Coverage

Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Tokyo Dome Results & Report! (12/23/22)

Sayonara, Suzuki-Gun.

Published

2 years ago

December 23, 2022

Steven Mitchell

One last hurrah for the meanest faction in NJPW!

It’s the end of an era in NJPW as Minoru Suzuki’s Army, Suzuki-Gun, has one last match together! Will there be blood, sweat and tears shed for the faction?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

SHO & Yujiro Takahashi VS Oskar Leube & Yuto Nakashima; Sho & Yujiro win.
Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii VS Kosei Fujita & Ryohei Oiwa; Yano & Ishii win.
8 Man Tag: Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Tiger Mask & Ren Narita VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
Shingo Takagi & Hiromu Takahashi VS EVIL & Dick Togo; Tagaki & Hiromu win.
Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan; Goto & Hashi win.
Six Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Shota Umino VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; LIJ wins.
Six Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada, Master Wato & YOH VS Bullet Club; Okada, Wato & Yoh win.
Suzuki-Gun Finale: Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, El Desperado & TAKA Michinoku VS DOUKI, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Dangerous Tekkers; Douki, Kanemaru, Taichi & ZSJ win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Six Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada, Master Wato & YOH VS Bullet Club!

At WrestleKingdom, The Rainmaker is going after the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, the Way of the Grandmaster is after the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, and Direct Drive is after the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships! Will the contenders all be red hot for the Winter? Or will Gedo and the Cutest Tag Team in NJPW leave them out in the cold?

Bullet Club Too Sweets and fans applaud. The teams sort out and we start with Wato and Taiji Ishimori for one last preview of the Junior Heavyweight title match. Fans rally up as Wato and Taiji circle. They approach but Taiji avoids Wato’s grapple. Taiji wags a finger, then he avoids Wato’s boot to rake Wato’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Taiji whips but Wato reverses to hurdle and back elbow, uppercut and run to BULLDOG! Fans fire up with Wato but El Phantasmo boos. Wato tags Yoh and they drag Taiji up. They double whip Taiji to ropes, double elbow him down, and then Yoh stands Taiji up for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally while Yoh stomps Taiji. Yoh drags Taiji up, reels him in and suplexes, but Taiji slips out! Taiji waistlocks, Yoh switches, Taiji switches back but Yoh switches again. Taiji runs to ropes and throws Yoh out! Taiji BLASTS Okada and Wato off the apron while Gedo whips Yoh hard into railing! ELP hurries over to stomp Okada down! The ref reprimands but Taiji ROCKS Wato with a haymaker. Taiji rakes Wato’s eyes, but lets off as the ref reprimands. ELP ROCKS Wato, gives him a PURPLE NURPLE, ROCKS him again, then goes back to the PURPLE NURPLE! The ref reprimands, but Taiji gets in the ring.

The ring count starts as Yo and Wato are both down on the outside. The fans rally up as the count climbs, and we reach 10 of 20. Yoh gets in at 12 and fans applaud. Taiji CLUBS Yoh on the back, then brings him around to bump off ELP’s boot. Tag to ELP and he climbs up. Taiji holds Yoh as fans rally up, and ELP climbs down to the second rope. Then down to the bottom rope. ELP then hops down to CLAW Yoh’s back! Cover, TWO! ELP drags Yoh up to tag Gedo in. Gedo taunts Okada, then he CLAWS Yoh’s back! Yoh writhes and staggers away but Gedo eggs Yoh on. Gedo stands Yoh up to bump off both Taiji’s & ELP’s boots!

Gedo drags Yoh up and fans rally as Taiji climbs! Taiji jumps, then CLAWS Yoh’s back! Taiji CLUBS Yoh but Yoh throws forearms! Taiji kicks low, then he CLAWS Yoh again! Tag to ELP and ELP drags Yoh up. ELP suplexes and holds Yoh up! Fans rally as ELP holds until five before the SLAM! Cover, TWO! ELP clamps onto Yoh to CLAW his back slowly and painfully! Then ELP clamps on a SLEEPER! Yoh is fading! ELP puts on all the pressure he can, but Yoh fights his way up! Yoh throws elbows but ELP facelocks. Yoh wrenches out to ROCK ELP! ELP ROCKS Yoh, Yoh ROCKS ELP, repeat! Fans rally up as the forearms keep going!

ELP ROCKS Yoh, then eggs him on. Yoh ROCKS ELP and both men wobble. ELP fires off a flurry, but Yoh gives those all back! PURPLE NURPLE! ELP shows no mercy, but Yoh ROCKS ELP! ELP TWISTS then CHOPS! ELP runs, but Yoh handsprings to dodge! Mule kick and NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up while both men are down! ELP and Yoh crawl, hot tag to Okada! Fans fire up as Okada rallies on ELP with forearms! Okada whips, ELP reverses but Okada ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER ELP! Then Okada BLASTS Taiji and Gedo off the corner! Okada goes after ELP in the corner, drags him up, and fans rally as Okada whips corner to corner.

