Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/6/23)
John Cena returns to Raw!
The Champ! Is! HEEEERE!
Raw is in Boston, so Boston’s own JOHN CENA returns! And Austin Theory is surely wanting to talk with him. Will The Now see Cena in the ring?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa w/ Jimmy Uso; Kevin wins.
- Bianca Belair VS Carmella w/ Chelsea Green; Bianca wins.
- Omos w/ MVP VS Dolph Ziggler; Omos wins.
- Johnny Gargano w/ Dexter Lumis VS Finn Balor w/ The Judgment Day; Gargano wins.
- Nikki Cross VS Piper Niven; Piper wins.
- Baron Corbin VS Chad Gable w/ Otis; Gable wins.
- Sami Zayn VS Jimmy Uso w/ Solo Sikoa; Sami wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Bloodline arrives backstage.
The Wise Man, Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso are in town, they’ve got some problems to take cdare of. And Paul Heyman tells them that one more time from the top. Jimmy heard Roman Reigns last Friday. He was very explicit. Solve the Sami Zayn problem. And you know what happened? Sami Zayn escaped! Which means Sami survived, which means Sami is here live in Boston tonight. This means opportunity for the Bloodline. So Solo, he will solve the Kevin Owens problem tonight while Jimmy, whether Jey comes to his senses or not, will solve the Sami Zayn problem once and for all. Yeet. But as they head out, Heyman puts in the call to the Tribal Chief.
Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa!
The Prizefighter knows what’s coming, because you never face just one member of the Bloodline. The Enforcer of the Island will still have back-up, but will Kevin #JustKeepFighting until he’s beaten down The Bloodline?
The moment Solo’s through the ropes, Kevin goes after him! They spill out to the ramp and Kevin whips Solo into barriers! Kevin fires off more hands, then whips Solo, only for Solo to reverse and POST Kevin! Solo snarls, storms up on Kevin, and he throws haymakers! Solo POSTS Kevin again, Kevin gets in the ring, and Solo pursues. The bell rings, but Kevin TACKLES Solo! Kevin rains down fists, fires forearms, whips, but Solo reverses to CLOBBER Kevin! S0lo stomps Kevin, HEADBUTTS him, then stalks him to ropes. Solo CHOKES Kevin, the ref counts, and Solo lets off with a CLUBBING forearm!
Fans rally for Kevin and Kevin CHOPS! Kevin fires off hands, runs, but into a WHEEL KICK from Solo! Fans boo but Solo snarls. Solo sits Kevin up to HEADBUTT him again. Solo DECKS Kevin, then KICKS him in the back. Fans boo but Kevin throws hands! Solo DECKS Kevin again! Cover, ONE!! Kevin SLAPS Solo! Solo BOOTS Kevin down! Solo stomps away on Kevin in the corner but lets off as the ref counts. Solo drags Kevin but Kevin grabs the ropes. The ref counts, Solo stomps Kevin in the stomach! Solo snarls and fans boo, but Solo grinds his fingers into Kevin’s face in the corner. The ref counts and Solo lets off again.
Solo stomps Kevin but Kevin kicks back! And CHOPS! And ROCKS Solo with forearm after forearm! Kevin runs, but Solo kitchen sink knees him down! It gets Kevin rather low, and Solo adds a FALLING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! Solo looms over Kevin, drags him up by his beard and clamps on a chinlock. Fans rally as Kevin endures and reaches out. Kevin fights up, throws body shots, then ROCKS Solo! Kevin whips, Solo reverses but Kevin KCIKS him! And LARIATS! Solo stays up! Kevin LARIATS again, then stomps Solo’s foot! Kevin kicks Solo, then LARIATS! Solo drops, and Kevin drops a SENTON!
Fans fire up as Kevin goes corner to corner! But Solo bails out before the cannonball hits. Kevin goes out, to CLOBBER Solo! Boston is thunderous as Kevin looms over Solo. Kevin puts Solo back in, but here comes Jimmy! Jimmy gets on the apron to distract, and Solo UPPERCUTS Kevin! Solo ROCKET LAUNCHES Kevin off the corner! Solo runs in to HIP ATTACK!! Kevin flounders out of the ring but Solo goes out after him. Solo runs in, HIP ATTACK into the barriers! Fans boo but Solo soaks it up as Raw goes picture in picture.
Solo stares down the fans as they rally for Kevin. Solo drags Kevin up and into the ring, steps back in, and he paces around Kevin. Kevin crawls to ropes, and Solo CHOKES him again! The ref counts, Solo lets off, and now Jimmy gets a cheap shot in! Solo looms over Kevin while Jimmy talks trash with fans. Solo springboard stomps Kevin down! Solo and Jimmy taunt the fans, but the fans rally up for Kevin. Solo swings on Kevin but Kevin counter punches! Kevin fires forearms, Solo DECKS him! Jimmy applauds while Solo stomps Kevin again. Kevin grabs ropes but Solo stomps him again. Solo CHOKES Kevin on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts.
Kevin goes to a corner, then gets up to SUPERKICK! Solo staggers after Kevin as he goes outside. Kevin trips Solo on the apron! Solo rolls into the ring, Kevin hurries to SENTON, but gets knees! Kevin crawls to a corner, Raw returns to single picture, and Solo throws down hands! The ref counts, Solo throws headbutts but lets off at 4. Solo hoists Kevin up top, climbs up after him, and fans boo as Solo brings Kevin up. But Kevin resists! Kevin throws body shots, and a HEADBUTT! Solo wobbles, Kevin ELBOWS him down! Kevin then hurries, but runs into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Kevin is still in this but Solo keeps his focus.
Solo goes to the opposite corner, he runs in, but Kevin avoids the splash! Then hits a DDT! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Jimmy looks around, watching for both Sami and Jey. Kevin fires off forearms on Solo! Solo UPPERCUTS back! Solo runs in at the corner, Kevin dodges and Solo POSTS himself! Kevin kicks but Solo denies the stunner! Kevin BLASTS Jimmy off the apron! Kevin blocks Solo’s boot to SUPERKICK! And SUPERKICK! Solo is in the corner, Kevin CANNONBALLS! Fans fire up as Kevin climbs up! SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, JIMMY BREAKS IT!
Winner: Kevin Owens, by disqualification
The fans boo as Jimmy stomps away, but this isn’t about wins or losses! Just like on Friday, the Bloodline wants to put Kevin away for good! They RAM Kevin into steel steps, then Solo clears the announce desk! Jimmy drags Kevin over, SMACKS him off the desk, then pushes him onto it. The Bloodline mugs Kevin, and Solo sets up on the barriers. But SAMI ZAYN flies in! He CLOBBERS Jimmy, then fires off hands on Solo! Sami POSTS Solo! And CLOBBERS Jimmy! Sami fires off on Jimmy, SMACKS him off the desk, then gets a chair! Fans are thunderous as Sami swings at Solo! Solo dodges and runs through the crowd!
Sami aims at Jimmy, but Jimmy also bails out! Boston is thunderous for The Great Liberator, but he locks eyes with Kevin. Sami puts the chair aside, and walks up to his best frenemy. Fans cheer as Sami offers a hand. Kevin slides out, refusing to take it. These two may have the same goal, but Kevin is not willing to forgive Sami. Will these two #JustKeepFighting the same fight until the end?
Bobby Lashley speaks.
“I’m tired of playing these kid games, Bray Wyatt. I came to SmackDown to confront you man to man. But you’re not a man, are you? I thought coming to your home would provoke you enough to do something and face me. But instead, you sent a guy wearing a mask to do your dirty work. Bray Wyatt, what is it going to take to face me like a man?” The screens glitch, that might be a sign… But will the All Mighty get his meeting with the Eater of Worlds?
Backstage interview with Carmella.
Byron Saxton is with The Princess of Staten Island, and tonight, she faces the Raw Women’s Champion, Bianca Belair,. what would a win mean to her? To be real, the only reason Mella got this match was to get her out of Adam Pearce’s non-existent hair. But what he’s done is set up his precious little champion to be humiliated before WrestleMania. If Pearce was any good at his job, he’d make this match a #1 Contender’s Match, and a win would give Mella a part in the Raw Women’s Championship match. But again, Pearce ruins everything. Chelsea Green walks in and says amen! Someone else finally sees Pearce is a Grade A Dumpster Fire.
Pearce can be seen walking up, and when he spots these two, he turns the other direction! Chelsea says that tonight, after Mella wipes the floor with Bianca, they go above Pearce’s shiny head and talk to his manager to get that Mania moment. Mella loves that! Where has Chelsea been all Mella’s life? In fact, Chelsea should be out there in Mella’s corner! That’d be great! Oh, sorry, Byron is still here? Is he really listening to this private conversation? Where is his journalistic integrity? Get outta here, you mouth breather! Go! Byron leaves, but Chelsea and Mella are excited. Will this be the most FABULOUS Raw?
Bianca Belair VS Carmella w/ Chelsea Green!
Raw returns and Mella makes her entrance, the Hot Mess with her after all. The bell rings and Bianca eggs Mella on. They circle, tie up, and Bianca headlocks for a takeover. Mella fights up, but Bianca throws her for another takeover. Mella headscissors but Bianca kips free. Chelsea says Mella’s still got this, and the two tie up. Mella headlocks, Bianca wrenches out and headlocks back. Mella powers out but Bianca runs her over! Bianca dusts herself off, runs, then handsprings over Mella’s dropdown. Bianca eggs Mella on., things speed up, Bianca hurdles but Mella stops herslf. Bianca runs in but Mella dumps her out!
Bianca grabs Mella’s legs but Mella boots her into the desk! Bianca comes back, chases Mella into the ring, but Mella goes back to the apron. Mella HOTSHOTS Bianca, hurries in and throws her down by her hair! Chelsea applauds but fans boo. Mella soaks it all up, brings Bianca up but Bianca blocks the whip! Bianca whips, Mella reverses but Bianca goes up and over and handsprings, then says kiss hits! Mella runs in, Bianca goes up and over and dropkicks Mella down! Bianca kips up, fans fire up, and Bianca runs at Mella in the corner. Mella gets around, Bianca switches, O’Conner Roll, TWO! Bianca goes up again, but Mella BOOTS her!
Mella YANKS Bianca off the ropes! Mella says SHE is the EST, and Raw goes picture in picture.
Mella soaks up the heat while Bianca checks her face. Mella bows and Chelsea cheers, but Bianca goes to a corner. Mella says for Bianca to kiss this and runs in, but Bianca slips out to the apron. Bianca bumps Mella off buckles, and again and again and again! Bianca slingshots, but Mella moves and Bianca only gets buckles! Mella throws back elbows over and over, then lets off to taunt the fans. Mella drags Bianca up, bumps her off her boot, and then moonwalks away. “Mella! Is! Money!” Mella runs in, FABULOUS BRONCO BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea complains on Mella’s behalf but Mella wraps on a chinlock.
