Coverage
Mitchell’s NXT WarGames Results & Report! (12/5/21)
Wait, it’s not a TakeOver?
It’s Old School VS New School!
NXT Champion, Tommaso Ciampa, leads a team against North American Champion, Carmelo Hayes, and the new kids on the block, in WARGAMES!!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Women’s WarGames: Io Shirai, Raquel Gonzalez, Kay Lee Ray & Cora Jade VS Dakota Kai & Toxic Attraction; Shirai, Gonzalez, KLR & Jade win.
- NXT Tag Team Championships: Imperium VS Kyle O’Reilly & Von Wagner; Imperium wins and retains the titles.
- Hair VS Hair: Cameron Grimes VS Duke Hudson; Grimes wins and Hudson loses his hair.
- NXT Cruiserweight Championship: Roderick Strong w/ Diamond Mine VS Joe Gacy w/ Harland; Strong wins and retains the title.
- Men’s WarGames: Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne & LA Knight VS Carmelo Hayes, Bron Breakker, Tony D’Angelo & Grayson Waller; Hayes, Breakker, D’Angelo & Waller win.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the NXT WarGames Kickoff show!
Join Sam Roberts and McKenzie Mitchell in discussing, analyzing and predicting all of tonight’s action.
NXT shares Team “Black ‘n’ Gold” meeting backstage after NXT on Tuesday.
Johnny Gargano apologized to the team for not winning the WarGames advantage, but they’ve been at a disadvantage since day one of 2.0. Pete Dunne says it doesn’t matter that Team 2.0 has the bloody advantage. Dunne’s been in WarGames before, those guys don’t have a clue. LA Knight says, “I dunno, man. Guys, I’m just not sure at this point. Word is on the street is maybe we bit of more than we can chew. I mean, look at ’em. They’re big, they’re strong. I mean, what can we do, right? WRONG! 2.0, let me talk to ya! Tonight, you got the advantage. Huh? I said, tonight you got the advantage, YEAH.”
Knight wants Team 2.0 to live that up, absorb it, let it sink in. That advantage, that illusion will get shattered. These four, when they are put to pressure, when they’re told no, when they’re told, “We don’t want you here anymore!” THAT is when they excel. Knight is with excellence! The Bruiserweight, one of the longest reigning NXT UK Champions. The FIRST NXT Triple Crown Winner, Johnny Wrestling. And the current TWO-TIME TWO-TIME NXT Champion? What does that mean? Dues paid in full, time and again. Some want to say that stuff doesn’t matter. It matters to Knight! It matters to them!
So for Sunday, you ain’t gotta like them or even respect them. Because once the cage comes down and the rings are in place, these four step into the ring, each and everyone of Team 2.0 gets the respect stomped outta their asses! That isn’t an insult, that is just a fact of life, YEAH. Tommaso Ciampa adds that Team 2.0 knows they messed up by looking across the ring and seeing DIY. Who? D I Y. Together again! Representing black ‘n’ gold. And there’s one thing they like to say about that: “WE are NXT.” The 2.0 boys better be prepared for war. Game on.
Team 2.0 talks backstage.
Trick Williams says, “Here’s what we gotta do. Strap up your boots, grab the protein shakes, because tonight, our lives are about to change forever! We goin’ viral tonight.” Grayson Waller likes the sound of that! But Andre Chase walks in and says if they’re not talking strategy right now, then this is a #TeachableMoment! Aw man, c’mon… Just hear him out. “You don’t go to war without a good game plan.” And who better to be the general than Andre Chase? Chase thinks Waller should start, then- Whoa, whoa, whoa. The A Champion, Carmelo Hayes, kicks things off. When Melo shoots, he don’t-
Bron Breakker shows up as he slaps Chase on the back. He asks how everyone’s doing. Good. Chase is calling the shots? Y-Yeah…? Hey, Tony, what do we call guys like that? Stunatz. They all laugh at Chase and Tony says they don’t need Chase’s help. But maybe Chase should walk or there’s gonna be problems. Alright, but don’t come asking him for help later. Who even is this guy? Chase leaves, Team 2.0 fist bumps all around. Will they be ready for what Team Black ‘n’ Gold brings to the cage?
NXT takes a closer look at the Women’s WarGames match.
Mandy Rose says Toxic Attraction has changed NXT, because Toxic Attraction is the attraction. That is why they are the faces of 2.0. And by the way, thanks, Dakota. But in regards to #CobraKai and Big Mami Cool, what started at Halloween Havoc could end here tonight. Common enemies make for unlikely allies, and Raquel Gonzalez says her team “is the definition of WarGames.” Cora Jade says this is the stage where she belongs. Kay Lee Ray says they have the advantage, and Io Shirai says WarGames didn’t change her, she changed WarGames. Mandy doesn’t get why the other team is so confident when her team has all the gold, plus the wild card in Dakota.
Gigi Dolin says there will be no mercy, and Jacy Jayne says, “Let the Toxic Games begin!” They are ready for war! Dakota smiles at the idea that they’ll all be trapped in the cage, like animals! Raquel vows her team will tear the cage down and kick some toxic ass. Who runs the NXT Women’s Division after tonight? That match opens the show!
The battle lines have been drawn!
The game has changed, but the mission is the same: win. The stakes have been raised, the gates have been opened, and bad blood will boil over. NXT is in a state of WARGAMES!
Women’s WarGames: Io Shirai, Raquel Gonzalez, Kay Lee Ray & Cora Jade VS Dakota Kai & Toxic Attraction!
The Evil Genius, Big Mami Cool, the Scary Queen of Scots & #GenerationJade have the advantage against #CapKota and the golden trio of women’s champions. But will that help Shirai, Raquel, KLR & Cora end the arrogant attitudes of Dakota, Mandy, Gigi & Jacy?
After all their entrances, KLR goes right into the cage, and she’s bringing her baseball bat! Dakota starts for her team, and she makes sure to bring some kendo sticks with her. The door closes and the teams are up in the cages in the bleachers. The bell rings and fans chant for “WAR~ GAMES!” as the clock counts down. Dakota rushes to the divide and KLR JAMS her with the bat! Dakota shoulders back into KLR, then hurries into the second ring. Dakota blocks the superkick to throw forearms, then she whips KLR. KLR stops from hitting steel and elbows Dakota back. KLR whips, Dakota stops herself from hitting steel, but turns around into CHOPS!
KLR whips, Dakota reverses then drops down to keep KLR moving. KLR comes back to dropkick Dakota down! Fans fire up, KLR stands Dakota up and CHOPS her. KLR has Dakota in a corner and CHOPS her again! KLR brings Dakota around but Dakota denies the tornado DDT. So KLR runs up into the corner to SATELLITE DDT! KLR looms over Dakota, drags her up, and she whips, only for Dakota to reverse and send KLR into steel! KLR writhes, Dakota stomps her down at three minutes left. Dakota RAMS KLR into steel, then fetches her kendo sticks. Dakota bridges the sticks between the two rings, then SMACKS KLR with one before adding it to the bridge.
