Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (3/3/23)

Tribal Chief and American Nightmare meet!

Published

2 years ago

March 3, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Wrestling has more than one royal family.

Cody Rhodes promised on Raw he’d show up tonight on SmackDown, but will he get that face to face with Roman Reigns?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley w/ Dominik Mysterio; Rhea wins.
Santos Escobar VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley; Dominik wins.
Shayna Baszler w/ Ronda Rousey VS Tegan Nox w/ Natalya; Shayna wins.
Sami Zayn VS Solo Sikoa w/ Jimmy Uso; Solo wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roman Reigns is here!

As promised, the Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table, the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion returns to address all the issues on the Road to WrestleMania. Paul Heyman, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa are with him, but Jey is not. They set off the pyro, continue to the ring, then set off more pyro. Fans are torn, but Heyman hands over the mic to Roman. Heyman says the fans are all here for Roman but the boos say otherwise. Roman says, “Washington, DC! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” But then CODY RHODES makes his entrance! DC fires up for the American Nightmare as he has his pyro and soaks up the energy.

Roman and the Bloodline wait as Cody enters the ring and fans sing the song. Fans then chant for “CODY! CODY!” Cody has a mic to say, “Contrary to what Mr. Heyman might’ve told you, I am not here to invade, I am not here to engage in… reckless negotiations. I am here to have a conversation with my WrestleMania opponent one on one, man to man. So I don’t see any reason for your compatriots here. Unless, you feel that you need them here.” Roman chuckles and Heyman grins. Roman says, “Wise Man, leave us.” Heyman is surprised by that, and asks if Solo and Jimmy should stay. Roman says they should go, too.

Heyman accepts those orders, gives Roman his belts, and he leads the Bloodline away. Fans cheer as we get just Cody and Roman in the ring. Roman asks Cody if that’s better for him. In fact, let’s get comfortable. Cody may not like this but Roman will do it anyway. Roman throws down the World title belt, and then the Universal belt. “So what do you wanna talk about?” Roman smirks and Cody says, “Fair enough. Let’s talk about you. 915 days, you have been our WWE Undisputed Universal Champion. No need to print the legend, the reality has become legendary enough. You have superseded hyperbole, congratulations.

“Let me tell you something about me. About your WrestleMania opponent. Something you may know, something you may not know. For some, you have become this impossible mountain to climb, but that’s kinda my thing.” Cody repeats old criticisms: He’s nothing more than Randy Orton’s understudy; Cody won’t survive being Stardust; critics swore that there was no way 10 THOUSAND people would pay to see Cody’s and his buddies’ “little indie show.” And ever since then, the goal posts have continued to move and Cody continued to punch it through the uprights. So for everyone else, Roman might be the impossible. But not for Cody.

Fans cheer Cody on again and Roman is annoyed. Roman laughs it off, and says that was good. That was like Cody rehearsed it all week, it was flawless. But Roman will switch gears here and ask a question. “You ever won that one?” He points to the world title. Well, we know he hasn’t. But has he ever even competed for one of these? Oh, no, how about this? Has Cody even main-evented WrestleMania before? Because Roman did all of that! He is the most experienced main-eventer of all time! “But here’s the kicker. I’ve been groomed since I was just a little boy. Not only by my father, but by your father, too.”

Roman smirks while he lets that soak in. Roman says he isn’t done with the story there, either. Let’s talk about Cody’s dad. Easy now, Roman has too much love and respect for that man to degrade him. They spent a lot of time together. Roman said this many times before but The Dream is the one who put the confidence in Roman and told him, “Baby, you have ‘it.’ You couldn’t get rid of it, you couldn’t sell it if you wanted to. You are ‘it.'” Fans cheer the impression, and Roman says they’d sit for hours and talk about everything. It was a lot about what is going on right now, being the main event and the face of the company. Dusty called it all before it happened.

Roman says Dusty was the best. But you know what Dusty would say about Cody? Nothing. Dusty never said anything ever, at least not when he was with Roman. Maybe when Dusty sat down with Seth Rollins or Kevin Owens or even Becky Lynch. But when Roman was with Dusty, it was like Cody didn’t exist. Fans boo but Roman says he knows this is a lot, he just wishes Dusty was here right now. Roman knows Cody misses Dusty. Roman misses Dusty, too. Roman picks up the belts, and says that though Dusty isn’t here anymore, know this: if there is something Dusty didn’t teach Cody, Roman will.

Roman offers a handshake but fans boo. Cody smirks and says, “Oh my God. I’m not even playing on the same field. This is… This is not chess. You didn’t send Mr. Heyman to Raw to get inside my head, you sent him to relay and convey the real-life situation. You sent him to tell me the truth? If that’s the truth, then the truth is one of the fabled ‘Dusty’s kids’ than Dusty’s actual kid. If that’s the truth, then the truth is that you are the son he always wanted. And that changes absolutely everything. Because it’s not just a dream, it’s not just an urge or a want, or a desire, or some story that needs to be finished. This becomes a necessity!