Bianca endures as Mella leans on the hold. Bianca fights up, has Mella as a backpack, and she RAMS Mella into buckles! And again! And then she throws Mella away! Bianca runs in, Mella tilt-o-whirls, but Bianca swings Mella to whip her to the corner. Mella BOOTS back! Mella pushes Bianca to a cover, TWO! Chelsea says Mella still has this, she’s smarter. Mella hip drops Bianca and mocks her braid! Mella pushes Bianca but Bianca rolls Mella up! TWO, and Mella CLOBBERS Bianca! Chelsea applauds while Mella stalks Bianca. Mella mocks the fans but Bianca throws body shots. Mella CLUBS Bianca down!
Mella snapmares Bianca back into the chinlock as Raw returns to single picture. Bianca endures, Mella mocks the “E S T!” chants, then says SHE is the best. Fans rally, Bianca fights up, and Bianca scoops Mella! Mella slips free and throws Bianca down by her hair! Mella goes to the apron, climbs up the corner, and leaps! CROSSBODY, but Bianca rolls through! Fans fire up as Bianca scoops Mella but Mella pulls the braid! They tug-o-war, Bianca whips Mella, Mella ducks ‘n’ dodges. Mella tilt-o-whirls, but Bianca blocks again! Bianca has Mella for a BACKBREAKER! Mella writhes, Bianca handsprings, to MOONSAULT! Chelsea distracts! Bianca would’ve won by now!
Bianca grabs at Chelsea, but Mella FABULOUS KICKS!! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea and the ref argue, but Mella talks more trash. Bianca RAMS Mella into the corner! The ref counts, Bianca lets off to SLAP Mella! Bianca climbs up, and she rains down fists! Fans count along, and Bianca goes all the way to TEN! Bianca then backflips, but Chelsea runs in! Bianca TOSSES Chelsea, then goes out after her! Bianca TOSSES Mella up and out! Fans cheer, Bianca tells her to mind her business, but Mella rolls Bianca up! FEET ON ROPES! TWO!! Bianca torture racks, to KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall
But Chelsea CLOBBERS Bianca! Fans boo as she and Mella mug Bianca! They sit Bianca up, but HERE COMES ASUKA!! The Empress of Tomorrow scares Mella and Chelsea, and she BLUE MISTS Chelsea!! Talk about a hot mess! Mella freaks out and gets Chelsea outta there! Asuka’s wild eyes then lock onto Bianca. Bianca smiles back, and she stands up with the title. The fans fire up seeing these two, will these two soon have the wildEST match for the title at WrestleMania?
Sami finds Kevin backstage.
Sami says he isn’t sure what to say. He isn’t sure what else to do. But can Kevin see what Sami’s been trying to tell him? Does Kevin see what he is trying to say? The Bloodline is too much for him, Sami or any one person. This isn’t a ploy to make everything okay again. Sami knows it’s complicated. They don’t need to be best friends again. They don’t need to ride together, or even team together. But they have the same objective, and neither can do it alone. They need to do this together. For once, just listen to Sami on this. When it comes to The Bloodline, Sami knows, because he was in it.
Yeah, Kevin knows that part. He remembers Sami staking his claim in this very city right here. At Kevin’s expense, too. Kevin remembers it all. But yeah, Sami is right, it is too much for one man, and Kevin knows because he’s been doing it alone for eight months! EIGHT. MONTHS. But yeah, maybe together, they could take the Bloodline down. But Kevin doesn’t want to do this with Sami. Maybe Kevin was wrong, that maybe Sami can go back, apologize, stroke the ego, and Roman will probably embrace Sami the way he’s always wanted. Kevin is done with Sami. Just leave him out of this. Does Sami understand that?
Sami walks away, but surely this isn’t over between them. What will it take for them to return to the way things were?
Rhea Ripley speaks.
“It’s time for complete and utter eradication. I’ve been in the ring with every single woman who thought they could take me out, and I have brutalized every single one of them. At WrestleMania, Rhea Ripley is walking out the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.” Will the Judgment Day’s Eradicator dethrone the Queen, Charlotte Flair?
The Miz is in the ring.
The Hollywood A-Lister and the host of WrestleMania 39 is here, and he says he knows what we’re thinking. Why would he ever set foot int he same right with Seth Rollins after what he did to Miz last week? Because Miz is going to moderate the face-to-face as preparations for his WrestleMania hosting duties. And as the host, Miz knows that he can’t have any biased towards any superstar. He will set that aside and let the show go on, moderating with the utmost professionalism. If anyone has an issue with that, then that someone shouldn’t have used Miz’s phone to set this up!
“So without any further ado, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome social media sensation, Logan Paul!” Fans boo as the ImPAULsive Influencer walks out to the ring. But he leaves Miz hanging on the handshake. And then without introductions, here comes Seth Rollins! Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as Rollins enters the ring and gets himself a mic. Miz raises his hand. Do you know what this means? “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” “When my hand goes up, your mouths go shut!” “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Miz is the moderator, and he will keep things moving on! Miz says Boston is living up to its stereotypes!
But Rollins has Miz be quiet so we can hear the singing echo out. Logan says this segment has a time limit so shut up. Fans boo but Miz thanks Logan for saying it. The fans still sing anyway. Rollins says, “BOSTOOON~! Well, well, well, would ya look what the cat dragged in? Live in the flesh! He is gracing us with his presence! Social media superstar, Logan Paul…!” Boston chants “LOGAN SUCKS!” but Logan soaks it all up. Rollins says it sounds like Boston knows about Logan Paul. And even though they’ve had their run-ins, Rollins and Logan haven’t been formally introduced. So if you don’t know, he is a Visionary, he is a revolutionary, he is… SETH! FREAKIN! ROLLINS!
Logan says he knows who Rollins is. And fans sing again. Logan says Rollins is the clown he dumped at Royal Rumble, and the guy who’s head he stomped at Elimination Chamber. But Logan doesn’t know Rollins’ problem with him, other than that he’s embarrassed Rollins twice. And that Logan accomplished in one year what Rollins did in twenty. And that Logan is better at Rollins’ job than Rollins is. Logan is coming in, Rollins is on his way out. Logan works smarter, not harder, and he’s just naturally good at this. In fact, if Logan were Rollins, he wouldn’t like him either. Miz says not to take a side, but Logan made some good points.
Fans chant, “F YOU, LOGAN!” Logan revels in that, but Rollins says, “Here’s the thing. He does make some good points. But what you’re missing is none of that is the reason we don’t like you. So let me put this to you as simply as I can. We don’t like you because you are the SCUM OF THE EARTH! You’re a coward! You’re a troll! You’re a fraud! You’re, what do they call it? A human dumpster fire! And we don’t want you in our house!!” Fans fire up for that! Rollins knows Boston isn’t here to see them mince words. They are here to see Rollins get his pound of flesh! “So the time for talk is over! It’s time to FIGHT!”
Rollins throws off his jacket, Logan sets his feet, but Miz has them both stand down! It is his job to make sure that these two do NOT fight! Logan says Miz doesn’t speak for him. If Logan wants to fight Rollins in Boston, he’s gonna do that! Because if Logan wants something, he’s gonna do it! That’s just how he do. But guess what? He won’t. Fans boo but Logan says one thing he doesn’t do is fight for free. He is a premium act, and he isn’t fighting for free… in Boston. Get real! However, if the stage was bigger, the money was better, and they were somewhere with more star power, Logan would consider it.
Miz says he is the host of WrestleMania, and he could make Rollins VS Logan for Mania happen! He just- Wait, he can make that happen? All he has to do is go to the back and pull some strings? Yeah, absolutely! Right here and now? Yes! Then what’re we waiting for! Rollins throws Miz out of the ring! Logan kicks low! But Rollins avoids the stomp! Rollins goes after Logan, Miz pulls Rollins off him, but Rollins SUPERKICKS Miz down! ONE LUCKY PUNCH!! Logan takes Rollins out!! Logan tells Rollins, “When you wake up, let me know about WrestleMania. Oh, oh, and one more thing. Buy-bye, b*tch.”
Logan drops the mic and heads out, but will he regret sucker punching the Visionary?
Omos w/ MVP VS Dolph Ziggler!
The Nigerian Giant will get his battle with The Beast, Brock Lesnar, but that means he’ll need to be in the best shape possible. Will he get more than a tune-up with the Show-Off? Or will Omos stand tall on the Road to WrestleMania?
Raw returns and Ziggler makes his entrance. Wait, is that Mustafa Ali in the front row being a Ziggler fan? The bell rings, Ziggler tells Ali to shut up and go away. Ziggler and Omos circle, but Omos corners Ziggler. Ziggler slips away, jumps on for a SLEEPER, but Omos stays standing. Omos throws Ziggler off, runs in, but into an ELBOW! Ziggler BOOTS Omos, then runs, but into a BOOT from Omos! Ali says it’s okay, Ziggler can shake that off. But then Omos hits the MOUNTAINTOP SLAM!! Cover, Omos wins!!
Winner: Omos, by pinfall
Ali is surprised, though he did have a hand in making this match happen… Is Ali genuine in his support? Or is this his way of trolling Ziggler and getting even for before?
As for Omos and MVP, MVP gets the mic. “Brock Lesnar! You wanted me to hype up a match? This is all the hype I need right here! You should’ve NEVER put your hands on me, Brock! Because I give you my word, the 7’3″, 416 pound Nigerian Giant, Omos, tames the Beast at WrestleMania!” Omos is all fired up and could probably fight again. Will he get far more than a fight against Lesnar?
Maximum Male Models talks backstage.
That physique is so rotund. He does have that je ne sais quoi. It’s French. But Maxxine Dupri knows, he has “IT!” Really? Baron Corbin walks over and says all that means so much to him. All those compliments, it really helps. Things haven’t been going Corbin’s way. He lost money in poker, he has been losing matches, and he lost his mentor, JBL. EW! EW EW EW! NO! Corbin, they were NOT talking about you! They were talking about him. Otis! The width! The girth! Okay, what? What does Otis have that Corbin doesn’t? Charisma, uniqueness, and the “it factor.” HAIR! Hey, Bruce Willis is bald.
But you are NOT Bruce Willis, Corbin! You are a troglodyte! Maxxine calms Mansoor down, and says she sees some potential in Corbin. That is, if he can solve a problem for them. See over there, next to the “stunningly attractive beefcake,” the short ugly one. Gable? Yes. Handle him, and Maxxine will consider adding Corbin as a client. Then consider it done. Maxxine is plotting, but is she taking out two birds with one stone?
The Bloodline talks backstage.
