Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (7/24/23)
Big Time BET!
Paving the road to SummerSlam!
Tensions on Raw are high, and so are the stakes! If Becky Lynch loses to Zoey Stark again, she must TATTOO #ThankYouTrish on her chest! But if she wins, she gets a match with Trish Stratus at SummerSlam!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Big Time Stakes: Becky Lynch VS Zoey Stark w/ Trish Stratus; Becky wins and will face Trish at SummerSlam.
- NXT North American Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest VS Sami Zayn w/ Kevin Owens; Dom wins and retains the title.
- Tommaso Ciampa VS Bronson Reed; Reed wins.
- Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley w/ Dominik Mysterio; No Contest.
- Damian Priest VS Apollo Crews; Priest wins.
- Drew McIntyre VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ Imperium; McIntyre wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Judgment Day is in the ring.
At least, Rhea Ripley, Damian Priest & Finn Balor are. Fans are torn, but Priest welcomes us to the show, and tells us to ALL RISE for the Judgment Day! And he says tonight, they’re in Tampa! And Rhea says they don’t just run Raw, they run ALL of the WWE! Finn says that’s because they have the unbeatable Women’s World Champion in Rhea! They have Senor Money in the Bank in Damian! And yours truly, the next World Heavyweight Champion in Finn. But before they get to the man of the moment, let’s take a look at what he achieved just last week! They of course mean last Tuesday on NXT when Dominik Mysterio stole- er, won the North American Championship.
The video package at least shows it without bias or editing: the Judgment Day all helped Dom win the match, Wes Lee couldn’t withstand a 4v1 attack like that. In the present, Rhea takes the honor of introducing the NEW NXT North American Champion, “the hardest man I know, my Latino Heat, Dirty Dominik Mysterio!” Fans boo as Dom makes his way to the ring and shines up the belt as he holds it up. Dom says he IS your “fighting” NXT North American Champion! And to celebrate his greatness, they have another video package! It’s all highlights of Dom as he says “I’m not afraid of anyone in the world.”
Fans boo even more but the Judgment Day all smiles. Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but Dom repeats he is the NEW NXT North American Champion! But wait, who is this? It’s KEVIN OWENS & SAMI ZAYN! Fans cheer the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, and Kevin says, “Correct me if I’m wrong, but… I’m almost sure we did this last week, didn’t we? They came out, they stood in the ring and tried to look all menacing and scary, and they talked for awhile. And then the one with the mullet, Dom I think is his name, he tried to talk and nobody wanted to listen to him, right? I didn’t dream that, right?” Fans cheer, Kevin is remembering correctly.
Kevin then says that what really upsets him about this is when people don’t learn. When you teach them a lesson and they still don’t learn. THEY DIDN’T LEARN, so Kevin is gonna say this again: No one cares what Dom has to say, EVER!! Dom is so desperate for respect, so passionate about this industry, he has videos to convince people, but if he wants to help this industry is to shut his mouth forever! Dom say she will NOT be disrespected! He is a champion now! Sami says that is a good point. Dom is being disrespected, yes. But… That’s only because no one here respects him. It’s an easy thing to grasp!
But here’s a way Dom can win respect. SHUT UP! No, hold on. What if Dom went 1v1 with one half of the Undisputed Tag Team Champions tonight? Dom VS Sami in Tampa here tonight! Fans like the sound of that, and Dom says okay, Sami wants some of Dirty Dom. Then come get some, “Baby Rojo!” Oh, okay, just a reminder, though. When they all had a tag team match, the Judgment Day made a whole stink about how the tag titles weren’t on the line. So if Dom is a fighting champion, the way he just said he is, then he’d put his title on the line tonight. Fans REALLY like that idea!
Rhea says Dom accepts! Dom looks worried, though. Will his reign still be cut short at just six days? Or will the Judgment Day again have his back?
Big Time Stakes: Becky Lynch VS Zoey Stark w/ Trish Stratus!
The Man wants a fight with the legend, but she has to go through the protégé to get it! Will Becky win big time to force Trish into a rematch? Or will Becky lose and be forced to tattoo herself with three awful words, “Thank You Trish?”
Raw returns and Stark makes her entrance, Trish by her side. The bell rings and the two rush in! Becky sends Stark into a corner, fires off haymakers and stomps! The ref backs Becky off but then Becky fires off more fists! Stark shoves Becky, Becky dodges and CLOBBERS Stark! Cover, ONE! Becky goes for an arm but Zoey scrambles out of the ring! Fans boo and Becky is fired up. Stark goes to the apron but Becky DECKS Her! Becky runs, slides, but Stark dodges the dropkick! Becky still ROCKS Stark with forearms, then puts her in the ring. Tampa rallies behind Becky as she clinches but Stark goes up a corner!
Becky CLUBS Stark on the back, but Stark fights off the bomb. Stark mule kicks Becky away, hops down then springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Trish argues the count but Stark drags Becky up. Stark ROCKS Becky, runs, but Becky dodges the knee! Stark runs in but is sent into buckles! Becky KICKS then CLOBBERS Stark, cover, TWO! Stark goes to the apron, and she HOTSHOTS Becky to then throw her by her air! INSIDE-OUT ARABIAN SENTON! Cover, TWO! Becky is still in this and Trish looks worried as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Becky throws Stark into barriers! And again! And again! Trish complains, the ring count climbs, but Becky puts Stark in at 5 of 10. Becky climbs and fans fire up, for the MAN’S LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Trish is relieved but Becky knows that means she’s worried. Fans rally for Becky and she drags Stark up and around. Stark whips, Becky BOOTS her! Stark comes back, but Becky puts her in the ropes to ROCK, UPPERCUT and SOBAT! Becky goes to the corner, but Stark avoids the guillotine leg drop! Becky ROCKS Stark again to dropkick the legs out! And then FLYING FOREARMS from the apron!
Becky puts Stark in but Trish HEADBUTTS Becky!! Trish shoves Becky in and Stark SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and fans are thunderous! Trish is furious her screw job didn’t work! Stark hammers Becky and tells fans to shut up as they cheer Becky on. Stark scoops Becky but Becky blocks Z360 to hit a BECKSPLODER! Fans fire up, Becky runs in but misses in the corner! Stark GAMANGIRIS, goes up top, but Becky ROCKS Stark first! Becky climbs up after Stark, brings her up, and hits a SUPERPLEX! Roll through tot he ARMBAR!! Stark flails, kicks around, stacks Becky, and deadlifts for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!!
Becky survives and Trish is worried again. Fans continue to rally behind Becky but Stark drags her to a drop zone. Stark goes up the corner, to PHOENIX- NO, she has to roll through as Becky moves! She returns, MANHAN- NO, Stark victory rolls! TWO, Becky has it, TWO! INTO THE DISARM-HER!! Stark flails, but Trish throws her mask into the ring! Becky DECKS Trish, but Stark rolls her up! TWO!!! Becky escapes but now Stark wants an arm! Becky spins to throw Stark out, but Stark HOTSHOTS her away! Stark then springboards, but Becky catches her! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, Becky wins!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (will face Trish Stratus at SummerSlam)
Trish is furious that none of her tricks stopped Becky! Now she has no choice but to face Becky one more time! Will this big some big time payback for The Man in Motor City?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Tampa fires up for the American Nightmare and sings his song, “WHOA~ OH!” The pyro goes off, but Cody keeps his left arm close to him after Brock Lesnar tried to break it just last week. Cody then goes to the ring and climbs up on the corner, “WHOA~ OH!” for more pyro. Cody then gets a mic and says, “So, Tampa Bay… Whaddya wanna talk about?” His friends at home should forgive him, he has to turn around to see everyone here tonight. Fans cheer as Cody looks at the crowd opposite hard cam. Cody then turns back to bring up we’ve all seen the clip of Lesnar beating him up. With a chair. In front of Cody’s own mother.
Admittedly, Cody didn’t have that on his 2023 bucket list, but is he surprised? No. If anything, Cody is impressed. We’re talking about Brrrock…. Lesnar…! Who hasn’t even had five professional fights before winning the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Who hadn’t even played football before and made it on an NFL team. And a man who is simultaneous with SummerSlam. So surprised? No. Impressed? Yes. You wanna know who wasn’t impressed? Cody’s mom, Michelle Runnels. She wasn’t impressed. Remember, she is the same lady who watched Terry Funk throw fire at Dusty’s face. Who was drinking with Gordon Solie at the Colombia!
Fans fire up and Cody says if anything, Brock and Cody’s mother know what Cody’s about to say, and that is that Brock made a mistake. The mistake wasn’t beating Cody up in front of his friends and family. It was that he left Cody breathing! Cody takes a deep breath, and says now, he doesn’t wanna just go to SummerSlam to win a tiebreaker. he wants to embarrass Lesnar! Cody knows there are a bunch of people freaking out over Cody saying that! Cody’s poking the bear! No, he’s SLAPPING the bear across the face and saying come and get it!
Fans fire up and cheer Cody on as he continues to say that he doesn’t just wanna beat Lesnar because of the positive ramifications it’ll have on Cody’s life and career. He doesn’t wanna beat Lesnar just because this is personal. Cody wants to beat Lesnar because it’s what Lesnar deserves! So when Cody is old and grey, smoking a Fuente 858, he can open the chapter about him and Lesnar, he’ll know it wasn’t pretty, but he’ll know he penned the final paragraph! So then, Lesnar, at SummerSlam, Cody ends this! The American Nightmare is fired up and Tampa is fired up with him! Will Cody tear down Suplex City when he arrives in Motor City?
Backstage interview with Ricochet.
Jackie Redmond catches up with The One and Only to ask him his thoughts on Logan Paul showing up tonight on Raw. Ricochet says he is thrilled that Logan actually accepted the invitation. But Ricochet doesn’t get Logan, though. Logan shows up late, comes and goes as he pleases, why? Because he’s a YouTube star? Hilarious. But when Logan does show up, there is business they’ll take care of. So everything Ricochet is going to say to Logan, he’ll wait to say to Logan’s face.