“You say I don’t exist? I HAVE to exist! And the only way that I can exist… is by beating you at WrestleMania!” Fans fire up and Roman frowns. Cody says that Roman, “sir, champ, may the better man win.” Cody accepts the handshake after all, but Roman’s calculated mind games may have only added fuel to the flame. Will the American Nightmare burn down the Island of Relevancy and take that throne from the Tribal Chief?

Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley w/ Dominik Mysterio!

As extreme as Liv likes to live, she might be pushing things too far taking on the Eradicator. Rhea is determined to take the top spot from Charlotte Flair, will she have no problem throwing Liv to the Riptide?

The bell rings and Liv SHOTGUNS Rhea! Fans fire up, Liv fires off on Rhea in a corner, but Rhea shoves her away. Rhea choke grips, Liv breaks free and kicks low. Rhea blocks the boot, whips Liv, but Liv wheelbarrows to arm-drag! Rhea staggers up, Liv runs in to springboard, only for Rhea to catch Liv and TOSS her! Then KNEE her down! Dom cheers Mami on but DC boos. Rhea soaks up the heat, saying they’re looking at the NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion. Rhea CHOKES Liv, tells Charlotte to watch closely, “there’s no saving you.” Rhea lets off as the ref counts, and then she CLUBS Liv down!

Rhea CLUBS Liv more, stands her up, and then hauls her up, but Liv sunset flips! Rhea stays up, drags Liv back up and bumps her off buckles. Rhea runs in, Liv dodges and back body blocks! Liv then comes back to SHINING WIZARD! Liv pushes Rhea down, goes up top, and fans fire up for the MISSILE DROPKICK! Rhea flounders out of the ring, and Lib builds speed to DIVE! Rhea SWATS Liv outta the air! Rhea again says Charlotte won’t be able to hide from Rhea Bloody Ripley! Rhea goes back to Liv as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Rhea ROCKS Liv in the back. Rhea stands Liv up, shoves her to ropes and ROCKS her again! Rhea stands Liv up and Liv grins! Rhea whips, Liv swings, but into a back suplex! Liv lands on her feet, to hit a BACKSTABBER! Fans fire up, Liv goes to a corner and BOOTS Rhea! Liv goes up again, FLYING RANA! Rhea hits ropes, flounders, and then Liv kicks low! Front kick and CODE BREAKER! Rhea wobbles,, Liv springboards off ropes to CODE BREAKER again! Liv then goes up a corner, waits on Rhea, and says “SUCK IT!” FLYING CODE BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!! Rhea survives and Liv is beside herself!

Dom is worried and he coaches Rhea up. Liv waits on Rhea to stand, grins as she goes to ropes, and then runs in, but Rhea fights off the clinch! Rhea swings Liv around, but Liv slips free! ENZIGURI! Rhea goes to a corner, Liv SHINING WIZARDS! Liv goes to the very top while Rhea flounders! DC fires up as Liv leaps, but Rhea POWERBOMBS her down! Then pump handle and RIPTIDE!! But Rhea doesn’t wanna end it there! She grabs the legs and ties them up, PRISM TRAP!! Liv endures and reaches out, but Rhea KNEES her down! Liv taps, Rhea wins!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by submission

Mami sends a message! Charlotte may have the Figure Four, but Rhea has her Prism Trap Cloverleaf! Will that help Rhea eradicate The Queen?

The Bloodline talks backstage.

Heyman and the others are still getting a kick out of Roman doing a Dusty Rhodes impression, but Roman asks if Jimmy’s talked with Jey. Jimmy has. Then what’d Jey say? You know, Jey’s the hothead. He just needs time. Time? How much time? Uh, Jimmy talked to him this morning. Jey’s doing better today than he was yesterday. Jimmy will let Jey know. Roman says he’s running out of patience. Jimmy will tell Jey, too. Roman says it’s not with Jey. He’s running out of patience with Jimmy. Jimmy again says he’ll let Jey know, and heads out. Is the Bloodline (not) fine?

Rhea and Dom regroup backstage.

Rhea says Charlotte is scared, it’s why she’s not here. But then Santos Escobar walks over. Dom asks if there’s a problem. Santos says Rey should’ve punched Dom in the face last week! But he also understands why he couldn’t. But guess what? Santos can! And Adam Pearce agrees with him. So Santos will teach Dom a lesson in respect. Santos is going to the ring right now. And if Dom is even half the man he claims to be, he’ll meet Santos out there. Hombre a hombre. And then Santos blows a kiss to Mami! Santos heads to gorilla, will Dom man up and handle things like he (supposedly) did in the prison yard?

Santos Escobar VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley!

The Emperor of Lucha makes his entrance, holding up the mask Rey Mysterio gave him personally as a gift of respect. Escobar respects family and legacy, but “Ex-Con Dom” does not. Will Escobar make Dom respect him? Or will Dom still do things his way?

