Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Royal Rumble Results & Report! (1/28/23)
Three! Two! One! BRRR!!
The Road to WrestleMania goes through San Antonio!
The Royal Rumble can change a superstar’s career, but Kevin Owens looks to change everything by dethroning Roman Reigns as Universal Champion! Will the Prizefighter #StunTheWorld?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match: Cody Rhodes wins and will challenge for the Universal title at WrestleMania 39.
- Pitch Black Match: Bray Wyatt VS LA Knight; Wyatt wins.
- Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Alexa Bliss; Bianca wins and retains the title.
- 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble match: Rhea Ripley wins and will challenge for a title at WrestleMania 39.
- Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman & Sami Zayn VS Kevin Owens; Roman wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show!
Join Kayla Braxton, Kevin Patrick, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Booker T and Peter Rosenberg in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action going down tonight!
WWE shares some of the women drawing their Rumble numbers.
Lacey Evans doesn’t like what she got. But Zelina Vega has a good feeling. And she was right! Will that mean we see La Muneca late in the game?
WWE shares Roman Reigns’ segment from The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
Fallon remembers predicting Roman Reigns would be on his show with two belts, and it’s true! Fallon brings up Roman’s match with Kevin and Roman laughs. Roman’s strategy: don’t change anything. Roman’s been beating up Kevin for years now, it’s practically on his to-do list. The Tribal Chief got big applause for that, will things go to plan?
The Bloodline sits in their suite.
Sami Zayn finds himself literally in the middle of everything. Roman says he can’t wrap his head around this. The Tribal Chief gives an order, the Bloodline follows those orders. “It’s a recipe that works. That’s why we are where we are today. I give you one instruction for the week and you can’t follow instructions.” Why does Roman have to continually tell Sami things like he’s a child? Smarten him up, PLEASE! Sami stammers, but Jey says it was his doing. What? Sami doesn’t want Jey to continue but Jey explains, Adam Pearce kicked the Usos out. Jey tried calling Roman but he was on the private jet or at the Fallon show, he couldn’t get a hold of Roman.
So Jey called an audible and called Sami to the building. Sami answered the call for the Bloodline, he was there for the family. For the family? Yeah, Uce. The whole time. Sami was there for the Bloodline? Yes, Uce. Why are we even talking about last night? This is about tonight. Fight night! Sami breathes easy and Roman says the game plan is easy: win. NO one goes out there with Roman. Tonight’s a big night. Except Sami. He’s with Roman the whole night. Really? Yes, all the way to the ring. Roman will show Sami the way. The Usos stay in the back, tonight is Sami’s night. Is Sami ready? Yeah, let’s do it! Another close call, but just how thin is that ice Sami’s walking on?
JBL interrupts Greg Miller.
JBL talks trash the host of This is Awesome, on the show This is Awesome, and on Greg’s home state of Missouri, but then says he doesn’t mean any of it. If Greg were drowning, JBL would throw a bowling ball. JBL claims he has changed, saying he’s no longer the guy who did those horrible things to Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio and The Undertaker. He wants to be friends with Greg! Here’s a pie. To the face! Greg says this was not awesome. But make sure to watch the new episode of This is Awesome on Peacock and the WWE Network! This time, it’s of course all about the Royal Rumble!
The golden WWE title belt is spotted!
And “Fluffy” Gabriel Iglesias joins the panel with it. He feels bad, he must be taking some kid’s Make-A-Wish. Fluffy’s pick for the Rumble is Rey Mysterio! Kayla outs him as saying Dominik before but he says that’s putting words in his mouth. Dom deserves a spanking. Peter asks what Fluffy would do to Dom if he was his son. One, taken off the will. Two, no more invites for the holidays. Kevin Patrick says the world is jelly of Dom cuz he’s got Rhea Ripley. But last year we got Bad Bunny and Johnny Knoxville. Is Fluffy in the Rumble? Fans want to see that! The only way to find out is to watch. Booker likes that answer.
Kayla segues to more number drawings. Kofi feels out the vibes, and he picks. He likes what he got. Santos Escobar looks even happier. And Drew McIntyre… Well, doesn’t seem that good. Wade Barrett says he got some BAD NEWS then. Will the Scottish Warrior be able to defy the odds and take it all?
Country Rock artist Hardy speaks.
“I know what it’s like to make a name for yourself. To be on the road, grinding. Success don’t come easy. You gotta fight for it. Better hope you got ice in your veins. Because if you freeze under pressure, it could be lights out. This gig is all about seizing the moment. So tonight, when opportunity knocks on your door, man, you kick that thing down! Thirty men, thirty women, two epic matches, the winners punch their tickets to the Grandest Stage of Them All, WrestleMania. So, who’s ready to make a name for themselves? Let’s RUMBLE~!”
PAT MCAFEE IS BACK!
Corey Graves is upset with Michael Cole but this is a complete surprise to Cole, too! Pat is dressed to impress, because he’s joining commentary! And he tells Corey to “SUCK IT!” San Antonio chants, “Welcome Back!” and McAfee thanks them as he gets his chair.
2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match!
The tradition continues, and it opens the night! In a field of thirty, only one can punch their golden ticket to WrestleMania! Who survives in San Antonio to headline in Hollywood?
The first man out is… GUNTHER! Der Ring General is still WWE Intercontinental Champion, but is he going to go after the Universal title on top of it? And second out is… SHEAMUS! The Celtic Warrior is the birthday boy, but he’s got his work cut out for him going up against a familiar foe. The bell rings and the two circle. San Antonio fires up as the two step to each other. They talk a little smack, and then the haymakers start flying! They go back and forth, forearm for forearm, but Sheamus gets the edge. Sheamus whips, Gunther reverses and they RAM shoulders! Gunther kicks low, runs, but Sheamus RAMS him back!
Sheamus throws hands, runs, but into a CHOP! Gunther goes to dump Sheamus! Sheamus holds on, claws at Gunther’s face, and saves himself. Sheamus throws hands, then hits an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Sheamus goes to dump Gunther now! Gunther holds on, even as Sheamus throws knees. The countdown is here already, Sheamus and Gunther still scrap, and third out is… THE MIZ! The Hollywood A-Lister just found himself in a kaiju movie so he takes his time swaggering to the ring. Miz stays back as Sheamus rushes the ropes. But then Gunther blindsides him! Sheamus holds on, but Miz helps out!
Sheamus BOOTS Miz away, ROCKS Gunther, then hurries back in. But then Miz grabs at Sheamus! Sheamus elbows Miz away and then Sheamus goes out under the ropes! Sheamus chases Miz into the ring, and into a CHOP from Gunther! Sheamus CLOBBERS Gunther, then ROCKS Miz! Sheamus fires hands, but Gunther turns him around. Sheamus dodges and the CHOP hits Miz! Sheamus swings but Gunther dodges and Miz takes the body shot! Gunther BOOTS Sheamus, hauls him up, but Miz goes after them both! The countdown is back, and fourth in is… The New Day’s KOFI KINGSTON!
Kofi rushes in as Gunther throws hands on Miz. Kofi climbs the steps, climbs the corner, then SUPER CROSSBODIES Gunther and Miz! DROPKICK for Sheamus! LEAPING LARIAT for Miz! Spin and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP for Gunther! Fans fire up with Kofi, he runs for the NEW~ DAY~ DOUBLE BOOM DROP! Fans fire up as Kofi claps. But Sheamus blocks the spin to hoist Kofi! Kofi slips away and to safety! Sheamus nods, that was good stuff. Gunther kicks Miz, Sheamus kicks Gunther, Kofi CLUBS Miz but Gunther and Sheamus throw SLAPS! Fans rally for Kofi but Miz fights as Kofi lifts him.
The countdown is back and Kofi hits an SOS on Miz! The fifth man in is… JOHNNY GARGANO!? Johnny Wrestling’s all healed up and ready to go! Gunther throws knees on Sheamus, Miz fights with Kofi, but Gargano slingshot SPEARS Kofi! ENZIGURI for Gunther! Miz tosses Gargano but Gargano skins the cat! GAMANGIRI for Miz, into the ONE FINAL BEAT! Gargano has the fans fired up as he brings Miz up. Gargano throws Miz out but Miz holds onto the ropes! Miz swings, but Gargano hooks him in the ropes! Sheamus walks over, Gargano lets Sheamus handle Miz. BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Fans count along, Sheamus goes past TEN to TWENTY-FIVE!!
Gargano SUPERKICKS, Miz holds on! Sheamus BROGUES Miz and ELIMINATES him! Gunther goes after Sheamus but Gargano and Kofi help Sheamus! The countdown is back, number six is… XAVIER WOODS! Kofi has back-up while Gargano goes after Gunther. Woods and Kofi go after both of them, then they work together on Gunther. Double wrench, double kick, DOUBLE BULLDOG! DOUBLE DROPKICKS for Sheamus! Woods snapmares Gargano, Kofi PENALTY KCIKS! Woods SLIDING LARIATS! Kofi SPLASHES! Woods MACHO ELBOW DROPS! Fans fire up for ya bois, but then they look at each other.
Woods and Kofi wonder if it’s the right time. They put up their dukes, and then Kofi wheelbarrows! Woods blocks, and they just booty bongo! But Sheamus mule kicks Woods! Gunther ROCKS Kofi! The big men go to throw out the New Day but the countdown is back! Number seven is… KARRION KROSS! Doomsday has come to the Rumble! Kross storms right to the ring while the New Day mugs Sheamus and Gunther stomps Gargano. Kross CLOBBERS Woods, and again, and then BOOTS him! Kofi runs in, but into an EXPLODER! Kross runs to clothesline Woods in the corner, then elbow and ROLLING ELBOW!
Woods wobbles, but Gunther CHOPS Kross! Gunther brings Kross up but Kross throws a forearm. Gunther hits back, they brawl, Kross BOOTS! Gunther BOOTS back! Kross ROCKS Gunther, Gunther CLOBBERS Kross! But Kross gets up to hit an EXPLODER! Sheamus storms up on Kross to fire forearms with him! Fans fire up while New Day go after Gargano and Gunther. Kross bumps Sheamus off buckles, hoists him up, but Sheamus fights back. The countdown is back and number eight is… “SHOOOOSH~!” Master Chad Gable! Fans boo as Gable hurries to the ring. Kross holds onto ropes, the New Day focus on Sheamus.
Gargano hits Woods, then swings on Gable. Gable throat chops Gargano and says “SHOOSH!” He does the same to Kofi, then he hits an EXPLODER on Gargano! And then an EXPLODER on Kofi! Woods ROCKS Kross, Gargano spins Woods around. Woods pries the waistlock, and he tells Gable to “SHOOSH~!” They circle, grapple, Woods sprawls and floats but Gable slips out. Fans fire up for this exchange while Sheamus dumps Gunther out! Gunther holds on, Kross fights off Gargano. Gable hits a GERMAN SUPLEX on Woods! The countdown is back and number nine is… DREW MCINTYRE! The Scottish Warrior is here!
McIntyre won back in 2020, he surely wants to win another one! McIntyre storms in, he CLOBBERS Gable, OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes Kofi, then gives an OVERHEAD suplex to Woods! GLASGOW KISS for Gable! INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM for Gargano onto Gable! Kross fires hands but he get a GLASGOW KISS! And a CLAYMORE! Kross goes up and out, McIntyre ELIMINATES him!! But then Gunther stares McIntyre down! They brawl, CHOP back and forth, and Gunther swings but into a FUTURE SHOCK! The countdown is back, number ten is… SANTOS ESCOBAR! The Emperor of Lucha makes his Rumble debut!
Escobar runs in to RANA Woods! And he KNEES Kofi! Gable knees Escobar and whips but Escobar blocks. Gable throws forearms, whips, but Escobar goes up and out, and Sheamus hits him! Sheamus grabs at Escobar but Escobar fights free to GAMANGIRI! Escobar goes up to CROSSBODY Gable! McIntyre and Woods are after Gunther but he resists. Escobar BOOTS Gargano, but Gargano GAMANGIRIS back! Gargano and Gable try to throw Escobar out but Escobar fights. Woods and McIntyre mug Gunther, Gable CHOPS Sheamus. McIntyre grabs Gable and Sheamus CHOPS him! The countdown is back, number eleven is… ANGELO DAWKINS!
Fans fire up as the Curse of Greatness has his Spurs jersey on to ELBOW Escobar! Dawkins ROCKS McIntyre, ELBOWS Sheamus, and CYCLONE SPLASHES McIntyre! GAMANGIRI! Dawkins gives Gable the SILENCER! Sheamus dumps Woods out, but Woods keeps a foot up! Woods slips in, McIntyre and Gunther brawl. Gunther CHOPS Woods, UPPERCUTS Kofi, then throws Woods! Woods holds on again, Kofi runs in but is sent into Woods! Woods and Kofi have some Silly String, but then Gunther BOOTS and ELIMINATES Woods! Kofi goes after Gunther but Escobar attacks Kofi!
Escobar whips, follows, then catches Kofi to toss him, but only to get DOUBLE STOMPS! Gunther throws Kofi! Gunther BLASTS Kofi off the apron and Kofi hits an armchair! It is a rough landing but is Kofi out? The Celtic Connection mug McIntyre while the countdown is back. HERE COMES LESNAR!!! The Beast is a two-time winner, will he join Stone Cold as a THREE-TIME winner? McIntyre, Sheamus and just about everyone is ready as Lesnar enters! Lesnar takes on the Celtics at the same time! TACKLE for Sheamus, GERMAN SUPLEX for McIntyre! GERMAN SUPLEX for Sheamus! GERMAN SUPLEX for Dawkins!
Escobar leaps, into Lesnar’s arms! And he gets a FALL AWAY SLAM out of the ring! Lesnar ELIMINATES Escobar, then TOSSES and ELIMINATES Dawkins! Gable hops on for a SLEEPER, but Lesnar TOSSES him to ELIMINATE Gable!! And another GERMAN SUPLEX for McIntyre! A BELLY2BELLY for Sheamus! But Gunther is up! Fans are thunderous as two of the biggest men ever meet! The countdown is back, number 13 is BOBBY LASHLEY! Gunther brawls with Lesnar but the All Mighty is coming for Lesnar! Lesnar OVERHEAD suplexes Gunther, but Lashley SPEARS Lesnar!! Gargano staggers up into a SPINEBUSTER!
SPEAR for McIntyre! SPEAR for Sheamus! URENAGE for Gunther! But Lesnar fireman’s carries Lashley! Lashley slips off, shoves, and LARIATS Lesnar out!! Lashley ELIMINATES Lesnar!! San Antonio is going nuts as Lesnar himself is rather stunned. Forget that, Lesnar is PISSED! He tears apart the desk but Lashley dares him to do something about it. The countdown is back, and number 14 is… BARON CORBIN! JBL’s protégé is here, but Lesnar SMASHES the desk with steel steps!! Lesnar then BLASTS Corbin! And then gives him an F5 to the floor!! Lesnar is fuming while the Celtics are after Lashley.
Gunther CLUBS Sheamus, CHOPS him, and security rushes out to stop Lesnar. COMPLETE SHOT for McIntyre from Lashley, but Lesnar grabs a ref! Lesnar TOSSES the ref over the barriers! Adam Pearce and officials are trying to stop Lesnar but he storms off through the crowd. The countdown is back again, number 15 is… SETH ROLLINS! San Antonio sings the Visionary’s song, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins sees Corbin is just now getting up at ringside. Rollins drags Corbin up and into the ring, then SUPERKICKS him! Corbin staggers, Rollins clotheslines Corbin out and ELIMINATES him! Pat loves that!
Fans sing while Sheamus and Rollins start throwing forearms! The countdown is back, number 16 is… OTIS! Gable’s number one guy is here but a little late to help Gable. Gunther has McIntyre and Lashley after him, Rollins throws hands on Sheamus but Sheamus resists the lift. Otis slips in, Gargano runs at him, but into a WRECKER ELBOW! Otis scoops McIntyre, WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! Sheamus runs in, into an EXPLODER! Otis rips his shirt off and fans fire up! SPLASH for Gargano, and Gargano falls over. Otis sees that, and he decides to rev up the CATERPILLAR! The countdown is back, and number 17 is… REY MYSTERIO!
Fans fire up as the King of Lucha is here, but will he last another hour like he did back in the day? Wait, where is he? Rollins SUPERKICKS Lashley, then SUPERKICKS again! Rollins CHOPS Gunther, clotheslines Lashley, then ELBOWS Gunther! Rollins LARIATS Lashley, but runs into a scoop! Lashley pops Rollins around but he slips off to shove and ELIMINATE Lashley!! Fans are stunned! Otis dodges Gunther, runs in and SPLASHES! Gunther is down, here comes the CATERPILLAR! Otis thrusts the hips, then climbs up. But Gunther goes after Otis! The Celtics go after everyone, and the countdown is back! Number 18 is… DOMINIK Mysterio!
Wait, Dom is wearing one of his dad’s masks! Did Dom do what we think he just did?! Did he take out his dad to keep him out of the match!? Wait, the Celtics DUMP and ELIMINATE Otis!! Gargano and Rollins throw hands while the Celtics stomp Gunther. Dom takes his time going to the ring, Rollins BUCKLE BOMBS Gargano! Dom taunts everyone in the ring, does some jumping jacks, but Sheamus is watching him. Gunther and Rollins brawl, McIntyre goes after Gargano. Gunther throws Rollins out but Rollins holds onto ropes. Rollins kicks Gunther away while Gargano resists being thrown out!
Dom finally slides in and fires hands on Sheamus! But they don’t do much. The countdown is back and number 19 is… ELIAS! The Drifter is here, Corey is annoyed and Pat is fired up! Rollins stomps Dom, Sheamus helps out. Elias slides in, stomps Gargano, then stomps McIntyre. Elias BLASTS Rollins and then fires off on Gunther. Elias has his guitar, SMASH HIT on Gunther! But then he gets a DOUBLE HEADBUTT from the Celtics! Sheamus and McIntyre aim from the corners, BROGUE-MORE!! They TOSS and ELIMINATE Elias! Gargano fires off hands on Dom, the Celtics mug Rollins, and the countdown is back. Number 20 is… FINN BALOR!
Dom has back-up now as the Prince of Judgment Day heads to the ring. Rollins holds onto ropes as Sheamus and Gargano go after him. SLINGBLADE for McIntyre! Finn throws McIntyre but Sheamus makes the save. Sheamus scoops Finn but Finn turns that to an ELBOW DROP DDT! Finn tackles Rollins, throws hands, but Gargano SUPERKICKS Finn! Gargano throws Finn out but Finn holds on! Gargano throws hands, runs, but Dom CLOBBERS Gargano! Dom whips Gargano up and out, but Gargano holds on! Gargano ROCKS Dom, ROCKS him again, then slingshots, into a SHOTGUN from Fin!
Finn and Dom TOSS Gargano and ELIMINATE him! Judgment Day and Celtic Connection stare down, then the brawl is on! The countdown is back, and number 21 is… BOOKER T?!?! San Antonio fires up as Booker gets his “invite!” Booker swaggers up, Finn runs in but gets a LEG LARIAT! Dom fires hands but Booker reverses to a HOOK KICK! Finn runs in, into a BOOKEND! Fans are thunderous, for the SPINAROONI~! Sheamus can’t help but smile. But Gunther TOSSES Booker out and ELIMINATES him! Boo! But Gunther is cornered by the Celtics again. The countdown is back, and number 22 is… DAMIAN PRIEST!
