Coverage
Mitchell’s NXT Halloween Havoc Results & Report! (10/22/22)
Something wicked this way comes!
This is Halloween! Everybody laugh ‘n’ scream!
NXT Halloween Havoc is back again, and so is Shotzi Blackheart as its host! But the real headline is the NXT Championship Triple Threat! Will the numbers spell disaster for Bron Breakker once again?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Vacated NXT North American Championship Ladder Match: Carmelo Hayes VS Wes Lee VS Von Wagner VS Oro Mensah VS Nathan Frazer; Wes wins and is the new NXT North American Champion.
- Casket Match: Apollo Crews VS Grayson Waller; Apollo wins.
- Weapons Wild: Cora Jade VS Roxanne Perez; Roxie wins.
- High Stakes Ambulance Match: Julius Creed VS Damon Kemp; Julius wins and keeps Brutus in NXT.
- NXT Women’s Championship: Mandy Rose VS Alba Fyre; Mandy wins and retains the title.
- NXT Championship Triple Threat: Bron Breakker VS JD McDonagh VS Ilja Dragunov; Bron wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Halloween Havoc Kickoff Show!
Join McKenzie Mitchell, “Stone Cold” Sam Roberts and Busted Open Radio’s Dave LaGreca in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action on the scariest night of WWE’s year!
Shotzi Blackheart and Quincy Elliot are backstage!
Our Halloween Havoc cohosts are with Apollo Crews and Grayson Waller, and the wheel! Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal! Where it lands, that is the stipulation for tonight’s match! Waller knows, just get to it! Save it for later, Waller. Shotzi has everyone step back and SPINS! Waller says he’s not scared, but he wants Coal Miner’s Glove. Blindfold match? NO, it’s a Casket Match! You win when you stuff the other inside and slam the lid shut! Apollo loves it! Is Waller ready to hold his breath? Happy Halloween~! Waller is speechless for once! Will he shut up when the lid shuts closed?
Alba Fyre speaks.
“Mandy Rose, if you wanna fight fire with fire, then meet me here tomorrow night.” Fyre waits on the Haunted Trail, but will the Toxic Goddess show?
Toxic Attraction responds.
Jacy Jayne says Alba is such a freak! But if she wants to fight fire with fire, let’s play! Wait, Mandy can’t be serious. She’s not going, is she? What do they mean? Of course she’s going! What does Mandy have to fear? She’s the most dominant women’s champion ever, and they’re Toxic Attraction! Yeah, but that doesn’t mean she has to go! Mandy says she’ll beat Alba down, drag her back here, and finish this in the ring. Mandy heads out, Gigi and Jacy think this is crazy, but will Mandy find a way to retain the title?
Chucky introduces the show.
Halloween is his favorite time of year. And last year, your old pal made sure there was plenty of violence. This year, there’ll be even more! A title hangs in the heavens, and one man goes through hell to get it. Playing with fire is good clean fun, but Mandy Rose might get burned by Fyre. Some deserve to feel pain, but all three men in the main event welcome it! A dog faced gremlin meets a machine and a bloodthirsty psycho second only to Chucky. “This is gonna be a war! Not to mention, caskets, ambulances and more mayhem this guy can ask for.” Enjoy the carnage, enjoy the fun, enjoy Halloween Havoc!
Quincy Elliot is on stage.
“Queen of Halloween, AWAKEN!” Shotzi has her saw! She welcomes us to the scariest night of the year! “Halloween Havoc, it’s SHOWTIME!” Shotzi howls to the moon, and it’s time to get spooky!
Vacated NXT North American Championship Ladder Match: Carmelo Hayes VS Wes Lee VS Von Wagner VS Oro Mensah VS Nathan Frazer!
The A Champion tried to keep this belt by any means necessary, but it backfired when Solo Sikoa took it from him. But a technicality then took the title from Solo, and now Melo must fight to get this belt back! Will he use every Trick in the book to be The A Champion again? Or will we truly get a NEW champion here tonight?
The introductions are made, the ladder hangs high above, and we see who brings down the other four to be the one!
The bell rings and fans are fired up already. The five look at the belt, and then at each other. Melo says duh, let’s get a ladder. But Wes SUPERKICKS him first! Then LEAPS on him outside the ring! Von throws Frazer into Oro, clotheslines Oro then throws Frazer back in to SPLASH them both! Von throws shoulders, runs in but into a BOOT! Frazer & Oro fire off, double whip, dodge and DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Von falls out, Oro and Frazer look up. Oro knees low, whips Frazer to a corner but Frazer goes up and over! Things speed up, Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges and CLOBBERS Oro! Oro bails out and Frazer goes to a corner!
Frazer SUPER CROSSBODIES Von! Fans are thunderous for Frazer and he hurries to look under the ring. Frazer brings out the first ladder! Frazer slides that in the ring, hurries to grab it, but so do Oro and Melo! All three men stare down, Oro and Frazer DOUBLE CHOP Melo! Melo leaps the ladder, but the ladder gets him on the return! Then the ladder gets Wes! And then Oro & Frazer RAM Wes, then THROW the ladder at him! Melo RAMS Frazer inot the ladder, he kicks and whips Oro but Oro WRECKS Von! Melo KNEES Oro, Frazer DECKS Melo! Frazer stands the ladder up, to COMPLETE SHOT Melo into it!
Fans are thunderous as Frazer is all alone again! Frazer hurries to set this ladder up under the belt! Frazer climbs, but Oro drags him back down. Oro clinches to EXPLODER! Frazer flops out of the ring and Oro hurries up. But Wes gets a ladder of his own in, and then brings Oro down. Wes blocks a kick but Oro hits the ROLLING KICK! Melo CLOBBERS Oro, then he folds up this first ladder. He slams it but Wes avoids disaster! Oro blocks a ladder bump to elbow Melo and back drop him on the ladder! Melo writhes, but Wes SHOTGUNS Oro onto the ladder! Wes hurries but VOn returns! Wes dropkicks a leg out and Von bumps off the ladder!
Wes RAMS the ladder into Von, then corners him with it! Wes BOOTS the ladder over and over to jam it into Von! Wes then goes up to rain down fists! Fans count, but Von shove shim away! Wes ducks the ladder toss, but not the BOOT! Robert Stone is fired up as Von sets the ladder up! Fans boo but Oro returns. Von SMACKS Oro into the ladder! Von RAMS Frazer! Frazer avoids being cornered and he RAN- NO, Von blocks the rana to POWERBOMB Frazer on the ladder! Fans lose their minds while Von THROWS the ladder at Wes! Von stands a ladder up under the belt now, but Melo climbs it! Von DECKS him first!
Von throws hands, shoves, but Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl FACEBUSTERS! Fans fire up and Melo picks up the ladder. Melo climbs as fans duel, but Frazer springboards and MISSILE DROPKICKS Melo down! But then Wes rides a ladder down, onto Frazer! Fans lose their minds over that one! All five men are down, “This is Awesome!” and still just beginning! Oro SCISSOR KICKS Wes onto the ladder! Oro DROPKICKS Von, then LIONSAULTS Wes on the ladder! A little double edge, and Melo SUPERKICKS Oro! Melo pushes ladder aside, catches Oro’s boots, and he puts him in ropes!
Trick puts the ladder under Oro, FADE AWAY onto the ladder!! Melo drags the ladder up, RAMS Frazer, then brings Frazer around, Melo takes his shot, but Frazer catches him! INVERTED SPANISH FLY onto the ladder!!! Fans lose their minds all over again after that one! But Von CHOKE SLAMS Frazer! Von stands the ladder up, Wes rushes in, Wes slips through the choke slam to ENZIGURI! And FLYING CHUCK! And ROLLING KICK! Von flops out of the ring and fans fire up, but Melo LARIATS Wes and himself out of the ring! Oro is alone with the ladder, and he sets it up under the belt! Oro climbs, but Trick gets in the ring!
Trick tips the ladder, Oro LEAPS but wipes out on the ropes before wiping out the others! Refs hurry to check on them all, and Trick looks to climb?! But then Stone gets in the ring! Managers climb up the ladder but Trick stops Stone and SLAMS his hand on the ladder! Stone CLOCKS Trick with a shoe! Trick tips the ladder and Stone wipes out on the ropes now! Fans are electric for “NXT! NXT!” as EVERYONE is down! Oro manages to crawl back in, he stands the ladder up and climbs, only for Von to stop him! Von YANKS Oro down, TOSSES him, but Oro skins the cat! Von RAMS Oro with the ladder, then RAMS Melo with it!
Von roars and TOSSES the ladder onto Wes and Frazer! Frazer gets a double tap from that ladder while Von goes out to look under the ring. Von finds a BIG ladder and brings it out. The front row assures him he can bring it out, but they almost get bopped! Oro fires off on Von, Von CLOBBERS him then CLOBBERS Melo! Von sets this ladder up as a bridge between ring and barriers and fans fire up. Wes GAMANGIRIS Von into sitting on the ladder! Frazer is up top, FROG SPLASH on Von through the ladder!!! Fans lose their minds all over again! Frazer gets up from the wreckage, but Wes is in the ring. Wes FLIES onto Frazer!
Oro SHOTGUNS Wes! Melo dodges Oro to leap off the barriers for the FLYING LARIAT! But Wes CANNONBALLS Melo! Wes fires up as he grits his teeth and the fans are behind him! Wes brings out another ladder from under the ring, and this is a BIG one. Wes struggles with it but he puts that ladder in the ring, only for Von to CLOBBER him! Von stands one of the other ladders up and fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” But Wes climbs it! Von grabs at Wes, brings him down, and trophy lifts him! Von TOSSES Wes to the commentary table!! Wes crashes ‘n’ burns and fans lose their minds a fourth time! And this is just the opener!
Von is climbing! Fans freak out, but FRAZER returns! Frazer fires off hands and brings Von down! Frazer kicks Von away, reaches up, but Von grabs him! Von brings Frazer around, but Frazer RANAS Von out! Von drags Frazer off the apron to TOSS him into the barriers! But Oro WHEEL KICKS Von! Oro has a smaller ladder and Frazer helps RAM it into Von! Von goes over the barriers! Frazer and Oro nod to each other, they RAM Von again for good measure! And then they dump go up the barriers, to SLAM the ladder down on Von! And again! And again! Von is wedged in there, and fans fire up with Oro!
Oro and Frazer then see a clear path to the belt. Oro pushes Frazer over and hurries in! Frazer hurries after, they both climb, and they brawl up top! Fans rally as the forearms fly, but Oro hooks Frazer. Frazer resists the suplex, they both throw forearms again, and Frazer grabs the belt! Oro CLUBS him first, grabs for the belt, but then Oro clinches Frazer to shove him down HARD! But Melo RAMS a ladder at Oro’s legs. Oro jumps up, Melo climbs at him, the ladders are wedged together. Melo YANKS Oro down, TOSSES him out, and then hurries up the main ladder! Fans are going nuts, but Wes runs up the other ladder to FLYING FOREARM!
Melo falls, fans are thunderous again, and Wes throws hands with Melo over the ladder bridge. They go back and forth, Melo DECKS Wes but Wes comes back with a ROLLING ELBOW! Melo comes back but Wes trips him up! Melo hits ladder on the way down! Wes hurries up and over him! Melo grabs Wes, CLUBS and throws body shots, they brawl on the ladder bridge. They throw hands fast and furious and fans are loving it! Wes throws body shots, he ROCKS Melo, then climbs up. But Melo crawls up behind and anchors a foot. Wes kicks Melo, but Melo keeps holding on! Wes kicks free to METEORA on the ladder!
Wes keeps himself in the ring and he hurries back up! Wes climbs, fans are thunderous, Wes gets the belt and he wins!!
Winner: Wes Lee (NEW NXT North American Champion)
The Must-See Kid finally has the belt he’s been after for so long! His first singles title and fans chant, “You Deserve It!” With all Wes endured, both this year and in this match, will anything ever stop him now that he’s champion?
Somewhere on the haunted hiking trail…
Toxic Attraction arrives together, and Gigi gets into the spirit. “We’re here~!” Okay, don’t be so dramatic. They’re gonna go look for Alba, beat her down, drag her ass back to the arena, and then Mandy will beat her to retain the title. Correction: Mandy & Gigi can go look for her while Jacy stays in the car. Jacy got a broken rib on Tuesday. Oh, suck it up! Gigi says it’ll be easy! It’s 3v1! It doesn’t matter how many bats Fyre has, they’ll get her. It’ll be a No Contest, even! Jacy says they don’t need her. One half of the best tag team champions, one of the most dominant women’s champions- Stop, Jacy, you’re coming along. Don’t be so scared.
They exit, Jacy clings to Mandy, but they each get a flashlight and start looking. Jacy is already wanting to go home but Gigi really likes how spooky it is. Jacy gets spooked easily, but then a zombie speaks! BOP! Jacy! Oh, whatever! Let’s get going! They leave whoever that was behind, and then find a spooky ax murderer. Oh, and the mansion at the end of the trail. The three head in, and Gigi loves it! Jacy says Fyre isn’t in there, they can go back to the car. The door opens on its own… “Mandy, come and play~!” Toxic Attraction steps inside, there are arms reaching out from the walls, but no Fyre. Mandy suggests splitting up. Doesn’t she watch horror movies? Don’t ever split up!
Gigi teases Jacy and Jacy asks why she’s like this. Cuz Gigi loves Halloween! And Mandy loves her title. The faster they find Fyre, the faster they end this. Whoever finds Fyre first, scream and the others will rush to her. Then the statue moves! Jacy runs off afraid. She even gets spooked by wheels hanging from the ceiling. Jacy apologizes to Fyre. She kicks at a dummy that pops up in a chair. Is Fyre in here? She kicks another dummy! Something moves behind her. But then Fyre snatches Jacy from behind the movie screen! Gigi laughs it off, thinking Jacy is just being Jacy. Wait, Chucky? What’s he doing here? “Wanna play?” Tea party? Vampire needs dental work.
It’s kinda cold. Someone is offering a drink? Gigi says she’s good, but then it’s FYRE! She SMACKS Gigi off the table! Fyre stalks Gigi, throws her around the hallway, but Gigi hits back! They brawl, Gigi smacks Fyre with plates! Gigi SMACKS Fyre with the fridge door! Someone’s in the fridge! Fyre BOOTS Gigi into the fridge! Fyre has Gigi stay cool in there while she goes looking for Mandy. Mandy low blows a spook trying to spook her. Then she plays the organ, only for the organ to play itself! Mandy shrugs it off, but FYRE is there! And BAM, she hits Mandy with the bat! Mandy throws Fyre into a wall, then KNEES down some Jason wannabe.
Fyre hits Mandy, swings but hits a barrel! Mandy grabs the bat to RAM Fyre! She told you she’d fight fire with fire. But then Pumpkin Head takes the bat from her! Fyre hooks Mandy up but Mandy scrambles free. Only to come face to face with a ghoul and a well! Fyre gets Mandy in a SLEEPER! Fyre takes Mandy with her to the car and Jacy begs Fyre not to take her! Fyre asks what they always say. There’s Toxic Attraction, and then there’s everybody else? Well, Fyre’s not everybody else. She cracks Jacy and Gigi one more time, before driving back towards the arena!
Casket Match: Apollo Crews VS Grayson Waller!
