Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (2/22/22)
A new challenger will be named!
Who moves on to challenge Bron Breakker for the NXT Championship?
For the first time ever, Dolph Ziggler wrestles on NXT! But will he be #1 contender after facing the blackhearted Tommaso Ciampa?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- LA Knight VS Grayson Waller w/ Sanga; Waller wins.
- 2022 Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Opening Round: Io Shirai & Kay Lee Ray VS Amari Miller & Lash Legend; Shirai & KLR win and advance.
- Dante Chen VS Duke Hudson; Hudson wins.
- Cameron Grimes VS Trick Williams w/ Carmelo Hayes; Grimes wins.
- Nikkita Lyons VS Kayla Inlay; Lyons wins.
- 2022 Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Opening Round: Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter VS Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley; Kacy & Kayden win and advance.
- NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Tommaso Ciampa VS Dolph Ziggler; Ziggler wins and will challenge Bron Breakker for the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Bron Breakker heads to the ring!
The Big Booty Nephew is still NXT Champion, even as Dolph Ziggler tried to help Santos Escobar last week in the main event of Vengeance Day. Bron gets a mic as fans bark, and he says, “Vengeance Day was a tough fight, and Santos Escobar is a tough opponent. But I proved to everybody that over my dead body will someone take this championship away from me!” And he can’t think of a better weekend than WrestleMania weekend. NXT goes on the road, Stand & Deliver will be in Dallas, Texas! Bron is giving everyone a heads up so that the fan scan be as loud there as they are here in Orlando!
Bron promises to walk into that weekend NXT Champion, and walk out still NXT Champion! As far as tonight’s main event goes- Well, here comes Ziggler! “Congrats, kid. Congratulations on your first NXT title defense. You never forget your first.” But here’s some advice. Ziggler knows he’s not champ yet, but Bron can’t be making promises you can’t keep. Stand & Deliver is a long way’s away. Bron is going to make it there, but will he make it as champ? Ziggler doesn’t think so. Laugh it up but Ziggler vows to stomp out the last few breaths inside Ciampa. Then maybe tonight, next week, or maybe Ziggler carries Bron’s ass to Stand & Deliver. He can, he does cardio.
But just know that when Ziggler decides that title will be his, that title will be his. Bron says he owes Ziggler a receipt for that kick last week. So bring your skinny ass to the ring! Oh right, that superkick was on the button, huh? But seven to ten business days, Bron gets the taste back in his mouth. That’ll be nice, right? Ziggler says Bron is a hot head, but he likes that. It isn’t Bron’s fault, it’s in his genes. Not just that Canadian tuxedo he’s wearing. Bron says he’s not paid to dress-up, he’s paid to kick ass! Ziggler knows Bron is the champ, Bron is the guy, in Orlando. But make no mistake, Ziggler showing up made him the biggest star in NXT.
So tonight, Bron gets the night off. Ziggler says Bron will sit in the back, no cheap shots, he’s barred from ringside in the main event! No monkey see, monkey do, no receipts. Bron sits on his as sand watches Ziggler do what he does better than anyone else in this business! But will the Show-Off see this show off as the new #1 contender? Or will the Psycho Killer be one step closer to getting Goldie back?
LA Knight VS Grayson Waller w/ Sanga!
Turns out the restraining order was a bust and now nothing is in the way of the Million Dollar Megastar getting at the 21st Century Success Story! That is, if Sanga the human insurance policy behaves in the corner. Will Knight show Waller what this is his game, yeah?!
The bell rings and Waller bails out! Fans boo but Knight stays in the ring as Waller swaggers right next to Sanga. The ring count climbs, Knight goes out after Waller but Waller gets back in. Knight goes around the way and gets back in ,but Waller gets back out. Knight pursues, they go back in the ring, and Knight dodges to CLOBBER Waller! Knight kicks Waller around, puts him on ropes, and then goes out to KNEE Waller back in! Slingshot SHOULDER TACKLE! Waller goes to a corner, Knight storms over but Waller YANKS him into buckles! Waller cravats Knight and KNEES him down! Waller then goes up the corner, but Knight gets under the jump!
Knight tosses Waller onto the top rope! Waller is stuck straddling, and Knight bounces the rope to add on! Knight then runs to BLAST Waller to the floor! Fans fire up with Knight as NXT goes picture in picture.
Sanga goes over to check on Waller as the ring count climbs. Waller sputters and crawls to the ring. Knight goes right out to ROCK Waller! Knight brings Waller around and bumps him off the apron, then follows him around the way. They end up by the ramp, Knight puts Waller in. Knight CLUBS Waller on the apron, Knight stalks behind him and reels him in for a short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Knight throws hands on Waller as they go to the corner. Knight throws body shots, snapmares Waller and then drops a knee. Knight clamps on a chinlock and he squeezes tight. Waller endures but Knight leans his weight on the hold.
Waller fight sup, fights out and then DECKS Knight! Waller has Knight in a corner for forearms, then he whips Knight to ropes. Knight reveres but Waller sunset flips! Knight stays up to sit on the cover, TWO! Waller CLOBBERS Knight! Cover, TWO! Waller is annoyed but he JAMS his knee into Knight’s back. Waller then JAMS his elbow into Knight’s forehead, and then traps the arms as part of the neck wrench. Knight endures, fans rally up, but Waller pushes on the neck wrench even more. Knight starts to fight up but Waller throws him down! Waller keeps on the neck wrench but Knight fights up and throws body shots!
