Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/19/23)

The champions meet face-to-face!

Published

2 years ago

May 19, 2023

Steven Mitchell

The Bloodline is (not) fine.

Ahead of their Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship match, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn meet NOT the Usos, Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa face-to-face!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Pretty Deadly VS The Brawling Brutes; Pretty Deadly wins.
Asuka VS Zelina Vega; Asuka wins.
The Street Profits VS LA Knight & Rick Boogs; The Profits win.
Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn VS Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz; Fyre & Dawn win.
The Usos VS Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar; Rey & Escobar win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roman Reigns is here!

The Tribal Chief is in Columbia, South Carolina, and he walks out with Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa, and no Usos! Roman raises the belts for the pyro, the introductions are made and the Bloodline continues to the ring. Roman raises the belts again for more pyro, and then Heyman has the mic. Heyman holds onto the belts, then hands the mic over to Roman. Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but Roman just smirks. “That’s not how we start things here, no. Columbia, South Carolina. ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Fans are torn between cheers and jeers, but here comes Kevin Owens! And of course, Sami Zayn is here, too!

Roman looks to be getting a headache already as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions make their way to the ring. Fans cheer for “SAMI! SAMI!” as he and Kevin get mics of their own. Roman says this is perfect! The fans seem excited, and this was Roman’s plan all along. He was going to ask them out here, and there’s really only two things to do, and they can accomplish both right now. “Columbia already did it. Now it’s your turn to acknowledge your Tribal Chief. And when you’re done with that, you can drop off my titles and you can see yourselves out.” Kevin and Sami smirk, and fans rally behind them.

Kevin drops his mic, puts his belts aside, and looks ready to fight. Solo steps up but Sami and Roman have them calm down. Roman says it figures. “Fight Owens, Fight,” that’s all he does. But that’s fine. Roman addresses Sami, but can’t bring himself to say his name. “I’ve had a special career. I mean, I’ve experienced the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows. But I only have one regret. And that one regret is wasting my life on you.” Fans boo and Sami smirks again. Sami says that’s funny, because he has one regret: not blasting Roman with a chair sooner! It’s been a long time coming. They haven’t been in the ring together since Montreal and Elimination Chamber.

Sami thought for months, he’d never get this opportunity to stand here, look Roman in the eyes and say everything he’s wanted to say. He’s been dreaming about this for months. And now Roman’s greed has finally led us to this moment. And now that Roman is standing here, Sami has nothing to say. Except, Roman’s whole life, everyone’s told him he’s the best. He’s gotten everything he’s wanted, and now he wants the tag titles. But look at Sami, Roman. “At Night of Champions, you are not going to get them. And do you wanna know why you’re not gonna win the Undisputed Tag Team Championships? It’s because you’re just not as good as us.”

For that matter, Roman’s not as good as the Usos, either. Even Heyman is reeling from that! Roman tries to laugh it off and he says that’s how Sami feels, huh? That’s how Sami feels about the Tribal Chief? Roman says he took it easy on Sami! Roman gave Sami opportunity after opportunity, tried to serve it up, but wait! The Usos run in from behind and attack the champs! Jey takes out Sami, Jimmy has Kevin! Jimmy POSTS Kevin, Jey TOSSES Sami out, and the Usos DOUBLE SUPERKICK Sami over the desk! Roman seems surprised as the Usos join him in the ring. Fans boo and the Usos are fired up, but Roman refuses to celebrate with them.

Roman says this is HIS ring, and he didn’t tell the Usos to do that! It was a simple plan, it was HIS plan, and you don’t ever- Roman stops raging as he bumps into Solo. Roman leaves all by himself as fans boo. Is everything falling apart around the Head of the Table?

The Bloodline regroups in the private suite.

The Usos explain they were just trying to help. Roman says the Usos keep saying “we,” but it sounds like they were just talking about them! Is Roman a twin? Is Roman part of a “we?” This is US, the whole Bloodline! And who is the quarterback here? Roman. So why are the Usos running around doing random stuff? Roman had something he wanted to say! Roman gave a good portion of his life and career to that fool and he had something to say!! Does he get to say it? No. Why? Because the Usos did what they wanted to do. Not what’s been working this whole time, not what’s kept them in the Promised Land. Not just got them here, but kept them here, ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN!!