Jimmy is preparing for his match with Sami, and Paul Heyman says that Jimmy is the man. Jimmy is the one who will take out Sami Zayn, the one who will solve the problem, and the one who will make sure that The Tribal Chief never has to hear the name “Sami” again. And to do that, with all the pressure that Jimmy must be feeling, and not be distracted by the fact that the Tribal Chief has given Jimmy until this Friday to bring Jey back into the fold… Wow. Because if that doesn’t happen, The Tribal Chief won’t blame Solo, nor will he blame Heyman. If Jimmy doesn’t get Jey back in the Bloodline by Friday, Roman Reigns will blame Jimmy.
Heyman leaves and Jimmy is surely feeling the weight now. Will he crumble under that pressure? Or will Jey return to spare Jimmy from Roman’s wrath?
Johnny Gargano w/ Dexter Lumis VS Finn Balor w/ The Judgment Day!
Speaking of Otis, Johnny Wrestling survived fighting the human tree trunk, but the Prince promised to finish things himself. Will this be Gargano’s Judgment Day? Or will Gargano be a speedbump on Finn’s Road to WrestleMania?
Raw returns and Gargano makes his entrance, accompanied by the Tortured Artist. The bell rings and the two circle. Finn and Gargano tie up, Finn knees low then CLUBS Gargano down. Lumis stares at the rest of Judgment Day while Finn headlocks. Gargano powers out, but Finn runs him over! Finn flexes, then he snapmares Gargano to elbow him in the shoulder. Finn chinlocks but Gargano slips out to hammerlock. Finn gets the ropebreak, Judgment Day protests, but Finn elbows Gargano away. Finn grabs Gargano’s arm and grinds it with an armlock. Gargano endures and Boston rallies up.
Gargano fights up, arm-drags free, then arm-drags to an armlock! Finn tries to headscissor but Gargano digs a knee into Finn’s face. Finn fights up, Gargano wrenches, but Finn fishhooks Gargano! Finn CLUBS Gargano and has the armlock again. Gargano endures and fights his way up. Finn wrenches the arm again but Gargano flips, kips up and ENZIGURIS! Finn rebounds to CLOBBER Gargano! Gargano goes to ropes but Finn is after him. Finn bumps Gargano off buckles, RAMS into him, then whips him corner to corner. Finn runs in but into BOOTS! Gargano runs to RANA! And then he DROPKICKS Finn out!
Fans fire up, Lumis is there! Finn doesn’t want any trouble, but Gargano DIVES! Direct hit and Raw goes to picture in picture.
Judgment Day is upset but Lumis is stone faced as always. Gargano brings Finn up and over, CHOPS him against barriers, then headlocks him. Gargano storms up to Judgment Day, and CHOPS Finn right in front of them! Fans rally for Gargano while Finn goes to the ring. Gargano hurries after, rolls Finn to SCHOOLBOY KICK! Cover, TWO! Rhea taunts Lumis but Gargano focuses on Finn. Finn wants timeout, and offers a handshake. Gargano considers it, and he shakes Finn’s hand. To kick him low! Gargano CHOPS Finn, whips him to ropes, but Finn reverses. Gargano sunset flips but Finn rolls through to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO!
Judgment Day cheers while Gargano goes to ropes. Finn stalks Gargano, chinbars and puts him in a corner, then CHOPS! Gargano staggers away but Finn is on him again. Finn CHOKES Gargano on the ropes! He lets off at 4, the ref argues with him, and Rhea sucker punches Gargano! Finn covers, TWO! Rhea and Priest still high five while Finn grinds Gargano down with a headlock. Gargano endures, fights his way up, and Judgment Day freaks out. But Finn hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Finn is frustrated but he kicks Gargano down at the ropes. Finn taunts the fans, kicks Gargano more, and Raw returns to single picture.
Finn stomps Gargano at the ropes, stomps him again, then springboard- BOOTS from Gargano! Finn staggers, swings but into counter punches! Gargano whips, Finn reverses, but Gargano ducks ‘n’ dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! Gargano rallies, Finn dodges and CHOPS! Gargano rebounds to DISCUS LARIAT! Fans fire up but Lumis is still stoic. Gargano ENZIGURIS Finn out of the ring. Finn avoids the plancha, but he sees Gargano on the apron, SLINGSHOT SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Finn is still in this and Judgment Day calms down. Gargano runs corner to corner to DOUBLE KNEE, then he snapmares Finn.
Fans fire up as Gargano aims, but Finn SLINGBLADES first! Finn aims now, runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! Gargano resets, to SUPERKICK again! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives but Gargano runs to tilt-o-whirl, but Finn blocks! ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, TWO! Finn snarls but Gargano is still down. Finn rains down fists, but Gargano turns that to a sunset! TWO!! Finn staggers up, into a GAMANGIRI! Gargano aims but Rhea distracts! Gargano jumps Priest’s swipe, and then CANNONBALLS onto Dom! Fans fire up but Gargano has to hurry away from Priest. Gargano gets in the ring, Finn trips and DOUBLE STOMPS him!
Finn aims from the corner, runs in, SHOTGUN! Gargano hits buckles and he ends up in the drop zone! Finn goes up, but EDGE IS HERE! The Judgment Day go tot he ramp, but the Rated R Superstar sneaks in from the crowd! He SHOVES Finn down! Finn hotshots off ropes! Gargano goes to the apron, for ONE FINAL BEAT!! Cover, Gargano wins!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall
And then Lumis CLOBBERS Priest! Edge has Finn all alone now, and Boston is thunderous! Finn staggers up, into a SPEAR!! Edge says this isn’t over! Finn wanted a final fight with Edge, and he’s getting it! Will Judgment Day regret ever turning on their founder?
Backstage interview with Edge.
Byron catches up with the Rated R Superstar and wants to know, what does he have to say about costing Finn his match against Gargano tonight? Edge says that Finn cost Edge a match he never should’ve lost, so with no disrespect to Gargano, Edge just returned the favor and cost Finn a match he never should’ve lost. They’re affecting each other’s careers and neither man has time for that. They both wanna settle this, so Edge tells Finn that next week, Edge will be in the ring by himself to settle this. Let’s see if Finn has the same stones. Will the Prince do things 1v1 with Edge to finally end this?
Nikki Cross VS Piper Niven!
Anarchy incarnate is ready to take on a former teammate in the defense of Candice LeRae, her “new friend.” One way or another, we’re gonna see some serious lass kicking, but who comes out on top?
Raw returns and Piper makes her entrance. While Piper stands on the apron, Nikki JUMPS on her! Nikki thrashes Piper around with fingers in her face! The ref reprimands but this isn’t a match yet. Nikki drags Piper in, HAMMERS away, then jumps on for more thrashing! Piper’s own hair is being used to smother her! Nikki lets Piper go, climbs up the corner, the bell rings! Piper turns around, into a CROSSBODY! Nikki chases after but Piper bails out. Nikki swings her jacket around, Piper fumes and storms up to the apron. Nikki rushes in, but Piper HEADBUTTS her down! Piper gets in but Nikki DRPOPKICKS back!
Nikki throat chops, RAMS into Piper, then reels her in. But Piper wrenches out to whip and SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, Piper wins!
Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall
Nikki came out of the gate fast, but she ran right into a wall named Piper! Will no one stop Piper from pulverizing everyone on her path towards the title?
Rick Boogs tries to deadlift a truck.
But he just can’t! He swears he can but Elias walks over. Boogs says what’s up, but Elias asks about his notes. Boogs realizes he doesn’t have them! Elias says it isn’t about the notes, though. What does Boogs remember? Uh, Bobby Lashley putting Elias in the Hurt Lock, and… Those massive pecs. Boogs, you’re missing the point of everything! Elias took the fight to Lashley! Everyone wants to Walk With Elias! Elias’ star power has raised. But the only way Boogs can learn is if he gets out there and does it himself. Look, there’s Bronson Reed. Boogs, go over there and challenge him. Is Elias sure? Elias tells Boogs to tell Bronson, “I want to fight you.”
Boogs goes over to Bronson, talks to him, and then Bronson walks up to Elias. Elias wants to fight Bronson, huh? Then it’s your funeral. See you next week. Wait, what? Boogs is proud he did it, but what did he say? That Elias wanted to fight him. That’s what Elias said, right? NO! He meant… Well, Boogs has a lot to learn. But, lips! Will the Drifter survive running into the Colossal Aussie?
John Cena heads to the ring!
The SIXTEEN TIME world champion and Boston’s own is back on Raw, and clearly the reaction he just heard got him a bit. Cena slides into the ring and fans fire up even more! Cena gets the mic, but then Austin Theory makes his way out. Theory goes to the ring, gets himself a mic, but the fans chant for Cena. Theory encourages them to keep going, so they do. “And just like them, John, I’ve got all the respect in the world for you. Hey, hey, all of you might not know this, but I only became a WWE superstar because of you. I remember watching you on TV with my mom, you inspired me, John. You did! The hustle, the loyalty, the respect, I thank you for that.
“Hey, no need to disrespect me, because I came out here with a gift for you, John. Yeah, a gift. A gift that is from the bottom of my heart. A gift that is bigger than any movie role that you’re gonna do. It’s a gift! Of me and you, one-on-one…” Fans chant for Cena even harder, and Theory likes it! “Cena it up,” because that gift is them on the Grandest Stage of Them All for the United States Championship! Theory VS Cena! Fans like the sound of that! Cena says, “No.” The fans and Theory are surprised. Cena says he thought about it, and the answer is no. He is not interested in Theory’s “gift,” because he hasn’t earned the right to give it.
Cena says he has been watching, and listening, and he doesn’t care. Just like every single person in here, they don’t care about Theory! Why? We don’t care about Theory because we don’t believe Theory. We don’t believe because Theory doesn’t believe. Theory is a generic kid in fancy sneakers and sunglasses indoors, but there’s nothing inside. And Cena isn’t talking from a high place. Cena’s walked in Theory’s shoes. There’s a sign right out in the crowd that says “Theory is a John Cena wannabe.” Fans cheer that they’re getting the shoutout.
Cena says he’s Theory’s Ghost of Christmas Future! And right now, Theory is in that phase of “Ruthless Aggression.” That phase almost got Cena fired! What a great opportunity it was, but we all saw Cena didn’t believe in himself, and the opportunity just wasn’t enough. Theory has been given opportunity after opportunity and he doesn’t believe in himself and the fans know it. Theory has no heart or soul. The fans are here out of respect because for 20 years, we’ve been yelling back and forth at each other, but they BELIEVE in Cena. They don’t believe in Theory. Theory is a pair of trunks away from being a jabroni.
Wait, wait, wait. No. Here’s a feedback sandwich, here’s something good. Theory has the best name in WWE history. Think about it! Stone Cold Steve Austin! The Rock! The Undertaker! There is no name better than Austin Theory. Fans boo but Theory likes where Cena is going. But Cena says that is exactly what Austin is: A Theory. In theory, Theory should be great! In theory, Theory is what every WWE executive looks for. He looks great, moves great, runs fast, etc. In theory, everyone should be here to see Theory. “But no one cares. And you’re wasting our time. So on behalf of Boston, we would like to give you a gift!”
