Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (8/17/20)
One week until SummerSlam!
Raw is reeling this close to SummerSlam!
Everyone is in shock that The Viper’s viciousness turned on Ric Flair! Shawn Michaels returns to Raw, will he confront Randy Orton? Will he be the Legend Killer’s next victim?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Apollo Crews VS Shelton Benjamin w/ The Hurt Business; Apollo wins and bans The Hurt Business from ringside for SummerSlam.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Hurt Business Bail Out: R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa w/ Ninjas VS Shelton Benjamin w/ Hurt Business; Benjamin wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega VS Ivar w/ Erik; Garza wins.
- Natalya w/ Lana VS Mickie James; Natalya wins, by count-out.
- The Golden Role Models VS Asuka & Shayna Baszler; Asuka & Baszler win.
- Ruby Riott w/ Liv Morgan VS Peyton Royce w/ Billie Kay; Royce wins.
- Raw Underground – Erik goes 1-1, Ziggler goes 1-0.
- Raw Underground – Arturo Ruas VS Riddick Moss; No Contest.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Mid-Match Mayhem: Shelton Benjamin w/ The Hurt Business VS Cedric Alexander; Alexander wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Six Man Elimination Tag: The Hurt Business VS Apollo Crews, Ricochet & Mustafa Ali; The Hurt Business wins.
- WWE 24/7 Championship: Cedric Alexander VS Akira Tozawa; Alexander wins and retains the WWE 24/7 Championship.
- WWE 24/7 Championship Dirty Business: Cedric Alexander VS Shelton Benjamin; Benjamin wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
- Raw Underground – Marina Shafir wins.
- Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins VS Andrade Almas w/ Angel Garza; Ford wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The opening intro is all weird…
Rewinding, stopping, flipping around. Is Retribution taking over now, then and forever?
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!
The WWE World Champion is here and grabs the mic to address what we all saw last week. The Celtic Colossus was first on the scene after Randy Orton PUNTED Ric Flair in the head, and will be facing that very Viper this Sunday at SummerSlam. McIntyre says what Orton did last week “was completely unforgivable. Randy Orton brutalized Ric Flair.” Not just the legend, the 16-time world champ, two-time hall of fame inductee and icon for generation after generation. But a 71-year-old man. Ric is someone Orton grew up around for 20 years as a mentor, protector and friend. Last week, with a tear in Ric’s eye, he told Orton that Orton should be the one to break the record because of how much Ric loved him. And what did Orton do? “You kicked him in his damn skull!”
But here’s the thing. SummerSlam isn’t Orton and a defenseless old man. Orton is facing “a pissed off, 6’5″ Scottish fire-breathing dragon” that wants to hurt him! Not just for McIntyre, but for everyone Orton’s ever wronged, and especially Flair! Camera cuts are a bit weird and graphics are showing up randomly as McIntyre tries to take us down memory lane. Orton VS Foley, all the weapons! Yes, Orton took the torch from Foley that night. And we’re getting a replay of Dominik Mysterio taking those kendo stick strikes in a picture in picture. McIntyre tells Orton that SummerSlam will be a beating far worse than thumbtacks and weapons. “Screw that! Drew McIntyre IS a damn weapon!”
McIntyre wishes SummerSlam was now, and he knows Orton is hiding somewhere in the building. The graphics are going by so fast it’s a bit nauseating. A cameraman barges into the production truck to find Retribution members forcing the tech crew to do these things! Then they break the computers now that they’ve been found! McIntyre keeps talking about what he wants to do to Orton while Raw goes to break! Is this the end or just the beginning of the chaos for tonight?
Raw returns to the locker room assembled.
Much like the superstars last Friday Night SmackDown, Titus O’Neil, Mustafa Ali, Cedric Alexander, Ricochet, Humberto Carrillo, The Viking Raiders and even Riddick Moss all want answers. This was no hacker, and it wasn’t Akira Tozawa’s ninja clan. McIntyre comes in and says his stuff with Orton can wait. Is Ric okay? Yes, from what McIntyre’s heard. But Orton won’t be okay. Of course, that’s if we get to Sunday. Retribution keeps causing chaos and trouble, and McIntyre doesn’t appreciate them doing this. So they have tow choices: carry on and see what happens; or band together and stomp this out! But Seth Rollins come sin, laughing and applauding.
Rollins appreciates what McIntyre is doing. Yes, Retribution is a problem. But Monday night already has its Messiah, so there’s already a locker room leader. Okay, Rollins. You’ve been doing this song and dance for about five years now. If the boys didn’t respect you then, they’re not going to respect you now. Rollins gets it, McIntyre is the champion with a chip on his shoulders and thinks he’s the leader. But being a champion doesn’t make you a leader nor a teacher. Let’s not forget who taught McIntyre about being a champion. It was Rollins. Just like how Rollins taught Dominik what it takes to be a WWE superstar. Ricochet says Rollins is about to get his receipt for that, too. BURN!
Rollins asks if Ricochet has something to say. Just saying, Rey Mysterio going to be here tonight. Literally impossible. We all saw what Rollins did to Rey’s eye. But Alexander speaks up and says it’s still happening. Rollins doesn’t believe them but McIntyre asks if the Messiah is scared. He’s not! Rollins knows how to protect himself and those around him. Meanwhile, McIntyre couldn’t protect Flair from Orton. Get your priorities straight or you’ll end up the EX WWE Champion. Well Rollins could just come out and say it. If he wants McIntyre to drop him right here, McIntyre will gladly oblige! Buddy Murphy steps in and things get tense. McIntyre dares Rollins to step up, but Rollins and Murphy take their leave. Will everything blow up tonight before SummerSlam?
The Hurt Business is here!
It takes a moment to get the proper titantron and lights going, but MVP, Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin still head down to address business. “While Drew McIntyre is in the back, organizing some sort of buddy system,” they’re here to make a statement. “Retribution, wherever you may be. The Hurt Business is officially open for business.” MVP already knows what this is. While the rest of the WWE roster is “hand wringing” and worrying, the Hurt Business is calling Retribution out! Retribution thinks they’re tough for terrorizing from the shadows? That’s not tough! What is tough is Lashley, Benjamin and even MVP! A cameraman finally returns to ringside to get a better look.
MVP says in his life, he’s learned to follow the money. This is the same. Follow the path. Who benefits most from Retribution? Think about it. If you follow the trail, it leads you to catering, where you find Apollo Crews and “His band of merry pranksters,” Ali, Ricochet and Alexander. In fact, Hurt Business bets that they hatched this up while Apollo was home on the couch after the “Full Lashley” full nelson. TO cut to the chase, we all know Retribution showed up around the time MVP faced Apollo for the United States Championship! That’s not a coincidence! That was a ploy so that Apollo could still MVP’s US Championship belt that he paid thousands of dollars for! But here comes Apollo to respond!
Apollo has that very belt and a mic to say, “I knew that you would be out here making excuses.” But to accuse Apollo for leading Retribution? That’s low. No, what’s low is Apollo and his “masked dudes” pulling these “subversive actions.” No this is just MVP distracting from the match at SummerSlam. MVP can’t beat Apollo without help, just like Benjamin. Let’s real talk. Until Apollo had the title, he’s had more stops and starts than a used car. That made Apollo bitter and that’s why he has a crew of the same people. Apollo doesn’t fear MVP, but losing the title. Because as soon as he does, it’s back to catering.
Yeah, Apollo DOES fear losing. That’s why he FIGHTS. But if he was anything like MVP, he would’ve joined up with the Hurt Business months ago. Well if he was like MVP, he’d be smart and he’d understand this business! If he wants to talk business, then let’s talk business! If Apollo beats Benjamin, then both Benjamin and Lashley will be in catering banned from ringside, and MVP will have to go 1v1. MVP says Apollo is a child, and there will be no excuses when MVP puts Apollo over his knee. MVP sicks the Hurt Business after Apollo but Apollo ROCKS Benjamin and gets in the ring! Will Apollo even the odds for Sunday?
Apollo Crews VS Shelton Benjamin w/ The Hurt Business!
Raw returns with the match already in progress. Apollo clubs away on Benjamin then whips, but Benjamin reverses. Benjamin waistlocks but Apollo counters to a victory roll, TWO! Benjamin CLOBBERS Apollo! MVP tells Benjamin add on and he stomps away on Apollo. Benjamin puts Apollo in a corner, stomps away then clubs away. The ref backs Benjamin off, but Benjamin whips Apollo corner to corner hard! Cover, TWO! The crowd rallies up for Apollo but Benjamin waits. Apollo denies Pay Dirt then hits a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Apollo keeps his focus as Benjamin gets to a corner. Apollo waistlocks and brings Benjamin out, but Benjamin counters the Crews Missile to a DDT! Cover, TWO!!
MVP shouts for Benjamin to keep going, and Benjamin drags Apollo back up. Benjamin reels Apollo in, but is that R-Truth!? He’s running away because of Akira Tozawa and the ninjas giving chase! Benjamin has to shove the ninjas out of the way, Apollo trips him up to jackknife cover! Apollo wins!!
Winner: Apollo Crews, by pinfall; Hurt Business banned from ringside for the WWE United States Championship match
But Lashley and MVP go after Apollo! No more concern for Apollo’s health this week, they’re just angry! They beat Apollo up but here come those friends! Ricochet, Ali and Alexander fight the Hurt Business back! Lashley puts Alexander on the apron but gets an enziguri! Springboard, but into the #FullLashley! But Ricochet and Ali save Alexander with a sleeper hold, SUPERKICK and BOOT! Apollo and friends dump Lashley out! The Hurt Business suffers another loss, will this finally be settled come SummerSLam?
Truth returns but Benjamin BOOTS him down! Cover, Benjamin wins the 24/7 Championship!!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
MVP says “We are NOT going out like that! Not tonight!” They will not be disrespected by Truth the clown, a bunch of ninjas, and Apollo’s crew. How about Apollo choose two of those idiots and face MVP’s guys in a Six Man ELIMINATION Match?! Challenge accepted! Who steps up to hurt the Hurt Business all over again?
Angel Garza reunites with Demi Burnett.
Did she enjoy his match last week? Of course! Well here’s a rose. Thanks! But Ivar returns to charm her again. He really enjoyed their conversation last week about his hoop dreams. Damian Lillard has Dam Time, but now it’s Ivar Time. Would Demi like to be his guest at Raw Underground tonight? He presents her with turkey. Thank you, Ivar! She’d love to! Anything for such a beautiful lady. Oh and, Garza didn’t poison it this time. Did Garza poison Montez Ford? No! No one did! This is just Ford’s excuse so he won’t have to defend the Raw Tag Team titles! Garza says Ivar won’t be pretending in their match up next. And then he throws the turkey down! But Ivar calls it back like Mjolnir! Garza better put some respect on that name! Everything is fair in love and warbeards, but who survives to take Demi on a date?
WWE has a huge announcement!
With everything going on in the Performance Center, the venue for Raw and SmackDown is about to change! WWE turns the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida into the THUNDERDOME! SummerSlam weekend will be bigger than ever as far as a state-of-the-art “virtual fan” experience! Try it out for yourself starting this Friday Night SmackDown!
Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega VS Ivar w/ Erik!
We return to the ring with everyone already here. Who will win the heart of Demi in the shadow of the biggest party of the summer?
The bell rings and Garza runs in, only for Ivar to side step him! Ivar waistlocks but Garza elbows free. Garza headlocks, Ivar powers out and fireman’s carries but Garza slips out. Garza waistlocks but Ivar bucks him off. Things speed up, Ivar cartwheels but Garza catches the heel kick to KNEE Ivar! Garza throws Ivar down by his beard! Off come the pants! Demi watches as Garza wraps Ivar up in a half nelson. Wait, Angelo Dawkins is saying hi to Demi! Garza turns the armlock into a part crossface, but Ivar endures. The crowd rallies, Ivar fights up but Garza throws knees and forearms. Garza whips, Ivar reverses and EXPLODERS Garza away!