The bell rings and fans boo but Escobar runs in. Dom uses ropes as a defense so the ref backs Escobar off. Dom then dropkicks Escobar down! Fans boo but Dom drags Escobar up to headlock. Escobar powers up but Dom holds on tight. Escobar throws body shots, powers out, and things speed up as Escobar drops, to then DROPKICK Dom! Dom ends up in a corner and Escobar fires off forearms! Rhea protests but Escobar makes Dom look at the mask. “That’s your legacy! Do you respect your legacy?!” Dom shouts “NO!” so Escobar CLUBS him down and ELBOWS him! Escobar hooks up the legs, Dom resists and reaches, but Escobar gets those arms!

Escobar pulls back and lifts Dom right up into a ROMERO SPECIAL! Dom endures, but Escobar pulls his hair! Escobar then throws Dom down, waits on Dom to get up, but Dom wants mercy. Dom says he’ll respect legacy, but then he YANKS Escobar into buckles! Escobar bails out, Dom goes up and CROSSBODIES! Rhea fans Dom off while fans boo and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Dom has Escobar in a corner. Dom fires off body shots and haymakers while Rhea cheers him on. Dom climbs up, he rains down fists, but fans boo instead of counting. Dom stops short of ten anyway, and fans boo more. Dom whips but Escobar reverses, only for Dom to wheelbarrow and throw Escobar to ropes! Dom dials it up as fans boo harder, but then Dom stops to CHOKE Escobar! Rhea laughs as Dom trolls the fans, but Escobar DECKS Dom! Escobar fires off fists and fans fire up! Escobar fireman’s carries, but Dom rakes eyes! Escobar goes to a corner, Dom ROCKS him and throws more hands.

Dom knees low, backs off to soak up heat, and then runs in corner to corner to clothesline! Escobar staggers and Dom makes Escobar look at the mask. Respect legacy? Respect DOM! Dom throws Escobar down then soaks up more heat. Dom sits Escobar up, “Is that what you want? Huh?” Dom SLAPS Escobar! Dom tells fans up theirs, then says HE is the man! Dom whips corner to corner, but Escobar goes up and over, keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARM! And then again! Rhea freaks out as Escobar CLOBBERS Dom! Escobar scoops for a BACKBREAKER and hits a LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!!

Rhea is relieved that Dom survives. Escobar powers up and Dom wants mercy again. Escobar knows better but Dom dodges. They both dodge, and HEADS collide! Both men are dazed but Dom drags himself to ropes. Dom has brass knuckles?! The ref is distracted by that as Rhea drags Escobar out! RIPTIDE to the floor!! Fans boo, but Rhea puts Escobar in for Dom to FROG SPLASH!! Cover, Dom wins!

Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall

Dom snatches the mask from the corner, and TEARS it! He insults Rey’s legacy, Eddie’s legacy, and lucha libre culture as a whole! What will it take to finally humble him? Wait! Here comes Rey!! Rey shakes his head, tells Dom to give the mask back, but Dom dares Rey to hit him. If Rey hits Dom, Dom will give the mask back. Dom gets in Rey’s face literally, then he drops the mask on the ground! Rey picks the mask up, and Dom DECKS Rey with a sucker punch! Fans boo, but Dom just soaks it all up. Can anything ever stop Dom from stooping to these lows?

WWE shares Sami Zayn’s video post.

“Big energy tonight in Washington, DC. You can feel the heat in here. I’ll tell you one person I know is feeling the heat, and that’s Roman Reigns. Because he knows that everything I’ve been saying for weeks is coming true. The Bloodline is crumbling from within. And now, all of the sudden, I find myself in a match with Solo Sikoa. I’m not stupid. I know how it works in the Bloodline. I know tonight’s match is not about wins and losses. I know tonight’s about sending me a message. But here’s the thing, Solo. I’m the one sending a message tonight. The message is loud and clear. The Bloodline is not getting rid of Sami Zayn, until the Bloodline goes down!”

The DC fans around Sami are fired up as Sami says that this doesn’t end until Sami sees with his own eyes that the Bloodline is going down! Sami knows, and the people know, that the Bloodline is going down! “See you tonight, Solo.” DC is behind the Great Liberator, but will that Bloodline trap catch him all the same?

Drew McIntyre is here!

Fans fire up as The Scottish Warrior heads to the ring. He’s been gunning for Gunther and that Intercontinental Championship, and we hear what he has to say, after the break.

SmackDown returns and McIntyre says, “There’s four weeks to WrestleMania, and Drew McIntyre still does not have a match. How about we remedy that right now, DC? And there’s a certain individual I wanna beat the absolute shhhhnitzel out of. GUNTHER! I’m calling you out!” Fans fire up, but SHEAMUS makes his way out first! The Fella has a mic to ask McIntyre what he’s doing. He just thought he’d go behind Sheamus’ back? McIntyre says this isn’t personal. Like he it isn’t personal! McIntyre of all people knows how important winning the Intercontinental title is to Sheamus! 15 YEARS, Sheamus has wanted that title.