The wheel sealed the fate of these two men during the kickoff show, but now one man will be put inside that old pine box. Will Apollo not just see Waller’s demise, but be the one to make it a reality? Or will the Grayson Waller Effect change the future?
The bell rings and the hands start flying! Fans fire up as Apollo ROCKS Waller, but Waller elbows him away. Apollo DROPKICKS, then he tackles Waller to rain down fists! Waller pushes Apollo away but Apollo ROCKS him and CHOPS him in the corner. Waller gasps but Apollo ROCKS and CHOPS again. Apollo whips, Waller reverses but Apollo goes up and over, only for Waller to LEG LARIAT! Waller rains down fists and fans boo. Waller goes to the corner, goes up and walks the rope, BALLER ELBOW! But then he mocks the Dead Man’s sit up. Apollo copies that, too! Waller kicks but Apollo blocks!
Apollo shoves Waller out of the ring, then slingshots, but Waller gets away. Waller goes for legs but Apollo kicks him away to ASAI MOONSAULT! Fans fire up as Waller goes down, and Apollo brings Waller around the way. Apollo ROCKS Waller, then ROCKS him again! Apollo eggs Waller on but Waller crawls back. Waller kicks the leg out, then he cravats to throw knees! Waller reels Apollo in but Apollo fights the suplex. Apollo gets around to lift, but Waller fights free! Waller runs, but into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplex! Waller writhes and crawls away but Apollo pursues him into the ring.
Waller mule kicks then sliding kicks! Apollo goes down, fans boo, but Waller stomps and CLUBS Apollo. Apollo throws forearms but Waller kicks low. Waller whips but Apollo reverses to TOSS Waller again! Apollo goes out after Waller but Waller throws body shots. Apollo ROCKS Waller back, then he SHOTGUNS Waller onto the desk! Booker T and Vic Joseph give them room as Apollo rains down hands on Waller! Waller uses one of Vic’s pens on Apollo’s eye! Waller throws hands, RAMS Apollo into barriers, then stands on Apollo’s head. Waller talks trash, he drags Apollo up, and he POSTS him!
Fans boo as Waller stalks Apollo. They go to the apron, Waller throws hands then fireman’s carries. Apollo fights free, hoists Waller up top, then he climbs up. Fans actually duel as Waller resists the superplex! Waller throws body shots, then he THUMBS Apollo in the eyes Apollo falls, through the casket lid!! Is that a win or not?! The refs talk it out, Waller celebrates, but the refs say no, you have to CLOSE the lid, not break it! But then the lights go out! And when they come back up, Apollo is GONE!? Waller then looks up the ramp, and the druids bring out a new casket! Apollo says this is ending one way or another!
Waller rushes out, Apollo DECKS him, then RAMS him into steel steps! Apollo then pulls the steps apart, but Waller throws knees! Waller goes to bump but Apollo blocks to SMACK Waller off the steps! And again! And again! Apollo then brings up the other half, and SLAMS it down! Waller avoids disaster, but Apollo dodges his haymaker to scoop and FALL AWAY SLAM! Waller writhes and fans fire up! Apollo hobbles over to Waller, and the other steel steps, and jumps up to MOONSAULT off! Fans fire up as the new casket is finally here! Apollo has the lid open, he puts Waller in the ring, and he stalks Waller to a corner to clothesline!
Apollo runs to clothesline in the corner again! And then again! And then again! Apollo stomps a mudhole into Waller and then some and the fans fire up! Apollo fireman’s carries for a GUT BUSTER DROP! Waller flounders, Apollo pushes Waller closer, and then a little closer. Waller falls inside the casket, and Apollo crawls out of the ring. But Waller blocks the lid! Waller JABS Apollo, then leaps to push Apollo partway in! Waller SLAMS the lid on Apollo, then shoves him all the way it! But Apollo blocks now! Apollo drags Waller in to join him! They brawl inside the casket, both men DECK each other!
Waller and Apollo stare down while fans fire up. Waller scrambles into the ring but Apollo drags him out! Apollo TOSSES Waller to the floor, then gets out to FROG SPLASH from the casket! Fans fire up for Apollo while Waller crawls away. Apollo pursues, the lid opens again, and Apollo waistlocks Waller on the apron! Waller holds the corner, throws some elbows, but Apollo ROCKS him again. Apollo gets in the ring to ENZIGURI! Waller wobbles, but Apollo runs, into the STUNNER!! Both men are down and fans are fired up again! Waller mocks the Dead Man again with the throat slash, and he drags Apollo up.
Waller gut wrenches Apollo, but Apollo turns it around! Apollo turns Tombstone into GUT BUSTER! Waller flounders towards the casket and Apollo crawls after him. Apollo shoves Waller in, but Waller gets his fingers in between lid and casket! Waller JABS Apollo, somersaults, but Apollo blocks the stunner! Waller elbows, and choke grips! But Apollo throws elbows! Apollo POSTS Waller, then POP-UP SPINEBUSTERS Waller into the casket! Apollo slams the lid shut and wins!!
Winner: Apollo Crews
Apollo promised he’d leave Waller in the dark, and it must be very dark inside that casket! Will this win help Apollo’s future be very bright?
NXT checks on Chase U.
Professor Andre Chase thanks the students for submitting their Halloween Havoc history reports, and is very pleased by many. But some were the “drizzling sh*ts.” How could they not have remembered the location of Halloween Havoc 1995? Duheim, you’re better than that! Chase gets so mad because he know show bright they are, and he wants them to succeed. But there’s a new transfer student: Duke Hudson. But how?! Bodhi, give Duke a chance. But Chase will be watching him closely. Duke knows that, and he assures everyone that he’s here to learn. He’s very excited to get to know them all.
Bonus question for extra points: Halloween Havoc 1996, who did the Outsiders beat to win the WCW Tag Team titles? Bodhi says the Nasty Boys. Sorry, that was wrong. The Steiners? No, not them, either. Anyone else? Duke says it was Booker T & Stevie Ray, Harlem Heat. Yes, that is correct, and a very historic night. Thea is impressed but Bodhi is upset. Class is over, you are dismissed. Bodhi feels bad and he goes to Chase. They don’t trust Duke, but Bodhi just has to be better in class. Bodhi agrees, and says he’ll be better prepared. Is Duke really here to get a degree? Or is he playing some kind of long game?
Backstage interview with Pretty Deadly.
How confident are they going into their tag title defense against Malik Blade & Edris Enofe? Kit Wilson says they’re as tasty as ever with not a care in the world. Elton Prince says “those chaps want to shock the world, but the only thing shocking is that they’re getting the time of day from these dandy highwaymen.” Kit says there is a full itinerary as tag team champions. SIDE PLATE CHECK! But then the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, Kayden & Katana walk in. Typical PD, more concerned about looks than wins. They think they’re the greatest? KC Squared says different.
Uh, the only thing PD is worried about is what outfits they’re gonna wear this Tuesday. As for Kayden & Katana, well, break a leg. Well, we’ll see who walks out on Tuesday with their titles. But with both sets of titles on the line, will we see both pairs lose it all?
Weapons Wild: Cora Jade VS Roxanne Perez!
Speaking of championships, these two were NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, but jealousy and pride got in the way. The Generation of Jade won’t let anyone get ahead of her, not even her former best friend. Will she break the Breakout Star to then make NXT all about her? Or will Roxie use anything and everything at ringside to bring about a new generation?
Roxie brings a trash can with her, but it’s not about the can. She opens it up to bring out a skateboard! Roxie is bringing back what Cora used to break this friendship! The bell rings, kendo stick meets board and board wins! But Cora dodges the next swing to bail out! Roxie pursues, uses the board to shied herself from trash can lid after trash can lid, and Cora gets worried. She tries a broom but nope, Roxie JAMS her with the board! Roxie bumps Cora off the apron, puts her in the ring, and brings the board with her. Roxie swings but Cora kicks lows! Cora gets the board and she takes a swing, but into a leg sweep!
Roxie smacks Cora’s head off the board again and again! Then she pushes Cora and board out of the ring to crash on the floor! Fans fire up and Roxie builds speed, to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up with Roxie! Roxie CLUBS Cora and Cora hurries into the ring. Roxie brings out a TABLE! Fans fire up to see that, and Roxie sets the table up against the barriers. Roxie looks for Cora but Cora’s hiding. Roxie checks under the ring but then she sees the feet sticking out. Roxie drags Cora out but Cora SPRAYS Roxie! IT was maybe bug spray or spray paint, but Cora drags Roxie around to SWING her into the barriers! And again! And again!
Cora drags Roxie up and puts her in the ring, then she puts a chair in the ring. And another chair! And another! Fans duel as Cora keeps adding things, including a trash can. Cora stomps Roxie down, arranges all the chairs into a pile in a drop zone, but Roxie grabs one. Cora steps on the chair to trash Roxie’s hands! Cora SMACKS Roxie with the trash can! Cora puts the can on Roxie, then she KICKS the can! And stomps it! And DOUBLE STOMPS it! Then she kicks Roxie out of the ring! The ref checks on Roxie but she’s okay to continue. Cora pulls Roxie out of the can and SMACKS her with the lid! And again!
Cora gets a broom and she SMACKS Roxie with it! And again! Cora then grabs the bull rope to LASH Roxie with it! And again, and again, and again! Cora CHOKES Roxie with the rope, then makes it a gag in the CAMEL CLUTCH! Cora taunts fans then she shoves Roxie down. Then she spots the chain! Cora brings that chain around with her, but Roxie dodges! The chains lash the steel steps, and Roxie LASHES Cora with the rope! And again! And again! Cora kicks low, kicks the rope away, then whips Roxie, but Roxie reverses! Cora hits steel steps and crawls away! Roxie rushes over to THESZ PRESS!
Roxie rains down fast hands, then she SMACKS Cora with a trash can lid! Roxie runs in again, UPPERCUT sends Cora into the barriers! Fans rally as Roxie smacks Cora off the apron then puts her in the ring. Roxie gets Cora’s kendo stick! Roxie SMACKS Cora, and SMACKS her, and SMACKS and SMACKS and SMACKS! Cora cowers in a corner but Roxie wrenches her and hooks her up, KENDO LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Cora is still in this but Roxie snarls. Roxie UPPERCUTS in the corner! Then rolls and UPPERCUTS again! Roxie reels Cora in and hops on, but Cora SLAMS Roxie into the corner!
Cora staggers away while Roxie drags herself up in the corner. Cora runs in to SHINING WIZARD! Cora shoves Roxie down, covers, TWO! Fans rally as Cora drags Roxie around to a drop zone. Cora goes up the corner, but Roxie ROCKS her first! Roxie SLAPS Cora, climbs up, they brawl with body shots, and Roxie climbs up! SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO! Cora scrambles away to the outside and wants to run away? Roxie won’t let her, and she chases Cora into the crowd! They go up the bleachers, up to the perch, and Roxie gets a foot. Cora BOOTS Roxie away, but Roxie comes back! Cora kicks Roxie and CLUBS away on her!
Cora drags Roxie up, scoops her, and SLAMS Roxie on the perch floor! Roxie crawls and Cora looks at what’s below. Cora pops some railing off the perch and moves it aside! Cora tells Roxie, “After everything I did to you, after everything I did for you, this is what-” Roxie ROCKS Cora! Cora wobbles on the edge! Roxie throws more forearms, but she holds back. Cora begs for mercy, so Roxie just TACKLES Cora off! They both fall through the table below!! Fans lose their minds while both women are in the wreckage. Fans rally as Cora drags Roxie up, knees low, and smacks her off the apron. Fans duel as Cora stalks Roxie.
Cora drags Roxie up, bumps her off the apron again, then pushes her into the ring. Cora drags Roxie up, “You were NEVER my friend!” Cora underhooks Roxie, but Roxie turns things around! Back drop onto the chair pile! “And you were ALWAYS my best friend!” But Roxie hops on, POP ROX onto the chairs!! Cover, Roxie wins!
Winner: Roxie Perez, by pinfall
The Breakout Star gets vengeance on her former friend! Will this be the end of it between them?
A figure lurks in the shadows.
A mask is dropped into the fire, and it burns up. Is this the reemergence of who we think it is?
Shotzi heads to the ring!
In her Beetlejuice best, the hostess of Halloween Havoc is back and she has the mic. “I told you Halloween Havoc would be the most blood curdling, terrifying and horrific night of the year. Mwahahaha! And so far, we have had ladders, and caskets, and a haunted house, oh my~! And we’ve seen two women butcher the last remnants of their friendship. And, there’s still so much more to come! MWAHAHAHAHA! Including… My cohost?” Where’s Quincy? Fans cheer for him but no one has an answer. Oh, here comes the Super Diva! And he’s a banana! Quincy struts his way to the ring and says, “Hey.”
Shotzi didn’t realize he was gonna have more than one costume. He is the sweetest banana she’s ever seen. Well, good to see she thinks this costume is appealing. But we all know Quincy is the best of the bunch. Wait, what is Lash Legend doing come out here? She wants this all to stop! It’s bad enough they let the Green Goblin host this instead of yours truly! She’s the one and only, you can’t- Uh, Lash, don’t you know? Lashing Out was canceled long ago. And Lash ain’t near as fabulous as Quincy & Shotzi. So she can take her little shoes and skirt her way back to the back, okay? Fans fire up for that one!
Lash tells “Banana Nut” to hold the hell up. Lash will not let someone from SmackDown host this when Lash could do it better. Lash, Lash, Lash. You have so many great qualities: tall; athletic; explosive. But girl, hearing you talk is way more horrifying that could happen on Halloween. Lash tells Quincy to watch himself but Shotzi howls at her! Quincy, you are the Scream Queen and Shotzi loves you, but she’s got this. She HEADBUTTS Lash! And then kicks her, and hits a DDT! Quincy shouts, “That’s what you get!” Will Lash learn to think before she speaks to someone as ballsy as Shotzi?
The Schism speaks.
Joe Gacy says “It’s not only on Halloween that people wear masks. They wear them all year long.” Rip Fowler says, “For months, we’ve cultivated peace to help people remove their masks and reveal their true selves. To become something better by joining us under The Schism’s tree.” Jagger Reed adds that instead of hearing them, “they spit in our faces. Now, our message to this brand won’t be delivered by will, but by force.” Gacy tells Red Hood that she’s proven herself. Is she ready to remove her mask? She nods yes, so this Tuesday will be her moment! She will remove her mask, and the world will see the full force of Schism!
They’re not afraid to show their true selves! While the world hides behind their masks of wealth, vanity and lies, The Schism must illuminate our mistakes and our hypocrisy! They tried peace, so what happens next is our fault. “Four roots, one tree.” Just who is this as Little Red Riding Hood? And just what will she and The Schism do to mold NXT into their image?
High Stakes Ambulance Match: Julius Creed VS Damon Kemp!
Normally, you fight for yourself in a match as brutal as this. But this time, Julius is fighting for all of Diamond Mine! He wants revenge for Roderick Strong, he wants to keep his brother, Brutus, here on NXT, and he wants to put Kemp in his place for all that he did! Will Julius prove no one is colder than him? Or will the Golden Gopher cause the Diamond Mine to collapse once and for all?
