vega says Theory is useless, and should have never believed in him. She SLAPS Theory before Garza throws Theory into chairs! Will Theory be sent crawling back to NXT? Or will he be wanting payback of his own?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
The WWE World Champion is feeling fantastic, but how does he remain focused with new challenges constantly arising? McIntyre isn’t sure if he is finding the fight or the fight is finding him. But either way, he’s having fun because every Monday night is a good time for a Claymore party. But regarding tonight’s match with Corbin, the Brand to Brand Invitational allows for dream matches. And that number one dream match has fallen into his lap. It’ll be him and Baron- Er, sorry, he’ll do this right. McIntyre VS King Corbin. They’ve been around, from airports to hotels to the general public. Corbin is genuinely a terrible, terrible person. But he also does terrible things to his opponents, and do whatever it takes to win. But King Corbin chose McIntyre, thinking he can go from SmackDown to Raw and beat McIntyre in McIntyre’s yard. Is he out of his damn mind?! McIntyre already said he has a Claymore fit for a king, and he’s going to get it tonight. Will the first ever Brand to Brand Invitational go the home team’s way?
The ax throwing continues!
Erik and Ivar are showing off with side throws and double axes! Even a backwards throw! But now, Ford steps up to show what he can do. “Vikings. Can we have golf rules and have some silence while we throw?” Time to go Tiger Woods on this. Tigers in the woods?! No, Ivar, relax. But Erik understands this is Ford’s first time. He’s having performance anxiety. Performance anxiety?! No, sir! Watch this. Ford swivels the hips and throws the ax… Way out of the field. The vikings all have a good laugh, but this doesn’t bode well for the actual showdown.
Raw returns and now Dawkins tries his hand at the ax. Ford claims he was aiming for the trees, but Dawkins can aim for the target. Ivar asks what’s wrong. Is there too much smoke? That means they built too big a fire. Guys, cool it down. The other vikings do as asked. Dawkins can’t relax with all the vikings clowning him, and even that horse teasing him! Dawkins sees you, horse! But it’s okay, Dawkins. Dawkins has got this! The vikings boom-boom-clap at Dawkins as he winds up, and… He hits the barrel of ale! Now the vikings are upset. Erik and Ivar calm the crew down, and Ford says they can share his. Fam, this ain’t Thor. How are Dawkins and Ford going to get them out of this hairy situation?
Aleister Black VS Buddy Murphy w/ Seth Rollins!
The Embodiment of the End wanted after his rival earlier tonight but could not keep Murphy in the ring. But now, Murphy cannot run away from this. Will Aleister make that bright light of revelation #FadeToBlack in one fell swoop?
The bell rings, Aleister throws his jacket at Murphy and then fires off haymakers! He backs Murphy down but the ref backs him off. Aleister comes back but gets a BOOT! Murphy clubs away on Aleister in the other corner and now the ref backs Murphy off. Aleister rushes Murphy and the brawling continues! Murphy knees low, but Aleister throws body shots and kicks. Aleister whips but Murphy blocks and kicks back, only to run into a KICK! Murphy bails out, Aleister builds speed but Murphy gets away. Aleister bails out to KICK Murphy against barriers! Aleister stalks Murphy around the way and KICKS him again. Aleister puts Murphy back in the ring, but Rollins finds Theory still down and out? Theory was still in the timekeeper’s area, but Aleister focuses on Murphy with more kicks! Murphy ducks and Aleister kicks the POST! Murphy slams the leg into barriers then puts Aleister in the ring! Rollins stays with Theory as Murphy goes after Aleister.
Aleister kicks Murphy off his legs, but Murphy BOOTS back! Murphy hops up, leaps, but into a BOOT of Aleister’s! Both men are down, and Rollins reaches out to Theory. Theory takes Rollins’ hand and Rollins helps him up. Murphy goes after Aleister but gets a boot and a KNEE! Aleister grits his teeth, lifts Murphy with a foot, but Theory springs into action! Theory CLOBBERS Aleister!!
Winner: Aleister Black, by disqualification
Rollins has a second disciple?! Theory stomps and punches Aleister then backs away for Rollins to have an opening. But Aleister tackles Theory first! Murphy goes after Aleister and both disciples clobber him. Rollins has them bring Aleister up, and Murphy hits AUSSIE-GOYE!! Now Theory gets his turn, with the A T L!! Rollins hugs Theory, and he is now accepted into the flock. Is Rollins’ vision for Raw’s future only going to become clearer as his stable grows stronger?
Raw checks in on the Profits and Vikings.
It seems things have calmed down at the camp, but now it is game time. One throw at a time, 10 axes per team, and only bull’s eyes count. “Let the games begin!” The horns are sounded, and Ivar is first. Bull’s eye! Bull’s eye! And even more bull’s eyes! Ivar chugs some ale out of Ford’s spare Solo cup, but now it’s the Profits’ turn! “Make the smoke be rich!” Dawkins misses. And misses. And misses. That’s 5-0 in the first half, and now Erik tags in. Erik throws and hits the bull’s eye. And again, and again, and again. That’s another 5 for 5 for a perfect 10! Dawkins hypes Ford up, “All we see is bull’s eyes.” Ford throws, and misses. And misses. And misses. Ford is on his last ax, so the Vikings even help him out. They chant, “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke!” for him, and Ford takes his final throw. BULL’S EYE! Huzzah! But um, the cops come? An ax somehow hit their car?! But with everyone blaming everyone else, the only way to prove who was throwing axes is to see who can actually hit the target.
Erik takes the ax, gives it to Dawkins, and lets him have the first throw. Backwards, BULL’S EYE! Told you, horse! This a bad, bad man! Wait, were the Profits hustling the Vikings back? And, doesn’t that mean they’re in trouble now?
Backstage interview with Apollo Crews.
Crews is back and victorious, but does he feel he has more to prove after missing out on MITB? Of course. But to be honest, Crews isn’t sure what hurt more: The actual injury, or missing out on MITB. After spinning his wheels for so long, it felt like things were finally clicking. These last few weeks have been the longest in his life with all the wondering of what could have been. But he looked deep inside himself and realized he can’t waste time on the what if. All it took was stepping in the ring and he made something happen. Now he knows that final piece falls into place. Crews again challenges Almas for the WWE United States Championship! “Man, that feels good to say out loud.”
But Vega comes along, having heard this. She tells Crews he has a choice here. He could cut his losses and walk away on one good knee. Or he could go against Almas again and never walk again. What does he say? “Andrade better be ready next week.” Speaking of which, where is he? Is he scared Crews was going to slap his face off again? But to finish this interview, Crews will have the final piece to the puzzle, when he becomes the NEW United States Champion.
Raw once again checks on the Profits and Vikings.
The police are eyeing the line-up. Did none of them realize how dangerous this ax throwing stuff is? Someone could’ve gotten seriously hurt. They will let everyone go with a warning, only because the female officer thinks Ivar’s cute. Oooh~! Erik, not so much. Ouch. “She hearts Ivar~!” Ivar can only shrug at his buddy, but at least no one’s arrested. Will the Profits and Viking find something safer to settle the score?
Brand to Brand Invitational: Drew McIntyre VS Baron Corbin!
A new phase in the WWE Brand Split begins! Wild Card this is not, but McIntyre is ready to be the man to trump the Wolf King! Who wins this first-time-ever match-up in the first-ever Brand to Brand Invitational showdown?
But wait, Bobby Lashley is making an entrance? He and MVP are on stage, and MVP has a mic. “Gentlemen, if you’ll pardon my intrusion for just a moment.” They have a personal interest in this match. Corbin is a very capable adversary who retired Kurt Angle. MVP could spend 10 minutes going on about all the great things Corbin’s done. And then McIntyre, he is the WWE World Champion, and that’s all that needs to be said. But as MVP said, they have a vested interest. Lashley speaks for himself and says McIntyre is on notice. Lashley is coming after McIntyre and that title. If he needs to pry it from McIntyre’s cold, dead hands, then that’s exactly what he’ll do. “Make it good, gentlemen. We’ll be watching.” The stakes might have just been raised on this first-time-ever match! And we’ll see who comes out the better, after the break!
Raw returns once again with the bell, and McIntyre circles with Corbin. They tie up, go around, and McIntyre gets Corbin on the ropes. They go along the ropes and around again, and end up in a corner. The ref calls for the break and McIntyre honors it cleanly. Corbin shoves but McIntyre shoves back. The two circle again and tie up. Corbin and McIntyre are in a dead lock so Corbin knees low. McIntyre CHOPS Corbin, then ducks to CHOP again! Corbin kicks the legs then throws haymakers! Corbin has McIntyre in a corner for body shots, but the ref counts. Corbin lets up at 4 only to ROCK McIntyre. Corbin runs and runs McIntyre over, then stalks him to a corner. He whips McIntyre but McIntyre goes up and over and runs to run Corbin over! McIntyre clotheslines Corbin out of the ring! He pursues Corbin to clothesline him over the barriers!
McIntyre hurries to go after Corbin and MVP is applauding. McIntyre clotheslines Corbin back over to ringside! He CHOPS Corbin into the ring, then aims from a corner. Corbin bails out but McIntyre goes out the side. McIntyre goes around the way but Corbin gets back in. Corbin boots and blasts McIntyre off the apron into barriers! Corbin hurries out after McIntyre to bring him up. MVP likes Corbin’s aggression as he POSTS McIntyre! Corbin gets in the ring to applaud himself, but McIntyre gets in before the ring count begins. Corbin taunts McIntyre, but McIntyre throws body shots! Corbin clubs McIntyre on the back, then has him against ropes for forearms to the back! Corbin stomps and punches McIntyre but McIntyre kicks and CHOPS back! McIntyre whips, Corbin reverses, but McIntyre dodges. Corbin slides out, in and LARIATS! Cover, ONE!! Corbin grows frustrated but McIntyre grits his teeth.
