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Mitchell’s NJPW WTL X Super Jr. Tag Results & Report! (12/14/22)

It all comes down to this!

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NJPW WTL X Super Jr.

Time to lift the trophies high!

NJPW’s double tag tournament series finishes as World Tag League and Super Jr. Tag League finally have their finals! Who wins their golden tickets to WrestleKingdom 17?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Alex Zayne & El Lindaman VS Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita; Zayne & Lindaman win.
  • KUSHIDA & Kevin Knight VS Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls; Shane & Mikey win.
  • 8 Man Tag: Tiger Mask, Robbie Eagles, Alex Coughlin & Gabriel Kidd VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
  • 8 Man Tag: Suzuki-Gun VS The House of Torture; Suzuki-Gun wins.
  • 8 Man Tag: Toru Yano, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Clark Connors VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; LIJ wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada, Tama Tonga & Master Wato VS Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
  • NEVER Openweight Championship: Karl Anderson VS Hikuleo; Anderson wins and retains the title.
  • Super Jr. Tag League 2022 Finals: YOH & Lio Rush VS Ace Austin & Chris Bey; Yoh & Lio win and will challenge for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.
  • World Tag League 2022 Finals: Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Aussie Open; Goto & Hashi win and will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.

PLAY BY PLAY

After Suzuki-Gun’s victory, Minoru Suzuki himself gets the mic.

“Why are you applauding? 2011, me, Taichi and Taka Michinoku started Suzuki-Gun. Lance Archer quickly joined. The four of us were going at full force. Now it’s 2022, and we’ve gone through an awful lot. Taichi, you used to be nothing, and now look at tough he’s become. You were an idiot, but you’re experience and your knowledge has come in so helpful for all of us. I understand that and I acknowledge that. Lance, I first met you in an indie, and now look at you. I was the first Japanese person to wrestle Lance Archer. And you’re my brother and you’ll always be my brother.

“Desperado, you are not nothing. You are the Junior Heavyweight Ace in NJPW. Kanemaru, with his in-ring, there’s no one more reliable. Douki, we always talk about Heel wrestlers having to eat dirt, but he did it and really pulled himself up from the dirt floor and through hell to be where he is today. And Zack, he isn’t here today, but I am so glad that I went to the UK and plucked you up to be a part of Suzuki-Gun. And I want to test you and to stretch you in the ring.

“Oh, now you’re applauding? Suzuki-Gun was born 11 years ago, and you guys have done nothing but taunt us, yell at us, boo us. Sometimes, you’ve thrown trash at us. Calling us scum, telling us to go off and die. But that’s us, that’s Suzuki-Gun. And now look at what we’ve become. You all love us. In 2023, Suzuki-Gun will go on a new voyage. We will all go on our own individual journeys, and at the end of 2022, Suzuki-Gun will be no more. Thank you.” Fans applaud but this is truly shocking news! What does this mean for the future of NJPW’s meanest faction?

 

NEVER Openweight Championship: Karl Anderson VS Hikuleo w/ Jado!

The Machine Gun may be with his Good Brothers in WWE, but he’s back in Japan to settle scores! This was meant to go down for Battle Autumn, but will all that time waiting make the Young Gun even more determined? Or will the bright lights still shine on “Hollywood” Karl Anderson?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if title stays home or goes back to the US!

The bell rings and Karl rushes in! Hikuleo clinches him for a CHOKE BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Karl survives and fans fire up as Hiku stays on him. Hikuleo whips but Karl holds ropes! Karl bails out, hurries to No Man’s Land, but Hikuleo is in pursuit! Hiku CLUBS Karl, drags him up, CHOPS him, and then stalks him along the way. Fans applaud as Hikuleo scoops Karl, for SNAKE EYES off the railing! Hikuleo says he’s been waiting two months for this! He stomps Karl back to ringside, but Karl goes up the ramp. Hikuleo CLUBS Karl down! Fans fire up as Hikuleo RAMS Karl into railing!

The ref reprimands but Hikuleo sits Karl up to CLUB him in the chest. Karl staggers away to get in the ring but Hikuleo pursues. Hikuleo keeps Karl from bailing back out, to RAM him into a corner! Fans applaud and Karl bails out again. Hikuleo pursues as Karl goes back to No Man’s Land. Hikuleo CLUBS Karl, drags him up, and CHOPS him! Fans applaud that while Karl curses under his breath. Hikuleo digs Karl’s head into the floor! The ref reprimands, starts a ring count, and Hikuleo lets off. Hikuleo slaps Karl around as he heads for ringside. Hikuleo whips Karl at 10 of 20, right into railing!

Hikuleo storms up as the count reaches 15, but puts Karl in at 16. Fans applaud and Hikuleo steps in, but Karl kicks the ropes! Hikuleo gets jammed up, and then Karl grabs a leg for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Hikuleo falls to the floor and Karl goes out after him! Karl waits for Hikuleo to sit up, and then he stomps the bad leg. Hikuleo goes to the railing, stands up, and Karl mule kicks the bad leg out! Karl grabs that leg, puts it around the railing, but the ref counts. Karl lets off, but then BOOTS the railing! Karl goes to the ring and fans applaud while Hikuleo clutches a leg. Fans rally up as the ring count climbs, and Hikuleo stands at 10 of 20.

Karl goes out to kick Hikuleo’s leg out again! Karl stomps the bad leg, slides back in at 13 of 20, and lets the count climb. Fans rally up as Hikuleo staggers up at 18 and slides in! Karl stomps Hikuleo’s leg, stalks him to a corner and stomps him more. Karl says he’s the greatest NEVER Openweight Champion ever, then he stomps Hikuleo down. Karl digs his knee in, but he lets off as the ref counts 4. Karl drags Hikuleo into a toehold but fans rally as Hikuleo endures. Hikuleo CLUBS Karl, Karl holds on, so Hikuleo drags himself and Karl over. Hikuleo reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Karl lets off and mockingly applauds Hikuleo’s toughness.

Karl gets the fans to rally up, and he runs the ropes, but Hikuleo avoids the senton! Jado rallies the fans for Hikuleo and he drags himself up. Hikuleo storms up but Karl throws a forearm! Hikuleo throws one back! Karl kicks the bad leg! Hikuleo staggers, he ROCKS Karl, but Karl kicks the bad leg again! Hikuleo CHOPS in return! Fans fire up but Karl fires off forearms! Karl eggs Hikuleo on, and Hikuleo DECKS him! Fans fire up and Hikuleo runs in to elbow Karl at the corner! Hikuleo throws a forearm, CHOPS, then whips corner to corner! Hikuleo runs and SPLASHES, then scoops Karl for SNAKE EYES!

Hikuleo keeps moving, he LARIATS Karl down! Cover, TWO!! Karl survives again but Hikuleo drags Karl up. Fans rally, Hikuleo scoops, but Karl slips off. Karl shoves Hikuleo to the corner, runs in, but Hikuleo dodges! Karl bounces off buckles, Hikuleo scoops Karl, and he hits a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Karl continues to survive, but Hikuleo choke grips! Hikuleo drags Karl up but Karl throws elbows. Hikuleo CHOPS, runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Now Hikuleo survives and Karl is frustrated! Fans rally up, Karl stalks Hikuleo, and then he pounds the mat. Fans drum along as Hikuleo rises. GUN- NO, Hikuleo fights off the Gun Stun!

Hikuleo shoves Karl to the corner, Karl bounces off buckles, and Hikuleo hits a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Karl survives again but Hikuleo choke grips again! But here comes GEDO! Jado manages to anchor Gedo at the apron, and Hikuleo choke grips him! Hikuleo CHOKE SLAMS Gedo onto Karl! Fans fire up and Hikuleo waits on Karl to get back up! Karl staggers over, into another choke grip! CHOKE- GUN STUN!! Cover, KARL WINS?!

Winner: Karl Anderson, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)

The only one not stunned by this is Karl himself! The bright lights are still shining for the Machine Gun, will no one keep him from traveling the world with this belt?

Wait, Karl gets the mic to talk! First in Japanese, “Sendai, I’m sorry. It’s been a long time.” Then in English, “Sendai loves Karl Anderson! I know that! The world loves Karl Anderson. What did I say? I was coming to NJPW to defend the NEVER Openweight Championship because Karl Anderson is the greatest NEVER Openweight Champion of all time! Karl Anderson sugoi legend. Sugoi kakui legend.” That is to say, Karl is an awesome and cool legend. Karl vows to be NEVER Openweight Champion FOR ALL OF ETERNITY! He will be the champion forever!! FOR-E-VER! But wait! Here comes Tama Tonga, the man he took the title from!

Tama and Karl get in each other’s face, and then the forearms start flying! Fans rally, the timekeeper is ringing the bell, Tama ROCKS Karl, but Karl fights off the Gun Stun to GUN STUN Tama!! The Good Bad Guy took his shot but got shot down, and Karl gets the mic to tell him, “I will see you at WrestleKingdom, bitch!” The Machine Gun understood this was Tama making a challenge and he has accepted it! If Karl really is the greatest NEVER Openweight Champion, will he make 2023 the Year of Bright Lights?

 

Super Jr. Tag League 2022 Finals: YOH & Lio Rush VS Ace Austin & Chris Bey!

Chaos’ Men of the Hour and Bullet Club’s Impact boys have battled already, and it was Direct Drive & The Bad Child who came out on top! But the #InevitableFinesse claim that was just dumb luck! If so, will Yoh & Lio get lucky again? Or will Ace & Bey have an impact on WrestleKingdom 17?

The teams sort out, Yoh & Lio high-three but then Ace has them stop that. Bullet Club Too Sweets, and then Yoh & Lio attack! They brawl, Red Shoes rings the bell and this is on record as Ace throws Lio out. Lio drags Ace out and he fires off haymakers on Ace! Yoh goes after Bey, but Ace tackles Lio and rains down fists! Ace stomps Lio, Yoh whips Bey, things speed up in the ring as Yoh sidesteps to drop toehold and basement dropkick! Fans fire up as Bey bails out and Yoh builds speed! Ace gets in to DROPKICK Yoh down! Yoh bails out, Lio gets in, he dodges Ace to springboard and RANA, but Ace handsprings through!

Fans fire up as Lio handsprings to dodge! Lio mule kicks and ENZIGURIS Ace down! Fans fire up more, and Lio whips Ace to a corner. Ace reverses, Lio slides to a stop and Ace runs in. Lio puts Ace on the apron, Ace slingshots up and around but Lio ducks under. Ace runs in but Lio dodges again. Ace slips through the ropes to the apron, shoulders into Lio, and Ace steps in to FLYING- NO, Lio ducks the roundhouse! Lio bobs ‘n’ weaves to avoid Ace’s haymakers, then Lio steps in. Lio whips Ace at Bey, Yoh runs in, NECKBREAKER to Bey that causes him to DDT Ace! Fans fire up as the Men of the Hour stand tall!

Yoh officially becomes the legal man, then he tags Lio in. Fans rally as they stomp Bey and bring him up. They double whip Bey, sidestep and kick low. Lio runs in but Bey avoids the scissor kick! Bey runs but into double elbows! Lio runs, wheelbarrows with Yoh, WHEELBARROW SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Lio stalks Bey to ropes. Lio stomps away, CLUBS Bey down, then CLUBS him some more. Lio rains down more fists on Bey, puts him on the ropes and CHOKES him, but lets off as Red Shoes counts 4. Yoh also has Lio cool off, and Yoh tags in. Fans rally but then Lio tags right back in! Lio fires off on Bey more!

Yoh drags Lio away from Bey and tells him to cool it! A disqualification will cost them. Yoh tells Lio to let him handle Bey. Lio accepts that, and he tags Yoh back in. Fans rally again, but then Bey shoves Yoh into Lio! Bey snapmares Yoh, stomps him, Lio gets in but Red Shoes keeps him back! This allows Ace to join in and stomp Yoh with Bey! Lio is furious but he has no choice but to stand down. Bey laughs and drags Yoh away. Tag to Ace and they double whip Yoh to a corner. Bey sets up for Ace’s POMMEL KICK! Then Ace sets up for FINESSE IN MOTION! Feed to the drop toehold and capoeria kick, and then DOUBLE STOMPS! Ace covers, TWO!