McIntyre wants Sheamus to calm down and talk this out. Sheamus tells McIntyre, “Don’t you DARE tell me to calm down!” McIntyre knows better than anybody that how much Sheamus has wanted it. McIntyre knows Sheamus wants Gunther at Mania, and now McIntyre is the one calling him out? Well, Sheamus isn’t McIntyre’s parent, so why does McIntyre need Sheamus’ permission to do something? Does he need permission to wipe his own arse next? Sheamus says McIntyre’s right, Sheamus isn’t McIntyre’s parent. But he thought McIntyre was his brother. But no, he’s just a backstabbing bastard.

McIntyre says fine. If we’re telling the truth as friends, the truth sometimes hurts. And the truth is, Sheamus had his chance, and lost, TWICE. But here comes L A KNIGHT! DC is actually excited to see LA, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA! Somebody talking about the Intercontinental title, then you gotta be talking about L, A, Knight, YEAH!” Meanwhile, these two have been handed every single opportunity and still they cry. They’re still arguing with each other, and Knight says that’s fine, so long as they listen. If Knight hasn’t made it clear enough already, “you can’t have an LA WrestleMania without L A Knight!”

But then here comes the NEW DAY! DC is even more fired up to see Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods! Woods tells Washington, DC, “it’s ya bois the NEW~ DAY~!” And they just wanted to come out and apologize on behalf of L, A, Knight, YEAH. That’s right! Cuz for the past two weeks, Knight comes out crying, begging, “You can’t have a WrestleMania in LA without LA Knight, please~!” But this is sad. Sad! The New Day joins everyone else in the ring. Knight wants a match at Mania. However, as of late, Knight can’t even win a match on SmackDown! OH~! But then here comes KARRION KROSS!?

Kross, with Scarlett by his side, storms right up to the ring. Everyone watches as Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday circle the ring, but Knight CLOBBERS Kofi! Woods goes after Knight, Knight shoves him into Sheamus and McIntyre! They shove him back, and Knight TOSSES Woods out! But then Sheamus clotheslines Knight out! Sheamus turns around in time to see McIntyre creeping up. McIntyre backs off, only to come back and FLY out onto New Day and Knight!! Then Kross CLOBBERS Sheamus and POSTS him! Kross is vicious but also opportunistic. Is the apocalypse going to sneak in and take that title opportunity for his own?

SmackDown shares footage from before the show.

Shayna Baszler & Ronda Rousey got jumped first by Tegan Nox and Natalya, cameras only caught things after Ronda and Natty were down and Shayna got Tegan on the ground. Adam Pearce and referees rushed in to stop this, and had to cancel their scheduled tag team match for tonight, making it just a singles match. Ronda swears Shayna better break Tegan’s arm for this! Will the Queen of Spades get payback on the Welsh Firecracker?

Shayna Baszler w/ Ronda Rousey VS Tegan Nox w/ Natalya!

The bell rings and the two rush each other! Nox dodges, then SHOTGUNS Shayna down! Then PENALTY KICKS her back down! Then CANNONBALLS in the corner! Nox rains down fists on Shayna from all sides, but Shayna shoves her away and gets an arm. Shayna isolates the arm, but Nox reaches up to headscissors her away! ROUNDHOUSE! Shayna wobbles, but she blocks the knee to throw Nox! Shayna has the arm again, and STOMPS it! Ronda asks Nox how that feels, but Natty and DC rally for Nox. Shayna runs in, but Nox dodges the knee! Nox fires off jabs and haymakers, but Shayna KICKS the bad arm!

Shayna grabs the arm to YANK it! Ronda mocks “Skittles” while Nox crawls to a corner. Shayna storms up on Nox, drags her by the bad arm but Nox KICKS her away! And then HEADBUTTS! But Shayna WRINGS Nox’s bad arm! Ronda continues to mock Nox and Shayna talks trash with Natty. Shayna goes back but Nox rolls her up! TWO, and Shayna KNEES Nox down! Shayna gets the bad arm for an ARMBAR!! Nox taps, Shayna wins!

Winner: Shayna Baszler, by submission

A shoutout to her teammate and friend with that armbar, Ronda celebrates with Shayna. Will the Baddest Women on the Planet tear apart all of SmackDown?

Backstage interview with Gunther.

Kayla Braxton is with Der Ring General and the rest of Imperium, and he already knows she’s asking about all the superstars interested in his title. Gunther says it was an absolute disgrace that a man like him has been kept waiting. What a lack of leadership by Adam Pearce! One month away and Pearce still hasn’t identified the man to challenge Gunther at WrestleMania. So then is he concerned? Gunther says the only thing he is concerned about is not having a worthy opponent to do battle with for this great prize in their great sport, and “for the legacy of Der Ring General, on the greatest stage of them all!” Then what will Pearce do about this issue?

Bobby Lashley is here?!