Dakota drags KLR over, RAMS her into steel again, then digs her face into the grate! Fans rally and duel, Dakota fidgets and pushes KLR under the ropes. KLR fights Dakota and kicks her away. They go to the first ring and Dakota CLUBS KLR down. Dakota drags KLR up to whip her to a corner. Dakota then goes up from the divider side, brings KLR up, but KLR fights with body shots! KLR GAMANGIRIS Dakota! Dakota kicks KLR away, hurries into the second ring and gets KLR’s bat! But KLR goes up FLYING from ring to ring to take Dakota down! KLR gets the kendo stick to SMACK Dakota!
KLR decides to take advantage of Dakota’s kendo stick bridge. She brings Dakota through the ropes, suplexes and GOURD BUSTER onto the sticks! Dakota writhes and we’re at the last 10 seconds. Fans count it down, but Dakota JAWBREAKERS! KLR’s team adds Cora Jade! Cora hurries to ringside and gets a skateboard! Cora hops in and SMACKS Dakota with the board! And again! Dakota ducks then leaps over Cora, but Cora ducks and whips to kick. Dakota blocks that but Cora ENZIGURIS! Dakota staggers, Cora waistlocks but Dakota bucks the O’Conner, only to get a SHINING WIZARD against the steel! Fans fire up with Cora and she helps KLR up.
Cora stomps Dakota in the corner, KLR adds on. Fans taunt Cora, “You Can’t Skate!” Cora snapmares and KICKS Dakota in the back! KLR drags Dakota up to snapmare and KICK! Dakota scrambles away into the second ring, but Cora and KLR follow her. Dakota is in a corner, she kicks back but KLR stomps her down. KLR and Cora double suplex Dakota! Fans want that “One More Time!” and they get Dakota back up for another double suplex! KLR taunts Toxic Attraction, then she and Cora double suplex again. But Dakota makes it at DOUBLE DDT! Dakota CLUBS KLR, then hammers Cora. The countdown returns as Dakota stomps Cora, but Cora hits back.
Toxic Attraction sends Gigi to the ring! Gigi goes looking underneath and she brings out a trash can! And a duffel bag, too! She puts those in, and TOSSES the can at Cora! Cora goes down, Gigi climbs up. Gigi leaps, Cora gets under, but Gigi BOOTS her down! KLR runs in but Gigi shoves her, rounds and STO’s! Dakota BOOTS KLR, Gigi hits a HALF ‘N’ HALF! Dakota then adds a SUPERKICK! Gigi runs in to wrench Cora and snapmare, then KICK her in the back! Dakota keeps KLR down as Gigi SWITCHBLADE KICKS Cora! Dakota digs her boot into KLR in the corner, Gigi drags Cora up to CLUB her down. Gigi bumps Cora off buckles, stomps her, then KICKS her!
Dakota and Gigi coordinate, they switch, STEREO BOOTS in the corners! Dakota stands Cora back up, she and Gigi switch again, another STEREO BOOTS! Cora hits Gigi back and throws knees, snapmare roll and basement dropkick! KLR hits Dakota back and they go to the second ring. Gigi sits up against ropes but Cora takes the trash can to put it over her. Cora runs and basement dropkicks the can! Gigi flops over, KLR gets Dakota in the Gory Especial, KLR BOMB onto the trash can! Gigi flounders out of the can, clutching her mouth! The countdown returns as Cora stomps Gigi and KLR SMACKS Dakota with the trash can.
Now Io Shirai joins the match! Dakota hits KLR back but Shirai is bringing in chairs! Cora stomps Gigi and Dakota to keep them down while KLR gets the chairs from Shirai. Shirai brings out another trash can, and the lid. Dakota corners Cora to then BOOT Shirai down! Dakota RAMS Shirai into steel! Gigi digs her boots into Shirai, then drags her up to whip her into more steel! Dakota stomps KLR, stomps Shirai, and Gigi adds on! Cora kicks back but Gigi CLUBS her down! Dakota BOOT WASHES KLR! Gigi BOOTS Cora down, Dakota CLUBS Cora. Gigi digs her boots into KLR, but Cora gets her skateboard! Only for Dakota to BOOT her down!
KLR SMACKS Gigi with the trash can, but Gigi kicks her back. Cora CLUBS Dakota, KLR ROCKS Gigi! KLR gives Gigi a GOURD BUSTER, but hen Dakota pulls KLR’s hair! Cora goes up top, kicks Dakota away and then walks the ropes to RANA in the gap! Cora fires up and then runs in, only for Dakota to dodge! Gigi slips in and CLOBBERS Cora into the posts! Gigi snarls and fans are on her side as she stalks up to KLR. KLR tries to hit back but Gigi CLUBS her down. The countdown returns as Gigi KICKS KLR against ropes. Toxic Attraction sends Jacy Jayne! Dakota uses a chair while Jacy brings out a TABLE! Fans like that!
Dakota sets chairs up in a corner, Gigi makes room so she can help Jacy with the table. Dakota CLUBS KLR down, then keeps Cora and Shirai down. Jacy TOSSES the can into KLR, then BOOTS her down! KLR falls between the chairs Dakota set up, then Gigi clubs away on Cora. Cora shoves her away but Gigi RANAS Cora to ropes! Jacy runs in to KNEE Cora down! Fans chant, “Let’s Get Toxic!” “Toxic Sucks!” as Gigi knees Shirai down! Gigi holds Shirai up as Jacy builds speed, but Shirai brings Gigi down and the KNEE hits Gigi! Shirai ROCKS Jacy, blocks Dakota’s boot and sends it into Jacy! Shirai then SHOTEIS Dakota!
Fans fire up as Shirai runs into the corner, SHINKANSEN for Toxic Attraction! SHINKANSEN for Dakota! Shirai has the trash can lid now, FULL METAL SHINKANSEN for Toxic Attraction! FULL METAL SHINKANSEN for Dakota! Shirai makes Dakota hold the lid so that Shirai can get a big SWINGING DOUBLE KNEES! 619 for Jacy! Cora has set up the table in the second ring, and now she, KLR and Shirai have Jacy all alone! She tries to get away and Gigi reaches out, but KLR BOOTS Gigi down! Shirai ROCKS Jacy, KLR adds on! Jacy ends up on the table, and fans fire up as Cora decides to climb! The new kid wants to go extreme, and she’s on the cage!
SUPER SWANTON BOMB through the table!! Fans lose their minds, and mad respect from the veterans for that one! But Cora is also clutching her arm, did she do as much damage to herself as she did to Jacy? KLR makes sure Dakota is still down in the other ring, then she ROCKS Gigi! Gigi shoves KLR but KLR kicks her and bumps her off buckles. KLR digs her boot into Gigi, Cora makes her way to the first ring. Cora tries her best with just one arm but it might be too much. KLR CHOKES Dakota with a kendo stick! Shirai says Cora is good, and she closes the door! But is this a smart move from the Evil Genius? She has the arm, and she POPS it in for Cora!!