NXT is single picture as Knight scoops but Waller slips free. Knight arm-drags Waller out of the ring! Knight goes out, tells Sanga to stay back, but Waller RAMS Knight into steel steps! Knight clutches his shoulder but Waller rains down forearms on him! Waller soaks up the heat, puts Knight back in, and then covers. TWO, and fans chant, “You Still Suck!” at Waller. Waller CLUBS Knight, stomps away on him, then pushes him down. Waller jams elbows into the shoulders while fans tell him what they think of him. Waller snap suplexes Knight, then he goes up the corner. Waller walks on the rope, BALLER ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally for Knight but Waller stomps him down. Waller puts Knight on the ropes and chokes him! The ref counts, Waller lets off at 4 and Knight sputters. Waller CLUBS Knight, brings him up, then whips to CLOBBER Knight with an elbow! Cover, TWO! Waller keeps his cool as he puts Knight in a corner. Waller puts Knight’s head against buckles, then goes out to KICK the buckle! Knight gets jammed and Waller gets in. Waller brings Knight up but Knight throws body shots. Waller CLUBS Knight, then gets him up for a WIDOWMAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight is still in this and Waller gets frustrated.
Waller goes out, has Sanga give him some room, and Waller runs in to somersault and jump, into a BIG back suplex! Fans are fired up as Knight gets up and counter punches Waller! Knight fires off haymakers, whips, but Waller reverses, only for Knight to FLYING SHOULDER! Knight whips to BACK DROP Waller! Knight stomps a mudhole into Waller, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight lets off at 4 to whip Waller corner to corner, and then JUMPING NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up as Knight waits on Waller, but Sanga holds Waller’s arm! Waller slips out of the BFT! Cover, Waller has tights! Waller wins!!
Winner: Grayson Waller, by pinfall
But Knight goes after Waller! Sanga runs in but Knight sends him into the corner! Kick and B F T! Sanga is down, Waller panics. Waller swings but into a B F T! Knight may not have gotten the win, but he gets the last word! Will LA Knight make sure he’s the last man standing when this is all said and done?
Dakota Kai is searching around backstage.
And she finds Wendy Choo napping. Uh, they’re in the Women’s Dusty Cup! Why didn’t she tell her? Wendy says she can’t find anywhere good to sleep in this place. If she doesn’t get her midday beauty sleep, she doesn’t look this good. But yes, sorry she forgot to tell her. She told Dakota’s invisible friend. Who? What? Wendy, you’re a nice girl, but Dakota’s track record is not good. She tried it once, didn’t work out (Tegan Nox). Tried it again, didn’t work out (Raquel). Well she’s never had Wendy as a partner. So see ya! Dakota can’t believe Wendy chose Dakota. Maybe third time is the charm? Or maybe not. Only time will tell!
Raquel Gonzalez meets up with Cora Jade.
What’re they doing out here? For the past week, they’ve trained Raquel’s way. Yeah, how does Cora feel? Extremely SORE. But now, they’ll do things Cora’s way. That is why they’re at Tree Trek Adventure Park! They’ll work on being fearless risk takers! But heights…? Raquel can do heights, cuz she is the height. No, that’s different. She catches people from heights, she doesn’t fall from them. Well now she does. Remember: fearless. Cora helps Raquel make it over the log bridge, but that’s just part one. There are swings, blank walls, tunnels, and repelling. Raquel somehow makes it through those, but there’s one more thing: ZIPLINE!
Cora wants Raquel to trust her, and Raquel says she does trust Cora. Just not the zipline! Don’t worry! They’ll zip the lines, zip through the tournament and take those tag titles! Alright, let’s do this. And away they go! Raquel seems to actually like this one! What a rush! Not so bad, huh? Cora helped Raquel get over her fear, and now they’ll conquer the Dusty Cup.
Toxic Attraction are in their Toxic Lounge.
McKenzie Mitchell interviews them, and admits this is quite the set up. Jacy Jayne says, “Well, duh.” And they’ll be right here to watch the entire Dusty Cup tournament. But how cute were Cora and Raquel? Aww. Where are they gonna go next? A skate park? A motorcycle rally? But while those two are the favorites, Jacy feels those two are gonna come up short. McKenzie puts out the other favorite is the team of Io Shirai & Kay Lee Ray. Mandy Rose gives KLR and Io a lot of credit for realizing they’ll never be THE Women’s Champion with Mandy around.
“But if those two losers think they can win the entire tournament, and then beat Gigi & Jacy, aww…. They’re a lot dumber than they look.” Well, speak her name and she will appear! The Scary Queen of Scots heads out, because she and the Evil Genius are kicking things off! Will they make sure to shut up Mandy right here and now?
2022 Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Opening Round: Io Shirai & Kay Lee Ray VS Amari Miller & Lash Legend!
The teams sort out, Shirai starts against the hostess with the mostess, and they tie right up. Lash shakes her head, scoops, but Shirai slips out. Lash runs Shirai over, and then the trash talk starts. Shirai runs but Lash gets her hair! Lash reels Shirai in, back suplexes but Shirai slips out. Shirai tilt-o-whirls and headscissors Lash onto ropes, for a 619! Shirai then springboards but Lash catches her and throws forearms! Shirai kicks back, goes out and up the corner, to then missile dropkick Lash down! Shirai kips up, fans fire up and Lash backs up. Amari tags in, but Shirai goes Matrix! Amari sweeps the arms out, but misses the elbow drop!