McIntyre kicks and CHOPS Corbin back again. Corbin pushes but McIntyre boots! McIntyre is put on the apron and Corbin hotshots him! Corbin grins now as McIntyre sputters. Corbin stalks McIntyre to a corner and bumps him off the post! The ref reprimands but Corbin drags McIntyre up. MVP whispers things to Lashley as Corbin gets McIntyre up top. McIntyre and Corbin brawl as Corbin climbs. Corbin reaches the top rope, brings McIntyre up, and hits the SUPERPLEX! Corbin crawls to the cover, ONE?!? McIntyre is driving Corbin insane with his toughness! Corbin says he led McIntyre to this, because McIntyre is just a follower. But McIntyre catches Corbin to an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! And then a BOOT! Corbin flops to his knees and McIntyre goes up top. McIntyre leaps to hit a flying ax handle! And then he kips up! “Follower?!” McIntyre dares Corbin to stand. He hauls Corbin up, but Corbin fights free of the fireman’s carry.
Corbin elbows McIntyre but runs into a SPINE BUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO! McIntyre keeps his cool and keeps looking at Lashley and MVP. MVP applauds again while McIntyre tells Corbin that he wanted the champ. Corbin wanted to prove himself, so get up! Corbin rams McIntyre into the buckles, then POSTS Him the other way! Corbin scoops for a BIG sidewalk slam! Cover, ONE!?! McIntyre continues to shock Corbin, but Corbin throws body shots. McIntyre kicks back, CHOPS again, and runs into the corner. Corbin boots back then hops up, and leaps, into a kick! Underhooks, FUTURE SHOCK! But McIntyre isn’t done here, he goes to a corner to start the countdown! Corbin gets up, to get the- DEEP SIX!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives again and Corbin is furious! Corbin drags McIntyre and reels him in, but McIntyre slips out to GLASGOW KISS! Corbin slides out, in, but gets a CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Raw’s Scottish Stud stuns the Wolf King of SmackDown, but that seems to be exactly what MVP was hoping for. McIntyre says the WWE Universe has been waiting for Lashley to step up and be “the killer” he is. When and where will McIntyre face that Lashley for THE WWE Championship?
My Thoughts:
A pretty good episode for Raw, with a lot of interesting moves. Opening with what was basically part two of last week’s ending segment was weird. It all felt like they didn’t meter out the right amount of time for last week and needed to use the opening segment to finish it up. But either way, we got the obvious in a normal singles match of Orton VS Edge for Backlash. I’m sure that match will be really good, but the response Edge had tonight was strong. Bold claims to say Orton didn’t want to be a wrestler, after he’s accomplished so much. Then there’s a lot of great story weaving between the growing factions on Raw. Kevin bringing Crews back to take on Almas and Garza, Theory getting kicked out of Vega’s stable only to join Rollins’, and how Humberto and Aleister are fighting on Mysterio’s behalf, I’m really intrigued to see where this all goes. I hope it isn’t just for Backlash. A story this complex should go into Extreme Rules and SummerSlam, in whatever form we’re going to get those PPV’s.
There were great moves in the Women’s Division tonight. The Tag Team Championship match didn’t go quite how I expected, and in a good way. Bliss-Cross retains because Peyton loses her cool, and then Billie loses her cool on Peyton for a moment. That crying hug bit was a good touch, too. I don’t see the IIconics breaking up, and they shouldn’t ever do that, but them getting a bit of edge and drama to balance out their usual sarcasm and sassy attitudes is a good move for them to keep going. Charlotte beating Ruby at the same time as she was mocking Liv shows there is promise for that story on Raw, but I’m wondering if there comes a point when being on as many brands as possible comes around to bite her. And Asuka’s celebration was admittedly subpar, but it makes sense given the current circumstances. The back and forth of Asuka, Kairi and Nia with the attacks is good stuff, but I’m sure hoping Asuka still looks strong against Nia. Even Kairi helping out is fine. I don’t want the Kabuki Warriors losing their own edge just because they’re Faces by default.
Shayna beating Natty seems to be working out for both of them, actually. Natty’s frustration is a good development in her story. It hearkens back to Natty taking on Charlotte in NXT to see if Natty’s “still got it.” The Street Profits and Viking Raiders were a bit better in the ax throwing segments tonight. I think the only thing that really hurt last week’s basketball shtick was Erik & Ivar revealing a hustle, because the way it was done was just ridiculous. This was a bit better in that there was no outright hustle, but perhaps just some luck on Dawkins’ side. Plus, the bit with the lady police officer thinking Ivar is cute was a funny little twist. I just hope the tiebreaker is the title match and then that’s the end of it. MVP and Lashley were also a great part of the show, and Lana’s rage this week was justified by the context. Last week, she was doing it just because and it came off awful. This week, it’s appropriate because MVP bumped her out of the way as manager. McIntyre VS Corbin was a good match, but I’m going to love seeing McIntyre VS Lashley.
My Score: 8.2/10
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The Hollywood A-Lister’s got his own nightmare before Christmas!
Christmas is just a few days away, but things aren’t merry and bright for Raw! The Miz must face his fears as he faces Dexter Lumis 1v1!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Natalya VS Alba Fyre VS Iyo Sky; Iyo wins and advances to the next round.
- Chad Gable w/ Team American Made VS Akira Tozawa w/ The Alpha Academy; Gable wins.
- Dominik Mysterio VS Damian Priest; Damian Priest wins, by disqualification.
- The Miz VS Dexter Lumis; Lumis wins, by disqualification.
- Sami Zayn VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre walks to gorilla.
The Scottish Terminator makes his way through the curtain and to the stage, and the fans have a mixed reaction as he goes to the ring. McIntyre grabs a mic, and he says, “After Hell in a Cell, I’ve never been so beat up in my entire life. 16 staples in my head, my back almost broken from landing on the steel steps. And I went home to Scotland. The reason I went home, and I haven’t really talked about it publicly, is because a very close family member passed away. Some people probably feeling sympathy right now. Some guys in the back are probably talking to each other, saying, ‘I didn’t know.’ Maybe if you cared enough, you would’ve asked.
“Over these past two months, guess how many people phoned me to check. Not how I was doing mentally but how I was doing physically after Hell in a Cell. ONE PERSON! These past 17 years, I’ve been led to believe we’re all a big happy family in the back. We’re brothers and sisters, we travel the world together, we spend more time with each other than with our actual families, but it’s all BS! My brother, John, in Scotland wouldn’t stab me in the back to take my spot, but people like Jimmy, Jey and Sami 100% would.” The fans boo that, then chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” McIntyre says that proves his point.
After watching everything The Bloodline did, Jey says he is a changed man. He does a cute hand sign, he says a made-up word, and the fans just forget about it and move on. That’s the other thing McIntyre realized: He has given and given and given all this time, and the fans turned on him for a guy who was gone for years and has told the WWE fans to go screw themselves! McIntyre was fighting for the fans, he thought they believed in him, so he believed in the fans! McIntyre bled out in the cell, and while he was gone, the fans instantly forgot him! The fans boo, that’s not true! But McIntyre says from now on, he gives no more for anybody!
McIntyre will take and take and he will tell the truth! The real villains are Roman Reigns and CM Punk! And if you choose to prop them up, as he already said, Jey, Jimmy & Sami, the things Roman did to you… Roman took a vacation, then simply snapped his fingers and they were by his side again! McIntyre suggests everyone who ever wronged McIntyre should sleep with one eye open. But wait, here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer and sing for Sami but Sami says hey, McIntyre is angry, he doesn’t have to believe Sami in place of believing everyone has ulterior motives. Sami doesn’t blame him.
But personally, man to man, Sami did not know what happened with McIntyre’s family. They figured he was recovering from one of the most vicious matches of all time. Sami thought that, all the guys ‘n’ girls in the back thought, and that’s all the fans thought. Believe that or not, fine, but Sami wants to level with McIntyre. Talk about 17 years, Sami has 22 years in this game. Sami’s been through what McIntyre’s been through. Sami’s had losses. Trust him. He has had losses he had to put on the side and go to work that week. The same sacrifices, from birthdays to weddings to funerals that he should’ve been at? Sami’s done it all.
Sami has put unnecessary stress on his wife, on his kid, and why? Because this is the life that they both chose! They are WWE SUPERSTARS! The fans cheer that! And as such, they are LUCKY to be WWE Superstars! And you think this is just your story or Sami’s story? Y’know who else has stories like this? Every single person sitting in the stands. Every single person at home! The kids who struggle at school, the adults who struggle at work, who struggle economically, physically, and they have their losses and sacrifices, but they still get up every day to do what they gotta do to soldier on, without pointing a finger at everyone else!
The fans fire up for that passion. Sami says McIntyre dares pointing a finger at the fans for forgetting him?! They didn’t forget, brother! They MADE McIntyre! And McIntyre still thinks the world revolves around him just because once upon a time, someone told him he was “The Chosen One.” But newsflash, just because you’re mad doesn’t make you special. And now McIntyre thinks everyone else is somehow tied to him? What Jimmy does has nothing to do with McIntyre. What Jey does has nothing to do with McIntyre! What SAMI does has nothing to do with McIntyre!