Ace drags Yoh away and DDTs a leg! Ace KICKS Yoh in the back, throws up the Too Sweets, then digs his knee into Yoh’s head. Fans rally but Ace drags Yoh up. Ace puts Yoh in the corner, digs his boot in, but Red Shoes counts. Ace lets off, he tags Bey, and Bey taunts Yoh. Bullet Club double wrench, double CLAW, then double drop toehold to Too Sweet CLAW! Fans applaud the shoutout to El Phantasmo while Bey taunts Lio. Fans rally, Bey stomps Lio, and then Bey drags Lio up. Bey suplexes Yoh high and hard, then glares at Lio as he covers. TWO, and fans applaud! Bey tags Ace, drags Yoh up, and they mug Yoh.

Ace arm-drags Yoh to a mounted armbar! Red Shoes checks with Yoh but Ace brings the ace up his sleeve out of his sleeve. PAPERCUT! Fans applaud and Ace hides the card. Ace then brings Yoh up to back suplex! Tag to Bey and he climbs up. Fans rally, Bey aims, and he jumps, to then land on his feet. And then he stomps Yoh hard in the chest! Fans applaud the trick but Lio and Bey talk trash again. Bey drags Yoh up, brings him around, but Yoh fires off forearms! Yoh CHOPS Bey but Bey knees low! Tag to Ace, they double whip Yoh to ropes, but Yoh holds ropes! Ace runs in but Yoh throws him out! Bey runs in, but Yoh dumps him out!

Bey holds Yoh’s arm to keep him from Lio! Bey shoulders into Yoh, slingshots up and over, runs but Yoh dropkicks the legs out! Fans fire up and Yoh crawls for the corner! Ace runs in to intercept! But Yoh back drops Ace away! Only for Bey to trip Lio off the apron! Bey RAMS Lio into the railing, Ace CLOBBERS Yoh from behind! Ace drags Yoh up and Bey slides in. DOUBLE SWEEP! Click, click, BOOM! The Moonsault and Leg Drop! Cover, TWO! Ace grows frustrated but the fans rally up for Yoh. Ace drags Yoh up, reels him in and puts him in a corner. Ace CHOPS, stomps, and then CHOPS again!

Yoh eggs Ace on so Ace CHOPS again! Yoh keeps egging Ace on, Ace CHOPS him down! Fans rally, Ace drags Yoh up but Yoh fights the yoyo! Yoh wrenches out, ROCKS, CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Ace kicks low! Ace whips Yoh to the corner but Yoh uses that to BLAST Bey! Ace kicks, whips, but Yoh reverses to DROPKICK Ace down! Fans fire up as Yoh crawls for his corner! Ace drags Yoh away but Yoh ENZIGURIS Ace away! Hot tag to Lio! Lio rallies on Ace, then really fires off on Bey! Bey blocks a kick, flips Lio, but Lio lands on his feet! Lio ducks Bey’s haymaker, whips, but Bey reverses, only for Lio to go up and around to whip again!

Lio then HANDSPRING KICKS Ace! Bey comes back, back suplexes, but Lio lands on his feet! Lio ducks Bey to WRECK Ace with a dropkick, and then hit RUSH HOUR on Bey! All in one motion!! Fans fire up, Lio covers, TWO!! Bey survives and Lio can’t believe it! Lio says it is time, and fans fire up as he climbs. Ace storms over, slingshots and STEINERS Lio down! Ace calls to Bey, they drag Lio up. Bey spins Lio for a KNEE SMASH, but Yoh DECKS Ace! Yoh blocks a kick from Bey and flips him, but Bey uses that to go from headlock to dragon sleeper on Lio! Only for Yoh to JUMP KNEE him! Lio rolls Bey for the SPINNING KICK!

Fans fire up as Yoh drags Bey up. Lio goes to a corner and climbs while Yoh hits FALCON GOROSHI! Yoh rushes out after Ace! Lio is up top, FINAL HOUR!! But Ace returns, only for Lio to throw him right back out! Bey cradles Lio but Lio rolls it! The rolling cradle goes around and around, Lio has it at last! TWO!! Lio staggers up all dizzy, but he finds his way to Bey. Bey SUPERMAN FOREARMS! Lio SCISSOR KICKS!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down! Lio crawls for his corner, as does Bey, hot tags to Yoh and Ace! Direct Drive dodges to fire off forearms! Yoh whips, then FLYING FOREARMS Ace down!

Fans fire up with Yoh and he runs at Ace in the corner! Ace BOOTS Yoh, runs, but Yoh handsprings into dodge! Mule kick and NECKBREAKER! Yoh then hits a HALF HATCH SUPLEX with a bridge! TWO!! Ace survives but fans fire up behind Yoh. Yoh storms up to drag Ace up. Yoh tries the underhooks but Ace fights free. Yoh kicks, whips, but Ace holds ropes. Ace boots but Yoh blocks to put him on the apron! But Ace dumps Yoh out! Ace avoids the sweep to PENALTY KICK Yoh down! Fans rally, Bey builds speed now! Bey FLIES to take out Yoh at the ramp! Ace and Bey coordinate, but Lio builds speed! Ace jumps over Lio as he DIVES onto Bey!

Ace builds speed now, to FALL TO GLORY on Lio and Yoh! Fans fire up and Ace fires up! Ace drags Yoh up, but Yoh hits FALCON ARROW to the floor! Fans fire up while all four men are down at ringside! Red Shoes starts the ring count as the four men stir. The count reaches 10 of 20 before anyone sits up. Bey and Ace flounder but we’re at 15! Yoh and Lio stir at 16, everyone stands up and slides in at 19!! Fans rally as the match continues! Lio and Yoh help each other up, and they make their way over to Ace & Bey. Yoh & Lio throw forearms, but Ace & Bey give them back. Yoh & Lio throw more forearms, but Ace & Bey give them back.

Fans rally as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster as the four men stand! The shots go fast and furious, Ace throws knees on Yoh but Lio ROCKS Ace! Bey swings on Lio but Lio ducks, so Bey BACKHANDS Yoh! Lio kicks but Bey blocks, hands it off to Ace, but Ace ducks and the ENZIGURI hits Bey! Ace runs in to POMMEL KICK Yoh! Lio fires off fast hands and he ROCKS Ace! Lio and Yoh combine, STARSHIP ROLLING LARIAT! Fans fire up, Yoh SUPERKICKS Ace back down! Fans are thunderous as the Men of the Hour fire up! Yoh drags Ace up, Lio runs, RUSH HOUR hits Yoh as Ace moves!!

Fans are stunned, as is Lio! Bey and Ace DOUBLE BUZZSAW Lio down! They shove Lio out and drag Yoh up! Bey says this is over! Gut wrench and Canadian rack, CLIFFHANGER DDT! Ace goes up, SWANTON! Cover, TWO?!? Yoh survives and Bullet Club can’t believe it! Fans fire up as Ace drags Yoh back up. Ace and Bey coordinate, A B C, One Two SWEET CUTTER!! And then LIO SPEARS ACE!! Bey doesn’t realize until he turns around to see Ace down! Bey glares at Lio but Lio glares back. Fans fire up as Bey fires forearms! Lio fires up to fire forearms back! Lio roars, but Bey BITES Lio’s hand! Bey HEEL KICKS Lio down!!

Bey drags Lio up, torture racks, Ace sets up on the apron! But Lio slips off, FLYING CHUCK hits Bey! Yoh SUPERKICKS Ace!! The Men of the Hour get ready, they drag Ace up and whip him to ropes! 3K!!! Cover, Bey drags Red Shoes back! Red Shoes reprimands but the damage is done! Bey flips Red Shoes off, but Lio DIVES onto Bey! Lio tells Red Shoes to get in the ring! Red Shoes obliges, Lio goes up top! FINAL HOUR onto Ace!! Yoh fires up and the fans fire up with him! Yoh drags Ace up for DIRECT DRIVE!!! Cover, Yoh & Lio win!!!

Winners: Yoh & Lio Rush, by pinfall (Super Jr. Tag League 2022 Winners)

It is truly their time! They took every card Ace & Bey had to play and now they have the jackpot! Red Shoes brings them the trophies, Yoh & Lio high-three before raising the trophies high! Will they soon be WrestleKingdom 17’s Men of the Hour when they go after those IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships?

 

World Tag League 2022 Finals: Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI VS Aussie Open!

Bishamon is going back-to-back as World Tag League finalists! But now, they run into the future of tag team wrestling! Will Mark Davis & Kyle Fletcher prove they’re the best by taking the trophies? Or will the Fierce Warrior & Head Hunter make history with back-to-back finals wins?

Gideon Grey accompanies Dunk-Zilla & The Aussie Arrow, and then gives the introductions. “They were handpicked to represent the United Empire. Collectively, they have held 19 tag team championships across the globe. England, Ireland, Germany, Australia, North America, where they were crowned the first-ever NJPW Strong Tag Team Champions! They have conquered every continent they have step foot on! Tonight, they will be World Tag League 2022 Winners! January the 4th, they will be your NEW IWGP Tag, Team, Champions! They are the Heart & Soul of Tag Team Wrestling! They are they greatest tag team to EVER LIVE!

“From Sydney, Australia and Brisbane, Australia respectively, they are THE AUSSIE ARROW, Kyle Fletcher, DUNK-ZILLA, Mark Davis…! This! Is! AUSSIIIIE~! OOOPEN~!” Fans applaud for that but Bishamon just stares Davis & Fletcher down. The teams sort out, and fans clap for, “BI! SHA-MON!” Davis shoves Goto, Goto throws a forearm back, and now the brawl is on! the bell rings, the brawl continues, and Aussie Open gets the edge! They whip Bishamon but Bishamon reverses! Aussie Open hold the ropes to KICK and LARIAT back! Fans fire up and finally, teams sort out. Fletcher tags Davis, and they drag Goto up.

Aussie Open double whip Goto, double ELBOW him down, then PENALTY KICK and SENTON! Fans applaud while Davis kneels on the cover, TWO! Davis drags Goto into an armlock and he grinds the shoulder. Fans rally as Goto endures, and Goto fights his way over to reach out. Davis grinds the arm more but Goto gets the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts, Davis lets off at 4. Tag to Kyle, and Kyle springboard stomps Goto down! And again! Goto crawls, Kyle drags him up to scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Kyle tags Davis again. Davis fireman’s carries, POP-UP- NO, Goto blocks the kick!

Goto swings Kyle’s foot at Davis but he avoids it! Kyle staggers, Goto DECKS him and Kyle falls out of the ring! Davis ROCKS Goto, runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Goto crawls over, hot tag to Hashi! Hashi runs at Davis to CHOP! Hashi whips and CHOPS again, then he mule kicks! Hashi turns Davis but Davis elbows free. Davis runs but Hashi dropkicks the leg! Hashi then turns Davis for the NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Davis is tough but Hashi stays focused. Fans rally, Hashi drags Davis up, and he CLUBS Davis on the neck. Daivs sits up, Hashi CHOPS him again!

Davis sputters and crawls but Hashi stands him up. Hashi whips but Davis reveres, and Kyle gets a cheap shot in! Davis runs in but Hashi sends him into Kyle! Hashi runs but Davis Complete Shots him to the ropes! Kyle GAMANGIRIS but Goto runs in! Davis fireman’s carries Goto for the POP-UP KICK! Davis drags Hashi up, scoops him, Kyle is up top! LAWN DART CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hashi shows his toughness and fans fire up! Davis staggers over and brings Hashi back up. Davis throws down forearms, then soaks up the cheers. Davis then rains down even more forearms!

Davis drags Hashi up, stands him up, and CHOPS him down! Fans applaud a chop on par with Hashi’s own! Tag to Kyle, Kyle drags Hashi up and fans rally. Kyle scoops and SLAMS Hashi, then pats him on the chest. Hashi stands, Kyle scoops him and SLAMS him again! Kyle holds onto Hashi’s arm to drag him back around. Fans rally as Kyle stands Hashi up. Hashi throws body shots and a CHOP, but Kyle scoops and SLAMS Hashi again! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Kyle drags Hashi up again. Kyle bumps Hashi off buckles, then throws a hard body shot. Tag to Davis, Kyle throws more heavy shots and Hashi falls over.

Davis drags Hashi back up, CHOP LARIATS, and then CHOP LARIATS again! Davis CHOP LARIATS again and Hashi falls over! Fans fire up and Davis taunts Goto. Davis tags Kyle back in, fans rally up but Aussie Open lets Red Shoes check Hashi. Hashi is still okay to continue so Kyle drags Hashi back up. Hashi throws back elbows into Kyle, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Kyle knees low, but Hashi blocks! Hashi throws the leg away to SPIN KICK Kyle down! Fans fire up as Hashi crawls for his corner! Kyle tags Davis and Davis SENTONS onto Hashi! And SENTONS again! Davis runs to SENTON but misses this time!

