Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/1/23)
The Draft wraps up!
WWE finishes up the new rosters!
The WWE Draft finishes up tonight, and Backlash is this Saturday! Plus, BROCK LESNAR is in town! Will he and Cody Rhodes cross paths tonight?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Bayley & Dakota Kai; Bayley & Kai win.
- Braun Strowman & Ricochet VS The Alpha Academy w/ Maxxine Dupri; Braun & Ricochet win.
- Matt Riddle w/ Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso; Riddle wins.
- Omos w/ MVP VS Anthony Alanis; Omos wins.
- Mixed Six Tag Match: The Judgment Day VS The Latino World Order; The Judgment Day wins.
- Seth Rollins VS Solo Sikoa w/ Paul Heyman; Rollins wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
Triple H is here!
Just as he did on Friday Night SmackDown, The Game is here to open night two of the WWE Draft! But this time, he has the NEW WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt by his side at the podium. HHH says it is sold out and LOUD in the arena! Fans cheer, and HHH welcomes us to Monday Night Raw and the last night of the 2023 WWE Draft. “Now this Friday night on SmackDown, things got a little crazy and shook the WWE right down to its foundation. Tonight, I’m sure will be no different. But before we get into the fun, let’s set some ground rules.
“All remaining undrafted WWE superstars on Raw and SmackDown are subject to the possibility of transferring to other brands. Half the roster was drafted on Friday, the remaining half will be drafted here tonight.” Fans cheer that, too. HHH says, As a result of the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, being drafted to SmackDown, we will be crowning a new World Heavyweight Champion. That title and it’s holder will be exclusive to Monday Night Raw.” Fans like the sound of that. And HHH says out of everyone eligible tonight, we could see a new champion emerge.
Tonight’s draft pool is: Akira Tozawa; The Alpha Academy; Los Lotharios, Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Asuka; Austin Theory; Baron Corbin; Braun Strowman & Ricochet as a dynamic duo; Bronson Reed; Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin as a tag team; Charlotte Flair; Dana Brooke; Elias; Emma; Johnny Gargano; The Judgment Day as a unit; Karrion Kross & Scarlett; Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn as a unit; LA Knight; Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez as a unite; Nikki Cross; Piper Niven; Rick Boogs; Riddick Moss; Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler as a unit; Seth Rollins; Shotzi Blackheart; Tamina; Tegan Nox; The Brawling Brutes as a unit; The LWO as a unit; The New Day as a unit; The Usos as a unit; Trish Stratus; and Xia Li.
HHH continues to say that before we get started, there is one superstar that is NOT eligible to be drafted tonight in Brock Lesnar. Fans boo but HHH says earlier today, Lesnar renegotiated his status as a free agent, and can appear on any brand at any time. Superstars from NXT are also eligible tonight, and these new rosters go into affect next week, May 8th, after Backlash. But enough about the rules, let’s get to it! Are you ready? No, no, ARE! YOU! READY!? Then with the very first pick of night two, Raw selects… THE ERADICATOR, RHEA RIPLEY! The SmackDown Women’s Champion stays on Raw to counter SmackDown taking Bianca Belair.
SmackDown uses their pick to select… THE NOW, AUSTIN THEORY! The United States Champion now goes to SmackDown as a counter to Imperium and the Intercontinental Championship coming to Raw! Raw now selects… THE VISIONARY, THE REVOLUTIONARY, SETH FREAKIN’ ROLLINS! That’s right, we are still watching Monday Night Rollins! Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” and HHH nods along. To finish up the first round, SmackDown selects… THE QUEEN, CHARLOTTE FLAIR! Charlotte stays on the Blue Brand, will SmackDown continue to bow down?
And now, HHH introduces the Wise Man, Paul Heyman. Fans boo as Heyman walks out on stage, and he shakes his head while chuckling. Heyman and HHH shake hands, and HHH walks him to the podium to show him the World Heavyweight Championship. Heyman says it is beautiful. Heyman continues on to the ring, what will he have to say about all the Bloodline’s business heading towards Backlash? Heyman gets the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen. My name is Paul Heyman. I serve as Special Counsel to YOUR Tribal Chief, Roman…! Reigns!
“The Tribal Chief has asked me to address a number of business items for the entire WWE Universe to just revel in my wisdom. Item number one: The Draft. Roman Reigns, Solo, and Paul Heyman have been drafted to Friday Night SmackDown. Which leaves tonight for us to determine the fate of the Usos. The Usos, who did not, NOT, NOT win back their tag team titles this past Friday from Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn.” Fans cheer that but Heyman says he will address the Usos in private later tonight. But the Usos will address their problems this Saturday at Backlash in Puerto Rico when they team with the problem solver, Solo Sikoa, against Kevin, Sami and of all people, Matt Riddle.
“Now these items will not only be addressed by your Wise Man tonight, but one week from this Friday, on SmackDown, live, and I don’t even know what city we’re in, so long as it’s not in the state of Texas.” fans boo, but Heyman says the Tribal Chief will take care of all business items. As a preview, one is that hunk of beautiful gold up on that podium right now. Guys, c’mon. Wouldn’t that title look relevant around the waist of Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns? Fans boo, he already has titles. But here we are, almost 1000 DAYS into a title reign!