Cena tells Theory to shut up, turn around, get out of this ring, and “we” will let him walk out of here in one piece. Fans fire up for Cena while Theory considers his options. Theory turns around, but then says he’s not going anywhere! Just like that bald spot on Cena’s head! Cena takes off his hat to show the combover. He’s proud of the senior circuit! Oh, he is? Cena’s got a comeback for everything, huh? But what’s funny is, Theory looks around at all the shirts. The same one Cena has right here: Never Give Up. But, wait. Is John Cena saying no? Is he saying that he’s giving up?
And the hat! The hat says “respect” but where’s the respect for all the fans? Cena has a golden ticket against the greatest US Champion at WrestleMania, and he’s gonna give it up? Where’s the hustle? The loyalty? The respect?! Doesn’t everyone wanna see Cena at Mania? Then shut up because Cena said no! Theory says what he’s realized, Cena being Theory’s childhood hero and all that. Boston, pay close attention. Because the saying may be said a lot but it’s right. NEVER meet your heroes. Because when you do, you just get disappointed. Fans boo, and some chant, “BEAT HIS ASS!”
Cena would rather be bald then have the company pipe in fake crowd noise because nobody cares. Theory can change the subject, he still sucks. Theory really is a dumb SOB. Cena didn’t say “no” because he was giving up. He said “no” to save Theory’s ass. Theory is not ready. Theory’s putting Cena against the wall but he doesn’t understand. If Cena and Theory have a match at Mania, and Cena wins, then Theory loses everything. He’s done! And if they have a match and Theory somehow wins, he still loses everything! Sure, sure, you win the day, but then you gotta go out the Monday after, all by yourself, and explain.
Theory won’t have Cena to lean on, it’ll be all on him against “the most harsh, vocal, ruthless, critical audience in the WWE, and they will eat you alive!!” They will see what Cena sees, and that is that Theory is full of crap! But Theory has left Cena no choice since he brought the fans into it. So Cena will ask Boston what they think. “Boston… Before we get all WrestleMania rowdy, I wanna thank my family for being here because it really means a lot to me. And I’m asking for help. I need your help way up there, I need your help right here, I need your help. We’re going to make a decision right here and now. Do you Wanna see Austin Theory VS John Cena at WrestleMania?”
“YES!!!” Fans continue to chant “YES! YES! YES!” Cena says to pardon the senioritis. It isn’t just his hair, it’s his hearing. Do they wanna see Theory VS Cena at Mania? “YES!!!” Cena may not care about Theory, but he’ll never give up on the fans. Theory will remember this moment as the biggest mistake of his life. At Mania, for the US Championship, it’ll be THEORY VS CENA!! Cena wishes Theory luck. “We all know you don’t have it here,” Cena says as he points to Theory’s head. “We all know you don’t have it here,” he says as he points to Theory’s heart. “And we all know you don’t have it here.” CUP CHECK! Work on that last one.
Cena leaves and Theory is furious, but Theory literally asked for this. And Cena stops at the stage. “in no way, shape or form are you ready for the WrestleMania stage. But Boston deserves to see somebody that is. Boston, Massachusetts, I introduce to you the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes!” Cody walks out on stage and fans cheer as he shakes hands with Cena and hugs it out. Will Theory regret asking for the legend?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Cathy Kelley tentatively walks up to Sami and says that so far, his attempts to reconcile with Kevin Owens have failed. How is he feeling going into tonight’s main event against Jimmy Uso? Sami wishes he could say Kevin is just being stubborn and angry and doesn’t know what he’s talking about, but Kevin’s right about what happened here just last November at WarGames. But everything has changed now! Everything’s different! The one guy who had Sami’s back through thick and thin in Jimmy Uso now has the responsibility of putting an end to Sami. This match is about survival, you understand?
Jimmy wants to end the Sami Zayn problem, but if he fails, it is the end of Jimmy! And Sami is not going anywhere until he sees the end of Roman Reigns and The Bloodline. So sorry, Jimmy, “my dawg,” but tonight is NOT gonna be your night. Sami heads out, but will he be able to survive a desperate and angry Jimmy Uso?
Baron Corbin VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!
The Lone Wolf is feeling down, but things could be looking up. Will he be able to clear “Master Gable” out of the way so MMM can make Otis into “Otīs? Or will this be another failing in Corbin’s career?
Raw returns as Corbin makes his entrance. The bell rings and Corbin ties up with Gable. Corbin throws Gable to a corner, SPLASHES him, then whips him corner to corner hard! Gable bounces off buckles and falls to the mat. Corbin stomps away as MMM watches backstage. Maxxine likes what she sees as Corbin drops an elbow on Gable’s back. Corbin drives elbows into Gable’s shoulders, but fans chant, “WE WANT OTIS!” Corbin Canadian Racks Gable, thrashes him around with the Canadian Backbreaker, but fans rally up. Gable fights free, and he back drops Corbin away! Fans rally as Gable goes to a corner.
Corbin runs in, misses, and Gable fires off forearms and uppercuts! Gable knees, UPPERCUTS, runs, dodges and tilt-o-whirls to waistlock. O’Conner, CHAOS THEORY! Fans fire up while Corbin writhes. Gable goes up the corner and Otis cheers him on. MOONSAULT, but Corbin dodges! CHOKE SLAM BACKBREAKER! Corbin roars, says Gable is nothing, but Gable picks an ankle! ANKLE LOCK!! Corbin flails, reaches out, but Gable GRAPEVINES! Corbin TAPS, Gable wins!
Winner: Chad Gable, by submission
Otis celebrates with Gable, “A THANK YEW~!” Corbin fails, will MMM never be able to add the round mound of manliness to their stable?
Becky Lynch is here!
The Man is in Boston, but she also has the legend, Lita! They’re the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions after defeating Damage CTRL just last week, so they’re here to celebrate! Becky has a mic to say The Man and Lita have come around to Boston, here as the new tag team champions of the world~! “Because when a couple of legends like us step in the ring side by side, you better believe we’re not gonna miss.” Lita says when Becky gave her the opportunity to become a tag team champion, you either let that opportunity pass you by, or you make history like they did. Fans cheer that.
Lita knows Kai & Sky didn’t make it easy on them, but they made it worth it. Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” and Lita gives the belt a little kiss. Lita says that as Becky’s friend and tag partner, she sincerely wants to thank her. But there is a very, very special equalizer they have yet to thank tonight. Here she come! It’s TRISH STRATUS! Trish joins Lita and Becky in the ring, and Trish gets a mic to say, “First of all, Lita. You know I’ll always have your back. And to see you team up with The Man and capture gold, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. And to be fair, a couple months back in Toronto, I did tell Bayley that if she didn’t shut her mouth-”
Wait, here comes Bayley! The Role Model leads DMG CTRL out and says, “Um, a ding dong! You idiots love to show up when it’s convenient for you, doncha? You love to steal someone else’s spotlight if it means you can add something else to your damn trophy case.” DMG CTRL steps right in the ring and Bayley says that while the dumdums cheer them on, Bayley sees right through them! They’re selfish. Trish, Lita, you two are legitimately the reasons why they’re in this ring now. But DMG CTRL will be the reason they never come back! Trish tells Bayley she is good at interrupting, but not at listening.
Trish warned her that she could go from “I am to retired,” to “I was retired.” And y’know what? What better place to do it and shut Bayley up than on the Grandest Stage of Them All? So how about a Six Woman Tag at Mania? Bayley asks if that’s what they want, then they accept! Kai & Sky look at Bayley with confusion, a bit like when she accepted the title match for them. Kai & Sky then swing on the legends, but Trish & Lita both dodge! And they fire off forearms! They throw Kai & Sky out, and Becky gets in Bayley’s face. Fans fire up and Bayley dares Becky to do something. Bayley smirks, but then realizes she’s surrounded.
Fans fire up as Trish and Bayley talk some trash. Bayley swings on Becky! But Becky counter punches! Lita ROCKS Bayley, Trish DECKS Bayley! And then CHICK- NO, DMG CTRL gets Bayley outta there! Fans are ready for this star-studded Six Woman Tag, will Hollywood be the perfect place for this generational showdown?
Sami Zayn VS Jimmy Uso w/ Solo Sikoa!
Just like when Kevin fought Solo, we all know that The Bloodline always has back-up. Sami is walking into what is less a match and more a trap, just like it was on Friday. But even so, will Sami survive to see the mission through? Or is this the night the Bloodline solves its Sami Zayn problem?
The bell rings, and Sami hits a THESZ PRESS! Sami rains down fast hands, but lets off to clothesline Jimmy up and out! Fans fire up, Sami goes out after Jimmy, but Jimmy UPPERCUTS! Jimmy whips Sami into barriers while fans sing “OLE~! OLE OLE OLE~!” Jimmy runs in, but Sami tosses him into the timekeeper’s area! Sami watches Solo while Raw goes picture in picture.
Sami fetches Jimmy and throws haymakers. Sami brings Jimmy around, bumps him off the desk, then climbs up onto the desk! Sami leaps to AX HANDLE Jimmy down! Solo stays back but he watches Sami. Sami puts Jimmy in the ring, goes to the corner and hops up, to leap, into an UPPERCUT! Jimmy snarls while Sami writhes, and Jimmy stomps away on Sami at the ropes. They go to the apron, Jimmy brings Sami up, to APRON SNAP SUPLEX! Sami writhes even more but Jimmy seethes. Jimmy drags Sami up, brings him around, and POSTS him! Jimmy slides in the ring and lets the ring count handle this.
Fans rally for Sami while Solo stares at Sami. The count is 5 of 10, Sami staggers up at 7 and slides in at 8! Jimmy rains down fists right away! Jimmy lets off to throw up the finger, #WeTheOnes. Sami crawls to a corner, Jimmy says, “UCE! SO! UCE! SO!” Jimmy runs in to HIP ATTACK! Jimmy makes everyone ready the shirt, #WeTheOnes. Sami crawls to another corner, Jimmy rains down fists. The ref counts, Jimmy lets off, and he watches Sami sit up. “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs to HIP ATTACK again! Sami flounders, Jimmy taunts him, and Raw returns to single picture. “I’m supposed to take you out!”
Jimmy swings, but Sami counter punches! And again! And again! And again! Sami whips, Jimmy reverses but Sami BOOTS back! Sami hops up, kicks away on Jimmy’s face, then reels him in, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Jimmy is still in this but fans fire up for Sami as he goes to the apron. Sami goes up a corner, leaps, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Jimmy escapes but clutches a shoulder as he sits up. Sami brings Jimmy up and reels him in, but Jimmy throws elbows to fight he lift. Jimmy whips and UPPERCUTS Sami! Sami stays up against ropes, runs back in, but Jimmy throws him out!
