Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW G1 Climax 33 Results & Report! (8/1/23)
A & B, Round 6!
Will it rain in round six?
Kazuchika Okada may be coming off a loss, but he isn’t out of the running just yet! Will he make it rain on Kenta? Or will he Go To Sleep?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: Hikuleo VS Kaito Kiyomiya; Hikuleo wins.
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS Great-O-Khan; Khan wins.
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: Ren Narita VS Chase Owens; Narita wins.
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: Taichi VS El Phantasmo; ELP wins.
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Gabe Kidd; Sanada wins.
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: Tanga Loa VS Will Ospreay; Loa wins.
- G1 Climax 33, A Block: Shota Umino VS Yota Tsuji; Tsuji wins.
- G1 Climax 33, B Block: Kazuchika Okada VS KENTA; Okada wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current A Block standings.
Sanada: 5-0, 10 points [QUALIFIED, A1]
Kaito Kiyomiya: 2-1-2, 6 points
Shota Umino: 2-1-2, 6 points
Gabe Kidd: 2-2-1, 5 points
Chase Owens: 2-3, 4 points
Hikuleo: 2-3, 4 points
Yota Tsuji: 1-2-2, 3 points
Ren Narita: 0-3-2, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the current B Block standings.
Will Ospreay: 4-1, 8 points
Kazuchika Okada: 4-1, 8 points
Taichi: 3-2, 6 points
El Phantasmo: 2-3, 4 points
Kenta: 2-3, 4 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 2-3, 4 points
Tanga Loa: 2-3, 4 points
Great-O-Khan: 1-4, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
G1 Climax 33, A Block: Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Kaito Kiyomiya!
The Young Guerilla is clinging to life in the G1, but the Supernova of NOAH is fighting to be second! Will the bubble burst on Hikuleo? Or will Kaito find a way to make this the GREEN1?
The bell rings and the two rush in! Kaito avoids a boot to fire off forearms! Kaito runs and RAMS Hiku, but he stays up! Fans rally, Kaito runs and RAMS Hiku again. Hiku stays standing so Kaito dropkicks the legs! And again! Kaito runs, but Hiku back drops him! Fans fire up and Hiku shakes his legs out. Hiku kicks Kaito out of the ring, then goes out to bring Kaito up. Hiku ROCKS Kaito, but Kaito CHOPS! Hiku just CHOPS right back! Hiku scoops Kaito, carries him around, and gives him SNAKE EYES off the railing! Kaito falls in a heap and fans fire up! Hiku drags Kaito up, puts him back in the ring, and fans cheer. Hiku covers, TWO!
Fans rally up as Hiku looms over Kaito. Hiku stomps Kaito, drags him up, and whips him to a corner. Kaito goes up but can’t get over as Hiku’s so tall! But Kaito fights the snake eyes and slips off the back, to dropkick the legs out! Fans fire up while both men are down. Kaito storms up on Hiku, stomps his legs, and brings Hiku up. Hiku CHOPS Kaito! Kaito stomps the leg! Kaito puts the leg on the ropes, and he stomps it! The ref reprimands but Kaito brings Hiku up in a corner. Kaito puts the bad leg around the ropes and pulls! The ref reprimands and counts, Kaito lets off at 4. Hiku tries to get free but Kaito’s on him again.
Kaito CLUBS Hiku, CHOPS him, but Hiku scowls. Hiku ROCKS Kaito! Kaito CHOPS Hiku! Hiku headlocks! But Kaito grabs the bad leg and CLUBS it! Fans rally up while Hiku sits down. Kaito grabs the bad leg to YANK it! Then Kaito puts the leg on ropes, to HIP DROP it! Kaito drags Hiku by his leg, goes up the corner, to FLYING YANK! Hiku crawls back to a corner but Kaito stomps the leg again. Hiku snarls, and he choke grips! Kaito breaks free to stomp the leg! Fans rally, Kaito brings Hiku up at five minutes, and he goes to put the leg around ropes. Hiku resists, and he CHOPS Kaito on the back!
Hiku shoves Kaito away, but Kaito comes back! Kaito blocks the boot, but Hiku CHOSP him! And CHOPS him! And UPPERCUTS! Kaito goes to a corner, Hiku runs in to SPLASH! Hiku scoops, SNAKE EYES! And a LARIAT! Fans fire up with Hiku and he drags Kaito up, for a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Kaito survives that fall. Fans rally, Hiku drags Kaito up and whips him to ropes, but Kaito holds ropes to stop himself! Kaito blocks the boot to DRAGON SCREW! Kaito then hurries to a corner and climbs up, MISSILE DROPKICK to the leg! Kaito grabs that leg, steps through, and has the FIGURE FOUR!
Fans fire up as Hiku endures the legendary leglock! Hiku drags Kaito along as he moves around, and reaches out for the ROPEBREAK! Kaito lets go reluctantly but he watches Hiku. Kaito storms up behind Hiku, and chicken wings! Hiku resists the lift, and breaks free! But Kaito fires off forearm after forearm! Kaito runs, ROLLING ELBOW! And then chicken wings, to TIGER PLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Hiku survives and fans are thunderous! Kaito fires up with them, and he brings Hiku back up. Chicken wings, but Hiku fights free again! Hiku scoops Kaito for a STAMPEDE POWERSLAM!
Fans fire up while both men are down! Hiku rises first, and he takes aim as Kaito stands. Choke grip, but Kaito kicks the bad leg! But Hiku avoids the dropkick! Choke grip and deadlift, into the- NO, Kaito ranas outta the slam! Cover, TWO!! Hiku escapes and fans fire up again! Kaito runs to JUMP KNEE! Hiku roars, swings, misses, and Kaito RAN- NO!! Hiku gets Kaito up, but Kaito slips out the back! Only to run into the SNAP POWERSLAM! Then the choke grip and GODSEND!! Cover, Hiku wins!
Winner: Hikuleo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kaito earns 0)
And with this win, the Young Guerilla surges up the standings! Is there still a chance Hikuleo moves on to the quarterfinals? As for Kaito, he is 2-2-2, which way will things split in the seventh?
G1 Climax 33, B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS Great-O-Khan!
The Head Hunter is also clinging to life in the G1, but he’s doing better than the eliminated Dominator! Will Hashi just add to the woes? Or will the United Empire ruin things for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally as they feel out the grapple. Khan pushes forward, takes Hashi down with a leg and then goes for an arm. Hashi moves around to hold off the double wristlock but Khan shifts to go for an armbar. Hashi clasps hands, stacks Khan but Khan shifts to a Triangle Hold! Hashi pops free, but slips away before Khan can waistlock. Fans cheer this technical exchange, and the two reset. They feel things out, Khan goes for a leg, waitslocks and rolls Hashi to a bridge, TWO! Hashi slips free of the waistlock and now he wants a double wristlock! Khan moves, Hashi gets the ARMBAR! But Khan scrambles to the ROPEBREAK!