NXT North American Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest VS Sami Zayn w/ Kevin Owens!
The Judgment Day all but handed this title to Dirty Dom last Tuesday, and Mami even helped him hold onto it last Tuesday. Can Dom gain respect by doing this on his own for once? Or will he call upon Rhea and Damian to save him against Sami, too?
Raw returns as Dom makes his entrance, the Judgment Day by his side. The introductions are made, the NXT belt is raised, and we see if Dom survives his first week!
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Dom headlocks and grinds Sami down. Sami fights up, powers out, then drops and hurdles and arm-drags! Sami has the armlock but Dom fights up. Dom pulls hair and has Sami on the ropes. The ref counts, Dom whips but Sami reverses. Dom holds ropes but Sami clotheslines him up and out! Sami then builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on Dom and the Judgment Day is furious as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Sami fires off on Dom in the corner! Rhea tells fans to stop chanting for Sami but the ref counts. Sami lets off at 4, then climbs up to rain down fists! Fans count all the way to TEN, and fire up as Sami brings Dom around. Sami scoops to SLAM Dom, then he goes up the corner. But Rhea distracts and Priest SHOVES Sami down! But Kevin CLBOBERS Priest! Fans fire up but the ref sees Kevin on the apron! Kevin explains what was going on but the ref doesn’t hear it, he EJECTS Kevin! Fans boo as the wrong person gets punished, but then he says Mami & Priest are ALSO EJECTED!
Fans cheer as the ref is being fair, and Dom freaks out! Dom turns around, into a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Dom survives but Sami keeps his cool. Dom goes to a corner, Sami runs corner to corner, but Dom bails out! Fans boo but Sami is after Dom. Dom HOTSHOTS Sami away! Dom runs in to DROPKICK Sami to ropes! Dom dials it up, but Sami LARIATS Dom inside out! Cover, TWO! Dom survives again but Sami stays focused. Sami drags Dom to a drop zone and he goes up the corner. Fans rally, but Dom rises to ROCK Sami first! Dom climbs up, CLUBS Sami again and again, then ROCKS him with haymakers!
Dom stands Sami up, but Sami blocks and throws body shots! Sami HEADBUTTS Dom down! Dom staggers up and Sami adjusts, but Dom DROPKICKS Sami outta the sky! Cover, TWO! Sami is still in this and Dom is furious! Dom stomps Sami, rains down fists, and fans boo. Dom soaks up heat and says he’s the man around here! Dom stomps Sami, goes to the apron, and slingshot SENTONS! Sami staggers up. Dom DROPKICKS him back down! Dom then brings Sami around, gives us some Latino Heat, but Sami slips free and waistlocks! Dom ELBOWS away on Sami, runs, but Sami reels him in! BLUE THUNDER- RANA!
Dom has Sami on ropes again, and he redials! But Sami ducks the 619 to get Dom! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives and shocks Tampa! Sami storms up on Dom but Dom wants mercy. Fans boo, and Sami sure doesn’t trust that. But then Dom scrambles away! So Sami drags him back in! Dom kicks at Sami, and DROPKICKS him back onto ropes! Dom redials again, 619!! Cover, TWO!!! Sami survives and now Dom is shocked! Dom pounds the mat in frustration, Sami sits up to shake out the stars, and fans rally. Dom brings Sami up to ROCK him with haymaker after haymaker!
Dom eggs Sami on, says HE’S the champion, but Sami fires haymakers in return! Sami whips, Dom reverses to kick and suplex! Uno Amigo! Then DOS AMIGOS! Dom gets Sami up again, THREE AMIGOS complete! Dom goes up the corner, to FROG SPLASH onto knees!! Sami goes to a corner, Dom staggers up, into a CORNER EXPLODER! Sami then goes to the far corner, fans are thunderous as Dom drags himself up, but Rhea & Priest are beating Kevin up on the ramp! Sami is distracted, Dom rolls Sami up! Dom wins!!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)
Sami runs Priest & Rhea off but the damage has been done! Dom’s team comes through for him, will he soon set his own record as North American Champion? As for Kevin, did the Judgment Day just bring down the tag team champions without needing a match?
Raw returns as Kevin gets checked by medical.
The concern seems to be his right arm and ribs on that side. Will Kevin be able to #JustKeepFighting against the Judgment Day and their punk tactics?
Ricochet finds Shinsuke Nakamura backstage.
Ricochet asks if Nakamura’s seen Logan Paul around. No, he hasn’t. Of course, that guy… But let him know if you do, alright? Nakamura nods, but then turns around into Tommaso Ciampa. Ciampa says the loss last week was on him, and that kick to the face, well, Ciampa will let it slide. But this ain’t charity. You get one free one. Tonight, Ciampa will settle things with Bronson Reed, so he better not see Nakamura out there. And if Ciampa does, then they will have a problem. Understood? Nakamura just smirks so Ciampa says, “Good talk.” The Psycho Killer leaves, but will the King of Strong Style have a more physical response?
The Judgment Day regroups backstage.
Dom says they just put a whooping on the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. But then they pass by Apollo Crews and Akira Tozawa, and Dom wants some respect. Crews says he was just standing here. Priest says yeah, is that a problem? Rhea asks Tozawa if they have a problem, and Tozawa says nope, then leaves. Crews says this is typical of them. They walk around and pick on people. What he’d love to see is Priest try that with him. Oh really? Crews is stepping to the most dangerous man in the WWE? Okay. They’ll do that tonight. And Crews will receive his punishment. The Judgment Day heads out, Tozawa returns to say Crews has this. Does he?
Tommaso Ciampa VS Bronson Reed!
Raw returns and Ciampa makes his entrance. Auszilla cost Ciampa against The Miz in that No Disqualification match, will Ciampa make sure Reed pays for that himself?
The bell rings, the two rush in and Ciampa fires off fists! Reed HEADBUTTS Ciampa down, but Ciampa is right up! Reed CLUBS Ciampa, suplexes him, and holds him, but Ciampa knees free! Reed ELBOWS Ciampa, brings him around and throws him out of the ring! Reed storms out but Ciampa CHOPS him first! Ciampa fires hands, Reed throws them back! Ciampa CHOPS and CHOPS but Reed CLUBS Ciampa! They brawl, Ciampa BOOTS, and then tries to fireman’s carry!? Reed is too big and he CLUBS Ciampa! Then Reed fireman’s carries, but Ciampa fights free. Reed ROCKS Ciampa, but Ciampa KICKS Reed in the ropes!
Ciampa fires hands, stomps a mudhole in, but the ref counts. Ciampa lets off, goes side to side, and he KNEE WASHES Reed’s face! Ciampa pushes Reed around, blows a kiss, and runs again, but into a scoop! Reed RAMS Ciampa into buckles, then hits a POWERSLAM! Oklahoma Stampeded with an Aussie twist, and Reed covers, TWO! Reed looms over Ciampa, kicks him to ropes, and then stands on him! The ref counts, fans rally, and Reed steps off at 4. Fans cheer Ciampa on but Reed scoops. Ciampa slips off to get a SLEEPER! Reed sputters and drops to a knee, and Ciampa shifts his position for a BULLY CHOKE!
Reed endures, and he gets a second wind! Reed picks Ciampa up, BACKPACK SENTON! Ciampa sputters now while both men are down! Reed stands, he drags Ciampa up, and Reed whips Ciampa to then BODY CHECK! And ELBOW DROP! Ciampa writhes and crawls out of the ring, but Reed goes to the apron. FLYING SHOULDER into a JUMP KNEE!! Ciampa takes Reed outta the sky and Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Ciampa endures a BEARHUG! Fans rally up and Ciampa fights to his feet. Ciampa throws elbows, gets free, but Reed CLUBS him down! Reed ripcords to “CYCLONE” POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Ciampa crawls away, Reed runs in, but into a BOOT! Ciampa leaps, but into Reed’s arms! Reed RAMS Ciampa into buckles, but then Ciampa slips around to REVERSE DDT! Both men are down again and fans rally up. They rise, and Ciampa CHOPS! Reed CHOPS, but Ciampa CHOPS and forearms! Reed ROCKS Ciampa, Ciampa ROCKS Reed! Reed shoves, Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges and ROCKS Reed!
Ciampa ROCKS Reed again, has him in a corner, and runs in to forearm smash! Ciampa keeps going to clothesline! And again! Ciampa keeps moving, and he slides under Reed’s body check! BOOT! ROLLING ELBOW! KOTARO KRUSHER! Cover, TWO!! Reed survives the onslaught and Ciampa grows frustrated. Ciampa drags Reed up, underhooks the arms, but Reed fights the lift! Reed lifts Ciampa, but Ciampa sunset flips! So Reed DROPS onto Ciampa! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa survives being squashed but Reed drags him to a drop zone. Reed grins but Ciampa anchors him! Ciampa kicks away but Reed stomps and SENTONS!
Ciampa sputters but Reed drags him back up. Reed gives a thumbs down and he hauls Ciampa up. Ciampa slips out, bobs ‘n’ weaves, ROCKS and CHOPS and SLAPS and ROCKS, but Reed CHOPS in return! Reed runs, into a BOOT! Ciampa brings kneepads down, runs again, but Reed LARIATS! But Ciampa is right back up!? Fans fire up as the two go forehead to forehead, and then forearm for forearm! Ciampa ROUNDHOUSES, ROLLING- HEADBUTT from Reed! Reed huffs and puffs and runs, but into a JUMP KNEE!! And then fireman’s carry!? For the AIR RAID CRASH!! Fans are thunderous for the cover, TWO!?!?
Reed survives and no one can believe it! And wait, here comes Nakamura! The King of Strong Style swaggers his way to the ring as Ciampa wants after Reed on the apron. But then Ciampa sees Nakamura and tells him to go backstage. Nakamura says Ciampa should watch out., Ciampa turns around, into the FLYING SHOULDER from Reed! Reed puts Ciampa in the ring and goes up top, TSUNAMI!! Cover, Reed wins!
Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall
The Colossal Aussie keeps his momentum going, but Nakamura did have something to do with it. Will Ciampa shift gears and look to settle things with Nakamura now?