ROMAN is that guy! ROMAN makes those choices! Get out. NOW. GET OUT! The Usos hurry away, Heyman is clearly worried, is the Island of Relevancy sinking by the second?

Pretty Deadly speak.

Kit Wilson says, “The WWE Universe has been asking us, what’s the recipe for Friday night’s two tastiest snacks in Pretty Deadly? Well, you’re in luck. Grab a bowl, and add in two cups of charisma.” Elton Prince says to add “two tablespoons on unrivaled tag team ingenuity. And then, a dash of good looks. But the most important ingredients are…” One Kit Wilson and one Elton Prince. And that makes the delicious Pretty Deadly.

Pretty Deadly VS The Brawling Brutes!

Kit Wilson & Elton Prince may be new to SmackDown via the draft, but they should know better than to rile up big bad bruisers like Ridge Holland & Pete Dunne. Will Pretty Deadly wish they were still sleeping with the fishes on NXT? Or will they say #YesBoy to a big debut win?

Sheamus is on commentary, and he gets to reunite with Barrett. The Fella hasn’t hit the pubs yet, the day only got going. The teams sort out, Dunne starts with Kit. They tie up, Kit headlocks, Dunne powers out and things speed up. Dunne hurdles, drops, and then CLOBBERS Kit! Fans fire up and Dunne brings Kit up to ROCK him! And again! Dunne wrenches but Kit throws Dunne by his hair! Tag to Elton, Pretty Deadly double kick and double CLUB, then they stomp the hands! They both Scott Hall finger at Dunne, but Dunne grabs all those fingers! Dunne brings them down to STOMP the hands!

Dunne double dropkicks Pretty Deadly, then ROCKS Elton with a forearm. Tag to Ridge, he feeds Elton to a DROPKICK! Sheamus loves it, and Ridge brings Elton back up. Ridge suplexes, but Elton knees back. Ridge keeps Elton up for the SLAM! Ridge drags Elton up, headlocks and grinds, but Kit tags in. Elton powers out and leaps over for Kit to DDT Ridge down! Ridge flops out of the ring while Pretty Deadly poses, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Elton UPPERCUTS Ridge. Tag to Kit, Elton RAMS Ridge and Kit runs to UPPERCUT! Kit then brings Ridge around to tag Elton back in. Kit ROCKS Ridge, but Ridge rebounds to DOUBLE SHOULDER Pretty Deadly! They rebound together to DOUBLE SHOULDER Ridge! “Yes, boy~!” and SPLASH LEG DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton CLUBS away on Ridge, covers, ONE!! Ridge hangs tough but Elton pie faces him. Ridge throws body shots, Elton CHOPS but Ridge UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Elton kicks low, whips, Ridge reverses and then POUNCES! Fans fire up and so does Sheamus!

Ridge and Elton crawl, hot tag to Kit! Kit jumps on Ridge for a SLEEPER! Ridge is fading, but fans rally up. Ridge gets a second wind, storms his way forward, hot tag to Dunne! Kit runs back, Elton runs in, Dunne DROPKICKS each of them! Dunne GERMAN SUPLEXES Elton! And then GERMAN SUPLEXES Kit! Dunne GAMANGIRIS Kit in one corner, GAMANGIRIS Elton in the other! Knee drop onto Elton’s arm! STOMPS for Kit’s hands! X PLEX for Kit! Cover, TWO! Sheamus gets a “FIGHT NIGHT!” chant going and Dunne powers up. Dunne storms up but Kit BOOTS him! Kit goes up but Dunne GAMANGIRIS!

Dunne climbs up, throws hands on Kit, but Kit HOTSHOTS Dunne! Ridge tags in, he picks Elton up on the way and RAMS into Kit! Ridge has Pretty Deadly double stacked! DOUBLE SAMOAN DROP! Ridge CLOBBERS Elton, Dunne has him on the ropes! Ridge sits Kit up, for DOUBLE BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Dunne gets some extra shots in, but Kit RAMS Ridge into Dunne! Elton gets free, SPILT MILK! Elton then goes back to being “trapped!” Kit covers, Pretty Deadly wins!