Shirai FLAPJACKS Amari, then tags in KLR! Shirai snapmares Amari for KLR’s PENALTY KICK! Shirai adds a basement dropkick, KLR covers, TWO! KLR keeps on Amari with a wrench and CHOP! And another CHOP! And then another wrench for a suplex, but Amari counters with a cradle! TWO, HEEL KICK from Amari! Amari hurries, Lash tags back in. Fans rally for KLR but Lash BOOTS her down! Lash looms over KLR, drags her up, then reels her in, KLR ducks to SUPERKICK! KLR hooks Lash up, K L R BOMB! Tag to Shirai, KLR goes up to MOONSAULT! KLR DECKS Amari, Shirai is up top, OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Shirai & KLR win!
Winners: Io Shirai & Kay Lee Ray, by pinfall (advance to the second round)
Toxic Attraction is not impressed, but the fan favorite is moving forward! Will Shirai & KLR make Toxic Attraction take them seriously when they win the whole thing?
Backstage interview with Dante Chen.
The Singaporean Warrior gets what he wants: a match with Duke Hudson. Duke thinks he’s a big shot, trying to end Chen’s career. That attack while he was being held by refs, then a lot of big talk while Chen was away. But Chen is back. Last week might’ve been Vengeance Day, but tonight, Chen will get his vengeance. It’ll be hard for Duke to sweep Persia off her feet when he doesn’t have a leg to stand on. Will the Singaporean Warrior make Duke regret dealing this hand?
Josh Briggs and Brooks Jensen talk backstage.
Well, Brooks is in “The Zone,” but they can get him back on the horse. And how do they do that? With a video for a dating app! Just trust Briggs, this will work. Just don’t say anything stupid. Rolling, be yourself! Brooks introduces himself as Briggs, which is, well, stupid. Brooks tries again, but with too much energy. They’re yelling at each other about yelling. Brooks tries again, and keeps it simple: “Hi, I’m Brooks Jensen,” and a big smile. Will that get him any swipes or matches or whatever?
Dante Chen VS Duke Hudson!
Chen attacks Duke on the ramp! He’s not waiting for his payback, but will he bust playing it this aggressively?
Duke kicks Chen away, Chen gets back in and the bell rings! Chen runs in to SPLASH, and then fires off hands! Duke throws Chen out but Chen drags him out to the apron! Chen has a leg and he SMASHES it on the apron! Duke scrambles but Chen brings him over to SLAM the leg into a post! Fans fire up for Chen as he goes for the leg again. Duke YANKS Chen into the post in return! Fans boo, Duke drags Chen through the ropes but Chen throws body shots. Chen throws haymakers, then boots Duke’s punch to BOOT Duke! Chen ducks and dodges to FLYING FOREARM! Chen hits a NECKBREAKER and Duke flounders.
Chen SPLASHES in the corner, reels Duke in, DDT! Cover, TWO! Chen hurries to get Duke back up, puts him in a corner, and he climbs up. Chen rains down fists, but Duke slips out to trip Chen up! Fans boo but Duke runs in and BOOTS Chen right down! Chen sputters, Duke drags Chen back up and reels him in. Crucifix for THE RIVER! High stack cover, Duke wins!
Winner: Duke Hudson, by pinfall
The Singaporean Warrior had a lot of fire, but Duke managed to put that fire out. Is Duke going to dominate all the way to a title opportunity?
Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams walk around backstage.
The North American Champion and his sidekick are ready to “give the people what they want.” What will NXT’s “A Champion” have to say? We’ll find out, after the break.
Carmelo Hayes & Trick Williams head to the ring!
Cameron Grimes did what he could, but he could not dethrone the Breakout Star of NXT as Unified North American (and Cruiserweight) Champion. Melo says that before they get started, he just wants to say one thing. When he shoots, he don’t freakin’ miss! It’s crazy, yo! But hey, Trick, you know what they’re here to do. What are they here to do? Tonight is a Melo-bration! Before getting to that, time to talk some talk. “Last week, I said I was gonna have match of the night.” “You did that.” “I said I was gonna beat Cameron Grimes.” “You still champion.” “And I said I was gonna steal the show.” “Oooo~! Call the cops! … My bad, brother.”
But not only does Melo not miss, he put on a performance of a lifetime! Wasn’t nobody talking about Bron Breakker, Pete Dunne, the Creeds or any of that. They were talking ’bout THE A CHAMPION! And the A stands for “Absolute best! Ain’t nobody touchin’ me. Anyone can get in the ring or on the mic or on the bird app, it don’t matter!” Trick thought of something. Come April, they’ll be in Dallas. That means America’s Team and America’s Champion are in the same place at the same time. But to be real- Here comes the Bruiserweight! Pete Dunne asks what they’re on about. They say Melo beat everyone, but he hasn’t beat Dunne.
To be fair, Melo is the A Champion. And Dunne doesn’t think the absolute best should just sit on the sidelines during WrestleMania weekend. Melo knows what Dunne is up to. But Melo can’t make everyone famous. Well what is it Melo says? When he shoots, he doesn’t miss? So prove it! Next week, A Champion VS Baddest Man in NXT, the Bruiserweight! Dunne dares him! Trick says for Petey to wait. Does he not hear that good? Is he still woozy from the cage match? No means no, brother! But Melo says he’ll tell “Skeet Dunne” it’s like this. If Dunne wants to smoke with Melo, he’s got a leaf and a light.
