Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW New Beginning Sapporo Results & Report! (2/5/23)
New Beginnings, new champions?
It’s a golden finale here in Sapporo!
Sapporo has THREE championships for night two! The IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team, NJPW World TV and IWGP Junior Heavyweight titles, all in a row!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag: The United Empire VS Just4Guys; The United Empire wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado, Ren Narita & Ryohei Oiwa VS The House of Torture; Suzuki, Desperado, Narita & Oiwa win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi & Master Wato VS KENTA & Taiji Ishimori; Kenta & Ishimori win.
- Six Man Tag: Guerillas of Destiny VS Bullet Club; GoD wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano, Ryusuke Taguchi & Shota Umino VS Los Ingobernables de Japon; Okada, Yano, Taguchi & Umino win.
- IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Bishamon VS The Mighty; Bishamon wins and retains the title.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Tomohiro Ishii; ZSJ wins and retains the title.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS YOH; Hiromu wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Bishamon VS The Mighty!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi won World Tag League 2022 to then take these titles back from FTR at WrestleKingdom 17. And they also beat Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls along the way! Will The Mighty avenge their loss? Or will the Fierce Warrior & Head Hunter make The Mighty kneel?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who is truly mighty!
The teams stare down before they sort out. Fans applaud as Goto starts against Mikey. The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally and duel, the two tie up, and Goto powers Mikey back to ropes. Mikey turns things around but Goto turns it back around, and the ref reprimands them both, calling for the ropebreak. Goto lets off with pats to the shoulders and fans applaud. Mikey applauds, circles with Goto again, and they approach. Mikey kicks low, clamps on a headlock and grinds Goto down. Goto powers out, they RAM shoulders, but neither man falls! Mikey eggs Goto on, Goto runs and they RAM shoulders again, and Mikey again eggs Goto on.
Goto runs, Mikey follows and ELBOWS Goto, then runs to run Goto over! Mikey drags Goto up, wrenches and he tags Shane. The Mighty mug Goto then Shane clamps on a headlock. Goto powers out to get the headlock on Shane! Shane pulls hair, powers out, and ELBOWS Goto, to then snapmare and basement dropkick! Fans fire up and Shane beats his chest to fire up, too. Shane runs, but Hashi gets in, double shoulder tackles! Then ZANMAI, the hip toss senton! Mikey runs in, Goto kicks him first, then Goto snap suplexes Mikey onto Shane! Hashi drags Mikey up, Goto has Shane, Bishamon beats the war drums in stereo!
Fans fire up as Bishamon throws The Mighty out of the ring. Hashi fires up, Goto goes out after Shane to kick and CLUB him, then POST him! Hashi has Mikey, but Mikey SMACKS Hashi off the apron! Mikey stomps Hashi down while Goto puts Shane in the ring. Shane knees low, whips, but Goto reverses to send Shane into a corner. Goto fires off forearms, then brings Shane around to CLUB him on the neck. Goto brings Shane around, whips, but Shane reverses. Mikey trips Goto up at the ropes! Shane basement dropkicks Goto, Mikey spins Goto around and SLAMS him on the apron! Fans rally as Mikey lets off and Goto falls to the floor.
Shane BLASTS Hashi, Mikey whips Hashi hard into railing! Shane whips Goto hard into railing, then throws him into more railing! The Mighty regroup and Shane drags Goto up and into the ring. Shane stomps Goto, paces around, then drags Goto over. Tag to Mikey, but Goto fights back with forearms on The Mighty! Shane ROCKS Goto, Mikey reels him in, BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up but Mikey is annoyed. Mikey sits Goto up for a neck wrench. Goto endures as Mikey twists the head. Mikey spits at Hashi! Fans rally, and Goto reaches out to a ropebreak! Mikey lets go then tags Shane.
Mikey stands Goto up, scoops him and SLAMS him, then Shane runs. The Mighty steals ZANMAI! Cover, TWO! Shane grins, and he KICKS Goto in the back! Shane bumps Goto off buckles, tags in Mikey, then CHOPS Goto. Mikey toys with Goto, talking trash and slapping him around. Fans rally for Goto, Mikey dares Goto to hit him, so Goto fires off forearms! Goto CHOPS Mikey, Mikey ROCKS Goto! Shane holds Goto so The Mighty can mug him! The ref reprimands, Mikey lets off and he runs back in, but into a BOOT! Goto fires off fists on Shane, then DECKS him! Mikey kicks Goto low and whips him, only for Goto to reverse and whip Mikey OUT of the ring!
Fans fire up as The Mighty regroups outside. Goto crawls his way over, but Mikey hurries in! Mikey drags Goto back but Goto BOOTS him away! Shane tags in, he hurries to BLAST Hashi off the apron! Shane stomps Goto down, then kicks him around. Fans rally for “GO-TO-O!” as Shane kicks and kicks. Shane says we’re getting new champs, but Goto blocks a boot! Shane UPPERCUTS, then runs in, but Goto deflects the boot to LARIAT! Fans rally while both men are down, and Goto hot tags Hashi! Hashi ELBOWS Shane, BLASTS Mikey, but Shane kicks low. Shane whips, Hashi dropkicks the legs out! Fans fire up with Hashi!
Hashi sees Shane go to a corner. Hashi runs in to CHOP! Hashi whips to CHOP again! And mule kick! Hashi hangs Shane out to dry, runs side to side, and he dropkicks Shane down! Hashi then stands Shane up, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Shane hangs tough and fans rally up. Hashi drags Shane up, fisherman’s the leg, but Shane fights free! Hashi SUPERKICKS back! Hashi tries again, but Shane suplexes for a FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives and fans fire up! Fans rally and duel, Shane bumps Hashi off buckles then hoists him up top. Shane throws hands, climbs up after Hashi, but Hashi throws body shots.
Hashi fires forearms on Shane, and Shane falls and staggers back! Mikey tags in and he hurries to ROCK Hashi! Shane gets a boost up from Mikey, they SUPERPLEX BOMB Hashi!! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives and fans fire up again! Mikey sits Hashi up but Hashi avoids the sliding lariat! Hashi CHOPS, ROCKS, and repeat! Hashi roars, whips Mikey, but Mikey reverses to a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, Goto breaks it! Fans fire up but Shane throws Goto out. The Mighty drag Hashi up, but Hashi BOOTS free! Hashi elbows Mikey, sends Shane into him, then SPIN KICKS Shane away! Hashi runs to HEADHUNTER on Mikey!
Fans fire up as Hashi crawls past The Mighty! Hot tag to Goto! The Fierce Warrior runs to Mikey in a corner! Then he runs corner to corner to clothesline Shane in a corner! Goto goes back the other way but Mikey rushes him! Goto gets around, shoves Mikey into Shane, then hits a MURAMASA SANDWICH! Fans fire up as Goto gets them both, DOUBLE BULLDOG! Goto drags Mikey up, fireman’s carries, but Mikey fights free. Mikey throws a forearm but Goto gives it back! They go back and forth, Mikey gets the edge, and Mikey runs, but Goto follows! Mikey dodges, but Goto fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!
Fans fire up as Mikey survives. Mikey has a cut on his forehead that’s a bit bloody, but Goto drags him up. Goto dragon sleepers Mikey, but Shane LARIATS Goto in the back! Shane keeps moving, Mikey ducks, and Shane LARIATS Goto down! Mikey drags Goto up while Shane climbs the corner. Scoop and- NO, Goto slips off to shove Mikey at the corner! Shane leaps over, into HIDDEN GAP! Hashi’s superkick takes out Shane, and Goto holds Mikey in the corner for Hashi’s BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Feed to the fireman’s carry, Goto throws Mikey into the dragon sleeper! Hashi goes for the legs, but Shane BOOTS Hashi down!
Mikey scoops Goto, Shane runs in, TANK BUSTER! Cover, TWO!?! Goto survives and shocks The Mighty! Shane throws Hashi out and Mikey throws off his elbow pads! Shane keeps on Hashi while Mikey whips Goto. MIKEY BOMB!! Cover, TWO!??! Goto survives again and Mikey can’t believe it! Shane RAMS Hashi into railing, and then The Mighty coordinate in the ring. Fans cheer the double thumbs down pose, and The Mighty stand Goto up. THUNDER- NO, Goto slips free to shove Mikey into Shane! Hashi returns to SUPERKICK Mikey! Hashi LARIATS Shane off the apron! Mikey and Hashi run at each other to DOUBLE LARAIT! But neither man falls!
Another DOUBLE LARIAT, but neither falls! ANOTHER DOUBLE LARIAT, and Hashi falls!! But he roars as he rises back up! Mikey runs in, Hashi moves and Goto LARIATS Mikey! Goto stands Mikey up, he and Hashi coordinate, G Y R!! Fans are thunderous as Bishamon resets! Hashi calls their shot, SHOUTO!!! Cover, Goto & Hashi win!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (still IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
Whether or not the Mighty kneel, it was still lights out for them! The gold stays with Goto & Hashi, but the night is not done for Chaos! Will there be even more gold added to the collection tonight?
