Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 31 Results & Report! (9/29/21)
Round three, B Block!
Is the Rainmaker going to go easy on the Headhunter?
The G1 Climax takes an interesting route as Chaos meets Chaos! Will Kazuchika Okada pull his punches against Yoshi-Hashi or just hit him harder?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Taichi VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo; Evil wins.
- SANADA VS Chase Owens; Sanada wins.
- Hirooki Goto VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado; Tanahashi wins.
- Kazuchika Okada VS YOSHI-HASHI; Okada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current B Block standings!
Kazuchika Okada: 2-0, 4 points
Jeff Cobb: 2-0, 4 points
Taichi: 2-0, 4 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 1-1, 2 points
Tama Tonga: 1-1, 2 points
SANADA: 1-1, 2 points
EVIL: 1-1, 2 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 0-2, 0 points
Chase Owens: 0-2, 0 points
Hirooki Goto: 0-2, 0 points
Taichi w/ Miho Abe VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!
Zack Sabre Jr. is doing the Dangerous Tekkers proud, but can the Sliest Wrestler in the World keep pace? Or will Darkness Fall and bring down the Holy Emperor?
The entrance attire is put away, Miho of course helping Taichi with his large robe. Fans rally for Taichi and his dancing pecs already but then they argue about Dick’s presence and his infamous habit of helping out. Taichi BOOTS Dick, Evil kicks and CLUBS Taichi! The bell rings and this is on the record as Taichi BOOTS Evil down! Taichi chases Evil to the outside, CLUBS him at the railing then whips. Evil reverses but Taichi reverses and Evil hits more railing! Fans rally as Taichi chokes Evil with the camera cable! But Dick attacks from behind! Taichi just glares at Dick and chases him into the ring. The ref reprimands but Evil CLOBBERS Taichi with a clothesline!
Evil drags Taichi up, throws him out of the ring then goes out after him. Evil RAMS Taichi into the timekeeper’s area! Abe-san suffers again! Evil and Dick Too Sweet while Miho and the Young Lions help out. Evil then snatches the ring hammer! The ref stops Evil there and takes the hammer back. Evil drags Taichi up to rake the eyes! The ref reprimands, Evil stops and leaves Taichi behind as he goes into the ring. The ring count starts, Taichi gets up as fans rally, and Miho helps him steady himself. Taichi gets in at 10 of 20 but now Evil wants Taichi’s mic stand! The ref takes that away, too, so Evil digs his boots into Taichi at the corner.
The ref sees that and counts, Evil lets off at 4. Evil smirks as he paces but fans rally up. Taichi kicks from below, Evil eggs him on then rakes Taichi’s eyes again! The ref counts, Evil stops at 4 and stands Taichi back up. Evil wrenches and whips Taichi into the BARE buckles! Dick undid the blue buckle pad when we weren’t looking! Evil covers, the ref says no because of the shenanigans. Seems refs are learning from Red Shoes’ courage. Evil tortures Taichi’s arm but Taichi is in the ropes! Dick distracts the ref but he sees what’s going on soon enough. The ref counts, Evil lets off to then get Taichi up and whip. Taichi reverses to wrench and DANGEROUS HOOK KICK!
Fans rally up while both men are down. Taichi gets up first and paces as Evil sits up. Taichi stands Evil up but Evil swings on him, into a CHOKE! The ref reprimands but Taichi drives Evil down. Dick gets on the apron, so Taichi storms over and CHOKES him, too! Dick falls off the apron but Evil crawls away to the far side. Taichi runs over to BOOT Evil, into Abe-san! The timekeeper’s area can’t catch a break during Evil’s matches! Taichi goes out after Evil and drags him up by his hair while the timekeeper’s area is fixed again. Taichi dares Evil to get up, and then he kicks, but Evil blocks! Evil gives the foot to the ref to mule kick Taichi down!
Fans rally up as Evil and Taichi slowly rise. Evil stands first and drags Taichi up. Evil reels Taichi in but Taichi fights the fireman’s carry. Taichi KNEES Evil low, then goes to a corner. Evil runs in but only gets buckles and a GAMANGIRI! Taichi powers up and runs but into a fireman’s carry! DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives and Evil is furious, but the fans fire up again! Evil stands, slashes his throat and drags Taichi back up. But Taichi fights the STO and RAMS Evil into the bare buckles! Evil suffers his own strategy but he fights the saido with fingers to the eyes! The ref counts, Evil stops and runs but into an AX BOMBER!
Fans fire up as OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi powers up and aims from the corner as Evil flounders up. But Evil blocks the superkick to spin Taichi! Taichi switches, Evil switches, Taichi PELES! Fans fire up with Taichi again as he aims from the corner. But Evil ducks the kick this time and shoves the ref at Taichi! Taichi shoves the ref away to block the low blow! And he LOW BLOWS in return! But Dick distracts as Taichi gets the Gedo Clutch! Miho shouts to the ref to pay attention but Taichi storms over. Taichi moves the ref aside but Dick dodges! But DOUBLE AX BOMBERS take out Evil and Dick! Alabama lift, but Evil fights free! Evil baits Taichi into the bare buckles!
EVERYTHING- NO! Taichi blocks the STO to GAMANGIRI again! Fans fire back up as Taichi catches his breath. Taichi drags Evil up, reels him in, DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but fans rally for “TA-I-CHI! TA-I-CHI!” Taichi powers up again but wait! Dick is messing with Miho! That’s low even for them! But speaking of low, LOW BLOW!! Evil gets Taichi from behind and Dick leaves Miho alone! Evil drags Taichi back up, EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! But Evil doesn’t cover, he gets the SCORPION DEATHLOCK! Dick again grabs Miho by her hair to keep her back! Taichi is OUT, the ref calls it!!
Winner: EVIL, by submission (gains 2 points; Taichi earns 0)
The King of Darkness is more like the King of Scum as he and Dick stand on Taichi and Miho! They ruin Taichi’s run in the G1, will they continue to do even worse in the remaining rounds? As for Taichi, he revives with true RAGE! He wants to lash out on the Young Lions and pursue Evil, but he doesn’t have the energy. Will he be able to rebound next round?
SANADA VS Chase Owens!
The Cold Skull is only doing a little better than the Crown Jewel but that could change right here! Will Chase drag Sanada down to his level? Or will he end up 0-3 after a Skull End?
The bell rings and fans rally up, “SA-NA-DA!” but Chase doesn’t let that bother him. They circle, approach and feel out the grapple. Chase slips through to a waistlock but Sanada wrenches to a switch. Chase wrenches back to a wristlock, but Sanada spins, wrenches and has the wristlock now. Chase rolls, breaks free then cravats for a neck wrench. Sanada endures, clubs free and wrenches to a hammerlock then headlock and takeover. Chase headscissors, Sanada kips free and wants the legs but Chase kicks him away. Chase headlocks, Sanada powers out but Chase holds ropes to avoid the hurdle cycle. Chase trips Sanada up and wants to steal Paradise!
Sanada kicks Chase away and they both kick at the same time, but both block them! They each tell the other to let go, but then they agree to do it at the same time. They both set the other’s foot down, but Chase tricks Sanada! Chase trips Sanada and perfectly– No, wait, Sanada slips right out of Paradise while Chase is gloating. Sanada has the fans fire up more and Chase thinks it’s for him, but then he backs up into Sanada. Chase feels around and realizes who it is and grumbles, “Damn it!” Chase turns around into a kick and Sanada throws him out of the ring. Sanada then builds speed, but Chase moves. Sanada tumbles up and out and Chase trips him off the apron!
Chase stomps Sanada on the ground, drags him back up and whips him hard into railing! Sanada staggers and falls over while Chase goes back into the ring. The ring count starts and is already 5 of 20 while fans rally “SA-NA-DA!” Sanada sits up at 12, stands at 15, and gets in at 17, only for Chase to stomp and rain down fists! Chase chokes Sanada, the ref reprimands and he lets off. Chase stands on Sanada’s neck now but again lets off as the ref counts. Fans rally as Chase stands Sanada up, whips him to a corner hard, and Sanada bounces off buckles before falling over. Chase taunts the fans then drops knee after knee into Sanada’s back. Chase ties Sanada up for a Bow ‘n’ Arrow!
Sanada endures as Chase bends him back against his knees. Sanada pops out to a cover, ONE! Chase stomps Sanada but he sits up. Chase stands Sanada up but Sanada throws forearms. Sanada whips, Chase counters with a cravat knee smash, then mule kicks to a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans still rally for Sanada as Chase clamps on with a chinlock. Chase cranks the hold, leans on Sanada, then digs an elbow into the shoulder. Chase gives toying kicks but Sanada gets up. Chase ROCKS Sanada with a right, then another. Sanada stays up, Chase throws more forearms. Sanada CHOPS and forearms in return but Chase knees low! Chase whips but Sanada dropkicks his legs out!