The All Mighty visits SmackDown by surprise! But why? Wait, the White Rabbit makes it clear. Then what will Lashley have to say about Bray Wyatt’s antics? We’ll hear all that, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Lashley has the mic. “So, so, so, for the past two weeks, Bray Wyatt has been telling me to run. But I don’t run from anyone. And since that didn’t work, he starts playing these little kids, like the Muscle Man Dance. Which I thought was a little comical, but for me, it looked like a sign of weakness. And from where I come from, if you have a problem with somebody, you come see that somebody and tell them to their face. And since Bray Wyatt is not man enough to come see me in my face, I decided to come to his show of SmackDown, to come see him. So I say, Bray Wyatt, if you are man enough, I’m here. So come see me.”

Lashley waits, fans look to the stage, and UNCLE HOWDY appears, from behind! Howdy beats Lashley down, laughs at him, then runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley is furious and he wants Howdy to get up. Fans rally, Howdy staggers over, but the lights go out! And when the lights come back, Howdy is gone. Lashley is even more annoyed, but the White Rabbit cuts him off. Will Lashley see that Bray isn’t just playing kid games?

The Bloodline regroups.

Jimmy sits with Roman and says he called Jey. And what’d he say? Well, Jey said he needs more time. Roman repeats that: Jey needs more time? Well, no, he actually said to leave him the hell alone. Roman says he doesn’t understand how Jey could do this to them. After everything Roman… No, after everything they’ve done for Jey. Haven’t they always helped Jey? Always had his back? Matter of fact, this didn’t start happening until Sami Zayn came around. Maybe that’s where the selfishness and greed come from. In fact, here’s what they’ll do> They’ll fix the Sami problem once and for all.

Roman wants Jimmy to be in Solo’s corner tonight. And they will get rid of Sami once and for all. Understand? If Jimmy and Solo get rid of Sami, then Jey will come home. Heyman smiles as Roman asks if Jimmy can do that. Jimmy says he’s got it. Roman wants Jimmy to do this for The Bloodline, to do this for the family. Jimmy nods and heads out. Heyman tells Roman, “That was wonderful, My Tribal Chief.” Roman says, “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Heyman asks, “Then, it wasn’t wonderful?” Roman says Jey has one week. Does Heyman understand that? Yes, My Tribal Chief. Roman says if Jey isn’t back in the Bloodline in one week, Roman won’t blame Sami. He’ll blame Jimmy.

The ultimatum has been sent, the deadline has been set, but will none of it go the way Roman wants?

BREAKING NEWS on the Intercontinental Championship match!

Gunther wants a challenger and there are plenty of contenders! Next week on SmackDown, there will be a FATAL 5 WAY! Kofi Kingston VS Sheamus VS Drew McIntyre VS Karrion Kross VS LA Knight, YEAH! But this is just a qualifying match, will this just be one step on the warpath to WrestleMania?

Sami Zayn VS Solo Sikoa w/ Jimmy Uso!

The Great Liberator has stated his mission, and so far, he hasn’t failed. But will the Enforcer of the Island and the one Uso still clearly loyal to the Tribal Chief end it all here? Or are the things Sami has been saying continue to come true?

Roman is watching closely as Sami makes his entrance. Sami slides in, dodges Solo, fires off on him, but Solo shoves him back. Sami hits a THESZ PRESS! Sami rains down fists, Solo pushes him away and Jimmy runs in! Sami throws Jimmy out, dumps Solo out, and then builds speed! Sami FLIES to take out Solo and Jimmy! Sami slides back in, DC is thunderous but Roman is seething! Solo gets back in the ring, the bell rings, and this is finally a match! They brawl, Solo shoves Sami away and CLOBBERS him! Solo HEADBUTTS Sami, eggs him on, then ROCKS him with a right. Solo whips, Sami holds ropes to stop, then he dodges to clothesline Solo back out!

Fans fire up while Sami paces. Sami goes to the apron, he stares Jimmy down, and the ref tells Jimmy to back off. Jimmy jaws at Sami, and Sami turns around into a BODY CHECK from Solo! Solo POSTS Sami, then POSTS him again! The ref reprimands and counts, but Solo POSTS Sami! “You should’ve listened, Sami!” Solo TOSSES Sami into the timekeeper’s area! Roman likes what he sees now, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Solo HEADBUTTS away on Sami! Sami flops against ropes and Jimmy says this is all on Sami. Sami sits up to CHOP Solo, but then he flops back down. Solo snarls, he eggs Sami on, and Sami CHOPS again. Solo just HEADBUTTS again! “The hell’s wrong with you?!” Solo whips Sami to ropes, Sami goes up and over then LARIATS! Fans fire up with Sami while Jimmy coaches Solo up. Roman and Heyman frown as Sami stands. Sami throws haymakers, backs Solo up then whips, but Solo reverses. Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into a SAMOAN DROP! Solo roars, fans boo, and Sami flounders to a corner.

