Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (2/20/23)
Raw is about respect!
Will The Now really be forever?
Austin Theory is STILL United States Champion after Elimination Chamber, but now things get Rated R as EDGE comes after the title!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sami Zayn VS Baron Corbin; Sami wins.
- Mustafa Ali VS Dolph Ziggler; Ali wins.
- Asuka VS Nikki Cross; Asuka wins.
- Seth Rollins VS The Miz; Rollins wins.
- Bronson Reed VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Bronson wins.
- WWE United States Champion: Austin Theory VS Edge; Theory wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Sami Zayn is here!
Fans fire up as the Honourary Hab, the Great Liberator, and the man who would have beaten Roman Reigns if not for The Bloodline as he heads to the ring. Sami grabs a mic and fans chant his name as the spotlight is on him. Fans then sing, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~! OLE~, OLE~!” for him, too. Sami says, “Wow. I’m feeling a lot of feelings here, guys. After these past couple of days, the one feeling that comes to the front more than anything is gratitude. The ovation I’ve been given these past couple of days, and the ovation you guys just gave me just now, you have no idea what means to me. Thank you. Seriously, thank you so much.”
Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” and Sami is touched. Sami says that for him just as much as everyone, another thing he’s feeling is, after coming so close to putting a bow on a storybook ending in front of his hometown, he feels a lot of guilt. He feels like he let people down. Fans say “NO! NO! NO!” because he hasn’t let anyone down. Fans even chant “We Still Love You!” Sami says people told him to “finish the story,” but he didn’t, and after the last few days, he realized now more than ever, “around here, the story is NEVER over! However, we are entering the final chapter. And the final chapter is not just about me. So there’s one person that I do need to talk to more than anybody else.
“So Kevin Owens…! I would love it if you came out here right now.” Fans cheer that, and here comes KO! The Prizefighter joins his best frenemy in the ring, fans cheer him on now, and Kevin gets a mic. Sami says, “There was so much I wanted to say to you, and now that you’re standing here, I don’t know what I want to say. I wanna say… I wanna say thank you, I guess. I wanna say I’m sorry. But I know we’re kinda passed the point of words at this point, right? Let’s be honest, things got a little messy, right? There’s a lot that you said, that I said, that was done here that I don’t know if there’s any coming back from. I know, I know.
“But here’s the thing, Kevin. For months and months, you said there is only one thing that you care about, and that is taking down The Bloodline. And I know you better than anything, when you get something in your head, nothing stops you from doing it. But here’s the thing, Kevin. Now I have a mission. I will make sure, if it’s the last thing I do, I will not rest ’til I see with my own eyes that Roman Reigns and the Bloodline come crumbling down! But here’s the thing. You couldn’t do it alone. And I couldn’t really do it alone. But I do think that there’s only way to get it done. And that is if we do it… together!” Fans love the sound of that!
Kevin seems a bit surprised, and he says he doesn’t need an apology or gratitude. Saturday, what he did, it had nothing to do with Sami. Kevin didn’t do it for Sami, he did it for HIS family. Saturday, they were in the front row. But at the Royal Rumble, they were at home. And Sami stood there and watched it happen. Kevin needed the Bloodline to hurt. Kevin did it for Sami’s family so that his wife, children, father wouldn’t have to watch Sami get beat down! That’s why! Kevin has been fighting The Bloodline for months, on his own. As far as he’s concerned, that’s fine, and that’s the way he will keep fighting them.
Because Kevin still means what he said in November after Survivor Series about being done with Sami. But guess what? If Sami needs help taking them down, then just ask Jey. Kevin drops the mic and leaves while fans boo. Sami watches Kevin go but isn’t upset. Will Sami have to do things on his own, too?
But wait! BARON CORBIN ATTACKS! Corbin throws Sami around as Raw goes picture in picture! Corbin fires off hands, throws Sami into railing, then CLUBS away against barriers! Fans boo and give thumbs down but Corbin throws more hands. Corbin throws Sami back into railing, then tot he floor. Referees hurry on stage to stop Corbin but he goes back for more! Corbin rains down fists, refs back him off, but Sami gets up to go after Corbin! Sami returns fire with furious fists! Corbin trips and falls but gest right back up to CLOBBER Sami! Corbin hobbles but he drags Sami up. Security and officials rush out but Corbin still wants more!
Corbin whips Sami into the LEDs! Sami falls over, Corbin stands over him, but refs tell him to leave. Corbin storms down the ramp to ringside. Corbin soaks up the heat as he walks around the ring, then he gest in the ring. Raw returns to single picture as Corbin has the mic to ask, “How’d that feel?” Corbin says Sami interrupted him to cry about his insecurities, thinking he didn’t deserve to be in the same ring as Roman Reigns. Corbin says Sami didn’t, and Corbin should know, because Corbin is the last person to beat Roman Reigns! Roman embarrassed Sami in front of his family and friends, and tonight was pathetic.
Sami begged his “so-called best friend,” Kevin Owens. Sami wants to get at Corbin but Adam Pearce holds him back. Corbin says Sami’s story is done! Sami embarrassed himself, his hometown, and ALL of Canada! Because Sami is a complete and utter failure! Sami talks with Pearce, Pearce gives Sami the green light! Sami gets in the ring and TACKLES Corbin! Sami rains down fists, Corbin pushes him away, but Sami clotheslines Corbin out of the ring! A ref gets in the ring, this is a match!
Sami Zayn VS Baron Corbin!
The bell rings, Corbin gets up and Sami BLASTS him! Sami goes out to SMACK Corbin off the desk! Fans fire up with Sami and he POSTS Corbin! Sami puts Corbin back in the ring, runs corner to corner, but Corbin bails out! Fans boo but Corbin shoulders in then CLOBBERS Sami! Corbin rains down fists, then rips Sami’s shirt off him. Corbin drags Sami back up and he makes the world look at the bruises and scrapes from Eliminating Chamber’s title match. Corbin CLUBS Sami, shoves him to ropes and CLUBS him again! Corbin stands Sami up, ROCKS him, then shoves him, only for Sami to DECK Corbin!
Sami fires off hands now and whips Corbin to a corner. Corbin reverses, runs in, Sami dodges and Corbin hits buckles! Sami goes up top, for a FLYING- NO, choke grip to CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sami is still in this as Raw goes back to picture in picture.
Sami bails out of the ring but clutches his back. Corbin goes out after Sami, drags him up, and RAMS him into barriers! The front row cheers Sami on but Corbin puts him in the ring. Corbin stalks Sami, stands over him, then drags him up by his beard! Corbin puts Sami in the corner, whips him corner to corner hard, and Sami bounces off buckles to fall to the mat. Corbin looms over Sami, drags Sami back up, and CLUBS him back down! Corbin CLUBS Sami again, and again, and again, driving his elbow into the bruised back! Sami crawls to a corner, Corbin is on him again and puts him up top.
Corbin throws hands, climbs up after Sami, and he throws hands. Sami hits back with haymakers! Sami CLUBS Corbin, Corbin falls off the corner! Sami adjusts, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Corbin is still in this, but Sami grits his teeth as he stands. Sami hobbles, but Corbin RAMS him into a corner! Corbin drags Sami around, stomps him, then tells the ref to back off. Corbin runs to SPLASH! And then Corbin hauls Sami up to a Canadian Rack! Raw returns to single picture as Sami endures the backbreaker stretch! Fans rally, Sami fights free, and he elbows Corbin from the corner! Corbin comes back, but into a BOOT!
Sami goes up again, leaps, FLYING ELBOW! Sami goes up another corner, leaps again, another FLYING ELBOW! Ottawa fires up, but Corbin throws body shots! Sami blocks the bomb, wrenches out to kick low, and he goes up and up and FLYING DDT!! Cover, TWO!! Corbin survives but Sami keeps his focus. The fans rally behind him, but Corbin throat chops! Corbin whips, but Sami holds ropes! Sami dumps Corbin out, then builds speed! Sami FLIES! Direct hit and Ottawa is thunderous! Sami fires up, he puts Corbin back in, and Corbin flounders to the corner. Sami aims, runs in, but into a LARIAT!
Sami flounders, but Corbin rains down elbows and forearms on his bruised back! Corbin whips, and DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Sami is still in this and Corbin is shocked! Fans fire up as Sami goes to the corner again. Corbin runs in, and hits a big clothesline! Corbin runs in again, another clothesline! Corbin goes corner to corner, Sami follows, HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, Sami wins!!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall
Ottawa sings along with Sami’s song as Sami gets redemption! Will Sami’s wish come true come WrestleMania? Will The Bloodline soon fall?
Byron Saxton has a sit-down interview with Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio.
He appreciates them joining him. He wants to ask about Elimination Chamber. What about it? Well, she and Finn Balor faced The Grit Couple and ultimately came up short. Rhea says the last thing she will say about Beth Phoenix is that after going toe to toe, Beth admitted Rhea is the real deal. But for her, she and Beth have unfinished business. But that’s the past, and Rhea is fully focused on WrestleMania. Then does Rhea think that loss- Dom interrupts, saying Mami just said she’s done talking about Edge & Beth. “Those has-beens are just like my deadbeat dad, they’re not worth talking about.
“And Byron, if you keep asking stupid questions, you’re gonna find out what I did to people who talked too much when I was locked up.” In that case, Byron moves to WrestleMania and the SmackDown Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair. How does Rhea respond to Charlotte saying that three years ago, Charlotte taught Rhea a lesson, but this year, she puts Rhea in her place. “Look, Charlotte can keep living in 2020. The only reason that she wants to keep talking about what happened three years ago is because she refuses to believe what everyone else can see, and that’s that right now, in the present, I am the best bloody woman here in the WWE.
“And as for lessons being learned, the only lesson is that Rhea Ripley doesn’t make the same mistakes twice. So if Charlotte wants to ‘put me in my place’ at WrestleMania, then good. Because my place is standing on top of her crumbled queendom when I walk out of WrestleMania the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.” Byron says looking ahead, what can we expect on Friday when Rhea goes face to face with Charlotte on SmackDown? Watch and find out. Dom says Rey has a match that day. Dom will “tag along” to watch. Rhea likes that idea. Byron, we’re done here. Rhea & Dom leave, but will they leave their mark on SmackDown this weekend?
WWE shares Austin Theory’s comments from the Elimination Chamber Press Conference.
The Now retained his title inside the Chamber, though it was because Logan Paul screwed over Seth Rollins. But Theory said, “If I have a United States Championship Open Challenge this Monday on Raw, who’s gonna step up.” Well, moments later, when Edge hand his turn to speak, he accepted! Theory’s work ethic will be tested, and Edge might even kick Theory’s teeth in!
Backstage interview with Austin Theory.
Cathy Kelley brings up tonight’s title match knowing Theory retained his title in the grueling Chamber match just 48 hours ago. Theory admits he’s banged up, but he’s here like he always is. And why’s that? Because he’s the champ! He stepped inside the Chamber with five of the best in the WWE. Included in those five was Seth Freakin’ Rollins. Rollins was someone everyone said had it in the bag, and what happened? Theory put him down like he said he would. Everything Theory says happens! But what he doesn’t understand is the headline. It isn’t that Theory is the Now, Then and Forever, but that John Cena is coming back to Raw in two weeks!
Theory is upset by that. What the headline should say is, “WHO CARES?” Where’s the respect for Theory for the work he puts in every week? But he has a US Championship Open Challenge tonight that was accepted by the Rated R Superstar. And Theory loves that, because he gets to beat a WWE Hall of Famer in his home country of “crappy Canada.” After that, Theory will continue his Forever Reign right on to WrestleMania, and his legacy will stand over everyone. Theory will never lose this title! How’s that for a headline?
Mustafa Ali VS Dolph Ziggler!
The Beacon seems to be pulling a page out of the Show-Off’s playbook by constantly complaining “It should’ve been me!” But will it be Ali with a win here tonight? Or will it be Ali having to eat his words when Ziggler humbles him?
Raw returns and Ali makes his entrance. The bell rings, Ali offers a handshake and Ziggler accepts it. But then Ziggler uses it to hit a fireman’s carry takeover! Cover, TWO! Fisherman cradle, TWO! Ali gets up, swings, but misses! Ziggler DECKS Ali, DECKS him again, then whips. Ali reverses, but Ziggler ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Ali! Ali goes to a corner, but Ziggler STINGER SPLASHES! And then NECKBREAKER! Ziggler fires up and fans fire up with him as Ali goes to ropes. Ali bails out before the superkick! But Ziggler drags him up by his hair! Ali HOTSHOTS Ziggler away!
Ali hurries inside, and he CLOBBERS Ziggler in return! Ali mockingly tells Ziggler to smile and be thankful that he’s here. Ali fishhooks Ziggler’s mouth! The ref reprimands, so Ali brings Ziggler up to suplex. Ziggler slips off, shoves Ali away, but Ali goes back out to the apron! ROUNDHOUSE! Down goes Ziggler and Ali smiles. Ali aims, somersaults, and- SATELLITE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Ali survives and Ziggler grows frustrated. Ziggler kicks Ali’s leg out, runs, FAMOUS- NO, Ali handstands free! Ghost pin, ALI WINS!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
Even Ali seems shocked he won! Ali celebrates big time, and he seems to mock Ziggler with it. But will Ali really get back on track after this?
Backstage interview with The Miz & Maryse.
Cathy Kelley lets them finish kissing and then Maryse hurries to get an envelope. Happy anniversary! Miz thanks Maryse, and brags that her gift was too big and expensive to bring across the border. She knows, she picked it. Anyway, Miz opens the envelope and… Is this real? What does it say? Maryse says to read the room, Cathy. Miz says this is bigger than his game winning half court shot in the NBA Celebrity Game. Cathy points out it didn’t count officially. Miz says this news is not for Cathy! This is to be broken by a world-renowned journalist: MIZ. But he’ll wait for next week, because tonight is about them.
Miz & Maryse kiss again but Cathy brings up Seth Rollins. Miz says, “What do you not understand about ‘us’?” GO! BYE! THANK YOU! But Miz has a match with Rollins after back-to-back losses to Boogs- Uh, those were both very controversial wins by Boogs! But if we’re to talk about Rollins, then maybe Rollins got a little too big for his stupid red boots last week. Miz is glad Rollins was brought down to earth by Miz’s former protégé, Logan Paul. Miz molded Logan into the superstar he is today. And in a way, Miz cost Rollins his US Championship. Miz’s outstanding tutelage ruined Rollin’s WrestleMania dreams, while this (the envelope) just made his dreams come true.
Miz and Maryse kiss again and head out. Will tonight be more awesome for The Miz? Or will Rollins #BurnItDown?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Ottawa cheers as The American Nightmare has his smoke and pyro then heads to the ring. Cody gets another round of pyro, then gets the mic. Fans cheer, and Cody asks, “So…” “Ladies and gentlemen…!” Paul Heyman is via the titantron, with a neck brace on, as he introduces himself. Cody asks, “Mr. Heyman… Where are you?” Uh, right here backstage. Oh, okay. So then, Heyman should just come out here in person. Everyone wants to hear what he has to say! Fans cheer, but Heyman sputters. He isn’t sure if Cody is aware of this, but Heyman was “mauled” on Saturday by a “KO-diac, and subject to the miserable Canadian healthcare system.”
Fans boo but Heyman says what should’ve been a celebratory weekend for The Tribal Chief ended up a tragedy for the Wise Man. But Heyman assures us, “the true tragedy of this story that you want to finish will befall, sir, onto you.” Heyman has Cody stay calm and wants us to hear him out. “Cody, man to man, face as close as to willing I am to be to face, you can’t beat Roman Reigns! Oh, they can boo all they want, but let’s go on the hypothetical. Let’s play to everybody’s fantasy. Let’s say that the stars align, the gods smile upon you, the devil collects my debt. Let’s say at WrestleMania, Cody Rhodes beats the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, for these championships.