Kemp brings a chair with literally Julius’ name on it, and it isn’t hard to see why. But Julius throws pumpkins at Kemp! Kemp smacks those away, but he gest bopped on the head! And then Julius MISSILE DROPKICKS in! The bell rings and Julius fires off! Julius whips, scoops and POWERSLAMS! Kemp scrambles away but Julius storms over. Kemp KNEES him down, then grabs the chair! Julius dodges the swing, waistlocks and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Kemp staggers up, Julius RAMS him into ropes and out of the ring! Julius rains down forearms, then he RAMS Kemp into barriers! Fans rally for Julius as he RAMS Kemp into the apron!
Julius gut wrenches to SUPLEX Kemp to the floor! Julius throws forearms and they end up in the back. Julius keeps hitting Kemp and pushes things towards the ambulance! Fans back there fire up as Julius smacks Kemp off the door! Julius opens the ambulance up, puts Kemp in, but then Kemp uses a crutch to keep the door open! Julius keeps trying but Kemp JASB him with the crutch, throws crutch after crutch at Julius, then storms up. Kemp SMACKS Julius around with the crutch, but Julius grabs hold! Julius throws the crutch away, but Kemp JAMS him with a fire extinguisher! Julius kicks back and grabs the extinguisher to BLAST Kemp!
Fans fire up as Kemp flounders away! Julius pursues, drags Kemp up, and brings him back towards the back, But Kemp hits a BIG back suplex to the floor! Kemp smacks Julius off the apron, then off the desk! Kemp RAMS Julius into steel steps and those go moving! Kemp slam dunks a pumpkin down on him, too! Kemp pulls the steel steps apart, and he RAMS Julius down with the steps! Fans boo as Kemp drags Julius up. Kemp scoops Julius, carries him to the back, and fans boo as they head for the ambulance. But Julius slips off to ROCK Kemp! They fire forearms back and forth, then Kemp knees low! But Julius RAMS Kemp into a crate!
Julius throws Kemp down, stomps him, but Kemp kicks a leg out! Kemp SMACKS Julius against the ambulance door. Kemp puts Julius in the doorway, and SLAMS the door on him! Julius slumps but Kemp SLAMS the door again! Julius is dazed, Kemp drags him up and pushes him at the door. Julius resists, Kemp gets him inside, but Kemp waves good-bye. Julius BOOTS the door into Kemp! Julius KICKS Kemp, SMACKS him with food from catering, then ROCKS him with forearms! Julius rams Kemp all the way into the POST! Julius puts Kemp in the ring, pushes steel steps aside to get the BASE steps!
Julius puts the steps in the ring, but Kemp WRECKS him with a dropkick! Kemp drags Julius back into the ring as fans boo, and he positions the steps. URENAGE on the steel steps! Kemp roars and stands on the steps like he’s won the gold medal. Kemp sits and rests while Julius flops out of the ring. Kemp grabs that chair of his, and he positions the steps near the apron. Fans boo as Kemp brings his chair out with him, but Julius ROCKS Kemp, then aims for the steps. Kemp blocks to SMACK Julius off the steps! Kemp finds a wheelchair and says this is what Julius will need. But Julius kicks the chair into Kemp!
Kemp rams Julius with the wheelchair but Julius rams it back into Kemp! Julius makes Kemp take a seat, and then he uses a crutch to trap Kemp in the wheelchair! Julius wheels Kemp around, to RAM him into the steel steps! Julius stomps Kemp while he’s down, stuck in the chair! Julius sits Kemp up and fans rally as he wheels Kemp around the way. Kemp gets the crutch out but Julius CLUBS away on Kemp! Julius DUMPS Kemp out of the chair, then he goes up to the apron. Julius leaps, Kemp BLASTS him with the extinguisher! The stomp still connects but both men are down! Julius staggers away and finds the stretcher.
Julius RAMS Kemp with the stretcher! Kemp staggers up, Julius keeps after him, but Kemp pushes back and POSTS Julius! Kemp grabs his chair, fans chant, “Use the Pumpkins!” Kemp SMACKS Julius with the chair! Julius throws the ring bell! Kemp guards with the chair, but then throws it at Julius! Julius ducks, then SMACKS Kemp with the timekeeper’s table! They brawl to the back again, Julius ROCKS Kemp and Kemp knees back. Kemp DUMPS Julius into the crate! Kemp wheels that crate and RAMS it into the ambulance! Kemp brings the crate back, to RAM it into the ambulance again! Kemp drags Julius up and scoops him, to SLAM him into the ambulance!
Kemp closes one door, but Julius’s fingers block the other! It is double-edged, but Kemp just does it again! Kemp fires off hands on Julius, but again Julius keeps the door from closing with his hands! Julius kicks and forearms and TACKLES Kemp into spare armchairs! And then he SLAMS him on catering! And ELBOWS him through the table! Julius slams down armchair after armchair on Kemp! Kemp runs away to ringside but Julius has Kemp’s steel chair! Julius SMACKS Kemp with it! Fans still want pumpkins but Julius SMACKS away on Kemp with the chair! Fans count along, Julius gets FIVE! Then SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE! TEN!!
Fans are thunderous as Julius gets the payback, but he adds an ELEVENTH for himself! Julius drags Kemp up, brings him around, and he POWERBOMBS Kemp on the stretcher! Fans are stunned seeing that! Julius puts Kemp’s chair on him, then LARIATS it into him! Julius drags Kemp up, and hauls him back to the ambulance. Fans fire up, and Julius throws Kemp in! The door closes, Julius wins!
Winner: Julius Creed (Brutus Creed stays in NXT)
Fans are thunderous for Diamond Mine’s alpha male as he sends Kemp to the hospital! Julius avenges Roddy and he keeps Brutus with him in NXT! Will the Creed Brothers now be ready to fight back towards the tag titles?
Mandy’s Range Rover returns!
Fyre drags Mandy out of the car and kicks her along towards the arena. Fyre and Mandy brawl, Mandy kicks back, and she enters the building! Fyre is all smiles as she chases after Mandy, and now they end up on stage! Fyre ROCKS Mandy, and we’re at ringside! Fyre CHOPS Mandy and fans rally for “AL~BA! AL~BA!” It’s finally time for the title match! Will the Toxic Goddess’ reign be burned to the ground?
NXT Women’s Championship: Mandy Rose VS Alba Fyre!
The bell rings, Mandy swings but Fyre dodges to CHOP! And CHOP! And ROCK! Fyre ROCKS Mandy more, then she stomps a mudhole into Mandy at the corner. The ref counts, Fyre lets off, and Mandy drop toeholds Fyre into buckles! Mandy fires off forearms, lets off to finally take off her jacket, and she storms up, into a wrench and TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Fyre stomps Mandy down, stomps her more, and she climbs up the corner. Fans fire up for Fyre, but Mandy shoves her down! Fyre hits apron on the way down! Mandy hurries out after Fyre, SMACKS her off the desk, and then dribbles Fyre against the side!
Fans duel as the ring count climbs. Mandy throws hands, Fyre throws body shots, but Mandy CLUBS her! Mandy RAMS Fyre into the apron, puts her in the ring, and runs in to RAM Fyre in the corner! Mandy runs corner to corner to RAM into Fyre again! Mandy scoops Fyre to FALL AWAY SLAM! Fyre writhes and Mandy grins. Cover, TWO! Mandy drags Fyre up to dribble her off the mat! Mandy drags Fyre up to snapmare and KICK! Mandy paces while she snarls, and she drags Fyre up by her hair. The ref reprimands but Mandy throws Fyre down by her hair! Mandy wrenches an arm and CLUBS the shoulder.
Mandy bumps Fyre off buckles, stomps a mudhole into her, then lets off to soak up the cheers and jeers. Mandy puts Fyre on ropes to CHOKE her! Mandy lets off as the ref counts, then she drags Fyre up to ROCK her! Fans duel, Mandy whips, but Fyre holds ropes to elbow her back. Fyre then dodges in the corner, but Mandy blocks the kick! Mandy spins Fyre, Fyre dodges, DOUBLE LARIATS take them both down! Fyre and Mandy rise, they throw forearms back and forth. Mandy gets the edge but Fyre gives all those shots back. Mandy knees low, whips, but Fyre SUPERKICKS! And then suplexes for a GOURD BUSTER!
Mandy sits up, into a PENALTY KICK! Fyre KICKS and KICKS, then has Mandy in a corner. Fyre runs in but Mandy dodges! Fyre comes back, into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Fyre survives, showing the toughness of the former Forever Champion of NXT UK. Mandy snarls, she drags Fyre up and fans rally up. Mandy reels Fyre in, underhooks the arms, but Fyre fights free! Fyre fireman’s carries, WIDOWMAKER! Cover, TWO!! Mandy survives but Fyre hurries right up top! SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, but Gigi & Jacy drag the ref out of the ring! The ref argues with them, EJECTS them, but Jacy gets at Fyre! Fyre SUPERKICKS Jacy onto everyone!
Mandy runs in, Fyre dodges the knee to HEADBUTT! Gory Especial, GORY BOMB! Cover, but there’s no ref! Fyre would’ve won twice over by now!! Toxic Attraction always has to interfere and Fyre is furious. Fyre checks on the ref, gets him in the ring, but then gets a TOXIC HIGH LOW!! Gigi & Jacy put Fyre in! Mandy aims, KNEE FROM A ROSE!!! Cover, Rose wins!!
Winner: Mandy Rose, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Champion)
Toxic Attraction never lets their goddess fight alone! Mandy survives to have her one-year title reign, will anyone be able to defy the damn numbers game?
Backstage interview Nikkita Lyons & Zoey Stark.
Tag Title Tuesday could be their night. One year ago at this exact event, Zoey Stark’s life changed and she wasn’t even sure she could ever compete again. She thought her career was done, and she definitely didn’t think she’d get a title match again. But look at her now! Stark and Lyons are at the doorstep of the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships, and all they gotta do is kick the door down! Lyons has been focused on winning a title, but her reason for winning is Stark right here. And she can’t wait to hear, “AND NEW~!” Malik & Edris join in on that. They can’t wait to hear that for themselves.
Edris tells Zoey not to worry, she’s about to be a TWO-TIME NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion! And Malik says Tag Title Tuesday will be “enthusiastically exhilarating!” Lyons says those #YESBOYS won’t even know what hit them! Two teams, one dream, ready to SHOCK THE WORLD! The four of them head off to party, but will they be partying even harder after NXT this Tuesday?
NXT Championship Triple Threat: Bron Breakker VS JD McDonagh VS Ilja Dragunov!
They say all men are created equal, but you see these three men and you look at anyone else, and you can see that’s not true! The Big Booty Nephew is a two-time NXT Champion with the genetics and the first-hand experience to know what he’s getting himself into. The Irish Ace is calculating and cold, and he revels in both the pain of his opponents and of his own. And the Czar fought so hard as NXT UK Champion, the only one who could hurt him was himself! But now, these three collide, and the one thing that’s 100% sure is this is going to be one for the ages! But will Bron find a way to break two opponents at once? Or will all this havoc end with a new alpha male in NXT?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who gets a trick and who gets a treat!
The bell rings and all three men watch each other. Ilja BOOTS JD and fires of fin the corner! Bron shoves Ilja away to go after JD himself! Ilja returns the favor to fire off on JD with a CHOP! And a forearm! Bron drags Ilja back and then throws haymakers! Ilja whips Bron way to fire off on JD! Bron pushes Ilja away, and now they get in each other’s face. But JD CLOBBERS them both! JD stomps Bron, CLUBS Ilja, then whips Bron. JD dropkicks the legs out, then drops a leg! Then he whips Ilja out of the ring to suplex Bron! Cover, ONE! JD snarls, he brings Ilja up for a short arm LARIAT!
JD CHOPS Bron in a corner, stomps him, then digs his boot in, Ilja CHOPS JD on the back, JD elbows him away. JD sends Ilja into Bron, then goes to back suplex. Ilja blocks, throws elbows, but JD has him spin around to a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! JD throws Bron out to fire off on Ilja. JD CHOPS Ilja, but Ilja eggs him on! JD CHOPS again, but Ilja CHOPS back! JD kicks low, DECKS Ilja, then paces around. JD ROCKS Ilja, ROCKS him again, but Ilja knees low and fires off more! Ilja swings into the BACKBREAKER, URENAGE, STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up as JD drags Ilja around. JD whips Ilja into a corner hard and Ilja bounces off buckles to fall to the mat. JD storms up and stomps Ilja. JD CHOPS Ilja, whips, but Ilja reverses and JD tumbles up and around. JD GAMANGIRIS back, but Bron runs in! JD dumps Bron out! But Lija runs in, only for JD to KICK him! JD KICKS Bron away, trips Ilja and SLINGSHOT TORNILLOS! Fans rally for JD as he looms over Ilja. JD drags Ilja but Ilja blocks the ripcord! Ilja then uses that momentum to hook JD, but Bron DOUBLE LARIATS them both! Bron puts JD in the corner, clotheslines, then clotheslines Ilja in the other corner!
Bron goes back to clothesline JD, and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! JD flounders away but Ilja throws knees on Bron. Ilja waistlocks but Bron blocks! Bron breaks the waistlock, shoves Ilja, but Ilja tiger feints, but into an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Bron stalks Ilja, drags him around in a facelock, and then whips. Ilja reverses, Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and CLOBBERS Ilja! Fans bark and Bron stalks Ilja, but JD rolls him up! TWO! JD runs away but Ilja elbows Bron! Ilja throws knees, he CLUBS Bron, and then he waistlocks. Bron fights the lift, he arm-drags free, but Ilja BOOTS him away! Bron turns around to turn dropkick into SPINEBUSTER! Cover, JD breaks it!
JB runs away again, and fans applaud his “shrewd” strategy. Bron is annoyed but he warns JD while he drags Ilja. Ilja blocks the suplex with a fisherman, they go around, and Bron throws body shots. Bron suplexes but Ilja slips out! SLEEPER HOLD! Bron stays up, Ilja hops on as a backpack and throws down elbows! Bron drops to his knees and Ilja continues to hammer him! But JD CLUBS Ilja! And then LARIATS into an arm-drag! Ilja has JD down for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!! JD guards as best he can, and Ilji CHOPS Bron! Bron frowns but Ilja stomps him to the corner. Ilja CLUBS Bron, Bron throws a body shot!
Ilja BOOTS Bron! Ilja CLUBS JD! Ilja KNEES Bron in the corner! Bron is down, Ilja goes up, KING KONG KNEE DROP! JD SOBATS Ilja and reels him in! But Ilja blocks again! Ilja reels JD in, fireman’s carries, but JD throws elbows. Ilja DEATH VALLEY DRIVERS JD onto Bron! Fans fire up for Dragunov as he goes to the apron! Ilja climbs the corner, he takes aim, COAST2COAST!! A two for one with JD and Bron both taking that shot! Fans are thunderous as all three men are down! Fans rally up and all three men slowly rise. Bron and Ilja go forehead to forehead, and they trade forearm for forearm!
Bron DECKS Ilja, but Ilja rises to EuroUpper! Bron EuroUppers back! Ilja snarls and rises again. The forearms go back and forth, faster and faster, DOUBLE FOREARMS put both men down! JD applauds with the fans! JD grins but then both men glare at JD! JD wants them to hold on, but Bron and Ilja chase JD out! JD gets back in, he ducks Bron’s lariat but not the back drop! JD wants mercy but Bron says JD is scared. JD turns around into a CHOP! A haymaker! Repeat! JD pinballs around, tries to put his dukes up, but Ilja CHOPS him! Bron and Ilja both TOSS JD out! Fans fire up as Ilja and Bron have the ring to themselves!