NJPW World Television Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Tomohiro Ishii!
The Submission Master made history by winning this title at WrestleKingdom to become its very first champion! But now the Stone Pitbull looks to make history as the second-ever champion! Will Ishii have his 15 minutes of fame? Or will “The Front Man” keep his show on the air?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the star of the show!
The bell rings and fans rally as we’re on the clock. ZSJ and Ishii feel things out, back away, then come back to try again. ZSJ waistlocks, Ishii standing switches, but ZSJ switches back. Ishii breaks free to switch again, but they keep going back and forth, around and around. They break, and the fans applaud this opening exchange. They circle again, tie up, and Ishii hits an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! ZSJ scrambles to roll Ishii up, TWO, and Ishii has a HEEL HOOK! ZSJ scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, and Ishii lets off quickly. Fans applaud as Ishii is getting the better of ZSJ at his own game. ZSJ himself is a bit amused as he resets with Ishii.
They circle again, ZSJ rushes in to get an arm. ZSJ hammerlocks, Ishii elbows free and puts the hammerlock on ZSJ. ZSJ clasps hands behind his back, then slips around, only for Ishii to put the hold back on ZSJ. ZSJ slips out to headlock, but Ishii slips right out to hammerlock again! Ishii cranks the hold but ZSJ reaches back to snapmare. ZSJ headlocks but Ishii slips out again to go back to the hammerlock! Fans applaud but ZSJ is annoyed. ZSJ rolls and wrenches Ishii’s arm, but Ishii wrenches ZSJ right back, and again has the hammerlock! ZSJ is getting frustrated but fans rally up. ZSJ stands, Ishii wrenches, and Ishii YANKS the arm!
ZSJ avoids Ishii’s haymaker, Ishii ducks ZSJ’s roundhouse, and Ishii avoids the uppercut! Ishii also deflects a boot to run the ropes, and he runs ZSJ over! Fans fire up as Ishii now has the advantage. Ishii sits ZSJ up to KICK him in the back. ZSJ stands up to kick, snapmare and KICK! Ishii just frowns and stands up. ZSJ ducks a chop, waistlocks, but then ducks Ishii’s elbow and forearm to get a COBRA TWIST! Ishii pops out to hip toss, but ZSJ bridges up and snapmares Ishii, into a NECK TWIST! Ishii writhes and fans applaud, but then ZSJ PENALTY KICKS Ishii in the back! Fans rally while Ishii writhes some more.
ZSJ shakes out his own arms while talking trash on Ishii. ZSJ drags Ishii up by his ears, EuroUppers him to a corner, then fires off another EuroUpper! And another! And another! And then a BOOT! Ishii sits down, ZSJ drags him back up and snapmares. ZSJ clamps on a headscissor squeeze and pushes up to put on the pressure! ZSJ then sits back to grab Ishii’s arm! ZSJ twists the wrist, bends the arm, and then traps Ishii in a TESCO MEAL DEAL! Ishii rolls to get the ROPEBREAK and fans applaud. ZSJ lets go quickly, keeping his cool. We’re at five minutes as ZSJ kicks Ishii around. Ishii stands up to ROCK ZSJ with a forearm!
Ishii ROCKS ZSJ again, and again, but ZSJ EuroUppers! ZSJ whips, Ishii reverses, ZSJ goes up and around and leaps for a GUILLOTINE! But Ishii OVERHEAD suplexes ZSJ away! Fans fire up while both men are down! Ishii sits up first, and he stands over ZSJ. Ishii stands ZSJ up to CHOP him! ZSJ goes to a corner, and Ishii CHOPS again! Ishii stands ZSJ up for another CHOP! And another CHOP! ZSJ EuroUppers, but Ishii CHOPS him down! Fans fire up and Ishii stands ZSJ up, but ZSJ fights the back suplex. ZSJ slips around to a full nelson, then spins Ishii around into a cravat! Ishii powers through to a facelock but ZSJ wrenches, and wrenches, and wrenches!
ZSJ reels Ishii into a headlock, shifts to a facelock, but Ishii wrenches out to whip. ZSJ reverses but Ishii reverses and reels ZSJ in, SAIDO! Fans fire up as both men are down again! Ishii stands up first, looms over ZSJ then stands him up. Ishii CHOPS but ZSJ blocks! ZSJ uppercuts the arm, but Ishii still CHOPS! Ishii whips, ZSJ reverses and captures the arm, but Ishii grabs at ZSJ! ZSJ grabs Ishii’s ear and twists! Then he TWEAKS Ishii’s arm! ZSJ wrenches and wrangles Ishii, isolates that arm, and STOMPS the elbow! Fans rally up as both men are down again. ZSJ stands and PENALTY KICKS, then eggs Ishii on.
Ishii swings but ZSJ catches the arm! ZSJ spins, brings Ishii into monkey lift, and then drops him into an ARMBAR! Ishii endures, fights up, and he stacks ZSJ! ZSJ keeps his shoulders up so Ishii stomps away on ZSJ! Ishii gets free and fans applaud. Ishii kicks ZSJ around, egging him on. ZSJ stands to ROCK Ishii with a forearm! ZSJ swings again, but Ishii wrenches, YANKS, and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! To a SLIDING FOREARM! Fans fire up as both men are down again! Both men sit up, and Ishii kicks ZSJ. ZSJ kicks back, and they kick at each other while still on the mat. They both stand, and Ishii throws a forearm! ZSJ comes back to EuroUpper!
Fans rally up as Ishii throws another forearm. ZSJ shakes that off to EuroUpper! Ishii forearms, ZSJ eggs him on, so Ishii CHOPS! But that hurts the arm! ZSJ wrenches the arm, but Ishii HEADBUTTS! ZSJ stays up to UPPERCUT! But Ishii stays up to full nelson, spin and suplex! ZSJ staggers, but he PENALTY KICKS! Ishii is right up, he gets through ZSJ’s boot but ZSJ catches the lariat to wrench and PELE the arm! ZSJ keeps moving, but Ishii CLOBBERS him! Fans are thunderous while both men are down! Ishii has a bloody lip, and we’re only at 10 minutes! Ishii stands, brings ZSJ in, and gets ZSJ up for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!!
INTO AN ARMBAR! ZSJ has Ishii’s bad arm and has a MOUNTED ARMBAR! Then BOTH arms! Ishii reaches out to a ROPEBREAK! Ishii survives by a literal foot! Fans are thunderous as ZSJ lets off. The fans rally up, ZSJ grabs Ishii’s bad arm and stands him up. Wrench and ELBOW BREAKER, but Ishii gets a SLEEPER! And then an IRON OCTOPUS!? Ishii is using ZSJ’s own style against him! But ZSJ Alabama Lifts, only for Ishii to CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!!! ZSJ survives and fans are thunderous! Ishii runs, ZSJ trips him up! Body scissors, to JAPANESE LEG ROLL, TWO!!! ZSJ full nelsons, Ishii breaks it, but ZSJ GERMAN SUPLEXES!
But Ishii’s right back up! And he GERMAN SUPLEXES ZSJ! ZSJ wobbles back to his feet, he and Ishii run in, Ishii LARIATS ZSJ!! We’re at the three minute warning!! Fans are thunderous and Ishii roars! Ishii runs as ZSJ stands, LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and time is running out on Ishii’s chance! Ishii fires himself back up, he drags ZSJ back up, and Ishii suplexes. ZSJ slips out to a SLEEPER, but Ishii throws him away! But ZSJ drags Ishii down to a EURO CLUTCH! TWO!!! Two minute warning!! Both men stand, run in, and ZSJ BOOTS! ZSJ ROUNDHOUSES but Ishii swats it! Ishii HEADBUTTS ZSJ down!
ZSJ staggers up, Ishii runs in, but ZSJ slips around! Full nelson, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Ishii escapes with nanoseconds to spare! Fans are thunderous and ZSJ goes to ropes. ZSJ waits on Ishii to sit up, and PENALTY- NO, Ishii blocks the kick! ZSJ SLAPS, then ducks the enziguri! PENALTY KICK!! Fans are thunderous and ZSJ roars! ZSJ drags Ishii up, reels him in, ZACK- NO, Ishii slips out to suplex, but ZSJ slips out! Ishii ENZIGURIS! Both men are down with just one minute left!! Ishii runs in to SLIDING- GHOST PIN!! TWO!?!? Ishii escapes, and then CLOBBERS ZSJ!
Ishii hurries to run again, SLIDING LARIAT!! Ishii roars, time is running out, and he suplexes! But ZSJ slips free! ZSJ tilt-o-whirls, scoops, ZACK DRIVER!!!! Cover, ZSJ WINS!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (still NJPW World Television Champion)
With 30 seconds to spare, The Front Man gets it done! The Tomohiro Ishii Show did not get greenlit, the ZSJ Show continues! Will time ever run out on Zack’s clock?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS YOH!