The crowd fires up more as Ivar runs Garza over with a shoulder! Ivar waits for Garza to stand before he scoops and sidewalk slams! Then the BASEMENT SPLASH! Ivar fires up as Garza crawls away. Ivar stalks him to a corner, drags him up, and whips him corner to corner. Corner clothesline! Ivar whips the other way, another clothesline! Garza flops but Ivar is ready. Ivar scoops Garza but Garza slips out and shoves. Garza runs into the SEATED SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Garza survives and Vega is relieved. Ivar drags Garza up as the crowd rallies again. Ivar hoists Garza up top and climbs up behind him. Garza resists and elbows Ivar back. Garza bumps Ivar off buckles as he goes to the apron. But Ivar clobbers Garza with a clothesline!
Vega checks on Garza but Ivar builds speed! Vega stands in his way so Ivar slams on the brakes. Ivar goes out to get Garza and throw him into the apron! And then the Plexiglas! Ivar puts Garza in at 4 and glares at Almas. Almas stays back but Garza kicks Ivar down! Garza slithers around, and basement dropkicks! Cover, Garza wins!!
Winner: Angel Garza, by pinfall
The Lethal Lothario definitely lives up to the first half of his nickname. But Dawkins tells “Fabio” to look at the screen. Demi congratulates Garza on an awesome win. Wait, what is this? Chill, Garza, they were just talking. They were both saying how great the Raw Tag Team championship match is going to be. Demi was asking a lot of questions about Ivar and Garza. Dawkins will back his #VikingProfits brother all day, but the only thing Dawks knows about Garza is that he likes velvet sweats in the summer. Maybe they should ask someone who knows him a little better. Where’s Charly Caruso?
Garza says that’s enough! Mind your business, Dawkins! He’s just playing, fam. But mama always told Dawkins that you can tell a lot about someone from the crew he’s rolling with. And in this case, we really about to find out a lot about those three. What? The titantron changes but Garza hurries to the back!
Vega and Almas ask commentary what this is about. Samoa Joe says Retribution has caused the WWE to start an “intensive security review process,” and it seems they’ve gone over hundreds of hours of security footage. Joe is well-liked, but he was shown something rather interesting. He shared it with Dawkins, and it seems Dawkins now wants to share it with everyone. It’s one of those things that shows how far someone is willing to go, when they think no one is watching. Vega suddenly starts to worry. She and Almas leave, but just what are we about to see?
Raw returns as Garza finds Dawkins and Demi.
Dawkins gives Demi his phone but Garza warns her. If you see that number at 2 AM, delete it. Whoa, why does it gotta be like that? Vega hurries in and wants the phone because of the evidence. Back down, fam! Charly appears because of the commotion. She also wants to know what the video is. Dawkins tells production to roll tape! The video is of Vega up to something. She looks around to see the coast is clear of human eyes. If that is what it looks like, she DID spike Ford’s drink!! Vega defends that everyone is clearly blind, because that is not what she did. What did it prove? Maybe it was messed with!
Wait, Charly is behind this! What?! It’s because Charly is upset Garza “upgraded” to Demi! That’s what’s going on here! Dawkins shouts that Vega poisoned Ford! He told them once and will say it again. Dawkins says “Fam” a lot but Ford is family. Dawkins has been holding back, but it’s time to give them what’s owed. Ford wants that smoke! Ford is back as he and Dawkins brawl with Almas and Garza!! Garza and Almas run for it, but there is no running from this on Sunday! Will the Street Profits still have the gold after getting their payback?
Natalya w/ Lana VS Mickie James!
The Queen of Harts has her Ravishing Russian buddy ringside as she and the former six-time women’s champion both return to action. Will Mickie be able to make this comeback a big one?
The bell rings, Mickie rushes Lana as she hollers at her! Natty attacks from behind, stomps away in the corner, and Lana takes pictures for social media… Natty pulls Mickie against ropes, the ref reprimands and Natty lets off. Natty whips, Mickie reverses to back kick, front kick and run! Mickie dodges to Thesz Press! Mickie rains down rights as the crowd fires up! Mickie drags Natty up but Natty knees low and hard! Natty clubs Mickie down, looms over her then brings her up for a headlock. Mickie throws Natty off and headlocks back! Natty powers out, Mickie runs her over! Lana coaches Natty but Mickie tells her to shut it.
Mickie waits for Natty to stand, then she kicks low and reels her in! Natty powers out and spins, but a DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE take them both down! The crowd fires up, loving the action between these two veterans! But wait, why is Seth Rollins coming out here? He and Murphy are after Samoa Joe and Tom Phillips! They want to know how Joe knows about Mysterio. Joe bets he does. Rollins wants to know Joe’s sources but Joe won’t tell. In the ring, Natty whips Mickie to a corner but Mickie comes back with a huricanrana! Mickie spins Natty around for a neckbreaker! Mickie kips up and Lana panics!
Mickie goes to a corner, climbs up top, but Lana gets on the apron! This slows Mickie down and Natty BLASTS her to the floor! Natty and Lana want the ring count while Rollins says Joe’s source is #FakeNews. The ring count rises above 5 on Mickie but she stirs at 7! She’s up at 9 but gets counted out! Natty wins!!
Winner: Natalya, by count-out
Natty celebrates and Lana mocks Mickie while Joe and Rollins finish their argument over sources. Lana gets this on film for TikTok and the ‘Gram, but the MICK KICK kicks the phone down!
Rollins keeps ranting at Joe, and says this: “If Rey and Dominik have the audacity to spit in my face and show up on MY show here tonight, it will be the last mistake either of them make, and neither of them will be making it to SummerSlam!” Rollins has issued his warning, but Joe doesn’t sweat it. Will the Mysterios only use this as motivation towards SummerSlam?
The Golden Role Models VS Asuka & Shayna Baszler!
Bayley and Sasha Banks will have to be very careful! Though the fact they both will face the Empress of Tomorrow at SummerSlam sounds like an advantage, tonight could jeopardize their momentum.
Before the match, the Role Models get the mics. “When you are the hardest working superstars in the WWE and have ll the gold, that’s enough to break anybody.” Being part of all three brands!? Give them a break! And now they both face Asuka!? They’ve had a few days, and… THEY CANT’T WAIT! They will get the night off! Asuka thinks she’s so smart getting into that Triple Brand Battle Royal. But the Empress of Tomorrow is more like the Empress of STUPID! She’s so dumb to think she has a chance in hell to win that double header!
But the real question is, who should defeat Asuka first? Sasha and Bayley think the other should, out of friendship. Bayley accepts that first match, so that she can do the heavy lifting and let Sasha win without even breaking a sweat! Bayley’s so sweet. Then they can finally CELEBRATE~! Because life is good and no one can stop the two of them. They’ll celebrate through Payback, too, as they successfully defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships! The only question is: Who are going to be the losers? Bliss-Cross? The IIconics? Heck, event he Riott Squad. Better yet, Asuka and Kai- Oh… Kairi Sane is gone!!
Shayna shows up to say something herself. “No matter what happens at SummerSlam, whoever it is that has that Raw Women’s title… I got next.” Asuka shows up to say the Empress is here! And SummerSlam, her two title matches, she already tells Bayley that it’s IMPOSSIBLE for her to keep hers! And as for tonight, Asuka takes them both on, with Shayna on her side. They have to fight together, before they can fight each other. Shayna likes the sound of that, and it’s go time! Bayley and Banks bail out to keep things under control. Will Shayna and Asuka even leave anything of them to make it to Sunday?
The teams sort out and Bayley starts against Asuka. They circle, the crowd rallies, and Bayley gets Asuka to the corner! Tag to Sasha and the Role Models mug Asuka. Asuka kicks back, Sasha stomps her, then tags Bayley back in. They mug Asuka more and Bayley wraps Asuka up into a chinlock. Bayley bumps Asuka off buckles, tags Sasha back in, and Sasha toys with Asuka. Asuka kicks but Sasha blocks to KNEE her back! Sasha sucker punches Shayna, but almost gets the pop-up knee! Asuka turns things around for a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, Shayna gets up but someone knocks the Plexiglas over onto her!! It’s NIA!! Nia Jax is violating suspension to get after Shayna!! Nia stomps Shayna under the board!
Security rushes out and tells Nia to leave! Pat Buck is out in front to tell Nia to leave but Shayna goes after Nia! They brawl into the timekeeper’s area!! Nia shoves Shayna but Shayna comes back. Asuka reverses Sasha’s whip but Bayley keeps Sasha on the apron. So they BOTH get the hip attack! The Empress is all fired up, even if she is alone, and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Bayley grinds Asuka down in a chinlock. The crowd rallies up but Bayley knocks Asuka down and stomps her to ropes. Bayley stomps more but Asuka kicks back! Asuka goes after the leg but Bayley stomps her back down. Bayley bumps Asuka off buckles, tags Sasha, and they double suplex Asuka up and over! Cover, TWO! Sasha toys with Asuka and Bayley mocks Asuka that she has no Kairi, no Shayna and no chance! Sasha drags Asuka up and clubs her down, but Asuka hits back again. Sasha whips, Asuka holds ropes and elbows back! Asuka kicks and sunset flips! Sasha slips out, basement meteora! Cover, TWO!
Sasha grows frustrated but she drags Asuka up. Sasha bumps her off buckles, tags Bayley and they mug Asuka again. Bayley covers, TWO! Bayley drags Asuka into a chinlock and digs a knee in. Asuka endures as the crowd continues to rally. Bayley thrashes Asuka around, digs her knee in harder, but pulls on hair. The ref counts, Bayley stops at 4, and continues to mock Asuka not having a partner. But Asuka fights back! Bayley clobbers her down, drags her around and tags Sasha back in. The Role Models drag Asuka up to crisscross and whip her into the corner. Sasha snapmares, covers, TWO! Asuka growls but Bayley tags back in. The Role Models double whip, double wrench and double back suplex! Cover, TWO!
Bayley and Sasha are growing frustrated but Bayley goes to a corner. Bayley climbs up top, leaps, but lands on BOOTS! GHOST PIN! TWO!! Bayley gets up, drags Asuka up, and Sasha tags in. Asuka BACK HANDS Bayley! Sasha spins Asuka for a BACKSTABBER! BANK STATEMENT!! Asuka is in the crossface but Shayna returns?! Shayna KICKS Sasha off the hold! Asuka and Sasha crawl, but Sasha keeps Asuka away. Asuka boots Sasha, hot tag to Shayna! The Queen of Spades rallies on The Boss! Corner KNEE! Sliding KNEE at the ropes! Shayna drags Sasha around, stands on her hand, but Sasha avoids the stomp to roll Shayna up! TWO and Bayley tags in! Shayna gets Sasha but Bayley gets Shayna! Shayna just grabs Bayley, but Sasha hits a BACKSTABBER! BAYLEY2BELLY! Cover, TWO!?
The crowd is thunderous as Shayna survives and the Role Models are furious! Sasha tags back in, she and Bayley double lift Shayna but she knees free! Shayna throws Bayley, throws Sasha out, then rocks Bayley with a body shot to a gut wrench SLAM! And a KNEE!! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Sasha kicks Shayna to save Bayley but Asuka sends Sasha out! Sasha shoulders into a knee! Asuka slides and gets Sasha in an ASUKA LOCK! Sasha is tapping, not that it matters. Shayna counters Bayley’s face plant into the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Bayley taps, Shayna and Asuka win!!
Winners: Asuka & Shayna Baszler, by submission
Both champions tap to hungry challengers! Asuka has to run the gauntlet while Shayna waits on the other side. Will Sasha and Bayley still be golden when this is all over?
Apollo talks with Alexander, Ricochet and Ali backstage.
The three of them are ready to face the Hurt Business, and he thanks them all for that back-up. That’s why Apollo accepted the challenge and chosen Mustafa Ali and Ricochet. Wait, what about Alexander? Apollo knows Alexander’s eager but he’s been going hard and should rest. Apollo needs to work off the rust because he was home for so long. Alexander doesn’t want that! He is in a tag team with Ricochet, they should go together. Ricochet assures Alexander it’s fine, they can get him in next time. The four friends head out, will Alexander at least be there for his friends for support?
Uh oh. Randy Orton walks into view now. The Viper seems to be contemplating something. Is he going to strike someone who least expects it?
Shawn Michaels finds Drew McIntyre backstage.
