Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/13/23)
Raw gets Rated R!
You Think You Know Me.
Raw prepares for WrestleMania, and the Rated R Superstar waits on Finn Balor to respond! Will Judgment Day come to Hollywood?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Johnny Gargano & Dexter Lumis w/ Candice LeRae VS Dominik Mysterio & Damian Priest w/ The Judgment Day; win.
- Cody Rhodes VS LA Knight; Cody wins.
- Elias w/ Rick Boogs VS Bronson Reed; Bronson wins.
- Austin Theory VS Angelo Dawkins; Theory wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Baron Corbin; Rollins wins.
- Bianca Belair VS Chelsea Green w/ Carmella; Bianca wins.
- Street Fight: Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa; Solo wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Edge is here!
Just as he promised last week, the Rated R Superstar returns because he wants to end this with The Judgment Day! Fans cheer Edge on as he gets the mic to say, “Providence, I gotta tell ya, that never gets old, that’s why I do this. Listen, I know why I’m here. Providence, y’all know why I’m here. So Finn Balor, get out here right now so we can finally be done with this.” And so the Judgment Day appears on the ramp! They all smirk at Edge but Finn has the mic to say, “Here I am, Edge! Finn Balor, live and in the flesh! And for once, I actually agree with all these clowns, I wanna hear what you have to say. So please, do us all a favor and spit it out.”
Edge tells Finn that’s the thing, Edge isn’t here to say anything. Edge wants to end this. But Finn is gonna hide way over there, right? And if Edge were to run up on Finn, he’d just send “Lurch, Pugsley and Wednesday” after him. And then it’s the same old song and dance for another week. But a few weeks ago, Finn challenged Edge to a match at WrestleMania. But since Finn isn’t man enough to step closer, FINE! Finn has his match! Did they hear that? Finn’s going to WrestleMania! And if Edge thinks the beating at Extreme Rules was bad- “SHUT YOUR MOUTH!! Now you can hear me talk!”
For the last year of Edge’s comeback, he’s wasted it with Judgment Day. And before that, he was in front of a bunch of TV screens in the ThunderDome. Edge does not have time for this. He needs to accomplish what he wants to do before he runs out of time. So Finn pulled Judgment Day out from under Edge, and then made them better. Edge can admit it. Because Finn leaned into what those three with him are: bitter, immature malcontents. This is a weird hybrid, like an “Irish-Mexican-Australian-Puerto-Rican” emo delight. A bougie drink you’d get at a hipster coffee joint, but it has worked.
Every other week, they’ve left Edge laying, and made him say two words he never thought he’d say in “I Quit.” But then they still bashed Beth with a Con-Chair-To. “For the last year, you have tried to make my life a living hell. And a lot of the time, you’ve accomplished it. So the way I see it, there’s only one way that this can end. At WrestleMania, Edge VS Finn Balor, INSIDE HELL IN A CELL!!” Fans fire up hearing that! Finn scowls, and he says, “Edge, I’ve been to Hell before, and it spit me out. Because Hell couldn’t handle my demons! I’ll see you at WrestleMania. But until then…” The Judgment Day rushes up after all!
Priest gets on the apron, he and Edge fire hands, then Dom goes after Edge! Rhea gets in on the mugging, fans boo, but here come THE WAY! Johnny Gargano leads Dexter Lumis and Candice LeRae out and they fight the Judgment Day! Rhea throws Candice out, Lumis hammers away on Dom, but Edge and Gargano go after Priest! The Judgment day was to face Gargano and Lumis at some point tonight, will that be after the break?
Johnny Gargano & Dexter Lumis w/ Candice LeRae VS Dominik Mysterio & Damian Priest w/ The Judgment Day!
Raw returns and indeed, this match is under way! Gargano rains down fists on Dom in the corner, goes way past ten, and then lets off as the ref counts. Fans fire up, Gargano kicks and CHOPS Dom, but Dom kicks and headlocks. Gargano powers out, but Dom runs him over! Dom runs, but Gargano trips him! Gargano runs, dodges Dom and arm-drags him, to then arm-drag again! Gargano fakes Dom out and Dom gets mad. Dom storms up but Gargano rolls him up, SCHOOL BOY KICK! Dom flounders, Rhea panics, and Gargano wrenches. Dom breaks free to tag in Priest. Fans boo but Gargano is game for this rematch.
Gargano and Priest talk some trash, but then Gargano looks to Lumis. Fans fire up and Gargano tags Lumis in! The Tortured Artist seems to creep even the Punisher out. They circle, tie up, and Priest wrenches to a wristlock. Lumis rolls, kips up and wrenches back to then wristlock in return. Priest wrenches back, headlocks, but Lumis powers out. Priest runs Lumis over and dusts himself off. Fans boo but Priest soaks up the heat. Priest runs, but Lumis kips right up! Priest shrugs it off but Gargano taunts Priest not to be scared. Priest kicks low then ROCKS Lumis, then fires off hands in the corner! Priest HEADBUTTS, then lets off.
Priest whips Lumis corner to corner hard, but fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Priest KICKS Lumis, whips him to ropes, but Lumis kicks back! Priest wobbles, into a DROPKICK! Priest falls out of the ring, he gets mad, and he runs back in, but into a drop toehold! Lumis floats to a facelock and he tags in Gargano. Lumis bumps Priest off Gargano’s boots, then Gargano wrenches. Priest ROCKS Gargano then dusts himself off. Fans boo but Priest scoops Gargano to SNAKE EYES in the corner! Rhea laughs, Priest tags Dom, and fans boo more as Dom rains down fists! Dom soaks up the heat as fans boo more.
Dom drags Gargano up, whips him corner to corner, then runs in, into KNEES! Gargano runs in to RAAN Dom away! Dom flops out of the ring, Gargano slingshots but Dom gets to the apron! Dom leaps, Gargano dodges and SUPERKICKS! Priest runs in, into an UPPERCUT from Lumis! Gargano then CANNONBALLS and takes out Priest and Dom! Providence fires up with The Way as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Gargano CHOPS Priest! And CHOPS again! Priest blocks the next chop to BELL CLAP! Priest then whips Gargano hard into the Judgement Day corner! Fans boo as Dom tags in but Dom stomps away on Gargano. Dom digs his boot into Gargano but the ref counts. Dom lets off, tags Priest back in, and Priest soaks up the heat. Priest sucker punches Lumis! Priest then runs to back elbow Gargano! Tag back to Dom, Priest hits BROKEN ARROW and Dom adds the SLINGSHOT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Rhea is furious about the count but Dom wraps Gargano up in a chinlock.
Fans rally for “Johnny Wrestling!” and Gargano fights up. Gargano throws forearms, but Dom knees low. Dom gives some Latino Heat, then hits Uno Amigo! And then Dos Amigos! Dom hits THREE AMIGOS and Rhea is happy. Cover, TWO! Rhea is furious again! Dom soaks up the heat, though, and he slaps Gargano around. Gargano stands, and he ROCKS Dom! And again! And again! But Dom ducks to dropkick Gargano onto ropes! Fans boo as Dom dials it up, but Gargano ducks the 619! Then SLINGSHOT SPEARS! Fans fire up while both men are down! Gargano and Dom crawl, hot tags to Priest and Lumis!
Fans fire up as Lumis fires off hands on Priest! Then he dodges a haymaker to hit a SPINEBUSTER! Dom runs in, into a SPINEBUSTER! Lumis runs to clothesline Priest in a corner, then he runs to clothesline Dom! BULLDOG for Dom! Priest kicks, misses, and Lumis hits a BIG back suplex! Kip up to leg drop! Cover, TWO! Lumis keeps on Priest, fireman’s carries, but Dom sneaks a tag! Priest slips free, but Lumis clotheslines him out! Dom GAMANGIRIS Lumis away, then sunset flips! High stack, with feet on the ropes! But Candice shoves those away! TWO!! Lumis and Dom DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!
Rhea storms up on Candice, but is sent into steps! Candice kicks, but into an Electric Chair! And a SLAM on the barrier! But then Rhea turns around to see Lumis staring at her! Rhea waves hi and blows a kiss, Priest CLOBBERS Lumis! Fans boo but Priest roars. Priest drags Lumis up and into the ring, and hits a COMPLETE SHOT! Tag to Dom and Dom goes up! FROG SPLASH! Cover, GARGANO BREAKS IT! Fans fire up as Rhea freaks out! Priest gets in, but Gargano ducks the heel kick to SUPERKICK! Gargano then builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Priest hits desk! But Dom WRECKS Gargano with a dropkick!
Dom hurries to get Lumis up, but Lumis slips free to clinch! THE SILENCE!!! Dom flails, but Priest hurries up! Hot tag, ROLLING ROUNDHOUSE! Choke grip, SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, the Judgment Day wins!
Winners: The Judgment Day, by pinfall
Rhea laughs and celebrates with Priest and her little Dom-Dom! The Eradicator is going after the Queen, the Prince is going to settle things with the Rated R Superstar, will WrestleMania be facing its Judgment Day?
Backstage interview with The Miz.
Cathy Kelley says we’re on the Road to WrestleMania, so she wants to ask the host of WrestleMania- Wait, Chad Gable hurries over. He asks if anyone’s seen Otis. The Miz says he literally just got here, so no. Miz doesn’t travel with hits pets like Gable does. If Gable is looking for his missing dog, put up flyers. Miz has to- SHOOSH! That’s actually a good idea, Gable will go do that. A thank yew! Gable heads out and Miz asks Cathy what she was going to ask. Right, Cathy wanted to know if the Miz was interested in having a cohost. PFFF! Right! Cohost. Is Cathy interested in the position? Well-
No, there is only one star big enough to host Mania, and- Wait! Now Damage CTRL is jumping Trish Stratus! She wants a comeback, so here it is! They throw her into trunks, CLUB her down, then SMACK her off more trunks! Bayley, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky then TRIPLE BOOT her down! Refs rush over to stop them but the damage is done. Will the star-studded Six Woman Tag now be in question after what we just saw?
Omos & MVP head to the ring.
The Nigerian Giant and his manager are here in person, because they’re going to be face-to-face with Brock Lesnar! Will the ring still be standing after Omos stands up to The Beast?
Raw returns and MVP has the mic to tell Brock Lesnar, “You are a brilliant athlete but a terrible tactician. You made a critical era in putting your hands on me a couple of weeks ago. But the worst, the biggest mistake you’ve ever made in your career was accepting a match against the 7’3″, 416 pound Nigerian Giant, Omos, at WrestleMania. Brock, I want you to understand-” WAIT! Here comes the pain! Fans fire up as Lesnar makes his way to the ring! Lesnar takes a quick lap, then takes off his cowboy hat and gets in the ring. Lesnar seems rather impressed seeing Omos in person. Fans are losing their minds seeing this moment, too!
Lesnar steps up to Omos, seeing he comes up to Omos’ shoulders, and then Omos raises his massive hand. Omos compares the fist to Lesnar’s face. Lesnar is again impressed. Omos offers a handshake, but fans chant for “SUPLEX CITY!” Lesnar shakes hands with Omos, but then Omos doesn’t let go! So Lesnar hits Omos low! Omos elbows Lesnar back and puts on a VICE GRIP! Omos shoves Lesnar up and out of the ring! Lesnar manages to land on his feet, and Omos says “This is MY house!” Fans boo, refs rush out to keep this from escalating, but Lesnar says it’s alright. He just needs his hat back.
A producer gives Lesnar his hat back, and Omos wants Lesnar to come back for more. Lesnar tips his hat and then leaves. Is the Beast intimidated? Or is he simply going to bide his time and plan on how to bring down the Nigerian Giant?
Cody Rhodes VS LA Knight!
The American Nightmare has a lot on his plate with the coming battle against Roman Reigns, but he’s taking on someone with a really big mouth! The Mega Star talked a lot online, but will he back it up against Cody? Or will Knight be speechless after taking on a fired up Cody Rhodes?
Raw returns and LA Knight makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and fans rally up. Cody and Knight tie up, go around, and fans rally for Cody but Knight puts him in a corner. Knight lets off, but then sucker punches Cody! Knight ROCKS Cody again, whips him to ropes, but Cody reverses to arm-drag Knight! Cody twists the wrist, brings Knight up and wrenches, but Knight reaches for ropes. Cody keeps Knight away from the ropes, but Knight wrenches back. Cody wrenches again, ducks the haymaker and he DECKS Knight! Cody wrenches Knight, hammerlocks, headlocks, but Knight pulls hair!
The ref reprimands but Knight puts Cody in a corner. Knight lets off at 4, but Cody shoves him away. The two talk some trash, Cody counter punches Knight! Cody shoves Knight, dodges him, then waistlocks. Knight switches, Cody trips Knight, then Cody runs to KNEE Knight down! Cover, TWO! Knight bails out but Cody builds speed! Cody DIVES, into a HAYMAKER! Knight drags Cody right out of the ring, but Cody blocks the barrier bump to bump Knight off barriers first! Cody storms up after Knight but Knight SMACKS Cody’s arm off the post! Fans boo but Knight soaks up heat. Cody RAMS Knight into steel steps!
Cody SMACKS Knight’s arm off the steps, SMACKS it off the post, then puts Knight in the ring. Cody goes up but Knight springs up after him! SUPERPLEX! Fans fire up while both men are down and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Cody fights a suplex. Cody suplexes Knight, holds him up, but Knight rakes the eyes! Knight then kicks and DDTs Cody down! Cover, TWO! Cody is still in this but Knight pie faces him around. Knight says, “You just thought I’d be practice, huh?” Knight wraps on a chinlock and he grinds Cody down. Fans rally, Cody fights his way up, and Cody pries the hold open! But Knight knees Cody low! Knight runs, but Cody blocks the kick to spin him, run and CLOBBER him! Cody then drops and RHODES UPPERCUTS! Cody goes to a corner, Knight runs in, but Cody goes up and over! Knight bounces off buckles, into the POWERSLAM!
Cody fires up and the fans are with him! Knight rises, Cody runs and springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives but fans rally behind Cody. Cody runs and springboards again, but Knight catches him to a waistlock! SUPLEX SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Knight grows frustrated, he cravats but Cody powers out! Cody dodges, goes up and up, SUPER CODY CUTTER! Fans fire up with Cody again and Knight staggers around. Cody dragon sleepers, for the CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall
The American Nightmare beats the Knight, but he isn’t done! Cody gets the mic to say, “I keep hearing these warnings from Mr. Heyman that I should stay out of Bloodline business. Well I reiterated, I do not work for the Bloodline, and I don’t work for Mr. Heyman. So if I wanna come out here, stand side by side with Sami Zayn, I can do that. If I wanna come out here and fight alongside Kevin Owens, I can do that! And I also hear Mr. Heyman say, ‘Don’t make this personal.’ Don’t make it personal? What a joke! It has been personal since I first appeared on this show at 21 years old in front of these same cameramen!