The countdown returns as Dakota JAWBREAKERS KLR! But now, here comes RAQUEL! Ricky Desperado looks under the ring, KLR CLUBS Dakota down, Raquel finds more trash cans and hands them in to KLR. Same goes for more chairs. AND A SHOVEL! But Dakota kicks at Raquel, then closes the door! Dakota and Gigi keep the door shut on Raquel, but Raquel gets a fire extinguisher! WHOOSH, and she puts Dakota and Gigi out! Raquel gets in and rallies on them with elbows and a BOOT! Fireman’s carry for Dakota, then Raquel gets a trash can! Raquel pops Dakota around and shoves her into the can! Then Raquel swings the can around!
Gigi runs over but gets BOPPED by the trash can! Raquel then TOSSES the can and Dakota with it! Raquel KICKS the can, then checks on Cora in the other ring. Shirai takes the trash can off Dakota to go up the corner with it, then up the cage! Dakota goes after Shirai to take the can away. KLR goes after Dakota, but Gigi SMACKS KLR with a kendo stick! Gigi and Jacy climb, but then Raquel adds on! DOUBLE POWERBOMB GERMAN SUPLEX, because KLR went with Toxic Attraction! Shirai kicks Dakota and Raquel catches her! SPINEBUSTER! Raquel puts the can back around Dakota and sets her up for OVER THE MOONSAULT!!
Fans fire up with Shirai and Raquel, and Raquel goes back to check on Cora. Cora gets feeling into her bad arm, but is she in any shape to fight? Gigi regroups with Dakota, the countdown returns, but we all know that Mandy Rose finally joins the fight! Mandy grins and struts as she gets right in, grabs a chair, and JAMS Raquel! Then SMACKS her on the back! Mandy sees Cora in the other ring and goes right for her. Shirai grabs at Mandy’s leg but Mandy kicks her away. Mandy grins as she picks on Cora. “Does your arm hurt?” Mandy drags Cora by the arm! But Shirai CLOBBERS Mandy and kicks her away!
Toxic Attraction regroups with Dakota, but Shirai, Raquel & KLR stand in their way! WarGames truly begins now, in that it can finally end, and it is clear Cora is the target. Shirai and team dare Toxic Attraction to try when they all have a kendo stick. KLR looks at Cora, and creeps over. What is KLR thinking? Dakota jumps in and get a SMACK! KLR then tosses the stick to Cora so she can defend herself as the brawl breaks loose! Shirai is after Gigi, Mandy and Jacy mug Raquel and KLR avoids a DDT to chairs from Dakota, but she still gets knocked down by Gigi! Dakota covers, Shirai breaks it! Mandy pulls Shirai’s hair but Shirai gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, Jacy breaks it!
Jacy gets a chair, sets it down, Shirai runs in but FULL METAL SPINEBUSTER! Jacy runs but Raquel CLOBBERS her! Gigi runs at Raquel, tilt-o-whirls, but Raquel blocks the DDT with power! Raquel puts Gigi up top, SMACKS her off steel, then gets Jacy up. Raquel brings Jacy around, adds Gigi to it, but Mandy SMACKS her with a kendo stick! Toxic Attraction picks on Raquel, KICKS and SMACKS from all sides! Gigi RANAS Raquel into a chair, Jacy FULL METAL DROPKICKS! Double cover, but CORA smacks that apart! Cora has one arm to use that kendo stick with, but she retreats to the second ring as Toxic Attraction & Dakota regroup.
Cora fires off with the kendo stick on everyone! But she gets knocked down, and they sit her up for Mandy to stomp! Mandy runs, KNEE FROM A ROSE! Cover, TWO!! Cora survives and shocks everyone! Cora is surprised, too, but Mandy drags her up to go after the bad arm! Dakota keeps KLR down, Gigi & Jacy stomp Raquel, but Shirai springs up and has a kendo stick to SMACK Mandy! KLR schoolgirls Dakota into buckles! Jacy SMACKS Shirai with a chair, then Gigi BOOTS KLR against the steel. Raquel gets Jacy for a CHINGONA BOMB! Double BOOTS take Gigi and Raquel down! Cora is the only one up! She hurries to high stack Jacy, HER TEAM WINS!
Winners; Io Shirai, Raquel Gonzalez, Kay Lee Ray & Cora Jade, by pinfall
The underdog with one arm comes through for the team! What a big win for them all, will this lead everyone to bigger and better in the near future?
Team Black ‘n’ Gold meet in the locker room.
Ciampa says, “Boys. WarGames.” Huh? WarGames! YEAH! Gargano finally gets into a WarGames. Could also be his last, but he’s excited to be in one with these guys. Knight says it’s his first, too, but Dunne and Ciampa have been in this before, but one thing they’ve all done is have that big match feeling. In the other locker room is a bunch o’ boys because they ain’t ever felt this before. They have a glimmer of hope because of the man-up advantage. Well someone told them the wrong damn story, YEAH! Ciampa asks Bruiserweight his input, Dunne just shrugs. Beautiful. But this is big for them. Tonight, it isn’t just their moment. This is Gargano’s moment. Is that to say Gargano kicks off WarGames for his team?
NXT Tag Team Championships: Imperium VS Kyle O’Reilly & Von Wagner!
Marcel Barthel & Fabian Aichner do not respect the team of #CoolKyle and big Von Wagner. It may be that they’re still rather fresh as a duo. It may be that they do not show the same reverence for the ring. And it’s most certainly because as Europeans, they look down on Americans. Will the Impeccable German & Pride of Italy keep the mat sacred? Or will Kyle & Von make Imperium admit in all languages that they greatly underestimated them?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we’re about to see if arrogance gets in the way of dominance!
The teams sort out, Kyle starts against Barthel. The two circle, fans rally up, and they tie up. Kyle waistlocks, Barthel wrenches and arm-drags Kyle to then roll and wrench to a wristlock. Kyle rolls, Barthel rolls with him! Fans duel, “Let’s Go, Kyle!” “Kyle Sucks!” Kyle spins, steps through and back drops Barthel! Barthel tries to sunset flip but Kyle has the arm for an ARMBAR! Barthel hurries to high stack, ONE! Barthel whips Kyle, tags Aichner, Aichner arm-drags Kyle to a cording hold! Fans rally, Kyle fights up but Aichner wrenches. Kyle CLUBS free, ROCKS Aichner, but Aichner CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS back! Kyle turns it around, Aichner dodges and CHOPS again!
Aichner puts Kyle in the corner, whips him corner to corner but Kyle goes under, and KICKS Aichner down! Tag to Wagner, Kyle sets Aichner up, LEAP FROG ATTACK! Von drags Aichner up to back suplex high and hard! Cover, ONE! Von pushes Aichner down to then FALLING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! Von drags Aichner up, tags in Kyle, and they stomp and KICK and HEADBUTT Aichner over and over! Kyle drags Aichner up, wrenches, but Aichner gets free to CHOP! Kyle KICKS, Aichner CHOPS! Aichner blocks the kick, Kyle catches the chop! Kyle wrenches, knees low and has a facelock! Aichner fights but Kyle cranks the hold, but Barthel gets in!