The Ticking Timebomb made history of his own, making it to a fourth consecutive Best of the Super Juniors Final, and winning his third! But Mr. Direct Drive wants to crash all of that and start his own reign atop the Junior Heavyweight Division! Will Chaos be up one thanks to Yoh? Or will Hiromu keep Sapporo tranquilo?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the Best of the Super Juniors!
The bell rings and the fans rally up for “HI-RO-MU!” Yoh doesn’t let that bother him as he circles with the champ. They tie up, and are in a deep deadlock as both men drop to a knee. Yoh pushes Hiromu back a step, but Hiromu pushes Yoh back. They keep pushing, Yoh gains some ground, but Hiromu gains it right back. Fans continue to rally, and Hiromu puts Yoh on the ropes. Yoh turns it around but Red Shoes calls the break. Yoh lets off with a pat on the shoulders, and fans applaud. Then Yoh rushes in, only for Hiromu to dodge the basement dropkick! Hiromu drags Yoh up to whip but Yoh reverses.
Yoh drops down, Hiromu stops himself to bring Yoh back up. Hiromu whips again to ROCK Yoh, put him on the ropes, KICK the ropes to jam Yoh up, then runs. Yoh dodges to run, Hiromu dodges, things speed up again and Yoh drop toeholds to basement dropkick! Fans applaud this exchange while Hiromu bails out. Yoh taunts Hiromu, “C’mon, champion~!” Hiromu slides in, but then slides back out. Hiromu walks around the outside but Yoh rushes out. Hiromu kicks Yoh, whips, but Yoh reverses! Hiromu stops himself from hitting railing, then he dodges Yoh to send him into railing! Hiromu then CHOPS Yoh, and Yoh falls through the gate.
Fans rally up while Hiromu catches his breath. Hiromu fetches Yoh, brings him back to the ring as the count climbs, then CHOPS Yoh at 7 of 20. And again at 9 of 20! Hiromu puts Yoh in at 10 and fans applaud. Hiromu drags Yoh up to CHOP him to a corner. Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs in and clotheslines! He snapmares Yoh and runs to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Hiromu is right on Yoh with a headscissor squeeze! Yoh endures, kicks around, but Hiromu keeps him down. Yoh moves, Hiromu puts on more pressure, but Yoh gets the ROPEBREAK! Hiromu lets off cleanly and fans applaud. Hiromu taunts Yoh with kicks as well as sarcastic applause.
Hiromu drags Yoh up, but Yoh CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Hiromu ducks the next chop to CHOP back! Hiromu whips, Yoh reverses, but Hiromu holds ropes. Yoh runs in but Hiromu BOOTS him! Hiromu reaches up with his legs, and has a HANGING HEADSCISSOR HOLD! Red Shoes reprimands but Hiromu lets go at 3. Hiromu then drags Yoh out to whip him hard into railing! Hiromu says “Mada mada!” because he’s not done! Hiromu whips Yoh into more railing! Yoh is stuck a moment but he slumps off. Hiromu brings Yoh around to the ramp, to snap suplex him to the floor! Fans rally while Hiromu leaves Yoh behind.
Red Shoes checks on Yoh but he’s okay to continue. Hiromu waits in the ring as the ring count starts. Yoh stirs at 4 of 20, but doesn’t sit up until 8. Yoh crawls his way over and Hiromu gets impatient. The count is 13, then 14! Yoh is back at the railing by 15, then springs up at 18 to get into the ring! Hiromu drags Yoh by his legs to tie them up, Cloverleaf JAMMER! Yoh writhes from Hiromu’s creative attack, but then Hiromu is right on him with another creative hold. Hiromu straddles Yoh’s head while tying up the arms! Yoh endures, fights around, and fans rally up. Hiromu keeps on his armlocks but Yoh gets the ROPEBREAK!
Hiromu lets go and fans applaud. Hiromu eggs Yoh on and even kicks him around. Yoh gets up at the ropes but Hiromu pie faces him over and over. Yoh smirks and CHOPS! And CHOPS! Hiromu eggs Yoh on more so Yoh throws more CHOPS! Hiromu then CHOPS in return! And CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Yoh eggs Hiromu on now, getting right in his face! Hiromu dares Yoh to do something, so Yoh CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Hiromu mule kicks, front kicks and CHOPS! Hiromu whips, Yoh reverses and DROPKICKS! Yoh dropkicks so hard, he and Hiromu collide on the landing! Hiromu flops out of the ring while Yoh stays in.
Fans rally up, Yoh rises up, and Yoh builds speed to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp with that no-touch tope conjilo! Fans fire up while both men are down on the outside. A ring count starts, Yoh stands at 4 of 20. Yoh stalks Hiromu, brings him up at 9 and puts him in at 10. Yoh then hurries up the corner, Hiromu stands for the MISSILE DROPKICK! Hiromu flounders away, Yoh covers, TWO! Fans rally up and Yoh drags Hiromu back up. Yoh waistlocks, Hiromu throws elbows, and then Hiromu runs, but into a BACKBREAKER! Yoh gets a leg, but Hiromu CLUBS away on Yoh! Hiromu gets free, runs, but Yoh handsprings to dodge!
Hiromu blocks Yoh’s superkick, but Yoh avoids Hiromu’s! Yoh SOBATS, runs, but into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! Hiromu doesn’t stop there, he rolls Yoh to his feet, only for Yoh to suplex! FALCON ARROW! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Yoh and Hiromu stir and fans start dueling, “HI-RO-MU!” “YO-OH!” Both men stand and go forehead to forehead. Hiromu throws a forearm, but Yoh gives it back! Hiromu throws another, but so does Yoh! They go back and forth, faster and faster, and fans rally up! Hiromu ROCKS Yoh, but Yoh comes back with another! Hiromu ROCKS Yoh again and Yoh drops to a knee!
Hiromu runs, but Yoh ELBOWS! Yoh runs, but Hiromu ELBOWS! Hiromu fakes Yoh out, elbows, then goes from the corner to SHOTGUN Yoh into another corner! Hiromu waits for Yoh to sit back up, then he goes corner to corner, but Yoh dropkicks the leg out! Hiromu clutches the knee but Yoh is also down. Hiromu goes to ropes, Yoh rushes over, DRAGON SCREW! And then another DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally up while Hiromu leans against the ropes. Yoh drags Hiromu up, picks him up, and then drops him on his knees! Yoh then clamps on the KNEEBAR! Hiromu endures, drags himself over, but Yoh thrashes the leg! ROPEBREAK!!
Fans applaud as Yoh lets off cleanly but in frustration. Yoh stands as fans rally and duel more. Hiromu goes to a corner and Yoh puts him up top. Yoh climbs up after Hiromu but Hiromu throws body shots. Hiromu and Yoh throw forearms, but Hiromu gets the edge! Yoh eggs Hiromu on, so Hiromu keeps throwing forearms until Yoh falls! Hiromu adjusts, but Yoh is right after him! SUPER DRAPING DRAGON SCREW!! Hiromu is stuck up top, and Yoh repositions Hiromu’s leg. Yoh climbs up after Hiromu and fires up the fans! SUPERPLEX!! Cover, TWO, into a KNEEBAR!! Hiromu writhes as Yoh pulls on the leg!
Hiromu reaches out, but Yoh twists the knee! Hiromu keeps fighting but Yoh drags him away! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And then, FIGURE FOUR!! Hiromu endures as Yoh puts as much pressure as he can on the hold! Fans rally, Hiromu grits his teeth and reaches out, but Yoh keeps him stuck at center! Hiromu still fights, still crawls, still reaches out, but Yoh twists the foot to keep him from ropes! Fans rally as hard as they can, and Hiromu lunges forward to the ROPEBREAK! Yoh lets go, growing further frustrated. Yoh drags Hiromu up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Hiromu fights it! So Yoh dropkicks the leg!
Yoh underhooks the arms, Hiromu breaks free to wrench out, but Yoh rolls free of the pump handle. Yoh swings, but Hiromu catches that to spin him around, but Yoh fights the suplex! Yoh wrenches, but Hiromu HEADBUTTS! Both men drop to their knees and fans fire back up! Hiromu drags Yoh back up, fireman’s carries, but Yoh slips free to hop up. Hiromu slips free to waistlock, but Yoh REAR HEADBUTTS! Yoh runs but Hiromu sidesteps to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Yoh rises up!? Only for HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER to take him down!! Fans are thunderous while both men are down again!