Fans cheer and the ref counts, and Hashi lets off cleanly. Khan shakes out his arm and resets with Hashi again. Khan SLAPS Hashi, grabs his ear, CLUBS it, then trips Hashi into the HEAD ‘N’ ARM TRIANGLE! Hashi endures, kicks around, but Khan leans all his weight on the hold. Khan pulls back, fans rally, and Hashi keeps fighting. Khan stands Hashi up to SAYANAGI, into the HEAD ‘N’ ARM! Hashi flails, but Khan squeezes tight! Hsahi’s turning red, maybe even purple, as Khan leans all his weight on the hold again. Hashi kicks around, reaches out, but Khan steps over to limit Hashi’s legs! Hashi keeps fighting but Khan shifts his grip!
Khan has a SLEEPER now! Hashi is fading again, but he keeps kicking around, and finds the ROPEBREAK! Khan lets go and fans rally up again. Khan stands Hashi up, bumps him off buckles, then puts stank on his Mongolian Chops! Fans fire up as Khan stands Hashi up, for another Mongolian Chop! Khan drags Hashi up again, and fans rally as Khan sits on his throne! The ref reprimands and counts, but Khan pulls Hashi’s arms back! Khan hops off at 4, and Hashi sputters. Khan brings Hashi around for a BIG back suplex! Kneeling cover, TWO! Khan’s a bit cocky there, and we pass five minutes.
Khan kicks Hashi around, but Hashi stands up to stare him down. Hashi fires off forearms, and a CHOP! Fans fire up for that, but the Mongolian Chops knock Hashi down! Khan stalks Hashi to a corner, kicks him down, then digs his boots in. Khan drags Hashi up, whips him corner to corner, but Hashi comes back to dropkick the legs out! Fans fire up as both men are down! Hashi crawls to a corner, Khan is in the other, and fans rally up as Hashi runs corner to corner. Hashi CHOPS Khan, then whips him to CHOP again! Hashi mule kicks, runs, and BLOCKBUSTERS! Fans fire up with Hashi while Khan flounders to ropes.
Hashi runs back in, to CHOP again! Hashi hangs Khan out to dry, runs side to side, and DROPKICKS Khan down! Fans fire up with Hashi again as he goes up top! Khan stands into Hashi’s FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Khan is still in this and fans rally up. Hashi brings Khan up, reels him in, but Khan fights the lift! Khan back drops Hashi away! Khan goes to a corner, Hashi runs in but into a BOOT! Hashi runs back in but Khan sends him into the buckles! Then Khan torture racks Hashi for the stretch! Hashi endures but then Khan swings for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Hashi survives and fans fire up again!
Hashi and Khan stir, Khan rises first, and he drags Hashi back up. Khan reels Hashi in, suplexes, but Hashi slips free! Khan elbows Hashi, but Hashi reels him in! Khan gets around, HITSUJIGOROSHI! Khan thrashes Hashi around but Hashi reaches out! Hashi looks to be fading, though! Fans rally up, and Hashi gets a second wind to throw hands! But Khan KNEES him, and shifts, F G O PLEX! Khan then scoops Hashi for the T T D!! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives and Khan is stunned! Fans are thunderous, through, as we pass 15 minutes! Khan lets the Monster Rage loose, and he IRON CLAWS Hashi’s face!
Khan drags Hashi up, ELIMIN- NO, Hashi SATELLITE DDT counters! Fans fire up as both men are down again! Hashi and Khan stir, rise to their feet, and Hashi runs to LARIAT! Khan stays up to ROCK Hashi! Khan runs, Hashi duck sunder, SNAP DRAGON! But Khan and Hashi both roar, run in, and Hashi’s LARIAT wins out! Fans fire up as Hashi gets Khan back up! Hashi reels Khan in, gets him up, SITOUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Khan survives and fans are thunderous again! Hashi feeds off that energy and roars again! Hashi stands Khan up, reels him back in, fisherman for the KUMA- NO, Khan snap suplexes first! PANCAKE BRIDGE, TWO!!
Fans are thunderous again as Hashi goes to a corner. Khan headbutts the mat to fire himself up! Khan runs in but Hashi dodges! Hashi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, then rolls Khan with bridge! TWO!! SUPERKICK! Hashi fires up again and he brings Khan up. Fisherman for the KUMAGOROSHI!! Cover, TWO!?!? Khan barely gets his arm up in time! The fans are electric and Hashi fires back up! Hashi drags Khan up, brings him around, full nelson then pump handle, but Khan switches! IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Hashi pries at the hold but Khan thrashes him around! Hashi fights up, throws elbow after elbow, but Khan clamps back on!
ELIMIN- NO, Hashi fights out! SUPERKICK! Hashi runs in, POP-UP ELIMINATOR?!? Cover, KHAN WINS!!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hashi earns 0)
And with that Eliminator, Hashi is mathematically eliminated! Khan may not be moving on in the G1, but will the United Empire look to again go after those IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships?
G1 Climax 33, A Block: Ren Narita VS Chase Owens!
The Son of Strong Style has struggled to get points, but now he can shift and play spoiler! Will he do that to the Crown Jewel this close to the end? Or will Chase be Too Sweet in the sixth?
The bell rings and fans rally up as the two stare down. Chase and Narita circle, feel things out, but then Chase backs away. The two reset, tie up, and Chase wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Narita rolls, slips through and wrenches Chase to a wristlock. Chase wrenches back, but Narita wrenches back. Chase steps into the ropes and fans applaud. The ref counts the break, Narita lets off, and Chase claims hair pulling. Narita says he did no such thing, and the two reset. The two tie up, Narita wrenches and wristlocks but now Chase pulls hair to throw Narita down! The ref reprimands but Chase slaps Narita around.
Chase says Narita is still a Young Lion! Chase slaps and slaps and slaps, but Narita knees low! Narita CLUBS Chase, tosses him out, and he goes out to ROCK Chase with forearm after forearm! Chase staggers away, but Narita whips him hard into railing! Narita puts Chase in the ring, storms up, and HALF HATCH SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Chase bails out and Narita pursues. Narita whips Chase into more railing! Narita CLUBS Chase, then gets space. Narita runs in, but Chase dodges! Narita’s boot gets stuck on the apron and Chase sweeps the other leg! Narita falls hard and writhes his way over to railing.