Fans rally, Hashi and Davis crawl, hot tag to Kyle and he runs to CLOBBER Goto off the apron! Fans rally, Kyle drags Hashi up. Hashi throws shoulders into Kyle, then CHOPS! Kyle kicks low, runs, but Hashi SUPER- NO, Kyle blocks the kick and spins Kyle around to reel him in. But Hashi suplexes Kyle first! Fans fire up while both men are down! Hashi and Kyle crawl, hot tag to Goto! Goto CLOBBERS Kyle, BLASTS Davis, then fires up as he fires off forearms on Kyle! Goto whips Kyle to a corner, runs in and MURAMASAS! Then BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Kyle survives but Goto drags him back up. Fireman’s carry, but Kyle fights free!

Kyle kicks low, runs, but into the fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Fans fire up and Goto grits his teeth as he drags Kyle back up. Goto dragon sleepers, but Kyle fights free with haymakers! Kyle spins around but Goto fights the suplex! Goto tries to suplex but Kyle fights it! They fight for control, Goto suplexes, to a BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Goto almost had Kyle by borrowing from Tomohiro Ishii! Tag to Hashi, then Goto BLASTS Davis again! Hashi drags Kyle up, ROCKS him to the corner, then Bishamon double whip corner to corner. Hashi whips Goto in to clothesline! Hashi runs in to CHOP!

Hashi feeds Kyle to Goto’s fireman’s carry, but Davis runs in to BOOT Goto! Davis BOOTS Hashi, then DECKS Goto! Fans fire up as Kyle hurries and tags Davis in. Davis storms up on Goto but Goto throws him out! Kyle runs in but Goto TOSSES him out onto Davis! Aussie Open goes down and fans fire up! Goto calls to Hashi and Bishamon hurries after Aussie Open. They stomp Aussie Open at the ramp, drag them up, CLUB them a bit, then bring them around. Fans rally, but Kyle RAMS Goto into railing! Davis RAMS Hashi into railing, and then Aussie Open carries Bishamon around the way! They SANDWICH Bishamon in front of commentary!

Fans fire up as Aussie Open hit DOUBLE APRON BACK SUPLEXES! And then, DOUBLE SCOOP SLAMS to the floors! Fans fire up again as Aussie Open catches their breath. Fans rally as Davis confiscates the timekeeper’s table! Aussie Open brings that around to where they left Bishamon, and Kyle tells Red Shoes to leave them alone. Fans rally as Davis sits Hashi on the apron to CHOP him. Davis and Kyle then both go to the apron, and they drag Hashi up! Double pump handles, but Goto drags Kyle off the apron! Hashi fights free of Davis while Goto whips Kyle into the railing so hard that Kyle goes up and over into the spare timekeeper’s table!

Davis BOOTS Goto! Davis whips Goto hard into railing! Fans rally as Davis gets back in the ring after Hashi. Davis stomps Hashi around, drags him back up, and then puts him in a corner. Davis CHOPS Hashi and Hashi flops right down! Fans rally up as Davis drags Hashi up to whip corner to corner. Davis then fires himself up and runs in, but Hashi dodges! Hashi runs in to lariat! Hashi whips, Davis reverses, Hashi sunset flips! Davis stays up, but Hashi avoids the hip drop! Hashi runs to basement dropkick! Fans fire up and Davis goes to a corner. Hashi fires up, fans rally, and Hashi runs in, but Davis dodges! Kyle returns to LARIAT Hashi in the corner!

Kyle sits Hashi down, Davis SLIDING FOREARMS! Kyle then goes up and Davis drags Hashi up. ARIHARA MOONSAULT onto Goto!! Davis torture racks Hashi for the Airplane Spin! Davis spins and spins and spins, into the ALPAMARE WATERSLIDE!! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives and fans are thunderous! Davis tags Kyle and Aussie Open storms up to Hashi. Fans rally, Davis underhooks Hashi and lifts, BUTTERFLY SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!! Hashi survives and everyone is shocked! Fans rally up, Kyle tags Davis, and Aussie Open coordinates. They drag Hashi up, double pump handle, but Goto CLUBS Davis!

Goto DECKS Kyle, then catches Davis to URA GTR! Goto fires off on Kyle but Kyle ROCKS Goto! Kyle scoops and has Goto in position, but Goto kicks and flails! Goto lands on the apron, Kyle ROCKS him with forearms! Goto stays standing, Kyle shoulders in, but into a facelock! Goto drags Kyle out, DRAPING GTR through the table!!!! Fans are thunderous again as Goto and Kyle are down in the wreckage! Red Shoes checks on them and somehow, Kyle is okay to continue! Hashi and Davis are still in the ring, crawl for each other and are forehead to forehead. Hashi throws a forearm, Davis throws it back!

Hashi growls and the two stand up. Hashi throws a forearm, but Davis gives it back! Fans rally up as the forearms go back and forth, faster and faster! Davis ROCKS Hashi, wrenches and CHOPS! Hashi falls over, but Davis drags him back up! Fans rally, Davis CHOPS Hashi off his feet again! Davis drags Hashi up, CHOPS him again, but Hashi stays up this time! Hashi roars and ROCKS Davis with forearm after forearm! Davis drops to a knee, Hashi CHOPS him! Hashi fires up, runs, but Davis blocks the lariat! Hashi CHOPS in return! Then dropkicks the legs out! Hashi runs, to HEAD HUNTER! Fans fire up as Hashi waits on Davis!

Davis stands, Hashi runs again, LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Fans rally, Hashi brings Davis back up, and Hashi full nelsons to spin and pump handle! Davis fights with elbows, but Hashi holds on! Goto returns and Hashi feeds him to a fireman’s carry! Davis slips off, but storms up into a HIDDEN GAP! Davis wobbles, into the fireman’s carry! FIERCE FLASH!! Fans fire up as Bishamon calls their shot! Goto drags Davis into the dragon sleeper, Hashi has the legs, SHOUTO!!! Cover, KYLE BREAKS IT!! Kyle returns outta nowhere and blasts it all apart! Fans are thunderous again as the four men are down!

Goto drags Kyle up but Kyle spins Goto to a SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Hashi LARIATS Kyle down! Hashi runs, but Kyle CALF KICKS Hashi down!! Fans are thunderous again as all four men are back down! Kyle and Davis stand, they drag Goto up, POWERBOMB UPPERCUT!! Kyle then feeds Hashi to Davis’ scoop. Fans fire up as Davis inverted crucifix lifts Hashi! Kyle runs in, SWINGING CRUCIFIX BOMB!! Davis covers, TWO!?! Hashi survives and fans are thunderous again! Aussie Open stand back up and Davis tags Kyle back in. Aussie Open throw off the elbow pads and go to opposite corners.

Hashi roars as he stands up, but Aussie Open runs in to DOUBLE LARIAT SANDWICH!! Aussie Open drags Hashi up, double pump handle, but then Hashi kicks Kyle away to hit a DESTROYER on Davis!! Kyle runs in but into a cradle! TWO!!! Kyle escapes but even he is shocked! Kyle hurries to scoop Hashi, but Hashi fights free! Feed to Goto but Kyle slips around. Kyle kicks, but Goto fights the scoop! Goto pushes Kyle, Kyle BOOTS but Goto HEADBUTTS! Fans are thunderous again as Goto calls to Hashi! Goto drags Kyle up and Hashi flounders over. Goto dragon sleepers Kyle, Hashi grabs the legs, but Davis ENZIGURIS Hashi down!

Goto and Davis DOUBLE LARIAT but neither falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, Goto roars! Goto runs, but Davis LARIATS Goto down!! Hashi gets around Davis, Davis fights the full nelson and then fights the waistlock! Davis throws elbows but Hashi holds on! Davis throws more elbows and is free, but Hashi shoots around to shove him to ropes! Goto LARIATS Davis from behind! SNAP DRAGON from Hashi! Kyle mule kicks Goto, ROCKS Hashi, CHOPS and ROCKS, but spins into the dragon sleeper!! But he kicks Hashi away! Goto shoves Kyle into the HIDDEN GAP! And then, SHOUTO!!!!

Fans are electric as Bishamon fire up again! They’re not done with Kyle yet! They drag him up, full nelson and the lift, NARAKU!!!! Cover, BISHAMON WINS!!!!

Winners: Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi, by pinfall (World Tag League 2022 Winners)

Aussie Open may be the future, but the future isn’t here just yet as Bishamon completes the mission of going back-to-back! With as great a first run Davis & Fletcher had, will next year’s WTL be theirs for the taking?

As for Bishamon, Red Shoes brings them the trophies, and for another year, Goto & Hashi get to lift those high! And they put them together to make the globe and W! Yano gets some good pics of the moment, and then Hashi gets the mic. “We won the World Tag League again! And in this double main event, Lio Rush & Yoh won the first! And there was one thing that stuck out to me in this double main event, is that the main event winners get the right to speak. So Lio! Yoh! Since this is a double main event and you guys won, you should come out to speak, too!” Fans applaud that and they clap in anticipation. Yoh & Lio return!

Yoh & Lio bring their trophies with them, and all the tag tournament champions of Chaos stand together! Hashi congratulates Yoh & Lio, and says that if it was just Hashi & Goto here talking, it was going to be very awkward backstage. Hashi hands the mic over to Yoh, Yoh sets his trophy down and Lio puts his next to it. Yoh says “Chaos reigns supreme!” Fans applaud that. Yoh continues to say that he feels from the bottom of his heart that Chaos is the place for him and he is so happy to be in it. To be able to close out this event here with his senpai and in front of his hometown crowd, he is very grateful and proud.

Yoh thanks Lio and Lio thanks Yoh. Yoh says Lio can have a turn to speak now, and he hands the mic over. Fans applaud as Lio accepts, and says, “I have been wrestling for nine years. And this moment right now, and I’ve had a lot of great moments in my professional wrestling career. I’ve been everywhere, seen everything, and pretty much down everything at the age of 28 years old. But this, this moment, winning these trophies with my partner, Yoh, is by far the greatest moment in my professional wrestling career today.” Fans applaud that! Lio says, “Yoh, my friend. Chaos, my family. Thank you for accepting me.” Fans also applaud that!

Lio says this moment here will live on forever. “Arigato gozaimasu.” Fans applaud that Lio thanks them in Japanese, and then he hands the mic over to Goto. Goto says, “I really love Sendai, because we’ve gone back-to-back here. And now Hashi will speak.” Hashi takes the mic back and says, “So, here we go. We can only close this the traditional Chaos way, and the biggest way ever! Everyone here and watching at home on NJPW World, please join in.” Hashi explains that Lio & Yoh are gonna run the ropes, roll, and everyone will clap together. Yoh does his best to translate for Lio, and Hashi hopes everyone is ready to stomp, stomp clap.

The trophies are moved aside, and Hashi says they’ll go on Yano’s say. Fans applaud and Yano prepares for his part. Hashi says this is to the double main event winners! The fans clap and drum, Yoh and Lio build speed, they roll and CLAP!! “HAI!!” Perfect! The streamers fall for the tournament winners, and they pose together with their trophies! What will happen when Chaos comes to WrestleKingdom 17?


My Thoughts:

A great finishing event for this double tournament series, even though I did skip all those early matches. I did like seeing the combinations of heavyweight and junior heavyweight teams, especially Yano & Tanahashi teaming with Taguchi & Conners. That is a hilarious combo right there just on Yano and Taguchi. But luckily, I did see Suzuki get the mic as I was skimming. English commentary did their best to translate in real-time, so I hope I got the gist of what they said about what Suzuki was saying. Suzuki-Gun disbanding to end the year is really surprising, but I wonder if it’s a sign that Suzuki wants to retire sometime next year. I almost feel like they should just reform under like Taichi or Zack Sabre Jr, but maybe that won’t happen.

The NEVER Openweight Championship was a good match but what a surprise that Karl didn’t drop the title. At the same time, fans almost didn’t care about Hikuleo as he was beating Karl down. Karl retains but now he’s up against Tama again, and again a bit surprised Karl comes away from that standing tall. That makes me think that Karl will lose at WrestleKingdom 17 to let Tama carry the belt into the New Year.