Fans duel, “HI-RO-MU!” “YO-OH!” and Hiromu sits up first. Hiromu drags Yoh up by an arm, fireman’s carries, and CORNER DEATH VALLEY DRIVERS! Then Hiromu drags Yoh up to fireman’s carry, TIME- NO, SUNSET FLIP! TWO!! Hiromu SUPERKICKS! Hiromu roars, runs, but Yoh LARIATS back! Perhaps that was a Yoh Bomber?! Fans are thunderous again while both men are down! Yoh and Hiromu stir again, and Yoh crawls his way over to Hiromu. Yoh drags Hiromu up into underhooks! But Hiromu fights the lift! Yoh hammerlocks an arm, and he fires off forearm after forearm! Hiromu roars but Yoh just fires more forearms!
Hiromu drops to his knees, Yoh DECKS him! Fans fire up with Yoh and he drags Hiromu back up into a full nelson. Hiromu backs Yoh into buckles, is free of the nelson, but Yoh dropkicks the bad leg! Yoh then grabs the leg, but Hiromu CLUBS away on his back! Yoh holds on so Hiromu throws forearms into Yoh’s face! Fans rally, Yoh stands back up to DRAGON SCREW! But Hiromu sits on it as a cover!! TWO!!! Yoh hurries up, swings, but Hiromu spins him, pump handle, HIROMU-CHAN CRADLE! TWO!!! Yoh escapes again, rushes in, but into a scoop and dragon sleeper! But his bad leg limits the inverted suplex!
Yoh spins through, reels Hiromu in, but Hiromu suplexes! VICTORY ROYALE!! Fans fire up with Hiromu as he rises back up! Hiromu drags Yoh up, reels him into the dragon sleeper, but Yoh slips out of the inverted suplex! Yoh waistlocks, O’Conner Rolls, but Hiromu slips out to waistlock back! Yoh swings an elbow but Hiromu ducks it! Fireman’s carry, but Yoh fights free! POISON-RANA!! Hiromu staggers to a corner, Yoh aims to SUPERKICK!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Hiromu survives and fans are thunderous again! Yoh shakes his head, grits his teeth, and drags Hiromu up. Suplex, FALCON GOROSHI! And then full nelson, for the DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!!
Hiromu survives and fans are thunderous while Yoh is furious! Yoh pounds the mat, roars, and fans fire up with him. Yoh drags Hiromu up, underhooks, DIRECT- NO, snapmare and roll into a fireman’s carry!! TIMEBOMB!!! Cover, TWO?!!? Yoh survives and no one can believe it! Hiromu is too tired to be furious, and the fans rally up again, “HI-RO-MU!” Hiromu and Yoh stir, but Hiromu sits up first. Hiromu gets his bad leg moving and he roars again! Fans fire up, Hiromu drags Yoh up, dragon sleeper for TIMEBOMB- NO, Yoh kicks away on Hiromu’s head! Hiromu drops to a knee, but he gets up again!
But Yoh slips out! Yoh inverted suplexes for a SAVING GRACE!! Fans are thunderous, Yoh roars and brings Hiromu up again! DIRECT- NO, Hiromu slips free! Hiromu catches, spins, and STUNNERS! Hiromu holds onto Yoh to spin him around again, double overhook, D’S NIGHTMARE DRIVER!!! Hiromu crawls to the cover, TWO?!?!?!? Yoh survives by the thinnest of margins but Hiromu won’t stop him here! Hiromu roars, drags Yoh back up, and runs, HIROMU-CHAN- NO, Yoh dodges to O’Conner, FIVE STAR CLUTCH!!! TWO!!??!?! Hiromu also shocks everyone with his escape! And then he SUPERKICKS Yoh!
Hiromu runs, into a SUPERKICK from Yoh! Hiromu fires a forearm, Yoh HEADBUTTS! Hiromu SUPERKICKS again! Yoh stays up, but walks into a HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!!! Hiromu powers up again, runs, and Yoh stands into a HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!!! And then dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, TIMEBOMB MKII!!!! Cover, HIROMU WINS!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
Yoh could not diffuse the Ticking Timebomb, Hiromu is still the Best of the Super Juniors! With how hard he fought here in a losing effort, how hard must Yoh fight in order to finally win the title?
As for Hiromu, he holds up the title, then gets the mic. Hiromu flops down in the center of the ring. Fans chant for “HI-RO-MU!” while he catches his breath. “Wait just a moment, everyone. Yeah, you can scream out now. How long has it been? I know some of you were here yesterday, but let me hear you chant for me like you mean it!” The fans again chant “HI-RO-MU!” and Hiromu thanks them. Hiromu tells Yoh, “No matter what good vibes you’re riding, you can bet, I’ll always stand as champion above you!” Fans applaud that.
Hiromu admits, “that was hot. I didn’t think you had that in you, Yoh. I hope you keep it up. I didn’t think it could get this hot here in Sapporo. We may have melted the snow outside.” Fans cheer that. Hiromu even wants a hashtag! #YohMeltedTheSnow! Make it trending, please! “As champion, I wanted to pack the house. Anything less is disappointing. Naito got things rolling in the ring here yesterday. Of course I felt the pressure today. I was well aware of yesterday’s main event. Above all, I had to win.
“But in my mind was day two of this same show last year. Do you all remember? The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, Kazuchika Okada VS Tetsuya Naito. That match was in the back of my mind.” Fans applaud, and Hiromu says Naito gave Hiromu so much momentum, he had to make it count. So thanks to that, LIJ was victorious in both main events. But one man still has his match to go. February 11th in Osaka, also for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, Kazuchika Okada VS Shingo Takagi! “Oi, Shingo! You better win, buddy!” Fans applaud that, too.
Hiromu stands up and remembers that Abe-san the ring announcer asked Hiromu about his “vision for this title.” Hiromu didn’t have an answer then and he doesn’t have one now. But he does have a dream he’s been holding on to! To be BOTH Junior Heavyweight and World Heavyweight Champion at the same time!! And to wrestle for everyone on primetime! Fans like the sound of that! Hiromu says until that day becomes a reality, let’s have more! More! More! Fans join in with “MORE! MORE! MORE!” and Hiromu keeps them going! “MORE! MORE! MORE!” MORE FUN TOGETHER~!! The Timebomb has an ambitious dream, will it come true this year?
My Thoughts:
A great second night in Sapporo for NJPW. I again skimmed, and I saw at the end of Not Suzuki-Gun beating House of Torture, Suzuki called them out for the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles, that is going to be a great match. I don’t know if the new team of Suzuki, Desperado & Narita will take those titles off Evil, Yujiro & Sho, but I sure would love if they did. Guerrillas of Destiny won to again give Hikuleo momentum into the Loser Leaves Japan match he is surely losing, but the big development there was El Phantasmo clobbering Tama Tonga with the NEVER Openweight title, adding to their title match happening in Osaka.
Okada’s team winning against LIJ was interesting. That isn’t the go-home to Osaka as there is a “Road to” set of events this week (sorry, I won’t be covering any of that because of time constraints), but it does even things out. I’m still leaning towards Okada retaining the world title, it’s too soon for him to lose it and Takagi still has the KOPW title to work with.
And all the title matches today were awesome stuff. But similar to Okada, it was too soon for any of the champions to lose their belts after just getting them at WrestleKingdom. Bishamon did show The Mighty respect after the loss and The Mighty showed it back, who knows what’s next in the heavyweight tag division. ZSJ VS Ishii really pushed the time limit, that was great, and ZSJ still has limitless potential for opponents. And Hiromu VS Yoh was an awesome main event, a step up from Naito VS Shota yesterday. Hiromu’s promo was great, too. He gives props to Yoh, then sets a huge goal. Heavyweight Champ VS Junior Heavyweight Champ is usually an Anniversary Show tradition, will Hiromu try and make that match for the world title?
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!
Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!
The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
- Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
- Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony Schiavone is in the ring!
Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!
Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!
Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!
And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?
Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!
The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.
Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.
Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!
Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!
The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.
Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.
Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!
Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!
Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!
Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall
The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!
The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?
The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!
Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!
Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall
Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…
Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!
Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!
Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.
Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall
Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?
Team Triple J speaks backstage.
Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!
While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!
Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!
Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!
Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.
Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!
Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!
Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!
Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!
Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!
Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)
If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.
Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.
And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.
My Score: 8.8/10
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!
Feel the StrongEST, the FastEST, the RoughEST, the ToughEST, and the BEST Glow!
With Jade Cargill out of action, Naomi is stepping in to help Bianca Belair defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships tonight on SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade; The Bloodline wins.
- Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes; Melo wins.
- Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley; Gargano wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae; Bianca & Naomi win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Solo Sikoa is here!
The fans boo as the “Undisputed” Tribal Chief leads the Samoan Werewolf and Good Bad Guy to the ring. Roman Reigns put out the challenge for Tribal Combat, and on January 6th, in Los Angeles, for the first-ever Monday Night Raw on Netflix, it will happen! But first, Solo and his Bloodline go to the ring, and the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells them all, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” The fans boo instead, as expected. Solo lets that slide, and he says, “Roman Reigns sat on his little boat with The Wise Man and decided to challenge me on January 6th to a Tribal Combat match for the ula fala on Monday Night Raw, the debut on Netflix.”
