Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Power Struggle Results & Report! (11/4/23)
The Struggle is real!
There’s so much on the line in Osaka!
Whether it’s the IWGP United States or United Kingdom Championship, Will Ospreay gives Shota Umino one last chance to take it from him! Will the Aerial Assassin deny the Roughneck once again? Or is this finally Shota’s time?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Frontier Zone: Ryusuke Taguchi, The DKC & Boltin Oleg VS Mochizuki Jr, Yoshiki Kato & Strong Machine J; Taguchi, DKC & Oleg win.
- Jeff Cobb & Callum Newman VS Oskar Leube & Yuto Nakashima; Cobb & Newman win.
- Fatal 4 Way Tag: Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS Master Wato & El Desperado VS YOH & MUSASHI VS Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita; Wato & Desperado win.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Tama Tonga & Intergalactic Jet Setters; Tama & Jet Setters win.
- SANADA & Yuya Uemura VS Tetsuya Naito & Yota Tsuji; Naito & Tsuji win.
- Tanga Loa VS David Finlay; Finlay wins.
- Great-O-Khan VS Jon Moxley; Double Count-Out Draw.
- Falls Count Anywhere: Great-O-Khan VS Jon Moxley; Moxley wins.
- NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii VS TMDK; Okada, Tanahashi & Ishii win and retain the titles.
- 2023 Super Junior Tag League Finals: Catch 2/2 VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Catch 2/2 wins and will challenge for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships.
- IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS Taiji Ishimori; Hiromu wins and retains the title.
- IWGP United States/United Kingdom Championship: Will Ospreay VS Shota Umino; Ospreay wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Fatal 4 Way Tag: Clark Connors & “Drilla” Dan Moloney VS Master Wato & El Desperado VS YOH & MUSASHI VS Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita!
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions are not in the tournament finals, and now they’re having to face three teams at once! The titles aren’t on the line, but will they end up owing a golden ticket? Or will someone catch a stray from the Full Clip?
This Fatal 4 is gonna be tornado, so the War Dogs attack first! They hit everybody else, then focus on TMDK. The bell rings, Drilla TOSSES Fujita, and fans boo as he says “SUCK IT!” DespeWato stomp Fujita while the War Dogs double whip Eagles to a corner. Eagles dodges Drilla to RANA Connors, then he SOBATS Drilla! Desperado gives Connors some stomps while Eagles runs, but Drilla picks Eagles up! And pops him around into DRILLA- NO! Eagles lands out of Killa like he did last time! And steps through, but Drilla kicks him away. Eagles comes back, schoolboy bridge, DespeWato AND #MUSAKO break it!
DespeWato hit MUSAKO first, then have them in corners. They whip, Musako dosido, but DespeWato dodge. Desperado rushes Musashi and Wato rushes Yoh, but now Musako dodges to STEREO BACK ELBOW! Then Musako wrench and knuckle lock, and the fans fire up as they climb! Stereo Shinobi Walk! The War Dogs are back, but TMDK intercept! Musako hit Old School in stereo on DespeWato, and then TMDK CHOP the War Dogs! Now TMDK goes up, and they stereo Shinobi Walk! But they get tripped up by the War Dogs! TMDK falls out, Connors gets Yoh with a POWERSLAM! Drilla SPINEBUSTERS and DOUBLE STOMPS Musashi!
Desperado runs in, into Drilla’s POWERSLAM! Wato runs in, into Connors’ SPINEBUSTER and DOUBLE STOMPS! The Abunai Gaijin trade moves, then they stomp DespeWato. Drilla BLASTS Eagles off the apron to be sure. War Dogs double snap suplex Wato, Connors covers, TWO! Fans rally but Drilla stomps Wato around. The War Dogs mug Wato, egg him on, and Wato CHOPS Drilla! Drilla CHOPS back! Connors ROCKS Wato, CHOPS him in a corner, and Drilla bumps Wato off buckles. Drilla CHOPS Wato, Connors eggs Wato on. Wato fires forearms, but Drilla CHOPS him! Ripcord, but Wato KICKS in return!
