Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (8/10/20)
Is Bayley (not) ready for Asuka?!
Is Raw about to get wild again tonight?
Kevin Owens confronts Randy Orton in the ring, Asuka fights Bayley for a rematch with Sasha Banks, and RAW UNDERGROUND rolls on!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Seth Rollins w/ Buddy Murphy VS Humberto Carrillo; Rollins wins.
- Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega & Angel Garza VS Angelo Dawkins; Dawkins wins.
- Zelina Vega w/ Andrade Almas & Angel Garza VS Bianca Belair w/ Angelo Dawkins; Belair wins.
- Apollo Crews VS Shelton Benjamin w/ The Hurt Business; Benjamin wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Ricochet, Cedric Alexander & The Viking Raiders VS Akira Tozawa & Ninjas; Ricochet, Alexander & The Viking Raiders win.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Shinobi Surprise: Akira Tozawa VS R-Truth; Truth wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Liv Morgan w/ Ruby Riott VS Peyton Royce w/ Billie Kay; Royce wins.
- Raw Underground – Riddick Moss wins.
- Asuka VS Bayley w/ Sasha Banks; Asuka wins and will challenge Sasha Banks for the Raw Women’s Championship at SummerSlam.
- Raw Underground – Arturo Ruas wins.
- Raw Underground – Dabba-Kato wins.
- Raw Underground – Shayna Baszler wins 3v1.
- Kevin Owens VS Randy Orton w/ Ric Flair; wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
WWE mourns the loss of Kamala, aka James Harris.
Samoa Joe is in the ring!
He welcomes us to Monday Night Raw as he presides over a contract signing “for one of the most personal of matches,” set for SummerSlam. Joe has seen some contract signings, but one of their competitors is signing two contracts to make them an official WWE superstar. First, “the Goliath in our tale of David and Goliath,” a man Joe has many profane words for, the self-proclaimed Monday Night Messiah, Seth Rollins! Rollins has Buddy Murphy beside him as he makes his way to the ring. And the opponent, a man with a babyface who has taken the fight to Rollins to such a level that he is surely “a grown ass man,” Dominik Mysterio! Dominik walks out, titantron and theme song accompanying him, as well as a kendo stick!
Dominik is wary as he joins everyone else in the ring. Joe may be there but he must stay impartial if he wants to keep his job. Rollins wonders, how is Dominik a man if he has that weapon? He looks like a coward, or a scared little boy. Joe agrees, he’ll hold onto the kendo stick for Dominik. Does Joe think this is a joke? No, it’s not. This is actually rather sad. What’s sad about this? It’s simple, Seth. Seth is the sad one. Joe should be seeing “Seth Freakin’ Rollins,” one of the greatest this generation. But instead, we have “a man who had the WWE Universe boo him a few times and he got all caught up in his own feelings.” Rollins used it all as an excuse to do what he wants. Rollins went after Rey’s eye, Murphy went after Aleister’s, and who knows what would’ve happened to Joe last week.
The saddest thing of all is that “Seth Freakin’ Rollins” is giving a man with very little training NO CHOICE but to face him. Rollins says Joe has so much wrong, but c’mon! No choice?! Dominik has had a choice every step of the way and has chosen wrong every step of the way! The same goes for Rey and Aleister Black, and now Joe if he makes the wrong choice. But y’know who’s really had no choice? Seth Freakin’ Rollins, that’s who! Not to play the victim card, but Rollins was forced into this! He tried to #BurnItDown, but he got crapped on! By everyone in the back and everyone watching at home! Rollins had no choice but to become the Monday Night Messiah and sacrificing others for the greater good!
So Rollins just has to ask: When is it going to be enough? Enough for Joe, for Dominik, for the other superstars and for the fans? Dominik says it will NEVER be enough! What? Rollins heard him. Rollins makes excuses for what he’s done. Aleister isn’t the same. Rey isn’t the same. Rollins changed the lives of good men for the worse, and uses “the greater good” as an excuse. Rollins is really just fighting for himself. Rollins says Dominik is ungrateful. Dominik is on the cusp of fulfilling a dream, but he doesn’t even understand it’s all because of Rollins. Dominik should be on his knees thanking Rollins. Maybe Rollins has a point. This was Dominik’s dream. But now, the dream is to kick Rollins’ ass!
Rollins laughs and says we all know that Dominik won’t even last 10 seconds in a regular singles match. Rollins is definitely the best of his generation. However, Rollins will do Dominik a favor. Dominik is pretty handy with kendo sticks. How about SummerSlam be a match where Dominik can use that kendo stick, or anything really! Dominik should have every weapon at his disposal, so that there will be no excuse when Rollins ends Dominik’s career before it even begins. Rollins signs his part, and hands it over to Dominik. Dominik signs the SummerSlam contract, as well as his WWE contract.
Congratulations! A big round of applause for the newest superstar! “Now get the hell out of my ring,” because Rollins has a match with Humberto Carrillo. Dominik can take a seat and take some notes so he’ll see what Rollins is forced to do to them all. Carrillo makes his entrance, and the road of revenge for Rey begins after the break!
Seth Rollins w/ Buddy Murphy VS Humberto Carrillo!
Raw returns and the bell rings. Carrillo and Rollins tie up, Rollins and Carrillo go around the ropes but Carrillo gets ROllins in the corner. Carrillo throws hands, Rollins turns things around to grind forearms in. The ref counts but Rollins body shots and stomps Carrillo down. Rollins makes sure Dominik gets a good look at the armlock, but Carrillo arm-drags free! Carrillo tackles Rollins and throws fists! Carrillo rallies and hits a springboard enziguri! Rollins bails out, Carrillo pursues and CHOPS him! Rollins throws Carrillo into barriers! Rollins gets back in the ring, the ref is distracted, but Dominik protects Carrillo from Murphy! The ref sees this and tells them both to back off.