Chase catches his breath and stretches his back out, then rolls into the ring. The ring count starts, but then Chase goes right out after Narita. Chase drags Narita up, brings him around, and hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Narita falls to the floor and Chase leaves him behind again. The count restarts, Narita clutches a shoulder but is still down at 10 of 20. Narita drags himself up at 12, but Chase brings Narita in through the ropes! HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Narita is still in this and fans applaud. Chase stalks Narita, drags him up, and CLUBS him on the back. Chase then clamps on a claw into the shoulder!
Narita endures, fans rally up, but Chase KNEES him in the back! Narita flounders to a corner, and Chase drags him up. Narita throws body shots and a CHOP! Chase whips Narita to ropes to ELBOW him down! Fans rally as we pass five minutes. Chase paces around, kicks Narita around, toying with him really. Chase slaps Narita, kicks him, taunts him, and sits him up to ROCK him with a forearm! Chase eggs Narita on but Narita grits his teeth. Narita throws a forearm in return! Chase ROCKS Narita again! Narita ROCKS Chase! Chase ROCKS Narita, Narita ROCKS Chase! Narita fires forearm after forearm, but Chase throat chops!
Chase runs, but into a WHEEL KICK! Fans fire up as both men are down! Narita goes to a corner, Chase is in the opposite. Narita runs in to BACK ELBOW! And HALF HATCH BRIDGE! Cover, TWO! Narita clamps right on with a SLEEPER! But Chase arm-drags free! Narita runs back in but into a BOOT! Chase then reels Narita in, BUCKLE PLEX to SAI- NO, Narita slips out to SLEEPER! But Chase runs around to HOTSHOT Narita into ropes! Fans rally up, Chase runs in and LARIATS! Chase throws up the Too Sweet and fans rally up again. Narita sits up, Chase runs in, but Narita deflects the C-Trigger!
Narita gets around, COBRA- NO, Chase rolls Narita up! TWO! Both men stand, Chase swings, into an BLIZZARD SUPLEX BRIDGE! TWO! Chase escapes but fans fire up with Narita! Narita DOUBLE WRIST ARMSAULTS, then rolls through to drag Chase up! Clinch, but Chase BELL CLAPS! Chase runs in, C-TRIGGER! Chase then reels Narita in, tucks the arms, PACKAGE- NO, Narita fights and kicks and flails, and he finally back drops free! Fans fire up and Narita swings, but Chase gets around! Backslide, roll through, C-TRIGGER! Chase reels Narita back up, and SPIN BACK ELBOWS! Then wrench and hammerlock, but Narita ducks the lariat! COBRA TWIST!
Chase endures, reaches out, but Narita shifts to a SLEEPER! Chase reaches out, but then Narita has the COBRA TWIST again! Chase taps, Narita wins!!
Winner: Ren Narita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Chase earns 0)
FINALLY, a victory for Narita! He drags Chase down and out of the running, is there still hope for the Son of Strong Style as a Three Musketeer?
G1 Climax 33, B Block: Taichi VS El Phantasmo!
The Holy Emperor is just outside the top of the block, and the Headbanga is on the bubble! Will Taichi end ELP’s run to keep his alive? Or will ELP get a win on the KOPW Champion?
ELP tests Taichi’s mic, but it doesn’t work. ELP asks if Taichi knows that. Taichi just ignores that and puts the mic stand aside. Fans rally behind “E L P! E L P!” ELP offers a handshake and fans applaud. Taichi is wary, but he still shakes ELP’s hand. The bell rings and the two circle slowly. Fans rally up and Taichi gets fans cheering him on. The two tie up, ELP pushes Taichi back a step but Taichi pushes ELP back. They break, and Taichi avoids Sudden Death! ELP avoids Tensho Jujiho! Fans applaud, and then Taichi BOOTS! ELP BOOTS! Tachi BOOTS back! ELP BOOTS back! Taichi BOOTS again!
ELP wobbles and fans applaud as he comes back. ELP KICKS Taichi in the leg, but Taichi shrugs it off! ELP KICKS and KICKS but Taichi KICKS and down goes ELP! Fans fire up and ELP hobbles up and around. ELP comes back, and he CHOPS! Taichi smirks and he CHOPS! ELP sputters but walks it off. ELP comes back to CHOP again! Fans rally as Taichi CHOPS again! ELP eggs Taichi on so Taichi CHOPS! ELP CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Taichi SOBATS! Taichi whips ELP to ropes, ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Taichi bails out and ELP handsprings up! Fans fire up as ELP aims, to PLANCHA! Direct hit at the ramp!
ELP gets the fans behind him as he brings Taichi up. ELP mule kicks, then goes up the apron! ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit at the ramp again! Fans fire up and ELP brings Taichi around. ELP CHOPS Taichi against railing! Fans rally up and ELP CHOPS again! ELP puts Taichi back in, fans rally up and he encourages it to get louder. ELP then aims from the corner, springboards in, but Taichi DECKS ELP! Taichi hurries to get ELP back up, to DANGEROUS SAIDO! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer as ELP survives! ELP staggers up and to another corner, clutching a leg. Taichi KNEES ELP low! Taichi whips, then kitchen sink knees!
Taichi aims and KICKS ELP in the back! ELP falls over and we pass five minutes. Taichi drags ELP up, but ELP fights off the Cobra Twist! But Taichi powers through to have the abdominal stretch! Taichi pushes ELP, then wraps him in the Cobra Twist! ELP fights with elbows, reaches out for ropes, but Taichi pushes ELP’s head and neck down! ELP still flails and reaches out, to get the ROPEBREAK! Taichi lets go quickly and fans rally up again. Taichi storms back up to ELP but ELP throws body shots. Taichi kicks ELP and eggs him on, and ELP stands. ELP winds up to fire a forearm! Taichi wrenches to DANGEROUS HOOK KICK!
Fans fire back up as Taichi stalks ELP to a corner. Taichi drags ELP up, whips him corner to corner, and then runs in, but ELP goes up and over! ELP then ducks ‘n’ dodges and springboards to CROSSBODY! And LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Taichi is still in this and fans rally back up. Both men stir, and ELP kips up! Fans fire up, ELP atomic drops then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Scoop and SLAM, and ELP goes to a corner! Fans rally, ELP hops up, and he FALLING AX HANDLES! Fans rally as ELP goes to the other corner, and he tunes up the band! Taichi rises, ELP aims, but Taichi dodgse Sudden Death!