Sanada kips up and fans fire up again! Sanada aims from a corner, Chase stands and Sanada rallies with forearms and arm-drags! Then a BIG atomic drop! Sanada trips Chase and shows him how to tie up the Paradise Lock! Sanada stands on Chase and gives thumbs up to Milano Collection, who returns the thumbs up reluctantly cuz he’s still a fan of Chase’s. But Sanada dropkicks Chase out of Paradise! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up more as Sanada stands Chase up to fireman’s carry. Chase fights free, shoves Sanada away but Sanada elbows from the corner. Sanada Quebrada but Chase gets under, only to turn around into a RANA!
Chase bails out, Sanada takes aim, and Sanada PLANCHAS, only for Chase to get clear! Chase RAMS Sanada into the railing, but not quite Abe-san, and then gets in to roll into a facelock and GHOSTBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Chase keeps his cool. Chase hobbles to a corner while Sanada goes to the other. Chase runs corner to corner to forearm smash then reel him in for a short arm lariat! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Sanada back up, fireman’s carries but Sanada fights free. Sanada kicks low, whips Chase to a corner but Chase reverses. Sanada goes up and out and springboards in to missile dropkick! Chase flounders up into a fireman’s carry and T K O! Cover, TWO!
Fans still rally behind Sanada as he goes up top. ROUNDING BODY- NO, he has to roll through as Chase dodges. Sanada runs in, tilt-o-whirl to a dragon sleeper! Chase reaches, hits back, but Sanada cranks back on the hold! Fans rally as Chase endures, and he rolls through as Sanada drops down! Chase ends up in a corner, Sanada runs in but is put up top for a GAMANGIRI, to SUPER SNAPMARE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Chase keeps moving, SHINING WIZARD! Fans fire up as Chase stands Sanada up, wrenches and JEWEL- NO! Sanada ducks the clothesline to waistlock, but Chase grabs the ref as they go to the ropes! The ref is down as Sanada gets the O’Conner Bridge!
Sanada sees the ref is out and lets Chase go. Sanada checks on the ref but Chase gets him for a half nelson. Sanada arm-drags out of the slam and ROCKS Chase with a forearm! Sanada spins but Chase boots the rolling elbow away! Chase spins to BOOT! Sanada ROLLING SOBATS! Chase JEWEL TRIGGERS point blank! Sanada is down and Chase fires up, as do the fans! Chase drags Sanada up, reels him in, tucks the arms, but Sanada RANAS out of the driver to a cover! TWO!! Chase gets up, Sanada sidesteps but Chase switches. Chase O’Conner Bridge, TWO! SKULL END!! Chase endures but Sanada has the body scissors in!
Chase throws hands and gets his head free, but Sanada just gets him in the dragon sleeper again! Back to SKULL END!! Chase is fading, Sanada lets him go and goes to the corner for ROUNDING BODY PRESS!! Cover, Sanada wins!
Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (gains 2 points, Chase earns 0)
Sanada succeeds and the Crown Jewel is still only worth zero points! Will Chase ever get a W in his G1 debut? As for Sanada, will he keep his chances alive and return to the finals?
Hirooki Goto VS Jeff Cobb!
The NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champions are all struggling, but perhaps the Fierce Warrior can be the one to #TurnItAllAround! Will Goto conquer Cobb? Or will he end up on a Tour of the Islands in Tokyo?
The bell rings and fans rally up already as Goto and Cobb stare down. They slowly circle, then approach to tie up. They’re in a deadlock so Cobb breaks it. Goto and Cobb reset, tie up again, and again they’re in a deadlock. Cobb breaks through to put Goto on the ropes, but he lets off cleanly. Cobb then swings but Goto dodges to kick and fire forearms! Goto headlocks, Cobb tries to power out but Goto holds on tight. Cobb throws body shots, powers out of the headlock and the two ram shoulders. Cobb rebounds to RAM Goto down! Fans cheer the showing of power as Goto goes to ropes. Cobb runs in but Goto boots him! Cobb tries again but Goto dupms him out!
Goto goes out to CLUB Cobb, wrench him to a hammerlock and POST the shoulder! Goto CLUBS the arm now, then whips Cobb into railing! Goto gets the arm again and wraps it around the railing! The ref counts, Goto BOOTS the ram as he lets off. Goto stalks Cobb, kicks him then puts him in the ring. Fans cheer as Goto stands Cobb up. Goto wrenches the arm, YANKS it then grinds it down with a mounted armlock. Cobb gets the ropebreak with a foot but Goto holds on until the ref counts. Goto stomps Cobb, stands him up and CHOPS him in the corner. Goto whips corner to corner, runs in and MURA- NO! Cobb catches and TOSSES Goto away!
Fans cheer and rally while both men are down. Cobb stands up and stomps Goto. Cobb stands Goto up but Goto throws forearms and haymakers! Goto whips corner to corner but Cobb comes back to RAM Goto down! Fans fire up as Cobb catches his breath and paces around. Cobb sits Goto up to knee him over and over in the back. Cobb adds a basement uppercut and Goto writhes. Cobb stands Goto up again, scoops him and KNEES him in the side before tossing him away! Cobb again paces, then has a one hand cover. TWO, so Cobb tires a lateral press. TWO! Cobb is annoyed but he drags Goto up to whip him to a corner.
Cobb runs in to clothesline, then he hauls Goto up to RAM him into another corner! Then corner to corner! Then back again! Then a fourth time! Fans cheer the strength and stamina of Cobb as he CHOP LARIAT combos! And again! And again! Goto falls over while fans cheer Cobb. Cobb claps along but Goto anchors his leg before the moonsault. Cobb clubs Goto, stands him up but Goto one-two combos! Cobb shoves and reels Goto in for a LARIAT! Cobb sets up, GACHIMUCHI flops! Goto avoids being smashed by the moonsault and fans rally back up. Cobb drags himself up the ropes and then drags Goto up to throw hands.
Cobb whips Goto corner to corner then runs in, but Goto dodges the back elbow! Goto comes back to clothesline! Fans rally more and Goto grits his teeth as he throws forearm after forearm! Goto whips corner to corner, runs in and MURAMASA! Direct hit this time, and Goto adds the BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans still rally as Goto stands Cobb back up. Goto tries to fireman’s carry but Cobb is too big. Cobb clubs Goto, kicks low and uppercuts! DROPKICK! Fans cheer Cobb showing off his agility while both men are down. Goto crawls to one corner, Cobb goes to the opposite. Cobb runs in to BACK ELBOW! Cobb then hauls Goto up for a RUNNING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!
GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up again as Goto survives, but Cobb grins as he gets back up. Cobb drags Goto up in a deadlift waistlock, but Goto fights free. Goto hits Cobb with forearms but Cobb hits back. Fans rally up as they pick up speed and go back and forth! Cobb ROCKS Goto but he stays up, so Cobb ROCKS him again. Goto fires up to fire off a string of forearms! Goto runs but Cobb ROCKS him! Cobb runs but Goto fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down but fans rally back up! Goto drags himself to a corner, Cobb goes to the opposite again. Goto roars and both men run at the other, DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES!
Neither man falls, they go again, DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES! Cobb fires up to reel back, but Goto blocks, dodges and DISCUS LARIATS! Fans fire up with Goto as he gets Cobb back up, dragon sleeper! But Cobb slips through to suplex! Goto slips out, waistlocks, but Cobb throws elbows. Goto holds on, Cobb keeps trying but ends up in a clinch. Cobb holds off Goto’s belly2belly, but Goto shifts to OVERHEAD suplex! Cover, TWO! To an ARMBAR! Goto has the arm but Cobb gets a ropebreak! Goto holds on until the ref counts, and fans rally again. Goto stomps Cobb, drags him up, clubs the arm again and again, then wrenches.
But Cobb throws a body shot then ROCKS Goto with a forearm! SUPERKICK! Both men are down again but Cobb already rises as fans rally. Cobb hobbles over, drags Goto up and runs, but Goto follows! Cobb dodges, scoops, RAMS into the corner but Goto avoids the Stampede! SLEEPER! But Cobb lifts Goto for an ATHLETIC PLEX! Cobb then waistlocks and deadlifts for a GERMAN! Cobb powers up again and fans fire up with him! Cobb gets Goto up, whips him to ropes and scoops, TOUR OF- NO! Goto slips out to get a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP, to a ROLLING CLUTCH! TWO!! Cobb narrowly escapes but Goto fires up! Fans are thunderous as Goto and Cobb slowly rise.
Cobb swings on Goto but he catches the arm! Facelock to REVERSE GTR! Goto keeps going, and he LARIATS Cobb down! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Goto drags him back up. Dragon sleeper but Cobb fights! Goto spins Cobb to HEADBUTT! Goto keeps Cobb on his feet but Cobb HEADBUTTS back! Cobb then DEADLIFTS Goto into the TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Cobb wins!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)
The Hawaiian Hulk snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! The Fierce Warrior could not overcome the United Empire’s biggest and baddest, will Goto ever get on the board? As for Cobb, can he keep pace with Great-O-Khan and make this a UNITED G1?
Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!
The Ace has broken even between the first two rounds and the Good Bad Guy is primed to bring him back down. Will the IWGP US Championship owe a title match to more than just the Rainmaker? Or will love and energy see him through again?
Jado gives Tama a last pep talk while fans cheer as Tanahashi shows off the muscles. Fans already rally, “Let’s Go, Ace!” as the bell rings. Tama is annoyed but he circles with Tanahashi. They approach, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Tanahashi manages some leverage to put Tama against ropes but lets off cleanly. Fans cheer and rally again as Tanahashi and Tama reset. They go again, Tanahashi gets a waistlock but Tama wrenches that apart to a wristlock. Tama twists the wrist more and keeps Tanahashi from ropes. Tanahashi endures the hold, spins through and wrenches back to bring Tama to his knees! Tama endures the wristlock, wants a timeout, but there’re no timeouts here!
Tanahashi puts more pressure on the wristlock, makes it a hammerlock then a headlock and fans cheer. Tama pulls hair but stops as the ref reprimands. Tama powers up but Tanahashi holds tight on the headlock! Tanahashi thrashes but Tama endures. Tama fights up, Tanahashi hits a headlock takeover but Tama turns that around to a headlock of his own. Tanahashi headscissors, Tama kips free and fans cheer as the two stand off. Tama catches his breath as fans rally up more. Tanahashi encourages the fans to get louder with “Let’s Go, Ace!” as he and Tama circle again. They tie up again, are in another deadlock, but Tama pulls hair to put Tanahashi on ropes!
The ref reprimands, Tama stops pulling hair and lets off for a clean break. Tama applauses but then swings on Tanahashi! Tanahashi dodges, fires off fast hands, then throws forearms. Tanahashi whips, Tama reverses but runs into a back elbow! Tanahashi goes up for a CROSSBODY! Tanahashi air guitars and fans cheer, but Tama stalks up to GUN- NO! No cutter as Tanahashi shoves Tama away! Tanahashi runs in but Tama spins him around, only for Tanahashi to again stop the Gun Stun! Tanahashi wants a full nelson but Tama elbows free. Tama throws haymakers then whips, but Tanahashi hits back with flying forearms! Fans fire up with Tanahashi as he stands over Tama.
Tanahashi drops an elbow, a sunset senton, then covers! TWO, to a ghost pin! TWO, Tama staggers up but Tanahashi puts him on the apron. Tama hotshots Tanahashi down, then takes his time returning while Tanahashi is down. Tama shows off his muscles as he takes off the vest. Tama drops a big elbow in return, then rains down rights on Tanahashi. The ref reprimands about the closed fists so Tama lets off. Fans still rally for The Ace but Tama paces around him. Tama drags Tanahashi up, puts on a neck wrench and then throws in elbows. Tama CLUBS Tanahashi with more forearms and elbows, then paces around in frustration.
Tanahashi slowly rises but Tama is after him. Tanahashi throws body shots, runs, but into a SLEEPER! Tama squeezes tight and brings Tanahashi down to the mat. Fans rally as Tanahashi endures Tama thrashing him around. Tama brings Tanahashi all the way down and has a partial body scissor, but Tanahashi still endures. Tanahashi fights up but Tama claws his face! The ref reprimands, Tanahashi continues to fight up and he throws body shots! Tama holds tighter but Tanahashi elbows free! Tanahashi throws forearm after forearm but Tama THROAT STABS! Tama is using his father, Haku’s, move, but Tanahashi fights free with palm strikes!
Tama goes back for the throat! The ref reprimands, counts, but Tanahashi breaks free to fire off fast hands! Tanahashi blocks Tama’s kick, and gives back the THROAT STAB! The ref reprimands, Tama breaks free and runs in, but Tanahashi blocks the kick! DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally up as Tanahashi stalks Tama to a corner. Tanahashi kicks the bad leg, scoops and SLAMS Tama to the drop zone, then goes up the corner! SUNSET SENTON! Tanahashi drags Tama around by a leg and ties the legs up. Tama resists the Texas Clover Hold, drags Tanahashi down and THROAT STABS! The ref reprimands but Tama gets up to his feet to put Tanahashi in a corner!
The ref keeps counting, keeps telling Tama to stop, but Tama finally lets go after a final warning. Fans rally for Tanahashi as he sputters in the corner, but Tama just gets angrier. Tama runs corner to corner to miss and hit buckles! Tanahashi runs, but Tama gets around Slingblade to TONGAN TWIST! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi survives and fans are thunderous for the Ace! Tama stalks Tanahashi as he rises, then runs to SLINGBLADE! Tama fires up as he continues to copy Tanahashi! Tama goes up top, HIGH FLY FLOW!?! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives the Good Bad Guy’s near perfect duplicate and fans are thunderous again!
Tama slithers around like The Viper and waits for Tanahashi to stand. Tanahashi turns around into GUN- NO! Tanahashi blocks to facelock. But Tama fights off the neckbreaker! Tanahashi fights off the Tongan Twist to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi runs for SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Now Tanahashi goes to the corner and up top to show Tama how it’s done! HIGH FLY ATTACK! Then he goes back to the corner and back up top! HIGH FLY FLOW FLOPS! Tama runs in, GUN STUN!! Tama is so fired up he doesn’t even cover yet! Jado tells him to go for the pin but Tama has to crawl over now, having tired himself out. Cover, TWO!! Into ghost pin! Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tama earns 0)
In his arrogance, Tama let this one slip through his fingers! You can never count the Once in a Century Talent out, will he find a way up to the top of NJPW once again?
Kazuchika Okada VS YOSHI-HASHI!
Chaos clashes with Chaos as Rainmaker faces Head Hunter in a Korakuen Hall main event! But if Okada is to keep his promise, will he make sure Hashi can’t #GetBackUp?
The jackets are put aside and fans rally up for “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” as the two allies stare down. The bell rings and they still stare down from their corners. Hashi is the first to approach but he and Okada slowly circle. They tie up, Hashi waistlocks, but Okada wrenches out to a wristlock. Hashi spins through, wrenches back, and has the wristlock, as well. Okada rolls, trips Hashi and has a toehold but Hashi pries him off to go for an armbar. Okada powers up to a rear mount but Hashi switches. Okada breaks free and the two stand off, which fans cheer. Hashi and Okada reset in neutral corners to circle again. They feel things out, Okada shoots in and trips Hashi up.
Hashi pushes Okada to a press, then a facelock. Hashi has a headlock but Okada fights up and pries at the hold. Hashi powers up to keep the headlock on tight. Okada tires again, but again Hahsi powers him down. Fans cheer but Okada still works on his escape. Okada pries at the headlock one more time, pops out the back and gets a headlock of his own! Hashi endures the grind now but fights up and pries the hold. Okada returns the favor by powering it on harder. Okada hits a takeover, Hashi goes for headscissors but Okada fights that off. Hashi kicks around, gets up to his feet and they end up on ropes. Okada has Hashi up against them, but he lets off, but Hashi hits before the fakeout!
Hashi throws forearms, headlocks again, and grinds Okada to his knees. Okada fights up, pushes Hashi and powers out but they ram shoulders! Neither falls and the two stare down. Fans cheer as Hashi runs again but they again ram shoulders! They start talking trash and shoving each other. Hashi runs, dodges the boot and CHOPS Okada down! Fans fire up, perhaps for “YO-SHI-HASH!” now. Hashi elbows and whips but Okada reverses, then ROCKS Hashi on the return! Okada runs but Hashi runs him over! Hashi makes sure his bad shoulder is working, and he stomps Okada. Hashi stands Okada up to snapmare him down and clamp on a chinlock, with knee in the back.
Okada endures, Hashi pulls back harder, and fans rally up. Okada kicks around, shifts position and fights out of a headlock with body shots. Hashi throws a forearm, Okada gives it back, and they go back and forth! Okada ROCKS Hashi, ROCKS him again, then runs, but Hashi follows to slide and trip him up! Hashi drags Okada out to RAM him into railing! Fans fire up as Hashi catches his breath. Hashi drags Okada up, CHOPS him, and whips him at railing. Okada stops himself, but turns around into a CHOP! Hashi stands Okada up but Okada fights the neckbreaker to kick and DDT! Hashi writhes on the floor but Okada is down, too, as fans rally back up.
A ring count starts and Okada sits up at 3 of 20. Okada gets in the ring at 7 but Hashi is still down at 10. Hashi stands at 11, Okada goes out at 12 and DDT’s him again! Red Shoes checks on Hashi but Hashi won’t let it end here. Okada gets up and walks around the way to get back in the ring. The ring count starts again and Hashi is still down at 10 of 20. Fans rally up for him and Okada waits, and Hashi rises at 15! Hashi stands at 18 and gets in at 19! Okada walks over and brings Hashi to center. Hashi’s dead weight but still stirring as Okada brings him up again. Okada puts Hashi in a corner, throws back elbows, then gives Hashi space as he goes to the red corner.