Because the A Champ ain’t never backed down from a fight! That’s all it is, that’s all it gone be. Melo will beat Dunne like he did Grimes! That means both of them can take their asses- Grimes attacks from behind! He throws Melo out then clotheslines Trick out! Fans fire up for Grimes as he throws off his vest! What’s Melo & Trick gonna do about it? We find out, after the break!
Cameron Grimes VS Trick Williams w/ Carmelo Hayes!
Well obviously this is how it had to go. The match is already underway as NXT returns, and Grimes grinds Trick in a headlock. Trick powers out, Grimes runs him over! Fans chant, “Whoop that Trick!” as things speed up. Trick hurdles but Grimes stops himself. Trick runs in but is sent out! Melo has Trick calm down, but Grimes tells Trick to #KissMahGrits! Trick runs in, into a ROUNDHOUSE! Grimes bumps Trick off buckles, KICKS him, then KICKS a leg. Trick hobbles, Grimes bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS him against ropes! Grimes whips Trick, and CHOPS him down!
Fans fire up, Grimes brings Trick up to KICK him down! Cover, TWO! Grimes keeps cool as fans rally and duel. Grimes bumps Trick off buckles, then watches him stagger and flop. Grimes taunts Williams, brings him up, but Trick is in the ropes. The ref counts, Trick throws a cheap elbow! Trick whips, Grimes reverses but Trick kicks and straight punches to an uppercut! Trick runs for a LEAPING LARIAT! Trick stomps away on Grimes, then whips him into a corner for a clothesline! Trick elbows Grimes then brings him out to scoop and SLAM! Trick says, “That’s what happens.” Melo applauds but fans are torn as Trick dropkicks Grimes! Cover, TWO!
Trick keeps on Grimes with a top wristlock. Grimes endures, fans rally up, and Grimes fights up. Trick RAMS Grimes into buckles! Trick brings Grimes up to whip to ropes and LEG LARIATS Grimes down! Cover, TWO!! Grimes survives but Trick rains down fists! Trick drags Grimes up to wrap the cobra clutch on. Fans rally for Grimes as he endures, and he fights up, only for Trick to throw him down! Trick clamps the cobra clutch on again, and he drags Grimes up. Grimes snapmares Trick away then dodges to rally with forearms! Grimes runs corner to corner and BOOTS Trick down!
Fans fire up as Grimes goes up! Trick avoids the double stomp to come back with a BOOT! Grimes SUPER FOREARMS back! Trick kicks but Grimes ducks and ducks, BODY BLOW! Trick uppercuts, runs, but into a scoop and SWINGING SLAM! Cover, TWO! Trick survives and Melo is relieved. Grimes refocuses and goes to the corner. Grimes aims at Trick, “TO~ THE~ MOON!” But Trick bails out! So Grimes goes to the apron, ready to repeat last week! But Trick avoids the flying stomps, and Melo has him rush in, into a SUPERKICK! Grimes puts Trick in, goes up the corner, but Melo warns Trick. No good, CROSSBODY!
Fans fire up with Grimes as he goes back to the corner. Trick flounders and Melo snarls, but here comes the CAVE-IN! Cover, Grimes wins!
Winner: Cameron Grimes, by pinfall
Grimes stares Melo down as he’s completely sidetracked the Melo-bration! Will the A Champion still have to worry about Grimes on the other side of his fight with the Bruiserweight?
Brooks Jensen tries some pick-up lines.
“Hi, do you live in a corn field? Because I’m stalking you. If you were a Transformer, you’d be Optimus Fine.” What’s a Transformer? Brooks moves on from those and says he likes girls. He likes guys, too, but not like that. Brooks panics, trying to defend that he just likes girls is all. Like this one girl, Kayden. Brooks gets all motormouth talking about Kayden and tells Briggs to stop. Yeah, got it. Will Brooks ever get it right?
Bron Breakker checks in with Tommaso Ciampa.
Ciampa’s getting in some last pumps and Bron thanks him for getting rid of Ziggler last week. Bron knows he isn’t allowed ringside, but he’ll be watching the match. … Okay, obviously Ciampa’s in the zone, Bron will leave him to it. But then Ciampa says, “Listen, man. The way I see it, it’s Ciampa 1, Breakker 1. But I need to know who the better man is.” They both look at the title belt. Bron’s looking forward to the rubber match. Will Ciampa earn his way to that match in tonight’s main event?
Andre Chase has a recruitment video.
“Welcome to Andre Chase University, a place of higher learning.” He’s Professor Andre Chase, and today’s lesson is about a phrase coined back in 1913, one that is instrumental in Chase’s success. “Intestinal Fortitude.” What does that mean? “It means having balls, Michael, you dumbass!” That brings Chase to Von Wagner. Wagner’s lost his balls. Chase called him out, he hasn’t responded. Robert Stone says they’re doing things on his time, but that just means that man has no intestinal fortitude. But then what is Chase going to do once he gets in the ring with Von Wagner? He’s a pretty big dude.
Well Michael’s a pretty big jackass! What do you think he’s gonna do?! He’s gonna give that big SOB an Andre Chase University sized ass whooping! “Yeah, Mr. Chase! You tell ’em!” “Thank you, Bodhi.” Now Michael, pick up your crap and get outta his classroom! Now that was a teachable moment.
Nikkita Lyons VS Kayla Inlay!