Taichi BOOTS, ELP BOOTS, Taichi GAMANGIRIS! Fans fire up again as Taichi stands back up. OFF COME THE PANTS! Fans fire up as Taichi aims from the corner now. ELP rises, TENSHO- NO, ELP dodges! ELP BOOTS, Taichi BOOTS and ELP ENZI- NO, Taichi blocks! ELP sits back up, into a BUZZSAW! Fans fire up with Taichi now and he aims at ELP again. ELP stands, but he blocks Tensho! ELP spins Taichi, mule kicks, front kicks and ENZIGURIS! ELP brings Taichi up, straitjacket and torture rack, for the BURNING HAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives and fans fire up again as we pass 10 minutes!
ELP shakes out his bad arm, goes back to a corner, and he retunes the band! Taichi rises, ELP aims, and SUDDEN- NO, Taichi blocks! Taichi flips ELP, he lands on his feet, and ELP dodges, but the AX BOMBER catches him! Fans fire up with Taichi and he hauls ELP up, SAIDO BRIDGE!! TWO!! Fans fire up again as Taichi roars! But ELP rises, too! SUDDEN DEATH!! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives and fans rally up again. ELP pounds the mat and slashes his throat as he vows to end this! ELP reels Taichi in, but Taichi wrenches out and shoves, TENSHO JUJIHOU!! Both men are down again and fans fire back up!
Taichi rises, he storms around and gets ELP back up! Alabama Lift, but ELP fights it! ELP tucks the arms, but Taichi fights to the Alabama! ELP slips free, O’Conner, but Taichi trips him! GEDO CLUTCH!! TWO!?!? ELP escapes, and hurries to use the GEDO CLUTCH!! TWO!!! Fans are thunderous and ELP throws his elbow pads at Taichi! Taichi stands, ELP LARIATS! Taichi stays standing and he AX BOMBERS! But ELP stays up! ELP BACKHANDS, Taichi HAYMAKERS! Taichi ROUNDHOUSES, roars, TENSHO- SUDDEN DEATH!! And then ELP GEDO CLUTCH!! ELP WINS!!
Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taichi earns 0)
The Headbanga snatches the victory from Taichi! Both are 3-3, but this win gives ELP the edge! Will ELP then block Taichi from getting to the quarterfinals?
G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Gabe Kidd!
The Cold Skull doesn’t need to sweat anything, he IS in the G1 Climax Quarterfinals. But then will he overlook this War Dog and get bit? Or will Gabe have nothing to show for his G1 run?
Gabe makes his entrance from the crowd side so he can storm over to English commentary and tell us, “I’m gonna beat the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, you better call that, Kevin! You better call that! You know what I’m on.” GK vows he’s gonna step up, and we’re about to see if he’s right. Sanada makes his entrance, but as he raises his world title, Gabe CLOBBERS him with the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag title! Fans boo as Gabe goes out, and he whips Sanada into railing! And then into more railing! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Gabe UPPERCUTS Sanada down! Gabe then storms off to grab a chair from under the ring.
Fans boo but Gabe soaks up the heat. The ref wants him to stop but Gabe shoves the ref down! Gabe swings, HEADSHOT!! Gabe flips off the fans and talks trash on Kaito even. Gabe puts Sanada in, he wants the bell, but the ref tells him to back off first. The bell rings, Gabe drags Sanada up, SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives and fans fire up! Gabe drags Sanada up, puts him on the top rope, and then SHOVES him to the floor! Fans boo more but Gabe goes out the side. Gabe grabs the world title from the timekeeper and he holds it up like he won it already. Fans boo but Gabe mocks Sanada by asking the fans get louder.
Gabe holds the belt up to soak up all the heat, and Gabe says he’s the future of this! But then he throws the belt away! Gabe tells the ref to count but the ref tells him to calm down. Gabe tells the ref to shut up and then he shoves the ref down! Gabe goes out to fetch Sanada, and CHOPS! Gabe takes Sanada out into the crowd fast, and fans move aside. Gabe SMACKS Sanada off an open chair! Gabe shouts at one lady who didn’t get out of her seat and a Young Lion gets her away. Gabe CHOPS Sanada again, then whips him to BOWL him into the chairs! Gabe smacks a Young Lion and tells the rest of the fans to move!
Gabe drags Sanada up, sits him in a chair, and CHOPS him again! Gabe then goes to another part of the crowd, has them clear out, just so he can have more space to run back in! Gabe CANNONBALLS and BOWLS Sanada into more chairs! Gabe stands back up and soaks up all the heat. Fans rally for “SA-NA-DA!” as Gabe drags Sanada up and headlocks. Gabe brings Sanada into the ring, covers, TWO! Sanada is tougher than all that but Gabe continues to mock him. Gabe paces around Sanada, mocks the champ, “He’s a little b*tch!” Gabe drags Sanada up to suplex, but Sanada fights it! Sanada then suplexes Gabe!
Gabe fights that, and he BITES Sanada’s ear! The ref counts, Gabe lets off and runs, but Sanada dodges to dropkick a leg! Gabe hobbles, Sanada DROPKICKS Gabe down! Fans fire up as Gabe flops out of the ring. Sanada grits his teeth, goes to the ropes, and fans fire up as Sanada PLANCHAS! Direct hit and down goes Gabe! And now fans get loud for Sanada! We pass five minutes, and Sanada whips Gabe into railing! The ring count starts, Sanada brings Gabe around and whips him into more railing! Sanada doesn’t let off, he drags Gabe out to the other corner of the crowd! We hit 10 of 20 as Sanada PILEDRIVERS to the floor!!
Fans fire up, Sanada hears the count hit 15 and he brings Gabe back. But Gabe whips Sanada into railing! Sanada tumbles over! We’re at 18!! Sanada hurries in at 19.9!! Gabe drags Sanada up, but Sanada suplexes first! MAGIC SCREW! Fans fire up as Sanada kips up! Sanada then fireman’s carries to TKO! Cover, TWO! Sanada puts Gabe in a drop zone and goes up top, ROUNDING BODY- NO, he has to land out as Gabe moves! Sanada runs in, but Gabe BOOTS him! Gabe goes up but Sanada’s right on him! Sanada fires hands, but Gabe BITES Sanada’s ear again! The ref counts, and Gabe lets off at 4.
Gabe drags Sanada up, HANGING GUILLOTINE! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Gabe lets go at 4. Sanada flops back, Gabe storms around, and then Gabe drags Sanada up. Suplex for the BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Fans rally up and Gabe looms over Sanada. Gabe drags Sanada up, reels him in, hooks a leg, but Sanada fights the driver! Gabe keeps trying but Sanada keeps fighting! Sanada then back drops Gabe away! Fans fire up, Sanada runs in, SHINING WIZARD! Sanada’s not done there, he clinches, but Gabe slips out and shoves Sanada at the ref! Sanada stops himself, but Gabe LOW BLOW UPPERCUTS!
