Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/8/21)
Celebrate the NEW WWE World Champion!
Raw holds an ALL MIGHTY Championship Celebration for Bobby Lashley!
Bobby Lashley is WWE World Champion, and the Hurt Business now rules Monday Night Raw! But will their celebration plans go smoothly?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE World Championship: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS The Miz w/ John Morrison; Lashley wins and retains the title.
- No Disqualifications: Sheamus VS Drew McIntyre; Draw by referee stoppage.
- Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston VS Shelton Benjamin w/ The Hurt Business; Woods wins.
- Matt Riddle VS Slapjack w/ Retribution; Riddle wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Naomi & Lana; Jax & Baszler win and retain the titles.
- AJ Styles w/ Omos VS Randy Orton; Styles wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Hurt Business walks backstage.
MVP says they’re living different lives and breathing that rarified air. Sarah asks for a few words and the others move on. Lashley says he is a happy man, and it will stay that way. Lashley’s been through a lot that would’ve broken a normal man. But Lashley isn’t normal, he’s All Mighty! Think about the 16 years. 16 YEARS as he watched others get what he deserved and dealt with backstage politics. So when Lashley beat Miz last week, he punished him for delaying the inevitable! Now Miz gets a rematch? Well Lashley will set an example with it. What happens to Miz will happen to everyone else that steps to him.
16 years is way too damn long to wait for the title, and Lashley vows to walk into WrestleMania as the All Might World Champion! The All Might Era has begun, but it will be tested to start the night!
The Miz & John Morrison go to the ring.
The Hollywood A-Lister gets the mic and says, “I stand in this ring empty handed because Bobby Lashley is the new WWE Champion.” But he asks Morrison that last week, did Miz expect to get his ass handed to him by Lashley? Yeah, actually. Correct. Did he expect to lose the title? No. Correct! But Shane McMahon pulled a fast one! After everything Miz has done for the WWE, from media to interviews to reality shows to photoshoots and sleepless nights, endless tasks without thanks, no vacations or injuries! But when Miz says his body isn’t feeling well, everyone should believe him!
But they didn’t, did they? “You” sit in your couches and Miz is a professional and that is what happens to professional athletes! Miz had stomach cramps!! But Miz still went out and successfully defended his title! There was a match! It was a count-out! Miz lost, but the only way a champion can lose his title is pin or submission in the ring! That’s called Champion’s Advantage! Is it shady? OF COURSE! But Miz played to his advantage and outsmarted everyone! Miz outsmarted the superstars, the fans, EVERYONE! Miz got counted out intentionally, but Lashley had his chance and blew it! The title contract says you must defend the title and Miz did that. It didn’t say he had to do it twice in one night!
And yet, Miz was forced to do so. Threatened, even! Miz was told to defend the title he worked so hard to get, or he would be stripped of it and it’d just be given to Lashley! And to put icing on the cake, Shane McMahon makes the match a LUMBERJACK MATCH! Miz is sure we can all agree that that was just unfair. It is also unfair that Lashley brutalized Miz after the match, with no repercussions! But WWE did one thing right, and that is tonight’s rematch.
Miz explains that everyone online was CELEBRATING Lashley’s win all week this week! Miz wants all of us to stay close to our devices because tonight there will be a new hashtag, #ANDNEW! Because he’s the Miz, and he’s… AWWWWWWSOOOOOME! Miz is motivated, but will it be enough to turn back the clock and take back the title?
WWE World Championship: Bobby Lashley w/ MVP VS The Miz w/ John Morrison!
Raw returns as the Rocky Mountain Machine makes his entrance, which now has GOLD LIGHTNING, and a ferocious new titantron package. The introductions are made, the title is raised, and this mighty main event worthy rematch opens Raw!
The two circle, Miz is wary of Lashley, as he should be. Miz bails out to cool off. He gets back in because of Lashley’s Champion’s Advantage but Miz bails out again. MVP is there and startles Miz but Lashley gets his head! Miz hotshots Lashley but that only angers him! Lashley drags Miz up to a suplex and holds him up for a count of 10 before the SLAM! Drew McIntyre watches backstage as Lashley RAMS Miz into the corner and then RAMS his shoulder in over an dover! Lashley CLUBS Miz, runs corner to corner but Miz moves and Lashley POSTS himself! Lashley tumbles out, Miz pursues, but Lashley still scoops Miz!
Miz slips off to POST Lashley again! But Lashley still CLOBBERS Miz! Lashley snarls as he stands tall and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns and Lashley grinds Miz down with a neck wrench, and a fist digging into Miz’s jaw! Miz fights up with body shots, Lashley shoves Miz to ropes to then CLOBBER him again! Morrison coaches Miz up but Lashley drags Miz away from the apron! Miz kicks at Lashley and gets him away. Miz is in a corner, Lashley runs in but misses, Miz returns with the A-LIST- NO! Lashley catches Miz, to TOSS him! McIntyre is still watching as Lashley goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! Lashley looms over Miz, drags him up and gives him SNAKE EYES to the barrier! Miz clutches his ribs but Lashley follows him to bounce him off the desk!
Lashley puts Miz back in the ring and MVP says to finish this. Lashley runs but into a boot! Lashley just gets angrier, and he lifts Miz. Miz slips off to BOOT again! Miz swings but into a clinch! Miz throws elbows, Lashley shoves Miz, but Miz dumps Lashley out! Miz builds speed to slide for a dropkick, but Lashley dodges him to fireman’s carry! Lashley POSTS Miz!! Miz flounders but is somehow okay to continue, so Lashley drags him back into the ring. Lashley storms over to Miz but Miz asks for mercy. Miz gets no mercy, he gets the COMPLETE SHOT! Lashley rains down fists! Lashley digs his fingers into Miz’s face, but lets off as the ref counts.
Lashley whips Miz, pops him up and hits the ALL MIGHTY SPINEBUSTER! Lashley grits his teeth as he waits for Miz to get back up. HURT LOCK!! Miz is a rag doll, he taps out, Lashley wins!
Winner: Bobby Lashley, by submission (still WWE World Champion)
The Miz didn’t win, but that was still awesome for the Chief Hurt Officer! Lashley leaves Miz in his rearview, will he barrel through the Fastlane and on to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.
As the presumed challenger- NO, he is the ONLY challenger! McIntyre says Lashley worked for 16 years, putting in the work in and out of the ring. Lashley didn’t go for the big one, he beat McIntyre down to set Miz up and then he could beat THE MIZ! McIntyre beat Brock Lesnar! Where is the passion, the heart and the BALLS, Lashley!? Lashley is big, bad and dangerous, but so is McIntyre. But wait! Sheamus attacks McIntyre! Their match last week didn’t finish anything! The Celtic Warrior TOSSES the Scottish Warrior all over backstage!
Sheamus shouts that NOTHING is over! He spent TWENTY YEARS IN MCINTYRE’S SHADOW!! Sheamus swears to make McIntyre pay for the rest of his miserable life! Sheamus storms off and McIntyre gets up in a rage. Will these two warriors battle until there’s nothing left of either of them?
Raw returns and McIntyre is still raging.
Adam Pearce comes by and McIntyre demands he set up a rematch of him and Sheamus, No Disqualifications! Pearce agrees to that and McIntyre storms off. Will that match end things between McIntyre and Sheamus?
R-Truth finds Braun Strowman backstage.
Truth wants to get something off his chest so hopefully Braun forgives him. Truth reads his note and says, “Dear Braun, Bugs Bunny has gone to the dark side and joined the Monstars. The only way I can get my baby back is with my own Monstar. So as Monday Night Raw’s Monstar Among Men, I need your help. But before that, there’s a lot I need to apologize for.” Truth apologizes for that escape tunnel, for submitting that video of Braun to Monster Quest, for ruining Hornswoggle’s wedding, for stealing his dentist’s goldfish and releasing it back to the ocean.
Braun stops Truth and doesn’t want an apology from him. Braun is asking- No, no, the Monster Among Men doesn’t ask, he DEMANDS an apology from Shane McMahon! Oh, okay. Truth apologizes for that. And in that case, this never happened. HE’s a fragment of Braun’s imagination. Truth tries to use a neuralizer pen on Braun? Well it clearly doesn’t work. But with that, Braun is heading for the ring! Will he get what he wants from Shane O’Mac?
Raw returns as Braun goes to the ring!
The Monster Among Men may misunderstand the reasons he was kept out of the Elimination Chamber, but he didn’t misunderstand Shane messing with him last week. “First you exclude me from the Elimination Chamber match, and I get it. I’m over it. But then you give me a Raw Tag Team Championship, and out of anybody, you choose Adam Pearce? Then you jump on the apron and make me tag him in, so he can get beat.” Is this some big joke to Shane? Is Shane getting a nice laugh out of this? But you’re either laughing with him, or laughing at him. And after that remark about a textbook being over Braun’s reading level, Braun is thinking Shane is laughing at him.
But to get real, that can’t be the case. Because we all know that if Braun wanted to, he could snap Shane like a twig! But saying that, Braun also knows Shane could just fire him on the spot. Braun isn’t looking to get fired, just for respect. The longer Braun stands here and thinks about it, the angrier he gets! So he isn’t asking, but DEMANDING Shane give him that apology! Shane McMahon is here! He goes out to the ring to join Braun, and Braun gets right in his face. Shane tells Braun that he apologizes, then leaves the ring. Braun seems almost surprised that Shane did that.
But then, Shane stops on stage, thinks about saying more, but doesn’t. Braun dares Shane to say what he wants to say! When Shane doesn’t, Braun grumbles. Is this not settled between Monster and management?
Backstage interview with Shane McMahon.
Melissa asks Shane what those further comments to Braun were. Shane says maybe later. But will later ever come?
No Disqualifications: Sheamus VS Drew McIntyre!
Somehow, someway, The Fella feels like his friend for roughly 20 years doesn’t see him as an equal. Things were brought to a breaking point as WWE hit the Road to WrestleMania, and though McIntyre won last week, that only angered Sheamus more! Will Sheamus use No Disqualifications to his advantage and leave McIntyre on the side of the road this close to Fastlane?
McIntyre jumps Sheamus on the stage! McIntyre gets even with Sheamus and he throws him into barriers! And then into the steel steps! And then RAMS him into the apron! The ref says to get in the ring so McIntyre puts Sheamus in. The bell sounds and McIntyre fires off fists and stomps! McIntyre CHOPS Sheamus, Sheamus kicks back and throws EuroUppers. McIntyre throws haymakers, Sheamus returns them, they brawl, but Sheamus headlocks. McIntyre powers out but Sheamus runs him over! Things speed up, McIntyre blocks the hip toss to whip and run Sheamus over! McIntyre brings Sheamus up for haymakers and has him in the corner for more.
Sheamus claws McIntyre’s face! Sheamus CLUBS and KNEES McIntyre, then whips him corner to corner. Sheamus runs in but McIntyre elbows him away. McIntyre hops up but Sheamus YANKS him off the ropes! Sheamus stomps away on McIntyre at the ropes, then drags him up for hands. McIntyre shoves Sheamus then dumps him to the apron. Sheamus hotshots McIntyre back! Sheamus goes up, leaps, FLYING CLOTHESLINE! Cover, TWO! Sheamus seethes but he kicks McIntyre to the apron! McIntyre hobbles away but Sheamus LEAPS, only to miss! McIntyre RAMS Sheamus into steel steps again! McIntyre tells commentary to move, and he THROWS Sheamus over the desk!
McIntyre goes around to put Sheamus in a chair and rain down fists! The ring count is still a thing, so McIntyre brings Sheamus back over, but Sheamus shoves McIntyre into the apron! Sheamus CLOBBERS McIntyre then catches his breath. Sheamus looks under the ring and brings out a kendo stick! Sheamus swings but McIntyre ducks! The post takes the smack, and McIntyre kicks Sheamus. McIntyre whips Sheamus over the barrier! McIntyre takes a breath, leaves Sheamus behind, and fetches the base of steel steps! McIntyre drags Sheamus back over, scoops him, and SLAMS him on the stairs! Sheamus writhes but McIntyre drags him back up.
McIntyre puts Sheamus in the ring, grabs the kendo stick, and goes into the ring. but Sheamus KICKS the rope and stick into McIntyre! Then KNEES him, runs and CLOBBERS him! Sheamus takes back the kendo stick, takes aim and SMACKS McIntyre on the back! And again! And again! Sheamus stands on McIntyre’s head, focusing on the jaw! Sheamus lets off so he can stand McIntyre up and SMACK him in the stomach! Sheamus fireman’s carries for the ROLLING SENTON! Cover, TWO! Sheamus clamps onto McIntyre with fish hooks to the face! Sheamus stretches McIntyre’s mouth but fans rally up. McIntyre fights up but Sheamus knocks McIntyre down!