Backstage interview with Liv Morgan.
Byron Saxton asks Liv her reaction to everything last week. It would seem Raquel Rodriguez suffered a severe knee injury during that brawl with Rhea Ripley. Liv says yes, Raquel is hurting, but she is a big, strong girl and will be back soon to take care of Rhea. But as far as tonight goes, Rhea is all Liv’s! Not only did Rhea take out Raquel, but she is also why Raquel & Liv lost the Women’s Tag Team Championships. Rhea walks around like she can do whatever she wants because she thinks no one can stop her. And Liv doesn’t know if anyone remembers, but Liv is the very last person to defeat Rhea.
So tonight, Liv and Rhea go toe to toe. Maybe Liv gets beat up, maybe she doesn’t. But there’s no way Liv is going down without a fight. #WatchMe! But then in walk the new Undisputed Women’s Tag Team Champions, Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green. And they would like something explained to them: Why is Byron so stupid as to interview Liv instead of them!? Well, respectfully, champions, he interviewed them last week after they won. And Liv has a match later tonight against Rhea. Oh, classic deflection. If it’s not about Liv, it’s about Rhea, and if it’s not about Rhea, it’s about Liv. The whole Raw roster revolves around-
Rhea! Hey! They were just saying that Raw does revolve around you! As it should, champ! They’re all champs! #ChampThings, only they can understand. Speaking of, they gotta do their own champ things so see you around. Love what you do with leather, though. Sonya & Chelsea leave, and Rhea says she warned Liv & Raquel to stay out of her way. They chose not to listen. So Rhea took Raquel out, and Liv is next. You see a pattern forming, Byron? He nods and Rhea leaves. Will the Eradicator be the one to send Morgan in to ObLIVion?
Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley w/ Dominik Mysterio!
Raw returns as Liv makes her entrance, ready to exact revenge! But then Rhea CLOBBERS Liv from outta nowhere! And she THROWS Liv into barriers! “How’s that feel, huh!?” Rhea then gets Liv up to POST her! And throws her into more barriers! Fans boo but Rhea grins and goes around the way to drag Liv onto barriers, to HOTSHOT an arm! Liv falls, and Rhea gets a chair! Liv scrambles into the ring but Rhea stalks her. Rhea storms up to HEADBUTT Liv! Rhea then drags Liv over to put the chair around that arm! Rhea says this is what Liv gets for getting in her business. Rhea STOMPS the chair!!
Rhea says Liv is dead to her! “Done! Finished! Bye-bye, Liv! Get outta MY business! I warned you!” A ref and a medic rush out and Rhea holds up her title. Rhea says Liv means NOTHING to her, “have fun in rehab.” Liv writhes and cries in pain, but then Rhea grabs the chair again! The ref tells Rhea no but Rhea puts the chair back on the arm!! Fans boo as Rhea STOMPS the chair again!! If the arm wasn’t broken, it might be now! Rhea says this is HER division, and now she leaves Liv alone. Will anyone stop the ruthlessness from the Judgment Day?
Medical has moved Liv backstage.
They check her arm, but she can barely even raise it before it hurts. Adam Pearce has a lot on his hands all because of Judgment Day, will there be any consequences for these vicious thugs?
The Alpha Academy meets backstage.
Chad Gable paces and says “congrats” to the Viking Raiders. They won their own little Viking Rules Match. But the problem is, no one knows what “Viking Rules” actually are! But how about this? How about an ACADEMY RULES match? You wanna put Gable’s head through shields? How about they go through some freakin’ chalkboards?! A THANK YEW~! Maxxine has Gable calm down and says she has this. Listen, “Val,” Maxxine doesn’t get what your deal is or why you’re so obsessed with her, but she has been embarrassing you week after week! Then Sarah Logan gets one up on Maxxine and thinks she’s just gonna fall off?
Sis, hate to bring the bad news, but no one puts the Alpha Queen through tables. They handle this Maxxine’s way: 1v1, her and Valhalla, in her first singles match ever! See you next week. OOOOH YEEEEH! Will Erik, Ivar & Sarah all fall down when the tables are turned?
Ricochet heads to the ring.
The One and Only is about to have his ImPAULsive face-to-face with the Maverick, assuming Logan is even really here in Tampa. Ricochet gets the mic to say, “Logan, where you at, homeboy?” Ricochet knows Logan is here, so it is time to come out to the ring and show his stupid face! No? Where are you, Logan? Ricochet knows Logan isn’t hanging out because there is a locker room full of guys who know Logan doesn’t belong. They’re here in Tampa in an arena full of people who know Logan doesn’t belong here! Fans cheer that! And there is one man in this ring right now who knows Logan doesn’t belong here.
It isn’t because Logan isn’t good or doesn’t put in the work. Ricochet admits, Logan has done that. And Logan is good, maybe even “special.” Maybe. But Ricochet is Ricochet, he is special every time he gets in the ring every damn week! Fans cheer that, too! Ricochet says it isn’t about ability that Logan doesn’t belong. No. “Simply put, it’s because you are an arrogant little prick.” And Logan doesn’t even respect anything the wrestlers do! Ricochet and the others dedicate their lives to this. They go days, weeks, months without seeing their families for even just a small chance that they actually get to fight for something bigger than themselves.
Logan doesn’t understand that and he never will! But sure, he can go around, show up when he wants, leave when he wants, that’s okay. Because where Logan is right now, Ricochet is here to say one thing: Ricochet wants a match at SummerSlam! Logan goes around, runs his mouth, talks about fights. If he wants a fight, then a fight- AMBUSH!! Logan cheap shots Ricochet then just shrugs. Logan then picks up the mic, takes out his phone, and selfie videos this for Ricochet to say he accepts the challenge. That’s right, Tampa! He’s gonna show all of you why HE is the best in the WWE! That’s right, guy with the mustache. Smile, you about to be famous. You need to get laid, ya virgins.
Logan laughs and says they all look stupid, But Ricochet KIPS UP AND SUPERKICKS Logan down!! And then STANDING SHOOTING STARS! Ricochet tells Logan, “See you at SummerSlam!” That should shut Logan up for tonight, but will Ricochet shut Logan up and kick him out for good in Detroit?
Backstage interview with Shayna Baszler.
Jackie asks Shayna’s feelings about everything with her and Ronda Rousey. Shayna says she is so sick and tired of hearing “that name.” To always have her name brought up in everything Shayna does, she is just tired of it! Talking hasn’t settled it, a match won’t settle it, Shayna plans on settling this in the only way it can be: at SummerSlam, in a language only she and Ronda know best. At SummerSlam, Shayna will fight Ronda Rousey. Will the Queen of Spades finally trump Rowdy Ronda as the Baddest Woman on the Planet?
Logan Paul storms backstage.
Byron finds him and wants a comment but Logan asks if Byron saw what just happened. “That was unprofessional as hell.” He feels that was inappropriate, and he feels victimized. But none of that matters, because next week, he’ll be in Houston for Raw, and he’ll make sure to pop Ricochet in his “stupid bald head.” No offense, Byron. Logan heads out, but will even payback be bigger in Texas?
Damian Priest VS Apollo Crews!
Senor Dinero En El Banco considers himself the most dangerous man in the WWE today, and he certainly is that for anyone holding a title. But will he prove he doesn’t need back-up to back up his words? Or will Apollo’s return to Raw be humbling for Priest?
Raw returns as Apollo makes his entrance. The bell rings and Priest BOOTS Crews down! Priest soaks up the cheers and jeers, then drags Crews up to TOSS him to a corner! Priest ROCKS Crews, then brings him around, but Crews hits back! Priest knees low, whips Crews to ropes, but Crews ducks ‘n’ dodges and slides under to waistlock and O’Conner, only for Priest to buck that. Things speed up, Crews drops then DROPKICKS Priest! Fans rally up as the two stare down. Priest rushes in but Crews dumps him out! Crews goes out, avoids the leg sweep and mule kicks! Then ASAI MOONSAULTS!
Fans fire up as Crews takes Priest down, then gets him back into the ring. Crews then climbs, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Crews says he’ll raise the roof and fans fire up. Crews lifts Priest, Priest slips free to BELL CLAP! And DECK Crews! Priest then puts Crews in a corner, to run in and STAGE DIVE ELBOW! Then BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Crews is hanging tough but Priest keeps his cool. Priest calls his shot and fans rally. Crews rises, into the choke grip! SOUTH OF- NO, Crews slips free! And JUMP KNEES! And ENZIGURIS! Crews runs, but into a ROLLING ELBOW! Priest drags Crews right up, wrenches, hammerlocks, PEPSI TWIST!
Priest brings down the straps and fans fire up. Priest waits on Crews, and then choke grips, for the SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest wins!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall
Crews’ return to Raw, ruined by the Punisher. But it was fair and square, so will Priest prove he is the strongest member of the Judgment Day?
Becky Lynch storms around backstage.
She says she told us she’d do it! She even puppets a little skull doohickey to say it. Jackie finds Becky and congratulates her. She must be ecstatic! Yeah, Becky was so focused on not getting a tattoo, that she never got a chance to say The Man has come around to Tampa! And now that she has her rematch with Trish, she’ll say it here: “It ain’t over ’til I win.” Becky hurries off to continue celebrating, will she bring Detroit into the Big Time?
The Viking Raiders speak.
Erik says, “It is known throughout the Nine Realms that no one loves to fight more than Vikings.” Ivar says, “And the gods are pleased when we do battle in their name.” Sarah tells Maxxine, “It is with a glad heart that I accept your foolish challenge. Because after all, the gods do smile upon brave women. But let me offer you one piece of advice: consult those gods, Maxxine. You’re gonna need them.”
Imperium heads to the ring.