HBK checks in on the champ, because he knows what’s going through his head. Ric Flair meant a lot to everyone, including HBK. But McIntyre needs to understand that the anger and frustration will be used against him by Orton. McIntyre needs to focus and understand that he just needs to kick Orton’s head off. McIntyre has worked too hard and went down too rough of a road to lose now. McIntyre appreciates hearing that. Reflecting on his road back, McIntyre knows HBK was a huge part of that. Getting back through NXT, that was great because he got to spend time working with HBK. It wasn’t about the past but the future, and here he is now as world champion. But Orton has run roughshod over legends, and McIntyre feels like he’s let HBK down.
Let him down? McIntyre could never let HBK down. He is a Scottish Stud and there’s nothing stopping him! Yes, it’s tough. There are hills and mountains to climb, that’s what being a champion is. But all of that was tailor made for McIntyre. HBK remembers McIntyre didn’t take time for that torn bicep until he absolutely had to. He drove five hours every day to train, learn, build and grow. That’s the McIntyre HBK knows. The one who beat Brock Lesnar, a man who held the title hostage, and McIntyre set it free. The road McIntyre has traveled proves he has earned where he is. And now he’ll show everyone who he is all over again.
So promise HBK one thing: when HBK goes out there and he confronts Orton, McIntyre gives HBK that space. McIntyre promises that, and thanks HBK for the talk. But will HBK be put in the same situation as The Nature Boy tonight?
The IIconics confront Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan.
Aw look, it’s the “New and improved” Riott Squad. Will they trust each other today? Or will that change again? Billie Kay says her shoulder isn’t feeling so good so Peyton Royce is subbing in for Ruby in their match tonight. Right, Peyton? R-Right, of course! That’s what best friends do for each other. Though it seems like a surprise to Peyton. Liv says that’s surprising. Peyton asks if the “trash” has something to say, and that riles Ruby right up! Liv keeps Ruby calm and gets her to head for gorilla. The IIconics linger, and spot two people with Shayna. It’s Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke! Are the other MMA Four Horsewomen finally joining Raw?
Ruby Riott w/ Liv Morgan VS Peyton Royce w/ Billie Kay!
Raw returns as the IIconics finish their entrance, but Ruby is already in the ring. The bell rings and Ruby rushes Peyton right away! Ruby trips Peyton, rains down rights but Peyton gets up. Ruby keeps after her, ducks the heel kick and clothesline to STO! Ruby rains down more rights but Peyton gets away again. Peyton goes to ropes, Ruby goes after her but Peyton kicks her away. Peyton is on the apron, but Ruby runs and BLASTS her off! Ruby bumps Peyton off the apron, then whips her into barriers! Ruby refreshes the ring count to whip Peyton again, but Peyton reverses to send Ruby into barriers! Peyton puts Ruby in, waistlocks, but Ruby standing switches. Peyton bucks her off and KNEES her down! Cover, TWO!
Peyton and Billie are furious but Peyton drags Ruby back up. Peyton bumps Ruby off buckles then digs her boot in. The ref counts, Peyton lets up and throws close range clotheslines. Ruby slips out to fire forearms back! Peyton shoves her away but Ruby comes back with a BIG forearm! Ruby whips Peyton out then into the corner to hit an elbow! Ruby goes side to side for a running MULE KICK! Billie is worried while Peyton flops out of the ring. Ruby is on the apron and CROSSBODIES her down! The crowd is fired up as Ruby puts Peyton back in. Billie gets in Ruby’s face but Liv gets in Billie’s. Peyton shoves Ruby INTO Liv! Liv goes down, Peyton gives Ruby the DEJA VU!! Cover, Peyton wins!
Winner: Peyton Royce, by pinfall
The IIconics get another one by using the Squad against each other! Will Billie and Peyton head back to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships after sweeping Ruby and Liv?
It’s almost time!
Shane McMahon arrives at the door and Jordan Omogbehin knows what that means. Raw Underground is coming up! Who steps up to throw down?
Raw Underground begins!
And Erik is already throwing someone around! Erik clubs away but his opponent gets away. He throws hands but gets thrown by Erik again! Erik lets his man up to see if he can do more. Nope! Erik facelocks, knees away, and the ref calls it!
Winner: Erik
Ivar has to cool Erik off, because the damage is done! Shane talks with Dolph Ziggler, and Ziggler says he’s had a lot of fun here already. Now, we just saw a great fight from Erik, but question: how would Ziggler rate it? “I mean, it was pretty good.” 4/10 at best because his guy was only okay. Shane would go higher but he agrees it was still impressive. Erik of course hears this and dares Ziggler to try him. Ziggler says Erik doesn’t want that, but Shane this is a “call out.” Challenge accepted? Ziggler figures why not. What a match-up! Erik and Ziggler circle, test things out, and ZIggler gets a leg. Erik keeps him back, they move around, Ziggler has a leg! Erik stays up and ROCKS Ziggler with that right!
Ziggler slips around fast to avoid the facelock and gives the facelock. But Erik powers up to SLAM Ziggler down! Erik goes for the facelock, Ziggler fights it off and they clinch. Erik throws knees, forearms and elbows, then gets the leg. He lifts Ziggler again, but Ziggler fights free! Ziggler gets the sleeper! Erik rolls but Ziggler stays clamped on! Erik fights up, Ziggler thumbs him in the eye!! Ziggler puts Erik out and Shane calls it! Ziggler wins!
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
The Show-Off celebrates but Ivar BLASTS him out of the ring! Ivar clearly didn’t take kindly to the thumb to Erik’s eye. Shane calms things down and we return to regular Raw.
Rey Mysterio IS here!
The King of Lucha and his son, Dominik, prove the rumors right! Dominik is still sore as he holds his ribs, given all the damage done from the kendo stick attack. And Dominik is still going to face Seth Rollins at SummerSlam in what is now a STREET FIGHT! Rey says there is only one word that can describe how he’s felt since Extreme Rules: pain. And a lot of it. Pain for what Rollins did to Rey’s eye, and an even worse pain for what Rollins did to Dominik. “Having to witness my own flesh and blood in agony, not being able to do anything about it,” as he saw that savage kendo stick beating, made Rey feel a rage that he has never felt before. Rey wanted to be there to protect Dominik. He needed to be there to stop that beating, or even take it himself so Dominik wouldn’t suffer.
Rey may not be fully recovered from his eye injury, and there is a chance that may never happen. But there’s no doctor that can stop Rey from protecting his son! “So Seth, escucha me.” Listen closely, Seth. You will not repeat what you did to Dominik, because Rey will be in his corner as he watches Dominik kick Rollins’ ass in that Street Fight! Dominik thanks his father for all of that. Dominik knew what he was in for when he signed a WWE contract. He knows what he has to do to defend the Mysterio family, and will be ready. Father and son hug as the crowd cheers. Rey says Dominik has no idea how proud he is right now. Rey loves his son, and admires his son’s determination, as well as the will to defend the family name. If Rollins gets anywhere near them tonight, Rollins will be the one that won’t make it to SummerSlam.
“Well, well, well.” Rollins didn’t think they’d show up. Rey is a lot of things, some good and some bad, but Rollins didn’t think he was an idiot. Six days away from his son’s most important moment, and yet he’s put Dominik in danger. Why? For Rey’s own personal glory, because it’s always been about Rey! So selfish. What kind of father is he? Rollins can’t understand why Rey continues to put himself and his son in such preventable situations. Everyone has a role to play in the “greater good,” yet Rey resisted. This could’ve been avoided if Rey accepted his role. Rey got hurt, Dominik got hurt, yet they still haven’t learned. The most tragic thing of all is that it won’t just be Rey or Dominik, but the Mysterio name and legacy that will become the ultimate sacrifice.
Rey tells Rollins that if he’s the Monday Night Messiah, a man using big words, maybe he should show up and back them up. Rollins laughs and asks, “What is wrong with you, man?” Rey has one eye and Dominik can barely stand. But they asked for this. Don’t move from that ring. Rollins and Murphy are headed their way! The Mysterios wait, and Rollins and Murphy return to ringside. Rollins takes off his suit jacket and loosens his tie as he and Murphy go down the ramp. The Mysterios get out of the ring, and Rollins taunts them. Mysterio talked big but can’t back up his own words? If they want this, come get it! But is it because his boy is hurt?
Rey eggs them on as they egg him on, but Dominik gets kendo sticks!! And he SMACKS Rollins from behind! And then SMACKS away on Murphy! And more for Rollins! Rey gets the other stick and they both SMACK away on Rollins!! Front and back, just like Dominik took! They tie Rollins up in ropes, but Murphy runs back in, only to get the SMACKS for Rollins! Disciple and leader run away, but it won’t end here! SummerSlam brings us a Street Fight in the Thunderdome, who walks out not so much the winner, but the least battered and bruised?
MVP finds Cedric Alexander backstage.
“My, my, my, ain’t this a familiar scene.” What does MVP want? What does he have to say? Relax, man! MVP gets where Alexander is. Just a young man navigating the WWE, wanting to be in the ring rather than back here. But it wasn’t MVP’s friends who held him back. Alexander knows MVP is just stirring the pot again. But the difference is that Apollo is looking out for Alexander. What does MVP know of looking out for someone else’s best interests? MVP plays along, since Apollo was in the #FullLashley just like Alexander and can understand the pain. But it could be that Apollo thinks Alexander is the weak link. Ricochet must’ve spoken up for him, though, right? Well, maybe not. It must be really hard being in a tag with the the #OneAndOnly.
MVP says that offer is still on the table. Just think it over while you’re enjoying the “fine cuisine” of catering. Alexander grows frustrated as he thinks about it. Will he take that offer?
We return to Raw Underground!
Last week, we saw these two have impressive wins! It’s Arturo Ruas VS Riddick Moss! It begins! Rusas knees but Moss dodges! Ruas fires off hands and a boot but Moss hits a SPINE BUSTER! Moss rains down rights but Ruas pushes him away. Ruas Eddy Gordo kicks! Ruas has Moss on the defense with kicks at the legs and body shots all over. But Moss grabs Ruas by the beard and hammers away with forearms! Ruas pulls hair to give them all back! Moss and Ruas slug it out, Ruas SPINE BUSTERS this time! Ruas rains down rights, gets around to sleeper hold, but Moss powers up to his feet. Moss has Ruas as a backpack for the SENTON! Moss clubs away on Ruas, stomps away, but Ruas gets the kneebar on that leg!
Moss scrambles, fights back, they clinch on the mat but Ruas gets the heel hook! Moss rolls them out of the ring to break the hold! The crowd gets a bit handsie trying to get them back into this, and Ruas ROCKS the guy closest to him! Moss ROCKS the guy near him! Shane calls it because “that was sick!” Will things only get wilder on Raw Underground?
Six Man Elimination Tag: The Hurt Business VS Apollo Crews, Ricochet & Mustafa Ali!
MVP may not have Benjamin and Lashley ringside for SummerSlam, but the Hurt Business looks to get even with Apollo and his crew. Will the King of Flight and Beacon of Light help Apollo shine tonight?
The teams sort out and we start with Benjamin and Ali. They circle, tie up, Benjamin powers Ali to a corner but lets up to knee low. The ref reprimands, Benjamin whips Ali corner to corner. Ali goes up and over, arm-drags Benjamin around and then gets an armlock. The crowd rallies but Benjamin fights up. Ali wrenches and tags in Ricochet. Ricochet goes up and drops ax handles on the arm. Ricochet wrenches now, but Benjamin pushes him away. Ricochet dropkick-flips and enziguris! Cover, ONE! Ricochet tags Ali and Ali brings Benjamin to a waistlock. Benjamin elbows out and tags in Lashley, and Lashley runs Ali over to then hit Ricochet and Apollo out, all without slowing down!