The daughter of a rockstar and a beautiful groupie, the newest star in NXT has come to do more than roar. Will she make herself the queen of the jungle from day one? Or will Kayla keep Nikkita from taking her place as the top of the food chain?
The bell rings and Lyons circles with Inlay. They tie up, Inlay wrenches to a wristlock but Lyons wrenches back. Inlay pulls hair but Lyons gets a hammerlock. Fans rally, Lyons headlocks, then she throws Inlay! Fans rally up for “Nikkita! Nikkita!” as she and Inlay circle. They tie up, Lyons gets the arm again, but Inlay ROCKS her with a right. Inlay wrenches, Lyons KICKS Inlay away. Lyons promises to kick Inlay’s ass. Inlay says bring it! They tie up, Lyons puts Inlay on ropes but Inlay gets around. She won’t let anyone make a name off of her! But Lyons HEEL KICKS her back! Lyons has the arm and grinds the shoulder.
Inlay endures, Lyons cranks the arm, but Inlay whips her away. Lyons runs Inlay over! Things speed up, Inlay hurdles but Lyons rolls to hip toss! Lyons runs in to FLYING FOREARM! Inlay holds ropes to deny the suplex, and then she chokes Lyons on the ropes! The ref reprimands, Inlay YANKS the rope to jam Lyons. Inlay then throws knee after knee, and Lyons sputters to the corner. Inlay RAMS into Lyons at the corner, and again! The ref counts, Inlay lets off at 4, but Lyons sunset flips! TWO, and Inlay staggers into forearms from Lyons! Lyons snarls, brings Inlay up and throws knees of her own.
Inlay blocks but Lyons counter punches! Inlay drops and Lyons roars! Lyons circles her prey, KICKS a leg, then KICKS the other leg! ROUNDHOUSE! Inlay flounders up, Lyons runs in to forearm again! And then a HEEL KICK! Inlay denies the suplex and stomps a foot to get the standing switch. Lyons smirks as Inlay can’t lift her, but Inlay CLUBS her on the back. But then Lyons switches back, GERMAN SUPLEX! And a kip up! Lyons and the fans fire up, and Lyons SPINNING ROUNDHOUSES Inlay down! And then a SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, Lyons wins!
Winner: Nikkita Lyons, by pinfall
That probably could’ve been a win by knockout, too! Will Nikkita be hunting the NXT Women’s Championship soon enough?
Persia Pirotta finds Duke Hudson backstage.
She tells him Duke did so well tonight. He is so good out there. Before she can say more, Duke pulls her in for a big lip lock! Indi walks in and says that’s so gross! Persia feels awkward and says she’s gonna go. Duke says Indi used to enjoy their kisses. That was a long time ago, Duke. Doesn’t have to be. But then Indi looks over and sees Dexter Lumis. Lumis hangs his head and sulks off. Indi says it’s not what he thinks! Indi tells Duke she loathes him, but has Duke single-handedly destroyed two of Indi’s relationships with one kiss?
Robert Stone & Von Wagner speak.
They heard what Andre Chase said. As book smart as Chase is, he’d get an F in street smarts. How dumb is he? How stupid is he to challenge Wagner? Stone tried giving him an out, but he won’t be so lucky next week. Chase will get in the ring with Von, and then leave filing for disability. This is Von Wagner’s world, you’re just living in it.
The Creed Brothers head to the ring!
The 2022 Dusty Cup winners, Julius & Brutus, with Malcolm Bivens, head out and admire the trophy. Bivens gets the mic to say, “Tonight, lets’ have a conversation about perception versus reality. Imperium would love for everyone to believe that they are these world class athletes. But last time I checked, Fabian & Marcel haven’t done NCAA tournaments. They haven’t done Olympic tryouts. But you know who has? Julius & Brutus Creed. Imperium would love for you to believe that they are the best tag team in NXT today. But last time I checked, Fabian & Marcel haven’t won a Dusty Classic.
“Imperium would love for you to believe that they are fighting champions. But they haven’t defended those championships in weeks. So ‘Gunna,’ is it oochiwally? Or is it one mic? Are you real or are you fake?” Because Diamond Mine is the real deal! And Imperium are just coleslaw and wiener schnitzel eatin’ little- But here comes Imperium! Gunther tells Bivens he will not speak about Imperium in this manner. They will learn to respect him! Sorry, Gunna. No, it’s GUNTA! Fabian Aichner says Diamond Mine will give Gunther the respect he deserves! But fans are still chanting “WAL~TER! WAL~TER!”
Marcel Barthel says the Creed Brothers may have won the Dusty Cup, they will never EVER take these tag titles from Imperium. Gunther says Bivens can talk as much as he wants for the boys, but the NXT Tag Team Championships will remain with Fabian & Marcel. Imperium steps into the ring, and the Creeds go after the champs! But that leaves Bivens alone with Gunther… Gunther gets Bivens by his collar, but Solo Sikoa gets in! And he SUPERKICKS Gunther down! The Street Champion of the Island stands over the Ring General and Bivens gives him a thumbs up. Will Sikoa look to solo Gunther when the time comes?
Brooks Jensen is still at it.
“My cousin did say I make the best moon-” Wait, is this really going to work? Briggs says to think of all the women. Keep on keeping on. Fallon Henley walks in and asks what they’re doing. They explain about the dating app plan, and the video they have to make. Fallon says you can just use a picture instead. Smile. There, that’s good. Fallon can help set up the profile. Alright, thanks. Wait, Briggs, what the hell? What was this video about? Briggs admits, Brooks’ disastrous love life is Briggs’ favorite form of entertainment. This was all for laughs. Really? That’s what a friend does? Brooks feels foolish, but will Fallon save him from loneliness?