Fans rally up, Okada runs in and LEAPING back elbows! Kick and a SPIKE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives that nasty headstand but Okada keeps his cool. Okada drags Hashi up but again he’s dead weight. Fans still rally, Okada gives Hashi toying kicks, and that gets Hashi to stand again. Hashi and Okada egg each other on, then forearms start flying! Okada EuroUppers, Hashi CHOPS, but Okada CLUBS Hashi down. Okada whips, Hashi reverses and dodges to then HEADHUNTER! Both men are down from that high speed Blockbuster and fans are fired up! Okada rolls to a corner, Hashi aims and runs in, to CHOP!
Hashi whips to CHOP Okada again, then LARIAT! Mule kick and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Hashi keeps his cool and the fans stay fired up as he gets to his feet. Hashi drags Okada up, hangs him out to dry, but Okada fights that and throws forearms. Hashi dropkicks Okada’s legs out! Okada hops off the apron and fans rally as Hashi takes aim again. PLANCHA! Direct hit and Hashi fires up! Hashi puts Okada back in the ring, climbs a corner and aims, BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi keeps his cool, this is the Rainmaker he’s in here with. Hashi reels Okada in but Okada fights the bomb lift. Fans rally up as they fight for control, and Hashi CLUBS Okada on the back.
Hashi tries again but Okada still resists. Okada back drops Hashi away! Fans rally up as Hashi and Okada stand, Okaad uppercuts Hashi! Okada whips, Hashi reverses and drags Okada down to the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Okada endures and fans rally as Hashi leans on the hold! Okada scoots and reaches out but Hashi cranks the arms more. Okada is almost to ropes but Hashi turns him away from them! Okada uses his foot for the ROPEBREAK! Hashi lets go but brings Okada up to fisherman. Okada fights the suplex, Hashi wrenches but swings into a snapmare and MONEY CLIP! Okada has Hashi endure a submission now!
Fans rally, Hashi endures and moves around, but Okada keeps him from ropes now with an arm-drag! Okada gets the MONEY CLIP again! Hashi endures, but he’s starting to turn red! Okada wants Red Shoes to check as Hashi sputters! Is he out? He’s turning purple! Okada puts more pressure on, but Hashi gets a second wind to get the ropebreak! Fans cheer Hashi’s heart and determination as he survives! Okada gets Hashi back up, scoops him and SLAMS him, then goes to the corner. Okada climbs, MACHO ELBOW! But he’s not done there, as he gives us the RAINMAKER POSE! Fans cheer and Okada drags Hashi back up.
Okada wristlocks, ripcords but Hashi dodges! Okada blocks the lariat but not the CHOP! Hashi kicks but Okada blocks. Okada ROCKS Hashi, whips but Hashi reverses to drag him down! Okada gets up to short arm LARIAT! No more butterflies as Okada reels Hashi in for another short arm LARIAT! Okada drags Hashi up, waistlocks and wristlock ripcords, but Hashi LARIATS first!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down again! Okada sits up in a daze while Hashi pushes himself up. Hashi stalks up behind Okada, waistlock to full nelson, but Okada breaks that to throw elbows. Hashi staggers away but Okada gut wrenches, only for Hashi to slip out! DRAGON SUPLEX!
Hashi has the fans rallying again as Okada slowly sits up. Hashi powers up, throws forearms and body shots then a CHOP! Hashi whips, Okada reverses but Hashi avoids the dropkick to BASEMENT METEORA! Cover, TWO! Hashi fires up again and fans are right there with him! Okada stands, Hashi runs but into a boot! Hashi rebounds into another boot, but he keeps trying! Okada ducks but Hashi LARIATS again! Hashi gets Okada up, fisherman to the KUMAGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives but Hashi shows no slowing! BUTTERFLY LOCK!! Fans rally as Okada now endures! Hashi cranks as hard as he can but Okada scoots towards ropes! Hashi turns him away!
Fans rally, Okada refuses to quit and he grits his teeth, even as Hashi leans more weight on him. Okada powers up, reaches out, but Hashi shifts to a SLEEPER! Hashi leans on Okada, drags him away from ropes, then hits a BACKSTABBER! And back to the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Okada still endures, refusing to give in! He flails, reaches out, scoots backwards, but Hashi changes things to a CHICKEN WING, then a SLEEPER! Hashi leans all his weight on Okada but now Okada gets a second wind to stand up. Hashi squeezes tighter and he brings Okada to the mat! Red Shoes checks but Okada wags his finger. Okada gets a third wind, only for Hashi to get the pump handle!
No Karma as Okada powers up to SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down! Okada stirs, Hashi rolls away. Okada runs out from the corner, but Hashi avoids the shotgun! Hashi runs in at Okada now, for a BIG corner clothesline! Hashi hurries to get Okada up, scoop and SLAM, and Hashi goes to the corner! Hashi climbs, aims, SWANTON FLOPS as Okada moves! Fans build up to another rally as Okada watches Hashi flounder. Okada dropkicks Hashi in the back! Okada whips Hashi for another dropkick! Fans fire up with Okada as he get Hashi back up. Wristlock and ripcord but Hashi dodges to pump handle! Karma CRADLE! TWO!!!
Okada is surprised he escaped, too! But he reels Hashi in, DISCUS- SUPERKICK!! Hashi stops the rain there and he hurries to get Okada back up. Half nelson, pump handle, but Okada gut wrenches for a SIT-OUT PILEDRIVER! Ripcord and RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hashi earns 0)
Three up, three down, and the Rainmaker stands atop the block! Are the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champions simply cursed in this G1? Or are the fields just that good this year?
As for Okada, he once again gets to close out B Block on the mic. “KORAKUEN! Thank you so much for your passionate and enthusiastic support tonight. Even though this was a fight between teammates, it was a hot fight, worthy of the G1.” Okada has won three in a row, and asks if the fans are getting tired of this. “Some of you must already be thinking that you’re tired of seeing this strong Okada. But I’m not done yet.” Fans cheer for that! Okada will keep on giving us the strong Okada through the rest of the G1.
As of right now, both blocks are through the first three rounds. That means we’re already one-third of the way through the tournament. That of course means there’s still two-thirds to go. “Doesn’t that sound crazy as hell?” But NJPW wants the fans to keep enjoying this “hot autumn” they’re making, and it’s all thanks to the Rainmaker standing in the middle of this ring! They get it, don’t they? So long as he is in this ring, there is one thing that will be falling. “Well, G1, B Block, see you next time, in Hamamatsu.” Okada promises to keep this autumn a scorcher, thanks the fans for tonight, and vows to keep it raining on the G1! Will the Rainmaker blaze a trail back to the top?
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Kazuchika Okada: 3-0, 6 points
Jeff Cobb: 3-0, 6 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 2-1, 4 points
SANADA: 2-1, 4 points
EVIL: 2-1, 4 points
Taichi: 2-1, 4 points
Tama Tonga: 1-2, 2 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 0-3, 0 points
Hirooki Goto: 0-3, 0 points
Chase Owens: 0-3, 0 points
My Thoughts:
An awesome round three for B Block and another great night for NJPW and the G1! Taichi VS Evil was very good but was mostly shocking on Dick Togo going after Miho like that. I suppose that was a different way of cheating that Evil hadn’t done yet, but wow. He now has the tiebreaker on Taichi so that if they move up in the block, Evil still gets ahead of him now. Sanada VS Chase was a lot of fun on character work, and people trying to steal the Paradise Lock is a great bit of that. I figured Sanada was winning, he’s also keeping pace with Evil so that their match in the G1 can determine quite a bit of things. Goto VS Cobb was great, too, and of course Cobb stays strong.
Tanahashi VS Tama was very good, and Tama stealing Tanahashi’s moves was some great stuff. But as Tanahashi is the IWGP US Champion, he isn’t going to lose too much until the latter half of the G1. I definitely think that regardless of who wins the block or the tournament as a whole, we’re seeing Tanahashi VS Okada for the US title at Power Struggle in November. And Okada VS Hashi was awesome stuff, especially for Hashi getting to look really good against Okada. But it again seems the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champions are here to take losses, until they can defend and maybe even lose their titles to Bullet Club after the G1. Okada goes 3-0, I think he goes 4-0 with Goto being his next opponent and him not being main event for Hamamatsu.
My Score: 9.2/10
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Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!
The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
- Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
- Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony Schiavone is in the ring!
Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!
Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!
Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!
And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?
Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!
The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.
Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.
Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!
Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!
The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.
Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.
Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!
Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!
Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!
Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall
The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!
The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?
The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!
Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!
Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall
Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…
Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!
Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!
Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.
Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall
Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?
Team Triple J speaks backstage.
Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!
While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!
Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!
Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!
Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.
Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!
Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!
Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!
Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!
Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!
Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)
If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.
Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.
And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Feel the StrongEST, the FastEST, the RoughEST, the ToughEST, and the BEST Glow!
With Jade Cargill out of action, Naomi is stepping in to help Bianca Belair defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships tonight on SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade; The Bloodline wins.
- Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes; Melo wins.
- Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley; Gargano wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae; Bianca & Naomi win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Solo Sikoa is here!
The fans boo as the “Undisputed” Tribal Chief leads the Samoan Werewolf and Good Bad Guy to the ring. Roman Reigns put out the challenge for Tribal Combat, and on January 6th, in Los Angeles, for the first-ever Monday Night Raw on Netflix, it will happen! But first, Solo and his Bloodline go to the ring, and the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells them all, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” The fans boo instead, as expected. Solo lets that slide, and he says, “Roman Reigns sat on his little boat with The Wise Man and decided to challenge me on January 6th to a Tribal Combat match for the ula fala on Monday Night Raw, the debut on Netflix.”
The fans “WHAT?” Solo says instead of saying that, the fans should ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. The fans boo more, but Solo says shut your mouths and listen to what THE Tribal Chief has to say! The fans continue to boo and they continue to chant, “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells Roman that if he wants Tribal Combat, if he wants to take THE Tribal Chief to war, then let’s do it! Solo will leave his Bloodline behind, “WHAT?” Roman will leave his behind, “WHAT?” They’ll leave the Wise Man behind. “WHAT?” Jimmy and Jey, too. So listen and listen carefully: On January 6th, Solo walks in and walks OUT as THE Tribal Chief!
The fans boo more but Solo says on January 6th, he will STILL be the Head of the Table! He will STILL be YOUR Tribal Chief! And he will STILL have the ula fala! So Roman, after Solo beats your ass in LA, Roman can go back out on his little boat, sail off to the Island of Irrelevancy, and Roman can finally ACKNOWLEDGE SOLO. But wait! Drew McIntyre is here!? The Scottish Terminator has already hit Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn, but let’s not forget Solo was chief among those who screwed McIntyre out of the world championship. Solo has Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga stand down as McIntyre goes to the ring.
McIntyre grabs a mic but Solo tells him, “I gotta admit, I was very happy when you kicked my brother, Jimmy, in the face last week. Yes, I was very, very happy. But you better have a damn good reason why you’re interrupting me.” McIntyre says he’ll make it quick because it causes McIntyre physical pain to be this close to Solo and not beating Solo within an inch of his life. You like what McIntyre did to Jimmy? What about Sami and Jey? McIntyre wants to know, when Solo lies in bed at night, is he asking when McIntyre is coming after him? Because Solo is the one that cost McIntyre the title at Clash at the Castle.
Solo is the one who caused McIntyre’s family the pain and misery that caused him more pain and misery! But Solo also stood up to Roman Reigns. The only one to have the balls to stand up to Roman! The rest of them acted tough, acted like they were going to do something, but Roman snapped his fingers, didn’t change one bit. McIntyre’s heart says jump Solo, but McIntyre’s head says he and Solo have the same goal. So here’s what McIntyre is thinking: McIntyre can start working through the hit list, taking out more and more OG Bloodline members, and Solo does one thing for him: Take out Roman for good.
The fans boo but McIntyre says once all that business is finished, then he and Solo can settle theirs. But then JIMMY yanks McIntyre out of the ring! And CRACKS him with the crutch! And again! And then he runs up to CLOBBER McIntyre! McIntyre goes running into the crowd, Jimmy does his best to pursue, but now here comes LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade! The Bloodline has a Six Man Tag on their hands, will Knight even let Solo make it to LA?
Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade!
The brawl is on, Apollo after Tama, Andrade after Jacob, and Knight after Solo! Solo shoves back, but Knight LARIATS him up and out! Apollo DUMPS Tama and Andrade BOOTS Jacob! Apollo BOOTS Jacob, then Andrade BOOTS him again! Jacob tumbles out but Solo has him stand down! The Bloodline regroups while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and the match is already going as Apollo ducks ‘n’ dodges Tama to then slide under. Tama keeps moving, Apollo hurdles over, drops down, then DROPKICKS! Apollo fires up and the fans are with him, then Apollo gorilla presses Tama! The fans fire up and Apollo marches around. Apollo says this is for Solo, and he DROPS Tama! Tama flounders, Apollo brings him over, and he tags in Knight. Knight fires hands on Tama, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight brings Tama around to whip but Tama reverses. Knight catches Tama for a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Tama is tougher than that but Knight stomps him.
Tag to Andrade and the unlikely partners mug Tama. Andrade CHOPS Tama, then has him in a corner. Andrade tags Apollo, they double whip Tama to DOUBLE ELBOW! Apollo covers, TWO! Tama stays in this but Apollo drags Tama up. Apollo ROCKS Tama, the fans rally, and Apollo ROCKS Tama again. Apollo tags Andrade back in, they mug Tama, but Tama fires body shots! Tama shoves Andrade but Andrade RANAS on the return! Tama tumbles out, Jacob runs in, but Andrade DUMPS him out! Tag to Apollo, and then Andrade climbs! Apollo builds speed, and Apollo FLIES while Andrade ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!
The fans fire up as Knight then gets in to keep Solo back! Knight dares Solo to try something, but Solo stays back. Knight goes back to his corner while Apollo puts Tama in. The fans fire up as Apollo reels Tama in. Tama fires body shots and switches to a waistlock. Apollo elbows free, but Jacob sneaks a tag! Tama shoves Apollo and Jacob BODY CHECKS Apollo! The Werewolf is all geeked up while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Solo whips Apollo to ELBOW him down! Solo throws up the one but the fans boo. Solo drags Apollo up, bumps him off buckles, and the fans rally. Solo UPPERCUTS Apollo down, then stalks him along the ropes. Solo drags Apollo up but Apollo fires hands! Solo keeps Apollo from his corner but Apollo throws more shots! Solo whips Apollo hard into the Bloodline corner! Tag to Jacob and he looms over Apollo. Jacob drags Apollo up to scoop and SLAM! The fans boo but Jacob runs to SENTON, onto knees! Apollo saves himeslf and both men are down! They crawl, hot tag to Andrade!
El Idolo dodges Jacob, BLASTS Tama then ROCKS Solo! Andrade fires hands on Jacob, runs, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARM! Jacob tumbles to a corner while Andrade kips up! The fans fire up and chant “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade runs in, CIEN SHADOWES! Cover, TWO!! Jacob survives but Andrade keeps his cool. Andrade goes up a corner, MOONSAULT DOUBLE! Cover, TWO!! Andrade is frustrated now as Jacob survives again! Andrade thinks on what to do, and he brings Jacob up. Andrade fires forearms but Jacob grabs Andrade’s neck! Andrade fights free and fires more shots, but Solo sneaks a tag!
Andrade whips, Jacob reverses, but Andrade KICKS Jacob away! Jacob just roars! Andrade runs up, Jacob FLAPJACKS him into Solo’s HOTSHOT! That combo sends Andrade tumbling out to the floor, and Solo brings him up to POST him! The fans boo as The Bloodline stands tall, and Solo shows off his ula fala. Solo goes back to Andrade and puts him in the ring. Tag to Jacob, and Jacob whips for a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Andrade sputters and coughs while Jacob is geeked up again, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob watches Andrade crawl to the apron, and waits for him to go to a corner. Andrade sits up but into the HIP ATTACK! Jacob snarls as he kicks Andrade around. Tag to Solo and he whips Jacob for Jacob to whip him! Another HIP ATTACK on Andrade! Solo scowls at the fans, then talks trash on Andrade. Solo drags Andrade by his foot and brings him over to tag Tama. Tama then slingshot ELBOW DROPS! Andrade sputters more but Tama covers, TWO! Andrade is still in this, but Tama rains down fists on Andrade to keep him down! Tama HAMMERS and CLUBS Andrade, then he talks smack on Apollo and Knight.
Tama kicks Andrade to the Bloodline corner, drags him back up, and then fires a BODY SHOT! Andrade sputters, Tama tags Jacob, and then Jacob whips Tama in for a STINGER SPLASH! Andrade falls over, Jacob clamps claws into the shoulders! Andrade endures, fights up, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down! Jacob clamps the claws on again and really digs into Andrade’s shoulders! Andrade kicks and flails in pain but Jacob just thrashes him around more! Jacob shouts at Andrade but Andrade fights up to his feet! Andrade fires body shots, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down again! Jacob stalks Andrade to a corner as SmackDown returns to single picture.
The fans boo but Jacob rains down fists in the corner! Jacob then sucker punches Apollo! Andrade sits up, Jacob runs in, but Andrade moves! Hip attack hits buckles and the fans fire up! Andrade and Jacob crawl, Solo shouts for Jacob to get up! Jacob grabs Andrade’s foot and brings him up! Andrade ENZIGIRIS free! Hot tags to Tama and The Mega Star! The fans are thunderous as Knight dodges then CLOBBERS Tama! Tama flounders to a corner, Knight stomps away on him, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” The ref counts, Knight stops at 4, but then he CLOBBERS Jacob! KNEE for Tama! Solo runs up to TOSS Knight!