Okada runs in to back elbow, and then kick to DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for “O-KA-DA!” as he waits on ELP. ELP rises slowly, Okada Alabama Lifts, but ELP kicks and flails! ELP CLUBS Okada on the back, tucks his arms in, but Okada back drops free of the CR2! Okada scoops but ELP slips off to CLAW Okada’s back! ELP wraps Okada up, torture racks, but Okada slips off! ELP ducks the discus to SUPERKICK! Fans fire up while both men are down! ELP crawls, hot tag to Taiji! The Bone Soldier snapmares Okada, into a NECK TWIST! Taiji then rolls Okada into the YES LOCK! Okada endures but Wato stomps away on Taiji!

Wato CLUBS away on Taiji until Taiji lets Wato go! Taiji throws body shots, then he whips Wato out of the ring! Taiji goes back to Okada and CLUBS away! Taiji runs, into a FLAPJACK! Fans fire up while Okada and Taiji are down! Okada crawls, hot tag to Wato! Wato springboards in but Taiji gets under! Wato swings on Gedo but Gedo catches him! Gedo holds Wato in place, Taiji runs in, but Wato BOOTS Taiji! Wato elbows Gedo, then he sends Taiji into Gedo! Wato whips Taiji to a corner, runs in, but Taiji puts Wato on the apron. Wato GAMANGIRIS Taiji away, then springboards to FLYING UPPERCUT! Cover, TWO!

Wato fires up and fans rally behind him. Wato brings Taiji up, waistlocks, but Taiji fights the slam! Taiji throws elbows, runs, but Wato gets under and around, NECKBREAKER DROP! Cover, TWO! Taiji is still in this but fans rally up behind Wato. Wato drags Taiji up, wrenches and then reels him in, MOUSE- NO, Taiji slips free! Wato whips Taiji to ropes, tilt-o-whirl scoops, but Taiji slips free! Taiji BOOTS Wato, but Wato SOBATS! Wato runs, but Taiji dodges to handspring, NEURALIZER! Fans rally up as both men are down! Taiji and Wato crawl, hot tags to Gedo and Yoh! Yoh rallies on Gedo with big forearms!

Yoh whips Gedo, Gedo reverses but Yoh ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARMS! Fans fire up as Gedo goes to the corner. Yoh runs in corner to corner to back elbow! Yoh scoops, SLAMS and then goes up to VADER- NO, Gedo avoids the drop! GEDO CLUTCH! Cover, Okada breaks it! ELP BOOTS Okada! ELP whips, Okada reverses and DROPKICKS! ELP bails out, Gedo kicks but Okada blocks! Gedo throws up the Too Sweet to his old friend, but Okada ROCKS him with a forearm! Yoh SUPERKICKS Gedo down! Yoh roars and fans fire up! Yoh drags Gedo up, underhooks, DIRECT DRIVE!! Cover, Yoh and team wins!

Winners: Kazuchika Okada, Master Wato & Yoh, by pinfall

The challengers have won! This is big momentum for them, but will this lead to new champions at WrestleKingdom?

Suzuki-Gun Finale: Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, El Desperado & TAKA Michinoku VS DOUKI, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Dangerous Tekkers!

This is it. After 11 years, this is the last match for the meanest faction in NJPW. Win, lose or draw, what will be next for the King of Pancrase, the Murderhawk Monster, the Rogue Luchador, Blue Playmaker, Japones Del Mal, Heel Master, the Submission Master and the Holy Emperor?

Even now, Lance Archer clobbers Young Lions at ringside! He again scares Milano Collection AT on commentary, then Suzuki himself makes his entrance. The introductions are made and the fans applaud. They clap for “SU-ZU-KI!” and the teams sort out. Suzuki himself starts against Taichi! The fans are thunderous already as these two circle. They feel things out, and then Suzuki dares Taichi to hit him. Taichi obliges with a CHOP! Suzuki nods, and he CHOPS back! Taichi smirks, he CHOPS again, but Suzuki CHOPS back! They go CHOP for CHOP, again and again, and fans rally up as the CHOPS go faster and faster!

Suzuki gets the edge and he eggs Taichi on! Taichi CHOPS, Suzuki CHOPS, and they keep going! Their chests are red already as both men snarl and grit their teeth! Suzuki grins and nods as he moves things to forearms! Taichi KICKS! Suzuki forearms, Taichi kicks, repeat! Fans rally again as they keep going, forearm for kick over an dover! Then they stagger and grit their teeth. Suzuki ROCKS Taichi but Taichi SOBATS! Taichi grins as he KICKS Suzuki in the chest! Fans fire up and Suzuki comes right back. Suzuki ROCKS Taichi, but Taichi BOOTS Suzuki! Suzuki’s up to BOOT Taichi! Both men are down and fans are thunderous again!