“It’s personal when week after week, I’m choked up, fighting back tears with every sentence. It’s personal when you wear a protective coat of armor, and I’m not talking about my robe. I’m talking about a tailored suit. And the reason I wear it is not because I think I am somebody. The reason I wear it is because I wanna be somebody. Mr. Heyman talking about acknowledging Roman Reigns? I acknowledge you, dammit. You need to acknowledge me! I am not perfect, but my time since I came back to the WWE has been perfect. I am undefeated. I grew up thinking that I was a prince in this industry.
“And I’ve got no crown, no chip, no Master Sword, no Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. And on April 2nd… When the sun goes down on Hollywood, it is going down on Roman Reigns’ generational run. On April 2nd, it’s not just those who’ve got the Rhodes and the Runnels blood pumping through their veins. It’s every single person who has followed me until the end! On April 2nd, I have waited my whole life, I will wait no more! On April 2nd, Roman Reigns, I pin you, I stick you in this ring, and I become the first Rhodes to say he is the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion!!” The American Nightmare is ready, will he live the dream in Hollywood?
Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.
Byron Saxton asks The Visionary his reaction to Logan Paul knocking him out with a sucker punch. “Logan~. Logan~! HAHAHA!” Last week, Logan acted like he won the lottery! And why? Because he DID! He landed the shot of a lifetime right on Rollins’ chinny chin chin! But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Rollins these last two years is that you can’t keep him down. And so next time Logan Paul and- Miz walks in. “Seth, Seth, Seth.” “BOO!” Miz gets spooked and says Rollins is just jealous that Logan knocked him out with one punch. Face it, Seth, you lost control of the narrative.
But what would Miz know? Except that he is the host of WrestleMania and he gets privileged information! For example, next week on Monday, Logan Paul conducts a live, WWE edition of ImPAULsive TV! And Miz also knows that he is expected as a guest. But then Baron Corbin walks in. His schedule cleared up, he’s available. Uh, sorry, Logan is all booked up. Then maybe with WrestleMania being two nights, Miz has a lot to do, he could use a cohost. They could take things over! Rollins laughs at that idea nd Miz says he has a lot of pull of Mania. But not that much pull. Oh, okay…
Then Rollins! Logan knocked you out, but Corbin’s a three-time Golden Gloves winner! Corbin can train you in boxing! Rollins tells Corbin that he appreciates the offer, he knows Corbin is going through some tough times. But to be honest, Rollins would rather learn boxing from his baby daughter. Aw c’mon! Corbin is trying here! And Rollins’ daughter is two years old! She doesn’t know anything! Rollins is lucky Corbin isn’t facing him, because Corbin would knock him out even faster than Logan did, and he’d take Rollins’ WrestleMania spot. Oh, really? Because that sounds like a challenge! Lucky for Providence, Rollins is in a fighting mood!
Let’s make it official! Rollins VS Corbin, tonight! See you out there! HAHAHAHAHA! Miz is intrigued. If Corbin handles Rollins, Miz will clear things with Logan. Corbin has a deal. Will the Lone Wolf finally get something to go his way tonight? Or will he just be an example to Logan of what Rollins is capable of?
Elias w/ Rick Boogs VS Bronson Reed!
The Drifter has been trying to teach the rowdy rocker a thing or two, but he might be the one to learn a lesson. Will Elias be swept away by a Tsunami here tonight? Or will the Colossal Aussie #WalkWithElias?
The bell rings and Bronson CLOBBERS Elias, drops a BIG elbow, then hits a ROLLING SENTON! Bronson dusts his hands off while Boogs takes notes. Bronson CLUBS Elias, HEADBUTTS him, then Bronson brings Elias up. Elias fires off forearms, CHOPS, but Bronson blocks the whip. Bronson whips Elias to a corner, to SPLASH! And then he bumps Elias off buckles, before he CLOBBERS him down again! Cover, TWO! Elias survives but Bronson clamps on a chinbar. Fans rally for Elias, chant for “BOOOOGS~!” and Elias fights up! Elias pries free but Bronson knees him low. Bronson whips Elisa but Elias holds ropes!
Elias elbows Bronson, BOOTS him from the ropes, then goes up! Elias leaps, into Bronson’s arms! Bronson pops Elias up but Elias lands on his feet! SYMPHO-KNEE! Elias runs, but into a LARIAT! Bronson ripcords, for the POWERSLAM! Bronson then drags Elias into the drop zone and he goes up top. TSUNAMI!! Cover, Bronson wins!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall
Hopefully Boogs’ notes say something along the lines of, “Don’t fight Bronson Reed ever.” Elias might be all washed up now, will he ever recover from that Tsunami? Will Bronson soon find himself going for gold?
Cathy Kelley waits outside the trainer’s room.
There is still not an update on Trish Stratus after what DMG CTRL did to her. But in comes Gable with his missing posters. Has anyone seen Gable’s number one guy? No? Well, when you do, give him a call. A thank yew. Gable heads out, but Becky Lynch & Lita come storming in! Cathy wants a comment from them, but they go into the trainer’s room first. Will the Man and the legend get a word from Trish herself?
Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.
Cathy brings up his coming Street Fight with Solo Sikoa, and notes that Kevin’s faced pretty much every member of The Bloodline to date. But he didn’t ask for help from Sami Zayn last week, why is that? Kevin says he did ask for help for a long time, but didn’t get it. What has happened lately is now Sami is the one asking Kevin for help, and with the history between them, is it really that hard to understand why Kevin doesn’t want to fight alongside Sami? Kevin swishes Sami the best, but he doesn’t want any part of it. Kevin is fine fighting on his own, he doesn’t need Sami. And for that matter, Kevin heard what Cody said earlier, he saw what Cody did for Sami last week.
Cody wants to help Sami, that’s his problem. But they talked last week, too, and Kevin told him then that he doesn’t want Cody’s help. Tonight, when Kevin is out there against Solo, do NOT come out there. Cody, you need to focus on Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. Cody has waited his whole life for this moment, and Kevin doesn’t want to be the reason Cody fails. So no matter what, Kevin does not wanna see Cody out there. Kevin will fight Solo, and whoever else he’s gonna bring, on his own. Just like he will keep doing. Kevin heads out, but does he really mean it when he wants to be solo against The Bloodline?
The Street Profits are laughing it up.
But then they spot Austin Theory walk in. It’s Baby Cena! GOO GOO GA GA! Where’s that RUTHLESS! AGGRESSION! Try Montez, partner! But no, he won’t. He’s like in 8 Mile: a choke artist! He ain’t got what it takes. Theory says this is great, all of it, really. Keep doing this because that’s all they’ve got. And chances are, in a couple of months, they’ll just be unemployed. But let’s talk about last week. Yeah, Theory got what he wanted, like he always does, and that is… Hold on, Theory is “rather humble” so he should give this it’s proper due. “The top ballot, the marquee match of WrestleMania, the biggest match, Austin Theory VS John Cena!”
And Cena had a lot to say, but why wouldn’t he? Theory is the biggest thing int he WWE. But the Profits? Not so much. Let’s talk about it. Who even is the toughest between them? Who has that backbone? Who has that fire? That desire? It’s gotta be… Dawkins! But uh, not Ford. When it comes to Ford, well, he’s just a big bag of jokes. The biggest joke is that when Ford is handed an opportunity, he lands flat on his face. But hey, Theory only wishes he could relate to that. But he can’t, because Theory always goes to the top. But that smoke! The smoke they want, the smoke they got. When it comes to that smoke, all Ford does is choke.
Dawkins steps up to tell Theory that Cena’s gonna humble him at Mania. But why wait? Dawkins will cook Theory tonight. Well, sounds great to him! But uh, Theory just thought of something. What’re the Profits doing at Mania? Oh, right. NOTHING! Theory laughs his way out, but will that smug smile be smacked off his face?
Austin Theory VS Angelo Dawkins!
Raw returns and the Profits make their entrance. The bell rings and Theory circles with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins shoots around to a waistlock and he SLAMS Theory down! Dawkins stays on Theory as he scrambles up and goes to ropes. The ref counts, Theory elbows Dawkins away. Theory bumps Dawkins off buckles, stomps him, but lets off as the ref counts. Fans chant, “BABY CENA!” but Theory tells them to shut up. Theory whips Dawkins corner to corner, Dawkins goes up and over, then keeps moving. Theory hurdles and rolls but Dawkins handsprings to DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Dawkins fireman’s carries! FLAPJACK! Cover, TWO!
Theory sputters and Dawkins talks smack. Dawkins brings Theory up, but he throws a body shot! Theory throws hands, he RAMS Dawkins into the corner again and again, but the ref counts. Theory lets off with a haymaker, then brings Dawkins back up. Theory snapmares, he clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Dawkins down. Dawkins endures as Theory says this is HIS time. Fans rally and Dawkins fights up. Dawkins throws body shots, but Theory CLUBS him down! Theory scowls, then he drags Dawkins up. Dawkins ROCKS Theory with a right hand! Theory falls to ropes, Dawkins storms up and whips, but Theory reverses.
Theory slides out to trip Dawkins and drag him out, then Theory RAMS Dawkins into barriers! Theory rains down fists and fans boo, but Theory hurries to RAM Dawkins back into the barriers! Fans boo more but Theory dares Dawkins to make jokes now. Theory says this is his time, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Theory talks more trash while Dawkins is down in the ring. Fans taunt Theory more but Theory CLUBS Dawkins. Theory says Dawkins disrespected him, and he ROCKS Dawkins again! Dawkins is on wobbly legs but Theory brings him up. Dawkins clinches to an EXPLODER! Both men are down again and fans fire up! Theory drags himself up at the ropes but so does Dawkins. Theory swings but Dawkins counter punches! And again! Dawkins CLOBBERS Theory, CLOBBERS him again, but Theory kicks low. Theory whips, Dawkins hurdles and FLYING ELBOWS! Theory goes to a corner, Dawkins hits the CYCLONE SPLASH and ENZIGURI!
Dawkins keeps going, but Theory fights the underhooks to roll up, with tights! TWO, Theory swings but into the SILENCER! Cover, TWO! Dawkins grows frustrated but he stalks Theory to ropes. Dawkins brings Theory around, but Theory fights the Anointing! Theory runs, but into a POUNCE! Theory flops to the apron but Dawkins storms over. Dawkins drags Theory up but Theory HOTSHOTS him away! Then slingshot and SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Theory grows frustrated but then he shakes his head and smirks. Theory says this is about him! “It’s always been about me!” Theory stands up and he storms over to Dawkins.
Theory stands Dawkins up, points to the WrestleMania sign, but Dawkins cradles! TWO!! Theory escapes, but Dawkins sunset flips! TWO!! ENZIGURI! Theory goes to a corner, Dawkins runs in, CYLONE- FOREARM!! Theory fireman’s carries, for A-TOWN DOWN! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall
The Now wins big and soaks up all the heat from Providence. But he isn’t done, he drags Dawkins into an STF!! Theory sends a message to Cena while also punishing Dawkins! Ford runs out and gets in the ring, but Theory gets away! Theory even copies, “You Can’t See Me!” Will Ford make Theory see him before WrestleMania?
Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.
The Wise Man cuts off Cathy’s introduction to say, “We have a problem. As in, #WeTheOnes have a problem. As in The Bloodline has a problem. We’ve identified that problem. You know what that problem’s name is? Kevin. Owens. Tonight, the Bloodline demonstrates we solve all problems, and the Kevin Owens problem will be solved by the Samoan Street Fighting Champion, Solo.” Heyman turns to leave but then turns right back around to say, “And then there’s Cody Rhodes! Cody Rhodes has a problem. Cody Rhodes has mistaken the fact that the truth shall set him free with the fact that the truth will imprison Cody Rhodes’ mind into making stupid mistakes like making this personal to Roman Reigns.
“And I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, ‘W-Well, it’s already personal to Cody Rhodes!’ Well of course it’s personal to Cody Rhodes! That’s what makes Cody Rhodes such a compelling and intriguing and riveting challenger in the main event of WrestleMania! But to make this personal… to Roman Reigns… by mockingly and sanctimoniously acknowledging his Tribal Chief on worldwide television… What a shmuck. Cody Rhodes, you want to acknowledge your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns? I’m gonna give you a chance to acknowledge Roman Reigns. Next week, live from St. Loui son Monday Night Raw, your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, will be here on Raw!
“And Cody Rhodes… You will ACKNOWLEDGE your Tribal Chief! And in that moment, you will make the biggest personal and business decision of your entire life. You will decide at that moment whether you are a challenger, or you are a problem. Because Cody, I assure you, you are a problem that Roman Reigns would love to personally solve.” Will the American Nightmare choose to be a problem from the Head of the Table?
Rey Mysterio is here!
Providence fires up for the King of Lucha Libre and the headlining inductee of this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class! Rey gets the mic to say, “Wow. Wow, wow, wow. Thank you.” Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Rey says he must admit, it feels really good to be back on Raw. “Just last year, we were celebrating 20 years together. A huge celebration. And here we are, celebrating the biggest honors of my life.” Rey does have to be clear, though. This isn’t just his award. This award is made from the people who helped Rey build up his career. An award made from the fans that connected with Rey for all these years that he’s been in the business.
Rey says this award is not just for him. This award is for all of us! “So, straight up, from-” Wait. Here comes Dom! Dom ruined Rey’s moment on SmackDown, he’s doing it here on Raw. Dom “congratulates” Rey for becoming a WWE Hall of Famer. And he does actually deserve it. Rey put his entire life into the business, and Dom hopes it was worth it. Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Dom but Dom says Rey earned this honor, at Dom’s expense! Dom says Rey knows that’s right! But y’know what? Rey put his entire life for this business. Rey chose all of these strangers, instead of his kids! Fans boo and chant “YOU SUCK!” more.
Dom asks Rey how it feels. Is it an honor knowing that Dom went all those nights without having a father? How does it feel? Eighth grade, if Dom got good grades, they’d go out for his graduation. But guess what? That day, Rey was nowhere to be found, because he was at WrestleMania! Rey ditched Dom for Mania! And what else happened? When Dom turned 16, and Rey said he’d get Dom a new car. “What?” A new car. “What?!” Dom’s friends all showed up, they had new Mercedes. And Rey gets Dom a BMW?! And not even an M Series!
Fans boo Dom being a spoiled brat, but Dom tells Rey, “But you’re just afraid. Because I see you for what you really are. And that’s a sad, ugly excuse for a father. No, no, no. Excuse for a man!” Rey tells Dom to take that all back. Dom says that he’ll let Rey enjoy his HOF weekend in LA. But to make it a bit better, Dom challenges Rey to a match at WrestleMania! Fans want Rey to accept! Rey stares Dom down, and says, “I don’t know how many times I have to tell you: I’m not gonna fight my own son. Whether you believe it or not, I still love you, son, and I always will. There will be no match at WrestleMania.”
