Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/12/23)

The Tribal Chief returns!

Published

2 years ago

May 12, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Who will be ACKNOWLEDGED?

SmackDown holds their part of the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament, and the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, makes his return! What will the WWE Universal Champion have to say about The Bloodline’s victory at Backlash?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Triple Threat: AJ Styles VS Rey Mysterio VS Edge; Styles wins and advances to tonight’s main event.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Bobby Lashley VS Austin Theory VS Sheamus; Lashley wins and advances to tonight’s main event.
Cameron Grimes VS Baron Corbin; Grimes wins.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Bayley & Dakota Kai w/ Iyo Sky; Liv & Raquel win and retain the titles.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament SmackDown Finals: AJ Styles VS Bobby Lashley; Styles wins and advances to Night of Champions.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Triple Threat: AJ Styles VS Rey Mysterio VS Edge!

What a phenomenal way to open SmackDown! Seth Rollins waits on the other side of the bracket, and three men he’s very familiar with are starting off this side of the bracket! Who takes the first spot in the SmackDown finals?

The bell rings, the three circle, and Rey fires off on Edge! Styles joins in, fans boo, but then Styles hits Rey. Styles whips Rey to a corner, runs in, but into an elbow! Rey goes up, Electric Chair lift and sunset flips, but Styles rolls through, only for Edge to O’Conner Roll! TWO and Edge runs into Rey’s cradle! TWO, and all three men stand off, but only for a second before Edge BOOTS Styles right down! Edge ROCKS Rey and then goes back for Styles. Edge stomps Styles, then goes back to Rey. Fans rally for Edge as he ROCKS Rey, then whips him corner to corner. Edge runs in, Rey puts him on the apron and GAMANGIRIS!

Rey HOTSHOTS Edge, but then Styles trips Rey. Styles lifts Rey but Edge slingshots! SUNSET CATAPULT COMBO! But styles rolls through to CATAPULT Edge onto Rey! And then Styles runs in, but Edge FLAPJACKS him onto Rey! EDGE-O-MATIC! Cover, TWO! Styles stays in this but Edge keeps focus. Edge throws forearms, fans rally up, and Edge whips Styles corner to corner. Styles hits hard and falls back, then Edge runs to BOOT Rey out of the ring. Fans rally up and Edge goes back to Styles. Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz! LARIAT, then SLIDING FOREARM! But Rey returns and shoulders into Styles.

Rey runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Styles stans but Edge kicks him low! Edge whips, Styles reverses but Edge holds ropes. Styles clotheslines Edge up and out! Styles goes to Rey now, whips him corner to corner, but Rey goes up and over, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS! But Edge returns! Rey dodges him to tilt-o-whirl and RANA him, too! Fans fire up but Styles kicks Rey. Styles runs, sunset flips, but Rey slips through to BUZZSAW! Rey has the fans fired up but Edge grabs Rey. Rey ELBOWS Edge, springboards, but into Edge’s arms! Edge BOOTS Styles, then FALL AWAY SLAMS Rey!

Rey and Styles are in one corner and fans fire up as Edge looks over. Edge goes to the other corner, and he takes aim! But Rey & Styles KICK Edge first! Rey kicks Styles, wheelbarrows Edge, Edge throws Rey but Rey RANAS Styles! Rey kicks Edge, hops on, SUNSET BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Edge flops to the apron, fans rally up, and Rey goes after Styles. Rey fires forearms, whips him to ropes, but Styles reveres. Rey slides under, Styles mule kicks. Styles whips, Rey slides, into Edge’s arms! But then Styles WRECKS Edge into giving Rey a DRAPING DDT! Fans fire up as all three men are down and SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns, Styles and Rey are at the ropes, and Styles suplexes Rey up and over, only for Rey to slip free and land safe on the apron. They brawl with forearms and haymakers, but then Edge SPEARS them both to the floor!! Fans lose their minds and the ref checks all three men! Rey staggers up first, Edge follows him, and Edge puts Rey into the ring. Edge covers, TWO!! Rey is still in this and Edge is beside himself. Rey crawls, Edge stalks him then stomps him into a corner. Styles slowly rolls into the ring but Edge stomps Rey more. Edge sees Styles, storms over, but Styles to sees him out hard!