The Judgment Day is at full power as the Punisher is here! And he CLOBBERS Sheamus! And CLUBS McIntyre! Priest fires off on McIntyre but Gunther is after him. Priest ROCKS Gunther, then helps Dom up. Judgment Day mugs Rollins, then they mug Gunther! And then they mug Sheamus! And then they split off, BACKBREAKER and LEG DROP for Rollins! The countdown is back and number 23 is… MONTEZ FORD! Fans fire up as Ford also has his Spurs jersey on. Judgment Day still beats down everyone else, and McIntyre resists Priest throwing him out, Ford GAMANGIRIS Finn, and TOSSES Dom!
Dom holds on but Ford DECKS him! Dom clings to the ropes, Priest runs in but Ford dodges! CHOP! Ford then ENZIGURIS and Priest staggers! Finn kicks low, whips, but Ford skins the cat! Fans fire up and Ford says his prayers. Finn runs in but into a haymaker! Priest choke grips, to SOUTH OF HEAVEN Ford out and ELIMINATES him! Fans boo and Ford is annoyed, but now Judgment Day has all their enemies going after them! The countdown is back, number 24 is… EDGE!! The Rated R Superstar has made the R stand for ROYAL RUMBLE! Judgment Day freaks out as Edge storms up! SPEAR for Priest! SPEAR for Finn!
Dom DROPKICKS Edge onto ropes! Dom dials it up, into a SPEAR!! Edge TOSSES Priest to ELIMINATE him! Edge TOSSES Finn to ELIMINATE him! Edge glares at Rollins and fans are thunderous! But then Dom ROCKS Edge, whips, but Edge reverses! Dom tumbles out, Finn and Priest drag Edge out to ELIMINATE him! Fans boo as the Judgment Day beat down Edge! Rollins stomps Dom, the countdown is back, and number 25 is… AUSTIN THEORY! The Now of the WWE is now in the Rumble. Dom clings to ropes as Rollins tries to kick him out. Edge CLOBBERS Priest and Finn at the ramp!
Fans fire up as Edge chases Finn down! Edge CLOBBERS Finn, ROCKS Priest, the brawl continues to the dugout! But then Rhea Ripley CLOBBERS Edge!! BUT HERE COMES BETH!! The Glamazon is back from that Con-Chair-To, and she’s bringing hell with her! Rhea runs in, into a SPEAR!! Security rushes back out, they get Edge & Beth to leave. Rollins brawls with Gunther but Theory runs in. Theory ELBOWS Rollins, and he hits an AOI SHOUDO! Theory DECKS Dom, throws hands on McIntyre, but the countdown is back. Number 26 is… OMOS! The Nigerian Giant has MVP by his side, and MVP has already guaranteed a win.
Omos storms his way up to the ring while the Celtics mug Theory. Dom and Rollins brawl, but the Celtics turn their attention to Omos. They fire off hands but he shoves them back to DOUBLE LARIAT! “This is MY house!” Omos BOOTS Theory, BOOTS Dom, then scoops Theory for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Omos talks more trash, but Gunther is back! CHOP! And CHOP! Omos scowls and choke grips! OMOS CHOKE SLAMS GUNTHER!! The countdown is back, and number 27 is… BRAUN!! The Monster of All Monsters is here, and he knows what it takes to topple a giant! Omos goes after Rollis, McIntyre goes after Omos but Omos HEADBUTTS back!
Braun and Omos lock eyes now, and fans fire up! Braun gets the fans even more fired up, but Omos pie faces Braun! Braun ROCKS Omos, Omos ROCKS Braun, they brawl with haymakers and forearms! Braun throat chops then ROCKS Omos! But then Omos shakes his head. Omos swings, Braun dodges, and Braun LARIATS Omos up and out to ELIMINATE him!! So much for MVP’s guarantee! Braun then ROCKS Gunther, stomps Theory, and RAMS into Rollins! Braun lifts Rollins, Theory tries to get away from the Celtics, and Gunther has Dom! Dom holds on, Theory gets away but only to run into Braun!
The Celtics are after Rollins while Braun TOSSES Theory! Braun BOOTS Gunther, DECKS Dom, and the countdown is back. Number 28 is… RICOCHET! The King of Flight is here, backing up his tag partner in Braun. Of course, this is every man for himself, will they work together? Braun coordinates with Ricochet, RAILGUN to Dom! ENZIGURI on top! Theory lariats Braun but Braun dodges budge! Braun ROCKS Theory, Ricochet DECKS Theory, and the tag partners chest bump. But then the Celtics RAM Braun into Ricochet! They go after the Monster, but he shoves back! Double choke grips, but they slip free to dump Braun out!
Braun holds on, Gunther lurks. Braun stands up, but he gets DOUBLE BEATS OF THE BODHRAINS! Gunther HEADBUTTS McIntyre and TOSSES him! McIntyre holds on but Gunther is after him! Sheamus KNEES Gunther and saves McIntyre! Rollins is after Theory, Ricochet is after Dom. ROLLING SENTON for Gunther! Theory is on the apron but Rollins throws hands. Theory shoulders in and steps back into the ring. Gunther puts Sheamus on the apron but Sheamus holds on. McIntyre ROCKS Ricochet, Gunther CHOPS Sheamus! McIntyre saves Sheamus now! McIntyre ROCKS Gunther, but Gunther DUMPS them both out! DOUBLE ELIMINATION!!
Fans boo as the Celtic Connection realizes what happened. The countdown is back, number 29 is… LOGAN PAUL!?! The ImPAULsive Influencer is back, fired up to have another big moment! Logan runs to the ring, ready to take on anyone! All the others see the spotlight hog, and they all MUG Logan Paul! Fans love it! Ricochet drags Logan up to throw him out! Logan lands on the apron, shoulders into Ricochet, then slingshots in to BUCKSHOT! But Gunther CHOPS Logan, gut wrenches, and lifts him onto the ropes! Logan holds on, KICKS Gunther, and gets back in. But now he stares down Braun!
Fans fire up as Logan grins. Braun swings, Logan dodges and fires off body shots! Braun ROCKS Logan back, scoops him, and hits a MONSTER SLAM!! Ricochet adds a STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Braun tosses Logan out but Logan stays on the apron. Number 30 is finally here, and it just has to be… CODY RHODES! The American Nightmare promised he’d return, and it has come true! Cody even gets pyro! Cody slides in and he CLOBBERS Theory! CLOBBERS Dom! Kicks and UPPERCUTS Braun! Theory fireman’s carries, Cody slips off and dodges to springboard, CODY CUTTER!! Off comes the weight belt! Free souvenir for a fan!
Dom kicks Cody, reels him in, and suplexes! Uno amigo! Dom suplexes again, Dos Amigos! Fans boo as Dom gives us Latino Heat! THREE AMI- NO, CROSS RHODES!! Cody TOSSES and ELIMINATES Dom!! But Braun gets Cody for a MONSTER BOMB! Gunther scoops Braun!? For a LAST SYMPHONY! But Ricochet hits a RUNNING SLICED BREAD! Theory hits a kick and a toss on Ricochet but he holds onto ropes! GAMANGIRI! Ricochet and Logan are across the ring from each other, they talk some trash, and they both springboard for DOUBLE FLYING LARIATS!!! Fans lose their minds over that one!
Cody drags Ricochet up to toss him! Ricochet holds on, “This is Awesome!” as Cody goes after the hands. Braun makes the save for his tag partner, but Cody dumps Braun out! Cody ELIMINATES Braun!! Ricochet body scissors Cody but Cody fights back! They brawl at the ropes, Theory CLOBBERS Ricochet to ELIMINATE him! We have our final four! Cody fires off on Theory while Rollins and Gunther catch their breath. Cody climbs up to rain down hands on Theory, and he goes all the way to TEN! Rollins elbows Gunther, Cody drags Theory up. Cody whips Theory to a corner, Theory reverses! Cody goes up and out, shoulders back in and slingshots to sunset flip!
Cody lets Rollins CURB STOMP Theory!! Theory staggers, Cody clotheslines and ELIMINATES him!! The irony that Cody and Rollins worked together! And they stare down, but also look at Gunther. Rollins asks how the pec feels. Cody isn’t gonna steal the spotlight from Rollins twice! Fans sing and Rollins wants Cody to listen. They circle, but Gunther CLUBS Rollins! Gunther ROCKS Cody, CLUBS him, but Rollins and Cody work together to mug Gunther! They mule kick, UPPERCUT, and then PEDIGREE! And then Cody hits a PEDIGREE! Rollins is annoyed but he and Cody circle again as fans fire up!
Rollins and Cody throw hands, but Gunther has the new ironman record, surpassing Rey Mysterio’s 62 minutes! Cody jabs, flips, flops ‘n’ flies, but Rollins ROCKS him first! Rollins and Cody fires off, Rollins swings but into a CROSS- NO, Snapmare! CURB- NO, Cody dodges! Rollins blocks a kick to SUPERKICK! Cody is on the ropes, Rollins wants him to come back. Kick and underhooks, but LOGAN is back?! Logan TOSSES Rollins out to ELIMINATE him!! Logan was never out but he just took out Rollins!! Fans boo and Rollins is stunned. Logan is now part of the final three, soaking up the heat.
Logan stomps Gunther, then stomps Cody. Logan says he’s going to WrestleMania, but Cody gets him for a CROSS RHODES!! Cody TOSSES and ELIMINATES Logan!! Gunther, the number one entry! Cody, the number 30th! Fans are electric as American Nightmare and Austrian Anomaly square off! Cody waistlocks, Gunther elbows and CHOPS back! Gunther whips corner to corner but Cody goes up and over. Cody ROCKS Gunther with haymakers, but Gunther CHOPS again! Gunther scoops, Cody slips free and fires off hands! Gunther CHOPS again! Cody goes to a corner, Gunther CHOPS him again!
Cody staggers but fans rally up! Gunther CHOPS again! Cody drops to his knees, has blood in his mouth, but Gunther UPPERCUTS him! Gunther runs in, but Cody dodges! Gunther ends up on the apron, Cody hits a DISASTER- LARIAT from Gunther!! Gunther steps back in, then he storms up on Cody. Gunther CLUBS Cody in the chest, but Cody throws body shots! Cody throws hands and CHOPS, but Gunther scoops to put Cody on the top rope! Gunther BENDS Cody, then CHOPS him! Then stands on the corner to STAND ON CODY!! Cody falls to the apron! Cody holds on as Gunther stomps him!
Gunther drags Cody up but Cody shoulders into Gunther! Cody CLUBS Gunther, climbs up top, but Gunther CHOPS him! Gunther climbs up after Cody, to CLUB him on the back, and then reel him in. SUPER BUTTERFLY SUPLEX!! Both men are down but Gunther forces himself up. Fans rally and Gunther KICKS Cody down! Fans rally for Cody but Gunther pie faces him. Cody fires up and fans fire up with him! Cody eggs Gunther on, they CHOP and CHOP! Cody kicks, RHODES UPPERCUTS, then CODY CUTTERS! Cody LARIATS but Gunther lands safe on the apron! Cody grits his teeth, storms up on Gunther, and fans are thunderous!
Gunther ROCKS Cody, steps in, but into a DRAGON SCREW! Gunther wobbles, Cody fires off forearms! Cody throws body shots, puts Gunther’s legs in the ropes, and fans fire up! Shoutout to big brother Dustin, with the deep breath and SHATTERED DREAMS!! Gunther falls but Cody drags Gunther up. Gunther CHOPS, Cody ROCKS Gunther, then Cody rolls, only for Gunther to SHOTGUN him down!! Gunther drags Cody up, GENERAL BOMB!! Gunther sputters, he drags Cody up again, and TOSSES Cody! But Cody holds on! Gunther is after Cody’s arms, he CLUBS Cody on the shoulder, then stands Cody back up.
Gunther CHOPS Cody but Cody CHOPS back! Gunther CHOPS again, and wraps on a SLEEPER!! Cody endures, fights the hold, and he drags Gunther over the ropes to join him! Fans are going nuts but Gunther lets go! Gunther is back in the ring but Cody climbs up. Cody leaps, into a CHOP! Gunther scoops, but Cody makes it a CROSS RHODES!! Cody LARIATS and ELIMINATES Gunther!! CODY WINS!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, at number 30 (headed to WrestleMania 39 in Hollywood)
From undesirable to undeniable, the American Nightmare has the biggest comeback in a long, long time! Will he achieve a dream and take the world title on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
Pitch Black Match: Bray Wyatt VS LA Knight!
No disqualifications? YEAH! No count-outs? YEAH! No way of knowing what’s going to happen with the lights down low? YEAH!! But with Uncle Howdy lurking in the shadows, will Bray be the one in control?
The fireflies come out as the piano plays. The door is there, with the light glowing behind it. The door swings open, and out walks Bray, with heavy eye-black around the eyes. Bray enters the ring, puts the lantern out, and for now, the lights are up. The fans rally up and the bell rings. The lights change to be black light and lasers, and we see glowing paint on Bray’s body! Knight himself is glowing because of his yellow tights, but Bray CLOBBERS him! Bray rains down fists, CHOKES Knight, then lets off to drag Knight up. Bray CLUBS Knight, stomps him, and drags him up. Bray grins and fans fire up as Bray suplex TOSSES Knight away!
Bray stalks Knight, drags him up and ROCKS him with a right! Bray CHOPS Knight in a corner, stalks him to another corner, and hoists him up top. TWO-HAND OVERHEAD TOSS!! Knight bails out and fans fire up as Bray has a wild look on his face. Bray goes out after Knight, bumps him off barriers, and then brings him around. Bray whips Knight but he reverses, and Bray hits steel steps! Bray tumbles up and over and Knight hurries to move those steel steps. Knight brings those steps to the announce desk, but Bray CLOBBERS Knight over the barriers! Bray clears the desk, there’s all sorts of glowing bits splattering around!
Bray CLUBS Knight, drags him up, and CLUBS him against the barriers. Bray drags Knight up the steel steps, but Knight fights the suplex! Knight HOTSHOTS Bray off the barriers, then hurries back up to FLYING BULLDOG through the desk!! It’s an explosion of glowing particles and fans fire up! Knight scrambles away while Bray is still in the wreckage. Knight gets in the ring, but then Bray brings out a TOOLBOX! A flashback to his match with Seth Rollins! Knight stomps Bray at the ropes, throws hands, but Bray choke grips! Bray CHOKE- NO, Knight knees free, cravats, but Bray shoves him right out of the ring!
Bray stands back up, fans fire up and he storms over, but Knight KENDO STICK SMACKS Bray! Knight goes up to FLYING KENDO SMACK! Knight swings again, but Bray catches him! SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, Bray wins!!
Winner: Bray Wyatt, by pinfall
The inner darkness was on display in this neon nightmare, will the Mega Star learn to leave well enough alone from now on? But then Bray puts on a new mask?! Bray stalks Knight but Knight grabs the kendo stick! Knight runs from Predator Bray and they go to the barriers. Knight SMACKS Bray, but Bray keeps storming up on him! Knight runs through the crowd, SMACKS Bray again, but Bray keeps hunting him! They go around behind the stage, there are White Rabbit symbols all over the place! Bray gets the MANDIBLE CLAW clamped on! Bray SMOTHERS Knight! Knight goes night-night and Bray lets him go. And there, in the rafters, is UNCLE HOWDY!
Howdy waves hi to Bray, and Bray nods. Bray looms over Knight, and then Howdy SUPER ELBOW DROPS onto Knight!! They crash down and there’s an EXPLOSION of pyro! And the puppets, Huskis the Pig Boy, Ramblin’ Rabbit, Mercy the Buzzard and Abby the Witch are watching from the rafters! Fans lose their minds, did Knight just lose his soul!?
Tonight’s attendance: 51,338!
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair VS Alexa Bliss!
We just saw how Uncle Howdy’s influence empowered Bray Wyatt, but Twisted Miss Bliss insists no one is pulling her strings. Will Alexa prove that she is in control? Or will she need Howdy’s help in dethroning the EST of the WWE?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is really the scariEST on Raw!
The bell rings and ALexa rushes in! They brawl with fast hands and fans fire up! Bianca RAMS Alexa into the corner, and again, then hits a short arm LARIAT! Bianca huffs and puffs and then hauls Alexa up to HIP TOSS! Bianca RAMS Alexa into the corner again, then climbs up top. Fans fire up as Bianca rains down fists! Alexa slips out at 5 to trip Bianca up and then dump her down! And then dropkick her for good measure! Alexa KICKS Bianca around, then snapmares her for another KICK! Bianca writhes but Alexa gets her for a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Bianca endures, but Alexa pulls the braid for added pressure!
The ref reprimands and counts, and Alexa kicks Bianca as she lets off at 4. Alexa stomps Bianca in a corner, lets off at 4 again, and Bianca goes to ropes. Alexa runs in to DOUBLE KNEE Bianca in the back! Cover, ONE!! Bianca is the toughEST but Alexa laughs as she clamps on a chinlock. Bianca endures, fans rally up, and Bianca fights up. But Alexa CLAWS Bianca’s face! Alexa keeps on the chinlock but fans rally. Bianca fights up, pries free and arm-drags Alexa away! Bianca runs in, Alexa dodges but Bianca blocks the roll-up! Alexa kicks the leg then KICKS Bianca down! Cover, TWO! Alexa clamps back on with a chinlock.
Bianca endures as Alexa says, “You couldn’t just leave it alone, could you?” Bianca grabs at Alexa but Alexa thrashes Bianca around. Fans rally, Bianca fights up, and Bianca RAMS Alexa into buckles! Alexa lets go, pulls the hair, and has a HANGING SLEEPER! Bianca kicks and flails, the ref reprimands, but Bianca carries Alexa as a backpack! She spins Alexa around to then suplex high and hard! Fans fire up while both women are down! Bianca and Alexa snarl, they rush at each other, and Bianca wrenches to kick low, knee low and ROCK Alexa! Bianca CLUBS away, TOSSES Alexa then DROPKICKS her! Bianca kips up and fans fire up!
Bianca has Alexa in a corner, climbs up again and rains down fists! Fans count along and Bianca goes all the way to TEN! Then past that to FIFTEEN! Bianca backflips, runs in, but Alexa dodges! Bianca grabs Alexa by her hair now, reels her in, and has a HANGING SLEEPER of her own! Alexa endures, Bianca lets go at 4, and then grabs the arms for a SURFBOARD STOMP! Bianca runs to handspring MOONSAULT onto knees! Alexa saves herself, and then runs. Bianca dodges, Alexa tilt-o-whirls but Bianca blocks to make it a FACEBUSTER! Handspring MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Alexa shows her own toughness but Bianca keeps cool.
Bianca torture racks Alexa but Alexa fights free! Alexa KICKS a leg out, then SLAPS, ROCKS and KNEES Bianca, to SHOT- NO, Bianca blocks the dropkick to roll Alexa and reel her in! But Alexa fights free of the bomb to KICK and BLISS-DT! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives, continuing to show she is the toughEST! Alexa KICKS and KICKS and KICKS Bianca, showing she’s perhaps the meanEST. Alexa sits Bianca up to SLAP her! Insult2Injury 2.0! Cover, TWO! Alexa drags Bianca up by her hair, looks at her own hand, but Bianca blocks the claw! Alexa slips free of the wrench, clinches, but Bianca powers out! Torture rack, KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall (still Raw Women’s Champion)
For a moment, it seemed like Alexa was giving into Uncle Howdy, but that cost her! Bianca is still the RawEST Women’s Champion, will she be waiting on the Women’s Royal Rumble match to find her WrestleMania
As for Alexa, visions of the playground return. And then Uncle Howdy laughs from the screen as he shows her the past. “Do you feel in charge? Do you feel in charge?” Alexa’s face is frightened, but will she run away from or run towards the darkness?