“Then, sir, what will your life be like? Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘indentured servitude?'” Heyman knows that we’re thinking Roman doesn’t live that life. But that’s because Roman has a Special Counsel. Roman has The Wise Man. Roman has Paul Heyman. If Cody defeats Roman for the titles, which he won’t, but if he does… Cody won’t have Paul Heyman. “So let’s do the math, playing to this notion that Cody Rhodes defeats Roman Reigns. What will your life be like? First of all, 200 days a year on the road, defending these championships. 40 to 50, let’s mark it up, 50 days a year doing charity appearances and red carpets. Now we’re at 250.
“Thirty days a year overseas promoting the general brand of World Wrestling Entertainment. Now we’re at 280. Another 20 days promoting WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, Royal Rumble, Money in the Bank, Backlash, I don’t know, Peoria! Oh, let’s not forget to promote your title defenses in Peoria. Now that’s 300, 305 days a year, that means 60 days at home. And what happens to those 60 days? 20 of them, Spike calls? Skype calls? What do you call ’em? Zoom calls, promoting the product, meetings.
“What did your brother Dustin so famously say? The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes, was one the road, he was never home. And even when he was home, he was never home. Is that the life you want for your wife and child? Is that what you want for your family, Cody? Is that the sacrifice that you’re willing to make for these titles?! I know what you’re thinking. I’m about to say something really vile and vulgar and contemptible, like, ‘Hey, don’t worry, Cody. On a cold winter night, Roman Reigns will keep your wife warm.’ I would never say something like that. Roman Reigns is a happily married man. But I’m not!”
Fans boo Heyman going there, but Heyman assures Cody that that is when he finds out his WrestleMania dreams are going to become his own personal nightmares. Heyman “drops the mic” by taking off the lapel mic, and Cody paces as he tries to contain his feelings. Fans cheer Cody on, and Cody says, “Damn! Roman Reigns is great. You’re great, Roman. But I have seen this play before. Do not send this man again. We haven’t come face to face yet, we probably will and it’ll probably be very soon. And I will say the same thing to you now that I’m going to say then.
“You are without a doubt the greatest WWE Undisputed Universal Champion in the history of the company. You are the current bets champion in all of sports. But it doesn’t change a damn thing! I HAVE to finish the story! I beat you at WrestleMania!” Fans fire up as Cody does a REAL mic drop! Will the American Nightmare only be a nightmare for the Head of the Table?
Asuka VS Nikki Cross!
The Empress of Tomorrow is poised for WrestleMania and the Raw Women’s Championship after winning the Elimination Chamber match, but she isn’t just going to rest on her laurels! Will the Loony Lass not be ready for Asuka?
Raw returns and Nikki makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle, but here comes Bianca Belair! Both Asuka and Nikki watch The EST struts out with the title to join commentary. Nikki and Asuka rush each other, Nikki dodges a kick to throw Asuka by her hair! Nikki rains down fists then sits Asuka up to smile. Asuka shoves Nikki away but Nikki CHOPS! Asuka snarls, things speed up, Asuka avoids the crossbody to SLIDING KICK! Asuka then stands Nikki up for knee after knee! Nikki blocks the suplex to put Asuka up on the ropes. Asuka slips off, avoids Nikki’s shoulder, and KICKS away on her in the ropes!
Asuka grins as she brings Nikki out, but Nikki pushes her away. But Asuka hits a POP-UP KNEE! Nikki staggers back, Asuka kicks, but Nikki ducks! Asuka hits only post! Nikki dragon sleepers, for a REVERSE DDT to the apron! Nikki grins and Asuka writhes while Raw goes picture in picture.
Nikki drags Asuka off the apron to THROW her into the barriers! Nikki tells everyone to stay down, then she refreshes the ring count. Nikki drags Asuka up, POSTS her, then fires up as she goes to commentary. Nikki messes with Kevin Patrick, then puts Asuka back in the ring. Cover, TWO! Nikki is upset but Asuka kicks her from below. Nikki CLUBS Asuka down, brings her up, and whips, only for Asuka to reverse. Asuka runs in to back elbow! Asuka CLUBS away on Nikki, bumps her off buckles, then brings her around to bump off more buckles! The ref counts, Asuka lets off, but then just brings Nikki to another corner.
Nikki hits back and she bumps Asuka off buckles! Nikki brings Asuka in and turns her for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Nikki still grins and she drags Asuka back up. Nikki RAMS into Asuka at the ropes, but Asuka hits back. Nikki CLUBS her down, but Asuka kicks her. Nikki grinds her forearms into Asuka’s face, covers, TWO! Nikki keeps on Asuka with an armlock, wraps it up a into a top wristlock, but Asuka endures. Nikki thrashes around, Bianca even rallies for Asuka, and Asuka throws body shots. Asuka is free but Nikki throat chops! Nikki stomps a mudhole, then tells the ref to back off. Nikki whips Asuka corner to corner but Asuka goes up and MISSILE DROPKICKS!
Both women are down, Raw returns to single picture, and fans rally up. Asuka and Nikki both stand up, and they both run in! Asuka dodges to KICK, KICK and URAKEN! URAKEN! SOBAT! URAKEN! BOOT! ROUNDHOUSE! HEEL KICK! Fans fire up and Asuka GERMAN SUPLEXES! Asuka holds on, she brings Nikki back up, another GERMAN SUPLEX! Asuka drags Nikki up again, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Nikki escapes but Asuka grins. Nikki goes to the apron, flops to the floor, but Asuka runs in to slide, only to fall for the apron skirt trap! Nikki fires off on Asuka, then lets off as the ref counts.
The ring count climbs but Nikki puts Asuka in at 6 of 10. Nikki climbs, but Asuka ROCKS her first! Asuka climbs up, bumps Nikki off buckles, and then brings Nikki around to SUPER DDT!! Cover, TWO!!? Nikki survives and even Bianca’s surprised. Asuka and Nikki go forehead to forehead and they throw forearms! Fans fire up, Asuka gets the edge, and she KICKS Nikki in the chest! And KICKS again! And again! Nikki slaps herself and fires up, but Asuka KICKS her down! Nikki sits up, ducks the buzzsaw, and fireman’s carries! But Asuka slips off, shoves Nikki away, ROUNDHOUSE! Chicken wing!
Nikki flails, fireman’s carries, and MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Asuka survives and Nikki is furious! Nikki drags Asuka up, but Asuka wrenches out, TAKEDOWN into the RINGS OF SATURN!! Nikki grins but she verbally quits, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by submission
Even Bianca applauds that win, and then she joins Asuka in the ring. Fans fire up seeing champion and challenger stare down, and Bianca holds up the title. Fans cheer as they both point to the WrestleMania sign, but then Asuka spits up the blue liquid! Only Asuka is smiling now. Is Bianca not going to be ready for Asuka when they meet on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
Backstage interview with Carmella.
Cathy brings up how Asuka is the one going to challenge Bianca, has the Fabulous Princess given any thought to her own Road to WrestleMania? Mella says Elimination Chamber was just two days ago, okay? So no, she hasn’t thought up a whole new game plan in just 48 hours. But what she has thought of is Asuka. “That little freak thinks she can mess with the Moonwalking, Trash-talking Princess of Staten Island? I don’t think so. So I’m about to make Bianca’s Road to WrestleMania super easy when I return one hell of a receipt to Asuka. Because Mella, is, money!” Mella heads out, and then Cathy spots Seth Rollins.
Rollins seems in a good mood considering everything that happened with Logan Paul. Does he care to comment? “Two times now, Logan Paul has ruined my WrestleMania plans. And he thinks this is a game, he wants to hit me with my own move, he wants to get on social media and call me a clown! HAHAHAHAHA! Well, Logan! Joke’s on you. See, Logan may not be very familiar with a certain side of me, but anyone who has gotten in my way knows that side all too well. I’m going to find Logan Paul, and I’m going to hurt Logan Paul.” But since Logan isn’t here, the man who wants to take credit for Logan’s success, The Miz, seems like the perfect surrogate for the suffering.
Rollins laughs his way to gorilla, will he be the only one laughing after he burns it down?
MVP speaks.
“Brock Lesnar. You, sir, are a coward. You realized that you couldn’t escape Bobby Lashley’s Hurt Lock, so you got yourself disqualified at the Elimination Chamber.” Omos is there with MVP, and MVP says the Nigerian Giant is issuing a challenge to face Lesnar at WrestleMania! Lesnar can show up next week to officially accept, “if you have the intestinal fortitude.” Will the Beast have more than enough courage to come back and conquer Omos?
Seth Rollins VS The Miz!
The Visionary was perhaps goaded into insulting Logan Paul by the Hollywood A-Lister, but will he add insult to injury when he takes out the man who brought the ImPAULsive Influencer to the WWE? Or will The Miz hit his shot like he technically did at the NBA Celebrity Game?
The bell rings while fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins then CLOBBERS Miz! And fires off in the corner! The ref counts, Rollins lets off with stomps, and Miz bails out. Fans fire up as Rollins goes out the side and storms up, but Miz kicks low! Rollins blocks the desk bump to SMACK Miz off the desk! And then Rollins THROWS Miz into barriers! Fans fire up while the ring count climbs. Rollins puts Miz in at 5 of 10 and he slides in. Fans sing more as Rollins stands on Miz’s back. Rollins fishhooks Miz and then hits crossface forearms! Miz crawls away, Rollins runs in and clotheslines Miz up and out!
Fans fire up more as Rollins builds speed! Rollins WRECKS Miz and Miz goes flying over the desk! Fans fire up as Miz crawls out from the armchairs. Rollins storms up, Miz hurries into the ring and uses the ref as a shield! Kick to the legs, BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO! Miz is in control now as Raw goes picture in picture.
Rollins bails out, Miz catches his breath, and then Miz runs to WRECK Rollins! Rollins hits barriers, Miz mocks the fans singing, and Miz drags Rollins back up. Miz puts Rollins in, climbs a corner, and Miz leaps to AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Miz keeps cool but the fans keep singing. Rollins stands up while Miz tells fans to shut up. Rollins ROCKS Miz with haymakers! And CHOPS! Rollins whips, Miz reverses and kitchen sink knees! Then Miz runs to BASEMENT BOOT! Cover, TWO! Miz JAMS his knee into Rollins’ back and pulls on the arms. Rollins endures the stretch and fights up to his feet to turn things around on Miz!
Rollins stretches Miz but Miz turns things around onto Rollins. Miz even digs his boot into Rollins’ back to add onto the stretch. Rollins still fights back up, throws elbows, then swings, into the BACKBREAKER and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Miz’s A-List Combination wasn’t enough, but he CHOKES Rollins on the ropes! The ref counts, Miz runs side to side to STRADDLE ATTACK! Miz paces around Rollins with a smirk, and Raw returns to single picture. Miz points to Rollins, fans cheer. Miz holds up his hands for himself, the fans boo. Miz verifies that by doing it all again, and yes, fans cheer Rollins and boo Miz.
Rollins stands, he throws body shots, and then he throws haymakers! Rollins CHOPS, runs, but Miz kitchen sink- ROLL-UP! TWO!! Rollins CHOPS again, and again, then whips! Miz reverses and Rollins hits buckles hard! Miz KICKS Rollins but fans taunt him with “TINY BALLS!” Miz KICKS more, then goes to the far corner. Fans boo, Miz runs in, but into a LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans sing again, Miz crawls to ropes and stands up. Miz swings, but Rollins counter punches him! And again! Rollins ROCKS, CHOPS and repeat on Miz! The ref counts as they end up on ropes, Rollins whips but Miz reverses, only for Rollins to CLOBBER Miz!
Rollins rallies on Miz, mule kicks and front kicks to then ROLLING ELBOW! Fans fire up with Rollins and he drags Miz up. Suplex, but Miz slips free to roll Rollins. Rollins rolls through to SUPERKICK! Fans fire up again and Rollins aims from the corner. Miz avoids the stomp but Rollins kicks low! Underhooks, but Miz trips Rollins! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Sunset flip, TWO! Miz pushes Rollins to a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Rollins goes up but Miz trips him, for a DRAPING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survive but Miz snarls. Fans taunt Miz more but Miz powers up. Rollins sits up, Miz full nelsons!
Rollins arm-drags free, catches Miz to a back suplex but Miz lands on his feet! Miz ducks ‘n’ dodges, BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Miz admits Rollins is tough, but the fans still taunt him with “TINY BALLS!” Miz KICKS Rollins in the chest, KICKS him again, then KICKS again and again and again! Fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but Miz reminds Rollins that Miz cost him the title. Rollins blocks the kick! ROLLING ELBOW! Rollins keeps Miz from falling over, and he fires off forearm after forearm! Then the turn, for the DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! And CURB STOMP!! Fans fire up because Rollins isn’t done there!
Rollins fires up and the fans are with him! Rollins tells “Mike” to sit up, Miz does sit up, CURB STOMP!! But Rollins still isn’t done, and many fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Rollins agrees, and this is the viciousness he mentioned earlier. The ref tells Rollins no, Miz is done. Rollins STILL CURB STOMPS Miz!!! The ref calls it, Rollins wins!!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by referee stoppage
The Miz was knocked out cold by Rollins’ burning anger! Fans sing for the Visionary, will Rollins make sure to “introduce” Logan Paul to this side?
Carmella talks with Adam Pearce.
She appreciates him taking the time since she knows he’s super busy. He wants to thank her for the positive attitude, it is refreshing. So if Mella wants to face Asuka next week, he’ll make that match. In fact, it is official. Mella thanks “honey bunny” Pearce, then she heads out. But then someone calls Pearce. It’s Chelsea Green. She knows he knows who she is, but she wants to let him know that their “awful talent relations department” seems to have sent her to Ottawa, Illinois instead of Ottawa, Canada. How did this happen? On second thought, don’t answer that. How are they going to make this up to her?
Pearce apologizes, but next week, WWE will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the US. So he will call the travel department and get this figured out. Chelsea can’t just be left here! She goes on and on but Pearce says he can’t hear her. Technical difficulties or something. Okay, see you next week. Pearce hangs up and walks on, to find The Alpha Academy posing in front of a mirror. Chad Gable wonders what “those clowns” in Maximum Male Models are missing about his look. He’s got great complexion, great physical condition. Any idiot can do modeling! But then Bronson Reed walks up. “Is this how you prepare for a match?”
Gable tells Bronson that not only is Gable a bonafide Olympian and a man with “a big, beautiful golden brain,” but Gable is also on the cusp of a very lucrative modeling career. Then get ready to model a full body cast! Otis says no one talks to Master Chad like that. Bronson chuckles and heads out. Will the Colossal Aussie crush Gable’s modeling hopes ‘n’ dreams with one Tsunami?
DING DONG, HELLO~!
Bayley returns to Raw and she’s brought her friends in Damage CTRL, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky! Bayley says hello and welcomes us to her show. She could’ve called it, “Ding Dong, Bonjour,” but she takes that back cuz these fans are booing. But since we’re in Canada, she didn’t wanna come and could’ve stayed home to sulk over not getting into the Elimination Chamber match like she deserves. But since in Canada, today is Family Day, Bayley decided to pick herself up and spend today with her family, DMG CTRL! Bayley hugs Kai & Sky and says they know how much she loves them. “But these idiots don’t know how to love you! these idiots don’t love you the way that I do!”
