Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/26/23)
One final face-off!
Raw prepares for Money in the Bank!
And as such, holds a Women’s Ladder Match Summit! Zelina Vega, Bayley, Iyo Sky, Trish Stratus, Zoey Stark AND Becky Lynch, all in the ring at once! Will things stay civil before it’s every woman for herself?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Shinsuke Nakamura VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
- Raquel Rodriguez w/ Liv Morgan VS Ronda Rousey w/ Shayna Baszler; Ronda wins.
- Tommaso Ciampa VS The Miz; No Contest.
- Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley VS Akira Tozawa; Dom wins.
- GUNTHER w/ Ludwig Kaiser VS Sami Zayn w/ Kevin Owens; Gunther wins.
- Carmelo Hayes VS Finn Balor; Finn wins.
- Cody Rhodes VS Damian Priest; Cody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio are in the ring.
Fans boo as the Judgment Day’s Mami & Dommy have the mics. Dom welcomes us to the show, but the fans boo even harder. Rhea calms Dom down and takes over. “Cody Rhodes. Oh, now you wanna boo me, huh? Well your little favorite, Cody Rhodes, is a wannabe and a loser! His momentum has been slowing down as of late. And at Money in the Bank, Dom’s gonna end-” WAIT! Here comes Cody! Fans fire up for The American Nightmare and sing along with his song, “WHOA~ OH!” The pyro goes off, and Cody high-fives fans on his way down the ramp. Cody then goes up the steel steps, gets a mic, and steps in at the “WHOA~ OH!”
Dom backs off to the far side and fans boo. They chant for “CODY! CODY!” and Cody says he thinks he knows what Dom was trying to do. It would’ve been pretty special but he’ll go ahead and do it. “Savannah, Georgia…! Welcome to Monday Night Raw!” Dom gets mad but Rhea tells Cody that he can try and bully Dom-Dom as much as he likes, but Dom is a “very dangerous man.” Dom says at MITB- And then he gets booed. He tells Rhea what he was gonna say so Rhea says that at MITB, he’s gonna show exactly how dangerous he is! Cody says, “Oh. Thank you for the education. Dom has proved tactile, and lobbed a few cheap shots.”
If anything, Dom is a smart guy. He might’ve heard this one. Be who you are, say how you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind. The Cat in the Hat said that. Yeah! A children’s book! Cody is quoting a children’s book because that is what Dom is: a scared little boy! Dom huffs and puffs and Rhea goes out to join him. They leave and fans boo more. Cody tells Dom to hold on. Damien Priest doesn’t run from Cody, why is Dom running? Show Cody something! Cody is right here, and will give Dom a free shot. Let’s just do this here and now! Fans fire up for that, and Dom turns around!
Dom rushes the ring, but then smirks and says forget it. Cody sighs and fans boo. “Okay, Dom. Okay. I see you walking, I see you leaving, here we are again.” The cheap shots have been effective, dangerous, dirty. But on Saturday, MITB, Dom is stepping into an entirely different body of water. Cody wants to find out if Dom is half the man that Rey Mysterio is. Or… If Dom’s just Mami’s little boy. Dommy and Mami leave, but will nothing stop Cody from standing tall in the UK?
Shinsuke Nakamura VS Ricochet!
The King of Strong Style collides with the King of Flight once more, all because they got in each other’s way with Bronson Reed. With MITB just days away, who will have a leg up going into the career-changing ladder match? And will Bronson Reed have something to do with the outcome again?
Raw returns and Bronson is ringside to watch! Ricochet makes his entrance, the bell rings and the two talk trash while pointing up to the briefcase. Then the forearms fly! Nakamura fires a strike fest, bumps Ricochet off buckles, and gives him GOOD VIBRATIONS! Nakamura snapmares, then drops a knee! Cover, TWO! Bronson is already unimpressed while Nakamura throws knees. Nakamura whips, Ricochet reverses but Nakamura blocks to CLUB the leg and ELBOW Ricochet! Nakamura runs but Ricochet dodges! Ricochet handsprings but the headscissors are denied with a KICK! Bronson does like that.
Nakamura kicks, Ricochet ducks to feint and kick! Then SCISSOR KICK! Fans rally up as Ricochet talks trash on Nakamura. Ricochet fireman’s carries but Nakamura fights free to a SLEEPER! Ricochet reaches out, but Nakamura brings him away. Ricochet snapmares, then dumps Nakamura up and out! Nakamura gets back up to get the SLEEPER! Nakamura is a backpack in he ropes, but he lets off as the ref counts. Nakamura brings Ricochet out, but Ricochet ENZIGURIS! But then both men BOOT the other! They both fall to the floor and Bronson gives a standing ovation, if not somewhat mockingly.
The ref warns Bronson to stay back. Ricochet throws a forearm, but Nakamura gives it back! They go back and forth, Bronson applauds, but Nakamura glares at him. Ricochet kicks, Nakamura blocks, and then hands it to Bronson! ENZIGURI from Ricochet, BOOT from Nakamura, and Bronson falls against his chair! Nakamura then kicks Ricochet, puts him in the ring, and runs in at the ropes. Ricochet ELBOWS Nakamura, comes back, and WRECKS Bronson off the apron! But Bronson gets back up, Nakamura SLIDING KNEES him down! Bronson gets up, the ref stops him, and he EJECTS Bronson!
Fans cheer and Auszilla is furious! But he has no choice but to leave, so now Nakamura and Ricochet can continue without distractions! Fans taunt Bronson and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns as Nakamura HAMMERS away on Ricochet, then throws a KNEE! Nakamura drags Ricochet up, suplexes, but Ricochet slips free. Ricochet waistlocks, Nakamura elbows and ENZIGURIS Ricochet away! Ricochet goes to a corner, Nakamura runs in, but he blocks boots. Ricochet slips out to the apron to BOOT Nakamura! Springboard, FLYING LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Ricochet feeds off the energy, gets to his feet, and he bobs ‘n’ weaves to fire off fast hands! Ricochet whips, Nakamura reverses but Ricochet handsprings to BACK ELBOW! And then SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally and Ricochet keeps his focus. Ricochet runs, springboards, LIONSAULT onto knees! Nakamura suplexes to GOURD BUSTER, and then he throws in KNEE after KNEE! Nakamura stomps Ricochet at the ropes, the ref counts, and Nakamura lets off with one more stomp. Nakamura brings Ricochet up, KNEES him low, and clinches. INVERTED EXPLODER! Fans fire up with Nakamura and he aims from the corner! “YAO~!” But Ricochet ducks the knee, to RECOIL! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet hurries to get Nakamura to a drop zone and he goes up the corner. Fans fire up, but Nakamura GAMANGIRIS first!
Ricochet is stuck, Nakamura hits a TOP SHELF KNEE! Then he aims again, “YAO~!” KIN- TIGER WALL KCIK! Ricochet ducks the roundhouse, and the heel kick, to HEEL KCIK! STANDING SLICED BREAD! Ricochet gets Nakamura in the drop zone, goes up again, and SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, Ricochet wins!!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall
The King of Flight trumps the King of Strong Style! He now has the hot hand going into the high stakes, high reward match that is MITB! Will Ricochet soon have the ace in the hole known as the MITB contract?
WWE shares their social media exclusive.
Byron Saxton found Matt Riddle backstage and asked him about what Imperium did to him last week. Riddle says they tried to take him out, but he’s gonna try and take something from them. Namely, the WWE Intercontinental Championship. And he challenges Gunther for that title at MITB!
Backstage interview with Matt Riddle.
Byron brings up Riddle’s challenge to Gunther, but does he think that’s really smart given what Imperium did to him last week? First off, Riddle’s ankle is cooling off. But Riddle is sick and tired of Gunther hiding behind his goons. But then Ludwig walks in and says how dare Riddle challenge Der Ring General. Last week, he got exactly what he deserved for what he did to Giovanni Vinci. What makes Riddle believe him and his amateur skills has what it takes to compete for the Intercontinental title? Uh, Riddle’s pretty sure his “amateur skills” beat Ludwig. Ludwig says that is never going to happen again.
Newsflash, FISTS! Riddle ROCKS Ludwig, and has a KIMURA! But Gunther BOOTS Riddle down! Imperium mugs Riddle again, and Gunther says, “Challenge accepted!” Then he stomps the ankle!! Riddle writhes, will he be able to make it to MITB like this?
Adam Pearce texts with someone.
But then Dom & Rhea barge in. Dom says he was just embarrassed by Cody, and he wants a match tonight so he can show Cody what’s in store for him at MITB. Pearce says that can be arranged. Then Dom has the perfect opponent, someone of his caliber. Big and strong, too. And that is…? Rhea whispers to Dom and Dom nods. They’ll get back to you on that. What is Dom up to in order to puff up his ego this close to MITB?
Raquel Rodriguez w/ Liv Morgan VS Ronda Rousey w/ Shayna Baszler!
Team #LivingLarge is going after the Baddest Women on the Planet this Saturday at MITB for the now Undisputed Women’s Tag Team Championships! As such, this is an appetizer as Big Mami Cool goes after THE Rowdy Ronda Rousey! Who will have a major advantage going into the huge title match?
Raw returns as Raquel makes her entrance, Liv by her side. The bell rings, the two tie up, and Raquel shoves Ronda down! Raquel grins and Ronda storms up. Ronda avoids a boot, mule kicks, but Raquel’s too big to sayanagi! Raquel blocks haymakers but Ronda kicks low! Ronda jumps on for a GUILLOTINE! But Raquel powers out to a suplex! Fans fire up and Ronda goes to a corner. Raquel runs in but Ronda dodges to come back, KNEE and HANGING ARMBAR! Fans boo, the ref counts, and Ronda lets go at 4. Ronda runs in to get the arm, manages to fireman’s carry, but Raquel slips off to shove! Raquel runs Ronda over!