Then we got awesome tag tournament finals. With Catch 2/2 kinda playing Heels, I figured the Face team would win here, and that is great for Lio Rush in particular. He had a great part of the closing promo, and that was definitely genuine after Vince McMahon wasted him on Raw and SmackDown while he only got to do so much in the crowded AEW field. Bishamon going back-to-back is awesome stuff, and there’s no real shame in losing here for Aussie Open. Aussie Open got to look incredible in the round robin, they made it to the finals on their first try, they will definitely be a return finalist next year. Catch 2/2 VS Yoh & Lio and FTR VS Bishamon will both be great tag team matches, and I feel like both matches could go both ways.

My Score: 8.8/10

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Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/23/24)

The Raw Before Christmas!

Published

on

The Hollywood A-Lister’s got his own nightmare before Christmas!

Christmas is just a few days away, but things aren’t merry and bright for Raw! The Miz must face his fears as he faces Dexter Lumis 1v1!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Natalya VS Alba Fyre VS Iyo Sky; Iyo wins and advances to the next round.
  • Chad Gable w/ Team American Made VS Akira Tozawa w/ The Alpha Academy; Gable wins.
  • Dominik Mysterio VS Damian Priest; Damian Priest wins, by disqualification.
  • The Miz VS Dexter Lumis; Lumis wins, by disqualification.
  • Sami Zayn VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Drew McIntyre walks to gorilla.

The Scottish Terminator makes his way through the curtain and to the stage, and the fans have a mixed reaction as he goes to the ring. McIntyre grabs a mic, and he says, “After Hell in a Cell, I’ve never been so beat up in my entire life. 16 staples in my head, my back almost broken from landing on the steel steps. And I went home to Scotland. The reason I went home, and I haven’t really talked about it publicly, is because a very close family member passed away. Some people probably feeling sympathy right now. Some guys in the back are probably talking to each other, saying, ‘I didn’t know.’ Maybe if you cared enough, you would’ve asked.

“Over these past two months, guess how many people phoned me to check. Not how I was doing mentally but how I was doing physically after Hell in a Cell. ONE PERSON! These past 17 years, I’ve been led to believe we’re all a big happy family in the back. We’re brothers and sisters, we travel the world together, we spend more time with each other than with our actual families, but it’s all BS! My brother, John, in Scotland wouldn’t stab me in the back to take my spot, but people like Jimmy, Jey and Sami 100% would.” The fans boo that, then chant “YEET! YEET! YEET!” McIntyre says that proves his point.

After watching everything The Bloodline did, Jey says he is a changed man. He does a cute hand sign, he says a made-up word, and the fans just forget about it and move on. That’s the other thing McIntyre realized: He has given and given and given all this time, and the fans turned on him for a guy who was gone for years and has told the WWE fans to go screw themselves! McIntyre was fighting for the fans, he thought they believed in him, so he believed in the fans! McIntyre bled out in the cell, and while he was gone, the fans instantly forgot him! The fans boo, that’s not true! But McIntyre says from now on, he gives no more for anybody!

McIntyre will take and take and he will tell the truth! The real villains are Roman Reigns and CM Punk! And if you choose to prop them up, as he already said, Jey, Jimmy & Sami, the things Roman did to you… Roman took a vacation, then simply snapped his fingers and they were by his side again! McIntyre suggests everyone who ever wronged McIntyre should sleep with one eye open. But wait, here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer and sing for Sami but Sami says hey, McIntyre is angry, he doesn’t have to believe Sami in place of believing everyone has ulterior motives. Sami doesn’t blame him.

But personally, man to man, Sami did not know what happened with McIntyre’s family. They figured he was recovering from one of the most vicious matches of all time. Sami thought that, all the guys ‘n’ girls in the back thought, and that’s all the fans thought. Believe that or not, fine, but Sami wants to level with McIntyre. Talk about 17 years, Sami has 22 years in this game. Sami’s been through what McIntyre’s been through. Sami’s had losses. Trust him. He has had losses he had to put on the side and go to work that week. The same sacrifices, from birthdays to weddings to funerals that he should’ve been at? Sami’s done it all.

Sami has put unnecessary stress on his wife, on his kid, and why? Because this is the life that they both chose! They are WWE SUPERSTARS! The fans cheer that! And as such, they are LUCKY to be WWE Superstars! And you think this is just your story or Sami’s story? Y’know who else has stories like this? Every single person sitting in the stands. Every single person at home! The kids who struggle at school, the adults who struggle at work, who struggle economically, physically, and they have their losses and sacrifices, but they still get up every day to do what they gotta do to soldier on, without pointing a finger at everyone else!

The fans fire up for that passion. Sami says McIntyre dares pointing a finger at the fans for forgetting him?! They didn’t forget, brother! They MADE McIntyre! And McIntyre still thinks the world revolves around him just because once upon a time, someone told him he was “The Chosen One.” But newsflash, just because you’re mad doesn’t make you special. And now McIntyre thinks everyone else is somehow tied to him? What Jimmy does has nothing to do with McIntyre. What Jey does has nothing to do with McIntyre! What SAMI does has nothing to do with McIntyre!

But McIntyre, if you want to still walk around all angry and pointing fingers at the fans, at Sami, at Jey, at Jimmy, at Punk, at Roman, and still be mad about The Bloodline, fine. No one is stopping McIntyre. But Sami has no problem being McIntyre’s problem and facing him in this ring right now! McIntyre says if Sami wants to know the truth… IT isn’t just anger. McIntyre’s anger comes from pain, and he doesn’t doubt what Sami just said. There was so much truth and passion, but it’s never the whole truth, is it? Sami has a way of spinning things. Because Sami can fly back home every week to his family. McIntyre is halfway across the world from his!

And no one here in Boston ever leaves Boston, they’re with their families 24/7! McIntyre doesn’t have that luxury! The fans boo that veiled insult, but McIntyre says he will remain calm and ask Sami why he wants this fight. They both know the result, we saw it time and time again, Sami has NEVER beaten McIntyre. So McIntyre suggests, given Sami isn’t 100%, and Sami’s wife and kid are here tonight… Sami should just walk back there, take their hands, and leave this arena. Of all those in the Bloodline, Sami is the least of McIntyre’s worries.

Sami says McIntyre is right about a couple things. When it comes to win-loss records, McIntyre has Sami’s number. And Sami is not 100%. Haven’t been since Saturday Night’s Main Event. And yes, the smart thing would be to just go home, celebrate and get healthy over the holidays. But Sami would so much rather do this. Sami fires hands! The fans fire up but McIntyre shoves Sami away. McIntyre swings, but gets caught! Sami lifts but McIntyre fights free, then GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! McIntyre takes aim, but here comes JEY USO! The fans fire up as Jey runs down the ramp, slides in, and then dodges McIntyre to SUPERKICK!

The fans fire up as Jey & Sami DOUBLE LARIAT McIntyre up and outta the ring! The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” with Jey & Sami Uso! Will the Scottish Terminator’s mission be ended when Sami and/or Jey shut him down?

 

Adam Pearce is met by Pure Fusion Collective.

The Raw General Manager asks Sonya Deville what he can do for her and she says not much. She knows how stressful this job can be since she once had it. She’s just here to make things easier. And how’s that? Well, Kairi Sane is not cleared to compete, there is an opening in the tournament, and Sonya wants it. Oh, is that so? Y’know, Sonya, that is a terrible idea. They caused this scenario so he’s just gonna reward them? Are they outta their minds? And zip it! Plus, he already filled that vacancy with Iyo Sky. Happy Holidays! PFC is upset by that since Iyo just lost to Liv Morgan, but will there be nothing to stop the Evil Genius now?

 

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament Opening Round Triple Threat: Natalya VS Alba Fyre VS Iyo Sky!

Just as Pearce said, PFC taking out the Pirate Princess will not mean they get away with murder! The Queen of Harts and the Fire Keeper must now figure out how to handle this change to the program. Will Iyo redeem herself for losing Saturday Night’s Main Event by moving on to the next round?

Raw returns and Alba makes her entrance, Isla Dawn seeing her to the ramp, and then Natalya makes her entrance. The bell rings and Alba kicks Natty then ELBOWS Iyo! Alba whips but Natty reverses and Alba tumbles out of the ring! Iyo rolls Natty, TWO! Iyo whips, Natty dodges in the corner and gets Iyo up! REBOUND SIT-DOWN, and then Natty steps on Iyo, only for Alba to trip Natty up! Alba brings Natty out to send into steel steps! But then Iyo DIVES onto Alba! The fans fire up with Iyo and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Natty brawls with Abla. Alba knees low, but Iyo CROSBODIES them both down! The fans fire up and Iyo SHOTEIS Alba! And SHOTEIS her again! And then DROPKICKS her down! Iyo brings Alba around, whips, but Alba reverses. Iyo goes up and out, then blocks a shot to ROCK Alba! The fans fire up, Iyo spirnboards, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Iyo handsprings up and the fans fire up again! Iyo gets the fans going, but Alba wrenches and facelocks, TORNADO DDT! Alba gets Iyo up again to GOURD BUSTER her onto Natty! Alba then rearranges them into the drop zone!

Alba goes up, the fans are torn, but Alba grins as she SWANTON BOMBS! Cover on Iyo, TWO! Cover on Natty, TWO! But into a KOJI KLUTCH! Natty endures, flails, fights around, but Alba holds on tight! Natty pushes, stacks Alba, TWO!! Natty has the legs! Alba flails now, but Iyo runs up! Natty trips Iyo onto Alba, and she has them both! Natty turns them both over, DOUBLE SHARPSHOOTER!! Iyo and Alba both flail, both claw at the mat, and Alba gets the ROPEBREAK! No disqualifications so Natty can hold on! But now Iyo drags herself under the ropes, and there’s no room left, so Natty has to let go!

Natty rises up and she stalks Iyo to the apron. Natty drags Iyo up but Iyo HOTSHOTS Natty! Natty staggers, rebounds, but Iyo jumps the baseball slide! Natty hits Alba down, and then Iyo PENALTY KICKS Natty! Iyo fires up and springboards, ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit on both targets and the fans fire up! Iyo hurries to get Natty up and into the ring, then she drags Natty into the drop zone. Iyo climbs, but Alba CLUBS Iyo first! Alba snarls as she climbs up, but Iyo holds onto ropes! Natty CLUBS Alba and she adds on! SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX on Alba! But Iyo stays up top to go OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, Iyo wins!

Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (advances to the semifinals)

The Genius of the Sky moves on, ready to fly against The Morrigan! Will Iyo be able to get past Lyra Valkyria and head for the title?

 

Judgment Day sulks in the clubhouse.

Finn Balor tells JD McDonagh that he can’t believe this. This was supposed to be a Merry Christmas, Finn was supposed to be celebrating with two titles, and now he has none! Liv Morgan tells Raquel Rodriguez to tell Finn that the reason she suggested he stay away from Damian Priest is because she knew this would happen. Raquel starts to relay the message, but Finn has JD tell Liv that she’s got her own problems to worry about and to stay off his back. But then Liv tells Raquel to tell Finn that the reason she’s “on his back” is because he lost the tag titles. JD, tell Liv that Christmas is-

Dominik speaks up to stop the arguing. Christmas IS around the corner, and now they’re not even talking to each other? Dom says he’s gonna go talk with Pearce and get a match with Priest! Dom’s gonna step up for this family. Oh, Dom thinks he’s better than Finn? No, it’s not even like that. Dom has a plan. He’ll talk with Pearce then fill everyone in later. Dom heads out, JD prays for one week of no drama while it’s Christmas. Will Dirty Dom make sure The Punisher pays for screwing Finn & JD over? Or will Priest be given the gift of sending Dom South of Heaven?

 

Sami and Jey regroup backstage.

Sami can’t believe Jey didn’t text or call about the comeback. Jey says, “My bad.” But Sami says it’s fine, he’s happy Jey is back. And thanks for having his back out there tonight and every night, Sami appreciates Jey. Jey thanks Sami for that, and says you know he had to come back for payback. Jey is gonna handle business! Actually, Sami was kinda hoping he could handle McIntyre. Sami talked a big game, he’s gotta back it up. But Sami, you’re not even 100% tonight. Sami knows, but he started something so he has to finish it. Jey says alright. He’s got next! They secret handshake and Jey wishes Sami luck. Will Sami finally get a win on McIntyre in a Christmas miracle?

 

Chad Gable w/ Team American Made VS Akira Tozawa w/ The Alpha Academy!

As “Master” Gable said last week, it was about time he settled things with his past. Will Gable prove to the world that he was always the reason the Alpha Academy was relevant? Or will he find out he can’t keep up with the Stamina Monster?