Kyle kicks at Barthel and he backs off, Aichner uses that distraction to snap suplex Kyle away! Tag to Barthel, Aichner puts Kyle in a corner and Barthel whips corner to corner. Barthel runs in to EuroUpper, GAMANGIRI then HALF HATCH! Barthel hops up the corner, leaps, but into a KICK! Barthel keeps Kyle from Von to whip and ROCK, then snapmare and PENALTY KICK! Barthel holds up a finger to shout, “NEIN!” Barthel brings Kyle up but Kyle WRINGS his arm! Tag to Von and he rallies on Barthel! BIG shoulder tackle, then a scoop and SLAM! Von fires up, runs in but blocks the boot. Barthel brings Von down to KICK him away, hot tag to Aichner!
Aichner rams Von but Von stays up! Aichner CHOPS, dodges Von’s lariat and catches the Thesz Press for a squat! ROLLING SENTON! Fans fire up seeing that display of strength! Aichner drags Von up, wrenches and clamps onto the arm to tag in Barthel. Aichner whips, Barthel arm-drags but Von blocks to CLOBBER Barthel! Tag to Kyle, he BOOTS Aichner, then kitchen sink knees Barthel! Kyle clinches, throws knees, then fires off KICKS and SLAPS! Leg sweep! Barthel goes to the corner, Kyle runs in to forearm smash! Wrench and ELBOW BREAKER, but Barthel forearms. Kyle fires off more heavy strikes, ROCKS Barthel, then runs, into a cheap shot from Aichner!
Barthel CLOBBERS Kyle! Fans fire up and rally as Barthel scrapes his soles on Kyle’s face, then basement EuroUppers! Barthel drags Kyle up, tags Aichner, and Imperium whips Kyle to CLOBBER him! Aichner stomps Kyle around, rains down fists, then he talks trash to Von. Aichner drags Kyle up to RAM him into the corner. Tag to Barthel, Barthel whips Kyle again but Kyle ducks Aichner’s clothesline to BOOT Barthel! Kyle KNEES Aichner down, and Imperium both tumble to the floor! Kyle crawls the long way across the ring, but Aichner gets in to intercept! Kyle back drops Aichner away! Hot tag to Von!
Von rallies on Imperium with big clotheslines, boots and shoulders! Aichner dodges but gets a LEG LARIAT! Von whips, Barthel reverses, Von clips Aichner to then POWERSLAM Barthel! Gut wrench SLAM for Aichner! Von DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES Imperium out! Fans fire up for Von and he fires up as he hurries out after Imperium. Von CLOBBERS Barthel, CLOBBERS Aichner, gets back in the ring to then go out and give Imperium an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Kyle runs and FLYING KNEES Aichner down! Von gets Barthel for an OLYMPIC SLAM in the ring! Cover, TWO!! Barthel survives but Von keeps his cool.
Von drags Barthel up, Barthel JAWBREAKERS! But Von choke grips! Barthel CLUBS the arm, CHOPS and kicks and CLUBS Von, then underhooks! Von blocks the suplex and throws Barthel away. HEADBUTT, and Barthel falls! Von steadies himself, storms over, but Barthel trips him into buckles! Aichner tags in, they set Wagner in the ropes, CORNER DOUBLE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Aichner tags Barthel back in, Barthel goes up and Aichner reels Von in. But Von back drops free! Barthel leaps, into a choke grip! CHOKE SLAM onto Aichner! Von hobbles and tags in Kyle! Kyle goes up top, KING KONG KNEE DROP to Barthel’s leg! HEEL HOOK!!
Barthel endures, fans rally and duel, Barthel clubs away at Kyle’s legs but Kyle pulls harder on Barthel’s! Barthel drags himself over, Aichner gets up to springboard TRIANGLE MOONSAULT!! Direct hit on Kyle and fans lose their minds! Everyone is down, “This is Awesome!” Barthel puts Kyle up top, Aichner tags in! Barthel GAMANGIRIS Kyle, Aichner BOOTS Von! Barthel TOSSES Kyle to Aichner, but Kyle GUILLOTINES out of the suplex! Von runs in to clothesline Barthel and himself out of the ring! Aichner is caught in the body scissors, powers out, but Kyle makes it a cradle! Barthel tips it! TWO!! Kyle escapes, BOOTS Aichner, but Aichner BOOTS back!
Kyle and Aichner DOUBLE BOOT! Kyle yoyos, into DOUBLE LARIATS! Both men fall and fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” Hot tags to Von and Barthel! Von dodges but Barthel CHOPS, kicks, and throws hands! Von throws hands back, going back and forth! Von gets the edge but Aichner gets in to CHOP BLOCK! Kyle gets in to AX ‘N’ SMASH Aichner! Barthel gut wrench SLAMS Kyle! Von scoops Barthel, but Barthel slips out! Barthel shoves Von, but gets caught in the HIGH LOW!! Cover, the ref is busy with Aichner! He finally sees, TWO!!! That delay saved Imperium!! Fans argue the count, but Von drags himself over to tag in Kyle.
Kyle and Von get Barthel up, Von runs, but Barthel elbows Kyle and dumps Von! Barthel hurries to tag in Aichner! Aichner runs at Kyle, Kyle ducks but Aichner goes up and up and SUPER CROSSBODIES Von!! Fans lose their minds, Aichner gets Kyle for a lift, but Kyle slips out of the bomb to BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! INTO AN ARMBAR!! Kyle pulls the arm back, then shifts to a TRIANGLE HOLD! Aichner flails, reaches, scoots around, but Kyle throws down fists! Aichner is fading! But he gets a second wind to deadlift Kyle! Barthel tags in and goes up top! IMPERIAL BOMB!! Cover, Imperium wins!!
Winners: Imperium, by pinfall (still NXT Tag Team Champions)
What a war for the tag titles! Kyle & Von came way closer than Imperium thought they would, but they couldn’t take over the tag division. Von and Kyle regroup, and fans chant, “Thank You, Kyle!” Was this the last chance for the three-time tag team champion? Von rushes at Kyle?! But Kyle’s ready, and he ducks to AX ‘N’ SMASH Von!! Kyle shouts about Von being dumb enough to think Kyle doesn’t know this game! “This is a brotherhood!” Kyle throws up the Undisputed Era symbol! And then he tells Von to SUCK IT! Kyle storms off, fans are fired up! Will Kyle teach Von what it takes to survive in NXT?
Backstage interview with El Legado Del Fantasma.
McKenzie asks them about Santos Escobar’s huge match with Xyon Quinn this Tuesday. Escobar will put it this way, first in Spanish, then in English, “Xyon Quinn bit off more than he can chew.” Reality hits Xyon in the face. Then what about Elektra Lopez meeting up with Xyon last week? McKenzie, they are familia. Their affairs are solved behind closed doors. And just to be clear, Elektra is a grown ass woman. What she does on her time is none of your business. Elektra storms off, Legado follows after. But will that business be settled when Escobar takes on the Gentleman Fighter on NXT?
Hair VS Hair: Cameron Grimes VS Duke Hudson!
The Carolina Cash Money Caveman took The Smug poker “master” to the cleaners in Duke’s Poker Room, then messed with his head in the rematch. But now Hudson wants to humiliate Grimes and mess with Grimes’ head by shaving it bald! But will that just backfire on Hudson like those card games did? Or will he not need to worry about bluffs when he can just beat Grimes down?