Raquel scoops Ronda, but Ronda slips off the powerslam! Raquel comes back, Ronda body scissors to an ANKLE LCOK! Raquel reaches out, rolls, and kicks Ronda away! Ronda comes back, blocks the lariats, but Raquel stays standing! Raquel lifts Ronda to ELECTRIC CHAIR SLAM! Ronda goes to a corner, Raquel runs in to SPLASH! Raquel scoops, carries Ronda around, and FALL AWAY SLAMS! Ronda ends up in the corner again, Raquel runs over, but Shayna saves Ronda from the Vader! But Liv LEAPS and CLOBBERS Shayna! Fans fire up as Liv hammers away on Shayna! Ronda grabs Raquel, drags her to a crdle, and wins!
Winner: Ronda Rousey, by pinfall
Ronda then scrambles away before Liv rushes in. The Baddest Woman on the Planet snatched that one away, but will she and Shayna survive when Liv & Raquel get going as a duo?
Finn Balor speaks.
“You want the guy that beat you seven years ago. That guy’s gone. He’s dead. This guy is much worse. What was it you said, Seth? I got bitter while you got better? Let’s analyze that, Seth. Let’s go back in time. SummerSlam 2016. Torn labrum, torn bicep tendon, torn pec tenson, and a fractured glinide socket. And I still beat you. I could hardly raise my arm to lift the title as the first-ever Universal Champion. For 22 hours. Injury upon injury upon injury, I was forced, forced, to relinquish the championship. But that’s not where our problems lie, is it, Seth?” As Finn gave up, at his lowest point, Rollins walked out and laughed in his face.
Rollins laughed outta jealousy, spite and rubbed salt in a wound. That is something Finn will never forget! Finn got bitter? No, Rollins made him bitter. And that bitterness is all Finn has now. While Rollins has it all. Seth Freakin’ Rollins. They worship the ground Rollins walks on, love his ridiculous outfits and sing his stupid song! But guess what? None of that matter! The only things that matter are vengeance and the World Heavyweight Championship. “At MITB, after seven long years, after everything you took from me, I’m gonna take it all back. And the only song you’re gonna hear is the ringing in your ears as both my arms are raised as the new World Heavyweight Champion. And that Seth? Now that’s gonna be a bitter, bitter pill for you to swallow.”
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
Savannah sings along, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as the Visionary struts his way out in a red sequin sweatsuit. Rollins soaks up the singing under the spotlight, and then he gets the mic. “Savannah, Georgia! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins! Now before ew get cooking here tonight, we got a special guest int he arena. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for the one, the only NXT Champion himself, Carmeloooo, Hayes!” Fans cheer and the light shines on Melo in the front row. Fans chant for “NXT! NXT!” and Rollins tells Melo that he doesn’t do this very often, but Melo had his back last week, so Rollins thanks him.
Fans cheer again and Melo says he’s got Rollins. Rollins says they have more in common than being the two flyest dudes in the room! They’re both fighting champions! Melo has a title defense tomorrow night on NXT, and please whoop up on Bumass Corbin. Melo says you already know. As for Rollins, this Saturday live in London, Rollins goes 1v1 with Finn Balor! Fans boo Balor but Rollins says, “Couple weeks ago, I posed the question, ‘Which Finn Balor was going to show up at MITB?'” Last week, we got an answer in spades. Finn jumped Rollins not once, but he followed Rollins all the way to NXT to jump him again, trying to turn his ribs into dust!
Rollins says the thing is, Finn, “I’m still standing. I’m still standing, MITB’s this Saturday, I’m tired of talking, so why don’t you come on out here and finish the job right now?!” Rollins waits, fans sing, but no Finn. Rollins says he wishes that singing would draw Finn out, but Finn isn’t coming out now. But he has to hand it to Finn. Finn is the smartest he’s ever been, the most dangerous he’s ever been, and has surrounded himself with people. He’ll hide in the back, in the shadows, and tricked himself into thinking it his fate to take everything Rollins took from Finn seven plus years ago. Is Rollins 100% right now? No, he’s not. Will he be by Saturday? No, he won’t.
But as good as Finn is, there is one thing he has not accounted for, and that is Rollins. Rollins promises that when it’s just them in this ring, when the bell rings, the best version of Finn Balor is not as good as the best version of Seth Freakin’ Rollins! Fans cheer that. In fact, Rollins says that is the bitter pill Finn will have to swallow. He IS a visionary! He IS a revolutionary! He IS- HERE COMES FINN! WITH A CHAIR! Rollins hits him first and TACKLES Finn! They brawl, fans fire up, and Finn gest up to kick those bad ribs! Finn aims, but Rollins ducks the chair to RAM Finn to a corner, and TOSS him out!
Rollins goes after Finn against the desk, then picks him up, but Finn turns things around to RAM Rollins into the steel steps! And then the desk! Finn stomps Rollins, digs his boot in, and KICKS him in the side! Finn then grabs a new chair, but Melo stops him! And then Rollins CLOBBERS Finn over the barriers! They fight into the crowd, but Finn slips away! Rollins is furious but hurting, too. Will he be able to humble whichever Finn this is at MITB?
Backstage interview with Tommaso Ciampa.
Byron says Ciampa made his return last week, and Ciampa already knows the question is “Why?” Why did Ciampa go after The Miz? Ciampa spent the last nine MONTHS of his life recovering from hip surgery, and how many times did Miz reach out with calls and texts? Zero. The last nine MONTHS, Ciampa hasn’t heard one peep from Mr. Tiny Balls. Oh, is that funny? Well, people warned Ciampa about Miz being a manipulator, and that’s true. But the injury was a blessing in disguise. Because being left alone with his thoughts for that long, it gave Ciampa clarity. What is your “Why?” Who are your real friends?
Most important of all, why in the hell is Ciampa wearing neon green, following Miz around and playing second fiddle? This time around, Ciampa creates his own opportunities. He and The Miz are having a rematch up next, will the Blackheart make it 2-0 against the Hollywood A-Lister?
Tommaso Ciampa VS The Miz!
Raw returns as Ciampa makes his entrance, but then Miz blindsides him! Miz fires hands, RAMS Ciampa into barriers, and then RAMS him into more barriers! Fans boo but Miz RAMS Ciampa into the apron! Miz SLAMS the leg into the apron again and again! Fans taunt Miz’s “TINY BALLS!” but Miz drags Ciampa up again. Miz suplexes Ciampa into barriers! And then he mocks Ciampa’s clapping and pats on the back! Miz rains down fists on Ciampa, the ref backs him off, and Ciampa clutches his leg. Miz stalks Ciampa, gets him up to full nelson, SKULL CRUSHING FINALE to the floor!
Miz glares at Ciampa says he gave him opportunity after opportunity, and this is how he disrespects him? Miz tells Ciampa he’s a chump and a joke! But will this only make the Psycho Killer go after Miz more?
Imperium talks backstage.
The match is made official for MITB, Gunther VS Riddle for the Intercontinental Championship. But then Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn walk over. Ludwig tells them to keep on walking. Wow, what does he mean? Doe she not like it when people just interrupt you? They don’t have time for this! Oh, and you think they have time for this when Imperium does it every week? AT least they have a reason to be here! And what reason is that? The reason? W-What is the reason? Oh, what they did to Riddle. Kevin doesn’t care. Sami says they do care, Riddle is a friend. Oh, well, in that case, HOW DARE they do that to Riddle?!
Sami says guess what? They’re doing something about it. Oh, well, Ludwig knows discipline isn’t really Kevin’s or Sami’s expertise, so they should be careful with their words. Or otherwise, Der Ring General will have to teach them the very same lesson. Like when he absolutely annihilated Kevin? Oh, you think you taught Kevin something? He didn’t! Kevin learned absolutely NOTHING! Sami calms Kevin down, and says he’ll handle this. Okay, fine, handle it. Sami says fair enough, Gunther did beat Kevin. But it took all three of them! With Imperium, it seems every time it is a numbers game.
So let’s keep the numbers real simple: Sami VS Gunther 1v1 tonight! Gunther says he is fully aware that just like Kevin and Riddle, Sami also wants to ride on his coattails. So be his guest. Yeah, good idea. Sami will be Gunther’s guest. BELT CLAP! BELT CLAP! The Undisputed Tag Team Champions head out, but will they finally get one over on Der Ring General?
Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley VS ???
As far as the Prodigal Son is concerned, his opponent here tonight is far more worth his time than Cody Rhodes. But just who did Dom choose to be his “victim?” We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and Dom’s opponent is revealed to be… Akira Tozawa! The Stamina Monster did offer to help Cody out last time, so maybe this is his way of coming through for the American Nightmare. The bell rings and Dom fires off on Tozawa! Dom stomps away in the corner, fans boo but the ref counts. Dom lets off, Rhea cheers but the fans boo. Dom soaks it up, brings Tozawa up and fires off knees and forearms. Tozawa counter punches! Fans fire up as Tozawa fires off again and again! Dom knees low, throws Tozawa down, and brings him up to whip. Tozawa reverses, dodges, and RANAS Dom away!
Fans fire up, Tozawa runs to SHINING WIZARD! Tozawa goes up a corner, leaps, FLYING SENTON! Rhea freaks out and hurries as Dom bails out. Tozawa builds speed and he DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp and TOZAWA IS RED HOT! But then Rhea stares him down. Tozawa hurries to put Dom in, but he is wary of Rhea. Tozawa climbs up, but Dom trips him up! Dom drags Tozawa off the top, goes up top, and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, Dom wins!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall
Rhea says that’s how you do it! Yes, she distracts and Dom wins is how they do it. But if this is how Dom beats Tozawa, will Cody Rhodes mop the floor with “Dirty Dom?”
The Viking Raiders speak.
Sarah Logan says, “The gods have not spoken to me in weeks. And to hear them again, we must do terrible things.” Erik & Ivar say together, “Soon, we will hurt the Alpha Academy.” And when all three are in the ring, blinded by pain, Sarah will hear Them again. “And it will be beautiful…!” Chad Gable, Otis & Maxxine Dupri have been warned, but what will they have planned as the counter offensive?