Raw returns and the #AlphaBabes make their entrance, showing off that new merch while they’re at it. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Tozawa and Gable tie up, Gable wrenches and talks trash right to Tozawa’s face! Gable CHOPS Tozawa down, stands him up, CHOPS him down again, repeat! Gable whips and CLOBBERS Tozawa, then raises the fist. The fans boo more but Gable talks smack on Otis. Gable drags Tozawa up, suplexes, but Tozawa slips free! Tozawa SOBATS, spins, slides under, and SPIN KCIKS! Gable goes to a corner and Tozawa puts him up! But Gable gets Tozawa for a HANGING ARMBAR!

Otis protests, the ref counts, and Gable lets off at 4. Gable says he didn’t break a rule, and Otis never learns. Gable SLAPS Otis, slides into the ring, but Tozawa victory rolls! TWO, but Tozawa SUPERKICKS Gable down! Tozawa rips the shirt off, goes up top, and SUPER SENTRONS onto knees! Gable saves himself and hauls Tozawa up to GERMAN SUPELX! And then GERMAN SUPLEX again! Gable GERMAN SUPLEXES again! But he isn’t done, Gable spins Tozawa around, and POWERBOMBS him! ANKLE LOCK!! Tozawa flails but he’s so far from the ropes! Tozawa TAPS, Gable wins!

Winner: Chad Gable, by submission

But Gable won’t let go! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Gable just drops into a GRAPEVINE! So Otis storms in and he drags Gable off the leg! Otis TOSSES Gable! The fans are thunderous, but Team American Made steps up to support Gable. Gable says Otis never learns! But Otis’ hips are moving! He’s shaking, quaking, and the fans fire up, but American Made backs off. Will Gable finally fight Otis and put this beef to rest?

 

The New Day talks backstage.

They still don’t understand how everyone here doesn’t see things their way. But then Dirty Dom walks over, clapping with “New! Day Rocks!” Finally, someone who understands! Dom says he never liked Big E, but uh, no, what they did was crazy. Well, whatever, Broke Ass Tom Selleck! Dom says Tom Selleck wishes! Dirty Dom heads for gorilla, ready to fight for the Judgment Day. But will Dom go from “Broke Ass Tom Selleck” to just broken?

 

Dominik Mysterio VS Damian Priest!

Judgment Day’s history has always been a rocky one, but it has never been rockier than right now. Betraying Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest probably has a lot to do with it, but will Dom be able to smooth things over by taking Damian down? Or will Priest finally beat some sense into #LatinoCheat?

The bell rings and Dom bails right out! Dom dares Priest to come get him, but Priest says Dom needs to get back in the ring. Priest will even give him a free shot! Dom storms up to the apron, steps in, and takes that swing, but Priest blocks it! Then Priest BELL CLAPS Dom, DECKS him, then DECKS him again! Dom staggers around, Priest picks him up to SLAM DUNK! Dom staggers back up, into a torture rack! Priest bends Dom with the Argentine Backbreaker! Priest then THROWS Dom down and the fans fire up. Priest paces around, powers up his arm, and Dom rises. The fans rally and Priest runs, but Dom ducks a lariat!

Dom kicks, CLUBS and KICKS again! SUPERKICK! Then DROPKCIK! Priest staggers but Dom hurries to stalk behind him. Priest sits up first and glares at Dom. Dom panics, but he DUMPS Priest out! Dom builds speed to DIVE, but into Priest’s hands! FLATLINER onto the desk! The fans fire up and Priest drags Dom up to then POST him! Dom falls in a heap, but Priest puts Dom in the ring. Priest then notices a very suspicious Santa Claus. Priest snatches the beard away, and tada! It’s JD! Priest TOSSES JD and the fans cheer! JD wants mercy but Priest SLIDES him across the desk! The fans fire up as Wade narrowly avoids getting hit!

Priest then has a Spider Sense moment, and he looks under the ring! Carlito spits out his apple in surprise! Priest drags Carlito up and TOSSES him into the timekeeper’s area! But then Finn attacks!

Winner: Damian Priest, by disqualification

Finn fires hands, but Priest blocks the desk bump! Priest body shots and SMACKS Finn off the desk! And again, and again! Priest puts Finn in the ring, Dom runs up, but Priest DECKS him! Priest fires more hands on Finn, but the Judgment Day regroups! They mug Priest 4v1 as usual, and JD even drops elbows! The fans boo but the Judgment Day stand Priest up. WAIT! Here comes the War Raiders! Erik & Ivar fire hands on Dom & Carlito, and Priest TOSSES JD! Finn realizes he’s alone, and Priest SUPERKICKS him down! Priest stomps a mudhole into Finn, the Raiders put Carlito and Dom in the ring!

Ivar KNEES Carlito, then feeds him to Erik’s KNEE! The fans cheer, JD gets up, but Priest LARIATS him inside-out! Dom is fed to the WAR MACHINE!! Finn staggers up, but Priest grabs him! And Finn goes SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! The Judgment Day just got further embarrassed, and that’s not even considering JD’s Santa costume. Will the War Raiders be some unlikely allies for Priest in this ongoing war with the Judgment Day?

 

Sit-down interview with Seth Rollins.

Jackie Redmond thanks The Visionary for taking this time to talk with her, and he says it is his pleasure. Jackie talked with CM Punk and heard what he had to say, what Punk believes, when it comes to Rollins’ hatred for Punk. And we have heard from Rollins, as well, but Jackie’s still just curious. What is the root cause, the driving force, of this disdain he clearly feels for CM Punk? Rollins says the thing is, he has tried to explain how he feels many times over the years, and it sort of… Well, he won’t say he’s talking into the wind, but Rollins just feels Punk has needed the WWE more than the WWE needed him.

And so that hypocrisy from Punk is what just eats at Rollins. It is hard for Rollins to let that go. Jackie mentions how Rollins has talked about getting rid of it by “cutting it out” and fighting through it, and how this fight with Punk has to happen as a catharsis. What does “cutting” Punk out look like? What should we expect from, not even so much a match, that doesn’t feel like the right word now. Rollins says it’ll be fight. That’s what we’re getting, no question. It is the biggest fight in their sport right now, and Rollins needs it now. After Survivor Series, seeing Punk hand-in-hand with Roman Reigns… Roman’s finger in the air, Punk doing the stupid Go To Sleep thing…

Rollins just wanted to throw the remote through his TV, he was so viscerally, internally destroyed. Rollins felt that was it, no more waiting. The world needs to see it. This is perfect. The Netflix debut, the world will be watching. But to answer the question, he doesn’t know what it’ll look like. You might see a side of Rollins that no one’s ever seen. No pun intended, it will be raw, visceral, violent. Rollins needs to exorcise this demon from his soul, he has to cut the cancer out of his brain, or he is going down. Then the only way to process the betrayal is to go through a fight, and we get that on January 6th, Raw in LA for Netflix.

Jackie thanks Rollins for the time and his honesty. Rollins says yeah, he can’t wait. Will Rollins truly #BurnItDown when it comes to fight CM Punk?

 

The Miz VS Dexter Lumis!

The Hollywood A-Lister has his own history with the man now turned buzzard, and things are only worse now that this is about the Final Testament and the Wyatt Sick6. Will Miz manage to bury the past once and for all? Or will he get no mercy from Lumis?

Raw returns as Miz waits. A message flashes, “I OPENED THE DOOR,” and then the lights go down. And from that mysterious door to the other side, out steps Lumis. He takes off the Mercy the Buzzard mask, then rushes the ring! Miz scrambles right out as Lumis slithers along the mat! The fans cheer Lumis on while Miz tentatively returns to the ring. The bell rings, Miz wants Lumis to hold on, but Lumis swings hands! Miz bobs ‘n’ weaves, then throws a punch! Lumis just glares at Miz! Miz runs away, Lumis gives chase, and they go around the outside, then back inside! Lumis drags Miz out of the ring to ROCK him!

Miz staggers, Lumis THROWS him into barriers! The fans cheer, Lumis ROCKS Miz again, and then Lumis SMACKS Miz off the apron! Lumis pushes Miz into the ring, Miz bails out, but Lumis goes out to the apron. CANNONBALL! The fans fire up and Lumis brings Miz up. Lumis CLUBS Miz, stalks him, then puts him in the ring. Miz again asks for mercy, but then he tries a cheap kick! Lumis blocks and UPPERCUTS! Lumis scoops, Miz slips free and Miz BOOTS Lumis! Miz runs, but into a THESZ PRESS! Lumis rains down fast hands, then runs to AX HANDLE! The fans fire up and Lumis brings Miz up.

Miz breaks free to throat chop! The ref reprimands but Miz runs, only for Lumis to catch him! URENAGE! Lumis storms around, then goes looks to the corner. Lumis climbs, but wait, the Authors of Pain are here! So Lumis CANNONBALLS onto them! The fans fire up but Kross attacks!

Winner: Dexter Lumis, by disqualification

The Final Testament beats Lumis up and puts him in the ring. Miz stands, confident now that he has reinforcements. Kross says they’ve got Lumis where they want him, but Lumis looks to the sky. Seems it’s the other way around! The lights go down, and when they come up, the rest of the Wyatts are here! They brawl with Final Testament and then send them running! Nikki wants uppies, and Erik Rowan pops her up to POWERBOMB her out onto The Final Testament! Nikki is all fired up as the Wyatts stand together! Will The Final Testament be the one buried and forgotten after all is said and done?

 

The War Raiders regroup backstage.

Erik & Ivar are fired up after getting the better of Judgment Day, and then Priest walks in. He says what’s up, and they give him some pushes and shoves of excitement. Priest says okay, okay, settle down. But that was good, and he appreciates the save. Ivar says hey, they’ve all known each other a long time. And while they haven’t always seen eye to eye, there has always been honor here. They may not be friends, but Priest had their backs in a big way last week and they don’t forget that. They owed him, they got him. Priest respects that. If the War Raiders are at war with the Judgment Day, then he’ll go to war with them.

They all fist bump, and Erik & Ivar say they like the sound of that. Could these three finally tear down Judgment Day once and for all?

 

The zero symbol returns…

And now it’s joined by a pentagram? What could these clues be leading to?

 

The New Day barges out to ringside.

And Kofi Kingston tells Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett on commentary that no no no no! You do not get to speak about them like that! Woods asks what is going on around here? What happened to unbiased journalism? How long has Tessitore even been with the WWE? Not that long, right? Certainly not long enough to know that his job is not to have an opinion but to tell the TRUTH like they have! But it seems in 2024, no one wants the truth! Certainly not these fans. Wade was sympathizing with E as well! Well that’s fine, because Wade and Big E have something in common. They’re not man enough to lace up their boots again and get in the ring!

The fans boo now but Kofi says speaking of getting back int he ring, allow the New Day to do that and continue to tell everyone what they were trying to tell people before. They did NOT put hands on Big E. They could have, laid him out here in the ring, stretchered out of the building again, but they didn’t! So why is everyone so upset!? The fans keep booing but Kofi says this was supposed to be a homecoming for Kofi, and for the woman he bought a plane ticket for to come all the way here to Boston from Ghana, and that is Kofi’s mom! Kofi’s mom is in the front row! Miss Elizabeth Kingston is here, but she doesn’t seem very amused.

Kofi says his mom sat in the middle seat for 20 HOURS, just to see Kofi, and the fans are ruining her experience! This is his mother! The woman who taught him how to be the man that he is today! She does not deserve to see her son get booed out of his own hometown! Woods says they gave the fans ten of the best years of their LIVES…! Kofi steps back outside to apologize to his mom for the fans. She does not deserve this. Kofi doesn’t understand why they’re doing this. Kofi wants a hug. Miss Elizabeth stands up, but she pushes Kofi! She’s upset with HIM, not the fans! Miss Elizabeth takes her coat and leaves! Kofi is confused, what’s this about?

Kofi calls after his mom but she tunes him out. Though, it might be hard to hear over the fans. Will it ever get through to the New Day that they are in the wrong?

 

The New Day regroups backstage.

And then they cross paths with Rey Mysterio. Woods asks if he’s gonna pile on. Rey says no, it’s not like that. Rey thought about what they said last week, being a locker room leader and all. Rey definitely could’ve handled things better, so he’ll apologize to them. Rey just has the responsibility to help everyone as much as he can. So hey, what New Day did was out of pocket, all foul. And if they want to start fixing things, they can start by apologizing. Whoa, hold up. Them? Apologize to Rey and the locker room? No, they aren’t apologizing, because they didn’t do anything wrong! This is ridiculous!