Carrillo gets on the apron, shoulders into Rollins, slingshot sunset flips but Rollins rolls through. Carrillo ducks the Penalty Kick, Rollins ducks a roundhouse but not the enziguri! The crowd fires up as Carrillo drags Rollins up to throw haymakers. The ref backs him off, but Carrillo runs back to throw more hands! Rollins trips Carrillo up and Carrillo falls on the buckle! Rollins clubs away on Carrillo, climbs up behind him, but Carrillo resists the suplex. Rollins gets Carrillo up, Carrillo fights back more, and elbows Rollins down!
Carrillo adjusts, but Murphy distracts! Dominik SMACKS Murphy off the apron! Carrillo MOONSAULTS, but into BOOTS! Rollins SUPERKICKS, and POWERBOMBS! Rollins flips Carrillo over, to CURB STOMP! Cover, Rollins stares Dominik down as he wins!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
And then Murphy TACKLES Dominik! The Disciple gets payback with furious stomps, but then feeds Dominik to Rollins. Rollins stomps away now, and Murphy drags Dominik up for his master. “I told you, take notes and listen to the master at work!” But Dominik breaks free to TACKLE Rollins! Murphy drags Dominik off but now they scrap! Rollins KNEES Dominik down! They beat Dominik down with punches and stomps, then they grab the kendo stick. Rollins aims it at Dominik, to SMACK him in the stomach! And SMACK him on the back! Dominik writhes but Rollins isn’t done. Rollins SMACKS Dominik in the stomach again! And then the back again!
Murphy rips Dominik’s shirt off and we can see the marks on his skin! Rollins SMACKS again to leave another mark! Rollins taunts Dominik to “fight like a man” before he SMACKS and SMACKS him again! Rollins got Dominik’s hands that time. Dominik gets to the ropes, but Rollins and Murphy tie him up in them! “You should’ve kept out of our business!” Rollins SMACKS Dominik as he mockingly says, “Hi, Dad~! You watching at home, Papa Rey?” He SMACKS Dominik again! “How’s that feel? I bet you’re on your knees in front of your TV set, begging for mercy! BEG, REY, BEG!!” Rollins SMACKS away on Dominik again and tells Rey he’s a coward!
Murphy fetches things for Rollins as Rollins SMACKS Dominik again! The welts are becoming bloody bruises, as Rollins has even MORE kendo sticks! Murphy gets to have a turn, and they’re going to make Dominik “pay his dues.” Rollins SMACKS Dominik’s chest while Murphy SMACKS Domink’s back!! And again! And again! And again!! Rollins even eggs Murphy on to see who can hit him harder! They hit Dominik so hard, he comes loose of the ropes and is on the mat! Murphy taunts Dominik, “You wanted to be a WWE superstar, right?” SMACK!! Rollins says if Dominik wants to be a man, he has to get up. But Dominik can’t, and that is the only thing that spares him from a Curb Stomp.
Rollins laughs, “The greater good is a beautiful thing! To be continued, Rey.” The crowd boos as Rollins and Murphy leave Dominik covered in bruises and cuts from the kendo sticks. Will Dominik even be able to compete at SummerSlam?
Retribution is coming.
Raw had technical difficulties because of damage done in the shadows. But then SmackDown was completely overrun! A group of masked maniacs did whatever they wanted last week, will they only escalate it this week?
Andrade Almas w/ Zelina Vega & Angel Garza VS Angelo Dawkins!
Before anything else happens, La Muneca takes the mic and says, “All week, I’ve been hearing, ‘Zelina, how could you poison Montez Ford?'” Did anyone realize it’s innocent until proven guilty? Vega will scream until she’s hoarse, she had NOTHING to do with the poisoning of Ford! What kind of manager would she be if she ruined her associates’ careers? Unlike most women, she doesn’t thrive off a man’s success, she creates it! And Bianca Belair can learn a lot from Vega about keeping men in line, and herself in check. Vega doesn’t appreciate Bianca putting her hands on her.
The Street Profits want the smoke, but her team wants the gold. And if you don’t get it, she’ll say it again: she had NOTHING to do with the poisoning. But Almas and Garza will have everything to do with taking away the Raw Tag Team Championships. But Angelo Dawkins makes his entrance, minus Ford, and though the lights have problems again, this match will happen, after the break!
Raw returns and Dawkins fires off forearms with Almas! Dawkins punches Almas to the ropes but lets up at the ref’s count. Dawkins whips Almas, Almas reverses but Dawkins hurdles, only to run into a kick. Almas throws more forearms then runs, into a big dropkick! Dawkins covers but Almas scrambles away. Almas gets out and Dawkins dares him to return. Garza helps Almas cool off and Vega coaches him up. Almas claims this is a “time out” but the ring count reaches 8. Almas goes in, just to get back out. The ring count starts again, Dawkins goes to the apron but Almas trips him up! Almas pushes Dawkins in to stomp away!
Almas rains down right hands then eggs Dawkins on. Dawkins sits up to get a basement dropkick! Almas drops down on Dawkins for a chinlock and grinds him down. Dawkins endures and fights up, throwing elbows. Almas throws forearms but Dawkins hits back. They brawl back and forth, Dawkins gets the edge, then has Almas on the ropes with body shots! The ref backs Dawkins off, but Dawkins LARIATS Almas down! Dawkins rallies, dodges and flying elbows! Almas staggers to a corner but Dawkins scoops him for an EXPLODER! Vega feels that one as the crowd rallies up. Dawkins runs corner to corner but Almas dodges to clothesline!
Almas fires off forearms then fires himself up. Almas runs corner to corner, CIEN SHADOWS! Cover, TWO!! Dawkins lives but Garza tells Almas to keep his focus. Almas goes to the top rope as Dawkins stirs. Almas leaps, but into a RIGHT HAND! Vega hops up on the apron as Dawkins covers! The ref is distracted, but here comes Bianca! Bianca yanks Vega down and Dawkins gives Almas the CASH OUT SPINE BUSTER! Cover, Dawkins wins!
Winner: Angelo Dawkins, by pinfal
The EST tells La Muneca to get up and get in the ring for their match! Vega barely stands before Bianca puts her in! Vega bails out but Bianca is ready! Raw goes to break before things really heat up!
Zelina Vega w/ Andrade Almas & Angel Garza VS Bianca Belair w/ Angelo Dawkins!