Fans boo but Gabe gut wrenches! SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Sanada survives and fans are thunderous! Gabe drags Sanada up but Sanada’s deadweight. The ref checks Sanada and he’s conscious, so Gabe drags him up. Sanada is still deadweight, so Gabe goes up top! ROUNDING BODY FLOP as Sanada moves! We pass 10 minutes and fans rally up again. Sanada goes to the corner, Gabe runs in but Sanada ELBOWS him! Sanada QUEBRADA to the dragon sleeper! But Gabe turns it around, lifts Sanada, but Sanada fights t the dragon sleeper! Gabe spins, suplexes, but Sanada lsips out!
Gabe bucks the O’Conner and BOOTS, but Sanada DROPKICKS! Gabe CHOPS, talks more trash, then CHOPS Sanada on the back! Sanada ROCKS, ROLLING ELBOWS, runs but Gabe uses the ref as a shield! Sanada moves the ref aside, Gabe DECKS Sanada with a closed fist! But Sanada FALLING LOW BLOWS Gabe! Both men are down and fans are thunderous again! Gabe drags himself up with ropes, runs in, but Sanada gets around to O’Conner NO BRIDGE! TWO!! SHINING WIZARD! Sanada drags Gabe back up, reels him in, DEADFALL!!! Cover, Sanada wins!
Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Gabe earns 0)
Gabe was #WarReady, but the Cold Skull still made it through! Will the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion stay spotless in the round robin and be a shoe-in for the quarterfinals?
G1 Climax 33, B Block: Tanga Loa w/ Jado VS Will Ospreay!
The Silverback needs a win to stay in the running, but he’s up against the IWGP United States Champion who is determined to be B Block’s leader! Will this be the end for Loa’s G1 hopes? Or will he go Ape Shit on the Aerial Assassin?
The bell rings and fans rally up for Ospreay. Ospreay and Loa circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Loa digs in his heels and pushes Ospreay away. Fans rally up again and the two reset. They tie up, Ospreay headlocks, but Loa powers up and carries Ospreay to the apron! He sets Ospreay down easy, too, surprisingly. Ospreay lets off slowly, Loa backs away, and Loa even welcomes Ospreay into the ring. Ospreay is wary as Loa doesn’t stay that far away. Loa keeps with Ospreay as he keeps trying to step in through the ropes. Fans cheer, and then Ospreay fires forearms! Loa just laughs them off! And he DECKS Ospreay with one!
Loa drags Ospreay back up, and then TOSSES Ospreay in! Fans fire up and Loa brings Ospreay up again. Loa CLUBS Ospreay on the back, whips him to ropes, but Ospreay BOOTS! Loa rebounds, Ospreay dodges and rolls off his back! Loa blocks the superkick, rolls Ospreay up, TWO! Loa kicks low and fans applaud this quick exchange. Loa ROCKS Ospreay with a forearm, throws hands in the corner, then whips corner to corner. Loa runs in but Ospreay BOOTS him! Loa comes back, into BOOTS! Ospreay goes up, FLYING FOREARM! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up and Ospreay CLUBS Loa. Ospreay stands Loa up to ROCK him with a forearm!
Ospreay storms up, but Loa blocks the whip by holding ropes! So Ospreay CHOPS! Ospreay whips, Loa reverses and back drops! Fans fire up and Ospreay bails out. Loa pursues, and he hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Ospreay writhes, Loa pushes him in, and then Loa slingshot SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Ospreay clutches his stomach but he’s still in this. Loa applauds with the fans, and then Loa brings Ospreay up. Loa bumps Ospreay off buckles, stomps a mudhole into him, but the ref counts. Loa lets off at 4, and we pass five minutes. Loa drags Ospreay up, fires forearms, but Ospreay storms around.
Fans fire up and Ospreay fires forearms on Loa! Loa just powers up to DECK Ospreay! Loa then hauls Ospreay up to suplex! Uno Amigo! And then another suplex, DOS AMIGOS! Loa keeps on Ospreay, and he stalls and even marches around, TWENTY COUNT on the JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives, but Loa keeps cool. Loa stands Ospreay up but Ospreay fires forearms! Loa pokes Ospreay in the eye! Loa CLUBS Ospreay, whips him to ropes, but Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER! Fans fire up as both men are down again! Ospreay and Loa go to opposite corners, and Ospreay runs in to BOOT!
Ospreay pushes Loa and then goes to the apron. Springboard, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Loa is still in this but Ospreay fires up! Fans fire up with Ospreay and he drags Loa up! Ospreay underhooks but Loa fights, so Ospreay fires Kawada Kicks! But Loa blocks the chop! Loa body blows, uppercuts, and repeat! Fans fire up as Loa backs Ospreay into the corner, then fires off more and more and more and more! Then he CHOPS Ospreay off his feet! Loa brings Ospreay up, and whips him corner to corner, to then run in and clothesline! Loa whips Ospreay out to send him back in, for another clothesline!
Ospreay sputters and Loa waits on him. Waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands on his feet! ROUNDHOUSE! Loa stays up and roars, but Ospreay swats the haymaker to HOOK KICK! Ospreay underhooks, but Loa fights free to scoop! APE- NO, Ospreay slips off to HOOK KICK again! Ospreay runs, but into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay and Loa sit up, they crawl to each other, and Loa fires a forearm. Ospreay sits up, shakes his head, and he stands to fire a forearm! Loa fires a forearm back! Ospreay staggers, Loa eggs him on, and we hit 10 minutes!
Ospreay fires a forearm, Loa fires it back, and they go back and forth! Fans rally as they pick up speed, and Loa gets the edge! Ospreay wobbles, and Loa HEADBUTTS him down! Fans rally up, Ospreay growls and stands up to fire Kawada Kicks! Ospreay then fires forearm after forearm! Ospreay backs Loa down to a corner, fires off more shots, the ref counts and backs Ospreay off. Ospreay shoves the ref away, and Loa DECKS Ospreay!! Fans fire up with Loa as he runs, to LARIAT Ospreay inside-out! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives but Loa powers up! Loa drags Ospreay up, reels him in and scoops, but Ospreay STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRES!
