Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (7/30/23)
C & D, round 5!
Who will lead the way into the home stretch?
Things are getting wild as the G1 Climax enters round five, and C Block has no clear leader! Will Tama Tonga, David Finlay or EVIL pull away from the pack?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: HENARE VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Toru Yano VS Jeff Cobb; Yano wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Eddie Kingston VS Mikey Nicholls; Eddie wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Alex Coughlin; Naito wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: EVIL VS Tomohiro Ishii; Evil wins.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Shane Haste; ZSJ wins.
- G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS Tama Tonga; Time Limit Draw.
- G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Hirooki Goto; Tanahashi wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current C Block standings.
Tama Tonga: 3-1, 6 points
David Finlay: 3-1, 6 points
EVIL: 3-1, 6 points
Eddie Kingston: 2-2, 4 points
Shingo Takagi: 2-2, 4 points
Mikey Nicholls: 1-3, 2 points
Aaron Henare: 1-3, 2 points
Tomohiro Ishii: 1-3, 2 points
Here are the current D Block standings.
Jeff Cobb: 4-0, 8 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 3-1, 6 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 2-2, 4 points
Shane Haste: 2-2, 4 points
Tetsuya Naito: 2-2, 4 points
Hirooki Goto: 2-2, 4 points
Alex Coughlin: 1-3, 2 points
Toru Yano: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
G1 Climax 33, C Block: HENARE VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!
The Face of Fury is hanging on by a thread and time is running out! Will Henare be able to Rampage all over The Rebel? Or will Finlay fight his way back up to the top of the block?
The bell rings and fans rally as the two circle. They go forehead to forehead, then Finlay shoves Henare. Henare fires off a shot and the brawl is on! It’s fast and furious already, but Henare gets the edge! Henare HEADBUTTS, runs, and runs Finlay over! Fans fire up and Henare sits Finlay up to KICK him! And SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer as Henare storms around. Finlay goes to the apron, but Henare drags him up! Finlay HOTSHOTS, then tackles Henare to rain down fists! The ref counts, Finlay lets off, but then he throws Henare out! Finlay goes out after Henare, throws more hands and he sits Henare down at the railing.
Finlay SLAMS Henare back against the railing! And again! And again! The ref reprimands, Finlay argues with him, but Finlay drags Henare up and onto the apron. Finlay ELBOWS Henare against the edge! And again! Finlay crawls in to cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Finlay flips them off. Finlay drops a leg and then another! Cover, TWO! Finlay drags Henare up and turns him to hit a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Finlay gets in the ref’s face but the ref says his count was fair. Finlay KNEES Henare in the back and clamps on a chinlock! Henare endures, reaches out, but Finlay pulls Henare against his knee!
Henare fights up, throws body shots, but Finlay clinches to IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Henare survives but Finlay wraps on another chinlock! Finlay shifts around, it’s almost a Bully Choke! Henare reaches for Finlay’s head, but Finlay BITES Henare’s hand! The ref reprimands, Finlay stops biting but he keeps on the chinlock. Finlay pushes Henare to a cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Finlay clamps on a cravat neck wrench. Henare endures, fights up, and throws body shots! Finlay UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! Henare ends up in a corner, Finlay runs in but into an ELBOW!
Henare storms up but Finlay fires a forearm! Finlay runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! We pass five minutes as Finlay flounders to a corner. Henare storms over and he throws heavy body shots! The fans fire up with Henare and he whips corner to corner, to then clothesline! Henare whips to ropes, to scoop, BERSERKER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Finlay hangs tough but Henare snarls. Henare waits on Finlay to sit up, then Henare runs to PENALTY- NO, Finlay blocks! But Henare throws palm strikes from all sides! Fans rally, Henare blocks a kick to step over and WHEEL KICK! And then PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally up again and Henare goes to a corner. Henare stomps the mat and the fans clap along. Henare fires himself up, runs in, RAMPAGE- NO, Finlay fights with furious elbows! Finlay whips but Henare comes back! RAMP- SATELLITE DDT!! Gedo is all fired up as Finlay turns it around again! Finlay drags Henare up to throw crossface forearms! Finlay just keeps clubbing away! Gedo tells Henare to give it up, and Finlay runs, BLINDSIDER! Cover, TWO!! Henare is still in this and fans fire up! Finlay drags Henare up, but Henare fights the lift with elbows! Henare shoves Finlay to a corner, runs in, but Finlay dodges the Shining Wizard!
Finlay DUMPS Henare to the floor! Finlay then goes out to fetch Henare, and fireman’s carries so he can POST him! Henare goes down in a heap but Finlay has the ref move aside. Finlay puts Henare in the ring, drags him back up, for a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Henare is still in this and fans fire up again! Finlay is stunned and frustrated and we pass 10 minutes! Finlay pulls the kneepad down and slashes his throat. Finlay drags Henare up but Henare’s dead weight! Finlay CLUBS away on Henare, hauls him up again, but Henare fights free! BUSAIKU KNEE!! Fans fire up again as Finlay flounders!
Henare drags Finlay up, fisherman and STREETS- NO, Finlay slips free to RAM Henare into buckles! Finlay checks his chin, but Henare rises!? Finlay fires off forearms and HEADBUTTS, but that does nothing! ROLLING ELBOW! Henare wobbles, but he HEADBUTTS in return! Fans fire up again, and now Henare brings his kneepad down! Henare runs in, SHINING WIZARD in the corner! Henare shoves Finlay out, runs in, RAMPAGE!! But Henare isn’t done there! Henare drags Finlay up, STREETS- NO, Finlay slips free again! Finlay backslides, Henare rolls through, but Finlay suplexes him INTO OBLIVION!! Cover, Finlay wins!
Winner: David Finlay, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Henare earns 0)
Finlay redeems himself with a victory here, and he crosses Henare off the list at the same time! Will Finlay show that the G1 needs The Rebel?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Toru Yano VS Jeff Cobb!
The Clown Prince having no wins at this point, and the Imperial Unit having no losses, it is obvious who’s still alive in the standings. But can Yano pull off the ultimate trick and spoil things for Cobb? Or will he take a Tour of the Island?
Cobb wants the ref to check Yano, that lump in his shirt is suspicious! Yano says it’s nothing, stop looking. Yano keeps the ref from frisking him, but Cobb rushes in to attack! Cobb whips, Yano reverses and throws Cobb down! The bell rings, and Yano unties a buckle pad! The ref reprimands, but Cobb storms up to ROCK Yano! Cobb pulls up the shirt to reveal several rolls of tape! And also beer and snack foods? Yano apologizes, and offers the beer and snacks as a peace offering! But then Yano goes to low blow! Cobb blocks it with one hand! And hands over the beer to the ref at the same time! Then Cobb reels Yano in for an ATHLETIC PLEX!
Cobb then goes back to the beer, cracks it open and takes a sip. That’s good stuff! Cobb takes another swig, then GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT, onto Yano’s knees! The beer goes spewing outta Cobb’s mouth! Yano covers, TWO!! Yano blocks Cobb’s superkick! Yano turns Cobb around to hook the arms, but Cobb fights the backslide! Yano grabs the ref, and LOW BLOW MULE KICKS! Yano finishes the backslide, TWO!!! Cobb escapes, Yano runs, but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Cobb is mad now! Cobb hauls Yano up, whips him to ropes, but Yano holds ropes and taunts Cobb! Yano then dives for his corner!
Yano grabs the red chair, and something else! Cobb drags Yano back, the ref takes the chair, but Yano SPRAYS Cobb with the disinfectant!! M U CRADLE!! YANO WINS?!?!
Winner: Toru Yano, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Cobb earns 0)
Yano snatches the win away from Cobb! And he snatches a beer before running away. Yano says cheers, but will this be the only celebration he has this G1?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Eddie Kingston VS Mikey Nicholls w/ Kosei Fujita!
The Mad King and Mad Mikey are still fighting for a chance, but that chance can only go to one man! Will Eddie show he’s NJPW Strong? Or will he see The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up as they feel things out, then tie up. Eddie powers Mikey to a corner but Mikey turns it around, only for them to go around the ropes, in and out of corners, and then along more ropes. Mikey puts Eddie in the red corner and the ref calls for the break. Mikey lets off slowly, then SLAPS Eddie across the face! Fans cheer and Mikey eggs Eddie on. Eddie smiles and resets with Mikey. They tie up again, break, and Mikey fires a forearm! Eddie spins but Mikey ducks the backfist! Mikey reels Eddie in for a SAIDO! But Eddie’s right up, and he gets out of the ring!
Mikey waits inside while Eddie clutches his shoulder. But then Mikey storms up to PLANCHA! Direct hit and fans fire up! Mikey encourages them to get louder, but the ref wants this back in the ring. Mikey says okay and he puts Eddie in, which fans cheer. Eddie goes to the far side but Mikey CHOKES him on the ropes! The ref counts, Mikey lets off, and Eddie sputters to the corner. Mikey drags Eddie up to suplex, and he holds Eddie up for a count of TEN before the SLAM! Cover, ONE!! Eddie is hanging tough but Mikey keeps on him. Mikey claws the face but the ref reprimands, so Mikey drops a knee!
Mikey mocks the fans rallying for Eddie and then stalks him. Mikey wraps on a chinlock and squeezes tight! Eddie endures, Mikey shifts to a partial Camel Clutch! The ref reprimands as Mikey fishhooks Eddie, so Mikey lets off. Mikey switches sides in the partial clutch, then he BITES Eddie’s forehead! The ref reprimands, Mikey lets off again, and he paces. Mikey sits Eddie up, but Eddie CHOPS! And CHOPS! Mikey knees low! Eddie falls over, but pushes himself back up. Mikey brings him up and reels him in, but Eddie fights the saido! Eddie throws down elbows, but Mikey waistlocks! Eddie bucks that and hits a DDT!