Sheamus aims again, but McIntyre clinches to block the kendo stick! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! And then ANOTHER! Sheamus runs in but McIntyre dodges to neckbreaker! And kip up! McIntyre gets the kendo stick back, and the two stare down. They rush in, and McIntyre SMACKS Sheamus! And SMACKS him! And SMACKS him! Then McIntyre uses the kendo stick in a Russian Leg Sweep! Cover, TWO! Sheamus survives but McIntyre keeps his focus. McIntyre has the beat-up kendo stick to SMACK Sheamus more! Sheamus bails out of the ring, McIntyre pursues and throws haymakers. McIntyre scoops but Sheamus slips off to POST McIntyre!
Sheamus drags McIntyre to the announce desk, to CHOKE SLAM him on it! The table doesn’t give but Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Sheamus brawls with McIntyre in the corner! McIntyre gets the edge but Sheamus pokes him in the eye! Sheamus hits the IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Sheamus gets the legs and ties them up, McIntyre resists but Sheamus kicks him in the back! Sheamus gets McIntyre turned over for the CLOVERLEAF! McIntyre endures as Sheamus sits deep! McIntyre powers through to get under and throw haymakers from below! Sheamus lets go, McIntyre boots him! Sheamus comes back but McIntyre ROCKS him with a right! And then hits a SPINEBUSTER! McIntyre jackknife bridges but can’t quite hold it, TWO!!
McIntyre’s back is marked up and down but he fights through the pain. He runs at Sheamus in the corner but Sheamus BOOTS him down! Sheamus skins the cat to go up top, McIntyre runs over but Sheamus knees him away! Sheamus adjusts but McIntyre trips him up! McIntyre climbs up to join Sheamus now, CHOPS him, then rakes his eyes! McIntyre brings Sheamus up to SUPERPLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Sheamus survives and McIntyre is a bit surprised! McIntyre sits up, looks to the WrestleMania sign, and then he underhooks Sheamus. Sheamus fights free but McIntyre KICKS him! Only for Sheamus to get WHITE NOISE! Cover, TWO!!
Sheamus can’t believe McIntyre survived! Sheamus goes out and gets a chair! He returns to the ring, aims at McIntyre, but McIntyre JABS him in the throat! And then McIntyre has the chair, to SMACK Sheamus on the back! McIntyre hauls Sheamus back up, underhooks, FUTURE SHOCK to the chair!! Cover, TWO!!? Sheamus survives that DDT to steel and McIntyre can’t believe it! McIntyre gets up and paces about, but Sheamus crawls with the chair. McIntyre aims from the corner, counts us down, but BANG, chair to the head! BIG KNEE! Cover, TWO!?!? Sheamus is furious, but he grabs the chair again. He JAMS McIntyre’s ribs with it, then wedges the chair in a corner.
Sheamus catches his breath and steadies himself while McIntyre sputters on the mat. Sheamus hobbles over, drags McIntyre up, and whips him, only for McIntyre to reverse and RAM Sheamus into the corner chair! CLAYMORE!! But Sheamus tumbles out of the ring!! McIntyre goes out to fetch Sheamus to bring him up, but that bad back is making that harder. McIntyre gets Sheamus on the apron and in the ring, then follows after. Sheamus slides right back out, so McIntyre pursues, but Sheamus BROGUES McIntyre!! Sheamus goes to get the steel steps! Sheamus aims, but McIntyre has stairs, too! They COLLIDE with steel!! Both men go down, McIntyre tumbling over barriers!!
The referee checks on McIntyre and Sheamus in turn to see if they’re able to continue. Sheamus doesn’t respond, the ref says this is done!!
Referee Stoppage
Sheamus finally comes to and McIntyre finally sits up, but it’s not clear who won or lost this one! McIntyre tries to get up and walk but he stumbles into ThunderDome screens. Sheamus still struggles to sit up, but it is clear these two warriors have rage to spare. Will this only lead to both of them crashing and burning on the Road to WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with AJ Styles and Omos.
The newest correspondent, Kevin Patrick, asks Styles about the Road to WrestleMania and tensions running high. How- Whoa, whoa. Are we not going to talk about what’s going on with Randy Orton right now? Kevin has much to learn. But Styles will talk about Orton, and The Fiend. The Fiend hasn’t been around because Orton burned him to a crisp! But then what’s happened since? Orton’s been haunted by both The Fiend and “Lil’ Miss Witch,” Alexa Bliss. This is the worst thing that Orton could’ve done! And now they’re tearing him down bit by bit. Orton already hears voices in his head but now there’s like voodoo magic on him? It’s ridiculous!
Styles pretends to be a zombie and Omos laughs, but Orton walks in. Omos steps in the way but Styles has him stand down. Orton might be missing the joke, “but is there something funny about a grown man having his mind messed with?” Well, maybe not funny. But it is weak. Weak? Yeah. Orton says he and Styles meet in the ring and then we’ll see firsthand how “weak” Orton is. Styles says Orton has problems. Does he need bigger problems? If he does, then Styles accepts. Good. The Viper heads off, but will he show the Phenomenal One he still has some venom in his bite?
Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston VS Shelton Benjamin w/ Cedric Alexander!
The New Day are circling back after those Raw Tag Team Championships! But will their new gear help them be ready for some Mortal Kombat with the Hurt Business? Or will the Gold Standard melt down Sub-Zero Xavier?
Raw returns and the Hurt Business makes their entrance. The bell rings and Woods circles with Benjamin. They tie up, Benjamin puts Woods in the ropes then shoves him right out! Alexander talks trash while Kofi helps Woods up. Woods goes back in, ties up with Benjamin, but Benjamin shoves him again. Woods fires forearms, Benjamin knees low and whips, but Woods gets around to shove Benjamin for a HEEL KICK! Cover, ONE! Woods headlocks but Benjamin hits a BIG back suplex! Benjamin drags Woods up to scoop and SLAM him! Benjamin drags Woods up again to whip him to a corner hard, then scoops him for another SLAM!
Benjamin talks trash to Kofi but Kofi mockingly applauds the “sick moveset.” Benjamin digs a knee into Woods’ back and wraps on a chinlock. Woods endures, Kofi coaches him, and Woods fights up to throw body shots. Benjamin knee slow, scoops again and SLAMS Woods back down! Benjamin looms over Woods, brings him back up and puts him in a corner. Benjamin whips corner to corner, Woods goes up but gets put on the apron. Woods ROCKS Benjamin back, then steps in, only for Benjamin to throat chop him! And KNEE him in the ropes! Woods flops down, Benjamin drags him by his hair for a cover, TWO! Benjamin smirks as he looms over Woods again.
Benjamin sits Woods up and Alexander tells Benjamin to punish Woods! Woods endures, Kofi coaches him and Woods hits a jawbreaker! Woods throws haymakers and CHOPS, and he backs Benjamin down as he goes faster and faster! Benjamin reverses the whip but Woods slides under to ROLLING ELBOW! Benjamin stays up to back suplex but Woods sunset flips, TWO! Woods runs into a BOOT! Alexander says that’s how you do it! Benjamin talks trash to Kofi but Woods catches Benjamin to a cradle, WOODS WINS!
Winner: Xavier Woods, by pinfall
Kofi rubs Woods’ small package in Benjamin’s face, and now the New Day is rolling into that title match! Will the New Day turn it up to 11 tag title reigns?!
Backstage interview with Matt Riddle.
Does Retribution’s number game negatively impact his focus? Riddle says Retribution can play all the tricks they want, they won’t break his focus on Slapjack. But Riddle’s main concern is where to park his scooter. Leaving it in the back got him a ticket, but bringing it ringside means it’ll break. What is Riddle to do? Does Melissa have any ideas? Sorry, no. The New Day walk in and Riddle congratulates them on the win! Do they have time for Call of Duty later? Yeah, just as soon as Riddle jacks that slap! Hit him like blackjack, cook him like Easy Mac, and flip him like a flapjack! OOOH~!
Riddle would, but he’s more of a French Toast guy. Riddle hears Reginald makes great French toast. Are the New Day cool if they invite Reggie along? The New Day isn’t sure, but Riddle asks them to watch the scooter. Heck yeah! Get over here! Secret bro handshake! The Bro heads out, Kofi does some bunny hops, but will the United States Champion slap down Slapjack?
Matt Riddle VS Slapjack w/ Retribution!
Raw returns as Retribution make their entrance. Conspicuous by their absence are the towering T-Bar and massive Mace. Mustafa Ali tells Slapjack to rip into Riddle, because he needs Riddle softened up for next week’s United States Championship match! Will Slapjack do Ali’s bidding?
The bell rings. Riddle catches Slapjack for a gut wrench suplex! Slapjack flounders to a corner, Riddle runs in to forearm smash, then go side to side to forearm again! BROSPLODER! Slapjack avoids the kick, and the moonsault, but not the BROTON! PENALTY KICK hits after all! Slapjack bails out and Ali is furious because Slapjack is embarrassing him! Riddle hops onto the apron and says, “Check this out, bro!” But Slapjack hits Riddle’s bare foot! Slapjack trips Riddle then gives him an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Ali shouts orders at Slapjack and he drags Riddle into the ring. Slapjack stomps Riddle to a corner then fires off kicks! Riddle BOOTS back!
Riddle hops up, Slapjack hits the leg, then hits a SUPER SNAP SUPLEX! Then a HALF HATCH FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives and ALi shouts at Slapjack to stop playing with him! Slapjack drags Riddle up but Riddle fires off haymakers! Riddle runs but into a BIG dropkick! Cover, TWO! Slapjack stomps Riddle, drags him up, and kicks him, then KICKS him! Then KICKS the leg! Slapjack drags Riddle up to a snap suplex, then Ali tells him to “Shut him down!” Slapjack goes up top as Ali instructs, but Riddle intercepts with a forearm! Riddle climbs up to club away, but Slapjack fights back with elbows and a headbutt! Slapjack leaps, into a POWERBOMB!
Riddle flips Slapjack to a FINAL FLASH!! Cover, but Slapjack is in the ropes! Riddle drags Slapjack over, covers, TWO! Slapjack survives and Ali shouts that Ali deserves to be champion! Ali wants Slapjack to show Riddle he isn’t worthy! Riddle lifts, Slapjack slips out of the bomb and KICKS Riddle down! Cover, TWO!! Ali is furious, Slapjack drags Riddle back up, but Riddle slips out of the “Snap Back” to gator roll and ripcord FINAL FLASH!! Gut wrench and BRO DEREK! Cover, Riddle wins!!
Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall
Ali is losing his cool at Slapjack losing this match! The Bro is ready, will he be the one shutting down Retribution?
Shane finishes up a phone call backstage.
Pearce then walks in and they talk about the crazy night so far. Between them, is there something Shane wanted to say to Braun? Wow, Shane had no idea everyone was so nosy. Pearce apologizes and says it’s none of his business. Shane thinks that there is something he wants to say to Braun after all. Shane has Pearce go inform Braun to meet him back in the ring, but what is it Shane O’Mac will say to the Monster Among Men?
Raw returns with Shane in the ring.
And as he waits, BRAAAUN makes his return. Braun wants to know what Shane has to say but Shane says he needs a new mic, this one is getting glitchy. Mic check. yes, much better. But Shane is walking around the outside of the ring. Shane says he should get something off his chest and say things face to face. But Shane is slowly backing up. Shane says Braun doesn’t like what’s going on lately and that caused Shane to do some introspection. Did Shane have fun last week? Of course! Shane has fun, relaxes, all in good fun. But Braun should try that, too. Was it at someone else’s expense? Yes, Shane admits to that, but that’s okay. Shane isn’t the only one who thinks like this. There are many people who do! Braun isn’t one of them but that’s okay, too.
Shane sure seems nervous as he tells Braun that there is one thing they need to get done. He just isn’t sure he can talk to Braun about this. Then why did he ask Braun to come out?! Shane says he wants to talk with Braun about other people’s… Well, Shane’s point is that he needs to come to an understanding with Braun. One thing Braun needs to know is… Shane walks back to the ring, takes a few breaths, and Braun gets annoyed. Shane starts walking away as he says he would never, ever make Braun look stupid. Never. But that word “stupid” is an awful word. Braun is pacing and is upset, and frankly, Shane can tell that Braun is upset with him.