Trish Stratus & Zoey Stark head to the ring.
The Hall of Famer and her new protégé are making their way out first ahead of this Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Summit. They’ll soon be joined by the other four competitors in that match, and Corey Graves will mediate, but will things keep from getting physical before Saturday?
Raw returns and Big Time Becky Lynch makes her entrance. Damage CTRL’s Bayley & Iyo Sky are already in the ring, as well as Zelina Vega. Corey welcomes everyone to the summit, and says in five days, these six will have their chance to climb ladders to reach- Bayley stops Corey because we all know how this works. They’re not idiots. Well, the fans are! HA! Actually, Bayley has won one of these before, and is the only one in this match who has. So uh, Corey can let Bayley run this right now since she has the best chances anyway. Er, uh, oh Iyo, she has a great chance. Iyo says in Japanese and English, “May the best woman win.”
Zelina interrupts in Japanese, and then in English says she is so sick of DMG CTRL completely dismissing everyone else. We have Becky Lynch! “Someone who I respect.” Becky’s done it all! Except win MITB. Then there’s Zoey the groupie, and Trish Stratus, a living legend. But one who has never even been IN a ladder match and has no idea what it takes. And like it or not, we have Zelina, the FUTURE Miss MITB! Bayley laughs and has everyone calm down, cuz “pipsqueak” ain’t got a chance. Zelina tells Bayley callate and brings out LA CHANCLA! If she wanted to hear more from DMG CTRL, she’d throw coins in their begging bowls.
Zelina tells Bayley you’re messing with the wrong one. She will prove everyone wrong when she and Santos Escobar each climb the ladders and bring those briefcases back to the LWO! Oh that’s what Zelina thinks? She’s a bigger idiot than she looks! The squabbling continues in three languages, and Stark tells everyone to calm down on the playground. What Trish sees is a bunch of little girls. Fans chant for “BECKY! BECKY!” Trish says it is very clear to her why each of them needed Trish to save this division. She is not a girl, she is a woman. In fact, she’s the best to ever do this.
And Zelina, you’re right. This is Trish’s first. But winning is what she does. When Trish makes history on Saturday, then guess what? Everyone can all say “Thank you, Trish, for letting me be part of such a historic moment.” Fans boo but Zoey nods. And Trish tells “Lynch,” that Trish can’t call her a girl or a woman, since she’s “The Man.” But Trish asks Becky this: When it is all said and done, will Becky be “man enough” to say thanks? Becky just DECKS Trish! The brawl is on, stark & Trish beating up on Becky, DMG CTRL beating up on Zelina! But Becky and Zelina both fight back! Trish is sent outta the ring, and then so is Stark!
DMG CTRL go after Becky, but Zelina gets LA CHANCLA!! BOP for Bayley! BOP for Iyo! DMG CTRL mugs Zelina but Zelina sends Bayley into ropes, and then a ladder! And then KNEES her outta the ring! Iyo DROPKCIKS Zelina out! Becky and Iyo brawl, Becky scoops but Iyo goes to apron to HOTSHOT! Then Iyo goes up to ASAI MOONSAULT everyone else, even Bayley! Becky is alone, she grabs a ladder, and she climbs! Fans fire up as The Man touches the Women’s MITB briefcase, kisses it, and brings it off the hook! Will Becky finally check this accomplishment off her list? Or will another take that golden ticket to a title match?
Backstage interview with Carmelo Hayes.
Cathy Kelley is with the NXT Champion and brings up his very first match on Raw. He is facing Finn Balor, how is he feeling? We know who invited Melo here: Rollins. The World Heavyweight Champion! And do you knew what an honor it is to be here? Rollins isn’t just a wrestler Melo aspires to be like, but a champion Melo aspires to be like. So Melo will go ahead and take care of Rollins’ problem in Finn Balor. Maybe Melo is making a mistake, but if he goes out in a blaze of glory then still has to handle his business with Corbin tomorrow night, that’s what he’ll do. Sometimes, guys like Melo and Seth, they gotta take shots to make shots. And tonight, Melo don’t miss.
Becky finds Rhea backstage.
The two stare down and smile. Rhea says Becky better hope she doesn’t win. Because if she even thinks of cashing in on Rhea, it’ll be the last thing she ever does. Becky says that’s interesting. Because when Becky was champion, her title was defended in every town in every main event. But Rhea, she’s become a main event side piece. Becky doesn’t need that title, that title needs her. But Becky wants to win the briefcase, just to watch Rhea squirm. Becky says bye, but will The Man come back around for the Women’s World Championship?
GUNTHER w/ Ludwig Kaiser VS Sami Zayn w/ Kevin Owens!
Der Ring General accepted the Original Bro’s challenge, and now he looks to use an Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champion as a tune-up! But will he be the one getting used so that Sami is sharp and ready for the tag title match on SmackDown?
Raw returns and Sami makes his entrance, Kevin by his side. The bell rings and Kevin joins commentary. Sami and Gunther tie up, Gunther headlocks to the takeover, and pushes to a cover. ONE, and Sami fights up. Kevin says Sami just has to worry about Ludwig and “baldie.” Gunther hits a headlock takeover again, but Sami keeps his shoulders up. Sami fights up and fans rally behind him. Sami powers out, Gunther runs him over, and then he drags Sami up to hit a headlock takeover. Fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” for Sami and he fights up again. Sami powers up and out, then drops to bypass. Gunther stops himself, but turns around into an arm-drag!
Sami keeps on the armlock but Gunther fights up and knees free. Gunther UPPERCUTS in the corner, stalks Sami to a corner, and then swings, but Sami avoids the chop to COHP! And forearm! Sami fires off shots, whips, but Gunther reverses. Gunther runs in but Sami elbows him away! Sami bumps Gunther off buckles, then climbs up to rain down fists! Fans count along, but then Sami spots Vinci limping out with crutches! Gunther throws Sami away, Sami kicks low! Sami whips, Gunther reverses but Sami springboards, into a waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX! Kevin says Sami will bounce back, surely, but Imperium is reunited as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Sami CHOPS away on Gunther! But then Gunther CHOPS Sami off his feet! Kevin says shake it off, Sami! Sami goes to a corner, fans rally up but Imperium cheers their leader. Gunther drags Sami up, reels him in, and UPPERCUTS! Sami falls back into the corner, and Gunther runs corner to corner. Sami clinches but Gunther fights the exploder! Sami still tries! Gunther throws more elbows, then turns Sami to CHOP him down! Kevin coaches Sami from commentary and Sami stands up again. Gunther CHOPS him again! Sami leans against Gunther, Kevin says to hit the legs.
Gunther taunts Sami, toys with him, and he brings Sami up to CHOP again! Kevin says Sami has more heart than anyone, but then Gunther stares him down. Kevin tells Gunther good job, he can chop hard. Wait ’til Sami gets you back. And then Sami BOOTS Gunther! Sami goes up, BOOTS him again, and again, and again! Kevin cheers with the fans, and Sami facelocks, but Gunther blocks the DDT to wrench and CHOP! Kevin says it’s okay, Sami’s still up top. But then Gunther climbs up top! Sami fights and throws body shots! Sami then CLUBS away on Gunther and fans fire up! Kevin cheers Sami on, and Sami SUPER SUNSET POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO!!
Savannah and Kevin can’t believe it, but Gunther survives. Sami keeps his focus, shakes out the arms, and fans rally up. Sami storms up to fire forearms on Gunther, but Gunther UPPERCUTS! Sami forearms again, but Gunther UPPERCUTS! Sami LARIATS! Gunther stays up so Sami LARIATS again! And again! Sami whips, Gunther reverses but Sami goes up and over to LARIAT! Gunther falls and fans fire up again! Sami hurries to get Gunther up but Gunther slips outta the Blue Thunder to SLEEPER!! Fans rally as Sami endures, but Gunther has the body scissors, too! Kevin says Sami’s not done, and Sami fights up!
Sami stands, reaches out, and then hits a BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Again, no one can believe it! Imperium looks worried, and Sami isn’t sure what he has to do. Kevin says Sami still has this, and Sami sits up. Gunther also sits up, and then Sami goes to ropes. Sami goes out and up the corner, fans rally behind him, and Sami leaps, into a CHOP!! Cover, TWO!?! Sami survives and Gunther is shocked! Gunther drops a knee, goes up a corner, and GENERAL SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!?!? Sami survives again and Kevin is loving it! But then Ludwig gest on the apron, so Kevin DECKS him!
Kevin fires off on Ludwig, the fans love it, but Gunther goes out to BOOT Kevin down! Sami FLIES to take out Gunther! Sami fires up and so does Savannah! Sami puts Gunther back in the ring, clinches him, CORNER EXPLODER! Fans are thunderous as Sami goes to the far corner. But Ludwig gets up and distracts the ref again! Vinci JAMS Sami with his crutch!! Gunther gets Sami up, GENERAL BOMB!! Cover, Gunther wins!
Winner: Gunther, by pinfall
The numbers game still won out for Imperium because of Vinci’s surprise return! But then Kevin attacks! But he’s 2v1 against Gunther & Ludwig! But “Bro…” Riddle rushes out here! Riddle hobbles on his bad ankle and he still KNEES Vinci down! Then he uses the crutch to CRACK Vinci! And then he hits Ludwig, and Gunther, and more for Gunther! The crutch has bent! Kevin gives Ludwig a STUNNER!! Imperium regroups outside the ring, will their numbers game only raise Riddle’s intensity? As for Kevin & Sami, will they be ready for Pretty Deadly in their tag title defense?
The Alpha Academy works out backstage.
Maxxine Dupri does free weight squats while Otis is on the bike. Coach Chad Gable blows his whistle and then tells the Viking Raiders, “Do you think we’re amateurs over here? You don’t think I have Maxxine over here getting stronger? You think I don’t have Otis over here getting faster? You doubt my coaching abilities? Savages! Idiots! SAVAGES! IDIOTS!!” Maxxine has Gable calm down. She may not have had a match yet, but every single time that little witch has come at her, Maxxine has destroyed her! All thanks to Gable’s wonderful coaching. And she is so ready for whatever Logan has in store for her next.