Bron and Ilja stare down, fans bark and cheer Dragunov, and Ilja HEADBUS! Ilja blocks the choke grip to cobra twist and HAMMER away on Bron with elbows! Ilja roars, fans fire up, and Ilja runs to LARIAT! Bron stays up to Ilja LARIATS again! Bron gets up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he LARIATS Ilja back! Bron drags Ilja up, choke grips then trophy lifts, but JD HEADBUTTS Bron down! All three men fall and fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” all over again! JD drags himself to a corner and drags himself up. Fans rally, Bron trips JD up and throws hands. JD hits back, Bron climbs up, and the brawling continues.
Ilja CLUBS Bron, and brings him around! Bron fights Ilja off, then goes up top, and he SUPER STEINERS JD INTO A POWERBOMB FROM ILJA!! Fans are thunderous, “This is Awesome!” All three men stir and sit up. JD throws a forearm on Bron, he CHOPS Ilja. Bron ROCKS JD, Ilja ROCKS Bron, JD COHPS Ilja! They go around, Ilja throws out some CHOPS but Bron and JD kick and CLUB Ilja. Bron says they’re not a team so they start throwing hands! Ilja CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS them both! Ilja CHOPS JD off his feet to then SENTON! Ilja roars but Bron SPEARS Ilja and himself out of the ring!
Fans rally up and JD builds speed! JD WRECKS Bron with a dropkick, PENALTY KICKS Ilja, and then ASAI MOONSAULTS them both down! Fans fire up and JD stands up. JD snarls and he drags Bron into the ring. JD catches his breath, drags himself up the corner again, but Bron ROCKS him again. Bron climbs as fans bark, and Bron throws elbows down on JD. Bron stands up, but Ilja CHOPS those legs out! Bron sits and Ilja brings Bron out! Bron throws hands to fight, but Ilja still POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO! FALLING FOREARM! Cover, TWO!!! 450 from JD!! Cover, TWO!!! JD covers Bron, TWO!!
JD tosses Ilja and drags Bron up to suplex! BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!! Bron survives and JD is furious! JD calm down as fans duel. JD elbows Ilja, gives him Kawada Kicks, then has the arm. Ilja still resists the ripcord! JD CLUBS away on Ilja, but Ilja shoots around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Ilja holds on, drags JD up again, GERMAN SUPLEX! Ilja still holds on, he drags JD up again, for a deadlift- NO! Bron adds on, DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEX!! Fans bark it up and Bron goes up top. Bron aims at Ilja, FLYING BULLDOG! The straps come down, Bron roars, and he choke grips Ilja to lift and BREAKKER SLAM! But JD tosses Bron out! Cover, TWO!?!?
JD can’t believe it! He snatched away the finisher but Ilja isn’t done! JD looms over Ilja, but then Bron steps back in. JD and Bron throw hands, Bron gets the edge and he whips JD into a corner. JD goes up and out hard! Bron aims at Ilja, he runs in, but into a KNEE!!! Ilja flounders his way back to the corner and he goes up top! SUPER SENTON!! Fans are thunderous as Ilja wants to hit another! “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!” TORPEDO MOSCOW!!! Cover, JD blocks the hand!!! JD grins as he denies Ilja, but then Ilja glares at JD. “This is Awesome!” as JD stops smiling. The forearms and palm strikes start flying, Ilja JUMP KNEES!
JD flops to the apron and Ilja goes the other way. Ilja goes around the way, into a SPANISH FLY to the floor!! Fans are electric as JD drags Ilja to the steel steps. JD is sadistic, he dribbles Ilja’s head on the floor and isolates the foot in the steps. He shoves the timekeeper aside to take his chair! Fans boo as JD goes back to Ilja, but Ilja avoids the chairshot! TORPEDO MOSCOW!! Both men are down after that, and Ilja flounders his way into the ring. And Bron is there waiting! Bron and Ilja glare, they egg each other on, and the haymakers start flying! Ilja LARIATS then runs, to LARIAT again! Bron stays up but the boxing elbows fly!
Ilja CHOPS, but Bron ROCKS Ilja! Ilja PELES! And GERMAN SUPLEXES! And LARIATS again! Bron falls and Ilja roars! Fans fire up as Ilja stumbles his way to the corner. “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!!” TORPEDO- SPEAR!!! Bron covers, Bron wins!!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall (still NXT Champion)
The Irish Ace and the Czar put everything they had into this, but so did Bron! Bron retains the title despite the odds, will anyone ever stop him?
My Thoughts:
This Halloween Havoc had an awesome start, but it petered out a bit as things went on. We got an awesome opening match out of the North American Championship Ladder Match. That is a great tradition, everyone got to shine in that match, and it was even fitting that Trick and Stone got involved. And Wes Lee winning was the right decision. Though, anyone other than Von was the right choice. Wes gets his journey to come full circle, and we’re going to get a great line-up of matches with him as champion. At this point, Melo could still try to go after Wes, or he could even move up to the top title now.
We got a really fun match for that Casket Match, even though Lights Out would’ve been just fine for Apollo and Waller. That first casket was pretty wimpy, so of course it didn’t end with that. That was a great spot breaking the first casket to bring out a proper casket to finish this. Apollo winning here also made sense, since Waller’s been talking a lot of crap and this is the comeuppance. Apollo can go after a title now, and maybe the North American title if Melo is going to the top title. I also liked the promos from the tag champions and their challengers ahead of Tuesday. I still think we’re going to see Pretty Deadly retain and KC Squared lose, there’s just something about how each of these match-ups line up.
We got good hosting stuff from Shotzi & Quincy, and while I thought Xyon was going to come for payback, Lash Legend mouths off and gets whooped by Shotzi. I definitely expect a mixed tag now of Shotzi & Quincy VS Lash & Xyon. Good group promo from The Schism, and I really am curious as to who Red Hood has been this whole time. And I think we got a teaser that T-Bar is becoming Dijak again, and that is great. Dijak can also be a great addition to title scenes to help build up Wes. I also bet Duke Hudson is part of Kiana James’ plan to take Chase U. Duke & Kiana VS Bodhi & Thea would make for a good mixed tag at some point.
Really good match out of Roxie VS Cora, though there was something a bit off about the perch spot. Maybe it was just how easy Cora popped that railing out. But in the end, Roxie winning was the right move since Cora won before. Roxie is surely being built up as a contender to the women’s title, though I feel like Roxie is gonna need to show a lot more personality to feel right. I think Roxie started to show a bit of that against Cora during the Grayson Waller Effect segment they had, but Roxie needs to turn that up and get real sassy if she wants to keep up with Toxic Attraction.
Really good Ambulance match, but because the Performance Center is small, they couldn’t get the ambulance to ringside. That made for a really awkward pattern of them just going back and forth between ambulance and ringside. But in the end, we all knew Julius was going to win. The Creed Brothers weren’t going to be split up because of this, so the only natural option was Julius to win. Maybe Kemp can have back-up when he returns. I still say he should’ve been part of Gallus all along to tie in NXT UK, but oh well. And while the Creeds could go right after the tag titles, I wonder if they and Diamond Mine take a detour to face The Schism. Roddy can return, Ivy can feud with Red Hood, and we can have some great stuff out of faction warfare before either side moves to titles.
I really like that Halloween Havoc’s other tradition is a cinematic fight scene in a spooky setting, and it’s nice that the women’s division finally got in on that. But I knew from the kickoff show that if they were doing this, Mandy was just going to retain the title again. The shenanigans putting Alba Fyre on top of course meant Toxic Attraction was going to cheat and save Mandy, and after a full calendar year, I am sick and tired of it. Just as with the BS ways Roman Reigns was kept from losing, there have been so many BS ways Mandy’s retained, and it’s just too bad there’s no Women’s MITB in play to take this belt off her on Tuesday to end her reign right at one year.
The main event was an awesome Triple Threat, but Bron winning again is a bit of a buzzkill. No offense to the guy, but Ilja Dragunov should’ve won because he is the better all-around character. Ilja only lost the NXT UK Championship because he got hurt. I did like the moment where JD stops the ref’s hand to deny Ilja, that was very creative, but Ilja should’ve then clobbered JD and get the win off him. Bron wouldn’t have been hurt by that kind of loss, but I do suppose he would’ve lost his second Triple Threat in a year. But Bron is their guy ever since NXT 2.0 started, maybe they’re waiting to build up another star in his same class to take the title. If it’s Melo, that’s going to be one of the few times I actually cheer the Heel on.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Everyone is showing raw emotion!
The New Day’s no longer positive, Drew McIntyre’s back for revenge, and Rhea Ripley battles Raquel Rodriguez, all on one Monday Night Raw!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: The Miz & The Final Testament VS The Wyatt Sick6; The Miz & Final Testament win.
- Dakota Kai VS Liv Morgan; Liv wins.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Lyra Valkyria VS Zelina Vega VS Ivy Nile; Lyra wins and advances to the next round.
- Anything Goes: Rhea Ripley VS Raquel Rodriguez; Rhea wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The New Day arrives backstage.
Xavier Woods wants high-fives, but no one is accepting. Kofi Kingston says hey to Natalya & The Alpha Academy, but they don’t return it. Their verbal shaming of Big E isn’t sitting well with anyone, will Woods & Kofi figure out who’s really in the wrong here?
Gunther is here!
Wichita, Kansas is a little torn as Der Ring General heads to the ring, dressed rather casually compared to other times, but he seems to have gotten over those multiple Coup de Grace double stomps from last week. Gunther grabs a mic, smiles as the fans both cheer and jeer, and he says, “As everybody has seen, quite obviously Finn Balor has made a grave mistake. And whether he deserves it or not, he now has my undivided attention. And I guarantee you right now, Saturday Night’s Main Event will not end up like Survivor Series for me.” But before he can continue, The Prince makes his way out here!
Finn, accompanied by The Judgment Day, also gets a mixed reaction from Wichita. But Finn tells Gunther that Gunther could’ve just given him the title match like he deserved. But instead, Gunther tried to mess with Finn by giving it to someone who didn’t deserve it, like Dirty Dom. The fans boo more but Finn says let’s be real! Finn is the only reason Gunther is still World Heavyweight Champion! And hearing what he said, Gunther is right about one thing: SNME will be NOTHING like Survivor Series. Because at Survivor Series, Gunther retained the title thanks to Finn. And at SNME, Gunther loses the title because of Finn!
And after eight long YEARS, Finn Balor walks out as the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! The Judgment Day applauds but the fans boo. Gunther tells Finn he’ll set one thing straight: Finn did NOT earn his title match. Finn’s audacity of claiming any responsibility of GUNTHER being champion is what did it. But Gunther gets it, Finn is frustrated. Eight years ago, Finn was the first-ever Universal Champion. And at that point in Gunther’s career, he looked up to Finn. Gunther respected Finn. But over the time, that respect kept fading and fading. Not because Gunther chose to, but because Finn chose to cut corners.
Finn chose to take shortcuts! Finn chose to hang out with a bunch of weirdos in a clubhouse! The fans cheer that but Gunther also adds that Finn chose to play second fiddle to Damian Priest. Finn gets heated, JD McDonagh keeps him back, and Gunther says, “So here we are now. Standing across from each other with no respect left. And I figuratively and literally am looking down on you. Eight years ago, you were the best in the world… for one night. I am the best in the world RIGHT NOW and for THOUSANDS of days to come! And this title proves it!!” The fans do cheer that.
Gunther tells Finn there is one reason he won’t leave Saturday as World Heavyweight Champion: Finn is NOT on Gunther’s level, and he never will be! Finn chuckles, and then The Judgment Day storms up to the ring! Gunther stands his ground, but here comes Damian Priest! Finn and his boys are shocked that The Punisher is storming down the ramp! Priest DOUBLE LARIATS JD & Carlito, KICKS and THROWS Dom aside, then fires hands on Finn! The fans fire up as Priest then THROWS Carlito down, then gives JD SNAKE EYES off railing! Finn goes after Priest now, and he sends Priest at the ring. Priest stops himself and fires hands on Finn
Priest puts Finn in the ring, and Gunther is there to CHOP him down! Priest SUPERKICKS Finn out of the ring! But then Gunther LARIATS Priest! The fans are torn as Gunther rains down fists on Priest, the guy who tried to help him! Gunther says he does not need help, and he TOSSES Priest out! Gunther storms out, clears off the desk, and now the fans are really fired up! Gunther brings Priest over, but Finn SLINGBLADES Gunther down! The Prince ends up saving Priest and he DROPKICKS Gunther into steel steps! But then Finn SMACKS Priest off the desk! Finn puts Priest in, climbs a corner, just to COUP DE GRACE Gunther!!
Judgment Day rushes Priest but he TOSSES Dom, throws JD into Carlito, then gives JD a FLAPJACK! SUPERKICK for Carlito! Dom throws hands, but Pries tis just pissed. Finn CLOBBERS Gunther on the outside, then hurries into the ring to save Dom! FINAL CUT! The Judgment Day mugs Priest now while fans boo. The boys set Priest up and Finn runs in, SHOTGUN! Priest hits buckles and falls! Judgment Day mugs Priest more while Finn goes up! COUP DE GRACE for Priest!! Finn wants more, his boys set Priest back up, COUP DE GRACE!! The fans boo even harder, but Finn wants another! Finn hits a third COUP DE GRACE on Priest!!
Wichita boos but Finn eyes the world title. Finn grins as he picks it up. Will Finn be a DOUBLE CHAMPION after Saturday Night’s Main Event? Or can Der Ring General stand against all of Judgment Day?
Judgment Day regroups backstage.
They’re all very excited after taking Gunther and Priest at the same time, and in steps Adam Pearce. He has to hand it to them. Another Monday, another night Judgment Day is causing chaos. But he is here as a courtesy to Finn. Pearce spoke with Gunther, and that conversation has brought about a change to Saturday Night’s Main Event. Huh? It will be Gunther VS Finn… VS PRIEST!! Finn is furious but then he says fine. Because it’ll make it even more satisfying when Finn beats both Gunther and Priest to become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! The Judgment Day agrees, but Pearce has something else to say.
Since Finn is so worried about the other champions, here’s an opportunity to lead by example. Next week on Raw, Finn & JD will face the War Raiders again, for the tag titles again, and the best part? The rest of Judgment Day is BANNED FROM RINGSIDE! Pearce leaves, Judgment Day is furious, but the Liv says Finn should relax. He’s got everything under control. Though, she was wondering if Finn’s got any advice for Raquel’s match tonight. They wanna listen to Finn so they’ll win. Finn says yeah, Sis, just give him a couple minutes. Finn heads out, JD follows, and Liv says she feels good about tonight. Will Judgment Day be (not) fine?
8 Man Tag: The Miz & The Final Testament VS The Wyatt Sick6!
The Hollywood A-Lister’s sins came back to haunt him, but he aligned himself with men who are without conscience. But will any of them be conscious after facing Uncle Howdy and the new Wyatt Family? Or will Kross make Bo Dallas #FallAndPray?