Solo grits his teeth, goes to the opposite corner, and he runs in corner to corner, to HIP ATTACK! Solo roars but Roman still looks tense. Solo puts Sami up top, throws hands, but Sami throws hands in return! And even kicks! TORNADO DDT! Cover, ONE?!? Solo is tough but Sami has the fans behind him. Sami climbs up top, to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Sami doesn’t let that stop him, he brings Solo up and reels him in. But Solo’s too big for the Blue Thunder! Solo CLUBS away on Sami, Sami goes to a corner, but Sami dodges! The splash hits only buckles! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!!

Jimmy is relieved but Sami goes to the opposite corner now. Sami runs in, but Jimmy gets Solo clear of the Helluva Kick! SAMOAN SPIKE!!! Cover, Solo wins!!

Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall

Step one is complete as Jimmy helps Solo win, but Roman’s orders were clear. Solo and Jimmy mug Sami with punches and fans boo. Solo grabs a chair! Jimmy tells Sami this is all his fault, and he UPPERCUTS Sami into a corner! Jimmy rains down more fists, then Solo moves him aside. Jimmy says Sami made his choice, then he stomps Sami down. Jimmy puts the chair around Sami’s head! Solo goes to the opposite corner again, they’re gonna get him like the did Riddle! Wait, Jimmy says HE wants to do the honors. Solo moves aside, Jimmy keeps saying Sami made his choice, but Sami stands! He CHUCKS the chair at Solo, dodges Jimmy, and HELLUVA KICKS!!!

Sami just turned things around on the Bloodline and DC is thunderous!! And Sami has the chair now! Sami sees Solo, though, and tosses the chair at him! Solo deflects it and Sami runs off! Jimmy couldn’t do what the Tribal Chief wanted and he is furious! Roman himself is seething backstage. What will happen now that Jimmy has failed?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown with a lot of great story progress, but with less action than I expected. One, downgrading the women’s tag to Shayna VS Nox was an interesting move, but word has it that Ronda has turned down a WrestleMania match idea. I wonder if she doesn’t want part of a Women’s Tag title match if it isn’t a guarantee that she and Shayna are winning. Anything more than 2v2 means the odds aren’t in their favor (in kayfabe), so maybe Ronda just wants to wait until she and Shayna can challenge whoever 2v2. That said, Shayna beating Nox still makes sense in story, just not sure what happens if there’s no tag matches.

Rhea and Dominik having matches back to back makes sense, as do the results. Liv loses to give Rhea more momentum, and Rhea even works a promo aimed towards Charlotte into things. I really do like the idea if they make the match about Figure Four Leglock VS Prism Trap, so that Rhea can more or less beat Charlotte at her own game. And Escobar had a great promo on Dom to set up their own match. But of course Dom lies, cheats and steals in his own way to win, and he doubles down on the Heel heat by tearing up that mask and sucker punching Rey. If Rey isn’t gonna punch Dom, and if proxies are just gonna get cheated, I’m not sure what Rey can do to stop Dom.

Great promo from several of the superstars in the midcard scene. I do like the logic in Sheamus being upset that McIntyre wants next, but also the logic in Sheamus already having his shot and falling short. Them putting “qualifying” on next week’s Fatal 5 clearly means it’ll be a Triple Threat or bigger come WrestleMania. Gunther VS McIntyre VS Sheamus feels like where this is headed, and I do think that’s where it should go. McIntyre and Sheamus have a lot to get through as frenemies, they both want Gunther, and win or lose, Gunther looks good. Gunther can lose because someone else takes the pin, or he wins by using McIntyre and Sheamus against each other.

Nice surprise appearance from Lashley, and nice response from Bray’s side. Howdy being the pawn was fitting, and that is of course Bo Dallas in there. Howdy was spared getting destroyed by the light shenanigans, but this will clearly go back and forth until we get official confirmation on what kind of match All Mighty and Eater of Worlds will have. And opening with Roman and Cody meeting was a great move. That was some great promo work from them both, and Roman really did do a decent Dusty impression. I also like that “the son Dusty always wanted” being something Roman (in kayfabe) had already said that and Heyman was just reiterating. It implies Roman doesn’t need a mouthpiece, he just likes having messengers.

And of course, Roman being thrown off by Cody not breaking is another good detail, as it feeds into the Bloodline story as a whole. Roman continues to simply expect everything going as he wants it, but that’s not how life works. Sami had a good promo though I kinda wish he didn’t do it near fans. Fans will not shut up once they spot a wrestler, so it got harder and harder to understand Sami as the promo went on. But we got a great main event out of Sami VS Solo, and just as Sami said, it wasn’t even about the win or loss. Sami loses the match because of the number game, but he essentially stands tall as he gets away, and that infuriates Roman more because again, he just expects things to go as he wants.

Jey is defiant again, Jimmy is failing him, and neither Sami or Kevin is going away. Roman might even be the one who demands the Usos defend their titles against Sami and Kevin, and that will be the make-or-break in that part of this story. And when it breaks, when things don’t go Roman’s way yet again, he will be rattled and reckless against Cody, giving Cody his way to win.