Gable loves the confidence he’s instilled in her. They’re here every week. Even next week! Go ask your Viking gods to say some of those things to their faces. And then, Gable will have Otis show them the plan. Otis, what’s the plan? The plan, coach, is pure carnage! Gable blows his whistle, will the Academy SHOOOOSH Valhalla?
Backstage interview with Natalya.
Cathy asks Natty where her emotions are at after another brutal attack by Rhea Ripley. Natty says she signed up for this life, and Rhea is part of that because Rhea is at the top of the mountain right now. But Natty says the biggest battle hasn’t been in the ring. It has been in her mind. The fear of Natty losing isn’t as great as the fear of giving up, and that is the battle of a lifetime. Natty has been broken, down, shaken, but she is still here! She would like Rhea to bring that title next week and face her woman to woman. There is not a single person here who can erase what Natty has done in the WWE! Will The Eradicator fail to break the Queen of Harts?
Carmelo Hayes VS Finn Balor!
The NXT Champion had Rollins’ back again, but now he is on The Prince’s bad side! Will Finn prove this new form is even more dangerous than the man from seven years ago? Or will he not be ready for… HIM?
Raw returns and Melo makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally for Melo and he ties up with Finn, but then Finn trips him up! Finn rains down fists, stomps Melo into the corner, but the ref counts. Finn digs his boots in but the ref backs him off. Finn CHOPS Melo, then has him in a corner. Finn RAMS his shoulder in again and again, lets off as the ref counts, and he throws body shots. Finn snapmares then CLUBS Melo, then ELBOWS him in the head! Finn clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Melo down. Fans rally up, Melo fights up and he moves around. Finn headlocks but Melo throws body shots!
Melo throws more body shots, whips out, and then hurdles, ducks and DROPKICKS! Finn staggers to a corner, Melo runs in and blocks a kick, then puts Finn int he ropes to ENZIGURI! Finn is stuck, and FADE AWAY! Direct hit and Finn bails out. So Melo PLANCHAS! Direct hit and fans fire up again as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Finn RAMS Melo in the corner again and again! Finn whips corner to corner, then runs in to CHOP! Finn snarls while fans “WOO~!” and then Finn whips back the other way for another CHOP! Finn whips again, but Melo ELBOWS back! Melo goes up the corner to jump, but Finn gets under! Melo crashes down on the mat and Finn storms up to kick him in the side. Fans rally, Finn brings Melo up, but Melo ROCKS Finn! Finn swings but Melo counter punches! Melo spins Finn, KNEE SMASH and LARIAT! Finn staggers up, Melo whips but Finn reverses. Melo ducks ‘n’ springboards, FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!
Finn flounders to a corner and Melo pounds the mat. Fans rally up again and Melo runs in, BIG forearm smash! Melo keeps moving, but Finn LARIATS him down! Fans boo but Finn kicks and stomps Melo at the ropes! And again and again! The ref counts, Finn lets off, and Finn flexes. Melo stands, into a SLINGBLADE! Melo flounders again while Finn soaks up the heat. Finn takes aim, runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY DDT! Cover, TWO! Melo keeps focus, he goes up the corner, and he takes aim. But Finn runs in so Melo jumps over. Finn hurries to fireman’s carry but Melo slips off to roll Finn up! TWO!!
Melo kicks, Finn blocks and spins Melo to fireman’s carry, GUT BUSTER DROP! Melo sputters and Finn takes aim again. SHOTGUN! Melo hits buckles then falls into the drop zone! Finn goes up and fans boo the COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn wins!
Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall
Melo may not miss, but neither does Finn! The Prince dunks on the NXT Champion, but will he do even worse to Rollins on Saturday? As for Melo, will he be able to regroup and beat Baron Corbin to wrap up NXT Gold Rush?
Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.
Cathy is with Cody, and his dog, Pharaoh, and asks for a moment of his time. Cody is up against Damian Priest, what are Cody’s thoughts on Priest and Dominik? Cody loves these chats, but gosh, he looks forward to the day when we’re not talking about Dom, Rhea, Priest or Finn, i.e. the Judgment Day. Priest is walking into MITB with bruises on both body and ego. And as for Dom, Cody wishes he could be in crowd with the WWE Universe to boo Dom himself. Dom has gotten under Cody’s skin, these cheap shots are effective. Dom is skilled in that, he truly is.
But think about this: At MITB, Dom is not going to have Finn, Priest or even Rhea. And Cody hasn’t even laid a finger on “Dirty Dom.” We’ll find out what Dom does have soon enough. Cody and Pharaoh head out, will the American Nightmare make it through the Punisher here tonight?
Cody Rhodes VS Damian Priest!
The American Nightmare already said his piece tonight, but now he will back it up with actions! Will Georgia’s own make the Peach State proud? Or will the Punisher squeeze every last ounce of adrenaline out of Cody’s soul so “Dirty Dom “can pick the bones?
Raw returns as Priest makes his entrance, and making his way out alone. That has been his MO as of late, wanting to prove he can get things done on his own. The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Priest powers Cody back to ropes but Cody turns it around. The two go around the ring, fans rally behind Cody but Priest headlocks. Cody powers up and out, but Priest runs him over! Cody gets up as Priest soaks up the heat. Priest and Cody reset, circle again, and then Cody gets around to waistlock then headlock. Priest powers up and out, Cody RAMS him, but Priest rebounds to run Cody over!
Priest dusts himself off, things speed up, but Priest blocks Cody’s hip toss. Cody blocks Priest’s hip toss back, then slips around, but Priest fights the backslide! Priest throws Cody up and over but Cody kicks low to drop and RHODES UPPERCUT! Priest wobbles, Cody runs, but Priest ELBOWS him! Priest runs but Cody DROPKICKS him! Cody drags Priest up, wrenches, and ROCKS him! Cody wrenches again to an ELBOW BREAKER! Cody CLUBS the arm, throws hands in the corner, then climbs up. Fans fire up but Priest carries Cody out! Priest DECKS Cody, then shakes out the cobwebs.
Priest puts Cody in a corner, fires off and stomps away! The ref counts, Priest lets off, and he brings Cody up. Priest whips corner to corner hard, then adds the “Stage Dive” back elbow! Fans boo but Priest soaks it up. Priest brings Cody up and reels him in, but Cody suplexes first! And holds Priest up for a count of TEN before the GOURD BUSTER! But wait, here come Rhea & Dom after all. Mami and her baby boy storm down the ramp, but Cody rushes Priest. Priest dodges to ROUNDHOUSE from the corner! Priest then drags Cody to the corner, grins, but Cody YANKS Priest into the post!
Cody build speed and he DIVES onto Priest! Dom stares Cody down but Cody puts Priest int he ring. Cody dares Dom to do something but he just hides behind Rhea. Cody runs into the ring, but into a FLATLINER! Priest now has control as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Priest cravats but Cody throws body shots! Cody is free, he throws more hands, but Priest ROCKS him! And then BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Rhea is upset but the fans rally up. Priest clamps onto the arms and has a motorcycle stretch. Cody fights up and he throws more body shots. Cody HEADBUTTS, runs, but Priest FLAPJACKS him! Priest scuffs Cody, kicks him around, then brings him up. Priest runs to LARIAT! Dom & Rhea cheer as Priest covers, TWO! Priest is annoyed, Rhea argues the count again, but the fans rally up. Priest goes to a corner and climbs up.
Cody goes up after Priest! SUPER ARM-DRAG! Fans fire up as Cody rises up. Rhea tells the fans to shut up and Priest throws forearms. Cody throws shots, Priest KICKS! Cody ROCKS Priest, Priest KICKS a leg! Cody ROCKS Priest again, then JABS! JABS! JABS! Flip, flop and fly, but Priest kicks low! Priest runs but Cody dodges to CLOBBER him! Cody baits Priest to a corner, goes up and over and POWERSLAMS! Fans fire up again and Cody runs the ropes. Springboard, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Priest wobbles and Dom gets worried. Cody JABS! JABS! JABS! Flip, flop, fly! BIONIC ELBOW! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally for Cody while both men catch their breath. Cody stomps Priest, has the legs, and he steps through, but Priest boots him to the corner! Cody runs back in but is sent into buckles! DIRTY DEEDS!! Cover, TWO!! The headlock driver still doesn’t finish this, but Priest choke grips Cody. Cody slips outta the slam to spin Priest and dragon sleeper, but Priest clubs away! Priest is free, he runs back in but into a kick! Cody underhooks, to PEDIGREE!! Both men are down but Cody crawls after Priest. Priest rolls to the outside and is safe! Fans boo but Rhea & Dom coach Priest up.
Cody goes up the corner, aims, but Priest gets in the ring. Cody adjusts, jumps over Priest, and comes back into a JUMP KICK! Cover, TWO! Priest grows frustrated, but he keeps his eyes on Cody. Priest brings Cody up, UPPERCUTS him and Cody ends up in a corner. Priest runs in but Cody avoids the splash! Priest goes up, leaps, but into a SUPERKICK! Rhea distracts the ref, Dom trips Cody up at the ropes!! Fans boo but Priest choke grips! SOUTH OF HEAVEN SLAM!! Cover, TWO!?!? Cody survives and no one can believe it! The Judgment Day is furious, they planned that perfectly!
Priest drags Cody up, reels him in, and Dom argues with the ref. Priest lifts Cody, crucifix, but Cody escapes! Cody then sends Priest into Dom! Down goes Dom, CODY CUTTER!! And fans fire up with Cody as he dragon sleepers! CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall
Dom tried to get too dirty and it cost Priest this match! But then Dom CLOBBERS Cody from behind and runs away! Fans chant “DOM, YOU SUCK!” but Dom says he’ll see Cody on Saturday. Will all this only make things worse for Dom once he and Cody finally face off in London?