Raw returns again and Vega is on Bianca in a dragon sleeper body scissors combo! Bianca rams Vega into buckles until she’s free, but Vega just leaps on for a normal sleeper! Bianca pops her around for a BIG suplex! Vega wants mercy? She still defends she didn’t poison anyone, but then she lunges at Bianca! Bianca jumps over, jumps back around, and then wags her finger at Vega. Bianca keeps Vega from running, but Vega stomps Bianca’s foot and headbutts low. Vega tilt-o-whirls but Bianca spins her around again! Vega drags Bianca down to a triangle hold! Bianca stays on her feet, tries for a cover but Vega keeps her shoulders up. Bianca dead lifts but Vega sunset flips, only for Bianca to stay up again. Bianca drags Vega up and SLAMS her down!
Bianca dares Vega to get up and do something but Vega is just making sure she has her teeth. Vega stands, Bianca bumps her off buckles and stomps a mudhole! Then she fires off fast hands! The ref backs Bianca off but Bianca comes back fore more! The ref counts, Bianca stops at 4, but Vega RAKES her eyes!! Vega headlocks and uses the ropes, for a BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Vega grows frustrated, Bianca sits up and grits her teeth. Vega pushes Bianca around and ax kicks her back. Vega whips but Bianca blocks and redirects! Vega goes up and over and waistlocks, and even pulls hair! Bianca swings on Vega but Vega shoves her into the corner! Step-up enziguri!
Vega goes corner to corner while Bianca is down, CIEN SHADOWS! Cover, TWO! Vega’s version wasn’t quite as powerful, but she has fire. Vega dribbles Bianca’s head off the mat as she says she didn’t do it. Vega headlocks but Bianca blocks the bulldog. Bianca runs at Vega, fireman’s carries her, but Vega fights out with elbows! Vega waistlocks, Bianca elbows out hard. Bianca swings but Vega dodges, Vega tilt-o-whirls to throw Bianca into ropes! Bianca gets a hotshot from it and Vega heads for a corner. Vega climbs up, leaps, but into Bianca’s arms! Bianca pops Vega up for the military press and SLAM!
The crowd fires up as Dawkins coaches Bianca and both Garza and Almas cheer Vega on. Vega glares at Bianca and Bianca glares at Vega. They both grab at each other’s hair but Vega throws a forearm. Bianca gets mad and fires off all sorts of strikes! Bianca throws Vega around the ring, then runs in, only to get POST! Vega shouts, “I didn’t do it!” and then stomps a mudhole in! Vega climbs up, clubs away on Bianca’s head, but Bianca has her for a POWERBOMB! Matchbook, TWO, so Bianca ALLEY-OOPS Vega onto buckles! Bianca drags Vega up, spins her around for the torture rack, and the KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall
Vega may not have done anything to Ford, but she couldn’t do anything to Bianca, either! Charly Caruso interviews Bianca in the ring. Not to spoil the moment, but given Vega defending herself, what evidence is there? Bianca says here’s a secret: She and Ford keep things separate at work, they handle their own business. Vega messed with Ford’s business. If she does it again, she’ll just whooped again. So Ford is out for now, what is his condition? Dawkins handles that by saying The Profits still have a match at SummerSlam. If you think Ford is going to miss the biggest party of the summer, that ain’t happening. They’re bringing the ruckus AND the Solo cups! Because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! Will Ford be ready to stand with the fam?
Raw presents a special edition of The VIP Lounge.
The Hurt Business is in the ring and MVP has the mic. “Tonight is a very different episode of the VIP Lounge.” He is not in a celebratory mood, so no popping bottles. He wants to pop someone in the mouth. Not to mention popping ligaments and tendons. MVP never misses a chance to be the guy who says “I told you so,” so he tells us so! The conspiracy is real! Lights flickering, a generator on fire, during MVP’s match! MVP is a professional of the highest order! How is he to win in “unsafe working conditions?” Apollo didn’t beat MVP, the lights beat MVP. Where is Apollo Crews? Apollo makes his entrance to confront these accusations!
Is MVP serious? He always has to make excuses. Losing a match is someone else’s fault. Losing the beautiful new belt, it’s someone else’s fault. Oh, like the excuses Crews made not to be at Extreme Rules? A fighting champion who takes time off because of a bad neck. Apollo says Lashley did all that for MVP so that it’d turn out that way. But Apollo does know MVP is hurting now that Apollo has the NEW United States Championship belt MVP paid THOUSANDS of dollars for! Apollo thinks that’s funny? That’s Apollo’s problem. MVP was just trying to help the “serial bad decision maker.” Like the decision to come out here alone. MVP, you have a point. Apollo makes bad choices. But he’s allowed to. Oh? Because Apollo is a bad, bad man.
In fact, MVP says he doesn’t care about Apollo? Or about his family? Well Apollo doesn’t care about Benjamin or Lashley. But he does care about MVP. Apollo promises that at SummerSlam, the lights going out will be MVP’s! The Hurt Business rushes Apollo but Apollo gets in to DECK MVP! And then he THROWS A COUCH! Apollo dares someone to do something, but Raw goes to break!
Apollo Crews VS Shelton Benjamin w/ The Hurt Business!
Raw returns and the Gold Standard steps to the United States Champion! They tie up, Apollo wrenches, and hammerlocks to a headlock. Benjamin powers out, things speed up but Apollo blocks a hip toss. Benjamin blocks back but swings into the waistlock. Apollo lifts but Benjamin gets away, and Apollo says it was that close to the Crews Missile. They circle again, Benjamin powers Apollo to a corner and rams his shoulder in. Benjamin knees low, whips Apollo cornet o corner, but Apollo goes up and over and handsprings to dropkick Benjamin down! Apollo rallies with elbows and a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Apollo keeps his cool as he brings Benjamin up again. Benjamin escapes the military press to mule KICK!