But McIntyre, if you want to still walk around all angry and pointing fingers at the fans, at Sami, at Jey, at Jimmy, at Punk, at Roman, and still be mad about The Bloodline, fine. No one is stopping McIntyre. But Sami has no problem being McIntyre’s problem and facing him in this ring right now! McIntyre says if Sami wants to know the truth… IT isn’t just anger. McIntyre’s anger comes from pain, and he doesn’t doubt what Sami just said. There was so much truth and passion, but it’s never the whole truth, is it? Sami has a way of spinning things. Because Sami can fly back home every week to his family. McIntyre is halfway across the world from his!
And no one here in Boston ever leaves Boston, they’re with their families 24/7! McIntyre doesn’t have that luxury! The fans boo that veiled insult, but McIntyre says he will remain calm and ask Sami why he wants this fight. They both know the result, we saw it time and time again, Sami has NEVER beaten McIntyre. So McIntyre suggests, given Sami isn’t 100%, and Sami’s wife and kid are here tonight… Sami should just walk back there, take their hands, and leave this arena. Of all those in the Bloodline, Sami is the least of McIntyre’s worries.
Sami says McIntyre is right about a couple things. When it comes to win-loss records, McIntyre has Sami’s number. And Sami is not 100%. Haven’t been since Saturday Night’s Main Event. And yes, the smart thing would be to just go home, celebrate and get healthy over the holidays. But Sami would so much rather do this. Sami fires hands! The fans fire up but McIntyre shoves Sami away. McIntyre swings, but gets caught! Sami lifts but McIntyre fights free, then GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! McIntyre takes aim, but here comes JEY USO! The fans fire up as Jey runs down the ramp, slides in, and then dodges McIntyre to SUPERKICK!
The fans fire up as Jey & Sami DOUBLE LARIAT McIntyre up and outta the ring! The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” with Jey & Sami Uso! Will the Scottish Terminator’s mission be ended when Sami and/or Jey shut him down?
Adam Pearce is met by Pure Fusion Collective.
The Raw General Manager asks Sonya Deville what he can do for her and she says not much. She knows how stressful this job can be since she once had it. She’s just here to make things easier. And how’s that? Well, Kairi Sane is not cleared to compete, there is an opening in the tournament, and Sonya wants it. Oh, is that so? Y’know, Sonya, that is a terrible idea. They caused this scenario so he’s just gonna reward them? Are they outta their minds? And zip it! Plus, he already filled that vacancy with Iyo Sky. Happy Holidays! PFC is upset by that since Iyo just lost to Liv Morgan, but will there be nothing to stop the Evil Genius now?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Natalya VS Alba Fyre VS Iyo Sky!
Just as Pearce said, PFC taking out the Pirate Princess will not mean they get away with murder! The Queen of Harts and the Fire Keeper must now figure out how to handle this change to the program. Will Iyo redeem herself for losing Saturday Night’s Main Event by moving on to the next round?
Raw returns and Alba makes her entrance, Isla Dawn seeing her to the ramp, and then Natalya makes her entrance. The bell rings and Alba kicks Natty then ELBOWS Iyo! Alba whips but Natty reverses and Alba tumbles out of the ring! Iyo rolls Natty, TWO! Iyo whips, Natty dodges in the corner and gets Iyo up! REBOUND SIT-DOWN, and then Natty steps on Iyo, only for Alba to trip Natty up! Alba brings Natty out to send into steel steps! But then Iyo DIVES onto Alba! The fans fire up with Iyo and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Natty brawls with Abla. Alba knees low, but Iyo CROSBODIES them both down! The fans fire up and Iyo SHOTEIS Alba! And SHOTEIS her again! And then DROPKICKS her down! Iyo brings Alba around, whips, but Alba reverses. Iyo goes up and out, then blocks a shot to ROCK Alba! The fans fire up, Iyo spirnboards, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Iyo handsprings up and the fans fire up again! Iyo gets the fans going, but Alba wrenches and facelocks, TORNADO DDT! Alba gets Iyo up again to GOURD BUSTER her onto Natty! Alba then rearranges them into the drop zone!
Alba goes up, the fans are torn, but Alba grins as she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover on Iyo, TWO! Cover on Natty, TWO! But into a KOJI KLUTCH! Natty endures, flails, fights around, but Alba holds on tight! Natty pushes, stacks Alba, TWO!! Natty has the legs! Alba flails now, but Iyo runs up! Natty trips Iyo onto Alba, and she has them both! Natty turns them both over, DOUBLE SHARPSHOOTER!! Iyo and Alba both flail, both claw at the mat, and Alba gets the ROPEBREAK! No disqualifications so Natty can hold on! But now Iyo drags herself under the ropes, and there’s no room left, so Natty has to let go!
Natty rises up and she stalks Iyo to the apron. Natty drags Iyo up but Iyo HOTSHOTS Natty! Natty staggers, rebounds, but Iyo jumps the baseball slide! Natty hits Alba down, and then Iyo PENALTY KICKS Natty! Iyo fires up and springboards, ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit on both targets and the fans fire up! Iyo hurries to get Natty up and into the ring, then she drags Natty into the drop zone. Iyo climbs, but Alba CLUBS Iyo first! Alba snarls as she climbs up, but Iyo holds onto ropes! Natty CLUBS Alba and she adds on! SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX on Alba! But Iyo stays up top to go OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Iyo wins!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
The Genius of the Sky moves on, ready to fly against The Morrigan! Will Iyo be able to get past Lyra Valkyria and head for the title?
Judgment Day sulks in the clubhouse.
Finn Balor tells JD McDonagh that he can’t believe this. This was supposed to be a Merry Christmas, Finn was supposed to be celebrating with two titles, and now he has none! Liv Morgan tells Raquel Rodriguez to tell Finn that the reason she suggested he stay away from Damian Priest is because she knew this would happen. Raquel starts to relay the message, but Finn has JD tell Liv that she’s got her own problems to worry about and to stay off his back. But then Liv tells Raquel to tell Finn that the reason she’s “on his back” is because he lost the tag titles. JD, tell Liv that Christmas is-
Dominik speaks up to stop the arguing. Christmas IS around the corner, and now they’re not even talking to each other? Dom says he’s gonna go talk with Pearce and get a match with Priest! Dom’s gonna step up for this family. Oh, Dom thinks he’s better than Finn? No, it’s not even like that. Dom has a plan. He’ll talk with Pearce then fill everyone in later. Dom heads out, JD prays for one week of no drama while it’s Christmas. Will Dirty Dom make sure The Punisher pays for screwing Finn & JD over? Or will Priest be given the gift of sending Dom South of Heaven?
Sami and Jey regroup backstage.
Sami can’t believe Jey didn’t text or call about the comeback. Jey says, “My bad.” But Sami says it’s fine, he’s happy Jey is back. And thanks for having his back out there tonight and every night, Sami appreciates Jey. Jey thanks Sami for that, and says you know he had to come back for payback. Jey is gonna handle business! Actually, Sami was kinda hoping he could handle McIntyre. Sami talked a big game, he’s gotta back it up. But Sami, you’re not even 100% tonight. Sami knows, but he started something so he has to finish it. Jey says alright. He’s got next! They secret handshake and Jey wishes Sami luck. Will Sami finally get a win on McIntyre in a Christmas miracle?
Chad Gable w/ Team American Made VS Akira Tozawa w/ The Alpha Academy!
As “Master” Gable said last week, it was about time he settled things with his past. Will Gable prove to the world that he was always the reason the Alpha Academy was relevant? Or will he find out he can’t keep up with the Stamina Monster?
Raw returns and the #AlphaBabes make their entrance, showing off that new merch while they’re at it. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Tozawa and Gable tie up, Gable wrenches and talks trash right to Tozawa’s face! Gable CHOPS Tozawa down, stands him up, CHOPS him down again, repeat! Gable whips and CLOBBERS Tozawa, then raises the fist. The fans boo more but Gable talks smack on Otis. Gable drags Tozawa up, suplexes, but Tozawa slips free! Tozawa SOBATS, spins, slides under, and SPIN KCIKS! Gable goes to a corner and Tozawa puts him up! But Gable gets Tozawa for a HANGING ARMBAR!
Otis protests, the ref counts, and Gable lets off at 4. Gable says he didn’t break a rule, and Otis never learns. Gable SLAPS Otis, slides into the ring, but Tozawa victory rolls! TWO, but Tozawa SUPERKICKS Gable down! Tozawa rips the shirt off, goes up top, and SUPER SENTRONS onto knees! Gable saves himself and hauls Tozawa up to GERMAN SUPELX! And then GERMAN SUPLEX again! Gable GERMAN SUPLEXES again! But he isn’t done, Gable spins Tozawa around, and POWERBOMBS him! ANKLE LOCK!! Tozawa flails but he’s so far from the ropes! Tozawa TAPS, Gable wins!
Winner: Chad Gable, by submission
But Gable won’t let go! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Gable just drops into a GRAPEVINE! So Otis storms in and he drags Gable off the leg! Otis TOSSES Gable! The fans are thunderous, but Team American Made steps up to support Gable. Gable says Otis never learns! But Otis’ hips are moving! He’s shaking, quaking, and the fans fire up, but American Made backs off. Will Gable finally fight Otis and put this beef to rest?
The New Day talks backstage.
They still don’t understand how everyone here doesn’t see things their way. But then Dirty Dom walks over, clapping with “New! Day Rocks!” Finally, someone who understands! Dom says he never liked Big E, but uh, no, what they did was crazy. Well, whatever, Broke Ass Tom Selleck! Dom says Tom Selleck wishes! Dirty Dom heads for gorilla, ready to fight for the Judgment Day. But will Dom go from “Broke Ass Tom Selleck” to just broken?
Dominik Mysterio VS Damian Priest!