Styles staggers but Rey walks up to him. Rey throws forearms, then an ENZIGURI! Styles goes to a corner, Rey runs in, but Styles catches him! Roll and CALF CRUSHER! Rey endures, but Edge joins in with a CROSSFACE! Rey endures two submissions, and Styles fights Edge! Edge lets Rey go, but then HEADBUTTS away on Styles! Rey gets free completely now, and Styles gives Edge some HEADBUTTS! They both throw haymakers, the fans are with Edge, and Edge gets around Styles, but Rey leaps in to DOUBLE RANA! Edge and Styles are both on ropes, so Rey dials it up, to run into a DOUBLE DROPKICK!

Edge and Styles get up, they DOUBLE LARIAT each other down! “This is Awesome!” as all three men are down! Rey crawls, Edge stirs, and Styles sits up. Rey goes after Styles with a KICK to the leg! Rey whips Styles to ropes, but Styles reverses. Rey dodges, comes back, and DROPKICKS Styles down! Rey keeps moving, but Edge BOOTS him down! Styles returns, he runs in but Edge sends him into buckles! Edge crawls over to where Styles is, then drags himself up the corner. But Rey ROCKS Edge first! Rey climbs, fires forearms, then positions things just right. Rey goes up, but Styles CLUBS Rey first!

Styles brings Rey out, RUNNING POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Rey survives, he and Styles are both down, but Styles sits up first. Styles goes back to Edge and fans rally up. Styles throws haymakers on Edge, climbs up after him, and CLUBS him into position. But Rey CLUBS Styles! Rey climbs up, SUNSET FLIP SUPERPLEX COMBO!!! Cover on Styles, TWO!!! Styles survives and Rey is shocked! Rey calls his shot, he dropkicks Edge onto the ropes, and Rey dials, only for Styles to trip him up! Styles aims now, springboards, but Edge gets under! Edge runs in, styles avoids the Spear but the SEATED SENTON hits!

Rey sees Edge on ropes, dials it up, but Edge blocks the 619! Step through, into the EDGE-U-CATOR!! Rey endures, Edge leans on the hold, but Styles rises! Styles rushes in, Edge drops Rey to get Styles! Edge puts Styles in the EDGE-U-CATOR!! Styles endures, claws his way forward, and he’s in the ropes! But Rey hits a 619 on Edge!!! Rey goes up top, FROG SPLASH SPEAR!? Edge counters just in time, but the PHENOMENAL FOREARM flies in!! Cover, STYLES WINS!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall (advances to later tonight)

And that was a phenomenal finish to this match! Styles is in it to win it, but who meets him from the second Triple Threat? Well, why wait?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Bobby Lashley VS Austin Theory VS Sheamus!

Talk about an all mighty FIGHT NIGHT! The Rocky Mountain Machine was robbed at Backlash by the still WWE United States Champion, but he could get his revenge while also getting closer to new gold! Will Lashley, Theory or the Celtic Warrior join Styles in tonight’s main event?

SmackDown returns and Lashley makes his entrance, followed by The Now, Austin Theory. The bell rings, and Theory bails out? Fans boo but he shrugs. But then Sheamus and Lashley go out to get him! They keep him from running away, and they just batter him down! Fans fire up and Sheamus pushes Theory back in. Theory hurries to a corner, only for Lashley to RAM into him! Lashley turns Theory for a NECKBREAKER! Sheamus drops a KNEE on Theory, then fireman’s carries. ROLLING SENTON! Lashley runs to clothesline Theory right out of the ring! Fans fire up now that it’s between the Fella and the All Mighty.

Lashley swings, misses, the haymakers fly, but Lashley clinches. Sheamus fights free, fireman’s carries, but Lashley slips out to FLATLINER! Sheamus goes to a corner, Lashley RAMS into him now! Lashley throws back elbows over and over, then runs corner to corner, to RAM into Sheamus again! Sheamus sputters and goes along the ropes, but Lashley stays on him. Lashley ROCKS Sheamus, runs, but into a scoop! POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Lashley is tough but Sheamus is mean, he CLOBBERS Lashley from behind! Sheamus drags Lashley up but Lashley shoulders into him! Lashley then suplexes!