The fans fire up for the Wyatts, and Bo talks to the rocking chair to say this is for the family. Then with a “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah~!” Bo and the Wyatts rush the ring! The fans fire up as the brawl is on and the bell rings! Lumis scares Miz and slithers after him while Gacy has Akam, Rowan has Rezar and Bo of course goes after Kross! The Wyatts manage to LARIAT the AOP up and out of the ring, then Bo CLOBBERS Kross! Bo clinches but Miz drags Kross out to safety! The Final Testament regroups while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Akam has Gacy down. The fans boo, Miz soaks it up, and Rezar tags in. AOP double whip to DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally but Rezar DRIBBLES Gacy’s face off the mat! Rezar then drags Gacy up, fires body shots, then talks trash. Rezar whips Gacy but Gacy BLASTS Kross! Gacy BOOTS Rezar, heads for his corner, but Rezar whips! But Gacy handsprings and comes back from THE UPSIDE-DOWN! The fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tags to Miz and Rowan! Big Red, the Ramblin’ Rabbit, rallies on Miz AND Akam! Then LARIAT in the corner for Miz, LARIAT in the corner for Akam!
Rowan runs back at Miz, but Miz BOOTS him! Miz runs but Rowan grabs him and TOSSES him! Miz lands hard out by Akam, and Rowan builds speed!? Rowan WRECKS Akam and Miz with a dropkick! The fans fire up as Rowan puts Miz in, and he BOOTS Akam! The fans fire up and Rowan slides in. Miz KICKS Rowan, but that just pisses Rowan off! Rowan suplexes for the CUTTER! Cover, AOP breaks it! AOP BLAST The Wyatts, then they hoist Rowan up! DOUBLE POWERBOMB!! But Gacy & Lumis get in to fire hands! They dodge, DROPKICK and SUPERKICK in stereo! Then Lumis whips Gacy so he can DIVE onto AOP!
Lumis goes up, Gacy sets AOP for the CANNONBALL! All four men are down and Miz is freaking out! Rowan crawls, hot tag to Howdy! Bo CLOBBERS Miz, then LARIATS in a corner! Bo reels Miz in, suplexes, and puts Miz on ropes for the MAGIC SCREW! The fans are thunderous and Bo waits on Miz. Miz rises up, scrambles to ropes, and he throws an elbow! Kross tags in, but Bo ROCKS Kross first! Bo LARIATS Kross up and out! The fans fire up for Bo, he builds speed, but Scarlett trips him up! The fans boo as the Femme Fatale gets away with that one. Or does she? NIKKI CRSS creeps out from nowhere, and she creeps Scarlett out!
Nikki waves, Scarlett runs away but into the ring! The ref tells her to get out, which she does, but Nikki is there on the other side! FLYING THESZ PRESS! Bo clinches Kross, but Miz CLOBBERS him! The fans boo but Miz thinks he’s got him> Bo GRABS Miz with the MANDIBLE CLAW!! Miz flails desperately, but PAUL ELLERING is back! POCKET SAND!! Kross scoops Bo for the FINAL PRAYER! Cover, Final Testament wins!
Winners: The Final Testament, by pinfall
That mastermind, Ellering, returns when Kross needed him most! But is this only the first battle in a war with the Wyatts?
Sit-down interview with CM Punk.
Jackie Redmond is with the Second City Saint and thanks him for taking the time. He thanks her for inviting him, he appreciates it. Punk then teases if she’s going to belittle his Chicago Blackhawks, she’s in for a fight. Jackie says no, she’ll be asking something much more important. It is all anyone’s talking about, anyway: the promised favor from Paul Heyman! What is it? Can he hint anything about it? No, this isn’t the right time for that. That’s a personal thing. Punk and Heyman go back many years, the favor is between them.
Jackie accepts that and then asks about Seth Rollins. Last week, Punk let Rollins know that Punk doesn’t think about Rollins at all, but Rollins made it clear that he has his sights set on Punk. Rollins is willing to force the issue, so how will Punk handle it? Punk says it is no secret that he doesn’t shy away from a fight. If you go after him, he’ll start swinging. But when it comes to Rollins’ hatred for Punk, Punk is more confused than anything. Punk doesn’t hate Rollins. To understand, you have to talk about the history between them, which also goes back years.
We’re talking about a 16-year-old Seth Rollins coming to Punk to ask Punk to train him, for free. Now, that’s the key part everyone leaves out. Rollins’ entitlement gets carried over into adult Rollins, who wants to be the best in the world, in everyone’s Top Ten List. But Punk remembers when Rollins was on the top ten list of those to be fired from here. Punk “shielded” Rollins from that. If Punk had to live in his shadow, Punk would hate Punk, too. Rollins is a multiple time world champion, a Mr. Money in the Bank winner, but everything he’s done, Punk did before and did it better.
Now, Punk doesn’t claim to do those things because he wanted a thank you. He did recognize Rollins had all the potential in the world. And in Punk’s absence from the WWE, Rollins did a fantastic job filling to void. But simply put, the starting player is back, Rollins has to go back to the bench. Jackie appreciates the honesty, and thanks Punk for his time. But is Punk really telling the truth that he doesn’t hate Rollins with how he just talked down about him? Will Rollins’ hate for Punk only grow exponentially now?
Dakota Kai VS Liv Morgan!
#CobraKai is already into the second round of the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament, but she could capture a golden ticket off of the Women’s WORLD Champion here in Wichita. Will Damage CTRL be doing damage to Judgment Day for the holidays? Or will Liv simply use Kai to prepare for Iyo Sky?
The bell rings, Liv runs up and the two tie up. Dakota headlocks, but Liv pulls hair to get free! Liv shoves, drops down, but Dakota stops herself. Dakota bypasses Liv, then hurdles. Liv jumps over, comes back, but Dakota arm-drags her around and around! Dakota snapmares Liv to then NECK SNAPPER! Jackknife bridge, TWO!! Liv escapes and scurries away to a corner. Dakota runs up but Liv TOSSES her up and out! Dakota SMACKS off steps before hitting the floor, and Liv grins while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Liv SLAMS Dakota down! Dakota writhes but Liv kicks her around. Wait, Pure Fusion Collective make their way out here? They must be upset on Shayna Baszler’s behalf for how Dakota won that Triple Threat. Anyway, Liv hits a snap suplex, then rolls, that was Una Amiga! Now she hits Dos Amigas! And then Liv gives some Latina Heat for Daddy Dom, but Dakota hits a suplex first! The fans fire up while Liv flounders away. Liv runs back up but Dakota ROCKS her first! And again, and again, and again! Liv shoves Dakota, but Dakota LARIATS! And LARIATS! Then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up with Dakota as she goes after Liv!
Dakota whips Liv corner to corner hard, and Liv sits down! Dakota then runs side to side to BOOT WASH! Liv flounders to the apron but Dakota puts her in ropes, DRAPING STOMP! Cover, TWO! Liv survives and now Dakota notices PFC. They wave mockingly and also mockingly coach her. Dakota fireman’s carries Liv, but Liv slips free to shove! Dakota comes back with a SCORPION KICK! Dakota runs, Zoey is there, so Dakota BOOTS her! And PERNALTY KICKS Shayna! The ref tells PFC to back up, but Liv runs up! Dakota avoids ObLivion, rolls Liv up, TWO! Liv dodges a kick to hit a CODE BREAKER!
Dakota staggers to a corner, Liv runs up, SHINING WIZARD! Liv kicks Dakota out, then goes up, FLYING- POWERBOMB!! The fans fire up but Sonya gets on the apron! Dakota BOOTS her down! Dakota runs Around the World, but Liv dodges the boot! Dakota hobbles, Liv runs up, OBLIVION!! Cover, Liv wins!
Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall
The Women’s World Champion snatches her belt and leaves, but PFC goes after Dakota! They really ARE upset over last week’s Triple Threat! They mug Dakota, then drag her up. But wait, here comes DMG CTRL! Iyo Sky RAMS Shayna, Kairi drags Sonya out! URAKEN for Sonya! Zoey & Shayna dodge the handspring, but Iyo comes back to DOUBLE SHOTGUN! Iyo kips up while Wichita fires up, and Kairi joins in! Iyo gives Kairi a hand to go up, up and AWAY! TRIPLE CROSSBODY!! PFC goes down, the fans fire up more, but then Iyo turns around into OBLIVION!! Liv gets the final shot on the Evil Genius, will this be how things go at Saturday Night’s Main Event?
Drew McIntyre speaks.
“Hell in a Cell was the most violent match of my 24-year career. And in the end, I succumbed to massive blood loss. I could’ve been at Raw post Bad Blood, against doctor’s orders. I proved time and time again The Scottish Warrior isn’t just a catchy nickname, it is earned. But I had to go back to Scotland. My family needed me. 2024 should’ve been a career year for Drew McIntyre, but time and time again, I kept getting screwed over at the finish line. While I was home in Scotland, that same thought kept going through my head, burning in my brain. ‘What if I’m wrong? What if everyone else was right? What if people truly can change? What if my gut was wrong?’
“Then I turned on Survivor Series and I saw Roman Reigns standing side by side with CM Punk. Who was by their side? Sami, Jimmy, Jey, with their stupid fingers in the air. After everything they know, Roman just snaps his fingers, they put their tails between their legs, they run right by his side? At least CM Punk took a bribe! They all sold out for absolutely nothing. That’s when it was clear, that’s when I knew I had to come back. That’s when I knew I was gonna take out Sami. That’s when I knew I was gonna take out Jey Uso. Spending time back home, I realized there’s no changing the past, no matter how much I want to.
“But I can change the present. And I will change the future.” The Scottish Terminator has new targets, or perhaps old depending on how you look at it. But will there be no running for Jey and Sami now that McIntyre’s making it his mission to destroy them?
Adam Pearce exits his office, with Cody Rhodes!
The Raw General Manager shakes hands with the Undisputed WWE Champion, and then The New Day walk by. They see the American Nightmare, and Cody says he’s known them both for a very long time. Cody and Woods have even known each other since they were kids. Cody says they should be ashamed of themselves. Woods laughs that off and says good coming from that guy, like he was so good in high school. The New Day continues on, who else will the find disapproves of this new attitude?
Seth Rollins is here!
Wichita sings for The Visionary, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” while he goes to the ring. Rollins grabs a mic and welcomes Wichita to Monday Night Rollins~! And he is your host tonight! He is a Visionary, he is a Revolutionary, he IS Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! And there’s a lot to talk about tonight. Wichita, give it up for CM Punk, huh? The fans are torn but Rollins tells “Punker,” when you’re done in the ring, Punk can be a politician! That right there earlier tonight, that was a master class in how to spin the truth. Take a little bit of the truth, play the victim, and Punk’s been doing that his entire life!
Rollins says Punk is a fraud, a conman, and Rollins will share the truth between them. Punk was right, Rollins did go to get trained by The Best in the World, no doubt about it. Rollins looked up to Punk, idolized him, and Punk helped Rollins get his foot in the door here in the WWE. Rollins respected Punk, and they were once friends. And if the story ended there, you might wonder, too: Why does Rollins hate Punk? The part of Punk’s story that he left out will tell you why. When Punk walked out the door of WWE eleven years ago, Rollins called and texted as a friend and how he respected what Punk stood for.
What’d Rollins get in return? Nothing! Rollins got ghosted! And not just Rollins, it was everyone who was a friend of Punk’s here in WWE! Because if you didn’t quit your dream job, and your priorities didn’t line up with Team CM Punk, then you were evil. And if the story ended there, okay. But that’s not what happened! Because for the next ten years, all Punk ever tried to do was tear WWE down! That’s all he did! Punk talked crap, took pot shots, and when Punk finally walked back in here, do you know why that was? Because Punk FAILED at everything else, burned every single bridge that would lead him to water, and… the money was right.
The fans are still torn, but plenty of fans still chant “CM PUNK! CM PUNK!” Rollins says yeah, once upon a time, he used to chant for Punk, too. He used to respect Punk, used to want to be just like Punk, follow in his footsteps. But somewhere along the way, Rollins realized Punk was a fraud and that he wanted to be BETTER than Punk! And Rollins was! Everything Punk did, Rollins did it TWICE! And he did the one thing Punk could never do, and that was main event WrestleMania! But wait, here comes Sami Zayn! Rollins tells Sami to stay outta this but the fans cheer Sami on as he goes right down to the ring.
Sami steps in with a mic in hand, and Rollins says if Sami is out here to defend Punk again, then they’re gonna be fighting again. Rollins does not wanna hear it, he has no time for it. Sami says last week, Rollins was angry, Sami was angry, they said some things and had it out in the ring. That’s bound to happen when they’ve known each other for as long as they have. But it was wrong of Sami to assume Rollins dropped Jey. Sami’s known Rollins long enough so he was wrong, and for that, he is sorry. The fans cheer the apology, and Rollins says he is glad Sami brought that up.
Because the thing that’s been eating Rollins up is, as far back as they go, 20 YEARS, and their kids play together, they’re tight! But when Jey went down, Rollins was the first person Sami thought of! And Rollins wants to know why. Well there is a reason! The way Rollins was talking, he was outta his mind! No, go back and watch. Rollins wasn’t talking like Rollins, he wasn’t like the guy Sami’s known those 20 years. Rollins was being someone who points his fingers at everyone else, that blames everyone else, and acts like they’re the only person with moral clarity. He wasn’t being Seth Rollins, he was being Drew McIntyre!
Rollins stares Sami down and says, “I am not Drew McIntyre.” Sami says he knows that, because Rollins is a better person. But this thing with Rollins and Punk, it is bringing out the worst in Rollins. And maybe Sami shouldn’t have gotten involved. Sami saw a guy he’s known forever and a guy he’d just gone to war with, they were fighting, and Sami got involved when he shouldn’t have. That is why he is here. Sami has to tell Rollins that this thing with Punk is worse than Sami thought possible, so Sami will let Rollins deal with it however he wants. Rollins thanks Sami for that, that is all Rollins has wanted.
Okay, so what about them? Are Sami and Rollins good? The fans chant “HUG IT OUT! HUG IT OUT!” Rollins says, “Yeah, Sami, we’re good, man.” Rollins appreciates Sami letting him handle things with Punk, and notes it seems Sami has something with Drew. Rollins heads out, and Sami says yeah, that’s good advice. Sami will handle things with Drew! Sami says this thing with Drew, they won’t run it back like before. Sami won’t listen to Drew coming out here, week after week, talking about everyone else is wrong and he is wrong and is some martyr. Sami’s gonna end this as quickly as it started, so this is how it goes!
Sami has already spoken with Adam Pearce. The fans cheer that! Sami says Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sami VS Drew, and Sami will see Drew in Long Island!! The fans fire up as SNME just gets that much bigger. Sami heads out, but then McIntyre CLOBBERS Sami on the stage!! The fans boo, producers and refs rush out, and they have to drag McIntyre off of Sami. McIntyre grins and says okay, he’s done with Sami, for now. Will McIntyre put Sami out of action like he did to Jey last week? Or can Sami stop the Scottish Terminator before he gets started?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Lyra Valkyria VS Zelina Vega VS Ivy Nile!
Another spot in the semifinals awaits, and we’ll see The Morrigan, La Muneca & The Diamond Pitbull battle it out! Will Lyra fly on to the second round? Will the LWO have the Queen of the Ring representing them? Or will this tournament soon be American Made?