Judgment Day’s history has always been a rocky one, but it has never been rockier than right now. Betraying Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest probably has a lot to do with it, but will Dom be able to smooth things over by taking Damian down? Or will Priest finally beat some sense into #LatinoCheat?
The bell rings and Dom bails right out! Dom dares Priest to come get him, but Priest says Dom needs to get back in the ring. Priest will even give him a free shot! Dom storms up to the apron, steps in, and takes that swing, but Priest blocks it! Then Priest BELL CLAPS Dom, DECKS him, then DECKS him again! Dom staggers around, Priest picks him up to SLAM DUNK! Dom staggers back up, into a torture rack! Priest bends Dom with the Argentine Backbreaker! Priest then THROWS Dom down and the fans fire up. Priest paces around, powers up his arm, and Dom rises. The fans rally and Priest runs, but Dom ducks a lariat!
Dom kicks, CLUBS and KICKS again! SUPERKICK! Then DROPKCIK! Priest staggers but Dom hurries to stalk behind him. Priest sits up first and glares at Dom. Dom panics, but he DUMPS Priest out! Dom builds speed to DIVE, but into Priest’s hands! FLATLINER onto the desk! The fans fire up and Priest drags Dom up to then POST him! Dom falls in a heap, but Priest puts Dom in the ring. Priest then notices a very suspicious Santa Claus. Priest snatches the beard away, and tada! It’s JD! Priest TOSSES JD and the fans cheer! JD wants mercy but Priest SLIDES him across the desk! The fans fire up as Wade narrowly avoids getting hit!
Priest then has a Spider Sense moment, and he looks under the ring! Carlito spits out his apple in surprise! Priest drags Carlito up and TOSSES him into the timekeeper’s area! But then Finn attacks!
Winner: Damian Priest, by disqualification
Finn fires hands, but Priest blocks the desk bump! Priest body shots and SMACKS Finn off the desk! And again, and again! Priest puts Finn in the ring, Dom runs up, but Priest DECKS him! Priest fires more hands on Finn, but the Judgment Day regroups! They mug Priest 4v1 as usual, and JD even drops elbows! The fans boo but the Judgment Day stand Priest up. WAIT! Here comes the War Raiders! Erik & Ivar fire hands on Dom & Carlito, and Priest TOSSES JD! Finn realizes he’s alone, and Priest SUPERKICKS him down! Priest stomps a mudhole into Finn, the Raiders put Carlito and Dom in the ring!
Ivar KNEES Carlito, then feeds him to Erik’s KNEE! The fans cheer, JD gets up, but Priest LARIATS him inside-out! Dom is fed to the WAR MACHINE!! Finn staggers up, but Priest grabs him! And Finn goes SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! The Judgment Day just got further embarrassed, and that’s not even considering JD’s Santa costume. Will the War Raiders be some unlikely allies for Priest in this ongoing war with the Judgment Day?
Sit-down interview with Seth Rollins.
Jackie Redmond thanks The Visionary for taking this time to talk with her, and he says it is his pleasure. Jackie talked with CM Punk and heard what he had to say, what Punk believes, when it comes to Rollins’ hatred for Punk. And we have heard from Rollins, as well, but Jackie’s still just curious. What is the root cause, the driving force, of this disdain he clearly feels for CM Punk? Rollins says the thing is, he has tried to explain how he feels many times over the years, and it sort of… Well, he won’t say he’s talking into the wind, but Rollins just feels Punk has needed the WWE more than the WWE needed him.
And so that hypocrisy from Punk is what just eats at Rollins. It is hard for Rollins to let that go. Jackie mentions how Rollins has talked about getting rid of it by “cutting it out” and fighting through it, and how this fight with Punk has to happen as a catharsis. What does “cutting” Punk out look like? What should we expect from, not even so much a match, that doesn’t feel like the right word now. Rollins says it’ll be fight. That’s what we’re getting, no question. It is the biggest fight in their sport right now, and Rollins needs it now. After Survivor Series, seeing Punk hand-in-hand with Roman Reigns… Roman’s finger in the air, Punk doing the stupid Go To Sleep thing…
Rollins just wanted to throw the remote through his TV, he was so viscerally, internally destroyed. Rollins felt that was it, no more waiting. The world needs to see it. This is perfect. The Netflix debut, the world will be watching. But to answer the question, he doesn’t know what it’ll look like. You might see a side of Rollins that no one’s ever seen. No pun intended, it will be raw, visceral, violent. Rollins needs to exorcise this demon from his soul, he has to cut the cancer out of his brain, or he is going down. Then the only way to process the betrayal is to go through a fight, and we get that on January 6th, Raw in LA for Netflix.
Jackie thanks Rollins for the time and his honesty. Rollins says yeah, he can’t wait. Will Rollins truly #BurnItDown when it comes to fight CM Punk?
The Miz VS Dexter Lumis!
The Hollywood A-Lister has his own history with the man now turned buzzard, and things are only worse now that this is about the Final Testament and the Wyatt Sick6. Will Miz manage to bury the past once and for all? Or will he get no mercy from Lumis?
Raw returns as Miz waits. A message flashes, “I OPENED THE DOOR,” and then the lights go down. And from that mysterious door to the other side, out steps Lumis. He takes off the Mercy the Buzzard mask, then rushes the ring! Miz scrambles right out as Lumis slithers along the mat! The fans cheer Lumis on while Miz tentatively returns to the ring. The bell rings, Miz wants Lumis to hold on, but Lumis swings hands! Miz bobs ‘n’ weaves, then throws a punch! Lumis just glares at Miz! Miz runs away, Lumis gives chase, and they go around the outside, then back inside! Lumis drags Miz out of the ring to ROCK him!
Miz staggers, Lumis THROWS him into barriers! The fans cheer, Lumis ROCKS Miz again, and then Lumis SMACKS Miz off the apron! Lumis pushes Miz into the ring, Miz bails out, but Lumis goes out to the apron. CANNONBALL! The fans fire up and Lumis brings Miz up. Lumis CLUBS Miz, stalks him, then puts him in the ring. Miz again asks for mercy, but then he tries a cheap kick! Lumis blocks and UPPERCUTS! Lumis scoops, Miz slips free and Miz BOOTS Lumis! Miz runs, but into a THESZ PRESS! Lumis rains down fast hands, then runs to AX HANDLE! The fans fire up and Lumis brings Miz up.
Miz breaks free to throat chop! The ref reprimands but Miz runs, only for Lumis to catch him! URENAGE! Lumis storms around, then goes looks to the corner. Lumis climbs, but wait, the Authors of Pain are here! So Lumis CANNONBALLS onto them! The fans fire up but Kross attacks!
Winner: Dexter Lumis, by disqualification
The Final Testament beats Lumis up and puts him in the ring. Miz stands, confident now that he has reinforcements. Kross says they’ve got Lumis where they want him, but Lumis looks to the sky. Seems it’s the other way around! The lights go down, and when they come up, the rest of the Wyatts are here! They brawl with Final Testament and then send them running! Nikki wants uppies, and Erik Rowan pops her up to POWERBOMB her out onto The Final Testament! Nikki is all fired up as the Wyatts stand together! Will The Final Testament be the one buried and forgotten after all is said and done?
The War Raiders regroup backstage.
Erik & Ivar are fired up after getting the better of Judgment Day, and then Priest walks in. He says what’s up, and they give him some pushes and shoves of excitement. Priest says okay, okay, settle down. But that was good, and he appreciates the save. Ivar says hey, they’ve all known each other a long time. And while they haven’t always seen eye to eye, there has always been honor here. They may not be friends, but Priest had their backs in a big way last week and they don’t forget that. They owed him, they got him. Priest respects that. If the War Raiders are at war with the Judgment Day, then he’ll go to war with them.
They all fist bump, and Erik & Ivar say they like the sound of that. Could these three finally tear down Judgment Day once and for all?
The zero symbol returns…
And now it’s joined by a pentagram? What could these clues be leading to?
The New Day barges out to ringside.
And Kofi Kingston tells Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett on commentary that no no no no! You do not get to speak about them like that! Woods asks what is going on around here? What happened to unbiased journalism? How long has Tessitore even been with the WWE? Not that long, right? Certainly not long enough to know that his job is not to have an opinion but to tell the TRUTH like they have! But it seems in 2024, no one wants the truth! Certainly not these fans. Wade was sympathizing with E as well! Well that’s fine, because Wade and Big E have something in common. They’re not man enough to lace up their boots again and get in the ring!
The fans boo now but Kofi says speaking of getting back int he ring, allow the New Day to do that and continue to tell everyone what they were trying to tell people before. They did NOT put hands on Big E. They could have, laid him out here in the ring, stretchered out of the building again, but they didn’t! So why is everyone so upset!? The fans keep booing but Kofi says this was supposed to be a homecoming for Kofi, and for the woman he bought a plane ticket for to come all the way here to Boston from Ghana, and that is Kofi’s mom! Kofi’s mom is in the front row! Miss Elizabeth Kingston is here, but she doesn’t seem very amused.
Kofi says his mom sat in the middle seat for 20 HOURS, just to see Kofi, and the fans are ruining her experience! This is his mother! The woman who taught him how to be the man that he is today! She does not deserve to see her son get booed out of his own hometown! Woods says they gave the fans ten of the best years of their LIVES…! Kofi steps back outside to apologize to his mom for the fans. She does not deserve this. Kofi doesn’t understand why they’re doing this. Kofi wants a hug. Miss Elizabeth stands up, but she pushes Kofi! She’s upset with HIM, not the fans! Miss Elizabeth takes her coat and leaves! Kofi is confused, what’s this about?