Talk about Undisputed! Not one, not two, but three! You create a championship, and Roman Reigns will dominate that title to the main event of WrestleMania! But Roman can’t compete for it, because Roman is not here on Raw anymore. Fans cheer that. But the worst thing about that is that all the “children” in the locker room who think that they’re men are running around, flapping their gums, about the Tribal Chief. Those are people who should know better. Men who need to start acting like men! Men who are freakin’ jokers! Men who are freakin’ jokes. Men who are freakin’ clowns! Who are-
“BURN IT DOWN!” Rollins interrupts Heyman! Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as Rollins makes his way to the ring. Rollins joins Heyman, and Rollins smiles as he motions to the chorus. Heyman shakes his head and Rollins laughs. Rollins says, “Pauly! Good to see you! Why the long face? C’mon, man.” Today is Christmas for Heyman! Roman Reigns is drafted away to SmackDown, and Rollins is still on HIS show! Which means Roman doesn’t have to run away from Rollins anymore. And Heyman doesn’t have to waste all that energy pulling strings backstage to make sure Rollins never gets a title match again.
Heyman can use all that extra energy to make sure The Bloodline doesn’t go POOF, right in his face. Heyman’s a “spoiler” guy, right? Loves a good spoiler, right? Here’s a spoiler for Heyman: At Night of Champions, ROLLINS wins the WWE World Heavyweight Championship! Fans love the sound of that! And the entire world will see what a real champion looks like. Heyman gets his phone out to call Roman. Fans boo and Rollins says it’s gonna be hard for Heyman to have a phone conversation with all this singing. “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Heyman shouts, “I can’t hear My Tribal Chief!!” That just makes fans sing more.
Heyman finishes up talking with Roman, and tells Rollins, “You’re pissing off your Tribal Chief.” GASP! Aww… Well, if Roman’s upset now, he’s really not gonna like this one. Texas, Rollins has ha question! How long do you think it’d take for Rollins to get Heyman down on the mat so he can stop that big bald head into it? Would it take five seconds? No! Four? NO! Three? NO! Two? NO! But wait, here comes Solo Sikoa! The Enforcer of the Island is storming out to ringside to defend the Wise Man, but Rollins just smiles. Heyman still has Solo stand down. Here’s a spoiler: All the strings are being pulled at this moment!
And after the break, the match will be made for Fort Worth! Seth Rollins VS Solo Sikoa!! Rollins says they don’t need to wait! Solo wants to fight tonight? “YOU’RE ON! HAHAHAHAHA!” The Visionary is not afraid, will he put Solo down as we prepare for Backlash?
Adam Pearce talks with Cody Rhodes backstage.
Pearce wants Cody to know, this is a huge night, and it’d be nice if it didn’t spiral into chaos. Cody sighs and heads out. We know Lesnar is going to be here tonight, will the American Nightmare be able to wait for Backlash?
The NXT roster is having another watch party!
Indi Hartwell, Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn were drafted on Friday, who will be the lucky ones to be chosen tonight?
Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Bayley & Dakota Kai!
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions can go on any brands, so they don’t sweat the Draft. But DMG CTRL is all on SmackDown now. Will the Role Model & #CobraKai earn themselves a title opportunity to match the Evil Genius’ shot at Bianca Belair’s belt?
The teams sort out, Kai starts with Liv and the two circle. They tie up, Kai headlocks, but Liv powers out. Liv dodges Kai, gest around her, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Kai rolls Liv up, ONE! Liv ducks a kick, Kai ducks the enziguri, and Kai waistlocks! Liv booty bumps and victory rolls, TWO! Liv SHOTGUNS Kai down! Fans fire up, but Kai HOTSHOTS Liv! Tag to Bayley, and she drags Liv up to scoop and SLAM! Liv avoids the elbow drop, tag to Raquel! Raquel scoops, Bayley slips out, and Bayley SLAPS Raquel! Big Mami Cool is mad now! She RAMS Bayley into the corner, RAMS her more, then tags Liv.
Liv taunts Kai, Raquel whips her in to back body block Bayley! Then Liv RANAS Raquel into Bayley! SHINING WIZARD added on! Cover, TWO! Liv keeps Bayley from Kai, Kai tags a foot but she was away from the corner! The ref stops Kai but that allows Bayley to rake Liv’s eyes! Bayley throws Liv out, tags Kai, and Kai BOOTS Liv down! DMG CTRL takes control as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Bayley BOOTS Liv in the corner! Tag to Kai, she goes side to side to BOOT WASH! Cover, TWO! Kai grows frustrated, she drags Liv to the corner, and she stomps away on Liv! The ref counts, Kai lets off at 4, but Bayley pulls hair! Liv still BOOTS Kai and ELBOWS Bayley! Liv then goes up and over, Kai hits buckles! Fans fire up as Liv crawls, but Kai CLOBBERS her first! Liv fights Kai off but Kai gets the arm! Kai keeps Liv away then DECKS her! Kai laughs but Liv blocks a kick! Liv rolls Kai, then hot tags Raquel! Fans fire up as Raquel rallies on Kai! Kai ducks the lariat but not the SOUTHPAW!
Raquel scoops Kai to FALL AWAY SLAM! Bayley gets Kai out of the way to take the SPLASH! But Raquel just FALL AWAY SLAMS Kai again! TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO!! Kai survives but Raquel drags her back. Tag to Liv and Liv climbs up onto Raquel! But Bayley trips Raquel! That throws off the senton, and Kai gets her KNEES up! Bayley drags Raquel out and RAMS her into the apron! Kai mule kicks Liv, hops on, KAI-ROPRACTOR!! Cover, Raquel breaks it in time! Bayley gets in but Raquel TOSSES her out! Bayley holds Raquel in place, kai BOOTS Raquel! But Kai turns around into a CODE BREAKER!