My Thoughts:
A really good Raw here, especially as a go-home. But luckily, they avoided Go Home Syndrome, and used new segments to help push things forward. Really good stuff out of Judgment Day the whole night, especially with them sandwiching the show. Good promos from Rhea, Dom & Cody to open the night, and good link back to the main event of Cody VS Priest. Great match out of Cody VS Priest, even with Dom & Rhea doing their best to help Priest. It works that Dom’s interference costs Priest. The go-home math says Dom will find a way to (cheat) win against Cody, maybe even a win thanks to Lesnar showing up to go after Cody and set up their third match. For Priest, he feels like a strong choice in the Men’s MITB, hence him losing here.
Also good stuff with Finn, Rollins and surprisingly, Melo. Great vignette promo from Finn to frame the story in his perspective, good live promo from Rollins to respond, and great brawl that Melo helps Rollins in. Melo VS Finn was a great match, but of course Finn wins. Finn needs momentum going into MITB, and this go-home math would say Rollins retains, to where he has to worry about Mr. MITB. As for Melo, his loss doesn’t really hurt him, it just makes sense since NXT is still more developmental than equal with RawDown. And plus, he’s still gonna beat Corbin, because it’s Corbin.
Good stuff out of Imperium and their various enemies. It was a bit redundant to have both Riddle’s social media promo and live promo, but the point is, we’re adding the Intercontinental Championship to MITB to make it an even bigger night. And great match out of Sami VS Gunther tonight, even with the overbooking of Imperium. Go-home math does bring into question if Gunther retains, but I would think he does also because of Imperium interfering. As for Sami & Kevin, they’ll surely retain against Pretty Deadly, but that will be a great match for the SmackDown go-home.
Ciampa VS Miz the rematch ending up No Contest was fine. Miz is angry out of his usual selfishness even though Ciampa is the one with the legitimate gripe. Maybe they try again next week, it actually happens, and Miz finds a way to win with cheating or something. Either way, we need more out of The Way, i.e. Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, Indi Hartwell & Dexter Lumis. Yes, Indi is hurt and Gargano is banged up, but where are the twisted sitcom vignette promos like we saw in NXT? They can communicate despite not being live, it’d be a nice way to keep them relevant in our minds and in story.
Really good match from Raquel VS Ronda to lead into a tag title match at MITB. I did not think they’d put that together so quickly, but I suppose there’s also no point stretching things out for an entire month to go into SummerSlam. I would think that means Ronda & Shayna retain at MITB, even though Ronda did sneak the win here on Raquel. Austin Theory set the precedent that MITB can cash in on any title now, so are they hoping to swerve us and give the Women’s MITB briefcase to like DMG CTRL so that they try and go after Ronda & Shayna? I would hope not, that ruins the DMG CTRL story of Iyo breaking away and turning Face.
Speaking of MITB, though, great “summit” promo. I like that Zelina not only kept up with Iyo in Japanese but also had La Chancla ready to go. And the go-home math seems pretty clear: Iyo Sky has the big spot but then Becky jinxes herself by touching the briefcase. I think it works better if Iyo wins out somehow, she could use it to get a feud with Asuka or whoever is champion after this week, as part of her breaking away from Bayley and going Face. And Becky has a good backstage promo with Rhea. Win or lose at MITB, Becky and Rhea should definitely feud going into SummerSlam. Natty has a good promo, too, but I have a feeling she’s going to go 0-3 in this crisis of confidence story.
I wish we got a bit more out of the Men’s MITB here, but I’m sure most of that go-home math happens on SmackDown. Ricochet VS Nakamura was great stuff, including the interactions with Bronson Reed. I kinda wish Bronson was finally added to MITB but he can still continue his feud with whichever guy he wants. Ricochet winning was a bit of a surprise but I feel like that keeps him from winning MITB now. Again, Priest feels like a strong choice given all the possibilities inside Judgment Day (for example: Finn is champ, Priest is Mr. MITB, will Finn trust Priest?) but maybe there could be some kind of Triple Threat, Ricochet VS Nakamura VS Bronson to determine a contender for the WHC at SummerSlam.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!
The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
- Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
- Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony Schiavone is in the ring!
Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!
Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!
Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!
And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?
Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!
The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.
Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.
Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!
Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!
The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.
Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.
Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!
Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!
Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!
Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall
The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!
The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?
The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!
Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!
Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall
Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…
Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!
Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!
Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.
Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall
Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?
Team Triple J speaks backstage.
Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!
While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!
Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!
Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!
Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.
Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!
Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!
Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!
Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!
Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!
Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)
If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.
Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.
And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Feel the StrongEST, the FastEST, the RoughEST, the ToughEST, and the BEST Glow!
With Jade Cargill out of action, Naomi is stepping in to help Bianca Belair defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships tonight on SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade; The Bloodline wins.
- Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes; Melo wins.
- Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley; Gargano wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae; Bianca & Naomi win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Solo Sikoa is here!
The fans boo as the “Undisputed” Tribal Chief leads the Samoan Werewolf and Good Bad Guy to the ring. Roman Reigns put out the challenge for Tribal Combat, and on January 6th, in Los Angeles, for the first-ever Monday Night Raw on Netflix, it will happen! But first, Solo and his Bloodline go to the ring, and the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells them all, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” The fans boo instead, as expected. Solo lets that slide, and he says, “Roman Reigns sat on his little boat with The Wise Man and decided to challenge me on January 6th to a Tribal Combat match for the ula fala on Monday Night Raw, the debut on Netflix.”
The fans “WHAT?” Solo says instead of saying that, the fans should ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. The fans boo more, but Solo says shut your mouths and listen to what THE Tribal Chief has to say! The fans continue to boo and they continue to chant, “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells Roman that if he wants Tribal Combat, if he wants to take THE Tribal Chief to war, then let’s do it! Solo will leave his Bloodline behind, “WHAT?” Roman will leave his behind, “WHAT?” They’ll leave the Wise Man behind. “WHAT?” Jimmy and Jey, too. So listen and listen carefully: On January 6th, Solo walks in and walks OUT as THE Tribal Chief!
The fans boo more but Solo says on January 6th, he will STILL be the Head of the Table! He will STILL be YOUR Tribal Chief! And he will STILL have the ula fala! So Roman, after Solo beats your ass in LA, Roman can go back out on his little boat, sail off to the Island of Irrelevancy, and Roman can finally ACKNOWLEDGE SOLO. But wait! Drew McIntyre is here!? The Scottish Terminator has already hit Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn, but let’s not forget Solo was chief among those who screwed McIntyre out of the world championship. Solo has Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga stand down as McIntyre goes to the ring.
McIntyre grabs a mic but Solo tells him, “I gotta admit, I was very happy when you kicked my brother, Jimmy, in the face last week. Yes, I was very, very happy. But you better have a damn good reason why you’re interrupting me.” McIntyre says he’ll make it quick because it causes McIntyre physical pain to be this close to Solo and not beating Solo within an inch of his life. You like what McIntyre did to Jimmy? What about Sami and Jey? McIntyre wants to know, when Solo lies in bed at night, is he asking when McIntyre is coming after him? Because Solo is the one that cost McIntyre the title at Clash at the Castle.
Solo is the one who caused McIntyre’s family the pain and misery that caused him more pain and misery! But Solo also stood up to Roman Reigns. The only one to have the balls to stand up to Roman! The rest of them acted tough, acted like they were going to do something, but Roman snapped his fingers, didn’t change one bit. McIntyre’s heart says jump Solo, but McIntyre’s head says he and Solo have the same goal. So here’s what McIntyre is thinking: McIntyre can start working through the hit list, taking out more and more OG Bloodline members, and Solo does one thing for him: Take out Roman for good.
The fans boo but McIntyre says once all that business is finished, then he and Solo can settle theirs. But then JIMMY yanks McIntyre out of the ring! And CRACKS him with the crutch! And again! And then he runs up to CLOBBER McIntyre! McIntyre goes running into the crowd, Jimmy does his best to pursue, but now here comes LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade! The Bloodline has a Six Man Tag on their hands, will Knight even let Solo make it to LA?
Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade!
The brawl is on, Apollo after Tama, Andrade after Jacob, and Knight after Solo! Solo shoves back, but Knight LARIATS him up and out! Apollo DUMPS Tama and Andrade BOOTS Jacob! Apollo BOOTS Jacob, then Andrade BOOTS him again! Jacob tumbles out but Solo has him stand down! The Bloodline regroups while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and the match is already going as Apollo ducks ‘n’ dodges Tama to then slide under. Tama keeps moving, Apollo hurdles over, drops down, then DROPKICKS! Apollo fires up and the fans are with him, then Apollo gorilla presses Tama! The fans fire up and Apollo marches around. Apollo says this is for Solo, and he DROPS Tama! Tama flounders, Apollo brings him over, and he tags in Knight. Knight fires hands on Tama, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight brings Tama around to whip but Tama reverses. Knight catches Tama for a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Tama is tougher than that but Knight stomps him.
Tag to Andrade and the unlikely partners mug Tama. Andrade CHOPS Tama, then has him in a corner. Andrade tags Apollo, they double whip Tama to DOUBLE ELBOW! Apollo covers, TWO! Tama stays in this but Apollo drags Tama up. Apollo ROCKS Tama, the fans rally, and Apollo ROCKS Tama again. Apollo tags Andrade back in, they mug Tama, but Tama fires body shots! Tama shoves Andrade but Andrade RANAS on the return! Tama tumbles out, Jacob runs in, but Andrade DUMPS him out! Tag to Apollo, and then Andrade climbs! Apollo builds speed, and Apollo FLIES while Andrade ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!