2023 Women’s Royal Rumble match!
Charlotte Flair has the SmackDown Women’s Championship, and we just saw Bianca Belair retain the Raw Women’s Championship. The winner of this match has their choice between the two, who survives the field of 30 to be the one headed to WrestleMania?
The first one out is… RHEA RIPLEY! It seems Mami isn’t going to let Beth Phoenix’s spear stop her from eradicating the Road to WrestleMania. Out second is… LIV MORGAN! She wanted to be number one, but this is all relative when she will also have to take on all comers. The bell rings and fans rally up as the two stare down. Liv says she’s going to Mania, and Rhea just smirks. They fire off hands and fans fire up! Rhea gets the edge, she CLUBS Liv, then she TOSSES Liv to a corner! Rhea dusts herself off, runs in but Liv dodges! Liv fires off hands, Rhea shoves her away, and then BOOTS her down!
Rhea looks to the Mania sign, fans rally up, and Rhea drags Liv up. Rhea reels Liv in, suplexes her, but Liv slips free! Liv hits a BACKSTABBER! Liv back body blocks in a corner, comes back to SHINING WIZARD, and then she snapmares Rhea. The countdown is here, Liv LEAPS, but into Rhea’s arms! Rhea suplexes Liv while number three is… DANA BROOKE! The Flex Appeal has not missed a Rumble yet, but will she win this one? Liv ENZIGURIS Rhea down so Dana better hurry! Dana runs down the ramp, hurries up a corner, and she DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICKS! Liv goes to a corner, Rhea to the other!
Dana handsprings in to back elbow Liv! And then handsprings the other way, but Rhea catches her! Rhea hits a back suplex but Dana lands on her feet to POST Rhea! Liv kicks Dana, whips her to ropes, but Dana reverses to hip toss! Dana handsprings and basement dropkicks Liv down! Liv goes to a corner, Dana runs in but into an elbow. Liv goes up and kicks, but Dana blocks! Dana ROCKS Liv, climbs up after her, but the two brawl. The countdown is back as Dana SUPERPLEXES Liv! Number four is… EMMA! The Aussie with Attitude wants to make it #AllAboutMe, and she’s finally in a Women’s Rumble!
Emma rushes in, Rhea gut wrenches but Dana turns it into a NECKBREAKER! Emma HOTSHOTS Rhea at the ropes! Rhea runs back in but Emma dodges the boot to tilt-o-whirl RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Dana and Emma work together as old friends, whip and handspring elbow for Rhea! Emma whips Liv in, she SHINING WIZARDS Rhea! Emma runs in, EMMAMITE SANDWICH! Emma drags Rhea up, Liv and Dana help out, Mami has a 3v1! The countdown is back as Rhea fights free! Number five is… SHAYNA BASZLER! The Queen of Spades promised to #TapNapOrSnap all 29 others, and she’s got her pick of the bunch!
Shayna kicks Emma, to gut wrench and SLAM her! Rhea storms up but Shayna wrenches the arm to a double wristlock! They’re on the ropes, Liv goes to dump them both out! Shayna ELBOWS Liv but Liv kicks, BOOTS and ENZIGURIS, only to end up in an ANKLE LOCK! Liv rolls through but Shayna KICKS her down! Shayna swings Dana for a BACKBREAKER, dragon sleeper, and NECKBREAKER! Shayna isolates an arm to STOMP it! Dana writhes but Shayna stalks her. The countdown is back, number six is… Damage Control’s BAYLEY! The Role Model swaggers while Liv and Dana lift Shayna.
Emma and Rhea brawl, Bayley slides in but into ObLIVion!! Liv throws Bayley up and out but Bayley clings to ropes! Liv stomps away, then bumps her off buckles. Bayley ROCKS Liv, kicks her and ROCKS her again. Emma BOOTS Rhea, Bayley tells fans to shut up and she stomps away on Liv. Emma stomps Shayna, Bayley CLUBSL Emma. Bayley stomps Liv, the countdown is back. Number seven is… B-FAB! Hit Row’s leading lady makes her Rumble debut, swaggers her way to the ring while the others brawl. Liv ROCKS Rhea, Shayna CLUBS Dana, B-Fab DECKS Emma! B-Fab throws Liv away, ROCKS Shayna, then BOOTS Liv!
Dana runs in but B-Fab scoops her and SLAMS her! B-Fab wrenches Bayley to HOOK KICK! Rhea runs in, ducks the hook kick and HEADBUTTS B-Fab! Rhea TOSSES and ELIMINATES B-Fab! Rhea has a bloody nose but she smiles all the same. Bayley is after Liv but Liv SPANKS her away. Dana ROCKS Liv, the countdown is back, and number eight is… NXT WOMEN’S CHAMPION, ROXANNE PEREZ!! Texas fires up for their own, and the Prodigy makes her Rumble debut! She climbs up top, and CROSSBODIES Dana down! Roxie fires up, she UPPERCUTS Shayna, then rolls to dodge Emma. Emma ends up hitting Shayna, Roxie UPPERCUTS her!
Rhea whips but Roxie tilt-o-whirls and goes around to RANA! Fans fire up with the kip up! But Bayley whips! Roxie reverses, rolls her, and CLOBBERS her! Roxie CLUBS away on Bayley, throws her over but Bayley clings to ropes. Emma and Liv help out, as does Dana, but Bayley slips back in. They all stomp Bayley but the countdown is back. Number nine is… DAKOTA KAI! Bayley has back-up from her DMG CTRL teammate! #CobraKai rushes in, DECKS Liv, ROCKS Shayna, ROCKS Dana, CLUBS Roxie and CLUBS Emma! Kai then hits an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER on Roxie! And a SCORPION KICK to Emma!
Bayley and Dakota stand together and fans boo. But DMG CTRL gets mugged! Liv stomps Dakota, Dana and Emma lift Bayley. Bayley clings to the top rope, fights free, and then helps Dakota with Liv. Liv throws kicks, the countdown is back again. Number ten is… IYO SKY! DMG CTRL is now at 100% as the Evil Genius rushes out! Roxie and Emma lift Bayley, Liv and Dana stomp Kai. Sky springboards to DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK Liv and Dana! Sky stomps Shayna, ROCKS Emma, but Shayna hits Sky back! These two are no strangers, Shayna whips but Sky ducks ‘n’ dodges and handsprings through to then SHOTGUN dropkick!
sky kips up and fans fire up while DMG CTRL focuses on Emma! Emma clings to ropes, kicks DMG CTRL away, then Dana helps Emma skin the cat. But DMG CTRL DUMPS and ELIMINATES Dana! Emma fires off on each of them, dodges Bayley but is put on the apron. Kai BOOTS and ELIMINATES Emma! But Roxie dumps Kai out! DMG CTRL hurries to attack Roxie and save Kai! Roxie fires off hands on all three of them! Roxie runs, goes up and over but Bayley catches her! ASSISTED SHOTGUN sends Roxie out, DMG CTRL ELIMINATES her! Fans boo but the countdown is back. Number 11 is… NATALYA!
The Queen of Harts is here and the Queen of Spades is a bit worried! Natty is back after Shayna broke her nose months ago! Natty storms right in and DECKS Bayley, DECKS Kai, and DECKS Sky! DISCUS for Liv! Shayna CLUBS Natty, drags her up, and RAMS her into a corner! Shayna fires off hands, hoists her up, but Natty clings to ropes. Natty CLUBS Shayna, Bayley stomps Liv, Kai & Sky mug Rhea. DMG CTRL mugs Rhea, Liv and Shayna work together on Natty. The countdown is back, number 12 is… CANDICE LERAE! The Poison Pixie has a bone to pick with DMG CTRL, and Liv fights them off.
Candice back body blocks Kai! Candice puts Sky on the apron, blocks a boot and puts Kai outside! Bayley runs in but Candice doges! Bayley hits Kai & Sky but they cling to ropes! Candice suplexes Bayley, but Shayna KNEES Candice down! Shayna also remembers Candice from their past, and she throws hands. DMG CTRL regroups to go after Rhea, but now Natty and Shayna square off. Natty SLAPS Shayna, then ducks the haymaker to GERMAN SUPLEX! Natty storms up but Shayna throws hands. Shayna puts Natty on the apron, runs in, but Natty dodges the knee! Natty dumps Shayna up and out, but Shayna holds ropes!!
Shayna grabs Natty in a KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! DMG CTRL help get Natty out, but then they BLAST them both off! DMG CTRL ELIMINATES both Natty and Shayna! The countdown is back, number 13 is… ZOEY STARK! The Hunter of NXT is here for her own debut! Stark has a lot of prey, and she rushes right in to CLOBBER Bayley! SUPERKICK for Liv! HEEL KICK for Kai! And a DRAGON SUPLEX for her former tag partner, Sky! Stark kips up, but Rhea throws her out! Stark lands on the apron, ROUNDHOUSES Rhea, and then slingshots in for an ARABIAN SENTON! Stark drags Rhea up and has her on the ropes!
Rhea fights off Stark while DMG CTRL mugs Liv. Candice helps Liv but that’s still 3v2! The countdown is back, number 14 is… XIA LI! The Protector is now the Eliminator, and she’s looking to make that literal tonight! But the ref won’t let her bring the Bo staff in, so she shoves the staff into the ref! Xia BOOTS Candice, HEEL KICKS Liv, and blocks a kick from Stark to shove her down! ROLLING KICK for Rhea, and then a STEP-UP ELBOW in the corner! Xia roars and fans fire up, but DMG CTRL pounces on her! They mug Xia, they go back after Candice, but Candice turns double suplex into DOUBLE NECKBREAKER!
Bayley CLOBBERS Candice, scoops her, but Candice slips free before the assisted shotgun! Sky ends up in ropes, Candice CHOPS Kai and Bayley! Sky gets back in, DMG CTRL goes after Candice! Candice goes up top and BOOTS Bayley away, but Sky’s SHOTEI sends Candice tumbling to the floor! Sky ELIMINATES Candice! Fans boo but DMG CTRL is all fired up. The countdown is back, number 15 is… BECKY LYNCH!? The Man has come ’round, and DMG CTRL is freaking out! Becky storms right to the ring, DMG CTRL slides out under the ropes, but Becky DECKS Kai and DECKS Sky! Becky goes right after Bayley and the brawl is on!
Fans fire up as Becky fires off on Bayley, bumps her off buckles and stomps a mudhole in! Becky drags Bayley up, throws her but Bayley reverses! Becky goes through the second rope, drags Bayley out from the bottom rope, and then RAMS her into the apron! Becky DECKS Kai and DECKS Sky again, but the 3v1 catches up to her! Fans boo as DMG CTRL drag Becky up to RAM her into barriers! Then they drag Becky up to TOSS Becky over the desk! The refs reprimand but there’s nothing they can do. The countdown is back, number 16 is… TEGAN NOX! The Welsh Firecracker is here, ready to pop off!
DMG CTRL goes in to beat up on Stark and Liv, and Nox gest on the corner! Nox MOLLY-GO-ROUNDS Rhea! And UPPERCUTS Stark! And UPPERCUTS Xia! And UPPERCUTS Kai into Sky! Another shot for Xia, another for Stark, then a CANNONBALL for Kai & Sky! Nox brings Xia out for a GOURD BUSTER! Bayley CLUBS Rhea, Nox KNEES Kai! Stark runs in, Liv ROCKS her! Liv and Nox work together, LIV IN MOTION on Stark! SHINIEST WIZARD! Liv & Nox drag Stark up, but the countdown is back. Number 17 is… ASUKA!! The Empress of Tomorrow is back from her soul searching, and she has an even fiercer kabuki mask!
Asuka takes off the mask to reveal DEMON CLOWN ASUKA! Once upon a time is right here and right now! Everyone is shocked as Asuka steps into the ring. Liv and NOx rush in, Asuka dodges to run them over! POP-UP KNEE for Liv! Stark KICKS but Asuka just takes it! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bayley runs in but misses the sliding lariat! Asuka smiles and Bayley is speechless. Asuka spins, Bayley pie faces! Asuka just grins as she stares Bayley down. Fans are thunderous for Asuka, and she URAKENS! URAKENS! SOBATGS! KICKS! URAKENS! And HEEL KICKS!! Asuka throws Bayley out but she clings to the ropes!
Asuka drags Bayley up, Bayley HOTSHOTS her! Nox UPPERCUTS Asuka, runs, but into a spin! Backslide, roll through, SUPERKICK from Nox! Nox runs in but is put on the apron! ROUNDHOUSE! Nox falls, Asuka ELIMINATES her! But DMG CTRL is after her! The countdown is back, number 18 is… PIPER NIVEN! She dropped the Doudrop, and is reedy to be the Scottish Viper! DMG CTRL mugs Xia, Asuka has Bayley, but Piper storms in to CLOBBER Bayley! She CLOBBERS Kai! She CLOBBERS Sky! She wrenches Stark to RAM her, then whips her into a corner! BIG back elbow, and then Xia runs in, into an URENAGE! And SENTON!
Piper swings but Bayley dodges but Piper scoops her. Bayley slips off, but Piper elbows her! Piper scoops Liv to SLAM her on Bayley! Then she SPLASHES them both! Fans fire up, the countdown is back, and number 19 is… TAMINA! Nobody meana, and the Daughter of Superfly is right after Piper! Fans fire up, but then DMG CTRL steps up. Piper and Tamina DECK them, then DECK Liv! They throw hands with each other, Tamina UPPERCUTS! Piper runs in, Tamina dodges to SUPERKICK! Kai CHOP BLOCKS Tamina and DMG CTRL mugs her! Becky goes after DMG CTRL! Fans fire up as Becky fires off on Bayley!
Kai goes after Becky, scoops but Becky slips out! Becky catches Sky, DOUBLE DDT COMBO! The countdown is back and number 20 is… “Shh… It’s Chelsea.” CHELSEA GREEN, that is! The Hot Mess is back in the WWE and fans fire up! Bayley and Becky brawl, but Chelsea slides in, only for Rhea to TOSS her and ELIMINATE her! Well, thanks for coming, Chelsea… Becky dumps Bayley over, Kai CLUBS her! Becky TOSSES and ELIMINATES Kai! Becky kicks Bayley, TOSSES Sky, and ELIMINATES her! But then Bayley TOSSES and ELIMINATES Becky!! But then Liv DUMPS and ELIMINATES Bayley!! And now Becky brawls with DMG CTRL!
DMG CTRL dumps Becky into the crowd but she comes back to drag Bayley over! The brawling continues, they go off into the night, and Rhea is after Asuka. Tamina is after Piper, Stark digs a knee into Xia, but the countdown is back. Number 21 is… ZELINA VEGA! La Muneca is cosplaying Juri from Street Fighter, in honor of getting to be part of Street Fighter VI. Vega hits a DESTROYER on Rhea! Piper scoops Vega and puts her on the apron! Vega ROUNDHOUSES, trips Piper, and says she’s going to Mania! But Xia and Tamina are both on the apron with her… Xia and Vega go Street Fighter on the edge! But Veg blocks a boot, throws Xia down and stomps her!
Vega lifts Xia up with her foot, to HEEL KICK her and ELIMINATE her! Vega then gets in with a FLYING CODE BREAKER to Piper! The countdown is back, and number 22 is… RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ! Big Mami Cool has Texas behind her as she storms to the ring. Raquel slides in, scoops Vega, BOOTS Tamina, then gives Vega SNAKE EYES! LARIAT for Liv, LARIAT for Piper! Raquel swings, Rhea dodges, but that LEFT comes in! Raquel roars, dodges Stark, and catches the crossbody! FALL AWAY SLAM! Raquel catches Asuka, for a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Fans fire up but Vega CHOP BLOCKS Raquel!
Raquel is mad, and she picks Vega up with both hands! Raquel puts Vega up top but Vega hits back! The countdown is back as Vega FLYING RANAS Raquel! Number 23 is… MIA YIM! Michin is here, ready to prove she IS the Head Baddie In Charge! Mia hurries to the ring, shoulders into Stark and then TORNADO DDTs! SHOTGUN for Tamina! ROCK for Liv! ENZIGURI for Raquel! HEEL KICK for Asuka! Tilt-o-whirl DDT for Rhea! Tamina UPPERCUTS Mia down! And Piper SENTONS! Piper drags Mia up and throws her at the ropes but Mia holds on. Raquel lifts Stark, Stark fights back and steps in. Stark kicks Raquel and bumps her off buckles.
The countdown is back as Mia, Vega and Asuka gang up on Piper. Number 24 is… LACEY EVANS! The Model Soldier returned on SmackDown, and now she returns to the Rumble. Lacey gest in, dodges Tamina and BOOTS Piper! WOMAN’s RIGHT for Tamina! Lacey TOSSES Liv onto Tamina! Lacey goes up and headstands, for the BRONCO BUSTER on Liv! Asuka nd Mia brawl, Tamina CLUBS Lacey and throws her over the top rope! Lacey ROCKS Tamina back! Lacey shoulders into Stark, sweeps the legs, and then slingshot elbow drops! Lacey salutes but fans are torn. Liv, Rhea and Raquel mug Piper, the countdown is back, and number 25 is… MICHELLE MCCOOL!?
McCool is in the crowd, but turns out she’s dressed to compete! She hops the barriers, brawls with Tamina, and POSTS her! McCool catches Liv for an OVERHEAD Suplex! McCool UPPERCUTS Piper, blocks a Rana and hits a STYLES CLASH! McCool KNEES Mia in a corner, KNEES Piper in the other, and fans fire up! But Tamina kicks McCool, whips, but McCool reverses! Tamina goes up and out, holds on, but McCool BOOTS her down and ELIMINATES her! Rhea brawls with McCool but McCool KNEES her! Liv KNEES Asuka in a corner, the countdown is back, and number 26 is… INDI HARTWELL!
NXT’s #IndiWrestling is here, ready to be Impressive! Indi slides in, CLOBBERS Stark, CLOBBERS Liv, BOOTS Mia, and kicks Raquel to CLUB and JAB! Indi dodges Stark to SPINEBUSTER! Indi points to the Mania sign, and then she hoists Lacey up. Lacey throws elbows, Liv brawls with McCool. Lacey CHOKES Indi, Raquel hoists Rhea by her legs. Piper and Asuka claw at each other, and the countdown is back. Number 27 is… SONYA DEVILLE! Sonya is getting a title match next Friday, will this golden ticket be her insurance policy? Sonya takes her time as Stark brawls with Mia. Mia throat chops and CLUBS Stark down, then wrenches for SOLE FOOD!
Sonya slides in, she KNEES Stark down! Sonya drags Stark up to toss her out and ELIMINATE her! “Stay in NXT, honey.” Sonya runs to KNEE Raquel down! Sonya turns around, Asuka SOBATS! Asuka KICKS, KICKS and KICKS, but Sonya blocks! Sonya ROCKS Asuka, gives back those KICKS, then runs, but Asuka follows! Sonya dodges, both women duck a kick, but then DOUBLE ROUNDHOUSES take them both down! Fans fire up while Mia and Indi brawl. Vega boots Lacy while upside-down! Lacey blocks the drop toehold and stomps Vega! Lacey drags Vega up the corner to a COBRA CLUTCH!!