My Score: 8.8/10

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Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (3/3/23)

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AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Collision Results & Report! (12/21/24)

Merry Collision!

Published

52 minutes ago

December 21, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Rockin’ around the Christmas Collision!

The Continental Classic continues on Christmas Collision, with crucial points on the line this close to AEW Worlds End! Who will finally take the lead in Gold League?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia; wins.
Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford; wins.
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos; wins.
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!

Claudio Castagnoli: 2-1, 6 points
Will Ospreay: 2-1, 6 points
Ricochet: 2-1, 6 points
Darby Allin: 2-1, 6 points
Brody King: 2-2, 6 points
Komander: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!

Kyle Fletcher: 3-1, 9 points
Kazuchika Okada: 2-1-1, 7 points
Mark Briscoe: 2-2, 6 points
Shelton Benjamin: 2-1, 6 points
Daniel Garcia: 1-1-1, 4 points
The Beast Mortos: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

Ian Riccaboni is in the ring.

He has Big Boom AJ & Big Justice with him in the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they’re ready to bring the BOOM~! They’re ready to watch the action tonight, and even the final face-to-face of MJF and Adam Cole. AJ says if MJF is gonna bring the doom, then you know he and Big Justice will bring the BOOM~! But tonight, their guy, Adam Cole will bring the BOOM~ too! And of course we have big Continental Classic action! Daniel Garcia VS Shelton Benjamin in a critical showdown, and while Shelton is tough, Garcia is going to bring the BOOM~! Plus, Mark Briscoe battles The Beast Mortos! The Chicken is their guy, time to bring the BOOM~!

In Gold League, we have Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli, and the Swiss Superman is a DOOM~! Let’s go, Darby, bring that BOOM~! And then a match everyone wants to see, the fireworks rematch of Will Ospreay VS Ricochet! If you’re a fan of high-flying wrestling, this is the right night to be right here in AEW! Ricochet and their guy, Ospreay, will bring the BOOM~! But speaking of, that match is up first! The Aerial Assassin joins AJ & Big Justice in giving a BOOM~, but will Ricochet make sure tonight is #OuttaThisWorld?

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet!

Wait, are the fans throwing white streamers or is that… No, yeah, it’s toilet paper! Ospreay laughs at the fans basically calling Ricochet crap. Ricochet throws the toilet paper back! The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans fire up for Ospreay as he and Ricochet circle. The fans also sing, “F HIM UP, OSPREAY, F HIM UP!” Ricochet shrugs that off, he and Ospreay tie up, and then Ricochet rolls. Ospreay shoots in, waistlocks, but Ricochet switches. They go around, Ricochet gator rolls with Ospreay, then floats to a headlock. Ricochet wrenches, hammerlocks then headlocks again. Ospreay powers up and out, Ricochet runs him over, but Ospreay kips up!

The fans cheer and Ospreay smiles as he and Ricochet reset. They tie up, go around, and Ricochet wrenches to a wristlock. Ospreay rolls, wrenches and wristlocks, but Ricochet spins and wrenches to hammerlock. Ospreay reaches back, headlocks and hits a takeover. Ricochet rolls to a cover, TWO! Ospreay holds onto the headlock but Ricochet powers up and out. Ospreay runs Ricochet over, Ricochet bails out, and then Ospreay handsprings to fake Ricochet out! The fans cheer as Ospreay superhero lands out, and Ricochet is annoyed. Ospreay holds ropes open for Ricochet, but Ricochet goes around the way to step in on his own.

The fans boo Ricochet being a bad sport but Ricochet ignores that. Ospreay and Ricochet knuckle lock, then Ricochet kicks low! And CHOPS! Ricochet whips, Ospreay reverses, but Ricochet rolls off Ospreay’s back! Things keep moving, Ospreay avoids the handspring to then duck ‘n’ dodges and RANA! But Ricochet handsprings through! The fans fire up, and Ospreay arm-drags Ricochet down! The fans cheer while Ricochet endures the grind. Ricochet fights up and puts Ospreay on ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet and Ospreay slowly let g o, and Ricochet SLAPS Ospreay! Ospreay CHOPS Ricochet!

Ospreay takes a swing, Ricochet ducks under to roll back and RANA! But now Ospreay handsprings through! Ricochet dodges to waistlock but Ospreay bucks the O’Conner. Ricochet arm-drags Ospreay down, but Ospreay headscissors back! Ricochet pops free but Ospreay arm-drags! Ricochet headscissors, Ospreay pops free, and Ospreay handsprings, but Ricochet catches him! Ricochet then THROWS Ospreay into the Tree of Woe, and Ospreay falls down! The fans boo while Ospreay bails out, but Ricochet FOSBURY FLOPS! The fans boo but Ricochet takes the toilet paper to wipe himself, then he SMOTHERS Ospreay with it!