Stop playing games, Shane! What’re you doing, trying to puppet him around? Shane would never do that or say that to him, those are disgusting words. Shane would never dare make Braun feel that way. But there are some other words Braun can use, or has perhaps heard. “Stupid is as stupid does.” “You fell out of the stupid tree and hit all the branches on the way down.” Or just plain, “This guy is so darn stupid!” Shane says Braun is like a dinosaur, big body and little brain. BUT, Shane has never or nor would he ever call Braun stupid. Would he, “B-B-B-B-Braun?” Shane runs as Braun loses his cool! Braun has had it with Shane, will he #GetTheseHands on the boss man?
Shane is running and he has his car waiting for him! Braun is a few steps too late and the car peels out of the garage. Will Shane stay away to avoid Braun’s wrath? Wait! Shane didn’t leave in the car! He tricked Braun! And laughs at how “stupid” Braun is.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler VS Naomi & Lana!
After breaking nine tables over nine weeks with the Ravishing Russian’s body, the Irresistible Force felt a whole different kind of karma! And now, the #RavisishingGlow are going to turn it up and take the fight to Nia and the Queen of Spades! Will Lana & Naomi take those titles away from the most intimidating duo in the WWE today?
Raw returns as the champions make their entrance, with Reginald?! The introductions are made, and Nia wants us to hold on so Reggie gets a proper intro. He is a sommelier down on his luck after Carmella fired him and Sasha Banks rejected him. Lucky for Reggie, Nia knows her way around a fine glass of wine. He’s her special guest for this match, and isn’t he so cute? The champions go to the ring, the belts are raised, and teams sort out so that Naomi starts with Nia.
Naomi stomps Nia’s foot and throws forearms! Nia shoves Naomi, Lana tags in, and they both go after Nia! Nia blocks the double whip but they double wrench to DOUBLE KICK! Shayna tags in but Lana is right after her. Shayna powers Lana to an open corner and digs her shoulder in. Shayna grinds Lana’s face with forearms but lets off as the ref counts. Lana headscissors to ax kick, then BULLDOGS! Lana kicks Shayna, tags Naomi, then Naomi drops the SPLIT LEG DROP! Naomi RAMS Shayna into the corner, Lana tags back in, but Shayna WRISTLOCK SUPLEXES Naomi! Lana tilt-o-whirls, Naomi joins in, DOUBLE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO!
Lana keeps Nia at bay then waistlocks Shayna. Shayna throws Lana off and out of the ring hard, and Nia is there. Shayna goes out, Lana sees she’s cornered, but Naomi warns her to move! Lana does, and Naomi hits a TORNILL PLANCHA! The champs go down, the challengers are fired up, and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Lana fires off kicks on Shayna! Lana runs but into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Shayna keeps close, and keylocks Lana’s arm. Shayna twists the elbow but Lana fights her way up. Lana hits a jawbreaker and is free, but Shayna just comes back again! Lana throws forearms, reaches for Naomi, but Shayna pushes her away to DECK Naomi! Lana KICKS Shayna, Naomi gets back up, and gets the hot tag! Naomi dropkicks Shayna, Nia tags in but Naomi dodges! REARVIEW for Shayna, then a kick and a springboard ENZIGURI for Nia! Naomi lights Nia up with kicks and another enziguri! Naomi dropkicks the legs out, then SPIKES her with a Rana! Cover, Shayna drags her off!
The ref reprimands Shayna, Naomi elbows her and ROUNDHOUSES Nia! Nia runs in, Naomi sends her into Shayna Naomi runs but Reggie takes a swipe! Lana points that out and Naomi tags her in. Naomi goes out to get Reggie’s hair! Lana ROUNDHOUSES Nia, then baseball slides Reggie! But Nia runs and CLOBBERS them both! Naomi is down, Nia brings Lana up, for the CHOKE BOMB! Cover, Nia & Shayna win!
Winners: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Nia carries Reggie away since he did come in handy. Will he be the insurance plan that keeps the gold with Nia and Shayna all the way through WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Randy Orton.
Clearly he didn’t appreciate what AJ Styles has said, but there are rumors of concern for his well-being. Is Orton supposed to understand there are friends in the locker room? To think so many people were concerned for him. It’s surprisingly, really, as no one has ever said it. It’s almost like Styles thinks the Fiend and Alexa are as problematic for him as they are for Orton. But the only thing Styles has to worry about is being in the ring with Orton and being reintroduced to the most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Backstage interview with Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke.
As we head closer to WrestleMania, have they considered their chances for a title opportunity? Of course they have. Unlike Charlotte Flair in the ring last week, Mandy and Dana haven’t outright declared anything, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less serious. They’ve both worked their butts off, so they shouldn’t be overlooked as a team or as singles competitors. They’re just as ambitious as any other woman on this roster. Speaking of, Charlotte walks in and says they’re right. Charlotte wants to be challenged and wants to challenge for the title.
But Dana says any one of these three could leave it all in the ring at WrestleMania. Charlotte hopes they do. They have five weeks left, so hopefully their bite is as strong as their bark. The Queen has issued a challenge to those wanting to take her shot at the Raw Women’s Championship away, who will step up to it?
Another backstage interview with AJ Styles & Omos.
Surely they heard Orton’s response from earlier, does Styles regret his comments from before? Styles isn’t sure about regret, but he didn’t expect Orton to challenge him to a match. However, that all just proves Styles right. Orton’s going crazy! Styles isn’t to blame for Orton’s brain getting twisted, that’s on Bray Wyatt. Or is it The Fiend? Or Alexa? Who knows. But taking his frustrations out on Styles isn’t how Orton should handle things. That’ll just hurt Orton in the long run, Orton should focus on The Fiend. So Orton will tie up his problems with a nice bow and a big L O S S, and take that into WrestleMania. What are the voices in Orton’s head saying about that? Styles and Omos chuckle then head to the ring!
AJ Styles w/ Omos VS Randy Orton!
The Phenomenal One VS The Viper is guaranteed WrestleMania worthy, because this happened back at WrestleMania 35! But will history repeat itself in phenomenal fashion? Or will a haunted Orton be an even more dangerous Orton than ever before?
Raw returns and Orton makes his entrance. The bell rings and Orton circles with Styles and they tie right up. Orton puts Styles in a corner, the ref wants him to back off but Orton gets a haymaker in! Orton throws more hands and Styles is reeling! Orton bumps Styles off buckle then drag shim around to STOMP the hand! And again! Styles crawls, Orton brings him up to bump off more buckles. Orton DECKS Styles with a EuroUpper! Styles flounders up, but escapes the RKO and bails out! Orton waits on Styles as the ring count climbs, but then goes out at 4 of 10. Orton stalks Styles but Styles hurries back in. Styles stomps Orton as he returns and goes after the arms.
Styles catches his breath, whips Orton to ropes but Orton reverses to elbow Styles down hard! Omos is upset as Orton wrenches Styles to a wristlock then KICKS Styles in the ribs! Orton scrapes his laces off Styles’ face! Orton glances to Omos before he stomps Styles again. Styles bails out but Orton pursues, and they approach commentary. Omos glares but can only watch as Orton back suplexes Styles on the announce desk! The ref starts a ring count, Orton stares down with Omos, but he brings Styles up to put in the ring. Orton gets up but Styles knock shim off the apron! Styles slingshots to forearm Orton down! The Viper is at Omos’ feet as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Styles is stomping a mudhole into Orton! Styles lets off and brings Orton up to RAM into him over and over! Styles whips corner to corner, runs in but blocks Orton’s boot! Styles puts the leg on the ropes to KICK it, then he stomps Orton down! The ref backs Styles off, he drags Orton by the leg to DDT the foot! Orton hobbles and flounders, Styles gets the leg and wraps it around the rope for a toehold! The ref counts, Styles lets off at 4, to then straddle attack the leg! Omos is smiling now as Styles drags Orton up by his nose. Styles goes after the leg but Orton throws haymakers. Styles ROCKS Orton back, then backs off as the ref checks Orton.
Orton is okay to continue, so Styles brings Orton up, bumps him off buckles and then claws at his face! The ref reprimands and counts, Styles stops, and Orton kicks back! Orton hobbles after Styles but Styles ENZIGURIS! Orton wobbles, falls over, and Styles sneers as he looms over Orton. Styles drags Orton up by his ear, brings him into a chinlock and squeezes tight like a sleeper hold! Orton endures, reaches for ropes but Styles elbows that shoulder. Orton keeps reaching, Styles elbows the shoulder again. Styles brings Orton away from ropes but Orton gets around to get the ropebreak, but just for a second! Styles brings Orton away again, Orton turns red, but Orton powers Styles into a corner!
The ref counts, Styles lets go and Orton elbows him! Orton catches his breath but Styles throws hands. Orton counter punches, backs Styles down with haymakers, then whips. Styles reverses, Orton kicks but that’s blocked! Styles spins Orton but Orton CLOBBERS Styles! Both men are down, stirring, and Styles rolls while Orton rises. Styles runs in into a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Orton keeps his cool while he gets to his feet. Orton drags Styles up and reels him in, but Styles slips out of the suplex to kick and CHOP! Styles whips, Orton reverses, back2backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Styles survives, has some blood in the mouth, but Orton is right on him.
Orton punches Styles to the corner, hoists him up top, then throws more haymakers. Orton climbs, glares at Omos and brings Styles up, but Styles fights back! Styles hops down, and trips Orton up! Orton hits buckles on the way down, and Styles slingshots in, but Orton trips that up! Styles falls to the apron and Orton drags him through ropes. But Styles escapes the drape to hook a leg and roll Orton! Orton blocks the Calf Crusher by sitting up, but Styles pulls harder on the leg! Styles completes the CALF CRUSHER!! Orton writhes and endures, reaches out for ropes, but Styles pulls back even harder! Orton moves around, claws over, but Styles drags him away! Orton BOOTS Styles off!
Styles staggers back over, into a EuroUpper! Styles stumbles to the apron, Orton brings him up and in, blows a kiss to Omos before the DRAPING DDT! Styles mocked them, but Orton is hearing those voices in his head! But Omos drags Styles out of the ring to save him! “Oh Randyyy~!” Alexa talks from the titantron! She plays with the jack-in-the-box again and… “Not yet.” Alexa has a box of matches and lights one! She blows it out, and FIRE erupts from the corners!! Orton is startled, and then he spits up the black ink!! Orton doesn’t know what’s going on, but he turns around into a PHENOMENAL FOREARM! Cover, Styles wins!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
The Viper’s venom is coming back to haunt him, and that costs him against Styles! Orton sputters and Alexa laughs, has the “fun” only just begun?
My Thoughts:
This was a pretty good Raw, but sure seemed like they had to stretch stuff and throw things out there to fill three hours. For one, the stuff with Shane and Braun. I get that Shane is turning Heel by trolling Braun, who in comparison is turning Face, but while the quick, disingenuous apology was good, and then they tease Shane wanting to say more, it felt so awkward for Shane to ask Braun out to the ring, and then just stretch his subtle insults on Braun. I honestly thought Shane was just delaying so that someone could attack Braun, but then it became just awkward. This is of course leading to Shane VS Braun at Mania, I already feel like Shane gets manhandled the entire time until someone helps him cheat and win.
We got a surprise rematch for Lashley VS Miz, which I guess means the “no more automatic rematches” is no longer a thing, despite how adamant “management” was years ago. Lashley of course wins again, but then we get no celebration from The Hurt Business, which was what was advertised! False advertising, Vince!! Though, I suppose McIntyre couldn’t crash the party when he and Sheamus were beating the hell out of each other. That was a really good match, though they really didn’t get that into the No Disqualification. A kendo stick and a chair were the main two weapons, but that was a very creative end with the steel chair ram’s head collision and a referee stoppage. I am thinking these two battle again at Fastlane, maybe Last Man Standing, winner challenges Lashley at Mania.
Turns out I was right about New Day coming back for the Raw Tag Team Championships. For a moment I thought we were going to get a double header, with Kofi VS Cedric happening right after Woods VS Benjamin. Yes, we did see that before, but that should’ve been a reason to do it again, mostly so Kofi could use “GET OVER HERE!” during the match. Maybe that’ll happen next week in the title match. Riddle VS Slapjack was good and Ali’s rage just keeps indicating that he’s getting kicked out of his own group when he for whatever reason loses against Riddle. Both the tag and US title matches are going to make next week’s Raw pretty big.