Fans rally as both men rise. Mikey goes to a corner, Eddie runs in, but Mikey dodges! Mikey runs in but Eddie BOOTS! Eddie goes up, FLYING BULLDOG! Fans fire up and Eddie sees Mikey crawling to ropes. Eddie storms up to fire off MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up and that last one sits Mikey down! Eddie goes corner to corner to BOOT WASH! Mikey flounders, Eddie brings him up, FISHERMAN SCREW! Bridging cover, TWO!! We hit five minutes and Eddie watches Mikey flounder. Eddie prepares his hand and aims as Mikey stands. But Mikey ducks the backfist to waistlock! Eddie switches, ducks an elbow, but Mikey DDTs!
Fans rally up while both men are down again. Eddie sits up first but Mikey follows. They go to opposite ends, Mikey runs in, and he clotheslines in the corner! Mikey whips corner to corner, but runs into a BOOT! He still clotheslines through! Mikey whips Eddie to ropes for a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Mikey adjusts the elbow pads. Mikey whips Eddie to ropes but Eddie slips through. Mikey fireman’s carries to DEATH VALLEY BOMB! SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Eddie hangs tough! Mikey pounds the mat, fans clap along, then Mikey slaps Eddie around and eggs him on.
Eddie stands, Mikey throws a forearm! Mikey avoids Eddie’s chop, then ROCKS Eddie again! Mikey talks trash, but Eddie CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Eddie blocks a kick to clinch and EXPLODER! Mikey staggers up into a SAIDO! Mikey swings but Eddie catches him! HALF NELSON SUPLEX! And then SLIDING FOREARM!! Cover, TWO!! Mikey survives Eddie’s take on Sliding D, but Eddie won’t give up here. Fans rally up and Eddie prepares another shot. URA- NO, Mikey blocks to ENZIGURI! But Eddie still URAKENS! Cover, EDDIE WINS!
Winner: Eddie Kingston, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Mikey earns 0)
One Backfist to the Future was all it took for Eddie to keep his G1 future alive! Will the Mad King make a strong comeback? As for Mikey, he didn’t kneel but he did fall, and now he’s mathematically OUT! Will he just have to settle for being a spoiler in the final two rounds?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Tetsuya Naito VS Alex Coughlin!
The Uncontrollable Charisma is on the bubble, and that’s not a position he wants to be in when facing the Deadeye Dreadnought! Will Naito keep things tranquilo in the home stretch? Or will Coughlin strike him out in the fifth?
Coughlin says they’re on a schedule, he wants Naito to hurry up. But that only makes Naito take longer with entering the ring, and with taking off the entrance attire. Especially with the belt and pants. The bell rings and Coughlin rushes in, only for Naito to bail out! Coughlin is annoyed as Naito paces around the outside. Naito returns, but then dodges Coughlin to tranquilo! Fans cheer but Coughlin throws Naito’s hat to the floor! Coughlin rushes Naito again but Naito bails out again! Naito goes around the way, waits by the ramp, and then slides back in, only to slide right back out. Fans applaud as Naito trolls Coughlin.
But then Coughlin rushes out after Naito! They go around the way, Naito slides in and he kicks Coughlin! Naito runs, RANAS, and fans fire up! Coughlin runs back in, Naito dodges then holds ropes. Coughlin runs in, but into a BOOT! Naito runs but Coughlin scoops! FALL AWAY SLAM! Naito flounders out, Coughlin fetches him right away, to THROW into railing! Coughlin then stands Naito up to CHOP him! Coughlin CHOKES Naito against the railing! The ref reprimands, but Coughlin whip Naito into more railing! Coughlin goes into the ring, and he mocks Naito with his own take on Too Sweet android tranquilo!
Naito is down as the ring count starts. Naito crawls at 6 of 20, stands up at 10, and hurries over at 12, but Coughlin’s on him! Deadlift GUT WRENCH PLEX! Cover, TWO! Coughlin stalks Naito, stomps him, drags him up, and CHOKES him on the ropes! The ref counts, Coughlin lets off at 4, then YANKS the ropes to send Naito down! Coughlin clamps on a headlock and he pulls Naito! Naito scrubs his forearm in Coughlin’s face, but Coughlin throws hands! Naito claws at Coughlin’s face but the ref reprimands! Coughlin traps one arm with a leg scissor and pulls on the other in a top wristlock to add to this stretch!
Naito endures, and he throws knees! Coughlin lets off to stomp Naito down! Coughlin paces around while fans rally up. Coughlin stomps Naito, CHOPS him on the back, and has Naito in a corner. Coughlin CHOPS and fans fire up! Coughlin CHOPS again, keeps Naito in the corner, and says one more! Coughlin winds up, but then SPITS on Naito instead! Fans boo but Coughlin doesn’t care. Coughlin whips corner to corner, runs in, but Naito kicks low! NECKBREAKER! We hit five minutes as Coughlin goes to ropes. Naito fires forearms and kicks and whips, to arm-drag! And ELBOW! And basement DROPKICK!
Fans rally as Naito keeps going, and he whips Coughlin to a corner. Naito runs in, JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! COMBINACION feint, and Naito SPITS at Coughlin! Then he dropkicks! CABRON! Coughlin flounders, Naito poses over him! Fans cheer and Naito covers, ONE! Naito stands Coughlin up, cravats for a neck wrench, and he grinds Coughlin down. Coughlin fights back up, reaches out, but Naito keeps on the cravat. Coughlin scoops for a BACKBREAKER! And then he deadlift BACK SUPLEXES! Fans rally while Naito writhes and crawls to a corner. Coughlin storms up, CHOPS, and then whips!
Naito reverses and reels Coughlin in, but Coughlin blocks the tornado! Coughlin pops Naito up to a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Naito survives and fans rally up, but Coughlin drags Naito back. Coughlin reels Naito in, suplexes, but Naito fights! Coughlin keeps Naito up but then Naito slips out, shoves, and ELBOWS! ENZIGURIS! Coughlin wobbles, Naito runs in! CORRIENDO SHIKI- NO, Coughlin blocks! And pops Naito up, but Naito fights that! Naito throws those heavy elbows, but Coughlin blocks! Coughlin whips, scoops, SCRAPBUSTER! And then short arm LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up again as Naito survives!
Coughlin slashes his throat, drags Naito up, and suplexes again, but Naito fights it! DESTINO!! Cover, TWO!! Coughlin survives, we pass 10 minutes, and Naito tries again! Tilt-o-whirl DESTINO!! Cover, Naito wins!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Coughlin earns 0)
If the Android wasn’t out of the running before, he surely is now! Naito keeps his own hopes alive, will he complete his mission to make it back to WrestleKingdom?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: EVIL w/ Dick Togo VS Tomohiro Ishii!
The King of Darkness is just behind the block leaders, but the Stone Pitbull is at the bottom! Will Ishii at least be able to take a bite out of Evil’s momentum? Or will Darkness Fall on the G1 Climax?
Evil attacks as soon as Ishii steps in the ring! Fans boo as Evil CLUBS Ishii down! The bell rings, Evil pulls Ishii’s shirt off him to lash him with it! Evil then drags Ishii up to toss him out! Evil goes out after Ishii and he stomps away on Ishii! The ref reprimands, Evil pushes Ishii back in, and Evil stomps Ishii right back out! Evil then goes after Ishii to whip, but Ishii reverses and sends Evil into railing! And then does it again! Ishii RAMS Evil into the railing a third time and fans fire up! Evil sputters, Ishii puts him in the ring, and Ishii kicks Evil around. Ishii slaps Evil around, stands him up, and then CHOPS him against ropes!
Ishii CHOPS and forearms and CHOPS and forearms, repeat! Fans rally up with every shot, but the ref reprimands. Ishii eggs Evil on, whips, but Evil reverses. Dick takes a swipe! Evil CLOBBERS Ishii and dumps him out! Evil then RAMS Ishii into the timekeeper! Down goes Abe-san! Oh and Dick takes the blue buckle pad away! Evil drags Ishii up, claws his eyes, and then looms over him. The ref helps Abe-san, but Evil CHOKES Ishii with the camera cables! Evil gets away with it, too! The ref tells Evil to get this in the ring but Ishii whips Evil into railing! Then he pushes the ref aside so he can get some chairs!
Dick distracts, Evil puts a chair around Ishii’s head! Evil has the second chair, but Ishii avoids it! That’s a strike! And then Ishii THROWS the chair off his head and into Evil! Ishii ROCKS Evil with forearms, but Evil knees low! Evil puts the chair around Ishii’s head again, to POST him! Ishii falls and Evil fetches the other chair. Evil CHOKES Ishii with it, but lets off before the ref sees. Evil goes into the ring and waits as Ishii writhes. The ring count starts, and Ishii drags himself up at 5 of 20. Ishii staggers around, makes it to the apron at 10, and is in! Evil drags Ishii up, to SMACK him off the bare buckles!
The ref reprimands, but Evil CHOKES Ishii on the ropes! The ref counts, Evil lets off at 4. Ishii falls back, clutching his face while sputtering. Evil covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO!! And Ishii has a cover now! TWO!! Evil is upset that he almost got caught, and he stands on Ishii’s head. We pass five minutes, the ref reprimands and Evil steps away. Ishii kicks from below but Evil eggs him on. Ishii throws hands as he stands, but Evil rakes the eyes! Evil reels Ishii to suplex, but Ishii fights it to suplex back! Ishii takes Evil up and over, and fans fire up while both men are down!
Evil goes to a corner, and Ishii is right on him with a CHOP! And another CHOP! And another CHOP! Ishii whips, Evil reverses but Ishii comes back. Evil kicks low, rakes the eyes, but Ishii bends Evil’s fingers! Evil still blocks the kick, hands it off to the ref, and then mule kicks Ishii down! The ref reprimands but the damage is done. Evil hauls Ishii up, but Ishii SAIDOS! Both men are down again and fans fire up! Ishii growls and rises, then waits on Evil. Evil stands, Ishii runs, but Evil dodges the lariat! Ishii dodges an elbow, Evil ducks a lariat but Ishii elbows out of the waistlock! Ishii runs, but Evil goes to the corner, but Ishii ducks!