Fans boo as Rey goes to leave, but Dom asks, “That’s your guys’ Hall of Famer? That’s your guy? Huh? You’re just gonna walk away now? Huh, Mr. Hall of Fame? Yeah, that’s right. Do what you do, the only thing you know how. You ran away from Raw, you ran away from your entire family, and you ran away from ME!” Dom says the only thing Rey has ever taught him is what NOT to be! Rey feels that one, but he still doesn’t give into what Dom wants. Will Dom ever stop tormenting his own father?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch, Lita & Trish Stratus.
Cathy is again waiting by the trainer’s room. Becky and Lita walk back out with Trish. Do we have an update? Becky says DMG CTRL is gonna get their heads kicked in, that’s the update. Lita says that divide and conquer game didn’t work, they should’ve finished the job. Trish agrees, because she’s been hit a lot harder than that. Now DMG CTRL has pissed her off. Becky, Lita and Trish head out, will they hunt down Bayley, Kai & Sky?
The Miz heads to the ring.
The Hollywood A-Lister is going to join commentary for this next match, because he wants to see if the Lone Wolf can take down the Visionary. Will Corbin clear out a spot for himself at WrestleMania?
Seth Rollins VS Baron Corbin!
Raw returns and Corbin is already in the ring. Rollins makes his entrance, and Providence is ready to #BurnItDown! They sing his song, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” but Corbin CLOBBERS Rollins from behind! Fans boo as Corbin stomps away and throws down hands! The ref reprimands, Corbin lets off to soak up the heat, but Rollins throws his jacket off. The bell rings, Rollins runs in but into a knee! Corbin ROCKS Rollins, fires off forearms and body shots int he corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Fans sing more but Corbin DECKS Rollins. Corbin drags Rollins up, throws more body shots, then runs, but Rollins fires hands in return!
Rollins has Corbin on the ropes, swings wild, then whips. Corbin reverses but Rollins ducks ‘n dodges and mule kicks! And front kicks! And DISCUS LARIATS! Corbin rebounds but Rollins ROLLING ELBOWS! Then Rollins runs to clothesline Corbin up and out! Fans fire up and sing again, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins builds speed, DIVES, and he sends Corbin onto the desk! Miz moves aside but Rollins goes to the apron. FLYING KNEE! Corbin falls over and fans fire up again! Miz tells Rollins to stop pandering to the fans! Rollins taunts “Mikey,” then goes back to Corbin. Rollins throws Corbin onto Miz!
Fans fire up as Miz falls over int he armchair! Rollins puts Corbin in the ring, SUPERKICKS, then runs. But Miz gest on the apron! Rollins PELES Miz! Fans fire up as Rollins aims at both Miz and Corbin! Rollins boosts off Miz to CURB STOMP Corbin!! Cover, Rollins wins!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall
Now that’s how you respond to a sucker punch! Fans sing for The Visionary, and Corbin doesn’t get to add himself to anything other than the loser’s column! Will Rollins watch next week’s ImPAULsive TV segment in person?
Gable keeps looking for Otis.
No one has seen him. Mustafa Ali walks over to say hey to “Chaddy Daddy,” and Gable asks Ali if he’s seen Otis. No, he hasn’t. But Ali also hasn’t seen Gable smile. You gotta be more optimistic! Sometimes, the thing you’re looking for is right around the corner. #BePositive, #MustafaMania. SHOOSH! But speaking of, Otis IS right around the corner, taking photos with the Maximum Male Models! Gable asks what this is all about! Wasn’t Mansoor supposed to have a match with Gable tonight? Mansoor says that actually, his chipped his nail while scrolling through Instagram, so they’re not cosmetically cleared until next week.
And Mace tells “Gollum” that tonight isn’t about matches. Tonight is about matching, and they’re working on Otīs’ headshots! Otīs?! Oh, Otis, Gable didn’t know. If he wants to do more than lift weights, then they can do that together! Gable will do some poses, too! Get some shots! NO!! Gable’s broken Mansoor’s camera! It must’ve been Gable’s “Sandoval Ick!” His what? You don’t know? Well, you clearly don’t watch Vanderpump Rules! Tom Sandoval is a DISGUSTING scab on the feet of his Bambi eyed mistress. And Gable… Is grosser than THAT! Come, Otīs. There’s work to be done.
Gable says it’s okay, they may have missed their morning session, but they can cram an hour’s worth of work into 20 minutes. Otis is fine with that, but then Maxxine calls. Sorry, coach. Otis heads out with MMM, is this the end of the Alpha Academy?
Bianca Belair VS Chelsea Green w/ Carmella!
The RawEST Women’s Champion is doing her best to the be readiEST she’s ever been for WrESTleMania, but she’s got to deal with a Hot Mess. Will Bianca be rolling towards Hollywood? Or will Karen- Er, Chelsea get herself a golden ticket to that title without speaking to the (general) manager?
Raw returns as Chelsea makes her entrance, the FABULOUS Princess by her side. The bell rings and the two tie up. Bianca shoves Chelsea right away, and then eggs her on. Chelsea fires off slapping hands and Mella applauds, but then Bianca chases Chelsea to a corner. The ref backs Bianca off as Chelsea complains, and then Chelsea storms up on Bianca. Bianca pie faces her first! The two tie up, Bianca gets around to a waistlock, and she SLAMS Chelsea down! Chelsea fights up, throws Bianca away, but Bianca comes back to run Chelsea over! Chelsea turns to Mella for help, but Bianca whips Chelsea to ropes. Bianca then runs past Chelsea, dodges her boot, and runs her over again!
Fans fire up for Bianca as she drags Chelsea back up. Bianca whips, Chelsea reverses, but Bianca goes up to say kiss this. Chelsea runs in but Bianca goes up and over. Bianca then scoops Chelsea for a BACKBREAKER! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away to Mella and Mella gives her some tips. Bianca runs in, Chelsea dodges and Mella swipes at Bianca. The ref reprimands, but Chelsea runs to slide and trip Bianca. Chelsea spins Bianca around, the ref tells her to back off and so she does, but that allows Mella to FABULOUS KICK Bianca! Fans boo but Mella gets away with that. Chelsea covers, TWO!
Fans rally for Bianca but Mella says that was close. Mella coaches Chelsea up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Chelsea soaks up the heat from the apron. But Bianca rolls Chelsea up to a cover, TWO! Bianca gets around, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Bianca goes up the corner but Chelsea trips her up! DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Mella applauds but fans boo. Bianca crawls away, Chelsea stalks her to the corner, and she grabs the arms. Chelsea motorcycle stretches, but Bianca turns it around to send Chelsea into buckles! Chelsea staggers up, into a SIDEWALK SLAM! Fans rally for Bianca and she stands back up. Bianca runs at Chelsea and rallies with big forearms and clotheslines!
Bianca DROPKICKS Chelsea into a corner, then kips up to storm up. Bianca whips, Chelsea reverses but Bianca goes up and over to RAM into Chelsea! Bianca reels Chelsea in, to suplex! And then SLAM! Bianca kips up again but Mella gets on the apron. The ref reprimands, but Bianca’s handspring knocks Mella down! But Chelsea gets her knees up on the moonsault! Cradle, TWO!! Bianca escapes, but Chelsea SLAPS her! Chelsea then hooks Bianca up, ROLLING KNEE SMASHER! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea panics, she goes for the arms, but Bianca powers out! Bianca scoops, Chelsea slips free!
Chelsea wristlocks and ripcords, but Bianca dodges, only to run into a HARD forearm from Chelsea! Chelsea runs, into a spin and torture rack! KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall
The KOD spelled disaster for Chelsea, and the EST holds up the belt. But Mella storms in, FABULOUS- NO, Bianca blocks it! But then Chelsea grabs the braid! Fans boo but Bianca DECKS Chelsea! Only for Mella to CLOBBER Bianca! But here comes ASUKA! Asuka runs down to the ring, she slides in, and Chelsea hides because she remembers the mist! But then Mella dodges and Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Chelsea! Bianca ROCKS Chelsea, Asuka URAKENS, and then Bianca hits a SPINEBUSTER! The Hot Mess pays for being a sore loser! But then Asuka picks up the title. She plays around with Bianca a bit, dances with the belt, but Bianca gets annoyed.
Asuka grins and all the blue mist seeps out! Asuka laughs and hands the belt back. Bianca is not amused. Asuka just keeps smiling and then takes her leave. Will the Empress of Tomorrow make Bianca see red? Or will she only see blue when these two have their showdown in Hollywood?
Street Fight: Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa!
The Prizefighter has been a problem for The Bloodline for the better part of the last 12 months, and he looks to keep being that problem until The Bloodline falls! Will Kevin #JustKeepFighting until that happens? Or will the Enforcer of the Island cross one problem off the list on the Road to WrestleMania?
Raw returns and Kevin makes his entrance. He eggs Solo on so Solo meets him at the ramp! The bell rings right as they start throwing hands! Fans fire up, Kevin knees low and fires off haymakers! Kevin puts Solo in the ring, but Solo stomps Kevin down. Solo HEADBUTTS Kevin, CHIPS him against ropes, then whips him to ropes. Kevin reverses to CLOBBER Solo! Then SENTONS! Fans fire up with Kevin as Solo goes to the corner. Kevin runs in but Solo bails out. Kevin is annoyed but he just goes out after him. Solo UPPERCUTS Kevin first! Then RAMS him into barriers! Fans already chant, “We Want Tables!”
Kevin kicks and CHOPS and ROCKS Solo! Kevin whips, Solo reverse band Kevin hits barriers, but he comes right back to CLOBBER Solo again! Kevin scowls, he stands on Solo’s fingers, and then he ROCKS Solo with a haymaker. Kevin CHOPS Solo, stalks him, but Solo knees low! Solo CHOPS Kevin, SMACKS him off the desk, then SMACKS him off it again! Kevin blocks to SMACK Solo off the desk in return! And again! Solo staggers back, Kevin brings Solo around, and puts him in the ring. Kevin hurries back in but Solo SAMOAN DROPS him! Solo snarls, he storms up on Kevin and CLUBS him down!
Solo stomps away at the ropes, then grabs an arm. Kevin grabs the ropes but Solo stomps him down. Solo then drags Kevin to center for a FALLING HEADBUTT! Kevin scrambles away to the outside but Solo pursues. Solo looks under the ring, and he brings out a chair! And then another chair! But Kevin CLOBBERS Solo! And RAMS him into steel steps! Kevin brings out the TABLE! Providence fires up as Kevin sets that up, only for Solo to SUPERKICK him! Solo then TOSSES Kevin over the announce desk! Fans boo as Solo puts the table back under the ring, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Kevin is throwing chairs into the ring! The ref has to get clear of that last one! Kevin then hurries back into the ring, grabs a chair and pursues Solo to JAM him with the chair again and again! And then he SMACKS Solo on the back! Kevin gets in the ring and he sets some chairs up in a square. Fans fire up, Kevin makes the square more a rectangle, and then he drags Solo into the ring. Kevin ROCKS Solo with a right, makes him take a seat, then BOOTS him down! Solo lies down on the chairs, Kevin climbs, but Solo springs up to ROCK Kevin! Solo HEADBUTTS away on Kevin, then climbs up!
Fans freak out as Solo brings Kevin up! Kevin throws body shots! Kevin HEADBUTTS Solo, HEADBUTTS him again, and then HEADBUTTS a third time! Solo stays up, Kevin HEADBUTTS him again! Solo hops down, only to grab Kevin by his face! ROCKET LAUNCHER onto the WRECK-TANGLE!! Fans lose their minds, Solo clears the chairs out and the ref checks Kevin. Cover, TWO!!! Kevin survives and he rolls out of the ring, but Solo pursues again. Kevin kicks low and POSTS Solo first! Then POSTS him again! Then CANNONBALLS against the barriers! Kevin hauls Solo up to dump him over the barriers!
Fans fire up as this fight now goes into the crowd! Kevin ROCKS Solo, follows him along the back way, and throws more forearms! Kevin brings Solo to the stage, and RAMS him into the titantron! Solo staggers backstage to gorilla! Kevin pursues, but DOUBLE SUPERKICKS meet him! The Usos were waiting! This was the trap all along! Solo, Jimmy & Jey all drag Kevin back to ringside! Fans boo as the Bloodline mugs Kevin and then put him in the ring. Fans chant for “SAMI! SAMI!” but the mugging continues! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!! Solo drags Kevin up, for the SAMOAN SPIKE!!! Cover, Solo wins!!
Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall
Kevin knew the Bloodline would all jump him, and he was right! Kevin is left sputtering and drooling in the middle of the ring, will nothing stop The Bloodline from solving all their problems by WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here, though I do feel like the Bloodline segments weren’t as strong tonight. It may have just been that they were actually more straightforward and about the action. Cody VS LA Knight was a random match but apparently built on social media. Cody of course won, he was gonna win against whoever he faced tonight, and he had a very good promo to follow. Heyman also had a good promo that responded in part to Cody’s. Kevin also had a good promo, and we got a great main event, even though it was only 15 minutes. And of course, Solo got help from The Usos. This was par for the course for the Bloodline but it was meant to prove Kevin is wrong on not needing anyone, as that moment where he reconciles with Sami is still coming.
Great stuff in the Judgment Day stories, from Edge and Finn officially setting their WrestleMania match. Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania is pretty big, and I kinda hope Finn mentioning “his demons” means he’ll be some sort of Demon Balor. Rey and Dom of course had another interaction, though Dom kinda repeated/reworded some of what he said on SmackDown. But Dom also added a bit of the element Michael Cole keeps bringing up about Dom being privileged and spoiled, and that was pretty funny stuff. Dom challenging Rey to a match is fitting of the story, and while Rey doesn’t want to, something’s gotta bring them to something for Mania.
Also, great transition from Edge’s promo into the Judgment Day VS Gargano & Lumis match. Gargano will be busy with Grayson Waller at Stand & Deliver, he doesn’t need to be part of Mania stuff, but I was hoping we’d get more in the way of the Women’s Tag Division. DMG CTRL beating up on Trish was a good way to hype the Six Woman Tag, but I of course was still hoping for a big tag title match. Maybe Backlash can do that to make WWE’s return to Puerto Rico even bigger. Plus, more time to build to such a match, or rather rebuild the Women’s Tag Division across Raw and SmackDown.
Bianca VS Chelsea with Mella ringside was good stuff. Bianca of course wins, but of course Mella and Chelsea beat her down to bring out Asuka. Asuka continues to come out in a very Yakuza kind of outfit (I’m thinking the games more than real-life Yakuza) is a neat look for her. Asuka is a Face but her teasing Bianca was a nice touch. I still think Asuka should win to make this new persona strong. Then good stuff from Theory and the Profits, though Theory maybe stumbled over his words a bit. Theory VS Dawkins was a really good match, and of course Theory won, but I like that he’s getting on Ford’s nerves. I said before that Cena isn’t winning the title at Mania, because he can’t be back full-time. But if they do it right, Ford can be the guy to dethrone Theory at Backlash.