Winners: Pretty Deadly, by pinfall

Kit “frees” Elton and they get away before Sheamus storms into the ring. No sense in crying over Spilt Milk, but will Pretty Deadly get going in the WWE Tag Division?

WWE mourns the loss of “Superstar” Billy Graham.

The Reflection of Perfection, from Paradise Valley, this WWE Hall of Famer was ahead of his time. Another intensity, another level, another color chart brighter than everyone else. He was constantly evolving and defining what was sports entertainment during his era. The man of the hour, man with all the power, too sweet to be sour, THE Superstar! Great physique, great work ethic, and an unrivaled charisma. In 1977, he shocked the world by defeating THE Bruno Sammartino to become WWF Champion. Billy Graham inspired Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes, among others.

Twenty years ahead of his time, the first ever sports entertainer. “What you see is what you get, and what you don’t is better yet.” RIP Superstar, and thank you for everything.

Asuka VS Zelina Vega!

The Empress of Tomorrow fired the first shot on Bianca Belair last week, wanting another shot at the Raw Women’s Championship. She’s got that shot at Night of Champions, but will Asuka be ready for La Muneca?

Vega is backstage, showing off her new LED helmet, and Kayla Braxton brings up this match. Vega knows where this is going. Is Vega ready for Asuka? Well, when Vega received that love and support from her people in Puerto Rico, she realized that she belongs with the top dogs of the Women’s Division. It doesn’t matter how much she is taken for granted, about her size or that she’s underestimated. Nothing matters. When she gave her all against Rhea Ripley, she showed that she can go toe to toe with the best of the best. Now, Asuka will see that Vega is ready! Will Vega prove that all right here and now?

The bell rings, and Vega ducks a roundhouse! She rolls Asuka, Asuka rolls through but Vega KICKS her! Vega brings Asuka up, Asuka shoves her back and pops her up, but Vega blocks knee into a takedown and cover, TWO! Asuka is disoriented and Vega DROPKICKS her to the ropes! Vega runs in, but Asuka ducks the 619! Asuka laughs, enjoying where this is going, and Vega goes out, into a ROUNDHOUSE! Asuka fireman’s carries and SNAKE EYES Vega off the desk! Asuka is having fun as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Asuka throws Vega by her hair! The ref reprimands, Asuka kicks Vega around, and toys with her. Vega blocks a kick, spins Asuka and ROCKS her! And ROCKS her again! And again! Vega whips but Asuka blocks. Asuka whips Vega to a corner, runs in, blocks a knee, but Vega reels her in for a shoulder! Vega then SHOTGUNS Asuka down! Vega runs but Asuka dodges. Vega dodges back and drop toeholds Asuka onto ropes! Vega redials, 619! Fans fire up and Vega goes up a corner. Asuka stands, Vega gives us some Latina Heat, to METEORA! Cover, TWO!! Asuka escapes and shocks Vega!

Asuka gets up, swings, but Vega gets around Asuka. Asuka pops the Destroyer away, waistlocks, but Vega victory rolls! Vega has the wrists for a cover, TWO, and Asuka tries to roll back. Vega traps her into the DOUBLE WRIST O’CONNER BRIDGE! TWO!! Asuka has Vega caught now, ASUKA LOCK!! Vega fights around, rolls back to a cover, TWO!! Asuka gets Vega with TRIANGLE HOLD! Then RINGS OF SATURN!! Vega verbally quits, Asuka wins!

Winner: Asuka, by submission

But Asuka makes her suffer! Fans boo, but here comes BIANCA! The RawEST Women’s Champion slides in, Asuka slips away, and Bianca helps Vega up. But Asuka comes back! Bianca sees her, almost has her, but Asuka SPRAYS THE MIST! Bianca just avoids getting hit in the eyes like last week, and she glares at Asuka. Will Asuka hit Bianca with a bull’s eye at Night of Champions?

It’s the SmackDown debut of the Grayson Waller Effect!

There’s spotlights all around, and a big introduction by Mike Rome: “Ladies and gentleman, please welcome the most talked about new sensation on Friday Night SmackDown, the man with the triple platinum tongue, the Viral Virtuoso, the Dynamite from Down Under, he is… the Moment Maker, the Aussie Icon, your host of the Grayson Waller Effect, Grayson! WALLER!” Waller is in the ring on set and he welcomes us to his show’s debut here on SmackDown. Fans boo but he says this is a treat to finally see this all in person. But right to it, his guest faces Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship at Night of Champions. He is the Phenomenal AJ STYLES!