Vega flails, but she fades out! Lacey drags Vega over the top rope and DUMPS her! Lacey ELIMINATES Vega! The countdown is back, and number 28 is… SHOTZI BLACKHEART! The wild child is back, and so is her #TCB tank! Shotzi hurries to the ring, time to Take Care o’ Bidness! Shotzi climbs the corner to CROSSBODY Raquel and Piper down! Shotzi brawls with Mia, ROUNDHOUSES her, but Raquel whips her! Shotzi springboards to wheelbarrow and put Rhea on the ropes! Shotzi kicks Lacey, suplexes her and hangs her out to dry! Sonya tosses Shotzi but Shotzi holds on! Indi runs in, Sonya dumps her out!
Indi ROCKS Sonya, springboards but Sonya shoves her down! Sonya ELIMINATES Indi! Fans boo but Raquel storms up to go after Sonya! Raquel hoists Sonya up, the countdown is back, and number 29 is… NIKKI CROSS! Anarchy has come to the Rumble! Nikki runs in to CLOBBER Shotzi! Sonya drags Nikki up but Nikki ROCKS her! She DECKS Liv, and basically hits everyone once as she makes a lap around the ring! Nikki whips around her jacket and fans fire up! Nikki kicks Shotzi, and hits the PURGE! Nikki drags Shotzi up, but that’s dead weight after hitting that neckbreaker. Lacey CLUBS Nikki while Raquel CLUBS Sonya down.
Piper is after McCool, and the countdown is back. Number 30 is… NIA JAX?!? The Irresistible Force returns to the WWE!! All eyes are on her as she storms down the ramp, and she smiles at all the attention. Nia gets in the ring, fans fire up, and Nia says SHE is going to Mania! But uh, her egging them on has them go at her, 11 against one! But Nia EXPLODES out! Nia CLOBBERS Nikki, CLOBBERS Mia, HEADBUTTS Sonya, and then stares Raquel down! Fans are thunderous again, and they throw hands! Raquel gets the edge, then scoops! But Nia fights free to HEADBUTT Raquel down! Liv runs in, but into a fireman’s carry!
Liv flails, gets a SLEEPER, but Nia THROWS her away! “I’m back, bitch!!” Nia HEADBUTTS McCool but the URAKEN and CODE BREAKER stagger her! ANOTHER CODE BREAKER! Rhea scoops Nia?! The slam wasn’t that strong, but Rhea kicks and CLUBS away on Nia! Pump handle, for the RIPTIDE?!?! Fans lose their minds as Rhea and everyone else drags Nia up! They ALL ELIMINATE Nia!! Nia is pissed but fans love it! But then Nikki goes after McCool, and everyone else break off into their brawling! Fans taunt Nia with “Hey hey hey, good-bye~!” Nikki clings to ropes as McCool lift her.
Sonya is after Asuka, Shotzi fights off Lacey, and Raquel fireman’s carries Lacey! Raquel puts Lacey on the apron but Lacey HOTSHOTS back! Raquel swings, Lacey ducks, but the LEFT knocks her down! Raquel ELIMINATES Lacey! But then Asuka KICKS Raquel! Raquel scowls but Asuka KICKS, KICKS and URAKENS! But Raquel trips Asuka, deadlifts her, but Asuka fights free! ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!! Raquel endures, fights up, deadlifts again, for a TEXANA BOMB to the outside! Asuka lands safe, Sonya goes after Raquel but Raquel whips Sonya out! Asuka ROCKS Sonya, Sonya ROCKS back! Raquel runs in, into DOUBLE KICKS!
Asuka BOOTS Sonya, and POP-UP KNEES! Sonya BOOTS back, but runs into a ROUNDHOUSE! Sonya falls, ASUKA ELIMINATES her! Guess Sonya will have to rely on her shot next week. Rhea DUMPS McCool out to ELIMINATE her! Shotzi fights against Mia but Mia puts her on the outside. Mia wenches for SOLE FOOD! Shotzi falls, Mia ELIMINATES her! But then Piper TOSSES Mia onto Shotzi to ELIMINATE her! Piper and Raquel stare down, they RAM each other! Piper wrenches to a clinch and SAIDO! Piper runs into the corner, CANNONBALL! Piper then climbs up the corner, for the VADER- NO, Raquel blocks and tosses Piper out!
Piper is on the apron, Raquel BOOTS her down and ELIMINATES her! Fans fire up, but Rhea runs in! Raquel blocks the bot, hoists Rhea up, and TEXANA BOMBS her! But Rhea headscissors Raquel to bring her out! Rhea BOOTS and ELIMINATES Raquel!! Nikki is after Asuka but Rhea dumps each of them out! They’re both on the apron, they both ROCK Rhea with forearm after forearm! Nikki and Asuka brawl now, Nikki HOTSHOTS Asuka, then drapes her out. Liv BLASTS Nikki and ELIMINATES her!! The final three are Asuka and the two women who started this match in Rhea and Liv!
Fans rally up, Asuka and Liv are both loving this! Even Rhea grins, she’s getting into it, too! They all circle, Rhea swing but Asuka dodges to ROCK Liv! Asuka mule kicks Rhea, mule kicks Liv, but Liv dodges to wheelbarrow. Rhea TOSSES her at Asuka for a CODE BREAKER! Rhea throws Liv, Liv throws Rhea! Rhea HEADBUTTS Liv, drags her up onto the ropes and to the apron! They brawl out there, Rhea BOOTS Liv, but Asuka runs in! HIP ATTACK is caught! Rhea turns Asuka around, suplexes her out, but Asuka is on the apron now! They continue to brawl, Rhea ducks as Asuka BLOWS BLUE MIST! Liv gets a face full!!
Liv sits, Rhea BOOTS Asuka down to ELIMINATE her! Rhea grins and stands back up. Liv reaches out blindly but Rhea drags her up, CODE BREAKER!! Rhea dangles over the floor! Liv hurries to find her way, and she punches the hands! But Rhea reaches up to RANA Liv, and WIN!!
Winner: Rhea Ripley, at number one (headed to WrestleMania 39 in Hollywood)
One hour, one minute and three seconds is the historic run Rhea had in this match, to win! Will Rhea eradicate whichever champion she chooses on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
Country Rock star, Hardy, is here live!
And he’s here to perform his hit song, the official 2023 Royal Rumble theme, Sold Out!
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman & Sami Zayn VS Kevin Owens!
The Honorary Uce has found himself stuck between The Bloodline and his best frenemy. He wants to prove his loyalty and value to the Tribal Chief, but there is a “final test” still to come. Will Sami pass that test? Will Roman retain the title? Or will the Prizefighter #StunTheWorld by finally ending the reign of terror?
Fans lift their fingers for the Tribal Chief. As Roman decreed earlier, only the Wise Man and Sami are with him for the entrance. Roman raises the belts for the pyro, then continues to the ring. Once again, Roman lifts the belts for more pyro. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who is truly Head of the Table!
The bell rings and Kevin stares Roman down. Sami paces outside while Heyman watches closely. Roman says he’s gonna teach Kevin a lesson as he and Kevin circle. Fans cheer on “SAMI USO!” and Kevin says that must annoy Roman. Roman and Kevin circle, tie up, and go around. Roman headlocks, Kevin powers out but Roman runs Kevin over! Kevin gets up quickly enough and Roman tells Sami that this is Roman teaching Kevin a lesson. Sami says it is, and Roman circles with Kevin again. They tie up, go around again, and Roman headlocks again. Kevin powers out again, but Roman runs Kevin over again!
Kevin gets up, shakes out the arm, and Roman is talking more trash. Kevin goes to a corner and catches his breath. They reset, fans rally up, and the two tie up. Roman headlocks again, Kevin powers out again, but Kevin drops down to then CLOBBER Roman! And SENTON! Fans fire up with Kevin as he says “SUCK IT!” Kevin stomps away on Roman, goes corner to corner and runs back in, CANNONBALL! Fans fire up while Roman bails out. Kevin goes out to ROCK Roman! And CLUB him! Kevin follows Roman around the way to throw hands. Roman ROCKS Kevin in return, and HEADBUTTS! Kevin CHOPS, ROCKS, but Roman kicks back!
Roman whips, Kevin reverses, and Roman hits barriers! Kevin then CLOBBERS Roman again! Fans fire up and Kevin SENTONS again! Kevin drags Roman up, puts him in the ring, and he throws hands. Roman staggers, Kevin taunts him and throws more hands. Kevin throws body shots in the corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Kevin whips corner to corner, Roman reverses and Kevin hits buckles hard! Kevin tumbles up and down the corner, and Roman stands him back up. URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Kevin just gets that shoulder up and Roman is annoyed. Sami coaches Roman, and Roman stalks Kevin to ropes.
Roman CHOKES Kevin, the ref counts, and Roman lets off at 4. Sami moves aside as Roman goes out after Kevin. Fans rally as Roman runs for the DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kevin is hanging tough and Roman is annoyed, and maybe even confused. Roman throws crossface forearms, then clamps on a chinlock. Kevin endures, fights up, and he throws body shots. But Roman ROCKS Kevin with an uppercut! Heyman says that was a good one! Kevin ends up in a corner, and Roman CHOPS! And point-blank LARIATS again and again! Roman goes all the way to nine, then runs, into a forearm!
Kevin throws more hands, Roman ROCKS Kevin back, and they brawl with forearms back and forth! Kevin gets the edge, runs, but into a BOOT! Kevin wobbles, Roman runs, but into a LARIAT! Fans fire up and Roman sits up, rather stunned! Kevin ROCKS, CHOPS and repeat! Kevin whips, Roman KICKS back! Roman runs, but Kevin LARIATS Roman up and out of the ring! Kevin then goes to the apron, to FROG SPLASH to the floor! Kevin hurries to haul Roman into the ring and then climbs a corner! Another FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Heyman and Sami look worried but Roman is still in this.
Kevin goes to ropes and stands up while Roman sputters and coughs. Kevin aims from the corner and wants Roman to stand up. “Get up, you manipulative piece of crap!” Roman stands, Kevin runs in, but the superkick is blocked! Roman reels Kevin in, SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives but both men are down while fans rally up. Sami argues the count with the ref but the ref says it was fair. Roman raises his finger and San Antonio joins in, #HeTheOne. Roman locks ‘n’ loads, runs in, SUPER- NO, Kevin dodges and gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Roman is in the corner, Kevin runs in, SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO!!
Heyman is frustrated and Sami also seems worried. Kevin and Roman stir, and Roman sits up. Fans rally, Roman doesn’t like that, but he goes back to a corner. Roman aims again, “OOOAH~!” Roman runs in, but Kevin POSTS him!! SUPERKICK!! Kevin goes up top, for a SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Roman survives and Heyman is beside himself with stress. Kevin stomps Roman, then goes back to the corner. Heyman shouts at Roman to get up as Kevin climbs again. Heyman PLEADS, and Roman stands to UPPERCUT Kevin! Roman ROCKS Kevin again, climbs up after him, but Kevin hits back with haymakers!
The two brawl up top, Kevin gets the edge, and Roman staggers away. But Roman comes back to ROCK Kevin, then climbs back up! But Kevin throws body shots and headbutts! Kevin ELBOWS Roman down! Roman is in the drop zone, Kevin adjusts, BEST MOON- NO, Kevin slips and falls, but onto Roman anyway! Elbow drop, then Kevin climbs back up, BEST MOONSAULT FLOP!! Roman avoids disaster, and SPEARS Kevin down!! Cover, TWO!?! Roman can’t believe that Kevin survives both his own mistake and Roman’s best shot! Fans rally up as Kevin sits up. Roman goes to the corner and says he’s ending this!
Fans are torn as Roman reloads, “OOOAH~!” But he runs into a KICK! STUN- NO, Roman shoves Kevin into the ref! The ref goes down, Roman runs in, POP-UP POWRBOMB! Cover, but again, no ref! Kevin would’ve won twice over by now! Kevin realizes the error in his calculations, and he calls for someone to show up. Kevin drags Roman up, but Roman LOW BLOWS!! Roman then shouts at Sami to do something! Sami says he was told to do nothing but be here! Well Roman’s telling him NOW, GET A CHAIR! Sami does as told and goes looking. Heyman helps him look under the ring, but then Sami hesitates?
Sami gives Roman the chair after all, and says he can do it. But Kevin hits a STUNNER!! Ref is back, cover, TWO!?!?! Roman survives and Sam is freaking out! Did he just cost Roman or save him!? Kevin drags Roman back up, whips him to ropes, POP-UP- SUPERMAN PUNCH!! SPEAR!!! Cover, TWO!??!?! Kevin survives and everyone is shocked!! San Antonio is thunderous as Kevin rolls out of the ring while Roman can’t even believe this! Sami is there as Kevin crawls to barriers and fans chant “This is Awesome!” Kevin stands up, Sami tells him to just stay down. Kevin refuses, and he grabs at Sami. Is Kevin remembering when Sami was his friend?
Roman runs in, and he SPEARS Kevin through the barriers!! Roman drags Kevin back up, puts him back in, but then Kevin flops right back out! Kevin flounders to steel steps and Roman says it’s time to hurt Kevin. Roman storms up, and THROWS Kevin on the steps!! Kevin clutches his head and neck and even Sami is aghast! Roman drags Kevin up again, to SLAM him on the steps!! Fans boo but Roman drags Kevin back up. Heyman looks at Sami and says this is what happens to those who defy the Tribal Chief. Roman puts Kevin back in the ring, and Heyman says this is why he worships the Tribal Chief. ACKNOWLEDGE HIM!!
Sami raises his finger but fans boo. Roman looms over Kevin, drags him up again, and he slaps Kevin around. Roman is toying with Kevin now, but Kevin SLAPS back! Roman SPEARS Kevin down!! Cover, Roman wins!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Universal Champion)
The Tribal Chief is still on top, but Sami seems conflicted. The Usos and Solo arrive to celebrate with Roman, but they stand over the battered Kevin Owens. Jey gives Sami the ley, but Roman has him hold on. Fans boo but Roman says they’re not done. Now comes the final test. The Usos beat up on Kevin, fans boo, but Roman has Sami watch. The Usos pick Kevin apart like piranhas, and ONE AND DONE!! Roman has his arm around Sami as they watch the Usos drag Kevin into a corner. Jey puts the chair around Kevin’s neck! They’re gonna have Solo do what he did to Matt Riddle! Solo runs in, HIP ATTACK!!!
Roman tells Sami to hold on. He goes to Heyman, and Heyman brings out handcuffs! TWO PAIRS EVEN! Roman grins as he swaggers up to Kevin with the cuffs. He has the Usos cuff Kevin to the ropes, forcing him to stand up! Fans boo but now the Usos SUPERKICK Kevin over and over and over! Then a DOUBLE SUPERKICK tops it off! And then ANOTHER DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Roman has the Usos stop, fans chant for “SAMI! SAMI!” but Roman has a chair. Roman says Sami is HIS family, not Kevin’s. You disrespect the family, you disrespect Roman. Roman is trying to make Sami’s life better and Kevin is holding him back.
Roman swings, but Sami stands in the way!! Sami tells them to stop, Kevin is done. They beat him down more than enough. The Tribal Chief is still champion, this is beneath him. It’s enough, and Roman is better than that. Roman cools off, and he agrees. This is beneath him, so Sami should do it. He holds the chair out but Sami doesn’t want that. Roman says Sami should. Heyman says this is Sami’s moment. This is the test! But Sami says it’s not necessary. Roman says Sami will, or he’s not one of them. Sami is Bloodline, but Kevin doesn’t care about him! Kevin’s an anchor on Sami’s career! Roman loves Sami! Roman gives Sami everything!
The ring is YOURS when you’re Bloodline. Or doe Sami wanna go back to doing Jackass wrestling?! Sami thinks about it, he lifts the chair, and Roman tells him to pull the trigger! Is Sami crying? What’s wrong with you!? Roman pushes Sami around, “DO YOU THINK THIS IS A GAME?! THIS IS MY LIFE!!” Roman tells Sami to do this! Sami nods, lifts the chair, and he HITS ROMAN!!!! Fans are going NUTS after seeing that! Sami says he’s sorry, but Jey is furious! How could Sami do this after Jey stood up for him!? Jimmy SUPERKICKS Sami down!! Jey said Sami was his brother, but no! The USOS are brothers! Jimmy beats down Sami as fans boo!
Solo pushes Jimmy off so HE can beat on Sami! SAMOAN SPIKE!!! Roman tells them to keep on him, and Solo and Jimmy mug Sami! Roman is emotional as he says he gave Sami the world and this is how Sami repays him!! Fans chant for Jey, what is JEY going to do? Jey is mulling this over in the corner but Jimmy tells him Sami ain’t his brother! Jimmy and Solo are his brothers! The Bloodline is his family! Roman stares Jey down, and Jey BAILS!? Jey is emotional, but he’s walking away?! Fans are thunderous as Jey takes a stand, and the Bloodline can’t believe it! Roman tells Sami this is HIS fault! CHAIR SHOT! CHAIR SHOT! CHAIR SHOT!!
Roman just BEATS on Sami with the chair! And then with his fists! Roman rips away the Honorary Uce shirt, Sami is no longer even THAT! Jimmy gives Roman his ley, and Roman looms over Sami. Fans chant “F YOU ROMAN!” and that confounds Roman most of all. But Roman drops petals on Sami like it’s a funeral. Jimmy leaves what’s left of the Honorary Uce shirt on Sami, and then KNEES Kevin down! The Bloodline leaves while the fans are in an uproar! What does this mean for the future of the family?
My Thoughts:
What a wild Royal Rumble! The Men’s Rumble opening was a bit surprising but it turned out great. Of course Edge is back again, and his story with the Judgment Day is back again. And that was an awesome moment with Beth giving Rhea a Spear. I really hope we get a Mixed Tag of Edge & Beth VS Rhea & Dom before what I’d assume is Edge VS Finn at Mania. Logan Paul showing up was an interesting surprise, and what a great spot of him and Ricochet colliding in the air! Love him or hate him, Logan’s legit. Plus, his interaction with Rollins makes me think that’s a Mania match right there. Logan and Rollins have similar styles and builds, that’ll be a really good match.
And whether you wanted him to or not, Cody Rhodes was back in the Royal Rumble, and he won the Royal Rumble. I didn’t think he’d be #30, but I suppose that’s WWE being careful with him. At the same time, what an awesome showing for Gunther, starting #1, setting the new Ironman record at about 70 minutes, and being one of the final two while doing it. Gunther is still Intercontinental Champion, this could really boost his stock going into Mania for who he faces. Though honestly, he had great interactions with a lot of other big men, I would love McIntyre or Sheamus to get that match after things finish up with the Viking Raiders.
The Pitch Black Match was a lot different than I expected, but in a great way. Going with black light to use all sorts of hidden ink and make everything glow, especially the ropes and Knight’s tights, was such a cool aesthetic. However, as a match, this was borderline a squash because Bray was never fazed by what Knight did to him. Though, that table spot was great, and those little flecks that exploded out were interesting. And just when I thought Howdy wasn’t gonna get involved, he does a wild, Jeff Hardy meets Shane McMahon type stage dive. I hope whoever was Howdy here is okay, I think he overshot the target, but that was still pretty good.