The bell rings and the two rush each other! Hudson RAMS Grimes into a corner, RAMS his shoulder in again and again, then bumps Grimes off buckles. Grimes turns things around to KICK and KICK and KICK! Hudson shoves Grimes down, stomps him around, then drags him up to TOSS him out of the ring! Grimes hits the steel steps pretty hard, but Hudson goes out after him. Grimes blocks the bump to SMACK Hudson off the steps! Grimes then goes from the apron to CANNONBALL! Direct hit and Hudson flounders to the ramp. Grimes gets Hudson up but Hudson RAMS him into the apron! They get in at 8 of 10, but Grimes runs to forearm smash Hudson down!
Grimes rallies with shoulders, then he runs corner to corner to- Leap into an URENAGE! Hudson rains down fists on Grimes, fans boo but Hudson paces about. Hudson sits Grimes up to JAM a knee into his back! Hudson brings Grimes up again but Grimes throws body shots. Grimes runs but Hudson pulls hair! Hudson reels Grimes in, Grimes victory rolls! TWO, and Hudson runs in but Grimes elbows him away! Grimes BOOTS Hudson, goes up and QUEBRADAS! Cover, TWO! Hudson crawls, Grimes snarls and KICKS Hudson’s leg! And then KICKS him in the corner again and again! Hudson bails out and fans boo, but Grimes goes to the apron!
Hudson blocks the kick to yank Grimes down and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplex him to the floor! Hudson gets in as the count climbs. The count is past 5 of 10, Grimes gets up at 8 and in at 9! Hudson stomps Grimes at the ropes, drags him up and whips him to ropes to CLOBBER him with an elbow! Hudson drags Grimes up, reels him in and has a cobra twist! Grimes resists but Hudson CLAWS Grimes in the side! Fans rally as Grimes endures the stretch, and Grimes powers up to power out, only for Hudson to throw him down by his hair! Fans chant, “You Suck!” as Hudson fish hooks Grimes’ face. Hudson puts Grimes in a corner to stomp away!
The ref counts, Hudson lets off, fans chant, “You’re Still Dukie!” Hudson suplexes, Grimes makes it a cradle! TWO, and Hudson CLOBBERS Grimes again! Hudson sits Grimes up to JAM his knee in again, and again! Hudson eggs Grimes on, “I’m gonna shave you bald!” Fans chant “DUKIE! DUKIE!” as Hudson whips Grimes corner to corner hard! Grimes falls but fans rally up for him. Hudson stands Grimes up to reel him in, BACKBREAKER! Hudson bends Grimes back for a backbreaker rack but Grimes endures. Fans rally, Grimes fights out with fists, and Grimes gets up, only for Hudson to scoop! Grimes RANAS Hudson into ropes!
Hudson drags Grimes up by a leg, Grimes ENZIGURIS! Hudson staggers, Grimes ducks and dodges, COLLISION COURSE! Cover, TWO! Hudson survives but fans rally up for Grimes. Grimes counter punches Hudson, and again! Grimes spins Hudson to scoop, but Hudson slips out to gut wrench Grimes up! Hudson swings Grimes but Grimes makes it a DDT! Cover, TWO! Grimes grimaces while Hudson goes to the apron. Grimes goes out and PENALTY KICKS Hudson from the apron! Fans fire up, Grimes brings Hudson up and into the ring. Grimes slingshots but Hudson holds off the sunset flip and sits! Hudson has the rope and the ref sees it! Grimes finishes the sunset, TWO!!
Grimes kicks, Hudson avoids the roundhouse but not the SUPERKICK! POISON-RANA!! Fans fire up with Grimes as Hudson flounders about. Grimes runs in to BOOT in the corner! Grimes then goes up top, to CROSSBODY! Deep cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Grimes goes to a corner. Hudson stands, Grimes says, “TO! THE! MOON!” But he runs into a BOSS MAN SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Grimes survives and Hudson can’t believe it! Hudson drags Grimes up, gut wrench to a crucifix, but Grimes RANAS out of Razor’s Edge! Hudson hits buckles, Grimes rolls him up! With a handful of tights!! GRIMES WINS!!
Winner: Cameron Grimes, by pinfall (Duke Hudson loses his hair)
Hudson protests, Grimes cheated! But it’s only cheating if you get caught! And with the barber’s chair in the second ring, we all know what’s coming! Hudson tries to run away but Grimes throws him into the ring! But Hudson CLOBBERS Grimes! Hudson drags Grimes up and puts him in the chair! No, this isn’t the bet! Hudson is the one who should be getting sheered! Hudson grabs the electric razor, but Grimes BOOTS Hudson down! Then he hits a CAVE-IN!! Now things are as they should be as Grimes gets the razor! Grimes makes Hudson take a seat, and fans chant, “Shave Him Bald!” Grimes sets to work buzzing through Hudson’s hairline!
Hudson comes to and runs away before Grimes can finish! But will he have to make the change after getting a runway down the middle of his head?
NXT Cruiserweight Championship: Roderick Strong w/ Diamond Mine VS Joe Gacy w/ Harland!
Apparently, a 205 pound weight limit is offensive? Well, NXT’s Mr. Inclusion does make a point that the world should be a better place for all. But will he be able to resolve the conflict and turn this into NXT’s Openweight Championship? Or will he not be able to break the Savior of the Backbreaker?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Strong exclusively keeps Gacy from being a champion.
Strong and Gacy tie right up, go around, and Strong puts Gacy in a corner. The ref counts, Strong lets off but shoves Gacy as he tries to hug him. Gacy says they can resolve this easily but they circle and tie up again. Strong trips Gacy and eggs him on. Gacy gets up, Strong shoves him. Gacy wants to hug it out but Strong wants to fight. So Gacy SLAPS Strong! Strong fires forearms and body shots and has Gacy on the ropes! Strong knees low, scoops and BACKBREAKER! Gacy gets up, Strong CHOPS him! Gacy flounders, Strong gets Gacy up to scoop and hits another BACKBREAKER! Strong stalks Gacy, dares him to hug him now, but Gacy wants Strong to take it easy.
Strong brings Gacy up to headlock, Gacy powers out and runs Strong over! Things speed up, Gacy shoves and CLOBBERS Strong from behind! Gacy stomps away on Strong then drops an elbow! Gacy gets Strong up to CLUB him, throw body shots, then forearms. Strong puts Gacy in a corner to CHOP! Strong tears Gacy’s button-up shirt off to CHOP him! And kick him, then CHOP him again! Gacy crawls, Strong stands Gacy up to CHOP him down! Strong gets Gacy against ropes to CHOP him, but Gacy throws body shots! Strong forearms, joins Gacy on the apron, but Gacy BOOTS him down! Gacy throws off what’s left of his shirt to CLUB away on Strong!
Strong flops to the floor, Gacy gets him up and in, then drops another big elbow! Gacy DECKS Strong, brings him up from the corner but Strong slips out to run. Gacy ROCKS Strong then hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Gacy drags Strong up, suplexes high and hard, then covers, ONE! Gacy drags Strong back up, throws a hard forearm, but Strong CHOPS! Gacy CHOPS back, then waistlocks. Strong holds onto ropes, Gacy CLUBS him! Gacy whips Strong corner to corner, Strong reverses and runs in to KNEE Gacy down! Strong hoists Gacy up top, CHOPS him again, then climbs up to join him. Strong gets Gacy up and fans fire up, for the SUPERPLEX!