Knight dodges Solo in the corner and hits a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up even more and Knight tags Apollo. Knight hits Tama with the BIG back suplex! Apollo goes up top for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives but Apollo clamps on with a CROSSFACE! Knight WRECKS Jacob with a dropkick, and the Samoan Werewolf tumbles up and over the desk! Knight goes out to say that’s what Jacob gets, BUT SHINSUKE IS HERE!? Nakamura CLOBBERS Knight into the desk! The King of Strong Style gets away with that while the ref was busy checking Tama! Solo CLOBBERS Apollo, but Andrade whips Solo!
Solo reverses and ELBOWS Andrade! Solo drags Tama to their corner and then tags in. Solo aims at Apollo, HIP ATTACK! Solo hauls Apollo up, URENAGE! And then SAMOAN SPIKE!! Cover, Bloodline wins!!
Winners: The Bloodline, by pinfall
It seems Drew McIntyre isn’t the only one who is surprisingly on Solo’s side. The sinister samurai made sure to strike from the shadows to screw over Knight, will Knight make sure Nakamura comes to regret it? As for Solo, he is rolling towards the Raw Netflix debut, will he not need his Bloodline to retain the ula fala?
Backstage interview with Motor City Machine Guns.
Byron Saxton is with Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin ahead of the emotional grudge match. Shelley takes on his former friend, student, and the man who betrayed MCMG to take those WWE Tag Team Championships. That man is Johnny Gargano, so what thoughts are flowing through Shelley’s mind? Shelley says it is one thought: Payback. Sabin says they’ve known Gargano almost 20 YEARS, and only now does Gargano let the mask fall away to show us the truth. Shelley says it cuts a lot deeper when it’s someone you considered a little brother. Shelley tells Johnny that he makes sure Gargano knows he made the BIGGEST mistake of his life.
Sabin asks Shelley if he’s ready to do this. Shelley says this is something he has to do alone. He wants to see if Gargano is man enough to do the same. Sabin says okay, let’s get warmed up. Shelley wants a 1v1 shootout with Johnny Wrestling, but will Gargano do anything but do this himself?
SmackDown shares footage from after Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Byron Saxton was with Chelsea Green & Piper Niven and said before anything else, congratulations. Chelsea pats herself on the back, Piper pats Chelsea a bit, too, and Byron takes her back through the closing moments. Unpretty-Her on Michin, the bell rings, and we hear Lilian Garcia say the words, “AND NEW Women’s United States Champion, Chelsea Green.” What went through her mind? Chelsea takes out her gum and puts it in “Bryan’s” hand, and then tells him that she always knew this would happen. He might be surprised, and that’s so cute, but she wasn’t. She’s been doing this for ten YEARS, and worked her entire life to be an overnight success.
This is Chelsea’s time! Red, white and Green! Say it with her, Bryan! #RedWhiteAndGreen. So then, let’s talk the historical significance. Chelsea will now go down in the history books as the FIRST-EVER Women’s US Champion, so how does she’s now synonymous with the likes of Harley Race, the first-ever Men’s US Champion? She would say, “Duh.” She’s in the books where she belongs. Probably should’ve been three years ago, but she was released. It should’ve been way back in 2015, but she wasn’t hired. So now is the time. NOW IS THE FREAKIN’ TIME!! Yes, it is her time. What does a Chelsea Green reign look like going forward?
Chelsea says it looks like she’s going to Disneyland, so she’s got a plane to catch. Can they wrap this up? Of course. Have fun in Disneyland. Yes, well-deserved. Piper calls for champagne. Will we never hear the end of this now that Chelsea has gold to go with the ego?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“What happened after Saturday Night’s Main Event was not my fault. There’s a lot of people to blame for it. Cody Rhodes, the referees, Nick Aldis, WWE Management, they’re all to blame. I was screwed out of winning that championship. What happened to me is a travesty, a tragedy! I should be standing here Undisputed WWE Champion, but I’m not. But I took this (the Winged Eagle belt) because I deserve it. And I’m not giving it back until I get what i want. Everyone needs to understand, you can only push a man so much until they snap. But the good news is, I haven’t snapped yet.
“It can all get so much worse, trust me. You don’t want me to snap. So Cody, Nick Aldis, WWE officials, what happens next is on all of you.” The Prizefighter has said his piece, will he hold the championship hostage until his demands are met?
DIY talks backstage.
Ciampa gets it, Gargano’s known MCMG a long time. So it surprises Ciampa that Shelley is so dumb! He wants this grudge match but he can’t win the tag titles back in a singles match. So what’s he doing? Gargano says Shelley wants his payback, that’s obvious. But Shelley wants to challenge Gargano’s manhood?! Gargano is all man! He made a kid! Yeah, Papa John, Daddy Ciampa, of course they made kids. But Shelley did specify that he wants to do this on his own, so Ciampa knows what that means, right? Ciampa has to stay backstage, too. Gargano will handle business by himself. He’s not some naive 18-year-old kid with a dream anymore! Dream came true!
Gargano will go remind Shelley that he’s Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling! So Ciampa can just relax right back here. Ciampa says go get him! Ciampa won’t even move a muscle from here, you can trust him. Can he? Or is this all another facade to lower everyone’s guard?
It’s an all new Grayson Waller Effect!
A-Town Down Under is already in the ring, and fans boo as Austin Theory & Grayson Waller show off the abs. Waller then welcomes us to the Grayson Waller- And Austin Theory…! Effect. The hottest show keeps getting hotter cuz Waller gets scoop after scoop, lads. And tonight is a big scoop! A big, BIG scoop! The first transfer from Raw to SmackDown, it’s the Monster of All Monsters, BRAUN STROWMAN! The fans cheer as Braun makes his way to the ring, and he’s coming out as Santa Braun! Or perhaps, Strowman Claus? Either way, Braun throws free merchandise to the fans, what a gift for Christmas!
Braun empties the bag and then goes to the ring. Turns out, nothing for Waller & Theory! Waller sits behind the desk and thanks Braun for coming. And how nice of Braun to help all the poor here in Hartford. The fans boo and Braun asks if Waller’s really starting this like that. Is he really trying to piss Braun off already? No no no! Braun is right, it really is nice. And this is big! The biggest acquisition in SmackDown history! On the biggest talk show in WWE history! Braun says it doesn’t get any bigger than this, baby! The fans cheer and Waller says before we start, he knows how this goes, sometimes.
Waller just wants us to know that he invested a lot of money into the new set. Maybe we continue to spread Christmas cheer and have a civil conversation. No damage. Well, if Waller runs his mouth, then Braun can promise he’ll wear Waller out using all the stuff in here. Waller says he’s a bit surprised Braun agreed to this. If no one has said before, but Braun is a little intimidating. But the more Waller thought about it, the more it made sense. Even Braun sees the sense in associating with ATDU! The fans boo and Braun says he threw up a little bit in his mouth, and that get a good laugh.
Waller says okay, but SmackDown’s a bit scary right now. Bloodline is going wild, people are getting attacked backstage, and you don’t wanna be alone in the car park. Sorry, parking lot. Braun asks if Waller knows who he’s talking to. No, he didn’t mean anything by it. Waller just figures, it’d be a good idea if Braun looked after Braun for once. And that means setting up the ultimate alliance. Braun Strowman & A-Town Down Under as the same team! They’d be untouchable! The cunning and intelligence of Waller & Theory, Braun’s strength. Get it? Brains & Braun. Braun says he already told Waller to watch his mouth! Does Waller want his set shoved up his-
Wait! Carmelo Hayes makes his way out here! Braun sighs and Melo says no, no, no, cut this out. Melo has a bone to pick with Braun. Aldis thought he was going to humble Melo by setting him up against Braun. Everybody here knows that that wasn’t fair. But newsflash, Nick Aldis, you can’t humble greatness! Melo might lose, but he’ll never quit. So Braun, “you big ugly dumb Santa Claus b*tch,” let’s run this thing back right here, right now! Cuz now, Melo’s ready! Braun says if Melo didn’t learn his lesson last week, Braun will remind him what the Braun Strowman Effect is! Waller & Theory run away as Braun grabs the fake palm trees!
Braun CHUCKS trees at Melo but Melo just laughs. Will Melo not miss the game winner in this rematch? Or will Braun be the one to humble H1M?
Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes!
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Braun chuckles at Melo wanting to tie up. They do tie up but then Melo slips around to KICK the leg! Braun just brushes that off as he and Melo circle. Melo uses the ropes and even the ref as a shield so Braun backs off. Melo comes back, taunts Braun, then drops back to ropes. The ref wants Braun to let off, and Braun does, but then Melo sucker punches him! Melo talks smack, then whips, but Braun blocks! B raun shakes his head, whips Melo, but Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides out. Melo says safe! Melo says he’s smart, but then gets spooked as Braun storms up to ropes!