Bayley says Kai & Sky are so underappreciated, so that’s why she has them on her show. So to the questions! First, Dakota. “How does it feel to be the greatest Women’s Tag Team Champions of all time?” Kai says that is an amazing question, and she says she and Sky wouldn’t be here without Bayley, their “fearless leader” and beloved Role Model. That is why Kai & Sky have completely dominated for over 100 days! They’ve been on every show, beaten the likes of Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and even The Man, Becky Lynch. And they will dominate for another 100, and another 100, and-
WAIT! Here comes The Man! Ottawa just entered the Big Time, but Bayley is upset Becky is interrupting her show! Becky says “Greatest tag team champions, she calls them. It’s been nine full moons cycles since the last time you defended those titles! No, no, no, no. Those titles are getting dusty! There’s cobwebs in them titles! There’s probably some spiders living in there. You two, you’re not gonna get to just sit on those titles and coast to WrestleMania.” Becky has a plan: she wants to take those titles into WrestleMania! Fans fire up for that, but DMG CTRL laughs. Becky is a joker. With who? Her daughter? HA! Becky’s got no friends!
Becky says she’s not sure her daughter is ready for this level of awesomeness, but there is someone Becky is thinking of. LITA!! Fans fire up as the legend returns again! DMG CTRL freaks out as Becky & Lita head to the ring! Bayley refuses to let them interrupt her show, unless they use the door! Lita knocks, but then Bayley says they’re not welcome. Becky still steps through. What’s Lita even doing here? Becky must be desperate if she’s bringing her around! But fans chant for Lita nice and loud! Bayley waits for them to calm down, and asks Lita if she remembers the last time they were in the ring together. They tried to end each other! Can they even trust each other?
Becky tells Bayley not to even try that, she already apologized to Lita. Becky admits she gets a bit “Gollum-y” when titles are concerned. Lita says Gollum is kinda cute in a goofy way. But they’re both past all that. But Bayley has a good point: Lita has her eyes set on a fifth title run. But if Lita can’t get that title against Becky, she likes the idea of walking into Mania as a tag team champ. Fans like that, too! Lita tells Kai & Sky, “This is an official challenge for a tag team title match!” Bayley says those two are not even CLOSE to being worthy against two of the best.
Well, Lita is a Hall of Famer and a four-time champion while Becky won the first women’s main event at Mania. They’re two of the greatest ever, that’s enough! And maybe, if Kai & Sky are the greatest, they should want to prove it. So what’s the problem here? They are the greatest! Then they should defend the titles, right? Unless… Are they scared? Are they? Bayley says they’re not scared, Kai & Sky accept!! But then Kai & Sky ask Bayley what she’s doing! Bayley says it’ll be fine, but then Becky & Lita literally snatch the belts away! Fans fire up as Becky and Lita say they’re the future champs!
Bayley steps up, the titles are thrown at her! DMG CTRL is literally on their heels, and Bayley might’ve just bitten off more than the team can chew! Will Lita & Becky make WrestleMania in Hollywood even bigger?
Backstage interview with Candice LeRae.
Byron says coming out of Elimination Chamber, do we have an injury update on her husband, Johnny Gargano? Candice says Johnny got pretty banged up, and the Chamber is definitely one of the most brutal matches in the WWE. But she assures us that… Wait, Nikki walks over. Candice won’t let her stalk her anymore, and she wants to know why. Nikki tries to squirrel away, but Candice keeps her there. Candice says she has a match against Piper Niven to worry about, she can’t focus on that and Nikki always popping up. Just tell her why! Nikki is sheepish, mumbles something, but then she runs off.
Candice is confused, but what did Nikki say? That all her friends are gone and she’s alone. Candice gets back to Johnny. Johnny will be back, but she has to go. Was Nikki just wanting to be Candice’s friend this whole time?
Bronson Reed VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
It took just about everyone else in the Men’s Elimination Chamber to eliminate the Colossal Aussie, will even the big brain of “Master Gable” fail to stop him? Or will Gable have a plan for avoiding the Tsunami?
Raw returns and Bronson makes his entrance. The bell rings, Gable shoots around to headlock but Bronson powers out and CLOBBERS Gable! Gable flounders out of the ring, Otis coaches him, but Bronson goes to the apron. FLYING SHOULDER! Otis coaches Gable more but Bronson stares him down. Fans fire up for these mirror images staring down, but Bronson puts Gable in the ring. Bronson bumps Gable off buckles, CLOBBERS him, then looms over him. Bronson drags Gable back up, whips him to a corner hard, and Gable bounces off buckles! Bronson then goes up as Gable stands, for a FLYING- NO! ANKLE LOCK!!
Gable has Bronson’s leg, Bronson rolls and BOOTS him away! Gable fires off forearm sand uppercuts and knees! Gable CHOPS, runs, but Bronson reels him in to CLUB him! Bronson back suplexes, Gable lands on his feet to waistlock, and he manages to lift Bronson!? Bronson elbows free, Gable runs and Gable runs Bronson over! Bronson goes up top, to DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, ONE!! Bronson is still in this, but Gable runs, into a LARIAT! Otis looks and sees Maxxine Dupri in the crowd. Maxxine waves hi, but Bronson gets Gable up! Gable slips out of the bomb to ROCK Bronson with a forearm!
Gable staggers to a corner, Bronson runs in but Gable dodges! GERMAN SUPLEX?!?! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Fans fire up as Bronson bails out,. Otis talks with Maxxine about the modeling but Gable tries to get his attention. Bronson returns to SPLASH Gable in the corner! Whip and POWERSLAM! Bronson drags Gable to the drop zone, goes up top, TSUNAMI!!! Cover, Bronson wins!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall
Otis realizes he just missed the natural disaster that demolished his coach! Will Maxxine sign “Otīs” to her stable when the Alpha Academy crumbles to the ground?
Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is here and he has the mic to say, “Hello, I am Elias. Rick Boogs, I hope you’re back there taking notes right now, because this is how you do it.” Boogs is watching, and he IS taking notes! Elias says, “This is the time of the year that legends come out. This is the time of the year when stars are made. And lemme tell ya, there are no bigger stars than Elias. There’s no bigger legend than Elias. And so the question that has to be on everybody’s mind right now, and Boogs, you better be back there taking notes, is this: Who wants to Walk With Elias at WrestleMania?” Ottawa seems pretty fired up.
Elias wants someone to show up to stand center stage on the Grandest Stage with the Grandest Performer! But wait, here comes BOBBY LASHLEY! Elias didn’t expect the All Mighty but he gets ready for him! Lashley runs in to SPINEBUSTER Elias! Elias bails but Lashley pursues! Lashley hauls Elias up to RAM him into barriers! And then he fireman’s carries, to POST Elias! Ottawa fires up as Lashley drags Elias up again, puts him in the ring, and then SPEARS!! But Lashley isn’t done, he clamps on the HURT LOCK!! Elias taps but that won’t save him! Lashley TOSSES Elias away, then gets the mic.
“Everybody has a plan until I slap that Hurt Lock in. This past weekend, I put Brock Lesnar in the Hurt Lock. And Brock Lesnar panicked, and he had to resort to a low blow. Not Brock Lesnar, not Bray Wyatt, not Elias, nobody in that locker room breaks the Hurt Lock. So know I will not be disrespected by nobody in this locker room. If you disrespect me, I will put you down.” The All Mighty has spoken! Will all fall before him? Is Boogs taking notes on what not to do with an Open Challenge?
Backstage interview with Edge.
Byron congratulates the Rated R Superstar on the win he and Beth Phoenix got over Finn Balor & Rhea Ripley on Saturday. But no rest for the weary, as Edge accepted Theory’s Open Challenge. How is he feeling just moments away from this huge match? Edge is happy to put Judgment Day behind him, Beth is happy at home with their daughters, and Edge finally feels like he can get to the goals he set for himself. So when Theory issued an open challenge, Edge just had to take him up on it.
“See, Austin Theory has the physical abilities to help shape the WWE for the next two decades, just like how I helped shape the last three. But does he have the mental? That’s where our similarities end. The thing with youth is sometimes, it comes with ignorance. He talks about his Forever Reign, but nothing lasts forever. And I don’t wanna be that guy, but I’m about to be that guy. And cliches are cliches for a reason because they’re true. With age comes wisdom. More than anyone else in that locker room, I know that all of this can be taken away faster than I’m gonna smack that stupid duck face off his overly manscaped head tonight.
“Now, I haven’t held a championship here in a long time. I’ve done everything else there is to do in this business, but I haven’t held a title in a while. And we both know that window is closing more and more every day, I’m running outta time. My second match in this company was here, in 1997. I haven’t performed here in 19 years. So it’d feel pretty damn good to win it here, and walk into WrestleMania as the United States Champion. Now I know I’ve had a lot of cliches on me, Byron, but here’s one of them: Never say never.” Edge heads out, will he once again reign on this day?
WWE United States Champion: Austin Theory VS Edge!
Raw returns and Edge makes his entrance. Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if The Now loses to the past!
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally for Edge, he and Theory tie up, and Edge headlocks, spins, hammerlocks and trips Theory! Theory scrambles away in a huff and fans fire up for Edge again. Edge and Theory circle, tie up, and Theory headlocks. Edge powers out, hurdles, and hurdles! Fans chant “You Still Got It!” as Edge trips Theory, drags him out, and wheelbarrow SLAMS him to the floor! Edge keeps the ring count fresh as fans rally up again. Edge drags Theory up, SMACKS him off the desk, then puts him back in the ring. Theory checks his face, Edge brings him up to a headlock.
Theory powers out, hurdles, hurdles, but Edge faked him out on that one! RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Edge keeps focus as he watches Theory clutch his neck. Edge stalks Theory to ropes and Raw goes picture in picture.
Edge bumps Theory off buckles, throws haymakers, then whips corner to corner hard! Theory bounces off buckles and falls, clutching his back. Edge drags Theory back up, to DECK him with a forearm! Theory flounders to a corner, Edge brings him up, but Theory throws hands! Theory backs Edge up, throws hands, bumps him off buckles and RAMS into him again and again! Theory tells fans to shut up, then he brings Edge back up. Theory puts Edge on ropes to fire forearms into the back! The ref counts, Theory lets off, and Edge falls tot he apron. Theory kicks Edge to the floor, then goes out after him.
Theory aims but Edge blocks the barrier bump. Edge SMACKS Theory off the barriers instead! Fans fire up as Edge follows Theory, but Theory kicks back! Edge hits back to SMACK Theory off the barriers! Edge refreshes the ring count, and RAMS Theory into barriers! Edge puts Theory in the ring, stalks him, and stomps away on him. Edge drags Theory up, whips him to ropes, but Theory kicks back! Theory runs in, but Edge tosses him up and out! Theory crashes off the apron and hits the floor! Edge goes out after Theory and brings him up for haymakers. Theory staggers, Edge pushes him back into the ring and covers, TWO!
Edge clamps right onto an arm! Theory endures the armlock, Raw returns to single picture, and Theory fights up. Theory kicks low, throws hands, and stomps away in the corner! The ref counts, Theory whips Edge corner to corner, but Edge slides out! Theory rushes out but Edge slides back in. Theory slides back in but Edge slides back out. Theory grows frustrated, he chases Edge around the ring, but Edge hits a back drop to the floor! Fans fire up as Edge gets on the apron, and FLYING LARIATS! Down goes Theory and fans fire up again! Edge puts Theory in at 6 of 10, covers, TWO! Edge wraps on a chinlock and grinds Theory down.
Theory fights up, throws hands to get free, and he LARIATS Edge! Fans boo but Theory rains down fists! Theory lets off to soak up the heat and Edge sits up. Theory stomps Edge, bumps him off buckles, then whips him corner to corner hard! Theory runs in to clothesline, then he scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Theory covers, TWO! Theory wraps on a chinlock and grinds Edge down. Fans rally as Edge endures but Theory says this is HIS time. Edge fights up and pries at the hold, but Theory throws him down by his head! Cover, TWO! Theory clamps the chinlock back on and he grinds Edge back down.
Edge still endures, Theory says he grew up watching Edge and now he’ll beat Edge! But Edge fights up again, fans fire up, and Edge throws body shots! Edge ROCKS Theory, ROCKS him again, then whips Theory to a corner. Edge runs in, but Theory drop toeholds him into buckles! Then somersault SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Theory grows frustrated but he rains down fists as Raw goes back to picture in picture.
Theory lets off on Edge, soaks up the heat from Ottawa as he mocks Edge’s rock ‘n’ roll hands, then TOSSES Edge out of the ring. Theory flexes while Edge is down on the floor. Theory grins, goes out after Edge, and he stands Edge up, only for Edge to avoid the chop! Edge turns things around and he CHOPS Theory! Theory is stinging but the fans fire up, only for Theory to POST Edge! Edge gets in the ring but Theory is right after him to cover, TWO! Theory sits Edge up, clamps on an armlock and grinds forearms into Edge’s face. Edge endures, fights up, and he pries the forearm away, only for Theory to knee low!
Theory snap suplexes Edge, covers, TWO! Theory smiles and taunts the fans. Theory talks trash about how HE is the champ, HE is The Now, and Edge is the past. Theory drags Edge up, ROCKS him with a haymaker, then pushes him around. Theory throws more hands, he DECKS Edge, then cocky covers, TWO! Theory stomps Edge down, then paces around. Raw returns to single picture and Theory stomps Edge more! “Show me something!” Fans boo but Theory drags Edge up. Theory tells fans to shut up, and he goes to suplex. Edge blocks, fans fire up, and Edge throws body shots! Theory ROCKS Edge again, then RAMS him into a corner!
Theory hoists Edge up top, throws more hands, then climbs up after him. Theory stands Edge up, but Edge blocks the superplex! Edge throws body shots, and SUPER GOURD BUSTERS Theory down! Edge then adjusts, to CROSSBODY from behind! Both men are down after what was almost a flying bulldog! Edge crawls to ropes, as does Theory. Fans rally up for Edge, he shakes out the cobwebs and sees Theory stand. Theory staggers up, into a LARIAT! Edge rallies and then FLAPJACKS! Theory swings, into the EDGE-O-MATIC! Cover, TWO! Theory survives but Edge drags him back up and reels him in!
Theory blocks the lift, throws body shots, then swings and ELBOWS! Theory fisherman’s a leg, but Edge fights that off! Edge suplexes Theory but Theory lands on the apron! Theory CLUBS then HOTSHOTS Edge! Slingshot somersault, but into a POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives again but Edge keeps his cool. Fans rally up again as Edge goes to a corner! Theory goes to the other side, Edge runs in, but Theory hurdles! Edge POSTS himself, then Theory comes in to MONKEY FLIP! Edge lands on his feet?! Theory swings, into a takedown! CROSSFACE!! Theory endures, flails, reaches out, ROPEBREAK!
The fans boo but Edge lets off as Theory survives by a literal foot. Edge storms back up, but Theory trips him! High stack, feet on the ropes! The ref sees that and fans cheer! Theory argues but Edge rolls him up! TWO and Edge hits buckles! Theory fireman’s carries! A-TOWN- NO!! IMPALER!!! Edge crawls to the cover, TWO!!! Theory survives one of Edge’s best and no one can believe it! Theory and Edge stir, fans rally up, “This is Awesome!” Edge grits his teeth, the fans are thunderous, and Edge goes back to the corner. Theory slowly rises but Edge takes aim! Only for FINN BALOR to show up! Edge DECKS Finn! And dodges Theory! Roll-up, TWO!!