Taichi and Suzuki crawl for their corners, and they hot tag to Desperado and Kanemaru! Fans fire up as former tag partners tie up. Desperado headlocks, Kanemaru powers out, but Desperado runs Kanemaru over! Desperado keeps moving, but Kanemaru stays low. Desperado drops to a headlock, Kanemaru slips out to headlock back! But Desperado stands for a back suplex! Kanemaru lands on his feet to headlock and hit the takeover! Desperado headscissors, Kanemaru kips free, and Kanemaru avoids the arm-drag! Kanemaru drops down for a headlock and fans applaud their technical exchange!

Desperado fights up but Kanemaru grinds the hold. Fans rally, Desperado stands and powers Kanemaru around to headlock. Kanemaru slips out to headlock, but Desperado returns the favor. Kanemaru slips out again, but Desperado powers out to reel Kanemaru in. Kanemaru powers out and catches Desperado for a modified arm-drag! Kanemaru brings Desperado down for a headlock! Fans applaud this second exchange as Kanemaru grinds the hold. Desperado fights up, but Kanemaru tags Douki. They put Desperado in a corner, mug him, then double whip corner to corner. Douki runs in, Desperado dodges and he elbows Kanemaru.

Douki runs at Desperado again but Desperado sends him into Kanemaru! Desperado then hip tosses Douki away, and then sends Kanemaru into Douki! Desperado TOSSES Kanemaru out and he drags Douki up. Desperado bumps Douki off buckles and tags in Taka. Taka stomps away on Douki but Douki throws forearms! Taka eggs Douki on, Douki throws more forearms, but Taka pokes him in the eye! Taka whips Douki to ropes, Douki ducks ‘n’ dodges to RA- NO, Taka blocks the rana to drop down for a headlock! But Douki slips out to throw Taka down and tie up the arms, ITALIAN STRETCH #32! But Taka fights out to JUST FACELOCK!

Fans rally, Douki crawls for ropes, but Taka rolls him away! Taka goes for the facelock but Douki pops out the back to ghost pin! TWO! ITALIAN STRETCH #32! But Taka powers it to a cover! TWO, and fans fire up as Taka drags Douki back up. Douki HELL STABS Taka, but Taka CALF KICKS! Douki rebounds to LARIAT! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Taka and Douki crawl, hot tags to Archer and Zack Sabre Jr! These two step up and ZSJ gives shoulder bumps. Archer just leans into them. ZSJ puts his hands up to call for a test of strength, but Archer puts his hands up. Archer’s hands reach up much higher than ZSJ’s!

Fans rally but ZSJ asks Archer to bring his hands down to meet him halfway. They tie up, but then ZSJ breaks the holds to show off. Archer corners ZSJ, rushes in, but ZSJ gets around to EuroUpper! Archer shrugs that off with a middle finger. ZSJ EuroUppers again but Archer eggs him on! ZSJ throws more EuroUppers, and more, and more, and more! ZSJ runs, but Archer runs him over! Fans fire up and Archer looms over ZSJ. Archer grabs ZSJ’s arms and pulls them back! Archer digs his knee into ZSJ but ZSJ fights up. ZSJ fights but can’t turn it around onto Archer. ZSJ keeps trying, and fans rally up as ZSJ stands.

Archer still holds the motorcycle stretch on ZSJ, but ZSJ throws mule kicks at Archer’s leg. Archer pulls the arms, but ZSJ fights up! Fans fire up as ZSJ turns things around on Archer, but then Archer spins it right back onto ZSJ! ZSJ flips, kips, and wrenches out to a COBRA TWIST! Archer says nope, and he powers out to HIP TOSS! ZSJ staggers up and Archer has his hand at the ready! But ZSJ BOOTS the claw away! Archer catches ZSJ with his other hand! CHOKE- NO, ZSJ counters the slam into an ARMBAR! But Archer stays standing! Archer endures as ZSJ pulls on the arm and fans rally up!

Archer fights his way through the leg guard to choke grip! Archer drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ wrenches out to PELE the arm! ZSJ runs, but Archer follows to CROSSBODY! Tag to Suzuki! Suzuki stomps ZSJ around and brings him up. Suzuki throws knees, then forearms! He whips ZSJ corner to corner, runs in and BOOTS ZSJ! Suzuki snapmares, but ZSJ blocks the Penalty Kick! ZSU rolls but Suzuki rolls to avoid the heel hook! Fans applaud the standoff! Suzuki eggs ZSJ on so ZSJ steps up. ZSJ throws a forearm but Suzuki throws one back! ZSJ stands up, and Suzuki calls him a “Young Boy!” ZSJ ROCKS Suzuki in return!