The ref has Braun stay back, and Melo gets cocky again. Braun signals to the fans that he’s taking a lap and the fans fire up. Braun goes outside, builds speed, but Melo runs! Melo slides into the ring, Braun gets on the apron, but Melo KICKS him! The fans boo but Melo hits the FADE AWAY! Braun flounders, Melo CLUBS and KNEES and repeat! Braun SHOVES Melo out of the ring! Braun shakes it off then storms back up on Melo. Braun YANKS Melo up by his hair! And then he TOSSES Melo across the way! The fans fire up and Braun drags Melo up again. Braun whips, Melo dropkicks the legs out! Braun falls, Melo runs, FADE AWAY, but into Braun’s hands!
Braun pops Melo up, but Melo SPIKE-RANAS! Braun sputters and Melo soaks up heat. Braun rises up like the monster he is! Melo turns around, Braun runs up, but Melo DUMPS Braun out! Melo BOOTS Braun away, then gets cocky again. Melo goes out the side and he runs up a la Braun. But Braun BOOTS Melo right down! The fans fire up and Braun looms over Melo. Braun drags Melo up, whips him at steps, but Melo goes up! Melo leaps, but into Braun’s arms! We’re at 7 of 10 as Melo slips free! Melo SLAPS Braun! Braun grabs Melo by the neck and TOSSES him into the ring! We’re at 10!! MELO WINS!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by count out
Talk about rope-a-dope! Melo steals this win by getting the better of Braun’s anger! Braun scowls at smart-aleck Melo, and he storms in! Melo runs out to the crowd and into the night, but Braun pursues! Will Melo #GetTheseHands one way or another?
Nia Jax and Candice LeRae talk backstage.
They’re both excited for the tag title match tonight, because Nia can become a double champion. Tiffany Stratton walks in and Nia says there she is! Tiff wishes them luck tonight, and cannot wait to be there ringside when the ref raises their hands. Nia gets a guilty look on her face and Candice tells Tiff that they were talking… It’s best if Tiff stays in the back. But hey, she can take some notes if she wants. And if she wants to help, she can prepare champagne, balloons and maybe even streamers. They’re gonna need all that after the big win. So Tiff should get on that while Candice & Nia strategize.
Tiff looks to Nia but Nia just says, “Thanks, Tiff.” Tiff leaves, Nia shrugs off the guilt and says she and Candice are ready. Candice is sure Tiff will have the most beautiful party ready for them. Will the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie succeed in taking the tag titles for their own? Or will it be Bianca & Naomi having that champagne to celebrate?
Melo returns backstage.
And he’s on high alert knowing Braun is still hunting him down. Melo bumps into Legado Del Fantasma, and then Braun storms up! Braun asks where Melo went. Santos Escobar says screw that, he’s no snitch. Braun says not telling is gonna get Santos worse. Angel steps in and says Melo went that way. Braun thanks Angel and storms off after Melo. But then Pretty Deadly asks Braun to please read through their script. Braun slaps the script down and says he doesn’t care about their stupid musical! But then Melo SMACKS Braun with a chair! And SMACKS him again! Melo talks trash before heading out, but Braun gets back up.
Braun is angrier than ever, and he still hunts Melo down! Is there going to be nothing left of H1M after Braun #GetsTheseHands on him?
Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley!
Longtime friendships thrown away in order to get ahead is practically cliche in pro-wrestling, but to think Johnny Wrestling would be the kind to do that. Will Shelley make Gargano regret ever treating 20 YEARS like it was nothing?
The bell rings and Gargano runs up! Shelley dodges to fire hands, then he bumps Gargano off buckles. Shelley stomps a mudhole in, then stands Gargano up to dig his forearm in! The ref counts, Shelley lets off, then he climbs up to rain down fists! Gargano YANKS Shelley down! Shelley flounders, Gargano CHOPS Shelley to a corner, then he mocks the MCMG hand pointing. Gargano CHOPS Shelley, ROCKS him, then wrenches him to whip corner to corner. Gargano runs up but Shelley ELBOWS him away! Shelley goes up to FLYING KNEE! And then he CLOBBERS Gargano! The fans fire up as Shelley drags Gargano up.
Shelley wrenches, hammerlocks, but Gargano elbows free! Gargano brings Shelley around to schoolboy ROUNDHOUSE! Shelley sputters, Gargano brings him up, and Gargano says he’s no longer the student. Gargano ROCKS Shelley, stomps away, but stops as the ref counts. Gargano soaks up heat, then shakes out his left hand before he runs up. Shelley puts Gargano on the apron to HOTSHOT! Gargano falls, Shelley aims, and Shelley slingshots to stomp Gargano’s bad hand! Gargano staggers away, but runs back up on Shelley, only for Shelley to jump the sweep! SUPERKICK! Then FLYING KNEE!
The fans fire up while Gargano goes down, and Shelley says that’s what Gargano gets while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Gargano has Shelley in a clinch. Gargano fires body shots, then he hits a JAWBREAKER! Gargano goes to a corner, Shelley runs up, but Gargano BOOTS back! Gargano runs up and slips around Shelley to SLINGBLADE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gargano is frustrated but he stalks Shelley to the apron. Gargano brings Shelley up, talks more smack, and he fireman’s carries. Shelley slips out but Gargano ROCKS him! SLINGSHOT- SUPERKICK! Shelley takes Gargano out of the air and both men are down! The fans rally up, and Shelley stands to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again!
Shelley CHOPS, whips, then kitchen sink knees! And then PENALTY KICKS! Ghost pin, TWO! Gargano escapes, but Shelley wants the arm! Shelley uses the Garga- NO, Gargano turns chicken wing into roll up, TWO!! Shelley escapes, clinches, and spins Gargano, ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Shelley wants the arm again! The fans rally as Shelley drags Gargano up, wrenches and wristlocks, but Gargano ROCKS Shelley with forearms! Shelley CHOPS back, CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Shelley wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! But Gargano ENZIGIRIS! Shelley runs up, Gargano dodges and SUPERKICKS!
Gargano scoops Shelley, takes aim at a corner, LAWN DART! Cover, TWO!! Shelley survives and the fans rally up! Gargano grows frustrated but he brings Shelley around. Gargano wants the arm now! GargaNO Escape, but Shelley says NO to that! They both fight up, end up in a corner, and the ref counts. Gargano lets off, to then ROCK Shelley with a cheap shot! Gargano runs up, but into a BUCKLE SHOT! Shelley shakes out the stars and he goes to the corner. The fans fire up as Shelley climbs, but Ciampa shows up! Gargano GAMANGIRIS Shelley down! But wait, here comes Sabin! Ciampa violated the deal first so Sabin’s not letting him do worse!
Gargano climbs up while Sabin chases Ciampa off, but Shelley SHOVES Gargano! CROSSBODY! Gargano rolls through, and pulls tights! Gargano wins!!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall
Distraction tactic and pulling the tights? Gargano has no shame! But he and Ciampa have the WWE Tag Team Championships, so is that all that matters?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Naomi.
Byron Saxton is at gorilla with The EST & The Glow, and before they head to the ring, he wants to recap the crazy couple of weeks. The mysterious attack on Jade Cargill, the big win at Survivor Series in WarGames, and now they can solidify themselves as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bianca says these past few weeks have been rough to say the least. And while you can trust Bianca will find out what happened to Jade, you best believe they won’t be stripped of the tag titles. That’s just what the culprit wants and Bianca isn’t going down without a fight. Thankfully, Bianca has a friend who always has her back.
Naomi says yeah, she’s got her back forever! And she can never turn down a good “snatch ‘n’ drag.” But she also knows how important these titles are to Bianca & Jade, and they’re just as important to her. Naomi will go out there and do everything she has to in order to keep the titles. Bianca holds out Jade’s belt to Naomi, but Naomi says no. Not until she’s earned it. Bianca says okay, and the music hits. Naomi is fired up, will this be the StrongEST Glow yet?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae!
SmackDown returns as the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie make their entrance together. The introductions are made, the tag titles are raised, and we see who is truly the strongest duo!
The teams sort out and Bianca starts against Candice. They tie up as the fans rally, and Bianca powers Candice right to a corner. But Candice pulls the braid! The ref reprimands, Candice shoves Bianca, then pie faces her! But Bianca SHOVES Candice to the corner! Bianca runs up but into an elbow! Candice goes up but Bianca ROCKS her! Bianca gorilla presses Candice but Candice scrambles free! Candice hurries away and she tags in Nia. Bianca says bring it and the fans rally for the “E S T! E S T!” Nia and Bianca tie up, Bianca headlocks, but Nia powers up and out. Tiff is watching backstage as Nia scoops Bianca, only for Bianca to slip free.