Bayley sneaks a tag! ObLIVion for Kai! Sunset flip from Bayley! DMG CTRL WINS!
Winners: Damage CTRL, by pinfall
Bayley snuck that one from the tag team champions! Will DMG CTRL take control with all the gold once again?
The guest speakers are here tonight!
Booker T is here for Raw, but his Queen, Sharmell, is here for SmackDown! The Royal Couple of WWE heads to the stage, who will Raw and SmackDown choose next?
Adam Pearce finds Brock Lesnar backstage now.
Pearce knows Lesnar knows Cody is here, and as big as tonight is, Pearce would love if they kept the peace. Lesnar laughs. “Good luck with that.” The Beast isn’t promising anything, will tonight end up like that night almost a month ago?
Booker T & Sharmell make their entrance!
They go to the podium, and he asks, “What up, D Town?” With the first pick of the second round, Raw selects, the UNDISPUTED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn! The Prizefighter & Great Liberator stick together one way or another! Sharmell says SmackDown selects… THE USOS! Jimmy & Jey stay with The Bloodline on SmackDown, but will they still be on the Island of Relevancy? Raw selects… JUDGMENT DAY! Finn Balor, Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio stick close to Mami! SmackDown finishes the round by selecting… LATINO WORLD ORDER! They get Santos Escobar, Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, Zelina Vega AND Rey Mysterio!
Braun Strowman & Ricochet VS The Alpha Academy w/ Maxxine Dupri!
The dynamic duo didn’t win on SmackDown in that massive Triple Threat Tag, but perhaps they’ll make an impression on Raw here tonight. Or will Chad Gable & Otis (Otise?) make them SHOOOOSH?
Raw returns and The Alpha Academy make their entrance. The teams sort out and Gable starts against Ricochet. They tie up, Gable waistlocks, wrenches and wristlocks. Ricochet rolls, kips up and flips to slip through to wristlock! Gable rolls, bridges, handsprings and wrenches to break and trip Ricochet to a cover! ONE, Ricochet trips Gable to a cover, ONE! Gable CHOPS! Fans “WOO~!” but Gable “SHOOSH!” Gable whips, Ricochet rolls off his back, rolls under then handsprings back to headscissor and DROPKICK! Fans fire up with Ricochet and he runs in again. Gable blocks a kick, waistlocks, but Ricochet switches.
Gable switches, Ricochet elbows free but Gable GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ricochet lands on his feet! Gable rushes in, Ricochet goes up and out to GAMANGIRI! Ricochet springboards, Gable gets under, and he wiastlocks to O’Conner Roll and CHAOS THEORY! Fans fire up while both men are down, and they crawl, hot tags to Otis and Braun! Fans fire up as these titans shove each other! Otis dodges, fires off hands, and he puts Braun in a corner! Otis runs side to side to SPLASH! Maxxine loves it! But then Braun CLOBBERS Otis! And keeps moving, breaks through the lariat, and CROSSBODIES?!
Fans fire up as Braun’s shirt comes off but Maxxine is upset. Braun scoops and SLAMS Otis! Fans fire up more as Braun tags Ricochet! Ricochet climbs up onto Braun, MONSTER SWANTON!! Cover, Braun & Ricochet win!
Winners: Braun Strowman & Ricochet, by pinfall
The dynamic duo does it again! Speed and strength combined, but will they stay together? And on what brand?
The next guest speakers are headed to gorilla.
Shawn Michaels is back to select for Raw, and Adam Pearce is going to select for SmackDown! The third round of the night goes down after the break.
Shawn Michaels makes his entrance!
NXT goes nuts for their General Manager, and then Adam Pearce makes his entrance. HBK gets right to it by saying Raw’s- OH SNAP, BROCK LESNAR?! That’s not the pick because HHH said earlier that he’s a free agent. But because Brock’s a free agent, he’s doing what HE wants! Pearce tries to tell him not to do this, but Lesnar just stares at him and Pearce backs off. Lesnar goes to the ring, he gets the mic, and while fans boo, Lesnar says, “Fort Worth, Texas. How does it feel to be looking at the only real cowboy in the state?” Fans boo but Pearce brings security out now. Lesnar was asked politely, the Draft trumps everything, so please, leave peacefully.
With all due respect- Oh, with all due respect, it’s gonna take more men than these. So Pearce calls on even more security. Lesnar has about twenty guards telling him to leave, but then CODY RHODES makes his entrance! But from BEHIND! Cody CLOBBERS Lesnar! The brawl is on and fans go nuts! Security rushes in to stop this, Lesnar slips away and taunts Cody. Cody fights his way free, but gets caught again at the ropes! Cody still hammers guards away, but the other half tells Lesnar to stand down. Lesnar smirks and takes his leave. Perhaps Lesnar got what he wants, but Cody didn’t. Cody shouts, “MAKE ME EARN IT!” Will that happen at Backlash?
Raw returns and HBK is back at the podium.
“Alrighty. I think we’re gonna try this again, shall we?” With the first pick of the third round, Raw selects… THE WWE WOMEN’S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez! And without Pearce here, HBK reads the SmackDown choice! SmackDown selects… THE EMPRESS OF TOMORROW, ASUKA! Will Fridays not be ready for Asuka? Raw selects… THE NEW~ DAY~! Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and even Big E get to bring the Power of Positivity to Mondays! And SmackDown closes out the round with… THE BRAWLING BRUTES! Sheamus, Ridge Holland & Pete Dunne stick together on Friday Fight Night!