The fans “WHAT?” Solo says instead of saying that, the fans should ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. The fans boo more, but Solo says shut your mouths and listen to what THE Tribal Chief has to say! The fans continue to boo and they continue to chant, “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells Roman that if he wants Tribal Combat, if he wants to take THE Tribal Chief to war, then let’s do it! Solo will leave his Bloodline behind, “WHAT?” Roman will leave his behind, “WHAT?” They’ll leave the Wise Man behind. “WHAT?” Jimmy and Jey, too. So listen and listen carefully: On January 6th, Solo walks in and walks OUT as THE Tribal Chief!
The fans boo more but Solo says on January 6th, he will STILL be the Head of the Table! He will STILL be YOUR Tribal Chief! And he will STILL have the ula fala! So Roman, after Solo beats your ass in LA, Roman can go back out on his little boat, sail off to the Island of Irrelevancy, and Roman can finally ACKNOWLEDGE SOLO. But wait! Drew McIntyre is here!? The Scottish Terminator has already hit Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn, but let’s not forget Solo was chief among those who screwed McIntyre out of the world championship. Solo has Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga stand down as McIntyre goes to the ring.
McIntyre grabs a mic but Solo tells him, “I gotta admit, I was very happy when you kicked my brother, Jimmy, in the face last week. Yes, I was very, very happy. But you better have a damn good reason why you’re interrupting me.” McIntyre says he’ll make it quick because it causes McIntyre physical pain to be this close to Solo and not beating Solo within an inch of his life. You like what McIntyre did to Jimmy? What about Sami and Jey? McIntyre wants to know, when Solo lies in bed at night, is he asking when McIntyre is coming after him? Because Solo is the one that cost McIntyre the title at Clash at the Castle.
Solo is the one who caused McIntyre’s family the pain and misery that caused him more pain and misery! But Solo also stood up to Roman Reigns. The only one to have the balls to stand up to Roman! The rest of them acted tough, acted like they were going to do something, but Roman snapped his fingers, didn’t change one bit. McIntyre’s heart says jump Solo, but McIntyre’s head says he and Solo have the same goal. So here’s what McIntyre is thinking: McIntyre can start working through the hit list, taking out more and more OG Bloodline members, and Solo does one thing for him: Take out Roman for good.
The fans boo but McIntyre says once all that business is finished, then he and Solo can settle theirs. But then JIMMY yanks McIntyre out of the ring! And CRACKS him with the crutch! And again! And then he runs up to CLOBBER McIntyre! McIntyre goes running into the crowd, Jimmy does his best to pursue, but now here comes LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade! The Bloodline has a Six Man Tag on their hands, will Knight even let Solo make it to LA?
Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade!
The brawl is on, Apollo after Tama, Andrade after Jacob, and Knight after Solo! Solo shoves back, but Knight LARIATS him up and out! Apollo DUMPS Tama and Andrade BOOTS Jacob! Apollo BOOTS Jacob, then Andrade BOOTS him again! Jacob tumbles out but Solo has him stand down! The Bloodline regroups while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and the match is already going as Apollo ducks ‘n’ dodges Tama to then slide under. Tama keeps moving, Apollo hurdles over, drops down, then DROPKICKS! Apollo fires up and the fans are with him, then Apollo gorilla presses Tama! The fans fire up and Apollo marches around. Apollo says this is for Solo, and he DROPS Tama! Tama flounders, Apollo brings him over, and he tags in Knight. Knight fires hands on Tama, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight brings Tama around to whip but Tama reverses. Knight catches Tama for a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Tama is tougher than that but Knight stomps him.
Tag to Andrade and the unlikely partners mug Tama. Andrade CHOPS Tama, then has him in a corner. Andrade tags Apollo, they double whip Tama to DOUBLE ELBOW! Apollo covers, TWO! Tama stays in this but Apollo drags Tama up. Apollo ROCKS Tama, the fans rally, and Apollo ROCKS Tama again. Apollo tags Andrade back in, they mug Tama, but Tama fires body shots! Tama shoves Andrade but Andrade RANAS on the return! Tama tumbles out, Jacob runs in, but Andrade DUMPS him out! Tag to Apollo, and then Andrade climbs! Apollo builds speed, and Apollo FLIES while Andrade ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!
The fans fire up as Knight then gets in to keep Solo back! Knight dares Solo to try something, but Solo stays back. Knight goes back to his corner while Apollo puts Tama in. The fans fire up as Apollo reels Tama in. Tama fires body shots and switches to a waistlock. Apollo elbows free, but Jacob sneaks a tag! Tama shoves Apollo and Jacob BODY CHECKS Apollo! The Werewolf is all geeked up while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Solo whips Apollo to ELBOW him down! Solo throws up the one but the fans boo. Solo drags Apollo up, bumps him off buckles, and the fans rally. Solo UPPERCUTS Apollo down, then stalks him along the ropes. Solo drags Apollo up but Apollo fires hands! Solo keeps Apollo from his corner but Apollo throws more shots! Solo whips Apollo hard into the Bloodline corner! Tag to Jacob and he looms over Apollo. Jacob drags Apollo up to scoop and SLAM! The fans boo but Jacob runs to SENTON, onto knees! Apollo saves himeslf and both men are down! They crawl, hot tag to Andrade!
El Idolo dodges Jacob, BLASTS Tama then ROCKS Solo! Andrade fires hands on Jacob, runs, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARM! Jacob tumbles to a corner while Andrade kips up! The fans fire up and chant “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade runs in, CIEN SHADOWES! Cover, TWO!! Jacob survives but Andrade keeps his cool. Andrade goes up a corner, MOONSAULT DOUBLE! Cover, TWO!! Andrade is frustrated now as Jacob survives again! Andrade thinks on what to do, and he brings Jacob up. Andrade fires forearms but Jacob grabs Andrade’s neck! Andrade fights free and fires more shots, but Solo sneaks a tag!
Andrade whips, Jacob reverses, but Andrade KICKS Jacob away! Jacob just roars! Andrade runs up, Jacob FLAPJACKS him into Solo’s HOTSHOT! That combo sends Andrade tumbling out to the floor, and Solo brings him up to POST him! The fans boo as The Bloodline stands tall, and Solo shows off his ula fala. Solo goes back to Andrade and puts him in the ring. Tag to Jacob, and Jacob whips for a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Andrade sputters and coughs while Jacob is geeked up again, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob watches Andrade crawl to the apron, and waits for him to go to a corner. Andrade sits up but into the HIP ATTACK! Jacob snarls as he kicks Andrade around. Tag to Solo and he whips Jacob for Jacob to whip him! Another HIP ATTACK on Andrade! Solo scowls at the fans, then talks trash on Andrade. Solo drags Andrade by his foot and brings him over to tag Tama. Tama then slingshot ELBOW DROPS! Andrade sputters more but Tama covers, TWO! Andrade is still in this, but Tama rains down fists on Andrade to keep him down! Tama HAMMERS and CLUBS Andrade, then he talks smack on Apollo and Knight.
Tama kicks Andrade to the Bloodline corner, drags him back up, and then fires a BODY SHOT! Andrade sputters, Tama tags Jacob, and then Jacob whips Tama in for a STINGER SPLASH! Andrade falls over, Jacob clamps claws into the shoulders! Andrade endures, fights up, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down! Jacob clamps the claws on again and really digs into Andrade’s shoulders! Andrade kicks and flails in pain but Jacob just thrashes him around more! Jacob shouts at Andrade but Andrade fights up to his feet! Andrade fires body shots, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down again! Jacob stalks Andrade to a corner as SmackDown returns to single picture.
The fans boo but Jacob rains down fists in the corner! Jacob then sucker punches Apollo! Andrade sits up, Jacob runs in, but Andrade moves! Hip attack hits buckles and the fans fire up! Andrade and Jacob crawl, Solo shouts for Jacob to get up! Jacob grabs Andrade’s foot and brings him up! Andrade ENZIGIRIS free! Hot tags to Tama and The Mega Star! The fans are thunderous as Knight dodges then CLOBBERS Tama! Tama flounders to a corner, Knight stomps away on him, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” The ref counts, Knight stops at 4, but then he CLOBBERS Jacob! KNEE for Tama! Solo runs up to TOSS Knight!
Knight dodges Solo in the corner and hits a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up even more and Knight tags Apollo. Knight hits Tama with the BIG back suplex! Apollo goes up top for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives but Apollo clamps on with a CROSSFACE! Knight WRECKS Jacob with a dropkick, and the Samoan Werewolf tumbles up and over the desk! Knight goes out to say that’s what Jacob gets, BUT SHINSUKE IS HERE!? Nakamura CLOBBERS Knight into the desk! The King of Strong Style gets away with that while the ref was busy checking Tama! Solo CLOBBERS Apollo, but Andrade whips Solo!