Rey is just as bad as Big E and everyone else! Why not let Woods pop that mask off again so he can hear them better. New Day did nothing wrong. Rey says okay, fine, que pasa nada. Just don’t say he didn’t try. From this point on, New Day is on their own. And oh, get used to hearing this. “New! Day SUCKS!” With that, Rey takes his leave. After hearing that, will Kofi & Woods have anything but a Merry Christmas?

 

Sami Zayn VS Drew McIntyre!

The Honorary Uce may have just lost to the Scottish Terminator at Saturday Night’s Main Event, but he isn’t going to give up the fight. Will Sami finally get a win over McIntyre as a Christmas miracle? Or will McIntyre ruin the holidays with a Claymore?

Raw returns and Sami makes his entrance. The bell rings and McIntyre kicks low! McIntyre fires hands, then CHOPS Sami in a corner! McIntyre ROCKS Sami, stands him up, and then CHOPS again! The fans are torn but McIntyre paces while Sami sits down. Sami rises up, and he avoids a chop to fire hands! The fans fire up as Sami CHOPS and fires more punches! The ref backs Sami off, but Sami comes back to stomp and punch! The fans rally behind “SAMI USO!” and Sami whips Mcintyre corner to corner. McIntyre reverses, Sami goes up, but McIntyre KICKS him out of the air!

McIntyre snarls and then he deadlift suplexes Sami! Sami writhes and clutches his back, but McIntyre storms over to him. McIntyre STMOPS Sami’s hands! Then he ROCKS Sami with a right! Sami goes to ropes but McIntyre CHOPS him again! The fans “WOO~!” as that chop echoes out! The fans rally for Sami but McIntyre grins. McIntyre whips but Sami KICKS him in return! Mcintyre comes back but Sami TOSSES him out! The fans fire up and Sami builds speed, but then Mcintyre moves so Sami Arabian Presses to land back inside. Sami smiles as he gets the better of McIntyre, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Sami is in the corner. McIntyre storms up to stomp away on him again! The ref backs McIntyre off but then McIntyre storms back up. McIntyre drag’s Sami up to the apron, and he suplexes Sami up and into the ring! Sami flounders to the ropes and the ref checks him. Sami says he’s still in this, so McIntyre drags Sami back up. But Sami CHOPS McIntyre! And CHOSP! And fires forearms! Sami whips, McIntyre reverses but Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for McIntyre to tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and McIntyre grows annoyed. The fans rally up but Sami writhes form all the damage.

McIntyre stalks Sami to the ropes, eggs him on, and then whips him to ropes. Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges again, and this time Sami tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Sami and McIntyre both rise up, and McIntyre bails out. Sami storms up to ropes, grits his teeth, and he PLANCHAS! But McIntyre catches him! And then he aims for the desk! Sami fights free, and he DRIBBLES McIntyre off the desk! Sami backs off as the ring count climbs, but Sami goes back for McIntyre. McIntyre stops the step bump to SMACK Sami off the steps! McIntyre refreshes the ring count because he wants to do more damage!

McIntyre stalks Sami up the steps, then lifts him for an APRON BACKBREAKER!! Sami falls and writhes, and McIntyre has a manic look on his face as he watches Sami suffer, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again and Mcintyre has Sami in the Inverted Alabama Lift! INVERTED ALABAMA- VICTORY ROLL! TWO!! McIntyre escapes and runs up, but Sami dodges! McIntyre POSTS himself! The fans fire up as McIntyre flops back, and Sami hurries to the corner! Sami climbs, but his back slows him down! McIntyre ROCKS Sami first! And then CHOPS him! McIntyre climbs up after Sami, fires some shots, then fireman’s carries Sami! SUPER WHITE NOISE! A shoutout to Sheamus and McIntyre covers, TWO!! The fans fire up while McIntyre grows frustrated. Sami stirs but McIntyre watches him closely.

The fans rally and McIntyre drags Sami back up. But Sami cradle counters! TWO! McIntyre GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Sami falls and McIntyre snarls. McIntyre goes to a corner, and he takes aim at Sami. Here comes the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” But Sami LARIATS McIntyre! And then a clinch, EXPLODER into the corner! Sami goes to the other side and the fans fire up! Sami aims as McIntyre rises, but that back tightens up. Sami fights through the pain, gets running, but CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

That was perhaps the closest Sami’s come, but he was still so far away from victory over McIntyre. 3-0 in 2024, 10-0 overall, and McIntyre stands over Sami to rub it in. Sami is already dazed, but McIntyre rains down fists! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but McIntyre shoves the ref away to HAMMER Sami down! But here comes Jey, just like earlier tonight! Jey runs in, dodges again, and this time, SPEAR!! Jey has Mcintyre down, but now he goes up! But wait! TAMA TONGA SHOVES JEY OFF THE TOP!! Solo Sikoa & The Bloodline are here! McIntyre is just as surprised, but given the truce they called on Friday, McIntyre takes his leave.

The Bloodline beat down Sami & Jey, which McIntyre loves to see. Tama Tonga rains down fists on Main Event Jey in a corner, but the fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Instead, Jacob Fatu gets running! But Jey dodges the hip attack! SUPERKICK for Tama! Jey fires haymakers on Jacob! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Solo steps in to swing, but Jey dodges! Jey ROCKS Solo! Jacob SUPERKICKS Jey! The fans boo as the Samoan Werewolf gets all geeked up! Solo adds his SAMOAN SPIKE!! Solo throws off his jacket, sits Jey back up, but Sami gets in! Sami fires hands, but Tama TACKLES Sami! Tama beats Sami down and fans boo again.

Solo tells Tama to set Sami up, and Tama stomps Sami into the corner. Jacob runs in, to HIP ATTACK! Jacob isn’t done, he puts Sami in the drop zone to go up, up and BEST MOONSAULT EVER! The fans boo but Solo adds on another SAMOAN SPIKE!! Solo roars, then he and his Bloodline stand over the OGs. Jacob adorns Solo with the ula fala, will not even Roman Reigns be able to stop the “Undisputed” Tribal Chief? Will all of the WWE have no choice but to acknowledge Solo Sikoa?


My Thoughts:

A great Raw here to build both the last Raw of 2024 and the first Raw of 2025, aka the Netflix debut. Rollins had a very good interview promo to add just a little more to things, but I feel like there’s little left that they need to say. Very good stuff with Judgment Day, such as the classic “X, can you tell Y…” gag from Finn and Liv. Dom thinking their plan to screw Priest over would work is hilarious, as was how it all fell apart. Priest gets the win from disqualification, but then great save from the War Raiders. Good promo from Priest and War Raiders, love the reference to ROH by saying “honor” there, and that’s a solid Six Man Tag right there.

Fun little bit from Pearce with Pure Fusion Collective, and of course Sonya thought she’d get a second chance, and of course Pearce uses real logic to say no way. Iyo Sky replacing Kairi Sane was announced last week on social media, so I guess Sonya didn’t check between shows. Great Triple Threat from Iyo, Alba and Natty, and of course Iyo won or else why put her in there? Iyo VS Lyra next round will be great stuff, as will Dakota Kai VS Zoey Stark, and whatever combination we get for the title match is going to be great. I don’t think we’ll get DMG CTRL VS DMG CTRL, so if Dakota wins, Iyo loses, and then vice-versa.

Great stuff with American Made and Alpha Academy, but of course Tozawa takes the loss. Otis standing up to Gable & The Creeds was a great moment, and I really hope we get Gable VS Otis for the big Netflix debut. Win or lose, Otis should definitely have a moment where he rallies through Gable and both Creeds, really get the crowd hot before the finish. Miz VS Lumis was good but could’ve been better. With only two hours, I guess they had to trim things down to the basics. Another disqualification finish tonight is a bit much, but I guess it keeps things going until we can come up with some kind of new 8 Man Tag, or even a really wild Mixed 10 Person match so Nikki and Scarlett can get involved legally.

Great stuff with New Day, from their interaction with Dom, then their “interrupting” the show to try and get their point across. It was great to have Mama Kingston there, and I just knew she would be disappointed in Kofi. Good promo with Rey, too, as Rey now leaves New Day out in the cold. I feel like we need a big tag team match to not only have Heel New Day show their stuff against like LWO, Alpha Academy, etcetera, and then they earn their way to a match with the War Raiders to revisit their feud, just with flipped Heel and Face dynamics. That could be some really good stuff as Raw on Netflix paves the road to WrestleMania 41.

And great stuff with McIntyre and the extended Bloodline. He and Sami had a great promo to again bring up family and sacrifice, but also how Roman’s OG Bloodline came back together without Roman ever changing a thing. Great brawls, great saves by Jey, and of course McIntyre won the match. Jey will of course get next, probably also for the Netflix debut, but good stuff with Solo Sikoa and his Bloodline showing up. They beat down Jey & Sami to send a message to Roman, who was obviously not going to be here tonight. There will surely be a response in part on SmackDown, but maybe more verbal than physical.

I feel like the “Transfer Window” will need to put all Bloodline members, old and new, on one brand so the story can be told all on one show. It’d just be easier while Jimmy’s foot is healing, because what can Roman do without backup against Solo, Tama & Jacob? And honestly, still waiting on when and where Hikuleo is going to show up. This is a good time to bring him in with Tonga Loa also hurt, so Solo can get the numbers edge on Roman again.

My Score: 8.8/10

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Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Tokyo Dome Results & Report! (12/22/24)

Empire VS Emperor!

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on

NJPW Road to Tokyo Dome

The Road to the Tokyo Dome goes through KOPW!

As 2024 nears an end, Great-O-Khan defends the KOPW Championship one more time, against a former KOPW Champion in Taichi! Who will be THE 2024 King of Pro-Wrestling?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Kickoff – Chase Your Dream Match: Shoma Kato VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
  • Boltin Oleg VS Satoshi Kojima; Boltin wins.
  • Triple Threat Tag: Jeff Cobb & Jakob Austin Young VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson VS Ren Narita & Yujiro Takahashi; Narita & Yujiro win.
  • DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS El Desperado & Master Wato; Desperado & Wato win.
  • Fatal 4 Way: Kevin Knight VS Robbie Eagles VS Francesco Akira VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Eagles wins.
  • Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
  • Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita; ZSJ & Fujita win.
  • KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi; Khan wins and is the definitive 2024 KOPW Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

After the Triple Threat Tag…

The House of Torture of course cheated to win, but they wouldn’t leave it at that! They waited until the United Empire and TMDK argued with each other to then attack them all! Yujiro Takahashi CLUBS Oiwa down while Narita shoves Cobb into big Hartley Jackson! And then Narita JAMS Cobb with the pushup bar! The fans boo but Narita JAMS Oiwa up, too! The Souled Out Son of Strong Style is so proud of himself as he holds up his NJPW World TV Championship, but wait. Christmas music starts playing? The fans clap along as surprise! Santa and his reindeer are here! Well, one reindeer. But shouldn’t the House of Torture be on the naughty list?

Santa Claus walks over, and he gets the mic. He sounds familiar as he tells, “Narita-san… You have a Christmas present waiting. Would you like it now?” Narita asks what the heck is going on. Santa steps into the ring and offers Narita the little tiny bag. Narita snatches the bag, then he and Yujiro look at it. The fans asks, “Nani nani? <What is it?>” Narita tells them to shut up. Narita gets the bag open and pulls out… Blue sunglasses! With LED lights! The fans cheer as the lights go down! “E! L! P!” EL PHANTASMO IS HERE! The Headbanga has been battling cancer, but he’s here in Korakuen Hall!

Narita is furious but ELP slides right into the ring! Narita & Yujiro run away, but the fans cheer ELP on as he stands side-by-side with Jado Claus. ELP gets the mic now, and the fans cheer him on. ELP takes a moment before saying, in Japanese, “Cancer. Cancer… I’ve beaten cancer! And I love Korakuen!” But ELP asks Jado-san how to say a certain something in Japanese. He whispers it, but then Narita & Yujiro attack! The fans boo these cowards, but then Narita says Merry Christmas! But ELP BOOTS him, ELBOWS Yujiro, then dodges Narita to SUDDEN DEATH! Jado Claus DECKS the Tokyo Pimp!

ELP again asks Jado, and Jado says on behalf of ELP, that ELP is going to wrestle tomorrow night! And… Then he’ll be at the Tokyo Dome! ELP grabs the NJPW World TV Championship! ELP looks it over, and looks to the crowd, and then to Jado, but then Jeff Cobb and Ryohei Oiwa get in the ring. Cobb asks if ELP’s good. ELP is good. Are they good? Then let’s turn it up a notch! FATAL 4 WAY for the TV Championship! Narita snatches his belt, gets out of the ring, and tells everyone to shut up! The odds just got stacked against the House of Torture, will the New Year have a NEW NJPW World TV Champion one way or another?