Suzuki storms up to ROCK ZSJ! ZSJ growls and fans rally up! ZSJ ROCKS Suzuki, Suzuki ROCKS ZSJ, repeat! They go back and forth with fast and furious forearms! ZSJ EuroUppers, but Suzuki ROCKS ZSJ! ZSJ headbutts, headlocks, but Suzuki powers out. ZSJ comes back to catch Suzuki into a COBRA TWIST! But Suzuki fights it! He pulls hair, then pulls ZSJ’s arm, to switch the Cobra Twist onto ZSJ! Fans rally as Suzuki wraps ZSJ up, but then ZSJ slips free to get an IRON OCTOPUS! But Suzuki powers his way out of that, to get an ANKLE LOCK! ZSJ endures, reaches out, moves around, but Suzuki twists the foot more!

ZSJ rolls and escapes the ankle lock, but Suzuki blocks the O’Conner Roll! Suzuki then slips around to get a SLEEPER! But ZSJ slips out, goes under, trips Suzuki and body scissors to roll him over, EURO CLUTCH! TWO, and Suzuki has the SLEEPER! Suzuki’s team blasts ZSJ’s team off the apron! They all brawl outside while ZSJ endures the sleeper! Fans rally, ZSJ fights up but he’s so red! Suzuki spins ZSJ around, Gotch hold, but ZSJ fights the lift! Taichi gets in to AX BOMBER Suzuki down! Archer BOOTS Taichi down! Kanemaru runs in, but into a choke grip! But he WHISKEY MISTS Archer, then dropkicks the legs out!

Kanemaru dropkicks Archer down, but Desperado gets in to hit a BIG back suplex! Douki BOOTS Desperado, then slingshots, DAYBREAK! But Taka BOOTS Douki! ZSJ headbutts Taka! ZSJ scoops Taka but Taka slips out to poke him in the eye! Taka scoops, ZSJ fights that to snapmare and NECK TWIST! All eight men are down and the fans are thunderous again! Suzuki storms his way over to ZSJ and stomps him around. Suzuki also stomps Taichi! Suzuki stomps Archer!? They’re on the same team! But Suzuki stomps Desperado and Douki and Kanemaru, Suzuki is just after everyone! Taka tells “Boss” to stop, but Suzuki shoves him aside!

Suzuki stomps ZSJ, then stomps Archer! Taka tries to stop Suzuki but Suzuki SLAPS him! Suzuki swings but Taka dodges to SUPERKICK! Suzuki just grins as he stays standing! Douki stands up, and Suzuki SLAPS him! Douki fires off forearms! Fans rally but Suzuki eggs Douki on! Douki runs to LARIAT! Suzuki stays up, fueled by anger! Fans are thunderous again as Suzuki eggs Desperado on! Desperado throws a LOCO MONO!! But Suzuki stays up! Fans rally as Kanemaru BOOTS Suzuki! And BOOTS him again! And then DROPKICKS! Suzuki staggers but he stays on his feet! But Archer POUNCES Suzuki to a corner!

Red Shoes tries to restore order but Suzuki has a wild look on his face as he flounders back up. Suzuki grins as he eggs all of his followers on. Suzuki gets face to face with Taichi. Suzuki dares Taichi to do something, but Taichi is conflicted. Fans applaud as Taichi grits his teeth, and grabs the IRON FINGERS from his pouch! Taichi puts on Iizuka’s iron fingers!! Red Shoes says they can’t use those, but Suzuki shoves Red Shoes down! Suzuki tells Taichi to do it, so Taichi uses the IRON FINGERS FROM HELL on Suzuki!! Suzuki falls and Taichi is conflicted again. Fans rally as ZSJ brings Suzuki back up.

ZSJ brings Suzuki up, “THANK YOU, SUZUKI!” ZACK DRIVER!!! Cover, Zack’s team wins!

Winners: Douki, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & The Dangerous Tekkers, by pinfall

And now that the battle is over, the faction gathers together around Boss Suzuki. They all had a part in defeating the Meanest Man in the World, and fans applaud for “SU-ZU-KI!” Taichi makes sure Suzuki is okay, and they hug it out. Fans applaud as the group helps Suzuki up to his feet. Suzuki then gets the mic, and he insists Douki says something? “You better say something, ya bastard.” Douki isn’t sure but he takes the mic. “I have the shortest history with this group. Only three and a half years, but because of joining Suzuki-Gun, I have grown.” Fans applaud, and Douki passes the mic to Kanemaru. “A good army, with good drinks!” Fans applaud Kanemaru’s very Kanemaru response.

Now Taka takes the mic. “Boss, this may be the last chance we have, so let me say this. Boss, thank you.” Taka bows and fans applaud more. Next up is Desperado, and he says, “I came to Japan becuse I wanted to be in Suzuki-Gun. I was able to be a part of it for a long while. I grew so much, and now it’s gone. I don’t know what I”ll do next, but I want to enjoy this moment while I can. I’m proud I was able to be part of such a fun army. Thank you so much.” Next is Archer, and he tells Suzuki, “22 years in professional wrestling. Over half of my career has been in Suzuki-Gun, 11 years. It has been an honor for me to wrestle in Japan. But it’s been a bigger honor to share the ring with you, my brother forever. Arigato gozaimasu.”