Solo reverses and ELBOWS Andrade! Solo drags Tama to their corner and then tags in. Solo aims at Apollo, HIP ATTACK! Solo hauls Apollo up, URENAGE! And then SAMOAN SPIKE!! Cover, Bloodline wins!!
Winners: The Bloodline, by pinfall
It seems Drew McIntyre isn’t the only one who is surprisingly on Solo’s side. The sinister samurai made sure to strike from the shadows to screw over Knight, will Knight make sure Nakamura comes to regret it? As for Solo, he is rolling towards the Raw Netflix debut, will he not need his Bloodline to retain the ula fala?
Backstage interview with Motor City Machine Guns.
Byron Saxton is with Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin ahead of the emotional grudge match. Shelley takes on his former friend, student, and the man who betrayed MCMG to take those WWE Tag Team Championships. That man is Johnny Gargano, so what thoughts are flowing through Shelley’s mind? Shelley says it is one thought: Payback. Sabin says they’ve known Gargano almost 20 YEARS, and only now does Gargano let the mask fall away to show us the truth. Shelley says it cuts a lot deeper when it’s someone you considered a little brother. Shelley tells Johnny that he makes sure Gargano knows he made the BIGGEST mistake of his life.
Sabin asks Shelley if he’s ready to do this. Shelley says this is something he has to do alone. He wants to see if Gargano is man enough to do the same. Sabin says okay, let’s get warmed up. Shelley wants a 1v1 shootout with Johnny Wrestling, but will Gargano do anything but do this himself?
SmackDown shares footage from after Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Byron Saxton was with Chelsea Green & Piper Niven and said before anything else, congratulations. Chelsea pats herself on the back, Piper pats Chelsea a bit, too, and Byron takes her back through the closing moments. Unpretty-Her on Michin, the bell rings, and we hear Lilian Garcia say the words, “AND NEW Women’s United States Champion, Chelsea Green.” What went through her mind? Chelsea takes out her gum and puts it in “Bryan’s” hand, and then tells him that she always knew this would happen. He might be surprised, and that’s so cute, but she wasn’t. She’s been doing this for ten YEARS, and worked her entire life to be an overnight success.
This is Chelsea’s time! Red, white and Green! Say it with her, Bryan! #RedWhiteAndGreen. So then, let’s talk the historical significance. Chelsea will now go down in the history books as the FIRST-EVER Women’s US Champion, so how does she’s now synonymous with the likes of Harley Race, the first-ever Men’s US Champion? She would say, “Duh.” She’s in the books where she belongs. Probably should’ve been three years ago, but she was released. It should’ve been way back in 2015, but she wasn’t hired. So now is the time. NOW IS THE FREAKIN’ TIME!! Yes, it is her time. What does a Chelsea Green reign look like going forward?
Chelsea says it looks like she’s going to Disneyland, so she’s got a plane to catch. Can they wrap this up? Of course. Have fun in Disneyland. Yes, well-deserved. Piper calls for champagne. Will we never hear the end of this now that Chelsea has gold to go with the ego?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“What happened after Saturday Night’s Main Event was not my fault. There’s a lot of people to blame for it. Cody Rhodes, the referees, Nick Aldis, WWE Management, they’re all to blame. I was screwed out of winning that championship. What happened to me is a travesty, a tragedy! I should be standing here Undisputed WWE Champion, but I’m not. But I took this (the Winged Eagle belt) because I deserve it. And I’m not giving it back until I get what i want. Everyone needs to understand, you can only push a man so much until they snap. But the good news is, I haven’t snapped yet.
“It can all get so much worse, trust me. You don’t want me to snap. So Cody, Nick Aldis, WWE officials, what happens next is on all of you.” The Prizefighter has said his piece, will he hold the championship hostage until his demands are met?
DIY talks backstage.
Ciampa gets it, Gargano’s known MCMG a long time. So it surprises Ciampa that Shelley is so dumb! He wants this grudge match but he can’t win the tag titles back in a singles match. So what’s he doing? Gargano says Shelley wants his payback, that’s obvious. But Shelley wants to challenge Gargano’s manhood?! Gargano is all man! He made a kid! Yeah, Papa John, Daddy Ciampa, of course they made kids. But Shelley did specify that he wants to do this on his own, so Ciampa knows what that means, right? Ciampa has to stay backstage, too. Gargano will handle business by himself. He’s not some naive 18-year-old kid with a dream anymore! Dream came true!
Gargano will go remind Shelley that he’s Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling! So Ciampa can just relax right back here. Ciampa says go get him! Ciampa won’t even move a muscle from here, you can trust him. Can he? Or is this all another facade to lower everyone’s guard?
It’s an all new Grayson Waller Effect!
A-Town Down Under is already in the ring, and fans boo as Austin Theory & Grayson Waller show off the abs. Waller then welcomes us to the Grayson Waller- And Austin Theory…! Effect. The hottest show keeps getting hotter cuz Waller gets scoop after scoop, lads. And tonight is a big scoop! A big, BIG scoop! The first transfer from Raw to SmackDown, it’s the Monster of All Monsters, BRAUN STROWMAN! The fans cheer as Braun makes his way to the ring, and he’s coming out as Santa Braun! Or perhaps, Strowman Claus? Either way, Braun throws free merchandise to the fans, what a gift for Christmas!
Braun empties the bag and then goes to the ring. Turns out, nothing for Waller & Theory! Waller sits behind the desk and thanks Braun for coming. And how nice of Braun to help all the poor here in Hartford. The fans boo and Braun asks if Waller’s really starting this like that. Is he really trying to piss Braun off already? No no no! Braun is right, it really is nice. And this is big! The biggest acquisition in SmackDown history! On the biggest talk show in WWE history! Braun says it doesn’t get any bigger than this, baby! The fans cheer and Waller says before we start, he knows how this goes, sometimes.
Waller just wants us to know that he invested a lot of money into the new set. Maybe we continue to spread Christmas cheer and have a civil conversation. No damage. Well, if Waller runs his mouth, then Braun can promise he’ll wear Waller out using all the stuff in here. Waller says he’s a bit surprised Braun agreed to this. If no one has said before, but Braun is a little intimidating. But the more Waller thought about it, the more it made sense. Even Braun sees the sense in associating with ATDU! The fans boo and Braun says he threw up a little bit in his mouth, and that get a good laugh.
Waller says okay, but SmackDown’s a bit scary right now. Bloodline is going wild, people are getting attacked backstage, and you don’t wanna be alone in the car park. Sorry, parking lot. Braun asks if Waller knows who he’s talking to. No, he didn’t mean anything by it. Waller just figures, it’d be a good idea if Braun looked after Braun for once. And that means setting up the ultimate alliance. Braun Strowman & A-Town Down Under as the same team! They’d be untouchable! The cunning and intelligence of Waller & Theory, Braun’s strength. Get it? Brains & Braun. Braun says he already told Waller to watch his mouth! Does Waller want his set shoved up his-
Wait! Carmelo Hayes makes his way out here! Braun sighs and Melo says no, no, no, cut this out. Melo has a bone to pick with Braun. Aldis thought he was going to humble Melo by setting him up against Braun. Everybody here knows that that wasn’t fair. But newsflash, Nick Aldis, you can’t humble greatness! Melo might lose, but he’ll never quit. So Braun, “you big ugly dumb Santa Claus b*tch,” let’s run this thing back right here, right now! Cuz now, Melo’s ready! Braun says if Melo didn’t learn his lesson last week, Braun will remind him what the Braun Strowman Effect is! Waller & Theory run away as Braun grabs the fake palm trees!
Braun CHUCKS trees at Melo but Melo just laughs. Will Melo not miss the game winner in this rematch? Or will Braun be the one to humble H1M?
Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes!
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Braun chuckles at Melo wanting to tie up. They do tie up but then Melo slips around to KICK the leg! Braun just brushes that off as he and Melo circle. Melo uses the ropes and even the ref as a shield so Braun backs off. Melo comes back, taunts Braun, then drops back to ropes. The ref wants Braun to let off, and Braun does, but then Melo sucker punches him! Melo talks smack, then whips, but Braun blocks! B raun shakes his head, whips Melo, but Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides out. Melo says safe! Melo says he’s smart, but then gets spooked as Braun storms up to ropes!
The ref has Braun stay back, and Melo gets cocky again. Braun signals to the fans that he’s taking a lap and the fans fire up. Braun goes outside, builds speed, but Melo runs! Melo slides into the ring, Braun gets on the apron, but Melo KICKS him! The fans boo but Melo hits the FADE AWAY! Braun flounders, Melo CLUBS and KNEES and repeat! Braun SHOVES Melo out of the ring! Braun shakes it off then storms back up on Melo. Braun YANKS Melo up by his hair! And then he TOSSES Melo across the way! The fans fire up and Braun drags Melo up again. Braun whips, Melo dropkicks the legs out! Braun falls, Melo runs, FADE AWAY, but into Braun’s hands!