Benjamin lifts Apollo to POWERBOMB him hard and fast! Cover, TWO! The Hurt Business knows to keep on him so Benjamin covers again, TWO! Benjamin drags Apollo up, turns him and hits a neckbreaker! MVP taunts Apollo as Benjamin throws Apollo out. The ref tells the Hurt Business to stay back but MVP and Lashley taunt Apollo. Benjamin goes out whole MVP mockingly asks if Apollo feels alright. Benjamin pushes Apollo around then knees him low! Benjamin bumps Apollo off the apron while putting him in. Benjamin stalks Apollo to ropes to choke him! The ref counts, Benjamin lets off, and Benjamin looms over him. Benjamin wraps Apollo up in a chinlock and grinds him down.
Apollo endures, the crowd rallies up, but MVP tells Apollo to quit. Apollo fights up and fights out to then ROCK Benjamin with rights! Benjamin gives them back, whips Apollo to ropes, but Apollo LEAPS to clobber Benjamin! The crowd fires up as Benjamin and Apollo stir. Apollo stands with the ropes to enziguri Benjamin down! Benjamin clutches a knee but Apollo drags him up to power him to a corner! Apollo rams his shoulder in over and over, MVP protests but Apollo runs to corner splash! Apollo lifts Benjamin but Benjamin resists. Benjamin runs into a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Standing moonsault, cover, TWO!
The Hurt Business grows worried for Benjamin while Apollo keeps his cool. Benjamin bails out to rest, but Apollo builds sped! Lashley swipes at him so Apollo BOOTS Lashley away! Benjamin clobbers Apollo and rolls him up! Benjamin wins!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin, by pinfall
Lashley wants to go after Apollo with the full nelson, but MVP tell him to stop. Apollo needs to be healthy for SummerSlam so they can settle this. Lashley reluctantly shoves Apollo away and MVP says he’s just trying to look out for him. But MVP tries to sucker punch Apollo, only to get DECKED by the enziguri! Apollo gets out with his championship belt. Will MVP win back the belt he bought at the biggest party of the summer?
The Retribution has already done damage!
They’ve thrown cinder blocks through windows! Security tries to get them to stop but they don’t listen, and SMASH the windows apart with the bricks! And then they run off to do who knows what else. Is anyone safe from the Retribution?
Backstage interview with Mickie James!
The six-time women’s champion is back with big news! Mickie is excited to be back and wants to help lead the locker room. If you don’t think she has gold on her mind, then you’re sadly mistaken. But then Lana and Natalya walk in, obnoxiously laughing and wearing matching business dresses. Sorry, is Mickie that delusional? How can she lead the Women’s Division without a Tiktok account? Don’t get them wrong, Mickie is one of the best in-ring, but Natty is THE best so… And if Mickie isn’t aware, Natty is the winningest woman, the Serena Williams of WWE. Best of All Time! The #BOAT!
Wow, Natty. Mickie expects this from Lana because she’s Lana but Natty has a legacy all hero win. Natty worked so hard of the Hart family coattails. Oh, and boats sink. Hashtag that! Mickie leaves but the new besties say Mickie is rude. Will they be the ones getting a rude awakening now that Mickie’s back?
Ivar talks up Raw Underground with Demi Burnett!
Erik comes by with Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. They’ve been looking all over for him! They’re all gearing up for their match. Don’t be mad at Ivar, they were just talking. She didn’t mean to keep him so long, he’s just so cute! Erik? Not so much. But good luck! Alexander and Ricochet try not to laugh at Erik but they can’t help it. But how does their match turn out? Also, has Demi already ditched Garza for the Warbeard? We find out, after the break!
8 Man Tag: Ricochet, Cedric Alexander & The Viking Raiders VS Akira Tozawa & Ninjas!
The fast and the furious team up with the big and the strong as they take on the Stamina Monster and his shinobi squad! Will the WWE 24/7 Champion survive the raid?
The teams sort out and Ricochet will start against Ninja 1! CRANE KICK! Tag to Alexander and they give him a double stomp complete shot! Ninja 2 runs in but gets double KNEES! Alexander tags Ivar in, they work together as Erik tags in. Ninja 2 gets knee after knee! The Vikings stare at Tozawa as Ninja 3 refuses to go in. Tozawa orders his henchman to fight, but Ninja 3 thinks they should just go. Tozawa agrees, and the ninjas are in retreat. Ninja 2 gets THOR’S HAMMER!! Cover, The Vikings and friends win!
Winners: Ricochet, Cedric Alexander & The Viking Raiders, by pinfall
Tozawa has his title in his clutches, but Ninja 3 calls in a referee? Because this is R-TRUTH!! Truth rolls Tozawa up, Truth wins!!
Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
THIRTY EIGHT TIMES!! Truth has his baby back and then hurries out because the chase is on! Will Tozawa get his title back from Truth before the night is over? And what happened to the real Ninja 3?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre!
The WWE World Champion had strong words for Randy Orton. Does he stand by those words? And will he be watching Ortn’s match with Kevin Owens? For starters, McIntyre wouldn’t have said what he said if he didn’t mean it. But McIntyre had an epiphany. The reason Orton has been keeping the knowledge to himself and taking out legend after legend is simple: Self-preservation. Orton wants to make sure he’s on top for as long as possible. He ripped the torch from Mick Foley’s hand, and holds onto it so that he isn’t a thing of the past. McIntyre tells Orton that he’s had more original thoughts. First, he will rip the torch from Orton’s hand. Second, he’ll kick Orton as hard as he can. And third, Orton will realize evolution has passed him by.
Charly has one more question. What if Kevin rips the torch away first? In that case, McIntyre and Kevin can have a long talk about the future of Monday Night Raw. What happens to the proverbial torch as the summer heats up?
Liv Morgan w/ Ruby Riott VS Peyton Royce w/ Billie Kay!
The reunion tour has begun, all thanks to The KO Show! The Riott Squad got one over on the IIconics but things are far from over! Will the LIVing Embodiment keep things going as she takes on the Venus Flytrap?
As always, the IIconics have mics to speak before the match. “Aww, how cute is this, Billie?” The Riott Squad is back and… Better than ever? Liv is two-faced while Ruby’s mood changes more than the color of her split ends! While they campaigned to be Raw’s Drama Queen, the IIconics campaigned for the future, and the future is IIconic. Peyton gets in and this match begins!