Ospreay runs, springboard, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Loa survives but Ospreay drags him to a drop zone! Ospreay fires up and climbs and the fans fire up with him! LEAP OF FAITH, but Ospreay has to land out as Loa moves! Loa goes outside, Ospreay PLANCHAS into an uppercut! Both men are down and the fans rally back up. Loa roars and he rises again, then he stomps away on Ospreay! Loa drags Ospreay up, and he whips Ospreay at the railing! Ospreay stops himself, then SUPERKICKS back! Ospreay calls his shot, jumps up onto the railing, but Loa anchors him! Young Lions hurry to clear the fans out, and Loa LAUNCHES Ospreay into the seats!!
Fans fire up while Loa goes out to fetch Ospreay! Ospreay sits up in a chair, Loa clears some space, and then Loa runs in to SPEAR Ospreay into more chairs!! The ring count starts as both men are down! The count passes 10 of 20, and Loa rises. Loa leaves Ospreay behind as the count hits 15! Loa gets back to ringside at 17 but Ospreay is still down! Ospreay scrambles up at 18, but Loa SPEARS him down again!! Loa is in, Ospreay is out, LOA WINS!!
Winner: Tanga Loa, by count-out (gains 2 points; Ospreay earns 0)
Jado celebrates with the Silverback as he finds a way to stop the IWGP United States Champion! Did Loa just change the whole landscape of the quarterfinals with this? Will he be able to do it again in the seventh round when he goes against Kazuchika Okada?
G1 Climax 33, A Block: Shota Umino VS Yota Tsuji!
Both men are holding onto the edge, but someone has to fall! Will the Roughneck continue his Paradigm Shift in NJPW? Or will this be the resurgence of the GENE1?
Fans rally for “YO~TA! YO~TA!” and Tsuji grins as he encourages them to keep going. The bell rings and Shota runs in to SHOTGUN Tsuji down! Shota drags Tsuji up, fires off forearms, then whips. Tsuji reverses, but Shota holds ropes. Shota dodges then arm-drags, ELBOWS, and basement dropkicks! Fans fire up with Shota and he stomps away on Tsuji. Shota brings Tsuji up and around to CLUB him on the back. Tsuji goes to a corner, Shota ROCKS him then whips Tsuji corner to corner. Shota runs in but blocks a boot. Tsuji breaks free to then bring Shota down with the STOMP! Fans fire up while Shota goes to the apron.
Tsuji runs side to side to baseball slide Shota to the floor! Tsuji then runs and DIVES! Direct hit and they go into railing! Fans fire up with Tsuji and Tsuji does a full lap around the ring. Tsuji drags Shota up, puts him in the ring, and fans applaud. Tsuji grins and he steps back in, to then stomp Shota around. Tsuji drags Shota up, bump him off buckles, then RAMS his shoulder in again and again! Tsuji scoops Shota, SLAMS him, then runs to SPLASH! Cover, ONE!! Shota is hanging tough but Tsuji just grins. Fans rally as Tsuji stands and Shota writhes. Tsuji drags Shota up, brings him around, and cravats for a neck wrench.
Shota endures, Tsuji snapmares and shifts to a chinlock. Shota endures, kicks around, but Tsuji leans on the hold. Tsuji squeezes tight, but Shota fights up to throw elbows and body shots! Tsuji ROCKS Shota, ROCKS him again, but Shota hits back with forearms of his own! Shota ROCKS Tsuji, but then Tsuji BODY SHOTS! Shota falls right over and fans fire up! Tsuji paces around Shota, then gives him some toying kicks. Shota goes to ropes, grits his teeth as he drags himself up, but Tsuji stomps him down! Tsuji slaps Shota around, mockingly asks what’s wrong, and we pass five minutes as Shota fires forearms!
Tsuji KNEES Shota low! Tsuji whips, Shota reverses to scoop and DOPR, then runs to BASEMENT UPPERCUT! Fans fire up with Shota and now they shift from “Yota!” to “SHOTA! SHOTA!” Shota whips Yota to a corner, runs in, and UPPERCUTS! FISHERMAN SUPELX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota fires up! Shota drags Tsuji up, but Tsuji fights the clinch. So Shota knees low! Tsuji still fights the lift, so Shota whips him to a corner. Tsuji comes back, but into an EXPLODER! Tsuji flops out of the ring, fans fire up and duel, “SHOTA!” “YOTA!” and Shota aims from the apron. Tsuji stands, into a CANNONBALL from Shota!
Fans fire up with Shota again and he storms back to Tsuji. Shota puts Tsuji in the ring, climbs a corner, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Shota then hurries to dragon sleeper and fisherman, TRIDENT! Cover, TWO! Tsuji survives but Shota goes to a corner. Fans rally up, Shota takes aim, and Shota runs in, but Tsuji scoops to tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Both men are down and fans rally up! Tsuji sits up, grits his teeth and then rises up. Tsuji drags Shota up, reels him in, but Shota fights the suplex! Tsuji powers through but Shota fights free! Shota blocks the kick, but Tsuji catches the uppercut to backslide!
Shota rolls through and he blocks the knee! But then Tsuji ROCKS Shota! Tsuji whips but Shota reverses to DROPKICK! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Shota rises, he drags Tsuji up and around to waistlock. Tsuji fights the lift, throws elbows, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, to RANA! Shota tumbles out of the ring as we hit 10 minutes! Tsuji gets the fans to cheer louder and louder, and then he builds speed! But Shota CLUBS Tsuji first! Tsuji runs back in, ROCKS Shota, but Shota avoids the shoulder to DROPKICK him down! Tsuji falls back into the ring, but Shota runs in from the railing to DRIVE-BY DROPKICK!
Shota shouts at Tsuji to stand up, and Tsuji does. Shota slingshots, DDT! Fans fire up and Shota waits on Tsuji to rise. Tsuji stands, Shota runs in to kick and underhook! But Tsuji fights and back drops free! Fans fire up as both men grit their teeth and stand up. Shota rushes in, but into a BACKBREAKR, COMPLETE SHOT and STOMP! Tsuji runs, to CURB STOMP!! Fans fire up with Tsuji and he aims from the corner! Shota rises, and he ducks the spear to roll Tsuji back, into an STF!! Tsuji endures, reaches out, claws his way over, but Shota pulls back on the crossface! Tsuji still fights forward, but Shota CLUBS away on his neck!
Shota pulls on that crossface, but Tsuji refuses to stop here! Tsuji reaches out to the ROPEBREAK! Shota lets go in frustration while fans fire up! Shota rises and he stalks Tsuji to a corner. Shota stomps Tsuji, and again, and again. Shota eggs Tsuji on, but Tsuji just grins! So Shota throws a forearm! Shota asks what’s so funny, but Tsuji keeps grinning. Shota throws another forearm, then another! Tsuji sits back, but Shota brings him up again, to fire another forearm! The fans rally up again, this time for “YOTA! YOTA!” Shota kicks Tsuji around and throws more forearms, but Tsuji stands. Shota throws another forearm! And another!
