Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/30/22)
The last SmackDown of 2022!
We say good-bye to 2022 with the biggest SmackDown of the year!
Twenty years in the WWE, and John Cena returns to see 2022 off! But will he and Kevin Owens be victorious against Sami Zayn & Roman Reigns?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sheamus w/ The Brawling Brutes VS Solo Sikoa w/ The Usos; Solo wins.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey w/ Shayna Baszler VS Raquel Rodriguez; Ronda wins and retains the title.
- SmackDown Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey w/ Shayna Baszler VS Charlotte Flair; Charlotte wins and becomes the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.
- Kevin Owens & John Cena VS Roman Reigns & Sami Zayn w/ The Bloodline; Kevin & Cena win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Bray Wyatt is here!
The lights go down and the fireflies come out. The light shines behind the door, and when it opens, Bray makes his way out with his lantern. Bray enters the ring, puts out the lantern, and is in the spotlight. Bray grabs a mic and introduces himself to Tampa. “Honestly, deep down, I don’t really think of myself as a good person. Although I do try really, really hard, man. But when I look back on all the horrible things I’ve had to do to get to where I am today, man, honestly, I don’t regret much. However, last week, I did something that I do regret. And I wanted to apologize in all honestly. I attacked a cameraman in cold blood, and he didn’t deserve that, man. He didn’t deserve it.
“And if he’s watching this, man, I want you to know-” LA Knight is here! “Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Lemme talk to ya! Oh, I wanna apologize to the little camera man, boo hoo hoo. You gotta be kidding me. The master of the mind games, Bray Wyatt, getting gamed by the man they call the Mega Star, L A Knight. What happened to you, man? You can’t even keep your composure out here, you can’t even finish a sentence, and then you get all embarrassed, and you take it out on a poor cameraman. Wrong place, wrong time for him, I guess.” But Knight isn’t concerned about that. What he is upset about is Bray getting a goon to dress as “Captain Howdy” and assume that takes the heat off him. NO NO!
Knight says Bray is still a responsible party and it’s time to pay the check! “But hear this: You used to be something. You used to be a force.” Fans boo and chant “You Suck!” at Knight, but he tells them to pipe down. Knight gets into the ring and says Bray used to be something. But week after week, all he’s proven himself to be is a fraud and a loser, YEAH! But Knight has the medicine. The Royal Rumble’s coming down the pike. It will be Knight’s first, and he wants to make it a special one! And here’s how he’ll do that. Fans chant, “What?!” and Knight responds, “Huh?!” He tells them to shut up while he’s talking.
The way Knight makes it special is by taking Bray and putting him out of his misery when he breaks Bray like dishes! Bray says, “You little idiot. Who the hell do you think you’re talking to, son?” But Bray has been really patient, and he’s known in the back of mind he could’ve ended this whenever he wanted to. So Knight might be right! Maybe it is time Bray reminds Knight and the rest of us how cruel he can be when he feels like it. Fans like the sound of that! Bray says if we’re talking the Rumble, yeah, yeah, yeah. Challenge accepted! But then UNCLE HOWDY speaks! “Revel in what you are. Revel in what you are. Embrace the dark.”
Knight says that’s another of Bray’s tricks but the lights have gone down again. And here comes Howdy!! Howdy struts his way down the ramp with smoke and a spotlight following him. Howdy takes off the top hat, puts it aside, and goes up the steel steps. Knight is on his guard as he assumes this is 2v1, but even Bray gives Howdy space. Howdy stares Knight down, then looks at Bray. Howdy stands with Bray! Was Knight right all along? But then Howdy catches Bray in a clinch, for SISTER ABIGAIL!! Knight bails out while fans lose their minds! Knight can’t make heads or tails of this as Howdy takes his leave. Is Howdy his own man?
Sami Zayn walks up to the Bloodline locker room.
He knocks on the door, and Paul Heyman opens it up. They hug it out, and Heyman wants to hear how Sami’s Hanukkah. Oh, about as good as Heyman’s Ramadan. Blessed! It’s always a blessed day when Sami gets to see Heyman. So what can The Wise Man do for the Honorary Uce? Sami just figured he and the Tribal Chief should talk strategy. Wonderful idea, but Heyman and Roman Reigns were just talking, and the things Sami said last week, live to a global audience, that pledge of loyalty to the Bloodline and the declarative statements against John Cena and Kevin Owens, that passion that Roman’s always seen in Sami was finally brought to the surface!
Heyman says Roman is very proud of Sami. Sami says Roman looked proud, he seemed really happy about that. Yes, and mensch to mensch, if Heyman could, the whole concept of Roman Reigns, Undisputed Champion, The Tribal Chief, in the middle of the ring with Sami there and the fans are all chanting “SAMI! SAMI!” It just isn’t the right optics. Did Roman say something? No! But… Does he have to? Life on the Island of Relevancy is about staying three steps ahead at all times. But greenlight, delay tactics over, after you, sir. Sami laughs that off and walks inside the room, but Heyman sighs. Is there something just beneath the surface here?
Sheamus w/ The Brawling Brutes VS Solo Sikoa w/ The Usos!
Friday is once again Fight Night! The Fella is ready for the Bloodline’s Enforcer, and we already know this is gonna be a banger! But will The Celtic Warrior or the Street Champion of the Island be having the happier New Year’s Eve this weekend?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up and go around, then break. Fans rally, the two tie up again and Sheamus headlocks. Sheamus grinds the hold, Solo powers out but they RAM shoulders! Neither man falls and fans fire up again. Solo waistlocks but Sheamus wrenches out to an armlock. Sheamus grinds the shoulder, but Solo fights up to throw forearms! Solo powers out, Sheamus ducks ‘n’ dodges to RAM Solo! Solo rebounds to RAM Sheamus! Fans fire up and Solo UPPERCUTS Sheamus! Solo throws body shots, and a HEADBUTT! Solo whips, Sheamus reverses but Solo blocks the hip toss to CLOBBER Sheamus!
Fans fire up, the Usos cheer on Solo while the Brutes coach Sheamus. Sheamus goes to ropes but Solo CHOKES him! The ref counts, Solo lets off at 4, and Sheamus sputters. Solo soaks up some heat but Sheamus kicks low! Sheamus CLUBS then UPPERCUTS then CLUBS again! Sheamus ROCKS Solo, bumps him off buckles, then throws haymakers! The ref counts, Sheamus lets off at 4, and then Sheamus whips corner to corner. Solo reverses, runs in, but Sheamus BOOTS Solo! Sheamus runs to clothesline Solo up and out of the ring! Fans fire up but Solo is furious! Solo grabs a chair! The Usos calm their brother down while SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns and Solo clamps onto Sheamus’ shoulder! Sheamus grabs at Solo but Solo digs the claw in deeper. The fans rally up as Sheamus endures, and Solo shifts to a chinlock. Sheamus pries at the hold but Solo wrangles him down! Solo digs Sheamus into the mat, then sits him up for the chinlock again. Sheamus fights the hold, fans chant “UCEY! UCEY!” but Sheamus throws body shots and uppercuts! Sheamus runs but Solo fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP! Fans rally while Sheamus scrambles to a corner. Solo soaks up the cheers and jeers and mocks Sheamus pounding his chest.
Solo goes to the corner, runs in, but Sheamus LARIATS Solo down! Fans fire up and the Brutes coach Sheamus while the Usos seethe! Sheamus and Solo slowly rise, Sheamus blocks punches to give forearms! Sheamus whips, Solo reverses but Sheamus kicks! Solo roars, runs, but into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Fans fire up with Sheamus and he stalks Solo to the ropes. Sheamus has Solo against the ropes for BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes past ten to get 15!! Fans are thunderous as Sheamus lets Solo drop down! The Usos shout at Solo to get up, but Sheamus fires up. He pounds his chest, he runs in, but Solo SUPERKICKS first!
Sheamus comes back to KNEE Solo down! Cover, TWO!! Solo survives and Sheamus is shocked! Both men are down, but Sheamus stands first. Sheamus drags Solo up but Solo pulls the beard! Solo HEADBUTTS, but swings into the IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Sheamus drags Solo into the CLOVERLEAF!! Solo endures, he reaches out, but Sheamus drags him from the ropes! The Usos coach Solo and he fights his way back over. Jey pushes the ropes but the ref reprimands! Fans boo, but Jimmy drags Solo out of the hold! The Brutes storm up but Jimmy SUPERKICKS Pete Dunne! Ridge fights with both Usos 2v1!