Ishii waistlocks but Evil grabs the ref to mess up the German Suplex! Ishii CLUBS Evil but Evil sends the ref at him! Ishii gets himself and the ref outta the way of the lariat! But then Dick slides in, and RAMS Ishii into the ref! Fans boo as Dick stomps away on Ishii! Evil grins, his Spoiler is always his ace in the hole! And Dick has the SPOILER CHOKER!! Fans tell Dick to go home but he just chokes Ishii while Evil goes to his corner. Evil brings Ishii’s merch shirt over, SPITS on it, then RIPS it! Fans boo as Evil then wipes the sweat off himself with the shirt before throwing it away. Dick lets off with the choker and then drags Ishii back up.
Fans rally for Ishii but Evil & Dick hit MAGIC KILLER!! The ref returns as Evil counts, TWO!?!? Ishii survives and fans fire up again! Evil slashes his throat, drags Ishii back up, and spins him around, EVERY- NO, Ishii fights it with elbows! Evil knees low, whips, but Ishii reverses! Evil hits bare buckles, and then Ishii gets him with a GERMAN SUPLEX! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Dick coaches Evil as he and Ishii stir. Ishii rises and he brings Evil up. But Evil claws the eyes! We hit 15 minutes as the ref reprimands. Evil lets go, and Ishii just glares! Ishii CHOPS! And CHOPS! And ENZIGURIS!
Fans fire up and Ishii drags Evil around in chicken wings! The WL SPECIAL STRETCH! Evil endures as Ishii thrashes him around! Evil kicks forward, but Ishii drags him back! Evil grabs at the ref but can’t, the chicken wings give him T-Rex arms! But Dick has a chair! The ref sees that, and Ishii lets Evil go! Ishii storms up but Dick gets away, and now Evil has a chair! Evil swings, but hits DICK! Ishii LARIATS through the chair!! Fans fire up as Evil is down and Ishii shakes his arms out. Ishii roars and dares Evil to get back up. Evil rises, Ishii runs, LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but Ishii just roars again!
Ishii drags Evil up, suplexes, but Evil fights it! Evil wrenches out, clinches, but Ishii slips free! Evil LARAITS but Ishii stays up! Ishii HEADBUTTS, but Evil LARIATS on the return! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Fans rally, Evil stands, and he waits on Ishii now. Ishii rises, Evil runs, and LARIATS! Evil drags Ishii up, fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!!! Ishii survives and the fans are thunderous! Evil slashes his throat, he vows to end this! Evil stands Ishii up, spins him, EVERYTHING- NO, Ishii slips out! But Evil spins around to suplex! But Ishii wrenches out, only for Evil to reel him back in! Short arm- ISHII STEALS EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!
Fans are thunderous and Ishii drags Evil up! SLIDING LARIAT!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Evil survives and Ishii roars again! Ishii slashes his throat, he drags Evil up, suplex for the- NO, Evil fights that! They stumble into the ref, Evil grabs the ref, and Dick runs in to LOW BLOW Ishii!!! Evil drags Ishii up, EVERYTHING IS EVIL!!! Cover, Evil wins!!
Winner: Evil, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Ishii earns 0)
The King of Darkness and his court jester did it again! They found a way to cheat and win that Ishii didn’t expect! The Stone Pitbull is out of the running while Evil still lives! Will the House of Torture continue to stack the deck in order to take the G1?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Shante Haste!
The Mighty VS the Mighty!? How is this going to work? Not just in who moves up in the block, but who Kosei Fujita will second for?
Kosei is with Hysterical Haste as he makes his entrance, but then hurries back to make another entrance with The Front Man! That’s very fair of “Sweet Boy Fujita,” and of the group as a whole. But then Shane insists Kosei stay in his corner for the match, coaxing him over with the orange top hat. Kosei says he’ll just stay in a neutral corner to show he is neutral in this match. Well, that is also fair. The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up, Shane waistlocks, but ZSJ switches. Shane switches back, but ZSJ switches again. Shane pries the waistlock open, headlocks, and he grinds ZSJ down.
ZSJ fights up, powers out, and drops down to then arm-drag! ZSJ has the armlock but Shane headscissors! ZSJ kips free but Shane arm-drags! Shane armlocks, ZSJ headscissors, but Shane kips free! The two stand off and fans cheer! The two reset and circle again. Shane calls for a test of strength with knuckle locks but ZSJ says no thanks. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and ZSJ uses his chin to trap a hand! ZSJ wrenches Shane, spins and wristlocks then twists the elbow! Shane goes around, ZSJ wrenches again, and ZSJ keeps Shane from grabbing ropes. ZSJ spins, wrangles Shane down, but Shane moves around and kips up!
Shane arm-drags and he KICKS ZSJ in the back! Shane then apologizes, he didn’t mean to hit that hard, they’re friends. It’s just habit! ZSJ says that was a pretty sharp kick. Shane apologizes again, but then he BOOTS! Shane grins, but ZSJ BOOTS back! ZSJ gives a kick, Shane shoves ZSJ, and they stare down forehead to forehead. Shane UPPERCUTS, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS back! Shane UPPERCUTS again, ZSJ UPPERCUTS back! ZSJ eggs Shane on, Shane UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! Shane UPPERCUTS, ZSJ UPPERCUTS, fans rally as the UPPERCUTS keep flying back and forth!
Shane gets the edge with UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT, but then ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! Fans fire up, Shane BOOTS, but ZSJ rebounds to BOOT! Shane rebounds to BOOT, then DROPKICKS ZSJ! Fans fire up as Shane outsmarts ZSJ there. ZSJ bails out, Shane goes out to fetch him. Shane brings ZSJ up, wants Kosei to help but Kosei says no, he’s neutral. Shane whips but he sends ZSJ into the ring. And KICKS ZSJ in the back again! That time was on purpose. Shane pushes ZSJ down and stands on one arm to bend the other arm! ZSJ endures this modified double armlock, and we pass five minutes.
ZSJ powers up, drags Shane down to a headscissor but Shane gets to the ropebreak! The ref separates them but Shane KICKS ZSJ again! ZSJ goes to a corner, Shane kicks and kicks and kicks and stomps! The ref reprimands, ZSJ sits up and Shane kicks him more! Shane scuffs ZSJ, kicks him, then KICKS him! Shane scuffs ZSJ some more, slaps him around and gives him more kicks. ZSJ stands but Shane KICKS his leg! And again! ZSJ blocks a kick for a HEEL HOOK! Shane stays up to pry the grapevine open and he KICKS that leg! Shane runs, but ZSJ DROPKICKS back! Fans fire up as ZSJ returns the favor for earlier!
ZSJ drags Shane up, snapmares, and then KICKS him in the back! ZSJ snapmares again, to NECK TWIST! Shane writhes and ZSJ grins. ZSJ drags Shane up, but Shane RAMS him into a corner! Shane gets space, runs back in, blocks a boot but ZSJ pushes him down! NECK TWIST! ZSJ brings Shane up, HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO! Shane escapes and fans rally up. ZSJ drags Shane up, he facelocks for a GUILLOTINE, but Shane powers up. ZSJ grabs thar arm for a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! But Shane powers up again to FALCON ARROW! Fans fire up while both men are down! Kosei rallies the fans up for both guys!
Shane and ZSJ crawl to each other, and Shane fires forearms! Shane sits ZSJ up but ZSJ pushes him. ZSJ SLAPS Shane, and fans rally up again. Shane nods, and he SLAPS back! ZSJ SLAPS, Shane SLAPS, it’s a SLAP fight! Both men stand, and the SLAPPING palm strikes keep going! ZSJ responds as soon as Shane hits him! Shane SWINGS a big one! ZSJ nods, and he SLAPS right back! Shane staggers, fans rally up, and Shane ROCKS ZSJ again! ZSJ still responds as fast as he’s hit! The fans rally as these shots get fast and furious! Both men wobble, fire up, and DOUBLE SHOT! Then DOUBLE BOOT!! But ZSJ is up first! PENALTY KICK!!
We hit 10 minutes as both men are down again. ZSJ crawls over to Shane, stands him up, fires up, but Shane wrenches to KNEE a leg! Then LAST RIDE!!! Cover, TWO!?!? ZSJ survives and fans fire back up! Shane rises, he drags ZSJ back up but ZSJ pushes him away. Shane runs in, but ZSJ turns to the Shining Wizard into an STF!! Shane reaches out, but then ZSJ shifts to a RINGS OF SATURN! ZSJ bends the fingers! Shane endures, but ZSJ pushes Shane into TESCO MEAL DEAL! Shane endures, kicks around, but ZSJ grabs at a leg! CLARKY CAT! But Shane’s free leg gets the ROPEBREAK!!
ZSJ lets go in frustration but he goes to a corner. ZSJ KICKS Shane down, then waits until he sits up, for a PENALTY KICK! Fans fire up, ZSJ runs, but Shane LARIATS!! Shane fireman’s carries, ZSJ slips off to SLEEPER, but Shane SAIDOS free! Fans fire up with Shane, he point-blank LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Shane fires up again, fireman’s carries, BOMB VALLEY- TRIANGLE HOLD!! ZSJ has Shane caught but Shane fights around! Shane powers up to deadlift but ZSJ shifts to victory roll! EURO CLUTCH!! ZSJ WINS!!
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Shane earns 0)
The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but they can get caught! The Front Man bested Shane here, but TMDK is still united! Will ZSJ make sure the team takes the G1?
G1 Climax 33, C Block: Shingo Takagi VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!
The Rampaging Dragon is just on the outside, but he hasn’t been grounded just yet! Will Takagi take down the Good Bad Guy? Or will Tama ensure he is THE guy in C Block?