Kofi calls after his mom but she tunes him out. Though, it might be hard to hear over the fans. Will it ever get through to the New Day that they are in the wrong?
The New Day regroups backstage.
And then they cross paths with Rey Mysterio. Woods asks if he’s gonna pile on. Rey says no, it’s not like that. Rey thought about what they said last week, being a locker room leader and all. Rey definitely could’ve handled things better, so he’ll apologize to them. Rey just has the responsibility to help everyone as much as he can. So hey, what New Day did was out of pocket, all foul. And if they want to start fixing things, they can start by apologizing. Whoa, hold up. Them? Apologize to Rey and the locker room? No, they aren’t apologizing, because they didn’t do anything wrong! This is ridiculous!
Rey is just as bad as Big E and everyone else! Why not let Woods pop that mask off again so he can hear them better. New Day did nothing wrong. Rey says okay, fine, que pasa nada. Just don’t say he didn’t try. From this point on, New Day is on their own. And oh, get used to hearing this. “New! Day SUCKS!” With that, Rey takes his leave. After hearing that, will Kofi & Woods have anything but a Merry Christmas?
Sami Zayn VS Drew McIntyre!
The Honorary Uce may have just lost to the Scottish Terminator at Saturday Night’s Main Event, but he isn’t going to give up the fight. Will Sami finally get a win over McIntyre as a Christmas miracle? Or will McIntyre ruin the holidays with a Claymore?
Raw returns and Sami makes his entrance. The bell rings and McIntyre kicks low! McIntyre fires hands, then CHOPS Sami in a corner! McIntyre ROCKS Sami, stands him up, and then CHOPS again! The fans are torn but McIntyre paces while Sami sits down. Sami rises up, and he avoids a chop to fire hands! The fans fire up as Sami CHOPS and fires more punches! The ref backs Sami off, but Sami comes back to stomp and punch! The fans rally behind “SAMI USO!” and Sami whips Mcintyre corner to corner. McIntyre reverses, Sami goes up, but McIntyre KICKS him out of the air!
McIntyre snarls and then he deadlift suplexes Sami! Sami writhes and clutches his back, but McIntyre storms over to him. McIntyre STMOPS Sami’s hands! Then he ROCKS Sami with a right! Sami goes to ropes but McIntyre CHOPS him again! The fans “WOO~!” as that chop echoes out! The fans rally for Sami but McIntyre grins. McIntyre whips but Sami KICKS him in return! Mcintyre comes back but Sami TOSSES him out! The fans fire up and Sami builds speed, but then Mcintyre moves so Sami Arabian Presses to land back inside. Sami smiles as he gets the better of McIntyre, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Sami is in the corner. McIntyre storms up to stomp away on him again! The ref backs McIntyre off but then McIntyre storms back up. McIntyre drag’s Sami up to the apron, and he suplexes Sami up and into the ring! Sami flounders to the ropes and the ref checks him. Sami says he’s still in this, so McIntyre drags Sami back up. But Sami CHOPS McIntyre! And CHOSP! And fires forearms! Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for McIntyre to tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and McIntyre grows annoyed. The fans rally up but Sami writhes form all the damage.
McIntyre stalks Sami to the ropes, eggs him on, and then whips him to ropes. Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges again, and this time Sami tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Sami and McIntyre both rise up, and McIntyre bails out. Sami storms up to ropes, grits his teeth, and he PLANCHAS! But McIntyre catches him! And then he aims for the desk! Sami fights free, and he DRIBBLES McIntyre off the desk! Sami backs off as the ring count climbs, but Sami goes back for McIntyre. McIntyre stops the step bump to SMACK Sami off the steps! McIntyre refreshes the ring count because he wants to do more damage!
McIntyre stalks Sami up the steps, then lifts him for an APRON BACKBREAKER!! Sami falls and writhes, and McIntyre has a manic look on his face as he watches Sami suffer, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Mcintyre has Sami in the Inverted Alabama Lift! INVERTED ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! McIntyre escapes and runs up, but Sami dodges! McIntyre POSTS himself! The fans fire up as McIntyre flops back, and Sami hurries to the corner! Sami climbs, but his back slows him down! McIntyre ROCKS Sami first! And then CHOPS him! McIntyre climbs up after Sami, fires some shots, then fireman’s carries Sami! SUPER WHITE NOISE! A shoutout to Sheamus and McIntyre covers, TWO!! The fans fire up while McIntyre grows frustrated. Sami stirs but McIntyre watches him closely.
The fans rally and McIntyre drags Sami back up. But Sami cradle counters! TWO! McIntyre GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Sami falls and McIntyre snarls. McIntyre goes to a corner, and he takes aim at Sami. Here comes the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” But Sami LARIATS McIntyre! And then a clinch, EXPLODER into the corner! Sami goes to the other side and the fans fire up! Sami aims as McIntyre rises, but that back tightens up. Sami fights through the pain, gets running, but CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
That was perhaps the closest Sami’s come, but he was still so far away from victory over McIntyre. 3-0 in 2024, 10-0 overall, and McIntyre stands over Sami to rub it in. Sami is already dazed, but McIntyre rains down fists! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but McIntyre shoves the ref away to HAMMER Sami down! But here comes Jey, just like earlier tonight! Jey runs in, dodges again, and this time, SPEAR!! Jey has Mcintyre down, but now he goes up! But wait! TAMA TONGA SHOVES JEY OFF THE TOP!! Solo Sikoa & The Bloodline are here! McIntyre is just as surprised, but given the truce they called on Friday, McIntyre takes his leave.
The Bloodline beat down Sami & Jey, which McIntyre loves to see. Tama Tonga rains down fists on Main Event Jey in a corner, but the fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Instead, Jacob Fatu gets running! But Jey dodges the hip attack! SUPERKICK for Tama! Jey fires haymakers on Jacob! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Solo steps in to swing, but Jey dodges! Jey ROCKS Solo! Jacob SUPERKICKS Jey! The fans boo as the Samoan Werewolf gets all geeked up! Solo adds his SAMOAN SPIKE!! Solo throws off his jacket, sits Jey back up, but Sami gets in! Sami fires hands, but Tama TACKLES Sami! Tama beats Sami down and fans boo again.
Solo tells Tama to set Sami up, and Tama stomps Sami into the corner. Jacob runs in, to HIP ATTACK! Jacob isn’t done, he puts Sami in the drop zone to go up, up and BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The fans boo but Solo adds on another SAMOAN SPIKE!! Solo roars, then he and his Bloodline stand over the OGs. Jacob adorns Solo with the ula fala, will not even Roman Reigns be able to stop the “Undisputed” Tribal Chief? Will all of the WWE have no choice but to acknowledge Solo Sikoa?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here to build both the last Raw of 2024 and the first Raw of 2025, aka the Netflix debut. Rollins had a very good interview promo to add just a little more to things, but I feel like there’s little left that they need to say. Very good stuff with Judgment Day, such as the classic “X, can you tell Y…” gag from Finn and Liv. Dom thinking their plan to screw Priest over would work is hilarious, as was how it all fell apart. Priest gets the win from disqualification, but then great save from the War Raiders. Good promo from Priest and War Raiders, love the reference to ROH by saying “honor” there, and that’s a solid Six Man Tag right there.
Fun little bit from Pearce with Pure Fusion Collective, and of course Sonya thought she’d get a second chance, and of course Pearce uses real logic to say no way. Iyo Sky replacing Kairi Sane was announced last week on social media, so I guess Sonya didn’t check between shows. Great Triple Threat from Iyo, Alba and Natty, and of course Iyo won or else why put her in there? Iyo VS Lyra next round will be great stuff, as will Dakota Kai VS Zoey Stark, and whatever combination we get for the title match is going to be great. I don’t think we’ll get DMG CTRL VS DMG CTRL, so if Dakota wins, Iyo loses, and then vice-versa.
Great stuff with American Made and Alpha Academy, but of course Tozawa takes the loss. Otis standing up to Gable & The Creeds was a great moment, and I really hope we get Gable VS Otis for the big Netflix debut. Win or lose, Otis should definitely have a moment where he rallies through Gable and both Creeds, really get the crowd hot before the finish. Miz VS Lumis was good but could’ve been better. With only two hours, I guess they had to trim things down to the basics. Another disqualification finish tonight is a bit much, but I guess it keeps things going until we can come up with some kind of new 8 Man Tag, or even a really wild Mixed 10 Person match so Nikki and Scarlett can get involved legally.
Great stuff with New Day, from their interaction with Dom, then their “interrupting” the show to try and get their point across. It was great to have Mama Kingston there, and I just knew she would be disappointed in Kofi. Good promo with Rey, too, as Rey now leaves New Day out in the cold. I feel like we need a big tag team match to not only have Heel New Day show their stuff against like LWO, Alpha Academy, etcetera, and then they earn their way to a match with the War Raiders to revisit their feud, just with flipped Heel and Face dynamics. That could be some really good stuff as Raw on Netflix paves the road to WrestleMania 41.
And great stuff with McIntyre and the extended Bloodline. He and Sami had a great promo to again bring up family and sacrifice, but also how Roman’s OG Bloodline came back together without Roman ever changing a thing. Great brawls, great saves by Jey, and of course McIntyre won the match. Jey will of course get next, probably also for the Netflix debut, but good stuff with Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline showing up. They beat down Jey & Sami to send a message to Roman, who was obviously not going to be here tonight. There will surely be a response in part on SmackDown, but maybe more verbal than physical.