The Usos get the edge on Ridge, but Sheamus is up top?! DOUBLE FLYING LARIATS take out the Usos!! But Solo YANKS Sheamus into the post! And then APRON URENAGES! Solo puts Sheamus in the ring, to give him the SAMOAN SPIKE!! Cover, Solo wins!
Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall
The Bloodline mugs Sheamus! Dunne gets up, but he gets a SUPERKICK! Ridge gets up, he gets DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Fans boo but Solo grabs that chair again. The Usos dig their boots in, then rain down fists. But Solo puts the chair around Sheamus’ neck! They’re gonna do Sheamus like they did Matt Riddle! But here comes DREW MCINTYRE! The Scottish Warrior storms his way to the ring, he BOOTS Jey and HEADBUTTS Jimmy! McIntyre stares Solo down, and fans fire up as they fire off! McIntyre dodges Solo to clothesline him out! McIntyre dodges Jimmy to CLAYMORE him down!
Fans are thunderous as the Brutes run off the Bloodline! This isn’t WarGames but the war is far from over! Will the Celtic Connection be just the combination that stops the Bloodline from doing what they want?
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey w/ Shayna Baszler VS Raquel Rodriguez!
The Baddest Woman on the Planet has bullied just about everyone on the roster, but Big Mami Cool isn’t backing down. Raquel won a gauntlet match with one good arm, and even with the Queen of Spades being Ronda’s ace in the hole. Now Ronda has no choice but to put up or shut up and defend the title! Will Ronda still be feeling rowdy after tonight? Or will she have to rip Ricky Desperado’s other arm off to stop her?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who ends the year on top!
The bell rings and the two tie up. Ronda tries to turn Raquel but she can’t, and Raquel shoves Ronda away! They tie up again, Ronda puts Raquel in the corner and wraps the bad arm around the ropes. The ref counts, but Raquel shoves Ronda away again. Ronda smirks, and she comes back with shots aimed at the arm! Ronda then SLAPS Raquel, and stands on top of her. Ronda mocks the fans and they boo her. Raquel runs Ronda over! And again! Raquel drags Ronda up, scoops her, and SWINGING SIDE SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Ronda scrambles to a corner then bails out. Shayna is there to coach her while fans boo.
Raquel goes out after Ronda! Raquel ROCKS Ronda, fireman’s carries, then APRON SLAMS her! Ronda tumbles into the ring, clutches a leg, but Raquel puts her in a corner. Raquel then TOSSES Ronda across the way! Ronda ends up in the corner, Raquel runs in to SPLASH! And then again! Raquel runs in again, Ronda ducks and Raquel POSTS herself! Raquel falls out of the ring and Shayna mocks her while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Ronda wraps Raquel’s bad arm around ropes! The ref reprimands, but Ronda then grinds the bad arm against the ropes as she brings Raquel along! Ronda lets off at 4 and Raquel falls against the ropes. Ronda CHOKES Raquel now, and the ref counts again. Ronda lets off at 4, and KNEES Raquel in from the apron! Ronda stalks Raquel, drags her around, straitjacket kneebar! Raquel endures, reaches out but Ronda says she should just tap. Ronda hammers Raquel, but Raquel gets a high stack! TWO, and Raquel ROCKS Ronda! And again! But Ronda blocks to throw a body shot!
Ronda runs in, steps up, ELBOW JAB! Raquel goes to a corner, Ronda runs in but into an elbow! Ronda blocks Raquel’s boot for a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Ronda mocks Raquel’s hand for bleeding, and then grabs at the bad arm. DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Raquel endures, fans rally up, and Raquel fights her way up! Raquel fireman’s carries Ronda for a SAMOAN DROP! Fans fire up and Shayna is growing worried! Raquel and Ronda slowly rise, and Raquel runs in to CLOBBER Ronda! And again! Ronda ducks the right but the LEFT comes in! Raquel crawls to the cover, TWO!! Raquel’s bad arm slowed her down but she’s not giving up!
Raquel drags Ronda up, CLUBS her, then scoops her. Fans rally and duel, Raquel swings but Ronda hits an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Raquel scrambles, clasps hands, then shifts to get Ronda’s legs! Raquel has the TEXAS CLOVERLEAF!! Ronda endures, rolls, and trips Raquel to an ANKLE LOCK!! Raquel endures and fans boo Ronda! Raquel turns over to BOOT Ronda away! Ronda runs back in, into a FLAPJACK! Both women are down and Tampa rallies up! Raquel drags Ronda up, hooks the leg, TEXANA- NO, Ronda shifts to have the arm! Ronda talks trash, and they tumble over the ropes!
Raquel lands on her feet, she has Ronda up again! Ronda freaks out, APRON TEXANA BOMB!!! Both women are down and Shayna panics while SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns again and Raquel has Ronda up in a suplex! Who knows how long she was holding it, but she SLAMS Ronda down! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Ronda survives by inches and Raquel grows a little frustrated. Raquel drags Ronda up but Ronda WRINGS the bad arm! Ronda goes after the arm and has the DOUBLE WRISTLOCK again! Raquel endures as Ronda leans on the hold! Fans rally and duel, Ronda claws at the mat, then powers through to roll and scoop Ronda! FALL AWAY SLAM! Tampa fires up again while both women are down! Raquel slaps the bad arm to get it going and fans rally with her!
Raquel stands, storms up on Ronda and drags her back up in a scoop! But Ronda sits up to get the arm again! And then she shifts into a SLEEPER HOLD! Raquel flails with Ronda on her as a backpack! Ronda talks trash to the fans, Raquel is fading, and Raquel drops to a knee! Shayna says this is it, but Raquel gets a second wind! Raquel RAMS Ronda into buckles! And again! Ronda still holds on, so Raquel roars, runs and RAMS Ronda face-first into buckles! Ronda is down but Raquel almost posted herself! Raquel runs to BOOT Ronda down! Shayna gets on the apron, Raquel BLASTS her! Raquel runs at the corner, TWISTING VADER! Cover, Shayna gives Ronda the ROPEBREAK!
The ref notices Shayna over there! The fans boo, they know it, too! The ref tells Shayna to back off, and Raquel storms up on Ronda. Raquel scoops Ronda to RAM her into the corner! Raquel puts Ronda up top, ROCKS her, then CLUBS Her! Ronda BOOTS the bad arm! Raquel ROCKS Ronda again! Raquel climbs up after Ronda, fireman’s carries, but Ronda throws elbows! Ronda shifts around for an ELEVATED ARMBAR!! The ref counts, Ronda holds on, and Raquel falls back! RAQUEL TAPS, RONDA WINS!!
Winner: Ronda Rousey, by submission (still SmackDown Women’s Champion)
The Queen of Spades was once again the insurance policy Ronda needed! Shayna helps Ronda celebrate, and Ronda gets the mic, but wait! That music! CHARLOTTE FLAIR IS BACK! THE Queen of WWE has returned! Ronda and Shayna stand their ground as Charlotte struts into the ring. Charlotte gets herself a mic as Tampa goes wild! Ronda says Charlotte’s arm must be better. How’s the rehab? Oh, Ronda already guesses that the elbow’s all better and Charlotte wants to challenge for the title at SummerSlam. Oops! That happened. Royal Rumble is sooner. But depends on how that arm is feeling, right? How’s the Queen feeling?
Fans “WOO~!” and Charlotte tells Ronda no, she’s challenging for the belt tonight! Fans go nuts but Shayna says no, they gotta go. But fans are thunderously chanting, “YES! YES! YES!” Ronda isn’t one to back down from a fight, so she throws the belt down! “You’re on, because I’m feeling spicy!” Shayna keeps trying to convince Ronda not to, because she just had one hell of a match against Raquel! Ronda says so what? IT’S ON!!
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey w/ Shayna Baszler VS Charlotte Flair!
The bell rings, Charlotte BOOTS Ronda down!! Cover, TWO!!! Ronda survives and Shayna is on the apron already! Charlotte BOOTS Shayna down and fans are thunderous! Ronda rises, Charlotte runs in again, SPEAR!! But Ronda turns it around?! ARMBAR!! But Charlotte stacks Ronda! CHARLOTTE WINS!!!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by pinfall (NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion)
Ronda almost turned Charlotte’s ego around on her, only for Charlotte to turn it back around on Ronda! And now 2022 ends with The Queen back on her throne for a FOURTEENTH TIME!! Will 2023 be the Year of Flair?