And then I expected more Howdy shenanigans in the Bianca VS Alexa match, but perhaps they didn’t have a Howdy understudy ready. Bianca VS Alexa as a match was also a bit less than what I hoped for. Bianca winning was fine, and now Alexa has a crisis of confidence in a new way, where she isn’t sure if she is capable of winning without that supernatural assistance. The Women’s Rumble was also awesome, and we got some great returns. McCool being in the crowd before being revealed as a surprise entrant was a fun move. Chelsea Green back to be thrown out immediately was both hilarious and a bit mean. And wow, Nia Jax? Would not have seen that coming.
Good showing from the NXT entrants, but it also felt like Sonya Deville made it her mission to get rid of them. Of course Becky went after DMG CTRL, and of course they basically canceled themselves out of the match. And Asuka showing up with her original gimmick from her Joshi career in Japan was awesome stuff. It was the right move to have her be in the final three, and it was great that they let Liv start the match and get that close to the end. But Rhea was also the right choice to win, she is of course going to choose Bianca and that can also bring Street Profits into a story with Judgment Day, as I’ve been saying on the Raw articles.
And of course, just incredible stuff with the Bloodline’s story. In terms of the match, I really thought there was going to be more internal conflict for Sami, but I do appreciate commentary pointing out that it was all being told through Sami’s facial expressions. Roman winning was expected, and Sami’s “final test” being what came after was a great move. The fans had such great energy that really added to the entire moment, because they wanted to see it, and we got what we wanted in Sami standing up to Roman and hitting Roman! But of course, after the beating put on Kevin and having him trapped, Sami was not getting out of there.
But then in another great twist, Jey stands up for himself! He couldn’t save Sami, he couldn’t fight his family, but he could choose to wash his hands of it. What I thought was going to be Kevin & Sami VS The Usos could now transform into Kevin & Sami VS Jimmy & Solo. The Usos still have to defend their SmackDown Tag Team Championships, and it feels like it’s going to be against Braun & Ricochet once that tag tournament finishes up. But we could get a story very similar to “KofiMania.” Kofi had to jump through hoops to get at Daniel Bryan’s world title, so Sami & Kevin could have to get through Jimmy & Solo to get at Roman. Hell, Jey might help Sami & Kevin do just that. WrestleMania’s going to be two nights, HHH seems to be considering splitting the undisputed titles, Roman could end up facing Cody for the world title and Sami for the universal title.
My Score: 9.1/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
The Road to the Tokyo Dome goes through KOPW!
As 2024 nears an end, Great-O-Khan defends the KOPW Championship one more time, against a former KOPW Champion in Taichi! Who will be THE 2024 King of Pro-Wrestling?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Chase Your Dream Match: Shoma Kato VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
- Boltin Oleg VS Satoshi Kojima; Boltin wins.
- Triple Threat Tag: Jeff Cobb & Jakob Austin Young VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson VS Ren Narita & Yujiro Takahashi; Narita & Yujiro win.
- DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS El Desperado & Master Wato; Desperado & Wato win.
- Fatal 4 Way: Kevin Knight VS Robbie Eagles VS Francesco Akira VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Eagles wins.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
- Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita; ZSJ & Fujita win.
- KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi; Khan wins and is the definitive 2024 KOPW Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
After the Triple Threat Tag…
The House of Torture of course cheated to win, but they wouldn’t leave it at that! They waited until the United Empire and TMDK argued with each other to then attack them all! Yujiro Takahashi CLUBS Oiwa down while Narita shoves Cobb into big Hartley Jackson! And then Narita JAMS Cobb with the pushup bar! The fans boo but Narita JAMS Oiwa up, too! The Souled Out Son of Strong Style is so proud of himself as he holds up his NJPW World TV Championship, but wait. Christmas music starts playing? The fans clap along as surprise! Santa and his reindeer are here! Well, one reindeer. But shouldn’t the House of Torture be on the naughty list?
Santa Claus walks over, and he gets the mic. He sounds familiar as he tells, “Narita-san… You have a Christmas present waiting. Would you like it now?” Narita asks what the heck is going on. Santa steps into the ring and offers Narita the little tiny bag. Narita snatches the bag, then he and Yujiro look at it. The fans asks, “Nani nani? <What is it?>” Narita tells them to shut up. Narita gets the bag open and pulls out… Blue sunglasses! With LED lights! The fans cheer as the lights go down! “E! L! P!” EL PHANTASMO IS HERE! The Headbanga has been battling cancer, but he’s here in Korakuen Hall!
Narita is furious but ELP slides right into the ring! Narita & Yujiro run away, but the fans cheer ELP on as he stands side-by-side with Jado Claus. ELP gets the mic now, and the fans cheer him on. ELP takes a moment before saying, in Japanese, “Cancer. Cancer… I’ve beaten cancer! And I love Korakuen!” But ELP asks Jado-san how to say a certain something in Japanese. He whispers it, but then Narita & Yujiro attack! The fans boo these cowards, but then Narita says Merry Christmas! But ELP BOOTS him, ELBOWS Yujiro, then dodges Narita to SUDDEN DEATH! Jado Claus DECKS the Tokyo Pimp!
ELP again asks Jado, and Jado says on behalf of ELP, that ELP is going to wrestle tomorrow night! And… Then he’ll be at the Tokyo Dome! ELP grabs the NJPW World TV Championship! ELP looks it over, and looks to the crowd, and then to Jado, but then Jeff Cobb and Ryohei Oiwa get in the ring. Cobb asks if ELP’s good. ELP is good. Are they good? Then let’s turn it up a notch! FATAL 4 WAY for the TV Championship! Narita snatches his belt, gets out of the ring, and tells everyone to shut up! The odds just got stacked against the House of Torture, will the New Year have a NEW NJPW World TV Champion one way or another?
Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita!
Ahead of battling for THE IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, The Roughneck and The Front Man bring some back up! The Ace is also preparing to fight Evil, will he and Shota bring a Once in a Century Paradigm Shift? Or will ZSJ and the Japanese Young Punk prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against ZSJ. The fans cheer this WrestleKingdom preview, and Korakuen duels between “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” ZSJ and Shota feel things out, then knuckle lock. ZSJ clinches but Shota fights back with his own clinch. ZSJ slips around to chinbar but Shota wrenches to a wristlock. ZSJ rolls, tries another chinbar but Shota cranks the wristlock. ZSJ bridges, spins, slips around and wrangles Shota! Shota kips up to WRING the arm, but ZSJ UP KICKS! The fans cheer as the two reset. Shota and ZSJ circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ then stands on Shota’s hand!
ZSJ has another hand and twists the wrist! Then he has both arms for a motorcycle stretch but Shota fights up. Shota turns things around, and he fights ZSJ as ZSJ tries to turn them back. ZSJ keeps trying, and he pushes through, but Shota spins things right back around! The fans cheer while Shota digs a foot into ZSJ’s back. ZSJ flips, kips up, spins things around, but Shota spins them back! The fans cheer, and Shota spins ZSJ. ZSJ dodges the lariat, Shota blocks a kick, but ZSJ ducks the enzigiri! Shota avoids the Penalty Kick and arm-drags ZSJ, but ZSJ headscissors! Shota kips free, avoids a leg pick, and the fans cheer!
Shota dares ZSJ to go for the leg but the two reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and each man breaks free of one. They back off, and Shota tags in Tanahashi. The fans cheer, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Korakuen strongly supports President Ace. Tanahashi and Fujita circle, tie up, and Tanahashi powers Fujita back. The ref counts, Tanahashi lets off slowly, but then Fujita turns things around! Tanahashi turns things around, and repeat! The ref counts, Fujita lets off slowly, but then both men block a kick! They argue over who lets go first, and eventually agree for a mutual break. They set the feet down, but then Fujita holds on!
Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi, then whips. Tanahashi reverses but Fujita ducks ‘n’ dodges to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Fujita aims from a corner. Fujita runs corner to corner but Tanahashi BOOTS him! Shota CLOBBERS Fujita, then eggs ZSJ on! ZSJ runs up, Shota blocks a kick and he sends ZSJ into Tanahashi’s ELBOW! Shota CLOBBERS ZSJ and the fans fire up. Shota pursues ZSJ to the outside and CLUBS him down! Shota clamps onto ZSJ with a chinlock but the ref reprimands. Tanahashi CHOPS Fujita, but Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi! The fans fire up as Fujita storms back up, but he blocks a boot!
Fujita DRAGON SCREWS Tanahashi’s leg! Fujita kips up, ZSJ sends Shota into railing, and Fujita stomps Tanahashi. The fans rally and Fujita brings Tanahashi up to CHOP! Fujita eggs Tanahashi on, CHOPS him again, then CHOPS again! Tanahashi flounders and ZSJ tags in. ZSJ drags Tanahashi up to UPPERCUT! Tanahashi ends up in the TMDK corner, ZSJ UPPERCUTS him again! ZSJ says, “Mada mada!” and he UPPERCUTS again! Tanahashi falls, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Fujita brings Tanahashi up. Fujita CHOPS again, and then CHOPS again! Tanahashi is stinging and using the ropes for defense while the fans rally up.
Tanahashi storms up but Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi CHOPS, Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi falls and Fujita BLASTS Shota! Tag to ZSJ and he grabs a leg. Fujita also grabs one, they drag Tanahashi to center, and then they both go after arms. Then they shift, ZSJ has an arm while Fujita has a leg! Then they both have legs again! Then ZSJ has a leg and Fujita has an arm! Then back to the arms! They both isolate the arms for DOUBLE STOMPS! The fans cheer, the ref reprimands and ZSJ “apologizes” with a bow. ZSJ stands on one of Tanahashi’s legs to then twist the other! Tanahashi endures, even as ZSJ TWEAKS the ankle!
ZSJ twists the foot the other way, flips Tanahashi over, and shifts around to have a headscissor and armlock! Shota stomps ZSJ but Fujita goes after Shota! Fujita TOSSES Shota, ZSJ tags Fujita back in. Fujita stomps Tanahashi, KICKS him in the back, but Tanahashi gets mad! Fujita KICKS Tanahashi but Tanahashi fires up! Fujita KICKS and CHOPS, but Tanahashi fires forearm after forearm! Fujita CHOPS again! Tanahashi grits his teeth but Fujita CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! SHOTEI! Fujita falls but so does Tanahashi! The fans rally up while both men crawl, hot tag to Shota! Shota rallies on Fujita with big forearms and elbows!
Shota whips, Fujita reverses, but Shota dropkicks the legs out! ZSJ runs up and RAMS Shota! Then ZSJ runs, but into Shota’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Shota goes to Fujita. Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Fujita in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t mind. Shota clinches but Fujita fights the suplex with elbows. Shota runs up, but Fujita wrenches, waistlocks, but Shota ELBOWS free! Shota whips, Fujita reverses and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Fujita crawls, hot tag to ZSJ!
ZSJ runs up to BOOT Shota! Shota stays up so ZSJ runs to BOOT him again! And BOOT him again! Shota roars and ROCKS ZSJ! Shota runs to ROCK ZSJ again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Shota eggs him on, repeat! Shota UPPERCUTS and ZSJ roars! ZSJ UPPER- NO, Shota hooks the arm, but ZSJ wrenches out of the backslide to PELE the arm! Then ZSJ basement DROPKICKS Shota! The fans fire up while Shota clutches a leg and an arm. ZSJ kicks him around, scuffs him and taunts him. The fans rally, the ref checks Shota, but Shota is okay to continue. ZSJ stands Shota up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT!
Shota clinches to EXPLODER! Both men are down and the fans rally again! Shota crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! Fujita runs up, but Tanahashi blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Payback for earlier! Tanahashi runs up at ZSJ in a corner, blocks a boot, and DRAGON SCREWS! Tanahashi put some stank on that one! Then he goes up the corner for a SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this but the fans continue to rally! “GO ACE! GO ACE!” echoes out as Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ catches him into a COBRA TWIST! Tanahashi endures, then throws elbows into ZSJ’s leg. Tanahashi gets free to DRAGON SCREW again!
ZSJ writhes, Tanahashi ties the legs up, but ZSJ kicks at him! Tanahashi blocks a kick to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And now, TEXAS CLOVER- NO, ZSJ fights the turnover and reels Tanahashi into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Tanahashi endures and the fans rally up, but Shota gets in! Shota stomps away on ZSJ, but then Fujita MISSILE DROPKICKS Shota! Fujita brings Tanahashi up but Tanahashi SHOTEIS him down! ZSJ is after Tanahashi but he avoids the shotei! ZSJ SLAPS Tanahashi, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but ZSJ gives him a NECK TWIST! The fans fire up as ZSJ stand Tanahashi up.
ZSJ scoops but Tanahashi fights that, to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up but Tanahashi isn’t done! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi stands ZSJ up again, but ZSJ scoops to ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, ZSJ & Fujita win!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita, by pinfall
Shota can’t believe The Ace fell, but this is why ZSJ is the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! Will ZSJ do this all to Shota when they’re 1v1 in the Tokyo Dome? Or will Shota prove he’s mightier than The Mighty?
KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi!
The Dominator has, well, dominated as KOPW Champion for a long stretch of 2024, but the Holy Emperor did close out 2023 with this title. Granted, Taichi says that win, lose or draw, this is his final KOPW Championship match. As such, tonight’s stipulation is a sort of “Best Of” compilation as we go Best 2 Out of 3. Part one: a no ropes Sumo Rules match! Part two: Yoshinobu Kanemaru as special guest referee? Well, he would be a neutral party… And part three, if needed, will be a LAST MAN STANDING MATCH! Will Taichi “retire” from this truly freestyle division standing tall? Or will Khan truly conquer KOPW for the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, but Taichi also brings back the trophy for the occasion, and it’s time to end the year in style!
Sumo Rules!
Both men finish preparations with weight belts and some stretching. They square up, the ref says go and they RAM into each other! The fans rally as both men go for those weight belts to use as leverage. They go around, get very close to the ring edge, but then Khan moves things away. Khan THROWS Taichi, but Taichi stays on the ring so the sumo match continues. They reset and go again! Taichi pushes Khan back with both hands, but Khan digs in his heels! They clinch, go around, and Taichi goes for the edge! Khan pulls on Taichi’s leg to get around, but Taichi uses that to steer Khan to another edge! But Khan hits a fireman’s carry takeover!
Khan drags Taichi up but Taichi fights off the throw! They clinch and fight for control again. They each try to lift with the belt! Khan has Taichi near the edge, but then Taichi has Khan near the edge! Khan is teetering and the fans fire up! Taichi THROWS Khan to the floor, Taichi wins the fall!
Khan: 0; Taichi: 1
Special Guest Referee!
The fans are thunderous as Taichi takes the Sumo Rules fall, but now we go to a much more complicated situation. The ropes have to be put back up, sure, but now the Heel Master of all people is going to be the referee! The time it takes to set up the ropes is a reprieve for both sides, especially Khan as he has to catch his breath and refocus. Once the ropes are up, both men wait in the ring. All that is left is the buckle pads, and of course, Kanemaru himself. Kanemaru gets a proper introduction and entrance before he goes to the ring, and wow, he’s even wearing an official NJPW referee shirt with the lion mark on it.
Referee Kanemaru does his check and he even tells Taka Michinoku to watch himself. Kanemaru does a far less thorough check of Khan than Taichi! Did the Empire pay Kanemaru off?! Kanemaru has Taichi cool off, then whispers something to Khan! The bell rings, the fans rally for Khan, and Khan circles with Taichi. They tie up, Taichi powers Khan to ropes, and Kanemaru calls for a ropebreak. Then he has a fast count! Taichi lets off before 4 and argues with Kanemaru! Kanemaru says that’s his count, deal with it. Khan and Taichi reset, tie up, and Khan puts Taichi on ropes. Kanemaru pays more attention to Taka than Taichi!
The fans can’t help but laugh as Kanemaru finally does count, and now it’s really slow! Taichi protests, but Khan pulls Taichi’s arms. Then he CHOPS Taichi and stops at “3!” Khan then goes after Taichi, wrenches and wristlocks, and Kanemaru is asking if Taichi gives up!? Taichi tells him to shut up, but Khan kicks and CLUBS Taichi. Khan whips, Taichi BOOTS Khan down, then covers! Kanemaru strolls over to count! And it’s so slow! “TWO” and the fans cheer. Taichi is upset, but Khan rolls Taichi up! SO FAST!! TWO!! Taichi is getting pissed but Kanemaru backs away. Taichi stomps Khan, and Kanemaru’s untying a buckle pad?!
Taichi stomps Khan around, Khan leaves the pad there loosely, and Taichi whips. Khan reverses, and SURPRISE! bare buckles! Taka protests but Kanemaru SMACKS him with the pad! Khan plays dumb, and then he stands on Taichi’s lower back. Taichi has the ropes, but Kanemaru kicks the arm away! Khan has Taichi’s other arm, Taichi keeps grabbing for ropes but Kanemaru keeps kicking the hand away! Khan drags Taichi up, brings him around, and ROCKS him in the back! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan Mongolian Chops him on the back! And Mongolian Chops again! And Mongolian Chops again! Kanemaru doesn’t bother counting at all!
Taka protests, Kanemaru warns him, but then Khan hops up to sit on his throne! The fans cheer while Taichi endures, and only now does Kanemaru count! Khan asks hold on, hold on, so Kanemaru stops counting! Khan hops down, and then he puts Kanemaru up on the throne! Khan gets the fans to join in on the “Ohh…! HMPH!” Kanemaru isn’t into it so he hops down. Khan apologizes to Kanemaru, then he kicks Taichi around. Taichi gets up to fire hands! Khan kicks low, whips, but Taichi reverses to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down. Taichi stands, and he drags Khan up into SEITEI JUJIHOU!
Kanemaru might be stuck, he can’t ignore Khan tapping. But then Kanemaru drags Khan over to the ropes! Taichi is frustrated with Kanemaru but Kanemaru says that’s a ropebreak. Taichi storms up on Kanemaru, but then Khan waistlocks! Ripcord and SAYANAGI! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan runs in, but Taichi dodges! GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Taichi snarls. Taichi TAKES OFF THE PANTS! The pants were a bit stubborn, but still. But then Kanemaru “checks” Khan just to stay between him and Taichi! Taichi says move or else! Kanemaru says he’s the ref!
Kanemaru kicks Taichi, CLAWS Taichi’s eyes, then traps his arms! Khan gets up to IRON RIGHT!! Kanemaru “scolds” Khan, then “checks” Taichi. Khan rests in a corner and Kanemaru drags Taichi up for him. Taichi CHOKES Kanemaru! Kanemaru kicks low! Kanemaru whips Taichi into a corner, ELBOWS him, then Khan LARIATS! Khan snapmares and covers, Kanemaru wants more first! Khan sits Taichi up for a BASEMENT DROPKICK! Now cover, TWO!! Taichi survives so Kanemaru hurries to get his whiskey! Khan takes a swig, and Kanemaru sets Taichi up! WHISKEY MIST into Kanemaru! Taichi hits the GEDO CLUTCH, but Kanemaru really can’t count now!
Taichi lets off of Khan since there was no count to be had. Taichi drags Kanemaru up, but Khan WHISKEY BOTTLE SHOTS Taichi! IRON CLAW!! Kanemaru calls for the bell? He just hands the win to Khan without counting, so now we’re all tied up!
Khan: 1; Taichi: 1
Kanemaru has fulfilled the contract, Khan gives him the envelope of money. Khan even makes sure we all see how many thousands that is! Kanemaru heads out, is he going to party hard for the holidays? But that aside, it is time for the final fall!
Last Man Standing!