The bell rings and fans rally up for “TA-KA-GI!” as he circles with Tama. They feel things out, tie up, and Takagi waistlocks. Tama pries the hold open, hammerlocks, but Takagi reaches back to headlock. Takagi facelocks, wrenches, but Tama spins to slip through and armlock. Takagi rolls, wrenches Tama back, then headlocks. Takagi grinds the headlock but Tama powers out. Takagi runs him over! Things speed up, Tama jumps but into a fireman’s carry! Tama slips out but Takagi throws elbows! Tama fires back, they brawl and fans rally up! Tama gets the edge, runs, RAMS, and then runs Takagi over on the rebound!
Fans fire up as Tama stomps Takagi. Takagi eggs Tama on so Tama throws forearms. Takagi keeps egging Tama on so the forearms keep going! Tama kicks, Takagi blocks and spins him but, but Tama elbows back! Tama runs, but into ELBOW! JAB! YUKON LARIAT! Fans fire up and Tama goes to ropes. Takagi runs in to clothesline Tama out! Takagi goes out, brings Tama up, and Takagi gives Tama SNAKE EYES off the apron! Takagi then drops a knee on Tama, brings him up and puts him in the ring. Fans rally up and Takagi reels Tama in. Takagi suplexes high and hard! But then wags his fingers, it’s not time yet.
Takagi runs to drop a BIG elbow! Cover, TWO! Takagi keeps cool and fans rally up. Takagi looms over Tama but Tama throws body shots! Takagi JABS, JABS, and JABS! Tama staggers, Red Shoes reprimands over closed fists but Takagi promises those were palms. Takagi whips Tama ropes, KNEES him at ropes, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Fans fire up while both men are down! Tama snarls and gets to his feet while Takagi crawls to a corner. Tama brings Takagi up to ROCK him with a forearm, then fire off body shots! Tama ELBOWS, whips, and UPPERCUTS Takagi! Fans rally as Tama paces.
Tama whips corner to corner, but Takagi reverses! Tama comes back to LARIAT Takagi down! We’re at five minutes and off comes the vest! Tama runs in to STINGER SPLASH! And then GAMANGIRI! Fans rally up and Tama brings Takagi up. Tama scoops, but Takagi slips to the apron. Takagi ROCKS Tama, but Tama HOTSHOTS Takagi down! Fans rally up while Takagi is on the floor. Takagi stirs, the ring count starts, and Takagi sits up at 5 of 20. Tama goes out after Takagi at 7, puts Takagi in, and fans cheer the sportsmanship. Tama drags Takagi up but Takagi fires forearms! And a CHOP! And then JAB, CHOP, but Tama kicks back!
Tama whips, Takagi blocks! Tama knees low to scoop and BRUSH HOLD SLAM! Cover, TWO! Tama keeps his cool and stomps Takagi in the corner. Tama then snap suplexes, covers, TWO! Takagi hangs tough and fans cheer. Tama stalks Takagi, drags him up, but Takagi blocks the whip! Tama throws elbow after elbow and then CHOPS! Tama whips, but Takagi holds ropes to stop himself. Takagi BOOTS back, but Tama clinches! Takagi blocks that, throws some elbows, and ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON feint to DDT! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Takagi pounds the mat and fans rally up as he goes to a corner.
Tama stands, they both run in, but Takagi runs Tama over! Then scoop SLAMS, and SENTONS! Takagi wags his finger, it’s still not time yet. Fans rally and Takagi sees Tama go to a corner. Takagi runs in, but he blocks the boot! And then clotheslines through! Takagi runs, Tama sits down, SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Takagi looks around, and… NOW IT’S TIME! Fans rally up and Takagi stalks Tama to a corner. Takagi throws a headbutt, then he hoists Tama up top! Takagi climbs up but Tama fires forearms! Takagi throws ridge hand chops! Tama throws HEADBUTTS, but Takagi CHOPS him!
Takagi climbs up, he brings Tama to the very top, SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Tama flounders away and fans fire up! We hit 10 minutes and both men are down! Takagi rises, he storms over to Tama, and he drags Tama up to pump handle! But Tama fights the lift with elbows! Tama ducks the lariat, dragon sleepers, but Takagi snapmares free! Tama jumps on, but Takagi turns guillotine into POP-UP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Takagi gets a REAR NAKED CHOKE! But Tama fights free, so Takagi shifts to a GROUND COBRA TWIST! Tama fights back but Takagi thrashes him around! Tama endures, reaches out, and fans rally as he fights, gets his head free, and gets the ROPEBREAK!!
Fans cheer and Takagi lets off the hold. Takagi brings Tama up, pump handles, but again Tama fights the lift! Tama CLUBS Takagi, and again, and again! Takagi point-blank LARIATS! Then pump handle, LAST OF- Sunset flip! Tama steps through to have the legs, SHARPSHOOTER!! Takagi endures as Tama sits deep on the hold! Takagi fights around, but Tama drags him away to center!! Takagi keeps fighting around, claws his way over, ROPEBREAK! Tama lets go quickly and fans cheer. Tama rises first, he brings Takagi up but Takagi pushes him. Tama CLUBS Takagi, but Takagi gets up to throw a forearm! Tama throws a forearm back!
Takagi shakes out the stars in his head, and he ROCKS Tama! Tama ROCKS Takagi! Takagi ROCKS Tama again! Tama ROCKS Takagi again! Takagi JABS, forearms, but Tama haymakers and body shots! Takagi kicks low, but Tama eggs him on! Takagi shoves Tama, so Tama fires off forearms! Takagi fires off boxing elbows! Takagi eggs Tama on, Tama fireman’s carries! S R C!! We hit 15 minutes so Tama hurries up top! SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and fans fire up again! Tama pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and Takagi rises. Tama rushes in, GUN- URENAGE! Takagi spikes Tama to counter the cutter!
Takagi powers up, runs, PUMPING- NO, Tama ducks! GUN- NO, Takagi flips Tama over, underhooks, TAKAGI DRIVER ’98!! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives but Takagi then SLIDING FOREARMS! Fans fire up with Takagi’s “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi sits Tama up, and he rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Fans cheer “OI! OI! OI!” with each one! Three minute warning as Takagi torture racks, LAST OF- NO, Tama slips out, TONGAN TWIST!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Tama rises, he drags Takagi up, but Takagi fights the Half Hatch! Takagi wrenches out, Tama breaks free, Takagi JABS!
Tama JABS in return! Half Hatch, BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives the shoutout to The Prince, but Tama won’t stop there. Tama brings Takagi up at the two minute warning, to D- NO, Takagi fights the lift to back drop free! Tama’s up, GUN- NO, Takagi shoves free to POP-UP CUTTER!! Takagi runs to PUMPING BOMBER!!! Cover, TWO!??! Tama survives and fans are thunderous again! But time is running out! Takagi roars, he drags Tama up and we’re at the last minute! Tama HEADBUTTS! Takagi JABS, then HEADBUTTS, then SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!?!? Tama is roaring but Takagi runs in again, PUPMING BOMBER!!
Takagi won’t stop there, he hauls Tama up! But Tama fights the torture rack! We’re at 30 seconds, Takagi gets it up, LAST OF- GUN STUN?!?! TWENTY SECONDS!!! Tama crawls to a cover, TWO!?!? TEN SECONDS LEFT!!! Tama hurries to get Takagi up but Takagi jackknife bridge! TIME IS UP!!!!
Time Limit Draw; both men gain 1 point
The Good Bad Guy and the Rampaging Dragon were both too good for the other to beat in time! And with that comes much respect between these two. But will this result be what keeps Tama out of the quarterfinals? Or can he make a strong enough push in the final two rounds?
G1 Climax 33, D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Hirooki Goto!
The Ace of the Universe and the Fierce Warrior have battled time and again, and they’re about to add to that history! Who rises and who falls as the G1 enters the home stretch?
Tanahashi takes off the jacket and fans cheer the abs. The bell rings and the fans rally and duel. Red Shoes feels things are slightly in Goto’s favor. The two tie up, they’re in a deadlock, but Tanahashi manages to put Goto on ropes. Goto turns it around, Red Shoes calls for the break, and Goto lets off slowly. Then he kicks low and fires off forearms! Goto whips, Tanahashi reverses but Goto turns hip toss into hip toss! Goto runs, RAMS Tanahashi, and Tanahashi rebounds, but into a fireman’s carry! Ushigoroshi throw into the dragon sleeper, but Tanahashi fights free! Then cradle! TWO!! The two stand off and fans fire up!
Goto clutches a rib and Tanahashi storms over. Tanahashi throws body shots, then whips corner to corner. Tanahashi runs in but Goto runs him over! Fans rally, Tanahashi bails out, and Goto goes out after him! Goto kicks and CLUBS Tanahashi, then puts him back in the ring. Goto catches his breath but fans rally up. Goto steps in but Tanahashi dropkicks the leg! Then Tanahashi grabs the leg to DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Goto falls to the floor and Tanahashi catches his own breath. Tanahashi considers if he should go out or not, and decides on going out. Tanahashi brings Goto up and into the ring and fans cheer.
Wait, Tanahashi drags Goto up at the ropes. Tanahashi puts the leg through ropes, to DRAPING DRAGON SCREW again! Goto falls over, Tanahashi gets the fans fired up, and he stomps away on Goto’s leg! Goto kicks at Tanahashi, but Tanahashi blocks that leg to stomp Goto in those bad ribs! Goto sputters and writhes and Red Shoes checks him. Goto is okay to continue, but then Tanahashi kneels on his ribs! Red Shoes reprimands, Tanahashi steps off, and then Tanahashi brings Goto up and around. Tanahashi bumps Goto off buckles, puts the bad leg in the ropes, and stomps away on it! Then DROPKICKS it!