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn talk at gorilla.
Kevin looks at the blue SmackDown Tag Team Championship belt. Kevin & Sami are both on Raw, but obviously as tag team champions, they should be able to go to SmackDown, too, right? Matt Riddle finds them and says this is the best week ever! Kevin & Sami beat the Usos and retained the titles, and they’re all on Raw! they can hang out together all the time! Plus, Backlash and the Six Man Tag means they’re gonna put the hurt on the Bloodline! And Riddle gets to do that tonight against Jimmy Uso! Riddle pats them both on the back, Sami is excited but Kevin isn’t so sure about this.
Matt Riddle w/ Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso!
The Original Bro has the Prizefighter & Great Liberator watching his back here tonight, will they be rolling into San Juan, Puerto Rico? Or will the Riddle be solved one way or another tonight?
The bell rings and the two fire off fists! Riddle gets the edge, whips, but Jimmy reverses. Riddle holds ropes, BOOTS Jimmy, but Jimmy distracts and Jey ENZIGURIS Riddle down! Fans boo but Jimmy CHOKES Riddle at the ropes! KO & Sami get at Jey but Jimmy sees that. Jimmy focuses on Riddle with haymakers, but then Kevin falls over? And Sami SMACKS a chair against the desk! To then toss it to Jey! They’re playing some Latino Heat on Jey! The ref sees what he thinks he sees, and Jey is stunned! Jey is mad, he didn’t do nothing! But the ref EJECTS him anyway! Fans fire up and Jimmy protests, but the decision is final!
Riddle joins Kevin and Sami in having a laugh as Jey has no choice but to leave. Now things are in their favor as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Riddle fires off forearms on Jimmy! Riddle runs, but into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Riddle is still in this but Jimmy puts him in the corner. Kevin tells Corey Graves not to spread disinformation on commentary, Jey really did hit him. Jimmy throws hands in the corner but Riddle counter punches! And again! And again! Riddle fires off palm strikes, a BOOT, and then spins Jimmy for a PELE! Jimmy staggers, Riddle kips up and he forearm smashes in the corner! Then he runs side to side to SMASH! And BROSPLODER! And BROTON onto knees! Jimmy saves himself and Riddle goes to a corner.
Jimmy runs in but into an ELBOW! Riddle goes up, but Jimmy SHOVES him off the top! Riddle hits barriers on the way down! Kevin checks on Riddle, coaches him up, but Jimmy goes out to SUPERKICK Kevin! That really did happen! Jimmy puts Riddle in, but Riddle gets around to ripcord. Jimmy breaks free, Riddle blocks the kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Jimmy SUPERKICKS Riddle down! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives and Jimmy grows frustrated. So he SUPERKICKS Riddle again! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives and Jimmy might be getting flashbacks to Friday and how Kevin kept surviving.
Jimmy puts Riddle on the ropes, the ref checks on him, but Jimmy pulls at a buckle pad! Sami protests to the ref but the ref just argues with him, so Kevin SMACKS Jimmy off the buckles! Jimmy staggers into a FINAL FLASH! Riddle goes up for the FLOATING BRO!! Cover, Riddle wins!
Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall
Turnabout IS fair play! Riddle, Kevin & Sami use numbers against Jimmy to get even, but will this work out the same way at Backlash? Or will facing the full Bloodline be a different story?
The next guest speakers are…
ERIC BISCHOFF for Raw!! And Rob Van Dam for SmackDown! Elias & Boogs are there to geek out over him being here, they all do the “R! V! D!” thumbs. Will Elias & Boogs be picked in the fourth round? And if so, by which side?
Heyman talks with Solo Sikoa backstage.
The Wise Man says The Tribal Chief has so much faith in The Enforcer to take out “this clown,” Seth Rollins, with his big nose and floppy feet. The Tribal Chief wants Solo to take Rollins out! Heyman tops it off with some Samoan, but then Jey walks in. He has a quick question. Why wasn’t Solo ringside tonight? The brothers stare down but Heyman says Solo is “pent up.” Roman has assigned him the extermination of one clown here on Raw, so he had to stay focused on that. Jey accepts that. Is there something else? Oh, Jey wants the room! Introspection after last Friday. Heyman understands.
Heyman says he and Solo can leave the room to Jey. The Tribal Chief loves you, by the way! Loves! #WeTheOnes! Jey is a bit confused now. Just what games are being played by the Tribal Chief now?
Eric Bischoff makes his entrance!
The WWE Hall of Famer and former General Manager of Raw is back! But then so is the One of a Kind! Fans join in on “R! V! D!” and Eric asks if the fans are ready. He’s been ready for this! RVD hears the fans chanting for him and says he loves them, too. Okay, the first pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE WWE HALL OF FAMER, TRISH STRATUS! Stratusfaction comes to Raw! And SmackDown selects… MR. & MRS. DOOMSDAY, KARRION KROSS & SCARLETT! Will the clock continue to count down on Fridays? Raw selects… THE BADDEST WOMEN ON THE PLANET, SHAYNA BASZLER & RONDA ROUSEY!
SmackDown finishes up with… THE MEGA STAR, L! A! KNIGHT, YEAH!! And that’s not an insult, that’s just a fact of life, dummy!
The Miz is here!