Liv fires off forearms, then blocks a kick to trip Peyton up! Liv rains down rights but Peyton gets away. Liv brings her up but Peyton knees Liv back. Peyton throws Liv out and then goes out to fetch her. The ref has Ruby and Billie stay back as Peyton clubs Liv. Liv blocks the apron bump to give it back! With interest! Liv puts Peyton in at 5, but Billie creeps closer. Liv gets in, and runs into the spinning heel kick! Peyton drags Liv up and says Ruby doesn’t care about her! Peyton clubs away on Liv, then shoves her down. The crowd rallies for Liv and Liv spins around to waistlock and O’Conner roll! TWO, Liv and Peyton ROUNDHOUSE each other down!
Billie and Ruby coach their friends up while the crowd rallies. Liv gets to a corner while Peyton grits her teeth. Peyton runs into a boot, but Ruby gets Billie to back off. The ref sees Ruby on the apron, Liv is confused, Peyton CLOBBERS Liv! ANARCHY SUPLEX! Or as Peyton calls it, Deja Vu! Cover, Peyton wins!!
Winner: Peyton Royce, by pinfall
A miscommunication costs the squad and Liv is again paranoid about who Ruby is. The IIconics let the frenemies fall apart again as they leave. Will the IIconics leave them behind in the Women’s Tag Division rankings?
Shane checks in with Jordan Omogbehin, the Raw Underground bouncer.
Anything going on? No, it’s just fine. Nice. Now, it’s almost time to begin tonight’s festivities. Shane enters the Underground, what happens in this week’s third hour?
Raw Underground begins!
Riddick Moss returns to Raw in the opening fight as Shane welcomes us back. Moss counters a takedown with a facelock, but still gets SLAMMED! Moss scrambles up as “Cal Boom” has him in a clinch. They get up, go around, fight for control, and Moss gets the facelock! They go around, off the ring and into some spare paneling! Moss throws body shots and RAMS his opponent in return! And again! They end up back at the ring, clinch onto the mat, but Cal gets loose. They tie up again, Cal tries a cover but Moss moves. Moss throws body shots, they each pull hair, but Moss rakes eyes! And HEADBUTTS! Moss fires off more hands and DECKS Cal! The ref and Shane call it, Moss wins it!
Winner: Riddick Moss
The Regiment is back and tougher than ever! Will he rise to the top of this strange other division?
Asuka VS Bayley w/ Sasha Banks!
Here we go again! The Empress of Tomorrow wants to rip the Role Model apart for what happened to Kairi Sane, as well as earn her rematch with the NEW Raw Women’s Champion, Sasha Banks! But with The Boss ringside, will Bayley have the advantage in shutting Asuka out?
The bell rings and Asuka dropkicks Bayley right away! Asuka throws Bayley around, then runs corner to corner to hip attack! Asuka kicks away on Bayley in the corner, then snapamres her for a KICK! Cover, ONE! Asuka dribbles Bayley off the mat over and over, but Bayley gets away. Sasha shrieks in protest but Asuka goes out to throw Bayley into boards! The ref counts but Asuka stomps Bayley. Asuka puts Bayley in at 4 of 10 and climbs up top. Asuka talks smack with Sasha but Bayley trips Asuka up! Bayley Canadian racks for a RUNNING DOMINATOR! Cover, TWO!! Sasha and Bayley are upset already, and Bayley rains down angry rights.
The crowd rallies for Asuka as Bayley kicks the leg. Asuka gets to ropes but Bayley drags her back up. Bayley snap suplexes then covers, TWO! Bayley runs to sliding clothesline! Cover, TWO! Bayley cools off and Sasha cheers her own. Bayley wraps on a chinlock and thrashes Asuka about. Asuka endures, fights up as the lights flicker, but Bayley puts her in a corner. Bayley stomps Asuka down, taunts Asuka about Kairi but Asuka kicks back! Bayley drops elbows and covers, TWO! Bayley still makes fun of Kairi as she circles Asuka. She kicks Asuka around but Asuka just keeps getting up. Asuka gets mad, blocks a punch to backslide fast! TWO!!
Bayley ducks a kick and rolls Asuka but Asuka rolls through to SLIDING KICK! Both women are down, the crowd rallies up and both women slowly stand. Asuka side steps Bayley to then follow and run her over! Asuka blocks a kick, slips around and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bayley gets up to get a hip attack! Cover, TWO! Asuka runs at Bayley in a corner but Bayley catches the hip attack to toss Asuka into buckles! Sasha coaches Bayley on as Bayley runs corner to corner. Asuka dodges the knee, has Bayley stuck on ropes and kicks away! Asuka runs side to side to springboard STOMP Bayley down! Cover, TWO!! Sasha helps Bayley get out as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Asuka climbs up top again. Asuka is more focused this time and she missile dropkicks Bayley down! Cover, TWO! Sasha is relieved but Asuka fires up. Asuka watches Bayley sit up and she KICKS her! And KICKS her! Sasha gets on the apron, Bayley catches the next kick to a KNEEBAR! Asuka flails as Bayley pulls on the ankle, and Asuka gets the ropebreak! Bayley clubs the leg before letting go at 4. Bayley stomps the leg, and DDT’s the ankle! Cover, TWO! Bayley hits another leg DDT, and Sasha says she’s loving it. Sasha hugs the Raw Women’s Championship belt as Bayley puts the bad leg on the ropes. The Golden Role Models mock Asuka with the belt before Bayley stomps the leg.
The ref backs Bayley off but Sasha SLAMS the bad leg in the distraction! Bayley covers, TWO! Asuka endures but the Golden Role Models are only getting angry. Bayley puts Asuka in a corner, stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to elbow Asuka back! Bayley runs, Auska rolls her up, TWO! Asuka wraps Bayley up in a GROUNDED OCTOPUS STRETCH!! Bayley endures being twisted up, pries free of a leg, and goes after Asuka, only to get caught into an ARMBAR! Bayley flails and kicks, makes it a cover, TWO! Asuka leaps but the code breaker is countered to an INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Asuka endures as Bayley shows she has an arsenal of her own! Asuka endures, Sasha taunts her face to face, but that only motivates Asuka! Asuka sits back to get an ANKLE LOCK and KNEEBAR!!