Fans rally while Goto sits down. Goto drags himself up, Tanahashi brings him around but the bad leg gives up and Goto falls over. Red Shoes checks Goto but Tanahashi stomps the bad leg! Goto glares at Tanahashi as we pass five minutes. Tanahashi stands Goto up but Goto CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Tanahashi kicks the bad leg! Goto hobbles to a corner, Tanahashi stomps him and whips corner to corner. Goto reverses, runs in, but Tanahashi BOOTS! Tanahashi runs, but Goto follows to LARIAT! Fans fire up while both men are down! Goto shakes the bad leg and fans rally behind him.
Goto stalks Tanahashi, fires off forearms and whips corner to corner. Goto runs in but blocks a boot! He puts the leg in the ropes and KICKS it! Then MURAMASAS! Goto brings Tanahashi out to SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up, Goto stands and he roars! Goto drags Tanahashi up but Tanahashi throws body shots! Tanahashi runs, but Goto ROCKS him! Goto runs in to clothesline Tanahashi up and out! Fans fire up while Goto sits down to catch his breath. Goto then goes out to fetch Tanahashi. Goto brings Tanahashi around just to put him in the ring. Fans cheer and Goto goes up to the apron.
Goto grits his teeth, he pounds the buckles to rally the fans, and Goto climbs up. But Tanahashi stands first! Tanahashi throws body shots, then climbs up after Goto! Fans fire up, and Goto fights back with body shots! Tanahashi throws a forearm, Goto gives it back! They brawl, Goto gets the edge, but Tanahashi gives those shots back! Tanahashi fires forearm after forearm, but Goto fires them back! Goto HEADBUTTS, then he tucks Tanahashi in! Fans fire up and Goto stands, but Tanahashi fights back! Tanahashi throws elbows, reels Goto in, but Goto throws body shots! Goto HEADBUTTS Tanahashi off the corner!
Tanahashi stands back up, runs in, blocks a boot, but SUPER DRAGON SCREWS it!! Fans fire up while both men are down! Fans rally up as Tanahashi stands and waits on Goto. Tanahashi runs, but Goto follows! But Tanahashi ducks, and SLINGBLADES! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! We hit 10 minutes and the fans rally up. Goto and Tanahashi stir, but Tanahashi is up first. Tanahashi drags Goto up, brings him around to full nelson, but Goto fights the lift! Goto breaks free, but Tanahashi straitjacket waistlocks! Goto fights, but Tanahashi still STRAITJACKET GERMANS! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Goto is still in this but Tanahashi goes up top! HIGH FLY FLOP as Goto moves! Goto runs in to fireman’s carry! But Tanahashi fights free! DRAGON PALM! Tanahashi runs, but into the fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down, that move hurting Goto’s legs in a double-edged tactic. But Goto roars and rises! Fans are dueling as Goto dragon sleepers! But Tanahashi fights from below! Goto blocks, spins Tanahashi, but Tanahashi ROCKS Goto! Goto HEADBUTTS Tanahashi! Goto drags Tanahashi back up, to HEADBUTT again!! Goto drags Tanahashi up one more time, fireman’s carries, G T W!!! Cover, TWO!?!?
The fans are thunderous that Tanahashi survives, but Goto roars! Goto drags Tanahashi up, dragon sleepers, but Tanahashi spins it around! But Goto fights the Twist! Goto suplexes, but the bad leg gives up! Tanahashi falls right onto Goto, and then stands back up! Tanahashi waits on Goto but gets impatient. Tanahashi whips, Goto reverses, but Tanahashi reverses to SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives but Tanahashi goes back up top! But Goto stands, into HIGH FLY ATTACK! Fans fire up and Tanahashi goes right back up! HIGH FLY FLOW!!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!!
Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)
And the Ace stays alive another round! Goto lost to Tanahashi, Yoshi-Hashi lost to Okada, will Bishamon end up owing The Dream Team another shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships?
As for Tanahashi, he gets the mic while hearing the fans chant for him. “NJPW is back in Nagoya, and you guys are back with the noise!” Fans cheer that, they’re happy to be able to be loud, too! Then Tanahashi suddenly lies down and says he might die. He thanks the fans, they cheer him, and Tanahashi says, “From the bottom of my heart, I am truly grateful. I will make sure you guys keep enjoying pro-wrestling!” Fans cheer that, even as Tanahashi falls back over! Their cheers help him sit back up, and he even stands. “I’ll be doing my best for the rest of this G1. Thank you all so much.” Fans cheer and he sets the mic down.
But of course, as Tanahashi is about to leave, the fans want “that!” Tanahashi teases staying, then teases leaving, and repeat. But of course he chooses to stay! “It’s been so long that I’ve nearly forgotten how to do this, but shall we?” Fans cheer, they want it! Tanahashi has the Young Lions go find “it,” and Nakashima thinks he means water. No, not that. Nakashima looks again, and he finds the air guitar! He throws it to Tanahashi, it’s a high lob, but Tanahashi catches it! Nagoya fires up and the air guitar rock concert begins! Tanahashi finishes with a big jump, then rests back on the mat. But the fans want the encore!
Tanahashi sits up, grabs the mic, and says, “Okay! Last time!” And so the encore begins! Fans cheer, and then Tanahashi SMASHES the guitar! Fans fire up, they want another encore! But he smashed that guitar! A fan throws him their “made in Aichi” air guitar! A great pass for an easy catch! And so the second encore begins! Then Tanahashi throws it back! Perfect catch! The fans chant “TANAHASHI SA IKOU! <Tanahashi’s the best!>” Tanahashi says, “Tanahashi’s the best… But can he win the G1?” Nagoya sure thinks so! Tanahashi says that phrasing also sounded like an AJPW chant.
But Tanahashi vows to win this G1 “handily!” He thanks them all for staying until the end, because everyone Nagoya… “AISHETEMAAAASU~! <I LOVE YOU~!>” Another classic Tanahashi outro, but will he get to say that to the crowd at the G1 finals?
Here are the NEW C Block standings!
David Finlay: 4-1, 8 points
EVIL: 4-1, 8 points
Tama Tonga: 3-1-1, 7 points
Eddie Kingston: 3-2, 6 points
Shingo Takagi: 2-2-1, 5 points
Mikey Nicholls: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Aaron Henare: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Tomohiro Ishii: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the NEW D Block standings!
Jeff Cobb: 4-1, 8 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 4-1, 8 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-2, 6 points
Tetsuya Naito: 3-2, 6 points
Shane Haste: 2-3, 4 points
Hirooki Goto: 2-3, 4 points
Alex Coughlin: 1-4, 2 points
Toru Yano: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
Another great round here, and I hope I have it right about who is mathematically out. Though what a great little moment for Yano to snatch that win off Cobb, the top of the block. That might be Yano’s one win, and Cobb’s one loss, but it could end up affecting seeding now that I realized this year is going to have quarterfinals. But anyway, also good stuff from Shane and ZSJ being TMDK teammates, and I figured ZSJ would win. ZSJ keeps pace with Cobb now, but Cobb’s win from just last round is the tiebreaker there so Cobb will end up first seed to ZSJ’s second seed.
Evil and Finlay winning but Tama only getting a draw also changes up seeding in their block, but I loved that Tama and Takagi had a time limit draw. G1 playing with that this year is so good, because that’s just automatic drama for all of us. And even then, Tama isn’t too far from the top of the block, so if he can win out, he can at least get ahead of Finlay, who he beat before. That’s great drama there, too. And great main event to follow with Tanahashi VS Goto. For one, Tanahashi and the fans have a lot of fun with his closing promos. And also, it does give us a possible tag title story for after the G1, should neither Goto, Hashi, Okada or Tanahashi be G1 Champion.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Rockin’ around the Christmas Collision!
The Continental Classic continues on Christmas Collision, with crucial points on the line this close to AEW Worlds End! Who will finally take the lead in Gold League?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford; Kris wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia; Garcia wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos; wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!
Claudio Castagnoli: 2-1, 6 points
Will Ospreay: 2-1, 6 points
Ricochet: 2-1, 6 points
Darby Allin: 2-1, 6 points
Brody King: 2-2, 6 points
Komander: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!
Kyle Fletcher: 3-1, 9 points
Kazuchika Okada: 2-1-1, 7 points
Mark Briscoe: 2-2, 6 points
Shelton Benjamin: 2-1, 6 points
Daniel Garcia: 1-1-1, 4 points
The Beast Mortos: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Ian Riccaboni is in the ring.
He has Big Boom AJ & Big Justice with him in the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they’re ready to bring the BOOM~! They’re ready to watch the action tonight, and even the final face-to-face of MJF and Adam Cole. AJ says if MJF is gonna bring the doom, then you know he and Big Justice will bring the BOOM~! But tonight, their guy, Adam Cole will bring the BOOM~ too! And of course we have big Continental Classic action! Daniel Garcia VS Shelton Benjamin in a critical showdown, and while Shelton is tough, Garcia is going to bring the BOOM~! Plus, Mark Briscoe battles The Beast Mortos! The Chicken is their guy, time to bring the BOOM~!
In Gold League, we have Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli, and the Swiss Superman is a DOOM~! Let’s go, Darby, bring that BOOM~! And then a match everyone wants to see, the fireworks rematch of Will Ospreay VS Ricochet! If you’re a fan of high-flying wrestling, this is the right night to be right here in AEW! Ricochet and their guy, Ospreay, will bring the BOOM~! But speaking of, that match is up first! The Aerial Assassin joins AJ & Big Justice in giving a BOOM~, but will Ricochet make sure tonight is #OuttaThisWorld?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet!
Wait, are the fans throwing white streamers or is that… No, yeah, it’s toilet paper! Ospreay laughs at the fans basically calling Ricochet crap. Ricochet throws the toilet paper back! The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans fire up for Ospreay as he and Ricochet circle. The fans also sing, “F HIM UP, OSPREAY, F HIM UP!” Ricochet shrugs that off, he and Ospreay tie up, and then Ricochet rolls. Ospreay shoots in, waistlocks, but Ricochet switches. They go around, Ricochet gator rolls with Ospreay, then floats to a headlock. Ricochet wrenches, hammerlocks then headlocks again. Ospreay powers up and out, Ricochet runs him over, but Ospreay kips up!