We pass 15 minutes and Tsuji hits back! The forearms go back and forth, but then Shota HAMMERS away on Tsuji’s back and stomps him down! But Tsuji stands right up to fire off forearms! Shota hits back, it is a fast and furious brawl! Fans fire up as the shots keep going, and Tsuji gets the edge! Shota eggs him on, then fires back! Shota UPPERCUTS, but Tsuji comes back, into a POP-UP KNEE! But Tsuji JUMP KNEES and SUPERKICKS! Shota ROLLING ELBOWS and ENZIGURI! Tsuji ROCKS Shota, Shota roars, Tsuji HEADBUTTS Shota down!! And then falls down, too! Fans are thunderous as Red Shoes checks them both.
The fans rally and duel, “SHOTA!” “YOTA!” Both men stir, and Tsuji sits up first. Shota crawls to a corner but Tsuji roars as he rises up! Tsuji aims from the opposite corner, runs in at Shota, STINGER SPLASH! Tsuji puts Shota up as we hit the three minute warning! Tsuji climbs up and fans fire up! Tsuji brings Shota to the very top, clinches, and SUPER SPANISH FLIES!! Cover, TWO!!! Shota survives but Tsuji gets him up to suplex, ORANGE CRUSH!! Cover, TWO!!! Shota survives again but Tsuji roars!! Fans are thunderous as Tsuji aims from a corner! Shota stirs, and we hit the two minute warning!
Tsuji runs in, but Shota DOUBLE STOMPS the spear!! Fans fire up with Shota now as he pounds the mat! Shota drags himself up, aims from a corner, and Shota runs in, IGNITION!! Cover, TWO!?!? Tsuji survives but Shota doesn’t waste time! Shota lifts Tsuji, underhooks, DEATH RIDER!! Cover, TWO!??! Tsuji survives again and we’re at the last minute! Shota drags Tsuji up, underhooks, but Tsuji wrenches out! POP-UP GENE BLAST!!! Cover, TSUJI WINS!!
Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Shota earns 0)
At just after 19 minutes, Tsuji snatches the victory away from Shota! And even bigger than staying alive in the G1, is the fact that this is only Tsuji’s second win over Shota ever! And Tsuji makes sure Shota knows it by throwing him outta the ring! Will this be all the momentum Tsuji needs to take a spot in the quarterfinals?
G1 Climax 33, B Block: Kazuchika Okada VS KENTA!
The Rainmaker lost to Will Ospreay last round, but his G1 threepeat isn’t impossible just yet! Will he break the Fang Revived? Or will Kenta make Okada #GoToSleep in the main event?
The bell rings and fans rally and duel between “O-KA-DA!” and “KEN~TA!” as the two stare down. Red Shoes figures it’s rather even, but then Kenta bails out. Kenta wants the fans to keep going, and they cheer for “KEN~TA! KEN~TA!” Kenta likes that, and he slides back in. Only to roll right out the side. Okada is patient as he watches Kenta go around the corner. Kenta hops up to the apron and steps inside, but then steps back out. Okada goes to the ropes, but Kenta keeps his distance. Kenta wants Okada to step back, so Okada obliges. Kenta takes his time going around the way, and then he checks something at the timekeeper’s desk.
Kenta steps to the apron, Red Shoes has Okada give Kenta space, but Kenta still takes his time stepping in. Okada rushes up but Kenta slips right back out! Fans cheer the trolling, and Kenta goes around the way again. Okada rushes out but Kenta slides in! Now Kenta dares Okada to come back. Okada takes his time going around the outside, then rushes in! Kenta slides out! The cat ‘n’ mouse game continues, and Okada fakes going out and has Kenta! Kenta apologizes but Okada stomps him! And CLUBS him! And ROCKS him with a forearm! Okada whips, Kenta holds ropes and bails out! Okada rushes out but Kenta RAMS him into the apron!
Kenta UPPERCUTS, then he whips Okada into railing hard! Okada goes down in a heap and Kenta stomps him around. Kenta kicks Okada, drags him up and KICKS him in the back! And again! Kenta brings Okada around, POSTS him, and Okada falls over. Kenta drags Okada up, brings him around and puts him back in the ring. Fans cheer and Kenta storms up to KICK Okada in the chest! And again! Okada eggs Kenta on so Kenta KICKS him again! And again! Okada ROCKS Kenta with a forearm! Kenta catches the next one to spin Okada to a DDT! Cover, TWO! Kenta wraps Okada up in a headscissors!
Okada endures and the fans rally up. Okada moves around, but Kenta squeezes tighter! Okada still kicks his way forward, but Kenta drags him back! Kenta puts on the pressure, but Okada moves around to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer and Kenta claims Okada’s the one holding on. Red Shoes has the headscissors undone and Kenta stands. Kenta drags Okada up, turns him, and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Kenta clamps onto Okada with a chinlock and grinds him down! Okada endures, fights up, throws elbows, but Kenta throws Okada down by his hair! Red Shoes reprimands but Kenta paces around.
Kenta kicks at Okada, toying with him. Okada rises and he blocks a kicks to ROCK Kenta! Okada CLUBS away on Kenta, then ROCKS him again! Kenta ROCKS Okada right back! Kenta eggs Okada on and Okada ROCKS Kenta! Kenta ROCKS Okada again! Okada snarls but Kenta KICKS him to the corner! Kenta digs his boot in but Red Shoes reprimands. Red Shoes then counts, and Kenta lets off quickly. Kenta drags Okada up to snapmare and KICK him in the back! Then Kenta drops a knee! And another! And then brings down the kneepad, to JUMP, and scuff Okada! Fans cheer the trolling as Kenta then drops that bare knee into Okada’s back!
Kenta drags Okada up, but Okada fires forearms! Kenta knees low! Kenta whips, Okada reverses and runs in, but Kenta avoids the elbow! Only for Okada to BOOT him down on the return! Fans fire up while both men are down. Okada rises first, and he brings Kenta around to fire off forearm after forearm! Okada whips, avoids Kenta’s boot and then ELBOWS Kenta down! Fans rally up and Okada drags Kenta up. Okada whips Kenta corner to corner, runs in and BACK ELBOWS! Then kick and DDT! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps cool as we pass five minutes. Okada gut wrenches but Kenta fights and claws free!