Sheamus fights, throws body shots, then wrenches to HOTSHOT! Sheamus CLUBS Lashley on the back, turns him around, but Theory runs in! Sheamus moves aside so Theory CLOBBERS Lashley off the apron, and then Sheamus grabs Theory! Sheamus ROCKS Theory, turns him around, and gives Theory the BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Fans count along, Sheamus goes to TEN, and Theory flops down! Fans fire up with Sheamus while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Lashley runs in to CLOBBER Theory outside the ring! Fans fire up and Lashley brings Theory up to fireman’s carry. Lashley POSTS Theory and fans fire up more! Lashley sees Sheamus in the ring and the two stare down again. Lashley gets back in the ring, he and Sheamus circle, and fans rally up as the two start throwing hands! They go back and forth, harder and harder, and it’s just a scrum! Sheamus throws body shots, whips, but Lashley reverses. Sheamus KNEES Lashley away, runs, but into a LARIAT! Lashley is feeling it and the fans fire up. Lashley runs corner to corner, but into BOOTS!

Sheamus skins the cat to the top rope! Lashley staggers up, and Sheamus FLYING- NO! Lashley catches Sheamus for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Lashley stalks Sheamus, full nelsons, but Sheamus fights it off! Theory somersaults and SHOTGUNS! Then he CHOP BLOCKS Sheamus! And DECKS him with a forearm! Cover, Lashley breaks it up! Lashley drags Theory up, he fires off haymakers, then he whips Theory to a corner. Lashley runs in, into a BOOT! Theory somersaults again, to SLINGBLADE! Cover, Sheamus breaks it now. Theory RAMS Sheamus into the corner, then stomps away! Theory digs his boot in while fans boo.

Theory sees Lashley get up, so he clotheslines him out! Payback for earlier, and then Theory goes out after him. Theory RAMS Lashley right into steel steps! Fans boo but Theory soaks it all up. Theory sees Sheamus stirring in the ring, he slingshots and somersaults, but into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Fans fire up as Sheamus grins. Sheamus watches Theory rise, and Theory sees he’s in a bit of trouble. Theory rushes in but Sheamus CLOBBERS him! And CLOBBERS him again! Then CLOBBERS him in a corner! Sheamus whips corner to corner to clothesline and fireman’s carry! Sheamus goes up the corner!

Fans fire up as Sheamus tucks Theory, for the SUPER WHITE NOISE!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives and Sheamus grows frustrated. Sheamus looms over Theory, gives Theory his last rites, and reels him in for a Canadian Rack! Theory sunset flips out of the cross, TWO!! Sheamus KNEES Theory in the face! Theory sputters away and fans fire up again! Sheamus hears the Volunteers, and they all echo “BROGUE! BROGUE! BROGUE!” But Lashley SPEARS Sheamus! But Theory POSTS Lashley!! Theory covers Sheamus, TWO!! Theory doesn’t steal it like he did at Backlash and that shocks him more than anything!

Theory hurries to get Lashley, but Lashley swings on him! Theory dodges, ROCKS him, then fireman’s carries! A-TOWN- NO! Lashley fights out, then MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTERS!! Fans fire up as a bloodied Lashley hauls Theory up! HURT LOCK!! Theory pushes off the ropes but that’s not enough! He tries again, still not enough! Sheamus BROGUES Theory!! Lashley TOSSES Sheamus and he covers Theory, Lashley wins!!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall (advances to later tonight)

True redemption from Backlash as Lashley beats Theory the way Theory beat him! But if the All Mighty bleeds, does that mean Styles stands a chance?

Adam Pearce talks with someone on the phone.

How great is the main event? Think about it: AJ Styles VS Bobby Lashley, two former WWE World Champions, and the winner goes on to Night of Champions. This couldn’t have worked out any better. What a main event! But in walks Grayson Waller! Pearce says bye to the person on the phone to say hello to the SmackDown draft pick. Waller, congrats on coming to SmackDown. Waller says SmackDown should be congratulated for picking Waller. Even though it was a little late, but Pearce can make it up to him. Whoever wins tonight in the main event, Styles or Lashley, you put them in the hotseat on the SmackDown debut of the Grayson Waller Effect! That’s viral, right?