Bayley endures, fights up and pushes back to a cover, TWO! Asuka has the hold again, Bayley powers up again to pry Asuka off! Asuka counters the German to a crossbody! Cover, TWO!! The crowd fires up, Asuka hits the CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, Asuka crawls to a cover, TWO! Sasha is growing worried as Bayley and Asuka slowly sit up. Bayley and Asuka brawl on their knees then up to their feet. Asuka fires off palm strikes from all sides! Bayley blocks the back hand but gets the pop-up KNEE! Bayley ends up in a corner, Asuka hurries over and brings her up. Asuka hoists Bayley up top, climbs up to join her and throws forearms. Bayley hits back, sends Asuka down, and adjusts. MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TWO!!
The crowd is thunderous as Asuka survives! Asuka slowly fights up but Bayley looms over her. Bayley brings Asuka up to BACK HAND Asuka! Bayley goes corner to corner, sunset bomb into the buckles! Bayley mocks Kairi by walking the plank, and runs, into a TAKEDOWN! ASUKA LOCK OUTTA NOWHERE!! Bayley taps, Asuka wins!!
Winner: Asuka, by submission (NEW #1 Contender to the Raw Women’s Championship)
But Sasha runs in, only for Asuka to get away! The Blueprint has the red brand’s belt for now, but will she lose it to a vengeful Empress?
We return to Raw Underground!
Arturo Ruas is in action, and if you don’t know him, he’s a 17-time Brazil amateur wrestling champion! Shane steps aside and the fight is on! Ruas BOOTS his opponent back, uses capoeria heel kicks to send him out of the ring, then dares him to come back. His opponent does but gets body shots and a SLAM! Ruas clubs away with big forearms, palm strikes and even slaps! His opponent doesn’t stand a chance with those elbows flying in! Ruas grabs an arm, cranks on it, can’t get the armbar so he goes for the legs. Ruas kicks then watches his opponent squirm. His opponent gets up to get the CAPOERIA KICK!! Ruas wins by knockout!
Winner: Arturo Ruas
The winner goes again, but who is going to take him? No one in this crowd will. Who else will step up to Shane’s blood sport?
We return from break for more Raw Underground!
Dabba-Kato is back! Let’s see if he’s still got it this week? The bell rings and his considerably smaller opponent circles around him. Dabba take a kick to give a kick! His opponent keeps fighting but Dabba drags him up to clinch and SLAM him down! And then he drags the man up to knee and SLAM again! Dabba keeps going, with a NUT CLAW!? That’s not against the rules but it’s just plain mean! And then Dabba DECKS the man! Dabba wins!
Winner: Dabba-Kato
But Shayna Baszler steps up!? The Queen of Spades wants after the big man but Shane tells Dabba to cool off. Shayna gets to have someone fresh for her opponent. Who steps up to the former MMA Horsewoman? NO one? So Shayna just DECKS a rando in the crowd and tosses her in! Shayna facelocks, turns and hammers away! The woman’s friend goes in to drag Shayna off, but Shayna just dumps her down and rains down rights! Another woman comes in, she tries for a sleeper, but Shayna throws her right off! Shayna has the arm but her opponent headscissors! Shayna hammers away, powers out of the squeeze, but sees she is in a 3v1 situation.
The other two go after her together, but Shayna fights them all off. Shayna DECKS the third opponent, judo throws the second, and ROUNDHOUSES the first! SPINE BUSTER and hammer fists for the third, KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! The woman taps, Shayna wins!
Winner: Shayna Baszler, by submission
That’s this week’s Raw Underground, tune in for more carnage next week!
Retribution causes more trouble!
They’ve tipped someone’s car over! And are beating it up more! They hurry off before anyone comes along, will they leave Raw without taking over like they did on SmackDown?
Kevin Owens VS Randy Orton w/ Ric Flair!
The Prizefighter takes a stand not only for himself, but for those the Viper has targeted and attacked. Will Kevin still be able to fight after going a round with the Legend Killer reawakened?
Raw returns and Kevin makes his entrance. The bell rings and Kevin circles with Orton. They tie up, Kevin powers Orton to ropes but Orton turns things around. Kevin turns it back around and into the corner, but Orton turns that back again. Kevin powers out of the corner, Orton headlocks and grinds Kevin down. The crowd rallies as Kevin endures and powers out. Orton runs Kevin over, things speed up, and Kevin runs Orton over! Orton bails out and Kevin wonders where he’s going. Flair grins, he likes the fire Kevin has. Kevin goes after Orton but Orton drags him out. Kevin counters punches, throws haymakers and chops, but Orton pokes eyes! Orton follows Kevin around the way to European Uppercut.
Orton brings Kevin to the desk but Kevin hits back and bounces Orton off the desk first! Kevin hears the ring count and puts Orton in at 8. Kevin stomps Orton to a corner, mocking the Legend Killer while getting angrier. The ref backs Kevin off, Kevin copies the “WOO~!” Orton hits back and CHOPS Kevin in the corner. Orton whips Kevin but Kevin reverses. Kevin dodges Orton on the return and kicks, but Orton denies the stunner! Kevin denies the RKO to SUPERKICK! Orton flounders into a corner, Kevin runs in to CANNONBALL! Orton bails out and Flair is worried. Kevin has to slow down because of a bad shoulder, but Orton ends up by barriers. Kevin CANNONBALLS again! The Viper is down as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns as Kevin stomps Orton down. Orton sits up to get haymaker after haymaker, and then goes to a corner. Kevin CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, and Orton scrambles away. Kevin mocks Flair more as he gives more CHOPS! Kevin throws haymaker after haymaker, but the ref backs him off. Orton bails out but Kevin hurries after. Kevin whips but Orton reverses to send Kevin into steel steps! The bad shoulder feels worse and Flair just talks trash to add on. Orton drags Kevin up to bounce him off the Plexiglas! Orton gets in at the count of 8 but goes out to refresh things. He drags Kevin back up to whip into more steel steps! Now Orton leaves Kevin behind and at the mercy of the count.