The fans applaud, and Archer hands the mic to ZSJ. “Seven years ago, Suzuki-Gun came to Pro-Wrestling NOAH. Everyday, I thought, ‘Suzuki-Gun, what a pain in the ass.’ But then, 18 months after, Suzuki-san, you invited me to come to Suzuki-Gun in NJPW. And it’s the best choice I ever made. Suzuki-Gun isn’t a team, Suzuki-Gun is a family.” Fans applaud that! ZSJ thanks Suzuki, and hands the mic to Taichi to finish up. Fans clap for “SU-ZU-KI!” “TA-I-CHI!” Taichi says, “Maybe we didn’t get the results other factions did, but we had something nobody else could hope to emulate. That’s why, make no mistake about it, we’re the best. Better than those before and those to come.

“These 11 years, it was only me and you that stayed together from day one. That’s half of my career, 11 years in Suzuki-Gun. From this moment on, looking back 11 years, I was rubbish then, and I will walk my own path now to make sure I don’t go back to the way I was.” Fans applaud, and Taichi says, “This was a damn fun 11 years.” Fans applaud again, and Taichi thanks Suzuki. The mic goes back to Suzuki, fans applaud, and he says, “I said what I wanted to say to each of you last week. Nothing more to add. But I will say my piece. 11 years ago, I made this group to help me invade NJPW and take the IWGP title.

“Now, this was Suzuki-Gun’s last match. Maybe it’ll be in a different form, but the goal hasn’t changed! I want the IWGP! Every single IWGP champion had better watch their heads, because I’m taking ’em! Heads will roll! Let’s end this our way. Stop trying to applaud us now, you morons! Stop laughing, you jackasses! All your hopes will be crushed. We’ll destroy everything and take what we want! For the last time, we are Suzuki-Gun! ICHIBAN!!” The army poses together with their banner, and snow falls. Wait, whose music is that? Suzuki-Gun wonders what is going on, and there’s snow falling. WAIT! TAKASHI IIZUKA IS HERE!

Fans can’t believe it, either, but the madman, the Deathmatch Demon, the Great Betrayer, heads to the ring! Kanemaru hurries to grab the leash, but Iizuka still gets in the ring! The others take hold of him so they can have one last group photo with him! Iizuka then breaks free, and he grabs the iron fingers! Iizuka runs away with the fingers! Guess those are truly retired now, too! Suzuki-Gun has one last fist bump, and Suzuki’s theme plays to truly bring this to a close. Will everyone in the ring be a lonely warrior from now on?

My Thoughts:

A really good event to finish the go-home to WrestleKingdom 17. Granted, I skipped a lot, but I’ve been very crunched for time lately. The Six Man Tag I did cover went about how I expected, with Gedo taking the loss so the various Faces can have momentum. Okada can probably overcome go-home math to take the world title from Jay White, but I can’t be sure about Yoh and Wato. Wato’s in the worst shape as he is in a Fatal 4, so someone else could win the title off Ishimori and Wato’s on the outside looking in.

And then we got a great 8 Man Tag main event, Suzuki-Gun got to have their kind of fun in that match, especially with how it closed having Suzuki fight all seven other men. We got great closing words from everyone, and a great surprise in Iizuka showing up. No more Suzuki-Gun, no more Iron Fingers, but endless possibilities for what all these guys do, other than THE goal of getting titles. Suzuki has his pick of the singles titles, he should call out no less than the IWGP United States Champion, whether that’s Ospreay or Omega after WK17.

My Score: 8.5/10

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Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (12/21/24)

Merry Collision!

Published

54 minutes ago

December 21, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Rockin’ around the Christmas Collision!

The Continental Classic continues on Christmas Collision, with crucial points on the line this close to AEW Worlds End! Who will finally take the lead in Gold League?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford; wins.
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia; wins.
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos; wins.
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!

Claudio Castagnoli: 2-1, 6 points
Will Ospreay: 2-1, 6 points
Ricochet: 2-1, 6 points
Darby Allin: 2-1, 6 points
Brody King: 2-2, 6 points
Komander: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!

Kyle Fletcher: 3-1, 9 points
Kazuchika Okada: 2-1-1, 7 points
Mark Briscoe: 2-2, 6 points
Shelton Benjamin: 2-1, 6 points
Daniel Garcia: 1-1-1, 4 points
The Beast Mortos: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

Ian Riccaboni is in the ring.

He has Big Boom AJ & Big Justice with him in the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they’re ready to bring the BOOM~! They’re ready to watch the action tonight, and even the final face-to-face of MJF and Adam Cole. AJ says if MJF is gonna bring the doom, then you know he and Big Justice will bring the BOOM~! But tonight, their guy, Adam Cole will bring the BOOM~ too! And of course we have big Continental Classic action! Daniel Garcia VS Shelton Benjamin in a critical showdown, and while Shelton is tough, Garcia is going to bring the BOOM~! Plus, Mark Briscoe battles The Beast Mortos! The Chicken is their guy, time to bring the BOOM~!