Pearce actually agrees, that’s a great idea. It is official! Waller loves it! He can get used to being on Fridays. But then, will Waller’s SmackDown debut be phenomenal or all mighty?

Cameron Grimes VS Baron Corbin!

Speaking of the SmackDown draft picks from NXT, the Cash Money Caveman of Carolina is here to make his in-ring debut, all because the Lone Wolf had to call him “Mr. Irrelevant.” Will Grimes show Corbin just who’s irrelevant here tonight?

But then Corbin gets a mic to say, “Look everybody, it’s Cameron Grimes, SmackDown’s very last pick in the draft.” Corbin is surprised Grimes even showed up. That takes gut all on its own. And Corbin gets it, Grimes is trying to make a name for himself. But in about two minutes, Grimes will be flat on his back, wishing he was back in NXT. Corbin chuckles, the bell rings, and Grimes hits the CAVE-IN!!! Cover, GRIMES WINS!!

Winner: Cameron Grimes, by pinfall

Forget two minutes, that wasn’t even 10 seconds! Corbin loses because he stuck his foot in his mouth, will Grimes go #ToTheMoon here on SmackDown?

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

The University of Tennessee cheers since The Tribal Chief is actually here! He leads the way for Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa & The Usos as they stand on stage. The WWE Universal Championship is raised, as are the fingers, for the pyro to go off. But what will the Head of the Table have to say about all things Bloodline? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and the Bloodline has moved into the ring. Roman lifts the belts for the second round of pyro, and the Bloodline raise the fingers. Heyman has the mic, The Bloodline revels in the cheers and jeers for a moment, and then Heyman hands the mic over to Roman. Roman says, “Knoxville, Tennessee! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Fans are torn, but plenty chant for “ROMAN! ROMAN!” Roman continues with, “Y’see, that’s what greatness garners. It garners respect. But regardless of reactions or not, this is one thing that must be respected.

“There’s a lot of talk about royal families and families of importance in the wrestling business here, but let’s be honest: there’s only one. Every man in this ring, every man in this ring main evented both nights of WrestleMania. And I know you’re probably saying we’ve only done two nights for so long, but, let’s just say this. We’re the only ones that will ever main event both nights of WrestleMania. And the success, it doesn’t stop there, we just kept pushing along into Backlash. Even when the Tribal Chief isn’t there, somebody’s gotta step up. And who stepped up this time, huh? Solo stepped up!”

Fans are torn again as Roman looks at The Enforcer of the Island. Roman says he must admit, “There was a little concern when we first got Solo up here on the road, because let’s be honest, he’s in the ring with some of the best of all time. Excuse me, not some of the best, the best of all time. And when you get thrown into the deep end, you can either sink or you can swim. And let’s be honest, Solo swims like a shark. If there’s every a problem, he eliminates it. Look at the Riddle problem. Handled, right?” Solo nods, but he brings up Kevin and Sami. That’s how good Solo is! He’s still concerned with that problem!

Roman tells Solo that Kevin and Sami- But then the fans start chanting for “SAMI! SAMI!” and “KEVIN! KEVIN!” Roman says not to worry about that anymore. Those two aren’t a problem. They’re not the problem. But there is a problem. A real problem, an actual problem, but it is not Sami & Kevin. “The problem… are your brothers.” Fans are stunned and the Usos aren’t sure how to react to that. Roman walks over to Jey & Jimmy, and he asks what they thought was going to happen. That they were gonna lose in the main event of WrestleMania and no one talks about it? That they were gonna beg for a rematch and then dedicate it to him for some reason, and then lose?

You dedicate a match to Roman and then you lose!? Roman’s not attached to the tag titles, why are they dedicating something like that to him!? He’s not IN a tag team, he’s the greatest singles wrestler of all time! “We literally have Hall of Fame tag teams in our family, and you dedicate it to me? You disrespect our bloodline and dedicate a tag team championship match to me?” The Usos aren’t sure what to say but Roman says he tried to take some time off, and what do the Usos do? They embarrass him! They misrepresent him, the Bloodline, and the family! They know better than this. APOLOGIZE!