The Bloodline talks in their locker room.
They’re sharing holiday stories and Sami says the kids don’t know how good they have it. Roman just wants to give his kids everything that he had growing up. Sami wants everyone to be on the same page tonight. It surely didn’t bother anyone that the fans chanted for Sami while Roman was out there, right? That doesn’t get to Roman at all, right? Roman sits there quietly, and then says, “God no!” Oh, okay, good! Sami didn’t think so. Roman wanted to say this, but the way Sami was locked in, how could anyone pay attention to anything else but what Sami was saying? If Sami has even 10% of that tonight, it’s a night off for Roman! It’ll be that easy!
Yes, it’ll be a great night. A great night for The Bloodline. Yeet! Secret handshake with Jimmy and Sami is feeling good. But will things really be Ucey to end 2022?
The Mysterio Familia Telenovela continues!
As if crashing Thanksgiving wasn’t bad enough, Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio crash Christmas at Grandpa’s house! Rey told Dom & Rhea this wasn’t going to happen again. Dom says he’s just here with open arms to celebrate with the family and Mami Rhea. Rey says they should take this outside. They go outside, Dom shoves Rey! Mama Mysterio goes to slap but Rhea blocks her! So Mama SLAPS Mami! Rhea is pissed, but cops are here! The police arrest Dominik for intruding! Rhea protests, she got hit! Dom told Rhea to get Finn and Priest! He won’t make it in jail! Rhea is furious, this is ruining Christmas! Dom did make bail, but will the Judgment Day learn not to be Grinches from now on?
Hit Row talks backstage.
They’re talking reverse limbo with The New Day! Is this low enough for Top Dolla to jump over? HA! The others in the locker room, such as Ricochet, Mad Cap Moss and the Maximum Male Models, have a good laugh. Dolla says the last time he tried jumping a broom didn’t work out so well, either. Woods says the last time Dolla jumped at all didn’t really work out. Kofi says he isn’t Top Rope Dolla, after all. Adonis says they may have jokes and all, but if Jimmy didn’t save Jey, Hit Row would be the new tag champs. Facts! Now, now, Adonis, let’s not jump to conclusions. Good one from Mace. Mansoor says they’re jumping the shark!
Moss says “Top Dolla? More like Flop Dolla!” OOOOH~! Mad Cap’s still got it! Ricochet says, at least now Dolla knows that it isn’t as easy as Ricochet makes it look. Oh, okay, okay. But then Dolla shoves Ricochet?! Guess that was one joke too far. Will Dolla cool off and learn to laugh at himself? Or will he be hopping mad all the way to a match with the King of Flight?
BREAKING NEWS on Bray Wyatt VS LA Knight!
At the Royal Rumble, it will be Bray’s return to action, in a PITCH BLACK MATCH! But what does this mean? And who will win such an ominous match?
Imperium heads to the ring!
Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci & Der Ring General, GUNTHER, are here, and they look to look back at 2022 and their “path of destruction.” What will Imperium have to say about what they’ve done, and where they’re going next? We find out after the break.
SmackDown returns and Ludwig has the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen. 2022 was the Year of Der Ring General!” Vinci says that Gunther has proven to be THE most dominant Intercontinental Champion in history! No man on SmackDown will take this title from him! But do not take their word from it, just take a look at the men who tried. A video packages rolls to give highlights of Shinsuke Nakamura, Rey Mysterio, Sheamus, and Ricochet all losing to Gunther. Gunther has the mic now, but BRAUN STROWMAN is here! And he storms his way right to the ring!
Braun steps in, he gets a mic, and he tells Gunther that he noticed something in that video: He wasn’t in it! That means Gunther hasn’t beaten Braun! Now, maybe Gunther’s boys are right, that there isn’t a man that can beat Gunther. But what about a monster? Imperium turns to leave but Braun tells them hold on, that wasn’t him asking for a title match. Braun is telling Gunther! Braun turns Gunther around but Vinci & Ludwig rush in! They mug Braun but he shoves them both away! Vinci tumbles out of the ring, Braun clotheslines Ludwig out! And that leaves Gunther alone! Gunther swings but Braun blocks the chop! And then he CLOBBERS Gunther!
Gunther bails out but Braun says it’s time to get on the tracks! The Strowman Express CLOBBERS Ludwig, CLOBBERS Vinci, but Gunther sends Braun through barriers! Gunther SMACKS Braun with a chair! Ludwig & Vinci drag Braun up for Gunther to SMACK again! Then Imperium sends Braun into steel steps! But that’s not enough, they put Braun in the ring. Gunther KICKS Braun’s arm, and has it in a top wristlock! Gunther pulls on the arm but Braun endures! Referees rush out, Imperium keeps them from Braun! Management get involved, Imperium stops them, but here comes Ricochet! With a chair!
Ricochet hurdles over Vinci! And SMACKS Ludwig on the run! Ricochet gets in the ring, Gunther clears out, but Ricochet still SMACKS him at the ropes! Vinci gets up, Ricochet swings on him! And he swings on Ludwig! Ricochet dares Imperium to do something but Adam Pearce appears to have everyone stand down. Will we get another showdown like last week’s Miracle on 34th Street Fight? Or will this battle need something even bigger to settle the score?
BREAKING NEWS on the next few weeks of SmackDown!
After the brawl between Braun and Imperium, Der Ring General is not going to have a choice! In two weeks, Gunther defends the Intercontinental Championship against Braun Strowman 1v1! Will Braun #GetTheseHands on that title? Or will even a monster fall to the might of Der Ring General?
And after everything we saw after Sheamus VS Solo, next week is the match-up we were always meant to see! Sheamus & McIntyre team back up to face the Usos for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships! Will the Celtic Connection finally be golden? Or will Jimmy & Jey still be the ones?
The Bloodline heads for gorilla.
Sami and Roman are ready, with the Usos talking them up. Will the Honorary Uce & Tribal Chief smash ’em and stack ’em to finish SmackDown?
Kevin Owens & John Cena VS Roman Reigns & Sami Zayn w/ The Bloodline!
The Prizefighter said he was done with Sami, but he continues to be a thorn in the side of the Bloodline. Things escalated and in a move to get ratings, a tag match was made! Kevin could choose anyone as his tag partner, and he chose the SIXTEEN-TIME WORLD CHAMPION! Will KO and Cena become more than just a problem? Or will the Tribal Chief & Honorary Uce ruin the return of the living legend?
Fans are thunderous for Cena’s entrance, but then The Bloodline makes theirs. The titles are raised and the pyro goes off. Then the Bloodline goes to the ring, they raise the belts again, and the second round of pyro goes off. Tampa Bay is fired up for everyone in this match as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once more and the teams sort out. Kevin and Sami start and fans are fired up already as the two circle. Sami dares Kevin to bring it, and they tie up. Sami waistlocks, headlocks, but Kevin powers out. Sami springboards up and over to CLOBBER Kevin! Sami raises the finger, Roman smiles and fans are torn. Kevin kicks low but Sami denies the stunner! Kevin ROCKS Sami with fists, whips and CLOBBERS him with an elbow! Then SENTONS! Kevin stares Roman down but goes back to Sami. Sami slips out to the apron, Kevin storms over but Sami HOTSHOTS him! Sami kicks low then reels Kevin in.
Kevin fights the suplex to hang Sami out to dry! Sami flops off the ropes hard! Kevin eggs Sami on now! “You’re embarrassing yourself in front of the Tribal Chief!” Kevin then mocks Sami’s bloody nose, and wants Sami to show Roman what he’s got. Fans rally for Sami, but Sami looks to Roman. Roman reaches out for the tag, and Kevin mocks Sami that he’s being a good little lapdog. Sami tells Kevin, “Good luck,” and he tags in Roman! Fans now rally for Cena! Cena reaches out, and Roman tells Kevin to go ahead. Fans chant, “We Want Cena!” That’s something we haven’t heard in a long time, but then Roman CLOBBERS Kevin!