Backstage interview with Joe Gacy & Harland.
McKenzie asks them about security footage of them confronting Draco Anthony in the Performance Center at about 2:40 AM. Gacy says they were simply talking to “Mr. Draco” in an environment he was comfortable with, and they know he works out very late at night, all alone. They had a “difference of opinion,” which apparently made Draco shove Gacy, and then Gacy had to make Harland stand down. Gacy says it is all okay. Draco is an athletic piece of clay that can be molded by the right person.
As you can also see, Draco and Harland were on opposite sides of the conversation. They will resolve this in the ring, and after the match, Draco will know it is better to be surrounded by friends than to be alone. Gacy thanks us all for our time, and leaves with Harland. Will they be able to “convince” Draco to see things their way?
2022 Women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Opening Round: Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter VS Ivy Nile & Tatum Paxley!
KC Squared is ready to bring the party to this tournament, but it seems Diamond Mine has a new recruit. Will Ivy & Tatum crush Kacy & Kayden and kill the mood? Or will KC Squared finally equal tag title contenders?
The teams sort out, Tatum and Kayden tie up. Tatum shows her power as she shoves Kayden down, but Kayden comes back. Kayden waistlocks, trips, and flips but then fakes Tatum out to wiggle wiggle at her. Kayden points to the WrestleMania sign, dodges Tatum and waistlocks to O’Conner Roll. ONE, but Kayden comes back with a basement dropkick! Kacy tags, and SPINNING SPLASHES! Cover, ONE! Kacy keeps on Tatum but Tatum fireman’s carries! Tatum swings but Kacy arm-drags! Tatum blocks the rana, but Kacy pops around. Ivy tags in, she runs up and Tatum tosses Kacy to a HAYMAKER!
Ivy drags Kacy up, whips her to the corner, then runs in to DROPKICK Kacy down! Tag to Tatum, she stalks Kacy and has her backwards against ropes! The ref counts, Tatum lets off and Kacy flops down. Tatum drags her back, tags in Ivy, and Tatum snapmares Kacy for Ivy’s elbow drop! Cover, ONE! Ivy drags Kacy from her corner, reels her in for a scoop, but Kacy slips out to slide under. Ivy still gets the leg! Kacy kicks Ivy away, hot tag to Kayden! Kayden rallies on Diamond Mine, booty bumps Tatum then wheelbarrows and SUPERKICKS Ivy! Cover, TWO! Toxic Attraction is mildly impressed as Kayden fireman’s carries.
Ivy slips off, shoves, Kayden ducks one kick but not the ENZIGURI! Tag to Tatum, Diamond Mine gets Kayden up and DOUBLE SLAMS her! Tatum MARIPOSAS! Cover, Kacy breaks it! Ivy rushes in but is sent back out! Kacy WRECKS Ivy, dodges Tatum, and Kayden SUPERKICKS! Tag to Kacy, Kayden gets Tatum up! HIGHLIGHT REEL! Cover, KC Squared wins!
Winners: Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter, by pinfall (advance to the second round)
Toxic Attraction isn’t sure about the moves or the music, but Kacy & Kayden are riding high. Will they bring those vibes all the way to the finals?
Whoa! Diamond Mine doesn’t tolerate failure, it seems, as Ivy puts Tatum in the DIAMOND DRAGON SLEEPER! Tatum is fading out, Roderick Strong says that’s good enough. Ivy drops Tatum, then drags her out of the ring. Strong pats Ivy on the shoulder, Ivy leaves Tatum behind. Will Ivy focus on her own success in the singles division?
Backstage interview with Solo Sikoa.
Next week, it is happening. Sikoa VS Gunther. After everything here tonight, how is Sikoa responding to this news? He already said he was going to go after the biggest and baddest dude, and tonight, he dropped that guy on his ass. Next week, Gunther learns what Sikoa is all about. Bivens walks in and says he appreciates what Solo did. He had Gunther right where he wanted him, but he does appreciate the help. Sikoa’s gonna take Gunther out, he’s got the juice now, Uce! Bivens wants a high-five, but Sikoa says he didn’t do that for anyone but himself. Sikoa leaves, Bivens is left hanging. Will Sikoa be able to handle the Ring General just fine all on his own?
LA Knight speaks.
“Just when I think I had it finished. Just when I think I had that last little piece of ya, Grayson Waller. By hook or by crook, I gotta give you credit.” Waller pulled it off, but anyone with two eyes can see how. So what happens? Sanga, down he goes! Waller, down he goes! One man was left standing, and we all know who it was! L A Knight, YEAH! Is Knight going to hunt down Waller until there’s no excuses?
NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Tommaso Ciampa VS Dolph Ziggler!
For the first time ever, these two are 1v1 and it’s on NXT! But will Daddy Ciampa defend his home and head back for Goldie? Or will the Show-Off steal the show and have that golden ticket in his back pocket?