Fans say “NO! NO! NO!” but the Usos look at each other. Roman says don’t look at each other, look at him and apologize! Roman tells the Usos that he doesn’t want anything to come out of their mouth unless it is “I’m sorry” or “I apologize, My Tribal Chief.” The Usos still aren’t sure, and Jimmy starts to chuckle. Roman doesn’t like that, but then the fans are even louder with the “NO! NO! NO!” Roman says he wouldn’t listen to the “idiots.” He’d just apologize. Roman gets closer to Jimmy and says he’d listen up and apologize. Jimmy says this is too much. Oh, so Roman’s just here to make them smile? Are they doing their Goodfellas commercial again?

Roman is here to pop Jimmy, he’s a clown now? He pie faces Jimmy as he asks, “Who’s the clown?” Fans boo and Jimmy scowls. Roman dares him to do something. Heyman gets out of the ring just in case… Fans chant “WHOOP SOME ASS!” But then Jey steps up, to apologize for them both. “We apologize, Uce. Alright?” But if Roman gives them one more shot, they’ll bring those titles back to the Bloodline. Roman says that’s right, those titles will come back to the Bloodline. “Wise Man, fill ’em in.” Heyman returns to the ring, takes the mic back and thanks Roman.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Tribal Chief has shown up here tonight with a game plan already in hand. The Tribal Chief, this week, authorized me to pull every string, to flex our Bloodline muscle with the Board of Directors, and here it is. The Undisputed Tag Team titles come home to the Bloodline at the Night of Champions! When Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn will lose the tag team championships to…! SOLO… and Your Tribal Chief, ROMAN! REIGNS!” Jey is livid now but he can’t do anything about this! Roman says at Night of Champions, they do what they always do: they represent for The Bloodline.

And Roman dedicates this victory and their reigns to the greatest tag team of all time, Afa & Sika, the Wild Samoans. Jey is still livid, Jimmy is speechless, but their hands are tied as Roman takes the responsibility away from them. Will the Head of the Table have only more gold on his plate after WWE’s return to Saudi Arabia?

Backstage interview with Damage CTRL.

Kayla Braxton is with Bayley, Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai, and Bayley says, “Crushing over Roman Reigns much? Huh? This is supposed to be our interview time. But y’know what, I get it. Roman and I have so much in common. We’re both Grand Slam Champions and we’re both exceptional leaders. Even when things don’t exactly go as planned.” But Bayley tells Iyo not to worry, Bayley will take the blame for what happened at Backlash. She pushed Iyo too hard, and maybe Iyo wasn’t ready yet. Iyo rolls her eyes as Bayley continues to say, “But like Roman, sometimes leaders need to take things into their own hands.

“And that’s exactly what I’m gonna do tonight when Dakota and I exert our dominance and win back the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships! So Kayla, why don’t you go tell Roman that SmackDown belongs to Damage CTRL! HAHA!” The Role Model leads the way, but will DMG CTRL really take control? Or will the champions still be #LivingLarge?

The Usos grumble backstage.

They hear the LWO laughing and Jey gets mad. Is something funny to them? Joaquin Wilde says ain’t nobody speaking to the Usos, they were talking in Spanish and stuff. Jimmy says the LWO must’ve seen what just happened out there and now everything’s funny. How ’bout Jimmy kicks them in the face? Cruz asks what’s wrong with them, they all start shouting, Zelina tries to keep the peace, but then Rey & Escobar walk over. Escobar says it’s not the LWO’s fault that the Tribal Jefe doesn’t love them no more. Now that’s funny. The Usos decide to leave, but what will it take for them to cool off from what Roman did?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Bayley & Dakota Kai w/ Iyo Sky!

SmackDown returns as DMG CTRL make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see just who controls the Women’s Tag Division.