Lashley drags Ali up for the Canadian rack, DOMINATOR! Cover, Lashley ELIMINATES Ali already!! The crowd boos but Ricochet runs in to go after Lashley with forearms. Lashley swings, Ricochet dodges to keep throwing hands. Lashley shoves Ricochet, Ricochet comes back into the MOUNTAIN HIGH SPINE BUSTER! Tag to Benjamin as Ricochet sits up in a daze. Benjamin taunts Apollo before he gives Ricochet the PAY DIRT! Cover, Benjamin ELIMINATES Ricochet!! Apollo’s crew is already done! Apollo steps in, Benjamin knees and clubs away, throws big forearms, but Apollo hits back. Benjamin whips corner to corner, Apollo dodges the splash, CREWS MISSILE!! Cover, Apollo ELIMINATES Benjamin!
Things are a bit more even as MVP steps up now. MVP and Apollo circle, but Alexander takes advantage of Benjamin being 24/7 Champion! Roll up, Alexander wins!!
Winner: Cedric Alexander, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
So much for that offer MVP made! Alexander snatches the title and runs for it! “What now, Hurt Business?!” Will Benjamin stay to support his team? Or will he chase after the Age of Alexander and the gold? We find out after the break!
Raw returns as MVP clubs away on Apollo and stomps in a mudhole. The ref counts, MVP lets off but Apollo chops back. MVP ROCKS Apollo with rights but Apollo hits back. MVP fires off in anger and clubs Apollo down. MVP whips Apollo to a corner hard, and Apollo bounces off buckles. MVP drags Apollo up, throws him out, then goes out to bring him up. MVP bounces Apollo off the apron, put shim in the ring and covers, TWO! MVP brings Apollo up, tags Lashley in and they mug Apollo. Lashley clubs Apollo, Apollo kicks back but Lashley fires off on him! The ref backs Lashley off but Lashley digs his boot into Apollo. Lashley lets up at the count to drag Apollo up and runs corner to corner, to RAM into Apollo!
Tag to MVP, MVP runs corner to corner and BOOTS Apollo down! Cover, TWO! MVP is annoyed and he drags Apollo back up. MVP throws body shots, whips Apollo out then in, then runs, only to get buckles! Apollo reels MVP in, CREWS MISSILE!! Cover, Apollo ELIMINATES MVP! But Lashley gets right on Apollo with big forearms! Lashley digs a knee into Apollo’s head, pulls on the arm and clubs the shoulder. Lashley drags Apollo around just to kick him while he’s down. The crowd boos as Lashley whips but Apollo comes back with big forearms! And an enziguri! Lashley wobbles into another enziguri! Apollo hits a basement enziguri, then a standing moonsault! Cover, TWO!
The crowd is thunderous as Apollo brings Lashley up. Lashley standing switches and wants his full nelson! Apollo resists, elbows free and throws forearms. They both run, Lashley SPEARS!! Cover, The Hurt Business wins!
Winners: The Hurt Business, by pinfall
But that isn’t enough for Lashley or Benjamin! They and MVP are all in the ring, but MVP keeps them from adding on. Will Apollo be able to fight back up with the title on the line? Or is that brand new belt coming back to its creator?
Shane talks with Shayna backstage.
The Queen of Spades confirms that Shafir and Duke are legit. Will the Horsewomen make their debuts not on Raw, but on Raw Underground!?
WWE 24/7 Championship: Cedric Alexander VS Akira Tozawa w/ Ninjas!
Raw returns and the newly minted champion is already being put to the test! Will the former Soul of 205 Live be able to thwart the Stamina Monster like back in the day?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexander gets the arm, Tozawa rolls through to wrench back. Alexander rolls and handsprings to wrench back on Tozawa. MVP watches backstage as Alexander wrings Tozawa out and dropkicks him down! Alexander kips up and stalks Tozawa. Tozawa goes to a corner and wants a little mercy. But then Tozawa says, “Ninja! Ninja! NINJA POWAH~!” And his ninjas go into action, only for Alexander to ROCK one off the apron onto the other two! Tozawa dodges Alexander to back kick, swing, slide under and spin kick again! Alexander is in the drop zone, Tozawa heads up top! Tozawa leaps but has to bail out as Alexander moves. Alexander handsprings, NEURALIZER! LUMBAR CHECK!! Cover, Alexander wins!
Winner: Cedric Alexander, by pinfall (still WWE 24/7 Champion)
The first defense is a success, putting an exclamation point on sticking it to MVP! But then Benjamin returns to hit PAY DIRT!! Cover, Benjamin wins!!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)
The Gold Standard has the gold back already, sticking it back to Alexander! Will Alexander think twice before trying to hurt the Hurt Business?
Raw Underground officially sets up a match next week!
After what happened between Ziggler and Ivar, the Show-Off will have to answer to the Warbeard! Will Ziggler sweep the Viking Raiders? Or will he be run over by the raid?
Speaking of, we return to Raw Underground!
And the deal has been struck, Marina Shafir has her first fight! She doesn’t even wait for Shane to give the go ahead, she throws her hat at her opponent and throws hands! The Supernova throws her opponent down, drags her back up by her hair, but her opponent SLAPS back! Shafir blocks and hits a takedown! Then she drags her opponent around. She cartwheels to avoid the kick to give a kick back! And then, heel hook triangle hold combo!! Her opponent taps, Shafir wins!
Winner: Marina Shafir
But then NIA JAX attacks Marina?! Jessamyn Duke jumps up but Nia knocks her down! The suspended Irresistible Force just doesn’t care, so long as she can go after Shayna and those connected to her! Shayna gets in and dares Nia to step up. Suspensions on Raw mean nothing to the Underground! They throw down, but Nia runs away! She kicks Marina on the way out, but the crowd chants, “She’s scared~! She’s scared~!” Will the Horsewomen make sure Nia pays for punking them out?
Montez Ford w/ Angelo Dawkins VS Andrade Almas w/ Angel Garza!
After the shocking reveal that wasn’t a surprise, #KingTez is back for revenge! Will he give El Idolo what he gets for having such a sneaky manager?
The bell rings and Ford circles with Almas. Almas rushes Ford but Ford dodges to fire off fast hands! Ford whips but Almas kicks him back. Ford just dropkicks Almas out! Almas checks himself but Ford FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp! Ford puts Almas in, climbs to the top but Almas trips him up. Almas throws forearms, CHOPS Ford back, then climbs up to join him. Almas wants the superplex but Ford resists. Dawkins makes sure Garza and Vega stay back while Ford fights back. Almas still hits the SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Ford grits his teeth while Almas sneers. Almas wraps Ford up in a chinlock and grinds him down.
The crowd rallies as Ford endures and fights his way up. Ford fights out with elbows but Almas rocks him with a right! Almas CHOPS Ford against the ropes then whips. Ford reverses to LARIAT! Ford whips, Almas reverses but Ford goes up and over the back drop to hit another lariat! Ford kips right up to standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Vega is stressing out as Ford watches Almas go to a corner. Ford runs in but Almas boots him down! Almas hops up, Ford comes back to NO HANDS RANA! Ford fires up with the rope shaking and he climbs up top. Vega is on the apron to distract and Almas ROCKS Ford with an uppercut! But Vega spots Bianca Belair! Vega leaps, into Bianca’s arms and a SLAM! Almas is distracted by this, Ford rolls him up! Ford wins!
Winner: Montez Ford, by pinfall
The Street Profits just got even with Vega’s team! But it won’t really be even until they’ve had their Raw Tag Team Championship match! Will things finally be settled at SummerSlam?
HBK heads through the backstage area.
Shawn says hi to Titus O’Neil, Humberto Carrillo and even R-Truth. HBK is headed to the ring, what happens when he calls out Randy Orton?
Shawn Michaels goes to the ring!
The crowd goes wild for the Heartbreak Kid as he gets himself a mic. He wishes he was here under a more exciting note. Footage of Orton’s shocking betrayal replays. Last week, with tears rolling down his face, HBK watched as Flair relived the worst 31 days of his life. Those 31 days where the Nature Boy was on his death bed, just wanting to tell those he loved how he felt. HBK wants us to know that Ric, more than anyone, loved performing inside this ring. If it wasn’t for guys like Ric, there would be no HBK, no HHH, no Batista, no Edge, no Christian, no Big Show and certainly no Drew McIntyre. There’s of course another guy on that list in Randy Orton.
But unlike the others, Orton doesn’t have the same gratitude or appreciation. Even though Flair was his mentor for YEARS, one of the best EVER, Orton didn’t appreciate that. No, Orton feels he was owed something like that. “Randy. I don’t know how it’s going to happen, but I can assure you it is going to happen. At SummerSlam, I don’t know if you’re going to meet your justice at the end of a Sweet Chin Music, or if you meet it from a Claymore,” HBK assures Orton that he will see it coming! HBK drops the mic and heads out, but Orton is there! RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!! And then a PUNT as quick as that!! McIntyre shows up and is furious that he couldn’t help another legend! McIntyre makes sure HBK is okay, and shouts “get some help out here!”
Referees hurry out but Orton comes back! McIntyre throws haymakers! And then clotheslines Orton out! McIntyre pursues, throwing Orton into steel steps! And into Plexiglas! And then into more Plexigalas! And over the announce table! McIntyre glares down at the Viper before going back to HBK. Where are the medics?! Orton just slithers back in to RKO McIntyre!! Orton glares down at McIntyre but leaves it at this, because he wants that WWE World Championship. Will the Legend Killer end McIntyre before he even becomes a legend? Or can McIntyre deny Orton that next step towards breaking the Nature Boy’s reign record?
My Thoughts:
A really wild go-home tonight, though it almost felt too wild at times. First, and as I believe I said for SmackDown, Retribution is way more active on SmackDown. Yes, Retribution “messed” with the broadcast to start, but that was it, and was honestly more annoying than anything. But I think it was good for MVP to put it out there that there is a mastermind, more than likely within the existing roster. And I like the tiny detail that someone brought up this not being the forgotten SmackDown hacker. Hopefully SummerSlam takes a moment to give us some real progress on Retribution, both on the members and the motives. And please don’t let Tommaso Ciampa be any of that.
There was a LOT of Hurt Business going on, and oddly none of it in Raw Underground despite that first segment. I like that they made a match to determine if MVP can have Lashley and Benjamin ringside, and it is great that he can’t because now things will definitely be more of a blow off. There was a lot of back and forth with the WWE 24/7 Championship in regards to the Hurt Business, with Benjamin winning it, losing it, then winning it back all in one night. It was still pretty good, but it also felt like filler just to get it in before SummerSlam. It does help build things so that Alexander ends up the focus of the feud next. I wonder if there’s also a point where a faction heads for the Raw Tag Team Championships.
There was also a lot of development for the Raw Tag Team title story all over the night. Garza beats Ivar to “impress” Demi Burnett, but the reveal that Vega did “poison” Ford seemed like a letdown. It could’ve still been one of the two between Almas and Garza, but oh well. Also, I feel like they could’ve written this slightly different to make it better. It needed to be where Vega denies poisoning Ford, but there’s that twist of, “No one said he was poisoned.” And then the video evidence adds on and we still get to where we are now. Ford and Bianca get the better of Almas and Vega, but I still feel like the title match can go either way. And again, the winner can move on to take on either the Hurt Business or Apollo’s crew for the next stretch.
Poor Mickie James. Her return match ends up overshadowed by the Monday Night Messiah story. Of course, I don’t think anyone wants to be forced to focus on social media obsessed Lana trying to make Natty’s matches worthy of views and likes and all that. I hope Mickie gets someone to watch her back and counter Lana. No idea who, though. The Riott Squad being used against itself might be a bit rushed. It is fitting that Peyton’s finisher is Deja Vu for the pun, though. We got an AMAZING match out of Asuka & Shayna VS Golden Role Models. And it seems Nia is still going to be around. It just shows that security guards in wrestling mean nothing. Nia keeps getting in and out, the same as Retribution. Her first brawl with Shayna was fine, but I would’ve kept her away, as her retreating in Raw Underground makes her look weak.
As for Asuka, the WWE is her oyster with the three obvious routes she can take. She could win both, which would be amazing and well deserved. She could win the SmackDown Women’s Championship but be screwed out of the Raw Women’s Championship, and that moves Asuka over to SmackDown so Fox can have the incredibly popular superstar for a moment. Or she could somehow lose the SmackDown title match, probably because of cheap tactics, but then “redeems” herself by winning the Raw title, to then face Shayna for the rest of the year. There’s also the fact that Shayna and Asuka beat the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and they could get in the mix towards Payback. I doubt that’ll be the case, and it’ll be left to Riott Squad or IIconics, though neither of those feel like they could outright beat Sasha and Bayley.