Wato fires off forearms on Connors, runs, but Connors SPEARS! Drilla BLASTS Desperado off the apron! The War Dogs lock ‘n’ load and aim at Wato, but Wato moves! They run into each other! Musako is back to STEREO SUPERKICK! And STEREO FALCON ARROW! Fans fire up as Musako drags Wato up. Yoh suplexes, but Wato slips free to shove him into Msuashi! Wato then DROPKICKS Yoh down! Fans fire up, Wato rises and he sees the others grouping outside. Wato FLIES onto Yoh and the War Dogs! Fans fire up again, and Desperado is in to SPEAR Musashi! Desperado drags Musashi up to hit a BIG back suplex! Cover, TMDK breaks it!
Fujita traps Desperado in a corner while Eagles hits Musashi with TURBO BACKPACK! And then the RON MILLER SPECIAL! Musashi endures, but Desperado powers past Fujita. Fujita reels Desperado back in for a KIMURA! Musashi crawls, but Eagles drags him back! Desperado endures, reaches for ropes, but Fujita rolls him away! But Desperado uses that to get around and wrangle Fujita in EL ES CULERO! DESPEWATO WINS!!
Winners: Master Wato & El Desperado, by pinfall
Eagles can’t believe it! The Rogue Luchador sniped the Sniper of the Skies! And he just kinda barely fist bumps Wato. The odd couple is sticking together, will they eventually prove worthy of the tag titles?
Great-O-Khan w/ Callum Newman VS Jon Moxley!
The Dominator got this match in return for Will Ospreay giving Shota Umino the title shot tonight. But will Khan regret getting what he wished for? Or can he find a way to bring down the Maniac?
Just as Moxley finishes his entrance, Khan dumps him out of the ring! Fans boo and the bell rings, and Khan goes after Moxley to whip him into railing! And then into more railing! Khan then runs in, to BOOT Moxley over the railing! Fans rally up as Khan hops the railing to fire off on Moxley! The ring count starts as they go further into the crowd, and the forearms start flying! Moxley sends Khan into railing! And then more railing! The ring count is 10 of 20 but the brawling keeps going! We hit 15, Moxley hurries back towards ringside but Khan CHOKES him with a shirt! Moxley hits Khan with a microphone! They spill into the English commentary area!
THE COUNT HITS 20!! THIS IS A DRAW!
Double Count-Out Draw
No one can believe it, and then the two keep brawling! Fans boo, they wanted a match, not a scrap! Now Khan and Moxley are throwing things at each other! Moxley wants a mic while fans want them to restart. Khan is tossing chairs into the ring!? And not even folding chairs! Moxley finds the mic he was using earlier, and shouts, “HEY! Listen here, Great-O-Khan. I am not leaving Japan without a piece of your ass! So you can call the cops, cuz I’m not gettin’ out of this ring, I’m not leaving, until I get my hands on you and we finish what we just started. I challenge you to Falls Count Anywhere, anywhere in Osaka!”
Fans fire up as the stakes are now raised! Khan storms his way up with railing and tries to hit Moxley! He RAMS Moxley into railing, and the bell rings on that new match!
Falls Count Anywhere: Great-O-Khan VS Jon Moxley!
Fans fire up as these two brawl again, into the deep part of the crowd! And now fans have to watch out as Moxley props railing up against railing. Khan waistlocks Moxley but Moxley throws elbows. Moxley brings Khan around, aims for the railing, but Khan fights back! Khan turns things around on Moxley, to snap suplex him through the railing! Fans fire up as Khan rises and goes back to ringside. Khan goes looking under the ring, and he brings out… a handcart!? Khan brings that cart back to where he left Moxley, then BOOTS Moxley back down! Khan then drags Moxley over to put him on the cart!