Taichi gets the mic first, and tells Khan that if that’s how Khan wants to do it, then Taichi will get down and dirty with Khan! No lumberjacks, no special guests, just the straight up ten count, and it can happen anywhere in Korakuen Hall! Khan says bet! The announcement is made for the official rule change, and now we have the final fall! Khan rushes Taichi on the outside, then whips him into railing! And we’re already going into the crowd! Khan throws Taicihi at English commentary, but big Hartley is a solid wall for Chris. Khan then drags Taichi up into the bleachers, and the fans clear out of the way!
Khan CHOKES Taichi with a chair, then lets off to clear chairs out of the way. The Young Lions try to help but Khan gets mad at them and pushes them aside. Khan drags Taichi up, knees him low, and then reels him in! But Taichi fights the sayanagi! Taichi SHOVES Khan, Khan falls to the floor but gets up, only for Taichi to CROSSBODY! Down goes Khan and Red Shoes hurries over. Both men are down but Taichi sits up. The count starts and Khan is still down at 5 of 10! Khan hurries to get up, and Taichi stomps him down! Taichi drags Khan back up into the bleachers, but we go the other way.
Taicih KICKS Khan down, Young Lions keep the fans back again, and Taichi drags Khan along. They keep moving through the crowd, and Taichi shoves Khan into chairs! Khan sputters but Taichi drags him up again. Taichi KNEES Khan, then drags him up. They go back down to floor level, and then Taichi aims at chairs! Taichi whips but Khan reverses and he BOWLS Taichi into chairs! Not quite a strike but he got a good number of those chairs! Khan pops the railing loose from the special corner piece, and he brings that corner piece over! Khan SMACKS Taichi with the steel! Taichi staggers away but he sits in a chair.
Khan starts folding chairs to stack them on the floor. Khan then uses one chair as a leash to drag Taichi over! Khan CLUBS Taichi, adds that one chair to the pile, and then snap suplexes Taichi onto the chairs! Taichi writhes but Khan rises up. Khan roars and the fans fire up! The count begins again but Taichi slowly sits up at 4. Taichi rises up, and he stands at 8! Khan brings Taichi around in a headlock, and they go to the orange bleachers! Khan uses the gate to smother Taichi, then they go up to the higher level! The fans fire up but then fans have to move! Khan KNEES and CLUBS Taichi, then whips Taichi at the exit door!
Taichi tumbles into the hallway! Khan drags Taichi back into the arena and uses the HITSUJIGOROSHI against the chairs! Taichi endures as Khan chokes him, then Khan lets him go! Red Shoes checks on Taichi, Taka coaches him, but the count begins. Khan sits in a chair to relax while he waits. Taichi sits up at 7, and stands at 9! Khan storms up on Taichi to CLUB him on the back! Khan headlocks Taichi, brings him to the other section, and he gets up close to the fans for photo ops. Khan then whips, but Taichi reverses, and Khan is sent into the wall! Taichi leaves Khan behind while the count begins again.
Khan sits up so Taichi KICKS him back down! Taichi drags Khan up, KICKS him again, and Khan falls to his knees. Taichi drags Khan up by his ponytail, and he goes close to the stairs that lead to the back! Khan fights the suplex, and for his life, but then he turns things around! Taichi fights the suplex, throws hands, and then DDTS Khan to the floor! Red Shoes checks both men, then starts the count. Taichi shakes out his arms and sits up at 4. Taichi stands at 6 but Khan is still down at 8! Khan drags himself up at 9! Taichi CLUBS Khan down, then brings him back up. Taichi brings Khan back to ground level, then snapmares him hard for a KICK!
Khan is in agony but Taichi drags him back up. But Khan RAMS Taichi into the railing! Taichi sputters while also sitting in a chair. Khan staggers away to ringside, and he goes looking under the ring. Khan brings out a trolly cart? Khan JAMS Taichi up using his own mic stand, then leaves him behind. Khan brings out a TABLE! Fans rally up as Khan puts the table on the trolly, then he staggers over to Taichi. Khan CLUBS Taichi down, then SHOVES him onto the table trolly combo. Khan has fans clear out, and then he SNOW PLOWS the chairs with Taichi on the cart!! The fans fire up as Khan stands over Taichi.
Khan drags Taichi up, and he brings the table along, too. Khan kicks chairs out of the way as he returns to the upper deck! Khan SMACKS Taichi off the edge, then he clears out space. Khan sets the table up, then he goes up to fetch Taichi. Khan JAMS Taichi up with a chair, then SMACKS him! Taichi writhes, fans rally, and Khan drags Taichi up. Khan vows to end this! IRON CLAW, and ELIMI- NO! Taichi fights Khan off! Taichi stumbles away through the crowd, but then grabs himself a chair. Taichi runs up to JAM Khan right in the face! Taichi then steals Khan’s idea to choke grip and CHOKE SLAM down through the table!!!
Khan writhes and the fans go nuts! Taichi hobbles around while Red Shoes counts Khan. Khan is still down at 5! Still down at 7! 9! KHAN GRABS RED SHOES’S HAND!! Khan survives, and though he has a couple bloody cuts on his back, he crawls his way to the ring. Taichi eggs Khan on and the fans are thunderous! Khan drags himself into the ring, Taichi runs, AX BOMBER!! The fans fire up and the count returns! Khan is still down at 5, stirs at 6, sits up at 7, and he rises at 8! So Taichi just runs up to AX BOMBER!! Khan drops to his knees, flops over, but he’s already pushing himself back up! Taichi runs again, AX BOMBER!!
Khan staggers around but he stays on his feet! Taichi says fine, AX- SAYANAGI!! Khan turns things around, and he AX BOMBERS in return!! Both men are down and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and Khan crawls for ropes at 5! Taichi slowly sits up at 6, and both men go to corners at 7! Red Shoes waits on them to rise up, and then Taichi fires up! Taichi runs up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so Taichi BOOTS! Khan BOOTS back! Taichi URAKENS! Khan MONGOLIAN CHOPS! Taichi SOBATS! Khan BODY BLOWS! Both men drop to knees, but they also grab at each other.
The fans rally as Khan and Taichi slowly rise. They are forehead to forehead, and then Taichi AX BOMBERS! Khan drops to his knees, Taichi BUZZSAWS, but Khan blocks it! Khan ROCKS Taichi with a right! And then Khan reels Taichi in, but Taichi Alabama Lifts! BLACK- NO, Khan fights into a GUILLOTINE! Taichi is stuck in the body scissors!! Taichi flails, even taps out, but that’s not how Last Man Standing works! Khan squeezes tighter and tighter, Taichi fades, and Red Shoes checks! Khan lets Taichi go and the count begins! Khan rises at 6, and Taichi is somehow up at 9!! So Khan clamps on an IRON CLAW!
Khan lifts Taichi, but Taichi slips free! Taichi shoves Khan and ROCKS him! DANGEROUS SAIDO!! But Khan is staggering to his feet?! Khan goes to a corner, flounders along ropes, but he isn’t down yet! The fans rally hard while both men fight to their feet! SUPERMAN PUNCH from Khan! PELE from Taichi! Both men are down again! Red Shoes starts the count on them both, and the fans rally even harder! Taichi is up at 7! Khan grabs Red Shoes at 9 again!! Taichi roars, Korakuen is with him, and he powers up! TENSHI JUJI- NO!! Khan blocks, and he hooks Taichi! Taichi CLUBS away on Khan, but Khan still lifts! ULTIMATE ELIMINATOR!!
Both men are down again and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and they’re both down at 5! At 7! 9! Khan pushes up, but he FLOPS back down!! DOUBLE TEN! IT’S A DRAW!! What does that mean for the belt!? Red Shoes goes out to talk with Abe-san, and then the announcement is made. In the end, with it being 1-1-1, a true draw, it all goes to KHAN!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (DEFINITIVE 2024 KOPW Champion)
Khan flips Taichi off, one last insult added on top. Khan is given the belt back, but Taichi grabs his trophy. Taichi steps up to Khan, and gives him the trophy, saying it is rightfully his now. Taichi shows Khan that respect, and Khan returns it with a handshake. Khan “retires” Taichi from KOPW, what will the Holy Emperor look to do in 2025?
As for Khan, he grabs the mic, and he asks Taichi to wait a moment. “You served this title for three years. We will honor your glory!” The fans applaud that, and Khan asks the previous champion to come closer. No, closer. The fans cheer Taichi on as he steps closer to ringside. Khan says Taichi served this title well, so here is his reward. Khan is giving the trophy back? Taichi says no, he gave that to Khan out of respect. Khan says to Taichi and to everyone to listen well. “We are the last KOPW Champion!” Everyone is a bit surprised to hear that.
Khan says, “As an alternative, on January 4th in the Tokyo Dome… as THE last KOPW Champion, We demand that the January 4th match determine the next IWGP World Heavyweight Championship challenger!” The fans are really intrigued by that idea! Khan throws down the belt, and Chris makes sure English speakers understand what Khan is suggesting. The New Japan Ranbo determining a #1 contender? Khan says that these are the words of the final KOPW Champion, The Great-O-Khan! “HAIL US, PEASANTS!” A New Year, a new era? Will Khan’s revolution bring glory to the United Empire?
My Thoughts:
A very good night for Road to Tokyo Dome, though I did skip a lot just because I didn’t have a lot of time today. But luckily I was skimming through, or I would’ve missed ELP’s great return. Congratulations on him beating cancer, and I like that they’re adding him to the NJPW World Television Championship match. It makes sense given ELP’s beef with the House of Torture, and honestly, why not just have ELP win? Not even so much for getting over cancer (though kind of that, too) but because fans love ELP and it’d help him solidify his singles run with Hikuleo long gone for WWE.
Really good stuff in the other tune-up matches, such as #DespeWado winning and the chaotic end to the Fatal 4 Way. Eagles won to help him and Fujita have momentum, but there is still more to the Road to Tokyo Dome first. Honestly that tag Fatal 4 could really go any which way they want so I’m not sure how the go-home math would even work. And Gedo of course took the loss against LIJ. Yota Tsuji is aiming for David Finlay and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, but who knows how things go before we get to WrestleKingdom.
Very good tag match from Shota & Tanahashi VS ZSJ & Fujita, and it was technically a surprise for Tanahashi to take the loss. This works on many levels, as Tanahashi should be figuratively on the ropes going into his match with Evil, and this gives Fujita equal momentum alongside Eagles. And then great main event, Khan and Taichi really went the distance with this one. And it all makes sense after Khan reveals this is the end of the KOPW Division. Khan wants to make the New Japan Ranbo to basically be the Royal Rumble and that is pretty cool. I think they could keep the belt to represent that contender’s status the same as the G1 Climax having a briefcase, because that KOPW belt actually looks pretty nice.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Rockin’ around the Christmas Collision!
The Continental Classic continues on Christmas Collision, with crucial points on the line this close to AEW Worlds End! Who will finally take the lead in Gold League?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford; Kris wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia; Garcia wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos; Briscoe wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!
Claudio Castagnoli: 2-1, 6 points
Will Ospreay: 2-1, 6 points
Ricochet: 2-1, 6 points
Darby Allin: 2-1, 6 points
Brody King: 2-2, 6 points
Komander: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!
Kyle Fletcher: 3-1, 9 points
Kazuchika Okada: 2-1-1, 7 points
Mark Briscoe: 2-2, 6 points
Shelton Benjamin: 2-1, 6 points
Daniel Garcia: 1-1-1, 4 points
The Beast Mortos: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Ian Riccaboni is in the ring.
He has Big Boom AJ & Big Justice with him in the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they’re ready to bring the BOOM~! They’re ready to watch the action tonight, and even the final face-to-face of MJF and Adam Cole. AJ says if MJF is gonna bring the doom, then you know he and Big Justice will bring the BOOM~! But tonight, their guy, Adam Cole will bring the BOOM~ too! And of course we have big Continental Classic action! Daniel Garcia VS Shelton Benjamin in a critical showdown, and while Shelton is tough, Garcia is going to bring the BOOM~! Plus, Mark Briscoe battles The Beast Mortos! The Chicken is their guy, time to bring the BOOM~!
In Gold League, we have Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli, and the Swiss Superman is a DOOM~! Let’s go, Darby, bring that BOOM~! And then a match everyone wants to see, the fireworks rematch of Will Ospreay VS Ricochet! If you’re a fan of high-flying wrestling, this is the right night to be right here in AEW! Ricochet and their guy, Ospreay, will bring the BOOM~! But speaking of, that match is up first! The Aerial Assassin joins AJ & Big Justice in giving a BOOM~, but will Ricochet make sure tonight is #OuttaThisWorld?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet!
Wait, are the fans throwing white streamers or is that… No, yeah, it’s toilet paper! Ospreay laughs at the fans basically calling Ricochet crap. Ricochet throws the toilet paper back! The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans fire up for Ospreay as he and Ricochet circle. The fans also sing, “F HIM UP, OSPREAY, F HIM UP!” Ricochet shrugs that off, he and Ospreay tie up, and then Ricochet rolls. Ospreay shoots in, waistlocks, but Ricochet switches. They go around, Ricochet gator rolls with Ospreay, then floats to a headlock. Ricochet wrenches, hammerlocks then headlocks again. Ospreay powers up and out, Ricochet runs him over, but Ospreay kips up!
The fans cheer and Ospreay smiles as he and Ricochet reset. They tie up, go around, and Ricochet wrenches to a wristlock. Ospreay rolls, wrenches and wristlocks, but Ricochet spins and wrenches to hammerlock. Ospreay reaches back, headlocks and hits a takeover. Ricochet rolls to a cover, TWO! Ospreay holds onto the headlock but Ricochet powers up and out. Ospreay runs Ricochet over, Ricochet bails out, and then Ospreay handsprings to fake Ricochet out! The fans cheer as Ospreay superhero lands out, and Ricochet is annoyed. Ospreay holds ropes open for Ricochet, but Ricochet goes around the way to step in on his own.
The fans boo Ricochet being a bad sport but Ricochet ignores that. Ospreay and Ricochet knuckle lock, then Ricochet kicks low! And CHOPS! Ricochet whips, Ospreay reverses, but Ricochet rolls off Ospreay’s back! Things keep moving, Ospreay avoids the handspring to then duck ‘n’ dodges and RANA! But Ricochet handsprings through! The fans fire up, and Ospreay arm-drags Ricochet down! The fans cheer while Ricochet endures the grind. Ricochet fights up and puts Ospreay on ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet and Ospreay slowly let g o, and Ricochet SLAPS Ospreay! Ospreay CHOPS Ricochet!
Ospreay takes a swing, Ricochet ducks under to roll back and RANA! But now Ospreay handsprings through! Ricochet dodges to waistlock but Ospreay bucks the O’Conner. Ricochet arm-drags Ospreay down, but Ospreay headscissors back! Ricochet pops free but Ospreay arm-drags! Ricochet headscissors, Ospreay pops free, and Ospreay handsprings, but Ricochet catches him! Ricochet then THROWS Ospreay into the Tree of Woe, and Ospreay falls down! The fans boo while Ospreay bails out, but Ricochet FOSBURY FLOPS! The fans boo but Ricochet takes the toilet paper to wipe himself, then he SMOTHERS Ospreay with it!
The fans boo that literally disgusting act of disrespect, but Collision goes picture in picture.
Ricochet taunts the fans, then drags Ospreay up. Ricochet puts Ospreay in, soaks up more heat, then KNEE-BOARD SENTONS! Ricochet swaggers to taunt the fans more, then he goes back to Ospreay. Cover, ONE!! Another cover, TWO! Ricochet taunts the fans more, then goes back for Ospreay. Ricochet stands Ospreay up to CHOP, and Ospreay goes to a corner. Ricochet RAMS into Ospreay, RAMS him again, then snapmares to UPPERCUT in the back! Cover, TWO! Ospreay stays in this but Ricochet drags him into a motorcycle stretch. Ospreay endures while Ricochet digs a knee into the back. Ospreay fights up, fights with elbows, then runs, but into a DROPKICK!
Ospreay is down in a daze but Ricochet has to shake out the stars in his own head. Ricochet covers, ONE! Ospreay then uses that one to flip off Ricochet. Ricochet RAMS Ospreay in the back! Ricochet then clamps on with a chinlock, and he digs his knee into Ospreay’s back. Ospreay endures, even as Ricochet JAMS Ospreay. Collision returns to single picture as the fans rally for Ospreay again. Ospreay fires up, fires hands, but Ricochet RAMS him into a corner. Ricochet runs up, RAMS into Ospreay, then goes to the apron. Ospreay takes a swing but Ricochet dodges and gets around him to GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay runs, handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay goes to the apron, takes aim, and he springboards to PIP PIP CHEERIO! Down goes Ricochet, Ospreay covers, TWO! Ospreay stays focused and the fans rally up. Ospreay drags Ricochet up, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again! Ricochet staggers, Ospreay runs, but Ricochet TIGER WALL KICKS! Forearm, SOBAT, and Ricochet runs, but into a POP-UP, and STYLES- NO, Ricochet sits up, slips free, and he underhooks Ospreay for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives but Ricochet goes up.
Ricochet has to double clutch, the fans let him hear it, but Ricochet still MOONSAULTS! Ricochet lands out as Ospreay moves, and Ospreay runs up, but into an ELBOW! Ricochet handsprings, but into a pop-up, Electric Chair, spin around, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Ospreay is surprised. Ospreay pulls on the elbow pad and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Ospreay aims, but Ricochet bails out! The fans boo but Ospreay storms after Ricochet. They’re both on the apron and Ospreay goes up a corner. Ricochet anchors Ospreay first! Then Ricochet has the Electric Chair Lift!
Ospreay fights free, fights off a nelson, then he KICKS Ricochet! Ospreay runs, but into a pop-up APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans chant “You Still Suck!” but Ricochet adds a SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Ricochet puts Ospreay in, then springboards to 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives, but then Ricochet AX KICKS! Dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, VERTIGO! Cover, TWO!? Ospreay survives and Ricochet is shocked! Ricochet snarls and he aims from a corner. The fans rally for Ospreay but Ricochet loads up. SPIRIT- NO, Ospreay ducks under! Ospreay gets up, Ricochet blocks a kick!
Ricochet V-TRIGGERS, then he reels Ospreay in! But Ospreay fights out of the bomb, but then Ricochet returns the favor! Ricochet suplexes, into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Ospreay springboards for the OSC- CUTTER FROM RICOCHET!! Ricochet hurries to get Ospreay up, powerbomb into fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! SPIRIT- HIDDEN BLADE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Ospreay and Ricochet both slowly sit up and the fans rally as hard as ever. Ricochet and Ospreay stare down, talk a bit of trash, then stand up. Ospreay draws a line in the sand and dares Ricochet to step up.
Ricochet steps right up, they stand toe to toe, literally! They start firing forearms! The fans cheer Ospreay, boo Ricochet, and Ricochet wobbles! But then Ricochet comes back with forearm after forearm! Ospreay wobbles, but he grins as he rises and roars! Ospreay fires a flurry on Ricochet, then ROCKS him! Ricochet flops over, Ospreay hauls him up! But Ricochet grabs at the ref! Ospreay kicks Ricochet’s arm away, but then Ricochet RAMS Ospreay into the ref! The fans boo but then Ricochet hurries to HOOK KICK! And VERTI- NO, Ospreay slips free to underhook! STORM BREAKER! Cover, but the ref is down!