The bell rings and Zelina SHOTGUNS Ivy! Lyra rolls Zelina, TWO! Zelina and Lyra clinch, Lyra whips, but Zelina leaps to FACE SMASH! Then BASEMENT HEEL KCIK! The fans fire up and Zelina dials it up, 619! Lyra flops back but Ivy YANKS Zelina down! Ivy runs up, whips Lyra, then tilt-o-whirl POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Ivy stomps away on Lyra, then stands on her face! The fans boo and the ref reprimands while Raw goes to break
Raw returns and Lyra rallies the fans before she builds speed. Lyra WRECKS Ivy and Zelina with one dropkick! Lyra puts Ivy in, brings her around, and then runs up a corner! TORNADO DDT! Then a roll through to fisherman and BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ivy stays in this but Lyra stays on Ivy. Lyra fireman’s carries, but Ivy fights around to an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Ivy clasps hands and fights around, and she rolls back, but into a DISARM-HER! Ivy references The Man but Lyra rolls Ivy, TWO! Ivy lets go and runs up, but Lyra sunset flips! ONE, and Ivy jackknife bridges! ONE as Lyra rolls and rolls, but Zelina is up top! SWANTON BOMB!!
Zelina covers Ivy, TWO!! A cover on Lyra, TWO!! Zelina is annoyed but she builds speed to SLIDING SUNSET BOMB! A shoutout to Rey Mysterio and Zelina hurries up top. Zelina climbs up and the fans rally for the FLYING METEORA! Cover, Ivy BOOTS it apart! The fans boo but Ivy throws Zelina to a corner. Zelina BOOTS Ivy, goes up, and CROSSBODIES! Ivy catches Zelina for a SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Cover, Lyra breaks it! The fans fire up and all three women are down! The fans rally, Ivy drags Lyra up to waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Ivy holds on, Lyra scrambles around, and Lyra grabs Zelina! Ivy DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEXES!
Bridging cover on Lyra, TWO!! Lyra stays in this but Ivy stays on her! Lyra fights #SuplexIvy to switch, but Ivy switches for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Lyra stays in this, but Zelina hops on! CODE RED for Ivy! Cover, Lyra breaks it again! Lyra hurries to get Ivy up, fireman’s carries, and hits the NIGHTWING DRIVER! Cover, LYRA WINS!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Morrigan finds her opening, and now she’s flying back to a “shiny shiny!” But the next match will have Alba Fyre VS Kairi Sane VS Natalya, who wins that Triple Threat to meet Lyra in the semifinals?
Rhea Ripley prepares backstage.
Priest finds her, and he simply tells her, “Eradicate.” They fist bump and Priest heads out. Will Rhea do exactly that when she and Raquel Rodriguez go Anything Goes?
Backstage interview with The New Day.
Cathy Kelley is with Woods & Kofi and brings up last week’s celebration becoming anything but “don’t you dare be sour,” the very phrase they coined ten years ago. What was the intention behind them berating their longtime friend, Big E? Kofi says hold on, she is supposed to be neutral, why is she asking a question like that? Woods says Cathy is cleary biased, so they’re going to go talk to the people they need to, and that’s the fans. Can’t he just answer the question? Woods says no, Cathy, please. Now hand Woods the camera. What? Woods doesn’t care if John Cena’s his best friend, the cameraman is gonna hand it over!
Woods takes the camera from this guy, then he and Kofi head on through the backstage area and towards gorilla. The fans can be heard booing as they do, and The New Day make their entrance without music or fanfare. The fans instead chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS! NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods asks, “What’d we do?” Kofi and Woods go into the ring, we get a different camera perspective while they get mics. Kofi says no no no no no, but the fans just boo more. “You mean to tell me… after the ten years of positivity that Woods and I have given you, you mean to tell me you’re this mad, all from one day?”
The fans boo and give thumbs down, but Woods says that New Day came out here… The fans chant “We Want Big E! We Want Big E!” and “NEW! DAY SUCKS! NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Woods says they didn’t even do anything to Big E! The fans boo because yes they did! Kofi says they could’ve hit Big E with a steel chair! They could’ve hit him with a sledgehammer! The fans chant for Big E more, and Woods says, “Y’know what? We were gonna try to come out here and talk…” The fans boo more so New Day just gives up and drops their mics. New Day leaves, acting like they’re somehow NOT in the wrong, but will someone get it through their heads what they did?
Anything Goes: Rhea Ripley VS Raquel Rodriguez!
After weeks of being this close to getting even with Liv Morgan, and yet being so far from revenge because of Big Mami Cool, these two finally have it out 1v1! No disqualifications, no count outs, no holding these two back from what they really wanna do to each other! Who will be the Top Mami after tonight?
Raw returns and Raquel makes her entrance. But Rhea goes after her at the ramp! Rhea fires hands, then she whips Raquel into barriers! The fans fire up as this match is happening in front of them, and Raquel sends Rhea into the railing! And then the barriers! Then she CLUBS away! Rhea hits back, they brawl, and Rhea SMACKS Raquel off a trash can! The fans fire up but Rhea has them move aside. Rhea makes Raquel take a seat so she can CHOP and CHOP and CHOP! Rhea then runs and TOSSES Raquel over the barriers! We’re finally ringside and Rhea CHUCKS a trash can at Raquel! The trash flies everywhere while Rhea storms up on Raquel.
Rhea puts Raquel in the ring, where a lot of items are already waiting! Rhea gathered those during commercial it seems, and Rhea hits a FACE SMASH then LARAIT! Raquel stays up, so Rhea SMACKS her with a kendo stick! Raquel falls, and Rhea SMACKS her again! Raquel grabs the stick, throws Rhea to a corner, but Rhea BOOTS in return! Rhea goes up, up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Down goes Raquel and the fans fire up! Raquel tumbles out, Rhea builds speed and WRECKS her with a dropkick! The fans fire up with Rhea, and she looks under the ring. Rhea brings out a TABLE! The fans love it!
But then Raquel RAMS Rhea into the post! Raquel scoops Rhea, to FALL AWAY SLAM her onto the desk! Rhea tumbles, Wade Barrett & Joe Tessitore get clear, and Raquel roars while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Rhea DOUBLE BOOTS Raquel! Both women are down and Wichita fires up! Rhea and Raquel rise, Rhea wrenches Raquel to short arm LARIAT! And then ROUNDHOUSE! Rhea grabs a chair, tosses it to Raquel, then DROPKICKS the chair into her! The fans fire up and Rhea runs, but into a KNEE! Raquel hoists Rhea up, ALLEY-OOP into buckles! Cover, TWO! Rhea stays in this but Raquel is furious! Fans want tables but Raquel sets up a chair. Raquel gut wrenches Rhea but Rhea slips free! Rhea gets around, and atomic FACEBUSTERS Raquel off the chair! Then Rhea SMACKS Raquel with another chair! Cover, TWO!
Rhea is seething and she piles chairs together. Rhea hauls Raquel up, pump handles, but here comes Liv! Liv taunts Rhea, Rhea runs up to TOSS Liv into the ring! Liv flounders, almost hitting those chairs on that landing! But Raquel CLOBBERS Rhea! Raquel decides to use that chair pile herself! Scoop and SLAM onto the chairs! Cover, TWO!! Rhea survives but Raquel sits a chair up upside-down! Raquel aims Rhea at the chair legs, but Rhea slips free! Rhea HEADBUTTS Raquel! Then she pump handles, but Liv jumps on for a SLEEPER! Liv thrashes but Rhea THROWS her down! Rhea runs up and tells Liv that she’s gonna pay!
Raquel runs up but Rhea SUPERKICKS her! But Liv gets Rhea into OBLIVION!! But wait, Iyo Sky is here! Payback with a MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Iyo kips up! Iyo then builds speed and DIVES! Down goes Liv! But Raquel covers Rhea! TWO!! Rhea survives again but Raquel brings that table up! The fans are torn because they like the table but the want Rhea to rise up! Raquel hoists Rhea up, but Rhea slips free again! Raquel runs up, but is sent into a CORNER CHAIR!! Rhea then hauls Raquel up, pump handles, and RIPTIDE through the table!!! Cover, Rhea wins!!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall
That was brutal to be sure, but Rhea grins as she gets one over on Raquel. Rhea spots the world title, but so does Iyo. They both grab it, then stare down with each other. With Iyo facing Liv this Saturday, could the Evil Genius be leaving Long Island the NEW Women’s World Champion, and Rhea’s new target?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw tonight, especially as the go-home to Saturday Night’s Main Event. There were also more hints at this WWE Transfer Window, with Tiffany Stratton in the background as Rollins was on his way to gorilla, and then Cody Rhodes having his moment with Adam Pearce and The New Day. As I said for SmackDown, this is clearly Netflix wanting THE Undisputed WWE Championship on Raw, and we’ll basically get a direct trade of Cody for Gunther. But speaking of The New Day, brilliant stuff out of them. They’re Heels who don’t realize they’re Heels, but everyone else does, and that is definitely something special for this next chapter of The New Day’s careers.
Great 8 Man Tag from Wyatts and Final Testa-Miz, but it got overbooked real quick. Scarlett was a given, as was Nikki Cross, but I did NOT see Ellering showing up and throwing that HUGE amount of sand or powder. I do commend them for this, as cheating was really the only way anyone was gonna beat The Wyatts. I hope the rematch lets them let loose with a No Disqualification stipulation, maybe even something rather Bray Wyatt in style. Though at the same time, we’re almost at Christmas so they could do like, a Nightmare Before Christmas match so that it’ll be themed for the holidays, but also spooky for The Wyatts.
Great promo from McIntyre to help us understand it really was him who attacked Jey Uso, and to quickly establish he and Sami are gonna fight it out. Great promos from CM Punk, Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn, too, and even though the Royal Rumble is first, I feel like we’ve got a great field for Elimination Chamber already. Punk, Rollins and McIntyre all hate each other, but McIntyre also hates those who help Roman Reigns, which will bring Sami into it. And the match itself could be for a top championship, or at least a shot at it, so you can throw in just about anyone, it really depends on how this Transfer Window sorts out.
The World Heavyweight Championship going from 1v1 to a Triple Threat is some wild stuff. Great promo segment from Gunther with Finn & The Judgment Day, and then of course Priest gets involved. I feel like with the Triple Threat, that’s their way of keeping the title on Gunther while keeping everyone strong. Or also letting Judgment Day get involved so they can tilt things in Finn’s favor, but then still let Gunther get away with the title. Finn & JD VS War Raiders next week, probably with Finn NOT World Heavyweight Champion, and NO Judgment Day allowed ringside, that has to be a title change, right?
Great Triple Threat from Lyra, Zelina and Ivy, but it also felt a little secondary with everything else going on tonight. Great win for Lyra, and I feel like it’s either Alba Fyre or Natalya who meets her in the next round. Dakota VS Liv was a good match to give Liv some momentum going towards SNME, but it was also a vehicle for Pure Fusion Collective to get involved. I feel like we’ll be getting a Six Woman Tag of PFC VS DMG CTRL after Saturday, assuming Iyo doesn’t win the title on Saturday. Liv of course got involved with the Anything Goes main event tonight, which cued Iyo to return the favor, and that helped Rhea win.
The main event was still awesome even without the overbooking, but now they’re teasing Rhea VS Iyo. Iyo might win, but maybe Tiffany Stratton shows up with her Money in the Bank briefcase. Tiff could cash in and take that title from Liv and Iyo, setting up some Tiff VS Rhea, but then what happens to Iyo? Again, we’ve got a good field for a Women’s Elimination Chamber right there: Liv VS Rhea VS Iyo VS Tiff VS… I dunno, two women in this Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament that don’t win. Again, the Transfer Window will have to sort out who is where first, then we’ll go from there.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Will heads for the Tokyo Dome?
Gabe Kidd & Sanada won A Block handedly while Naito & Hiromu came out of B Block’s chaotic finale, but only one team can win World Tag League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Tiger Mask VS Daiki Nagai; Tiger Mask wins.
- Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls VS Shoma Kato & Katsuya Mursahima; Shane & Mikey win.
- Bishamon VS The Filip Brothers; Bishamon wins.
- Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS Taichi, Taka Michinoku & DOUKI; Taichi, Taka & Douki win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club; LIJ wins.
- 10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, Tomoaki Honma & Jado VS The House of Torture; The Houes of Torture wins, by disqualification.
- Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Shota Umino, Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; TMDK wins.
- 2024 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & SANADA VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi; Naito & Hiromu win.
PLAY BY PLAY
10 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg, Tomoaki Honma & Jado VS The House of Torture!
The Ace, The Joker & The Rook are joined by a couple knights of NJPW to stand against The King of Darkness and his army of scumbags! With WrestleKingdom on the horizon, which side of this war wins this crucial battle?
But as The House makes their entrance, Team Ace turns the tables by going after them first! The fans cheer as Tanahashi goes right after Evil and The House panics! Yano brawls with Narita, Oleg and Jado take care of Kanemaru and Yujiro, and Tanahashi headlocks Evil. Tanahashi brings Evil to ringside to POST him! Evil falls but Tanahashi drags him back up to wrench and whip into railing! The fans cheer more and Tanahashi CLUBS Evil. Tanahashi whips Evil at more railing, and Evil hits so hard that he tumbles up and over! The rest of the team keeps The House down all around ringside while Tanahashi fetches Evil.
Tanahashi brings Evil into the ring, then follows, and finally the bell rings! The fans cheer as Tanahashi stalks Evil to a corner. Tanahashi stomps Evil, throws forearms, and the ref counts. Tanahashi shoves the ref! The President is getting really rough with his employees, but he stalks Evil. Tanahashi drags Evil up to fire a BODY BLOW! And another! Tanahashi whips, Evil reverses, and then Evil gets in the ref’s face so Dick Togo can trip Tanahashi up! Then the House rushes in and BLASTS Team Ace off the apron! The ref reprimands everyone but Evil CHOKES Tanahashi with the tag rope!
The fans boo but The House beats up on Team Ace, and then Evil throws away the evidence of his crime. Dick passes the mic to Evil, and Evil grabs it so he can shout in Tanahashi’s face about just giving up now and sparing himself the embarrassment at WrestleKingdom! Tanahashi tells Evil he’ll never surrender, and the ref reprimands Evil. Evil stops choking Tanahashi and throws the mic away. Evil tags Narita and the Souled Out Son of Strong Style stomps away on Tanahashi’s legs! Narita then clamps on a KNEEBAR! Evil and Yano shout at each other, but Tanahashi fights his way to the ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts and Narita lets go at 4. Narita stomps Tanahashi more, then he tags Tokyo Pimp. Narita & Yujiro have the legs, and they split the wishbone! Yujiro then drops an elbow on the bad leg! Yujiro taunts Tanahashi, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Tanahashi ends up on ropes, so Yujiro ROCKS him, then CHOPS him! Yujiro stands Tanahashi up, Narita & Sho anchor Tanahashi in place, and Yujiro BOOTS him! The ref reprimands everyone but Yujiro snapmares for a cover! TWO, the fans rally, but Kanemaru tags in. The Heel Master YANKS the leg, then whisp Tanahashi to ropes. Kanemaru dropkicks the leg out!