Fans cheer as Styles makes his entrance and goes to the ring. Waller welcomes Styles as he takes a seat, and Waller says this isn’t their first encounter. They crossed paths as Styles visited NXT, and Styles said something to Waller then. “Try being phenomenal for 20-plus years.” Waller thought about that, and Styles is right. All the titles, all the amazing matches all across the globe, Styles is without a doubt a first ballot Hall of Famer. And next week, Night of Champions, Styles VS Rollins, Styles can add one more accolade. What does winning the title mean to Styles?

Styles will first say this. The last couple months, Styles was out with injury. That was the longest he was out of the ring in his career. All Styles could think about was getting back in it. So when he got cleared, all he did was get after it. He trained so hard, you’ve never seen someone train as hard as him. Waller believes it and fans cheer. Styles says he knew at some point that an opportunity would come along, and he’d be the World Heavyweight Champion. Fans cheer that, and Styles says he wanted it more than the air he breathes. Waller has to be honest, he has goosebumps.

Styles says Rollins is on a movie set. Styles is happy for him, that is great. “But surely, he’s exercising, doing a little bit of training, so that he can be ready. Because I assure you, as the heart that is beating in my chest, I am.” Waller says that will be an instant classic! Seth Rollins VS AJ Styles, a stacked night at Night of Champions, but the WHC is the match he’s looking most forward to. Waller is going to be most excited for when the announcer says–and take notes, Mike Rome–“AND NEW…! World, Heavyweight, Champion…! SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS!” Waller looks at Styles right there, and Styles gets up. The 21st Century Success Story is still salty, but is his prediction going to come true?

The LWO talks backstage.

Word on the street, the Usos are the greatest tag team in the world. But Santos Escobar politely disagrees. Fact: Rey Mysterio is a hall of famer. Santos is a future hall of famer. Latinos all around the world need to know what they are all about. Si or no? Cruz Del Toro y Joaquin Wilde agree. Wilde says the Usos are good, but tonight, the LWO proves they’re better. And Cruz wants a favor, please. Tonight, you kick the Usos’ asses! Rey says the Usos will find out what happens when you mess with the L W O! That settles that, right? Will the King and Emperor of Lucha put Jimmy & Jey in their place?

The Street Profits VS LA Knight & Rick Boogs!

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins aren’t going to be let out of any tag team discussion, but they’re going to use actions to speak for them. Will the Profits be up? Or will it be a #BoogieKnight on SmackDown instead?

SmackDown returns and The Mega Star makes his entrance. He has the music cut so he can “talk to ya!” Knight told everyone when he walked in the door here, he’s looking for titles! And the tag team titles ain’t safe, either! But then he sees the Profits walk in on his territory, walk into SmackDown, talking all that stupid trash, and Knight thinks, “I can beat them with anybody. And that’s exactly what I’m gonna do, courtesy of the man they call The Mega Star, with everybody saying L! A! KNIGHT! I’m gonna lead this team to a W, with this man, Rick Boogs!” Boogs makes his entrance, and he’s already Boogin’ out!

The teams sort out and Boogs starts against Ford. Ford “puffs” himself up, walks around a la Vinnie Mac, then things speed up. Ford LARIATS, but Boogs stays up! Ford runs again, LARIATS, but Boogs is still up! Ford tries again, ducks Boogs’ lariat, but jumps into Boogs’ arms! Boogs says he’s BOOGIN OUT! Trophy lift, and some presses! The fans count along, Boogs gets TEN! He throws Ford, and “OH MY GAWD~! I’m BOOGIN OUT!” Dawkins tags in and says he’ll handle this. They tie up, Dawkins headlocks, but Boogs lifts Dawkins to the ropes! Then he powers out of the headlock, Dawkins hurdles but Boogs runs him over!