The ref doesn’t see Finn GAMANGIRI! Theory fireman’s carries! A-TOWN DOWN!!! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
Theory survives Edge thanks to Judgment Day’s front man! But Finn adds on by throwing down fists! Fans boo but The Prince stomps away on Edge! Finn then drags Edge to a drop zone and goes to a corner! Finn climbs up, for COUP DE GRACE!! Finn tells Edge this is far from over, this is just the beginning! Finn goes up again?! The refs tell him now, but Finn hits another COUP DE GRACE!!! And then a THIRD COUP DE GRACE!!! Finn said this was just the beginning, but did he just end the Rated R Superstar’s run in WWE?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to follow up Elimination Chamber, and great follow-up for Sami Zayn’s part of the Bloodline story. I suppose Kevin Owens not forgiving Sami so easily makes sense, Kevin is good about keeping consistency as a character even as he turns Heel and Face. But somehow, someway, Sami will get Kevin on his side, because Kevin can never truly cut Sami out of his life. And great match from Sami and Corbin. I did like that Pearce was willing to let Sami go after Corbin after Corbin insulted Sami hard. Sami stays strong, and Corbin’s story takes an interesting turn. Maybe he’s going to be “Angry Corbin” like I imagined months ago.
Great promo segment from Cody and Heyman. I love how Heyman is selling that Stunner he got with that neck brace. And Heyman can’t help himself but to make this personal with Cody. Cody warning Roman not to have Heyman talk anymore is great, too, and actually out of the box for a feud with a manager involved. At least, I’ve never seen that. But of course Elias gets beat up daring someone to show up. I also did like that Boogs really was taking notes. Lashley rebounds from the lame finish to his match with Lesnar, but he name-dropped Bray so clearly that will still be the Mania plan.
MVP calling out Lesnar on behalf of Omos (and technically Lashley) was a surprise. Seems like a letdown from what could’ve been Lesnar VS Bray, but maybe we get an unofficial tournament of monsters? Night one: Bray VS Lashley, Lesnar VS Omos. Night two: the winners face off, which I’d assume are Bray and Lesnar. Ali VS Ziggler was rather quick but I think that works into the story they’re building. Ali was rather hilariously sarcastic with how happy he was to win, but I’m thinking this is just the first of many matches.
Asuka VS Nikki was great stuff, and Asuka creeping Bianca out was a nice touch. Nikki then showing up in a very different demeanor during Candice’s segment was interesting. Instead of Candice and Mia as a team, are we getting Candice and Nikki? Carmella had a good segment with Pearce that of course found a way to bring Chelsea Green into it. I suppose it was creative to have Chelsea somehow end up in the wrong Ottawa, though I don’t think she can blame the WWE’s various departments on this one. And I’m thinking Chelsea ends up in another match that should humble her but will only enhance her ego.
Also really fun Ding Dong Hello segment. Bayley gets goaded into something again like when Becky first challenged her to the Steel Cage match. Dakota is still selling bad leg, but she could surely be fine next week. Maybe Becky & Lita win, maybe Kai & Sky retain, but I’m just glad they’re getting the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships going again. Having the title match next week must mean something even bigger is planned for WrestleMania, so I’m sticking to thinking it’ll be a Fatal 4 Way, with contenders from every brand, including NXT since NXT will be in town for Stand & Deliver.
Fun promo from Gable, Otis and Bronson before Gable VS Bronson. Gable managing a German Suplex was awesome, but I figured Bronson would win. And Maxxine continues to court Otis, I’m pretty sure we’ll see Alpha Academy VS MMM happen, but I would also love to see Otis VS Bronson. Those guys are true hosses if I ever did see one. And honestly, it’d be a fitting move if losing to MMM and/or Bronson could be the reason Otis joins MMM and becomes “Otīs.” Not that Alpha Academy hasn’t been fun, but something’s gotta give as they’re just sitting in the midcard right now.
Really good interview promo from Rhea & Dominik, mostly on Rhea’s part. Them going to SmackDown makes sense, especially since there’s a chance the Judgment Day moves to SmackDown full time if Rhea wins the title. Dom will surely try to cost Rey his match against Karrion Kross, and that could be the moment of truth on whether or not Rey gonna whoop his son himself. Good promo from Miz & Maryse to tease something big for Miz’s WrestleMania, and I can’t possibly guess what that is. Great promo from Rollins, great match from Rollins and Miz, especially with Rollins immediately showing us what he means by hitting three Curb Stomps. Rollins is going to go ham on Logan and I’m here for it.
Great promo from Edge before a great main event match with Theory. But between Theory calling out Cena and Finn still wanting to settle things with Edge, of course Edge loses. Theory and Cena are going to have good stuff for WrestleMania, as will Edge and Finn. Edge did make a good point in his promo about running out of time before he has to retire once and for all, but I don’t know if he’ll get a title before then with how the Judgment Day story still isn’t done.
My Score: 8.6/10
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Will Bishamon have to tranquilo?
The IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions fought to a time limit draw last round, will Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi be able to #GetBackUp this round? Or will Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr. sink their ship?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii VS Yuto Nakashima & Oskar Leube; Yano & Ishii win.
- Six Man Tag: The United Empire VS The Gates of Agony & Boltin Oleg; The Gates of Agony & Oleg win.
- 8 Man Tag: Bullet Club War Dogs VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Six Man Tag: Master Wato, Shota Umino & Ren Narita VS TMDK; Wato, Shota & Narita win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza; ELP & Leo win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Taichi & Yuya Uemura VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr; Taichi & Yuya win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki VS Lance Archer & Alex Zayne; Nagata & Suzuki win.
- 2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr; Bishamon wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current B Block standings.
Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 4-0, 8 points
Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 3-1, 6 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-1-1, 5 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 2-2, 4 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 2-2, 4 points
Bishamon: 1-2-1, 3 points
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 1-3, 2 points
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 0-4, 0 points
2023 World Tag League, B Block: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza!
The Headbanga & Young Guerilla survived the murder grandpas but are still a long way from the front of the block. Though that’s a touch better than the Bullet Club’s Rogue Army, who only just got on the board! Will the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions stay strong? Or will they end up on the bottom of the block?
Fans rally up as ELP builds up the energy to high five Leo! The teams sort out and ELP starts against the Red Commando, who mockingly builds up energy to salute the Rogue General. The bell rings, and the fans rally up while ELP swivels as he takes off his shirt. ELP and Bonza circle, tie up, and Bonza waistlocks. ELP switches, Bonza pries free to switch back and wrench to a wristlock. ELP rolls, trips Bonza, and then hooks up the legs to get Bonza in a BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Fans rally, Bonza pops free to a cover, ONE! Fans applaud as the two reset. Fans rally behind ELP but Bonza tells them to shut up. That only makes them chant harder!
ELP and Bonza reset, tie up, and Bonza headlocks. ELP throws body shots, powers out, but Bonza runs him over! Things keep moving, ELP avoids the elbow drop to hit an elbow drop, but Bonza makes it a ghost pin! TWO and ELP rolls Bonza up, TWO! ELP reels Bonza in, spins him but Bonza fights the backslide! ELP still gets the shoulders down, TWO! ELP stomps the hands! ELP knuckle locks, CHOPS, and goes up, up and jumps around, to FLYING RANA! Fans fire up and ELP handsprings to his feet. ELP CHOPS Bonza to the red corner, then CHOPS him again. Tag to Leo, and Leo hushes the crowd. But Bonza avoids the chop!
Bonza tags in Fale, and fans rally up as the big guys stare down. Leo offers a handshake, but Fale just pie faces Leo. So Leo fires forearms! Fale throws them back! ELP leads the fans in the “YAY! BOO!” as the two giants go back and forth! Leo gets the edge but Fale kicks a leg. Fale RAMS Leo, but Leo stays up! Fans rally up as they RAM again! Leo eggs Fale on, they RAM shoulders again! Leo then kicks low, and goes to scoop! But Fale’s so bulky! Leo gets Fale up!! But Bonza CHOP BLOCKS a leg and Leo falls back! Fale covers, TWO! Bonza drags Leo to the blue corner and Fale tags Bonza in. The Rogue Army mugs Leo in the corner!
Leo crawls, Bonza turns him over and keeps him from ELP. Bonza steps through, SPINNING TOEHOLD! Leo clutches the knee and Bonza talks some trash. SPINNING TOEHOLD! Bonza pie faces Leo, eggs him on, then mocks the heart hands. Leo CHOPS Bonza! Bonza kicks Leo down, stomps him around, then even springboard stomps him! Tag to Fale and Bonza rushes ELP. ELP avoids getting blasted off the apron, but Fale stays between ELP and Leo. Fale then stands on Leo as a surfboard! ELP CLUBS Fale, so Fale DECKS ELP! Fale tags Bonza, and Bonza CLUBS Leo down. Fans rally up but Bonza CLUBS Leo more.
Bonza drags Leo up, whips him to the corner, but Leo BLASTS Fale away! Leo then BOOTS Bonza, hurries for his corner, but Bonza dropkicks the legs out! Bonza snarls, backs ELP off, then he reels Leo in. Bonza finger guns and calls his shot, but Leo’s too big to bomb! Leo back drops Bonza away! Fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tag to ELP! ELP fires off on Bonza, whips him to ropes, but Bonza reverses. ELP ducks ‘n ‘dodges to CLOBBER Bonza! And kip up! Fans fire up as ELP atomic drops Bonza, then mocks his pain. Bonza swings, into another atomic drop! ELP hobbles, but he still hooks Bonza up, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP!
ELP cartwheels to the corner, goes up and takes aim, FALLING AX HANDLE! Fans rally as ELP tunes up the band. SUDDEN- NO, Bonza blocks, then DISCUS LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Bonza is frustrated but he drags ELP up and calls another shot. Bonza suplexes, holds, but ELP kicks free to DDT! Fans fire up again as Bonza and ELP crawl. ELP drags Bonza from Fale, straitjacket and torture rack, then tag to Leo. Leo BLASTS Fale, BOOTS Bonza, into the BRAIN SALAD! Leo covers, TWO! Bonza survives being scrambled but the fans rally with E-Leo-P! They coordinate, tune up, and Bonza rises. But Fale CLOBBERS Leo!
Bonza ROCKS and KNEES ELP, into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Fale runs corner to corner to SPLASH Leo! And then fireman’s carry, SAMOAN DROP to MACHO ELBOW! Cover, ELP breaks it! Fans fire up but Fale kicks ELP. Fale drags ELP up but he fires forearms and CHOPS on the Rogue Army! ELP runs, but into double shoulders! Leo rises while ELP flounders out of the ring, and the Rogue Army mugs him at the ropes. The Rogue Army double whips, but Leo breaks the line to DOUBLE LARIAT! Only Bonza falls, but Leo roars as he SPLASHES Fale in a corner! Leo scoops?! AND SLAMS!! Fans fire up with Leo as the alpha giant!
Leo drags Bonza up, choke grip, but Bonza knees free! SUDDEN DEATH! Choke grip, and ELP DIVES onto Fale! Leo hits GODSEND!! Then ELP climbs onto Leo’s shoulders for the SUPER THUNDER KISS 86!! Cover, ELP & Leo win!
Winners: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Rogue Army earns 0)
Just as Fale & Bonza were locked and loaded, they misfire and fall back down! Will they have to shift into spoiler mode in the tournament’s second half? As for the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions, do they still have an outside shot at those WTL trophies?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Taichi & Yuya Uemura VS Atlantis Jr. & Soberano Jr!
The Holy Emperor & Heat Storm took a loss to Monster Sauce, but they’re still near the front of the block! But the sons of lucha libre are right behind them! Will this match go a long way to determining B Block’s finalists?
The teams sort out and Soberano starts against Yuya. The fans rally up as Soberano offers a handshake. Yuya reaches out but then Soberano leaves him hanging. The two circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Yuya waistlocks, but Soberano wrenches out to wristlock. Soberano YANKS the arm, but Yuya rolls, wrenches, hammerlocks and he brings Soberano around. Soberano rolls, drop toeholds and then has the legs tied up to go after the arms. Soberano has a modified Queen Angelito but Yuya fights up. Soberano stands on Yuya’s shoulders for a modified motorcycle stretch, to then shift to a headlock.
Fans rally as Yuya fights up but Soberano grinds the hold. Yuya pries free, but Soberano pulls hair! The ref reprimands but Soberano snapmares Yuya. Yuya gets right up and the fans applaud. Yuya and Soberano reset, circle, and feel things out. They knuckle lock, but Soberano steps on an arm and double wristlocks the other. Soberano then spins Yuya, arm-drags him, but Yuya arm-drags back! Soberano sweeps and covers, ONE! Yuya hits a headlock takeover, but Soberano headscissors, so Yuya kips free. Both men stand back up and fans applaud the standoff. Soberano offers the handshake for real and Yuya takes it.
Fans applaud the sportsmanship as the two then back down, and they tag in Taichi and Atlantis. The KOPW Champion and NWA World Historic Light Heavyweight Champion RAM shoulders again and again! Then Atlantis runs to RAM Taichi! Taichi rebounds to BOOT! Atlantis rebounds to CHOP! Atlantis eggs Taichi on, so Taichi CHOPS back! Fans fire up as Taichi eggs Atlantis on, and he comes back to CHOP! Fans cheer more, and Taichi CHOPS again! Atlantis CHOPS, it’s a CHOP fight! They go back and forth faster and faster, but Taichi sputters. Atlantis eggs him on, so Taichi KICKS and KICKS!
Atlantis blocks a kick, dodges the forearm and RANAS! Fans fire up while Taichi goes to a corner. Atlantis runs in, but Taichi puts him on the apron. Atlantis counter punches then goes up top to CROSSBODY! Atlantis is right back up to run in, but Taichi BOOTS him! Atlantis returns but Taichi sends him into the corner for the GAMANGIRI! Yuya then runs in to BLAST Soberano! Fans rally up as Yuya coaches Taichi. Taichi and Atlantis rise, but Taichi brings Atlantis around to bump off buckles. Tag to Yuya and he CLUBS Atlantis down. Yuya whips Atlantis to ropes, DOUBLE CHOPS him down, then covers, TWO!
Fans rally as Yuya keeps cool. Yuya brings Atlantis around, snapmares and CLUBS him! Yuya then clamps onto an armlock and he grinds that taped shoulder down. Atlantis reaches out, but Yuya drags him from ropes to keep on that arm. Atlantis endures, Yuya floats to a cover, TWO! Yuya keeps on the arm with a double wristlock now but Atlantis continues to endure. Atlantis fights up, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! But Taichi tags in, and he CLUBS Atlantis on the back. Taichi snapmares Atlantis to KICK him in the back, and fans rally up. Taichi drags Atlantis around for Kawada Kicks, egging him on at the same time.
Atlantis stands right up to fire off forearms! Taichi kicks low and gives more Kawada Kicks! Atlantis sits up, and blocks the buzzsaw! He dodges the Ax Bomber to SUPERKICK! Both men are down and the fans rally back up! Atlantis crawls, hot tag to Soberano! Soberano goes up and CROSSBODIES Taichi down! Soberano then runs corner to corner, but into a BOOT! Taichi runs, Soberano dodges, goes up and over and dodges a boot to ENZIGURI! Fans fire up, and Yuya CLUBS Soberano. Yuya runs, but into a SOBAT! Step-up FAMOUSER! Soberano TOSSES Yuya, sidesteps Taichi, and SPIN POWERSLAMS!
Soberano sets Taichi in the middle of the ring to LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Taichi stays in this, and Soberano keeps his cool. Soberano stomps Taichi, drags him up, and fireman’s carries. Taichi fights free but Soberano kicks low again. Soberano talks some trash, runs but into a BOOT! Soberano comes back, but Taichi gest around, only for Soberano to fight the saido! Soberano whips, Taichi reverses and avoids the handspring to AX BOMBER! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Soberano and Taichi crawl for their corners, hot tag to Yuya and he stops Soberano! Yuya CHOPS but Soberano eggs him on!