Roman stomps away on Kevin at the ropes, digs his boots in, but the ref counts and reprimands. Roman lets off at 4, drags Kevin up, and hits an URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Roman glares at Cena but drags Kevin back up as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns once again and Sami has Kevin in the Bloodline corner. But Kevin kicks and punches back! Kevin DECKS Roman, then fires off on Sami! Fans fire up but Sami gets around Kevin to HALF ‘N’ HALF! But Kevin’s right up to LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Cena shouts to Kevin and reaches out! Kevin and Sami crawl, Sami grabs at Kevin’s foot, and Roman trips Cena! Roman fires off hands then RAMS Cena into barriers! Fans boo and Sami runs out to BOOT Cena down! The Bloodline cheers, Sami goes back to the ring and he runs corner to corner at Kevin, but Kevin hits a SUPERKICK!
Both men are down again and Roman is confused! Sami and Kevin crawl but Cena’s still down! Sami runs in but into another SUPERKICK! Kevin whips Sami for a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Cover, Roman breaks it! Roman rains down fists on Kevin, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Roman drags Sami over and tags in. Roman then ushers Sami out, and he takes aim at Kevin. Roman raises his finger, he’s the one. Roman locks ‘n’ loads, but Kevin dodges the Superman to SUPERKICK! Kevin goes up top, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Roman survives but Kevin fires back up! Kevin whips Roman, to POP-UP- SUPERMAN PUNCH!!
Roman goes to the corner, fans are torn, but Roman lets out the battle cry! But Kevin dodges and the Spear hits POST! Roman flops back and Cena rises up! Fans are thunderous as Kevin and Roman crawl! Kevin and Roman hot tag Cena and Sami! Fans fire up as Cena dodges and then unleashes the shoulder tackles! And then the SPIN-OUT BOMB! And of course, “You Can’t See Me!” Roman is pissed, he runs in, but into a SPIN-OUT BOMB!! Cena tags Kevin, and together, they say “You Can’t See Me!” They run, DOUBLE FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE!! Is that ten? ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT for Roman!! Sami staggers, into a STUNNER!! Cover, Kevin & Cena win!!
Winners: Kevin Owens & John Cena, by pinfall
The Prizefighter and the GOAT just beat the Tribal Chief and his Honorary Uce! Will Sami take the heat for this one? Will Kevin be going after the Head of the Table and the Undisputed Universal title next?
My Thoughts:
A very good SmackDown to end 2022, but perhaps with one very odd move. After a truly great match from Ronda VS Raquel, which I figured Ronda would win with some help from Shayna, it was a great surprise to see Charlotte Flair back. And while the live audience was excited to see Charlotte put Ronda in her place, it all just seemed too fast. Charlotte beats Ronda in a very Flair way, or perhaps a bit Money in the Bank way, but who does it really help? Well, I mean, it helps Charlotte get ever closer to being the first 16-time Women’s Champion so she can parallel her father, but honestly, why not build this up towards the Rumble?
I do appreciate that Ronda was so confident she didn’t back down, giving her character consistency, but I feel like it just hurts Ronda and Raquel that Charlotte is still the favorite, even in the HHH Era. This feels like HHH’s first real misstep since taking over. Another segment that was good but still odd was everyone in the men’s locker room making fun of Dolla for his botched tope conjilo. I do get Dolla getting mad, but why not at Maximum Male Models so we can get a tag match? I suppose Dolla gets to shine as a singles guy against Ricochet, though I don’t see him winning.
Really good opening segment from Bray, Knight and Howdy. Knight still thinking Howdy and Bray were in cahoots was good character stuff, and that helped make Howdy suckering Bray in for that Sister Abigail more effective. The Pitch Black match, as rumored a few weeks ago, is still happening, but Howdy is more than likely going to get involved with that somehow. I’m more curious as to what the Pitch Black match is supposed to be. If it’s the same as the NXT UK World of Darkness and NXT Lights Out match, then that’s a bit lazy on WWE’s part, just having another name for a match where you dim the lights.
I love that we got to see the newest Mysterio family drama. I’m surprised they didn’t try and bring this up on Raw, but maybe they’re building towards something where the Judgment Day ends up on SmackDown so that Dom and Rey keep getting closer and closer to having a match with each other. If they pace it right, that match happens for WrestleMania for a real big blow-off. Speaking of blow-off, good stuff from Imperium and Braun, though I’m surprised Ricochet makes the save and it doesn’t turn into another tag match. Braun does get his title match, though, but I can’t be sure he wins. As great and popular as Braun is, Gunther is just as great and has good Heel heat, so he should keep going with this title.
Great stuff from Sheamus VS Solo, and of course the Usos interfere. But McIntyre making his return was great stuff. The Undisputed Tag title match we were meant to get before now happening to kick off 2023 is great, and while it’d be awesome for McIntyre & Sheamus to reign together, I just don’t see the Usos losing the titles on TV. But at the same time, I don’t know who will be coming after them for the Rumble. And good stuff from the rest of the Bloodline, such as Sami and Heyman with their hallway promo, and the private room promo where Roman again teased being upset but said he wasn’t.
The tag match was great, and I’m surprised there wasn’t something more from the Usos & Solo. But at the same time, Sami and Roman were trying to win on their own, and they end up losing on their own. Sami had a look at the end where he knew he was in trouble. For one, Sami did take the pin, but pretty sure Roman would never take the blame even if he was the one who lost. Sami will surely say he’ll make it up to Roman and Roman says of course Sami will make it up to him, and maybe we get a huge match between Sami and Kevin that determines whether or not Kevin can challenge Roman at the Rumble.
My Score: 8.4/10
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Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!
The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
- Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
- Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony Schiavone is in the ring!
Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!
Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!
Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!
And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?
Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!
The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.
Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.
Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!
Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!
The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.
Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.
Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!
Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!
Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!
Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall
The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!
The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?
The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!
Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!
Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall
Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…
Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!
Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!
Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.
Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall
Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?
Team Triple J speaks backstage.
Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!
While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!
Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!
Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!
Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.
Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!
Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!
Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!
Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!
Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!
Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)
If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.
Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.
And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Feel the StrongEST, the FastEST, the RoughEST, the ToughEST, and the BEST Glow!
With Jade Cargill out of action, Naomi is stepping in to help Bianca Belair defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships tonight on SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade; The Bloodline wins.
- Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes; Melo wins.
- Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley; Gargano wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae; Bianca & Naomi win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Solo Sikoa is here!
The fans boo as the “Undisputed” Tribal Chief leads the Samoan Werewolf and Good Bad Guy to the ring. Roman Reigns put out the challenge for Tribal Combat, and on January 6th, in Los Angeles, for the first-ever Monday Night Raw on Netflix, it will happen! But first, Solo and his Bloodline go to the ring, and the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells them all, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” The fans boo instead, as expected. Solo lets that slide, and he says, “Roman Reigns sat on his little boat with The Wise Man and decided to challenge me on January 6th to a Tribal Combat match for the ula fala on Monday Night Raw, the debut on Netflix.”
The fans “WHAT?” Solo says instead of saying that, the fans should ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. The fans boo more, but Solo says shut your mouths and listen to what THE Tribal Chief has to say! The fans continue to boo and they continue to chant, “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells Roman that if he wants Tribal Combat, if he wants to take THE Tribal Chief to war, then let’s do it! Solo will leave his Bloodline behind, “WHAT?” Roman will leave his behind, “WHAT?” They’ll leave the Wise Man behind. “WHAT?” Jimmy and Jey, too. So listen and listen carefully: On January 6th, Solo walks in and walks OUT as THE Tribal Chief!
The fans boo more but Solo says on January 6th, he will STILL be the Head of the Table! He will STILL be YOUR Tribal Chief! And he will STILL have the ula fala! So Roman, after Solo beats your ass in LA, Roman can go back out on his little boat, sail off to the Island of Irrelevancy, and Roman can finally ACKNOWLEDGE SOLO. But wait! Drew McIntyre is here!? The Scottish Terminator has already hit Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn, but let’s not forget Solo was chief among those who screwed McIntyre out of the world championship. Solo has Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga stand down as McIntyre goes to the ring.
McIntyre grabs a mic but Solo tells him, “I gotta admit, I was very happy when you kicked my brother, Jimmy, in the face last week. Yes, I was very, very happy. But you better have a damn good reason why you’re interrupting me.” McIntyre says he’ll make it quick because it causes McIntyre physical pain to be this close to Solo and not beating Solo within an inch of his life. You like what McIntyre did to Jimmy? What about Sami and Jey? McIntyre wants to know, when Solo lies in bed at night, is he asking when McIntyre is coming after him? Because Solo is the one that cost McIntyre the title at Clash at the Castle.