Der Ring General leads his soldiers out, ready for a face to face with the Scottish Warrior. But will Gunther, Giovanni Vinci & Ludwig Kaiser keep things civil with Drew McIntyre? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns as McIntyre makes his entrance and Tampa fires up! McIntyre has his pyro and he storms right down to the ring. McIntyre gets a mic, Gunther has one already, and McIntyre says, “Alright, Gunther, I heard what you had to say last week when I wasn’t here, issuing challenges to Drew McIntyre. I’m here, I’m dressed, I see the Intercontinental Championship. Why don’t we do this right here and now?” Fans like the sound of that! But Gunther says, “So, after all that happened, you want me to put the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship on the line, here tonight?” Fans cheer and McIntyre says, “Did I studder?!”
Gunther says Drew wants him to put this title on the line, here in Tampa, Florida. Yes, he DARES him! Gunther says he put prestige back on this title and raised it to a level never seen before, and yet McIntyre wants him to defend it in front of these “degenerates?” Fans boo as Gunther says that is unacceptable. But it makes sense, though. Gunther sees why the fans connect with McIntyre. Because like them, McIntyre’s done nothing in life. McIntyre failed at Clash of the Castle, was humiliated by Gunther at WrestleMania. Gunther grins and tells McIntyre that if he wants to ride on the coat tails, then he accepts. And Gunther will just humiliate McIntyre again at SummerSlam.
McIntyre says okay, if we’re talking about Mania, here’s a quick story. When Sheamus and McIntyre first met, McIntyre was 19 and Sheamus was 42. They wanted to get to a match at Mania, and this past year, they had that! It was over 10 minutes of Brogues, Claymores, top rope dives, and at their weakest, Gunther picked the bones to win the match, as he should have. The personal issue got in the way of a Triple Threat, but now, this will be 1v1. And Gunther will find out why they called McIntyre the Chosen One, the Psychopath, the Scottish Warrior, and when he’s done beating Gunther’s ass, the NEW Intercontinental Champion!!
Fans cheer that, but Ludwig takes up a mic to say nein, nein, nein. Scottish Psycho, Chosen One, wahtever Drew calls himself, how DARE he speak to Der Ring General like that! McIntyre says “I actualyl like you,” Ludwig. Yeah, he has charisma and more exciting than Gunther. Gunther’s like watching paint dry half the time. McIntyre thinks LUDWIG should be the leader of Imperium! Gunther lets Ludwig continue and Ludwig says he is not going to stand here for such disrespect! Oh, well, then since Gunther won’t do something, they’re all dressed to go… How about McIntyre and Ludwig fight right now?
Ludwig gets in McIntyre’s face, so McIntyre calls for a ref. Will the Scottish Warrior wreck the Impeccable German as an example to what’s coming for Gunther?
Drew McIntyre VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ Imperium!
Raw returns and this match is official! The bell rings and the two circle. They stare down as fans rally up for McIntyre. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but McIntyre uses his size to put Ludwig in a corner. McIntyre backs off, Ludwig storms up, but McIntyre shoves him back to the corner! And then again! The ref counts, McIntyre lets off slowly, but Ludwig throat chops! Fans boo but Ludwig kicks low, CLUBS him, and then headlocks. McIntyre powers up and powers out. They RAM shoulders, but McIntyre doesn’t budge! Ludwig kicks low, CLUBS McIntyre again, then headlocks, only for McIntyre to power out again.
McIntyre dodges Ludwig to then CLOBBER him! McIntyre scoops Ludwig to SLAM him! Ludwig staggers up, and McIntyre clotheslines him up and out! Fans fire up as McIntyre goes out, and he backs Gunther down. McIntyre then storms up to CHOP Ludwig! Ludwig is stinging, and then McIntyre POSTS him! And CHOPS again! McIntyre puts Ludwig in the ring, but Ludwig bails out the side. McIntyre storms up on Ludwig again, to CHOP again! Ludwig throws haymakers in return but McIntyre CHOPS him off his feet! McIntyre drags Ludwig up to RAM him into barriers! McIntyre tells Gunther this is what he’s gonna get. And then he CHOPS Ludwig again!
The ring count is 6 of 10 but McIntyre puts Ludwig into the ring. But Vinci distracts, and Ludwig GAMANGIRIS! Ludwig POSTS McIntyre now! And then drags him in, only for McIntyre to fireman’s carry! Ludwig claws the eyes and slips free, then he POSTS McIntyre again! Ludwig ties McIntyre up in the ropes, runs side to side, and he DROPKCIKS McIntyre to the floor! Imperium stands tall but fans boo as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ludwig is up top, but McIntyre CHOPS him first! And ROCKS him with a haymaker! McIntyre climbs up after Ludwig, to SUPER WHITE NOISE!! Shoutout to Sheamus and both men are down! McIntyre drags himself up the ropes, fans rally and McIntyre starts to rally on Ludwig! McIntyre whips to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Ludwig staggers up, into another OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! And then a NECKBREAKER! Both men are down again, but McIntyre kips up! Fans fire up as McIntyre watches Ludwig stand. Ludwig fights the underhooks to UPPERCUT, but the GLASGOW KISS knocks him down!
McIntyre aims from a corner as Ludwig rises. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- GAMANGIRI!! Cover, TWO!! Ludwig almost had McIntyre there but Gunther coaches him up. Ludwig drags McIntyre up, and Ludwig fires off forearms! But McIntyre shoves him back, only for Ludwig to UPPERCUT and ENIGURI! Ludwig urns, into a CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall
Vinci storms up onto the apron, but it’s Gunther who rushes in! Gunther GERMAN SUPLEXES McIntyre, and Imperium mugs him! Fans boo, but here comes RIDDLE! Matt Riddle gets in, Vinci is after him but Riddle boots him away then FINAL FLASH KNEES! But Gunther BOOTS the Bro, to then get him up, GENERAL BOMB!! Gunther then goes out after McIntyre to BOOT him down! Fans boo but Gunther talks trash on McIntyre! Gunther then clears off the desk and fans fire up! Gunther drags McIntyre up, but McIntyre fights the bomb to back drop Gunther! And then McIntyre brings Gunther up! POWERBOMB through the desk!!
Fans are thunderous as the Intercontinental Champion is down! McIntyre holds up the belt, will he be taking it home after these two battle at SummerSlam?
Backstage interview with Ronda Rousey.
Jackie asks Ronda about Shayna’s comments, that it will be less a match but a fight at SummerSlam. What’s her response? Uh, a fight? Shayna can’t challenge Ronda to “a fight.” Ronda doesn’t get in “a fight.” Whenever Ronda fights, it’s THE fight. So challenge accepted! Does this mean the stakes are raised on an already explosive encounter between them?
Finn Balor heads to the ring.
The Prince makes his way back out here, because it is time to sign on the dotted line. A rematch from Money in the Bank, a battle at SummerSlam, where this all started seven YEARS ago. But will it be as easy as writing their names? Or will the Judgment Day continue to do whatever they want here on Raw?
Raw returns once more and Finn is at the table. Finn opens the folder, take a mic, and says, “Ladies and gentlemen, Adam Pearce was supposed to be here to oversee this contract signing, but due to the chaos The Judgment Day have caused tonight, he seems to somewhat have his hands full. But alas, I’m a professional.” Fans already sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” and Finn says that Seth Rollins is a professional. Seth wants this match, Finn wants this match, so they can handle this like gentlemen. So Seth, how about you come out here, sign this contract, and they can make this match for SummerSlam official.
“BURN IT DOWN!” The fans fire up as Rollins makes his entrance, swaggering in a pearl white suite, belt around his waist. Fans sing again, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as Rollins steps into the ring and swaggers to the table. Rollins takes a pen, finds his spot in the contract, and signs his name. Then he spins that around and slides it to Finn before taking a seat and putting his feet up. Finn takes the other pen, finds his spot in the contract, and Rollins says, “Oh… Well looky here, Tampa. Finn Balor finally figured out what we all have known for a long, long time, and that’s that you have absolute ZERO chance of walking out SummerSlam as a World Heavyweight Champion!”
Now the most obvious scenario is Rollins beats Finn’s ass, Finn mopes away, and the whole world sings his song! “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” But miracles happen every day, and so if someway, somehow, Finn IS the better man, Finn’s World title reign will end up even shorter than his Universal title one, because his boy, Damian Priest, is just gonna cash in on Finn right then and there! Rollins knows it, and he knows Finn knows it, because Finn would do the exact same thing to Priest. So keep chasing the ghosts, Finn. Because SummerSlam won’t be the coronation of the Judgment Day, no no. It will be the END of the Judgment Day!
Rollins drops the mic and fans cheer, but Finn smirks. Then the smirk becomes a grin, and Finn signs the contract. Finn then takes the mic back up and says Rollins sure thinks he has it all figured out. Rollins thinks he is just so smart. Seth Freakin’ Rollins, the Architect, thinks he runs this place. But he doesn’t. The Judgment Day runs Raw now. And see, Rollins said if Finn loses, he loses. And he also said, if he wins, he loses. But wait, here comes the Judgment Day from all sides! Finn says he’s been losing for seven YEARS, and it has slowly been driving him insane. And it’s all because of ROLLINS.
Priest, Dom and Rhea reach the ring from the three sides, and Finn says, “Y’know what that insanity feels like? It feels like an itch. IT feels like an itch that you just can’t scratch. It feels like a seven year itch. But at SummerSlam, I’m gonna make you my seven year B*TCH!” Rollins smirks as he is now surrounded. But he TOSSES the table at Priest! And then fires off on Finn! Dom gets in, but Rollins gives him some! Rollins TOSSES Dom, but Priest CLOBBERS Rollins with the briefcase! And then both he and Finn look at it. But before either says a word, here comes Sami and a chair!
Sami gets in, he dodges Priest to JAM Finn! And then he JAMS Priest, and SMACKS him! And JAMS Dom, but Rhea stops Sami! Finn TACKLES Sami and rains down fists! Fans boo as Finn stomps away, and the Judgment Day now drag Sami up. They clear furniture out, almost hitting referees! SOUTH OF HEAVEN for Sami!! Dom kicks Sami out, then the Judgment Day buries Sami under the furniture! Rollins gets up, throws his jacket off, but he’s in another 4v1 scenario. So he just goes for Finn! The Judgment Day beats Rollins down, not listening to the refs! Finn rips Rollins’ shirt open, feeds him to Priest, and Priest hits RAZOR’S EDGE!!