The teams sort out and Dakota starts against Raquel. They rush in, Dakota tilt-o-whirls but Raquel easily stands up against the crucifix takedown. Dakota shifts to a sunset flip, still not enough power and Raquel drags Dakota right up! Raquel whips Dakota to the corner, runs in and RAMS into Dakota! Tag to Liv, Liv taunts Bayley and Raquel whips her in to body block Dakota! Then Liv whips Raquel to SPLASH Dakota! Snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Liv keeps cool and Bayley coaches Dakota. Dakota PELES Liv down! And we see Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn, the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, watching this match gleefully.

Dakota rolls Liv, TWO, but Dakota Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! Liv trips Dakota, covers, TWO! Dakota ROLLING ELBOWS Liv and Liv sits down in a daze. Dakota struts around, Bayley yells at Michael Cole to talk about it, and Dakota bumps Liv off buckles. Tag to Bayley, she and Dakota bring Liv around to double whip. Liv holds ropes, BOOTS Dakota, then rolls Bayley up! TWO but Liv hurries to whip Bayley. Bayley reverses, Liv goes up and over, but Dakota waistlocks. Liv slips under, dodges the haymaker, but Bayley CLOBBERS Liv! Cover, TWO! Alba & Isla pretend to be surprised while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and both Liv and Bayley are down. Fans rally, both women crawl, hot tags to Dakota and Raquel! The former friends meet again, and Raquel rallies! Dakota ducks a lariat but not the SOUTHPAW! Raquel then scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Dakota goes to a corner, Raquel SPLASHES her, then scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM again! Dakota’s in a drop zone, Raquel runs in, but Dakota avoids the Vader! Hot tag back to Bayley! But Raquel choke grips each of them, to DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM! Fans fire up, Liv tags in, and Raquel helps her RAILGUN BACK SPLASH! And then POWERBOMB SWING!

Raquel just CLOBBERS Bayley and Dakota with Liv, then BOMBS her onto Bayley! Dakota runs in to BOOT Raquel down! And then she runs up on Liv, but Liv TOSSES her right out! Liv runs in at Bayley, SHINING WIZARD in the corner! Liv hoists Bayley up top, climbs up after, but Dakota sneaks a tag. Bayley and Liv brawl with body shots, then Bayley slips under! Dakota GAMANGIRIS Liv and Bayley brings Liv out! Dakota climbs, for the DOUBLE STMOP BOMB!! All three women are down and Dakota jammed her leg! Alba & Isla mock the pain as Dakota crawls to Liv. Cover, Raquel breaks it!!

Bayley crawls to Dakota and drags her back to the corner. Bayley tags in, she hurries after Liv, and she has the ref check Dakota. Bayley gets Iyo to get a title belt! But Raquel stops that! And Liv bumps Bayley into Iyo! Roll-up, Liv & Raquel win!!

Winners: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

Bayley is stunned! But there’s also a bit of deja vu as the DMG CTRL cheating only backfires on them, just like Backlash! How will DMG CTRL ever live this down?

The Brawling Brutes console Sheamus.

Ridge Holland says not to worry! They can go get some pints. #YESBOY~! Pretty Deadly is here on SmackDown, and they say hey. Well, look at that, SmackDown’s newest tag team, straight from NXT. So who is Pretty and who is Deadly? Hah. Anyway, Elton Prince & Kit Wilson are new to Friday Night SnackDown, and they wanna know how to fill these forms out. They got their names, but the rest is unclear. Like, for example, “Mr. Butch,” did you put primary language as “unintelligible grunts?” Ridge keeps Dunne from rushing them, but then Kit has to ask Ridge if he got confused by all the big words and needed mum to help.

Sheamus holds Ridge back now, Pretty Deadly say “Sorry about that loss.” Sheamus glares as Pretty Deadly walks away, but he does agree to those pints. Ridge’s treat, of course. Will the Brawling Brutes all bounce back soon enough? And will Kit & Elton watch themselves before they end up pretty dead meat?

Bianca Belair is here!

Knoxville cheers for their own as the longEST reigning women’s champion of the modern era makes her way to the ring. Bianca gives kisses to her family in the front row, then gets in the ring for this championship celebration! And look at all that pyro! But uh, then Asuka shows up…? The Empress of Tomorrow did join SmackDown along with Bianca through the WWE Draft, but she also lost to Bianca not too long ago. Asuka enters the ring, and offers a handshake. Fans chant for the EST, perhaps to encourage her. Bianca accepts the handshake, but then gets BLUE MIST!! Asuka is a sneaky one!