Hilarious stuff from Gable all night, as well as “Otīs” hanging out with MMM. We’re getting closer and closer to Gable fighting to keep Otis in the Alpha Academy or lose him to MMM completely, that’ll be good stuff. Bronson squashing Elias was also a thing, and I am hoping Boogs’ notes will be about as useless as last week about Lashley beating Elias. Good stuff from Miz, Corbin and Rollins, “Desperate Corbin” is definitely his new form. Corbin VS Rollins was surprisingly short, and almost hilariously because of how Miz ended up getting involved. Rollins will of course want to get involved with Logan’s segment next week, and that will be a lot of fun, too.
My Score: 8.6/10
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Happy New Year’s Evil!
NXT raises Hell in the City of Angels, but also raises the stakes! It’s a Triple Threat as Trick Williams defends THE NXT Championship against Oba Femi AND Eddy Thorpe!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT Women’s Championship: Roxanne Perez VS Giulia; Giulia wins and becomes the new NXT Women’s Champion.
- NXT Women’s North American Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Kelani Jordan VS Lola Vice VS Stephanie Vaquer VS Cora Jade; wins and will challenge for the title.
- Six Woman Tag: Tatum Paxley, Gigi Dolin & Shotzi Blackheart VS The Fatal Influence; Tatum, Gigi & Shotzi win.
- NXT Heritage Cup Championship Sudden Death: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey; King wins and is the rightful NXT Heritage Cup Champion.
- NXT Championship Triple Threat: Trick Williams VS Oba Femi VS Eddy Thorpe; Oba wins and becomes the new NXT Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
As NXT counted down to a New Year…
…we looked back on 2024, a year that brought NXT moment after moment. The biggest Stand & Deliver ever, NXT moving to CW, and even entered the ECW Arena. But as one countdown ends, another begins. A countdown to validation, a countdown to new challenges, a countdown to new opportunities, and a countdown to long awaited vindication. Forget the countdown to 2025, the countdown to New Year’s Evil, ends now!
A truck pulls into the arena.
And out steps THE ROCK! He promised on social media that he would be here, and so here he is! What will The People’s Champion get up to on the first NXT of 2025?
NXT Women’s Championship: Roxanne Perez VS Giulia!
These two met before, but there was some controversy to how that one ended. The Prodigy still thinks she’s the best in the world today, but now there will be no one coming to save her! Will Roxie make it past day 276? Or will she succumb to the Beautiful Madness?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the first match of NXT’s 2025 is already epic!
The bell rings and the two tie up. The fans rally, Roxie hits a headlock takeover but Giulia headscissors. Roxie kips free, roles reverse as Giulia headlocks for the takeover. Roxie headscissors, Giulia kips free, and the two reset. The fans cheer as they circle again, and then they tie up. Roxie waistlocks, then she spins Giulia and has a hammerlock. Roxie wrangles Giulia into La Magistrol and then BRIDGE, TWO! ARMBAR! Roxie flails, rolls, but Giulia keeps her grounded. Roxie fights to a stack, TWO! Roxie headlocks, Giulia powers up and out, then drops down. Roxie cartwheels, and then she SLAPS Giulia!
The fans fire up while Roxie takes a bow. Roxie talks some trash, but then Giulia HEADBUTTS her! And HEADBUTTS, HEADBUTTS, HEADBUTTS! Giulia has Roxie in a corner, the ref counts, but Giulia lets off to whip corner to corner. Roxie reverses, runs up, but Giulia dodges! Giulia ROCKS Roxie, shoves her down, then climbs up the corner. The fans are fired up as she MISSILE DROPKICKS Roxie down! Roxie ends up in the corner, Giulia runs up and BOOT WASHES her! Roxie flops to the floor but Giulia pursues. Giulia kicks Roxie around, then puts her in the ring. Giulia goes up but Roxie grabs an arm! HOTSHOT!
The fans are torn but Roxie drags Giulia through the corner! Roxie bends Giulia’s arm against the crossbar, then DOUBLE STOMPS it! The fans are torn again, and maybe Giulia’s arm is busted, but NXT goes picture in picture.
Roxie drags Giulia into the ring, wrenches the arm, then throws Giulia down by her hair! But Giulia avoids the knee drop! Ghost pin, TWO! Giulia hurries to whip, Roxie reverses, CODE BREAKER to the arm! Giulia clutches that elbow, but Roxie pushes her to a cover, TWO! Roxie is frustrated but she STMOPS the bad arm again and again! Then she traps the arm for the KNEE DROP! Roxie mocks the fans, talks trash, then drags Giulia around ot whip her to the corner. Roxie runs up to UPPERCUT, then she wrenches and clinches, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, ONE!! Roxie is furious but she throws Giulia down by her hair!
The ref reprimands but Roxie digs her shoulder into Giulia’s shoulder. Roxie pulls the arm, talks trash while she SLAPS the arm over and over, then YANKS it back! Cover, TWO! Roxie is only getting angrier, and she clamps on a top wristlock. Roxie pulls on that bad arm, then wrangles Giulia to trap the arm. BRIDGING HAMMERLOCK! Giulia fights around, ROPEBREAK! Roxie lets off, just to CLUB Giulia on the back. Roxie keeps the hammerlock as she stands Giulia up, then she RAMS Giulia into buckles! Roxie reels Giulia in, wrenches, hammerlocks again, and then whips, but Giulia reverses! Roxie hits POST!
NXT returns to single picture and Roxie staggers back. Roxie ROCKS Giulia, Giulia ROCKS Roxie! Roxie rebounds to ROCK Giulia! Giulia ROCKS Roxie again! Roxie ROCKS Giulia once more, but then Giulia ROCKS Her back! The fans fire up as the forearms go faster and faster! Roxie gets the edge, then whips, but Giulia DROPKICKS her down! The fans fire up while Roxie flounders away. Giulia and Roxie slowly rise up, and Giulia goes to the apron. Giulia climbs, the fans rally, but Roxie ROCKS her first! Roxie climbs up after Giulia, then SUPER STEINERS! High stack, TWO!! Giulia survives and Roxie is furious!
Roxie stomps away on Giulia’s bad hand! The fans boo but Roxie drags Giulia up to ELBOW BREAKER, then she UPPERCUTS the arm! Another wrench, another wrench, and- SAIDO from Giulia! Roxie shrieks as she rises up! Roxie dodges Giulia, and she SAIDOS! But Giulia roars as she rises! The fans are thunderous as the SLAPS fly! Both women wobble, but they both SLAP again! Giulia fires hands from all sides, then winds up, HAYMAKER! Roxie staggers to ropes, Giulia storms up on her, but Roxie WRINGS the bad arm! The fans rally while Giulia bails out. Roxie says this is why she’s the champ! Roxie DIVES and down goes Giulia!
Roxie puts Giulia in the ring, fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” Giulia UPPERCUTS Roxie! Giulia goes up, the fans fire up, and Giulia underhooks the arms! SUPER BUTTERFLY PLEX!! The fans are thunderous, and then Giulia hammerlocks, scoops, and swings Roxie for the GLORIOUS DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! “This is Awesome!” as Roxie survives, and Giulia brings her up. Scoop and- NO, Roxie slips free, and she wrangles Giulia right down! CROSSFACE!! Giulia endures, fights around, and reaches out, but Roxie kicks off ropes to roll things back! But Giulia gets up! Roxie hops on, Giulia slips free!
But Roxie SHOTGUNS Giulia outta the ring! The fans are thunderous again as Roxie hurries to get Giulia up. But Giulia scoops! NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB on the floor!! Both women are down, and a ring count starts! They’re still down at 5 of 10! WAIT! CORA JADE puts Roxie in the ring! She interfered after all! But then Giulia slips in at 9.9!! But Roxie hops on! POP ROX!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Giulia shocks everyone, but Roxie clamps on! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!! The ref EJECTS Cora, that’s what she gets! Roxie THEASHE the arm, but Giulia rolls her! TWO!! Roxie staggers up, into ARRIVEDERCI KNEE!!
Giulia roars, the fans are with her! Scoop and NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!!! Cover, GIULIA WINS!!
Winner: Giulia, by pinfall (NEW NXT Women’s Champion)
The Prodigy is indeed one of the greatest champs in NXT history, but she finally falls to one of the greatest champs in international wrestling history! The New Year has a new champion, will all of NXT succumb to the Beautiful Madness?
Refs find Eddy Thorpe down and out!
Eddy writhes on the steps, and Ava Raine walks in. Oh, okay, she gets it. Big Triple Threat, Eddy, time to get going. Hey, he didn’t fake this one! He really got attacked! Oh? And she’s supposed to believe him? The Alpha Wolf cried wolf before, but is he telling the truth now? Or will it not matter once he steps into the ring with Oba Femi and Trick Williams?
Je’Von Evans speaks.
The Young OG, jaw wired shut, fights through the pain to tell Ethan Page, “I can’t sleep, I can’t eat, I can’t talk. But I’m going to find you. For what you did to Cedric. For what you did to me. Ethan, I’m gonna make you feel my pain.” When and where will All Ego pay for all his crimes?
NXT Women’s North American Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Kelani Jordan VS Lola Vice VS Stephanie Vaquer VS Cora Jade!
The NXT Women’s Division continues to grow stronger and stronger, and this match is proof of that! The Standout wants payback on everyone in this match for looking down on her, will she overcome the odds to make it back to her title? Or will someone else be going after the Fatal Influence’s toxic cowgirl?
NXT returns and Lola makes her entrance, everyone else already waiting in the ring. The bell rings and the four watch each other. Cora talks trash on the other three, so Lola KICKS her, Vaquer ROCKS her, and Kelani ROCKS her! Lola mule kicks, Vaquer HEADBUTTS, and Kelani kicks low! Kelani TOSSES Cora, but then Cora drags Kelani out of the ring! Vaquer and Lola talk while Kelani DECKS Cora! Kelani gets back in, she shoves Vaquer into Lola and rolls Vaquer up, TWO! Lola runs up, Kelani rolls her up, TWO as Vaquer rolls Kelani! But Lola rolls Vaquer! Cora CLUBS Lola, DECKS Kelani, and TOSSES Lola!
Lola ends up on ropes, so Cora runs up to ELBOW her in the back! Cora STOMPS Kelani down, covers, but Vaquer drags Cora right up. Vaquer snapmares Cora, then wraps on the headscissors! Vaquer gives Cora the DRILLER into the mat, but Lola stomps Vaquer! The fans boo as Lola puts on the SLEEPER, but Kelani SUPERKICKS Lola! Kelani runs up to slingshot arm-drag Lola, then she DOUBLE DROPKICKS Lola and Vaquer !Kelani kips up, the fans fire up, and Kelani dodges Cora to CLOBBER her! Kelani keeps moving, she rolls over Cora’s dropdown, but Cora dodges Kelani to tilt-o-whirl RANA! But Kelani handsprings through!
The fans fire up as Kelani wags her finger. But then Cora and Kelani DOUBLE LARIAT! Lola and Vaquer brawl on the outside, and Lola BOOTS Vaquer down. Kelani PLANCHAS onto Lola! Cora CANNONBALLS Kelani! The fans fire up while Cora laughs sat Kelani. Cora mocks Kelani’s tears while NXT goes picture in picture.
Cora drags Kelani up, puts her in the ring, then stalks her to a corner. Cora stomps a mudhole into Kelani, and doesn’t have to stop as she digs her boots in because there’s No Disqualifications! Cora still does let off so she can SLAM Kelani down, though! Then she whips Kelani to a corner, runs up, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cora pushes Kelani down, covers, TWO! Cora stalks Kelani to ropes, puts her in a corner, then whips her corner to corner. Kelani blocks it, but Cora SLAPS her! Then runs up, but Kelani dodges the wizard! Roll up, TWO! Kelani brings Cora around, bumps her off buckles, then bumps her off more buckles.
Kelani TOSSES Cora out, but Lola TOSSES Kelani! Kelani RAMS into Lola, then slingshots to sunset flip! TWO, and both women hurry to their feet. Kelani gets around Lola, snapmares and runs, to SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Lola stays in this but Kelani stays on her, KNEE to the back again and again! Then she pulls on Lola’s arms, digging her boots into Lola’s back! Lola endures, powers up, and pushes back to stack Kelani! TWO as Kelani kicks Lola away in time! But then Lola mule kicks Kelani! Lola whips Kelani to ropes, KNEES her low, then shakes her hips. Lola whips and KNEES Kelani again, more shaking hips!
Lola whips, Kelani wrenches, but Lola ducks the roundhouse, only for the CALF KICK to hit! Kelani crawls to ropes, but Cora is there. Kelani DECKS Cora, and Vaquer runs in! Lola dodges Vaquer to have a SLEEPER! Lola thrashes Vaquer around, but then Cora has a SLEEPER on Lola! Lola holds onto Vaquer, and now Kelani has a SLEEPER on Cora! Cora holds onto Lola, but Vaquer slips around to TRIPLE JAWBREAKER! All four women stagger around, and NXT returns to single picture as Vaquer serves Lola some SOLE FOOD! Vaquer then brings Cora around to bump off buckles, and she fires off HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT!
Vaquer runs side to side to BOOT Lola, then corner to corner, only for Kelani to stop her! The fans boo but Vaquer has Kelani’s leg! Kelani apologizes, but Vaquer still DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS! Kelani writhes, Vaquer gives Cora METEORA! Vaquer drags Cora back, but Lola has the SLEEPER again! Vaquer drops down, rolls Lola, TWO! Lola SPIN KICKS! And SPIN KICKS! And SPIN KICKS again! Kelani runs up but into LIGHTNING KICKS! The fans fire up as Lola sits Kelani down! Lola has targets in all corners, “I’M A LATINA~!” HIP ATTACK on Vaquer! HIP ATTACK misses Kelani! Cora DROPKICKS Lola!
Cora shrieks, runs up, and SHINING- NO, Lola stops the wizard to DUMP Cora out! But Vaquer DROPKICKS Lola! Vaquer goes up, up, and SUPER CROSSBODIES Lola and Cora! All three women are down, but then Kelani rises up! Kelani grins as she has a target, and she climbs up! The fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” as Kelani ARIHARA MOONSAULTS them all! Kelani drags Vaquer up and in, “This is Awesome!” as Kelani leaps again! CROSSBODY! But roll through! TWO!! Kelani escapes, Vaquer runs up, but Kelani gets around! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Vaquer has the GEDO CLUTCH, but then BRIDGES!
Lola is back to drag Vaquer away from Kelani! Cora rolls in while Lola TOSSES Vaquer! SHINING WIZARD at the ropes! But Kelani wrenches Cora into a RIGHT ANGLE SLAM! The fans fire up as Kelani steps on Cora, goes up, up, and FIVE STAR- FLOP!! Cora avoided disaster, Lola URAKENS Kelani! Vaquer SUPERKICKS Lola! Lola shrieks as she stays up, but Vaquer TOSSES her out! Vaquer has Kelani, tucks her in, SVB!! Cover, Vaquer wins!
Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Women’s North American Championship)
That Stephanie Vaquer Backbreaker gets the job done, and now she is aiming for Fallon Henley! Will Vaquer parallel Giulia by becoming the new champion in the New Year? Or will NXT stay under the Influence?