Solo is the one who caused McIntyre’s family the pain and misery that caused him more pain and misery! But Solo also stood up to Roman Reigns. The only one to have the balls to stand up to Roman! The rest of them acted tough, acted like they were going to do something, but Roman snapped his fingers, didn’t change one bit. McIntyre’s heart says jump Solo, but McIntyre’s head says he and Solo have the same goal. So here’s what McIntyre is thinking: McIntyre can start working through the hit list, taking out more and more OG Bloodline members, and Solo does one thing for him: Take out Roman for good.
The fans boo but McIntyre says once all that business is finished, then he and Solo can settle theirs. But then JIMMY yanks McIntyre out of the ring! And CRACKS him with the crutch! And again! And then he runs up to CLOBBER McIntyre! McIntyre goes running into the crowd, Jimmy does his best to pursue, but now here comes LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade! The Bloodline has a Six Man Tag on their hands, will Knight even let Solo make it to LA?
Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade!
The brawl is on, Apollo after Tama, Andrade after Jacob, and Knight after Solo! Solo shoves back, but Knight LARIATS him up and out! Apollo DUMPS Tama and Andrade BOOTS Jacob! Apollo BOOTS Jacob, then Andrade BOOTS him again! Jacob tumbles out but Solo has him stand down! The Bloodline regroups while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and the match is already going as Apollo ducks ‘n’ dodges Tama to then slide under. Tama keeps moving, Apollo hurdles over, drops down, then DROPKICKS! Apollo fires up and the fans are with him, then Apollo gorilla presses Tama! The fans fire up and Apollo marches around. Apollo says this is for Solo, and he DROPS Tama! Tama flounders, Apollo brings him over, and he tags in Knight. Knight fires hands on Tama, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight brings Tama around to whip but Tama reverses. Knight catches Tama for a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Tama is tougher than that but Knight stomps him.
Tag to Andrade and the unlikely partners mug Tama. Andrade CHOPS Tama, then has him in a corner. Andrade tags Apollo, they double whip Tama to DOUBLE ELBOW! Apollo covers, TWO! Tama stays in this but Apollo drags Tama up. Apollo ROCKS Tama, the fans rally, and Apollo ROCKS Tama again. Apollo tags Andrade back in, they mug Tama, but Tama fires body shots! Tama shoves Andrade but Andrade RANAS on the return! Tama tumbles out, Jacob runs in, but Andrade DUMPS him out! Tag to Apollo, and then Andrade climbs! Apollo builds speed, and Apollo FLIES while Andrade ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!
The fans fire up as Knight then gets in to keep Solo back! Knight dares Solo to try something, but Solo stays back. Knight goes back to his corner while Apollo puts Tama in. The fans fire up as Apollo reels Tama in. Tama fires body shots and switches to a waistlock. Apollo elbows free, but Jacob sneaks a tag! Tama shoves Apollo and Jacob BODY CHECKS Apollo! The Werewolf is all geeked up while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Solo whips Apollo to ELBOW him down! Solo throws up the one but the fans boo. Solo drags Apollo up, bumps him off buckles, and the fans rally. Solo UPPERCUTS Apollo down, then stalks him along the ropes. Solo drags Apollo up but Apollo fires hands! Solo keeps Apollo from his corner but Apollo throws more shots! Solo whips Apollo hard into the Bloodline corner! Tag to Jacob and he looms over Apollo. Jacob drags Apollo up to scoop and SLAM! The fans boo but Jacob runs to SENTON, onto knees! Apollo saves himeslf and both men are down! They crawl, hot tag to Andrade!
El Idolo dodges Jacob, BLASTS Tama then ROCKS Solo! Andrade fires hands on Jacob, runs, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARM! Jacob tumbles to a corner while Andrade kips up! The fans fire up and chant “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade runs in, CIEN SHADOWES! Cover, TWO!! Jacob survives but Andrade keeps his cool. Andrade goes up a corner, MOONSAULT DOUBLE! Cover, TWO!! Andrade is frustrated now as Jacob survives again! Andrade thinks on what to do, and he brings Jacob up. Andrade fires forearms but Jacob grabs Andrade’s neck! Andrade fights free and fires more shots, but Solo sneaks a tag!
Andrade whips, Jacob reverses, but Andrade KICKS Jacob away! Jacob just roars! Andrade runs up, Jacob FLAPJACKS him into Solo’s HOTSHOT! That combo sends Andrade tumbling out to the floor, and Solo brings him up to POST him! The fans boo as The Bloodline stands tall, and Solo shows off his ula fala. Solo goes back to Andrade and puts him in the ring. Tag to Jacob, and Jacob whips for a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Andrade sputters and coughs while Jacob is geeked up again, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob watches Andrade crawl to the apron, and waits for him to go to a corner. Andrade sits up but into the HIP ATTACK! Jacob snarls as he kicks Andrade around. Tag to Solo and he whips Jacob for Jacob to whip him! Another HIP ATTACK on Andrade! Solo scowls at the fans, then talks trash on Andrade. Solo drags Andrade by his foot and brings him over to tag Tama. Tama then slingshot ELBOW DROPS! Andrade sputters more but Tama covers, TWO! Andrade is still in this, but Tama rains down fists on Andrade to keep him down! Tama HAMMERS and CLUBS Andrade, then he talks smack on Apollo and Knight.
Tama kicks Andrade to the Bloodline corner, drags him back up, and then fires a BODY SHOT! Andrade sputters, Tama tags Jacob, and then Jacob whips Tama in for a STINGER SPLASH! Andrade falls over, Jacob clamps claws into the shoulders! Andrade endures, fights up, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down! Jacob clamps the claws on again and really digs into Andrade’s shoulders! Andrade kicks and flails in pain but Jacob just thrashes him around more! Jacob shouts at Andrade but Andrade fights up to his feet! Andrade fires body shots, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down again! Jacob stalks Andrade to a corner as SmackDown returns to single picture.
The fans boo but Jacob rains down fists in the corner! Jacob then sucker punches Apollo! Andrade sits up, Jacob runs in, but Andrade moves! Hip attack hits buckles and the fans fire up! Andrade and Jacob crawl, Solo shouts for Jacob to get up! Jacob grabs Andrade’s foot and brings him up! Andrade ENZIGIRIS free! Hot tags to Tama and The Mega Star! The fans are thunderous as Knight dodges then CLOBBERS Tama! Tama flounders to a corner, Knight stomps away on him, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” The ref counts, Knight stops at 4, but then he CLOBBERS Jacob! KNEE for Tama! Solo runs up to TOSS Knight!
Knight dodges Solo in the corner and hits a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up even more and Knight tags Apollo. Knight hits Tama with the BIG back suplex! Apollo goes up top for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives but Apollo clamps on with a CROSSFACE! Knight WRECKS Jacob with a dropkick, and the Samoan Werewolf tumbles up and over the desk! Knight goes out to say that’s what Jacob gets, BUT SHINSUKE IS HERE!? Nakamura CLOBBERS Knight into the desk! The King of Strong Style gets away with that while the ref was busy checking Tama! Solo CLOBBERS Apollo, but Andrade whips Solo!
Solo reverses and ELBOWS Andrade! Solo drags Tama to their corner and then tags in. Solo aims at Apollo, HIP ATTACK! Solo hauls Apollo up, URENAGE! And then SAMOAN SPIKE!! Cover, Bloodline wins!!
Winners: The Bloodline, by pinfall
It seems Drew McIntyre isn’t the only one who is surprisingly on Solo’s side. The sinister samurai made sure to strike from the shadows to screw over Knight, will Knight make sure Nakamura comes to regret it? As for Solo, he is rolling towards the Raw Netflix debut, will he not need his Bloodline to retain the ula fala?
Backstage interview with Motor City Machine Guns.
Byron Saxton is with Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin ahead of the emotional grudge match. Shelley takes on his former friend, student, and the man who betrayed MCMG to take those WWE Tag Team Championships. That man is Johnny Gargano, so what thoughts are flowing through Shelley’s mind? Shelley says it is one thought: Payback. Sabin says they’ve known Gargano almost 20 YEARS, and only now does Gargano let the mask fall away to show us the truth. Shelley says it cuts a lot deeper when it’s someone you considered a little brother. Shelley tells Johnny that he makes sure Gargano knows he made the BIGGEST mistake of his life.