And the Hollywood A-Lister welcomes us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, MizTV! What a draft it has been, and Raw is stacked! They’ve got Cody Rhodes! The title Miz made prestigious again in the Intercontinental Championship is back on Raw with the addition of Imperium! A women’s champion in Rhea Ripley! And someone Miz can’t stand but everyone else loves, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. But the biggest acquisition was none other than yours truly, THE MIZ! Fans boo but Miz says tonight’s guest is someone who was drafted to Raw for the first time ever. It is the KING OF STRONG STYLE, SHINSUKE NAKAMURA!
Fans fire up and even Miz rocks out to Nakamura’s classic theme song as Nakamura makes his way out. Nakamura and Miz bow, and just in time for the long chord. Miz says he is the first to welcome Nakamura to Monday Night Raw! They take their seats, and Miz notes Nakamura has done a lot in the WWE: NXT Champion; United States Champion; Intercontinental Champion; Royal Rumble winner; and here on Raw, he could become the inaugural NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion! Does Nakamura think he has a chance? Nakamura says, “Hai.” Hi? Hello, yes, we did introductions.
Maybe Nakamura doesn’t wanna answer that question. But when HHH said he wants this title to be on a workhorse champion, he clearly meant Miz. The TWO-TIME Grand Slam Champion! He main evented Mania! Always up for whatever, from press conferences to media appearances! Miz is the epitome of a workhorse! Nakamura chuckles, and Miz says he’d be a great number two. They can help each other out! Think about it! They could be a partnership, a merger! They could be #Mizuke! Fans boo that idea but Miz says things are different on Raw. You need someone to watch your back, and who better than the Face of Mondays?
Look, bottom line is Miz helps Nakamura, Nakamura helps Miz, what does he say? Nakamura says thank you, and Miz has more experience in the WWE, but Nakamura knows Miz has… “Chisai kintama.” What? Chisai kintama? Yes! That sounds positive! Is it awesome? Kinda… Miz takes pride in saying “CHISAI KINTAMA!” They say it together! Nakamura does his best not to laugh but the fans join in. Miz says it sounds amazing. What does it translate to? It means… Tiny balls. Miz is no longer happy. But now fans really love it! “TINY BALLS! TINY BALLS!” Miz takes a swing, but Nakamura dodges!
Nakamura kicks Miz’s legs out, then hits the KINSHASA!! The King of Strong Style is Raw, but will he soon be World Heavyweight Champion?
Omos w/ MVP VS Anthony Alanis!
As of this moment, The Nigerian Giant is a free agent, just like Brock Lesnar. Will he continue to make a huge impression no matter where he goes?
The bell rings and Alanis rushes in with fast hands! But Omos swats him down! Alanis gets up and throws a BIG right! He asks how that tastes, then he kicks and whips. But Omos blocks, reels Alanis in, and scoops to SNAKE EYES! Then BOOT! Fans rally up as Omos drags Alanis up again, for the MOUNTAINTOP CHOKE BOMB! Cover, Omos wins!
Winner: Omos, by pinfall
Alanis sank like Atlantis, and Omos grinds his boot in harder! Will nothing stop Omos from decimating Seth Rollins this Saturday?
BREAKING NEWS on the WWE World Heavyweight Championship!
A tournament is in the works! Superstars will compete starting next Monday on Raw, and all of this culminating at Night of Champions! Who will make the cut to head for the gold?
The next guest speakers are…
Molly Holly is here for Raw, and Road Dogg is back for SmackDown! What big moves will happen this late in the draft?
Oh you didn’t know?
You better call somebody! The Road Dogg makes his way out first, followed by Molly Holly! Molly starts us right off with Raw’s first pick of the fifth round: BRAUN STROWMAN & RICOCHET! The superpowers stick together and are here on Raw! SmackDown selects… THE BALLSY SHOTZI BLACKHEART! Will she turn Fridays into TankDown? Raw continues by choosing… THE COLOSSAL, BRONSON REED! And SmackDown finishes the round with… well, HBK won’t like this. PRETTY DEADLY, Elton Prince & Kit Wilson! #YesBoy~! And they’re at the Performance Center celebrating, especially since they survived sleeping with the fishes…
The Judgment Day is here!
Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio and of course Rhea Ripley head to the ring together, staying on Raw despite Rhea having the SmackDown Women’s Championship. They get the mics, and Priest says, “All Rise for the Judgment Day staying united right here on Monday Night Raw! And all rise for tonight’s first draft pick, your champion, our champion, RHEA RIPLEY!” Rhea says, “Was there really any doubt who the first draft pick would be, huh? Mami’s always on top. And you guys thought you could get rid of us that easily? Nuh uh! Because I said it before and I’ll say it again, The Judgment Day, we run Monday Night Raw!”
Rhea says this Saturday, Zelina Vega will regret everything she’s done to her on SmackDown when Rhea pretzels her and reminds us all why Rhea is the most dominant champion in the WWE! Finn says that’s right! Zelina gets rolled up like snot and flicked! And they have some bad news for Bad Bunny: Damian is gonna tear Bunny apart and leave fluffy little pieces all over Puerto Rico! Tell ’em, Damian. “Bad Bunny. I want you to listen to my words very carefully. Because I choose them very, very carefully.” Priest then fires off in Spanish that he is the best Puerto Rican wrestler!