Jimmy distracts the ref and Solo creeps up. But the ref sees Solo! The ref EJECTS Solo! Fans fire up and Jimmy is furious! Jimmy’s back-up is gone, and Sami reels him in! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Jimmy survives and Sami is beside himself, but Raw goes back to picture in picture.
Sami thinks of what he has to do to finish this. Jimmy stirs, Sami drags him up, and suplexes. Jimmy fights it, UPPERCUTS, but Sami stays on his feet. Jimmy CHOPS! And whips, but Sami goes up and over! Jimmy dodges Sami, Sami runs, into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Sami is still in this and Jimmy is frustrated. Jimmy glares at Sami, drags him up, but again Sami throws counter punches! They go back and forth with haymakers, Sami gets the edge, but Jimmy shoves him away! Sami blocks the kick but the DRAGON WHIP connects! Jimmy is fuming but he drags Sami back up.
Jimmy brings Sami around to a corner, hoists him up top, and then GAMANGIRIS! Sami wobbles, Jimmy climbs up, but Sami blocks the superplex! Sami CLUBS away on Jimmy, hitting him again and again! Then SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Jimmy survives again and Sami can’t believe it! Sami drags himself up with the ropes, then goes back to the corner. Sami climbs again, Raw returns to single picture and Jimmy UPPERCUTS! And GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes back up after Sami, but Sami throws haymakers! Sami throws elbows, then he shoves Jimmy away. Sami leaps, into a SUPERKICK!
Both men are down and fans rally up. Wait! JEY IS HERE! Jey goes to ringside, and he gets on the desk, too! Jimmy smiles seeing his brother is back, but then he dodges Sami’s kick! Jimmy mule kicks, uppercuts and SAMOAN- NO, SUNSET FLIP! SAMI WINS!!!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall
The Sami Zayn problem is NOT solved! Jimmy is completely at a loss for words! Jey returned, but what of Roman’s ultimatum? Jey goes to the ring to join his brother, the two stare down, and fans are torn. Jey steps closer, puts his hands on Jimmy’s shoulders, and Jimmy asks where Jey stands. Jey grabs at the shirt, but he looks so conflicted. Jimmy asks him what’s wrong, and Jey walks past Jimmy. Jey looks at Sami, they both look at Jimmy, then back at each other. Sami is tentative but Jey says he trusts Sami!? Jey brings Sami in for a hug!!! Fans explode with excitement! Sami says he and Jey can take the Bloodline down now!
Jimmy looks crushed as he drops to a knee. Fans chant “UCEY! UCEY!” and Jey raises his finger. Sami raises his, too, they the ones! Sami says Jimmy can join them. It’s not too late. Fans lose their minds over this development, but then Jey SUPERKICKS SAMI!!! Jimmy grins as Jey shouts in Sami’s face! “Did you really think I would choose you?!” This is FAMILY, fool! Jey drags Sami up, throws him into the ring, and the Usos mug Sami! The cheers are now boos as Solo joins in, but here comes Cody!! The American Nightmare slides in and stands between them and Sami! Will the Bloodline only be stronger now that Jey is back?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to mark us being just a month out from WrestleMania. The Bloodline story is again the best part of the night, and it was a great move to bookend the night with it. Jimmy giving Kevin the win with the beatdown, Sami showing up to fight the Bloodline off, and then Sami trying to get Kevin to see reason, all good stuff. And Jey showing up at the end of Sami VS Jimmy, that double swerve, that was genius. Cody making the save also works, not just because Cody’s building feud with Roman, but because it wasn’t Kevin. Kevin is understandably being stubborn about forgiving Sami, and this could drag out for a couple more weeks before the moment Kevin finally forgives Sami and is his partner against the reunited Usos.
We also got great promo segments throughout the night to set up big matches. The women’s segment comes off as the weaker one, but only because it was shorter and simpler. DMG CTRL want payback, but Bayley sticks her foot in her mouth, now she, Kai & Sky will face Becky and two legends, and there’s a very good chance Becky and the legends win, really straining DMG CTRL’s partnership. At this point, Kai & Sky can stick together but ditch Bayley, as they haven’t really benefited from being her cronies. They lost their belts, they look like they can’t do anything, they can prove they’re truly capable if they strike out on their own.
The Miz, Seth Rollins and Logan Paul had a really good promo, and of course Miz inserts himself as the moderator. It’s the only way Rollins didn’t just beat Logan up right here and now and have it be done. But Miz being the host, him making the match is a good detail, and of course Logan stands tall to put things on Rollins. And of course, promo segment of the night was Cena and Theory. Theory got a good jab about the bald spot, but Cena just tore into Theory otherwise. That line about Theory’s name being perfect for him was great, and pretty much everything Cena said was so good. Their match is going to be great stuff, too, but somehow, Theory surely wins because Cena can’t be a champion while being part-time and busy in Hollywood.
I like that Elias trying to mentor Boogs is backfiring on him, like when the two-faced cartoon character tries to get the innocent one in trouble but they end up in trouble instead. Bronson Reed is gonna squash Elias like Lashley did, and it’s odd but also clever that this is how Bronson is building his momentum. He isn’t in a story of his own, but he gets to help all these other stories move along. Lashley had a good promo, and Bray didn’t fully respond, but the White Rabbit tron hacking stuff is kinda his response. Bray heard it, that was like a twitch of his eye, and surely Bray will double down on the “games” just to get on Lashley’s nerves.
And of course the matches were all good, too. Well, Omos squashes Ziggler but that was to be expected. And though MVP had a good promo to call out Lesnar, that was really more for Ali introducing this Ziggler superfan angle that is of course all ironic and for the trolling. Ziggler will challenge Ali to a rematch, maybe Ziggler wins to get even, and we see where it goes from there. A quick match from Piper and Nikki with Candice apparently hurt by a backstage attack during Raw Talk. Piper VS Nikki should’ve been a thing when their team wasn’t working out and Nikki ditched being Almost a Super Hero. There was a point commentary used the phrase “unfamiliar foe” but they were a team, Piper would of course know Nikki. But perhaps it’s because “this” Nikki is different.
Baron Corbin getting in on the MMM and Otis story was pretty good. It adds to his own story, which is either the second coming of Bum Ass Corbin, or the rise of Bummed Out Corbin. He and Gable could’ve had a bigger match than that, as we’ve seen them feud before, but it does add to Corbin’s newest downward spiral. MMM are gonna have to wrestle Gable themselves if they wanna get “Otīs” to join them. Mella and Chelsea had a really good promo together, especially Adam Pearce’s cameo of him seeing them and running the other way. Mella VS Bianca went about as expected, in that Bianca wins. Asuka showing up to defend Bianca from Mella & Chelsea was great, too, but in those high heel boots she was wearing, Asuka was rly only gonna be able to blue mist.
And great stuff with Gargano VS Finn. Of course the Judgment Day interfere, but likewise, of course Edge shows up to turn that around. Edge doesn’t make a Mania match, but he does wanna fight Finn, maybe that brawl turns into a match for Mania. As cool as a purple paint Demon Balor could look, I feel like Finn’s moved on from that (mostly because Vince killed the Demon a couple Extreme Rules ago). But whatever they do, I feel like there needs to be a stipulation where it really is only Edge and Finn. No Judgment Day allowed ringside, no one Edge knows allowed ringside, we just get Edge VS Finn for an epic, possibly show-stealing match.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!
The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
- Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
- Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony Schiavone is in the ring!
Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!
Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!
Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!
And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?
Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!
The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.
Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.
Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!
Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!
The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.
Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.
Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!
Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!
Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!
Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall
The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!
The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?
The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!
Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!
Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall
Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…
Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!
Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!
Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.
Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall
Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?
Team Triple J speaks backstage.
Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!
While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!
Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!
Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!
Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.
Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!
Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!
Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!
Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!
Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!
Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)
If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.
Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.
And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Feel the StrongEST, the FastEST, the RoughEST, the ToughEST, and the BEST Glow!
With Jade Cargill out of action, Naomi is stepping in to help Bianca Belair defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships tonight on SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade; The Bloodline wins.
- Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes; Melo wins.
- Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley; Gargano wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae; Bianca & Naomi win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Solo Sikoa is here!
The fans boo as the “Undisputed” Tribal Chief leads the Samoan Werewolf and Good Bad Guy to the ring. Roman Reigns put out the challenge for Tribal Combat, and on January 6th, in Los Angeles, for the first-ever Monday Night Raw on Netflix, it will happen! But first, Solo and his Bloodline go to the ring, and the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells them all, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” The fans boo instead, as expected. Solo lets that slide, and he says, “Roman Reigns sat on his little boat with The Wise Man and decided to challenge me on January 6th to a Tribal Combat match for the ula fala on Monday Night Raw, the debut on Netflix.”
The fans “WHAT?” Solo says instead of saying that, the fans should ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. The fans boo more, but Solo says shut your mouths and listen to what THE Tribal Chief has to say! The fans continue to boo and they continue to chant, “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells Roman that if he wants Tribal Combat, if he wants to take THE Tribal Chief to war, then let’s do it! Solo will leave his Bloodline behind, “WHAT?” Roman will leave his behind, “WHAT?” They’ll leave the Wise Man behind. “WHAT?” Jimmy and Jey, too. So listen and listen carefully: On January 6th, Solo walks in and walks OUT as THE Tribal Chief!
The fans boo more but Solo says on January 6th, he will STILL be the Head of the Table! He will STILL be YOUR Tribal Chief! And he will STILL have the ula fala! So Roman, after Solo beats your ass in LA, Roman can go back out on his little boat, sail off to the Island of Irrelevancy, and Roman can finally ACKNOWLEDGE SOLO. But wait! Drew McIntyre is here!? The Scottish Terminator has already hit Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn, but let’s not forget Solo was chief among those who screwed McIntyre out of the world championship. Solo has Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga stand down as McIntyre goes to the ring.
McIntyre grabs a mic but Solo tells him, “I gotta admit, I was very happy when you kicked my brother, Jimmy, in the face last week. Yes, I was very, very happy. But you better have a damn good reason why you’re interrupting me.” McIntyre says he’ll make it quick because it causes McIntyre physical pain to be this close to Solo and not beating Solo within an inch of his life. You like what McIntyre did to Jimmy? What about Sami and Jey? McIntyre wants to know, when Solo lies in bed at night, is he asking when McIntyre is coming after him? Because Solo is the one that cost McIntyre the title at Clash at the Castle.
Solo is the one who caused McIntyre’s family the pain and misery that caused him more pain and misery! But Solo also stood up to Roman Reigns. The only one to have the balls to stand up to Roman! The rest of them acted tough, acted like they were going to do something, but Roman snapped his fingers, didn’t change one bit. McIntyre’s heart says jump Solo, but McIntyre’s head says he and Solo have the same goal. So here’s what McIntyre is thinking: McIntyre can start working through the hit list, taking out more and more OG Bloodline members, and Solo does one thing for him: Take out Roman for good.