The fans fire up as Knight then gets in to keep Solo back! Knight dares Solo to try something, but Solo stays back. Knight goes back to his corner while Apollo puts Tama in. The fans fire up as Apollo reels Tama in. Tama fires body shots and switches to a waistlock. Apollo elbows free, but Jacob sneaks a tag! Tama shoves Apollo and Jacob BODY CHECKS Apollo! The Werewolf is all geeked up while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Solo whips Apollo to ELBOW him down! Solo throws up the one but the fans boo. Solo drags Apollo up, bumps him off buckles, and the fans rally. Solo UPPERCUTS Apollo down, then stalks him along the ropes. Solo drags Apollo up but Apollo fires hands! Solo keeps Apollo from his corner but Apollo throws more shots! Solo whips Apollo hard into the Bloodline corner! Tag to Jacob and he looms over Apollo. Jacob drags Apollo up to scoop and SLAM! The fans boo but Jacob runs to SENTON, onto knees! Apollo saves himeslf and both men are down! They crawl, hot tag to Andrade!
El Idolo dodges Jacob, BLASTS Tama then ROCKS Solo! Andrade fires hands on Jacob, runs, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARM! Jacob tumbles to a corner while Andrade kips up! The fans fire up and chant “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade runs in, CIEN SHADOWES! Cover, TWO!! Jacob survives but Andrade keeps his cool. Andrade goes up a corner, MOONSAULT DOUBLE! Cover, TWO!! Andrade is frustrated now as Jacob survives again! Andrade thinks on what to do, and he brings Jacob up. Andrade fires forearms but Jacob grabs Andrade’s neck! Andrade fights free and fires more shots, but Solo sneaks a tag!
Andrade whips, Jacob reverses, but Andrade KICKS Jacob away! Jacob just roars! Andrade runs up, Jacob FLAPJACKS him into Solo’s HOTSHOT! That combo sends Andrade tumbling out to the floor, and Solo brings him up to POST him! The fans boo as The Bloodline stands tall, and Solo shows off his ula fala. Solo goes back to Andrade and puts him in the ring. Tag to Jacob, and Jacob whips for a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Andrade sputters and coughs while Jacob is geeked up again, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob watches Andrade crawl to the apron, and waits for him to go to a corner. Andrade sits up but into the HIP ATTACK! Jacob snarls as he kicks Andrade around. Tag to Solo and he whips Jacob for Jacob to whip him! Another HIP ATTACK on Andrade! Solo scowls at the fans, then talks trash on Andrade. Solo drags Andrade by his foot and brings him over to tag Tama. Tama then slingshot ELBOW DROPS! Andrade sputters more but Tama covers, TWO! Andrade is still in this, but Tama rains down fists on Andrade to keep him down! Tama HAMMERS and CLUBS Andrade, then he talks smack on Apollo and Knight.
Tama kicks Andrade to the Bloodline corner, drags him back up, and then fires a BODY SHOT! Andrade sputters, Tama tags Jacob, and then Jacob whips Tama in for a STINGER SPLASH! Andrade falls over, Jacob clamps claws into the shoulders! Andrade endures, fights up, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down! Jacob clamps the claws on again and really digs into Andrade’s shoulders! Andrade kicks and flails in pain but Jacob just thrashes him around more! Jacob shouts at Andrade but Andrade fights up to his feet! Andrade fires body shots, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down again! Jacob stalks Andrade to a corner as SmackDown returns to single picture.
The fans boo but Jacob rains down fists in the corner! Jacob then sucker punches Apollo! Andrade sits up, Jacob runs in, but Andrade moves! Hip attack hits buckles and the fans fire up! Andrade and Jacob crawl, Solo shouts for Jacob to get up! Jacob grabs Andrade’s foot and brings him up! Andrade ENZIGIRIS free! Hot tags to Tama and The Mega Star! The fans are thunderous as Knight dodges then CLOBBERS Tama! Tama flounders to a corner, Knight stomps away on him, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” The ref counts, Knight stops at 4, but then he CLOBBERS Jacob! KNEE for Tama! Solo runs up to TOSS Knight!
Knight dodges Solo in the corner and hits a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up even more and Knight tags Apollo. Knight hits Tama with the BIG back suplex! Apollo goes up top for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives but Apollo clamps on with a CROSSFACE! Knight WRECKS Jacob with a dropkick, and the Samoan Werewolf tumbles up and over the desk! Knight goes out to say that’s what Jacob gets, BUT SHINSUKE IS HERE!? Nakamura CLOBBERS Knight into the desk! The King of Strong Style gets away with that while the ref was busy checking Tama! Solo CLOBBERS Apollo, but Andrade whips Solo!
Solo reverses and ELBOWS Andrade! Solo drags Tama to their corner and then tags in. Solo aims at Apollo, HIP ATTACK! Solo hauls Apollo up, URENAGE! And then SAMOAN SPIKE!! Cover, Bloodline wins!!
Winners: The Bloodline, by pinfall
It seems Drew McIntyre isn’t the only one who is surprisingly on Solo’s side. The sinister samurai made sure to strike from the shadows to screw over Knight, will Knight make sure Nakamura comes to regret it? As for Solo, he is rolling towards the Raw Netflix debut, will he not need his Bloodline to retain the ula fala?
Backstage interview with Motor City Machine Guns.
Byron Saxton is with Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin ahead of the emotional grudge match. Shelley takes on his former friend, student, and the man who betrayed MCMG to take those WWE Tag Team Championships. That man is Johnny Gargano, so what thoughts are flowing through Shelley’s mind? Shelley says it is one thought: Payback. Sabin says they’ve known Gargano almost 20 YEARS, and only now does Gargano let the mask fall away to show us the truth. Shelley says it cuts a lot deeper when it’s someone you considered a little brother. Shelley tells Johnny that he makes sure Gargano knows he made the BIGGEST mistake of his life.
Sabin asks Shelley if he’s ready to do this. Shelley says this is something he has to do alone. He wants to see if Gargano is man enough to do the same. Sabin says okay, let’s get warmed up. Shelley wants a 1v1 shootout with Johnny Wrestling, but will Gargano do anything but do this himself?
SmackDown shares footage from after Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Byron Saxton was with Chelsea Green & Piper Niven and said before anything else, congratulations. Chelsea pats herself on the back, Piper pats Chelsea a bit, too, and Byron takes her back through the closing moments. Unpretty-Her on Michin, the bell rings, and we hear Lilian Garcia say the words, “AND NEW Women’s United States Champion, Chelsea Green.” What went through her mind? Chelsea takes out her gum and puts it in “Bryan’s” hand, and then tells him that she always knew this would happen. He might be surprised, and that’s so cute, but she wasn’t. She’s been doing this for ten YEARS, and worked her entire life to be an overnight success.
This is Chelsea’s time! Red, white and Green! Say it with her, Bryan! #RedWhiteAndGreen. So then, let’s talk the historical significance. Chelsea will now go down in the history books as the FIRST-EVER Women’s US Champion, so how does she’s now synonymous with the likes of Harley Race, the first-ever Men’s US Champion? She would say, “Duh.” She’s in the books where she belongs. Probably should’ve been three years ago, but she was released. It should’ve been way back in 2015, but she wasn’t hired. So now is the time. NOW IS THE FREAKIN’ TIME!! Yes, it is her time. What does a Chelsea Green reign look like going forward?
Chelsea says it looks like she’s going to Disneyland, so she’s got a plane to catch. Can they wrap this up? Of course. Have fun in Disneyland. Yes, well-deserved. Piper calls for champagne. Will we never hear the end of this now that Chelsea has gold to go with the ego?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“What happened after Saturday Night’s Main Event was not my fault. There’s a lot of people to blame for it. Cody Rhodes, the referees, Nick Aldis, WWE Management, they’re all to blame. I was screwed out of winning that championship. What happened to me is a travesty, a tragedy! I should be standing here Undisputed WWE Champion, but I’m not. But I took this (the Winged Eagle belt) because I deserve it. And I’m not giving it back until I get what i want. Everyone needs to understand, you can only push a man so much until they snap. But the good news is, I haven’t snapped yet.
“It can all get so much worse, trust me. You don’t want me to snap. So Cody, Nick Aldis, WWE officials, what happens next is on all of you.” The Prizefighter has said his piece, will he hold the championship hostage until his demands are met?
DIY talks backstage.
Ciampa gets it, Gargano’s known MCMG a long time. So it surprises Ciampa that Shelley is so dumb! He wants this grudge match but he can’t win the tag titles back in a singles match. So what’s he doing? Gargano says Shelley wants his payback, that’s obvious. But Shelley wants to challenge Gargano’s manhood?! Gargano is all man! He made a kid! Yeah, Papa John, Daddy Ciampa, of course they made kids. But Shelley did specify that he wants to do this on his own, so Ciampa knows what that means, right? Ciampa has to stay backstage, too. Gargano will handle business by himself. He’s not some naive 18-year-old kid with a dream anymore! Dream came true!
Gargano will go remind Shelley that he’s Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling! So Ciampa can just relax right back here. Ciampa says go get him! Ciampa won’t even move a muscle from here, you can trust him. Can he? Or is this all another facade to lower everyone’s guard?
It’s an all new Grayson Waller Effect!
A-Town Down Under is already in the ring, and fans boo as Austin Theory & Grayson Waller show off the abs. Waller then welcomes us to the Grayson Waller- And Austin Theory…! Effect. The hottest show keeps getting hotter cuz Waller gets scoop after scoop, lads. And tonight is a big scoop! A big, BIG scoop! The first transfer from Raw to SmackDown, it’s the Monster of All Monsters, BRAUN STROWMAN! The fans cheer as Braun makes his way to the ring, and he’s coming out as Santa Braun! Or perhaps, Strowman Claus? Either way, Braun throws free merchandise to the fans, what a gift for Christmas!
Braun empties the bag and then goes to the ring. Turns out, nothing for Waller & Theory! Waller sits behind the desk and thanks Braun for coming. And how nice of Braun to help all the poor here in Hartford. The fans boo and Braun asks if Waller’s really starting this like that. Is he really trying to piss Braun off already? No no no! Braun is right, it really is nice. And this is big! The biggest acquisition in SmackDown history! On the biggest talk show in WWE history! Braun says it doesn’t get any bigger than this, baby! The fans cheer and Waller says before we start, he knows how this goes, sometimes.