The fans count, Ospreay would’ve won twice over! Ospreay calls to the ref, the ref sputters around, and Ospreay goes up. But then Ricochet kicks the ref into ropes! Ospreay gets tripped up and the fans boo more! Ospreay is confused as to what happened, but SPIRIT GUN hits the mark!! Cover, RICOCHET WINS!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Ospreay earns 0)
The One & Only got away with murder, but there’s nothing that can be done now! Ricochet has NINE points, will he be headed to Worlds End?
Adam Cole heads to the ring!
The fans cheer as the Panama City Playboy returns to the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they join in for the “BOOM~!” and the “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY~!” Cole grabs a mic, but he keeps his eyes on the ramp. That’s because we all know who’s next. MJF makes his entrance, but with a handful of security guards in front of him first. And not even AEW security, that’s his own personal security. MJF grabs a mic and has them cut his music. The fans boo but MJF tells them, “If I wanted your help, I’d ask for it. Sit down and shut up.” The fans tell MJF to STFU, but MJF shrugs that off.
MJF tells Cole that MJF is frustrated. It’s because for the past few months, MJF has had to listen to Cole say MJF is Cole’s biggest enemy! If memory serves, and MJF’s memory always does because unlike the fans here, he isn’t a complete moron… Didn’t Cole turn on MJF? But then does Cole realize he has bigger enemies out there? Like spray tan, cracks in the floor, gusts of win, and maybe… a cavity. Because last MJF heard, Cole’s dentist isn’t seeing him anymore. Cole was already staring daggers into MJF, but now he’s pissed. MJF has Cole calm down, and he tells the fans to shut up so he can shoot straight.
When MJF was the longest-reigning and greatest AEW World Champion of all time, Cole was nothing more than MJF’s cute little sidekick. That ate Cole up inside. Cole wanted to be MJF. Cole wanted #TripleB. But the sad truth is, Cole had many opportunities to win the title before MJF got anywhere near it. It’s almost like when it comes to Cole being elite enough to become world champion, just like his “s*itty little ankle,” Cole blows it. MJF laughs at his own joke, and then tells the fans he is talking, it is not that complicated. But this is why MJF doesn’t buy the hogwash that Cole turned on MJF because MJF would turn on Cole first.
Cole turned because he, like all these shmucks, is jealous of MJF. And who can blame Cole? MJF is rich, handsome, funny, entertaining, and then look at Cole. For crying out loud, Cole used to be ADAM COLE BAYBAY. Now, he’s just a crack baby! Cole asks if MJF is done. Was that the last line? Because it felt like MJF practiced that for two weeks in front of a mirror. But MJF killed it, really. Cole could come back with childish comments to hurt MJF’s feelings, but he won’t. Cole could mention MJF has had two surgeries on that fake head of hair of his while only in his 20s, which is hilarious, but he won’t.
Cole could talk about how MJF pulled some strings to get his girlfriend hired, like the real politician he is, but Cole won’t go there. Cole could talk about how every single time MJF enters a room, everyone waits for him to leave because he is loud, obnoxious and annoying as hell. But Cole won’t go there. Because Cole is not like MJF. They are nothing alike. That is why the friendship was ruined. Because, MJF, the truth is you say Cole is a failure, but in virtually every wrestling company Cole has worked for, he is the longest-reigning champion in so many!
In this very building, Cole bled BUCKETS against Kyle O’Reilly, wanting to prove he was one of the best in the world, and that is exactly what he did! Does Cole have regrets? Sure. Are there things Cole wishes he could take back? Absolutely. But Cole does NOT regret turning on MJF. The only reason it drives MJF insane is because Cole beat MJF to it. That’s MJF 101: Get close to someone, then turn on them. It’s what MJF does. Cole just did it better than MJF, and MJF knows it.
But Cole has been thinking, trying to understand what’s going on in MJF’s head, and he finally figured it out. MJF is terrified of having anyone close to him, because he feels it is a weakness. That hit a chord? Because not only does MJF act like a child, he thinks like a child! MJF knows in his heart that he was going to be the one to turn on Cole first! DAMN RIGHT HE WAS!!! MJF realizes he let the cat out of the bag. MJF says congrats, Cole, he solved the mystery! A regular Scooby-Doo! Great job, Adam.
But you want the truth? Here it is. The fact of the matter is, last year at Worlds End, MJF had every intention on stabbing Cole in the back that night. Cole just got lucky. When #BetterThanYouBaybay started, MJF didn’t give a damn about Cole. Cole was nothing more than a pawn. But MJF will admit, he did eventually start to care. For the first time in MJF’s life, he cared about someone else. Fans mockingly go, “Aww…” But MJF says that is just when Cole became a liability. And since Cole’s “a fragile little freak,” him jumping off that ramp and exploding his ankle made him a distraction!
Distractions, liabilities, emotions, there are no room for those when all you should be concerned with is maintaining the world championship! But Cole doesn’t get it, does he? Last year was a fluke. Cole ain’t the Devil, he just beat the Devil to it. But this year, Worlds End, December 28th, the same show where Cole tried to end MJF’s world, MJF ENDS Cole!! MJF throws down the mic and the fans are torn. Cole smirks and says MJF ends things then? Well, how about Cole ends this? COLE DECKS MJF! The guards rush in, but Cole fights them off! MJF sends more but Cole SUPERKICSK! And SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS!
But then MJF LOW BLOWS Cole! MJF tells the fans to shut up! MJF takes out the Dynamite Diamond Ring! But then The Kingdom rushes out here! MJF runs away from Matt Taven & Mike Bennett, but he vows this ends at Worlds End. We have one week left, is that the last week Cole has in AEW? Or will MJF finally lose the one thing he has left in that diamond ring?
Backstage interview with Kris Statlander.
Lexy Nair is with the #BornAgainKristen and brings up her trying to make amends with Willow Nightingale last night, as well as making the save when Harley Cameron & Penelope Ford were beating Willow up. Kris says what she and Willow have to discuss is between them. But as far as her and Penelope go, they’ve got a lot of history, and if Ford wants a fight, Kris will give her a fight. Then speaking of history, Kris still has her eyes set on the TBS Championship, can she tells us more on that?
Kris says she looked back on 2024 and she had a downward spiral that started with losing that title. Maybe if she wins it back, Kris will right her wrongs. On that note, Mercedes Mone, you don’t have an opponent for Worlds End so here Kris is. Let her know when you’re ready for round two. Kris heads out, will she prove to everyone that she is still the Galaxy’s Greatest?
Backstage interview with Orange Cassidy.
AEW returns and Lexy is now with Freshly Squeezed. In exactly one week, he will compete against three other men for the AEW World Championship. There are a lot of combustible elements at play, and Cassidy says yeah, we saw that on Dynamite. Jay White, Hangman Page and Cassidy can’t exactly have a conversation. So really, Cassidy wants them to listen. “Between now and Worlds End, Jon Moxley can run and hide. He can hide behind his goons, he can run away in a pickup truck. But when that bell rings in seven days, he has nowhere to go. He will be in the ring with us. Us three. And you both know that we need to remove Jon Moxley from the equation.
“We can. We’ve done it. And after that, us three, we can fight for the AEW World Championship and one of us will become the AEW World Champion. Just something to think about. See you guys on Dynamite.” Cassidy is ready to remove the Maniac from the throne, but will the Switchblade and Cowboy listen to reason?
Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford!
As Kris just said, she’s calling out The CEO in hopes of one more TBS Championship match. But will the Superbad Girl be more like the Grinch for Kris this Christmas?
The bell rings and the fans rally as Kris circles with Ford. They tie up, Kris powers Ford to a corner, then throws Ford back into the corner! The ref counts, Kris lets off, but Ford shoves her! Kris ROCKS Ford, TOSSES her, then runs up on her. Kris whips, drops down, then hurdles over. Kris CLOBBERS Ford and the fans fire up as she flexes. Kris drags Ford up, reels her in, and suplexes, and she holds Ford up! The fans cheer and Kris goes all the way to TEN, but Ford slips into a SLEEPER! Kris pries the hold open and she brings Ford around for another suplex! The fans fire up as Kris holds Ford up for five before the SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Kris drags Ford up, whips her to the corner, but Ford goes up, only for Kris to Electric Chair Lift! Kris climbs, Ford fights with fists, and she shoves Kris down! Ford steadies herself, then hits a FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford is frustrated but she storms up on Kris. Ford bumps Kris off buckles but the fans rally behind Kris. Ford stomps a mudhole, but she lets off as the ref counts. Kris goes to the apron, but Ford jumps up to drop KNEES on her! The fans boo but Ford soaks up the heat, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Ford brings Kris around to THROW her into railing! Ford soaks up more heat, then drags Kris up and RAMS her into the apron! Ford refreshes the count, then stalks Kris around the way. Ford whips Kris into the steel steps! Kris falls over in a heap but Ford drags her up into the ring. Ford covers, TWO! Kris stays in this but Ford kicks her around. Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes, thrashes around, but lets off as the ref counts. Ford drags Kris up and whips her to ropes, then LARIATS as Collision goes to break.
Christmas Collision returns and Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes again! The ref counts, Ford lets off and Kris sputters to the apron. Ford runs and goes up, up, and KNEE DROPS on only apron! Kris then SHOTGUNS Ford off the apron! The fans fire up and Kris brings Ford up, to THROW into railing! Kris puts Ford in the ring, the fans fire up, but Ford kicks low. Ford reels Kris in, but Kris suplexes, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford flounders to a corner but Kris has the fans rallying behind her. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT! Kris goes side to side but Ford dodges the knee! Ford hits a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Ford wasn’t quite perfect there but she watches Kris go to a corner. Ford runs corner to corner, handsprings, but Kris catches her! The fans fire up as Kris GERMAN SUPELXES, but Ford lands out! but Kris goes Matrix to dodge! So does Ford! STUNNER! Ford runs, Kris does her best to follow, but Ford hops up for a POISON-RANA! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and the fans fire up! Ford is beside herself, but she drags Kris to a drop zone. Ford goes up top, and MOONSAULTS BUT FLOPS as Kris moves! Kris hurries to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! And then GERMAN SUPLEX again! The fans fire up as Kris scoops to tuck Ford in! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER! Cover, Kris wins!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Ford gave Kris quite the fight, but Kris came out on top! Wait, here comes Mone! Kris did call the CEO out, so Santa Mone says, “Ho, ho, ho ho ho! New York Citaaaay~! Please say hello to your C E O! Kris, after the year I’ve been having, I was planning on taking Worlds End off. I was planning on going to the Ritz in Boston.” The fans boo Boston, but Mone says since it’s the holidays, Mone feels like being nice. She already beat Kris once anyway, so she’ll just beat her twice! At Worlds End, you see that money changes everything, because Mone is the greatest TBS Champion of all time!
The challenge has been accepted, and Mone is looking to be busy before the New Year. Will Kris make her regret it?
Big Boom AJ & Big Justice return to the ring.
They’re getting Christmas Collision ready to bring the BOOM, but out comes Chris Jericho, who is still ROH World Champion after overcoming Matt Cardona last night at Final Battle. And he has Bryan Keith & “Big Bill” Morrissey with him as he asks if AJ has a permit for being here tonight. Did they talk with Mayor DeBlasio? Because they certainly didn’t run this past Jericho. Do they know who he is? Big Justice says yeah, he knows! “You’re a JACKASS!” Jericho is taken aback, but the fans agree with Justice. The Bad Apple says this is why dumbass kids should be sitting and not heard. Jericho says yeah!
And if being a jackass means he’s the King of New York, then Jericho’s the biggest jackass! And besides, Jericho talks for everyone here saying we do not want AJ & Justice here! The fans boo, they disagree with Jericho. But Jericho says they don’t even have Costcos in New York! New Yorkers shop at bodegas. Fans are torn, because they kind of agree. Jericho says his favorite is the Walgreens a few blocks over in Flushing. And speaking of Flushing, that’s where AJ & Justice belong: in the toilet! This is the Hammerstein Ballroom, the House that Jericho built! The fans boo that, it’s the House that Hardcore built.
But Jericho says there’s no time for goofy gimmicks like BOOM~, or bandit masks, or scissoring! Scissor me, Bad Apple~! But then wait! The Acclaimed is here! Well, Anthony Bowens is, at least. Bowens pushes past The Learning Tree and he joins AJ & Justice in the ring. Bowens has the music cut, and he tells Jericho that he doesn’t get why Scissor King is catching strays, but you caught his attention. Jericho is trying to intimidate a man in a walking boot and an 11 year old child while spouting nonsense about being the King of New York. Why doesn’t Jericho do what he has asked so many others in the past: SHUT THE HELL UP!
The fans cheer but Big Bill says, “As the Learning Tree always says, when a man tries to silence another man, he’s probably afraid of the truth.” The fans do cheer Big Bill because he is from New York. Bowens says he has no idea what that means, Bill. But he does know we’re live on TNT, Christmas Collision, Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City! So Chris, why not walk your ass to this ring and get it whipped by the Scissor King?! Jericho says if Bowens wants him to do that, then not tonight. Jericho waves bye, but AJ says hold on, listen up. We know Jericho is running scared, but we know at some point, Bowens will get to bring the-
Bowens stops the Boom? Because he wants to scissor! AJ says okay, and they SCISSOR BOOM~! But is that true? Will Anthony Bowens be the one to tear down the Learning Tree and be a champion?
Backstage interview with The Vendetta.
Lexy is now with Deonna Purrazzo & Taya Valkyrie, and they’ve got a hot streak going. Deonna’s message last week was ominous, but who was it for? Taya says there are so many options. Everyone deserves a slice of The Vendetta. There’s Mercedes, Mariah, Toni Storm, even Lexy could get some, so watch your back. Speaking of Toni, she stumbles in and apologizes for interrupting. She just wants to say hi to everyone, hello. Oh, Deonna, a pleasure. Deonna says she knows who Toni is. R-Really? So cool! Taya says she’ll make a guess: Toni has a tattoo on her leg, a little duck with a knife through it.
Wow, how’d Taya know? Deonna says no no no, she is not doing this again. She does not get what sick crap Toni’s up to, but she is already done with it. So for Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street, Toni VS Taya! Taya says she’ll make Toni forget everything! Toni nervously thanks The Vendetta, and says this is a big opportunity to face someone like Taya. Toni leaves, Deonna and Taya sigh, and Lexy has no idea what to say. Is Toni’s mind unraveling before our eyes? Or is there still a bit of Timeless inside Toni Time?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia!
This showdown was inevitable, but it’s even more fitting after The Standard of Excellence beat up the TNT Champion just because he stood up to the Hurt Syndicate. Will Shelton continue to bring the pain? Or will he not survive Red Death?
The bell rings and Garcia goes right at Shelton! Garcia fires hands but Shelton RAMS him into the corner! Shelton fires hands but Garcia turns things around to fire more shots! The ref counts, Shelton shoves Garcia back, but Garcia runs up to fire hands! Shelton shoves Garcia again, but Garcia gets under the lariat to waistlock. Shelton fights the lift but Garcia shoves him to SLAP! And CHOP! Shelton just grins and he picks Garcia up again! Shelton TOSSES Garcia away and Garcia goes to ropes. Shelton brings Garcia back up, scoops and SLAMS him, then brings him up again. Scoop SLAM! Shelton drags Garcia up and puts him in a corner.
Shelton whips corner to corner hard and Garcia falls! The fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton drags Garcia around, stomps him around, then TOSSES Garcia out hard! Garcia sputters but Shelton storms outside. Shelton brings Garcia up but Garcia fires hands! Shelton RAMS Garcia into the apron, then railing, then back to the apron! And repeat! Garcia falls in a heap and the fans fire up. Shelton grins as he drags Garcia up, to then THROW into steel steps! Shelton leaves Garcia behind and the ring count climbs on Garcia. Garcia drags himself up at 7 but Shelton goes out after him again.
Shelton puts Garcia in the ring, then grabs at him. Garcia grabs ropes but Shelton stomps him. Shelton stands Garcia up to DECK him! The fans cheer but Shelton brings Garcia up again. Garcia fires a forearm, then he CHOPS! Shelton eggs Garcia on, so Garcia CHOPS! Shelton grins, Garcia CHOPS, but Shelton DECKS him again! The fans duel but Shelton whips Garcia to ropes, for a BIG backdrop! Garcia flounders and Collision goes picture in picture.
Shelton stalks Garcia to the ropes, brings him up and around, then puts him on other ropes so he can CHOKE him! The ref counts, Shelton steps off, and Garcia coughs and sputters to a corner. Shelton stalks behind Garcia, stands him up, and winds up to ROCK Garcia! Garcia flounders against ropes then falls to the mat! Shelton stands over Garcia, drags him up and puts him in the corner. Shelton throws hands and Garcia stumbles. Garcia falls, but Shelton stands on him. Shelton stomps Garcia, drags him up, but Garcia fires up! Garcia breaks free to fire CHOPS and forearms on repeat!
Garcia whips, Shelton reverses and Shelton BOOTS Garcia down! Cover, TWO! Shelton is still amused, and he clamps onto Garcia with a chinlock. Garcia endures as Shelton grinds him down, and Garcia fights up, only for Shelton to wrangle him back down! Shelton leans all his weight on the hold and he squeezes tight. Garcia fades but the fans rally, and Garcia gets a second wind! Garcia fights up, Christmas Colilsion returns to siongle cipture, and the fans duel as Garcia fires hands! Garcia runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SHOTGUNS SHelton down! The fans fire up and Garcia aims from a corner. Garcia runs up, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX!
The fans are torn while Shelton storms around. Shelton waits on Garcia, waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEX! Garcia flops around but Shelton stalks him to the ropes. Shelton goes to the apron, runs up, but Garcia BOOTS him! Garcia takes a swing, but Shelton waistlocks! Garcia holds ropes to fight off the suplex to the floor! Garcia stands up and elbows Shelton away! Then Garcia LEAPS, but into Shelton’s clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY to the floor! Garcia flounders, fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton runs up but Garcia drop toeholds him into a chair! Shelton sputters and the fans rally up. Garcia makes Shelton take a seat, then rains down fists!
The fans count along and Garcia goes to nine, puts up the dukes, then hits TEN! Garcia gets space, runs back in, and he SHOTGUNS Shelton outta the chair! The fans are thunderous as Garcia goes back for Shelton. Garcia drags Shelton up but Shelton pushes him away. Shelton LARIATS Garcia, then rolls into the ring. The ring count starts, the fans help Garcia stand, and the fans fire up! Garcia hurries to the ring, but Shelton BOOTS, only for Garcia to block! DRAGON SCREW! Garcia runs, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Even with a bad leg, Shelton has so much strength! Shelton storms up in the corner, but Garcia dodges!
Shelton’s knee hits buckles, and Garcia leg scissor rolls him! Garcia steps through for the DRAGON TAMER!! Shelton endures and the fans fire up! Garcia sits on the hold, but Shelton powers up! Shelton powers out of the hold, has Garcia’s legs, and he turns Garcia over into a QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH! Garcia endures, reaches out, and he army crawls his way forward! But Shelton drags Garcia back! Garcia cradles Shelton! TWO!! Shelton escapes, but Garcia BOOTS him! Shelton SUPERKICKS Garcia! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Shelton covers, TWO!! Garcia barely gets out of that and Shelton is furious!
“This is Awesome!” as Shelton looms over Garcia. Shelton drags Garcia up, but Garcia trips Shelton! Jackknife bridge, GARCIA WINS!!