Kanemaru hurries to step through, FIGURE FOUR! The House BLASTS Team Ace again! The ref reprimands and the fans rally up while Tanahashi endures. Honma clears Evil out, and he runs to FALLING KOKESHI on Kanemaru! The fans cheer as Tanahashi is saved, but Narita goes after Honma! The fans boo as Narita TOSSES Honma, but Kanemaru tags Sho. Sho stomps the leg, then DDTS the foot! The fans rally for Tanahashi but Sho scuffs him around. Tanahashi stands up and he fires forearms! Sho CLAWS Tanahashi’s eyes, but Tanahashi CLAWS Sho’s eyes! The ref reprimands them both, but Tanahashi blocks a kick! DRAGON SCREW!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi crawls over, hot tag to Oleg! The fans fire up as BARS CLOBBERS Sho! Evil gets away before Oleg can get him, and Yujiro attacks from behind! Yujiro & Narita double whip, but Oleg CLOBBERS them both! Kanemaru kicks and whips, but Oleg reverses to scoop Kanemaru! Oleg SMACKS Sho using Kanemaru! Then Oleg SLAMS Kanemaru, and gut wrenches! The fans fire up for the Shake, Shake, Shake! GUT WRENCH PLEX! Oleg kips up and the fans fire up! Oleg then deadlifts Sho for the gut wrench. But Sho bends fingers and wrenches free! Sho runs, SPEARS, but he bounces right off of Oleg!
The fans fire up and Oleg deadlifts Sho again! Shake, Shake, Shake! GUT WRENCH PLEX! And another kip up! The fans fire up with Oleg and he runs to BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Oleg drags Sho right up into his arms, then pops him to a fireman’s carry! But Sho CLAWS Oleg’s eyes! Sho slips free, but Oleg kicks Sho! Sho runs to dropkick Oleg’s legs! Sho whips, and TADA! Bare buckles! Oleg suffers The House Special, and Evil DROPKICKS Tanahashi! Sho & Evil double whip Oleg into the bare buckles! Oleg hobbles forward, into a DOUBLE- NO! Oleg fights to DOUBLE SUPLEX them first! The fans fire up and Oleg crawls, and Tanahashi is adamant about getting in!
Oleg isn’t sure about it, but he tags Tanahashi back! Tanahashi fires a strike fest on Evil, and goes an extra round before the SHOTEI! Tanahashi runs to SLINGBLADE! The fans fire up while Tanahashi stalks Evil to a corner. Tanahashi stomps a mudhole into Evil but the ref counts. Tanahashi is not stopping! He SHOVES the ref away! Tanahashi’s rage is getting the better of him as he UPPERCUTS Evil! Tanahashi goes corner to corner, runs back in, but Evil sends him into the ref! And then The House attacks again! Dick stomps away on Tanahashi while Evil recovers! The fans boo and tell Dick to go away!
Narita brings in chairs! Dick stomps Tanahashi more, and the House has all their favorite items! Dick has his Spoiler Choker, Narita with his pushup bar, Sho with the “Torture Tool,” Yujiro with the pimp cane, and Kanemaru with his whiskey bottle. The fans boo as Evil stands on Tanahashi’s face and The House closes in. Evil drags Tanahashi up, and Dick clamps on the SPOILER CHOKER! And then The House CLOBBERS Team Ace with all their weapons! Evil takes aim, but Tanahashi BOOTS him first! Tanahashi THROWS Dick away, but Evil JAMS him up! Tanahashi blocks the chair shot! Tanahashi kicks low, and he SMACKS away on Evil!
The fans fire up as Tanahashi breaks the chair on Evil’s back! Narita runs up, Tanahashi JAMS him first! And then he JAMS Yujiro! And he JAMS Kanemaru! And he JAMS Sho! Then Tanahashi uses the frame to SMACK Evil! The ref is back, he tells Tanahashi to stop, but Tanahashi shoves the ref again! Tanahashi’s rage explodes as he beats Evil down with the chair! Team Ace is DISQUALIFIED!!
Winners: The House of Torture, by disqualification
Tanahashi keeps beating Evil to serve justice, but Young Lions rush in and stop him! Evil writhes, but Tanahashi gets a new chair! Tanahashi SMACKS Evil again and again! His team isn’t even sure what to do, so they let him just BASH away on Evil! Tanahashi tells Evil this is what he gets! One more chair shot! AND THEN ANOTHER! Evil scrambles out of the ring, and Young Lions have to get in Tanahashi’s way to stop the beating! Tanahashi drops the chair to grab the mic, and he shouts, “EVIL, YOU BASTARD! Shut up about my retirement! Oi, oi, you want me to leave so badly? I get it. You want it a year earlier, huh?
“Then in our match on January 4th, I’ll put my career on the line right then!!” The fans are shocked, but Evil says good! And there’s no going back now that he said it! But Tanahashi adds that Evil won’t be able to rely on his goons! It will be a LUMBERJACK MATCH! Now YOU remember that!! Team Ace and The House will wage war once again in the Tokyo Dome! And given Evil only won tonight because Tanahashi lost his cool, will Tanahashi dish out his final justice?
Six Man Tag: TMDK VS Shota Umino, Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi!
Zack Sabre Jr. took the pin when he and Ryohei Oiwa faced Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma in the tournament, so an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match is set for WrestleKingdom! Will the Roughneck burn The Front Man again with the help of Funky Sauce? Or will we see even now that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The teams sort out and after Shota stares at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and his paper replica to compare, he steps up to the champ. The bell rings and the fans cheer as we get this WK19 preview. Shota and ZSJ stare down, the fans rally up, and it sounds pretty even between “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” Shota and ZSJ get their fans even more fired up, and then the two circle. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but then ZSJ rolls to wrench. Shota wrenches back and he WRINGS ZSJ out! ZSJ UPKICKS, and the two reset. The fans cheer and the two circle again. Shota avoids a leg pick but ZSJ avoids an enzigiri!
Shota avoids the Penalty Kick, then spins ZSJ to underhook! ZSJ flips that but Shota fights the scoop! ZSJ avoids the uppercut but Shota blocks the uppercut! Shota wants the backslide but ZSJ spins that around, only for Shota to arm-drag! But ZSJ headscissors! Shota kips free and the fans cheer the standoff! Shota dares ZSJ to take the leg, but ZSJ just pushes the foot away. The two reset and feel things out again. They knuckle lock, go forehead to forehead, but then each man kicks a knuckle lock apart. ZSJ and Shota back off, and ZSJ dares Shota to bring it. Shota steps back up, they go forehead to forehead, and then ZSJ offers a free shot.
Shota says no, the champ should take the free shot. ZSJ decides to tag in Oiwa instead. Shota says fine, and he tags Taguchi. The fans rally as Taguchi and Oiwa circle. They tie up, Oiwa headlocks, but Taguchi pries the hold. Oiwa clamps on tighter but Taguchi fires body shots. Taguchi powers up and out, but Oiwa runs him over! Things speed up, Taguchi hurdles and DROPKICKS Oiwa down! Cover, TWO! Fujita slides in but Zayne intercepts! Zayne kicks the Japanese Young Punk and then throws him out! Funky Sauce double whip Oiwa to then BULLDOG and BASEMENT DROPKICK! The fans cheer and Taguchi stalks Oiwa.
Taguchi HIP DROPS Oiwa again and again, then uses the ropes to go up, out, and slingshot back in, but he hip drops onto Oiwa’s knees! Taguchi hobbles away and Oiwa storms up to whip. Taguchi reverses, runs up, but Oiwa pops him up onto the top rope! Taguchi is stuck right on the Funky Weapon! The ref checks but Oiwa SHAKES the ropes! Taguchi suffer, then he slowly tilts to one side! Oiwa gut wrenches Taguchi off the ropes! Tag to ZSJ and ZSJ UPPERCUTS the butt! Then he UPPERCUTS the butt again! And again! Taguchi falls over and ZSJ tags Fujita. Taguchi backstrokes towards his corner, but Fujita stomps him down!
Fujita drags Taguchi up, CHOPS him, then whips him to a corner. Fujita runs up and CHOPS again! Fujita snapmares Taguchi to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this and the fans rally up. Fujita drags Taguchi up, but Taguchi CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Fujita CHOPS back! Fujita runs, Taguchi jumps, but Fujita CHOPS the hip attack! Taguchi hobbles away while Fujita says he’s too smart for that. Fujita runs, but Taguchi somersaults to HIP ATTACK! Hot tag to Zayne and he fires forearms on Fujita! Zayne whips, hip tosses, then STANDING MARIPOSAS! The fans fire up while Zayne brings Fujita up.
Zayne fires more elbows, then a mule kick! Zayne runs to ROLLING AX KICK! Fujita goes to a corner, Zayne runs in, but Fujita BOOTS him away! Fujita hops up but Zayne comes back to JUMPING DRAGON RANA! The fans fire up and Zayne storms over to Fujita. Zayne scoops and B AJA BLASTS! Cover, TWO! Fujita survives but the fans rally behind Zayne. Zayne brings Fujita up, straitjackets, but Fujita fights free to CHOP! Zayne BOOTS! Fujita kicks but Zayne ducks! Fujita rolls off Zayne’s back and runs to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up while both men are down! Fujita and Zayne crawl, hot tags to ZSJ and Shota!
The fans fire up as ZSJ BOOTS Shota, and Shota ROCKS ZSJ! Shota eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Shota UPPERCUTS in return! They UPPERCUT back and forth, harder and harder! The fans rally as they now go faster and faster! ZSJ gets the edge with UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT, but Shota roars! Shota UPPERCUTS again and again, ZSJ roars, but Shota UPPERCUTS him down! Shota hurries to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota stays fired up! Shota clinches ZSJ but ZSJ fights the lift! ZSJ goes for the arm but Shota waistlocks. ZSJ spins around to FACELOCK GUILLOTINE!
Shota endures and stays on his feet, even as ZSJ has the body scissors! The fans duel as ZSJ thrashes, but Shota powers through to suplex ZSJ up and over! Both men are down and the fans fire up again. Shota rises, then he brings ZSJ up to dragon sleeper. ZSJ spins and PELES the arm! But Shota blocks a roundhouse to PELE! But ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Both men are down again and the fans rally more! ZSJ and Shota crawl, but ZSJ tags in Oiwa! Oiwa runs in at the corner to DROPKICK! Oiwa has the single leg but Shota fights off the suplex! Oiwa swings but Shota clinches, so now Oiwa fights free!
Shota ROCKS Oiwa, spins, but Oiwa ROCKS Shota! Oiwa runs, into a clinch! EXPLODER! The fans fire up while both men are down! The fans rally, Shota and Oiwa crawl, hot tag to Taguchi! Taguchi calls to Zayne and then BLASTS Fujita! Funky Sauce whips Oiwa to a corner, then Zayne sends Taguchi in. HIP ATTACK! Taguchi goes up, Zayne RANAS Oiwa into the butt! Backslide, roll through, KETSUYE! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives but Taguchi signals for that. Taguchi and Zayne use the power of Strong Style, and then “ITADAKIMAAAS~!” Oiwa stands, into a DOUBLE HIP ATTACK SANDWICH! Cover, Fujita breaks it!
Zayne ROCKS Fujita, he and Taguchi double whip, but Fujita ducks the lariats to shove Zayne into Taguchi! Zayne blocks a kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Shota dropkicks Fujita’s legs! ZSJ BOOTS Shota! Shota roars, but ZSJ BOOTS him again! ZSJ whips, Shota reverses and TORNADO DDTS! ZSJ flounders away and the fans fire up with Shota! Shota tells Taguchi to finish it off, and Taguchi runs at Oiwa! And he sliding kicks! Oiwa tumbles, Taguchi grabs the leg to OH MY GAH ANKLE!! Oiwa endures, reaches out, but Taguchi drags him back! Oiwa gets up to LARIAT! Both men are down and the fans fire up!
Oiwa fires up and he brings Taguchi around. Oiwa whips, then clamps on a SLEEPER! But Taguchi slips right out! Taguchi has the headlock, but Oiwa slips out to hit a BIG atomic drop! Taguchi hobbles and Oiwa clamps on the SLEEPER! Taguchi flails but he’s fading already! The fans rally and Oiwa spins Taguchi, for THE GRIP!! Cover, TMDK wins!
Winners: TMDK, by pinfall
The Mullet gets the better of The Funky Weapon, but Shota still dares ZSJ to go for the leg. ZSJ ignores Shota’s bait and just gives him the paper belt. “This is the closest you’ll get to the effin’ title.” ZSJ SLAPS Shota with it! Shota says don’t be rude to the kids! A fan made that for him. Shota dusts off the paper belt, and claims that he’s gonna get the real deal soon enough. ZSJ says yeah, sure. ZSJ will make Shota a real nice toy belt himself so he can keep dreaming. ZSJ mockingly puts something together using his old wrist tape! Shota says wow, thanks. With not even a month left, who will win out when the real belt is on the line?
2024 World Tag League Finals: Gabe Kidd & SANADA VS Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi!
It’s the moment of truth as The Mad Man & Cold Blooded take on The Uncontrollable Charisma & Ticking Timebomb. There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding the tag titles given Henare’s knee injury, but for right now, it’s time to answer one question: Who will be the 2024 World Tag League Champions?
As Naito enters the ring, Gabe stays right at the center, but Naito completely ignores him. Then Naito takes his time with his entrance attire, as always, but Gabe and Sanada both stay calm. Gabe paces but Sanada keeps his eyes closed. Hiromu fires up Kumamoto and Naito finally does away with the pants. The teams finally sort out, and Gabe eggs on “the Junior.” Hiromu grins, then he fist bumps Naito, and yes, it seems Hiromu and the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion will start! The bell rings and both men run in! They DOUBLE LARIAT, but it’s Hiromu who falls! Hiromu gets up to CHOP, but Gabe CHOPS!
The fans fire up as the CHOPS go back and forth already! Hiromu backs down, but for only a moment! Hiromu CHOPS again, so Gabe CHOPS again! The CHOPS go back and forth, but Hiromu backs down again. Gabe eggs him on so Hiromu CHOPS! Gabe CHOPS again! Hiromu clutches his chest but he CHOPS again! Gabe CHOPS again, then braces himself. The CHOPS keep going, then they get forehead to forehead. Gabe winds up to CHOP! Hiromu drops back, and Gabe kicks at him. Gabe eggs Hiromu on so Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Gabe spins to CHOP! Hiromu backs down, but runs up to LARIAT!
Gabe stays up, so he and Hiromu both run, but to take out Naito and Sanada! Then Hiromu runs up to kick Gabe low! Hiromu CLUBS Gabe, CHOPS, and Gabe feels that one. Hiromu whips, Gabe reverses, and Sanada gets a cheap shot in! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands, but the War Dogs double whip. Hiromu grabs ropes to stop, and Naito runs in! Naito CLOBBERS Sanada and Hiromu kicks Gabe! LIJ mugs Gabe then double whips, to DOUBLE CHOP! Then they DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Gabe flounders away while the fans cheer. Hiromu tags Naito and Naito storms up on Gabe.
Naito CLUBS Gabe again and again, then snapmares for a chinlock. Gabe endures the knee in his back, even as Naito digs it in deeper. Naito then shifts to have a headscissors! Naito pushes up to put on the pressure, but Gabe still endures. Naito lets Gabe go and Hiromu sits in the ropes. Hiromu assures Red Shoes it isn’t what he thinks, but then Naito bumps Gabe off Hiromu’s boots! It WAS what it looked like! The fans cheer but Red Shoes reprimands, and Naito tags in Hiromu. Hiromu CHOPS Gabe to a corner, then CHOPS again! Naito joins in and they double whip Gabe corner to corner. Gabe comes back, Naito drops down and Hiromu CROSBODIES!