Waller just wants us to know that he invested a lot of money into the new set. Maybe we continue to spread Christmas cheer and have a civil conversation. No damage. Well, if Waller runs his mouth, then Braun can promise he’ll wear Waller out using all the stuff in here. Waller says he’s a bit surprised Braun agreed to this. If no one has said before, but Braun is a little intimidating. But the more Waller thought about it, the more it made sense. Even Braun sees the sense in associating with ATDU! The fans boo and Braun says he threw up a little bit in his mouth, and that get a good laugh.
Waller says okay, but SmackDown’s a bit scary right now. Bloodline is going wild, people are getting attacked backstage, and you don’t wanna be alone in the car park. Sorry, parking lot. Braun asks if Waller knows who he’s talking to. No, he didn’t mean anything by it. Waller just figures, it’d be a good idea if Braun looked after Braun for once. And that means setting up the ultimate alliance. Braun Strowman & A-Town Down Under as the same team! They’d be untouchable! The cunning and intelligence of Waller & Theory, Braun’s strength. Get it? Brains & Braun. Braun says he already told Waller to watch his mouth! Does Waller want his set shoved up his-
Wait! Carmelo Hayes makes his way out here! Braun sighs and Melo says no, no, no, cut this out. Melo has a bone to pick with Braun. Aldis thought he was going to humble Melo by setting him up against Braun. Everybody here knows that that wasn’t fair. But newsflash, Nick Aldis, you can’t humble greatness! Melo might lose, but he’ll never quit. So Braun, “you big ugly dumb Santa Claus b*tch,” let’s run this thing back right here, right now! Cuz now, Melo’s ready! Braun says if Melo didn’t learn his lesson last week, Braun will remind him what the Braun Strowman Effect is! Waller & Theory run away as Braun grabs the fake palm trees!
Braun CHUCKS trees at Melo but Melo just laughs. Will Melo not miss the game winner in this rematch? Or will Braun be the one to humble H1M?
Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes!
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Braun chuckles at Melo wanting to tie up. They do tie up but then Melo slips around to KICK the leg! Braun just brushes that off as he and Melo circle. Melo uses the ropes and even the ref as a shield so Braun backs off. Melo comes back, taunts Braun, then drops back to ropes. The ref wants Braun to let off, and Braun does, but then Melo sucker punches him! Melo talks smack, then whips, but Braun blocks! B raun shakes his head, whips Melo, but Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides out. Melo says safe! Melo says he’s smart, but then gets spooked as Braun storms up to ropes!
The ref has Braun stay back, and Melo gets cocky again. Braun signals to the fans that he’s taking a lap and the fans fire up. Braun goes outside, builds speed, but Melo runs! Melo slides into the ring, Braun gets on the apron, but Melo KICKS him! The fans boo but Melo hits the FADE AWAY! Braun flounders, Melo CLUBS and KNEES and repeat! Braun SHOVES Melo out of the ring! Braun shakes it off then storms back up on Melo. Braun YANKS Melo up by his hair! And then he TOSSES Melo across the way! The fans fire up and Braun drags Melo up again. Braun whips, Melo dropkicks the legs out! Braun falls, Melo runs, FADE AWAY, but into Braun’s hands!
Braun pops Melo up, but Melo SPIKE-RANAS! Braun sputters and Melo soaks up heat. Braun rises up like the monster he is! Melo turns around, Braun runs up, but Melo DUMPS Braun out! Melo BOOTS Braun away, then gets cocky again. Melo goes out the side and he runs up a la Braun. But Braun BOOTS Melo right down! The fans fire up and Braun looms over Melo. Braun drags Melo up, whips him at steps, but Melo goes up! Melo leaps, but into Braun’s arms! We’re at 7 of 10 as Melo slips free! Melo SLAPS Braun! Braun grabs Melo by the neck and TOSSES him into the ring! We’re at 10!! MELO WINS!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by count out
Talk about rope-a-dope! Melo steals this win by getting the better of Braun’s anger! Braun scowls at smart-aleck Melo, and he storms in! Melo runs out to the crowd and into the night, but Braun pursues! Will Melo #GetTheseHands one way or another?
Nia Jax and Candice LeRae talk backstage.
They’re both excited for the tag title match tonight, because Nia can become a double champion. Tiffany Stratton walks in and Nia says there she is! Tiff wishes them luck tonight, and cannot wait to be there ringside when the ref raises their hands. Nia gets a guilty look on her face and Candice tells Tiff that they were talking… It’s best if Tiff stays in the back. But hey, she can take some notes if she wants. And if she wants to help, she can prepare champagne, balloons and maybe even streamers. They’re gonna need all that after the big win. So Tiff should get on that while Candice & Nia strategize.
Tiff looks to Nia but Nia just says, “Thanks, Tiff.” Tiff leaves, Nia shrugs off the guilt and says she and Candice are ready. Candice is sure Tiff will have the most beautiful party ready for them. Will the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie succeed in taking the tag titles for their own? Or will it be Bianca & Naomi having that champagne to celebrate?
Melo returns backstage.
And he’s on high alert knowing Braun is still hunting him down. Melo bumps into Legado Del Fantasma, and then Braun storms up! Braun asks where Melo went. Santos Escobar says screw that, he’s no snitch. Braun says not telling is gonna get Santos worse. Angel steps in and says Melo went that way. Braun thanks Angel and storms off after Melo. But then Pretty Deadly asks Braun to please read through their script. Braun slaps the script down and says he doesn’t care about their stupid musical! But then Melo SMACKS Braun with a chair! And SMACKS him again! Melo talks trash before heading out, but Braun gets back up.
Braun is angrier than ever, and he still hunts Melo down! Is there going to be nothing left of H1M after Braun #GetsTheseHands on him?
Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley!
Longtime friendships thrown away in order to get ahead is practically cliche in pro-wrestling, but to think Johnny Wrestling would be the kind to do that. Will Shelley make Gargano regret ever treating 20 YEARS like it was nothing?
The bell rings and Gargano runs up! Shelley dodges to fire hands, then he bumps Gargano off buckles. Shelley stomps a mudhole in, then stands Gargano up to dig his forearm in! The ref counts, Shelley lets off, then he climbs up to rain down fists! Gargano YANKS Shelley down! Shelley flounders, Gargano CHOPS Shelley to a corner, then he mocks the MCMG hand pointing. Gargano CHOPS Shelley, ROCKS him, then wrenches him to whip corner to corner. Gargano runs up but Shelley ELBOWS him away! Shelley goes up to FLYING KNEE! And then he CLOBBERS Gargano! The fans fire up as Shelley drags Gargano up.
Shelley wrenches, hammerlocks, but Gargano elbows free! Gargano brings Shelley around to schoolboy ROUNDHOUSE! Shelley sputters, Gargano brings him up, and Gargano says he’s no longer the student. Gargano ROCKS Shelley, stomps away, but stops as the ref counts. Gargano soaks up heat, then shakes out his left hand before he runs up. Shelley puts Gargano on the apron to HOTSHOT! Gargano falls, Shelley aims, and Shelley slingshots to stomp Gargano’s bad hand! Gargano staggers away, but runs back up on Shelley, only for Shelley to jump the sweep! SUPERKICK! Then FLYING KNEE!
The fans fire up while Gargano goes down, and Shelley says that’s what Gargano gets while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Gargano has Shelley in a clinch. Gargano fires body shots, then he hits a JAWBREAKER! Gargano goes to a corner, Shelley runs up, but Gargano BOOTS back! Gargano runs up and slips around Shelley to SLINGBLADE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gargano is frustrated but he stalks Shelley to the apron. Gargano brings Shelley up, talks more smack, and he fireman’s carries. Shelley slips out but Gargano ROCKS him! SLINGSHOT- SUPERKICK! Shelley takes Gargano out of the air and both men are down! The fans rally up, and Shelley stands to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again!
Shelley CHOPS, whips, then kitchen sink knees! And then PENALTY KICKS! Ghost pin, TWO! Gargano escapes, but Shelley wants the arm! Shelley uses the Garga- NO, Gargano turns chicken wing into roll up, TWO!! Shelley escapes, clinches, and spins Gargano, ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Shelley wants the arm again! The fans rally as Shelley drags Gargano up, wrenches and wristlocks, but Gargano ROCKS Shelley with forearms! Shelley CHOPS back, CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Shelley wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! But Gargano ENZIGIRIS! Shelley runs up, Gargano dodges and SUPERKICKS!
Gargano scoops Shelley, takes aim at a corner, LAWN DART! Cover, TWO!! Shelley survives and the fans rally up! Gargano grows frustrated but he brings Shelley around. Gargano wants the arm now! GargaNO Escape, but Shelley says NO to that! They both fight up, end up in a corner, and the ref counts. Gargano lets off, to then ROCK Shelley with a cheap shot! Gargano runs up, but into a BUCKLE SHOT! Shelley shakes out the stars and he goes to the corner. The fans fire up as Shelley climbs, but Ciampa shows up! Gargano GAMANGIRIS Shelley down! But wait, here comes Sabin! Ciampa violated the deal first so Sabin’s not letting him do worse!
Gargano climbs up while Sabin chases Ciampa off, but Shelley SHOVES Gargano! CROSSBODY! Gargano rolls through, and pulls tights! Gargano wins!!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall
Distraction tactic and pulling the tights? Gargano has no shame! But he and Ciampa have the WWE Tag Team Championships, so is that all that matters?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Naomi.
Byron Saxton is at gorilla with The EST & The Glow, and before they head to the ring, he wants to recap the crazy couple of weeks. The mysterious attack on Jade Cargill, the big win at Survivor Series in WarGames, and now they can solidify themselves as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bianca says these past few weeks have been rough to say the least. And while you can trust Bianca will find out what happened to Jade, you best believe they won’t be stripped of the tag titles. That’s just what the culprit wants and Bianca isn’t going down without a fight. Thankfully, Bianca has a friend who always has her back.