Both men are down and fans fire up! Strong crawls to a cover, TWO! Only now does Harland even react by putting his hands on the apron. Strong throws forearm son Gacy but Gacy gives them back. They go back and forth, fans fire up, and Strong gets around to knee low! Fireman’s carry, GUT BUSTER DROP! Strong gets Gacy back up, OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up, Bivens is frustrated on Strong’s behalf. Strong gets the legs, he turns Gacy over for the BOSTON CRAB! Gacy endures, powers his way around, but Strong drags Gacy away! Strong turns Gacy back over, but Gacy gets an arm and starts kicking Strong in the face! Gacy drags Strong down, CROSSFACE!!
Strong flails, scrambles, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Gacy lets off but runs in, to clothesline Strong out! Strong lands right by Diamond Mine and they hurry to help him, Gacy runs to FLY! Direct hit and down goes Strong AND the Creed Brothers! Gacy puts Strong in the ring, but then he stares down Ivy Niles! Niles gets her chain ready, but here comes Harland! Harland picks Niles up but Gacy tells him to let her down. Harland lets Niles free, the ring count is climbing! Gacy gets in at 8, Strong runs in but misses! Gacy knees low, gut wrenches and POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO!!
Gacy runs, but Strong KNEES Gacy down! Gacy flounders, Strong gets him up, END OF HEARTACHE!! Cover, Strong wins!
Winner: Roderick Strong, by pinfall (still NXT Cruiserweight Champion)
Not only does Strong keep this title, he keeps it the Cruiserweight title! Will Diamond Mine never crack under pressure? Will Gacy stop trying to change the way things are done in NXT? Or will this only motivate him to try even harder?
Backstage interview with Kyle O’Reilly.
McKenzie asks what happened after their tag title loss, and Kyle says, “You know I’ve been in this business a long time, right? And Von Wagner, if you didn’t think I smelled that turn coming from a mile away, you must be stupider than you look!” This is the first time in five years Kyle wasn’t in a WarGames match, and he’s hungry for some steel. So if Von wants to finish what he started, they can leave that cage up for Tuesday, because Kyle wants him inside that steel! A vicious challenge has been issued to Von, will he have the guts to take on #KillerKyle?
Men’s WarGames: Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne & LA Knight VS Carmelo Hayes, Bron Breakker, Tony D’Angelo & Grayson Waller!
The battle of generations is on! Old School VS New School, Black ‘n’ Gold VS 2.0, the veterans who paved the way and paid their dues VS the future of sports entertainment! At least, that’s how the new kids on the block want everyone to think. But will DIY, the Bruiserweight and the Million Dollar Megastar show the North American Champion, the Big Booty Nephew, the Pro-Wrestling Paizon and the 21st Century Success Story it ain’t their time yet?
As promised by Trick Williams, Melo starts for his team. And as Ciampa, Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling starts! Gargano even returns to his old theme song to remind us all who has been the heart of this brand all this time! Fans are thunderous already as the bell rings. Gargano wants Melo to hear the chants as he and Melo circle. “Johnny WarGames” gets the waistlock, hooks an arm, spins Melo around, and wrangles him down. Melo gets up but Gargano wrenches. Melo rolls, wrenches, but Gargano headlocks to a takeover. Melo headscissors but Gargano shrugs that off. They get up, Melo pops out the back to hammerlock and bridge.
Gargano endures but Melo rolls to have the hammerlock again. Gargano reaches back but Melo fights the headlock off. They get up, Melo wrenches again, then headlocks. Gargano throws body shots, powers out, things speed up and Gargano hurdles. Melo leaps, things keep moving, Gargano arm-drags but Melo rolls off his back. Melo shoves, springboards and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Gargano is in a corner, he dodges Melo but Melo pops him up, but Gargano kicks off the cage to arm-drag Melo and SCHOOLBOY KICK! Fans fire up and Gargano smirks. Trick coaches Melo but Gargano brings Melo up into a corner.
Gargano CHOPS, but Melo headlocks. Gargano just CHOPS again! Melo keeps trying but Gargano CHOPS, whips corner to corner, but runs into an elbow. Melo slingshots and jumps off the second ring’s ropes, into Gargano’s GAMANGIRI! Melo is dazed, Gargano waits for him to rise. Gargano runs in, but Melo blocks the spear to turn Gargano around and KICK! Melo runs to the post, imploder leg drop but Gargano moves! Melo lands on his feet, Gargano slingshots but no Final Beat here! Melo TOSSES Gargano into the ring! Gargano slides, Melo slingshots over, but turns around into the SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Fans are thunderous as Gargano still has control!
Gargano drags Melo up, Melo knees low! Melo whips, Gargano reverses but Melo goes up the steel to mule kick! SPRINGBOARD LARIAT! Melo goes up the corner, but Gargano ROCKS him with a forearm! They brawl, Gargano gets the edge, but Melo kicks him away. Melo goes up again, but Gargano follows! They fight on the top rope, Gargano SMACKS Melo off the steel! And again! And again! Gargano keeps dribbling Melo off the steel! Gargano stops at 10 and springboards to SUNET POWERBOMB! But the countdown is here, and Team 2.0 sends Grayson Waller! Waller gets in, and he dares Gargano to come get some!
Gargano takes Waller up on his challenge, ducks and fires off forearms! Gargano whips, Waller reverses, Gargano tilt-o-whirls but Waller blocks to suplex! Waller runs in at the corner but Gargano BOOTS! Gargano tilt-o-whirls, Waller blocks again and BACKBREAKER, to a ROLLING ELBOW! Waller fireman’s carries, pops Gargano up, but Gargano RANAS! Then schoolboy KICK! Melo gets in, Gargano forearms him, but Waller LEG LARIATS! Team 2.0 mug Gargano with stomps and hammer fists, then they go to the corners. They’re mocking DIY!! Gargano sits up, but he dodges! Melo ends up kicking Waller’s leg, Gargano sends Melo into Waller, NECKBREAKER DDT COMBO!
Trick’s bringing stuff out from under the ring! He tosses a CHAIR up and over the cage, and it almost lands on Waller! But then Gargano goes after the chair while Trick climbs the cage! Gargano SMACKS Trick’s hands! But Melo and Waller CLOBBER Gargano! Melo chokes Gargano with the chair! Gargano is busted open, Team 2.0 TOSS him into the steel! The countdown is back and the Black ‘n’ Gold send Pete Dunne! The Bruiserweight gets right in, ELBOWS Waller, but Melo headlocks. Dunne powers out to CLOBBER Melo! Waller runs in, Dunne sends him into a corner to GAMANGIRI! Knee drop on Waller’s arm! Dunne runs to DECK Melo, then keeps going to DECK Waller!