Yuya CHOPS again, whips, but Soberano reverses. Yuya FLYING FOREARMS! And arm-drags! And DOUBLE CHOPS! Fans fire up with Yuya and he drags Soberano up again. Yuya whips to a corner, runs in and SPLASHES! Then BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Yuya looms over Soberano, stands him back up, and he traps the arms! But Soberano fights the suplex with knees! Yuya CHOPS, runs, but Soberano DROPKICKS him down! Fans fire up again as both men crawl! Yuya goes to a neutral corner, Soberano hot tags Atlantis! Atlantis runs to BLAST Taichi, then he runs to kick Yuya! Atlantis whips, Yuya reverses!
Atlantis dodges Yuya in the corner, and he SPIN POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Yuya hangs in there but Atlantis stays focused. The fans rally up, Atlantis whips and Soberano joins in, TU LO SABE! Cover, Taichi breaks it! Soberano kicks Taichi out then goes out after him. Yuya goes back to a neutral corner and Atlantis storms over. Soberano dribbles Taichi off the apron as Atlantis stands Yuya up and scoops. Yuya fights free, and he CHOPS! Taichi sends Soberano into railing! Atlantis CHOPS Yuya! Yuya CHOPS Atlantis! They go CHOP for CHOP, the fans rally up, and Yuya sputters. But he dodges to waistlock!
Yuya sends Atlantis into Taichi’s RIDGEHAND! Yuya CHOPS again! Taichi SOBATS! Yuya BULLDOGS! Cover, TWO! Atlantis survives the assault and fans rally up. Yuya fires up and he climbs a corner! CROSS- NO, Atlantis moves and Yuya has to roll through! But then Soberano CROSSBODIES! Taichi storms in to kick Soberano, but Atlantis scoops to BACKBREAKER! Taichi bails back out and Soberano builds speed! FOSBURY FLOP! Direct hit and fans fire up! Atlantis scoops Yuya, MICHINOKU DRIVER! Atlantis hurries up top, FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Yuya survives and Atlantis is furious!
The fans fire up for Yuya but Atlantis refocuses. Atlantis vows to end this and he drags Yuya back up. Atlantis whips, Yuya holds ropes to BOOT back! Atlantis scoops Yuya and then gut wrenches, but Yuya RANAS free! Atlantis stands, into an arm-drag! Ghost pin, and Taichi keeps Soberano out! JUST5GUYS WIN!
Winners: Taichi & Yuya Uemura, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Atlantis & Soberano earn 0)
Taichi is so proud of Yuya! Not only did he win this for the team, he just pinned the NWA World Historic Light Heavyweight Champion! Too bad he’s just outside the weight requirements to challenge for that belt. But that aside, will this help Yuya & Taichi secure a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki VS Lance Archer & Alex Zayne!
In a shocking twist, Blue Justice & The Meanest Man in the World are 0-4 this deep into World Tag League! But will Nagata & Suzuki finally make it work at the halfway point? Or will Monster Sauce continue their hot streak and be the only 5-0 team in the entire tournament?
Surprisingly, the Murderhawk Monster doesn’t maul Young Lions at ringside. But perhaps that is because he is saving all his energy for Suzuki. As such, he doesn’t even budge as Suzuki steps into the ring for “KAZE NI NARE~!” The former boss and subordinate stare down, so Nagata and Zayne let them start. The fans cheer as Archer brings out a Suzuki-Gun shirt! Archer then throws the shirt aside as he tells Suzuki, “Tonight, we fight. So you better bring it our I’m gonna knock your teeth out! Let’s go, Suzuki!” The bell rings and the fans fire up with Archer! Suzuki ROCKS him with a forearm already!
Suzuki eggs Archer on, and Archer grins as he comes back. Archer ROCKS Suzuki right back! Suzuki staggers, stays standing, and he also grins! Archer laughs, he and Suzuki start trading forearms! The fans fire up as the shots keep going! Suzuki gets the edge, then BOOTS! Archer wobbles but he BOOTS right back! Down goes Suzuki! Fans cheer, Suzuki stands up, and Nagata tags himself in. Zayne also tags in, and now fans rally as these two circle. They tie up, Zayne waistlocks but Nagata wrenches to a wristlock. Zayne spins, wrenches, wrangles Nagata, but Nagata kicks him away. The fans cheer as the two reset.
Nagata and Zayne tie up, Zayne headlocks, but Nagata throws body shots. Nagata powers out but Zayne runs him over! Things speed up, Zayne IMPLODER KNEE DROPS onto Nagata’s dropdown! Then he STANDING MARIPOSAS! Fans fire up and Zayne drags Nagata up. Zayne puts Nagata in a corner, tags to Archer, and he taunts Suzuki with “You Suck!” Suzuki says shut up, but Archer stomps away on Nagata. Red Shoes counts, Archer lets off and says Suzuki’s next. Suzuki says to still shut up, but Archer snapmares Nagata. Archer continues to taunt Suzuki then he CLUBS away on Nagata’s chest! Cover, TWO!
Archer is mad at Red Shoes, and Suzuki steps in just to flip Archer off. Archer tags Zayne, and scoops him to SLAM him onto Nagata! Cover, TWO! Zayne stays between Nagata and Suzuki, then bumps Nagata off buckles. Zayne ELBOWS Nagata, tags Archer, and Archer CHOPS Nagata! Nagata eggs him on so Archer CHOPS again! Even Zayne felt that one. Nagata still eggs Archer on, but Archer eggs Nagata on, so Nagata fires forearms! Archer knees low, whips Nagata to a corner, then runs in, but Nagata BOOTS him! Nagata fakes the dropkick high to dropkick low! Archer hobbles, Nagata tags in Suzuki!
Fans rally up as Suzuki fires forearms on Archer. Suzuki backs Archer down, but Archer tells him to hit harder! Suzuki fires off even more shots and he sits Archer down in a corner! Suzuki growls and the fans fire up. Suzuki knees low, whips corner to corner, then runs in to BOOT! Suzuki cravats but Archer fights the snapmare. Archer whips Suzuki to a corner, ELBOWS him, “Ichi!” Archer keeps moving to ELBOW again! “NI!” Archer keeps going, “SAN!” Hattrick achieved, and then a KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Archer ROCKS Suzuki, puts him on the top rope, and then lifts with the inverted crucifix!
But Suzuki fights free! Archer choke grips, but Suzuki breaks free to ROCK Archer! Archer ROCKS Suzuki! Suzuki laughs as they trade forearms back and forth again! Fans rally up, Suzuki keeps laughing, but both men ROCK the other! Fans fire up as Archer and Suzuki stand back up! They egg each other on, and the forearms fly again! They go back and forth, faster and faster! Archer wobbles, Suzuki taunts him, but then the forearms start up again! Suzuki gets the edge but Archer ROCKS him! Suzuki rises right up to ROCK Archer! Both men fall over and the fans are thunderous! Suzuki and Archer crawl, hot tags to Zayne and Nagata!
Now Zayne and Nagata trade forearms! Nagata ROCKS Zayne, KICKS him, and KICKS him! And KICKS again! Zayne ends up in a corner, Nagata fires up and whips corner to corner. BOOT! Zayne fights the clinch, suplexes, but Nagata fights that. Nagata suplexes Zayne, for MAGIC SCREW! And then an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! But into CROSSFACE! Suzuki intercepts Archer into a SLEEPER! Monster Sauce endures stereo submissions! The fans rally, Suzuki keeps adjusting his grip, but Archer fights up! Archer storms over to BOOT Nagata, then he RAMS Suzuki into buckles! Zayne gets the boost, HIP TOSS CANNONBALL!
Archer ELBOWS Nagata down, then Zayne runs in, tilt-o-whirl RANA CANNONBALL for Archer! Fans fire up as Archer gets Zayne, CHOKE SLAM SAULT! SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Nagata survives but Archer BLASTS Suzuki back down! Zayne goes up and gets as lift from Archer, but Suzuki stops the Blackout Swanton! Suzuki DECKS Zayne, Archer knees Suzuki and TOSSES him! But Suzuki gets Archer’s legs! APRON KNEEBAR! Archer endures, Nagata cradles but Zayne smothers it into his own cover, TWO!! Nagata is free again, but Zayne kicks low. Zayne straitjackets but Nagata fights free!
Zayne fires boxing elbows, back elbow, mule kick, only to run into a WHEEL KCIK! SAIDO BRIDGE! MURDER GRANDPAS WIN!!
Winners: Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Monster Sauce earns 0)
The top team finally falls, and it was to the two most grizzled and experienced men in the whole tournament! Suzuki tells Archer & Zayne to still take this thing, and they fist bump as the old Suzuki-Gun theme plays. Will Monster Sauce still burn B Block and head for those trophies?
2023 World Tag League, B Block: Bishamon VS Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr!
Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi have been struggling, but they always #GetBackUp. Will they be able to #TurnItAllAround and make the threepeat a reality? Or will Gene Blast & The King of the World make the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions tranquilo?
The teams sort out and Tsuji calls out Hashi. Fans cheer as Hashi accepts, and the bell rings. Hashi and Tsuji circle, the fans rally up, and the two tie up. Hashi headlocks and grinds the hold, but Tsuji fights up with body shots. Tsuji powers out but Hashi RAMS shoulders with him! Tsuji dares Hashi to bring it, so Hashi runs. But Tsuji follows to then RANA! Fans cheer and Tsuji smiles. Tsuji stomps Hashi, drags him up at the ropes, and CHOPS! Hashi staggers but Tsuji is on him to whip to ropes. Hashi holds ropes, Goto tags in, Bishamon double shoulder tackles Tsuji down! Hashi runs for Goto to hip toss, ZANMAI!
Zando runs in but Bishamon kicks him first. They then HAMMER away on Zando’s back! The fans fire up while Goto & Hashi flex. Zando bails out and Goto stomps Tsuji. Goto drags Tsuji up, CLUBS him, fireman’s carries, but Tsuji fights with elbows. Goto ROCKS Tsuji, runs, but Zando trips him and Tsuji basement dropkicks! Tsuji BLASTS Hashi, Zando drags Goto out to throw him into railing! Tsuji goes out after Hashi, drags him up, and we hear Zando send Goto into more railing. Tsuji whips Hashi into railing, too! Fans rally up, Zando gets a chair and he SMACKS Goto with it! It wasn’t even a folding chair, it was a spare chair from the crowd!
Red Shoes reprimands, Zando puts Goto in for Tsuji, but Red Shoes won’t count the cover with all the shenanigans. Tsuji stomps Goto, tags Zando, and they double whip Goto to POP-UP KICK! And then DOUBLE BASEMENT DROPKICK! Zando covers, TWO! Hashi gets up but Zando boots him off the apron. Zando snapmares Goto into a chinlock, but he also fishhooks the mouth! Red Shoes reprimands, Zando lets off to tag Tsuji, and they set Goto up on the ropes. Fans rally but Hashi is in Tsuji’s way. Red Shoes reprimands and Hashi moves so Tsuji can run and LEAP FROG ATTACK! Goto falls and fans fire up.
Zando BLASTS Hashi, Tsuji covers Goto, TWO! Tsuji still smiles and he drags Goto up. Goto CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Tsuji knees low! Tsuji whips but Goto reverses. Goto runs in but Tsuji BOOTS him away! Tsuji runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! Hashi runs up to run Tsuji over, then he BLASTS Zando! Tsuji kicks back, whips Hashi to a corner, but Hashi returns to CHOP! Fans fire up as Hashi mule kicks then turns Tsuji, but Tsuji fights the neckbreaker. Hashi dodges the lariat to hit the BLOCKBUSTER! Fans fire up with Hashi as Tsuji goes to a corner.
Hashi runs corner to corner to clothesline, then he reels Tsuji in for the NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up and Hashi looms over Tsuji. Hashi drags Tsuji up, reels him in, but Tsuji blocks the suplex! Hashi keeps trying, the fans rally, and Tsuji hoists Hashi up! Hashi fights that, tries again, but Tsuji slips free. Hashi elbows Tsuji, runs, but into a BOOT! Fans fire up and Goto coaches Hashi. Hashi and Tsuji both crawl, hot tag to Goto! Goto KICKS Tsuji down then BLASTS Zando! Goto drags Tsuji up, fires off forearms, then whips Tsuji corner to corner. Goto runs, blocks a boot but Tsuji DOUBLE STOMPS him down!
Tsuji calls to Zando, hurries over, and fans fire up for the hot tag! Zando storms up on Goto, but Goto fires off CHOP after CHOP! Zando winds up to CHOP back! Fans fire up while Goto is stinging. Zando BLASTS Hashi, then he and Tsuji get Goto up. They double whip, double hip toss and cradle, for a DOUBLE SLAM! Tsuji SPLASHES, Zando goes up the ropes to LIONSAULT! Zando just makes it, then covers, TWO! Fans rally up while Tsuji paces around. Zando drags Goto up, he and Tsuji hook Goto up but Hashi saves Goto from the Anchor! Hashi fires forearms, Tsuji kicks low and whips Hashi to a corner.
Tsuji sends Zando in but Hashi dodges to then LARIAT Tsuji! Zando UPPERCUTS Hashi! Goto runs in but Zando kicks and runs. But Goto fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! Fans fire up while all four men are down! Goto roars and rises, and he drags Zando up. Goto reels Zando in, dragon sleepers, but Zando drops to victory roll! TWO!! Goto escapes, hurries to a corner, and Zando runs in to clothesline! And then he undoes the wrist tape so he can run in again, and CHOP! Fans fire up and Zando says “UNO MAS!” Zando runs but Goto follows to MURAMASA! And then SAIDO! Both men are down again and the fans rally back up.
Goto crawls, hot tag to Hashi! Hashi runs to BLAST Tsuji, then he goes back for Zando. Hashi runs, but Zando BOOTS! Hashi spins through to CHOP! Zando staggers, roars, and CHOPS in return! Zando fireman’s carries, but Hashi fights free and feeds him to Goto’s forearm! Mule kick and then the clinch, GOTO GO TO HUNTER! Cover, Tsuji breaks it! Goto tosses Tsuji, and Bishamon coordinates. Goto goes up a corner, but Tsuji GAMANGIRIS him down! Zando TOSSES Hashi, and fans fire up as the amigos coordinate. Zando DIVES onto Goto, Tsuji CROSSBODIES Hashi and Young Lion Boltin Oleg!
Fans fire up as Tsuji & Zando rise! Tsuji drags Hashi up, he and Zando get him in the ring. Tsuji & Zando stand Hashi up, hook him up, ANCHOR!! Zando covers, TWO!! Hashi survives but Tsuji is already at the corner. Tsuji climbs, he stands on Zando’s shoulders, VAMOS FLOP as Hashi moves! Goto TOSSES Tsuji, and he LARIATS Zando! Zando stays up to LARIAT back! GOto drops to a knee, Zando runs again, but Goto SWATS the lariat! Goto suplexes, Zando slips free, but Goto puts him in the corner! Hashi runs in to clothesline! Tsuji runs in, but into the FIERCE FLASH! Goto clotheslines Zando, Hashi clotheslines, too!
Hashi hoists Zando up, Goto climbs, BULLDOG FLAPJACK COMBO! The fans fire up with Bishamon as they hoist Zando up and call their shot! Dragon sleeper and leg lift, SHOTO!!! Cover, BISHAMON WINS!
Winners: Bishamon, by pinfall (gain 2 points; Tsuji & Zando earn 0)
The IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions shine through as they turn the lights out on LIJ! Will Tsuji & Zando be able to stay afloat in WTL’s second half?
As for Bishamon, Hashi gets the mic first to say, “Oi, Tsuji! How was Bishamon? Was it sweet? Was it spicy? Or maybe salty?” Tsuji walks back to the ring and Hashi lets him have the mic. Tsuji says, “Now that I’ve faced Bishamon, I’ve learned… that you guys are amazing.” Fans cheer that! But Tsuji also knows Bishamon can’t stay like this. He’s sure they’ll make it back to the WTL finals. Tsuij then sends the mic back as he takes his leave, and Hashi thanks him.