Fans fire up because this is Great-O-Khan, and this is the Moxley Cart Chair Mower! He takes out half a row and the fans fire up! Khan drags Moxley up, they go to another corner of the ringside area, and Khan throws chairs around to make room. But Moxley hits back! Moxley whips, but Khan reverses and Moxley is sent into the wall! Khan drags Moxley around, and wraps him up in floor mats! Then Khan goes and grabs up a LOT of the railing to drag it over. Khan takes this cluster and SLAMS it on Moxley! Cover, TWO! Moxley is still in this, a crimson mask forming on his face. Khan clears out more space for more carnage!
Khan drags Moxley up, scoops him, and SLAMS him onto chairs! Cover on the chairs, TWO! Fans fire up again while Khan is annoyed. Khan drags Moxley up, they move on to another area, and Moxley whips Khan through railing! Khan takes chairs with him! Moxley takes that piece of railing and CHUCKS it at Khan! And then he CHUCKS a chair at Khan! Moxley DECKS Khan and Khan flounders through the seats. Moxley drags Khan along and we’re not at the ramp. Moxley drags Khan along, Khan fights back, but they go up to the ramp. Moxley drags Khan up the ramp by his ponytail, and fireman’s carries!
Khan flails and fights free, to then torture rack Moxley! Khan aims for the seating below! But Moxley fights free! Khan kicks Moxley, underhooks, and BUTTERFLY SUPLEXES Moxley on the ramp! Cover, TWO!! Moxley is still in this but Khan is on him with the HEAD ‘N’ ARM TRIANGLE! Khan leans all his weight on Moxley while fans rally up! Moxley fights but Khan shifts his grip to squeeze tighter. Moxley still gets to his feet, and he CLAWS Khan’s face! But Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW! And he aims for the seats! Moxley slips fere, and he SHOVES Khan off the ramp! Khan lands on the Young Lions!
Fans fire up as Moxley has a wild look in his eyes. HE BRINGS OUT SCISSORS!! Fans can’t even but Moxley vows to take a piece of Khan home with him! Moxley stalks Khan, drags him up by his ponytail, and they continue on towards another corner of the arena! Young Lions move chairs and fans aside, and Moxley CUTS THE PONYTAIL! Fans can’t believe it! If Khan had 100 Yen for every time someone cut his ponytail, he’d have 200 Yen. Which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice. Khan realizes what happened, and he’s FURIOUS! He TACKLES Moxley and fires down fists! Then puts Moxley in an ARMBAR!!
Moxley flails, fights around, slips free and has Khan’s legs! FIGURE FOUR! Khan endures, fights around, powers free and traps Moxley’s arm for the headlock. But then Moxley powers out to get a headscissors and ARMBAR! Khan flails, clasps hands, powers out and wraps Moxley in a TRIANGLE HOLD! Moxley endures, even as Khan bends the fingers! But Moxley fights up and out, to have a HEEL HOOK! But Khan fights up and out to have a chinbar armlock, then a full nelson! They move around, Khan THRASHES Moxley while moving through the crowd! Khan lets Moxley go to push him along the way.
Moxley eggs Khan on, half his face covered in his own blood! They start throwing strikes, Khan KICKS Moxley’s legs out! Moxley gets up, shoots in, waistlocks, and then half nelsons to spin and snapmare, into HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! The BCC trademark! Moxley then covers, TWO!! Khan survives and the fans fire up! Moxley stands, hobbles around, and he goes back for Khan. Khan fights the underhooks to wrench and IRON CLAW! Moxley breaks free, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men stay up! Khan LARIATS again, but Moxley stays up! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and still both men stay up!
Khan goes to the wall, runs back in, but so does Moxley! DOUBLE LARIATS! Both men stagger around, Khan BOOTS Moxley! Then he uses a chair to jump off of, IRON SUPERMAN PUNCH!! Cover, TWO?!? Moxley survives and fans fire up again! Khan drags Moxley back up and slashes his throat! Khan scoops, but Moxley slips free to have a SLEEPER! Khan stays up, SMACKS at Moxley’s bloody face, and then SAYANAGI! Scoop and, T T D to the floor!! Cover, TWO?!?! Moxley survives again and the fans are thunderous! Moxley stands and hobbles away, fans moving aside as this now goes to the bleachers.