The fans boo but McIntyre says once all that business is finished, then he and Solo can settle theirs. But then JIMMY yanks McIntyre out of the ring! And CRACKS him with the crutch! And again! And then he runs up to CLOBBER McIntyre! McIntyre goes running into the crowd, Jimmy does his best to pursue, but now here comes LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade! The Bloodline has a Six Man Tag on their hands, will Knight even let Solo make it to LA?
Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade!
The brawl is on, Apollo after Tama, Andrade after Jacob, and Knight after Solo! Solo shoves back, but Knight LARIATS him up and out! Apollo DUMPS Tama and Andrade BOOTS Jacob! Apollo BOOTS Jacob, then Andrade BOOTS him again! Jacob tumbles out but Solo has him stand down! The Bloodline regroups while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and the match is already going as Apollo ducks ‘n’ dodges Tama to then slide under. Tama keeps moving, Apollo hurdles over, drops down, then DROPKICKS! Apollo fires up and the fans are with him, then Apollo gorilla presses Tama! The fans fire up and Apollo marches around. Apollo says this is for Solo, and he DROPS Tama! Tama flounders, Apollo brings him over, and he tags in Knight. Knight fires hands on Tama, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight brings Tama around to whip but Tama reverses. Knight catches Tama for a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Tama is tougher than that but Knight stomps him.
Tag to Andrade and the unlikely partners mug Tama. Andrade CHOPS Tama, then has him in a corner. Andrade tags Apollo, they double whip Tama to DOUBLE ELBOW! Apollo covers, TWO! Tama stays in this but Apollo drags Tama up. Apollo ROCKS Tama, the fans rally, and Apollo ROCKS Tama again. Apollo tags Andrade back in, they mug Tama, but Tama fires body shots! Tama shoves Andrade but Andrade RANAS on the return! Tama tumbles out, Jacob runs in, but Andrade DUMPS him out! Tag to Apollo, and then Andrade climbs! Apollo builds speed, and Apollo FLIES while Andrade ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!
The fans fire up as Knight then gets in to keep Solo back! Knight dares Solo to try something, but Solo stays back. Knight goes back to his corner while Apollo puts Tama in. The fans fire up as Apollo reels Tama in. Tama fires body shots and switches to a waistlock. Apollo elbows free, but Jacob sneaks a tag! Tama shoves Apollo and Jacob BODY CHECKS Apollo! The Werewolf is all geeked up while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Solo whips Apollo to ELBOW him down! Solo throws up the one but the fans boo. Solo drags Apollo up, bumps him off buckles, and the fans rally. Solo UPPERCUTS Apollo down, then stalks him along the ropes. Solo drags Apollo up but Apollo fires hands! Solo keeps Apollo from his corner but Apollo throws more shots! Solo whips Apollo hard into the Bloodline corner! Tag to Jacob and he looms over Apollo. Jacob drags Apollo up to scoop and SLAM! The fans boo but Jacob runs to SENTON, onto knees! Apollo saves himeslf and both men are down! They crawl, hot tag to Andrade!
El Idolo dodges Jacob, BLASTS Tama then ROCKS Solo! Andrade fires hands on Jacob, runs, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARM! Jacob tumbles to a corner while Andrade kips up! The fans fire up and chant “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade runs in, CIEN SHADOWES! Cover, TWO!! Jacob survives but Andrade keeps his cool. Andrade goes up a corner, MOONSAULT DOUBLE! Cover, TWO!! Andrade is frustrated now as Jacob survives again! Andrade thinks on what to do, and he brings Jacob up. Andrade fires forearms but Jacob grabs Andrade’s neck! Andrade fights free and fires more shots, but Solo sneaks a tag!
Andrade whips, Jacob reverses, but Andrade KICKS Jacob away! Jacob just roars! Andrade runs up, Jacob FLAPJACKS him into Solo’s HOTSHOT! That combo sends Andrade tumbling out to the floor, and Solo brings him up to POST him! The fans boo as The Bloodline stands tall, and Solo shows off his ula fala. Solo goes back to Andrade and puts him in the ring. Tag to Jacob, and Jacob whips for a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Andrade sputters and coughs while Jacob is geeked up again, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob watches Andrade crawl to the apron, and waits for him to go to a corner. Andrade sits up but into the HIP ATTACK! Jacob snarls as he kicks Andrade around. Tag to Solo and he whips Jacob for Jacob to whip him! Another HIP ATTACK on Andrade! Solo scowls at the fans, then talks trash on Andrade. Solo drags Andrade by his foot and brings him over to tag Tama. Tama then slingshot ELBOW DROPS! Andrade sputters more but Tama covers, TWO! Andrade is still in this, but Tama rains down fists on Andrade to keep him down! Tama HAMMERS and CLUBS Andrade, then he talks smack on Apollo and Knight.
Tama kicks Andrade to the Bloodline corner, drags him back up, and then fires a BODY SHOT! Andrade sputters, Tama tags Jacob, and then Jacob whips Tama in for a STINGER SPLASH! Andrade falls over, Jacob clamps claws into the shoulders! Andrade endures, fights up, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down! Jacob clamps the claws on again and really digs into Andrade’s shoulders! Andrade kicks and flails in pain but Jacob just thrashes him around more! Jacob shouts at Andrade but Andrade fights up to his feet! Andrade fires body shots, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down again! Jacob stalks Andrade to a corner as SmackDown returns to single picture.
The fans boo but Jacob rains down fists in the corner! Jacob then sucker punches Apollo! Andrade sits up, Jacob runs in, but Andrade moves! Hip attack hits buckles and the fans fire up! Andrade and Jacob crawl, Solo shouts for Jacob to get up! Jacob grabs Andrade’s foot and brings him up! Andrade ENZIGIRIS free! Hot tags to Tama and The Mega Star! The fans are thunderous as Knight dodges then CLOBBERS Tama! Tama flounders to a corner, Knight stomps away on him, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” The ref counts, Knight stops at 4, but then he CLOBBERS Jacob! KNEE for Tama! Solo runs up to TOSS Knight!
Knight dodges Solo in the corner and hits a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up even more and Knight tags Apollo. Knight hits Tama with the BIG back suplex! Apollo goes up top for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives but Apollo clamps on with a CROSSFACE! Knight WRECKS Jacob with a dropkick, and the Samoan Werewolf tumbles up and over the desk! Knight goes out to say that’s what Jacob gets, BUT SHINSUKE IS HERE!? Nakamura CLOBBERS Knight into the desk! The King of Strong Style gets away with that while the ref was busy checking Tama! Solo CLOBBERS Apollo, but Andrade whips Solo!
Solo reverses and ELBOWS Andrade! Solo drags Tama to their corner and then tags in. Solo aims at Apollo, HIP ATTACK! Solo hauls Apollo up, URENAGE! And then SAMOAN SPIKE!! Cover, Bloodline wins!!
Winners: The Bloodline, by pinfall
It seems Drew McIntyre isn’t the only one who is surprisingly on Solo’s side. The sinister samurai made sure to strike from the shadows to screw over Knight, will Knight make sure Nakamura comes to regret it? As for Solo, he is rolling towards the Raw Netflix debut, will he not need his Bloodline to retain the ula fala?
Backstage interview with Motor City Machine Guns.
Byron Saxton is with Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin ahead of the emotional grudge match. Shelley takes on his former friend, student, and the man who betrayed MCMG to take those WWE Tag Team Championships. That man is Johnny Gargano, so what thoughts are flowing through Shelley’s mind? Shelley says it is one thought: Payback. Sabin says they’ve known Gargano almost 20 YEARS, and only now does Gargano let the mask fall away to show us the truth. Shelley says it cuts a lot deeper when it’s someone you considered a little brother. Shelley tells Johnny that he makes sure Gargano knows he made the BIGGEST mistake of his life.
Sabin asks Shelley if he’s ready to do this. Shelley says this is something he has to do alone. He wants to see if Gargano is man enough to do the same. Sabin says okay, let’s get warmed up. Shelley wants a 1v1 shootout with Johnny Wrestling, but will Gargano do anything but do this himself?
SmackDown shares footage from after Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Byron Saxton was with Chelsea Green & Piper Niven and said before anything else, congratulations. Chelsea pats herself on the back, Piper pats Chelsea a bit, too, and Byron takes her back through the closing moments. Unpretty-Her on Michin, the bell rings, and we hear Lilian Garcia say the words, “AND NEW Women’s United States Champion, Chelsea Green.” What went through her mind? Chelsea takes out her gum and puts it in “Bryan’s” hand, and then tells him that she always knew this would happen. He might be surprised, and that’s so cute, but she wasn’t. She’s been doing this for ten YEARS, and worked her entire life to be an overnight success.
This is Chelsea’s time! Red, white and Green! Say it with her, Bryan! #RedWhiteAndGreen. So then, let’s talk the historical significance. Chelsea will now go down in the history books as the FIRST-EVER Women’s US Champion, so how does she’s now synonymous with the likes of Harley Race, the first-ever Men’s US Champion? She would say, “Duh.” She’s in the books where she belongs. Probably should’ve been three years ago, but she was released. It should’ve been way back in 2015, but she wasn’t hired. So now is the time. NOW IS THE FREAKIN’ TIME!! Yes, it is her time. What does a Chelsea Green reign look like going forward?
Chelsea says it looks like she’s going to Disneyland, so she’s got a plane to catch. Can they wrap this up? Of course. Have fun in Disneyland. Yes, well-deserved. Piper calls for champagne. Will we never hear the end of this now that Chelsea has gold to go with the ego?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“What happened after Saturday Night’s Main Event was not my fault. There’s a lot of people to blame for it. Cody Rhodes, the referees, Nick Aldis, WWE Management, they’re all to blame. I was screwed out of winning that championship. What happened to me is a travesty, a tragedy! I should be standing here Undisputed WWE Champion, but I’m not. But I took this (the Winged Eagle belt) because I deserve it. And I’m not giving it back until I get what i want. Everyone needs to understand, you can only push a man so much until they snap. But the good news is, I haven’t snapped yet.
“It can all get so much worse, trust me. You don’t want me to snap. So Cody, Nick Aldis, WWE officials, what happens next is on all of you.” The Prizefighter has said his piece, will he hold the championship hostage until his demands are met?
DIY talks backstage.
Ciampa gets it, Gargano’s known MCMG a long time. So it surprises Ciampa that Shelley is so dumb! He wants this grudge match but he can’t win the tag titles back in a singles match. So what’s he doing? Gargano says Shelley wants his payback, that’s obvious. But Shelley wants to challenge Gargano’s manhood?! Gargano is all man! He made a kid! Yeah, Papa John, Daddy Ciampa, of course they made kids. But Shelley did specify that he wants to do this on his own, so Ciampa knows what that means, right? Ciampa has to stay backstage, too. Gargano will handle business by himself. He’s not some naive 18-year-old kid with a dream anymore! Dream came true!