Ava Raine meets with the Unholy Union.
The NXT General Manager notes that with Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn winning over Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx, they will battle Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson next week, the winners becoming NEW #1 contenders to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Alba says that is fantastic, Isla thanks Ava, and the wicked witches head out. Sarah Schreiber walks in to ask about Eddy Thorpe. Ava says Eddy is fine, this is just what he did last time. He can moan and groan and pretend he’s hurt, but she isn’t falling for it, the match stays as scheduled. Oba Femi walks in and says no, Eddy isn’t pretend. Oba did attack Eddy this time.
And Oba did it because Eddy smashed Oba in the face with the NXT Championship. We all saw that, so this is Oba returning the favor. Oh, well, then the match is still a Triple Threat. Oba says that’s fine, because that’s if Eddy makes it to the ring. But one way or another, the result remains the same. The Ruler is ready to become THE NXT Champion, will New Year’s Evil see the entire landscape change?
OTM speaks.
Bronco Nima & Lucien Price got #OutTheMud in the NXT Tag Division, and are proving the haters wrong. They got outta the hood, and look at them now: the NEW #1 Contenders to the NXT Tag Team Championships. Nathan Frazer, Axiom, they’re smooth, move like no one else in the game, but they ain’t never been in a dog fight. They’ve never had to fight for their food. So you will learn that you can’t see pain, you can only feel it. And you will feel it! Fraxiom thinks having two matches in one night is a struggle, but their problems and OTM’s problems are not the same! Try having to be 17 years old and you gotta put food on the table for your whole family!
So while OTM’s been dealing with some real-life struggles, Fraxiom been arguing like little kids. They’re dealing with some grown-ass men! Remember, they warned you. It doesn’t matter if you’re in sync or out, cuz next week, OTM takes those belts off Fraxiom’s shoulders to put around their waists. Next week, Fraxiom gets dragged through the mud! Will Nima & Price finally be golden? Or will Fraxiom prove they never slow down?
Six Woman Tag: Tatum Paxley, Gigi Dolin & Shotzi Blackheart VS The Fatal Influence!
As if things weren’t tense between the “freaks” and the Mean Girls of NXT before, the back and forth of screw jobs has only turned up the hostility. Will the outcasts prove they belong? Or will Fallon, Jacy & Jazmyn continue to influence NXT’s future?
NXT returns and Gigi makes her entrance, Tatum by her side, followed by Shotzi making her entrance. But the Influence doesn’t wait, Jacy DECKS Gigi off the corner! Jazmyn & Fallon go after Tatum & Shotzi while the fans boo and the ref reprimands. Jazmyn goes out to KICK away on Gigi! The bell rings, Tatum dodges Jacy to fire off forearms! Jacy shoves Tatum back, but Tatum SHOTGUNS Jacy down! The fans fire up with Tatum and she CROSSBODIES in the corner! Then BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Cover, ONE!! Jacy crawls away but Tatum drags her up. Jacy fights free, then throws Tatum down by her hair!
The ref reprimands but Jacy PENALTY KICKS Tatum! Tag to Jazmyn, she PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO! Jazmyn runs, but Tatum kicks Jazmyn’s leg! Jazmyn hobbles, into a KNEE SMASH from Tatum! Tag to Gigi, then Gigi tags Shotzi. Tatum whips Gigi and she SHOTGUNS Jazmyn at the ropes! Tatum then sends Shotzi in, SENTON at the ropes! Tatum ELBOW DROPS, Shotzi covers, TWO! Shotzi drags Jazmyn up, but Jazmyn wrenches sand SWEEPS! Tag to Fallon and she runs up, but Shotzi dodges! Victory roll, TWO! Fallon stands, into a KNEE from Shotzi! Then a ROLLING ELBOW! Fallon flounders, Shotzi brings her around, snap suplex into buckles!
Shotzi drags Fallon to a cover, TWO! Fallon is tougher than that, but Shotzi watches the Influence closely. Shotzi fires forearms on Fallon while the fans cheer her on. Fallon kicks back, then talks trash on Shotzi. Fallon whips and KNEES Shotzi low, then runs, to YEEHAW FACEBUSTER! Cover, Gigi & Tatum break it! Jacy & Jazmyn storm in, the brawl is on again! LA loves it as Shotzi’s team TOSSES the Influence. Shotzi then builds speed, and she DIVES into a FOREARM! Fallon shoots Shotzi outta the sky, then stands her up. But Shotzi ROCKS Fallon back! Gigi hurries to check Shotzi, Jazmyn storms up, Gigi HEADBUTTS her!
Jacy CANNONBALLS Gigi down! Tatum CLOBBERS Jacy for it! But then Fallon swings on the corner to KICK Tatum down! Fallon turns around, Shotzi kicks her! Snap suplex to the floor! All six women are down, the fans fire up, and NXT goes to break!
NXT returns and Fallon whips Tatum to the corner. Tag to Jazmyn, then a feed to the drop toehold! Tag to Jacy and she KICKS Tatum in the back! Then SENTON! Cover, TWO! Tatum toughs it out but Jacy clamps on a chinlock. The fans rally as Tatum endures being thrashed around. Tatum fights up, pries at the hold, but Jacy puts her in a corner. Jacy takes a bow but the fans boo. Jacy goes back to Tatum but Tatum ELBOWS her! Tatum kicks, Jacy blocks, but then Tatum gets around to hit a BIG back suplex! Both women are down, the fans fire up, and their teams coach them up. Tatum crawls, hot tag to Gigi!
The fans fire up as Gigi runs to BLAST Jazmyn & Fallon! Gigi runs up but Jacy runs away! Gigi catches Jacy to fire off forearms! And a KNEE! Gigi roars, and she CLOBBERS Jacy! And CLOBBERS her again! Gigi wrenches, ROUNDHOUSES, then shoves Jacy so she can follow and STO! Cover, TWO! Jacy stays in this, but Gigi hauls her up. Jacy fights the underhooks, Jazmyn runs in to CLUB Gigi! Jacy SUPERKICKS Gigi down, hot tag to Fallon! Fallon gets Gigi up, she and Jacy double suplex, but Gigi lands out to DOUBLE NECKBREAKER! Hot tag to Shotzi, she goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as Gigi & Shotzi get Fallon up!
Shotzi runs, Gigi lifts, BLUE THUNDER NECKBREAKER!! Cover, Jacy & Jazmyn break it! The brawls on again, but Gigi & Tatum TOSS the Influencers! Fallon runs back in, but Gigi wrenches her, she and Tatum DOUBLE ENZIGIRI! Gigi hurries to the apron with Tatum, then they climb! Tatum ASAI MOONSAULTS Jacy, Gigi CANNONBALLS onto Jazmyn! Shotzi goes up, and she BALLPIT SENTONS Fallon! Cover, the “freaks” win!
Winners: Tatum Paxley, Gigi Dolin & Shotzi Blackheart, by pinfall
A great win for the Wild Child, and wait, she pinned the NXT Women’s North American Champion. Vaquer has her own shot at the title, will the walls start closing in on the Influence?
Ava Raine talks with Ethan Page.
She knows he heard what Je’Von said. Or at least, what Je’Von barely managed to say, given his jaw is wired shut from Ethan breaking it in half! Ethan says yes, and yet that moment has played one very episode since. For some reason, this big historic episode, New Year’s Evil 2025, and Ethan is nowhere to be seen on the card. Ava tells Ethan that she’ll make this very clear: this is HER show, this is NXT, and she calls the shots! Oho, hey, perfect timing. Ethan says there’s nothing perfect about this. But The Rock says oh no, there is something perfect about this. All Ego stares down The People’s Champ, and the fans can be heard from here!
Rock smiles and says, “Ethan Page.” That is correct, Final Boss. That is also correct. The Rock says good to meet Ethan, and Ethan says great to meet The Rock. They shake hands, and Rock says he’s heard a lot about Ethan. Not all good, a lot of bad actually. Apparently, Ethan broke a guy’s jaw. Is that right, Ava? Yes. Je’Von Evans. He deserved it. Oh, well, payback’s gonna be a b*tch, just so Ethan knows. Ethan highly doubts that. Well, Ethan also broke another guy’s wrist. Right, Ava? Ethan corrects The Rock that it was just Cedric’s fingers, but sure. Well, then Rock will tell Ethan as he told everyone else here on NXT that he’s talked with today…
If they need anything, come to The Rock. That includes Ethan. Wow, Ethan likes the sound of that. They shake hands, and Rock says one more thing. He IS The Final Boss. But uh, here on NXT, Ava’s the Final Boss. So if he and Ethan are gonna be cool, then Ethan and Ava need to be cool. Cool? Yeah, they’ll be cool. Then see him on main roster one day. Ethan sure hopes so. Rock says good, and he gives Ethan a pat on the butt as he leaves. Ava says she can’t wait for Ethan to be main roster’s problem. Ava says NXT is all about moments, and she feels like this is a good one. But speaking of, what’s Rock gonna say?
Rock has no idea! It’s crazy out there. But can she give him some advice? She can. No one has Rock’s record, no one can do what Rock does. Rock’s been in front of millions, and millions, but he’s never been in front of an NXT crowd. That passion hits different. We can literally hear that. So while Rock may not know what to say right now, he’ll feel it when he gets out there. Okay, Rock will feel it, and say it from the heart. They fist bump and Rock gets ready. “I dunno wtf I’m gonna say… CHEE-HOO~!” Will this be the one time The Great One is found speechless?
NXT Heritage Cup Championship Sudden Death: Lexis King VS Charlie Dempsey w/ No Quarter Catch Crew!
While The Drama King did win the Cup, it was the controversial nature of a disqualification caused by outside interference that has him having to “win it back.” And this time, it’s under standard rules, aka a single fall! No time limits, no breaks, and no Champion’s Advantage! Will the King finally and for truly have his crowning achievement? Or will the Cup stay with the No Quarter Catch Crew?
Entrances are made in picture in picture, then we return to single picture for the introductions. The Cup is raised, the bell rings, and there’s nothing to it but to do it!
The two tie up, Dempsey waistlocks but King wrenches. Dempsey wrenches back, wristlocks, but King spins, headlocks, and grinds the hold. Dempsey powers up and out, then ducks down, but King blocks the hip toss! Dempsey blocks in return, but King arm-drags and DROPKICKS! King hits a headlock takeover, Dempsey fights around, then rolls back to then hammerlock. Dempsey goes for the other arm, King resists, but Dempsey grabs the leg! Then he gets the arm, steps over, and King is being bent back! The fans rally while King endures, but Dempsey shifts to a cover, TWO!
Dempsey keeps on King with a wristlock, but King endures. King pushes through to spin Dempsey, headlock him, but Dempsey powers out to knuckle lock and wrench. Dempsey wristlocks again, but King rolls, wrenches, and wristlocks in return. Dempsey fights to a snapmare, but King holds onto the arm! King wrenches again, but Dempsey spins, breaks free, and he snapmares King. But King slips free to wristlock! Dempsey repeats the break and snapmare, and uses the cravat for a cover, TWO! Dempsey holds that cravat as King stands, and Dempsey fires knees! Dempsey whips, King goes up, but Dempsey catches him to a waistlock!
King goes to the corner, uses that to pivot and switch, O’Conner Roll! TWO, but King hurries to arm-drag! King has the cording hold and the fans cheer! Dempsey fights up, King pushes on the elbow, but Dempsey pulls hair. Dempsey puts King in the corner, but King dodges the haymaker to CHOP! King stalks Dempsey along the ropes, but Dempsey blocks the chop! Dempsey ROCKS King, UPPERCUTS him, then UPPERCUTS again! Dempsey whips, King grabs ropes, but then King DUMPS Dempsey out! Dempsey stands up, but King DROPKICKS him into the NQCC! Then King goes up, up and CROSSBODIES!
The fans fire up as King wipes out Dempsey, Tavion & Myles! Wren Sinclair is freaking out, but King has Dempsey up while NXT goes to break.
NXT returns and Dempsey has the cravat, but King fights up! Dempsey ripcords, but King CHOPS! Dempsey KICKS King, then Dempsey wrenches to SLAP King! Dempsey wrenches again, but King fires forearms and a CHOP! And CHOP! CHOP! King whips, Dempsey reverses but King CLOBBERS Dempsey! And LARIATS! The fans rally up, but Dempsey wrenches. King SLAPS Dempsey, wrenches him and whips him to a corner. King runs up to LARIAT! Then CHOP! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! And Dempsey has an arm! DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! King endures as Dempsey kneels on King’s head!
King fights as the fans rally, and he RAMS Dempsey into a corner! Dempsey keeps on the arm, KNEES King away, then runs up, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! King hurries to a corner, climbs up, and the fans fire up for the CROSSBODY! But Dempsey rolls through! ARMBAR!! The fans go nuts, as does NQCC, but King fights around! King stacks Dempsey, then deadlifts him! POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Dempsey is still in this, and King grows frustrated. The fans rally, King ROCKS Dempsey, then reels him in. But Dempsey powers out of Coronation into a CROSSFACE CHICKEN WIGN!
King hurries to the ROPEBREAK! Dempsey holds until 4, then Dempsey ROCKS King! Dempsey fires off forearms but he might’ve even gotten a knockout! Dempsey CLUBS King, whips him, and ELBOWS him! Dempsey whips King to a corner, then runs up, but King BOOTS him! Dempsey whips again, but King goes up, around, and the two COLLIDE! Both men fall back and the fans fire up! Dempsey manages to stand, then runs back up. Backslide! TWO!! King stands, dodges Dempsey, but Dempsey drops down. King comes back, Dempsey hurdles, but not high enough as King runs right into Lil’ Charles!
The ref checks both men, and King says no, not again! He doesn’t wanna win like this, but what choice does he have? King brings Dempsey up. CORONATION!! Cover, King wins!
Winner: Lexis King, by pinfall (NEW NXT Heritage Cup Champion)
King was a new champion before, but now he is TRULY the new Heritage Cup Champion! King can finally put his name on the Cup, will he be able to survive the New Year with it?
Ava meets with Vaquer and Fallon.
She knows that Fallon just had her match, but so did Vaquer, and we have our next title match set. Shotzi steps in and asks Ava to hold on a moment. Before anything is made official, Shotzi points out she just pinned Fallon in that ring. Shotzi makes the case that SHE is #1 contender here. Vaquer says hey, she won the Fatal 4 Way that Ava made, and she beat three of the top stars in this division by herself. What’s that supposed to mean? Fallon says she loves this. They should fight it out, she fights the winner. Fallon leaves, Shotzi and Vaquer are all for it. Ava says she’s also all for it, just next week, not in the office.
The Wild Child and the Dark Angel are ready for a massive showdown, but who wins out to be THE #1 contender to the NXT Women’s North American Championship?
NXT Championship Triple Threat: Trick Williams VS Oba Femi VS Eddy Thorpe(?)