Raw Underground is still going strong for just being around the last few weeks. I like that we’re already getting some serious competition between the established names. Erik and Ziggler had a great go around, and Ziggler VS Ivar next week is going to be great, too. For one, it’s a historic first for Raw Underground in scheduling a match rather than letting it be who wants in next. Also, I really like seeing Kona Reeves as that extra excited fan swinging his shirt while he sits way up high. Moss and Ruas had a great bit, but I wish they were allowed time to settle it. And while Nia basically hit and run, Marina Shafir was looking really good getting in the ring for Underground. This might be more her speed to get pro-wrestling ready, and the same for Jessamyn Duke.
McIntyre being part of the opening that gets “ruined” by Retribution was an odd move, but I suppose it needed to establish his mission for the night. It was pretty clear that with HBK waiting until the end of the night, and just showing up at all, he was going to get attacked by Orton. I feel like Raw didn’t let anyone stand tall for very long tonight, and not even McIntyre was exempt. HBK gave him that great talk backstage but Orton just doesn’t stop as he goes after McIntyre. I feel like that’s how Raw chose to keep the booking 50-50 on the night, so who knows who wins at SummerSlam. The same for Dominik VS Rollins. Now that it is officially a Street Fight, anything could happen, such as interference from Murphy or even a returning Austin Theory or Authors of Pain (though there hasn’t been any news on those three in any form). It’s hard to be sure if the Faces come away with this or not.
My Score: 8.4/10
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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Rockin’ around the Christmas Collision!
The Continental Classic continues on Christmas Collision, with crucial points on the line this close to AEW Worlds End! Who will finally take the lead in Gold League?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford; Kris wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia; Garcia wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos; Briscoe wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!
Claudio Castagnoli: 2-1, 6 points
Will Ospreay: 2-1, 6 points
Ricochet: 2-1, 6 points
Darby Allin: 2-1, 6 points
Brody King: 2-2, 6 points
Komander: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!
Kyle Fletcher: 3-1, 9 points
Kazuchika Okada: 2-1-1, 7 points
Mark Briscoe: 2-2, 6 points
Shelton Benjamin: 2-1, 6 points
Daniel Garcia: 1-1-1, 4 points
The Beast Mortos: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Ian Riccaboni is in the ring.
He has Big Boom AJ & Big Justice with him in the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they’re ready to bring the BOOM~! They’re ready to watch the action tonight, and even the final face-to-face of MJF and Adam Cole. AJ says if MJF is gonna bring the doom, then you know he and Big Justice will bring the BOOM~! But tonight, their guy, Adam Cole will bring the BOOM~ too! And of course we have big Continental Classic action! Daniel Garcia VS Shelton Benjamin in a critical showdown, and while Shelton is tough, Garcia is going to bring the BOOM~! Plus, Mark Briscoe battles The Beast Mortos! The Chicken is their guy, time to bring the BOOM~!
In Gold League, we have Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli, and the Swiss Superman is a DOOM~! Let’s go, Darby, bring that BOOM~! And then a match everyone wants to see, the fireworks rematch of Will Ospreay VS Ricochet! If you’re a fan of high-flying wrestling, this is the right night to be right here in AEW! Ricochet and their guy, Ospreay, will bring the BOOM~! But speaking of, that match is up first! The Aerial Assassin joins AJ & Big Justice in giving a BOOM~, but will Ricochet make sure tonight is #OuttaThisWorld?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet!
Wait, are the fans throwing white streamers or is that… No, yeah, it’s toilet paper! Ospreay laughs at the fans basically calling Ricochet crap. Ricochet throws the toilet paper back! The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans fire up for Ospreay as he and Ricochet circle. The fans also sing, “F HIM UP, OSPREAY, F HIM UP!” Ricochet shrugs that off, he and Ospreay tie up, and then Ricochet rolls. Ospreay shoots in, waistlocks, but Ricochet switches. They go around, Ricochet gator rolls with Ospreay, then floats to a headlock. Ricochet wrenches, hammerlocks then headlocks again. Ospreay powers up and out, Ricochet runs him over, but Ospreay kips up!
The fans cheer and Ospreay smiles as he and Ricochet reset. They tie up, go around, and Ricochet wrenches to a wristlock. Ospreay rolls, wrenches and wristlocks, but Ricochet spins and wrenches to hammerlock. Ospreay reaches back, headlocks and hits a takeover. Ricochet rolls to a cover, TWO! Ospreay holds onto the headlock but Ricochet powers up and out. Ospreay runs Ricochet over, Ricochet bails out, and then Ospreay handsprings to fake Ricochet out! The fans cheer as Ospreay superhero lands out, and Ricochet is annoyed. Ospreay holds ropes open for Ricochet, but Ricochet goes around the way to step in on his own.
The fans boo Ricochet being a bad sport but Ricochet ignores that. Ospreay and Ricochet knuckle lock, then Ricochet kicks low! And CHOPS! Ricochet whips, Ospreay reverses, but Ricochet rolls off Ospreay’s back! Things keep moving, Ospreay avoids the handspring to then duck ‘n’ dodges and RANA! But Ricochet handsprings through! The fans fire up, and Ospreay arm-drags Ricochet down! The fans cheer while Ricochet endures the grind. Ricochet fights up and puts Ospreay on ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet and Ospreay slowly let g o, and Ricochet SLAPS Ospreay! Ospreay CHOPS Ricochet!
Ospreay takes a swing, Ricochet ducks under to roll back and RANA! But now Ospreay handsprings through! Ricochet dodges to waistlock but Ospreay bucks the O’Conner. Ricochet arm-drags Ospreay down, but Ospreay headscissors back! Ricochet pops free but Ospreay arm-drags! Ricochet headscissors, Ospreay pops free, and Ospreay handsprings, but Ricochet catches him! Ricochet then THROWS Ospreay into the Tree of Woe, and Ospreay falls down! The fans boo while Ospreay bails out, but Ricochet FOSBURY FLOPS! The fans boo but Ricochet takes the toilet paper to wipe himself, then he SMOTHERS Ospreay with it!
The fans boo that literally disgusting act of disrespect, but Collision goes picture in picture.
Ricochet taunts the fans, then drags Ospreay up. Ricochet puts Ospreay in, soaks up more heat, then KNEE-BOARD SENTONS! Ricochet swaggers to taunt the fans more, then he goes back to Ospreay. Cover, ONE!! Another cover, TWO! Ricochet taunts the fans more, then goes back for Ospreay. Ricochet stands Ospreay up to CHOP, and Ospreay goes to a corner. Ricochet RAMS into Ospreay, RAMS him again, then snapmares to UPPERCUT in the back! Cover, TWO! Ospreay stays in this but Ricochet drags him into a motorcycle stretch. Ospreay endures while Ricochet digs a knee into the back. Ospreay fights up, fights with elbows, then runs, but into a DROPKICK!
Ospreay is down in a daze but Ricochet has to shake out the stars in his own head. Ricochet covers, ONE! Ospreay then uses that one to flip off Ricochet. Ricochet RAMS Ospreay in the back! Ricochet then clamps on with a chinlock, and he digs his knee into Ospreay’s back. Ospreay endures, even as Ricochet JAMS Ospreay. Collision returns to single picture as the fans rally for Ospreay again. Ospreay fires up, fires hands, but Ricochet RAMS him into a corner. Ricochet runs up, RAMS into Ospreay, then goes to the apron. Ospreay takes a swing but Ricochet dodges and gets around him to GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay runs, handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay goes to the apron, takes aim, and he springboards to PIP PIP CHEERIO! Down goes Ricochet, Ospreay covers, TWO! Ospreay stays focused and the fans rally up. Ospreay drags Ricochet up, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again! Ricochet staggers, Ospreay runs, but Ricochet TIGER WALL KICKS! Forearm, SOBAT, and Ricochet runs, but into a POP-UP, and STYLES- NO, Ricochet sits up, slips free, and he underhooks Ospreay for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives but Ricochet goes up.
Ricochet has to double clutch, the fans let him hear it, but Ricochet still MOONSAULTS! Ricochet lands out as Ospreay moves, and Ospreay runs up, but into an ELBOW! Ricochet handsprings, but into a pop-up, Electric Chair, spin around, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Ospreay is surprised. Ospreay pulls on the elbow pad and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Ospreay aims, but Ricochet bails out! The fans boo but Ospreay storms after Ricochet. They’re both on the apron and Ospreay goes up a corner. Ricochet anchors Ospreay first! Then Ricochet has the Electric Chair Lift!
Ospreay fights free, fights off a nelson, then he KICKS Ricochet! Ospreay runs, but into a pop-up APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans chant “You Still Suck!” but Ricochet adds a SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Ricochet puts Ospreay in, then springboards to 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives, but then Ricochet AX KICKS! Dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, VERTIGO! Cover, TWO!? Ospreay survives and Ricochet is shocked! Ricochet snarls and he aims from a corner. The fans rally for Ospreay but Ricochet loads up. SPIRIT- NO, Ospreay ducks under! Ospreay gets up, Ricochet blocks a kick!
Ricochet V-TRIGGERS, then he reels Ospreay in! But Ospreay fights out of the bomb, but then Ricochet returns the favor! Ricochet suplexes, into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Ospreay springboards for the OSC- CUTTER FROM RICOCHET!! Ricochet hurries to get Ospreay up, powerbomb into fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! SPIRIT- HIDDEN BLADE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Ospreay and Ricochet both slowly sit up and the fans rally as hard as ever. Ricochet and Ospreay stare down, talk a bit of trash, then stand up. Ospreay draws a line in the sand and dares Ricochet to step up.
Ricochet steps right up, they stand toe to toe, literally! They start firing forearms! The fans cheer Ospreay, boo Ricochet, and Ricochet wobbles! But then Ricochet comes back with forearm after forearm! Ospreay wobbles, but he grins as he rises and roars! Ospreay fires a flurry on Ricochet, then ROCKS him! Ricochet flops over, Ospreay hauls him up! But Ricochet grabs at the ref! Ospreay kicks Ricochet’s arm away, but then Ricochet RAMS Ospreay into the ref! The fans boo but then Ricochet hurries to HOOK KICK! And VERTI- NO, Ospreay slips free to underhook! STORM BREAKER! Cover, but the ref is down!
The fans count, Ospreay would’ve won twice over! Ospreay calls to the ref, the ref sputters around, and Ospreay goes up. But then Ricochet kicks the ref into ropes! Ospreay gets tripped up and the fans boo more! Ospreay is confused as to what happened, but SPIRIT GUN hits the mark!! Cover, RICOCHET WINS!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Ospreay earns 0)
The One & Only got away with murder, but there’s nothing that can be done now! Ricochet has NINE points, will he be headed to Worlds End?
Adam Cole heads to the ring!
The fans cheer as the Panama City Playboy returns to the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they join in for the “BOOM~!” and the “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY~!” Cole grabs a mic, but he keeps his eyes on the ramp. That’s because we all know who’s next. MJF makes his entrance, but with a handful of security guards in front of him first. And not even AEW security, that’s his own personal security. MJF grabs a mic and has them cut his music. The fans boo but MJF tells them, “If I wanted your help, I’d ask for it. Sit down and shut up.” The fans tell MJF to STFU, but MJF shrugs that off.
MJF tells Cole that MJF is frustrated. It’s because for the past few months, MJF has had to listen to Cole say MJF is Cole’s biggest enemy! If memory serves, and MJF’s memory always does because unlike the fans here, he isn’t a complete moron… Didn’t Cole turn on MJF? But then does Cole realize he has bigger enemies out there? Like spray tan, cracks in the floor, gusts of win, and maybe… a cavity. Because last MJF heard, Cole’s dentist isn’t seeing him anymore. Cole was already staring daggers into MJF, but now he’s pissed. MJF has Cole calm down, and he tells the fans to shut up so he can shoot straight.