The fans cheer and Ospreay smiles as he and Ricochet reset. They tie up, go around, and Ricochet wrenches to a wristlock. Ospreay rolls, wrenches and wristlocks, but Ricochet spins and wrenches to hammerlock. Ospreay reaches back, headlocks and hits a takeover. Ricochet rolls to a cover, TWO! Ospreay holds onto the headlock but Ricochet powers up and out. Ospreay runs Ricochet over, Ricochet bails out, and then Ospreay handsprings to fake Ricochet out! The fans cheer as Ospreay superhero lands out, and Ricochet is annoyed. Ospreay holds ropes open for Ricochet, but Ricochet goes around the way to step in on his own.
The fans boo Ricochet being a bad sport but Ricochet ignores that. Ospreay and Ricochet knuckle lock, then Ricochet kicks low! And CHOPS! Ricochet whips, Ospreay reverses, but Ricochet rolls off Ospreay’s back! Things keep moving, Ospreay avoids the handspring to then duck ‘n’ dodges and RANA! But Ricochet handsprings through! The fans fire up, and Ospreay arm-drags Ricochet down! The fans cheer while Ricochet endures the grind. Ricochet fights up and puts Ospreay on ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet and Ospreay slowly let g o, and Ricochet SLAPS Ospreay! Ospreay CHOPS Ricochet!
Ospreay takes a swing, Ricochet ducks under to roll back and RANA! But now Ospreay handsprings through! Ricochet dodges to waistlock but Ospreay bucks the O’Conner. Ricochet arm-drags Ospreay down, but Ospreay headscissors back! Ricochet pops free but Ospreay arm-drags! Ricochet headscissors, Ospreay pops free, and Ospreay handsprings, but Ricochet catches him! Ricochet then THROWS Ospreay into the Tree of Woe, and Ospreay falls down! The fans boo while Ospreay bails out, but Ricochet FOSBURY FLOPS! The fans boo but Ricochet takes the toilet paper to wipe himself, then he SMOTHERS Ospreay with it!
The fans boo that literally disgusting act of disrespect, but Collision goes picture in picture.
Ricochet taunts the fans, then drags Ospreay up. Ricochet puts Ospreay in, soaks up more heat, then KNEE-BOARD SENTONS! Ricochet swaggers to taunt the fans more, then he goes back to Ospreay. Cover, ONE!! Another cover, TWO! Ricochet taunts the fans more, then goes back for Ospreay. Ricochet stands Ospreay up to CHOP, and Ospreay goes to a corner. Ricochet RAMS into Ospreay, RAMS him again, then snapmares to UPPERCUT in the back! Cover, TWO! Ospreay stays in this but Ricochet drags him into a motorcycle stretch. Ospreay endures while Ricochet digs a knee into the back. Ospreay fights up, fights with elbows, then runs, but into a DROPKICK!
Ospreay is down in a daze but Ricochet has to shake out the stars in his own head. Ricochet covers, ONE! Ospreay then uses that one to flip off Ricochet. Ricochet RAMS Ospreay in the back! Ricochet then clamps on with a chinlock, and he digs his knee into Ospreay’s back. Ospreay endures, even as Ricochet JAMS Ospreay. Collision returns to single picture as the fans rally for Ospreay again. Ospreay fires up, fires hands, but Ricochet RAMS him into a corner. Ricochet runs up, RAMS into Ospreay, then goes to the apron. Ospreay takes a swing but Ricochet dodges and gets around him to GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay runs, handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay goes to the apron, takes aim, and he springboards to PIP PIP CHEERIO! Down goes Ricochet, Ospreay covers, TWO! Ospreay stays focused and the fans rally up. Ospreay drags Ricochet up, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again! Ricochet staggers, Ospreay runs, but Ricochet TIGER WALL KICKS! Forearm, SOBAT, and Ricochet runs, but into a POP-UP, and STYLES- NO, Ricochet sits up, slips free, and he underhooks Ospreay for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives but Ricochet goes up.
Ricochet has to double clutch, the fans let him hear it, but Ricochet still MOONSAULTS! Ricochet lands out as Ospreay moves, and Ospreay runs up, but into an ELBOW! Ricochet handsprings, but into a pop-up, Electric Chair, spin around, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Ospreay is surprised. Ospreay pulls on the elbow pad and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Ospreay aims, but Ricochet bails out! The fans boo but Ospreay storms after Ricochet. They’re both on the apron and Ospreay goes up a corner. Ricochet anchors Ospreay first! Then Ricochet has the Electric Chair Lift!
Ospreay fights free, fights off a nelson, then he KICKS Ricochet! Ospreay runs, but into a pop-up APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans chant “You Still Suck!” but Ricochet adds a SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Ricochet puts Ospreay in, then springboards to 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives, but then Ricochet AX KICKS! Dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, VERTIGO! Cover, TWO!? Ospreay survives and Ricochet is shocked! Ricochet snarls and he aims from a corner. The fans rally for Ospreay but Ricochet loads up. SPIRIT- NO, Ospreay ducks under! Ospreay gets up, Ricochet blocks a kick!
Ricochet V-TRIGGERS, then he reels Ospreay in! But Ospreay fights out of the bomb, but then Ricochet returns the favor! Ricochet suplexes, into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Ospreay springboards for the OSC- CUTTER FROM RICOCHET!! Ricochet hurries to get Ospreay up, powerbomb into fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! SPIRIT- HIDDEN BLADE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Ospreay and Ricochet both slowly sit up and the fans rally as hard as ever. Ricochet and Ospreay stare down, talk a bit of trash, then stand up. Ospreay draws a line in the sand and dares Ricochet to step up.
Ricochet steps right up, they stand toe to toe, literally! They start firing forearms! The fans cheer Ospreay, boo Ricochet, and Ricochet wobbles! But then Ricochet comes back with forearm after forearm! Ospreay wobbles, but he grins as he rises and roars! Ospreay fires a flurry on Ricochet, then ROCKS him! Ricochet flops over, Ospreay hauls him up! But Ricochet grabs at the ref! Ospreay kicks Ricochet’s arm away, but then Ricochet RAMS Ospreay into the ref! The fans boo but then Ricochet hurries to HOOK KICK! And VERTI- NO, Ospreay slips free to underhook! STORM BREAKER! Cover, but the ref is down!
The fans count, Ospreay would’ve won twice over! Ospreay calls to the ref, the ref sputters around, and Ospreay goes up. But then Ricochet kicks the ref into ropes! Ospreay gets tripped up and the fans boo more! Ospreay is confused as to what happened, but SPIRIT GUN hits the mark!! Cover, RICOCHET WINS!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Ospreay earns 0)
The One & Only got away with murder, but there’s nothing that can be done now! Ricochet has NINE points, will he be headed to Worlds End?
Adam Cole heads to the ring!
The fans cheer as the Panama City Playboy returns to the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they join in for the “BOOM~!” and the “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY~!” Cole grabs a mic, but he keeps his eyes on the ramp. That’s because we all know who’s next. MJF makes his entrance, but with a handful of security guards in front of him first. And not even AEW security, that’s his own personal security. MJF grabs a mic and has them cut his music. The fans boo but MJF tells them, “If I wanted your help, I’d ask for it. Sit down and shut up.” The fans tell MJF to STFU, but MJF shrugs that off.
MJF tells Cole that MJF is frustrated. It’s because for the past few months, MJF has had to listen to Cole say MJF is Cole’s biggest enemy! If memory serves, and MJF’s memory always does because unlike the fans here, he isn’t a complete moron… Didn’t Cole turn on MJF? But then does Cole realize he has bigger enemies out there? Like spray tan, cracks in the floor, gusts of win, and maybe… a cavity. Because last MJF heard, Cole’s dentist isn’t seeing him anymore. Cole was already staring daggers into MJF, but now he’s pissed. MJF has Cole calm down, and he tells the fans to shut up so he can shoot straight.
When MJF was the longest-reigning and greatest AEW World Champion of all time, Cole was nothing more than MJF’s cute little sidekick. That ate Cole up inside. Cole wanted to be MJF. Cole wanted #TripleB. But the sad truth is, Cole had many opportunities to win the title before MJF got anywhere near it. It’s almost like when it comes to Cole being elite enough to become world champion, just like his “s*itty little ankle,” Cole blows it. MJF laughs at his own joke, and then tells the fans he is talking, it is not that complicated. But this is why MJF doesn’t buy the hogwash that Cole turned on MJF because MJF would turn on Cole first.
Cole turned because he, like all these shmucks, is jealous of MJF. And who can blame Cole? MJF is rich, handsome, funny, entertaining, and then look at Cole. For crying out loud, Cole used to be ADAM COLE BAYBAY. Now, he’s just a crack baby! Cole asks if MJF is done. Was that the last line? Because it felt like MJF practiced that for two weeks in front of a mirror. But MJF killed it, really. Cole could come back with childish comments to hurt MJF’s feelings, but he won’t. Cole could mention MJF has had two surgeries on that fake head of hair of his while only in his 20s, which is hilarious, but he won’t.
Cole could talk about how MJF pulled some strings to get his girlfriend hired, like the real politician he is, but Cole won’t go there. Cole could talk about how every single time MJF enters a room, everyone waits for him to leave because he is loud, obnoxious and annoying as hell. But Cole won’t go there. Because Cole is not like MJF. They are nothing alike. That is why the friendship was ruined. Because, MJF, the truth is you say Cole is a failure, but in virtually every wrestling company Cole has worked for, he is the longest-reigning champion in so many!
In this very building, Cole bled BUCKETS against Kyle O’Reilly, wanting to prove he was one of the best in the world, and that is exactly what he did! Does Cole have regrets? Sure. Are there things Cole wishes he could take back? Absolutely. But Cole does NOT regret turning on MJF. The only reason it drives MJF insane is because Cole beat MJF to it. That’s MJF 101: Get close to someone, then turn on them. It’s what MJF does. Cole just did it better than MJF, and MJF knows it.