Gargano will go remind Shelley that he’s Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling! So Ciampa can just relax right back here. Ciampa says go get him! Ciampa won’t even move a muscle from here, you can trust him. Can he? Or is this all another facade to lower everyone’s guard?
It’s an all new Grayson Waller Effect!
A-Town Down Under is already in the ring, and fans boo as Austin Theory & Grayson Waller show off the abs. Waller then welcomes us to the Grayson Waller- And Austin Theory…! Effect. The hottest show keeps getting hotter cuz Waller gets scoop after scoop, lads. And tonight is a big scoop! A big, BIG scoop! The first transfer from Raw to SmackDown, it’s the Monster of All Monsters, BRAUN STROWMAN! The fans cheer as Braun makes his way to the ring, and he’s coming out as Santa Braun! Or perhaps, Strowman Claus? Either way, Braun throws free merchandise to the fans, what a gift for Christmas!
Braun empties the bag and then goes to the ring. Turns out, nothing for Waller & Theory! Waller sits behind the desk and thanks Braun for coming. And how nice of Braun to help all the poor here in Hartford. The fans boo and Braun asks if Waller’s really starting this like that. Is he really trying to piss Braun off already? No no no! Braun is right, it really is nice. And this is big! The biggest acquisition in SmackDown history! On the biggest talk show in WWE history! Braun says it doesn’t get any bigger than this, baby! The fans cheer and Waller says before we start, he knows how this goes, sometimes.
Waller just wants us to know that he invested a lot of money into the new set. Maybe we continue to spread Christmas cheer and have a civil conversation. No damage. Well, if Waller runs his mouth, then Braun can promise he’ll wear Waller out using all the stuff in here. Waller says he’s a bit surprised Braun agreed to this. If no one has said before, but Braun is a little intimidating. But the more Waller thought about it, the more it made sense. Even Braun sees the sense in associating with ATDU! The fans boo and Braun says he threw up a little bit in his mouth, and that get a good laugh.
Waller says okay, but SmackDown’s a bit scary right now. Bloodline is going wild, people are getting attacked backstage, and you don’t wanna be alone in the car park. Sorry, parking lot. Braun asks if Waller knows who he’s talking to. No, he didn’t mean anything by it. Waller just figures, it’d be a good idea if Braun looked after Braun for once. And that means setting up the ultimate alliance. Braun Strowman & A-Town Down Under as the same team! They’d be untouchable! The cunning and intelligence of Waller & Theory, Braun’s strength. Get it? Brains & Braun. Braun says he already told Waller to watch his mouth! Does Waller want his set shoved up his-
Wait! Carmelo Hayes makes his way out here! Braun sighs and Melo says no, no, no, cut this out. Melo has a bone to pick with Braun. Aldis thought he was going to humble Melo by setting him up against Braun. Everybody here knows that that wasn’t fair. But newsflash, Nick Aldis, you can’t humble greatness! Melo might lose, but he’ll never quit. So Braun, “you big ugly dumb Santa Claus b*tch,” let’s run this thing back right here, right now! Cuz now, Melo’s ready! Braun says if Melo didn’t learn his lesson last week, Braun will remind him what the Braun Strowman Effect is! Waller & Theory run away as Braun grabs the fake palm trees!
Braun CHUCKS trees at Melo but Melo just laughs. Will Melo not miss the game winner in this rematch? Or will Braun be the one to humble H1M?
Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes!
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Braun chuckles at Melo wanting to tie up. They do tie up but then Melo slips around to KICK the leg! Braun just brushes that off as he and Melo circle. Melo uses the ropes and even the ref as a shield so Braun backs off. Melo comes back, taunts Braun, then drops back to ropes. The ref wants Braun to let off, and Braun does, but then Melo sucker punches him! Melo talks smack, then whips, but Braun blocks! B raun shakes his head, whips Melo, but Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides out. Melo says safe! Melo says he’s smart, but then gets spooked as Braun storms up to ropes!
The ref has Braun stay back, and Melo gets cocky again. Braun signals to the fans that he’s taking a lap and the fans fire up. Braun goes outside, builds speed, but Melo runs! Melo slides into the ring, Braun gets on the apron, but Melo KICKS him! The fans boo but Melo hits the FADE AWAY! Braun flounders, Melo CLUBS and KNEES and repeat! Braun SHOVES Melo out of the ring! Braun shakes it off then storms back up on Melo. Braun YANKS Melo up by his hair! And then he TOSSES Melo across the way! The fans fire up and Braun drags Melo up again. Braun whips, Melo dropkicks the legs out! Braun falls, Melo runs, FADE AWAY, but into Braun’s hands!
Braun pops Melo up, but Melo SPIKE-RANAS! Braun sputters and Melo soaks up heat. Braun rises up like the monster he is! Melo turns around, Braun runs up, but Melo DUMPS Braun out! Melo BOOTS Braun away, then gets cocky again. Melo goes out the side and he runs up a la Braun. But Braun BOOTS Melo right down! The fans fire up and Braun looms over Melo. Braun drags Melo up, whips him at steps, but Melo goes up! Melo leaps, but into Braun’s arms! We’re at 7 of 10 as Melo slips free! Melo SLAPS Braun! Braun grabs Melo by the neck and TOSSES him into the ring! We’re at 10!! MELO WINS!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by count out
Talk about rope-a-dope! Melo steals this win by getting the better of Braun’s anger! Braun scowls at smart-aleck Melo, and he storms in! Melo runs out to the crowd and into the night, but Braun pursues! Will Melo #GetTheseHands one way or another?
Nia Jax and Candice LeRae talk backstage.
They’re both excited for the tag title match tonight, because Nia can become a double champion. Tiffany Stratton walks in and Nia says there she is! Tiff wishes them luck tonight, and cannot wait to be there ringside when the ref raises their hands. Nia gets a guilty look on her face and Candice tells Tiff that they were talking… It’s best if Tiff stays in the back. But hey, she can take some notes if she wants. And if she wants to help, she can prepare champagne, balloons and maybe even streamers. They’re gonna need all that after the big win. So Tiff should get on that while Candice & Nia strategize.
Tiff looks to Nia but Nia just says, “Thanks, Tiff.” Tiff leaves, Nia shrugs off the guilt and says she and Candice are ready. Candice is sure Tiff will have the most beautiful party ready for them. Will the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie succeed in taking the tag titles for their own? Or will it be Bianca & Naomi having that champagne to celebrate?
Melo returns backstage.
And he’s on high alert knowing Braun is still hunting him down. Melo bumps into Legado Del Fantasma, and then Braun storms up! Braun asks where Melo went. Santos Escobar says screw that, he’s no snitch. Braun says not telling is gonna get Santos worse. Angel steps in and says Melo went that way. Braun thanks Angel and storms off after Melo. But then Pretty Deadly asks Braun to please read through their script. Braun slaps the script down and says he doesn’t care about their stupid musical! But then Melo SMACKS Braun with a chair! And SMACKS him again! Melo talks trash before heading out, but Braun gets back up.
Braun is angrier than ever, and he still hunts Melo down! Is there going to be nothing left of H1M after Braun #GetsTheseHands on him?
Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley!
Longtime friendships thrown away in order to get ahead is practically cliche in pro-wrestling, but to think Johnny Wrestling would be the kind to do that. Will Shelley make Gargano regret ever treating 20 YEARS like it was nothing?
The bell rings and Gargano runs up! Shelley dodges to fire hands, then he bumps Gargano off buckles. Shelley stomps a mudhole in, then stands Gargano up to dig his forearm in! The ref counts, Shelley lets off, then he climbs up to rain down fists! Gargano YANKS Shelley down! Shelley flounders, Gargano CHOPS Shelley to a corner, then he mocks the MCMG hand pointing. Gargano CHOPS Shelley, ROCKS him, then wrenches him to whip corner to corner. Gargano runs up but Shelley ELBOWS him away! Shelley goes up to FLYING KNEE! And then he CLOBBERS Gargano! The fans fire up as Shelley drags Gargano up.
Shelley wrenches, hammerlocks, but Gargano elbows free! Gargano brings Shelley around to schoolboy ROUNDHOUSE! Shelley sputters, Gargano brings him up, and Gargano says he’s no longer the student. Gargano ROCKS Shelley, stomps away, but stops as the ref counts. Gargano soaks up heat, then shakes out his left hand before he runs up. Shelley puts Gargano on the apron to HOTSHOT! Gargano falls, Shelley aims, and Shelley slingshots to stomp Gargano’s bad hand! Gargano staggers away, but runs back up on Shelley, only for Shelley to jump the sweep! SUPERKICK! Then FLYING KNEE!
The fans fire up while Gargano goes down, and Shelley says that’s what Gargano gets while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Gargano has Shelley in a clinch. Gargano fires body shots, then he hits a JAWBREAKER! Gargano goes to a corner, Shelley runs up, but Gargano BOOTS back! Gargano runs up and slips around Shelley to SLINGBLADE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gargano is frustrated but he stalks Shelley to the apron. Gargano brings Shelley up, talks more smack, and he fireman’s carries. Shelley slips out but Gargano ROCKS him! SLINGSHOT- SUPERKICK! Shelley takes Gargano out of the air and both men are down! The fans rally up, and Shelley stands to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again!
Shelley CHOPS, whips, then kitchen sink knees! And then PENALTY KICKS! Ghost pin, TWO! Gargano escapes, but Shelley wants the arm! Shelley uses the Garga- NO, Gargano turns chicken wing into roll up, TWO!! Shelley escapes, clinches, and spins Gargano, ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Shelley wants the arm again! The fans rally as Shelley drags Gargano up, wrenches and wristlocks, but Gargano ROCKS Shelley with forearms! Shelley CHOPS back, CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Shelley wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! But Gargano ENZIGIRIS! Shelley runs up, Gargano dodges and SUPERKICKS!
Gargano scoops Shelley, takes aim at a corner, LAWN DART! Cover, TWO!! Shelley survives and the fans rally up! Gargano grows frustrated but he brings Shelley around. Gargano wants the arm now! GargaNO Escape, but Shelley says NO to that! They both fight up, end up in a corner, and the ref counts. Gargano lets off, to then ROCK Shelley with a cheap shot! Gargano runs up, but into a BUCKLE SHOT! Shelley shakes out the stars and he goes to the corner. The fans fire up as Shelley climbs, but Ciampa shows up! Gargano GAMANGIRIS Shelley down! But wait, here comes Sabin! Ciampa violated the deal first so Sabin’s not letting him do worse!