Sabin asks Shelley if he’s ready to do this. Shelley says this is something he has to do alone. He wants to see if Gargano is man enough to do the same. Sabin says okay, let’s get warmed up. Shelley wants a 1v1 shootout with Johnny Wrestling, but will Gargano do anything but do this himself?
SmackDown shares footage from after Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Byron Saxton was with Chelsea Green & Piper Niven and said before anything else, congratulations. Chelsea pats herself on the back, Piper pats Chelsea a bit, too, and Byron takes her back through the closing moments. Unpretty-Her on Michin, the bell rings, and we hear Lilian Garcia say the words, “AND NEW Women’s United States Champion, Chelsea Green.” What went through her mind? Chelsea takes out her gum and puts it in “Bryan’s” hand, and then tells him that she always knew this would happen. He might be surprised, and that’s so cute, but she wasn’t. She’s been doing this for ten YEARS, and worked her entire life to be an overnight success.
This is Chelsea’s time! Red, white and Green! Say it with her, Bryan! #RedWhiteAndGreen. So then, let’s talk the historical significance. Chelsea will now go down in the history books as the FIRST-EVER Women’s US Champion, so how does she’s now synonymous with the likes of Harley Race, the first-ever Men’s US Champion? She would say, “Duh.” She’s in the books where she belongs. Probably should’ve been three years ago, but she was released. It should’ve been way back in 2015, but she wasn’t hired. So now is the time. NOW IS THE FREAKIN’ TIME!! Yes, it is her time. What does a Chelsea Green reign look like going forward?
Chelsea says it looks like she’s going to Disneyland, so she’s got a plane to catch. Can they wrap this up? Of course. Have fun in Disneyland. Yes, well-deserved. Piper calls for champagne. Will we never hear the end of this now that Chelsea has gold to go with the ego?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“What happened after Saturday Night’s Main Event was not my fault. There’s a lot of people to blame for it. Cody Rhodes, the referees, Nick Aldis, WWE Management, they’re all to blame. I was screwed out of winning that championship. What happened to me is a travesty, a tragedy! I should be standing here Undisputed WWE Champion, but I’m not. But I took this (the Winged Eagle belt) because I deserve it. And I’m not giving it back until I get what i want. Everyone needs to understand, you can only push a man so much until they snap. But the good news is, I haven’t snapped yet.
“It can all get so much worse, trust me. You don’t want me to snap. So Cody, Nick Aldis, WWE officials, what happens next is on all of you.” The Prizefighter has said his piece, will he hold the championship hostage until his demands are met?
DIY talks backstage.
Ciampa gets it, Gargano’s known MCMG a long time. So it surprises Ciampa that Shelley is so dumb! He wants this grudge match but he can’t win the tag titles back in a singles match. So what’s he doing? Gargano says Shelley wants his payback, that’s obvious. But Shelley wants to challenge Gargano’s manhood?! Gargano is all man! He made a kid! Yeah, Papa John, Daddy Ciampa, of course they made kids. But Shelley did specify that he wants to do this on his own, so Ciampa knows what that means, right? Ciampa has to stay backstage, too. Gargano will handle business by himself. He’s not some naive 18-year-old kid with a dream anymore! Dream came true!
Gargano will go remind Shelley that he’s Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling! So Ciampa can just relax right back here. Ciampa says go get him! Ciampa won’t even move a muscle from here, you can trust him. Can he? Or is this all another facade to lower everyone’s guard?
It’s an all new Grayson Waller Effect!
A-Town Down Under is already in the ring, and fans boo as Austin Theory & Grayson Waller show off the abs. Waller then welcomes us to the Grayson Waller- And Austin Theory…! Effect. The hottest show keeps getting hotter cuz Waller gets scoop after scoop, lads. And tonight is a big scoop! A big, BIG scoop! The first transfer from Raw to SmackDown, it’s the Monster of All Monsters, BRAUN STROWMAN! The fans cheer as Braun makes his way to the ring, and he’s coming out as Santa Braun! Or perhaps, Strowman Claus? Either way, Braun throws free merchandise to the fans, what a gift for Christmas!
Braun empties the bag and then goes to the ring. Turns out, nothing for Waller & Theory! Waller sits behind the desk and thanks Braun for coming. And how nice of Braun to help all the poor here in Hartford. The fans boo and Braun asks if Waller’s really starting this like that. Is he really trying to piss Braun off already? No no no! Braun is right, it really is nice. And this is big! The biggest acquisition in SmackDown history! On the biggest talk show in WWE history! Braun says it doesn’t get any bigger than this, baby! The fans cheer and Waller says before we start, he knows how this goes, sometimes.
Waller just wants us to know that he invested a lot of money into the new set. Maybe we continue to spread Christmas cheer and have a civil conversation. No damage. Well, if Waller runs his mouth, then Braun can promise he’ll wear Waller out using all the stuff in here. Waller says he’s a bit surprised Braun agreed to this. If no one has said before, but Braun is a little intimidating. But the more Waller thought about it, the more it made sense. Even Braun sees the sense in associating with ATDU! The fans boo and Braun says he threw up a little bit in his mouth, and that get a good laugh.
Waller says okay, but SmackDown’s a bit scary right now. Bloodline is going wild, people are getting attacked backstage, and you don’t wanna be alone in the car park. Sorry, parking lot. Braun asks if Waller knows who he’s talking to. No, he didn’t mean anything by it. Waller just figures, it’d be a good idea if Braun looked after Braun for once. And that means setting up the ultimate alliance. Braun Strowman & A-Town Down Under as the same team! They’d be untouchable! The cunning and intelligence of Waller & Theory, Braun’s strength. Get it? Brains & Braun. Braun says he already told Waller to watch his mouth! Does Waller want his set shoved up his-
Wait! Carmelo Hayes makes his way out here! Braun sighs and Melo says no, no, no, cut this out. Melo has a bone to pick with Braun. Aldis thought he was going to humble Melo by setting him up against Braun. Everybody here knows that that wasn’t fair. But newsflash, Nick Aldis, you can’t humble greatness! Melo might lose, but he’ll never quit. So Braun, “you big ugly dumb Santa Claus b*tch,” let’s run this thing back right here, right now! Cuz now, Melo’s ready! Braun says if Melo didn’t learn his lesson last week, Braun will remind him what the Braun Strowman Effect is! Waller & Theory run away as Braun grabs the fake palm trees!
Braun CHUCKS trees at Melo but Melo just laughs. Will Melo not miss the game winner in this rematch? Or will Braun be the one to humble H1M?
Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes!
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Braun chuckles at Melo wanting to tie up. They do tie up but then Melo slips around to KICK the leg! Braun just brushes that off as he and Melo circle. Melo uses the ropes and even the ref as a shield so Braun backs off. Melo comes back, taunts Braun, then drops back to ropes. The ref wants Braun to let off, and Braun does, but then Melo sucker punches him! Melo talks smack, then whips, but Braun blocks! B raun shakes his head, whips Melo, but Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides out. Melo says safe! Melo says he’s smart, but then gets spooked as Braun storms up to ropes!
The ref has Braun stay back, and Melo gets cocky again. Braun signals to the fans that he’s taking a lap and the fans fire up. Braun goes outside, builds speed, but Melo runs! Melo slides into the ring, Braun gets on the apron, but Melo KICKS him! The fans boo but Melo hits the FADE AWAY! Braun flounders, Melo CLUBS and KNEES and repeat! Braun SHOVES Melo out of the ring! Braun shakes it off then storms back up on Melo. Braun YANKS Melo up by his hair! And then he TOSSES Melo across the way! The fans fire up and Braun drags Melo up again. Braun whips, Melo dropkicks the legs out! Braun falls, Melo runs, FADE AWAY, but into Braun’s hands!