Winner: Daniel Garcia, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Shelton earns 0)
A Christmas Collision miracle? Who knows! But Garcia is still alive in the C2, but Lashley snatches Garcia into a SLEEPER! The fans boo but MVP hands the pimp cane to Shelton! But here comes Mark Briscoe, and he has a chair! Security wants this to stop before it gets out of hand, and even producers get out here! But wait! Is that Swerve Strickland rushing in from the crowd?! It is! He goes right up top to SUPER SWERVE STOMP the Syndicate and security guards! Garcia gets free of the pile, Mark Briscoe is with him, and now the locker room hurries out here to stop this from getting worse!
The fans chant, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” and Nana eventually hands the mic to Swerve. “Bobby FREAKIN’ Lashley! Didn’t I say I was gonna get my hands on you by the end of ’24? By the end of 2024, I said I was gonna get my hands on you, and that’s what I did, courtesy of the most dangerous man in AEW. Whose house?!” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Swerve is still aiming for Lashley’s head, will he and Lashley have it out at Worlds End?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos!
After getting a couple shockers, The Sussex County Chicken could easily jump up to the front of the block with one more! But will he #ManUp and bring down the menacing minotaur? Or will The Beast be a massive spoiler for Briscoe?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock again. The fans rally and duel while both men fire up. They RAM shoulders, and then fire forearms! The fans fire up as Mark gets the edge, but Mortos swings! Mark dodges to CHOP, then fire forearms! Mark ROCKS Mortos, whips, but Mortos reverses and SPLASHES Mark! Mortos runs but Mark follows to LARIAT! Mark runs, Mortos follows, but Mark dodges to CHOP! And CHOP! And forearm! And Mongolian Chop! Mark fires forearms against the ropes, then roars. Mark runs but Mortos follows to UPPERCUT! The fans fire up, Mortos runs but Mark follows to FOREARM!
Mark runs, Mortos follows, and he slingshots to hook and backslide, TWO! Mark trips Mortos to jackknife, TWO! Mortos gets around, hammerlock and cradle, TWO! Mark slips around to roll Mortos, TWO! Both men stand, both men dodge, and the fans cheer the standoff. The fans cheer “BOTH THESE GUYS! BOTH THESE GUYS!” as they reset. Mark and Mortos run up to RAM shoulders again! And again! Mortos is getting the better of this, and he CLOBBERS Mark! The fans cheer Mortos while Mark goes to ropes. Mortos runs in but Mark TOSSES him up and out! Mortos clutches a leg, stands up, but Mark runs!
Mortos slides in, dodges, and he SPEARS Mark! The fans fire up and Mortos roars while Collision goes picture in picture.
Mark rolls to a corner while Mortos headbutts buckles. Mortos then runs corner to corner to DROPKICK Mark! Mark sputters, Mortos drags him to a cover, TWO! Mark stays in this but Mortos drags him into a chinlock. Mark endures, even as Mortos leans on the hold. Mark fights up as the fans rally, and Mark fires body shots. Mortos THROWS Mark down! Mortos then CRANKS Mark’s neck, then KICKS him in the chest! Cover, TWO! Mark is still in this and he goes to ropes. Mortos storms up but Mark CHOPS! Mortos SMACKS Mark and Mark falls into a corner. Mortos stomps Mark, then digs his boots in!
The ref reprimands and counts, Mortos steps off, then Mortos snapmares Mark so he can step on Mark’s face! Then NECK TWIST! Cover, TWO! Mark stays in this and he goes back to ropes. Mortos waits on Mark to stand, then SMACKS him down! Mark dangles out of the ring in the ropes, but Mortos goes after a leg while Collision goes to break.
Christmas Collision returns and Mortos has Mark in a corner. Mortos whips corner to corner, then runs up to UPPERCUT, CHOP, and HEADBUTT! Mark staggers and the fans rally up for Mortos. Mortos brings down his kneepads, runs corner to corner, but Mark dodge! Mortos hits buckles then falls to the outside! The fans fire up as Mark then WRECKS Mortos with a dropkick! Mark builds speed and he DIVES, direct hit on Mortos! The fans fire up and Mark even hugs a few! Mark tosses a chair into the ring, and fans rally for #DEMBOYS. Mark sets the chair up, but Mortos anchors Mark’s legs! Mortos then SMACKS Mark!
Mortos drags Mark to the apron, Mark fires forearms. Mortos shoves Mark, but Mark fireman’s carries! Mortos fires elbows to get free! Mark REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUTS! Then APRON GERMAN SUPLEXES! Mortos falls to the floor while the fans lose their minds! Mark rises up, takes aim, and he fires the fans up more. Mark goes up a corner, for a SUPER SKY TWISTER! The fans are thunderous and Mark high-fives the front row. Mark then goes back to the ring and builds speed! Mark uses the chair to FLY! Direct hit and Mark even lands on his feet! The fans fire up and Mark hurries to get Mortos back up.
Mark puts Mortos in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Mark takes aim. FROGGY-BOW onto knees! Mortos saves himself there, and then roars! Mortos whips Mark, scoops him, and has the torture rack! BEAST BACKBREAKER! Then Mortos hauls Mark up for a POWER BREAKER!! The fans fire up for Mortos and he DISCUS- NO, Mark dodges, runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives and the fans fire up again! Mortos snarls, hauls Mark up, and then scoops! But Mark slips free! Mark crane kicks, then underhooks! But Mortos backdrops free! Mark rises, Mortos runs, but into a fireman’s carry!
Mark hits a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Then Mark goes up the corner, and the fans fire up for the FROGGY-BOW!! Cover, TWO?!? Mortos survives but Mark shakes his head. Mark just goes back up top! Mortos sits up and roars! But Mark still FROGGY-BOWS!! And then he underhooks, lifts, JAY DRILLER!! Cover, Mark wins!
Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Mortos earns 0)
And with that, Mark is now even with Kyle Fletcher, who Mark already beat earlier on! That is all the difference between the one seed and the two seed, how will this final round shake out?
Julia Hart speaks.
“Jamie, Jamie, Jamie. I’m no coward. What you call tricks, I call advantages. I suggested that you watch your back. I gave you all the warnings. So I’m not understanding why you feel the need to call me classless and sneaky. I thought I was being more than reasonable. I know you’re strong, but are you smart? Are my ‘tricks’ too much for you? I guess we’ll find out January 1st, Fight for the Fallen. But remember: The House Always Wins.” The Princess of the Black Throne is ready, but will she learn Hayter Hits Hard?
Backstage interview with Mariah May.
Alex Marvez is with the AEW Women’s World Champion and says in one week’s time, it will be Mariah VS Thunder Rosa for the title, in a Tijuana Street Fight! Marvez notes that Mariah not only had some harsh words for Rosa, but for her father, as well. Mariah says, “Aw~, Papa Rosa is gonna be in the front row. Is that to watch the match? Or does Thunder need a new mami?” But speaking of Rosa, she RAMS Mariah right into the door! And dribbles her off it, too! Mariah pulls hair, Rosa tries to choke Mariah, and then Mariah shoves Rosa away. Mariah calls Rosa crazy, but Rosa says she’s not done with Mariah!
Rosa storms after Mariah into the hall, and then to the stage area! Mariah has made it to ringside, Nigel tries to warn her, but Rosa CLOBBERS Mariah! Rosa rains down fists, then stomps away! Rosa SMACKS Mariah off steel steps, then grabs a chair! Mariah sputters, but gets away before Rosa swings the chair! Security rushes out here for the third time tonight, and Rosa LEAPS! The cluster keeps her away from Mariah but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Rosa holds up the AEW Women’s World Championship, will she send the “Woman From Hell” back where she came from in order to have the gold again?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli!
While The Relentless One has been after each and every Death Rider, he gets one served up to him on a silver platter. But will Darby bring down the Swiss Superman before the final round? Or will Claudio crush Darby’s hopes and dreams this close to Christmas?
But before Claudio even gets in the ring, Darby DIVES out onto him! The fans fire up as Darby fires fast hands! Claudio gets away but Darby pursues, jumps on, and throws more hands! Claudio carries Darby up the ramp to then THROW him down! Darby writhes, Claudio drags him up, and Claudio gorilla presses! Darby slips free, goes to the entry, and then dodges Claudio to send him into the light truss! And then he shoves Claudio into it again! Claudio falls, and now Darby climbs up!? The fans fire up as Darby is up on the camera balcony! Darby SUPER CROSSBODIES Claudio down!
Claudio tumbles down the ramp and Darby sputters while fans lose their minds. The ref checks Darby, his fall was still really wicked. Claudio sits up in a daze as he’s now ringside, and somehow Darby pursues! They both get in the ring, the bell rings, and Darby runs up! But into a POP-UP UPPERCUT!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio is already frustrated. Claudio drags Darby by his legs, to GIANT SWING~! The fans count as Darby goes around and around, and Claudio goes past TEN, past FIFTEEN, past TWENTY, and all the way to THIRTY!! Darby flounders out of the ring while Collision goes picture in picture.
The ref goes out to check on Darby, and somehow he’s okay to continue. Claudio steps out to fetch Darby, and lift shim up with one hand! Claudio then gut wrenches and carries Darby, to SLAM him onto railing! And DUMP him down! Claudio drags Darby up again, gut wrenches again, and he TOSSES Darby onto the railing! Darby flops back down and clutches his lower back, but Claudio leaves him behind. The ring count begins but Darby sits up. Claudio goes out after him again, and brings him up to CHOP! Darby staggers away to a corner, Claudio storms up and CHOPS again! Darby flops down but Claudio looms over him.
Claudio gets space, runs up, and he UPPERCUTS Darby against railing! Darby stumbles away, Claudio goes to the ring, but Darby rolls in, just to roll back out. Darby earns himself some time, but then Claudio storms out after him. Darby hurries int he ring to get away, but Claudio is after him there, too. Claudio stands on Darby’s hands, then stomps them! Darby writhes, but Claudio stomps his hands more! Darby goes to a corner. Claudio stands him up and CHOPS! Claudio UPPERCUTS, CHOPS, and Christmas Collision returns to single picture. The fans duel, Darby fires hands, but Claudio UPPERCUTS!
Claudio whips, Darby springboards, COFFIN- NO, Claudio catches Darby! Darby fights free, runs, but Claudio runs up! Darby DUMPS Claudio, then runs to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! The fans fire up again and Darby puts Claudio in. Claudio rolls out the far side but Darby DIVES again! Claudio is sent into railing but Darby goes up a corner! The fans fire up for the SUPER COFFIN SPLASH! Direct hit and both men are down again. The ref starts the ring count, the fans rally up, and Darby refreshes the count. Darby LEAPS onto Claudio for a SLEEPER! Claudio goes to steel steps and he steps up, but Darby squeezes tight!
Claudio steps back down, and he runs into the timekeeper’s area! BACKPACK SENTON through the table! The fans lose their minds again while Claudio leaves Darby behind in the wreckage. Darby stirs, the ref starts another ring count, and Darby crawls. “This is Awesome!” as Darby leaps in at 7! Claudio runs but Darby slips around! O’Conner Roll, TWO, springboard and SPALSH! Cover, TWO! Ghost pin, TWO! Claudio is up, but Darby sunset flips! Claudio stays up, and DOUBLE STOMPS! Claudio deadlifts Darby to then TOSS him out of the ring! Darby hits apron on the way out and fans tell Claudio he’s sick!
Claudio goes out after Darby and drags him up again. Claudio scoops and then POSTS Darby! And POSTS him again! Claudio TOSSES Darby aside, rolls into the ring, but only to refresh the count. Claudio then drags Darby by a leg and brings him over. Claudio SWINGS Darby into steel steps!! Claudio puts Darby in the ring, stands him up, and runs to LARIAT! Darby flips through the air! Claudio covers, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio is frustrated. The fans rally for Darby but Claudio rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then Claudio tucks the arms, RICOLA- CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio escapes in time!
The fans rally while both men are down again. Darby and Claudio slowly rise, and Ricochet watches, very amused as Darby is his next opponent in the round robin. Darby crawls to a corner, climbs up, but Claudio UPPERCUTS! Claudio HEADBUTTS Darby, then climbs up again. Claudio brings Darby up and suplexes, but Darby fights around! SUPER SCORPION DEATH DROP!! The fans are thunderous for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as Darby rises up. Darby climbs to the very top, COFFION DROP onto knees! Claudio saves himself, then he hauls Darby up. Straitjacket and RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Darby survives and shocks Claudio! Claudio argues with the ref but the count was fair! Darby’s just that tough! Claudio goes back to Darby and ripcords him into the RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?! HOW?!? Claudio goes outside, and he brings out something from under the ring. He also has a chair! The ref takes the chair from Claudio, but Claudio has BRASS KNUCKLES! BRASS KNUCKLE PUNCH!!! Cover, CLAUDIO WINS!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Darby earns 0)
The Swiss Superman screws over Darby, but then he gets that chair back. But wait, Ospreay slides into the ring! And HE has the brass knuckles that Claudio tossed aside! Ospreay dares Claudio to do something, but Claudio simply leaves. Does this mean Ospreay’s ready to ride against the Death Riders with Darby? Or will we see a Miracle on 34th Street send Ospreay and Darby to Worlds End?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision here as the last one before Worlds End, and therefore a bit of a go-home in itself. While the continued feud of MJF and Cole has still been a bit clunky since they did the double turn, their faceoff did a good job addressing some of that. They got good digs at each other as always, and MJF snapping and revealing “the truth” was their big move to recover this story. We of course got a brawl, and good save by The Kingdom. It feels like MJF still finds a way to hold onto the diamond ring, but c’mon, how fitting is it for Cole to get a diamond.
Good bit with Toni Storm and The Vendetta, and Deonna’s reaction to Toni was great. Deonna is justified in thinking this is still an act from Toni, not a legitimate psychological problem, and Toni VS Taya will be good stuff. Good promo from Kris Statlander, good match from her and Penelope Ford, and of course a good win for Kris. Good promo from Mone to make Worlds End official, but as I’ve been saying, Mone is more likely to lose the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship as part of the big NJPW Tokyo Dome weekend. The irony is, Mina Shirakawa is her challenger and Mina shows up plenty in AEW, so I don’t know how that math is supposed to work.
Good promo from Mariah May as it also turned into a brawl with Thunder Rosa. As it stands, Rosa standing tall holding up the belt means she is NOT winning at Worlds End, but they could still give us a little more from Rosa and Mariah on Dynamite’s Christmas episode to turn the tables. Good promo from Julia Hart to respond to Jamie Hayter, they’ll have a good match. Good promo from Orange Cassidy to try and reason with Jay White and Hangman Page, but that’s all the more reason Moxley likely uses the challengers all against each other like he did on Wednesday. Though, it would be fun if they at least started the match all annihilating Moxley with their finishers, making us think it’ll work out in favor of “Team AEW.”
Good stuff with Big Boom AJ & Big Justice here tonight, both hyping up the show but also interacting with Jericho’s group and even Anthony Bowens. They’re adding some more foreshadowing to The Acclaimed breaking up, and I guess we’re supposed to see this as a positive move, Bowens feuding with Jericho. Unless Bowens is going to be the guy that dethrones Jericho for whatever ROH cable TV debut/return is planned, the Jericho Vortex strikes again. Bowens should be going for an AEW midcard title, but right now, those are all tied up what with the C2 going on and the International Championship being tied up in Worlds End and NJPW plans.
Speaking of the C2, great stuff with all the matches tonight. Shelton VS Garcia was great stuff, and while Garcia gets the win, they’re still giving us some set-up for a TNT Championship match of Garcia VS Shelton. Mark Briscoe of course made the save, but great surprise for Swerve to show up. Lashley VS Swerve for Worlds End just needs to be said, it already feels a given. All that brawling was also a good segue into Mark VS Mortos, and another great showing for Mortos, even in losing. But as Mark has already had all his matches and is at 9 points, Kyle doesn’t even need to win against Garcia, he just needs to draw so that Mark will be out, and Garcia with him.
While Ospreay VS Darby on Wednesday raised the bar, Ospreay VS Ricochet still had great stuff of its own. Plus, Ricochet is bringing out more of his Heel side what with using the ref, and Ricochet’s win puts the pressure on Ospreay for Christmas Dynamite. Now, no offense to Brody King, but I’m thinking Ospreay wins that to take one of the semifinal spots. Darby VS Claudio tonight was also great, but Darby doing his best Sting off the truss was not the best when he gets that whiplash on the floor. I really thought that match was going to be called for concussion protocol, but Darby’s weirdly indestructible.
Claudio still cheats this win so there’s more heat on the Death Riders and Darby is also behind the 8 ball. Ospreay making the save was good, we can definitely have another “Team AEW” VS Death Riders with Ospreay joining Darby and a couple others, but the way they did the order of matches, Claudio’s got a seemingly easy ride against Komander for Christmas. Though, how awesome would it be if Komander pulled off the spoiler? Or if they were really going to add some drama, they should create a situation where the Death Riders end up ringside, violating the Continental Rules of no cornermen and that disqualifies Claudio. Claudio misses out on the semifinals because of a technicality, sending Ospreay and maybe Ricochet to the semifinals.
My Score: 8.8/10
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Hockey Talk- Winter (Classic) Is Coming [121724]
Hockey Talk looks at Alex Ovechkin's recovery and when he might be back. Plus, the Winter Classic fast approaches. Is...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Are Those Chiefs Uprights Regulation Size Or What?!
Jump on board as Andrew and PC run down the entire slate of action for week 15 in the NFL!
Hockey Talk- Igor Gets Paid! [121024]
Hockey Talk looks at a coaching change in Chicago, the Four Nations Tournament, and Igor Shesterkin laughing all the way...
Oblong Ball Foot Show: Famous Jameis
As we head into the last week of byes on the NFL schedule, the gents run down their picks for...
Hockey Talk- A Bruins Loss, A Blues Gain [120324]
Hockey Talk celebrates Jeremy Roenick finally getting inducted into the Hall of Fame, 16 years after his last game and...
Bandwagon Nerds #268: Seasons Geekings
Your favorite Nerds invite you to the greatest Holiday Party in the Nerdosphere! That plus a review of the first...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (12/18/24)
Majora speaks.
Bandwagon Nerds #267: I’ve Had 16 Holes Already!
The Nerds convene for an extended trip to the Trailer Park and discuss big casting decisions affecting the MCU and...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu News Report! (12/12/24)
Dinner is served.
Bandwagon Nerds #266: Silver Age Supermen
The Nerds conclude their review of Game 7, plus the latest trailers and the official launch of the new DCU!
Mitchell’s NJPW Road to Tokyo Dome Results & Report! (12/22/24)
Empire VS Emperor!
#TheOddity 023: Just Use A Baby Sock
Join Dave Wortz and PC Tunney for your weekly newsletter on the ridiculous and dumb of actual headlines from around...
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (12/21/24)
Merry Collision!
Mindless Wrestling Podcast: The Saturday Night Wrasslin Show!
With Saturday Night's Main Event in our rear view mirror, we talk about the MAIN event.
Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (12/20/24)
Brody King is on a Rampage!
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/20/24)
Who's dreaming of a gold Christmas?
Mitchell’s ROH Final Battle Results & Report! (12/20/24)
Is this the end of the Forever Reign?
DWI Podcast Classic: Scrooge McBitch
As the snow falls, enjoy this holiday classic from 4 years ago!
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (12/19/24)
One last stop before Final Battle!
Classic POD is WAR: Banana Bamboo (112620)
The Chairshot, brings you THE podcast that will absolutely have you questioning everything you thought you knew about professional wrestling,...