I feel like the “Transfer Window” will need to put all Bloodline members, old and new, on one brand so the story can be told all on one show. It’d just be easier while Jimmy’s foot is healing, because what can Roman do without backup against Solo, Tama & Jacob? And honestly, still waiting on when and where Hikuleo is going to show up. This is a good time to bring him in with Tonga Loa also hurt, so Solo can get the numbers edge on Roman again.
My Score: 8.8/10
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The Road to the Tokyo Dome goes through KOPW!
As 2024 nears an end, Great-O-Khan defends the KOPW Championship one more time, against a former KOPW Champion in Taichi! Who will be THE 2024 King of Pro-Wrestling?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Chase Your Dream Match: Shoma Kato VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
- Boltin Oleg VS Satoshi Kojima; Boltin wins.
- Triple Threat Tag: Jeff Cobb & Jakob Austin Young VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson VS Ren Narita & Yujiro Takahashi; Narita & Yujiro win.
- DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS El Desperado & Master Wato; Desperado & Wato win.
- Fatal 4 Way: Kevin Knight VS Robbie Eagles VS Francesco Akira VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Eagles wins.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
- Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita; ZSJ & Fujita win.
- KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi; Khan wins and is the definitive 2024 KOPW Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
After the Triple Threat Tag…
The House of Torture of course cheated to win, but they wouldn’t leave it at that! They waited until the United Empire and TMDK argued with each other to then attack them all! Yujiro Takahashi CLUBS Oiwa down while Narita shoves Cobb into big Hartley Jackson! And then Narita JAMS Cobb with the pushup bar! The fans boo but Narita JAMS Oiwa up, too! The Souled Out Son of Strong Style is so proud of himself as he holds up his NJPW World TV Championship, but wait. Christmas music starts playing? The fans clap along as surprise! Santa and his reindeer are here! Well, one reindeer. But shouldn’t the House of Torture be on the naughty list?
Santa Claus walks over, and he gets the mic. He sounds familiar as he tells, “Narita-san… You have a Christmas present waiting. Would you like it now?” Narita asks what the heck is going on. Santa steps into the ring and offers Narita the little tiny bag. Narita snatches the bag, then he and Yujiro look at it. The fans asks, “Nani nani? <What is it?>” Narita tells them to shut up. Narita gets the bag open and pulls out… Blue sunglasses! With LED lights! The fans cheer as the lights go down! “E! L! P!” EL PHANTASMO IS HERE! The Headbanga has been battling cancer, but he’s here in Korakuen Hall!
Narita is furious but ELP slides right into the ring! Narita & Yujiro run away, but the fans cheer ELP on as he stands side-by-side with Jado Claus. ELP gets the mic now, and the fans cheer him on. ELP takes a moment before saying, in Japanese, “Cancer. Cancer… I’ve beaten cancer! And I love Korakuen!” But ELP asks Jado-san how to say a certain something in Japanese. He whispers it, but then Narita & Yujiro attack! The fans boo these cowards, but then Narita says Merry Christmas! But ELP BOOTS him, ELBOWS Yujiro, then dodges Narita to SUDDEN DEATH! Jado Claus DECKS the Tokyo Pimp!
ELP again asks Jado, and Jado says on behalf of ELP, that ELP is going to wrestle tomorrow night! And… Then he’ll be at the Tokyo Dome! ELP grabs the NJPW World TV Championship! ELP looks it over, and looks to the crowd, and then to Jado, but then Jeff Cobb and Ryohei Oiwa get in the ring. Cobb asks if ELP’s good. ELP is good. Are they good? Then let’s turn it up a notch! FATAL 4 WAY for the TV Championship! Narita snatches his belt, gets out of the ring, and tells everyone to shut up! The odds just got stacked against the House of Torture, will the New Year have a NEW NJPW World TV Champion one way or another?
Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita!
Ahead of battling for THE IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, The Roughneck and The Front Man bring some back up! The Ace is also preparing to fight Evil, will he and Shota bring a Once in a Century Paradigm Shift? Or will ZSJ and the Japanese Young Punk prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against ZSJ. The fans cheer this WrestleKingdom preview, and Korakuen duels between “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” ZSJ and Shota feel things out, then knuckle lock. ZSJ clinches but Shota fights back with his own clinch. ZSJ slips around to chinbar but Shota wrenches to a wristlock. ZSJ rolls, tries another chinbar but Shota cranks the wristlock. ZSJ bridges, spins, slips around and wrangles Shota! Shota kips up to WRING the arm, but ZSJ UP KICKS! The fans cheer as the two reset. Shota and ZSJ circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ then stands on Shota’s hand!
ZSJ has another hand and twists the wrist! Then he has both arms for a motorcycle stretch but Shota fights up. Shota turns things around, and he fights ZSJ as ZSJ tries to turn them back. ZSJ keeps trying, and he pushes through, but Shota spins things right back around! The fans cheer while Shota digs a foot into ZSJ’s back. ZSJ flips, kips up, spins things around, but Shota spins them back! The fans cheer, and Shota spins ZSJ. ZSJ dodges the lariat, Shota blocks a kick, but ZSJ ducks the enzigiri! Shota avoids the Penalty Kick and arm-drags ZSJ, but ZSJ headscissors! Shota kips free, avoids a leg pick, and the fans cheer!
Shota dares ZSJ to go for the leg but the two reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and each man breaks free of one. They back off, and Shota tags in Tanahashi. The fans cheer, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Korakuen strongly supports President Ace. Tanahashi and Fujita circle, tie up, and Tanahashi powers Fujita back. The ref counts, Tanahashi lets off slowly, but then Fujita turns things around! Tanahashi turns things around, and repeat! The ref counts, Fujita lets off slowly, but then both men block a kick! They argue over who lets go first, and eventually agree for a mutual break. They set the feet down, but then Fujita holds on!
Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi, then whips. Tanahashi reverses but Fujita ducks ‘n’ dodges to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Fujita aims from a corner. Fujita runs corner to corner but Tanahashi BOOTS him! Shota CLOBBERS Fujita, then eggs ZSJ on! ZSJ runs up, Shota blocks a kick and he sends ZSJ into Tanahashi’s ELBOW! Shota CLOBBERS ZSJ and the fans fire up. Shota pursues ZSJ to the outside and CLUBS him down! Shota clamps onto ZSJ with a chinlock but the ref reprimands. Tanahashi CHOPS Fujita, but Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi! The fans fire up as Fujita storms back up, but he blocks a boot!
Fujita DRAGON SCREWS Tanahashi’s leg! Fujita kips up, ZSJ sends Shota into railing, and Fujita stomps Tanahashi. The fans rally and Fujita brings Tanahashi up to CHOP! Fujita eggs Tanahashi on, CHOPS him again, then CHOPS again! Tanahashi flounders and ZSJ tags in. ZSJ drags Tanahashi up to UPPERCUT! Tanahashi ends up in the TMDK corner, ZSJ UPPERCUTS him again! ZSJ says, “Mada mada!” and he UPPERCUTS again! Tanahashi falls, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Fujita brings Tanahashi up. Fujita CHOPS again, and then CHOPS again! Tanahashi is stinging and using the ropes for defense while the fans rally up.
Tanahashi storms up but Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi CHOPS, Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi falls and Fujita BLASTS Shota! Tag to ZSJ and he grabs a leg. Fujita also grabs one, they drag Tanahashi to center, and then they both go after arms. Then they shift, ZSJ has an arm while Fujita has a leg! Then they both have legs again! Then ZSJ has a leg and Fujita has an arm! Then back to the arms! They both isolate the arms for DOUBLE STOMPS! The fans cheer, the ref reprimands and ZSJ “apologizes” with a bow. ZSJ stands on one of Tanahashi’s legs to then twist the other! Tanahashi endures, even as ZSJ TWEAKS the ankle!
ZSJ twists the foot the other way, flips Tanahashi over, and shifts around to have a headscissor and armlock! Shota stomps ZSJ but Fujita goes after Shota! Fujita TOSSES Shota, ZSJ tags Fujita back in. Fujita stomps Tanahashi, KICKS him in the back, but Tanahashi gets mad! Fujita KICKS Tanahashi but Tanahashi fires up! Fujita KICKS and CHOPS, but Tanahashi fires forearm after forearm! Fujita CHOPS again! Tanahashi grits his teeth but Fujita CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! SHOTEI! Fujita falls but so does Tanahashi! The fans rally up while both men crawl, hot tag to Shota! Shota rallies on Fujita with big forearms and elbows!
Shota whips, Fujita reverses, but Shota dropkicks the legs out! ZSJ runs up and RAMS Shota! Then ZSJ runs, but into Shota’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Shota goes to Fujita. Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Fujita in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t mind. Shota clinches but Fujita fights the suplex with elbows. Shota runs up, but Fujita wrenches, waistlocks, but Shota ELBOWS free! Shota whips, Fujita reverses and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Fujita crawls, hot tag to ZSJ!
ZSJ runs up to BOOT Shota! Shota stays up so ZSJ runs to BOOT him again! And BOOT him again! Shota roars and ROCKS ZSJ! Shota runs to ROCK ZSJ again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Shota eggs him on, repeat! Shota UPPERCUTS and ZSJ roars! ZSJ UPPER- NO, Shota hooks the arm, but ZSJ wrenches out of the backslide to PELE the arm! Then ZSJ basement DROPKICKS Shota! The fans fire up while Shota clutches a leg and an arm. ZSJ kicks him around, scuffs him and taunts him. The fans rally, the ref checks Shota, but Shota is okay to continue. ZSJ stands Shota up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT!