But Cole has been thinking, trying to understand what’s going on in MJF’s head, and he finally figured it out. MJF is terrified of having anyone close to him, because he feels it is a weakness. That hit a chord? Because not only does MJF act like a child, he thinks like a child! MJF knows in his heart that he was going to be the one to turn on Cole first! DAMN RIGHT HE WAS!!! MJF realizes he let the cat out of the bag. MJF says congrats, Cole, he solved the mystery! A regular Scooby-Doo! Great job, Adam.
But you want the truth? Here it is. The fact of the matter is, last year at Worlds End, MJF had every intention on stabbing Cole in the back that night. Cole just got lucky. When #BetterThanYouBaybay started, MJF didn’t give a damn about Cole. Cole was nothing more than a pawn. But MJF will admit, he did eventually start to care. For the first time in MJF’s life, he cared about someone else. Fans mockingly go, “Aww…” But MJF says that is just when Cole became a liability. And since Cole’s “a fragile little freak,” him jumping off that ramp and exploding his ankle made him a distraction!
Distractions, liabilities, emotions, there are no room for those when all you should be concerned with is maintaining the world championship! But Cole doesn’t get it, does he? Last year was a fluke. Cole ain’t the Devil, he just beat the Devil to it. But this year, Worlds End, December 28th, the same show where Cole tried to end MJF’s world, MJF ENDS Cole!! MJF throws down the mic and the fans are torn. Cole smirks and says MJF ends things then? Well, how about Cole ends this? COLE DECKS MJF! The guards rush in, but Cole fights them off! MJF sends more but Cole SUPERKICSK! And SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS!
But then MJF LOW BLOWS Cole! MJF tells the fans to shut up! MJF takes out the Dynamite Diamond Ring! But then The Kingdom rushes out here! MJF runs away from Matt Taven & Mike Bennett, but he vows this ends at Worlds End. We have one week left, is that the last week Cole has in AEW? Or will MJF finally lose the one thing he has left in that diamond ring?
Backstage interview with Kris Statlander.
Lexy Nair is with the #BornAgainKristen and brings up her trying to make amends with Willow Nightingale last night, as well as making the save when Harley Cameron & Penelope Ford were beating Willow up. Kris says what she and Willow have to discuss is between them. But as far as her and Penelope go, they’ve got a lot of history, and if Ford wants a fight, Kris will give her a fight. Then speaking of history, Kris still has her eyes set on the TBS Championship, can she tells us more on that?
Kris says she looked back on 2024 and she had a downward spiral that started with losing that title. Maybe if she wins it back, Kris will right her wrongs. On that note, Mercedes Mone, you don’t have an opponent for Worlds End so here Kris is. Let her know when you’re ready for round two. Kris heads out, will she prove to everyone that she is still the Galaxy’s Greatest?
Backstage interview with Orange Cassidy.
AEW returns and Lexy is now with Freshly Squeezed. In exactly one week, he will compete against three other men for the AEW World Championship. There are a lot of combustible elements at play, and Cassidy says yeah, we saw that on Dynamite. Jay White, Hangman Page and Cassidy can’t exactly have a conversation. So really, Cassidy wants them to listen. “Between now and Worlds End, Jon Moxley can run and hide. He can hide behind his goons, he can run away in a pickup truck. But when that bell rings in seven days, he has nowhere to go. He will be in the ring with us. Us three. And you both know that we need to remove Jon Moxley from the equation.
“We can. We’ve done it. And after that, us three, we can fight for the AEW World Championship and one of us will become the AEW World Champion. Just something to think about. See you guys on Dynamite.” Cassidy is ready to remove the Maniac from the throne, but will the Switchblade and Cowboy listen to reason?
Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford!
As Kris just said, she’s calling out The CEO in hopes of one more TBS Championship match. But will the Superbad Girl be more like the Grinch for Kris this Christmas?
The bell rings and the fans rally as Kris circles with Ford. They tie up, Kris powers Ford to a corner, then throws Ford back into the corner! The ref counts, Kris lets off, but Ford shoves her! Kris ROCKS Ford, TOSSES her, then runs up on her. Kris whips, drops down, then hurdles over. Kris CLOBBERS Ford and the fans fire up as she flexes. Kris drags Ford up, reels her in, and suplexes, and she holds Ford up! The fans cheer and Kris goes all the way to TEN, but Ford slips into a SLEEPER! Kris pries the hold open and she brings Ford around for another suplex! The fans fire up as Kris holds Ford up for five before the SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Kris drags Ford up, whips her to the corner, but Ford goes up, only for Kris to Electric Chair Lift! Kris climbs, Ford fights with fists, and she shoves Kris down! Ford steadies herself, then hits a FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford is frustrated but she storms up on Kris. Ford bumps Kris off buckles but the fans rally behind Kris. Ford stomps a mudhole, but she lets off as the ref counts. Kris goes to the apron, but Ford jumps up to drop KNEES on her! The fans boo but Ford soaks up the heat, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Ford brings Kris around to THROW her into railing! Ford soaks up more heat, then drags Kris up and RAMS her into the apron! Ford refreshes the count, then stalks Kris around the way. Ford whips Kris into the steel steps! Kris falls over in a heap but Ford drags her up into the ring. Ford covers, TWO! Kris stays in this but Ford kicks her around. Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes, thrashes around, but lets off as the ref counts. Ford drags Kris up and whips her to ropes, then LARIATS as Collision goes to break.
Christmas Collision returns and Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes again! The ref counts, Ford lets off and Kris sputters to the apron. Ford runs and goes up, up, and KNEE DROPS on only apron! Kris then SHOTGUNS Ford off the apron! The fans fire up and Kris brings Ford up, to THROW into railing! Kris puts Ford in the ring, the fans fire up, but Ford kicks low. Ford reels Kris in, but Kris suplexes, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford flounders to a corner but Kris has the fans rallying behind her. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT! Kris goes side to side but Ford dodges the knee! Ford hits a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Ford wasn’t quite perfect there but she watches Kris go to a corner. Ford runs corner to corner, handsprings, but Kris catches her! The fans fire up as Kris GERMAN SUPELXES, but Ford lands out! but Kris goes Matrix to dodge! So does Ford! STUNNER! Ford runs, Kris does her best to follow, but Ford hops up for a POISON-RANA! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and the fans fire up! Ford is beside herself, but she drags Kris to a drop zone. Ford goes up top, and MOONSAULTS BUT FLOPS as Kris moves! Kris hurries to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! And then GERMAN SUPLEX again! The fans fire up as Kris scoops to tuck Ford in! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER! Cover, Kris wins!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Ford gave Kris quite the fight, but Kris came out on top! Wait, here comes Mone! Kris did call the CEO out, so Santa Mone says, “Ho, ho, ho ho ho! New York Citaaaay~! Please say hello to your C E O! Kris, after the year I’ve been having, I was planning on taking Worlds End off. I was planning on going to the Ritz in Boston.” The fans boo Boston, but Mone says since it’s the holidays, Mone feels like being nice. She already beat Kris once anyway, so she’ll just beat her twice! At Worlds End, you see that money changes everything, because Mone is the greatest TBS Champion of all time!
The challenge has been accepted, and Mone is looking to be busy before the New Year. Will Kris make her regret it?
Big Boom AJ & Big Justice return to the ring.
They’re getting Christmas Collision ready to bring the BOOM, but out comes Chris Jericho, who is still ROH World Champion after overcoming Matt Cardona last night at Final Battle. And he has Bryan Keith & “Big Bill” Morrissey with him as he asks if AJ has a permit for being here tonight. Did they talk with Mayor DeBlasio? Because they certainly didn’t run this past Jericho. Do they know who he is? Big Justice says yeah, he knows! “You’re a JACKASS!” Jericho is taken aback, but the fans agree with Justice. The Bad Apple says this is why dumbass kids should be sitting and not heard. Jericho says yeah!
And if being a jackass means he’s the King of New York, then Jericho’s the biggest jackass! And besides, Jericho talks for everyone here saying we do not want AJ & Justice here! The fans boo, they disagree with Jericho. But Jericho says they don’t even have Costcos in New York! New Yorkers shop at bodegas. Fans are torn, because they kind of agree. Jericho says his favorite is the Walgreens a few blocks over in Flushing. And speaking of Flushing, that’s where AJ & Justice belong: in the toilet! This is the Hammerstein Ballroom, the House that Jericho built! The fans boo that, it’s the House that Hardcore built.
But Jericho says there’s no time for goofy gimmicks like BOOM~, or bandit masks, or scissoring! Scissor me, Bad Apple~! But then wait! The Acclaimed is here! Well, Anthony Bowens is, at least. Bowens pushes past The Learning Tree and he joins AJ & Justice in the ring. Bowens has the music cut, and he tells Jericho that he doesn’t get why Scissor King is catching strays, but you caught his attention. Jericho is trying to intimidate a man in a walking boot and an 11 year old child while spouting nonsense about being the King of New York. Why doesn’t Jericho do what he has asked so many others in the past: SHUT THE HELL UP!
The fans cheer but Big Bill says, “As the Learning Tree always says, when a man tries to silence another man, he’s probably afraid of the truth.” The fans do cheer Big Bill because he is from New York. Bowens says he has no idea what that means, Bill. But he does know we’re live on TNT, Christmas Collision, Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City! So Chris, why not walk your ass to this ring and get it whipped by the Scissor King?! Jericho says if Bowens wants him to do that, then not tonight. Jericho waves bye, but AJ says hold on, listen up. We know Jericho is running scared, but we know at some point, Bowens will get to bring the-
Bowens stops the Boom? Because he wants to scissor! AJ says okay, and they SCISSOR BOOM~! But is that true? Will Anthony Bowens be the one to tear down the Learning Tree and be a champion?