Speaking of, a bit surprised we got the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships tonight. I thought WWE was building to something big but then the match happened here just because Nia needed to bring Reggie with her. And then Reggie ended up being why the champions won, so between Pearce on NXT last week and Reggie here, the champions are starting to fall apart. Despite what is out there online, I hope NXT’s announcement isn’t that NXT is just getting their own tag titles, even if they have way more women and women tag teams than Raw & SmackDown. But in the end, it might be the only way to again show Vince how it’s done.
Charlotte had a decent promo segment with Dana & Mandy. While Asuka is still shoot getting over the tooth getting kicked out of her mouth, I hope we get a good couple of contenders matches with Mandy, Dana and Charlotte in some combination, maybe even throw Peyton Royce in there somewhere since she can’t tag with Lacey Evans right now. Maybe Fastlane is where THE #1 contender’s match happens, and it’ll surely be Charlotte, so that she and Asuka can battle at Mania as a full rematch from when Charlotte ended Asuka’s undefeated streak. That’d be the best for both of them, and best overall if Asuka won.
Orton VS Styles and everything leading to it tonight was pretty good, too. Styles mocking the supernatural aspects of Orton’s story make me hope Styles ends up being the next target for The Fiend after this story with Orton wraps. And naturally, Alexa is why Orton lost here, with the great tease of the jack-in-the-box and then making Orton spit up the black goo. I almost made a joke about Kane showing up because of the pyro from the posts. I’m very intrigued what the jack-in-the-box itself looks like when it finally pops out. Maybe it’ll be a snake because Orton is the Viper.
My Score: 8.1/10
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The Hollywood A-Lister’s got his own nightmare before Christmas!
Christmas is just a few days away, but things aren’t merry and bright for Raw! The Miz must face his fears as he faces Dexter Lumis 1v1!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Natalya VS Alba Fyre VS Iyo Sky; Iyo wins and advances to the next round.
- Chad Gable w/ Team American Made VS Akira Tozawa w/ The Alpha Academy; Gable wins.
- Dominik Mysterio VS Damian Priest; Damian Priest wins, by disqualification.
- The Miz VS Dexter Lumis; Lumis wins, by disqualification.
- Sami Zayn VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre walks to gorilla.
The Scottish Terminator makes his way through the curtain and to the stage, and the fans have a mixed reaction as he goes to the ring. McIntyre grabs a mic, and he says, “After Hell in a Cell, I’ve never been so beat up in my entire life. 16 staples in my head, my back almost broken from landing on the steel steps. And I went home to Scotland. The reason I went home, and I haven’t really talked about it publicly, is because a very close family member passed away. Some people probably feeling sympathy right now. Some guys in the back are probably talking to each other, saying, ‘I didn’t know.’ Maybe if you cared enough, you would’ve asked.
“Over these past two months, guess how many people phoned me to check. Not how I was doing mentally but how I was doing physically after Hell in a Cell. ONE PERSON! These past 17 years, I’ve been led to believe we’re all a big happy family in the back. We’re brothers and sisters, we travel the world together, we spend more time with each other than with our actual families, but it’s all BS! My brother, John, in Scotland wouldn’t stab me in the back to take my spot, but people like Jimmy, Jey and Sami 100% would.” The fans boo that, then chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” McIntyre says that proves his point.
After watching everything The Bloodline did, Jey says he is a changed man. He does a cute hand sign, he says a made-up word, and the fans just forget about it and move on. That’s the other thing McIntyre realized: He has given and given and given all this time, and the fans turned on him for a guy who was gone for years and has told the WWE fans to go screw themselves! McIntyre was fighting for the fans, he thought they believed in him, so he believed in the fans! McIntyre bled out in the cell, and while he was gone, the fans instantly forgot him! The fans boo, that’s not true! But McIntyre says from now on, he gives no more for anybody!
McIntyre will take and take and he will tell the truth! The real villains are Roman Reigns and CM Punk! And if you choose to prop them up, as he already said, Jey, Jimmy & Sami, the things Roman did to you… Roman took a vacation, then simply snapped his fingers and they were by his side again! McIntyre suggests everyone who ever wronged McIntyre should sleep with one eye open. But wait, here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer and sing for Sami but Sami says hey, McIntyre is angry, he doesn’t have to believe Sami in place of believing everyone has ulterior motives. Sami doesn’t blame him.
But personally, man to man, Sami did not know what happened with McIntyre’s family. They figured he was recovering from one of the most vicious matches of all time. Sami thought that, all the guys ‘n’ girls in the back thought, and that’s all the fans thought. Believe that or not, fine, but Sami wants to level with McIntyre. Talk about 17 years, Sami has 22 years in this game. Sami’s been through what McIntyre’s been through. Sami’s had losses. Trust him. He has had losses he had to put on the side and go to work that week. The same sacrifices, from birthdays to weddings to funerals that he should’ve been at? Sami’s done it all.
Sami has put unnecessary stress on his wife, on his kid, and why? Because this is the life that they both chose! They are WWE SUPERSTARS! The fans cheer that! And as such, they are LUCKY to be WWE Superstars! And you think this is just your story or Sami’s story? Y’know who else has stories like this? Every single person sitting in the stands. Every single person at home! The kids who struggle at school, the adults who struggle at work, who struggle economically, physically, and they have their losses and sacrifices, but they still get up every day to do what they gotta do to soldier on, without pointing a finger at everyone else!
The fans fire up for that passion. Sami says McIntyre dares pointing a finger at the fans for forgetting him?! They didn’t forget, brother! They MADE McIntyre! And McIntyre still thinks the world revolves around him just because once upon a time, someone told him he was “The Chosen One.” But newsflash, just because you’re mad doesn’t make you special. And now McIntyre thinks everyone else is somehow tied to him? What Jimmy does has nothing to do with McIntyre. What Jey does has nothing to do with McIntyre! What SAMI does has nothing to do with McIntyre!
But McIntyre, if you want to still walk around all angry and pointing fingers at the fans, at Sami, at Jey, at Jimmy, at Punk, at Roman, and still be mad about The Bloodline, fine. No one is stopping McIntyre. But Sami has no problem being McIntyre’s problem and facing him in this ring right now! McIntyre says if Sami wants to know the truth… IT isn’t just anger. McIntyre’s anger comes from pain, and he doesn’t doubt what Sami just said. There was so much truth and passion, but it’s never the whole truth, is it? Sami has a way of spinning things. Because Sami can fly back home every week to his family. McIntyre is halfway across the world from his!
And no one here in Boston ever leaves Boston, they’re with their families 24/7! McIntyre doesn’t have that luxury! The fans boo that veiled insult, but McIntyre says he will remain calm and ask Sami why he wants this fight. They both know the result, we saw it time and time again, Sami has NEVER beaten McIntyre. So McIntyre suggests, given Sami isn’t 100%, and Sami’s wife and kid are here tonight… Sami should just walk back there, take their hands, and leave this arena. Of all those in the Bloodline, Sami is the least of McIntyre’s worries.
Sami says McIntyre is right about a couple things. When it comes to win-loss records, McIntyre has Sami’s number. And Sami is not 100%. Haven’t been since Saturday Night’s Main Event. And yes, the smart thing would be to just go home, celebrate and get healthy over the holidays. But Sami would so much rather do this. Sami fires hands! The fans fire up but McIntyre shoves Sami away. McIntyre swings, but gets caught! Sami lifts but McIntyre fights free, then GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! McIntyre takes aim, but here comes JEY USO! The fans fire up as Jey runs down the ramp, slides in, and then dodges McIntyre to SUPERKICK!
The fans fire up as Jey & Sami DOUBLE LARIAT McIntyre up and outta the ring! The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” with Jey & Sami Uso! Will the Scottish Terminator’s mission be ended when Sami and/or Jey shut him down?
Adam Pearce is met by Pure Fusion Collective.
The Raw General Manager asks Sonya Deville what he can do for her and she says not much. She knows how stressful this job can be since she once had it. She’s just here to make things easier. And how’s that? Well, Kairi Sane is not cleared to compete, there is an opening in the tournament, and Sonya wants it. Oh, is that so? Y’know, Sonya, that is a terrible idea. They caused this scenario so he’s just gonna reward them? Are they outta their minds? And zip it! Plus, he already filled that vacancy with Iyo Sky. Happy Holidays! PFC is upset by that since Iyo just lost to Liv Morgan, but will there be nothing to stop the Evil Genius now?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Natalya VS Alba Fyre VS Iyo Sky!
Just as Pearce said, PFC taking out the Pirate Princess will not mean they get away with murder! The Queen of Harts and the Fire Keeper must now figure out how to handle this change to the program. Will Iyo redeem herself for losing Saturday Night’s Main Event by moving on to the next round?
Raw returns and Alba makes her entrance, Isla Dawn seeing her to the ramp, and then Natalya makes her entrance. The bell rings and Alba kicks Natty then ELBOWS Iyo! Alba whips but Natty reverses and Alba tumbles out of the ring! Iyo rolls Natty, TWO! Iyo whips, Natty dodges in the corner and gets Iyo up! REBOUND SIT-DOWN, and then Natty steps on Iyo, only for Alba to trip Natty up! Alba brings Natty out to send into steel steps! But then Iyo DIVES onto Alba! The fans fire up with Iyo and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Natty brawls with Abla. Alba knees low, but Iyo CROSBODIES them both down! The fans fire up and Iyo SHOTEIS Alba! And SHOTEIS her again! And then DROPKICKS her down! Iyo brings Alba around, whips, but Alba reverses. Iyo goes up and out, then blocks a shot to ROCK Alba! The fans fire up, Iyo spirnboards, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Iyo handsprings up and the fans fire up again! Iyo gets the fans going, but Alba wrenches and facelocks, TORNADO DDT! Alba gets Iyo up again to GOURD BUSTER her onto Natty! Alba then rearranges them into the drop zone!
Alba goes up, the fans are torn, but Alba grins as she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover on Iyo, TWO! Cover on Natty, TWO! But into a KOJI KLUTCH! Natty endures, flails, fights around, but Alba holds on tight! Natty pushes, stacks Alba, TWO!! Natty has the legs! Alba flails now, but Iyo runs up! Natty trips Iyo onto Alba, and she has them both! Natty turns them both over, DOUBLE SHARPSHOOTER!! Iyo and Alba both flail, both claw at the mat, and Alba gets the ROPEBREAK! No disqualifications so Natty can hold on! But now Iyo drags herself under the ropes, and there’s no room left, so Natty has to let go!
Natty rises up and she stalks Iyo to the apron. Natty drags Iyo up but Iyo HOTSHOTS Natty! Natty staggers, rebounds, but Iyo jumps the baseball slide! Natty hits Alba down, and then Iyo PENALTY KICKS Natty! Iyo fires up and springboards, ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit on both targets and the fans fire up! Iyo hurries to get Natty up and into the ring, then she drags Natty into the drop zone. Iyo climbs, but Alba CLUBS Iyo first! Alba snarls as she climbs up, but Iyo holds onto ropes! Natty CLUBS Alba and she adds on! SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX on Alba! But Iyo stays up top to go OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Iyo wins!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)
The Genius of the Sky moves on, ready to fly against The Morrigan! Will Iyo be able to get past Lyra Valkyria and head for the title?
Judgment Day sulks in the clubhouse.
Finn Balor tells JD McDonagh that he can’t believe this. This was supposed to be a Merry Christmas, Finn was supposed to be celebrating with two titles, and now he has none! Liv Morgan tells Raquel Rodriguez to tell Finn that the reason she suggested he stay away from Damian Priest is because she knew this would happen. Raquel starts to relay the message, but Finn has JD tell Liv that she’s got her own problems to worry about and to stay off his back. But then Liv tells Raquel to tell Finn that the reason she’s “on his back” is because he lost the tag titles. JD, tell Liv that Christmas is-
Dominik speaks up to stop the arguing. Christmas IS around the corner, and now they’re not even talking to each other? Dom says he’s gonna go talk with Pearce and get a match with Priest! Dom’s gonna step up for this family. Oh, Dom thinks he’s better than Finn? No, it’s not even like that. Dom has a plan. He’ll talk with Pearce then fill everyone in later. Dom heads out, JD prays for one week of no drama while it’s Christmas. Will Dirty Dom make sure The Punisher pays for screwing Finn & JD over? Or will Priest be given the gift of sending Dom South of Heaven?
Sami and Jey regroup backstage.
Sami can’t believe Jey didn’t text or call about the comeback. Jey says, “My bad.” But Sami says it’s fine, he’s happy Jey is back. And thanks for having his back out there tonight and every night, Sami appreciates Jey. Jey thanks Sami for that, and says you know he had to come back for payback. Jey is gonna handle business! Actually, Sami was kinda hoping he could handle McIntyre. Sami talked a big game, he’s gotta back it up. But Sami, you’re not even 100% tonight. Sami knows, but he started something so he has to finish it. Jey says alright. He’s got next! They secret handshake and Jey wishes Sami luck. Will Sami finally get a win on McIntyre in a Christmas miracle?