Ava said that one way or another, this is the main event. And The Ruler said that one way or another, he’s going to win it! Will Oba beating down The Alpha Wolf really improve his chances of winning? Or will Tricky Two-Time Two-Time make sure this is still the Whoop Dat Era?
Trick’s entrance is made with picture in picture, but NXT returns to single picture for Oba. And though we wait a moment, it doesn’t seem that Eddy is going to be joining us. The introductions are made for Oba and Trick, the belt is raised, and no matter what, New Year’s Evil is going to end with a bang!
The bell rings, the fans fire up, and Trick ties up with Oba. Oba powers Trick to a corner, RAMS him again and again, but then Trick slips away. Trick and Oba tie up again, and Oba powers Trick back. Trick powers Oba back, but then Oba slips around to waistlock and SLAM! Oba holds onto Trick, the fans rally and duel, “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” “HOOT!” Trick fights up, fires elbows, but Oba holds on! Trick jumps to JAWBREAKER free! Trick fireman’s carries, to DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Oba gets out of the ring while the fans rally up, and NXT goes to break.
NXT returns again and the fans duel as Oba grinds Trick down. Trick endures the chinlock, even as Oba thrashes him, but wait! We get a shot of backstage as Eddy storms into gorilla, armed with a chair! The fans rally up, Trick stands and pries the hold open, but Oba ROCKS Trick in the back! Oba then hoists Trick up to back suplex! Trick lands on his feet and goes to a corner. Oba runs up, Trick dodges, and Oba POSTS himself! Oba is stuck in the ropes, the fans rally as Trick hurries over, and while Oba falls back, Trick goes up. But Oba SWATS Trick first! Oba climbs up after Trick and the fans fire up!
Oba clinches Trick, but Trick clinches Oba in return! SUPER BOOKEND!! Cover, TWO!! Oba survives and the fans fire up! Trick and Oba rise, and Oba ROCKS Trick! Trick ROCKS Oba! They go back and forth with those heavy shots, and Trick gets the edge! Oba avoids the roundhouse to ROCK Trick! Trick BOOTS back! Oba RAMS Trick, Trick LEAPING LARIATS Oba! The fans are thunderous, and Trick dodges Oba to JUMPING NECKBREAKER! Trick scoops and SLAMS Oba! Trick whips Oba to ropes, and FLAPJACKS him! Trick kips up and the fans fire up with him! Trick aims from a corner as Oba rises, and SPIN- NO, Oba catches Trick!
POP-UP CHOP!! Oba storms after Trick, brings him around, FALL FROM- DDT!! Trick turns things around, and he takes aim again! SPIN KICK! Cover, TWO!! Oba survives again and Trick shakes his head. “This is Awesome!” as Trick goes back to a corner. Trick runs up at Oba, but Oba UPPERCUTS first! Trick staggers, Oba hauls him up! FALL FROM GRACE!! Cover, EDDY YANKS THE REF OUT!! The fans boo but Eddy storms into the ring. But Oba grabs Eddy first! And TOSSES him around! Then BOOTS him down! And BACK ELBOWS! Oba whips Eddy to a corner, Eddy bounces off buckles, and Oba hits a SPINEBUSTER!
The fans fire up for Oba as he hoists Eddy into the SHOTPUT BOMB! Oba aims, runs corner to corner, UPPERCUT! Oba keeps moving, UPPERCUT! But then TRICK SHOT for Oba!! Cover, TWO!??! Oba survives, Trick shakes his head, and the fans fire up again! Trick lets his hair down, LA duels between Trick and Oba, but Eddy is lurking! Oba dodges Trick, FULL METAL TRICK SHOT for Eddy!! Eddy flops out, Trick staggers on the bad leg, Oba gives him a FALL FROM GRACE!!! Cover, OBA WINS!!
Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall (NEW NXT Champion)
Oba tries to remove Eddy from the equation, but The Alpha Wolf ended up a deciding factor in Oba’s victory! The Ruler is now THE champion in NXT, and he stands on stage alongside the other new champion, Giulia! Confetti flies as they hold up the gold, will they dominate this new era in NXT?
NXT goes picture in picture as the new champions return backstage. They are greeted and congratulated by many members of the NXT staff, and surely the celebration will begin after the show.
The Rock heads to the ring!
Los Angeles is fired up for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” even before the music hits, and they only get louder once The People’s Champion is on stage. The Rock goes down the ramp, high-fives the fans, and even makes sure the one fan’s shirt, “Pro-wrestling is real,” gets some attention. Rock then steps into the ring, poses on the corner, and then catches a mic. The Rock raises the eyebrow, revels in the cheering a little more, then shows the goosebumps. Fans “CHEE-HOO~!” and Rock takes a moment to soak in the moment. The fans cheer “NXT! NXT!” and Rock nods. Rock echoes the CHEE-HOO~! “And I love you, thank you.”
Rock says he has effin’ chills right now! This is crazy! Rock hears the fans continuing to cheer him on, and he says hold on, he has to get hold of his emotions. Rock finally catches his breath, sees he has about six minutes, but it’ll be the best six minutes ever. “The Rock has a lot of nicknames: People’s Champ; THE Most Electrifying Man in All of Entertainment; The Sexiest Man Alive! And, most proudly, The Jabroni Beating, Pie Eating, Trailblazing, Eyebrow Raising, Electric, Iconic, Holds All the Stock, THE Final Boss, The People’s Champ, The ROCK!” The fans cheer that, and again chant for “ROCKY! ROCKY!”
Rock then says that he needs them to help out. They all feel it, he feels them, so help him with this. This time last year, The Rock, everywhere he went, every gym, every restaurant, every church, every strip club… The same thing! “Oh, why you so mean to Cody? Don’t be mean to Cody! Cody gotta finish his story! Don’t be mean!” UGH. Okay, okay, but a year later, just last night, Netflix’s Raw premiere, WOO! An amazing night! Electric, historic! Rock wanted to give Cody his flowers. Cody’s been kicking ass! Carrying the company on his shoulders! And now, what’re “they” saying? “YoU cAn’T bE nIcE tO cOdY~! Don’t drink tequila with Cody~!”
Rock says F that noise! At the end of the day, let us all remind “them” that The Rock is the Final Boss, 20 steps ahead. The best thing to do is know your role, shut your mouth, and enjoy the ride The Rock is taking you on! LA cheers that! Rock says this is a rowdy crowd right here. Two-minute warning, though. Now, Rock’s in charge, F that, they can go all night if they want! The fans love that idea! Oh, “they” are sweating back there, sorry for the language. But here’s the thing: Rock knew he was coming to NXT even a couple weeks ago. He talked with Nick Khan and Triple H, he told them he should go to NXT.
We all knew it would be Intuit Dome on Monday, so Rock can go to NXT in The Shrine on Tuesday. They liked that idea, but then Rock didn’t know what to say. Think about it. Rock talked with Ava, Ava said he was gonna come out here and FEEL this crowd! She said the crowd would inform him on what he’d say. He loves them, he appreciates them, but he wants to say something very important. The main thing is, he wants to tell us all thank you. And here’s why. Because going to the Intuit Dome last night, that was a sexy ticket. LA, Netflix, Raw, the stars of WWE, celebrities of Hollywood, that’s the one you “have” to go to.
NXT, The Shrine, this is the one you WANT to go to! The fans cheer that! Rock will tell you something, the chills won’t stop! See, it is easy to go to the place with all the stars. Not that there aren’t stars here! But that’s what Rock needs us to know. Every single one of the fans here, how important and critical they are to this whole thing, because the thing is: the guys ‘n’ girls back there, they come out here, and who knows? In three years, they could be the main event of WrestleMania! But as we all know, they could also be out of the business. What it depends on, whether you boo or cheer, it is about how you react!
Rock has been down this road, wrestled in Memphis as “Flex Cavana,” he knows, probably the worst name in all of wrestling, but he knows what it is like to depend on the crowd. He wants us to know that we matter more than anything. His job takes him to a lot of places, but he will always come back home! WWE, NXT, Rock loves you! IF YA SMELLLLLL~… What The Rock is Cookin’!! The fans cheer The Great One, will this electrifying endorsement strap a rocket to NXT’s back?
My Thoughts:
An awesome NXT with New Year’s Evil, but also just a great LA crowd. The Rock had a great promo to close, clearly very genuine, and a lot of fun with The Rock being himself. Between Rock showing up and events like tonight’s New Year Evil being WWE coded, it is clear WWE is elevating NXT. Not so much that it’ll be the third main roster brand, but it’s certainly more than “just developmental.” Rock also had a very good promo with Ethan Page and Ava to help set up the closing promo, and I do like the idea of The Rock wanting All Ego to respect Ava, aka his daughter. Je’Von also had a very good promo, that grudge match is going to be some awesome stuff.
Speaking of grudge matches, all these titles matches were great given all the story and heat going into them. The NXT Women’s Championship opening was a little surprising, but that let it breathe and go as hard as it could. And as such, awesome win for Giulia, as expected. Same goes for the main event match, though I did like the outside the box idea: Eddy actually got attacked but gutted it out to join the match about halfway through. Oba VS Trick on its own was great, and then Eddy bringing a chair was good stuff. Oba winning was also expected, and Trick eating the pin could indicate Trick’s being called up. Roxie surely moves on, too, SmackDown being three hours could use some fresh faces to fill it out.
Great Fatal 4 Way, though I think one of the ads for the show messed up saying it was just Vaquer and Cora. That aside, great win for Vaquer, which for one lets Kelani and Cora settle things on their own, maybe even with Lola in the mix. The Six Woman Tag was also really good, though some of those wide shots made it hard to see what was going on. Great win for the Faces, but I’m partly disappointed that Shotzi pinning Fallon gives us Shotzi VS Vaquer, winner gets Fallon, and not just a Triple Threat. Though, it’ll also be a shame no matter who wins, as both Shotzi and Vaquer deserve a shot. But when things all sort out, I’m pretty sure Vaquer beats Fallon to be the champ.
Very good promo from OTM to hype up their tag title match, and there’s a chance they do win. Fraxiom has had such a good run as tag champs, this is definitely the time to have them move on and each become great singles champs. Good promo that was really more an announcement for Unholy Union VS Meta Four, winners get Bianca Belair & Naomi. Regardless of who wins, I feel like they could get the titles off Bianca & Naomi thanks to a Jade Cargill return. Jade can appear, shocking everyone, and she’ll even reveal whodunnit, aka probably Naomi at this point. Bianca will be confused and upset, Naomi will run away from Jade, Bianca takes the pin to crown new champs.
And while not really a new champ, Lexis King truly winning that Heritage Cup was good stuff. A little odd that they’d have an “incidental” head to the groin spot, like they did months ago when King first started his redemption story… But maybe this is to communicate that the real lesson for King is that it doesn’t matter what people think of him, he knows he’s a better person that his father. Maybe Dempsey moves on to the North American Championship from here, letting King face some fresh faces in the Heritage Rules Division. Then King can continue to ride that Tweener line with every victory until someone comes along that again makes him question where he stands.
My Score: 8.9/10
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What’s next for NJPW?
Zack Sabre Jr. is STILL IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, but he already knows Hirooki Goto has the next shot! TMDK VS Chaos in the main event!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata VS Shoma Kato, Katsuya Murashima & Daiki Nagai; Tenzan, Kojima & Nagata win.
- Special Exhibition: Josh Barnett VS Boltin Oleg; Time Limit Draw.
- 10 Man Tag: El Phantasmo, Jado, Shota Umino, Master Wato & Tomoaki Honma VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
- 8 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Tiger Mask & Togi Makabe VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Taichi & Taka Michinoku VS SANADA & Clark Connors; Sanada & Connors win.
- El Desperado & KUSHIDA VS Taiji Ishimori & KENTA; Desperado & Kushida win.
- 8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
- Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi; Naito & Hiromu win.
- 8 Man Tag: Chaos VS TMDK; Chaos wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Special Exhibition: Josh Barnett VS Boltin Oleg!
The War Master made his return to NJPW with the Ranbo, and he had quite the confrontation with his former student. Will Barnett show Boltin he still has a lot to learn? Or will Barnett end up behind BARS?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans rally as Boltin and Barnett circle. They feel things out, tie up, clinch, and go around. They break, clinch again, and Oleg gets a leg to bring Barnett down. Oleg powers to a cover, Barnett slips out, but Oleg hurries to waistlock. Barnett rolls, but Oleg gut wrenches! Barnett still rolls free, and the fans cheer this exchange. The two go again, clinch, and Barnett goes for an arm. Oleg powers Barnett down, floats around to stay on Barnett, and the two stand again. Barnett manages a double wristlock takeover, but Oleg slips out to go for legs. Barnett fights that so Oleg floats to a facelock.
Barnett slips out of the hold and the fans cheer. Oleg and Barnett go again, clinch, and they fight for control. Oleg throws Barnett down and the two reset again. Oleg and Barnett feel out another grapple, and Oleg gets around to waistlock. Oleg drags Barnett down to go for an arm, then he shifts to an armbar! Barnett has the ROPEBREAK, and Oleg lets go slowly. The fans applaud as the two reset again. They clinch, Barnett goes for a throw, and he has it on the third try! But Oleg hurries to float around and get Barnett’s back. Barnett turns that to a lateral press, TWO! Oleg fights but Barnett keeps him grounded with a wristlock.
We hit the two minute warning as Oleg rolls and rolls, and he goes for the wristlock. Barnett moves around, manages a headscissor, then a leglock! Oleg rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Barnett lets go. The two hurry to their feet and go again. They go around in the clinch, then Oleg goes for a leg. Barnett fights that off with a cravat! Oleg pushes free of that, then he and Barnett tie up again. One minute left, Barnett clinches but Oleg powers him to ropes. The ref calls the break, but the two come off the ropes. Oleg waistlocks, and he brings Barnett down, but Barnett headscissors! Barnett has an arm to keep Oleg grounded!
Oleg fights around, we hit 30 seconds but Barnett puts on the pressure! Oleg endures, the fans rally, and we are under 20! Oleg slips free, and he manages a gut wrench! GUT WRENCH PLEX! at 10 seconds! And then a fireman’s carry! But Barnett slips free to a SLEEPER! TIME’S UP!
Time Limit Draw
It was hard to say who was saved by the bell there, but Barnett shows his student respect with a handshake and a hug. Barnett makes sure to get the mic so he can tell Oleg, “Yesterday, it wasn’t the Ranbo for us. It was a test for you to see if you would come here today, and meet me in this ring. You showed up. That’s the first part, you passed that part. Then, you wrestled your ass off tonight. I told you I was gonna go for that arm, but you learned. So congratulations, you’re now moving up. This is not the end. I’ll take you as high as I can, which means I’mma make you a champion some day, I promise you.”
The fans applaud, and Oleg takes the mic to respond. In Japanese, Oleg apologizes, as his English isn’t so good. But Oleg does tell Barnett that Barnett does know some Japanese, so Oleg will use that to tell him at the Ranbo, it was amazing to see him back and to take him on. Oleg is also honored to train under Barnett, to have this match here, and is looking forward to where they go next. Student and teacher head out, what heights will Oleg reach in the New Year?