Khan pursues, letting his hair down since the ponytail is ruined anyway. Moxley goes all the way to the back row, but Khan moves chairs aside as he follows. Khan CHUCKS one into Moxley’s back! And then clamps on the IRON CLAW! Moxley wrenches to LOW BLOW! And then he BOOTS Khan down! Khan tumbles down the bleachers, and into those chairs! Fans are thunderous again as Khan finally stops tumbling! Moxley makes his way down the bleachers, drags Khan back to ground level, but Khan fights the underhooks! Moxley pushes Khan, Khan staggers around, and fans chant “Let’s Go, Moxley!”
Khan runs in, but Moxley spins him around! DEATH RIDER to the floor!! REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Khan is caught, he’s flailing, but he’s fading! Khan is OUT, Moxley wins!!
Winner: Jon Moxley, by submission
Khan wanted a fight, and he got a fight! Moxley is bloody but he’s the winner, and he wouldn’t have it any other way! Moxley says he does what he wants and takes what he wants, so will he look to take a NJPW title soon enough?
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii VS TMDK!
The Dream Trio is back in action, and they’re up against “The Front Man,” Zack Sabre Jr, Hysterical Shane Haste and Mad Mikey Nicholls. Will the Rainmaker, Ace of the Universe and Stone Pitbull still be golden? Or will they find that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The introductions are made, the NEVER belts are raised, and we see which trio is mightier!
The trios sort out, and after Tanahashi shows off the muscles and the fans cheer, Ishii starts against ZSJ. Fans rally up at the bell, cheering for “I-SHI-I!” Ishii and ZSJ feel things out, circle around, and then ZSJ waistlocks. Ishii switches, ZSJ switches back. Ishii pries free to switch, ZSJ switches again, and they just keep going, switch for switch! Ishii shoves ZSJ to a corner, runs in, but ZSJ dodges. ZSJ comes back, Ishii dodges and then blocks a boot. ZSJ avoids the enziguri but Ishii avoids the Penalty Kick. Ishii catches ZSJ’s lariat, spins him around and reels him in, but ZSJ suplexes! Ishii fights to suplex but ZSJ fights free!
Ishii takes a swing, ZSJ ducks! ZSJ takes a swing, Ishii ducks! The two stand off and fans fire up! ZSJ grins and nods as he and Ishii reset. They tie up, ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ cravats, brings Ishii in and tags Mikey. Ishii gets loose, and he tags Tanahashi. Fans fire up and chant for Tanahashi as he circles with Mikey. They tie up, wrench, wristlock, but Mikey wrenches back. Tanahashi wrenches back, Mikey wrenches back, repeat, and then Tanahashi headlocks. Mikey powers Tanahashi to ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. But Tanahashi dodges Mikey’s cheap shot to CHOP! And forearm! And whip, but Mikey reverses, and Shane gets a cheap shot in!
Shane flexes and fans boo, but Tanahashi CLUBS Shane! But then Mikey CLUBS Tanahashi! Mikey shoves Tanahashi out to BLAST Okada & Ishii! Shane drags Tanahashi out to give him an APRON BACK SUPLEX! ZSJ goes after Ishii on the outside, Shane argues he was in the right for getting hit from behind. The fans rally for Tanahashi as Shane puts him in. Mikey covers, TWO! Tag to Shane, the “Young Punks” double whip to DOUBLE ELBOW, then FIST DROP SENTON COMBO! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up but Shane drags Tanahashi by his arm. Shane KICKS Tanahashi in the shoulder, then shakes out that leg.