And while he knows that Bunny is a big star in the music world, this is the world of wrestling. That means Bunny can try to be a wrestler, but he’s not better than Priest. There is nothing Bunny can do against Priest, and the fans aren’t going to help, either. Priest tells “Bonito” that in front of his fans, his friends and his family, in his home of Puerto Rico, he’s done. In Puerto Rico at Backlash, Bunny receives his punishment. Dom starts to speak but then all the fans boo. Finn says to ignore all that and speak anyway. Dom says he can’t wait. But then the fans boo more! Dom tries again, but still gets more boos.
The boos just get louder and louder, so Dom shouts that he can’t wait until Mami and Priest DOMINATE at Backlash! Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Dom just smirks as the fans keep booing. He repeats what he said: He can’t wait until Mami & Priest DOMINATE at Backlash! Just like they’re gonna dominate Santos, Zelina and his “deadbeat dad,” Rey! And since the LWO got drafted to SmackDown, this will be the last night Dom gets to embarrass his dad and his “loser friends.” They’ll go run away and hide on Friday nights! But then here comes Rey and the Latino World Order!
Fans fire up as Rey tells Dom, “No one’s running or hiding anywhere. We were selected by SmackDown to compete Friday nights. That’s how the Draft works. Don’t you get that, son?” But Rey is glad that they’re being separated. If Dom thought getting whooped at Mania with a belt was bad, the next time, it would’ve ben LA CHANCLA! Fans fire up for that, and Rey says he can’t wait to see Zelina leave with Rhea’s belt around her waist! And he is looking forward to watching Bad Bunny beat down Priest and anyone else from the Judgment Day who is stupid enough to get in his way! “But before all that, the Judgment Day is gonna get smacked right now by the L! W! O!”
The tension rises again as we get what could be the final fight between father and son! Who rolls into Puerto Rico? We see, after the break!
Mixed Six Tag Match: The Judgment Day VS The Latino World Order!
Raw returns and the bell rings as Rey starts against Dom. But then Rhea tags right in, and she taunts Rey. Rhea pie faces Rey, but Rey helps Zelina hit the RANA! Rhea flounders, Zelina runs up, dodges, but Rhea BOOTS her down! Rhea talks smack, drags Zelina up and pump handles, but Zelina DDT- NO, Rhea counters the counter to a suplex! Zelina knees free, but Rhea grabs her by the hair! Zelina JAWBREAKERS free, Rhea stumbles back and Priest tags in. Escobar steps up but Priest kicks him low. Priest whips, Escobar ducks ‘n’ dodges and CLOBBERS Priest! Priest goes to a corner, fans count along, “Uno! Dos! Tres!” DOUBLE KNEES!
Escobar brings Priest around, throws hands, CHOPS and ROCKS and repeat! Escobar whips, Priest reverses but Escobar kicks him back! And again! Escobar runs, but into a BIG forearm! And then Priest DECKS Rey with a sucker punch! Fans boo but Judgment Day applauds. Priest glares at Zelina but she backs away. Priest drags Escobar up, runs, but Escobar KNEES Priest first! Dom runs in, but into a BACKBREAKER! They both bail out, Rey tags in, SEATED SENTON for Priest! Rhea protects “Dom-Dom” but Rey goes into the ring to pose with Escobar and Zelina. Fans fire up and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Priest ROCKS Escobar! Escobar goes to a corner, Priest runs in to clothesline! And then another clothesline! Priest wants uno mas, but Escobar DROPKICKS him down! Fans rally up as both men crawl, hot tags to Dom and Rey! Rey dodges Dom to DECK him! And DECK him again! Rey whips, Dom reverses but Rey tilt-o-whirls to RANA Dom! Dom staggers around into the corner, and Rey goes after him with fists! Fans fire up but Dom slips out to CLUB Rey! Dom whips, Rey KICKS, and then Rey returns to springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, but Rhea breaks it!
Zelina runs in but Rhea DECKS her! The ref reprimands but Rhea stalks Rey! Rhea fireman’s carries, lifts, but Zelina 619s low!! Rhea staggers, runs back in, but Zelina dumps her out! Rey drags Dom up but Dom DROPKICKS! Hot tag to Priest! Priest runs in at Rey, but Rey dodges! Priest POSTS himself! Rey then dropkicks Priest onto ropes! Dial it up, 61- NO, Finn distracts the ref as Dom trips Rey up! Fans boo but Escobar DIVES onto Dom! Escobar then hurries up, but Rhea DROPKICKS him! Zelina FLYING METEORAS Rhea to the floor! Priest mule kicks Rey, drags him up, crucifix for the RAZOR- NO, Rey slips free!
Rey RANAS Priest onto ropes! Redial, but Finn takes the shot!! SOUTH OF HEAVEN SLAM!!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!
Winners: The Judgment Day, by pinfall
The LWO couldn’t finish this off all because The Prince was a wild card! Will all this momentum help Rhea retain her title and Priest “punish” Bad Bunny? Or will there be shocker after shocker in San Juan?
Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.
Cathy Kelly catches Cody on his way out and asks him if Lesnar is in his head after tonight. Cody admits, Lesnar is in Cody’s head. He’s been in Cody’s head ever since the Raw after WrestleMania. And now, Lesnar has negotiated his “free agent status,” where he can come and go as he pleases, on either Raw or SmackDown. Lesnar gets what Lesnar wants. “Just not on Saturday. Not at Backlash.” The most decorated combat sports athlete, and Cody has made sure to point that out, but here is what we found out tonight: Doomsday bleeds. Lesnar is human. And Lesnar doesn’t even need to win this match. It’s Cody who HAS to win!