The fans boo that literally disgusting act of disrespect, but Collision goes picture in picture.

Ricochet taunts the fans, then drags Ospreay up. Ricochet puts Ospreay in, soaks up more heat, then KNEE-BOARD SENTONS! Ricochet swaggers to taunt the fans more, then he goes back to Ospreay. Cover, ONE!! Another cover, TWO! Ricochet taunts the fans more, then goes back for Ospreay. Ricochet stands Ospreay up to CHOP, and Ospreay goes to a corner. Ricochet RAMS into Ospreay, RAMS him again, then snapmares to UPPERCUT in the back! Cover, TWO! Ospreay stays in this but Ricochet drags him into a motorcycle stretch. Ospreay endures while Ricochet digs a knee into the back. Ospreay fights up, fights with elbows, then runs, but into a DROPKICK!

Ospreay is down in a daze but Ricochet has to shake out the stars in his own head. Ricochet covers, ONE! Ospreay then uses that one to flip off Ricochet. Ricochet RAMS Ospreay in the back! Ricochet then clamps on with a chinlock, and he digs his knee into Ospreay’s back. Ospreay endures, even as Ricochet JAMS Ospreay. Collision returns to single picture as the fans rally for Ospreay again. Ospreay fires up, fires hands, but Ricochet RAMS him into a corner. Ricochet runs up, RAMS into Ospreay, then goes to the apron. Ospreay takes a swing but Ricochet dodges and gets around him to GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands out!

Ospreay runs, handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay goes to the apron, takes aim, and he springboards to PIP PIP CHEERIO! Down goes Ricochet, Ospreay covers, TWO! Ospreay stays focused and the fans rally up. Ospreay drags Ricochet up, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again! Ricochet staggers, Ospreay runs, but Ricochet TIGER WALL KICKS! Forearm, SOBAT, and Ricochet runs, but into a POP-UP, and STYLES- NO, Ricochet sits up, slips free, and he underhooks Ospreay for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives but Ricochet goes up.

Ricochet has to double clutch, the fans let him hear it, but Ricochet still MOONSAULTS! Ricochet lands out as Ospreay moves, and Ospreay runs up, but into an ELBOW! Ricochet handsprings, but into a pop-up, Electric Chair, spin around, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Ospreay is surprised. Ospreay pulls on the elbow pad and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Ospreay aims, but Ricochet bails out! The fans boo but Ospreay storms after Ricochet. They’re both on the apron and Ospreay goes up a corner. Ricochet anchors Ospreay first! Then Ricochet has the Electric Chair Lift!

Ospreay fights free, fights off a nelson, then he KICKS Ricochet! Ospreay runs, but into a pop-up APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans chant “You Still Suck!” but Ricochet adds a SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Ricochet puts Ospreay in, then springboards to 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives, but then Ricochet AX KICKS! Dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, VERTIGO! Cover, TWO!? Ospreay survives and Ricochet is shocked! Ricochet snarls and he aims from a corner. The fans rally for Ospreay but Ricochet loads up. SPIRIT- NO, Ospreay ducks under! Ospreay gets up, Ricochet blocks a kick!

Ricochet V-TRIGGERS, then he reels Ospreay in! But Ospreay fights out of the bomb, but then Ricochet returns the favor! Ricochet suplexes, into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Ospreay springboards for the OSC- CUTTER FROM RICOCHET!! Ricochet hurries to get Ospreay up, powerbomb into fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! SPIRIT- HIDDEN BLADE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Ospreay and Ricochet both slowly sit up and the fans rally as hard as ever. Ricochet and Ospreay stare down, talk a bit of trash, then stand up. Ospreay draws a line in the sand and dares Ricochet to step up.

Ricochet steps right up, they stand toe to toe, literally! They start firing forearms! The fans cheer Ospreay, boo Ricochet, and Ricochet wobbles! But then Ricochet comes back with forearm after forearm! Ospreay wobbles, but he grins as he rises and roars! Ospreay fires a flurry on Ricochet, then ROCKS him! Ricochet flops over, Ospreay hauls him up! But Ricochet grabs at the ref! Ospreay kicks Ricochet’s arm away, but then Ricochet RAMS Ospreay into the ref! The fans boo but then Ricochet hurries to HOOK KICK! And VERTI- NO, Ospreay slips free to underhook! STORM BREAKER! Cover, but the ref is down!

The fans count, Ospreay would’ve won twice over! Ospreay calls to the ref, the ref sputters around, and Ospreay goes up. But then Ricochet kicks the ref into ropes! Ospreay gets tripped up and the fans boo more! Ospreay is confused as to what happened, but SPIRIT GUN hits the mark!! Cover, RICOCHET WINS!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Ospreay earns 0)

The One & Only got away with murder, but there’s nothing that can be done now! Ricochet has NINE points, will he be headed to Worlds End?

About Chairshot Radio Network

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (12/20/24)

Brody King is on a Rampage!

Published

23 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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.