Hashi continues to say that he can’t be sure if WTL can get more exciting, but if the fans aren’t already excited, then there’s no way that’ll change. But this win here gets Bishamon one step closer to that threepeat. Hashi brings up the supposed curse that keeps the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions from winning WTL. But he vows that “Gocchan and I will definitely break the curse.” Fans cheer that! Hashi continues to say that as IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, Bishamon will win WTL for a third time in a row, and they’ll do it… IN A FLASH! The Fierce Warrior & Headhunter still have life, but will they have those trophies three years running?
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Alex Zayne & Lance Archer: 4-1, 8 points
Taichi & Yuya Uemura: 4-1, 8 points
ELP & Hikuleo: 3-2, 6 points
Bishamon: 2-2-1, 5 points
Atlantis Jr. y Soberano Jr: 2-2-1, 5 points
Yota Tsuji & Zandokan Jr: 2-3, 4 points
Yuji Nagata & Minoru Suzuki: 1-4, 2 points
Bad Luck Fale & Jack Bonza: 1-4, 2 points
My Thoughts:
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AEW Coverage
Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (12/2/23)
The American Dragon is back in action!
Bryan Danielson and Andrade El Idolo finally start in the Blue League!
As the AEW Continental Classic’s second round continues, Bryan Danielson and Andrade El Idolo finally have their first taste of action! Will the American Dragon and Face of Latino Wrestling both get points tonight?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Claudio Castagnoli VS Brody King; Brody wins.
- Abadon VS Kiera Hogan; Abadon wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Andrade El Idolo VS Daniel Garcia; Andrade wins.
- The Kingdom w/ Roderick Strong VS The Iron Savages w/ Jacked Jameson; The Kingdom wins.
- Malakai Black & Buddy Matthews VS Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal; The House of Black win.
- El Hijo Del Vikingo VS Kip Sabian; Vikingo wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Bryan Danielson VS Eddie Kingston; Bryan wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Brody King speaks.
“Tonight on Collision, in Erie, PA, Blue League round two against Claudio. I’m here to prove why I’m not just an upset win, and I’m the most dominant wrestler in this tournament. HARU!”
Claudio Castagnoli speaks.
“Time for talking is over. Swiss to C2, tonight I’m going to take a King’s head.”
CJ Perry & Andrade El Idolo speak.
The Coldest Manager in the Game says tonight, her client will take down Daniel Garcia again tonight, and take home that fat check. And his name is Andrade The Idol. No, no, es El Idolo. And everyone knows who he is, but Garcia, see you tonight.
Daniel Garcia speaks.
“Andrade, you wanna know what really, really makes me mad? It’s when someone likes you comes in here and thinks they can step all over people like me. Well I’m not having it anymore. Tonight, I fight back. And if I needed any more motivation to win other than getting those three points, it’s putting somebody like you in his place.”
Bryan Danielson speaks.
“Eddie Kingston, tonight, it’s you and me in the Continental Classic. And do y’know what? I don’t want depressed Eddie Kingston. I don’t want Eddie Kingston who feels bad about himself because he lost his first round match. I want the Eddie Kingston that won the ROH World title. I want the Eddie Kingston who’s confident enough to put in BOTH his titles in this tournament! Eddie Kingston, I want the best version of you because if you don’t bring it, you’re gonna get hurt.”
Eddie Kingston speaks.
“Look, guys, I know we gotta do this cold open thing. It’s the cool thing to do on Collision. I don’t have time. I gotta go get ready, I’m 0-1 in this tournament already, I do NOT wanna go 0-2. Bryan, I do respect you, sort of, so I don’t care about your eye, I don’t care about your arm, I don’t care about anything about you. All I care about is winning. So guess what? I’m gonna bust you up.”
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Claudio Castagnoli VS Brody King!
The Swiss Superman is ready for his Collision with the King of Death! But with both men at 1-0, who, if either of them, moves on to be Blue League’s only 2-0 leader?
The bell rings, 20 minutes is ticking down, but Claudio and Brody run in to RAM shoulders! Claudio BOOTS, Brody BOOTS, and Claudio fires a forearm! Brody forearms back, fans fire up as the shots keep going! They pick up speed with those forearms, Brody CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Then he LARIATS! Claudio stays up!? Claudio seethes and fans fire up as he comes back to CHOP! CHOP! And CHOP! Claudio LARIATS, but Brody stays up! Brody LARIATS, Claudio LARIATS, repeat! Claudio rebounds, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither falls, they DOUBLE LARIAT again, and again, then Claudio dodges! DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down!
Fans fire up as Brody and Claudio roll out opposite ends of the ring. Claudio and Brody stand back up, the ring count climbs, but both men storm up around the way to DOUBLE LARAIT! And DOUBLE LARIAT! The count is 9, both men slide in at 9.9!! Fans fire up as Brody and Claudio start throwing forearms again! Brody gets the edge, runs, and he BOOTS Claudio down! Brody then scoops Claudio but Claudio slips free to BOOT! Claudio scoops, to SLAM Brody! Fans fire up, Brody staggers back up and Claudio runs, to clothesline Brody up and out! Fans fire up, Claudio goes out and he runs in around the way, UPPERCUT!
Fans fire up more and Claudio drags Brody up. Claudio whips Brody hard into railing, but Brody comes back to CLOBBER Claudio! Fans fire up as Brody peels the bumpers off the railing, then he throws forearms with Claudio. Brody knees low, whips, and Claudio hits railing hard! Claudio tumbles up and over and Collision goes picture in picture.
Brody catches his breath, storms over to where Claudio is, and drags him up. Fans fire up as Brody suplexes Claudio to the floor! Both men writhe, but Brody storms up on Claudio to stand him up. Brody CHOPS and Claudio sputters! Brody CHOPS again! Claudio staggers back, Brody whips him hard into the apron! Brody CLUBS Claudio, stalks him as he hobbles, then POSTS Claudio! Claudio staggers and falls over, and Brody refreshes the ring count. Brody storms back up on Claudio, ROCKS him, then puts him in the ring. Brody CHOPS Claudio again, ROCKS him to a corner, then ROCKS him again.
Claudio goes to another corner but Brody CLUBS him! And CHOPS him! Claudio UPPERCUTS! Brody CHOPS! Repeat! Brody gets the edge as he ROCKS Claudio again, then CHOPS him down! Claudio leans against ropes as he coughs and gasps for air. Brody clamps on with a chinlock, digs his forearm cast into Claudio’s face, and Collision returns to single picture. Claudio endures, pries the hold open, and he stands to wrench the arm, for an ELBOW BREAKER! The forearms fly again, Claudio runs but Brody scoops to SLAM! And then SENTON! Fans rally up while Claudio crawls to a corner.
Brody runs in to SPLASH at the corner! The fans bark and hoot with Brody, but Claudio UPPERCUTS him in the corner! Claudio fires UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT from all sides! Then he jukes the ref to UPPERCUT again! Claudio fires more shots, roars, and takes a moment to steady himself. Claudio whips but Brody blocks, so Claudio UPPERCUTS again! Claudio whips, Brody reverses and runs in to SPLASH! Then fireman’s carry, but Claudio fights free to UPPERCUT the back! Claudio trips Brody, but Brody kicks him away! Claudio comes back to DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO! Brody survives but Claudio keeps his cool.
Claudio drags Brody up, but Brody fights the fireman’s carry. Brody ROCKS Claudio, CHOPS him, then runs, into a POP-UP UPPERCUT!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives but the fans fire up behind Claudio as he stands. Claudio gets the legs, to SWING Brody!! Claudio goes around and around, and fans count all the way to TEN! Then the SHARPSHOOTER!! Fans fire up while Claudio sits deep! Brody endures, claws at the mat, fights around, and he reaches out! But Claudio grabs that bad arm to hold it back! Brody still fights forward, ROPEBREAK! Claudio lets go in frustration while Brody crawls to a corner.
Claudio waits on Brody to stand, then runs in, but Brody dodges! Claudio POSTS himself, then Brody GERMAN SUPLEXES him away! Brody runs in to CANNONBALL! Brody drags Claudio to a cover, ONE?!? Fans are stunned and so is Brody! Brody ROCKS Claudio, reels him in, but Claudio slips free of the bomb to fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!! Cover, ONE?!? Brody survives and Claudio is shocked! “This is Awesome!” and Claudio drags Brody up and reels him in. Claudio Gotch Lifts but Brody back drops free! Claudio lands on his feet! Springboard- HAYMAKER!! STUFF PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?
Fans are thunderous as Brody hurries to get Claudio up. LARIAT!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Claudio earns 0)
That deadly right arm brings down the Swiss Superman, and Brody has six points! Is the Blue League soon going to belong to the House of Black?
Jon Moxley speaks.
“If it turns out that entering this Continental Classic tournament was a bad idea, I won’t find out ’til it’s too late. I’m banged up. Maybe the last four years is finally catching with me, because nobody’s done it anywhere in the world like I do it the last four years. My head hurts, my neck hurts, my back hurts, now my knee hurts. Getting that tingly-ness in my fingers now all the time. I live in pain on a day to day basis like most people couldn’t even imagine. Now on top of that, my head’s not screwed on straight all the time lately. The doctors are prescribing me this medication, that medication.
“And I’m just sick of it all. I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. I’m sick and tired of being pissed off at my body failing me, I’m sick and tired of being depressed, I’m being sick and tired about being pissed about the entire last year. I’m sick and tired of being pissed off. So I’m gonna do the only thing I know how to do, the only thing I’m good at: I’m gonna wrestle my way out of it. I’m gonna fight my way out of it. I’m gonna put every ounce, every drop of sweat and effort and will I have into winning this Continental Classic tournament.
“This kind of thing, this is what AEW was built on, man. Two guys in the ring, the best wrestlers in the world, giving it their all, feeling that feeling when you’ve given every ounce of yourself in the ring, and pushing the limits, and pushing the boundaries, and making people stand up and go ‘Oh my God!’ What’d I just see?’ Feeling that connection with an audience that loves wrestling as much as we do. That is what AEW is about. Somebody’s gotta step up and win this tournament, and show the world exactly what AEW is, exactly what All Elite Wrestling can be! And that’s just gonna have to be me.
“Because anybody can say what they want but I’m the Ace of the World, b*tch, and that’s just the way it is. And there is nobody in this tournament that can do anything to me worse than what I deal with on a daily basis. Nothing they can do to me that’s worse than fighting the demons that I fight on a daily basis. If you think I’m shot, if you think my trigger’s been pulled, if you think I’m ripe for the picking, please, please, take your shot.” The Maniac is going to go until he can’t go any more, will El Toro Blanco look to take that shot this Wednesday?
Abadon VS Kiera Hogan!
With title chases never stopping, the Undead Girl and the Hottest Flame are fighting to get ahead. Who wins here to move up in the rankings towards the champions of AEW?
The bell rings, Kiera is wary of Abadon, and the two circle. Abadon corners Kiera, run sin, but Kiera dodges. Kiera SHOTGUNS Abadon down and fans fire up! Kiera runs in but Abadon sends her into buckles! Abadon fires off clothesline after clothesline, but lets off as the ref counts. Abadon runs in but Kiera avoids the boot to then KICK the legs out! Kiera runs, and she HIP ATTACKS Abadon against ropes! Kiera then snapmares, Abadon ducks the buzzsaw but not the SUPERKICK! Kiera runs Around the World to BOOT WASH! Cover, TWO! Kiera keeps cool as she runs again, but Abadon catches her for a SCRAPBUSTER!
Abadon roars and the fans fire up! Abadon runs in to SPLASH Kiera in a corner, then whips. Kiera reverse, Abadon slips out and then ROCKS Kiera! HEADSHOT CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Kiera is still in this but Abadon mocks the peace fingers. Abadon stalks Kiera, has her in the ropes, and mocks that pretty face. Abadon licks Kiera, YANKS her off the ropes, and then storms around. Abadon kicks, Kiera ducks and rolls her up, TWO! Kiera SOBATS, ROUNDHOUSES, then reels her in! NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Abadon survives and Kiera is frustrated. Kiera pounds the mat, the fans rally up behind her, and she stalks Abadon.
Kiera fires forearms, says to stay down and she SLAPS! Abadon SCORPION KICKS, then runs to KNEE Kiera down! Abadon drags Kiera up, hammerlocks, BLACK DAHLIA!! Cover, Abadon wins!
Winner: Abadon, by pinfall
Like the Nightmare Before Christmas, Abadon is bringing the scary to the merry season! But will Abadon earn a championship match as a Christmas gift to herself?
Wait! The lights go out! And when the lights come back, JULIA HART is here! Abadon turns around to see her, and the TBS Champion smiles. The lights go out again, and when they come back again, Julia’s gone. Abadon shrieks into the night, will this be like Jason VS Freddy for the title?
Backsatge interview with Samoa Joe.
Alex Marvez says the last time we saw Joe, he was furious that MJF accepted a tag team challenge from “The Devil of AEW.” Joe says why wouldn’t he be? But then someone shouts “SAMOA JOOOE~!” In rolls Roderick Strong & The Kingdom. Roddy tells Joe that Roddy is willing to forgive Joe for trying to end his career with a broken neck not just once but twice. And he knows Joe has his world title match with Max, but c’mon, this is clearly a trap! MJF is the Devil! But hey, Roddy’s best friend “ADAAAM~!” likes Joe and thinks of him as a friend. So as Adam Cole’s best friend, that makes Roddy a friend to Joe.
So hey, Wednesday, it’s a set-up. Those goons will beat the crap out of Joe! And MJF isn’t even here right now! He’s probably plotting how they’re gonna do it! The Kingdom says yeah, Roddy’s right. So just listen to him, okay? Joe chuckles and leaves. Does Joe think they’re joking? Between Joe and “The Devil,” who will have the last laugh on Dynamite?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Andrade El Idolo VS Daniel Garcia!
We saw this showdown before when CJ Perry was recruiting clients, and we saw which way that went. But then will history repeat itself? Or will Red Death ruin Andrade’s start in the Blue League?
While no “seconds” are allowed, meaning even manager CJ must return to the back, Daddy Magic found a loophole by joining commentary. He still disapproves of the Garcia dance. Anyway, the bell rings, we’re on the clock, and the two circle. Fans rally up as the two tie up, Garcia rolls Andrade up, ONE! Garcia says he almost had Andrade, but Andrade just smirks. The two reset, tie up again, and Andrade headlocks. Andrade holds on tight, but Garcia powers up to power out. But Andrade runs Garcia over! Fans rally and duel, cheer and jeer, and Andrade CHOPS Garcia! Andrade whips but Garcia stops himself to whip Andrade!
Andrade goes Spider-Man in the ropes to tranquilo! Fans fire up for that, but then Garcia puts his dukes up. Andrade says no dance, but then Garcia clamps on a SLEEPER! Andrade RAMS Garcia into buckles, goes up the ropes, and he CROSSBODIES! Garcia staggers up, Andrade CHOPS him! Andrade whips, but Garcia reverses. Andrade goes up and over, then dropkicks the dropdown! Garcia goes to the apron, and Andrade PLANCHAS! Fans fire up, Andrade puts Garcia in, and he covers, ONE!! Garcia hangs tough but Andrade brings him up. Andrade gives some Latino Heat but Garcia wrenches out. Andrade ROCKS Garcia, but Garcia hits a SHIN BREAKER!