After the 10 Man Tag…
While the United Empire won against El Phantasmo, Shota Umino and team, Great-O-Khan felt the need to add insult to injury! He not only beats down The Roughneck on the outside, but he takes those fan-made replica belts, AND RIPS THEM UP! The fans boo Khan being a villainous dictator, and Shota is the angriest of all! Shota rushes in there, but he gets mugged by The Empire! Young Lions step in but they can’t save Shota or the gifts that Khan destroyed. Will Shota make sure Khan pays for this with his blood, sweat and tears?
After the 8 Man Tag…
The House of Torture found a way to cheat Hiroshi Tanahashi’s team, but what else is new? And speaking of not all that new, they beat down Tanahashi & Yano, basically calling them out for a NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship match! But with that, here comes Boltin! Boltin runs off The House, but The House is getting away with stealing two of the three titles! Sho gets on the mic to talk trash on The Ace, the Joker & The Rook, and says that if they want their belts back, “Catch us if you can!”
The Murder Machine, Tokyo Pimp, Heel Master & Souled Out Son of Strong Style run away, leaving President Ace to consider his next course of action. Will Tanahashi, Yano & Oleg once again put The House behind BARS? Or will Tanahashi’s Final Road get a lot rockier from here on out?
Taichi & Taka Michinoku VS SANADA & Clark Connors!
Speaking of the New Japan Ranbo, The Holy Emperor and Cold Blooded had a confrontation that also cost them both the #1 contender’s spot. But at the same time, Sanada did cost Taichi the Global Heavyweight Championship just a few months ago. Will Taichi get a semblance of revenge? Or will Sanada and 100 Proof take down Taichi and the Blue Playmaker?
Well, the tables are turned as TakaTaichi goes after the War Dogs before the bell! The fans fire up as Taka brings Connors away, and then Taichi SMACKS Sanada off the timekeeper’s table! Taichi CLUBS Sanada, brings him back to the ramp, and CLUBS him again! The fans rally for Taichi as he moves railing aside, and has fans clear out. Taichi whips but Sanada reverses, STRIKE! Sanada even takes someone’s umbrella to JAM Taichi up! The fans boo but Sanada leaves Taichi behind. Connors has also turned things around on Taka, and then puts him in the ring. Connors talks trash, the fans boo, but the bell rings to finally get this on record.
Connors takes his time taking off his nice new fur jacket, but Taichi’s already back! Sanada kicks Taichi, then sends him into railing! Connors stomps away on Taka, drags him up, and CHOPS him! Taka staggers, Connors eggs him on, so Taka comes back. Taka eggs Connors on, so Connors CHOPS again! Taka staggers, but he comes back for more! Connors CHOPS again! The fans fire up with Taka, and then he pokes Connors in the eye! The fans cheer while Connors staggers away. Taka stomps Connors around, but Connors ROCKS Taka! Taka fakes an eye poke to kick the shin! Taka runs, but Sanada gets a cheap shot in!
Taka staggers around, Connors runs to JEEP FLIPPER! Sanada BLASTS Taichi off the apron! The fans boo but the War Dogs stalk Taka to their corner. Connors bumps Taka off buckles, then tags Sanada. Sanada CLAWS Taka’s back, then ignores the fans as they boo. Sanada brings Taka around, snapmares, and then clamps on a chinlock. Sanada has the ref watch Taichi, but then he uses wrist tape to CHOKE Taka! Fans boo, but Sanada hides it in the headscissors! The ref checks Taka but Taichi says something’s not right! The ref checks but Sanada’s quite the magician. The ref finally sees the trick and reprimands!
Sanada lets Taka go, the fans rally, but Sanada tags Connors. Connors stomps Taka around, then CHOKES Taka! The ref counts, Connors lets go and “apologizes,” but the fans rally again. Connors clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Taka down. Taka endures, and he pries at the hold, only for Connors to CLUB him down! Connors stands Taka up to CHOP him again! Connors whips, Taka reverses and wrangles Connors into a JUST FACELOCK! But Sanada stomps Taka! Sanada whips, Taka reverses and wrangles Sanada! JUST FACELOCK! But Connors stomps Taka, then he BLASTS Taichi! Connors CLUBS Taka again, then talks smack.
Connors runs, but Taka goes the other way! Connors avoids the boot to knee low! But Taka CALF KICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Taka and Connors crawl, hot tags to Sanada and Taichi! The fans fire up as the two run up, but Sanada dodges an Ax Bomber! Sanada kicks and whips, but Taichi comes back to BOOT! The fans fire up as Taichi gives Sanada some Kawada Kicks. Taichi whisp, Sanada reverses, but Taichi comes back. Sanada blocks the boot, trips Taichi, but Taichi fights against Paradise! Sanada comes back, kicks and whips, but Taichi reverses to wrench and DANGEROUS HOOK KICK!
The fans fire up, and Taichi BOOTS Connors for good measure! The fans rally for Taichi, and he paces around. Taichi drags Sanada up, but Sanada takes a swing! Taichi gets around, DANGER- NO, Sanada fights the saido! Sanada CLUBS away on Taichi, then whips, only for Taichi to reverse. But Sanada dropkicks the legs! Then he DROPKICKS Taichi out of the ring! Sanada storms up to the ropes, PLANCHAS, and down goes Taichi! The fans boo but Sanada soaks that up. Sanada drags Taichi up, puts him in the ring, and the fans rally again. Sanada stands Taichi up, fireman’s carries, but Taichi fights free!
Taichi swings, but Sanada catches him! Taichi fights the Skull End, so Sanada shifts to a waistlock. Taichi fights the suplex to then PELE! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taichi rises again, and OFF COME THE PANTS! The fans fire up but Connors grabs Taichi’s hair! Taichi RIDGE HAND CHOPS Connors! But then Sanada CHOKES Taichi using the pants! Dragon sleeper, SKULL END, but Taichi rolls free! AX BOMBER!! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Taichi and Connors crawl, hot tag to Taka! Taka runs up to BOOT! Taka runs again but Sanada gets around! O’Conner BRIDGE, but Taka flips it to JUST FACELOCK!
The fans fire up but Connors runs in! Taka kicks his legs out to get him in a TRIANGLE HOLD! Taichi then takes Connors for a SEITEI JUJIHOU! Taka CLUBS away on Sanada, pulls way back, but Sanada fights to the ROPEBREAK! Taka lets go, whips Sanada to a corner, then SHINING WIZARDS! CALF KICK! BOOT! SUPER K!! Taka covers, TWO!! Taichi keeps Connors on the outside while Taka fires up! The fans rally behind Taka as he scoops Sanada! But Sanada slips free, only for Taka to SHOTEI! Taka runs, but Sanada shoves him at the ref! POP-UP LOW BLOW!! The fans boo, but Sanada has Taka in the SKULL END!!
Now Connors keeps Taichi out of the ring! Taka endures, but he TAPS! War Dogs win!
Winners: Sanada & Clark Connors, by submission
Cold Blooded indeed to cheat his former friends. But then Sanada grabs some beer from ringside, and he pours it all over Taka’s face! Taichi is pissed and he shoves Connors away! Taichi storms into the ring, but Sanada bails right out. Taichi grabs a chair and pursues! The War Dogs fall back while Young Lions do their best to stop Taichi! When and where will the War Dogs settle things with Just4Guys?
After El Desperado & KUSHIDA VS Taiji Ishimori & KENTA…
The Time Splitter gets the win for his team by making The Fang Revived tap out to the Hoverboard! But now, Kushida gets the mic to speak. “Konosuke Takeshita! You also know ‘the world,’ so please, ‘teach’ me. I want the NEVER-” But then Taiji snatches the mic! Taiji says he’ll get to Kushida later. But DESPY! You know what Taiji wants, right? Put the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on the line against him! “Come, let’s play.” The fans like the sound of that! Desperado takes the mic, and he says Taiji’s getting better on the mic.
But sure, why not? After all, Taiji and the six other guys in that gauntlet ganged up on him! Desperado will do it wherever, dome or no dome, so long as he can beat Taiji. The fans like the sound of that! And so now it is official! El Desperado VS Taiji Ishimori for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, and Kushida VS Konosuke Takeshita for the NEVER Openweight Championship, Saturday, January 11th, BATTLE IN THE VALLEY! Who leaves the Golden State with the gold?
After the 8 Man Tag: LIJ VS War Dogs…
Los Ingobernables de Japon comes away with the win as Titan forces Gedo to tap out to Llave Enmortal, but the rest of the teams still had some fire in them. Yota Tsuij and Gabe Kidd have a stare down, and Yota simply holds up the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship as a silent dare for Gabe to come after him. As for Drilla Moloney, he grabs the mic to shout at Shingo Takagi! Drilla tells Takagi that he’s a HEAVYWEIGHT now! “Rampaging Dragon, huh? Dragon’s aren’t real!! The only thing that’s real is me, and my dogs! Show me WTF you’re about, Takagi!” Another challenge has been issued, when and where will Takagi take on 44 Caliber?
Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi VS Alex Zayne & Ryusuke Taguchi!
The Uncontrollable Charisma & Ticking Timebomb were so close and yet so far from winning those IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships last night, but the chase is never ending. Will Naito & Hiromu stay tranquilo and head back for the titles? Or will they get burned by the Funky Sauce?
Hiromu brought back that ridiculous costume, and he still struggles to get out of it. But that aside, the teams sort out, and Taguchi makes sure his neck is alright before he steps up. Zayne says that’s fine, he and Taguchi are friends. And he’s friends with Red Shoes. See? Matching shoes! Taguchi feels awful, he should’ve thought of that. LIJ fist bump, the fans cheer, and Hiromu steps up against “Funky.” The bell rings, the fans rally, and Taguchi tests the waters with some big kicks. Hiromu stays back, then the two tie up. Hiromu headlocks, but Taguchi pulls hair. Red Shoes reprimands, Taguchi powers up and out, then drops down.
Taguchi bypasses Hiromu, and bypasses, and bypasses! Hiromu slides out and says timeout! He knows that trick too well to fall for it again. The fans cheer, but Taguchi slides out! Taguchi chases Hiromu back into the ring, and then he bypasses him again! But then Taguchi drops under the CROSSBODY! Hiromu flops, but Taguchi may have overdone it there. Zayne BLASTS Naito off the apron, then he stomps Hiromu. Zayne calls to Taguchi, stomps Hiromu again, and then gets ice for Taguchi. Taguchi ices the groin, then he hobbles over to help Zayne double whip Hiromu. Zayne then blows past Hiromu to BULLDOG! Taguchi adds a basement DROPKICK!
The fans cheer but Taguchi still ices his groin. Zayne puts Hiromu in a corner, he and Taguchi double whip. Taguchi whips Zayne in, but Hiromu dodges! Zayne hits buckles, Naito trips him up, and Hiromu dodges the hip attack! Hiromu runs up on Zayne to CROSSBODY! Naito brings Taguchi up, and feeds him to a CROSSBODY! The fans cheer and Hiromu brings Taguchi back up. Hiromu wrenches Taguchi, tags Naito, and Naito CLUBS Taguchi’s arm. LIJ double whip Taguchi, atomic drop, and then dropkick to the legs! Naito basement DROPKICKS Taguchi, covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Naito cravats for the neck wrench.
Taguchi endures as Naito puts on the pressure, and then Hiromu tags in. LIJ mugs Taguchi, and Hiromu CHOPS Taguchi to a corner. Hiromu whips corner to corner, runs up and LARIATS, then snapmares to run and basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Hiromu tags Naito back in. The fans rally while LIJ stands Taguchi up. Taguchi fires off CHOPS on them both! Hiromu kicks low, Naito kicks, then Hiromu CHOPS! LIJ double whips, Taguchi ducks the lariat to HIP- DOUBLE ATOMIC DROP! Taguchi staggers around, LIJ double whip him again, but he DOUBLE HIP ATTACKS!
The fans fire up while Taguchi and LIJ are all down! Taguchi rolls to hot tag Zayne! Zayne fires off forearms on Naito, whips him to ropes, and hip tosses! STANDING CINNAMON TWIST! The fans fire up and Zayne stands Naito up. Zayne suplexes, but Naito fights that! Naito suplexes, Zayne fights that! Zayne tries again, Naito slips around to waistlock, but Zayne powers Naito to a corner! Naito holds on, Zayne tries again, but Naito sends Zayne into buckles! Naito goes up to FLYING RANA! The fans fire up and Naito brings Zayne around. Zayne CHOPS and ROCKS Naito, but Naito SPITS at him! Naito whips, but Zayne reverses, only for Naito to reverse back!
TORNA- NO! Zayne stops the DDT, then scoops Naito, but Naito wrenches the hair! Red Shoes reprimands but then Zayne BITES Naito’s fingers! Zayne rolls, wrenches, and ENZIGIRIS! Naito staggers away and the fans rally up. Hot tag to Taguchi, and he BLASTS Hiromu off the apron! Funky Sauce double whip Naito corner to corner, then Taguchi CORNER HIPS! Zayne uses Taguchi to LEAP FROG SHOTGUN! Then Taguchi helps Zayne roll to his feet, for Zayne to whip him in, HIP ATTACK! Then CANNONBALL! The fans fire up as Zayne & Taguchi drag Naito to the cover, TWO! Naito stays in this and the fans rally.
Funky Sauce get Naito up, ROLLING AX KICK SIDEWALK SLAM COMBO! Cover, but Hiromu breaks it! Zayne TOSSES Hiromu, Taguchi chicken wings Naito! But Naito rolls back, only for Taguchi to sit on the cover! TWO, but into OH MY GAH ANKLE! Someone is sent into railing outside, and Naito rolls free! But Taguchi stays back, and he BLINDSIDE KETSUYES! The fans fire up as Taguchi calls upon the powers of Strong Style! “ORYA~!” KETSU- NO, Naito sends Taguchi into the corner! Hiromu LARIATS, Naito UPPERCUTS, Hiromu SUPERKICKS, and Naito ENZIGIRIS! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!
Hiromu CLOBBERS Zayne while Naito hits the ROLLING JACKKNIFE BRIDGE! TWO!! The fans fire up as Hiromu helps Naito with the BOOSTED TORNADO DDT!! Taguchi flounders, Naito drags him back up, wrench and DESTINO!! Cover, LIJ wins!
Winners: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall
They may have lost that Triple Threat last night, but Naito & Hiromu are still World Tag League winners for a reason. Will this be just the thing they need to get back to the tag titles? Wait, Naito gets the mic, and he says, “Buenas noches, OTA-KU~! The IWGP Tag Team Championship Three Way at The Dome… Hiromu and I couldn’t become the champions. I don’t want to say that they didn’t beat us. That’d be lame of me. The new IWGP Tag Team Champions, The Young Bucks, please accept our request for a title shot!” The fans like the sound of that! Naito doesn’t know if The Bucks are watching this or not, but he looks forward to their answer, cabron!