Chad Gable w/ Team American Made VS Akira Tozawa w/ The Alpha Academy!
As “Master” Gable said last week, it was about time he settled things with his past. Will Gable prove to the world that he was always the reason the Alpha Academy was relevant? Or will he find out he can’t keep up with the Stamina Monster?
Raw returns and the #AlphaBabes make their entrance, showing off that new merch while they’re at it. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Tozawa and Gable tie up, Gable wrenches and talks trash right to Tozawa’s face! Gable CHOPS Tozawa down, stands him up, CHOPS him down again, repeat! Gable whips and CLOBBERS Tozawa, then raises the fist. The fans boo more but Gable talks smack on Otis. Gable drags Tozawa up, suplexes, but Tozawa slips free! Tozawa SOBATS, spins, slides under, and SPIN KCIKS! Gable goes to a corner and Tozawa puts him up! But Gable gets Tozawa for a HANGING ARMBAR!
Otis protests, the ref counts, and Gable lets off at 4. Gable says he didn’t break a rule, and Otis never learns. Gable SLAPS Otis, slides into the ring, but Tozawa victory rolls! TWO, but Tozawa SUPERKICKS Gable down! Tozawa rips the shirt off, goes up top, and SUPER SENTRONS onto knees! Gable saves himself and hauls Tozawa up to GERMAN SUPELX! And then GERMAN SUPLEX again! Gable GERMAN SUPLEXES again! But he isn’t done, Gable spins Tozawa around, and POWERBOMBS him! ANKLE LOCK!! Tozawa flails but he’s so far from the ropes! Tozawa TAPS, Gable wins!
Winner: Chad Gable, by submission
But Gable won’t let go! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Gable just drops into a GRAPEVINE! So Otis storms in and he drags Gable off the leg! Otis TOSSES Gable! The fans are thunderous, but Team American Made steps up to support Gable. Gable says Otis never learns! But Otis’ hips are moving! He’s shaking, quaking, and the fans fire up, but American Made backs off. Will Gable finally fight Otis and put this beef to rest?
The New Day talks backstage.
They still don’t understand how everyone here doesn’t see things their way. But then Dirty Dom walks over, clapping with “New! Day Rocks!” Finally, someone who understands! Dom says he never liked Big E, but uh, no, what they did was crazy. Well, whatever, Broke Ass Tom Selleck! Dom says Tom Selleck wishes! Dirty Dom heads for gorilla, ready to fight for the Judgment Day. But will Dom go from “Broke Ass Tom Selleck” to just broken?
Dominik Mysterio VS Damian Priest!
Judgment Day’s history has always been a rocky one, but it has never been rockier than right now. Betraying Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest probably has a lot to do with it, but will Dom be able to smooth things over by taking Damian down? Or will Priest finally beat some sense into #LatinoCheat?
The bell rings and Dom bails right out! Dom dares Priest to come get him, but Priest says Dom needs to get back in the ring. Priest will even give him a free shot! Dom storms up to the apron, steps in, and takes that swing, but Priest blocks it! Then Priest BELL CLAPS Dom, DECKS him, then DECKS him again! Dom staggers around, Priest picks him up to SLAM DUNK! Dom staggers back up, into a torture rack! Priest bends Dom with the Argentine Backbreaker! Priest then THROWS Dom down and the fans fire up. Priest paces around, powers up his arm, and Dom rises. The fans rally and Priest runs, but Dom ducks a lariat!
Dom kicks, CLUBS and KICKS again! SUPERKICK! Then DROPKCIK! Priest staggers but Dom hurries to stalk behind him. Priest sits up first and glares at Dom. Dom panics, but he DUMPS Priest out! Dom builds speed to DIVE, but into Priest’s hands! FLATLINER onto the desk! The fans fire up and Priest drags Dom up to then POST him! Dom falls in a heap, but Priest puts Dom in the ring. Priest then notices a very suspicious Santa Claus. Priest snatches the beard away, and tada! It’s JD! Priest TOSSES JD and the fans cheer! JD wants mercy but Priest SLIDES him across the desk! The fans fire up as Wade narrowly avoids getting hit!
Priest then has a Spider Sense moment, and he looks under the ring! Carlito spits out his apple in surprise! Priest drags Carlito up and TOSSES him into the timekeeper’s area! But then Finn attacks!
Winner: Damian Priest, by disqualification
Finn fires hands, but Priest blocks the desk bump! Priest body shots and SMACKS Finn off the desk! And again, and again! Priest puts Finn in the ring, Dom runs up, but Priest DECKS him! Priest fires more hands on Finn, but the Judgment Day regroups! They mug Priest 4v1 as usual, and JD even drops elbows! The fans boo but the Judgment Day stand Priest up. WAIT! Here comes the War Raiders! Erik & Ivar fire hands on Dom & Carlito, and Priest TOSSES JD! Finn realizes he’s alone, and Priest SUPERKICKS him down! Priest stomps a mudhole into Finn, the Raiders put Carlito and Dom in the ring!
Ivar KNEES Carlito, then feeds him to Erik’s KNEE! The fans cheer, JD gets up, but Priest LARIATS him inside-out! Dom is fed to the WAR MACHINE!! Finn staggers up, but Priest grabs him! And Finn goes SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! The Judgment Day just got further embarrassed, and that’s not even considering JD’s Santa costume. Will the War Raiders be some unlikely allies for Priest in this ongoing war with the Judgment Day?
Sit-down interview with Seth Rollins.
Jackie Redmond thanks The Visionary for taking this time to talk with her, and he says it is his pleasure. Jackie talked with CM Punk and heard what he had to say, what Punk believes, when it comes to Rollins’ hatred for Punk. And we have heard from Rollins, as well, but Jackie’s still just curious. What is the root cause, the driving force, of this disdain he clearly feels for CM Punk? Rollins says the thing is, he has tried to explain how he feels many times over the years, and it sort of… Well, he won’t say he’s talking into the wind, but Rollins just feels Punk has needed the WWE more than the WWE needed him.
And so that hypocrisy from Punk is what just eats at Rollins. It is hard for Rollins to let that go. Jackie mentions how Rollins has talked about getting rid of it by “cutting it out” and fighting through it, and how this fight with Punk has to happen as a catharsis. What does “cutting” Punk out look like? What should we expect from, not even so much a match, that doesn’t feel like the right word now. Rollins says it’ll be fight. That’s what we’re getting, no question. It is the biggest fight in their sport right now, and Rollins needs it now. After Survivor Series, seeing Punk hand-in-hand with Roman Reigns… Roman’s finger in the air, Punk doing the stupid Go To Sleep thing…
Rollins just wanted to throw the remote through his TV, he was so viscerally, internally destroyed. Rollins felt that was it, no more waiting. The world needs to see it. This is perfect. The Netflix debut, the world will be watching. But to answer the question, he doesn’t know what it’ll look like. You might see a side of Rollins that no one’s ever seen. No pun intended, it will be raw, visceral, violent. Rollins needs to exorcise this demon from his soul, he has to cut the cancer out of his brain, or he is going down. Then the only way to process the betrayal is to go through a fight, and we get that on January 6th, Raw in LA for Netflix.
Jackie thanks Rollins for the time and his honesty. Rollins says yeah, he can’t wait. Will Rollins truly #BurnItDown when it comes to fight CM Punk?
The Miz VS Dexter Lumis!
The Hollywood A-Lister has his own history with the man now turned buzzard, and things are only worse now that this is about the Final Testament and the Wyatt Sick6. Will Miz manage to bury the past once and for all? Or will he get no mercy from Lumis?
Raw returns as Miz waits. A message flashes, “I OPENED THE DOOR,” and then the lights go down. And from that mysterious door to the other side, out steps Lumis. He takes off the Mercy the Buzzard mask, then rushes the ring! Miz scrambles right out as Lumis slithers along the mat! The fans cheer Lumis on while Miz tentatively returns to the ring. The bell rings, Miz wants Lumis to hold on, but Lumis swings hands! Miz bobs ‘n’ weaves, then throws a punch! Lumis just glares at Miz! Miz runs away, Lumis gives chase, and they go around the outside, then back inside! Lumis drags Miz out of the ring to ROCK him!
Miz staggers, Lumis THROWS him into barriers! The fans cheer, Lumis ROCKS Miz again, and then Lumis SMACKS Miz off the apron! Lumis pushes Miz into the ring, Miz bails out, but Lumis goes out to the apron. CANNONBALL! The fans fire up and Lumis brings Miz up. Lumis CLUBS Miz, stalks him, then puts him in the ring. Miz again asks for mercy, but then he tries a cheap kick! Lumis blocks and UPPERCUTS! Lumis scoops, Miz slips free and Miz BOOTS Lumis! Miz runs, but into a THESZ PRESS! Lumis rains down fast hands, then runs to AX HANDLE! The fans fire up and Lumis brings Miz up.
Miz breaks free to throat chop! The ref reprimands but Miz runs, only for Lumis to catch him! URENAGE! Lumis storms around, then goes looks to the corner. Lumis climbs, but wait, the Authors of Pain are here! So Lumis CANNONBALLS onto them! The fans fire up but Kross attacks!
Winner: Dexter Lumis, by disqualification
The Final Testament beats Lumis up and puts him in the ring. Miz stands, confident now that he has reinforcements. Kross says they’ve got Lumis where they want him, but Lumis looks to the sky. Seems it’s the other way around! The lights go down, and when they come up, the rest of the Wyatts are here! They brawl with Final Testament and then send them running! Nikki wants uppies, and Erik Rowan pops her up to POWERBOMB her out onto The Final Testament! Nikki is all fired up as the Wyatts stand together! Will The Final Testament be the one buried and forgotten after all is said and done?
The War Raiders regroup backstage.
Erik & Ivar are fired up after getting the better of Judgment Day, and then Priest walks in. He says what’s up, and they give him some pushes and shoves of excitement. Priest says okay, okay, settle down. But that was good, and he appreciates the save. Ivar says hey, they’ve all known each other a long time. And while they haven’t always seen eye to eye, there has always been honor here. They may not be friends, but Priest had their backs in a big way last week and they don’t forget that. They owed him, they got him. Priest respects that. If the War Raiders are at war with the Judgment Day, then he’ll go to war with them.
They all fist bump, and Erik & Ivar say they like the sound of that. Could these three finally tear down Judgment Day once and for all?
The zero symbol returns…
And now it’s joined by a pentagram? What could these clues be leading to?
The New Day barges out to ringside.
And Kofi Kingston tells Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett on commentary that no no no no! You do not get to speak about them like that! Woods asks what is going on around here? What happened to unbiased journalism? How long has Tessitore even been with the WWE? Not that long, right? Certainly not long enough to know that his job is not to have an opinion but to tell the TRUTH like they have! But it seems in 2024, no one wants the truth! Certainly not these fans. Wade was sympathizing with E as well! Well that’s fine, because Wade and Big E have something in common. They’re not man enough to lace up their boots again and get in the ring!
The fans boo now but Kofi says speaking of getting back int he ring, allow the New Day to do that and continue to tell everyone what they were trying to tell people before. They did NOT put hands on Big E. They could have, laid him out here in the ring, stretchered out of the building again, but they didn’t! So why is everyone so upset!? The fans keep booing but Kofi says this was supposed to be a homecoming for Kofi, and for the woman he bought a plane ticket for to come all the way here to Boston from Ghana, and that is Kofi’s mom! Kofi’s mom is in the front row! Miss Elizabeth Kingston is here, but she doesn’t seem very amused.
Kofi says his mom sat in the middle seat for 20 HOURS, just to see Kofi, and the fans are ruining her experience! This is his mother! The woman who taught him how to be the man that he is today! She does not deserve to see her son get booed out of his own hometown! Woods says they gave the fans ten of the best years of their LIVES…! Kofi steps back outside to apologize to his mom for the fans. She does not deserve this. Kofi doesn’t understand why they’re doing this. Kofi wants a hug. Miss Elizabeth stands up, but she pushes Kofi! She’s upset with HIM, not the fans! Miss Elizabeth takes her coat and leaves! Kofi is confused, what’s this about?
Kofi calls after his mom but she tunes him out. Though, it might be hard to hear over the fans. Will it ever get through to the New Day that they are in the wrong?
The New Day regroups backstage.