 

Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita!

Ahead of battling for THE IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, The Roughneck and The Front Man bring some back up! The Ace is also preparing to fight Evil, will he and Shota bring a Once in a Century Paradigm Shift? Or will ZSJ and the Japanese Young Punk prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

The teams sort out and Shota starts against ZSJ. The fans cheer this WrestleKingdom preview, and Korakuen duels between “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” ZSJ and Shota feel things out, then knuckle lock. ZSJ clinches but Shota fights back with his own clinch. ZSJ slips around to chinbar but Shota wrenches to a wristlock. ZSJ rolls, tries another chinbar but Shota cranks the wristlock. ZSJ bridges, spins, slips around and wrangles Shota! Shota kips up to WRING the arm, but ZSJ UP KICKS! The fans cheer as the two reset. Shota and ZSJ circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ then stands on Shota’s hand!

ZSJ has another hand and twists the wrist! Then he has both arms for a motorcycle stretch but Shota fights up. Shota turns things around, and he fights ZSJ as ZSJ tries to turn them back. ZSJ keeps trying, and he pushes through, but Shota spins things right back around! The fans cheer while Shota digs a foot into ZSJ’s back. ZSJ flips, kips up, spins things around, but Shota spins them back! The fans cheer, and Shota spins ZSJ. ZSJ dodges the lariat, Shota blocks a kick, but ZSJ ducks the enzigiri! Shota avoids the Penalty Kick and arm-drags ZSJ, but ZSJ headscissors! Shota kips free, avoids a leg pick, and the fans cheer!

Shota dares ZSJ to go for the leg but the two reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and each man breaks free of one. They back off, and Shota tags in Tanahashi. The fans cheer, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Korakuen strongly supports President Ace. Tanahashi and Fujita circle, tie up, and Tanahashi powers Fujita back. The ref counts, Tanahashi lets off slowly, but then Fujita turns things around! Tanahashi turns things around, and repeat! The ref counts, Fujita lets off slowly, but then both men block a kick! They argue over who lets go first, and eventually agree for a mutual break. They set the feet down, but then Fujita holds on!

Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi, then whips. Tanahashi reverses but Fujita ducks ‘n’ dodges to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Fujita aims from a corner. Fujita runs corner to corner but Tanahashi BOOTS him! Shota CLOBBERS Fujita, then eggs ZSJ on! ZSJ runs up, Shota blocks a kick and he sends ZSJ into Tanahashi’s ELBOW! Shota CLOBBERS ZSJ and the fans fire up. Shota pursues ZSJ to the outside and CLUBS him down! Shota clamps onto ZSJ with a chinlock but the ref reprimands. Tanahashi CHOPS Fujita, but Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi! The fans fire up as Fujita storms back up, but he blocks a boot!

Fujita DRAGON SCREWS Tanahashi’s leg! Fujita kips up, ZSJ sends Shota into railing, and Fujita stomps Tanahashi. The fans rally and Fujita brings Tanahashi up to CHOP! Fujita eggs Tanahashi on, CHOPS him again, then CHOPS again! Tanahashi flounders and ZSJ tags in. ZSJ drags Tanahashi up to UPPERCUT! Tanahashi ends up in the TMDK corner, ZSJ UPPERCUTS him again! ZSJ says, “Mada mada!” and he UPPERCUTS again! Tanahashi falls, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Fujita brings Tanahashi up. Fujita CHOPS again, and then CHOPS again! Tanahashi is stinging and using the ropes for defense while the fans rally up.

Tanahashi storms up but Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi CHOPS, Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi falls and Fujita BLASTS Shota! Tag to ZSJ and he grabs a leg. Fujita also grabs one, they drag Tanahashi to center, and then they both go after arms. Then they shift, ZSJ has an arm while Fujita has a leg! Then they both have legs again! Then ZSJ has a leg and Fujita has an arm! Then back to the arms! They both isolate the arms for DOUBLE STOMPS! The fans cheer, the ref reprimands and ZSJ “apologizes” with a bow. ZSJ stands on one of Tanahashi’s legs to then twist the other! Tanahashi endures, even as ZSJ TWEAKS the ankle!

ZSJ twists the foot the other way, flips Tanahashi over, and shifts around to have a headscissor and armlock! Shota stomps ZSJ but Fujita goes after Shota! Fujita TOSSES Shota, ZSJ tags Fujita back in. Fujita stomps Tanahashi, KICKS him in the back, but Tanahashi gets mad! Fujita KICKS Tanahashi but Tanahashi fires up! Fujita KICKS and CHOPS, but Tanahashi fires forearm after forearm! Fujita CHOPS again! Tanahashi grits his teeth but Fujita CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! SHOTEI! Fujita falls but so does Tanahashi! The fans rally up while both men crawl, hot tag to Shota! Shota rallies on Fujita with big forearms and elbows!

Shota whips, Fujita reverses, but Shota dropkicks the legs out! ZSJ runs up and RAMS Shota! Then ZSJ runs, but into Shota’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Shota goes to Fujita. Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Fujita in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t mind. Shota clinches but Fujita fights the suplex with elbows. Shota runs up, but Fujita wrenches, waistlocks, but Shota ELBOWS free! Shota whips, Fujita reverses and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Fujita crawls, hot tag to ZSJ!

ZSJ runs up to BOOT Shota! Shota stays up so ZSJ runs to BOOT him again! And BOOT him again! Shota roars and ROCKS ZSJ! Shota runs to ROCK ZSJ again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Shota eggs him on, repeat! Shota UPPERCUTS and ZSJ roars! ZSJ UPPER- NO, Shota hooks the arm, but ZSJ wrenches out of the backslide to PELE the arm! Then ZSJ basement DROPKICKS Shota! The fans fire up while Shota clutches a leg and an arm. ZSJ kicks him around, scuffs him and taunts him. The fans rally, the ref checks Shota, but Shota is okay to continue. ZSJ stands Shota up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT!

Shota clinches to EXPLODER! Both men are down and the fans rally again! Shota crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! Fujita runs up, but Tanahashi blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Payback for earlier! Tanahashi runs up at ZSJ in a corner, blocks a boot, and DRAGON SCREWS! Tanahashi put some stank on that one! Then he goes up the corner for a SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this but the fans continue to rally! “GO ACE! GO ACE!” echoes out as Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ catches him into a COBRA TWIST! Tanahashi endures, then throws elbows into ZSJ’s leg. Tanahashi gets free to DRAGON SCREW again!

ZSJ writhes, Tanahashi ties the legs up, but ZSJ kicks at him! Tanahashi blocks a kick to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And now, TEXAS CLOVER- NO, ZSJ fights the turnover and reels Tanahashi into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Tanahashi endures and the fans rally up, but Shota gets in! Shota stomps away on ZSJ, but then Fujita MISSILE DROPKICKS Shota! Fujita brings Tanahashi up but Tanahashi SHOTEIS him down! ZSJ is after Tanahashi but he avoids the shotei! ZSJ SLAPS Tanahashi, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but ZSJ gives him a NECK TWIST! The fans fire up as ZSJ stand Tanahashi up.

ZSJ scoops but Tanahashi fights that, to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up but Tanahashi isn’t done! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi stands ZSJ up again, but ZSJ scoops to ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, ZSJ & Fujita win!

Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita, by pinfall

Shota can’t believe The Ace fell, but this is why ZSJ is the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! Will ZSJ do this all to Shota when they’re 1v1 in the Tokyo Dome? Or will Shota prove he’s mightier than The Mighty?

 

KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi!

The Dominator has, well, dominated as KOPW Champion for a long stretch of 2024, but the Holy Emperor did close out 2023 with this title. Granted, Taichi says that win, lose or draw, this is his final KOPW Championship match. As such, tonight’s stipulation is a sort of “Best Of” compilation as we go Best 2 Out of 3. Part one: a no ropes Sumo Rules match! Part two: Yoshinobu Kanemaru as special guest referee? Well, he would be a neutral party… And part three, if needed, will be a LAST MAN STANDING MATCH! Will Taichi “retire” from this truly freestyle division standing tall? Or will Khan truly conquer KOPW for the United Empire?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, but Taichi also brings back the trophy for the occasion, and it’s time to end the year in style!

Sumo Rules!

Both men finish preparations with weight belts and some stretching. They square up, the ref says go and they RAM into each other! The fans rally as both men go for those weight belts to use as leverage. They go around, get very close to the ring edge, but then Khan moves things away. Khan THROWS Taichi, but Taichi stays on the ring so the sumo match continues. They reset and go again! Taichi pushes Khan back with both hands, but Khan digs in his heels! They clinch, go around, and Taichi goes for the edge! Khan pulls on Taichi’s leg to get around, but Taichi uses that to steer Khan to another edge! But Khan hits a fireman’s carry takeover!

Khan drags Taichi up but Taichi fights off the throw! They clinch and fight for control again. They each try to lift with the belt! Khan has Taichi near the edge, but then Taichi has Khan near the edge! Khan is teetering and the fans fire up! Taichi THROWS Khan to the floor, Taichi wins the fall!

Khan: 0; Taichi: 1

Special Guest Referee!

The fans are thunderous as Taichi takes the Sumo Rules fall, but now we go to a much more complicated situation. The ropes have to be put back up, sure, but now the Heel Master of all people is going to be the referee! The time it takes to set up the ropes is a reprieve for both sides, especially Khan as he has to catch his breath and refocus. Once the ropes are up, both men wait in the ring. All that is left is the buckle pads, and of course, Kanemaru himself. Kanemaru gets a proper introduction and entrance before he goes to the ring, and wow, he’s even wearing an official NJPW referee shirt with the lion mark on it.

Referee Kanemaru does his check and he even tells Taka Michinoku to watch himself. Kanemaru does a far less thorough check of Khan than Taichi! Did the Empire pay Kanemaru off?! Kanemaru has Taichi cool off, then whispers something to Khan! The bell rings, the fans rally for Khan, and Khan circles with Taichi. They tie up, Taichi powers Khan to ropes, and Kanemaru calls for a ropebreak. Then he has a fast count! Taichi lets off before 4 and argues with Kanemaru! Kanemaru says that’s his count, deal with it. Khan and Taichi reset, tie up, and Khan puts Taichi on ropes. Kanemaru pays more attention to Taka than Taichi!

The fans can’t help but laugh as Kanemaru finally does count, and now it’s really slow! Taichi protests, but Khan pulls Taichi’s arms. Then he CHOPS Taichi and stops at “3!” Khan then goes after Taichi, wrenches and wristlocks, and Kanemaru is asking if Taichi gives up!? Taichi tells him to shut up, but Khan kicks and CLUBS Taichi. Khan whips, Taichi BOOTS Khan down, then covers! Kanemaru strolls over to count! And it’s so slow! “TWO” and the fans cheer. Taichi is upset, but Khan rolls Taichi up! SO FAST!! TWO!! Taichi is getting pissed but Kanemaru backs away. Taichi stomps Khan, and Kanemaru’s untying a buckle pad?!

Taichi stomps Khan around, Khan leaves the pad there loosely, and Taichi whips. Khan reverses, and SURPRISE! bare buckles! Taka protests but Kanemaru SMACKS him with the pad! Khan plays dumb, and then he stands on Taichi’s lower back. Taichi has the ropes, but Kanemaru kicks the arm away! Khan has Taichi’s other arm, Taichi keeps grabbing for ropes but Kanemaru keeps kicking the hand away! Khan drags Taichi up, brings him around, and ROCKS him in the back! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan Mongolian Chops him on the back! And Mongolian Chops again! And Mongolian Chops again! Kanemaru doesn’t bother counting at all!

Taka protests, Kanemaru warns him, but then Khan hops up to sit on his throne! The fans cheer while Taichi endures, and only now does Kanemaru count! Khan asks hold on, hold on, so Kanemaru stops counting! Khan hops down, and then he puts Kanemaru up on the throne! Khan gets the fans to join in on the “Ohh…! HMPH!” Kanemaru isn’t into it so he hops down. Khan apologizes to Kanemaru, then he kicks Taichi around. Taichi gets up to fire hands! Khan kicks low, whips, but Taichi reverses to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down. Taichi stands, and he drags Khan up into SEITEI JUJIHOU!