Bianca flails and writhes while Asuka laughs and enjoys her handiwork. Fans boo but Asuka blows kisses as she leaves. Refs and medics get Bianca water and towels, but will Bianca make Asuka regret ruining her homecoming?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament SmackDown Finals: AJ Styles VS Bobby Lashley!

The Phenomenal One beat the King of Lucha and the Rated R Superstar, but the All Mighty beat the Celtic Warrior and The Now. Only one gets to face Seth Freakin’ Rollins at Night of Champions, who wins that golden ticket to Saudi Arabia?

The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up and the two approach. Styles slips around to CHOP and forearm but Lashley doesn’t budge. Styles and Lashley approach, Styles dodges again to fire off more shots! Lashley snarls and storms up to Styles. Styles ends up cornered, but then he dodges Lashley’s haymaker to fire off forearms and CHOPS! The ref counts, Styles lets off, and Lashley glares at him. They circle, Lashley corners Styles again, and the fans duel. Styles swings on Lashley but Lashley blocks and knees low! Lashley bumps Styles off buckles, throws down elbows, and then he stomps away!

The ref counts, Lashley lets off, and then he hauls Styles up. Lashley throws forearms, runs side to side, but Styles dodges! Styles CHOPS, fires off forearms, CHOPS again, and keeps Lashley on the ropes with kicks. The ref counts, Styles lets off, but Lashley blocks the whip. Lashley then TOSSES Styles out of the ring! Styles flounders, Lashley goes out after him, and he drags Styles up to RAM him into the apron! Styles drops to his knees but Lashley fireman’s carries him, to POST him! Styles is dazed and Lashley fires up while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Lashley looms over Styles. Blood trickles down Lashley’s face, his stitches having popped open, but he still stands Styles up. Styles throws body shots but Lashley knees low. Lashley CLUBS Styles on the neck again and again, then whips Styles to ropes. Styles kicks Lashley, KICKS the leg, KICKS it again, then KICKS it again! Styles stomps the leg, stomps the foot, but has to catch his breath. Styles runs, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! Lashley rains down forearms, digs them into Styles’ forehead, then ROCKS him with another. Lashley drags Styles up, whips him to a corner, and then runs in, only for Styles to catch him!

Styles rolls Lashley, to the CALF CRUSHER! Lashley endures, reaches out, but then grabs Styles to DRIBBLE his head off the mat! Styles lets the leg go and Lashley drags Styles back up. Lashley stands Styles up but Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz! Styles KICKS the leg out, rains down fists on that bloody welt, and then DDTS Lashley down! Cover, TWO!! Lashley flounders to a corner but Styles stalks him. Styles throws hands on the wound, then he brings Lashley up. Styles fireman’s carries, but Lashley slips off! Lashley clinches to FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Styles survives and Lashley snarls through his crimson mask.

Lashley drags Styles up, gut wrenches to a Canadian Rack, and hits the CLIFF- NO, Styles lands on his feet! SLIDING FOREARM! Lashley flounders and hobbles away, but Styles runs in! Lashley catches him to the full nelson! HURT LOCK!! Styles endures, pries at the hold, reaches out, and steps through the rope! Lashley lets go at 4, and Styles flops to the apron. Lashley goes out to SMACK Styles off the steps! Lashley then brings Styles around to throw hands. Fans duel, but Lashley fireman’s carries again. Styles slips free to POST Lashley! Lashley staggers, into a PELE! Lashley crawls, Styles pushes him into the ring.

Styles aims from the apron, he prepares that elbow pad, and he springboards, PHENOMENAL- Fireman’s carry! Lashley catches Styles and brings him around, but Styles slips off and wants the leg! Styles rolls Lashley but Lashley rolls through, deadlift suplex! But Styles knees free! Styles fires off shots, runs, but into a scoop! Styles fights but Lashley still hits the POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Lashley hurries to haul Styles back up, but Styles resists the full nelson! Styles throws elbows, but Lashley throws haymakers! Styles goes to a corner, Lashley runs in, but Styles moves! Lashley POSTS himself!!