And then they cross paths with Rey Mysterio. Woods asks if he’s gonna pile on. Rey says no, it’s not like that. Rey thought about what they said last week, being a locker room leader and all. Rey definitely could’ve handled things better, so he’ll apologize to them. Rey just has the responsibility to help everyone as much as he can. So hey, what New Day did was out of pocket, all foul. And if they want to start fixing things, they can start by apologizing. Whoa, hold up. Them? Apologize to Rey and the locker room? No, they aren’t apologizing, because they didn’t do anything wrong! This is ridiculous!
Rey is just as bad as Big E and everyone else! Why not let Woods pop that mask off again so he can hear them better. New Day did nothing wrong. Rey says okay, fine, que pasa nada. Just don’t say he didn’t try. From this point on, New Day is on their own. And oh, get used to hearing this. “New! Day SUCKS!” With that, Rey takes his leave. After hearing that, will Kofi & Woods have anything but a Merry Christmas?
Sami Zayn VS Drew McIntyre!
The Honorary Uce may have just lost to the Scottish Terminator at Saturday Night’s Main Event, but he isn’t going to give up the fight. Will Sami finally get a win over McIntyre as a Christmas miracle? Or will McIntyre ruin the holidays with a Claymore?
Raw returns and Sami makes his entrance. The bell rings and McIntyre kicks low! McIntyre fires hands, then CHOPS Sami in a corner! McIntyre ROCKS Sami, stands him up, and then CHOPS again! The fans are torn but McIntyre paces while Sami sits down. Sami rises up, and he avoids a chop to fire hands! The fans fire up as Sami CHOPS and fires more punches! The ref backs Sami off, but Sami comes back to stomp and punch! The fans rally behind “SAMI USO!” and Sami whips Mcintyre corner to corner. McIntyre reverses, Sami goes up, but McIntyre KICKS him out of the air!
McIntyre snarls and then he deadlift suplexes Sami! Sami writhes and clutches his back, but McIntyre storms over to him. McIntyre STMOPS Sami’s hands! Then he ROCKS Sami with a right! Sami goes to ropes but McIntyre CHOPS him again! The fans “WOO~!” as that chop echoes out! The fans rally for Sami but McIntyre grins. McIntyre whips but Sami KICKS him in return! Mcintyre comes back but Sami TOSSES him out! The fans fire up and Sami builds speed, but then Mcintyre moves so Sami Arabian Presses to land back inside. Sami smiles as he gets the better of McIntyre, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Sami is in the corner. McIntyre storms up to stomp away on him again! The ref backs McIntyre off but then McIntyre storms back up. McIntyre drag’s Sami up to the apron, and he suplexes Sami up and into the ring! Sami flounders to the ropes and the ref checks him. Sami says he’s still in this, so McIntyre drags Sami back up. But Sami CHOPS McIntyre! And CHOSP! And fires forearms! Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for McIntyre to tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and McIntyre grows annoyed. The fans rally up but Sami writhes form all the damage.
McIntyre stalks Sami to the ropes, eggs him on, and then whips him to ropes. Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges again, and this time Sami tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Sami and McIntyre both rise up, and McIntyre bails out. Sami storms up to ropes, grits his teeth, and he PLANCHAS! But McIntyre catches him! And then he aims for the desk! Sami fights free, and he DRIBBLES McIntyre off the desk! Sami backs off as the ring count climbs, but Sami goes back for McIntyre. McIntyre stops the step bump to SMACK Sami off the steps! McIntyre refreshes the ring count because he wants to do more damage!
McIntyre stalks Sami up the steps, then lifts him for an APRON BACKBREAKER!! Sami falls and writhes, and McIntyre has a manic look on his face as he watches Sami suffer, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Mcintyre has Sami in the Inverted Alabama Lift! INVERTED ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! McIntyre escapes and runs up, but Sami dodges! McIntyre POSTS himself! The fans fire up as McIntyre flops back, and Sami hurries to the corner! Sami climbs, but his back slows him down! McIntyre ROCKS Sami first! And then CHOPS him! McIntyre climbs up after Sami, fires some shots, then fireman’s carries Sami! SUPER WHITE NOISE! A shoutout to Sheamus and McIntyre covers, TWO!! The fans fire up while McIntyre grows frustrated. Sami stirs but McIntyre watches him closely.
The fans rally and McIntyre drags Sami back up. But Sami cradle counters! TWO! McIntyre GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Sami falls and McIntyre snarls. McIntyre goes to a corner, and he takes aim at Sami. Here comes the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” But Sami LARIATS McIntyre! And then a clinch, EXPLODER into the corner! Sami goes to the other side and the fans fire up! Sami aims as McIntyre rises, but that back tightens up. Sami fights through the pain, gets running, but CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
That was perhaps the closest Sami’s come, but he was still so far away from victory over McIntyre. 3-0 in 2024, 10-0 overall, and McIntyre stands over Sami to rub it in. Sami is already dazed, but McIntyre rains down fists! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but McIntyre shoves the ref away to HAMMER Sami down! But here comes Jey, just like earlier tonight! Jey runs in, dodges again, and this time, SPEAR!! Jey has Mcintyre down, but now he goes up! But wait! TAMA TONGA SHOVES JEY OFF THE TOP!! Solo Sikoa & The Bloodline are here! McIntyre is just as surprised, but given the truce they called on Friday, McIntyre takes his leave.
The Bloodline beat down Sami & Jey, which McIntyre loves to see. Tama Tonga rains down fists on Main Event Jey in a corner, but the fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Instead, Jacob Fatu gets running! But Jey dodges the hip attack! SUPERKICK for Tama! Jey fires haymakers on Jacob! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Solo steps in to swing, but Jey dodges! Jey ROCKS Solo! Jacob SUPERKICKS Jey! The fans boo as the Samoan Werewolf gets all geeked up! Solo adds his SAMOAN SPIKE!! Solo throws off his jacket, sits Jey back up, but Sami gets in! Sami fires hands, but Tama TACKLES Sami! Tama beats Sami down and fans boo again.
Solo tells Tama to set Sami up, and Tama stomps Sami into the corner. Jacob runs in, to HIP ATTACK! Jacob isn’t done, he puts Sami in the drop zone to go up, up and BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The fans boo but Solo adds on another SAMOAN SPIKE!! Solo roars, then he and his Bloodline stand over the OGs. Jacob adorns Solo with the ula fala, will not even Roman Reigns be able to stop the “Undisputed” Tribal Chief? Will all of the WWE have no choice but to acknowledge Solo Sikoa?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here to build both the last Raw of 2024 and the first Raw of 2025, aka the Netflix debut. Rollins had a very good interview promo to add just a little more to things, but I feel like there’s little left that they need to say. Very good stuff with Judgment Day, such as the classic “X, can you tell Y…” gag from Finn and Liv. Dom thinking their plan to screw Priest over would work is hilarious, as was how it all fell apart. Priest gets the win from disqualification, but then great save from the War Raiders. Good promo from Priest and War Raiders, love the reference to ROH by saying “honor” there, and that’s a solid Six Man Tag right there.
Fun little bit from Pearce with Pure Fusion Collective, and of course Sonya thought she’d get a second chance, and of course Pearce uses real logic to say no way. Iyo Sky replacing Kairi Sane was announced last week on social media, so I guess Sonya didn’t check between shows. Great Triple Threat from Iyo, Alba and Natty, and of course Iyo won or else why put her in there? Iyo VS Lyra next round will be great stuff, as will Dakota Kai VS Zoey Stark, and whatever combination we get for the title match is going to be great. I don’t think we’ll get DMG CTRL VS DMG CTRL, so if Dakota wins, Iyo loses, and then vice-versa.
Great stuff with American Made and Alpha Academy, but of course Tozawa takes the loss. Otis standing up to Gable & The Creeds was a great moment, and I really hope we get Gable VS Otis for the big Netflix debut. Win or lose, Otis should definitely have a moment where he rallies through Gable and both Creeds, really get the crowd hot before the finish. Miz VS Lumis was good but could’ve been better. With only two hours, I guess they had to trim things down to the basics. Another disqualification finish tonight is a bit much, but I guess it keeps things going until we can come up with some kind of new 8 Man Tag, or even a really wild Mixed 10 Person match so Nikki and Scarlett can get involved legally.
Great stuff with New Day, from their interaction with Dom, then their “interrupting” the show to try and get their point across. It was great to have Mama Kingston there, and I just knew she would be disappointed in Kofi. Good promo with Rey, too, as Rey now leaves New Day out in the cold. I feel like we need a big tag team match to not only have Heel New Day show their stuff against like LWO, Alpha Academy, etcetera, and then they earn their way to a match with the War Raiders to revisit their feud, just with flipped Heel and Face dynamics. That could be some really good stuff as Raw on Netflix paves the road to WrestleMania 41.
And great stuff with McIntyre and the extended Bloodline. He and Sami had a great promo to again bring up family and sacrifice, but also how Roman’s OG Bloodline came back together without Roman ever changing a thing. Great brawls, great saves by Jey, and of course McIntyre won the match. Jey will of course get next, probably also for the Netflix debut, but good stuff with Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline showing up. They beat down Jey & Sami to send a message to Roman, who was obviously not going to be here tonight. There will surely be a response in part on SmackDown, but maybe more verbal than physical.
I feel like the “Transfer Window” will need to put all Bloodline members, old and new, on one brand so the story can be told all on one show. It’d just be easier while Jimmy’s foot is healing, because what can Roman do without backup against Solo, Tama & Jacob? And honestly, still waiting on when and where Hikuleo is going to show up. This is a good time to bring him in with Tonga Loa also hurt, so Solo can get the numbers edge on Roman again.
My Score: 8.8/10
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The Road to the Tokyo Dome goes through KOPW!
As 2024 nears an end, Great-O-Khan defends the KOPW Championship one more time, against a former KOPW Champion in Taichi! Who will be THE 2024 King of Pro-Wrestling?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Chase Your Dream Match: Shoma Kato VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
- Boltin Oleg VS Satoshi Kojima; Boltin wins.
- Triple Threat Tag: Jeff Cobb & Jakob Austin Young VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson VS Ren Narita & Yujiro Takahashi; Narita & Yujiro win.
- DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS El Desperado & Master Wato; Desperado & Wato win.
- Fatal 4 Way: Kevin Knight VS Robbie Eagles VS Francesco Akira VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Eagles wins.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
- Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita; ZSJ & Fujita win.
- KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi; Khan wins and is the definitive 2024 KOPW Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
After the Triple Threat Tag…
The House of Torture of course cheated to win, but they wouldn’t leave it at that! They waited until the United Empire and TMDK argued with each other to then attack them all! Yujiro Takahashi CLUBS Oiwa down while Narita shoves Cobb into big Hartley Jackson! And then Narita JAMS Cobb with the pushup bar! The fans boo but Narita JAMS Oiwa up, too! The Souled Out Son of Strong Style is so proud of himself as he holds up his NJPW World TV Championship, but wait. Christmas music starts playing? The fans clap along as surprise! Santa and his reindeer are here! Well, one reindeer. But shouldn’t the House of Torture be on the naughty list?
Santa Claus walks over, and he gets the mic. He sounds familiar as he tells, “Narita-san… You have a Christmas present waiting. Would you like it now?” Narita asks what the heck is going on. Santa steps into the ring and offers Narita the little tiny bag. Narita snatches the bag, then he and Yujiro look at it. The fans asks, “Nani nani? <What is it?>” Narita tells them to shut up. Narita gets the bag open and pulls out… Blue sunglasses! With LED lights! The fans cheer as the lights go down! “E! L! P!” EL PHANTASMO IS HERE! The Headbanga has been battling cancer, but he’s here in Korakuen Hall!
Narita is furious but ELP slides right into the ring! Narita & Yujiro run away, but the fans cheer ELP on as he stands side-by-side with Jado Claus. ELP gets the mic now, and the fans cheer him on. ELP takes a moment before saying, in Japanese, “Cancer. Cancer… I’ve beaten cancer! And I love Korakuen!” But ELP asks Jado-san how to say a certain something in Japanese. He whispers it, but then Narita & Yujiro attack! The fans boo these cowards, but then Narita says Merry Christmas! But ELP BOOTS him, ELBOWS Yujiro, then dodges Narita to SUDDEN DEATH! Jado Claus DECKS the Tokyo Pimp!