Finn drags Seth to a drop zone and Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!! Then Finn adds COUP DE GRACE!! Fans boo as the Judgment Day stands tall, and Finn says that Rollins better enjoy what time he’s got left. At SummerSlam, this seven year grudge is OVER! Will Judgment Day truly run Raw and the entirety of WWE?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here, though something about the flow felt off by the last hour. Granted, they sprung a great match on us with McIntyre VS Ludwig, and great win for McIntyre to then also get in a brawl alongside Riddle. Riddle goes down but McIntyre takes out Gunther, so as it stands, it feels like McIntyre ain’t winning at SummerSlam. Gunther will make it past Macho Man Randy Savage on the single-reign rankings, and hopefully they build the IC title as a start attraction for Payback in September, where Gunther is going to be at the doorstep of eclipsing Honky Tonk Man. I honestly can’t think of who it’ll be, though, but there’s a way to give us something huge.
In relation to the episode’s flow problem, there just seemed to be a lot of promos tonight, like they were trying to fill time. Now, I really liked the little bits we got from Shayna and Ronda to go from “match” to “fight,” and maybe we get some kind of MMA Rules thing, or the first Women’s Fight Pit match, something to relate how these two are legit. And I like that we’re not just getting Maxxine VS Sarah Logan 1v1 but potentially getting the first “Academy Rules” match, aka a Street Fight that’s school themed with chalkboards, individual student chair-desks, textbooks, maybe an old pointer stick in place of a kendo stick, I’d love to see that.
Good stuff from Nakamura and Ciampa, and a great match from Ciampa VS Reed, but of course Nakamura costs Ciampa. Nakamura VS Ciampa needs to be as amazing as we know it can be, but I do have this weird feeling that while Gargano returns to team with Ciampa for DIY reunited, we’re now getting #Mizuke as Nakamura actually sides with Miz on this issue. Or maybe Nakamura and Reed team up, that’d be better. And Ricochet had a solid promo, and of course Logan attacks. But great move that Ricochet gets up after the sucker punch to give something back. These two are definitely going to have a highly athletic match, perhaps a show-stealer kind.
Great match of Becky VS Stark, with Trish trying and failing to screw Becky over again, which is what was expected. Becky VS Trish at SummerSlam is going to be so good, and I can only hope Lita returns to keep Stark from helping Trish so that this can finish and Becky can move on to the title or something like that. And of course, a great promo from Cody Rhodes to fire up the fans, and he puts more of that Cody Rhodes passion into the build towards this blowoff with Brock. I don’t think Cody will actually “embarrass/humiliate” Brock but this has to be the best of their matches.
And perhaps more than past weeks, the Judgment Day was truly all over Raw tonight. I do appreciate them just inflating Dom’s ego more with the individual entrance and the various video packages, that is all good stuff. And of course Sami & Kevin confront them again, with a great promo of their own. Great NXT North American Championship match so Dom gets a second defense on his record. With Great American Bash next Sunday, before SummerSlam, I do hope Dom defends the title against Wes and Ali, and a Triple Threat can be the way he loses the belt after just two weeks without taking the pin.
And of course Dom wins here with that distraction of Kevin getting beat up. Kevin is said to have a real injury, though nothing so bad as to keep him away, but this beatdown was the kayfabe way for giving him time. Similarly, Liv getting injured by Rhea in place of a match, perhaps that is a way to help Liv take time off with a kayfabe reason. And Priest gets a “surprise” match with Apollo Crews. Poor Crews. I thought he was hitting his stride in his NXT “callback” and then he gets drafted back to Raw just so he can fill out the roster and take a loss like this. Maybe he should’ve been put on SmackDown so he could feud with Austin Theory instead.
But Judgment Day helped Raw close out strong with that contract signing segment that of course turned into a brawl. Great promos from Finn and Rollins, great move for Sami to go after the Judgment Day only to be beat down, but there was also a great moment where Finn and Priest did seem to question if they really were going to stick to Finn VS Rollins. But the match at SummerSlam is going to be awesome, there will probably be references to SummerSlam 2016 just like at MITB this year, and because Priest is Mr. MITB, it really is hard to predict what will happen, and that makes this fun.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!
The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
- Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
- Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony Schiavone is in the ring!
Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!
Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!
Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!
And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?
Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!
The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.
Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.
Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!
Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!
The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.
Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.
Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!
Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!
Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!
Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall
The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!
The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?
The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!
Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!
Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall
Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…
Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!
Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!
Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.
Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall
Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?
Team Triple J speaks backstage.
Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!
While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!
Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!
Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!
Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.
Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!
Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!
Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!
Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!
Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!
Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)
If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.
Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.
And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Feel the StrongEST, the FastEST, the RoughEST, the ToughEST, and the BEST Glow!
With Jade Cargill out of action, Naomi is stepping in to help Bianca Belair defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships tonight on SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade; The Bloodline wins.
- Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes; Melo wins.
- Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley; Gargano wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae; Bianca & Naomi win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Solo Sikoa is here!
The fans boo as the “Undisputed” Tribal Chief leads the Samoan Werewolf and Good Bad Guy to the ring. Roman Reigns put out the challenge for Tribal Combat, and on January 6th, in Los Angeles, for the first-ever Monday Night Raw on Netflix, it will happen! But first, Solo and his Bloodline go to the ring, and the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells them all, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” The fans boo instead, as expected. Solo lets that slide, and he says, “Roman Reigns sat on his little boat with The Wise Man and decided to challenge me on January 6th to a Tribal Combat match for the ula fala on Monday Night Raw, the debut on Netflix.”
The fans “WHAT?” Solo says instead of saying that, the fans should ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. The fans boo more, but Solo says shut your mouths and listen to what THE Tribal Chief has to say! The fans continue to boo and they continue to chant, “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells Roman that if he wants Tribal Combat, if he wants to take THE Tribal Chief to war, then let’s do it! Solo will leave his Bloodline behind, “WHAT?” Roman will leave his behind, “WHAT?” They’ll leave the Wise Man behind. “WHAT?” Jimmy and Jey, too. So listen and listen carefully: On January 6th, Solo walks in and walks OUT as THE Tribal Chief!
The fans boo more but Solo says on January 6th, he will STILL be the Head of the Table! He will STILL be YOUR Tribal Chief! And he will STILL have the ula fala! So Roman, after Solo beats your ass in LA, Roman can go back out on his little boat, sail off to the Island of Irrelevancy, and Roman can finally ACKNOWLEDGE SOLO. But wait! Drew McIntyre is here!? The Scottish Terminator has already hit Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn, but let’s not forget Solo was chief among those who screwed McIntyre out of the world championship. Solo has Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga stand down as McIntyre goes to the ring.
McIntyre grabs a mic but Solo tells him, “I gotta admit, I was very happy when you kicked my brother, Jimmy, in the face last week. Yes, I was very, very happy. But you better have a damn good reason why you’re interrupting me.” McIntyre says he’ll make it quick because it causes McIntyre physical pain to be this close to Solo and not beating Solo within an inch of his life. You like what McIntyre did to Jimmy? What about Sami and Jey? McIntyre wants to know, when Solo lies in bed at night, is he asking when McIntyre is coming after him? Because Solo is the one that cost McIntyre the title at Clash at the Castle.
Solo is the one who caused McIntyre’s family the pain and misery that caused him more pain and misery! But Solo also stood up to Roman Reigns. The only one to have the balls to stand up to Roman! The rest of them acted tough, acted like they were going to do something, but Roman snapped his fingers, didn’t change one bit. McIntyre’s heart says jump Solo, but McIntyre’s head says he and Solo have the same goal. So here’s what McIntyre is thinking: McIntyre can start working through the hit list, taking out more and more OG Bloodline members, and Solo does one thing for him: Take out Roman for good.
The fans boo but McIntyre says once all that business is finished, then he and Solo can settle theirs. But then JIMMY yanks McIntyre out of the ring! And CRACKS him with the crutch! And again! And then he runs up to CLOBBER McIntyre! McIntyre goes running into the crowd, Jimmy does his best to pursue, but now here comes LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade! The Bloodline has a Six Man Tag on their hands, will Knight even let Solo make it to LA?
Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade!
The brawl is on, Apollo after Tama, Andrade after Jacob, and Knight after Solo! Solo shoves back, but Knight LARIATS him up and out! Apollo DUMPS Tama and Andrade BOOTS Jacob! Apollo BOOTS Jacob, then Andrade BOOTS him again! Jacob tumbles out but Solo has him stand down! The Bloodline regroups while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and the match is already going as Apollo ducks ‘n’ dodges Tama to then slide under. Tama keeps moving, Apollo hurdles over, drops down, then DROPKICKS! Apollo fires up and the fans are with him, then Apollo gorilla presses Tama! The fans fire up and Apollo marches around. Apollo says this is for Solo, and he DROPS Tama! Tama flounders, Apollo brings him over, and he tags in Knight. Knight fires hands on Tama, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight brings Tama around to whip but Tama reverses. Knight catches Tama for a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Tama is tougher than that but Knight stomps him.
Tag to Andrade and the unlikely partners mug Tama. Andrade CHOPS Tama, then has him in a corner. Andrade tags Apollo, they double whip Tama to DOUBLE ELBOW! Apollo covers, TWO! Tama stays in this but Apollo drags Tama up. Apollo ROCKS Tama, the fans rally, and Apollo ROCKS Tama again. Apollo tags Andrade back in, they mug Tama, but Tama fires body shots! Tama shoves Andrade but Andrade RANAS on the return! Tama tumbles out, Jacob runs in, but Andrade DUMPS him out! Tag to Apollo, and then Andrade climbs! Apollo builds speed, and Apollo FLIES while Andrade ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!