When MJF was the longest-reigning and greatest AEW World Champion of all time, Cole was nothing more than MJF’s cute little sidekick. That ate Cole up inside. Cole wanted to be MJF. Cole wanted #TripleB. But the sad truth is, Cole had many opportunities to win the title before MJF got anywhere near it. It’s almost like when it comes to Cole being elite enough to become world champion, just like his “s*itty little ankle,” Cole blows it. MJF laughs at his own joke, and then tells the fans he is talking, it is not that complicated. But this is why MJF doesn’t buy the hogwash that Cole turned on MJF because MJF would turn on Cole first.
Cole turned because he, like all these shmucks, is jealous of MJF. And who can blame Cole? MJF is rich, handsome, funny, entertaining, and then look at Cole. For crying out loud, Cole used to be ADAM COLE BAYBAY. Now, he’s just a crack baby! Cole asks if MJF is done. Was that the last line? Because it felt like MJF practiced that for two weeks in front of a mirror. But MJF killed it, really. Cole could come back with childish comments to hurt MJF’s feelings, but he won’t. Cole could mention MJF has had two surgeries on that fake head of hair of his while only in his 20s, which is hilarious, but he won’t.
Cole could talk about how MJF pulled some strings to get his girlfriend hired, like the real politician he is, but Cole won’t go there. Cole could talk about how every single time MJF enters a room, everyone waits for him to leave because he is loud, obnoxious and annoying as hell. But Cole won’t go there. Because Cole is not like MJF. They are nothing alike. That is why the friendship was ruined. Because, MJF, the truth is you say Cole is a failure, but in virtually every wrestling company Cole has worked for, he is the longest-reigning champion in so many!
In this very building, Cole bled BUCKETS against Kyle O’Reilly, wanting to prove he was one of the best in the world, and that is exactly what he did! Does Cole have regrets? Sure. Are there things Cole wishes he could take back? Absolutely. But Cole does NOT regret turning on MJF. The only reason it drives MJF insane is because Cole beat MJF to it. That’s MJF 101: Get close to someone, then turn on them. It’s what MJF does. Cole just did it better than MJF, and MJF knows it.
But Cole has been thinking, trying to understand what’s going on in MJF’s head, and he finally figured it out. MJF is terrified of having anyone close to him, because he feels it is a weakness. That hit a chord? Because not only does MJF act like a child, he thinks like a child! MJF knows in his heart that he was going to be the one to turn on Cole first! DAMN RIGHT HE WAS!!! MJF realizes he let the cat out of the bag. MJF says congrats, Cole, he solved the mystery! A regular Scooby-Doo! Great job, Adam.
But you want the truth? Here it is. The fact of the matter is, last year at Worlds End, MJF had every intention on stabbing Cole in the back that night. Cole just got lucky. When #BetterThanYouBaybay started, MJF didn’t give a damn about Cole. Cole was nothing more than a pawn. But MJF will admit, he did eventually start to care. For the first time in MJF’s life, he cared about someone else. Fans mockingly go, “Aww…” But MJF says that is just when Cole became a liability. And since Cole’s “a fragile little freak,” him jumping off that ramp and exploding his ankle made him a distraction!
Distractions, liabilities, emotions, there are no room for those when all you should be concerned with is maintaining the world championship! But Cole doesn’t get it, does he? Last year was a fluke. Cole ain’t the Devil, he just beat the Devil to it. But this year, Worlds End, December 28th, the same show where Cole tried to end MJF’s world, MJF ENDS Cole!! MJF throws down the mic and the fans are torn. Cole smirks and says MJF ends things then? Well, how about Cole ends this? COLE DECKS MJF! The guards rush in, but Cole fights them off! MJF sends more but Cole SUPERKICSK! And SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS!
But then MJF LOW BLOWS Cole! MJF tells the fans to shut up! MJF takes out the Dynamite Diamond Ring! But then The Kingdom rushes out here! MJF runs away from Matt Taven & Mike Bennett, but he vows this ends at Worlds End. We have one week left, is that the last week Cole has in AEW? Or will MJF finally lose the one thing he has left in that diamond ring?
Backstage interview with Kris Statlander.
Lexy Nair is with the #BornAgainKristen and brings up her trying to make amends with Willow Nightingale last night, as well as making the save when Harley Cameron & Penelope Ford were beating Willow up. Kris says what she and Willow have to discuss is between them. But as far as her and Penelope go, they’ve got a lot of history, and if Ford wants a fight, Kris will give her a fight. Then speaking of history, Kris still has her eyes set on the TBS Championship, can she tells us more on that?
Kris says she looked back on 2024 and she had a downward spiral that started with losing that title. Maybe if she wins it back, Kris will right her wrongs. On that note, Mercedes Mone, you don’t have an opponent for Worlds End so here Kris is. Let her know when you’re ready for round two. Kris heads out, will she prove to everyone that she is still the Galaxy’s Greatest?
Backstage interview with Orange Cassidy.
AEW returns and Lexy is now with Freshly Squeezed. In exactly one week, he will compete against three other men for the AEW World Championship. There are a lot of combustible elements at play, and Cassidy says yeah, we saw that on Dynamite. Jay White, Hangman Page and Cassidy can’t exactly have a conversation. So really, Cassidy wants them to listen. “Between now and Worlds End, Jon Moxley can run and hide. He can hide behind his goons, he can run away in a pickup truck. But when that bell rings in seven days, he has nowhere to go. He will be in the ring with us. Us three. And you both know that we need to remove Jon Moxley from the equation.
“We can. We’ve done it. And after that, us three, we can fight for the AEW World Championship and one of us will become the AEW World Champion. Just something to think about. See you guys on Dynamite.” Cassidy is ready to remove the Maniac from the throne, but will the Switchblade and Cowboy listen to reason?
Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford!
As Kris just said, she’s calling out The CEO in hopes of one more TBS Championship match. But will the Superbad Girl be more like the Grinch for Kris this Christmas?
The bell rings and the fans rally as Kris circles with Ford. They tie up, Kris powers Ford to a corner, then throws Ford back into the corner! The ref counts, Kris lets off, but Ford shoves her! Kris ROCKS Ford, TOSSES her, then runs up on her. Kris whips, drops down, then hurdles over. Kris CLOBBERS Ford and the fans fire up as she flexes. Kris drags Ford up, reels her in, and suplexes, and she holds Ford up! The fans cheer and Kris goes all the way to TEN, but Ford slips into a SLEEPER! Kris pries the hold open and she brings Ford around for another suplex! The fans fire up as Kris holds Ford up for five before the SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Kris drags Ford up, whips her to the corner, but Ford goes up, only for Kris to Electric Chair Lift! Kris climbs, Ford fights with fists, and she shoves Kris down! Ford steadies herself, then hits a FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford is frustrated but she storms up on Kris. Ford bumps Kris off buckles but the fans rally behind Kris. Ford stomps a mudhole, but she lets off as the ref counts. Kris goes to the apron, but Ford jumps up to drop KNEES on her! The fans boo but Ford soaks up the heat, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Ford brings Kris around to THROW her into railing! Ford soaks up more heat, then drags Kris up and RAMS her into the apron! Ford refreshes the count, then stalks Kris around the way. Ford whips Kris into the steel steps! Kris falls over in a heap but Ford drags her up into the ring. Ford covers, TWO! Kris stays in this but Ford kicks her around. Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes, thrashes around, but lets off as the ref counts. Ford drags Kris up and whips her to ropes, then LARIATS as Collision goes to break.
Christmas Collision returns and Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes again! The ref counts, Ford lets off and Kris sputters to the apron. Ford runs and goes up, up, and KNEE DROPS on only apron! Kris then SHOTGUNS Ford off the apron! The fans fire up and Kris brings Ford up, to THROW into railing! Kris puts Ford in the ring, the fans fire up, but Ford kicks low. Ford reels Kris in, but Kris suplexes, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford flounders to a corner but Kris has the fans rallying behind her. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT! Kris goes side to side but Ford dodges the knee! Ford hits a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Ford wasn’t quite perfect there but she watches Kris go to a corner. Ford runs corner to corner, handsprings, but Kris catches her! The fans fire up as Kris GERMAN SUPELXES, but Ford lands out! but Kris goes Matrix to dodge! So does Ford! STUNNER! Ford runs, Kris does her best to follow, but Ford hops up for a POISON-RANA! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and the fans fire up! Ford is beside herself, but she drags Kris to a drop zone. Ford goes up top, and MOONSAULTS BUT FLOPS as Kris moves! Kris hurries to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! And then GERMAN SUPLEX again! The fans fire up as Kris scoops to tuck Ford in! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER! Cover, Kris wins!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Ford gave Kris quite the fight, but Kris came out on top! Wait, here comes Mone! Kris did call the CEO out, so Santa Mone says, “Ho, ho, ho ho ho! New York Citaaaay~! Please say hello to your C E O! Kris, after the year I’ve been having, I was planning on taking Worlds End off. I was planning on going to the Ritz in Boston.” The fans boo Boston, but Mone says since it’s the holidays, Mone feels like being nice. She already beat Kris once anyway, so she’ll just beat her twice! At Worlds End, you see that money changes everything, because Mone is the greatest TBS Champion of all time!
The challenge has been accepted, and Mone is looking to be busy before the New Year. Will Kris make her regret it?
Big Boom AJ & Big Justice return to the ring.
They’re getting Christmas Collision ready to bring the BOOM, but out comes Chris Jericho, who is still ROH World Champion after overcoming Matt Cardona last night at Final Battle. And he has Bryan Keith & “Big Bill” Morrissey with him as he asks if AJ has a permit for being here tonight. Did they talk with Mayor DeBlasio? Because they certainly didn’t run this past Jericho. Do they know who he is? Big Justice says yeah, he knows! “You’re a JACKASS!” Jericho is taken aback, but the fans agree with Justice. The Bad Apple says this is why dumbass kids should be sitting and not heard. Jericho says yeah!
And if being a jackass means he’s the King of New York, then Jericho’s the biggest jackass! And besides, Jericho talks for everyone here saying we do not want AJ & Justice here! The fans boo, they disagree with Jericho. But Jericho says they don’t even have Costcos in New York! New Yorkers shop at bodegas. Fans are torn, because they kind of agree. Jericho says his favorite is the Walgreens a few blocks over in Flushing. And speaking of Flushing, that’s where AJ & Justice belong: in the toilet! This is the Hammerstein Ballroom, the House that Jericho built! The fans boo that, it’s the House that Hardcore built.
But Jericho says there’s no time for goofy gimmicks like BOOM~, or bandit masks, or scissoring! Scissor me, Bad Apple~! But then wait! The Acclaimed is here! Well, Anthony Bowens is, at least. Bowens pushes past The Learning Tree and he joins AJ & Justice in the ring. Bowens has the music cut, and he tells Jericho that he doesn’t get why Scissor King is catching strays, but you caught his attention. Jericho is trying to intimidate a man in a walking boot and an 11 year old child while spouting nonsense about being the King of New York. Why doesn’t Jericho do what he has asked so many others in the past: SHUT THE HELL UP!
The fans cheer but Big Bill says, “As the Learning Tree always says, when a man tries to silence another man, he’s probably afraid of the truth.” The fans do cheer Big Bill because he is from New York. Bowens says he has no idea what that means, Bill. But he does know we’re live on TNT, Christmas Collision, Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City! So Chris, why not walk your ass to this ring and get it whipped by the Scissor King?! Jericho says if Bowens wants him to do that, then not tonight. Jericho waves bye, but AJ says hold on, listen up. We know Jericho is running scared, but we know at some point, Bowens will get to bring the-
Bowens stops the Boom? Because he wants to scissor! AJ says okay, and they SCISSOR BOOM~! But is that true? Will Anthony Bowens be the one to tear down the Learning Tree and be a champion?
Backstage interview with The Vendetta.
Lexy is now with Deonna Purrazzo & Taya Valkyrie, and they’ve got a hot streak going. Deonna’s message last week was ominous, but who was it for? Taya says there are so many options. Everyone deserves a slice of The Vendetta. There’s Mercedes, Mariah, Toni Storm, even Lexy could get some, so watch your back. Speaking of Toni, she stumbles in and apologizes for interrupting. She just wants to say hi to everyone, hello. Oh, Deonna, a pleasure. Deonna says she knows who Toni is. R-Really? So cool! Taya says she’ll make a guess: Toni has a tattoo on her leg, a little duck with a knife through it.