In Gold League, we have Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli, and the Swiss Superman is a DOOM~! Let’s go, Darby, bring that BOOM~! And then a match everyone wants to see, the fireworks rematch of Will Ospreay VS Ricochet! If you’re a fan of high-flying wrestling, this is the right night to be right here in AEW! Ricochet and their guy, Ospreay, will bring the BOOM~! But speaking of, that match is up first! The Aerial Assassin joins AJ & Big Justice in giving a BOOM~, but will Ricochet make sure tonight is #OuttaThisWorld?

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet!

Wait, are the fans throwing white streamers or is that… No, yeah, it’s toilet paper! Ospreay laughs at the fans basically calling Ricochet crap. Ricochet throws the toilet paper back! The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans fire up for Ospreay as he and Ricochet circle. The fans also sing, “F HIM UP, OSPREAY, F HIM UP!” Ricochet shrugs that off, he and Ospreay tie up, and then Ricochet rolls. Ospreay shoots in, waistlocks, but Ricochet switches. They go around, Ricochet gator rolls with Ospreay, then floats to a headlock. Ricochet wrenches, hammerlocks then headlocks again. Ospreay powers up and out, Ricochet runs him over, but Ospreay kips up!

The fans cheer and Ospreay smiles as he and Ricochet reset. They tie up, go around, and Ricochet wrenches to a wristlock. Ospreay rolls, wrenches and wristlocks, but Ricochet spins and wrenches to hammerlock. Ospreay reaches back, headlocks and hits a takeover. Ricochet rolls to a cover, TWO! Ospreay holds onto the headlock but Ricochet powers up and out. Ospreay runs Ricochet over, Ricochet bails out, and then Ospreay handsprings to fake Ricochet out! The fans cheer as Ospreay superhero lands out, and Ricochet is annoyed. Ospreay holds ropes open for Ricochet, but Ricochet goes around the way to step in on his own.

The fans boo Ricochet being a bad sport but Ricochet ignores that. Ospreay and Ricochet knuckle lock, then Ricochet kicks low! And CHOPS! Ricochet whips, Ospreay reverses, but Ricochet rolls off Ospreay’s back! Things keep moving, Ospreay avoids the handspring to then duck ‘n’ dodges and RANA! But Ricochet handsprings through! The fans fire up, and Ospreay arm-drags Ricochet down! The fans cheer while Ricochet endures the grind. Ricochet fights up and puts Ospreay on ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet and Ospreay slowly let g o, and Ricochet SLAPS Ospreay! Ospreay CHOPS Ricochet!

Ospreay takes a swing, Ricochet ducks under to roll back and RANA! But now Ospreay handsprings through! Ricochet dodges to waistlock but Ospreay bucks the O’Conner. Ricochet arm-drags Ospreay down, but Ospreay headscissors back! Ricochet pops free but Ospreay arm-drags! Ricochet headscissors, Ospreay pops free, and Ospreay handsprings, but Ricochet catches him! Ricochet then THROWS Ospreay into the Tree of Woe, and Ospreay falls down! The fans boo while Ospreay bails out, but Ricochet FOSBURY FLOPS! The fans boo but Ricochet takes the toilet paper to wipe himself, then he SMOTHERS Ospreay with it!

The fans boo that literally disgusting act of disrespect, but Collision goes picture in picture.

Ricochet taunts the fans, then drags Ospreay up. Ricochet puts Ospreay in, soaks up more heat, then KNEE-BOARD SENTONS! Ricochet swaggers to taunt the fans more, then he goes back to Ospreay. Cover, ONE!! Another cover, TWO! Ricochet taunts the fans more, then goes back for Ospreay. Ricochet stands Ospreay up to CHOP, and Ospreay goes to a corner. Ricochet RAMS into Ospreay, RAMS him again, then snapmares to UPPERCUT in the back! Cover, TWO! Ospreay stays in this but Ricochet drags him into a motorcycle stretch. Ospreay endures while Ricochet digs a knee into the back. Ospreay fights up, fights with elbows, then runs, but into a DROPKICK!

Ospreay is down in a daze but Ricochet has to shake out the stars in his own head. Ricochet covers, ONE! Ospreay then uses that one to flip off Ricochet. Ricochet RAMS Ospreay in the back! Ricochet then clamps on with a chinlock, and he digs his knee into Ospreay’s back. Ospreay endures, even as Ricochet JAMS Ospreay. Collision returns to single picture as the fans rally for Ospreay again. Ospreay fires up, fires hands, but Ricochet RAMS him into a corner. Ricochet runs up, RAMS into Ospreay, then goes to the apron. Ospreay takes a swing but Ricochet dodges and gets around him to GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands out!