Gargano climbs up while Sabin chases Ciampa off, but Shelley SHOVES Gargano! CROSSBODY! Gargano rolls through, and pulls tights! Gargano wins!!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall
Distraction tactic and pulling the tights? Gargano has no shame! But he and Ciampa have the WWE Tag Team Championships, so is that all that matters?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Naomi.
Byron Saxton is at gorilla with The EST & The Glow, and before they head to the ring, he wants to recap the crazy couple of weeks. The mysterious attack on Jade Cargill, the big win at Survivor Series in WarGames, and now they can solidify themselves as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bianca says these past few weeks have been rough to say the least. And while you can trust Bianca will find out what happened to Jade, you best believe they won’t be stripped of the tag titles. That’s just what the culprit wants and Bianca isn’t going down without a fight. Thankfully, Bianca has a friend who always has her back.
Naomi says yeah, she’s got her back forever! And she can never turn down a good “snatch ‘n’ drag.” But she also knows how important these titles are to Bianca & Jade, and they’re just as important to her. Naomi will go out there and do everything she has to in order to keep the titles. Bianca holds out Jade’s belt to Naomi, but Naomi says no. Not until she’s earned it. Bianca says okay, and the music hits. Naomi is fired up, will this be the StrongEST Glow yet?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae!
SmackDown returns as the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie make their entrance together. The introductions are made, the tag titles are raised, and we see who is truly the strongest duo!
The teams sort out and Bianca starts against Candice. They tie up as the fans rally, and Bianca powers Candice right to a corner. But Candice pulls the braid! The ref reprimands, Candice shoves Bianca, then pie faces her! But Bianca SHOVES Candice to the corner! Bianca runs up but into an elbow! Candice goes up but Bianca ROCKS her! Bianca gorilla presses Candice but Candice scrambles free! Candice hurries away and she tags in Nia. Bianca says bring it and the fans rally for the “E S T! E S T!” Nia and Bianca tie up, Bianca headlocks, but Nia powers up and out. Tiff is watching backstage as Nia scoops Bianca, only for Bianca to slip free.
Bianca runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and DROPKICKS! Nia rebounds but Bianca avoids the elbow drop! Bianca tags Naomi then sets Nia up! Naomi and Bianca both run the ropes, Bianca handsprings, SPLIT LEG DROP AND MOONSAULT COMBO! Naomi covers, TWO! Naomi hurries back after Nia but Nia shoves her away. Naomi slides under the lariat then mule kicks! Naomi runs but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Nia drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Naomi stays in this for Bianca’s sake but Nia storms back up as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nia DRIBBLES Naomi off the mat, then stares Bianca down. Nia stalks Naomi to a corner, puts her on ropes, and CHOKES her! The ref counts, Nia lets off, and then Nia drags Naomi over to the corner. Nia traps Naomi while she tags Candice. Nia fires some elbows before backing off, and Candice RAMS Naomi! Candice ROCKS Naomi, sits her down, then stomps a mudhole in. Candice taunts Bianca, drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Candice CLUBS Naomi down, then clamps on with a top wristlock. Naomi endures while Candice leans on the hold. Naomi fights up, arm-drags free, then hurries for her corner!
Candice scrambles after Naomi and THROWS her by her hair! Candice stomps Naomi to the corner, tags Nia, and Nia runs up to HIP ATTACK! Nia taunts Bianca, drags Naomi up, and clamps on with a cobra clutch! Nia leans on Naomi to grind her down. Naomi endures, fights up, and JAWBREAKERS free! Nia staggers around, but she scoops Naomi! Naomi slips free to the apron and HOTSHOTS Nia! Naomi BOOTS Candice. RAMS Nia, then reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Naomi is down, but she BOOTS Nia away before heading for her corner. Candice hurries and tags in, but Naomi hot tags Bianca!
Bianca rallies on Candice with shoulder tackles and DROPKICK! Bianca kips up, wrenches, and suplexes Candice! SmackDown returns to single picture as Candice slips free! Candice dodges Bianca, Nia sneaks a tag, and Bianca scoops Candice for a GUT BUSTER! Bianca runs at the corner to RAM Candice, then she climbs up! The ref tries to explain but Nia runs up! Bianca backflips up and over! Nia almost squashes Candice, but she turns around. Bianca dodges Nia, but Candice hits a CODE BREAKER! SAMOAN DROP from Nia! Cover, TWO! Bianca survives and the fans fire up! Nia snarls as she drags Bianca into a motorcycle stretch!
Bianca endures and the fans rally up. Bianca fights up but Nia POSTS her first! Nia then mocks the fans with clapping, then she scuffs Bianca. Nia dares Bianca to tag, then she THROWS Bianca by the braid! Bianca goes to ropes, and Nia pulls the braid around them! The ref reprimands, Nia lets off, but Candice gets her shots in! The fans boo but Bianca gets away. Nia soaks up the heat and then brings Bianca around. Nia has the cobra clutch back on and she thrashes Bianca around. The fans rally as Bianca endures, and Bianca fights back up. Nia kicks Bianca but Bianca rebounds to reel Nia in!
Bianca tries to suplex but Nia’s too big! Nia shoves Bianca to the corner, but Bianca BOOTS back! Bianca ELBOWS Candice, runs up on Nia, but Nia picks her up! Nia RAMS Bianca into the corner! Tag to Candice and she climbs. Nia holds Bianca up, Candice MISSILE DROPKICKS Bianca into the SPINEBUSTER! Candice then BLASTS Bianca off the apron, then uses Nia as the step for the STEP-UP SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives, she’s the toughEST for a reason! Candice is frustrated and she CLUBS away on Bianca! The fans rally for “E S T! E S T!” Bianca throws a body shot but Candice CLUBS her down again.
Candice tags Nia and Nia pulls the braid to keep Bianca back. Nia whips Bianca to Candice but Bianca slips around. Candice standing switches, Nia runs up, but Bianca ducks and Nia clips Candice! Bianca scrambles while Nia checks Candice, hot tag to Naomi! Naomi LARIATS Nia but Nia stays up! So Naomi UPPERCUTS Nia! Nia still stays up! Naomi dodges, goes up the ropes, FLYING CHUCK! Nia wobbles and the fans fire up with Naomi! Naomi reels Nia in but Nia whips her away! Naomi BOOTS from the corner, then goes up! FLYING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nia stays in this but Naomi pounds the mat.
The fans rally up, Naoim brings Nia up, but Nia HEADBUTTS her! Nia runs up at the corner, but Naomi dodges to POST her! Nia is down, Naomi goes up! SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT FLOPS as Nia moves! Nia CLUBS Naomi, puts her in the drop zone, then goes up! But Naomi SMACKS Nia off the post! Tag to Bianca, and Naomi gets under Nia?! POWERBOMB!! Naomi drags Nia into the drop zone! Bianca aims for the 450!! Cover, CANDICE BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, Nia is busted open from hitting that post, but here comes TIFFANY! Is she doing what it looks like? Tiff cheers on Candice & Nia, no cash-in yet.
Candice tags in, goes after Bianca, but Bianca RAMS Candice into the corner! Bianca runs but into a BOOT! Candice goes up, TORNADO DDT! Cover, Naomi GAMANGIRIS Candice! Fans cheer “CASH IT IN!” at Tiff but Bianca tags in Naomi. Nia sneaks a tag, and as the Naomi goes after Candice, the ref has to explain. In that distraction, Nia asks for the briefcase! Tiff is conflicted, but she hands it over. But then the ref sees Nia with it! Bianca HANDSPRING KICKS Nia off the apron! Nia falls right at Tiff’s feet! Bianca tags Naomi, then PLANCHAS onto Nia! Naomi has Candice but Candice cradles! TWO!! Naomi KNEES Candice down!
Naomi hurries up, up and SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, NAOMI & BIANCA WIN!
Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Tiff’s hesitation costs Nia, and that means Naomi has earned that title belt! Bianca personally hands it to her and the two celebrate together. Will they hold onto the titles all the way ’til Jade is back in action? Or will a team come along that outshines even the StrongEST Glow?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of SmackDown here, though I think it was also prerecorded. They were in Hartford last week, weren’t they? And I thought that was prerecorded given how Jimmy Uso’s promo was received… But speaking of, good stuff from Bloodline to open. McIntyre calling a true with Solo was a bit of a surprise, but I suppose we should’ve seen that coming with how McIntyre is a Heel and often a hypocrite. Jimmy going after McIntyre was also good stuff, he can clearly still be a factor even with a bad toe. Very good Six Man Tag, too, but I should’ve known Nakamura would interfere and cost Knight’s team. Good win for Solo, and we’ve still got a couple weeks before Raw on Netflix, so the go-home math will still sort out with the first SmackDown of 2025.
Very good promos from MCMG and DIY, and of course Ciampa still went out to ringside despite the “promise” he made. And of course Gargano cheated, but that adds heat to the coming tag title rematch. They might even put that on the first SmackDown of 2025 to hype it up. Especially as I think it’s going to be the first THREE HOUR SmackDown. NBC is willing to do that knowing Raw is going to Netflix, meaning SmackDown will get more time to do more great things, which works with all the belts we’ve got now.
Good stuff with Braun and the Grayson Waller Effect, but of course we set up more between Braun and Melo. Clever move for Melo to win by count out, and of course Melo gets cocky for it. Braun was almost classic Braun with how he shrugged the chair shots off backstage. We’ll of course get one more Braun VS Melo, and maybe someone from Legado or Pretty Deadly screws Braun over given how he treated them. Very good promo from Chelsea after her big win on Saturday, and I’m sure she’ll be celebrating this win in both kayfabe and real-life through the holidays, ready to start her first title feud on January 3rd.
Very good promo from Kevin Owens, but I feel like he had to contradict himself here from what he said during the Raw on Netflix “kickoff show” on Wednesday. Kevin said then that he’s going to act as the defending champion with the holiday house show tour, but he said here he isn’t the champion since he got screwed. Either way, he’ll really play up how he is somehow the victim in all this, making the return of Cody Rhodes all the better. We’ll surely get one last match of Cody VS Kevin, maybe with a big stipulation on it, and then we’ll have a moment of (more than likely) Cody holding up both Winged Eagle and corporate logo championships.
And of course, very good stuff in the two main Smackdown women’s stories. That promo from Nia, Candice and Tiff was really good because you kinda feel for Tiff being treated as the odd one out. And then very good promo right before the match with Bianca & Naomi. I like Naomi wanting to earn the belt, and we got a great tag match. Nia surely got busted open “hard way,” aka legitimately, that post surely has edges you gotta watch out for. But Tiff showing up was of course for the briefcase distraction, not cashing in. Tiff hasn’t been pushed that far yet, that might come with the Netflix debut. But Naomi & Bianca of course retained the titles, that’ll cue up Jade making a return to identify her attacker, and it might be Naomi after all…
My Score: 8.8/10
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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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