Boogs brings Dawkins up, pump handles and carries Dawkins, for some bicep curls! Boogs gets seven, takes a breath, and then FALL AWAY SLAMS! Even Knight is impressed, and then he tags in. Knight says they’re a team, so they double whip. They double shoulder Dawkins, Boogs high-fives Knight, and then Knight brings Dawkins up, only for Dawkins to JAWBREAKER! Dawkins runs in, Knight scoops to POWERSLAM! Fans fire up with the “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BIG elbow drop! Cover, TWO! Knight brings Dawkins up, tags in Boogs, and Knight coordinates the team They double back suplex, but Dawkins lands on his feet!

Hot tag to Ford! Ford goes up to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! Fans fire up, Ford dodges Knight to CLOBBER him! Ford swings on Boogs, Boogs back suplexes but Ford lands on his feet! Ford mule kicks, front kicks and ENZIGURIS! Boogs staggers, Knight returns, but Ford dumps him out to ENZIGURI! Boogs runs in, Ford sends him into Knight! Ford clotheslines Boogs out, then FLIES to take them both out! Ford puts Boogs in, Dawkins gives him the ANOINTING! Tag to Ford, and he climbs, to come in FROM THE HEAVENS! Cover, The Profits win!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall

Knight may have overestimated his ability to gel with Boogs, and the Profits are indeed up! Will Comeback Season get going for the Summer? As for Boogs and Knight, Knight helps Boogs up, they shake hands and hug it out, but then Knight hits BFT!! Knight puts all the blame on Boogs, will Knight try a new partner next time?

Backstage interview with Cameron Grimes.

Megan says after the very impressive debut against Baron Corbin last week, what’s going through his mind? Grimes says that a few weeks ago, if you told him his name would be associated with one of the fastest wins in WWE history, he wouldn’t have believed you. But being here on SmackDown, he’s living a dream. He made a huge splash last week with that quick win, but that won’t stop him from being determined, from being focused, and going straight to the top! In fact, do you know where he wants to go? Where? TO THE MOON~! WOO! Grimes is all fired up, will he cause Cave-In after Cave-In until he strikes gold?

Karrion Kross speaks.

“They say justice is blind. Surely, that must be the case. Because I am the imminent threat to justice, and it has absolute no idea. Do you, Alan?” Scarlett plays the next tarot card, and it has AJ Styles on it as “justice.” Tick tock. Will Styles make it to the Night of Champions with Doomsday coming for him?

Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn VS Yulisa Leon & Valentina Feroz!

The Unholy Alliance, the wicked witches of NXT, are making a SmackDown in-ring debut, but so are their opponents! Will the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions cast a spell on Friday nights?

The teams sort out, Leon and Fyre start. The two circle, tie up, and Fyre knees low. Fyre throws Leon down by her hair, then drops a knee right on her head! Fyre drags Leon, tags Dawn, and Fyre KNEES Leon before feeding her to Dawn’s TARANTULA! Fyre mule kicks Leon while the ref counts, and Dawn lets Leon go so she can run and METEORA! Dawn taunts Leon, drags her up and slaps her around. Dawn whips, Leon holds ropes and tags Feroz. Dawn BOOTS Leon but Feroz goes up the ropes, only for Dawn to THROW her down! Dawn KNEES Feroz down, tags Fyre in, and the two circle around Feroz.

Fyre drags Feroz up and puts her in the Gory Especial. Dawn joins in, BLACK MAGIC FACEBUSTER! Cover, Fyre & Dawn win!

Winners: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn, by pinfall

Double, double, boil and bubble, the wicked witches and their wicked ways are still strong. Will the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions prove they’re even better than the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions? Speaking of…

BREAKING NEWS regarding the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships!

Liv Morgan wasn’t cleared to compete on Monday, and it seems the injury to her jaw is even worse than that. Therefore, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships are for all intents and purposes vacated! And on the Raw after Night of Champions, it will be a Fatal 4 Way to crown NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! Bayley & Iyo Sky VS Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green VS Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler VS Raquel Rodriguez and a partner of her choosing will all battle for the belts! Will Big Mami Cool find someone who can live large like Liv Morgan? Or will there truly be new champions holding onto those titles?

Backstage interview with Raquel Rodriguez.