The fans fire up as Knight then gets in to keep Solo back! Knight dares Solo to try something, but Solo stays back. Knight goes back to his corner while Apollo puts Tama in. The fans fire up as Apollo reels Tama in. Tama fires body shots and switches to a waistlock. Apollo elbows free, but Jacob sneaks a tag! Tama shoves Apollo and Jacob BODY CHECKS Apollo! The Werewolf is all geeked up while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Solo whips Apollo to ELBOW him down! Solo throws up the one but the fans boo. Solo drags Apollo up, bumps him off buckles, and the fans rally. Solo UPPERCUTS Apollo down, then stalks him along the ropes. Solo drags Apollo up but Apollo fires hands! Solo keeps Apollo from his corner but Apollo throws more shots! Solo whips Apollo hard into the Bloodline corner! Tag to Jacob and he looms over Apollo. Jacob drags Apollo up to scoop and SLAM! The fans boo but Jacob runs to SENTON, onto knees! Apollo saves himeslf and both men are down! They crawl, hot tag to Andrade!
El Idolo dodges Jacob, BLASTS Tama then ROCKS Solo! Andrade fires hands on Jacob, runs, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARM! Jacob tumbles to a corner while Andrade kips up! The fans fire up and chant “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade runs in, CIEN SHADOWES! Cover, TWO!! Jacob survives but Andrade keeps his cool. Andrade goes up a corner, MOONSAULT DOUBLE! Cover, TWO!! Andrade is frustrated now as Jacob survives again! Andrade thinks on what to do, and he brings Jacob up. Andrade fires forearms but Jacob grabs Andrade’s neck! Andrade fights free and fires more shots, but Solo sneaks a tag!
Andrade whips, Jacob reverses, but Andrade KICKS Jacob away! Jacob just roars! Andrade runs up, Jacob FLAPJACKS him into Solo’s HOTSHOT! That combo sends Andrade tumbling out to the floor, and Solo brings him up to POST him! The fans boo as The Bloodline stands tall, and Solo shows off his ula fala. Solo goes back to Andrade and puts him in the ring. Tag to Jacob, and Jacob whips for a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Andrade sputters and coughs while Jacob is geeked up again, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob watches Andrade crawl to the apron, and waits for him to go to a corner. Andrade sits up but into the HIP ATTACK! Jacob snarls as he kicks Andrade around. Tag to Solo and he whips Jacob for Jacob to whip him! Another HIP ATTACK on Andrade! Solo scowls at the fans, then talks trash on Andrade. Solo drags Andrade by his foot and brings him over to tag Tama. Tama then slingshot ELBOW DROPS! Andrade sputters more but Tama covers, TWO! Andrade is still in this, but Tama rains down fists on Andrade to keep him down! Tama HAMMERS and CLUBS Andrade, then he talks smack on Apollo and Knight.
Tama kicks Andrade to the Bloodline corner, drags him back up, and then fires a BODY SHOT! Andrade sputters, Tama tags Jacob, and then Jacob whips Tama in for a STINGER SPLASH! Andrade falls over, Jacob clamps claws into the shoulders! Andrade endures, fights up, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down! Jacob clamps the claws on again and really digs into Andrade’s shoulders! Andrade kicks and flails in pain but Jacob just thrashes him around more! Jacob shouts at Andrade but Andrade fights up to his feet! Andrade fires body shots, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down again! Jacob stalks Andrade to a corner as SmackDown returns to single picture.
The fans boo but Jacob rains down fists in the corner! Jacob then sucker punches Apollo! Andrade sits up, Jacob runs in, but Andrade moves! Hip attack hits buckles and the fans fire up! Andrade and Jacob crawl, Solo shouts for Jacob to get up! Jacob grabs Andrade’s foot and brings him up! Andrade ENZIGIRIS free! Hot tags to Tama and The Mega Star! The fans are thunderous as Knight dodges then CLOBBERS Tama! Tama flounders to a corner, Knight stomps away on him, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” The ref counts, Knight stops at 4, but then he CLOBBERS Jacob! KNEE for Tama! Solo runs up to TOSS Knight!
Knight dodges Solo in the corner and hits a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up even more and Knight tags Apollo. Knight hits Tama with the BIG back suplex! Apollo goes up top for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives but Apollo clamps on with a CROSSFACE! Knight WRECKS Jacob with a dropkick, and the Samoan Werewolf tumbles up and over the desk! Knight goes out to say that’s what Jacob gets, BUT SHINSUKE IS HERE!? Nakamura CLOBBERS Knight into the desk! The King of Strong Style gets away with that while the ref was busy checking Tama! Solo CLOBBERS Apollo, but Andrade whips Solo!
Solo reverses and ELBOWS Andrade! Solo drags Tama to their corner and then tags in. Solo aims at Apollo, HIP ATTACK! Solo hauls Apollo up, URENAGE! And then SAMOAN SPIKE!! Cover, Bloodline wins!!
Winners: The Bloodline, by pinfall
It seems Drew McIntyre isn’t the only one who is surprisingly on Solo’s side. The sinister samurai made sure to strike from the shadows to screw over Knight, will Knight make sure Nakamura comes to regret it? As for Solo, he is rolling towards the Raw Netflix debut, will he not need his Bloodline to retain the ula fala?
Backstage interview with Motor City Machine Guns.
Byron Saxton is with Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin ahead of the emotional grudge match. Shelley takes on his former friend, student, and the man who betrayed MCMG to take those WWE Tag Team Championships. That man is Johnny Gargano, so what thoughts are flowing through Shelley’s mind? Shelley says it is one thought: Payback. Sabin says they’ve known Gargano almost 20 YEARS, and only now does Gargano let the mask fall away to show us the truth. Shelley says it cuts a lot deeper when it’s someone you considered a little brother. Shelley tells Johnny that he makes sure Gargano knows he made the BIGGEST mistake of his life.
Sabin asks Shelley if he’s ready to do this. Shelley says this is something he has to do alone. He wants to see if Gargano is man enough to do the same. Sabin says okay, let’s get warmed up. Shelley wants a 1v1 shootout with Johnny Wrestling, but will Gargano do anything but do this himself?
SmackDown shares footage from after Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Byron Saxton was with Chelsea Green & Piper Niven and said before anything else, congratulations. Chelsea pats herself on the back, Piper pats Chelsea a bit, too, and Byron takes her back through the closing moments. Unpretty-Her on Michin, the bell rings, and we hear Lilian Garcia say the words, “AND NEW Women’s United States Champion, Chelsea Green.” What went through her mind? Chelsea takes out her gum and puts it in “Bryan’s” hand, and then tells him that she always knew this would happen. He might be surprised, and that’s so cute, but she wasn’t. She’s been doing this for ten YEARS, and worked her entire life to be an overnight success.
This is Chelsea’s time! Red, white and Green! Say it with her, Bryan! #RedWhiteAndGreen. So then, let’s talk the historical significance. Chelsea will now go down in the history books as the FIRST-EVER Women’s US Champion, so how does she’s now synonymous with the likes of Harley Race, the first-ever Men’s US Champion? She would say, “Duh.” She’s in the books where she belongs. Probably should’ve been three years ago, but she was released. It should’ve been way back in 2015, but she wasn’t hired. So now is the time. NOW IS THE FREAKIN’ TIME!! Yes, it is her time. What does a Chelsea Green reign look like going forward?
Chelsea says it looks like she’s going to Disneyland, so she’s got a plane to catch. Can they wrap this up? Of course. Have fun in Disneyland. Yes, well-deserved. Piper calls for champagne. Will we never hear the end of this now that Chelsea has gold to go with the ego?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“What happened after Saturday Night’s Main Event was not my fault. There’s a lot of people to blame for it. Cody Rhodes, the referees, Nick Aldis, WWE Management, they’re all to blame. I was screwed out of winning that championship. What happened to me is a travesty, a tragedy! I should be standing here Undisputed WWE Champion, but I’m not. But I took this (the Winged Eagle belt) because I deserve it. And I’m not giving it back until I get what i want. Everyone needs to understand, you can only push a man so much until they snap. But the good news is, I haven’t snapped yet.
“It can all get so much worse, trust me. You don’t want me to snap. So Cody, Nick Aldis, WWE officials, what happens next is on all of you.” The Prizefighter has said his piece, will he hold the championship hostage until his demands are met?
DIY talks backstage.
Ciampa gets it, Gargano’s known MCMG a long time. So it surprises Ciampa that Shelley is so dumb! He wants this grudge match but he can’t win the tag titles back in a singles match. So what’s he doing? Gargano says Shelley wants his payback, that’s obvious. But Shelley wants to challenge Gargano’s manhood?! Gargano is all man! He made a kid! Yeah, Papa John, Daddy Ciampa, of course they made kids. But Shelley did specify that he wants to do this on his own, so Ciampa knows what that means, right? Ciampa has to stay backstage, too. Gargano will handle business by himself. He’s not some naive 18-year-old kid with a dream anymore! Dream came true!
Gargano will go remind Shelley that he’s Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling! So Ciampa can just relax right back here. Ciampa says go get him! Ciampa won’t even move a muscle from here, you can trust him. Can he? Or is this all another facade to lower everyone’s guard?
It’s an all new Grayson Waller Effect!
A-Town Down Under is already in the ring, and fans boo as Austin Theory & Grayson Waller show off the abs. Waller then welcomes us to the Grayson Waller- And Austin Theory…! Effect. The hottest show keeps getting hotter cuz Waller gets scoop after scoop, lads. And tonight is a big scoop! A big, BIG scoop! The first transfer from Raw to SmackDown, it’s the Monster of All Monsters, BRAUN STROWMAN! The fans cheer as Braun makes his way to the ring, and he’s coming out as Santa Braun! Or perhaps, Strowman Claus? Either way, Braun throws free merchandise to the fans, what a gift for Christmas!
Braun empties the bag and then goes to the ring. Turns out, nothing for Waller & Theory! Waller sits behind the desk and thanks Braun for coming. And how nice of Braun to help all the poor here in Hartford. The fans boo and Braun asks if Waller’s really starting this like that. Is he really trying to piss Braun off already? No no no! Braun is right, it really is nice. And this is big! The biggest acquisition in SmackDown history! On the biggest talk show in WWE history! Braun says it doesn’t get any bigger than this, baby! The fans cheer and Waller says before we start, he knows how this goes, sometimes.