Wow, how’d Taya know? Deonna says no no no, she is not doing this again. She does not get what sick crap Toni’s up to, but she is already done with it. So for Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street, Toni VS Taya! Taya says she’ll make Toni forget everything! Toni nervously thanks The Vendetta, and says this is a big opportunity to face someone like Taya. Toni leaves, Deonna and Taya sigh, and Lexy has no idea what to say. Is Toni’s mind unraveling before our eyes? Or is there still a bit of Timeless inside Toni Time?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia!
This showdown was inevitable, but it’s even more fitting after The Standard of Excellence beat up the TNT Champion just because he stood up to the Hurt Syndicate. Will Shelton continue to bring the pain? Or will he not survive Red Death?
The bell rings and Garcia goes right at Shelton! Garcia fires hands but Shelton RAMS him into the corner! Shelton fires hands but Garcia turns things around to fire more shots! The ref counts, Shelton shoves Garcia back, but Garcia runs up to fire hands! Shelton shoves Garcia again, but Garcia gets under the lariat to waistlock. Shelton fights the lift but Garcia shoves him to SLAP! And CHOP! Shelton just grins and he picks Garcia up again! Shelton TOSSES Garcia away and Garcia goes to ropes. Shelton brings Garcia back up, scoops and SLAMS him, then brings him up again. Scoop SLAM! Shelton drags Garcia up and puts him in a corner.
Shelton whips corner to corner hard and Garcia falls! The fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton drags Garcia around, stomps him around, then TOSSES Garcia out hard! Garcia sputters but Shelton storms outside. Shelton brings Garcia up but Garcia fires hands! Shelton RAMS Garcia into the apron, then railing, then back to the apron! And repeat! Garcia falls in a heap and the fans fire up. Shelton grins as he drags Garcia up, to then THROW into steel steps! Shelton leaves Garcia behind and the ring count climbs on Garcia. Garcia drags himself up at 7 but Shelton goes out after him again.
Shelton puts Garcia in the ring, then grabs at him. Garcia grabs ropes but Shelton stomps him. Shelton stands Garcia up to DECK him! The fans cheer but Shelton brings Garcia up again. Garcia fires a forearm, then he CHOPS! Shelton eggs Garcia on, so Garcia CHOPS! Shelton grins, Garcia CHOPS, but Shelton DECKS him again! The fans duel but Shelton whips Garcia to ropes, for a BIG backdrop! Garcia flounders and Collision goes picture in picture.
Shelton stalks Garcia to the ropes, brings him up and around, then puts him on other ropes so he can CHOKE him! The ref counts, Shelton steps off, and Garcia coughs and sputters to a corner. Shelton stalks behind Garcia, stands him up, and winds up to ROCK Garcia! Garcia flounders against ropes then falls to the mat! Shelton stands over Garcia, drags him up and puts him in the corner. Shelton throws hands and Garcia stumbles. Garcia falls, but Shelton stands on him. Shelton stomps Garcia, drags him up, but Garcia fires up! Garcia breaks free to fire CHOPS and forearms on repeat!
Garcia whips, Shelton reverses and Shelton BOOTS Garcia down! Cover, TWO! Shelton is still amused, and he clamps onto Garcia with a chinlock. Garcia endures as Shelton grinds him down, and Garcia fights up, only for Shelton to wrangle him back down! Shelton leans all his weight on the hold and he squeezes tight. Garcia fades but the fans rally, and Garcia gets a second wind! Garcia fights up, Christmas Colilsion returns to siongle cipture, and the fans duel as Garcia fires hands! Garcia runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SHOTGUNS SHelton down! The fans fire up and Garcia aims from a corner. Garcia runs up, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX!
The fans are torn while Shelton storms around. Shelton waits on Garcia, waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEX! Garcia flops around but Shelton stalks him to the ropes. Shelton goes to the apron, runs up, but Garcia BOOTS him! Garcia takes a swing, but Shelton waistlocks! Garcia holds ropes to fight off the suplex to the floor! Garcia stands up and elbows Shelton away! Then Garcia LEAPS, but into Shelton’s clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY to the floor! Garcia flounders, fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton runs up but Garcia drop toeholds him into a chair! Shelton sputters and the fans rally up. Garcia makes Shelton take a seat, then rains down fists!
The fans count along and Garcia goes to nine, puts up the dukes, then hits TEN! Garcia gets space, runs back in, and he SHOTGUNS Shelton outta the chair! The fans are thunderous as Garcia goes back for Shelton. Garcia drags Shelton up but Shelton pushes him away. Shelton LARIATS Garcia, then rolls into the ring. The ring count starts, the fans help Garcia stand, and the fans fire up! Garcia hurries to the ring, but Shelton BOOTS, only for Garcia to block! DRAGON SCREW! Garcia runs, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Even with a bad leg, Shelton has so much strength! Shelton storms up in the corner, but Garcia dodges!
Shelton’s knee hits buckles, and Garcia leg scissor rolls him! Garcia steps through for the DRAGON TAMER!! Shelton endures and the fans fire up! Garcia sits on the hold, but Shelton powers up! Shelton powers out of the hold, has Garcia’s legs, and he turns Garcia over into a QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH! Garcia endures, reaches out, and he army crawls his way forward! But Shelton drags Garcia back! Garcia cradles Shelton! TWO!! Shelton escapes, but Garcia BOOTS him! Shelton SUPERKICKS Garcia! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Shelton covers, TWO!! Garcia barely gets out of that and Shelton is furious!
“This is Awesome!” as Shelton looms over Garcia. Shelton drags Garcia up, but Garcia trips Shelton! Jackknife bridge, GARCIA WINS!!
Winner: Daniel Garcia, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Shelton earns 0)
A Christmas Collision miracle? Who knows! But Garcia is still alive in the C2, but Lashley snatches Garcia into a SLEEPER! The fans boo but MVP hands the pimp cane to Shelton! But here comes Mark Briscoe, and he has a chair! Security wants this to stop before it gets out of hand, and even producers get out here! But wait! Is that Swerve Strickland rushing in from the crowd?! It is! He goes right up top to SUPER SWERVE STOMP the Syndicate and security guards! Garcia gets free of the pile, Mark Briscoe is with him, and now the locker room hurries out here to stop this from getting worse!
The fans chant, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” and Nana eventually hands the mic to Swerve. “Bobby FREAKIN’ Lashley! Didn’t I say I was gonna get my hands on you by the end of ’24? By the end of 2024, I said I was gonna get my hands on you, and that’s what I did, courtesy of the most dangerous man in AEW. Whose house?!” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Swerve is still aiming for Lashley’s head, will he and Lashley have it out at Worlds End?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos!
After getting a couple shockers, The Sussex County Chicken could easily jump up to the front of the block with one more! But will he #ManUp and bring down the menacing minotaur? Or will The Beast be a massive spoiler for Briscoe?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock again. The fans rally and duel while both men fire up. They RAM shoulders, and then fire forearms! The fans fire up as Mark gets the edge, but Mortos swings! Mark dodges to CHOP, then fire forearms! Mark ROCKS Mortos, whips, but Mortos reverses and SPLASHES Mark! Mortos runs but Mark follows to LARIAT! Mark runs, Mortos follows, but Mark dodges to CHOP! And CHOP! And forearm! And Mongolian Chop! Mark fires forearms against the ropes, then roars. Mark runs but Mortos follows to UPPERCUT! The fans fire up, Mortos runs but Mark follows to FOREARM!
Mark runs, Mortos follows, and he slingshots to hook and backslide, TWO! Mark trips Mortos to jackknife, TWO! Mortos gets around, hammerlock and cradle, TWO! Mark slips around to roll Mortos, TWO! Both men stand, both men dodge, and the fans cheer the standoff. The fans cheer “BOTH THESE GUYS! BOTH THESE GUYS!” as they reset. Mark and Mortos run up to RAM shoulders again! And again! Mortos is getting the better of this, and he CLOBBERS Mark! The fans cheer Mortos while Mark goes to ropes. Mortos runs in but Mark TOSSES him up and out! Mortos clutches a leg, stands up, but Mark runs!
Mortos slides in, dodges, and he SPEARS Mark! The fans fire up and Mortos roars while Collision goes picture in picture.
Mark rolls to a corner while Mortos headbutts buckles. Mortos then runs corner to corner to DROPKICK Mark! Mark sputters, Mortos drags him to a cover, TWO! Mark stays in this but Mortos drags him into a chinlock. Mark endures, even as Mortos leans on the hold. Mark fights up as the fans rally, and Mark fires body shots. Mortos THROWS Mark down! Mortos then CRANKS Mark’s neck, then KICKS him in the chest! Cover, TWO! Mark is still in this and he goes to ropes. Mortos storms up but Mark CHOPS! Mortos SMACKS Mark and Mark falls into a corner. Mortos stomps Mark, then digs his boots in!
The ref reprimands and counts, Mortos steps off, then Mortos snapmares Mark so he can step on Mark’s face! Then NECK TWIST! Cover, TWO! Mark stays in this and he goes back to ropes. Mortos waits on Mark to stand, then SMACKS him down! Mark dangles out of the ring in the ropes, but Mortos goes after a leg while Collision goes to break.
Christmas Collision returns and Mortos has Mark in a corner. Mortos whips corner to corner, then runs up to UPPERCUT, CHOP, and HEADBUTT! Mark staggers and the fans rally up for Mortos. Mortos brings down his kneepads, runs corner to corner, but Mark dodge! Mortos hits buckles then falls to the outside! The fans fire up as Mark then WRECKS Mortos with a dropkick! Mark builds speed and he DIVES, direct hit on Mortos! The fans fire up and Mark even hugs a few! Mark tosses a chair into the ring, and fans rally for #DEMBOYS. Mark sets the chair up, but Mortos anchors Mark’s legs! Mortos then SMACKS Mark!
Mortos drags Mark to the apron, Mark fires forearms. Mortos shoves Mark, but Mark fireman’s carries! Mortos fires elbows to get free! Mark REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUTS! Then APRON GERMAN SUPLEXES! Mortos falls to the floor while the fans lose their minds! Mark rises up, takes aim, and he fires the fans up more. Mark goes up a corner, for a SUPER SKY TWISTER! The fans are thunderous and Mark high-fives the front row. Mark then goes back to the ring and builds speed! Mark uses the chair to FLY! Direct hit and Mark even lands on his feet! The fans fire up and Mark hurries to get Mortos back up.
Mark puts Mortos in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Mark takes aim. FROGGY-BOW onto knees! Mortos saves himself there, and then roars! Mortos whips Mark, scoops him, and has the torture rack! BEAST BACKBREAKER! Then Mortos hauls Mark up for a POWER BREAKER!! The fans fire up for Mortos and he DISCUS- NO, Mark dodges, runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives and the fans fire up again! Mortos snarls, hauls Mark up, and then scoops! But Mark slips free! Mark crane kicks, then underhooks! But Mortos backdrops free! Mark rises, Mortos runs, but into a fireman’s carry!
Mark hits a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Then Mark goes up the corner, and the fans fire up for the FROGGY-BOW!! Cover, TWO?!? Mortos survives but Mark shakes his head. Mark just goes back up top! Mortos sits up and roars! But Mark still FROGGY-BOWS!! And then he underhooks, lifts, JAY DRILLER!! Cover, Mark wins!
Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Mortos earns 0)
And with that, Mark is now even with Kyle Fletcher, who Mark already beat earlier on! That is all the difference between the one seed and the two seed, how will this final round shake out?
Julia Hart speaks.
“Jamie, Jamie, Jamie. I’m no coward. What you call tricks, I call advantages. I suggested that you watch your back. I gave you all the warnings. So I’m not understanding why you feel the need to call me classless and sneaky. I thought I was being more than reasonable. I know you’re strong, but are you smart? Are my ‘tricks’ too much for you? I guess we’ll find out January 1st, Fight for the Fallen. But remember: The House Always Wins.” The Princess of the Black Throne is ready, but will she learn Hayter Hits Hard?