Kayla Braxton is with the now former champion and Raquel wants to give a shoutout to Liv. Even though they had to give up the titles, the way Liv pulled through in the match last week, there is no denying Liv is still a champion. And handing over the titles is the hardest thing Raquel’s had to do in her career. But she is NOT giving up. Liv is not replaceable, but Raquel will- But DMG CTRL walks in with sarcastic clapping. Bayley sarcastically says that’s so sad. But DMG CTRL give a shoutout to Dakota Kai who also got hurt but with a much more devastating and heartbreaking injury. Bayley blames Raquel for it!

So if Raquel can find that new partner in time for next week’s SmackDown, then Bayley & Sky will be waiting in the ring! Bayley laughs, but Sky seems just as surprised as anyone by this. Will the Role Model & Evil Genius take control no matter who, if anyone, joins Raquel?

Austin Theory is here!

The Now is here, still WWE United States Champion after surviving Backlash. But what does Theory have to say this close to Night of Champions? We’ll see, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Theory welcomes us to “Austin Theory Live!” Fans boo, but Theory says they know, their parents know, and their parents’ parents know who he is! But he has to say, coming to SmackDown last week, it wasn’t what he expected. He expected respect! Look at the list of legends he’s bodied! But what happened last week? Let’s talk about it, and he wants to boo it, too. Theory was “ganged up on” by former world champions in Bobby Lashley and Sheamus. He’s trying to figure it out. Both of those guys know that he would’ve gone on to beat Seth Rollins and become the NEW World Heavyweight Champion! And that’s not a theory, that’s a fact!

But he’s trying to figure it out. Lashley makes sense. Theory was on Raw, Lashley shows up. Theory moves to SmackDown, Lashley follows him. This is like a weird obsession. Lashley is jealous, duh. But Sheamus? Theory doesn’t understand. Theory thought he and Sheamus have something in common: They’re both tough, both strong, and both beat John Cena! The only thing is, Theory did it this year at WrestleMania, and Sheamus did that like 12 years ago. Theory was like 13 at the time. But that’s what he means! He- WAIT, Sheamus makes his way out! The Celtic Warrior storms right up to the ring and up to Theory.

Sheamus stares Theory down, pushes past him to get a mic, and then BROGUES Theory down! Mic drop, and Sheamus takes his leave. Is that Sheamus sending a message the best way he knows how?

The Usos hype up backstage.

They’re ready to show Roman what they can do. But Heyman walks over to say he’s got it under control. The Tribal Chief forgives Jey, and he forgives Jimmy. So he’ll be out there with them? Um… Excuse Heyman’s reach as he takes Jimmy’s hand. Because actually, no, Roman will not. Jimmy pulls his hand away. Heyman wants them to understand, Roman is the Tribal Chief. There’s a lot to go into that burden! The others don’t know what it’s like to have that. Roman has to go to Night of Champions to make a declarative statement. And then, two weeks from tonight on SmackDown, the 1000 DAY REIGN CELEBRATION!

Plus, c’mon! It’s the LWO! The Usos got this! They’re the greatest tag team of all come! They have this. But please, don’t make that a prediction, make that a spoiler. Yeet. Jey heads out first, Jimmy looks Heyman up and down, then says, “Yeet.” The Usos are ready, but will they get back in Roman’s good graces with this main event?

The Usos VS Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar!

SmackDown returns as the Usos make their entrance. The teams sort out and Jey starts against Rey. They circle, but Rey is wary of Jimmy. Jey RAMS Rey into the corner, RAMS in again and again, then tags Jimmy. The Usos mug Rey, then Jimmy UPPERCUTS Rey down! Jimmy says, “You know what time it is, Uce!” Jey shouts, “Get the W!” Jimmy stalks Rey to a corner, Jimmy whips him corner to corner hard, and then looms over Rey as he falls over. Jimmy fireman’s carries, but Rey fights free! Jimmy kicks low, runs, but Rey kicks back! Rey runs, tags Escobar and sunset flips to rewind for Escobar’s basement dropkick!