Waller just wants us to know that he invested a lot of money into the new set. Maybe we continue to spread Christmas cheer and have a civil conversation. No damage. Well, if Waller runs his mouth, then Braun can promise he’ll wear Waller out using all the stuff in here. Waller says he’s a bit surprised Braun agreed to this. If no one has said before, but Braun is a little intimidating. But the more Waller thought about it, the more it made sense. Even Braun sees the sense in associating with ATDU! The fans boo and Braun says he threw up a little bit in his mouth, and that get a good laugh.
Waller says okay, but SmackDown’s a bit scary right now. Bloodline is going wild, people are getting attacked backstage, and you don’t wanna be alone in the car park. Sorry, parking lot. Braun asks if Waller knows who he’s talking to. No, he didn’t mean anything by it. Waller just figures, it’d be a good idea if Braun looked after Braun for once. And that means setting up the ultimate alliance. Braun Strowman & A-Town Down Under as the same team! They’d be untouchable! The cunning and intelligence of Waller & Theory, Braun’s strength. Get it? Brains & Braun. Braun says he already told Waller to watch his mouth! Does Waller want his set shoved up his-
Wait! Carmelo Hayes makes his way out here! Braun sighs and Melo says no, no, no, cut this out. Melo has a bone to pick with Braun. Aldis thought he was going to humble Melo by setting him up against Braun. Everybody here knows that that wasn’t fair. But newsflash, Nick Aldis, you can’t humble greatness! Melo might lose, but he’ll never quit. So Braun, “you big ugly dumb Santa Claus b*tch,” let’s run this thing back right here, right now! Cuz now, Melo’s ready! Braun says if Melo didn’t learn his lesson last week, Braun will remind him what the Braun Strowman Effect is! Waller & Theory run away as Braun grabs the fake palm trees!
Braun CHUCKS trees at Melo but Melo just laughs. Will Melo not miss the game winner in this rematch? Or will Braun be the one to humble H1M?
Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes!
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Braun chuckles at Melo wanting to tie up. They do tie up but then Melo slips around to KICK the leg! Braun just brushes that off as he and Melo circle. Melo uses the ropes and even the ref as a shield so Braun backs off. Melo comes back, taunts Braun, then drops back to ropes. The ref wants Braun to let off, and Braun does, but then Melo sucker punches him! Melo talks smack, then whips, but Braun blocks! B raun shakes his head, whips Melo, but Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides out. Melo says safe! Melo says he’s smart, but then gets spooked as Braun storms up to ropes!
The ref has Braun stay back, and Melo gets cocky again. Braun signals to the fans that he’s taking a lap and the fans fire up. Braun goes outside, builds speed, but Melo runs! Melo slides into the ring, Braun gets on the apron, but Melo KICKS him! The fans boo but Melo hits the FADE AWAY! Braun flounders, Melo CLUBS and KNEES and repeat! Braun SHOVES Melo out of the ring! Braun shakes it off then storms back up on Melo. Braun YANKS Melo up by his hair! And then he TOSSES Melo across the way! The fans fire up and Braun drags Melo up again. Braun whips, Melo dropkicks the legs out! Braun falls, Melo runs, FADE AWAY, but into Braun’s hands!
Braun pops Melo up, but Melo SPIKE-RANAS! Braun sputters and Melo soaks up heat. Braun rises up like the monster he is! Melo turns around, Braun runs up, but Melo DUMPS Braun out! Melo BOOTS Braun away, then gets cocky again. Melo goes out the side and he runs up a la Braun. But Braun BOOTS Melo right down! The fans fire up and Braun looms over Melo. Braun drags Melo up, whips him at steps, but Melo goes up! Melo leaps, but into Braun’s arms! We’re at 7 of 10 as Melo slips free! Melo SLAPS Braun! Braun grabs Melo by the neck and TOSSES him into the ring! We’re at 10!! MELO WINS!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by count out
Talk about rope-a-dope! Melo steals this win by getting the better of Braun’s anger! Braun scowls at smart-aleck Melo, and he storms in! Melo runs out to the crowd and into the night, but Braun pursues! Will Melo #GetTheseHands one way or another?
Nia Jax and Candice LeRae talk backstage.
They’re both excited for the tag title match tonight, because Nia can become a double champion. Tiffany Stratton walks in and Nia says there she is! Tiff wishes them luck tonight, and cannot wait to be there ringside when the ref raises their hands. Nia gets a guilty look on her face and Candice tells Tiff that they were talking… It’s best if Tiff stays in the back. But hey, she can take some notes if she wants. And if she wants to help, she can prepare champagne, balloons and maybe even streamers. They’re gonna need all that after the big win. So Tiff should get on that while Candice & Nia strategize.
Tiff looks to Nia but Nia just says, “Thanks, Tiff.” Tiff leaves, Nia shrugs off the guilt and says she and Candice are ready. Candice is sure Tiff will have the most beautiful party ready for them. Will the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie succeed in taking the tag titles for their own? Or will it be Bianca & Naomi having that champagne to celebrate?
Melo returns backstage.
And he’s on high alert knowing Braun is still hunting him down. Melo bumps into Legado Del Fantasma, and then Braun storms up! Braun asks where Melo went. Santos Escobar says screw that, he’s no snitch. Braun says not telling is gonna get Santos worse. Angel steps in and says Melo went that way. Braun thanks Angel and storms off after Melo. But then Pretty Deadly asks Braun to please read through their script. Braun slaps the script down and says he doesn’t care about their stupid musical! But then Melo SMACKS Braun with a chair! And SMACKS him again! Melo talks trash before heading out, but Braun gets back up.
Braun is angrier than ever, and he still hunts Melo down! Is there going to be nothing left of H1M after Braun #GetsTheseHands on him?
Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley!
Longtime friendships thrown away in order to get ahead is practically cliche in pro-wrestling, but to think Johnny Wrestling would be the kind to do that. Will Shelley make Gargano regret ever treating 20 YEARS like it was nothing?
The bell rings and Gargano runs up! Shelley dodges to fire hands, then he bumps Gargano off buckles. Shelley stomps a mudhole in, then stands Gargano up to dig his forearm in! The ref counts, Shelley lets off, then he climbs up to rain down fists! Gargano YANKS Shelley down! Shelley flounders, Gargano CHOPS Shelley to a corner, then he mocks the MCMG hand pointing. Gargano CHOPS Shelley, ROCKS him, then wrenches him to whip corner to corner. Gargano runs up but Shelley ELBOWS him away! Shelley goes up to FLYING KNEE! And then he CLOBBERS Gargano! The fans fire up as Shelley drags Gargano up.
Shelley wrenches, hammerlocks, but Gargano elbows free! Gargano brings Shelley around to schoolboy ROUNDHOUSE! Shelley sputters, Gargano brings him up, and Gargano says he’s no longer the student. Gargano ROCKS Shelley, stomps away, but stops as the ref counts. Gargano soaks up heat, then shakes out his left hand before he runs up. Shelley puts Gargano on the apron to HOTSHOT! Gargano falls, Shelley aims, and Shelley slingshots to stomp Gargano’s bad hand! Gargano staggers away, but runs back up on Shelley, only for Shelley to jump the sweep! SUPERKICK! Then FLYING KNEE!
The fans fire up while Gargano goes down, and Shelley says that’s what Gargano gets while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Gargano has Shelley in a clinch. Gargano fires body shots, then he hits a JAWBREAKER! Gargano goes to a corner, Shelley runs up, but Gargano BOOTS back! Gargano runs up and slips around Shelley to SLINGBLADE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gargano is frustrated but he stalks Shelley to the apron. Gargano brings Shelley up, talks more smack, and he fireman’s carries. Shelley slips out but Gargano ROCKS him! SLINGSHOT- SUPERKICK! Shelley takes Gargano out of the air and both men are down! The fans rally up, and Shelley stands to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again!
Shelley CHOPS, whips, then kitchen sink knees! And then PENALTY KICKS! Ghost pin, TWO! Gargano escapes, but Shelley wants the arm! Shelley uses the Garga- NO, Gargano turns chicken wing into roll up, TWO!! Shelley escapes, clinches, and spins Gargano, ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Shelley wants the arm again! The fans rally as Shelley drags Gargano up, wrenches and wristlocks, but Gargano ROCKS Shelley with forearms! Shelley CHOPS back, CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Shelley wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! But Gargano ENZIGIRIS! Shelley runs up, Gargano dodges and SUPERKICKS!
Gargano scoops Shelley, takes aim at a corner, LAWN DART! Cover, TWO!! Shelley survives and the fans rally up! Gargano grows frustrated but he brings Shelley around. Gargano wants the arm now! GargaNO Escape, but Shelley says NO to that! They both fight up, end up in a corner, and the ref counts. Gargano lets off, to then ROCK Shelley with a cheap shot! Gargano runs up, but into a BUCKLE SHOT! Shelley shakes out the stars and he goes to the corner. The fans fire up as Shelley climbs, but Ciampa shows up! Gargano GAMANGIRIS Shelley down! But wait, here comes Sabin! Ciampa violated the deal first so Sabin’s not letting him do worse!
Gargano climbs up while Sabin chases Ciampa off, but Shelley SHOVES Gargano! CROSSBODY! Gargano rolls through, and pulls tights! Gargano wins!!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall
Distraction tactic and pulling the tights? Gargano has no shame! But he and Ciampa have the WWE Tag Team Championships, so is that all that matters?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Naomi.
Byron Saxton is at gorilla with The EST & The Glow, and before they head to the ring, he wants to recap the crazy couple of weeks. The mysterious attack on Jade Cargill, the big win at Survivor Series in WarGames, and now they can solidify themselves as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bianca says these past few weeks have been rough to say the least. And while you can trust Bianca will find out what happened to Jade, you best believe they won’t be stripped of the tag titles. That’s just what the culprit wants and Bianca isn’t going down without a fight. Thankfully, Bianca has a friend who always has her back.