Dunne brings Melo around, X-PLEX onto Waller! Fans fire up as Dunne stands tall. Dunne whips Waller at the steel but Waller blocks! So Dunne BENDS the fingers against the steel! Dunne lets Waller down, brings Melo up but Melo forearms Dunne. Dunne forearms back and they go back and forth. Melo SLAPS, ROCKS Dunne, then runs in, but Dunne dodges and Gargano GAMANGIRIS! Melo staggers back into Dunne’s GERMAN SUPLEX! Gargano and Dunne STOMP Waller’s and Melo’s hands! STEREO BUZZSAWS! Gargano shrugs and Dunne nods. Dunne gets Melo, Gargano gets Waller, CROSSFACE and GargaNO Escape!
Dunne even kicks Waller in the face, and Gargano kicks Melo! Dunne and Gargano let off and fans are thunderous, “This is Awesome!” Dunne bends Waller’s fingers against steel again! Gargano puts Melo in a corner, Dunne DECKS Waller! Melo ROCKS Gargano but Dunne CHOPS Melo! Dunne SLAPS Melo, Melo comes back to tilt-o-whirl FACEBUSTER! Melo sees Dune go to the second ring and springboards over, but Dunne DECKS him! Waller slingshots and somersaults to STUNNER! The countdown returns as Waller does the same to GARGANO! Team 2.0 sends Tony D’Angelo! And Tony gets right in as Trick sends in kendo sticks!
Trick brings TABLES out! Trick passes those in to Tony and Waller, they get three tables in the ring! Melo SMACKS Gargano with the kendo stick, Trick adds trash cans to the mix! Lids included! Wait, a crutch!? Trick goes way under the ring, but LUMIS appears!! Dexter Lumis, bad hand and all, has just changed the vibe! Gargano DECKS D’Angelo, and gives Lumis a thumbs up! Tony uses a chain to DECK Gargano! Melo positions things, Tony uses the chain to shut the cage door?! Then how is anyone supposed to get in, Bron included? Tony and Melo mug Gargano, Waller has Dunne in the second ring. Dunne hurries over but Melo SMACKS him down with the lid!
Melo stomps the lid into Dunne but Dunne hits him back with it. Tony and Waller mug Gargano with kendo sticks and trash can lids. Waller SMACKS Dunne down! Fans are thunderous and dueling as the countdown returns. Black ‘n’ Gold sends LA Knight, but the cage is shut! Waller taunts Knight, but Knight looks under the ring. Dunne and Gargano are pressed against the steel, refs try to figure out the chain and padlock. Knight starts to CLIMB! Waller intercepts but Knight knocks him down! Knight is in, and he leaps over Melo and Tony! Knight breaks through the clothesline to TOSS Melo and BOOT Tony! Fans fire up for Knight for once!
Knight whips Melo into Waller, then gives him a NECKBREAKER! But Waller CLOBBERS Knight from behind! Waller whips, Knight ducks and reels him in, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Tony runs in but Knight scoops him to POWERSLAM Tony onto Waller! Knight gets a kendo stick from Dunne and he SMACKS Melo! Then another stick, to SMACK Tony! Then a trash can to put it on Waller! Dunne sends the lid over, Knight CYMBAL SMASHES Waller! Fans fire up as Dunne and Gargano DOUBLE DROPKICK Waller in the corner! Knight SMACKS Melo, SMACKS Tony, Dunne stomps a mudhole into the trash can!
Dunne then takes Waller’s glove off so he can get at the fingers directly! Refs get bolt cutters to cut the chain! Dunne puts the can on Waller’s hand to press it like a vice! Gargano fires off on Tony with the trash can lid! Dunne has a kendo stick and he SMACKS Waller’s fingers! Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo! Dunne digs the kendo stick into Waller’s ear! The countdown is back and Bron Breakker joins the match! But, the chain isn’t cut yet? Bron takes the cutters and goes after the chain! Fans taunt him with “Booty Nephew” as he struggles, but he finally gets it cut! Bron rushes in, blocks the kendo stick and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplex Dunne!
Bron CLOBBERS Gargano, kicks Knight, then whips Knight, only for Knight to reverse. Bron ducks and dodges to POWERSLAM Knight down! Fans bark and rally for Bron but Gargano SMACKS and Dunne ENZIGURIS! Dunne KICKS Bron into the gap! Dunne brings Bron up to SLAP him! And CHOP! And CHOP! Bron scowls as he tanks the jabs, to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly Dunne into the second ring! Gargano rushes in but Bron gets Gargano for a trophy lift! Bron TOSSES Gargano at Knight and Dunne! Bron paces, goes to the second ring, and Melo rains down rights on Dunne while Bron stomps Knight. Tony rains down fists on Gargano, and there’s still 90 seconds on the clock.
Melo drags Dunne up to RAM him into the table! Tony digs his boot into Gargano, Bron RAMS his shoulder into Knight. Melo gets a trash can lid to JAM Dunne. Waller has a kendo stick and he has Tony set Knight up for him. Waller SMACKS Knight right on the back, but now it’s time! Fans are already singing, “Ciampa’s gonna kill~ you~!” Ciampa rushes to the ring, and he kicks Waller to take the kendo stick from him! Ciampa SMACKS Waller, kicks Melo and RAMS him into steel! Ciampa tosses Waller, CLUBS Tony and Bron, then TOSSES Bron! Ciampa TOSSES Tony, then runs to PSCHO KNEE Waller! TRASH CAN LID KNEE for Bron, then for Melo, then for Tony!
Fans fire up as Ciampa gets a trash can, takes a seat on it and applauds! He then SMACKS Waller down with the trash can! Melo attacks Ciampa from behind! Melo clubs away on him, stomps away, then SMACKS him with the kendo stick! Melo says HE is the top champion, but Gargano USES THE CRUTCH! How fitting for DIY! Gargano gives Ciampa the crutch and he JAMS Bron! And JAMS Waller! And JAMS Tony! Then CRUTCH RUSSIAN LNEG SWEEP! Gargano puts Waller in the gap, Ciampa runs in to KNEE Waller into the second ring! Gargano SUPERKICKS Melo, then DIY corner clothesline Tony and Bron! And then they go the other way!
Gargano goes to the gap while Ciampa clotheslines Bron one more time. DIY goes after Tony, ENZIGURI KNEE COMBO! Ciampa clotheslines Bron again, sets up, Gargano runs in but Bron catches Gargano to SLAM him onto Ciampa! Yeah, that used to happen back in the day, too… Fans rally and duel, but they agree ‘This is Awesome!” Waller SMACKS Knight around, Melo rains down hands on Gargano and Bron uses the trash can to SMACK Ciampa while Tony rains fists down on Dunne. Bron RAMS Ciampa into steel! Melo stomps the trash can lid onto Gargano while Waller & Tony LAWN DART Dunne into steel! And then RAM Knight into steel!
Waller smacks Knight and Dunne with the trash can lid, Tony gets his stomps in where he can. Fans want the tables to come into play, but 2.0 says they do this how they want. Black ‘n’ Gold all end up in the gap, but that seems to get a smile from Dunne. Everyone shrugs, they all stand up. They brawl with 2.0 on all sides! DIY has Melo and Bron, Knight TOSSES Waller into the first ring! Dunne brings Tony over to RAM him into Melo! Knight TOSSES Waller into the steel! Black ‘n’ Gold line up with their 2.0 rivals, and they ALL SPLASH against the steel! They fire off on all the new kids, alternating here and there and wherever they can! Fans are electric as Black ‘n’ Gold stands tall!