Garcia DRAGON SCREWS the leg, GROUDN DRAGON SCREWS it, then basement dropkicks! Fans fire up, Garcia covers, ONE!! ANKLE LOCK! Andrade scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Garcia lets go, Andrade bails out, and Andrade shakes out the bad leg. Garcia goes out, Menard likes what he sees, but Andrade kicks low! Andrade RAMS Garcia into the apron, but Garcia kicks low and CLUBS him! Then RAMS him into railing! Garcia grabs at Andrade but Andrade gets in the ring. Garcia hurries to KNEE Andrade down, covers, ONE! Andrade CHOPS! Andrade whips to a corner, but Garcia BOOTS him back!
Garcia goes up, Andrade CLOBBERS Garcia to the floor! Fans fire up and Andrade paces while Garcia is dazed, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Andrade paces, walking off the pain in his leg, while Garcia clutches his neck and shoulder. The ring count climbs, Andrade goes out to commentary to have one of their WOOOOO energy drinks! “WOO~!” Andrade then makes his way around to fetch Garcia, and he SMACKS Garcia off the steel steps! Andrade drags Garcia back up to put in the ring, and he has a cocky cover. ONE, but Andrade stalks Garcia to ropes. Andrade kicks Garcia around, pie faces him, and eggs him on. Garcia huffs and puffs, then CHOPS back! And CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Garcia whips, Andrade reverses to then CLOBBER Garcia!
Andrade clamps onto Garcia with a headlock and grinds him down, and Collision goes to break.
Collision returns and Garcia fights up out of a headlock to SAIDO! Fans fire up while both men are down! Garcia pushes up, Menard says this has been Garcia’s best match so far! And zero dancing! Garcia stands, he counter punches Andrade, and counters again! Then he dodges, fires off haymakers and fast hands, the ref counts but Garcia lets off. The fans are thunderous as Garcia runs to BOOT Andrade, then put him up top! Garcia drags Andrade into the Tree of Woe, CLUBS him, then stands on the corner to punch away on the legs! Garcia goes all the way to TEN, then lets off. Dukes up, and he does some dancing before the BASEMENT DROPKICK!
Andrade falls out of the Tree, Garcia hoists him up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Andrade survives and fans rally up again! Garcia drags Andrade into a waistlock, drags him back up, but Andrade ELBOWS Garcia! Garcia holds on, so Andrade throws more heavy elbows! Garcia ducks to CHOP! Garcia whips, Andrade ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARM! And he kips up! The fans fire up, Andrade takes aim as Garcia is in a corner, and Andrade builds speed corner to corner, but has to dodge a lariat! Andrade kicks and snap suplexes, Uno Amigo! Fans fire up as Andrade hits Dos Amigos! Andrade gives us some Latino Heat, but Garcia wrenches out! SLEEPER!!
Garcia squeezes tight but Andrade throws elbows. Andrade is fere, but Garcia hops back on! SLEEPER! Andrade carries Garcia as a backpack as he climbs the corner! Garcia CLUBS Andrade, shifts around, and the two brawl. Andrade has Garcia now, for a SUPERPLEX! And then he still rolls through to restart! Uno Amigo! Dos Amigos! THREE AMIGOS! Cover, TWO!! Garcia survives many amigos and Menard loves it! But Andrade steps through, only for Garcia to roll through, step through, DRAGONTAMER!! Andrade endures as Garcia bridges back! But Andrade grabs Garcia’s head! But Garcia rolls through!
Andrade wrenches out, hammerlocks and LA SOMBRA DDT!! Cover, Andrade wins!!
Winner: Andrade El Idolo, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Garcia earns 0)
Andrade’s first tournament match is his first win! Garcia is 0-2, Menard says this is a hole they’ll have to dig out of. Andrade still shows Garcia respect, but is Garcia going to be mathematically eliminated before long?
Willie Mack speaks.
“See, Wardlow, I know you’ve been going through a lot of things these past few weeks, putting your hands on people. But one thing you know about me is you don’t put your hands on my friends. Y’see, this is a person who I’ve tagged with and won multiple tag team championships in other promotions with. So what I’ma have to do, is I’ma have to reach out and touch you. So next week, we’re gonna have to do the damn thing in the ring, so guess what? You better pack a lunch, because I’m a big boy, and I’m a big meal to try to eat.” Mack is standing up for AR Fox, but will the Return of the Mack end up Wardlow’s newest victim?
The Kingdom w/ Roderick Strong VS The Iron Savages w/ Jacked Jameson!
Roddy shouts at “DASHAAAA!” to stop, and he has the music cut. First thing’s first, Roddy wants to say to his NEW best friend by proxy, “SAMOAAA Joe.” Listen, Roddy told him the truth back there. They roll down the ring as Roddy says MJF is the Devil and Joe will find out soon. And then those three dweebs in the ring, they ain’t gonna #NeckTheHalls, no. The Kingdom’s gonna beat their… AAAAASS! And Roddy wants to dedicate this to his best friend, whether he wants Roddy to or not, ADAAAM! “Get ’em, fellas!” The Kingdom fire off on The Savages as the bell rings! Bennett DECKS Dirty Bulk Bronson to then help Taven mug Beefcake Boulder!
The Kingdom mock the “DOUBLE CLOHTESLINE!” as they whip, but Boulder breaks through to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! Fans fire up as Boulder shows off the “BEEF! BEEF!” Boulder goes out to get Bennett up, but he SUPERKICKS first! BOSTON BAYONET! Then another BOSTON- NO, Boulder catches Bennett to APRON CHOKE SLAM! Taven WRECKS Boulder with a dropkick, but Bronson DIVES!? Direct hit and Bronson fires up! Bronson puts Taven in, storms up to whip corner to corner. Taven stops himself, ducks under and ENZIGURIS! Roll up, TWO! Taven swings, misses, and Bronson hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!
Fans fire up as Bronson tags Boulder. Boulder swivels and wiggles, then goes up and hup to SAVAGE FLOP as Taven moves! Bronson tags back in, Bennett tags, too. SUPERKICK and fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER into JUST THE TIP of the knee! The Kingdom shouts #NeckStrong, and then Taven FLIES out onto Boulder! Bennett hauls Bronson up, Taven is on the corner, NECK CHECK PILEDRIVER!! Cover, The Kingdom wins!
Winners: The Kingdom, by pinfall
And then Roddy STRONG KNEES Jacked Jameson! He flounders back out of the ring and The Kingdom helps him get in the wheelchair. The Kingdom rolls out, will they be proven right on all fronts?
Backstage interview with Ethan Page.
Lexi Nair is with All Ego, who has requested this time. Ethan says that ever since losing out on the AEW World Championship to MJF, in his home country of Canada, Ethan has had to regroup and refocus. He’s gotten into the best physical shape of his life, he has been in ROH building up win after win. And so, here Ethan is to make a challenge and check off a bucket list thing. AEW is going back to Canada, and Ethan wants to be THE biggest name in Canadian wrestling. So therefore, to be the King of Canada, he needs his crown. That crown is currently on someone else’s head.
So in Montreal, 1v1, we find out who the best Canadian wrestler truly is, as Ethan calls out KENNY OMEGA! Will The Cleaner give All Ego that opportunity?
AEW hears from Willow Nightingale and Mercedes Martinez.
The Babe with the Power tells Mercedes, “our history goes further back than you probably even realize. I’ve been such a fan, and I’ve admired you so much.” The OG Badass says the first time they met, Willow “was this night little pretty Willow.” Willow says she is constantly disappointed in Mercedes’ behavior as of late, and in herself because she hasn’t been able to beat Mercedes. Mercedes asks how many times must Willow dance her way into Mercedes’ business? Isn’t Willow tired of being everyone’s hero? Next time they meet, Willow will need to be saved. Because Mercedes will dance and stomp all over her.
Malakai Black & Buddy Matthews VS Christopher Daniels & Matt Sydal!
Brody took the lead in the Blue League, and Julia has called out her next target. Will the Dark Father and Aussie Juggernaut make sure that the House Always Wins? Or will the Fallen Angel & Zen Assassin finally stake a claim in the AEW Tag Division?
The teams sort out, Buddy starts against Sydal, and the two circle. They knuckle lock, Buddy trips and covers, ONE as Sydal gets an arm up! Buddy pushes it down, ONE as the other arm comes up. Buddy pushes that down, TWO as Sydal bridges up. Buddy jumps but Sydal stops that to then go up and over for a sunset flip, only for Buddy to stand back up! Buddy TOSSES Sydal to a corner, but Sydal slips out to the apron to bump Buddy off buckles. Sydal climbs, CROSSBODIES, but Buddy rolls through! Buddy pops Sydal up to a fireman’s carry, but Sydal slips free. Sydal KICKS, KICKS, but Buddy ELBOWS him down!
Buddy drags Sydal up, whips, but Sydal wrenches, ducks ‘n’ dodges, tilt-o-whirls, but Buddy stops the DDT! Buddy suplexes but Sydal throws knees! Sydal waistlocks. Buddy switches and back suplexes, but Sydal lands on his feet! Sydal shoves Buddy to the corner, but Buddy pie faces Daniels! Sydal ROUNDHOUSES Buddy, tags Daniels, but Buddy fights them both off! Sydal RAMS Buddy, Daniels GAMANGIRIS! Feed to a ROUNDHOUSE then the STO! STANDING MARIPOSA! Cover, TWO! Daniels drags Buddy up, CHOPS, and whips. Buddy blocks, boots, then tags Malakai. Fans fire up as Malakai and Daniels stare down.
The two rush in, Daniels gets around to shove, then CALF KICK! Malakai goes to a corner, Daniels runs in and blocks a boot, but not the other BOOT! Malakai wrenches, tag to Buddy, but Daniels avoids the double stomp to CHOP and CHOP! Daniels whips, Buddy reverses and sends him into Malakai’s BOOT! Buddy TOSSES Daniels out, Malakai goes up and out to ASAI MOONSAULT! Buddy BLASTS Sydal for good measure, and then sits with Malakai as Collision goes picture in picture.
Daniels crawls his way back to the ring, drags himself in, and Buddy looms over him. Buddy drags Daniels up to ROCK him! Tag to Malakai, the House mugs Daniels, and then Malakai whips Daniels to ropes. BIG elbow! Malakai drags Daniels into an armlock but Daniels endures. Sydal coaches Daniels, rallies the fans, and Daniels fights up. Malakai wrenches to step over and have a COBRA TWIST! Daniels endures the stretch, so Malakai CLUBS him on the neck. Malakai UPPERCUTS Daniels, tags Buddy, and the House mugs Daniels again. Buddy pushes Daniels around, CLUBS him, then snapmares for a KICK! Cover, TWO!
Buddy keeps on Daniels with a chinlock and he grinds Daniels down. Daniels endures, Sydal coaches him and the fans rally up. Daniels fights up, reaches out, and throws body shots. Daniels RAMS buddy into a corner, but Buddy holds on! Daniels RAMS Buddy in again, but Buddy still holds on! Daniels tries again but Buddy sends Daniels into buckles! But Daniels BOOTS back! Daniels leaps, FLYING COMPLETE SHOT! Collision returns to single picture and both men crawl. Buddy grabs a leg, but Daniels boots him away! Malakai tags in, hot tag to Sydal! Sydal DROPKICKS Malakai, dodges to UPPERCUT Buddy, then tilt-o-whirl RANAS Malakai!
Fans fire up as Sydal KICKS and KICKS, but Malakai blocks one! Sydal ducks the jump knee to dragon sleeper, SLICE LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!! Malakai survives but Sydal calls to Daniels. Sydal goes to the corner, climbs up, but Malakai CLUBS him first! Malakai climbs up after Sydal but Daniels sneaks a tag! Daniels CLUBS Malakai, gets under, but Malakai backflips out of the bomb! Malakai ROCKS Daniels, but Daniels ducks Black Mass! Only for Buddy to METEORA! But so does Sydal to Malakai!! Fans fire up and Buddy fires off on Sydal! Kick, stomp to the foot, but Sydal avoids the knee to JUMPS OBAT!
Sydal runs, into a V-TRIGGER! Buddy runs, into a JUMP KNEE! Buddy flops out of the ring, Sydal builds speed, but Malakai trips him up and drags him out! Malakai CLUBS Sydal down, btu Daniels DIVES! Malakai is sent into the desk! Fans fire up with Daniels as he puts Malakai back in the ring. Sydal climbs, Daniels hoists Malakai up, but Buddy SHOVES Sydal down! Daniels still rolls Malakai up, TWO! Malakai sweeps the leg, Buddy runs to CURB STOMP Daniels down! Buddy sees Sydal coming and dodges, JUMP KNEE from Malakai! And BLACK MASS!! Cover, House of Black wins!
Winner: The House of Black, by pinfall
Another Collision, another sweep for the Dark Father and his family. The lights go down, but why? The House is already here. But here comes FTR! Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood storm down to the ring bathed in the magenta light! Malakai tells them that before they do anything, Malakai assumes that they’re both here because they are joining the House. Dax chuckles but Malakai says he is a family man. And we know it’s been weeks. The only people in AEW that have been here for the both of them has been The House of Black. Malakai’s done a lot of things, but not once has he told a lie.
The fans chant “HOUSE OF BLACK!” and Malakai drops the mic for FTR to take. Dax picks it up, but Buddy KNEES him down! Cash goes after Buddy but he gets mugged! Cash still throws hands, but Buddy CURB STOMPS him down! Buddy then drags Dax up, and he makes Dax watch as Malakai sets Cash up! BLACK MASS!! Dax is seething but he can’t get free of Buddy’s chinbar, and Malakai says see! Not one single person has come to help them! And was Malakai right or what? No one is coming to help. Dax flips Malakai off, so he gets BLACK MASS!! Is this going to be the end for FTR in AEW once and for all?
Backstage interview with Toni Storm.
Renee Paquette is with “Timeless Toni,” bringing up last week as Storm accepting the AEW Women’s World Championship, and Storm says yes, she knows, she has no time for these prepared questions. And where is “that man who usually does my interviews? He has so much more poise.” And she isn’t even finished doing her hair because they were too busy with some blonde floosy! And yes, Storm did accept her championship last week, Renee was a dear for presenting that. But Storm was unceremoniously interrupted by Skye Blue!
Storm tells Skye that if she had any advice at all, it’d be to walk backwards! The only time anyone has anything nice to say about Skye, it’s in reference to her bottom! Is Storm supposed to be worried because Skye’s all spooky now? With that little thing on her head? Storm used to wear hats and be spooky. BOO. See? Not that hard. Interrupt her, fine. She can be first to challenge for “this little huckleberry right here.” But until then, chin up, chest out, and oh… she’s bare foot. Sorry. She takes RENEE’S shoe to throw around! Toni is timeless, but will the Storm strike down Chicago Skye?
Skye Blue speaks.
Well first, she sighs. “Toni, I have met you through every single one of your phases, but this little midlife crisis your going through is the most pathetic I have seen thus far. But you haven’t met this Skye Blue. So bring your little butler, bring your little blond bimbo, and whatever 1940s black ‘n’ white crap you got up that robe, because none of it is going to stop me from taking that championship from you. So I’m gonna have my chin up, my chest out, and I’m gonna shove your shoe right up your ass.” Strong words from a fired up challenger, will she be the new leading lady of AEW?
Christian Cage speaks.
Captain Charisma says, “I don’t think it’s any secret to anybody how far back my relationship with Adam Copeland goes. I think I more or less tolerated Adam. He was a hanger-on, he wanted to be like me, which is why he’s always tried to steal my spotlight wherever we’ve gone.” And that held Christian back. Edge got what he never got. He was pushed all the way to the bottom when they broke up as a tag team. But Christian willed himself to the top. he is here to be the best, anyone else is expendable. And Edge wants to take away everything Christian’s built up the last three years? Christian has nothing to prove to himself, but Edge has everything to prove to Christian.