Bianca runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and DROPKICKS! Nia rebounds but Bianca avoids the elbow drop! Bianca tags Naomi then sets Nia up! Naomi and Bianca both run the ropes, Bianca handsprings, SPLIT LEG DROP AND MOONSAULT COMBO! Naomi covers, TWO! Naomi hurries back after Nia but Nia shoves her away. Naomi slides under the lariat then mule kicks! Naomi runs but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Nia drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Naomi stays in this for Bianca’s sake but Nia storms back up as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nia DRIBBLES Naomi off the mat, then stares Bianca down. Nia stalks Naomi to a corner, puts her on ropes, and CHOKES her! The ref counts, Nia lets off, and then Nia drags Naomi over to the corner. Nia traps Naomi while she tags Candice. Nia fires some elbows before backing off, and Candice RAMS Naomi! Candice ROCKS Naomi, sits her down, then stomps a mudhole in. Candice taunts Bianca, drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Candice CLUBS Naomi down, then clamps on with a top wristlock. Naomi endures while Candice leans on the hold. Naomi fights up, arm-drags free, then hurries for her corner!
Candice scrambles after Naomi and THROWS her by her hair! Candice stomps Naomi to the corner, tags Nia, and Nia runs up to HIP ATTACK! Nia taunts Bianca, drags Naomi up, and clamps on with a cobra clutch! Nia leans on Naomi to grind her down. Naomi endures, fights up, and JAWBREAKERS free! Nia staggers around, but she scoops Naomi! Naomi slips free to the apron and HOTSHOTS Nia! Naomi BOOTS Candice. RAMS Nia, then reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Naomi is down, but she BOOTS Nia away before heading for her corner. Candice hurries and tags in, but Naomi hot tags Bianca!
Bianca rallies on Candice with shoulder tackles and DROPKICK! Bianca kips up, wrenches, and suplexes Candice! SmackDown returns to single picture as Candice slips free! Candice dodges Bianca, Nia sneaks a tag, and Bianca scoops Candice for a GUT BUSTER! Bianca runs at the corner to RAM Candice, then she climbs up! The ref tries to explain but Nia runs up! Bianca backflips up and over! Nia almost squashes Candice, but she turns around. Bianca dodges Nia, but Candice hits a CODE BREAKER! SAMOAN DROP from Nia! Cover, TWO! Bianca survives and the fans fire up! Nia snarls as she drags Bianca into a motorcycle stretch!
Bianca endures and the fans rally up. Bianca fights up but Nia POSTS her first! Nia then mocks the fans with clapping, then she scuffs Bianca. Nia dares Bianca to tag, then she THROWS Bianca by the braid! Bianca goes to ropes, and Nia pulls the braid around them! The ref reprimands, Nia lets off, but Candice gets her shots in! The fans boo but Bianca gets away. Nia soaks up the heat and then brings Bianca around. Nia has the cobra clutch back on and she thrashes Bianca around. The fans rally as Bianca endures, and Bianca fights back up. Nia kicks Bianca but Bianca rebounds to reel Nia in!
Bianca tries to suplex but Nia’s too big! Nia shoves Bianca to the corner, but Bianca BOOTS back! Bianca ELBOWS Candice, runs up on Nia, but Nia picks her up! Nia RAMS Bianca into the corner! Tag to Candice and she climbs. Nia holds Bianca up, Candice MISSILE DROPKICKS Bianca into the SPINEBUSTER! Candice then BLASTS Bianca off the apron, then uses Nia as the step for the STEP-UP SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives, she’s the toughEST for a reason! Candice is frustrated and she CLUBS away on Bianca! The fans rally for “E S T! E S T!” Bianca throws a body shot but Candice CLUBS her down again.
Candice tags Nia and Nia pulls the braid to keep Bianca back. Nia whips Bianca to Candice but Bianca slips around. Candice standing switches, Nia runs up, but Bianca ducks and Nia clips Candice! Bianca scrambles while Nia checks Candice, hot tag to Naomi! Naomi LARIATS Nia but Nia stays up! So Naomi UPPERCUTS Nia! Nia still stays up! Naomi dodges, goes up the ropes, FLYING CHUCK! Nia wobbles and the fans fire up with Naomi! Naomi reels Nia in but Nia whips her away! Naomi BOOTS from the corner, then goes up! FLYING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nia stays in this but Naomi pounds the mat.
The fans rally up, Naoim brings Nia up, but Nia HEADBUTTS her! Nia runs up at the corner, but Naomi dodges to POST her! Nia is down, Naomi goes up! SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT FLOPS as Nia moves! Nia CLUBS Naomi, puts her in the drop zone, then goes up! But Naomi SMACKS Nia off the post! Tag to Bianca, and Naomi gets under Nia?! POWERBOMB!! Naomi drags Nia into the drop zone! Bianca aims for the 450!! Cover, CANDICE BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, Nia is busted open from hitting that post, but here comes TIFFANY! Is she doing what it looks like? Tiff cheers on Candice & Nia, no cash-in yet.
Candice tags in, goes after Bianca, but Bianca RAMS Candice into the corner! Bianca runs but into a BOOT! Candice goes up, TORNADO DDT! Cover, Naomi GAMANGIRIS Candice! Fans cheer “CASH IT IN!” at Tiff but Bianca tags in Naomi. Nia sneaks a tag, and as the Naomi goes after Candice, the ref has to explain. In that distraction, Nia asks for the briefcase! Tiff is conflicted, but she hands it over. But then the ref sees Nia with it! Bianca HANDSPRING KICKS Nia off the apron! Nia falls right at Tiff’s feet! Bianca tags Naomi, then PLANCHAS onto Nia! Naomi has Candice but Candice cradles! TWO!! Naomi KNEES Candice down!
Naomi hurries up, up and SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, NAOMI & BIANCA WIN!
Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Tiff’s hesitation costs Nia, and that means Naomi has earned that title belt! Bianca personally hands it to her and the two celebrate together. Will they hold onto the titles all the way ’til Jade is back in action? Or will a team come along that outshines even the StrongEST Glow?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of SmackDown here, though I think it was also prerecorded. They were in Hartford last week, weren’t they? And I thought that was prerecorded given how Jimmy Uso’s promo was received… But speaking of, good stuff from Bloodline to open. McIntyre calling a true with Solo was a bit of a surprise, but I suppose we should’ve seen that coming with how McIntyre is a Heel and often a hypocrite. Jimmy going after McIntyre was also good stuff, he can clearly still be a factor even with a bad toe. Very good Six Man Tag, too, but I should’ve known Nakamura would interfere and cost Knight’s team. Good win for Solo, and we’ve still got a couple weeks before Raw on Netflix, so the go-home math will still sort out with the first SmackDown of 2025.
Very good promos from MCMG and DIY, and of course Ciampa still went out to ringside despite the “promise” he made. And of course Gargano cheated, but that adds heat to the coming tag title rematch. They might even put that on the first SmackDown of 2025 to hype it up. Especially as I think it’s going to be the first THREE HOUR SmackDown. NBC is willing to do that knowing Raw is going to Netflix, meaning SmackDown will get more time to do more great things, which works with all the belts we’ve got now.
Good stuff with Braun and the Grayson Waller Effect, but of course we set up more between Braun and Melo. Clever move for Melo to win by count out, and of course Melo gets cocky for it. Braun was almost classic Braun with how he shrugged the chair shots off backstage. We’ll of course get one more Braun VS Melo, and maybe someone from Legado or Pretty Deadly screws Braun over given how he treated them. Very good promo from Chelsea after her big win on Saturday, and I’m sure she’ll be celebrating this win in both kayfabe and real-life through the holidays, ready to start her first title feud on January 3rd.
Very good promo from Kevin Owens, but I feel like he had to contradict himself here from what he said during the Raw on Netflix “kickoff show” on Wednesday. Kevin said then that he’s going to act as the defending champion with the holiday house show tour, but he said here he isn’t the champion since he got screwed. Either way, he’ll really play up how he is somehow the victim in all this, making the return of Cody Rhodes all the better. We’ll surely get one last match of Cody VS Kevin, maybe with a big stipulation on it, and then we’ll have a moment of (more than likely) Cody holding up both Winged Eagle and corporate logo championships.
And of course, very good stuff in the two main Smackdown women’s stories. That promo from Nia, Candice and Tiff was really good because you kinda feel for Tiff being treated as the odd one out. And then very good promo right before the match with Bianca & Naomi. I like Naomi wanting to earn the belt, and we got a great tag match. Nia surely got busted open “hard way,” aka legitimately, that post surely has edges you gotta watch out for. But Tiff showing up was of course for the briefcase distraction, not cashing in. Tiff hasn’t been pushed that far yet, that might come with the Netflix debut. But Naomi & Bianca of course retained the titles, that’ll cue up Jade making a return to identify her attacker, and it might be Naomi after all…
My Score: 8.8/10
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