Braun pops Melo up, but Melo SPIKE-RANAS! Braun sputters and Melo soaks up heat. Braun rises up like the monster he is! Melo turns around, Braun runs up, but Melo DUMPS Braun out! Melo BOOTS Braun away, then gets cocky again. Melo goes out the side and he runs up a la Braun. But Braun BOOTS Melo right down! The fans fire up and Braun looms over Melo. Braun drags Melo up, whips him at steps, but Melo goes up! Melo leaps, but into Braun’s arms! We’re at 7 of 10 as Melo slips free! Melo SLAPS Braun! Braun grabs Melo by the neck and TOSSES him into the ring! We’re at 10!! MELO WINS!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by count out
Talk about rope-a-dope! Melo steals this win by getting the better of Braun’s anger! Braun scowls at smart-aleck Melo, and he storms in! Melo runs out to the crowd and into the night, but Braun pursues! Will Melo #GetTheseHands one way or another?
Nia Jax and Candice LeRae talk backstage.
They’re both excited for the tag title match tonight, because Nia can become a double champion. Tiffany Stratton walks in and Nia says there she is! Tiff wishes them luck tonight, and cannot wait to be there ringside when the ref raises their hands. Nia gets a guilty look on her face and Candice tells Tiff that they were talking… It’s best if Tiff stays in the back. But hey, she can take some notes if she wants. And if she wants to help, she can prepare champagne, balloons and maybe even streamers. They’re gonna need all that after the big win. So Tiff should get on that while Candice & Nia strategize.
Tiff looks to Nia but Nia just says, “Thanks, Tiff.” Tiff leaves, Nia shrugs off the guilt and says she and Candice are ready. Candice is sure Tiff will have the most beautiful party ready for them. Will the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie succeed in taking the tag titles for their own? Or will it be Bianca & Naomi having that champagne to celebrate?
Melo returns backstage.
And he’s on high alert knowing Braun is still hunting him down. Melo bumps into Legado Del Fantasma, and then Braun storms up! Braun asks where Melo went. Santos Escobar says screw that, he’s no snitch. Braun says not telling is gonna get Santos worse. Angel steps in and says Melo went that way. Braun thanks Angel and storms off after Melo. But then Pretty Deadly asks Braun to please read through their script. Braun slaps the script down and says he doesn’t care about their stupid musical! But then Melo SMACKS Braun with a chair! And SMACKS him again! Melo talks trash before heading out, but Braun gets back up.
Braun is angrier than ever, and he still hunts Melo down! Is there going to be nothing left of H1M after Braun #GetsTheseHands on him?
Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley!
Longtime friendships thrown away in order to get ahead is practically cliche in pro-wrestling, but to think Johnny Wrestling would be the kind to do that. Will Shelley make Gargano regret ever treating 20 YEARS like it was nothing?
The bell rings and Gargano runs up! Shelley dodges to fire hands, then he bumps Gargano off buckles. Shelley stomps a mudhole in, then stands Gargano up to dig his forearm in! The ref counts, Shelley lets off, then he climbs up to rain down fists! Gargano YANKS Shelley down! Shelley flounders, Gargano CHOPS Shelley to a corner, then he mocks the MCMG hand pointing. Gargano CHOPS Shelley, ROCKS him, then wrenches him to whip corner to corner. Gargano runs up but Shelley ELBOWS him away! Shelley goes up to FLYING KNEE! And then he CLOBBERS Gargano! The fans fire up as Shelley drags Gargano up.
Shelley wrenches, hammerlocks, but Gargano elbows free! Gargano brings Shelley around to schoolboy ROUNDHOUSE! Shelley sputters, Gargano brings him up, and Gargano says he’s no longer the student. Gargano ROCKS Shelley, stomps away, but stops as the ref counts. Gargano soaks up heat, then shakes out his left hand before he runs up. Shelley puts Gargano on the apron to HOTSHOT! Gargano falls, Shelley aims, and Shelley slingshots to stomp Gargano’s bad hand! Gargano staggers away, but runs back up on Shelley, only for Shelley to jump the sweep! SUPERKICK! Then FLYING KNEE!
The fans fire up while Gargano goes down, and Shelley says that’s what Gargano gets while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Gargano has Shelley in a clinch. Gargano fires body shots, then he hits a JAWBREAKER! Gargano goes to a corner, Shelley runs up, but Gargano BOOTS back! Gargano runs up and slips around Shelley to SLINGBLADE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gargano is frustrated but he stalks Shelley to the apron. Gargano brings Shelley up, talks more smack, and he fireman’s carries. Shelley slips out but Gargano ROCKS him! SLINGSHOT- SUPERKICK! Shelley takes Gargano out of the air and both men are down! The fans rally up, and Shelley stands to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again!
Shelley CHOPS, whips, then kitchen sink knees! And then PENALTY KICKS! Ghost pin, TWO! Gargano escapes, but Shelley wants the arm! Shelley uses the Garga- NO, Gargano turns chicken wing into roll up, TWO!! Shelley escapes, clinches, and spins Gargano, ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Shelley wants the arm again! The fans rally as Shelley drags Gargano up, wrenches and wristlocks, but Gargano ROCKS Shelley with forearms! Shelley CHOPS back, CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Shelley wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! But Gargano ENZIGIRIS! Shelley runs up, Gargano dodges and SUPERKICKS!
Gargano scoops Shelley, takes aim at a corner, LAWN DART! Cover, TWO!! Shelley survives and the fans rally up! Gargano grows frustrated but he brings Shelley around. Gargano wants the arm now! GargaNO Escape, but Shelley says NO to that! They both fight up, end up in a corner, and the ref counts. Gargano lets off, to then ROCK Shelley with a cheap shot! Gargano runs up, but into a BUCKLE SHOT! Shelley shakes out the stars and he goes to the corner. The fans fire up as Shelley climbs, but Ciampa shows up! Gargano GAMANGIRIS Shelley down! But wait, here comes Sabin! Ciampa violated the deal first so Sabin’s not letting him do worse!
Gargano climbs up while Sabin chases Ciampa off, but Shelley SHOVES Gargano! CROSSBODY! Gargano rolls through, and pulls tights! Gargano wins!!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall
Distraction tactic and pulling the tights? Gargano has no shame! But he and Ciampa have the WWE Tag Team Championships, so is that all that matters?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Naomi.
Byron Saxton is at gorilla with The EST & The Glow, and before they head to the ring, he wants to recap the crazy couple of weeks. The mysterious attack on Jade Cargill, the big win at Survivor Series in WarGames, and now they can solidify themselves as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bianca says these past few weeks have been rough to say the least. And while you can trust Bianca will find out what happened to Jade, you best believe they won’t be stripped of the tag titles. That’s just what the culprit wants and Bianca isn’t going down without a fight. Thankfully, Bianca has a friend who always has her back.
Naomi says yeah, she’s got her back forever! And she can never turn down a good “snatch ‘n’ drag.” But she also knows how important these titles are to Bianca & Jade, and they’re just as important to her. Naomi will go out there and do everything she has to in order to keep the titles. Bianca holds out Jade’s belt to Naomi, but Naomi says no. Not until she’s earned it. Bianca says okay, and the music hits. Naomi is fired up, will this be the StrongEST Glow yet?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae!
SmackDown returns as the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie make their entrance together. The introductions are made, the tag titles are raised, and we see who is truly the strongest duo!
The teams sort out and Bianca starts against Candice. They tie up as the fans rally, and Bianca powers Candice right to a corner. But Candice pulls the braid! The ref reprimands, Candice shoves Bianca, then pie faces her! But Bianca SHOVES Candice to the corner! Bianca runs up but into an elbow! Candice goes up but Bianca ROCKS her! Bianca gorilla presses Candice but Candice scrambles free! Candice hurries away and she tags in Nia. Bianca says bring it and the fans rally for the “E S T! E S T!” Nia and Bianca tie up, Bianca headlocks, but Nia powers up and out. Tiff is watching backstage as Nia scoops Bianca, only for Bianca to slip free.
Bianca runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and DROPKICKS! Nia rebounds but Bianca avoids the elbow drop! Bianca tags Naomi then sets Nia up! Naomi and Bianca both run the ropes, Bianca handsprings, SPLIT LEG DROP AND MOONSAULT COMBO! Naomi covers, TWO! Naomi hurries back after Nia but Nia shoves her away. Naomi slides under the lariat then mule kicks! Naomi runs but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Nia drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Naomi stays in this for Bianca’s sake but Nia storms back up as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nia DRIBBLES Naomi off the mat, then stares Bianca down. Nia stalks Naomi to a corner, puts her on ropes, and CHOKES her! The ref counts, Nia lets off, and then Nia drags Naomi over to the corner. Nia traps Naomi while she tags Candice. Nia fires some elbows before backing off, and Candice RAMS Naomi! Candice ROCKS Naomi, sits her down, then stomps a mudhole in. Candice taunts Bianca, drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Candice CLUBS Naomi down, then clamps on with a top wristlock. Naomi endures while Candice leans on the hold. Naomi fights up, arm-drags free, then hurries for her corner!