Kevin manages to sit up at the count of 5, and drags himself in at the count of 7. Orton is right on him by yanking the bad arm and stomping a leg! Orton circles Kevin as he stomps, a favorite tactic of his. Orton scrapes his laces on Kevin’s face, another favorite! He drags Kevin around and stomps him in the stomach! Orton digs his heel in, and he leaves Kevin gasping as he runs. Orton drops a knee right on the head! Cover, TWO! Flair is amused as Orton wraps Kevin in a chinlock. Kevin endures and the crowd builds to a rally. Kevin fights but Orton rakes eyes! Kevin still fights up, fights back and wrenches to forearm! Kevin throws more but Orton CHOPS!
Orton whips, Kevin kicks back but Orton EuroUppers! Kevin clotheslines and back sentons! Flair grows worried again as the crowd fires up for Kevin! Kevin stands, Orton follows, but Kevin whips. Orton grabs ropes to bail out again. Kevin pursues but Orton catches him for the ANNOUNCE DESK BACK SUPLEX! Kevin tumbles down while Orton catches his breath at ringside. The ring count climbs but Orton drags Kevin up and in. Cover, TWO! Kevin refuses to stay down! Orton grows annoyed and he stalks Kevin to a corner. Orton brings Kevin up to the top rope, throws haymakers, then climbs up to join him. Kevin fights back with a headbutt but Orton hits back. They brawl up top, Kevin headbutts Orton down!
Kevin adjusts quickly, to SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and Flair shouts for him to get up, but so does Kevin! Kevin mocks Orton’s slithering around as Orton stands! Kevin spins Orton around but no Stunner! Orton hits the RKO!! Cover, Orton wins!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall
The Apex Predator weathered the storm and takes Kevin down! Flair celebrates with Orton by raising his arm, but will we see the same thing when Orton faces McIntyre for the title? Orton wants a mic to talk before leaving. He wants Flair to stick around a moment. “I would like to ask a favor of you, my friend.” The favor is for Flair to stay here and talk something out, but also celebrate. Flair doesn’t mind. We find out what Orton has on his mind, after the break.
Raw returns and…
Orton tells Flair that “I have every right to be upset with you, but I just can’t. I can’t be angry at the Nature Boy, Ric Flair.” Orton can’t find it in his heart to be pissed. This match wasn’t necessary. Orton was only in a fight with Kevin because of Flair’s ego. But Orton can’t be angry with Flair! This is just what the Dirtiest Player in the Game does! Orton has learned so much. Orton grew up with Flair around, and Flair has been there the last 20 years. Flair taught Orton so much, and is why Orton is still here after 20 years. But does Flair remember back in 2002 or 2003. Orton got himself in trouble in Illinois. No one came to help Orton, except for Flair. Flair bailed Orton got his “dumbass 22-year-old punkass” got himself into. Orton respected and loved Flair for that moment.
But Orton doesn’t respect or love Flair anymore. Because Flair is a liability to everything Orton is trying to do! Orton realized when he looked back. Orton knows why Flair took him under his wing. Flair was thinking Orton could be the son Flair wishes he had. Aw, what’s wrong, Flair? Are you going to cry? “C’mon, you old ass man,” all this energy he still has and yet all he can do is cry? FINE! Cry Orton a river! Cry like a little baby! This isn’t the Flair we all looked up to even just a few years ago. This isn’t the Flair that taught Orton everything he knows! That Flair wouldn’t need a pacemaker in his chest to keep his heart going. That Flair wouldn’t have slipped into a coma! THAT Flair wasn’t some “whore for the spotlight” like this Flair. This is not the same Flair, because this Flair is washed up.
In just two weeks, Orton goes to SummerSlam with an opportunity to take a world championship for the 14th time! That is all Flair needs to worry about and yet he worries about himself! Flair takes the mic from Orton very carefully, and says he is taking all this very personally. Flair hears Orton’s words, but he wants to tell Orton something. That Flair, the one Orton was with in the early 2000’s, that Flair is gone. Does Flair like the spotlight? Yes. Does Flair like to praise Orton as the greatest because he truly is? Yes. Does Flair want to share that spotlight with Orton? Who wouldn’t? Flair is 71, on Monday Night Raw. Flair has Hogan calling him, asking how it feels, and Flair says it feels great, because Flair is with Orton.
Flair is here because he wants Orton’s approval, to be by Orton’s side, and to be there when Orton’s wins 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th even! Flair wants Orton to break his record! Not John Cena with his own 16, but FLAIR’S 16! A record we all grew up on! Driving 3000 miles for $150! Flying who knows how much, city after city! Orton knows what that is because Orton was there! Orton was watching his dad on the road. No cellphones back then, Orton knows what that feels like! Flair wants Orton, who crawled up from the bottom to the top, became the greatest in the business today who Flair loves being with.
But if Orton wants Flair to get emotional, here’s someone Flair can’t get mad at. Flair can’t get mad at Orton. After 31 days of intensive care, a coma for 12 of them, when Flair woke up, he just wanted to tell those around him that he loved them, and to let those he loves know it. Flair called everyone, and that includes Orton. You need to be where Flair has been to know what that feeling is. Flair isn’t trying to take away from Orton. Flair is just having a good time with him. Flair is Charlotte’s Dad and Orton’s friend. Yes, this isn’t Ric Flair anymore. But Orton is his favorite, the one he wants to break the record. That’s all. Orton takes the mic, throws it away, and hugs it out with Flair. The crowd cheers that, but Orton LOW BLOWS FLAIR!!
The crowd boos now as Orton sets Flair down. Orton whispers to Flair that it’ll be alright. Orton forgives Flair, so he hopes Flair can forgive him. Because Orton looms over Flair, and the crowd starts to fear what’s coming next. Orton listens to the voices in his head as Flair barely sits up. The lights flicker but Retribution doesn’t come. Orton aims as Flair is on his hands and knees, and…! The lights go out but you can hear the PUNT KICK!! Orton just annihilated Flair in the literal dark of night!! Orton still comforts Flair, but here comes McIntyre!! McIntyre runs Orton off, and cannot believe how low Orton has sunk! “Even him?! You evil son of a b*tch!!”