Kenta goes to a corner, Okada runs in but into a BOOT! Kenta goes up, reels Okada in, but Okada denies the tornado! Okada puts Kenta back up top, and he DROPKICKS Kenta to the floor! Fans rally up while both men are down again! Okada goes out to fetch Kenta, and he whips Kenta to railing! Okada runs in to BOOT Kenta over the railing and into No Man’s Land! Fans rally as Okada then drags Kenta up and over the railing, only for Kenta to fight that and POST Okada! Kenta then puts Okada on railing, DRAPING DDT to the floor! Both men are down and Red Shoes checks on them both.
Fans rally again as Kenta and Okada stir. The ring count starts, and Kenta drags himself up and in at 6 of 20. Okada stirs at 9, sits up at 12, and pushes himself up at 15. Okada slides in at 17, but Kenta is ready in the other corner! Kenta runs in to JUMP KICK! And then Kenta runs to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Kenta roars as he goes to the corner! Kenta climbs, DIVING DOUBLE STOMP!! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives Kenta’s coup de grace but Kenta slashes his throat! Kenta drags Okada up, fireman’s carries, but Okada fights with elbows! Kenta ROCKS Okada, but Okada ROCKS Kenta!
The forearms keep going back and forth, but Kenta SOBATS! Kenta runs in, but Okada pops him up to an Alabama Lift! REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Both men are down again and fans rally up for “O-KA-DA!” Okada rises and he drags Kenta up by a wristlock. Okada wrenches to put on the MONEY CLIP! Kenta grabs at Red Shoes! Red Shoes reprimands, he gets free, but Kenta grabs for ropes now! Okada brings Kenta back, but Kenta RAMS Okada into Red Shoes and the corner! Kenta kicks low and DDTS Okada down! We hit 10 minutes as Kenta kicks Red Shoes out of the ring! Kenta then goes to get a kendo stick from under the ring!
Kenta SMACKS Okada on the back! Kenta grins as fans boo, and Kenta SMACKS Okada again! And again! And then he SMACKS Okada in the ribs, and SMACKS him on the back! Kenta mocks the fans by booing them and flipping them off. But then Okada SHOTGUNS Kenta down! Fans fire up as Okada has the stick! Okada throws the stick out! But Kenta has the Defy Championship! Okada SHOTGUNS Kenta again! Okada shouts for Red Shoes and Red Shoes gets in the ring. Okada brings Kenta up to short arm LARIAT! But Okada holds onto the wrist and we hit the three minute warning! Short arm LARIAT again!
Fans fire up as Okada ripcords, but Kenta catches the lariat to a cradle! TWO!! Okada escapes, scoops Kenta, and SPINNING TOMBSTONES! Okada then drags Kenta up, brings him around, DISCUS- CROSS COUNTER! Kenta fires off overhand palm strikes again and again and again, until Okada falls! Kenta mocks the Rainmaker Pose! Ripcord, BUSAIKU KNEE!! Kenta runs again, another BUSAIKU KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! And two minutes left!! Kenta fireman’s carries, but Okada slips off! Backslide, roll through, RAIN- BOOT! Kenta URAKEN! URAKEN! But Okada DROPKICKS back! Fans fire up as Okada rises!
Kenta runs in, but Okada catches him! And pops him around, into a POWERSLAM! Okada drags Kenta up, ripcords, RAIN- NO, Kenta ducks! Okada hurries after Kenta to keep him in the ring! Scoop and LANDSLIDE! Then Okada drags Kenta up at the last minute! Ripcord, RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!
Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Kenta earns 0)
And with just under a minute to go, Okada brings Kenta down! And he mocks Kenta with a Too Sweet! Kenta is out of the running, and is facing Yoshi-Hashi next round. Will Kenta find a way to finish his G1 strong?
As for Okada, he gets the mic and catches his breath to say, “MY FIFTH WIIIN~!” Fans cheer that, and Okada thanks them all for their “red hot support” tonight. Okada then admits, “That’s a champion, that Kenta. I don’t know what the hell belt that is, but you clearly have a champion’s will. That helped make today even hotter.” Fans cheer that, and Okada continues to say he is back at the top of B Block. “Next, I’ll show everyone in Osaka the strength of Kazuchika Okada.” Fans like the sound of that! Okada says he’ll “eat well, rest up, and head to my third consecutive G1 Climax trophy!” The fans also love the sound of that!
Okada says just you wait, he’ll return here as the G1 winner. “So please bring this same heat, then! We’re past halfway in the G1, but the summer heat continues! Kazuchika Okada will win the G1 Climax again, come back to Takamatsu, and MAKE IT RAIN~!” Fans fire up for that! Will Okada not evaporate in the heat, and accomplish a historic threepeat?
Here are the NEW A Block standings!
Sanada: 6-0, 12 points [QUALIFIED, A1]
Hikuleo: 3-3, 6 points
Kaito Kiyomiya: 2-2-2, 6 points
Yota Tsuji: 2-2-2, 6 points
Shota Umino: 2-2-2, 6 points
Gabe Kidd: 2-3-1, 5 points
Chase Owens: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Ren Narita: 1-3-2, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the NEW B Block standings!
Kazuchika Okada: 5-1, 10 points [QUALIFIED]
Will Ospreay: 4-2, 8 points
El Phantasmo: 3-3, 6 points
Taichi: 3-3, 6 points
Tanga Loa: 3-3, 6 points
Kenta: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
YOSHI-HASHI: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Great-O-Khan: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
My Thoughts:
A great penultimate round A and B Blocks in the G1 before each block gets their own individual day this weekend and beyond. Sanada is spotless for good reason, and Okada winning to be back up in B Block were expected, but what a great win for Loa to bring Ospreay down a spot. Ospreay’s final round robin match is with ELP, and ELP had a great match with Taichi and a great win. ELP could not just spoil things for Ospreay, but he could totally take that second seed spot from him, that is going to be a lot of fun.
While Sanada is number one in A Block, the fight for second is a wild mess. So many draws, and we’ve got FOUR guys with 6 points, and then Gabe with 5. Gabe and Tsuji meet in the final round, so if Gabe wins, he’ll have 7 points. However, Hikuleo and Shota Umino are also a final round match, and if one of them wins to get 8 points, Gabe is done. Actually, even if Hiku and Shota draw, they’ll each have 7 points, and then Shota has the win over Gabe when they faced off, so Shota would make it through by default. Gabe’s kinda screwed unless there’s a no contest or something. Honestly, it feels like Kaito should go forward, I need there to be at least the potential of Okada VS Kaito, that’d be amazing.
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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