Styles then KNEES Lashley into the post! Lashley staggers away, Styles takes aim! PHENOMENAL FOREARM!!! Cover, Styles wins!!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)

A phenomenal start to SmackDown, and a phenomenal finish to SmackDown, because AJ Styles is heading to the title match! Styles stands by the belt on stage, and the OC rush out to celebrate with him! Will Styles be a phenomenal new World Heavyweight Champion?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown, with great action and great build to Night of Champions. Great stuff in the SmackDown half of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament, especially that first Triple Threat. The constant action and how the opponents were quite literally used against each other reminded me of the Triple Threat of Samoa Joe VS Christopher Daniels VS AJ Styles way back when in TNA Impact. Then the second Triple Threat was really good at playing up the opportunistic finish Theory pulled on Lashley and then flipping it. But ouch, Lashley really did get a bad welt and cut off the steel steps.

Styles VS Lashley was great stuff, but maybe held back by how Lashley got that welt and cut. Styles winning is fine, I’m doubtful anyone was gonna beat Rollins anyway, and you can check my article from Raw on why it’s gotta be Rollins anyway. We also got good stuff in promos to play off these results, like Pretty Deadly taunting The Brawling Brutes to get themselves in their first feud, and Grayson Waller wanting to interview whoever the main event winner was for his own debut. Styles winning in this case also works because he’s already had beef with Waller when Styles did that quick visit to NXT.

I almost busted up laughing at Grimes squashing Corbin, just… wow! Corbin has been the butt of jokes for WWE, but I would not have thought they’d do this to him. But hey, great for Grimes, he deserves to get going somehow. Maybe Grimes can take the US title off Theory. Good promo from Bayley before the really good tag title match, and as I figured, DMG CTRL cheating costs them the win. The big surprise was Alba & Isla watching this match, but who knows, there could be something big in the works. Raquel & Liv will surely beat Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green on Raw, and then maybe Night of Champions gives us Women’s Tag Champs VS Women’s Tag Champs.

Speaking of women’s titles, I’m a little surprised it was Asuka interrupting Bianca’s title celebration and not either Rhea Ripley wanting to do something about how they’re both champions of the other brand, or someone completely different wanting their first shot at Bianca. That said, of course Asuka was gonna mist Bianca, and we’re getting that match one more time around. Bianca has the record for longest reign now, so maybe now she can drop the title? We’ll have to wait and see. But where Rhea is going to face Natalya and surely win, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bianca beats Asuka one more time, and then we get Rhea VS Bianca at some point in the near future.

And of course, the Bloodline story continues to be so very good. I had a feeling Roman was going to put Solo in the tag title situation over at least one Uso, like he sticks it to Jey for talking with Sami in secret, but he instead also inserts himself into this. Once again, Sami is proven right about how Roman was not for the Usos dedicating things to Roman and then losing, but uh, are Sami & Kevin really going to Night of Champions? They’ve been against Saudi Arabia shows, never being on one in any capacity, so was I right to fantasy book a title match on TV that Kevin & Sami lose? Now that fans have been told about Roman & Solo VS Sami & Kevin, that move would feel like a ripoff. I guess that’s another “wait and see” move.

My Score: 8.8/10

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

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Up Next

Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/12/23)

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AEW Coverage

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

Merry Collision!

Published

44 minutes ago

December 21, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Rockin’ around the Christmas Collision!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!

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

Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!

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

Ian Riccaboni is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Chairshot Radio Network

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

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AEW Coverage

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

Brody King is on a Rampage!

Published

23 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!

The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Tony Schiavone is in the ring!

Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!

Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!

Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!

And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?

Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!

The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.

Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.

Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!

Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!

The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.

Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.

Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!

The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!

Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!

Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!

Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!

Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall

The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?

Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.

Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?

Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!

The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?

The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!

Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!

Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall

Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?

Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.

Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…

Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?

Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!

Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.

Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!

Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.

Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!

Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!

Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall

Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?

Team Triple J speaks backstage.

Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?

AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!

While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?

The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!

Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!

Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!

Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.

Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.

Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!

Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!

Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!

Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!

Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!

Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!

Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)

If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?

My Thoughts:

A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.

Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.

And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.