Naomi says yeah, she’s got her back forever! And she can never turn down a good “snatch ‘n’ drag.” But she also knows how important these titles are to Bianca & Jade, and they’re just as important to her. Naomi will go out there and do everything she has to in order to keep the titles. Bianca holds out Jade’s belt to Naomi, but Naomi says no. Not until she’s earned it. Bianca says okay, and the music hits. Naomi is fired up, will this be the StrongEST Glow yet?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae!
SmackDown returns as the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie make their entrance together. The introductions are made, the tag titles are raised, and we see who is truly the strongest duo!
The teams sort out and Bianca starts against Candice. They tie up as the fans rally, and Bianca powers Candice right to a corner. But Candice pulls the braid! The ref reprimands, Candice shoves Bianca, then pie faces her! But Bianca SHOVES Candice to the corner! Bianca runs up but into an elbow! Candice goes up but Bianca ROCKS her! Bianca gorilla presses Candice but Candice scrambles free! Candice hurries away and she tags in Nia. Bianca says bring it and the fans rally for the “E S T! E S T!” Nia and Bianca tie up, Bianca headlocks, but Nia powers up and out. Tiff is watching backstage as Nia scoops Bianca, only for Bianca to slip free.
Bianca runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and DROPKICKS! Nia rebounds but Bianca avoids the elbow drop! Bianca tags Naomi then sets Nia up! Naomi and Bianca both run the ropes, Bianca handsprings, SPLIT LEG DROP AND MOONSAULT COMBO! Naomi covers, TWO! Naomi hurries back after Nia but Nia shoves her away. Naomi slides under the lariat then mule kicks! Naomi runs but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Nia drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Naomi stays in this for Bianca’s sake but Nia storms back up as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nia DRIBBLES Naomi off the mat, then stares Bianca down. Nia stalks Naomi to a corner, puts her on ropes, and CHOKES her! The ref counts, Nia lets off, and then Nia drags Naomi over to the corner. Nia traps Naomi while she tags Candice. Nia fires some elbows before backing off, and Candice RAMS Naomi! Candice ROCKS Naomi, sits her down, then stomps a mudhole in. Candice taunts Bianca, drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Candice CLUBS Naomi down, then clamps on with a top wristlock. Naomi endures while Candice leans on the hold. Naomi fights up, arm-drags free, then hurries for her corner!
Candice scrambles after Naomi and THROWS her by her hair! Candice stomps Naomi to the corner, tags Nia, and Nia runs up to HIP ATTACK! Nia taunts Bianca, drags Naomi up, and clamps on with a cobra clutch! Nia leans on Naomi to grind her down. Naomi endures, fights up, and JAWBREAKERS free! Nia staggers around, but she scoops Naomi! Naomi slips free to the apron and HOTSHOTS Nia! Naomi BOOTS Candice. RAMS Nia, then reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Naomi is down, but she BOOTS Nia away before heading for her corner. Candice hurries and tags in, but Naomi hot tags Bianca!
Bianca rallies on Candice with shoulder tackles and DROPKICK! Bianca kips up, wrenches, and suplexes Candice! SmackDown returns to single picture as Candice slips free! Candice dodges Bianca, Nia sneaks a tag, and Bianca scoops Candice for a GUT BUSTER! Bianca runs at the corner to RAM Candice, then she climbs up! The ref tries to explain but Nia runs up! Bianca backflips up and over! Nia almost squashes Candice, but she turns around. Bianca dodges Nia, but Candice hits a CODE BREAKER! SAMOAN DROP from Nia! Cover, TWO! Bianca survives and the fans fire up! Nia snarls as she drags Bianca into a motorcycle stretch!
Bianca endures and the fans rally up. Bianca fights up but Nia POSTS her first! Nia then mocks the fans with clapping, then she scuffs Bianca. Nia dares Bianca to tag, then she THROWS Bianca by the braid! Bianca goes to ropes, and Nia pulls the braid around them! The ref reprimands, Nia lets off, but Candice gets her shots in! The fans boo but Bianca gets away. Nia soaks up the heat and then brings Bianca around. Nia has the cobra clutch back on and she thrashes Bianca around. The fans rally as Bianca endures, and Bianca fights back up. Nia kicks Bianca but Bianca rebounds to reel Nia in!
Bianca tries to suplex but Nia’s too big! Nia shoves Bianca to the corner, but Bianca BOOTS back! Bianca ELBOWS Candice, runs up on Nia, but Nia picks her up! Nia RAMS Bianca into the corner! Tag to Candice and she climbs. Nia holds Bianca up, Candice MISSILE DROPKICKS Bianca into the SPINEBUSTER! Candice then BLASTS Bianca off the apron, then uses Nia as the step for the STEP-UP SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives, she’s the toughEST for a reason! Candice is frustrated and she CLUBS away on Bianca! The fans rally for “E S T! E S T!” Bianca throws a body shot but Candice CLUBS her down again.
Candice tags Nia and Nia pulls the braid to keep Bianca back. Nia whips Bianca to Candice but Bianca slips around. Candice standing switches, Nia runs up, but Bianca ducks and Nia clips Candice! Bianca scrambles while Nia checks Candice, hot tag to Naomi! Naomi LARIATS Nia but Nia stays up! So Naomi UPPERCUTS Nia! Nia still stays up! Naomi dodges, goes up the ropes, FLYING CHUCK! Nia wobbles and the fans fire up with Naomi! Naomi reels Nia in but Nia whips her away! Naomi BOOTS from the corner, then goes up! FLYING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nia stays in this but Naomi pounds the mat.
The fans rally up, Naoim brings Nia up, but Nia HEADBUTTS her! Nia runs up at the corner, but Naomi dodges to POST her! Nia is down, Naomi goes up! SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT FLOPS as Nia moves! Nia CLUBS Naomi, puts her in the drop zone, then goes up! But Naomi SMACKS Nia off the post! Tag to Bianca, and Naomi gets under Nia?! POWERBOMB!! Naomi drags Nia into the drop zone! Bianca aims for the 450!! Cover, CANDICE BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, Nia is busted open from hitting that post, but here comes TIFFANY! Is she doing what it looks like? Tiff cheers on Candice & Nia, no cash-in yet.
Candice tags in, goes after Bianca, but Bianca RAMS Candice into the corner! Bianca runs but into a BOOT! Candice goes up, TORNADO DDT! Cover, Naomi GAMANGIRIS Candice! Fans cheer “CASH IT IN!” at Tiff but Bianca tags in Naomi. Nia sneaks a tag, and as the Naomi goes after Candice, the ref has to explain. In that distraction, Nia asks for the briefcase! Tiff is conflicted, but she hands it over. But then the ref sees Nia with it! Bianca HANDSPRING KICKS Nia off the apron! Nia falls right at Tiff’s feet! Bianca tags Naomi, then PLANCHAS onto Nia! Naomi has Candice but Candice cradles! TWO!! Naomi KNEES Candice down!
Naomi hurries up, up and SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, NAOMI & BIANCA WIN!
Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Tiff’s hesitation costs Nia, and that means Naomi has earned that title belt! Bianca personally hands it to her and the two celebrate together. Will they hold onto the titles all the way ’til Jade is back in action? Or will a team come along that outshines even the StrongEST Glow?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of SmackDown here, though I think it was also prerecorded. They were in Hartford last week, weren’t they? And I thought that was prerecorded given how Jimmy Uso’s promo was received… But speaking of, good stuff from Bloodline to open. McIntyre calling a true with Solo was a bit of a surprise, but I suppose we should’ve seen that coming with how McIntyre is a Heel and often a hypocrite. Jimmy going after McIntyre was also good stuff, he can clearly still be a factor even with a bad toe. Very good Six Man Tag, too, but I should’ve known Nakamura would interfere and cost Knight’s team. Good win for Solo, and we’ve still got a couple weeks before Raw on Netflix, so the go-home math will still sort out with the first SmackDown of 2025.
Very good promos from MCMG and DIY, and of course Ciampa still went out to ringside despite the “promise” he made. And of course Gargano cheated, but that adds heat to the coming tag title rematch. They might even put that on the first SmackDown of 2025 to hype it up. Especially as I think it’s going to be the first THREE HOUR SmackDown. NBC is willing to do that knowing Raw is going to Netflix, meaning SmackDown will get more time to do more great things, which works with all the belts we’ve got now.
Good stuff with Braun and the Grayson Waller Effect, but of course we set up more between Braun and Melo. Clever move for Melo to win by count out, and of course Melo gets cocky for it. Braun was almost classic Braun with how he shrugged the chair shots off backstage. We’ll of course get one more Braun VS Melo, and maybe someone from Legado or Pretty Deadly screws Braun over given how he treated them. Very good promo from Chelsea after her big win on Saturday, and I’m sure she’ll be celebrating this win in both kayfabe and real-life through the holidays, ready to start her first title feud on January 3rd.
Very good promo from Kevin Owens, but I feel like he had to contradict himself here from what he said during the Raw on Netflix “kickoff show” on Wednesday. Kevin said then that he’s going to act as the defending champion with the holiday house show tour, but he said here he isn’t the champion since he got screwed. Either way, he’ll really play up how he is somehow the victim in all this, making the return of Cody Rhodes all the better. We’ll surely get one last match of Cody VS Kevin, maybe with a big stipulation on it, and then we’ll have a moment of (more than likely) Cody holding up both Winged Eagle and corporate logo championships.
And of course, very good stuff in the two main Smackdown women’s stories. That promo from Nia, Candice and Tiff was really good because you kinda feel for Tiff being treated as the odd one out. And then very good promo right before the match with Bianca & Naomi. I like Naomi wanting to earn the belt, and we got a great tag match. Nia surely got busted open “hard way,” aka legitimately, that post surely has edges you gotta watch out for. But Tiff showing up was of course for the briefcase distraction, not cashing in. Tiff hasn’t been pushed that far yet, that might come with the Netflix debut. But Naomi & Bianca of course retained the titles, that’ll cue up Jade making a return to identify her attacker, and it might be Naomi after all…
My Score: 8.8/10
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