Braun pops Melo up, but Melo SPIKE-RANAS! Braun sputters and Melo soaks up heat. Braun rises up like the monster he is! Melo turns around, Braun runs up, but Melo DUMPS Braun out! Melo BOOTS Braun away, then gets cocky again. Melo goes out the side and he runs up a la Braun. But Braun BOOTS Melo right down! The fans fire up and Braun looms over Melo. Braun drags Melo up, whips him at steps, but Melo goes up! Melo leaps, but into Braun’s arms! We’re at 7 of 10 as Melo slips free! Melo SLAPS Braun! Braun grabs Melo by the neck and TOSSES him into the ring! We’re at 10!! MELO WINS!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by count out
Talk about rope-a-dope! Melo steals this win by getting the better of Braun’s anger! Braun scowls at smart-aleck Melo, and he storms in! Melo runs out to the crowd and into the night, but Braun pursues! Will Melo #GetTheseHands one way or another?
Nia Jax and Candice LeRae talk backstage.
They’re both excited for the tag title match tonight, because Nia can become a double champion. Tiffany Stratton walks in and Nia says there she is! Tiff wishes them luck tonight, and cannot wait to be there ringside when the ref raises their hands. Nia gets a guilty look on her face and Candice tells Tiff that they were talking… It’s best if Tiff stays in the back. But hey, she can take some notes if she wants. And if she wants to help, she can prepare champagne, balloons and maybe even streamers. They’re gonna need all that after the big win. So Tiff should get on that while Candice & Nia strategize.
Tiff looks to Nia but Nia just says, “Thanks, Tiff.” Tiff leaves, Nia shrugs off the guilt and says she and Candice are ready. Candice is sure Tiff will have the most beautiful party ready for them. Will the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie succeed in taking the tag titles for their own? Or will it be Bianca & Naomi having that champagne to celebrate?
Melo returns backstage.
And he’s on high alert knowing Braun is still hunting him down. Melo bumps into Legado Del Fantasma, and then Braun storms up! Braun asks where Melo went. Santos Escobar says screw that, he’s no snitch. Braun says not telling is gonna get Santos worse. Angel steps in and says Melo went that way. Braun thanks Angel and storms off after Melo. But then Pretty Deadly asks Braun to please read through their script. Braun slaps the script down and says he doesn’t care about their stupid musical! But then Melo SMACKS Braun with a chair! And SMACKS him again! Melo talks trash before heading out, but Braun gets back up.
Braun is angrier than ever, and he still hunts Melo down! Is there going to be nothing left of H1M after Braun #GetsTheseHands on him?
Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley!
Longtime friendships thrown away in order to get ahead is practically cliche in pro-wrestling, but to think Johnny Wrestling would be the kind to do that. Will Shelley make Gargano regret ever treating 20 YEARS like it was nothing?
The bell rings and Gargano runs up! Shelley dodges to fire hands, then he bumps Gargano off buckles. Shelley stomps a mudhole in, then stands Gargano up to dig his forearm in! The ref counts, Shelley lets off, then he climbs up to rain down fists! Gargano YANKS Shelley down! Shelley flounders, Gargano CHOPS Shelley to a corner, then he mocks the MCMG hand pointing. Gargano CHOPS Shelley, ROCKS him, then wrenches him to whip corner to corner. Gargano runs up but Shelley ELBOWS him away! Shelley goes up to FLYING KNEE! And then he CLOBBERS Gargano! The fans fire up as Shelley drags Gargano up.
Shelley wrenches, hammerlocks, but Gargano elbows free! Gargano brings Shelley around to schoolboy ROUNDHOUSE! Shelley sputters, Gargano brings him up, and Gargano says he’s no longer the student. Gargano ROCKS Shelley, stomps away, but stops as the ref counts. Gargano soaks up heat, then shakes out his left hand before he runs up. Shelley puts Gargano on the apron to HOTSHOT! Gargano falls, Shelley aims, and Shelley slingshots to stomp Gargano’s bad hand! Gargano staggers away, but runs back up on Shelley, only for Shelley to jump the sweep! SUPERKICK! Then FLYING KNEE!
The fans fire up while Gargano goes down, and Shelley says that’s what Gargano gets while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Gargano has Shelley in a clinch. Gargano fires body shots, then he hits a JAWBREAKER! Gargano goes to a corner, Shelley runs up, but Gargano BOOTS back! Gargano runs up and slips around Shelley to SLINGBLADE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gargano is frustrated but he stalks Shelley to the apron. Gargano brings Shelley up, talks more smack, and he fireman’s carries. Shelley slips out but Gargano ROCKS him! SLINGSHOT- SUPERKICK! Shelley takes Gargano out of the air and both men are down! The fans rally up, and Shelley stands to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again!
Shelley CHOPS, whips, then kitchen sink knees! And then PENALTY KICKS! Ghost pin, TWO! Gargano escapes, but Shelley wants the arm! Shelley uses the Garga- NO, Gargano turns chicken wing into roll up, TWO!! Shelley escapes, clinches, and spins Gargano, ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Shelley wants the arm again! The fans rally as Shelley drags Gargano up, wrenches and wristlocks, but Gargano ROCKS Shelley with forearms! Shelley CHOPS back, CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Shelley wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! But Gargano ENZIGIRIS! Shelley runs up, Gargano dodges and SUPERKICKS!
Gargano scoops Shelley, takes aim at a corner, LAWN DART! Cover, TWO!! Shelley survives and the fans rally up! Gargano grows frustrated but he brings Shelley around. Gargano wants the arm now! GargaNO Escape, but Shelley says NO to that! They both fight up, end up in a corner, and the ref counts. Gargano lets off, to then ROCK Shelley with a cheap shot! Gargano runs up, but into a BUCKLE SHOT! Shelley shakes out the stars and he goes to the corner. The fans fire up as Shelley climbs, but Ciampa shows up! Gargano GAMANGIRIS Shelley down! But wait, here comes Sabin! Ciampa violated the deal first so Sabin’s not letting him do worse!
Gargano climbs up while Sabin chases Ciampa off, but Shelley SHOVES Gargano! CROSSBODY! Gargano rolls through, and pulls tights! Gargano wins!!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall
Distraction tactic and pulling the tights? Gargano has no shame! But he and Ciampa have the WWE Tag Team Championships, so is that all that matters?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Naomi.
Byron Saxton is at gorilla with The EST & The Glow, and before they head to the ring, he wants to recap the crazy couple of weeks. The mysterious attack on Jade Cargill, the big win at Survivor Series in WarGames, and now they can solidify themselves as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bianca says these past few weeks have been rough to say the least. And while you can trust Bianca will find out what happened to Jade, you best believe they won’t be stripped of the tag titles. That’s just what the culprit wants and Bianca isn’t going down without a fight. Thankfully, Bianca has a friend who always has her back.
Naomi says yeah, she’s got her back forever! And she can never turn down a good “snatch ‘n’ drag.” But she also knows how important these titles are to Bianca & Jade, and they’re just as important to her. Naomi will go out there and do everything she has to in order to keep the titles. Bianca holds out Jade’s belt to Naomi, but Naomi says no. Not until she’s earned it. Bianca says okay, and the music hits. Naomi is fired up, will this be the StrongEST Glow yet?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae!
SmackDown returns as the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie make their entrance together. The introductions are made, the tag titles are raised, and we see who is truly the strongest duo!
The teams sort out and Bianca starts against Candice. They tie up as the fans rally, and Bianca powers Candice right to a corner. But Candice pulls the braid! The ref reprimands, Candice shoves Bianca, then pie faces her! But Bianca SHOVES Candice to the corner! Bianca runs up but into an elbow! Candice goes up but Bianca ROCKS her! Bianca gorilla presses Candice but Candice scrambles free! Candice hurries away and she tags in Nia. Bianca says bring it and the fans rally for the “E S T! E S T!” Nia and Bianca tie up, Bianca headlocks, but Nia powers up and out. Tiff is watching backstage as Nia scoops Bianca, only for Bianca to slip free.
Bianca runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and DROPKICKS! Nia rebounds but Bianca avoids the elbow drop! Bianca tags Naomi then sets Nia up! Naomi and Bianca both run the ropes, Bianca handsprings, SPLIT LEG DROP AND MOONSAULT COMBO! Naomi covers, TWO! Naomi hurries back after Nia but Nia shoves her away. Naomi slides under the lariat then mule kicks! Naomi runs but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Nia drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Naomi stays in this for Bianca’s sake but Nia storms back up as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nia DRIBBLES Naomi off the mat, then stares Bianca down. Nia stalks Naomi to a corner, puts her on ropes, and CHOKES her! The ref counts, Nia lets off, and then Nia drags Naomi over to the corner. Nia traps Naomi while she tags Candice. Nia fires some elbows before backing off, and Candice RAMS Naomi! Candice ROCKS Naomi, sits her down, then stomps a mudhole in. Candice taunts Bianca, drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Candice CLUBS Naomi down, then clamps on with a top wristlock. Naomi endures while Candice leans on the hold. Naomi fights up, arm-drags free, then hurries for her corner!