Ospreay runs, handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay goes to the apron, takes aim, and he springboards to PIP PIP CHEERIO! Down goes Ricochet, Ospreay covers, TWO! Ospreay stays focused and the fans rally up. Ospreay drags Ricochet up, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again! Ricochet staggers, Ospreay runs, but Ricochet TIGER WALL KICKS! Forearm, SOBAT, and Ricochet runs, but into a POP-UP, and STYLES- NO, Ricochet sits up, slips free, and he underhooks Ospreay for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives but Ricochet goes up.

Ricochet has to double clutch, the fans let him hear it, but Ricochet still MOONSAULTS! Ricochet lands out as Ospreay moves, and Ospreay runs up, but into an ELBOW! Ricochet handsprings, but into a pop-up, Electric Chair, spin around, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Ospreay is surprised. Ospreay pulls on the elbow pad and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Ospreay aims, but Ricochet bails out! The fans boo but Ospreay storms after Ricochet. They’re both on the apron and Ospreay goes up a corner. Ricochet anchors Ospreay first! Then Ricochet has the Electric Chair Lift!

Ospreay fights free, fights off a nelson, then he KICKS Ricochet! Ospreay runs, but into a pop-up APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans chant “You Still Suck!” but Ricochet adds a SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Ricochet puts Ospreay in, then springboards to 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives, but then Ricochet AX KICKS! Dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, VERTIGO! Cover, TWO!? Ospreay survives and Ricochet is shocked! Ricochet snarls and he aims from a corner. The fans rally for Ospreay but Ricochet loads up. SPIRIT- NO, Ospreay ducks under! Ospreay gets up, Ricochet blocks a kick!

Ricochet V-TRIGGERS, then he reels Ospreay in! But Ospreay fights out of the bomb, but then Ricochet returns the favor! Ricochet suplexes, into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Ospreay springboards for the OSC- CUTTER FROM RICOCHET!! Ricochet hurries to get Ospreay up, powerbomb into fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! SPIRIT- HIDDEN BLADE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Ospreay and Ricochet both slowly sit up and the fans rally as hard as ever. Ricochet and Ospreay stare down, talk a bit of trash, then stand up. Ospreay draws a line in the sand and dares Ricochet to step up.

Ricochet steps right up, they stand toe to toe, literally! They start firing forearms! The fans cheer Ospreay, boo Ricochet, and Ricochet wobbles! But then Ricochet comes back with forearm after forearm! Ospreay wobbles, but he grins as he rises and roars! Ospreay fires a flurry on Ricochet, then ROCKS him! Ricochet flops over, Ospreay hauls him up! But Ricochet grabs at the ref! Ospreay kicks Ricochet’s arm away, but then Ricochet RAMS Ospreay into the ref! The fans boo but then Ricochet hurries to HOOK KICK! And VERTI- NO, Ospreay slips free to underhook! STORM BREAKER! Cover, but the ref is down!

The fans count, Ospreay would’ve won twice over! Ospreay calls to the ref, the ref sputters around, and Ospreay goes up. But then Ricochet kicks the ref into ropes! Ospreay gets tripped up and the fans boo more! Ospreay is confused as to what happened, but SPIRIT GUN hits the mark!! Cover, RICOCHET WINS!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Ospreay earns 0)

The One & Only got away with murder, but there’s nothing that can be done now! Ricochet has NINE points, will he be headed to Worlds End?

Adam Cole heads to the ring!

The fans cheer as the Panama City Playboy returns to the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they join in for the “BOOM~!” and the “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY~!” Cole grabs a mic, but he keeps his eyes on the ramp. That’s because we all know who’s next. MJF makes his entrance, but with a handful of security guards in front of him first. And not even AEW security, that’s his own personal security. MJF grabs a mic and has them cut his music. The fans boo but MJF tells them, “If I wanted your help, I’d ask for it. Sit down and shut up.” The fans tell MJF to STFU, but MJF shrugs that off.

MJF tells Cole that MJF is frustrated. It’s because for the past few months, MJF has had to listen to Cole say MJF is Cole’s biggest enemy! If memory serves, and MJF’s memory always does because unlike the fans here, he isn’t a complete moron… Didn’t Cole turn on MJF? But then does Cole realize he has bigger enemies out there? Like spray tan, cracks in the floor, gusts of win, and maybe… a cavity. Because last MJF heard, Cole’s dentist isn’t seeing him anymore. Cole was already staring daggers into MJF, but now he’s pissed. MJF has Cole calm down, and he tells the fans to shut up so he can shoot straight.

When MJF was the longest-reigning and greatest AEW World Champion of all time, Cole was nothing more than MJF’s cute little sidekick. That ate Cole up inside. Cole wanted to be MJF. Cole wanted #TripleB. But the sad truth is, Cole had many opportunities to win the title before MJF got anywhere near it. It’s almost like when it comes to Cole being elite enough to become world champion, just like his “s*itty little ankle,” Cole blows it. MJF laughs at his own joke, and then tells the fans he is talking, it is not that complicated. But this is why MJF doesn’t buy the hogwash that Cole turned on MJF because MJF would turn on Cole first.