Rey TOSSES Jimmy out, dodges Jey, and Escobar clotheslines Jey out! Then Escobar whips Rey, the Usos narrowly avoid getting a 619! Rey hops onto Escobar’s shoulders, the LWO is in control, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Jimmy taunts Escobar while the fans rally up. Jimmy drags Escobar up, but Escobar throws hands! Escobar DECKS Jey, fires off on Jimmy, but Jimmy keeps Escobar from Rey! Escobar reaches out, Rey reaches out in return, but they’re fingertips away as Jimmy whips Escobar into a corner! Escobar bounces off buckles and falls back into a roll-up, TWO! Jimmy is frustrated, and the rest of the Bloodline is watching backstage. Jimmy stalks Escobar to a corner, throws hands, and the fans rally up. The ref counts, Jimmy talks trash in Escobar’s face, then he CHOPS!

Escobar staggers, Jimmy whips him corner to corner, but Escobar comes back to DROPKICK Jimmy down! Fans fire up, both men crawl, and Jimmy hot tags Jey! Jey hurries past Escobar to UPPERCUT Rey! The ref reprimands but Jey goes back to Escobar. Jey drags Escobar up but Escobar cradles! TWO!! Jey escapes in time, and he UPPERCUTS Escobar down! Jey says right here, cover, TWO! Escobar is still in this and Jey grows frustrated. The fans chant “USOS SUCK!” and Jey throws hands. Escobar counter punches! Escobar throws more hands but Jey shoves him back to CLOBBER him!

Jey holds up the finger, then tags in Jimmy. Jimmy fires off on Escobar in the open corner. Escobar sits down, Jimmy raises the finger now, and says “UCE! SO!” Jimmy runs in to HIP ATTACK! Jimmy raises the finger again, and he goes corner to corner again. HIP- KNEE! Escobar takes Jimmy down and the fans rally up! Jimmy and Escobar crawl, hot tags to Jey and Rey! Rey fires off on Jey! Rey whips, Jey reverses but Rey tilt-o-whirls and RANAS Jey into ropes! Jey goes to a corner, Rey runs in but Jey puts him outside. Rey ROCKS Jey, goes up top, and SEATED SENTONS! Rey keeps moving, springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!

Rey keeps his cool and brings Jey up, But Jey mule kicks! And UPPERCUTS! And whips, but Rey kicks back! Rey SOBATS, then hops on, SUNSET BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives but Rey calls the shot. Rey brings Jey up, throws forearms, whips, but Jey reverses. Rey holds ropes to stop himself, and he BOOTS Jey away! Jey distracts the ref and Jimmy ENZIGURI! Rey staggers, Jey brings him up, POP-UP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Rey survives and Jimmy can’t believe it! “This is Awesome!” but Jey says it’s done. Tag to Jimmy, the Usos drag Rey up, and they double suplex. Rey fights free with knees!

Rey goes to ropes, the Usos run in but he dumps them both out! Hot tag to Escobar! Escobar builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up! Escobar puts Jimmy in, he blocks a kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Jimmy whips, but Escobar JUMP KNEES! Jimmy staggers to a corner, Escobar shouts “L! W! O!” DOUBLE KNEES! Escobar puts Jimmy up top, climbs up after him, SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Jimmy survives and Escobar can’t believe it! Jimmy crawls to the apron, “This is Awesome!” as Escobar stalks him. Jimmy’s on the apron, Escobar KICKS him and has him in the ropes!

Tag to Rey, Escobar drags Jimmy out, LEG DROP NECKBREAKER COMBO!! Cover, JEY BREAKS IT! Escobar is frustrated, but Jey SUPERKICKS him down! Rey throws Jey out, and he dropkicks Jimmy’s legs! Jimmy’s on the ropes, Rey dials it up, but runs into a SUPERKICK!! Tag to Jey, USO SPLASH! Cover, TWO!?! The Usos cannot believe it! Columbia can’t believe it, either! Jey calls to Jimmy, he tags in, and the Usos go up the corners. But here comes Kevin! The Usos are distracts, and Escobar ENZIGURIS Jey! Kevin distracts the ref, SAMI shoves Jimmy off the top! Rey RANAS Jimmy onto ropes!

Tag to Escobar and Rey dials it up! 619!! Escobar goes up while Rey SEATED SENTONS Jey! Escobar FROG SPLASHES! Cover, THE LWO WINS!