ELP again asks Jado, and Jado says on behalf of ELP, that ELP is going to wrestle tomorrow night! And… Then he’ll be at the Tokyo Dome! ELP grabs the NJPW World TV Championship! ELP looks it over, and looks to the crowd, and then to Jado, but then Jeff Cobb and Ryohei Oiwa get in the ring. Cobb asks if ELP’s good. ELP is good. Are they good? Then let’s turn it up a notch! FATAL 4 WAY for the TV Championship! Narita snatches his belt, gets out of the ring, and tells everyone to shut up! The odds just got stacked against the House of Torture, will the New Year have a NEW NJPW World TV Champion one way or another?
Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita!
Ahead of battling for THE IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, The Roughneck and The Front Man bring some back up! The Ace is also preparing to fight Evil, will he and Shota bring a Once in a Century Paradigm Shift? Or will ZSJ and the Japanese Young Punk prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against ZSJ. The fans cheer this WrestleKingdom preview, and Korakuen duels between “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” ZSJ and Shota feel things out, then knuckle lock. ZSJ clinches but Shota fights back with his own clinch. ZSJ slips around to chinbar but Shota wrenches to a wristlock. ZSJ rolls, tries another chinbar but Shota cranks the wristlock. ZSJ bridges, spins, slips around and wrangles Shota! Shota kips up to WRING the arm, but ZSJ UP KICKS! The fans cheer as the two reset. Shota and ZSJ circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ then stands on Shota’s hand!
ZSJ has another hand and twists the wrist! Then he has both arms for a motorcycle stretch but Shota fights up. Shota turns things around, and he fights ZSJ as ZSJ tries to turn them back. ZSJ keeps trying, and he pushes through, but Shota spins things right back around! The fans cheer while Shota digs a foot into ZSJ’s back. ZSJ flips, kips up, spins things around, but Shota spins them back! The fans cheer, and Shota spins ZSJ. ZSJ dodges the lariat, Shota blocks a kick, but ZSJ ducks the enzigiri! Shota avoids the Penalty Kick and arm-drags ZSJ, but ZSJ headscissors! Shota kips free, avoids a leg pick, and the fans cheer!
Shota dares ZSJ to go for the leg but the two reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and each man breaks free of one. They back off, and Shota tags in Tanahashi. The fans cheer, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Korakuen strongly supports President Ace. Tanahashi and Fujita circle, tie up, and Tanahashi powers Fujita back. The ref counts, Tanahashi lets off slowly, but then Fujita turns things around! Tanahashi turns things around, and repeat! The ref counts, Fujita lets off slowly, but then both men block a kick! They argue over who lets go first, and eventually agree for a mutual break. They set the feet down, but then Fujita holds on!
Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi, then whips. Tanahashi reverses but Fujita ducks ‘n’ dodges to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Fujita aims from a corner. Fujita runs corner to corner but Tanahashi BOOTS him! Shota CLOBBERS Fujita, then eggs ZSJ on! ZSJ runs up, Shota blocks a kick and he sends ZSJ into Tanahashi’s ELBOW! Shota CLOBBERS ZSJ and the fans fire up. Shota pursues ZSJ to the outside and CLUBS him down! Shota clamps onto ZSJ with a chinlock but the ref reprimands. Tanahashi CHOPS Fujita, but Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi! The fans fire up as Fujita storms back up, but he blocks a boot!
Fujita DRAGON SCREWS Tanahashi’s leg! Fujita kips up, ZSJ sends Shota into railing, and Fujita stomps Tanahashi. The fans rally and Fujita brings Tanahashi up to CHOP! Fujita eggs Tanahashi on, CHOPS him again, then CHOPS again! Tanahashi flounders and ZSJ tags in. ZSJ drags Tanahashi up to UPPERCUT! Tanahashi ends up in the TMDK corner, ZSJ UPPERCUTS him again! ZSJ says, “Mada mada!” and he UPPERCUTS again! Tanahashi falls, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Fujita brings Tanahashi up. Fujita CHOPS again, and then CHOPS again! Tanahashi is stinging and using the ropes for defense while the fans rally up.
Tanahashi storms up but Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi CHOPS, Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi falls and Fujita BLASTS Shota! Tag to ZSJ and he grabs a leg. Fujita also grabs one, they drag Tanahashi to center, and then they both go after arms. Then they shift, ZSJ has an arm while Fujita has a leg! Then they both have legs again! Then ZSJ has a leg and Fujita has an arm! Then back to the arms! They both isolate the arms for DOUBLE STOMPS! The fans cheer, the ref reprimands and ZSJ “apologizes” with a bow. ZSJ stands on one of Tanahashi’s legs to then twist the other! Tanahashi endures, even as ZSJ TWEAKS the ankle!
ZSJ twists the foot the other way, flips Tanahashi over, and shifts around to have a headscissor and armlock! Shota stomps ZSJ but Fujita goes after Shota! Fujita TOSSES Shota, ZSJ tags Fujita back in. Fujita stomps Tanahashi, KICKS him in the back, but Tanahashi gets mad! Fujita KICKS Tanahashi but Tanahashi fires up! Fujita KICKS and CHOPS, but Tanahashi fires forearm after forearm! Fujita CHOPS again! Tanahashi grits his teeth but Fujita CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! SHOTEI! Fujita falls but so does Tanahashi! The fans rally up while both men crawl, hot tag to Shota! Shota rallies on Fujita with big forearms and elbows!
Shota whips, Fujita reverses, but Shota dropkicks the legs out! ZSJ runs up and RAMS Shota! Then ZSJ runs, but into Shota’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Shota goes to Fujita. Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Fujita in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t mind. Shota clinches but Fujita fights the suplex with elbows. Shota runs up, but Fujita wrenches, waistlocks, but Shota ELBOWS free! Shota whips, Fujita reverses and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Fujita crawls, hot tag to ZSJ!
ZSJ runs up to BOOT Shota! Shota stays up so ZSJ runs to BOOT him again! And BOOT him again! Shota roars and ROCKS ZSJ! Shota runs to ROCK ZSJ again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Shota eggs him on, repeat! Shota UPPERCUTS and ZSJ roars! ZSJ UPPER- NO, Shota hooks the arm, but ZSJ wrenches out of the backslide to PELE the arm! Then ZSJ basement DROPKICKS Shota! The fans fire up while Shota clutches a leg and an arm. ZSJ kicks him around, scuffs him and taunts him. The fans rally, the ref checks Shota, but Shota is okay to continue. ZSJ stands Shota up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT!
Shota clinches to EXPLODER! Both men are down and the fans rally again! Shota crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! Fujita runs up, but Tanahashi blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Payback for earlier! Tanahashi runs up at ZSJ in a corner, blocks a boot, and DRAGON SCREWS! Tanahashi put some stank on that one! Then he goes up the corner for a SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this but the fans continue to rally! “GO ACE! GO ACE!” echoes out as Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ catches him into a COBRA TWIST! Tanahashi endures, then throws elbows into ZSJ’s leg. Tanahashi gets free to DRAGON SCREW again!
ZSJ writhes, Tanahashi ties the legs up, but ZSJ kicks at him! Tanahashi blocks a kick to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And now, TEXAS CLOVER- NO, ZSJ fights the turnover and reels Tanahashi into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Tanahashi endures and the fans rally up, but Shota gets in! Shota stomps away on ZSJ, but then Fujita MISSILE DROPKICKS Shota! Fujita brings Tanahashi up but Tanahashi SHOTEIS him down! ZSJ is after Tanahashi but he avoids the shotei! ZSJ SLAPS Tanahashi, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but ZSJ gives him a NECK TWIST! The fans fire up as ZSJ stand Tanahashi up.
ZSJ scoops but Tanahashi fights that, to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up but Tanahashi isn’t done! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi stands ZSJ up again, but ZSJ scoops to ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, ZSJ & Fujita win!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita, by pinfall
Shota can’t believe The Ace fell, but this is why ZSJ is the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! Will ZSJ do this all to Shota when they’re 1v1 in the Tokyo Dome? Or will Shota prove he’s mightier than The Mighty?
KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi!
The Dominator has, well, dominated as KOPW Champion for a long stretch of 2024, but the Holy Emperor did close out 2023 with this title. Granted, Taichi says that win, lose or draw, this is his final KOPW Championship match. As such, tonight’s stipulation is a sort of “Best Of” compilation as we go Best 2 Out of 3. Part one: a no ropes Sumo Rules match! Part two: Yoshinobu Kanemaru as special guest referee? Well, he would be a neutral party… And part three, if needed, will be a LAST MAN STANDING MATCH! Will Taichi “retire” from this truly freestyle division standing tall? Or will Khan truly conquer KOPW for the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, but Taichi also brings back the trophy for the occasion, and it’s time to end the year in style!
Sumo Rules!
Both men finish preparations with weight belts and some stretching. They square up, the ref says go and they RAM into each other! The fans rally as both men go for those weight belts to use as leverage. They go around, get very close to the ring edge, but then Khan moves things away. Khan THROWS Taichi, but Taichi stays on the ring so the sumo match continues. They reset and go again! Taichi pushes Khan back with both hands, but Khan digs in his heels! They clinch, go around, and Taichi goes for the edge! Khan pulls on Taichi’s leg to get around, but Taichi uses that to steer Khan to another edge! But Khan hits a fireman’s carry takeover!
Khan drags Taichi up but Taichi fights off the throw! They clinch and fight for control again. They each try to lift with the belt! Khan has Taichi near the edge, but then Taichi has Khan near the edge! Khan is teetering and the fans fire up! Taichi THROWS Khan to the floor, Taichi wins the fall!
Khan: 0; Taichi: 1
Special Guest Referee!
The fans are thunderous as Taichi takes the Sumo Rules fall, but now we go to a much more complicated situation. The ropes have to be put back up, sure, but now the Heel Master of all people is going to be the referee! The time it takes to set up the ropes is a reprieve for both sides, especially Khan as he has to catch his breath and refocus. Once the ropes are up, both men wait in the ring. All that is left is the buckle pads, and of course, Kanemaru himself. Kanemaru gets a proper introduction and entrance before he goes to the ring, and wow, he’s even wearing an official NJPW referee shirt with the lion mark on it.
Referee Kanemaru does his check and he even tells Taka Michinoku to watch himself. Kanemaru does a far less thorough check of Khan than Taichi! Did the Empire pay Kanemaru off?! Kanemaru has Taichi cool off, then whispers something to Khan! The bell rings, the fans rally for Khan, and Khan circles with Taichi. They tie up, Taichi powers Khan to ropes, and Kanemaru calls for a ropebreak. Then he has a fast count! Taichi lets off before 4 and argues with Kanemaru! Kanemaru says that’s his count, deal with it. Khan and Taichi reset, tie up, and Khan puts Taichi on ropes. Kanemaru pays more attention to Taka than Taichi!
The fans can’t help but laugh as Kanemaru finally does count, and now it’s really slow! Taichi protests, but Khan pulls Taichi’s arms. Then he CHOPS Taichi and stops at “3!” Khan then goes after Taichi, wrenches and wristlocks, and Kanemaru is asking if Taichi gives up!? Taichi tells him to shut up, but Khan kicks and CLUBS Taichi. Khan whips, Taichi BOOTS Khan down, then covers! Kanemaru strolls over to count! And it’s so slow! “TWO” and the fans cheer. Taichi is upset, but Khan rolls Taichi up! SO FAST!! TWO!! Taichi is getting pissed but Kanemaru backs away. Taichi stomps Khan, and Kanemaru’s untying a buckle pad?!
Taichi stomps Khan around, Khan leaves the pad there loosely, and Taichi whips. Khan reverses, and SURPRISE! bare buckles! Taka protests but Kanemaru SMACKS him with the pad! Khan plays dumb, and then he stands on Taichi’s lower back. Taichi has the ropes, but Kanemaru kicks the arm away! Khan has Taichi’s other arm, Taichi keeps grabbing for ropes but Kanemaru keeps kicking the hand away! Khan drags Taichi up, brings him around, and ROCKS him in the back! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan Mongolian Chops him on the back! And Mongolian Chops again! And Mongolian Chops again! Kanemaru doesn’t bother counting at all!
Taka protests, Kanemaru warns him, but then Khan hops up to sit on his throne! The fans cheer while Taichi endures, and only now does Kanemaru count! Khan asks hold on, hold on, so Kanemaru stops counting! Khan hops down, and then he puts Kanemaru up on the throne! Khan gets the fans to join in on the “Ohh…! HMPH!” Kanemaru isn’t into it so he hops down. Khan apologizes to Kanemaru, then he kicks Taichi around. Taichi gets up to fire hands! Khan kicks low, whips, but Taichi reverses to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down. Taichi stands, and he drags Khan up into SEITEI JUJIHOU!