NXT returns as Ciampa makes his entrance. The bell rings and fans are fired up for Ciampa as he stares down with Ziggler. They circle, tie up, and go around. Ciampa waistlocks, Ziggler squats to get the switch, but Ciampa powers through to get an arm. Fans rally as Ciampa has the top wristlock and shifts through to get a facelock then pushes Ziggler to the mat. Ciampa digs his knee into Ziggler’s head then SLAPS him on the back. Ziggler gets away and Ciampa waits on him to come back. They circle, tie up, and Ziggler shoots in to get the waistlock, then the facelock. Ziggler rolls it to a cover, ONE!
Ziggler keeps the facelock but Ciampa gets to the ropes. The ref counts, Ciampa and Ziggler let off, but then they start shoving. Ciampa avoids a kick, Ziggler avoids a chop, but Ciampa underhooks! Ziggler gets free but he avoids the knee! Fans say, “This is Awesome!” already, and Ciampa stares down with Ziggler. Ciampa says it was that close, but Ziggler HEADBUTTS him! Then rolls him up, TWO! Ziggler hammers away with rights, then cravats and turns Ciampa for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Ziggler clamps right back on with a chinlock. Ziggler grinds Ciampa down, moves around, and rakes the eyes!
The ref reprimands and fans boo but Ziggler just soaks it up. Ziggler scrapes laces on Ciampa’s face then stalks him to a corner. Ziggler throws a heavy body shot, then scrapes Ciampa’s face off the ropes. The ref reprimands, the fans rally up, but Ziggler looms over Ciampa. Ziggler clamps on with a chinlock and has an arm, it’s almost a crossface! Ciampa fights it, even as Ziggler pulls back on the hold. Ciampa is up, he throws elbows and body shots, and he is free to CHOP Ziggler! Ziggler kicks a leg, ducks a haymaker, but swings into a waistlcok and CHOP! Ciampa fires off, whips, but Ziggler reverses.
Ciampa comes back to LARIAT! And again! Fans fire up as Ciampa builds speed and CLOBBERS Ziggler! Ziggler flounders, fans fire up and Ciampa runs in to CHOP again! Borrowing a move from Finn Balor, perhaps? Ciampa hits a ROLLING ELBOW, then brings down his kneepad. Ciampa runs in, but Ziggler avoids the knee! But Ciampa denies the ZigZag by holding ropes! Ziggler runs back in but is sent right out! Ciampa KNEES Ziggler off the apron! Fans fire up and Ciampa pats himself on the back as NXT goes picture in picture.
Ciampa grins while Ziggler flounders on the floor. Ciampa goes to fetch Ziggler, and CLUBS him down. The ring count climbs, Ciampa puts Ziggler in at 7 of 10. Ciampa scrapes his sole on Ziggler’s face then stomps him down. Ciampa rains down fists, Ziggler flounders away, but Ciampa just walks over to the corner. Ciampa stands Ziggler up, climbs up, and he rains down fists! Fans are surely counting, but Ziggler stops Ciampa at 5 to trip him up! Ciampa is stuck in ropes, Ziggler gets him for a DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Both men are down but stirring. Ziggler drags himself up, he goes after Ciampa, and whips him corner to corner hard!
Ciampa slumps down in the corner and Ziggler brings him back up. Ziggler snapmares Ciampa for a BIG elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Ziggler keeps on Ciampa with a SLEEPER! NXT returns to single picture as fans rally up and Ciampa endures. Ciampa is turning reddish purple already as Ziggler pushes back. Ciampa gets up, throws body shots, and gets free! Ziggler punches Ciampa back, but Ciampa punches him. Ziggler kicks the leg, Ciampa CHOPS again! Ziggler swings, Ciampa dodges, and he catches Ziggler for a CATAPULT! Ziggler hits buckles and flounders out, into a LARIAT from Ciampa! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally as both men are down again. Both men slowly sit up and Ciampa throws a haymaker. Ziggler throws a body shot, so Ciampa gives another haymaker. Ziggler haymakers, Ciampa haymakers. Ziggler kicks, Ciampa CHOPS, then fires off fast hands! Ciampa isn’t letting up and he gets Ziggler in a corner! Ciampa starts stomping away, but the ref counts! Ciampa lets off at 4, and fans are thunderous for the Psycho Killer! Ciampa runs, into a DROPKICK! But he stays up to ripcord and ROCK Ziggler with a right! But Ziggler comes back to FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa survives, reminding us why he was NXT Champion!
Fans rally for “NXT! NXT!” as both men stir. Ciampa and Ziggler go to opposite corners. Ziggler tunes up the band, runs in, but into a BOOT! Ciampa reels Ziggler in, gets him up, PROJECT CIAMPA! Cover, TWO!! Ziggler survives but Ciampa just brings the kneepads down! Ziggler gets up, Ciampa runs in, PSYCHO KNEE! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Ziggler saves himself by a literal foot! Fans hope they “Fight Forever!” but this has to end somehow! Ciampa drops a knee on Ziggler’s knee! Ziggler flops out of the ring, clutches the leg, and Ciampa goes out after him. Ciampa drags Ziggler up, reels him in, but Ziggler POSTS Ciampa, ZIGZAG to the floor!!
Fans lose their minds while the ring count climbs! Ziggler drags himself over to Ciampa, drags Ciampa up at 6 of 10, and into the ring at 8. Ziggler is in at 9 and fans are fired up again. Ciampa wobbles, Ziggler runs in, but the superkick misses! Ciampa kicks, reels Ziggler in, but the bad arm won’t let him underhook! Ziggler rolls Ciampa up, TWO!! Ziggler hurries to get the SLEEPER!! Ciampa flails with one good arm but Ziggler has the body scissors! Ciampa endures, fans rally up, and Ciampa manages to move around. Ciampa gets to his feet, and BACKPACK SENTONS! Cover, TWO!!!