Ciampa moves some things around, the others throw 2.0 to the second ring. Gargano wedges a trash can into the ropes, Knight throws body shots and stomps into Bron. Gargano brings Melo up and aims at the can, for a LAWN DART! Ciampa CHOPS Waller, hoists him up top and CHOPS him again. The table is set up, Ciampa climbs up and brings Waller up, but Tony SMACKS Ciampa with a trash can lid! And again! Ciampa ends up on the table, Waller adjusts, but Knight goes up to get him! Ciampa gets out of the way in time for the SUPER OVERHEAD SUPLEX through the table!!! Waller ain’t feeling so baller right now but fans lose their minds!
Dunne and Gargano hoist Melo up top in the other ring, throw haymakers on him, then climb up after him. Melo resists, then Tony and Bron join in! TOWER OF DOOM, double powerbomb and a double superplex! But Knight gets Melo for the BFT!! Cover, Tony breaks it! Everyone is down but stirring. Or rather, writhing. Knight and Bron gets up, Knight sends Bron into steel! Knight dribbles Bron against the steel! Then he drags Bron out on the ropes, but Tony kicks him down! Tony stomps away on Knight, rains down fists, and Bron adds stomps. Bron goes up, Tony reels Knight in, but Ciampa SMACKS Tony with a trash can! Then TOSSES it at Bron! And then SMACKS him!
Ciampa sets the trash can in the drop zone and climbs up after Bron. Ciampa gets Bron up, SUPER AIR RAID CRASH onto the trash can!! Cover, TWO!!! Fans are electric as everyone is down again. Tony YANKS Knight into the steel, then kicks low. FISHERMAN SCREW! Tony sets up a table while shouting to his teem to get up. Waller goes up the corner, but Tony wants him on the cage! Waller surely saw what happened to Cora Jade, but he’ll still do as he’s told. Knight is put on the table, SUPER BALLER ELBOW DROP!!! Tony covers, but Dunne breaks it!! Fans are loving “NXT! NXT!” for this! Dunne pushes wreckage out of the way to get after Waller.
Tony crawls to the gap, and he finds a CROWBAR?! When did that get there?! But Dunne SMACKS him with a kendo stick first! And then again! Melo sees Dunne staring him down, and he gets a lid. Melo tosses the lid, but he misses! So much for what he keeps talking about! Dunne SMACKS away on Melo with the stick! Melo grabs the stick so Dunne STOMPS it into him! And then STOMPS Melo’s hand, and BOOTS him down! Melo crawls, Dunne puts the trash can lid on Melo’s hand to STOMP it! Dunne hops up the corner, but Tony JAMS him with the crowbar!! Tony climbs up, CHOKES Dunne with the crowbar, then takes out Dunne’s mouth piece!
Tony puts that in his pocket, to then bring Dunne around and SUPER CROWBAR NECKBREAKER!!! Fans lose their minds all over again! Bron and Ciampa brawl in the other ring while everyone else is down! They go faster and faster, Ciampa BOOTS but Bron ROCKS him! Double LARAITS, then again! Ciampa ducks, but Bron RANAS?!? Bron gets Ciampa in a choke grip, but Gargano SUPERKICKS him! But Bron gets up to choke grip Gargano! Bron trophy lifts, but Ciampa KNEES Bron! Gargano SUPERKICKS Waller, Ciampa has Waller in the ropes! Gargano aims at Bron, ONE FINAL BEAT AND WILLOW’S BELL IN STEREO!!
Fans are thunderous for “DIY! DIY!” and they aim at Bron! MEET ME AT THE CROSSROAD! Double high stack cover, but Melo drags the ref away!! Melo laughs as he takes advantage of the rules, then he rakes Ciampa’s eyes, and LOW BLOWS Gargano! “I told you, Johnny. I don’t miss!” But then Gargano traps Melo’s arms! Gargano is holding Melo for Ciampa’s PSYCHO KNEE!!! It takes Gargano out just as much, but Ciampa drags Melo up. Double underhooks, but Bron SPEARS Ciampa through a table!! Fans lose their minds again, and Bron brings down the straps! Bron trophy lifts Ciampa for the POWERSLAM!! Cover, Team 2.0 win!!
Winners: Carmelo Hayes, Bron Breakker, Tony D’Angelo & Grayson Waller, by pinfall
Say it ain’t so! Bron pins the NXT Champion and wins it for his team! The new wave crashed against the shore, is it washing away the Black ‘n Gold from the brand?
My Thoughts:
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the first not TakeOver for NXT, but that change seems to only be in name only. Whatever anyone has been thinking about the 2.0 era, especially the 2.0 talent introduced, I feel like those featured on this card earned their keep. The Women’s WarGames was an awesome opener, BIG respect for Cora Jade doing the riskiest spot of the match. Great story telling with the bad arm, and I just had a feeling Cora would end up getting that pin. Not sure where everyone goes from here, though you can expect Toxic Attraction to put all those titles on the line as soon as New Year’s Evil 2022 in a month against any combination from the Face team tonight.
The tag title match was greater than expected, seems Von Wagner has come into his own at just the right time. I figured Imperium was winning, mostly because it was too soon for Wagner to hold gold, but also because of talk that Kyle O’Reilly has not signed a new NXT contract. Von turning on Kyle was more of a surprise, I thought this here was the “Good-Bye” match, but maybe Kyle VS Von in a cage match will be that farewell that puts Von over. Personally, I think a lot of why Kyle is moving on is because WWE didn’t care to keep Bobby Fish around to do a reDRagon reunion story so that they could be tag champions again. That and RawDown is not promising at all for Kyle. It isn’t all that promising for anyone, but especially not for the Undisputed Era boys.
Speaking of, Strong VS Gacy was a very good match, and it felt like a rare case where WWE did Heel VS Heel. Strong isn’t Face, he still has all of Diamond Mine at ringside. Gacy isn’t Face, Wade Barrett the Heel commentator was fully supporting him, and he has Harland. Harland and Niles interacting was an interesting way to basically tip things in Strong’s favor. But I figured Gacy was losing so that the NXT Cruiserweight Division and its title stays in existence. Now they just need to push some Cruiserweights to be viable challengers. Too bad WWE released a lot of good choices over the last few months…
Grimes VS Hudson was a really good match, and of course Grimes wins. All that hair, it’d be a shame to cut that all away. Though that makes this feud really one sided right now. Too bad they didn’t get to keep the Million Dollar Championship, Hudson would definitely want to hold that belt. And we got an awesome Men’s WarGames main event. I’m a bit surprised both teams with advantage won, but I suppose that Team 2.0 was going to win since we’re in NXT 2.0 and there’s no going back to the black and gold color scheme. Everyone got to look great in it, such as Waller doing the risky spot like Cora did, and then DIY getting to be DIY again. But Bron getting the win and the pin on Ciampa, that’s a big indicator that New Year’s Evil sees a rematch of those two. Maybe the new year brings a new champion?
My Score: 9.4/10
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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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