Backstage interview with The Vendetta.
Lexy is now with Deonna Purrazzo & Taya Valkyrie, and they’ve got a hot streak going. Deonna’s message last week was ominous, but who was it for? Taya says there are so many options. Everyone deserves a slice of The Vendetta. There’s Mercedes, Mariah, Toni Storm, even Lexy could get some, so watch your back. Speaking of Toni, she stumbles in and apologizes for interrupting. She just wants to say hi to everyone, hello. Oh, Deonna, a pleasure. Deonna says she knows who Toni is. R-Really? So cool! Taya says she’ll make a guess: Toni has a tattoo on her leg, a little duck with a knife through it.
Wow, how’d Taya know? Deonna says no no no, she is not doing this again. She does not get what sick crap Toni’s up to, but she is already done with it. So for Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street, Toni VS Taya! Taya says she’ll make Toni forget everything! Toni nervously thanks The Vendetta, and says this is a big opportunity to face someone like Taya. Toni leaves, Deonna and Taya sigh, and Lexy has no idea what to say. Is Toni’s mind unraveling before our eyes? Or is there still a bit of Timeless inside Toni Time?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia!
This showdown was inevitable, but it’s even more fitting after The Standard of Excellence beat up the TNT Champion just because he stood up to the Hurt Syndicate. Will Shelton continue to bring the pain? Or will he not survive Red Death?
The bell rings and Garcia goes right at Shelton! Garcia fires hands but Shelton RAMS him into the corner! Shelton fires hands but Garcia turns things around to fire more shots! The ref counts, Shelton shoves Garcia back, but Garcia runs up to fire hands! Shelton shoves Garcia again, but Garcia gets under the lariat to waistlock. Shelton fights the lift but Garcia shoves him to SLAP! And CHOP! Shelton just grins and he picks Garcia up again! Shelton TOSSES Garcia away and Garcia goes to ropes. Shelton brings Garcia back up, scoops and SLAMS him, then brings him up again. Scoop SLAM! Shelton drags Garcia up and puts him in a corner.
Shelton whips corner to corner hard and Garcia falls! The fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton drags Garcia around, stomps him around, then TOSSES Garcia out hard! Garcia sputters but Shelton storms outside. Shelton brings Garcia up but Garcia fires hands! Shelton RAMS Garcia into the apron, then railing, then back to the apron! And repeat! Garcia falls in a heap and the fans fire up. Shelton grins as he drags Garcia up, to then THROW into steel steps! Shelton leaves Garcia behind and the ring count climbs on Garcia. Garcia drags himself up at 7 but Shelton goes out after him again.
Shelton puts Garcia in the ring, then grabs at him. Garcia grabs ropes but Shelton stomps him. Shelton stands Garcia up to DECK him! The fans cheer but Shelton brings Garcia up again. Garcia fires a forearm, then he CHOPS! Shelton eggs Garcia on, so Garcia CHOPS! Shelton grins, Garcia CHOPS, but Shelton DECKS him again! The fans duel but Shelton whips Garcia to ropes, for a BIG backdrop! Garcia flounders and Collision goes picture in picture.
Shelton stalks Garcia to the ropes, brings him up and around, then puts him on other ropes so he can CHOKE him! The ref counts, Shelton steps off, and Garcia coughs and sputters to a corner. Shelton stalks behind Garcia, stands him up, and winds up to ROCK Garcia! Garcia flounders against ropes then falls to the mat! Shelton stands over Garcia, drags him up and puts him in the corner. Shelton throws hands and Garcia stumbles. Garcia falls, but Shelton stands on him. Shelton stomps Garcia, drags him up, but Garcia fires up! Garcia breaks free to fire CHOPS and forearms on repeat!
Garcia whips, Shelton reverses and Shelton BOOTS Garcia down! Cover, TWO! Shelton is still amused, and he clamps onto Garcia with a chinlock. Garcia endures as Shelton grinds him down, and Garcia fights up, only for Shelton to wrangle him back down! Shelton leans all his weight on the hold and he squeezes tight. Garcia fades but the fans rally, and Garcia gets a second wind! Garcia fights up, Christmas Colilsion returns to siongle cipture, and the fans duel as Garcia fires hands! Garcia runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SHOTGUNS SHelton down! The fans fire up and Garcia aims from a corner. Garcia runs up, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX!
The fans are torn while Shelton storms around. Shelton waits on Garcia, waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEX! Garcia flops around but Shelton stalks him to the ropes. Shelton goes to the apron, runs up, but Garcia BOOTS him! Garcia takes a swing, but Shelton waistlocks! Garcia holds ropes to fight off the suplex to the floor! Garcia stands up and elbows Shelton away! Then Garcia LEAPS, but into Shelton’s clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY to the floor! Garcia flounders, fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton runs up but Garcia drop toeholds him into a chair! Shelton sputters and the fans rally up. Garcia makes Shelton take a seat, then rains down fists!
The fans count along and Garcia goes to nine, puts up the dukes, then hits TEN! Garcia gets space, runs back in, and he SHOTGUNS Shelton outta the chair! The fans are thunderous as Garcia goes back for Shelton. Garcia drags Shelton up but Shelton pushes him away. Shelton LARIATS Garcia, then rolls into the ring. The ring count starts, the fans help Garcia stand, and the fans fire up! Garcia hurries to the ring, but Shelton BOOTS, only for Garcia to block! DRAGON SCREW! Garcia runs, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Even with a bad leg, Shelton has so much strength! Shelton storms up in the corner, but Garcia dodges!
Shelton’s knee hits buckles, and Garcia leg scissor rolls him! Garcia steps through for the DRAGON TAMER!! Shelton endures and the fans fire up! Garcia sits on the hold, but Shelton powers up! Shelton powers out of the hold, has Garcia’s legs, and he turns Garcia over into a QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH! Garcia endures, reaches out, and he army crawls his way forward! But Shelton drags Garcia back! Garcia cradles Shelton! TWO!! Shelton escapes, but Garcia BOOTS him! Shelton SUPERKICKS Garcia! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Shelton covers, TWO!! Garcia barely gets out of that and Shelton is furious!
“This is Awesome!” as Shelton looms over Garcia. Shelton drags Garcia up, but Garcia trips Shelton! Jackknife bridge, GARCIA WINS!!
Winner: Daniel Garcia, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Shelton earns 0)
A Christmas Collision miracle? Who knows! But Garcia is still alive in the C2, but Lashley snatches Garcia into a SLEEPER! The fans boo but MVP hands the pimp cane to Shelton! But here comes Mark Briscoe, and he has a chair! Security wants this to stop before it gets out of hand, and even producers get out here! But wait! Is that Swerve Strickland rushing in from the crowd?! It is! He goes right up top to SUPER SWERVE STOMP the Syndicate and security guards! Garcia gets free of the pile, Mark Briscoe is with him, and now the locker room hurries out here to stop this from getting worse!
The fans chant, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” and Nana eventually hands the mic to Swerve. “Bobby FREAKIN’ Lashley! Didn’t I say I was gonna get my hands on you by the end of ’24? By the end of 2024, I said I was gonna get my hands on you, and that’s what I did, courtesy of the most dangerous man in AEW. Whose house?!” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Swerve is still aiming for Lashley’s head, will he and Lashley have it out at Worlds End?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos!
After getting a couple shockers, The Sussex County Chicken could easily jump up to the front of the block with one more! But will he #ManUp and bring down the menacing minotaur? Or will The Beast be a massive spoiler for Briscoe?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock again. The fans rally and duel while both men fire up. They RAM shoulders, and then fire forearms! The fans fire up as Mark gets the edge, but Mortos swings! Mark dodges to CHOP, then fire forearms! Mark ROCKS Mortos, whips, but Mortos reverses and SPLASHES Mark! Mortos runs but Mark follows to LARIAT! Mark runs, Mortos follows, but Mark dodges to CHOP! And CHOP! And forearm! And Mongolian Chop! Mark fires forearms against the ropes, then roars. Mark runs but Mortos follows to UPPERCUT! The fans fire up, Mortos runs but Mark follows to FOREARM!
Mark runs, Mortos follows, and he slingshots to hook and backslide, TWO! Mark trips Mortos to jackknife, TWO! Mortos gets around, hammerlock and cradle, TWO! Mark slips around to roll Mortos, TWO! Both men stand, both men dodge, and the fans cheer the standoff. The fans cheer “BOTH THESE GUYS! BOTH THESE GUYS!” as they reset. Mark and Mortos run up to RAM shoulders again! And again! Mortos is getting the better of this, and he CLOBBERS Mark! The fans cheer Mortos while Mark goes to ropes. Mortos runs in but Mark TOSSES him up and out! Mortos clutches a leg, stands up, but Mark runs!
Mortos slides in, dodges, and he SPEARS Mark! The fans fire up and Mortos roars while Collision goes picture in picture.
Mark rolls to a corner while Mortos headbutts buckles. Mortos then runs corner to corner to DROPKICK Mark! Mark sputters, Mortos drags him to a cover, TWO! Mark stays in this but Mortos drags him into a chinlock. Mark endures, even as Mortos leans on the hold. Mark fights up as the fans rally, and Mark fires body shots. Mortos THROWS Mark down! Mortos then CRANKS Mark’s neck, then KICKS him in the chest! Cover, TWO! Mark is still in this and he goes to ropes. Mortos storms up but Mark CHOPS! Mortos SMACKS Mark and Mark falls into a corner. Mortos stomps Mark, then digs his boots in!
The ref reprimands and counts, Mortos steps off, then Mortos snapmares Mark so he can step on Mark’s face! Then NECK TWIST! Cover, TWO! Mark stays in this and he goes back to ropes. Mortos waits on Mark to stand, then SMACKS him down! Mark dangles out of the ring in the ropes, but Mortos goes after a leg while Collision goes to break.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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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
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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