Sanada storms in but Hiromu CROSSBODIES! Hiromu goes out and chases down Gabe, CROSSBODY! Hiromu keeps moving, and Naito sets Sanada up for the CROSSBODY! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he goes back to the ring. Gabe storms around in frustration, then pushes his way to No Man’s Land. He eggs Hiromu on, so here he comes! But Sanada was lurking! He attacks first, then sends Hiromu into chairs! Naito and Gabe brawl, and Naito CLUBS Gabe around. Fans are told to move aside, and Naito whips. Gabe reverses and he BOWLS Naito into chairs! Not quite a strike but Gabe just flips off the fans.
Sanada is beating Hiromu down somewhere in the upper deck, and Gabe drags Naito back up. Gabe UPPERCUTS Naito, but Hiromu fights back against Sanada! Sanada CLAWS Hiromu’s face! Hiromu stops the suplex, then suplexes Sanada! Sanada fights that, and he CLAWS Hiromu’s face again! As for Gabe, he BITES Naito’s forehead, then SMACKS him down! At least they’re at ringside. But then Gabe looks under the ring, and he brings out a table! Gabe sets the table up, but Naito fires forearms on Gabe! Gabe SMACKS Naito again! Gabe hauls Naito up to POWERBOMB through the table!!
The fans go wild as Gabe looms over Naito. Gabe slides in and mocks Naito’s pose! The fans are torn but most boo. Red Shoes reprimands Gabe, and it seems Sanada has retuned to ringside, with Hiromu somewhere in the crowd. A ring count starts, but Gabe SPITS at Naito! The count is 7 of 20 and the spotlight shows Hiromu is still so far away! We pass 10, then 12! Hiromu hobbles at 15 and he’s finally in the aisle! Hiromu runs and slides in safe at 19! The fans cheer but Gabe drags Hiromu up. Gabe CHOPS Hiromu in the corner, then CHOPS again! And then JABS! Tag to Sanada and he CLAWS Hiromu’s back while Gabe talks trash on Naito.
The fans rally for Hiromu but Sanada stomps him in a corner. Sanada digs his boot in, but he stops as Red Shoes counts. Sanada drags Hiromu up, TOSSES him out, and Gabe quickly runs Hiromu back to the back of the crowd and up the bleachers! Gabe ROCKS Hiromu with a straight right hand! Then SMACKS him again! Hiromu flops over and Gabe leaves him behind again. The ring count returns while Hiromu sputters. The fans cheer Hiromu on as he’s up, but he’s still so far away at 10! Then 15! Hiromu returns at 18 to slide in at 19.5!! Sanada is on Hiromu, but Hiromu dropkicks the legs out! But Naito isn’t at the corner!
Sanada tags Gabe and he stomps away on Hiromu in the corner! Red Shoes reprimands but Gabe drags Hiromu up. The fans rally for Hiromu, but Gabe whips him hard into the corner! Gabe eggs Hiromu on, saying he’s not “Despy” or Douki. Hiromu rises up to CHOP! Gabe snarls but Hiromu CHOPS again! Hiromu roars and he CHOPS! Gabe finally wobbles, but he keeps Hiromu from Naito! Gabe throws Hiromu down by his hair, then he WRECKS Naito with a dropkick! Gabe mocks the tranquilo and the fans boo. Gabe tags Sanada and the War Dogs bring Hiromu up. The fans rally but the War Dogs double whip, only for Hiromu to DOUBLE CROSSBODY!
Hiromu crawls, reaches out, but Sanada keeps him from Naito! Hiromu breaks free, blocks a kick, and a punch! Sanada CLAWS Hiromu’s eyes! Sanada runs but Hiromu bolts for the corner! Hot tag to Naito! Naito kicks and fires off on Sanada, but Gabe CLUBS him! The War Dogs double whip, but Naito reverses to send Sanada away! Then he sends Gabe into Sanada! Gabe falls, Naito dodges Sanada to arm-drag! And ELBOW! Naito keeps moving, basement DROPKICK! Gabe ROCKS Naito! Gabe whips, Naito reverses and runs up to ELBOW him down! Sanada runs up but is sent into the corner! Naito blocks boots to put Sanada in ropes, DRAPING NECKBREAKER!
Naito hurries to stand Sanada up, turn him, and stall for the NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up as Naito does the pose himself. Cover, TWO! Sanada is tougher than that but Naito drags him up. Naito dragon sleepers for another NECKBREAKER, and then it’s the LEG HOOK NELSON! Sanada endures as Naito puts on the pressure, and Sanada kicks around. Naito puts on more pressure, but Sanada has the ROPEBREAK! But of course Naito claims he needs a little help. Red Shoes counts, Naito lets the hold go, and he brings Sanada to a corner. Naito drags Sanada up, reel shim in, but Sanada stops Esperanza! So Naito BOOTS him!
Naito whips corner to corner but Sanada goes up and out, and even to the floor! Naito slides out but Sanada goes to the apron. Naito hurries back up, but Sanada KICKS ropes to jam Naito up! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands but Sanada tags Gabe. Gabe drags Naito up, has him in a corner, and CHOPS! HEADBUTTS! Repeat! Gabe wobbles a bit, but he rolls back and returns to LARIAT! Then SAIDO! Naito gets flung, Gabe hurries to cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Gabe drags Naito right up to suplex and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives but Gabe seethes. The fans rally for Naito as hard as they can, which annoys Gabe.
Gabe drags Naito up, reels him in, but Naito fights the lift! Gabe CLUBS Naito but still Naito fights! Gabe DOUBLE CHOPS Naito’s back, then powers through! But Naito powers out and throws those heavy back elbows! Gabe SPITS at Naito! Naito SLAPS Gabe! Gabe rebounds, Naito dodges, tilt-o-whirl CRADLE! TWO!! Gabe SMACKS Naito, reels him in, “I’m a MAD MAN, y’know!” But Hiromu SUPERKICKS him first! Sanada DROPKICKS Hiromu! Naito dropkicks Sanada’s legs! But Gabe KNEES Naito down! Hiromu fireman’s carries Gabe! TIMEBOMB 1.5! Sanada runs up, into a wrench and FACLON ARROW!
Sanada flounders out and Hiromu brings Gabe over to Naito! BOOSTED TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up and Naito brings Gabe back up! Wrench and tilt-o-whirl, DESTINO!! Cover, SANADA YANKS RED SHOES OUT!! The fans boo Sanada but he just soaks up the heat. Hiromu goes to the apron and he CROSSBODIES Sanada down! Hiromu helps Red Shoes up, Naito wrenches Gabe again, DESTIN- NO! TOMBSTONE!! Gabe and Naito are down and the fans rally even harder! There is some dueling in here, but the “GABU! GABU!” is still overwhelmed by the “NA-I-TO! NA-I-TO!” Both men stir while Red Shoes returns.
Gabe clutches his neck while rolling away from Naito. Naito changes course and rolls for his corner, hot tags to Sanada and Hiromu! Hiromu dodges Sanada’s boot but Sanada blocks the lariat! Dragon sleeper, but Hiromu spins that around! Sanada fights the suplex so Hiromu dropkicks a leg out! Hiromu KICKS and fireman’s carries, and flips Sanada into the dragon sleeper! Sanada spins that around, but Hiromu fights a suplex! Hiromu suplexes but Sanada slips free to dragon sleeper! SKULL END! Hiromu endures but Sanada drops back into the body scissors! The fans rally and Hiromu fights around!
Sanada squeezes as tight as he can and Hiromu is fading! Red Shoes checks, Hiromu faintly comes back to life, but Sanada goes to his old ways! Sanada goes up and up to ROUNDING BODY PRESS, but onto knees!! Hiromu saves himself and the fans rally up! Hiromu feeds off the energy to fire back up. Hiromu runs to HIROMU- NO, Sanada dodges the lariat, but the HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER still finds him! Fireman’s carry, TIMEBOMB 1.5!! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives and Hiromu grows frustrated. The fans rally up behind him and Hiromu drags Sanada up. Hiromu fireman’s carries but Sanada slips free.
Sanada waistlocks but Hiromu switches. Sanada grabs at Red Shoes, Red Shoes gets away, and Hiromu avoids the low blow kick! Hiromu SUPERKICKS Sanada, then runs, but Sanada slips around! Sanada shoves Hiromu at Red Shoes and Red Shoes almost ends up falling out of the ring! Sanada whips Hiromu to POP-UP LOW BLOW! And then O’CONNER BRIDGE!! Cover, NAITO YANKS RED SHOES OUT!! Naito returns the favor and grins at Sanada. Gabe storms in with a chair! Naito runs and shoves Hiromu out of harm’s way! Naito then dodges Gabe to POP-UP LOW BLOW!! Another bit of returning the favor!
The fans are thunderous as Gabe writhes and rolls out of the ring. Naito drags Sanada up, Hiromu helps, BOOSTED TORNADO- NO! Sanada slips free, but Naito sends him into a SUPERKICK! ENZIGIRI! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! The fans fire up with Hiromu as he fireman’s carries Sanada, for the OG TIMEBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Sanada survives and shocks everyone! Hiromu roars and the fans are with him! Hiromu clinches in a dragon sleeper, but Gabe BITES Hiromu’s face! Gabe DECKS Naito, then he drags Hiromu up. Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS , and CHOPS! Gabe just UPPERCUTS!
Gabe scoops and SLAMS Hiromu, then goes up the corner! MAD MAN MOONSAULT! Gabe calls to Sanada to get Hiromu, and Sanada goes up! ROUNDING BODY PRESS!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiromu survives and Sanada is furious!! Red Shoes defends his count and the fans are electric for Hiromu! Gabe reels Hiromu in, PILEDRIVER!! Feed to the DEAD- NO, Naito CLUBS Sanada! Naito dodges Gabe, comes back, DESTINO!!! SHINING WIZARD from Sanada!! Sanada hauls Hiromu up but Hiromu pump-handles! HIROMU-CHAN CRA- NO! SHINING WIZARD!! Sanada roars, fans are torn, but he drags Hiromu up.
Sanada clinches, DEAD- NO, Hiromu slips free, wrenches, pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN CRADLE!!! LIJ WINS!!!!
Winners: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (World Tag League 2024 Champions)
Sanada cannot believe it, but Kumamoto absolutely loves it!! The War Dogs tore through A Block, but it was the team that survived the extra Triple Threat match that takes the whole thing! What does this mean for the combination of Gabe and Sanada in the future? Is there a future for them?
As for LIJ, Naito drags himself into the ring, crawls over to Hiromu, and master and student hug it out! Red Shoes brings them the trophies, and LIJ sets them side by side before they stand back up. Naito gets his hat back on while Hiromu rests on the mat again. And after a little water to refresh themselves, Naito gets the mic. “Buenas noches, KUMAMOTOOOO~!” The fans cheer, and Naito says, “The way things work, it should be Hiromu, the main event winner, on the mic right now. But it looks like he took some damage. In that case, I’ll say my part first.” The fans applaud that.
Naito thanks all the fans that came out to the Grand Messe Kumamoto for the WTL Finals. “Gracias, amigos.” The fans cheer that, and Naito adds that he won the main event here back in April of 2018. He sent a message to all the fans here that night. Does anyone remember what he said about “having the courage to take that step?” The fans applaud as it seems they do. Naito says, “Make no mistake, we won the World Tag League thanks to Hiromu.” The fans applaud again, and even chant for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” Naito says that Hiromu’s refusal to give up under any circumstance made Naito feel he had to take that step, too.
“And that step brings me to that singles match we were set to have before the pandemic.” Fans are intrigued hearing that. Naito says how about doing it January 4th in the Tokyo Dome? The fans cheer for Hiromu in support of that idea. Hiromu takes the mic now and asks if it takes Naito that long to take a step. The fans chuckle, and Hiromu stands. Hiromu says thanks to that, they were able to enter WTL and win it all. Hiromu thanks Naito for that, both arigato and gracias. The fans applaud, and Hiromu reviews the idea: January 4th, WrestleKingdom, Naito VS Hiromu. “The answer is, of course…! Let’s do it.”
The fans cheer as the match is now set! Hiromu thanks Naito for letting him know this is how he felt! “It’s important to say what we feel, isn’t it? Everyone, do you have something you want to say as well? It could to a friend, a lover, a parent, a teacher, a senpai, a kouhai! I’m reminded once again how important it is to share what we are feeling. Naito-san, do you mind if I tell you something, too?” The fans are again intrigued. “Naito-san, thank you for teaching me how to be a wrestler!” Hiromu bows and the fans applaud. Hiromu then says January 4th can’t come soon enough! “Everyone, we only live once, so enjoy it to the fullest!”
First, think of the life you wanna live, and then enjoy it to the fullest! And during that time, if pro-wrestling can bring you even a bit of joy, Hiromu will be satisfied! So then, let’s have more… The fans echo back, “Moto!” Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! Moto! MOTO fun in life enjoying pro-wrestling together~! The confetti goes off as the WTL winners must take a different route for WrestleKingdom. Will it be teacher or student who proves themselves the better man in the Tokyo Dome?
My Thoughts:
An awesome finale to WTL 2024, even with a lot of the other matches just kind of filler since there weren’t tag titles to be defended here and a lot of WrestleKingdom 19 stuff to be set up. I made sure to do the 10 Man Tag because it of course fed Tanahashi VS Evil, but I certainly didn’t see it happening that way. Tanahashi going wild because of all the frustration he has with Evil was some great stuff, and a Lumberjack match is a great move so that Tanahashi’s allies, aka all of The House of Torture’s enemies, are gonna be ringside with them. But moving up the retirement stipulation is a shock. Was saying 2026 would be when Tanahashi retires just a smokescreen so this would be more shocking? Or is this the smokescreen to put more drama on a match we’re pretty sure Tanahashi still wins?
The Six Man Tag of TMDK VS Shota & Funky Sauce was really good, and a really good win for Oiwa there. This was all still just secondary to building heat on Shota and ZSJ, but it was rather funny for Shota to have that paper (and I think soft foam?) belt and ZSJ mocking him with the wrist tape. If Shota ends up winning, I think NJPW is guilty of making him their “Super Cena,” their “Cena Wins LOL” guy, and that’s a disservice to Shota and especially Zack. Zack needs to make it through a WK with that belt, let Shota fight his way back up through the New Japan Cup or something.
And awesome, incredible main event with the WTL finals. I figured Naito & Hiromu were winning, just because Gabe’s got his NJPW Strong title and the Kenny Omega match for that Tokyo Dome weekend. Not sure what it means for Sanada, but I don’t think he’s leaving War Dogs already (as funny as that would be). And I suppose with Henare’s knee in question, they’re just going to leave the Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match for another time. Naito VS Hiromu, the World Champ VS Junior Heavyweight Champ match we never got four years ago for the anniversary show, is a great move for WK19. There’s no place better than WK for a match like that, and they can’t wait on this match with Naito having said he’s getting closer and closer to retiring.
That said, maybe Hiromu wins to put him over and get him into that next level where he’s going for big titles. Granted, NJPW is literal about the “heavyweight” part of the World Heavyweight Championship, and I don’t know if Hiromu’s going to be able to pull off a 205+ frame. He’s already ~195, he’s already 35, but hey, maybe he can get a short reign in just so he can say he was on top of both weight classes in his career.
My Score: 9/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!