Because if Cody doesn’t… The whole idea of Cody finishing his story ceases to exist. And then he moves to the back of the line. And Cody refuses to do that. He won’t be the back of the line now, not ever. Cody thanks Cathy, and heads out. Will there be no stopping the American Nightmare from making a dream come true?
The next guest speakers are…
JBL is back, ready to represent for Raw! And for SmackDown, it’s Teddy Long, player! Will the sixth round be the biggest one yet?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the RawEST Women’s Champion, and asks her initial reaction to finding out she was drafted to SmackDown. She says it doesn’t matter what brand she’s on, so long as she’s able to represent the WWE Universe to the best of her ability. And that means retaining this title on Saturday. Even though she’ll rep blue from now on, she still has love for Monday nights. So best believe she’s sending Iyo Sky along emptyhanded. But in come DMG CTRL, Bayley and Kai chuckling. Good one, Bianca.
But Bayley has a question for Byron: Why is he here interviewing Bianca when he should be talking to the top three draft picks in the WWE? Did you see that Bayley & Kai are the future WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions? And Iyo Sky is gonna give Bianca a real reason to be blue, when she beats you for that title! Get it? Blue like sad. Bianca says what actually makes her sad is that she has always been impressed by Sky. In fact, when Sky showed up at SummerSlam last year, Bianca knew Sky would be the unique, talented and competitive athlete this division needed. Bianca was excited to see what Sky was gonna do next.
But what’d she really do? Went and got influenced by two chicks who have done nothing but hold her back. Yeah, that’s what she said. So hopefully Saturday gives Sky a taste what it feels like to finally step out on her own and shine. After Bianca beats her, that is. Sky says in Japanese that Bianca will not leave Backlash champion after Sky gets through with her! Bianca says Kai doesn’t need to translate that. They understand each other. DMG CTRL leaves, but will they be able to take control away from The EST?
Teddy Long walks on stage!
Fans cheer for the Hall of Fame SmackDown General Manager, and then here comes John Bradshaw Layfield! They tease each other, and JBL says with the first pick of the final round, Raw selects… SHOOOOSH! The Alpha Academy, Chad Gable & Otis! But will this only prolong the push and pull of Alpha Academy and Maximum Male Models on Otis? Teddy says SmackDown selects… “THE MEAT MOUNTAIN,” RICK BOOGS! Fridays are about to rock! Raw selects… NXT’s KATANA CHANCE & KAYDEN CARTER! KC Squared is about to face Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn for the NXT Women’s Tag titles, what’s gonna happen now?
As for SmackDown, the final pick of this final round of the 2023 WWE Draft, they select… CAMERON GRIMES! SmackDown is finally going TO! THE! MOON~! The rest of the picks will be part of Raw Talk tonight on Peacock, who will avoid being left in the void of undrafted and unsigned free agency?
Xavier Woods speaks.
“Ooooh~! It’s Xavier Woods here, and it looks like ya bois, the NEW~! DAY~! Just got drafted to the red brand. They said, ‘Hey, we need you to inject a little life back into Monday nights.’ So USA Network, get ready. BECAAAUSE~! NEW! DAY ROCKS!”
Seth Rollins VS Solo Sikoa w/ Paul Heyman!
The Visionary saw through Paul Heyman’s not so subtle message earlier and responded in kind, only for The Enforcer of the Island of Relevancy to respond right back. Rollins is preparing for Omos at Backlash while Solo is going to join his brothers against Kevin, Sami & Riddle. Will Rollins #BurnItDown tonight? Or will Solo “exterminate” on behalf of the Tribal Chief?
Raw returns and Rollins makes his entrance. The fans sing along again, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as Rollins swaggers in his fur coat. The bell rings and Rollins stares Solo down. They circle, approach, but then Rollins dodges to revel in the singing. Rollins grins at Heyman, then circles with Solo. They tie up now, and Solo powers Rollins to a corner. The ref counts, Solo lets off at 4, but then swings! Rollins avoids the sucker punch, and the singing continues. Solo works to tune out the “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Solo and Rollins tie up, Solo headlocks but Rollins powers out. Things speed up, Rollins hurdles then redirects!
Rollins slides out and he uses the singing to get on Solo’s nerves. Solo rushes out but Rollins slides in to keep the trolling. Solo slides in, but then quickly slides out to avoid the Curb Stomp! Rollins says it was that close. Solo storms into the ring, they approach but Solo kicks low! And HEADBUTTS! Solo fires off on Rollins in the corner, the ref counts, but Solo lets off with a furious roar! Fans boo but Rollins fires haymakers in return! Solo shoves Rollins away, runs in, but Rollins dumps him out! Rollins WRECKS Solo with a dropkick, then builds speed! But Solo intercepts Rollins with a WHEEL KICK! Solo solved that problem while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once more and fans sing as Rollins throws body shots! Rollins runs, but Solo fireman’s carries! Rollins fights free, dodge the clothesline and PELES! Solo staggers to ropes and Heyman looks worried. Rollins goes to a corner, Solo runs in but only gets buckles! Solo staggers around again, and Rollins CHOPS! And ROCKS with a haymaker! And CHOPS again! And another haymaker! Rollins repeats, fires off fists from all sides, and fans fire up! Rollins whips, Solo reverses but Rollins reverses back to ROCK Solo with a forearm! And LARIAT! Solo stays up so Rollins LARIATS again!