Kanemaru might be stuck, he can’t ignore Khan tapping. But then Kanemaru drags Khan over to the ropes! Taichi is frustrated with Kanemaru but Kanemaru says that’s a ropebreak. Taichi storms up on Kanemaru, but then Khan waistlocks! Ripcord and SAYANAGI! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan runs in, but Taichi dodges! GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Taichi snarls. Taichi TAKES OFF THE PANTS! The pants were a bit stubborn, but still. But then Kanemaru “checks” Khan just to stay between him and Taichi! Taichi says move or else! Kanemaru says he’s the ref!

Kanemaru kicks Taichi, CLAWS Taichi’s eyes, then traps his arms! Khan gets up to IRON RIGHT!! Kanemaru “scolds” Khan, then “checks” Taichi. Khan rests in a corner and Kanemaru drags Taichi up for him. Taichi CHOKES Kanemaru! Kanemaru kicks low! Kanemaru whips Taichi into a corner, ELBOWS him, then Khan LARIATS! Khan snapmares and covers, Kanemaru wants more first! Khan sits Taichi up for a BASEMENT DROPKICK! Now cover, TWO!! Taichi survives so Kanemaru hurries to get his whiskey! Khan takes a swig, and Kanemaru sets Taichi up! WHISKEY MIST into Kanemaru! Taichi hits the GEDO CLUTCH, but Kanemaru really can’t count now!

Taichi lets off of Khan since there was no count to be had. Taichi drags Kanemaru up, but Khan WHISKEY BOTTLE SHOTS Taichi! IRON CLAW!! Kanemaru calls for the bell? He just hands the win to Khan without counting, so now we’re all tied up!

Khan: 1; Taichi: 1

Kanemaru has fulfilled the contract, Khan gives him the envelope of money. Khan even makes sure we all see how many thousands that is! Kanemaru heads out, is he going to party hard for the holidays? But that aside, it is time for the final fall!

Last Man Standing!

Taichi gets the mic first, and tells Khan that if that’s how Khan wants to do it, then Taichi will get down and dirty with Khan! No lumberjacks, no special guests, just the straight up ten count, and it can happen anywhere in Korakuen Hall! Khan says bet! The announcement is made for the official rule change, and now we have the final fall! Khan rushes Taichi on the outside, then whips him into railing! And we’re already going into the crowd! Khan throws Taicihi at English commentary, but big Hartley is a solid wall for Chris. Khan then drags Taichi up into the bleachers, and the fans clear out of the way!

Khan CHOKES Taichi with a chair, then lets off to clear chairs out of the way. The Young Lions try to help but Khan gets mad at them and pushes them aside. Khan drags Taichi up, knees him low, and then reels him in! But Taichi fights the sayanagi! Taichi SHOVES Khan, Khan falls to the floor but gets up, only for Taichi to CROSSBODY! Down goes Khan and Red Shoes hurries over. Both men are down but Taichi sits up. The count starts and Khan is still down at 5 of 10! Khan hurries to get up, and Taichi stomps him down! Taichi drags Khan back up into the bleachers, but we go the other way.

Taicih KICKS Khan down, Young Lions keep the fans back again, and Taichi drags Khan along. They keep moving through the crowd, and Taichi shoves Khan into chairs! Khan sputters but Taichi drags him up again. Taichi KNEES Khan, then drags him up. They go back down to floor level, and then Taichi aims at chairs! Taichi whips but Khan reverses and he BOWLS Taichi into chairs! Not quite a strike but he got a good number of those chairs! Khan pops the railing loose from the special corner piece, and he brings that corner piece over! Khan SMACKS Taichi with the steel! Taichi staggers away but he sits in a chair.

Khan starts folding chairs to stack them on the floor. Khan then uses one chair as a leash to drag Taichi over! Khan CLUBS Taichi, adds that one chair to the pile, and then snap suplexes Taichi onto the chairs! Taichi writhes but Khan rises up. Khan roars and the fans fire up! The count begins again but Taichi slowly sits up at 4. Taichi rises up, and he stands at 8! Khan brings Taichi around in a headlock, and they go to the orange bleachers! Khan uses the gate to smother Taichi, then they go up to the higher level! The fans fire up but then fans have to move! Khan KNEES and CLUBS Taichi, then whips Taichi at the exit door!

Taichi tumbles into the hallway! Khan drags Taichi back into the arena and uses the HITSUJIGOROSHI against the chairs! Taichi endures as Khan chokes him, then Khan lets him go! Red Shoes checks on Taichi, Taka coaches him, but the count begins. Khan sits in a chair to relax while he waits. Taichi sits up at 7, and stands at 9! Khan storms up on Taichi to CLUB him on the back! Khan headlocks Taichi, brings him to the other section, and he gets up close to the fans for photo ops. Khan then whips, but Taichi reverses, and Khan is sent into the wall! Taichi leaves Khan behind while the count begins again.

Khan sits up so Taichi KICKS him back down! Taichi drags Khan up, KICKS him again, and Khan falls to his knees. Taichi drags Khan up by his ponytail, and he goes close to the stairs that lead to the back! Khan fights the suplex, and for his life, but then he turns things around! Taichi fights the suplex, throws hands, and then DDTS Khan to the floor! Red Shoes checks both men, then starts the count. Taichi shakes out his arms and sits up at 4. Taichi stands at 6 but Khan is still down at 8! Khan drags himself up at 9! Taichi CLUBS Khan down, then brings him back up. Taichi brings Khan back to ground level, then snapmares him hard for a KICK!

Khan is in agony but Taichi drags him back up. But Khan RAMS Taichi into the railing! Taichi sputters while also sitting in a chair. Khan staggers away to ringside, and he goes looking under the ring. Khan brings out a trolly cart? Khan JAMS Taichi up using his own mic stand, then leaves him behind. Khan brings out a TABLE! Fans rally up as Khan puts the table on the trolly, then he staggers over to Taichi. Khan CLUBS Taichi down, then SHOVES him onto the table trolly combo. Khan has fans clear out, and then he SNOW PLOWS the chairs with Taichi on the cart!! The fans fire up as Khan stands over Taichi.

Khan drags Taichi up, and he brings the table along, too. Khan kicks chairs out of the way as he returns to the upper deck! Khan SMACKS Taichi off the edge, then he clears out space. Khan sets the table up, then he goes up to fetch Taichi. Khan JAMS Taichi up with a chair, then SMACKS him! Taichi writhes, fans rally, and Khan drags Taichi up. Khan vows to end this! IRON CLAW, and ELIMI- NO! Taichi fights Khan off! Taichi stumbles away through the crowd, but then grabs himself a chair. Taichi runs up to JAM Khan right in the face! Taichi then steals Khan’s idea to choke grip and CHOKE SLAM down through the table!!!

Khan writhes and the fans go nuts! Taichi hobbles around while Red Shoes counts Khan. Khan is still down at 5! Still down at 7! 9! KHAN GRABS RED SHOES’S HAND!! Khan survives, and though he has a couple bloody cuts on his back, he crawls his way to the ring. Taichi eggs Khan on and the fans are thunderous! Khan drags himself into the ring, Taichi runs, AX BOMBER!! The fans fire up and the count returns! Khan is still down at 5, stirs at 6, sits up at 7, and he rises at 8! So Taichi just runs up to AX BOMBER!! Khan drops to his knees, flops over, but he’s already pushing himself back up! Taichi runs again, AX BOMBER!!

Khan staggers around but he stays on his feet! Taichi says fine, AX- SAYANAGI!! Khan turns things around, and he AX BOMBERS in return!! Both men are down and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and Khan crawls for ropes at 5! Taichi slowly sits up at 6, and both men go to corners at 7! Red Shoes waits on them to rise up, and then Taichi fires up! Taichi runs up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so Taichi BOOTS! Khan BOOTS back! Taichi URAKENS! Khan MONGOLIAN CHOPS! Taichi SOBATS! Khan BODY BLOWS! Both men drop to knees, but they also grab at each other.

The fans rally as Khan and Taichi slowly rise. They are forehead to forehead, and then Taichi AX BOMBERS! Khan drops to his knees, Taichi BUZZSAWS, but Khan blocks it! Khan ROCKS Taichi with a right! And then Khan reels Taichi in, but Taichi Alabama Lifts! BLACK- NO, Khan fights into a GUILLOTINE! Taichi is stuck in the body scissors!! Taichi flails, even taps out, but that’s not how Last Man Standing works! Khan squeezes tighter and tighter, Taichi fades, and Red Shoes checks! Khan lets Taichi go and the count begins! Khan rises at 6, and Taichi is somehow up at 9!! So Khan clamps on an IRON CLAW!

Khan lifts Taichi, but Taichi slips free! Taichi shoves Khan and ROCKS him! DANGEROUS SAIDO!! But Khan is staggering to his feet?! Khan goes to a corner, flounders along ropes, but he isn’t down yet! The fans rally hard while both men fight to their feet! SUPERMAN PUNCH from Khan! PELE from Taichi! Both men are down again! Red Shoes starts the count on them both, and the fans rally even harder! Taichi is up at 7! Khan grabs Red Shoes at 9 again!! Taichi roars, Korakuen is with him, and he powers up! TENSHI JUJI- NO!! Khan blocks, and he hooks Taichi! Taichi CLUBS away on Khan, but Khan still lifts! ULTIMATE ELIMINATOR!!

Both men are down again and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and they’re both down at 5! At 7! 9! Khan pushes up, but he FLOPS back down!! DOUBLE TEN! IT’S A DRAW!! What does that mean for the belt!? Red Shoes goes out to talk with Abe-san, and then the announcement is made. In the end, with it being 1-1-1, a true draw, it all goes to KHAN!

Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (DEFINITIVE 2024 KOPW Champion)

Khan flips Taichi off, one last insult added on top. Khan is given the belt back, but Taichi grabs his trophy. Taichi  steps up to Khan, and gives him the trophy, saying it is rightfully his now. Taichi shows Khan that respect, and Khan returns it with a handshake. Khan “retires” Taichi from KOPW, what will the Holy Emperor look to do in 2025?

As for Khan, he grabs the mic, and he asks Taichi to wait a moment. “You served this title for three years. We will honor your glory!” The fans applaud that, and Khan asks the previous champion to come closer. No, closer. The fans cheer Taichi on as he steps closer to ringside. Khan says Taichi served this title well, so here is his reward. Khan is giving the trophy back? Taichi says no, he gave that to Khan out of respect. Khan says to Taichi and to everyone to listen well. “We are the last KOPW Champion!” Everyone is a bit surprised to hear that.

Khan says, “As an alternative, on January 4th in the Tokyo Dome… as THE last KOPW Champion, We demand that the January 4th match determine the next IWGP World Heavyweight Championship challenger!” The fans are really intrigued by that idea! Khan throws down the belt, and Chris makes sure English speakers understand what Khan is suggesting. The New Japan Ranbo determining a #1 contender? Khan says that these are the words of the final KOPW Champion, The Great-O-Khan! “HAIL US, PEASANTS!” A New Year, a new era? Will Khan’s revolution bring glory to the United Empire?


My Thoughts:

A very good night for Road to Tokyo Dome, though I did skip a lot just because I didn’t have a lot of time today. But luckily I was skimming through, or I would’ve missed ELP’s great return. Congratulations on him beating cancer, and I like that they’re adding him to the NJPW World Television Championship match. It makes sense given ELP’s beef with the House of Torture, and honestly, why not just have ELP win? Not even so much for getting over cancer (though kind of that, too) but because fans love ELP and it’d help him solidify his singles run with Hikuleo long gone for WWE.

Really good stuff in the other tune-up matches, such as #DespeWado winning and the chaotic end to the Fatal 4 Way. Eagles won to help him and Fujita have momentum, but there is still more to the Road to Tokyo Dome first. Honestly that tag Fatal 4 could really go any which way they want so I’m not sure how the go-home math would even work. And Gedo of course took the loss against LIJ. Yota Tsuji is aiming for David Finlay and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, but who knows how things go before we get to WrestleKingdom.

Very good tag match from Shota & Tanahashi VS ZSJ & Fujita, and it was technically a surprise for Tanahashi to take the loss. This works on many levels, as Tanahashi should be figuratively on the ropes going into his match with Evil, and this gives Fujita equal momentum alongside Eagles. And then great main event, Khan and Taichi really went the distance with this one. And it all makes sense after Khan reveals this is the end of the KOPW Division. Khan wants to make the New Japan Ranbo to basically be the Royal Rumble and that is pretty cool. I think they could keep the belt to represent that contender’s status the same as the G1 Climax having a briefcase, because that KOPW belt actually looks pretty nice.

My Score: 8.8/10

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