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar, by pinfall

A huge assist to Kevin & Sami, and the entire Bloodline is upset! But while the Usos are upset with Kevin & Sami for doing this to them, Roman looks upset with The Usos. But as Solo starts to get up, Roman has him stop. Roman says he’ll handle this next week. What does The Tribal Chief have planned for Jimmy & Jey?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for SmackDown here, and is kinda part one of the go-home for SmackDown since I think they’re going to prerecord next week’s episode because they have to travel to Saudi Arabia next week. That’s why the face to face was tonight. Great opening promo segment, and the Usos attacking without checking in with Roman was a good way of growing the dysfunction in the group. Roman is losing control of his anger just like he is losing control of the faction, and something about him bumping into Solo makes me think it might not even be the Usos but Solo who costs them the title. Solo can choose his brothers over Roman and they overthrow him as Tribal Chief as part of this story’s next chapter.

That is doubled down by how, in a great main event, there was some overbooking so that the Usos get screwed over and lose. Roman and Solo are both upset, but I feel like only Roman wants to punish the Usos. Well, Solo might still beat on The Usos for the greater good of the Bloodline, but Roman says he’ll handle it, so who knows. But this is also great for the LWO, they’ve badly needed wins. Rey & Escobar make a good tag team, but I feel like Cruz & Wilde need to get going so Rey and Escobar can be the singles title guys. Escobar being US Champion would be cool. Theory and Sheamus had a good promo segment, mostly because Sheamus didn’t say anything, he just gave Theory a Brogue. That’ll be a great title match, but I feel like Theory will screw Sheamus over like he has everyone else.

Zelina had a great match with Asuka, but of course Asuka wins. Bianca making the save to almost get misted was a good little bit, and their title match could go either way. WWE still needs to address the whole “Raw title on SmackDown, SmackDown title on Raw” conundrum, and with Rhea still the SmackDown Women’s Champion, it feels like Bianca will retain the Raw title so that Bianca and Rhea can sort things out themselves. NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions on SmackDown as still champions is also something they need to sort out, but Fyre & Dawn get a good win off the quietly called up Feroz & Leon.

A shame about Liv being out of action, that all undercuts what Ronda threatened Raquel with on Raw. The Fatal 4 Way will be great stuff, as well “next week’s” match of Bayley & Sky VS Raquel and… Shotzi? Tegan? Is there another call-up in the women’s division I’m not remembering? I mean, this would be a great way to get someone new going. Pretty Deadly got that with a good promo and a really good match against Brawling Brutes. That was a clever way to cheat when they didn’t really need to, but I feel like Pretty Deadly VS Brawling Brutes could keep happening in the background of the tag title picture until it’s the right time.

The Profits also got a great tag team win, Boogs & Knight were an impressive team, but obviously a new team wasn’t going to beat WWE Triple Crown Tag Team Champions. And LA Knight does to Boogs in one week what was building between Boogs and Elias for months. They team up, they lose, and Knight turns on Boogs. Knight VS Boogs could be a lot of fun, too, winner looking stronger in the midcard title chase. Grimes has a good promo that I was more surprised wasn’t interrupted by Corbin. Maybe that will pick up again in a couple weeks once we’re past Night of Champions and on to Money in the Bank. Grimes in the MITB ladder match would be some great stuff.

And then the Grayson Waller Effect debut here on SmackDown wasn’t quite as, well, Grayson Waller Effective as it is on NXT. They didn’t have him do his Instagram live stream, he didn’t read comments from “fans,” but I did appreciate that he was passive aggressive with Styles given their feud from back in NXT. Styles bringing up Rollins being part of a movie (Marvel’s next Captain America movie) was a surprise, but that was also Styles’ argument against John Cena when they feuded. Now, I would hope just for the sake of story and what WWE has been building, we still get Rollins winning at Night of Champions. Styles & The OC can’t go moving back to Raw, and the new WHC can’t be on SmackDown where Roman is. This role may just be a one-off anyway, so don’t go assuming Rollins is following Cena and The Rock into Hollywood.

My Score: 8.7/10

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Mitchell’s NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Results & Report! (5/19/23)

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Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (5/19/23)

AEW Coverage

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

Merry Collision!

Published

38 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?

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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AEW Coverage

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

Brody King is on a Rampage!

Published

23 hours ago

December 20, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Tony Schiavone is in the ring!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall

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

Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.

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

Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!

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

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

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

Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall

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

Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.

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

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

Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall

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

Team Triple J speaks backstage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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