Backstage interview with Mariah May.
Alex Marvez is with the AEW Women’s World Champion and says in one week’s time, it will be Mariah VS Thunder Rosa for the title, in a Tijuana Street Fight! Marvez notes that Mariah not only had some harsh words for Rosa, but for her father, as well. Mariah says, “Aw~, Papa Rosa is gonna be in the front row. Is that to watch the match? Or does Thunder need a new mami?” But speaking of Rosa, she RAMS Mariah right into the door! And dribbles her off it, too! Mariah pulls hair, Rosa tries to choke Mariah, and then Mariah shoves Rosa away. Mariah calls Rosa crazy, but Rosa says she’s not done with Mariah!
Rosa storms after Mariah into the hall, and then to the stage area! Mariah has made it to ringside, Nigel tries to warn her, but Rosa CLOBBERS Mariah! Rosa rains down fists, then stomps away! Rosa SMACKS Mariah off steel steps, then grabs a chair! Mariah sputters, but gets away before Rosa swings the chair! Security rushes out here for the third time tonight, and Rosa LEAPS! The cluster keeps her away from Mariah but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Rosa holds up the AEW Women’s World Championship, will she send the “Woman From Hell” back where she came from in order to have the gold again?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli!
While The Relentless One has been after each and every Death Rider, he gets one served up to him on a silver platter. But will Darby bring down the Swiss Superman before the final round? Or will Claudio crush Darby’s hopes and dreams this close to Christmas?
But before Claudio even gets in the ring, Darby DIVES out onto him! The fans fire up as Darby fires fast hands! Claudio gets away but Darby pursues, jumps on, and throws more hands! Claudio carries Darby up the ramp to then THROW him down! Darby writhes, Claudio drags him up, and Claudio gorilla presses! Darby slips free, goes to the entry, and then dodges Claudio to send him into the light truss! And then he shoves Claudio into it again! Claudio falls, and now Darby climbs up!? The fans fire up as Darby is up on the camera balcony! Darby SUPER CROSSBODIES Claudio down!
Claudio tumbles down the ramp and Darby sputters while fans lose their minds. The ref checks Darby, his fall was still really wicked. Claudio sits up in a daze as he’s now ringside, and somehow Darby pursues! They both get in the ring, the bell rings, and Darby runs up! But into a POP-UP UPPERCUT!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio is already frustrated. Claudio drags Darby by his legs, to GIANT SWING~! The fans count as Darby goes around and around, and Claudio goes past TEN, past FIFTEEN, past TWENTY, and all the way to THIRTY!! Darby flounders out of the ring while Collision goes picture in picture.
The ref goes out to check on Darby, and somehow he’s okay to continue. Claudio steps out to fetch Darby, and lift shim up with one hand! Claudio then gut wrenches and carries Darby, to SLAM him onto railing! And DUMP him down! Claudio drags Darby up again, gut wrenches again, and he TOSSES Darby onto the railing! Darby flops back down and clutches his lower back, but Claudio leaves him behind. The ring count begins but Darby sits up. Claudio goes out after him again, and brings him up to CHOP! Darby staggers away to a corner, Claudio storms up and CHOPS again! Darby flops down but Claudio looms over him.
Claudio gets space, runs up, and he UPPERCUTS Darby against railing! Darby stumbles away, Claudio goes to the ring, but Darby rolls in, just to roll back out. Darby earns himself some time, but then Claudio storms out after him. Darby hurries int he ring to get away, but Claudio is after him there, too. Claudio stands on Darby’s hands, then stomps them! Darby writhes, but Claudio stomps his hands more! Darby goes to a corner. Claudio stands him up and CHOPS! Claudio UPPERCUTS, CHOPS, and Christmas Collision returns to single picture. The fans duel, Darby fires hands, but Claudio UPPERCUTS!
Claudio whips, Darby springboards, COFFIN- NO, Claudio catches Darby! Darby fights free, runs, but Claudio runs up! Darby DUMPS Claudio, then runs to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! The fans fire up again and Darby puts Claudio in. Claudio rolls out the far side but Darby DIVES again! Claudio is sent into railing but Darby goes up a corner! The fans fire up for the SUPER COFFIN SPLASH! Direct hit and both men are down again. The ref starts the ring count, the fans rally up, and Darby refreshes the count. Darby LEAPS onto Claudio for a SLEEPER! Claudio goes to steel steps and he steps up, but Darby squeezes tight!
Claudio steps back down, and he runs into the timekeeper’s area! BACKPACK SENTON through the table! The fans lose their minds again while Claudio leaves Darby behind in the wreckage. Darby stirs, the ref starts another ring count, and Darby crawls. “This is Awesome!” as Darby leaps in at 7! Claudio runs but Darby slips around! O’Conner Roll, TWO, springboard and SPALSH! Cover, TWO! Ghost pin, TWO! Claudio is up, but Darby sunset flips! Claudio stays up, and DOUBLE STOMPS! Claudio deadlifts Darby to then TOSS him out of the ring! Darby hits apron on the way out and fans tell Claudio he’s sick!
Claudio goes out after Darby and drags him up again. Claudio scoops and then POSTS Darby! And POSTS him again! Claudio TOSSES Darby aside, rolls into the ring, but only to refresh the count. Claudio then drags Darby by a leg and brings him over. Claudio SWINGS Darby into steel steps!! Claudio puts Darby in the ring, stands him up, and runs to LARIAT! Darby flips through the air! Claudio covers, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio is frustrated. The fans rally for Darby but Claudio rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then Claudio tucks the arms, RICOLA- CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio escapes in time!
The fans rally while both men are down again. Darby and Claudio slowly rise, and Ricochet watches, very amused as Darby is his next opponent in the round robin. Darby crawls to a corner, climbs up, but Claudio UPPERCUTS! Claudio HEADBUTTS Darby, then climbs up again. Claudio brings Darby up and suplexes, but Darby fights around! SUPER SCORPION DEATH DROP!! The fans are thunderous for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as Darby rises up. Darby climbs to the very top, COFFION DROP onto knees! Claudio saves himself, then he hauls Darby up. Straitjacket and RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Darby survives and shocks Claudio! Claudio argues with the ref but the count was fair! Darby’s just that tough! Claudio goes back to Darby and ripcords him into the RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?! HOW?!? Claudio goes outside, and he brings out something from under the ring. He also has a chair! The ref takes the chair from Claudio, but Claudio has BRASS KNUCKLES! BRASS KNUCKLE PUNCH!!! Cover, CLAUDIO WINS!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Darby earns 0)
The Swiss Superman screws over Darby, but then he gets that chair back. But wait, Ospreay slides into the ring! And HE has the brass knuckles that Claudio tossed aside! Ospreay dares Claudio to do something, but Claudio simply leaves. Does this mean Ospreay’s ready to ride against the Death Riders with Darby? Or will we see a Miracle on 34th Street send Ospreay and Darby to Worlds End?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision here as the last one before Worlds End, and therefore a bit of a go-home in itself. While the continued feud of MJF and Cole has still been a bit clunky since they did the double turn, their faceoff did a good job addressing some of that. They got good digs at each other as always, and MJF snapping and revealing “the truth” was their big move to recover this story. We of course got a brawl, and good save by The Kingdom. It feels like MJF still finds a way to hold onto the diamond ring, but c’mon, how fitting is it for Cole to get a diamond.
Good bit with Toni Storm and The Vendetta, and Deonna’s reaction to Toni was great. Deonna is justified in thinking this is still an act from Toni, not a legitimate psychological problem, and Toni VS Taya will be good stuff. Good promo from Kris Statlander, good match from her and Penelope Ford, and of course a good win for Kris. Good promo from Mone to make Worlds End official, but as I’ve been saying, Mone is more likely to lose the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship as part of the big NJPW Tokyo Dome weekend. The irony is, Mina Shirakawa is her challenger and Mina shows up plenty in AEW, so I don’t know how that math is supposed to work.
Good promo from Mariah May as it also turned into a brawl with Thunder Rosa. As it stands, Rosa standing tall holding up the belt means she is NOT winning at Worlds End, but they could still give us a little more from Rosa and Mariah on Dynamite’s Christmas episode to turn the tables. Good promo from Julia Hart to respond to Jamie Hayter, they’ll have a good match. Good promo from Orange Cassidy to try and reason with Jay White and Hangman Page, but that’s all the more reason Moxley likely uses the challengers all against each other like he did on Wednesday. Though, it would be fun if they at least started the match all annihilating Moxley with their finishers, making us think it’ll work out in favor of “Team AEW.”
Good stuff with Big Boom AJ & Big Justice here tonight, both hyping up the show but also interacting with Jericho’s group and even Anthony Bowens. They’re adding some more foreshadowing to The Acclaimed breaking up, and I guess we’re supposed to see this as a positive move, Bowens feuding with Jericho. Unless Bowens is going to be the guy that dethrones Jericho for whatever ROH cable TV debut/return is planned, the Jericho Vortex strikes again. Bowens should be going for an AEW midcard title, but right now, those are all tied up what with the C2 going on and the International Championship being tied up in Worlds End and NJPW plans.
Speaking of the C2, great stuff with all the matches tonight. Shelton VS Garcia was great stuff, and while Garcia gets the win, they’re still giving us some set-up for a TNT Championship match of Garcia VS Shelton. Mark Briscoe of course made the save, but great surprise for Swerve to show up. Lashley VS Swerve for Worlds End just needs to be said, it already feels a given. All that brawling was also a good segue into Mark VS Mortos, and another great showing for Mortos, even in losing. But as Mark has already had all his matches and is at 9 points, Kyle doesn’t even need to win against Garcia, he just needs to draw so that Mark will be out, and Garcia with him.
While Ospreay VS Darby on Wednesday raised the bar, Ospreay VS Ricochet still had great stuff of its own. Plus, Ricochet is bringing out more of his Heel side what with using the ref, and Ricochet’s win puts the pressure on Ospreay for Christmas Dynamite. Now, no offense to Brody King, but I’m thinking Ospreay wins that to take one of the semifinal spots. Darby VS Claudio tonight was also great, but Darby doing his best Sting off the truss was not the best when he gets that whiplash on the floor. I really thought that match was going to be called for concussion protocol, but Darby’s weirdly indestructible.
Claudio still cheats this win so there’s more heat on the Death Riders and Darby is also behind the 8 ball. Ospreay making the save was good, we can definitely have another “Team AEW” VS Death Riders with Ospreay joining Darby and a couple others, but the way they did the order of matches, Claudio’s got a seemingly easy ride against Komander for Christmas. Though, how awesome would it be if Komander pulled off the spoiler? Or if they were really going to add some drama, they should create a situation where the Death Riders end up ringside, violating the Continental Rules of no cornermen and that disqualifies Claudio. Claudio misses out on the semifinals because of a technicality, sending Ospreay and maybe Ricochet to the semifinals.
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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!
The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
- Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
- Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony Schiavone is in the ring!
Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!
Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!
Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!
And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?
Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!
The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.
Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.
Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!
Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!
The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.
Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.
Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!
Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!
Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!
Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall
The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!
The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?
The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!
Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!
Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall
Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…
Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!
Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!
Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.
Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall
Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?
Team Triple J speaks backstage.
Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!
While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!
Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!
Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!
Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.
Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!
Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!
Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!
Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!
Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!
Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)
If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.
Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.
And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.
My Score: 8.8/10
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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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...
Hockey Talk- A Bruins Loss, A Blues Gain [120324]
Hockey Talk celebrates Jeremy Roenick finally getting inducted into the Hall of Fame, 16 years after his last game and...
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!
Bandwagon Nerds #265: A New Man At Arms… We Love It!
Join the Bandwagon for a full trailer park, news around the Nerd-O-Sphere and find out what the gents are watching...
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!
Classic POD is WAR: Banana Bamboo (112620)
The Chairshot, brings you THE podcast that will absolutely have you questioning everything you thought you knew about professional wrestling,...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (12/18/24)
Happy Holidays!
Attitude Of Aggression #300- A Decade for the Ages
The 300th Episode of Attitude Of Aggression has arrived! Join us as we recap the biggest wrestling related events of...