Solo still stays up so Rollins tries again, but Solo catches him into a clinch! Rollins fights with elbow after elbow, gets free, and he mule kicks! And front kicks! And DISCUS LARIATS! Fans fire up and Rollins is feeling it while Solo bails out. The fans sing, Rollins builds speed, and Rollins DIVES! Direct hit and Solo hits the desk! Rollins gets back in, he builds more speed, and he DIVES again! Another hit and Solo is on the desk! Rollins slides back in, builds more speed and he DIVES again! The hattrick sends Solo tumbling over the desk! Fans fire up and sing some more, and Rollins brings Solo back into the ring.
Rollins aims from the apron, springboards in, but Solo gets under! Rollins comes back, into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Solo grows frustrated, and Heyman is muttering into his phone. Another call to Roman? Solo storms up on Rollins, drags him up, and clinches, for the SPINNING- NO, Rollins slips free to roll Solo up! TWO!! SUPERKICK! Solo wobbles, into the ROLLING- SPINNING SOLO!! Cover, TWO!! Solo is shocked that Rollins survives! Solo stands Rollins up, but Rollins SLAPS him! Rollins laughs and eggs the “big boy” on! “Is that all you got? Or are you just Roman’s little b*tch?”
Solo drags Rollins right up for a SPINNING SOLO!! But Solo isn’t done, he rains down hammer fists! The ref reprimands, Solo storms up on him, but Heyman has him stand down. Solo pursues Rollins out of the ring, around the way, and SMACKS him off the desk! Rollins staggers around, Solo scoops him, but Rollins slips off! Rollins POSTS Solo! They both slide into the ring, and Rollins SUPERKICKS! Solo wobbles, into the ROLLING ELBOW! But THE USOS ATTACK!
Winner: Seth Rollins, by disqualification
But here come Riddle, Kevin & Sami! They all brawl with the Bloodline! Rollins joins in to mug Solo, and Raw is going off the air! Which side will even make it to SmackDown this Friday in Puerto Rico?
My Thoughts:
A really good Raw, but this still had a bit of that Go-Home Syndrome with a lot of video packages to hype up superstars, even those staying on Raw. As for the Draft, HHH overhyped it by quite a bit. This didn’t really shake WWE to its core. We got the same dumb change Vince pulled: move the women’s champions to force them to trade belts. That means with Rhea staying on Raw and LWO staying on SmackDown, Rhea keeps the title. And after a really good Mixed Six, the Judgment Day finds a way to beat the LWO again, so how is Zelina supposed to believably beat Rhea? I will say, Priest had a great promo (and Fort Worth was stupid to “What” him just cuz it was in Spanish), but with Priest being the one standing tall, pretty sure Bad Bunny wins that Street Fight.
On the flipside, Bianca and DMG CTRL all being on SmackDown means there’s a tiny chance Iyo Sky can get the Raw Women’s title, and then she trades belts with Rhea. And good match from Bayley & Kai VS Liv & Raquel, and good win for DMG CTRL. Now, them challenging for the belts make sense, but I don’t see Bayley & Kai winning them, because the logical move is that DMG CTRL is falling apart and Bayley will be to blame. But Ronda & Shayna are on Raw to be on the same brand as Liv & Raquel, so pretty sure they’re still going to give us that feud and that will get Ronda & Shayna the titles.
Another title outcome ruined by the Draft is the US Championship. Bronson Reed is staying here on Raw, so he’s immediately out of the running since Theory and Lashley are on SmackDown. And it’d be a shame if Theory retained because of another Triple Threat. And Sheamus no longer gets a chance at the Intercontinental Championship because the Brawling Brutes stay on SmackDown. But at least that means they can feud with LA Knight, which could actually be a lot of fun. Asuka going to SmackDown is also a little odd, if only because she already feuded with Bianca and DMG CTRL. Why not give us Asuka VS Rhea on Raw?
Also a little disappointed there wasn’t more thought put into Pretty Deadly getting called up. NXT showed them supposedly being drowned, but there could’ve been something that showed them surviving and making it back in time to be picked here tonight. And then Kayden & Katana being called up when they’re facing Alba & Isla on NXT tomorrow night, what good is that? Who are supposed to be the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions after next Monday? But at least Cameron Grimes is going to resurface on SmackDown. He’d been off NXT TV so long, I wasn’t sure what was going on. He should’ve been called up sooner, really.
Good match from Braun & Ricochet VS Alpha Academy, good win for Braun & Ricochet, but surprising everyone ends up on Raw. Where’s the drama of Gable not getting to stick with Otis to keep him from going full Otise? Or is that going to finally play out after Backlash, where Otis has to choose? Of course Lesnar is a “free agent”, and he had a great segment with Cody with that ambush and haymaker. But Omos is a Lesnar-esque free agent? What? I suppose it’s fine, as he’ll move to whatever brand needs a big monster for some kind of build. And I actually like that Boogs got picked but Elias hasn’t been. Kinda humbles Elias a bit, doesn’t it?
Really good stuff out of Miz and Nakamura, and I knew right away where Nakamura was going with “chisai kintama.” With word of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship having a tournament (which replaces the King of the Ring tournament for the time being), I bet Nakamura beats Miz to have an easy first round win. And again, great stuff out of The Bloodline stories. Great interaction between Heyman and Rollins to set up Rollins VS Solo, and great stuff from Riddle VS Jimmy, especially the very complex Eddie Guerrero play where Kevin played hurt and Sami did the reporting. And of course Rollins wins by disqualification. This keeps Solo strong where his only clean loss was against Cody Rhodes, and we get a great brawl to close.
My Score: 8.6/10
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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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