Naomi says yeah, she’s got her back forever! And she can never turn down a good “snatch ‘n’ drag.” But she also knows how important these titles are to Bianca & Jade, and they’re just as important to her. Naomi will go out there and do everything she has to in order to keep the titles. Bianca holds out Jade’s belt to Naomi, but Naomi says no. Not until she’s earned it. Bianca says okay, and the music hits. Naomi is fired up, will this be the StrongEST Glow yet?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae!
SmackDown returns as the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie make their entrance together. The introductions are made, the tag titles are raised, and we see who is truly the strongest duo!
The teams sort out and Bianca starts against Candice. They tie up as the fans rally, and Bianca powers Candice right to a corner. But Candice pulls the braid! The ref reprimands, Candice shoves Bianca, then pie faces her! But Bianca SHOVES Candice to the corner! Bianca runs up but into an elbow! Candice goes up but Bianca ROCKS her! Bianca gorilla presses Candice but Candice scrambles free! Candice hurries away and she tags in Nia. Bianca says bring it and the fans rally for the “E S T! E S T!” Nia and Bianca tie up, Bianca headlocks, but Nia powers up and out. Tiff is watching backstage as Nia scoops Bianca, only for Bianca to slip free.
Bianca runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and DROPKICKS! Nia rebounds but Bianca avoids the elbow drop! Bianca tags Naomi then sets Nia up! Naomi and Bianca both run the ropes, Bianca handsprings, SPLIT LEG DROP AND MOONSAULT COMBO! Naomi covers, TWO! Naomi hurries back after Nia but Nia shoves her away. Naomi slides under the lariat then mule kicks! Naomi runs but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Nia drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Naomi stays in this for Bianca’s sake but Nia storms back up as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nia DRIBBLES Naomi off the mat, then stares Bianca down. Nia stalks Naomi to a corner, puts her on ropes, and CHOKES her! The ref counts, Nia lets off, and then Nia drags Naomi over to the corner. Nia traps Naomi while she tags Candice. Nia fires some elbows before backing off, and Candice RAMS Naomi! Candice ROCKS Naomi, sits her down, then stomps a mudhole in. Candice taunts Bianca, drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Candice CLUBS Naomi down, then clamps on with a top wristlock. Naomi endures while Candice leans on the hold. Naomi fights up, arm-drags free, then hurries for her corner!
Candice scrambles after Naomi and THROWS her by her hair! Candice stomps Naomi to the corner, tags Nia, and Nia runs up to HIP ATTACK! Nia taunts Bianca, drags Naomi up, and clamps on with a cobra clutch! Nia leans on Naomi to grind her down. Naomi endures, fights up, and JAWBREAKERS free! Nia staggers around, but she scoops Naomi! Naomi slips free to the apron and HOTSHOTS Nia! Naomi BOOTS Candice. RAMS Nia, then reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Naomi is down, but she BOOTS Nia away before heading for her corner. Candice hurries and tags in, but Naomi hot tags Bianca!
Bianca rallies on Candice with shoulder tackles and DROPKICK! Bianca kips up, wrenches, and suplexes Candice! SmackDown returns to single picture as Candice slips free! Candice dodges Bianca, Nia sneaks a tag, and Bianca scoops Candice for a GUT BUSTER! Bianca runs at the corner to RAM Candice, then she climbs up! The ref tries to explain but Nia runs up! Bianca backflips up and over! Nia almost squashes Candice, but she turns around. Bianca dodges Nia, but Candice hits a CODE BREAKER! SAMOAN DROP from Nia! Cover, TWO! Bianca survives and the fans fire up! Nia snarls as she drags Bianca into a motorcycle stretch!
Bianca endures and the fans rally up. Bianca fights up but Nia POSTS her first! Nia then mocks the fans with clapping, then she scuffs Bianca. Nia dares Bianca to tag, then she THROWS Bianca by the braid! Bianca goes to ropes, and Nia pulls the braid around them! The ref reprimands, Nia lets off, but Candice gets her shots in! The fans boo but Bianca gets away. Nia soaks up the heat and then brings Bianca around. Nia has the cobra clutch back on and she thrashes Bianca around. The fans rally as Bianca endures, and Bianca fights back up. Nia kicks Bianca but Bianca rebounds to reel Nia in!
Bianca tries to suplex but Nia’s too big! Nia shoves Bianca to the corner, but Bianca BOOTS back! Bianca ELBOWS Candice, runs up on Nia, but Nia picks her up! Nia RAMS Bianca into the corner! Tag to Candice and she climbs. Nia holds Bianca up, Candice MISSILE DROPKICKS Bianca into the SPINEBUSTER! Candice then BLASTS Bianca off the apron, then uses Nia as the step for the STEP-UP SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives, she’s the toughEST for a reason! Candice is frustrated and she CLUBS away on Bianca! The fans rally for “E S T! E S T!” Bianca throws a body shot but Candice CLUBS her down again.
Candice tags Nia and Nia pulls the braid to keep Bianca back. Nia whips Bianca to Candice but Bianca slips around. Candice standing switches, Nia runs up, but Bianca ducks and Nia clips Candice! Bianca scrambles while Nia checks Candice, hot tag to Naomi! Naomi LARIATS Nia but Nia stays up! So Naomi UPPERCUTS Nia! Nia still stays up! Naomi dodges, goes up the ropes, FLYING CHUCK! Nia wobbles and the fans fire up with Naomi! Naomi reels Nia in but Nia whips her away! Naomi BOOTS from the corner, then goes up! FLYING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nia stays in this but Naomi pounds the mat.
The fans rally up, Naoim brings Nia up, but Nia HEADBUTTS her! Nia runs up at the corner, but Naomi dodges to POST her! Nia is down, Naomi goes up! SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT FLOPS as Nia moves! Nia CLUBS Naomi, puts her in the drop zone, then goes up! But Naomi SMACKS Nia off the post! Tag to Bianca, and Naomi gets under Nia?! POWERBOMB!! Naomi drags Nia into the drop zone! Bianca aims for the 450!! Cover, CANDICE BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, Nia is busted open from hitting that post, but here comes TIFFANY! Is she doing what it looks like? Tiff cheers on Candice & Nia, no cash-in yet.
Candice tags in, goes after Bianca, but Bianca RAMS Candice into the corner! Bianca runs but into a BOOT! Candice goes up, TORNADO DDT! Cover, Naomi GAMANGIRIS Candice! Fans cheer “CASH IT IN!” at Tiff but Bianca tags in Naomi. Nia sneaks a tag, and as the Naomi goes after Candice, the ref has to explain. In that distraction, Nia asks for the briefcase! Tiff is conflicted, but she hands it over. But then the ref sees Nia with it! Bianca HANDSPRING KICKS Nia off the apron! Nia falls right at Tiff’s feet! Bianca tags Naomi, then PLANCHAS onto Nia! Naomi has Candice but Candice cradles! TWO!! Naomi KNEES Candice down!
Naomi hurries up, up and SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, NAOMI & BIANCA WIN!
Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Tiff’s hesitation costs Nia, and that means Naomi has earned that title belt! Bianca personally hands it to her and the two celebrate together. Will they hold onto the titles all the way ’til Jade is back in action? Or will a team come along that outshines even the StrongEST Glow?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of SmackDown here, though I think it was also prerecorded. They were in Hartford last week, weren’t they? And I thought that was prerecorded given how Jimmy Uso’s promo was received… But speaking of, good stuff from Bloodline to open. McIntyre calling a true with Solo was a bit of a surprise, but I suppose we should’ve seen that coming with how McIntyre is a Heel and often a hypocrite. Jimmy going after McIntyre was also good stuff, he can clearly still be a factor even with a bad toe. Very good Six Man Tag, too, but I should’ve known Nakamura would interfere and cost Knight’s team. Good win for Solo, and we’ve still got a couple weeks before Raw on Netflix, so the go-home math will still sort out with the first SmackDown of 2025.
Very good promos from MCMG and DIY, and of course Ciampa still went out to ringside despite the “promise” he made. And of course Gargano cheated, but that adds heat to the coming tag title rematch. They might even put that on the first SmackDown of 2025 to hype it up. Especially as I think it’s going to be the first THREE HOUR SmackDown. NBC is willing to do that knowing Raw is going to Netflix, meaning SmackDown will get more time to do more great things, which works with all the belts we’ve got now.
Good stuff with Braun and the Grayson Waller Effect, but of course we set up more between Braun and Melo. Clever move for Melo to win by count out, and of course Melo gets cocky for it. Braun was almost classic Braun with how he shrugged the chair shots off backstage. We’ll of course get one more Braun VS Melo, and maybe someone from Legado or Pretty Deadly screws Braun over given how he treated them. Very good promo from Chelsea after her big win on Saturday, and I’m sure she’ll be celebrating this win in both kayfabe and real-life through the holidays, ready to start her first title feud on January 3rd.
Very good promo from Kevin Owens, but I feel like he had to contradict himself here from what he said during the Raw on Netflix “kickoff show” on Wednesday. Kevin said then that he’s going to act as the defending champion with the holiday house show tour, but he said here he isn’t the champion since he got screwed. Either way, he’ll really play up how he is somehow the victim in all this, making the return of Cody Rhodes all the better. We’ll surely get one last match of Cody VS Kevin, maybe with a big stipulation on it, and then we’ll have a moment of (more than likely) Cody holding up both Winged Eagle and corporate logo championships.
And of course, very good stuff in the two main Smackdown women’s stories. That promo from Nia, Candice and Tiff was really good because you kinda feel for Tiff being treated as the odd one out. And then very good promo right before the match with Bianca & Naomi. I like Naomi wanting to earn the belt, and we got a great tag match. Nia surely got busted open “hard way,” aka legitimately, that post surely has edges you gotta watch out for. But Tiff showing up was of course for the briefcase distraction, not cashing in. Tiff hasn’t been pushed that far yet, that might come with the Netflix debut. But Naomi & Bianca of course retained the titles, that’ll cue up Jade making a return to identify her attacker, and it might be Naomi after all…
My Score: 8.8/10
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