Fans can’t believe it but Ziggler survived! Both men are down again and Ciampa goes to a corner. Ziggler goes to the ropes, but Ciampa goes out to the apron to intercept him. Ciampa CHOPS Ziggler again, but Ziggler ROCKS Ciampa with a haymaker. Ciampa CHOPS, Ziggler body shots! Ciampa CHOPS again, and again, and again! Then BOOTS! Ziggler flounders, Ciampa roars! Ciampa manages to fireman’s carry Ziggler, tucks him in, APRON AIR RAID CRASH!! Both men fall to the floor and fans lose their minds again! Ciampa manages to get Ziggler up and in while fans chant for “NXT!”
But wait, a cameraman attacks Ciampa?! The ref missed that because he was checking Ziggler! SUPERKICK!! Cover, Ziggler wins!!
Winner: Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)
That’s not a real cameraman at all! That’s ROBERT ROODE! The GLORIOUS tag partner of Dolph Ziggler helped him get this win! The Dirty Dawgs soak up all the heat as they celebrate, but they’re not done! They stomp away on Ciampa, but here comes BRON! Bron DECKS Ziggler, DECKS Roode, and the Dawgs run off! Bron says if they wanna do 2v1, then how about 2v2? Bron & Ciampa VS Ziggler & Roode! And how about this? The Dirty Dawgs can find their balls and Bron will fight them right now! Ziggler & Roode look to be leaving, but they come back! And it’s a brawl! Ciampa has Roode, Bron has Ziggler!
Security and referees rush out but they can’t stop this from spilling out of the ring and all around ringside! Fans are loving this and want to “Let Them Fight!” but NXT is going off the air! Will things only heat up even more when Ciampa and the champ get their tag match with the Dirty Dawgs?
My Thoughts:
A very good NXT to start us on the Road to WrestleMania, and Stand & Deliver 2022. The only disappointing surprise about that event coming back is that it’ll be on Saturday, April 2nd, the same night as night one of WrestleMania 38! How the hell does that work? Is it going to be reduced to just two hours and act as a kickoff to night one? I don’t like that. Why not just make it a themed event NXT holds on Tuesday? Or even on Thursday. But it looks like it’ll have a pretty good card, as I’m thinking that’s where we’ll get both tag title matches. Diamond Mine and Imperium had a good promo segment, and what a great surprise save from Solo Sikoa.
Imperium VS Creed Brothers is going to be a very good match, and with the way NXT has been pushing the Creeds, I wouldn’t be surprised if they win. The Women’s Dusty Cup got started tonight, with two matches and two promo segments. Dakota’s weird, spazzy character is still a weird choice but she’s delivering it well, and she and Wendy might end up an odd couple fan favorite through their interactions. And I like that Cora turned the tables on Raquel and showed her she can fly high. I wonder if that means Cora is going to try power moves and Raquel is going to try springboard moves in their first match together…
Toxic Attraction hanging out “all night” in their “lounge” was an interesting detail for the show. KLR & Shirai of course won but it was a pretty fun match to open the tournament with. And then KC Squared gets a good win over Ivy & Tatum. Ivy & Tatum sure didn’t last long as a team, though. Fans still really like Ivy, so maybe she can go after Mandy Rose soon. As for Indi & Persia, I sensed things were going to fall apart, and things really took a step towards that with Duke just planting one on Persia and then still flirting with Indi. Sad Dexter Lumis was an oddly funny little moment, and I’m thinking we’ll get Dexter VS Duke, since Duke squashed Chen.
Andre Chase continues to be hilarious in his Chase U promos. Meanwhile, Von continues to be bland in his, so thankfully he does have Robert Stone. I would think Von crushes Chase, and he might even brutalize Bodhi. The story of Gacy, Harland and Draco takes another step, but I guess Draco’s first win can come off Harland. Nikkita Lyons has a good debut, with Kayla Inlay looking good, too. As I said, I sensed the potential Lyons had as Faith the Lioness in Women of Wrestling, so I think she’ll definitely find her way to taking on the NXT Women’s Champion in the days after WrestleMania season.
This story of Brooks Jensen’s love life continues to turn things around, his multiple awkward dating app video takes were really clever stuff. And Fallon Henley continues to hang around him and Briggs, so as I said last time, this has to turn around to where Fallon is the love interest somehow. We got a good promo out of Melo & Trick with Dunne, and then a really good match of Grimes VS Trick. Grimes wins and he is very much still in the running for the North American Championship while others are still building up. Melo VS Dunne for the title next week is also going to be great stuff, but again I feel like it’s to put Melo over and build his star power.
Waller VS Knight went about as expected with Sanga playing a role in the finish. Waller wins but Knight stands tall, and between what Knight said after the match and in his backstage promo, Last Man Standing match as their blow-off? Then we got some good promos out of Bron, Ziggler and Ciampa on the way to tonight’s main event, and the main event was awesome. Ciampa VS Ziggler was bordering on PPV/TakeOver level, and of course Ziggler cheats to win. Roode makes his return to NXT, helps Ziggler, and we’re of course getting Bron VS Ziggler. And then getting Dirty Dawgs on NXT, that’s going to be some fun stuff. Roode might take the loss here so Bron will have momentum but Ziggler won’t be hurt.
My Score: 8.7/10
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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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