Cole turned because he, like all these shmucks, is jealous of MJF. And who can blame Cole? MJF is rich, handsome, funny, entertaining, and then look at Cole. For crying out loud, Cole used to be ADAM COLE BAYBAY. Now, he’s just a crack baby! Cole asks if MJF is done. Was that the last line? Because it felt like MJF practiced that for two weeks in front of a mirror. But MJF killed it, really. Cole could come back with childish comments to hurt MJF’s feelings, but he won’t. Cole could mention MJF has had two surgeries on that fake head of hair of his while only in his 20s, which is hilarious, but he won’t.

Cole could talk about how MJF pulled some strings to get his girlfriend hired, like the real politician he is, but Cole won’t go there. Cole could talk about how every single time MJF enters a room, everyone waits for him to leave because he is loud, obnoxious and annoying as hell. But Cole won’t go there. Because Cole is not like MJF. They are nothing alike. That is why the friendship was ruined. Because, MJF, the truth is you say Cole is a failure, but in virtually every wrestling company Cole has worked for, he is the longest-reigning champion in so many!

In this very building, Cole bled BUCKETS against Kyle O’Reilly, wanting to prove he was one of the best in the world, and that is exactly what he did! Does Cole have regrets? Sure. Are there things Cole wishes he could take back? Absolutely. But Cole does NOT regret turning on MJF. The only reason it drives MJF insane is because Cole beat MJF to it. That’s MJF 101: Get close to someone, then turn on them. It’s what MJF does. Cole just did it better than MJF, and MJF knows it.

But Cole has been thinking, trying to understand what’s going on in MJF’s head, and he finally figured it out. MJF is terrified of having anyone close to him, because he feels it is a weakness. That hit a chord? Because not only does MJF act like a child, he thinks like a child! MJF knows in his heart that he was going to be the one to turn on Cole first! DAMN RIGHT HE WAS!!! MJF realizes he let the cat out of the bag. MJF says congrats, Cole, he solved the mystery! A regular Scooby-Doo! Great job, Adam.

But you want the truth? Here it is. The fact of the matter is, last year at Worlds End, MJF had every intention on stabbing Cole in the back that night. Cole just got lucky. When #BetterThanYouBaybay started, MJF didn’t give a damn about Cole. Cole was nothing more than a pawn. But MJF will admit, he did eventually start to care. For the first time in MJF’s life, he cared about someone else. Fans mockingly go, “Aww…” But MJF says that is just when Cole became a liability. And since Cole’s “a fragile little freak,” him jumping off that ramp and exploding his ankle made him a distraction!

Distractions, liabilities, emotions, there are no room for those when all you should be concerned with is maintaining the world championship! But Cole doesn’t get it, does he? Last year was a fluke. Cole ain’t the Devil, he just beat the Devil to it. But this year, Worlds End, December 28th, the same show where Cole tried to end MJF’s world, MJF ENDS Cole!! MJF throws down the mic and the fans are torn. Cole smirks and says MJF ends things then? Well, how about Cole ends this? COLE DECKS MJF! The guards rush in, but Cole fights them off! MJF sends more but Cole SUPERKICSK! And SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS!

But then MJF LOW BLOWS Cole! MJF tells the fans to shut up! MJF takes out the Dynamite Diamond Ring! But then The Kingdom rushes out here! MJF runs away from Matt Taven & Mike Bennett, but he vows this ends at Worlds End. We have one week left, is that the last week Cole has in AEW? Or will MJF finally lose the one thing he has left in that diamond ring?

Backstage interview with Kris Statlander.

Lexy Nair is with the #BornAgainKristen and brings up her trying to make amends with Willow Nightingale last night, as well as making the save when Harley Cameron & Penelope Ford were beating Willow up. Kris says what she and Willow have to discuss is between them. But as far as her and Penelope go, they’ve got a lot of history, and if Ford wants a fight, Kris will give her a fight. Then speaking of history, Kris still has her eyes set on the TBS Championship, can she tells us more on that?

Kris says she looked back on 2024 and she had a downward spiral that started with losing that title. Maybe if she wins it back, Kris will right her wrongs. On that note, Mercedes Mone, you don’t have an opponent for Worlds End so here Kris is. Let her know when you’re ready for round two. Kris heads out, will she prove to everyone that she is still the Galaxy’s Greatest?

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AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (12/20/24)

Brody King is on a Rampage!

Published

23 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!

The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tony Schiavone is in the ring!

Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!

Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!

Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!

And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?

Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!

The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.

Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.

Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!

Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!

The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.

Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.

Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!

The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!

Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!

Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!

Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!

Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall

The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?

Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.

Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?

Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!

The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?

The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!

Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!

Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall

Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?

Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.

Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…

Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?

Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!

Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.

Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!

Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.

Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!

Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!

Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall

Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?

Team Triple J speaks backstage.

Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!

While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!

Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!

Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!

Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.

Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.

Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!

Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!

Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!

Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!

Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!

Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!

Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)

If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?

My Thoughts:

A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.

Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.

And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.