Kanemaru might be stuck, he can’t ignore Khan tapping. But then Kanemaru drags Khan over to the ropes! Taichi is frustrated with Kanemaru but Kanemaru says that’s a ropebreak. Taichi storms up on Kanemaru, but then Khan waistlocks! Ripcord and SAYANAGI! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan runs in, but Taichi dodges! GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Taichi snarls. Taichi TAKES OFF THE PANTS! The pants were a bit stubborn, but still. But then Kanemaru “checks” Khan just to stay between him and Taichi! Taichi says move or else! Kanemaru says he’s the ref!
Kanemaru kicks Taichi, CLAWS Taichi’s eyes, then traps his arms! Khan gets up to IRON RIGHT!! Kanemaru “scolds” Khan, then “checks” Taichi. Khan rests in a corner and Kanemaru drags Taichi up for him. Taichi CHOKES Kanemaru! Kanemaru kicks low! Kanemaru whips Taichi into a corner, ELBOWS him, then Khan LARIATS! Khan snapmares and covers, Kanemaru wants more first! Khan sits Taichi up for a BASEMENT DROPKICK! Now cover, TWO!! Taichi survives so Kanemaru hurries to get his whiskey! Khan takes a swig, and Kanemaru sets Taichi up! WHISKEY MIST into Kanemaru! Taichi hits the GEDO CLUTCH, but Kanemaru really can’t count now!
Taichi lets off of Khan since there was no count to be had. Taichi drags Kanemaru up, but Khan WHISKEY BOTTLE SHOTS Taichi! IRON CLAW!! Kanemaru calls for the bell? He just hands the win to Khan without counting, so now we’re all tied up!
Khan: 1; Taichi: 1
Kanemaru has fulfilled the contract, Khan gives him the envelope of money. Khan even makes sure we all see how many thousands that is! Kanemaru heads out, is he going to party hard for the holidays? But that aside, it is time for the final fall!
Last Man Standing!
Taichi gets the mic first, and tells Khan that if that’s how Khan wants to do it, then Taichi will get down and dirty with Khan! No lumberjacks, no special guests, just the straight up ten count, and it can happen anywhere in Korakuen Hall! Khan says bet! The announcement is made for the official rule change, and now we have the final fall! Khan rushes Taichi on the outside, then whips him into railing! And we’re already going into the crowd! Khan throws Taicihi at English commentary, but big Hartley is a solid wall for Chris. Khan then drags Taichi up into the bleachers, and the fans clear out of the way!
Khan CHOKES Taichi with a chair, then lets off to clear chairs out of the way. The Young Lions try to help but Khan gets mad at them and pushes them aside. Khan drags Taichi up, knees him low, and then reels him in! But Taichi fights the sayanagi! Taichi SHOVES Khan, Khan falls to the floor but gets up, only for Taichi to CROSSBODY! Down goes Khan and Red Shoes hurries over. Both men are down but Taichi sits up. The count starts and Khan is still down at 5 of 10! Khan hurries to get up, and Taichi stomps him down! Taichi drags Khan back up into the bleachers, but we go the other way.
Taicih KICKS Khan down, Young Lions keep the fans back again, and Taichi drags Khan along. They keep moving through the crowd, and Taichi shoves Khan into chairs! Khan sputters but Taichi drags him up again. Taichi KNEES Khan, then drags him up. They go back down to floor level, and then Taichi aims at chairs! Taichi whips but Khan reverses and he BOWLS Taichi into chairs! Not quite a strike but he got a good number of those chairs! Khan pops the railing loose from the special corner piece, and he brings that corner piece over! Khan SMACKS Taichi with the steel! Taichi staggers away but he sits in a chair.
Khan starts folding chairs to stack them on the floor. Khan then uses one chair as a leash to drag Taichi over! Khan CLUBS Taichi, adds that one chair to the pile, and then snap suplexes Taichi onto the chairs! Taichi writhes but Khan rises up. Khan roars and the fans fire up! The count begins again but Taichi slowly sits up at 4. Taichi rises up, and he stands at 8! Khan brings Taichi around in a headlock, and they go to the orange bleachers! Khan uses the gate to smother Taichi, then they go up to the higher level! The fans fire up but then fans have to move! Khan KNEES and CLUBS Taichi, then whips Taichi at the exit door!
Taichi tumbles into the hallway! Khan drags Taichi back into the arena and uses the HITSUJIGOROSHI against the chairs! Taichi endures as Khan chokes him, then Khan lets him go! Red Shoes checks on Taichi, Taka coaches him, but the count begins. Khan sits in a chair to relax while he waits. Taichi sits up at 7, and stands at 9! Khan storms up on Taichi to CLUB him on the back! Khan headlocks Taichi, brings him to the other section, and he gets up close to the fans for photo ops. Khan then whips, but Taichi reverses, and Khan is sent into the wall! Taichi leaves Khan behind while the count begins again.
Khan sits up so Taichi KICKS him back down! Taichi drags Khan up, KICKS him again, and Khan falls to his knees. Taichi drags Khan up by his ponytail, and he goes close to the stairs that lead to the back! Khan fights the suplex, and for his life, but then he turns things around! Taichi fights the suplex, throws hands, and then DDTS Khan to the floor! Red Shoes checks both men, then starts the count. Taichi shakes out his arms and sits up at 4. Taichi stands at 6 but Khan is still down at 8! Khan drags himself up at 9! Taichi CLUBS Khan down, then brings him back up. Taichi brings Khan back to ground level, then snapmares him hard for a KICK!
Khan is in agony but Taichi drags him back up. But Khan RAMS Taichi into the railing! Taichi sputters while also sitting in a chair. Khan staggers away to ringside, and he goes looking under the ring. Khan brings out a trolly cart? Khan JAMS Taichi up using his own mic stand, then leaves him behind. Khan brings out a TABLE! Fans rally up as Khan puts the table on the trolly, then he staggers over to Taichi. Khan CLUBS Taichi down, then SHOVES him onto the table trolly combo. Khan has fans clear out, and then he SNOW PLOWS the chairs with Taichi on the cart!! The fans fire up as Khan stands over Taichi.
Khan drags Taichi up, and he brings the table along, too. Khan kicks chairs out of the way as he returns to the upper deck! Khan SMACKS Taichi off the edge, then he clears out space. Khan sets the table up, then he goes up to fetch Taichi. Khan JAMS Taichi up with a chair, then SMACKS him! Taichi writhes, fans rally, and Khan drags Taichi up. Khan vows to end this! IRON CLAW, and ELIMI- NO! Taichi fights Khan off! Taichi stumbles away through the crowd, but then grabs himself a chair. Taichi runs up to JAM Khan right in the face! Taichi then steals Khan’s idea to choke grip and CHOKE SLAM down through the table!!!
Khan writhes and the fans go nuts! Taichi hobbles around while Red Shoes counts Khan. Khan is still down at 5! Still down at 7! 9! KHAN GRABS RED SHOES’S HAND!! Khan survives, and though he has a couple bloody cuts on his back, he crawls his way to the ring. Taichi eggs Khan on and the fans are thunderous! Khan drags himself into the ring, Taichi runs, AX BOMBER!! The fans fire up and the count returns! Khan is still down at 5, stirs at 6, sits up at 7, and he rises at 8! So Taichi just runs up to AX BOMBER!! Khan drops to his knees, flops over, but he’s already pushing himself back up! Taichi runs again, AX BOMBER!!
Khan staggers around but he stays on his feet! Taichi says fine, AX- SAYANAGI!! Khan turns things around, and he AX BOMBERS in return!! Both men are down and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and Khan crawls for ropes at 5! Taichi slowly sits up at 6, and both men go to corners at 7! Red Shoes waits on them to rise up, and then Taichi fires up! Taichi runs up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so Taichi BOOTS! Khan BOOTS back! Taichi URAKENS! Khan MONGOLIAN CHOPS! Taichi SOBATS! Khan BODY BLOWS! Both men drop to knees, but they also grab at each other.
The fans rally as Khan and Taichi slowly rise. They are forehead to forehead, and then Taichi AX BOMBERS! Khan drops to his knees, Taichi BUZZSAWS, but Khan blocks it! Khan ROCKS Taichi with a right! And then Khan reels Taichi in, but Taichi Alabama Lifts! BLACK- NO, Khan fights into a GUILLOTINE! Taichi is stuck in the body scissors!! Taichi flails, even taps out, but that’s not how Last Man Standing works! Khan squeezes tighter and tighter, Taichi fades, and Red Shoes checks! Khan lets Taichi go and the count begins! Khan rises at 6, and Taichi is somehow up at 9!! So Khan clamps on an IRON CLAW!
Khan lifts Taichi, but Taichi slips free! Taichi shoves Khan and ROCKS him! DANGEROUS SAIDO!! But Khan is staggering to his feet?! Khan goes to a corner, flounders along ropes, but he isn’t down yet! The fans rally hard while both men fight to their feet! SUPERMAN PUNCH from Khan! PELE from Taichi! Both men are down again! Red Shoes starts the count on them both, and the fans rally even harder! Taichi is up at 7! Khan grabs Red Shoes at 9 again!! Taichi roars, Korakuen is with him, and he powers up! TENSHI JUJI- NO!! Khan blocks, and he hooks Taichi! Taichi CLUBS away on Khan, but Khan still lifts! ULTIMATE ELIMINATOR!!
Both men are down again and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and they’re both down at 5! At 7! 9! Khan pushes up, but he FLOPS back down!! DOUBLE TEN! IT’S A DRAW!! What does that mean for the belt!? Red Shoes goes out to talk with Abe-san, and then the announcement is made. In the end, with it being 1-1-1, a true draw, it all goes to KHAN!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (DEFINITIVE 2024 KOPW Champion)
Khan flips Taichi off, one last insult added on top. Khan is given the belt back, but Taichi grabs his trophy. Taichi steps up to Khan, and gives him the trophy, saying it is rightfully his now. Taichi shows Khan that respect, and Khan returns it with a handshake. Khan “retires” Taichi from KOPW, what will the Holy Emperor look to do in 2025?
As for Khan, he grabs the mic, and he asks Taichi to wait a moment. “You served this title for three years. We will honor your glory!” The fans applaud that, and Khan asks the previous champion to come closer. No, closer. The fans cheer Taichi on as he steps closer to ringside. Khan says Taichi served this title well, so here is his reward. Khan is giving the trophy back? Taichi says no, he gave that to Khan out of respect. Khan says to Taichi and to everyone to listen well. “We are the last KOPW Champion!” Everyone is a bit surprised to hear that.
Khan says, “As an alternative, on January 4th in the Tokyo Dome… as THE last KOPW Champion, We demand that the January 4th match determine the next IWGP World Heavyweight Championship challenger!” The fans are really intrigued by that idea! Khan throws down the belt, and Chris makes sure English speakers understand what Khan is suggesting. The New Japan Ranbo determining a #1 contender? Khan says that these are the words of the final KOPW Champion, The Great-O-Khan! “HAIL US, PEASANTS!” A New Year, a new era? Will Khan’s revolution bring glory to the United Empire?
My Thoughts:
A very good night for Road to Tokyo Dome, though I did skip a lot just because I didn’t have a lot of time today. But luckily I was skimming through, or I would’ve missed ELP’s great return. Congratulations on him beating cancer, and I like that they’re adding him to the NJPW World Television Championship match. It makes sense given ELP’s beef with the House of Torture, and honestly, why not just have ELP win? Not even so much for getting over cancer (though kind of that, too) but because fans love ELP and it’d help him solidify his singles run with Hikuleo long gone for WWE.
Really good stuff in the other tune-up matches, such as #DespeWado winning and the chaotic end to the Fatal 4 Way. Eagles won to help him and Fujita have momentum, but there is still more to the Road to Tokyo Dome first. Honestly that tag Fatal 4 could really go any which way they want so I’m not sure how the go-home math would even work. And Gedo of course took the loss against LIJ. Yota Tsuji is aiming for David Finlay and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, but who knows how things go before we get to WrestleKingdom.
Very good tag match from Shota & Tanahashi VS ZSJ & Fujita, and it was technically a surprise for Tanahashi to take the loss. This works on many levels, as Tanahashi should be figuratively on the ropes going into his match with Evil, and this gives Fujita equal momentum alongside Eagles. And then great main event, Khan and Taichi really went the distance with this one. And it all makes sense after Khan reveals this is the end of the KOPW Division. Khan wants to make the New Japan Ranbo to basically be the Royal Rumble and that is pretty cool. I think they could keep the belt to represent that contender’s status the same as the G1 Climax having a briefcase, because that KOPW belt actually looks pretty nice.
My Score: 8.8/10
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