Candice scrambles after Naomi and THROWS her by her hair! Candice stomps Naomi to the corner, tags Nia, and Nia runs up to HIP ATTACK! Nia taunts Bianca, drags Naomi up, and clamps on with a cobra clutch! Nia leans on Naomi to grind her down. Naomi endures, fights up, and JAWBREAKERS free! Nia staggers around, but she scoops Naomi! Naomi slips free to the apron and HOTSHOTS Nia! Naomi BOOTS Candice. RAMS Nia, then reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Naomi is down, but she BOOTS Nia away before heading for her corner. Candice hurries and tags in, but Naomi hot tags Bianca!
Bianca rallies on Candice with shoulder tackles and DROPKICK! Bianca kips up, wrenches, and suplexes Candice! SmackDown returns to single picture as Candice slips free! Candice dodges Bianca, Nia sneaks a tag, and Bianca scoops Candice for a GUT BUSTER! Bianca runs at the corner to RAM Candice, then she climbs up! The ref tries to explain but Nia runs up! Bianca backflips up and over! Nia almost squashes Candice, but she turns around. Bianca dodges Nia, but Candice hits a CODE BREAKER! SAMOAN DROP from Nia! Cover, TWO! Bianca survives and the fans fire up! Nia snarls as she drags Bianca into a motorcycle stretch!
Bianca endures and the fans rally up. Bianca fights up but Nia POSTS her first! Nia then mocks the fans with clapping, then she scuffs Bianca. Nia dares Bianca to tag, then she THROWS Bianca by the braid! Bianca goes to ropes, and Nia pulls the braid around them! The ref reprimands, Nia lets off, but Candice gets her shots in! The fans boo but Bianca gets away. Nia soaks up the heat and then brings Bianca around. Nia has the cobra clutch back on and she thrashes Bianca around. The fans rally as Bianca endures, and Bianca fights back up. Nia kicks Bianca but Bianca rebounds to reel Nia in!
Bianca tries to suplex but Nia’s too big! Nia shoves Bianca to the corner, but Bianca BOOTS back! Bianca ELBOWS Candice, runs up on Nia, but Nia picks her up! Nia RAMS Bianca into the corner! Tag to Candice and she climbs. Nia holds Bianca up, Candice MISSILE DROPKICKS Bianca into the SPINEBUSTER! Candice then BLASTS Bianca off the apron, then uses Nia as the step for the STEP-UP SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives, she’s the toughEST for a reason! Candice is frustrated and she CLUBS away on Bianca! The fans rally for “E S T! E S T!” Bianca throws a body shot but Candice CLUBS her down again.
Candice tags Nia and Nia pulls the braid to keep Bianca back. Nia whips Bianca to Candice but Bianca slips around. Candice standing switches, Nia runs up, but Bianca ducks and Nia clips Candice! Bianca scrambles while Nia checks Candice, hot tag to Naomi! Naomi LARIATS Nia but Nia stays up! So Naomi UPPERCUTS Nia! Nia still stays up! Naomi dodges, goes up the ropes, FLYING CHUCK! Nia wobbles and the fans fire up with Naomi! Naomi reels Nia in but Nia whips her away! Naomi BOOTS from the corner, then goes up! FLYING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nia stays in this but Naomi pounds the mat.
The fans rally up, Naoim brings Nia up, but Nia HEADBUTTS her! Nia runs up at the corner, but Naomi dodges to POST her! Nia is down, Naomi goes up! SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT FLOPS as Nia moves! Nia CLUBS Naomi, puts her in the drop zone, then goes up! But Naomi SMACKS Nia off the post! Tag to Bianca, and Naomi gets under Nia?! POWERBOMB!! Naomi drags Nia into the drop zone! Bianca aims for the 450!! Cover, CANDICE BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, Nia is busted open from hitting that post, but here comes TIFFANY! Is she doing what it looks like? Tiff cheers on Candice & Nia, no cash-in yet.
Candice tags in, goes after Bianca, but Bianca RAMS Candice into the corner! Bianca runs but into a BOOT! Candice goes up, TORNADO DDT! Cover, Naomi GAMANGIRIS Candice! Fans cheer “CASH IT IN!” at Tiff but Bianca tags in Naomi. Nia sneaks a tag, and as the Naomi goes after Candice, the ref has to explain. In that distraction, Nia asks for the briefcase! Tiff is conflicted, but she hands it over. But then the ref sees Nia with it! Bianca HANDSPRING KICKS Nia off the apron! Nia falls right at Tiff’s feet! Bianca tags Naomi, then PLANCHAS onto Nia! Naomi has Candice but Candice cradles! TWO!! Naomi KNEES Candice down!
Naomi hurries up, up and SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, NAOMI & BIANCA WIN!
Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Tiff’s hesitation costs Nia, and that means Naomi has earned that title belt! Bianca personally hands it to her and the two celebrate together. Will they hold onto the titles all the way ’til Jade is back in action? Or will a team come along that outshines even the StrongEST Glow?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of SmackDown here, though I think it was also prerecorded. They were in Hartford last week, weren’t they? And I thought that was prerecorded given how Jimmy Uso’s promo was received… But speaking of, good stuff from Bloodline to open. McIntyre calling a true with Solo was a bit of a surprise, but I suppose we should’ve seen that coming with how McIntyre is a Heel and often a hypocrite. Jimmy going after McIntyre was also good stuff, he can clearly still be a factor even with a bad toe. Very good Six Man Tag, too, but I should’ve known Nakamura would interfere and cost Knight’s team. Good win for Solo, and we’ve still got a couple weeks before Raw on Netflix, so the go-home math will still sort out with the first SmackDown of 2025.
Very good promos from MCMG and DIY, and of course Ciampa still went out to ringside despite the “promise” he made. And of course Gargano cheated, but that adds heat to the coming tag title rematch. They might even put that on the first SmackDown of 2025 to hype it up. Especially as I think it’s going to be the first THREE HOUR SmackDown. NBC is willing to do that knowing Raw is going to Netflix, meaning SmackDown will get more time to do more great things, which works with all the belts we’ve got now.
Good stuff with Braun and the Grayson Waller Effect, but of course we set up more between Braun and Melo. Clever move for Melo to win by count out, and of course Melo gets cocky for it. Braun was almost classic Braun with how he shrugged the chair shots off backstage. We’ll of course get one more Braun VS Melo, and maybe someone from Legado or Pretty Deadly screws Braun over given how he treated them. Very good promo from Chelsea after her big win on Saturday, and I’m sure she’ll be celebrating this win in both kayfabe and real-life through the holidays, ready to start her first title feud on January 3rd.
Very good promo from Kevin Owens, but I feel like he had to contradict himself here from what he said during the Raw on Netflix “kickoff show” on Wednesday. Kevin said then that he’s going to act as the defending champion with the holiday house show tour, but he said here he isn’t the champion since he got screwed. Either way, he’ll really play up how he is somehow the victim in all this, making the return of Cody Rhodes all the better. We’ll surely get one last match of Cody VS Kevin, maybe with a big stipulation on it, and then we’ll have a moment of (more than likely) Cody holding up both Winged Eagle and corporate logo championships.
And of course, very good stuff in the two main Smackdown women’s stories. That promo from Nia, Candice and Tiff was really good because you kinda feel for Tiff being treated as the odd one out. And then very good promo right before the match with Bianca & Naomi. I like Naomi wanting to earn the belt, and we got a great tag match. Nia surely got busted open “hard way,” aka legitimately, that post surely has edges you gotta watch out for. But Tiff showing up was of course for the briefcase distraction, not cashing in. Tiff hasn’t been pushed that far yet, that might come with the Netflix debut. But Naomi & Bianca of course retained the titles, that’ll cue up Jade making a return to identify her attacker, and it might be Naomi after all…
My Score: 8.8/10
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...
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!
Bandwagon Nerds #265: A New Man At Arms… We Love It!
Join the Bandwagon for a full trailer park, news around the Nerd-O-Sphere and find out what the gents are watching...
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,...
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (12/18/24)
Happy Holidays!
Attitude Of Aggression #300- A Decade for the Ages
The 300th Episode of Attitude Of Aggression has arrived! Join us as we recap the biggest wrestling related events of...
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (12/17/24)
Whoop Dat Wolf!
-
Coverage5 days agoMitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/16/24)
-
Coverage7 days agoMitchell’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Results & Report! (12/14/24)
-
AEW Coverage7 days agoMitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (12/14/24)
-
Podcasts6 days ago#TheOddity 022: Just Your Everyday Hospital Orgy