Candice scrambles after Naomi and THROWS her by her hair! Candice stomps Naomi to the corner, tags Nia, and Nia runs up to HIP ATTACK! Nia taunts Bianca, drags Naomi up, and clamps on with a cobra clutch! Nia leans on Naomi to grind her down. Naomi endures, fights up, and JAWBREAKERS free! Nia staggers around, but she scoops Naomi! Naomi slips free to the apron and HOTSHOTS Nia! Naomi BOOTS Candice. RAMS Nia, then reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Naomi is down, but she BOOTS Nia away before heading for her corner. Candice hurries and tags in, but Naomi hot tags Bianca!
Bianca rallies on Candice with shoulder tackles and DROPKICK! Bianca kips up, wrenches, and suplexes Candice! SmackDown returns to single picture as Candice slips free! Candice dodges Bianca, Nia sneaks a tag, and Bianca scoops Candice for a GUT BUSTER! Bianca runs at the corner to RAM Candice, then she climbs up! The ref tries to explain but Nia runs up! Bianca backflips up and over! Nia almost squashes Candice, but she turns around. Bianca dodges Nia, but Candice hits a CODE BREAKER! SAMOAN DROP from Nia! Cover, TWO! Bianca survives and the fans fire up! Nia snarls as she drags Bianca into a motorcycle stretch!
Bianca endures and the fans rally up. Bianca fights up but Nia POSTS her first! Nia then mocks the fans with clapping, then she scuffs Bianca. Nia dares Bianca to tag, then she THROWS Bianca by the braid! Bianca goes to ropes, and Nia pulls the braid around them! The ref reprimands, Nia lets off, but Candice gets her shots in! The fans boo but Bianca gets away. Nia soaks up the heat and then brings Bianca around. Nia has the cobra clutch back on and she thrashes Bianca around. The fans rally as Bianca endures, and Bianca fights back up. Nia kicks Bianca but Bianca rebounds to reel Nia in!
Bianca tries to suplex but Nia’s too big! Nia shoves Bianca to the corner, but Bianca BOOTS back! Bianca ELBOWS Candice, runs up on Nia, but Nia picks her up! Nia RAMS Bianca into the corner! Tag to Candice and she climbs. Nia holds Bianca up, Candice MISSILE DROPKICKS Bianca into the SPINEBUSTER! Candice then BLASTS Bianca off the apron, then uses Nia as the step for the STEP-UP SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives, she’s the toughEST for a reason! Candice is frustrated and she CLUBS away on Bianca! The fans rally for “E S T! E S T!” Bianca throws a body shot but Candice CLUBS her down again.
Candice tags Nia and Nia pulls the braid to keep Bianca back. Nia whips Bianca to Candice but Bianca slips around. Candice standing switches, Nia runs up, but Bianca ducks and Nia clips Candice! Bianca scrambles while Nia checks Candice, hot tag to Naomi! Naomi LARIATS Nia but Nia stays up! So Naomi UPPERCUTS Nia! Nia still stays up! Naomi dodges, goes up the ropes, FLYING CHUCK! Nia wobbles and the fans fire up with Naomi! Naomi reels Nia in but Nia whips her away! Naomi BOOTS from the corner, then goes up! FLYING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nia stays in this but Naomi pounds the mat.
The fans rally up, Naoim brings Nia up, but Nia HEADBUTTS her! Nia runs up at the corner, but Naomi dodges to POST her! Nia is down, Naomi goes up! SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT FLOPS as Nia moves! Nia CLUBS Naomi, puts her in the drop zone, then goes up! But Naomi SMACKS Nia off the post! Tag to Bianca, and Naomi gets under Nia?! POWERBOMB!! Naomi drags Nia into the drop zone! Bianca aims for the 450!! Cover, CANDICE BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, Nia is busted open from hitting that post, but here comes TIFFANY! Is she doing what it looks like? Tiff cheers on Candice & Nia, no cash-in yet.
Candice tags in, goes after Bianca, but Bianca RAMS Candice into the corner! Bianca runs but into a BOOT! Candice goes up, TORNADO DDT! Cover, Naomi GAMANGIRIS Candice! Fans cheer “CASH IT IN!” at Tiff but Bianca tags in Naomi. Nia sneaks a tag, and as the Naomi goes after Candice, the ref has to explain. In that distraction, Nia asks for the briefcase! Tiff is conflicted, but she hands it over. But then the ref sees Nia with it! Bianca HANDSPRING KICKS Nia off the apron! Nia falls right at Tiff’s feet! Bianca tags Naomi, then PLANCHAS onto Nia! Naomi has Candice but Candice cradles! TWO!! Naomi KNEES Candice down!
Naomi hurries up, up and SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, NAOMI & BIANCA WIN!
Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Tiff’s hesitation costs Nia, and that means Naomi has earned that title belt! Bianca personally hands it to her and the two celebrate together. Will they hold onto the titles all the way ’til Jade is back in action? Or will a team come along that outshines even the StrongEST Glow?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of SmackDown here, though I think it was also prerecorded. They were in Hartford last week, weren’t they? And I thought that was prerecorded given how Jimmy Uso’s promo was received… But speaking of, good stuff from Bloodline to open. McIntyre calling a true with Solo was a bit of a surprise, but I suppose we should’ve seen that coming with how McIntyre is a Heel and often a hypocrite. Jimmy going after McIntyre was also good stuff, he can clearly still be a factor even with a bad toe. Very good Six Man Tag, too, but I should’ve known Nakamura would interfere and cost Knight’s team. Good win for Solo, and we’ve still got a couple weeks before Raw on Netflix, so the go-home math will still sort out with the first SmackDown of 2025.
Very good promos from MCMG and DIY, and of course Ciampa still went out to ringside despite the “promise” he made. And of course Gargano cheated, but that adds heat to the coming tag title rematch. They might even put that on the first SmackDown of 2025 to hype it up. Especially as I think it’s going to be the first THREE HOUR SmackDown. NBC is willing to do that knowing Raw is going to Netflix, meaning SmackDown will get more time to do more great things, which works with all the belts we’ve got now.
Good stuff with Braun and the Grayson Waller Effect, but of course we set up more between Braun and Melo. Clever move for Melo to win by count out, and of course Melo gets cocky for it. Braun was almost classic Braun with how he shrugged the chair shots off backstage. We’ll of course get one more Braun VS Melo, and maybe someone from Legado or Pretty Deadly screws Braun over given how he treated them. Very good promo from Chelsea after her big win on Saturday, and I’m sure she’ll be celebrating this win in both kayfabe and real-life through the holidays, ready to start her first title feud on January 3rd.
Very good promo from Kevin Owens, but I feel like he had to contradict himself here from what he said during the Raw on Netflix “kickoff show” on Wednesday. Kevin said then that he’s going to act as the defending champion with the holiday house show tour, but he said here he isn’t the champion since he got screwed. Either way, he’ll really play up how he is somehow the victim in all this, making the return of Cody Rhodes all the better. We’ll surely get one last match of Cody VS Kevin, maybe with a big stipulation on it, and then we’ll have a moment of (more than likely) Cody holding up both Winged Eagle and corporate logo championships.
And of course, very good stuff in the two main Smackdown women’s stories. That promo from Nia, Candice and Tiff was really good because you kinda feel for Tiff being treated as the odd one out. And then very good promo right before the match with Bianca & Naomi. I like Naomi wanting to earn the belt, and we got a great tag match. Nia surely got busted open “hard way,” aka legitimately, that post surely has edges you gotta watch out for. But Tiff showing up was of course for the briefcase distraction, not cashing in. Tiff hasn’t been pushed that far yet, that might come with the Netflix debut. But Naomi & Bianca of course retained the titles, that’ll cue up Jade making a return to identify her attacker, and it might be Naomi after all…
My Score: 8.8/10
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