Shota clinches to EXPLODER! Both men are down and the fans rally again! Shota crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! Fujita runs up, but Tanahashi blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Payback for earlier! Tanahashi runs up at ZSJ in a corner, blocks a boot, and DRAGON SCREWS! Tanahashi put some stank on that one! Then he goes up the corner for a SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this but the fans continue to rally! “GO ACE! GO ACE!” echoes out as Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ catches him into a COBRA TWIST! Tanahashi endures, then throws elbows into ZSJ’s leg. Tanahashi gets free to DRAGON SCREW again!
ZSJ writhes, Tanahashi ties the legs up, but ZSJ kicks at him! Tanahashi blocks a kick to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And now, TEXAS CLOVER- NO, ZSJ fights the turnover and reels Tanahashi into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Tanahashi endures and the fans rally up, but Shota gets in! Shota stomps away on ZSJ, but then Fujita MISSILE DROPKICKS Shota! Fujita brings Tanahashi up but Tanahashi SHOTEIS him down! ZSJ is after Tanahashi but he avoids the shotei! ZSJ SLAPS Tanahashi, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but ZSJ gives him a NECK TWIST! The fans fire up as ZSJ stand Tanahashi up.
ZSJ scoops but Tanahashi fights that, to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up but Tanahashi isn’t done! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi stands ZSJ up again, but ZSJ scoops to ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, ZSJ & Fujita win!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita, by pinfall
Shota can’t believe The Ace fell, but this is why ZSJ is the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! Will ZSJ do this all to Shota when they’re 1v1 in the Tokyo Dome? Or will Shota prove he’s mightier than The Mighty?
KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi!
The Dominator has, well, dominated as KOPW Champion for a long stretch of 2024, but the Holy Emperor did close out 2023 with this title. Granted, Taichi says that win, lose or draw, this is his final KOPW Championship match. As such, tonight’s stipulation is a sort of “Best Of” compilation as we go Best 2 Out of 3. Part one: a no ropes Sumo Rules match! Part two: Yoshinobu Kanemaru as special guest referee? Well, he would be a neutral party… And part three, if needed, will be a LAST MAN STANDING MATCH! Will Taichi “retire” from this truly freestyle division standing tall? Or will Khan truly conquer KOPW for the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, but Taichi also brings back the trophy for the occasion, and it’s time to end the year in style!
Sumo Rules!
Both men finish preparations with weight belts and some stretching. They square up, the ref says go and they RAM into each other! The fans rally as both men go for those weight belts to use as leverage. They go around, get very close to the ring edge, but then Khan moves things away. Khan THROWS Taichi, but Taichi stays on the ring so the sumo match continues. They reset and go again! Taichi pushes Khan back with both hands, but Khan digs in his heels! They clinch, go around, and Taichi goes for the edge! Khan pulls on Taichi’s leg to get around, but Taichi uses that to steer Khan to another edge! But Khan hits a fireman’s carry takeover!
Khan drags Taichi up but Taichi fights off the throw! They clinch and fight for control again. They each try to lift with the belt! Khan has Taichi near the edge, but then Taichi has Khan near the edge! Khan is teetering and the fans fire up! Taichi THROWS Khan to the floor, Taichi wins the fall!
Khan: 0; Taichi: 1
Special Guest Referee!
The fans are thunderous as Taichi takes the Sumo Rules fall, but now we go to a much more complicated situation. The ropes have to be put back up, sure, but now the Heel Master of all people is going to be the referee! The time it takes to set up the ropes is a reprieve for both sides, especially Khan as he has to catch his breath and refocus. Once the ropes are up, both men wait in the ring. All that is left is the buckle pads, and of course, Kanemaru himself. Kanemaru gets a proper introduction and entrance before he goes to the ring, and wow, he’s even wearing an official NJPW referee shirt with the lion mark on it.
Referee Kanemaru does his check and he even tells Taka Michinoku to watch himself. Kanemaru does a far less thorough check of Khan than Taichi! Did the Empire pay Kanemaru off?! Kanemaru has Taichi cool off, then whispers something to Khan! The bell rings, the fans rally for Khan, and Khan circles with Taichi. They tie up, Taichi powers Khan to ropes, and Kanemaru calls for a ropebreak. Then he has a fast count! Taichi lets off before 4 and argues with Kanemaru! Kanemaru says that’s his count, deal with it. Khan and Taichi reset, tie up, and Khan puts Taichi on ropes. Kanemaru pays more attention to Taka than Taichi!
The fans can’t help but laugh as Kanemaru finally does count, and now it’s really slow! Taichi protests, but Khan pulls Taichi’s arms. Then he CHOPS Taichi and stops at “3!” Khan then goes after Taichi, wrenches and wristlocks, and Kanemaru is asking if Taichi gives up!? Taichi tells him to shut up, but Khan kicks and CLUBS Taichi. Khan whips, Taichi BOOTS Khan down, then covers! Kanemaru strolls over to count! And it’s so slow! “TWO” and the fans cheer. Taichi is upset, but Khan rolls Taichi up! SO FAST!! TWO!! Taichi is getting pissed but Kanemaru backs away. Taichi stomps Khan, and Kanemaru’s untying a buckle pad?!
Taichi stomps Khan around, Khan leaves the pad there loosely, and Taichi whips. Khan reverses, and SURPRISE! bare buckles! Taka protests but Kanemaru SMACKS him with the pad! Khan plays dumb, and then he stands on Taichi’s lower back. Taichi has the ropes, but Kanemaru kicks the arm away! Khan has Taichi’s other arm, Taichi keeps grabbing for ropes but Kanemaru keeps kicking the hand away! Khan drags Taichi up, brings him around, and ROCKS him in the back! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan Mongolian Chops him on the back! And Mongolian Chops again! And Mongolian Chops again! Kanemaru doesn’t bother counting at all!
Taka protests, Kanemaru warns him, but then Khan hops up to sit on his throne! The fans cheer while Taichi endures, and only now does Kanemaru count! Khan asks hold on, hold on, so Kanemaru stops counting! Khan hops down, and then he puts Kanemaru up on the throne! Khan gets the fans to join in on the “Ohh…! HMPH!” Kanemaru isn’t into it so he hops down. Khan apologizes to Kanemaru, then he kicks Taichi around. Taichi gets up to fire hands! Khan kicks low, whips, but Taichi reverses to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down. Taichi stands, and he drags Khan up into SEITEI JUJIHOU!
Kanemaru might be stuck, he can’t ignore Khan tapping. But then Kanemaru drags Khan over to the ropes! Taichi is frustrated with Kanemaru but Kanemaru says that’s a ropebreak. Taichi storms up on Kanemaru, but then Khan waistlocks! Ripcord and SAYANAGI! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan runs in, but Taichi dodges! GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Taichi snarls. Taichi TAKES OFF THE PANTS! The pants were a bit stubborn, but still. But then Kanemaru “checks” Khan just to stay between him and Taichi! Taichi says move or else! Kanemaru says he’s the ref!
Kanemaru kicks Taichi, CLAWS Taichi’s eyes, then traps his arms! Khan gets up to IRON RIGHT!! Kanemaru “scolds” Khan, then “checks” Taichi. Khan rests in a corner and Kanemaru drags Taichi up for him. Taichi CHOKES Kanemaru! Kanemaru kicks low! Kanemaru whips Taichi into a corner, ELBOWS him, then Khan LARIATS! Khan snapmares and covers, Kanemaru wants more first! Khan sits Taichi up for a BASEMENT DROPKICK! Now cover, TWO!! Taichi survives so Kanemaru hurries to get his whiskey! Khan takes a swig, and Kanemaru sets Taichi up! WHISKEY MIST into Kanemaru! Taichi hits the GEDO CLUTCH, but Kanemaru really can’t count now!
Taichi lets off of Khan since there was no count to be had. Taichi drags Kanemaru up, but Khan WHISKEY BOTTLE SHOTS Taichi! IRON CLAW!! Kanemaru calls for the bell? He just hands the win to Khan without counting, so now we’re all tied up!
Khan: 1; Taichi: 1
Kanemaru has fulfilled the contract, Khan gives him the envelope of money. Khan even makes sure we all see how many thousands that is! Kanemaru heads out, is he going to party hard for the holidays? But that aside, it is time for the final fall!
Last Man Standing!
Taichi gets the mic first, and tells Khan that if that’s how Khan wants to do it, then Taichi will get down and dirty with Khan! No lumberjacks, no special guests, just the straight up ten count, and it can happen anywhere in Korakuen Hall! Khan says bet! The announcement is made for the official rule change, and now we have the final fall! Khan rushes Taichi on the outside, then whips him into railing! And we’re already going into the crowd! Khan throws Taicihi at English commentary, but big Hartley is a solid wall for Chris. Khan then drags Taichi up into the bleachers, and the fans clear out of the way!
Khan CHOKES Taichi with a chair, then lets off to clear chairs out of the way. The Young Lions try to help but Khan gets mad at them and pushes them aside. Khan drags Taichi up, knees him low, and then reels him in! But Taichi fights the sayanagi! Taichi SHOVES Khan, Khan falls to the floor but gets up, only for Taichi to CROSSBODY! Down goes Khan and Red Shoes hurries over. Both men are down but Taichi sits up. The count starts and Khan is still down at 5 of 10! Khan hurries to get up, and Taichi stomps him down! Taichi drags Khan back up into the bleachers, but we go the other way.
Taicih KICKS Khan down, Young Lions keep the fans back again, and Taichi drags Khan along. They keep moving through the crowd, and Taichi shoves Khan into chairs! Khan sputters but Taichi drags him up again. Taichi KNEES Khan, then drags him up. They go back down to floor level, and then Taichi aims at chairs! Taichi whips but Khan reverses and he BOWLS Taichi into chairs! Not quite a strike but he got a good number of those chairs! Khan pops the railing loose from the special corner piece, and he brings that corner piece over! Khan SMACKS Taichi with the steel! Taichi staggers away but he sits in a chair.