Naito has called out Matthew & Nicholas, the ball is in their court! Will The Bucks make LIJ wait very long?
8 Man Tag: Chaos VS TMDK!
Hirooki Goto is the NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship after winning the New Japan Ranbo. That has him aimed squarely at Zack Sabre Jr, so both men have brought their teams to back them up. Will the Fierce Warrior, Headhunter, Azucar & Direct Drive build momentum for the New Year? Or will The Front Man, The Mullet and the NEW IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions prove this year is mighty?
The teams sort out and Yoh calls out Fujita. Wait, is that why Yoh has arm straps and his hair’s styled like that? Is he trying to be a Japanese Young Punk? The bell rings, the fans rally up behind both “FU-JI-TA!” and “YO-OH! YO-OH!” Yoh and Fujita take their time circling each other, then they tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Yoh’s height is leverage to push Fujita back. They end up on ropes, Yoh lets off slowly, and then he fakes a chop to pat Fujita on the shoulders. The fans cheer, the two tie up again, and now Fujita pushes Yoh right to the ropes. Red Shoes calls the break, Fujita lets go, and he smooths Yoh’s hair, to then give him a kiss on the forehead.
The fans cheer and Yoh is flustered. Fujita eggs Yoh on, Yoh runs up but Fujita dodges. Fujita kicks, whips, but Yoh reverses. Yoh drops down, drop toeholds, then he basement- NO, Fujita avoids the dropkick! Yoh avoid the Penalty Kick, and the heel kick! Fujita avoids a lariat, Yoh avoids the backhand, and the fans fire up as the two reset. Fujita blows a kiss and Yoh is “shot through the heart!” Yoh composes himself and tags in Rocky Romero. The fans rally up as Fujita tags in Eagles, and Eagles circles with Rocky. They tie up, Rocky powers Eagles back to the ropes, but lets off slowly. Rocky rolls back and gives some Latino Heat.
The fans cheer, but then Eagles trips Rocky! Things speed up, Rocky hurdles but Eagles leaps over. They keep going and Eagles arm-drags! Rocky arm-drags! Rocky evades an arm-drag to UPPERCUT! The fans cheer while Eagles is in a daze, and Rocky tags Goto. The fans rally up as Goto & Rocky double whip, but Eagles reverses to crisscross! Eagles kicks Goto, then WHEEL KICKS Rocky! Hot tag to ZSJ! The fans fire up as ZSJ UPPERCUTS Goto again and again! ZSJ whips, Goto grabs ropes, and Yoshi-Hashi tags in! Goto BOOTS ZSJ, then Bishamon DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLES! Then Hashi runs for ZANMAI! Yoh runs in, ZANMAI! Rocky runs in, ZANMAI!!
The fans fire up for that hattrick, and then Chaos says, “Se~ no!” DRUM BEAT! The fans fire up as Chaos all flexes! Red Shoes reprimands, the fans cheer “GO-TO-O!” but Hashi stands ZSJ up. Hashi CLUBS ZSJ, CLUBS him again, then wrenches. ZSJ wrenches back and then wristlocks! Hashi ends up in the TMDK corner and Ryohei Oiwa tags in. Oiwa kicks Hashi, wrenches his arm and YANKS it! Oiwa RAMS then whips Hashi, but Hashi dropkicks the legs! Hashi keeps moving, BLOCKBUSTER! The fans cheer and Hashi ROCKS Oiwa. And ROCKS him again! Oiwa goes to a corner, so Hashi CHOPS him!
Oiwa eggs Hashi on so Hashi CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Hashi whips corner to corner, runs up, and CHOPS again! The fans cheer while Oiwa sputters. Hashi turns Oiwa, but Oiwa wrenches out to top wristlock! Oiwa wrangles Hashi, isolates the arm and STOMPS it! Oiwa tags ZSJ, then BLASTS the Chaos corner! ZSJ drags Hashi up, wrenches an arm, and Oiwa adds on. They both top wristlock and wrangle Hashi, but then Fujita & Eagles step in! Eagles & Fujita get the legs for toeholds while Oiwa & ZSJ keep on the wristlocks! Red Shoes reprimands but the fans cheer this quadruple hold combo!
TMDK then rotates, Fujita & Oiwa with legs while ZSJ & Eagles have arms! And then rotate again, and rotate again! Red Shoes reprimands more but he also has to keep Chaos from storming in. Red Shoes counts all four TMDK members, and they all let off at 4. ZSJ tags Fujita and Fujita stomps Hashi’s arm. Fujita drags Hashi up, whips him to a corner, then CHOPS! Hashi sits right down and the fans fire up! Fujita stands Hashi up to snapmare, and he runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Hashi stays in this and the fans rally up. Fujita BLASTS Rocky, but Rocky’s right back to fire hands! Eagles gets in and stomps Rocky out!
Fujita & Eagles double whip Hashi, double ELBOW, then split the wishbone before DOUBLE KICKS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and duel while Fujita brings Hashi up. Fujita whips Hashi to the corner, then CHOPS! Tag to Oiwa, and Oiwa brings Hashi around for a headlock takeover. Hashi endures, fights up, but Oiwa grinds the hold. Hashi fires body shots, then CHOPS! Hashi headlocks and he grinds Oiwa down. Oiwa wrenches out, headlocks again, but Hashi powers up, only for Oiwa to hold on tight! Hashi fights up, lifts Oiwa, but Oiwa thrashes the hold. Hashi powers free this time, but Oiwa runs him over!
The fans fire up as Hashi rises, but then Oiwa headlocks for the takeover. Hashi headscissors, Oiwa kips free, and Oiwa ROCKS Hashi! Oiwa ROLLING- SUPERKICK from Hashi! Both men go to ropes, Oiwa fires up, but Hashi LARIATS him down! The fans fire up while both men fall! Hashi and Oiwa crawl, the fans rally up, hot tags to Goto and ZSJ! Th efans fire up as ZSJ dodges Goto then fires UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT! ZSJ whips, Goto reverses, and Goto LARIATS! Goto whips corner to corner to MURAMASA! Then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up and Goto storms around. Goto brings ZSJ up, but ZSJ double wristlocks!
ZSJ wrenches the arm, but Goto fires forearms! ZSJ wrenches and PELES! ZSJ SWEEPS the legs, and the fans rally up again. ZSJ PENALTY- NO, Goto blocks that kick, he knows it well from Shibata. ZSJ fires forearms, but Goto fireman’s carries! But ZSJ slips free, and he hooks Goto up in the IRON OCTOPUS! TMDK BLASTS Chaos off the apron, and Goto falls into a GROUND OCTOPUS! Goto endures, fights around, but Rocky DOUBLE STOMPS ZSJ! Eagles kicks Rocky then TOSSES him out! Eagles keeps after Rocky on the outside while ZSJ stands up. ZSJ KICKS Goto, then KICKS, then KICKS again!
ZSJ runs but Goto follows, and he LARIATS ZSJ down! The fans fire up and Goto snarls. Goto rises, the fans are behind him, and he dragon sleepers! But ZSJ slips down, victory roll, EURO CLUTCH! TWO!! Goto escapes, but ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Goto rises to run up, but into a full nelson! Goto fights that, so ZSJ GERMAN SUPLEXES! Goto rises up again! They DOUBLE LARIAT, and ZSJ staggers! DOUBLE LARIATS, and ZSJ staggers again! Goto roars, runs, but ZSJ ROUNDHOUSES the lariat away! But then Goto LARIATS after all! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! ZSJ and Goto stir, crawl, and hot tag to Fujita and Yoh!
The fans rally as Yoh and Fujita fire forearms back and forth! Yoh ROCKS Fujita, ROCKS him again, and again! Yoh whips, Fujita reverses, and Eagles gets a KICK in! Yoh DECKS Eagles, Fujita ROCKS Yoh! Fujita whips, Yoh reverses, and Rocky gets a KICK in! Fujita DECKS Rocky! Yoh and Fujita storm up to each other, Yoh shoves Fujita around, and the forearms start flying! Eagles and Rocky storm in, and they fire forearms with each other! The fans fire up, Red Shoes reprimands, but Rocky CHOPS Eagles! Yoh ROCKS Fujita, but Fujita turns things around on him! Eagles does the same with Rocky, and they each CHOP Rocky and Yoh!
TMDK whips RPG Revise, but RPG Revise dosido! TMDK dodges, but then RPG Revise dodges, and they LARIAT in the corners! Then they trade, but TMDK dodges! CHOP for Yoh and DOUBLE KNEES for Rocky! Eagles feeds Rocky to Fujita’s SOBAT! Eagles UPPERCUTS, then Eagles & Fujita SUPERKICK HEEL KICK COMBO! Rocky falls, the fans fire up, and TMDK drags Yoh up. They double wrench and lift Yoh, but Yoh fights free! Yoh fires shots on them both, then runs, but into a GAMANGIRI! Fujita fires up and the fans are with him! Tag to Eagles, he and Fujita stand Yoh up to wrench, lift, MAXXIE BOMB! Cover, Hashi breaks it!
Fujita whips but Hashi reverses, out goes Fujita! Oiwa runs up, Hashi dodges, but then Oiwa dodge! Oiwa LARIATS Hashi down! The fans fire up as Oiwa gets Hashi out of the ring. Eagles goes corner to corner at Yoh, but Yoh pops him up to the apron! Eagles kicks low, then springboards, SNIPER DROPKICK to the legs! But Yoh denies Eagles the figure four! Goto corner LARIATS, then feeds Eagles to Yoh’s FALCON GOROSHI! Cover, but ZSJ YANKS Yoh back! Goto goes after ZSJ and they fire forearms back and forth! The fans fire up while ZSJ eggs Goto on! The shots go faster and faster, harder and harder!
ZSJ ROCKS Goto, whips, but Goto reverses to fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Goto stomps ZSJ out of the ring, leaving Yoh and Eagles to rise up. Yoh pounds the mat, the fans rally, and Yoh vows to end this. Yoh brings Eagles around, underhooks, DIRECT- NO, Eagles fights the lift, wrenches, schoolboy BRIDGE! TWO!! Yoh runs up but into a scoop! Fujita is in, but Rocky saves Yoh from the Sweet Buster! Rocky shoves Eagles into Fujita, but Fujita fights off RPG Revise! Fujita runs, into the 3K!! Eagles runs up, but Rocky gets around to BACKSTABBER! Yoh gives Eagles the FALCON ARROW!
The fans fire up and RPG Revise tune up! Eagles stands, staggers, and Rocky reels him in, 3- NO, Eagles hits Yoh first! Eagles runs up, Rocky blocks Eagles’ kick, and he sets Eagles up. Yoh runs in, but Eagles slips free, SUPERKICK hits Rocky! Yoh freaks out, Eagles trips him and steps through! But Yoh cradle counters! TWO!! Eagles escapes, and he ROUNDHOUSES! SUPERKICKS! ENZI- NO, Yoh ducks! Yoh tunes up fast, and he SUPER- NO, Eagles mule kicks the leg! Then TRIG- NO, Yoh ducks that and GROUND COBRA CRADLES! Cover, CHAOS WINS!!
Winners: Chaos, by pinfall
Eagles can’t believe it, but Rocky is thrilled! RPG Revise just got a win over the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions! Will Yoh & Rocky look to take those titles off the Ichiban Sweet Boys? But speaking of titles, ZSJ quite literally rubs the world title in Goto’s face. We also have Hashi and Oiwa still scrapping on the outside, and then Eagles gives a shove to Yoh. Rocky gets in Eagles’ face, Fujita and Yoh seem to at least keeping things to trash talk, and now Young Lions have to get in between Hashi and Oiwa as they CHOP each other! Hashi CHOPS Oiwa and he goes staggering away! Hashi storms up, Oiwa gets in Hashi’s face, and ZSJ wants his guys stand down.
Easier said than done as Fujita & Eagles hold up the tag titles to taunt Yoh & Rocky. And then Hashi and Oiwa trade CHOPS again! Oiwa even adds some SLAPS! But then Hashi CHOPS Oiwa, and Oiwa almost falls back! Oiwa runs up to fire forearms! ZSJ is frustrated but Oiwa fires LARIATS! Hashi CHOPS again, then eggs Oiwa on. The fans sound like they’re on Oiwa’s side, and Red Shoes has everyone separate. But then Oiwa gets loose to go after Hashi again! Oiwa fires forearms but Hashi CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Oiwa roars, despite his chest being so red! Hashi CHOPS him again and again, and this goes up the ramp!
Oiwa CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS but Hashi doesn’t care, he just CHOPS back! And CHOPS again! Talk about chaos! Oiwa tries to scoop Hashi! Young Lions stop him, but Hashi fights free to ROCK Oiwa! Red Shoes reprimands, but then Yoh gets on the mic! “Hey! Hey! Stop! Stop the fighting! Stop!” The fans cheer him being het voice of reason. Yoh says they are ruining New Year Dash! If they wanna fight so bad, just do it in the ring. Yoh then says that CHAOS won the night! The fans cheer that, and Yoh says that “2025 will belong to Chaos. Everyone already knows that Chaos is truly the strongest.
“Isn’t that right, Goto-san? Goto, who won an IWGP World title shot, don’t you agree?” The fans cheer as Yoh offers the mic. Goto picks up his title contract and takes the mic to say, “I won this! I finally made it back to this point.” The fans applaud that. Goto says he WILL challenge for the title… in OSAKA! The fans cheer that, too, and Goto says “No matter how many times you get beat, if you don’t give up, you aren’t defeated. The battle has only just begun. In the year 2025, join the Goto Revolution!” The fans are ready, will The Fierce Warrior finally stand atop the mountain? Or will ZSJ make him #JustTapOut?
My Thoughts:
A great New Year Dash, and though I skipped the matches, they still had meaningful moments after so this was a really packed show. Barnett saying he wants to bring Oleg to a title, which of course means singles title, I have a bad feeling that the House of Torture will win those NEVER Openweight Six Man titles off Oleg, Yano & Tanahashi. Barnett will then take Oleg to like the NEVER Openweight singles title or maybe the NJPW Strong Openweight title. Kushida calling out Konosuke Takeshita for the NEVER title is wild, that and Desperado VS Taiji Ishimori this Saturday at Battle in the Valley will be some awesome stuff.
Drilla calling out Takagi after LIJ won against the War Dogs was pretty wild, too. Takagi VS Drilla 1v1 will be great stuff, can’t wait to see who wins out. Naito & Hiromu of course rebound but that was a really fun match against Funky Sauce. Naito calling out The Bucks is great, but I think that’ll be saved for New Beginnings in Osaka, Battle in the Valley is too soon to waste that title match on. And clearly, Goto wants New Beginnings in Osaka to be where he battles ZSJ. Great 8 Man Tag that also helped set up Hashi VS Oiwa 1v1 and then TMDK VS RPG Revise for the Junior Heavyweight titles. Those will all be great matches, and a Chaos VS TMDK faction warfare story is some good stuff to carry NJPW through to the Spring.
My Score: 8.9/10
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