Medics check on Flair while McIntyre glares at Orton. McIntyre vows everything is coming back around on Orton’s head, and that he will make sure to hurt Orton. Will the the Scottish Psychopath destroy The Legend Killer once and for all? Or will the Viper simply sink his teeth into a 14th world title reign?
My Thoughts:
This was definitely a wild Raw. We got a lot of powerful stuff out of the opening segment with Dominik now getting a form of No Disqualifications match against Rollins, only for his first official day on the job to be him getting kendo stick’d into ground beef. The cajones on him to accept such a segment. I don’t know if Dominik wins, but he’s at least got to take Murphy out of action at SummerSlam as some retribution. We also got great stuff out of the story between Bianca and the Profits and Vega’s stable. The matches were great, but the sweep by Bianca and Dawkins makes me feel like SummerSlam goes Vega’s way. The go-home next week will be the last bit of math, though, maybe Ford returns triumphantly as the final piece of the puzzle.
For the poisoning part of the story, I like that Vega is adamantly defending herself while Bianca doesn’t believe her. But I’m pretty sure Vega didn’t. It’s GARZA! And the reason why is because he thought he was poisoning Dawkins’ cup, as a way to get Dawkins to back off the girls Garza’s been flirting with! Of course, Demi seems to be playing the field, too, having flirted with Ivar tonight. The 8 Man Tag was pretty fun, but clearly it was a vehicle to the 24/7 Championship. Truth is back on top, baby! Though, with Raw Underground now being a thing, I really hope Truth “accidentally” runs into that area and then we get some reigns for Dabba-Kato and the superstars hanging around in there.
Though again, I kinda wish we weren’t watching Swerve and Brennan Williams be in there, after already seeing them both get jobbed out. I would’ve loved if there was a long game where those two finally decide to join the fun and then give us some of the best things yet in Raw Underground. Though that’s a tall order after seeing what they did this week with Riddick Moss, Dabba and even Shayna Baszler! I honestly thought Shayna was gonna fight Dabba, but it seems even Underground follows WWE’s no co-ed wrestling rule. I wonder if Shayna becomes a regular. A little disappointed Hurt Business didn’t at least check in, they’re the “new management.” Maybe after Apollo turned things around on them, they felt a bit too foolish and had to get MVP some ice. They still should’ve been hanging around, though.
We got some good stuff out of the Riott Squad story. At the same time that the IIconics bounce back, the squad is already stumbling. Though, I wonder if this isn’t a week too soon. Maybe it should’ve been Liv being there to counter Peyton while Ruby beats Billie, and then this. It gives the context that Ruby is willing to be helped by Liv but is screwing Liv over, at least in Liv’s mind, which is the whole point. Asuka and Bayley have an AMAZING match, and Bayley bringing up Kairi was really good story. If only Kairi wasn’t done with WWE (for the foreseeable future), she could be in the Triple Brand Battle Royal this Friday and WIN to at least get a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship, her first singles title opportunity in years. But Asuka wins so she gets her match with Sasha, and that is going to be amazing, too.
Retribution was far more juvenile tonight than they were on SmackDown. More light flickering, more damage of property, but no attempts at attacking superstars or taking over the PC. Yes, there were higher security measures but that’s all kayfabe and easily gotten around. Though, they technically do have a part to play tonight that I actually appreciated. We got a great main event out of Orton and Kevin, but of course Orton wins to stay strong. I could just feel Orton turning on Flair as Flair kept raising Orton’s hand in victory. That feeling only got stronger as Orton had Flair hang around and there was the commercial before a 15 minute final segment.
The promos between them were great, and the lights going down was a great way to censor/cover up Orton “kicking” Flair in the head. The crowd and commentary both being in stunned silence is great, but I also would’ve liked it better if a handful of crowd members just went nuts with anger. This is Ric Flair! Someone, anyone, should’ve screamed like it was their own father/grandfather. But McIntyre VS Orton has reached a new level, I can’t wait to see it all happen!
My Score: 8.6/10
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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
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Hockey (and CFP) Talk- The Devil in the Details [122424]
The guys discuss the first round of the expanded CFP and also look at how Jacob Markstrom has anchored the...
Hockey Talk- Winter (Classic) Is Coming [121724]
Hockey Talk looks at Alex Ovechkin's recovery and when he might be back. Plus, the Winter Classic fast approaches. Is...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Are Those Chiefs Uprights Regulation Size Or What?!
Jump on board as Andrew and PC run down the entire slate of action for week 15 in the NFL!
Hockey Talk- Igor Gets Paid! [121024]
Hockey Talk looks at a coaching change in Chicago, the Four Nations Tournament, and Igor Shesterkin laughing all the way...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Famous Jameis
As we head into the last week of byes on the NFL schedule, the gents run down their picks for...
Bandwagon Nerds #268: Seasons Geekings
Your favorite Nerds invite you to the greatest Holiday Party in the Nerdosphere! That plus a review of the first...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (12/18/24)
Majora speaks.
Bandwagon Nerds #267: I’ve Had 16 Holes Already!
The Nerds convene for an extended trip to the Trailer Park and discuss big casting decisions affecting the MCU and...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (12/12/24)
Dinner is served.
Bandwagon Nerds #266: Silver Age Supermen
The Nerds conclude their review of Game 7, plus the latest trailers and the official launch of the new DCU!
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/23/24)
The Raw Before Christmas!
Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Tokyo Dome Results & Report! (12/22/24)
Empire VS Emperor!
#TheOddity 023: Just Use A Baby Sock
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (12/21/24)
Merry Collision!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: The Saturday Night Wrasslin Show!
With Saturday Night's Main Event in our rear view mirror, we talk about the MAIN event.
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (12/20/24)
Brody King is on a Rampage!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/20/24)
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!