Khan starts folding chairs to stack them on the floor. Khan then uses one chair as a leash to drag Taichi over! Khan CLUBS Taichi, adds that one chair to the pile, and then snap suplexes Taichi onto the chairs! Taichi writhes but Khan rises up. Khan roars and the fans fire up! The count begins again but Taichi slowly sits up at 4. Taichi rises up, and he stands at 8! Khan brings Taichi around in a headlock, and they go to the orange bleachers! Khan uses the gate to smother Taichi, then they go up to the higher level! The fans fire up but then fans have to move! Khan KNEES and CLUBS Taichi, then whips Taichi at the exit door!
Taichi tumbles into the hallway! Khan drags Taichi back into the arena and uses the HITSUJIGOROSHI against the chairs! Taichi endures as Khan chokes him, then Khan lets him go! Red Shoes checks on Taichi, Taka coaches him, but the count begins. Khan sits in a chair to relax while he waits. Taichi sits up at 7, and stands at 9! Khan storms up on Taichi to CLUB him on the back! Khan headlocks Taichi, brings him to the other section, and he gets up close to the fans for photo ops. Khan then whips, but Taichi reverses, and Khan is sent into the wall! Taichi leaves Khan behind while the count begins again.
Khan sits up so Taichi KICKS him back down! Taichi drags Khan up, KICKS him again, and Khan falls to his knees. Taichi drags Khan up by his ponytail, and he goes close to the stairs that lead to the back! Khan fights the suplex, and for his life, but then he turns things around! Taichi fights the suplex, throws hands, and then DDTS Khan to the floor! Red Shoes checks both men, then starts the count. Taichi shakes out his arms and sits up at 4. Taichi stands at 6 but Khan is still down at 8! Khan drags himself up at 9! Taichi CLUBS Khan down, then brings him back up. Taichi brings Khan back to ground level, then snapmares him hard for a KICK!
Khan is in agony but Taichi drags him back up. But Khan RAMS Taichi into the railing! Taichi sputters while also sitting in a chair. Khan staggers away to ringside, and he goes looking under the ring. Khan brings out a trolly cart? Khan JAMS Taichi up using his own mic stand, then leaves him behind. Khan brings out a TABLE! Fans rally up as Khan puts the table on the trolly, then he staggers over to Taichi. Khan CLUBS Taichi down, then SHOVES him onto the table trolly combo. Khan has fans clear out, and then he SNOW PLOWS the chairs with Taichi on the cart!! The fans fire up as Khan stands over Taichi.
Khan drags Taichi up, and he brings the table along, too. Khan kicks chairs out of the way as he returns to the upper deck! Khan SMACKS Taichi off the edge, then he clears out space. Khan sets the table up, then he goes up to fetch Taichi. Khan JAMS Taichi up with a chair, then SMACKS him! Taichi writhes, fans rally, and Khan drags Taichi up. Khan vows to end this! IRON CLAW, and ELIMI- NO! Taichi fights Khan off! Taichi stumbles away through the crowd, but then grabs himself a chair. Taichi runs up to JAM Khan right in the face! Taichi then steals Khan’s idea to choke grip and CHOKE SLAM down through the table!!!
Khan writhes and the fans go nuts! Taichi hobbles around while Red Shoes counts Khan. Khan is still down at 5! Still down at 7! 9! KHAN GRABS RED SHOES’S HAND!! Khan survives, and though he has a couple bloody cuts on his back, he crawls his way to the ring. Taichi eggs Khan on and the fans are thunderous! Khan drags himself into the ring, Taichi runs, AX BOMBER!! The fans fire up and the count returns! Khan is still down at 5, stirs at 6, sits up at 7, and he rises at 8! So Taichi just runs up to AX BOMBER!! Khan drops to his knees, flops over, but he’s already pushing himself back up! Taichi runs again, AX BOMBER!!
Khan staggers around but he stays on his feet! Taichi says fine, AX- SAYANAGI!! Khan turns things around, and he AX BOMBERS in return!! Both men are down and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and Khan crawls for ropes at 5! Taichi slowly sits up at 6, and both men go to corners at 7! Red Shoes waits on them to rise up, and then Taichi fires up! Taichi runs up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so Taichi BOOTS! Khan BOOTS back! Taichi URAKENS! Khan MONGOLIAN CHOPS! Taichi SOBATS! Khan BODY BLOWS! Both men drop to knees, but they also grab at each other.
The fans rally as Khan and Taichi slowly rise. They are forehead to forehead, and then Taichi AX BOMBERS! Khan drops to his knees, Taichi BUZZSAWS, but Khan blocks it! Khan ROCKS Taichi with a right! And then Khan reels Taichi in, but Taichi Alabama Lifts! BLACK- NO, Khan fights into a GUILLOTINE! Taichi is stuck in the body scissors!! Taichi flails, even taps out, but that’s not how Last Man Standing works! Khan squeezes tighter and tighter, Taichi fades, and Red Shoes checks! Khan lets Taichi go and the count begins! Khan rises at 6, and Taichi is somehow up at 9!! So Khan clamps on an IRON CLAW!
Khan lifts Taichi, but Taichi slips free! Taichi shoves Khan and ROCKS him! DANGEROUS SAIDO!! But Khan is staggering to his feet?! Khan goes to a corner, flounders along ropes, but he isn’t down yet! The fans rally hard while both men fight to their feet! SUPERMAN PUNCH from Khan! PELE from Taichi! Both men are down again! Red Shoes starts the count on them both, and the fans rally even harder! Taichi is up at 7! Khan grabs Red Shoes at 9 again!! Taichi roars, Korakuen is with him, and he powers up! TENSHI JUJI- NO!! Khan blocks, and he hooks Taichi! Taichi CLUBS away on Khan, but Khan still lifts! ULTIMATE ELIMINATOR!!
Both men are down again and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and they’re both down at 5! At 7! 9! Khan pushes up, but he FLOPS back down!! DOUBLE TEN! IT’S A DRAW!! What does that mean for the belt!? Red Shoes goes out to talk with Abe-san, and then the announcement is made. In the end, with it being 1-1-1, a true draw, it all goes to KHAN!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (DEFINITIVE 2024 KOPW Champion)
Khan flips Taichi off, one last insult added on top. Khan is given the belt back, but Taichi grabs his trophy. Taichi steps up to Khan, and gives him the trophy, saying it is rightfully his now. Taichi shows Khan that respect, and Khan returns it with a handshake. Khan “retires” Taichi from KOPW, what will the Holy Emperor look to do in 2025?
As for Khan, he grabs the mic, and he asks Taichi to wait a moment. “You served this title for three years. We will honor your glory!” The fans applaud that, and Khan asks the previous champion to come closer. No, closer. The fans cheer Taichi on as he steps closer to ringside. Khan says Taichi served this title well, so here is his reward. Khan is giving the trophy back? Taichi says no, he gave that to Khan out of respect. Khan says to Taichi and to everyone to listen well. “We are the last KOPW Champion!” Everyone is a bit surprised to hear that.
Khan says, “As an alternative, on January 4th in the Tokyo Dome… as THE last KOPW Champion, We demand that the January 4th match determine the next IWGP World Heavyweight Championship challenger!” The fans are really intrigued by that idea! Khan throws down the belt, and Chris makes sure English speakers understand what Khan is suggesting. The New Japan Ranbo determining a #1 contender? Khan says that these are the words of the final KOPW Champion, The Great-O-Khan! “HAIL US, PEASANTS!” A New Year, a new era? Will Khan’s revolution bring glory to the United Empire?
My Thoughts:
A very good night for Road to Tokyo Dome, though I did skip a lot just because I didn’t have a lot of time today. But luckily I was skimming through, or I would’ve missed ELP’s great return. Congratulations on him beating cancer, and I like that they’re adding him to the NJPW World Television Championship match. It makes sense given ELP’s beef with the House of Torture, and honestly, why not just have ELP win? Not even so much for getting over cancer (though kind of that, too) but because fans love ELP and it’d help him solidify his singles run with Hikuleo long gone for WWE.
Really good stuff in the other tune-up matches, such as #DespeWado winning and the chaotic end to the Fatal 4 Way. Eagles won to help him and Fujita have momentum, but there is still more to the Road to Tokyo Dome first. Honestly that tag Fatal 4 could really go any which way they want so I’m not sure how the go-home math would even work. And Gedo of course took the loss against LIJ. Yota Tsuji is aiming for David Finlay and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, but who knows how things go before we get to WrestleKingdom.
Very good tag match from Shota & Tanahashi VS ZSJ & Fujita, and it was technically a surprise for Tanahashi to take the loss. This works on many levels, as Tanahashi should be figuratively on the ropes going into his match with Evil, and this gives Fujita equal momentum alongside Eagles. And then great main event, Khan and Taichi really went the distance with this one. And it all makes sense after Khan reveals this is the end of the KOPW Division. Khan wants to make the New Japan Ranbo to basically be the Royal Rumble and that is pretty cool. I think they could keep the belt to represent that contender’s status the same as the G1 Climax having a briefcase, because that KOPW belt actually looks pretty nice.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Who's dreaming of a gold Christmas?
Mitchell’s ROH Final Battle Results & Report! (12/20/24)
Is this the end of the Forever Reign?
DWI Podcast Classic: Scrooge McBitch
As the snow falls, enjoy this holiday classic from 4 years ago!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (12/19/24)
One last stop before Final Battle!