This time, Christian is what everyone talks about. Whether it’s Dynamite, Rampage or Collision, Christian nis on the tip of everyone’s tongue. He is the Face of TNT, the Face of AEW, then, now and forever! Christian has always been better than Edge, and in Montreal, everyone will finally know. But will “The Patriarch” be the one in for a shock when things get Rated R on Wednesday?
El Hijo Del Vikingo VS Kip Sabian!
The AAA Mega Champion is coming off a big trios win last night on Rampage, but Mr. Superbad just thinks of him as the most overrated wrestler on the AEW roster. Will Kip put his money where his mouth is? Or will he be on the losing end of this Collision?
The bell rings, the two circle, and they feel things out. They tie up, Kip cording holds but Vikingo whips. Kip arm-drags and holds on, but Vikingo goes up and over! Kip just changes up cording holds, arm-drags, but then Vikingo pushes him. Kip arm-drags again and keeps the hold, wagging his finger. Then Kip CHOPS, Vikingo CHOPS back! Vikingo throws knees, goes up and out to HOTSHOT Kip! Then Vikingo springboards, but Kip slides out., Vikingo keeps moving, but he fakes Kip out! Fans fire up, Kip runs in but Vikingo dodges to HEEL KCIK! Kip goes to a corner, Vikingo whips but Kip reverses.
Viking slips out to the apron, Kip hits buckles, then Vikingo GAMANGIRIS! Vikingo goes up and around and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Things keep moving, Vikingo CORKSCREW RANAS Kip out! Then Vikingo DIVES into a GAMANGIRI! Kip intercepts Vikingo and talks some trash. Then Kip ARABIAN PRESSES to take Vikingo down! Fans fire up and Collision goes picture in picture.
Kip drags Vikingo up, puts him in the ring, then drags him up to ROCK him with a forearm. Kip bumps Vikingo off buckles, then whips corner to corner hard! Vikingo falls back, Kip flexes, and Kip drags Vikingo to a cover, TWO! Kip drags Vikingo into a mounted armlock, but Vikingo endures. Kip BITES Vikingo’s hand! The ref misses that, but Vikingo fights to the ROPEBREAK! Kip lets go, then stands Vikingo up to ELBOW him to the corner. Kip stomps Vikingo again and again, then sits him down. Kip backs up to then run in again, CANNONBALL! Kip drags Vikingo to a cover, TWO! Vikingo is hanging in there but Kip keeps cool as Collision goes to break.
Collision returns and Kip ROCKS Vikingo with forearm after forearm. Fans boo, Kip whips, but Vikingo rebounds, gets under, and DREAMCAST KICKS! Kip flops against ropes and fans rally with Vikingo. Vikingo runs in at the corner, but stops as Kip moves. Kip returns, into a scoop and torture rack! Argentine Flip KNEE STRIKE! Like an inverted GTS! Kip falls, Vikingo drags him to a drop zone and goes up the ropes from the outside. INSIDE-OUT PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Kip survives and he manages to smile about it. Vikingo drags Kip back to another drop zone, but Kip goes after Vikingo as he climbs!
Kip climbs up after Vikingo, fans fire up and Vikingo throws body shots. Vikingo HEADBUTTS, Kip flops to the apron. But then Kip springboards u to SUPER STEINER! Kip hurries to scoop, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Kip is stunned as Vikingo survives! Kip drags Vikingo up again, waistlocks, then torture racks. DEATHLY- NO, Vikngo flips free, dodges and SUPERMAN PUNCHES! Vikingo goes up as Kip bails out, to tightrope walk TORNILLO!!! Direct hit and the fans lose their minds! Vikingo puts Kip back in, runs corner to corner, METEORA! And then Vikingo goes right up, for the 630 SENTON!!! Cover, Vikingo wins!!
Winner: El Hijo Del Vikingo, by pinfall
The AAA Mega Champion cools off Kip’s hot take, because no one who can do what Vikingo did in this match is “overrated!” But Vikingo does show Kip a sign of respect by offering a handshake. The fans cheer to shake hands, but Kip says no! Will Kip ever get over himself? Will Vikingo earn even more gold in the New Year?
Backstage interview with Keith Lee.
Lexi is with the Limitless One, and says last time, he mentioned “him.” Just who is “him?” But then in walks Shane Taylor, because he knows who “him” is! Because Keith ain’t dumb enough to look past Shane. But last year’s match didn’t solve anything, so this year, they give the people the fight they really wanna see. Keith VS Shane, 1v1, Final Battle, so Shane can beat Keith’s ass in front of the entire world! Keith thinks on that a moment. Challenge accepted. And see #TAIGASTYLE later, too. Then in two weeks, in Garland, Texas, will that truly be the Pretty Boy Killers’ Final Battle?
Backstage interview with CJ Perry.
Lexi and CJ are outside Andrade’s office, and notes that Andrade’s first win was impressive. UH OH, here comes Miro! Miro says move, CJ says no! Miro can’t go in there! She knows he thinks things will go poorly, but when Miro chose his god over her, she has to prove herself. By Andrade winning, it will help CJ. So if Miro wants to go in there, fine, he’s a grown man. But if there is any love left for CJ, do not do this. Do not lay a hand on her client. Please? Miro says if His God was still with him, he would be in this tournament and have ripped Andrade’s spine out already! Miro then caresses CJ’s face, and says he won’t touch her client. She has his word.
Miro storms off, but what will The Redeemer do to prove himself worthy of gold in the background of the Continental Classic?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Bryan Danielson VS Eddie Kingston!
The American Dragon was the first entrant named to this tournament, but could not compete in it until now. And he doesn’t think The Mad King is ready if one loss takes away all the confidence he had going into this. Will Bryan just pour fuel on that fire? Or will Eddie be the one to earn his first points tonight?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans fire up as Bryan and Eddie stare down. They slowly circle and approach. They feel things out, knuckle lock, but then Eddie tests things with a kick. Bryan stays back, they reset, and Eddie guards a kick. Bryan keeps trying but Eddie pushes back. Bryan uses ropes as a defense and the fans boo. Bryan smirks as he and Eddie reset, and they test the waters again. Bryan gives kicks, Eddie walks it off, and they feel things out again. Eddie fires off hands, clinches Bryan on the ropes, and the ref counts. Eddie puts Bryan in a corner, the ref counts but Bryan turns things around.
Bryan lets off slowly, but then CHOPS! Eddie just snarls while fans “WOO~!” Eddie storms up on Bryan, they feel things out, and Eddie tries some kicks now. Bryan also kicks, neither man lands a strong shot yet. They end up in a corner, Bryan turns things around on Eddie, then he CHOPS! Eddie CHOPS Bryan down! Fans fire up as Eddie stares Bryan down again. Bryan stands, he and Eddie feel things out again, and fans are behind Eddie more than they are Bryan. The two grapple, Eddie rolls but Bryan facelocks. They go to ropes, the ref counts, and Eddie fights up. The ref gets in between but Bryan KICKS Eddie!
Bryan fires off fast hands but then so does Eddie! Bryan kicks, but then Eddie kicks the bad arm! Bryan falls back, Eddie storms up but Bryan trips Eddie! Eddie goes for knuckle locks but Eddie’s leg guard keeps him back. Bryan KICKS a leg, KICKS again, then KICKS again! Bryan KICKS Eddie in the back! Bryan sits Eddie up to CHOP! Eddie eggs him on! Bryan CHOPS again, but Eddie brings the straps down! Bryan CHOPS again! Eddie is stinging but he grits his teeth. Bryan KICKS! And KICKS! And then snapmares to cover, ONE!! Bryan keeps on Eddie with a motorcycle stretch but Eddie endures.
Fans rally, Eddie fights up, but Bryan digs his forehead into Eddie’s shoulder blades. Eddie still turns things around to have Bryan in the stretch! Bryan endures, powers up, and waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Eddie stands up but then falls back over! Eddie goes to the apron, shakes out the stars, but Bryan runs in to BOOT him! Eddie holds onto ropes! Bryan runs up again to BOOT! Eddie still holds on, and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! Eddie swings, Bryan ducks to dropkick the legs out! Bryan then builds speed to slide, but Eddie avoids him! SAIDO to the floor! Fans fire up while both men are down, and Collision goes picture in picture!
The ref checks both men, and both men are somehow still in this. Eddie shakes out his arms as he sits up, and he drags Bryan up. Eddie CHOPS Bryan, then follows him around the way. Eddie CHOPS Bryan against railing! Eddie puts Bryan in the ring, stalks him, but Bryan bails out the other side. Eddie pursues, and CHOPS! And HEADBUTTS! Bryan staggers away, Eddie follows, and Eddie CHOPS Bryan against commentary! And again! And again! Bryan flounders, Eddie puts him in the ring, and Eddie storms up in the corner. Eddie stands Bryan up to MACHINE GUN CHOP! Bryan sits down, Eddie CHOPS him again!
Eddie digs his boots in, the ref counts, but Eddie lets off. Eddie drags Bryan up, and puts him up top for another CHOP! Eddie then climbs up after Bryan, brings him up, but Bryan resists the suplex! Bryan throws body shots, then he HEADBUTTS Eddie down! Eddie comes back to CHOP! Eddie CHOPS again, and Collision returns to single picture. Eddie CHOPS one more time, climbs up after Bryan, but Bryan again resists the suplex! Fans fire up as Bryan throws down elbows again and again! “YES! YES! YES!” Bryan HEADBUTTS again and Eddie staggers away. Bryan adjusts, MISSILE DROPKICKS, and down goes Eddie!
Eddie flounders to a corner and the fans rally up. Bryan huffs and puffs and rises up. Eddie also stands, he CHOPS Bryan! Bryan throws body shots! Eddie CHOPS! Bryan fires body shots! CHOP! Bryan KICKS and KICKS, but Eddie CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! EXPLO- TAKEDOWN! Bryan has an arm, then grabs at the crossface! Eddie resists, fights around, but Bryan still gets the LEBELL LOCK!! Fans rally for Eddie as he endures, fights around, and reaches out! Bryan rolls Eddie back, and has the LEBELL LOCK again! Eddie fights around, pushes Bryan down and he fires down forearms as fans fire up!
Bryan CHOPS and SLAPS from below! Eddie SLAPOS and CHOPS in return! And then some more! They go shot for shot, and then Eddie rains down more forearms! Eddie hauls Bryan up, half nelsons, but Bryan arm-drags free! Bryan runs in, but Eddie dodges the knee to SAIDO!! Bryan stands, into the URAKEN!! Eddie falls on the cover, TWO!! Bryan survives and fans fire up! Eddie stands, drags Bryan up, and suplexes, NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives and fans fire up again! Both men are down, a standing count climbs, and Eddie sits up first. The count is 5 of 10, Eddie stands up!
Eddie storms up on Bryan, drags him up and reels him in, but Bryan resists the lift! So Eddie fires KNEES to that bad eye! Eddie reels Bryan back in, but Bryan back drops free! Bryan aims, BUZZSAW! Bryan huffs and puffs and the fans fire up! Eddie sits up in a daze, Bryan aims again, to KICK! And KICK! And KICK! “YES! YES! YES!” Eddie stays up, so Bryan runs to- NO, Eddie blocks the kick to CHOP! And CHOP! Fans fire up as Eddie CHOPS again! Bryan grits his teeth, fires up, and Eddie CHOPS! Bryan KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS! But Eddie glares at Bryan, ducks the roundhouse and ENZIGURIS!
Eddie HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEXES, then runs up to URA- NO, Bryan blocks! Clinch, FISHERMAN BACK SUPLEX! “This is Awesome!” as both men are down again! Eddie and Bryan slowly stir, and then slowly rise. Bryan aims again, to KICK! Eddie shoves Bryan, so Bryan KICKS again! Eddie CLUBS Bryan, Bryan KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! We get the five minute warning as Eddie throws hands! Bryan has the leg again, BRIDGING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Eddie escapes but Bryan says time to kick his head in!! DRAGON STOMPS!! “YES! YES! YES!” Bryan runs out of gas but somehow Eddie is still in this!
Bryan and Eddie crawl to each other, Eddie FLIPS BRYAN OFF! “This is Awesome!” as Eddie rises. Bryan aims from a corner, BUSAIKU KNEE!!! Cover, BRYAN WINS!!
Winner: Bryan Danielson, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Eddie earns 0)
THIS is the fight Bryan wanted from Eddie! But in the end, Bryan is the one to win the fight! Will Bryan keep on going through his next four fights? Eddie is technically still ROH World & NJPW Strong Openweight Champion, but with an 0-2 start, has he all but lost them both?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision, with awesome Continental Classic matches, but also matches they kayfabe’d as “standby” to try and kayfabe the tournament matches not going closer to their 20 minute time limits. A weird move to me but it’s not like we haven’t seen such a move by American televised pro-wrestling before. And surprisingly great stuff out of Vikingo VS Kip, but that was partly the point. Kip calls Vikingo overrated, then gets beat by Vikingo to show how legit Vikingo is, and there could even be a rivalry in the making or something. Kip still has Butcher & Blade to call on, that trio could take on Vikingo, Komander & Penta at some point.
Good match from Abadon and Kiera, with a really good win for Abadon. Julia showing up to basically call Abadon out was an interesting move but I also like it. Different kinds of spooky wrestlers are going to collide, this will be a good program for them both. And very good promos from both Storm and Skye to hype up their title match this Wednesday. Renee definitely looked like she was struggling to not break during Storm’s part, that’s how good Storm is. And I would think Storm retains because she’ll have Luther and Mariah May ringside. And good promo from Willow and Mercedes to set up their match, that’ll be really good stuff.
Good promo from Willie Mack to call out Wardlow but I would think Wardlow beats him to continue his dominance. Good promo from Christian to add some final hype onto the TNT Championship match. And good promo from Ethan Page to not just plug his time in ROH, but also to call out Kenny Omega. Ethan VS Omega is going to be really good, but that probably ends up being Omega’s win to build momentum going into the next round against Don Callis Family. But it also just makes me think Tony Khan still doesn’t get how ROH is supposed to matter. Ethan is in the middle of stuff with Tony Nese and he’s dividing his attention by wanting to be King of Canadian Wrestlers? What?
But thankfully, we did get a promo from Keith Lee and Shane Taylor to finally set up that match. And I do appreciate that it will be part of Final Battle since that’s where this feud started. Anything to make up for poor ticket sales and no ROH World Championship. Or even tag team championship at this point, right? The Kingdom called out MJF but MJF hasn’t taken the time to respond, he has The Devil of AEW to worry about. Good promo from Joe with Roddy & The Kingdom before The Kingdom beat The Iron Savages. Roddy was extra dramatic in his floundering out of the ring this time, can’t wait to see whether he and The Kingdom are still in on the whole Devil goon squad stuff.
Very good tag match from House of Black VS Daniels & Sydal but of course the House won. And good promo with FTR that then turned into a beatdown. That tag match is definitely going to be big for like Winter is Coming. And then, the Continental Classic. Great opening match from Claudio VS Brody, with a great win for Brody to lead the way in this block. And just as I expected, while we got awesome showings in the other matches, Garcia and Eddie each lost to Andrade and Bryan. Good promo for Miro wanting after Andrade but showing mercy for CJ’s sake. That feud probably waits until after the tournament, assuming Andrade isn’t a finalist. Worlds End would be a good PPV for Miro VS Andrade to happen as part of this ongoing story.
I also appreciated Eddie saying he doesn’t want to do cold open promos when he has a big match to get ready for. Doing coverage like I do, I don’t want to fall behind on the broadcast already trying to keep up with what people are saying at the very start like that. Even Claudio did a short promo because he also just wants to have his match, so they really should just have the matches and save promos for later in the night.
My Score: 8.8/10
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