Shane stomps Tanahashi, grabs a leg and has a HALF CRAB! Shane adds an arm to it, but Tanahashi endures, so Shane drops his knee! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi is hanging tough but Shane drags him up and over. Tag to ZSJ and ZSJ wrenches Tanahashi, and again, and again, and then he wrangles Tanahashi to STOMP the bad arm! ZSJ keeps Tanahashi from his corner to drop knees on the knee! And then he stomps the other knee! ZSJ is picking Tanahashi apart with his stomps! ZSJ eggs Tanahashi on but Okada coaches him. Tanahashi sits up but into a kick! And another kick! And another! Tanahashi gets mad and stands up!
Tanahashi fires off forearms, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ runs in at the corner, forearms, and UPPERCUTS, and whips corner to corner! But Tanahashi ELBOWS back! Tanahashi goes up to CROSSBODY! Fans fire up while both men are down. ZSJ and Tanahashi crawl for their corners, hot tag to Shane and both he and Mikey rush in! They get Okada and Ishii to back off, then they hoist Tanahashi up. But Tanahashi BOOTS Shane, ducks Mikey’s haymaker to SHOTEI! Then SHOTEI for Shane! Mikey and Shane roar before they both rush in, but Tanahashi dodges and the DOUBLE LARIATS take The Mighty down!
Fans fire up, The Mighty flounder and Tanahashi crawls, hot tag to Okada! Fans fire up as Okada rallies on The Mighty! He throws haymakers and elbows, then he scoop SLAMS Mikey! Then he scoop SLAMS Shane onto Mikey! Kick and DDT for Shane, and Okada kips up, to then PLANCHA Mikey! And he BOOTS ZSJ! Fans fire up with Okada and he storms back in. Okada dodges Shane, pops him up to the REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Okada brings Shane up again. Okada wrenches and clamps on the MONEY CLIP! Shane endures, moves around, reaches out, and he powers Okada to a corner.
Shane arm-drags Okada away, then KICKS a leg! And JUMP KNEES! And hits an INVERTED EXPLODER! Fans fire up and both men crawl. Hot tag to Mikey, and Shane BLASTS Ishii. But Okada fires forearms on The Mighty! Mikey ROCKS Okada, The Mighty double whip and Shane runs in to UPPERCUT! Mikey clotheslines, then feeds to another UPPERCUT! BACK SUPLEX NECKBREAKER COMBO! Cover, Tanahashi breaks it! Shane LARIATS Tanahashi, Mikey SLIDING LARIATS! The Mighty call their shot, hoist Okada up, but Okada fights free and shoves Mikey into Shane! Okada runs, into a double trophy lift!
Okada fights out of Thunder Valley to DOUBLE DDT! Fans fire up while all three men are down! Okada crawls, as does Mikey, hot tags to Ishii and ZSJ! Fans fire up as Ishii dodges, ZSJ dodges, each other block a shot! Ishii waistlocks but he ducks ZSJ’s elbow. ZSJ waistlocks but he ducks Ishii’s elbow! Ishii avoids an uppercut! ZSJ avoids Ishii’s chop! Ishii catches ZSJ’s haymaker to spin him around, but ZSJ fights the suplex. ZSJ wrenches out but ducks a haymaker. ZSJ full nelsons, spins Ishii around, but Ishii fights the scoop to wrench. ZSJ avoids the short arm lariat to run, but Ishii avoids the boot!
Ishii runs, ZSJ ducks the lariat to SNAP GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up with ZSJ, and Ishii rises up, to LARIAT!! Fans are thunderous as Ishii roars! ZSJ sputters up, Ishii runs, but ZSJ trips him! Body scissors and JAPANESE CLUTCH! TWO!! Both men are up, Ishii ROCKS ZSJ! ZSJ flops against Ishii! Ishii drags ZSJ up, but ZSJ trips him, cross-legged jacknife?! TWO!! ZSJ UPPERCUTS then SLEEPERS! Ishii endures, but he’s turning red! ZSJ shouts, “MADA MADA!” and shifts into a Cobra Twist! But Ishii hip tosses free! But ZSJ drags Ishii down to hook him up, EURO CLUTCH!! TWO?!?! Ishii escapes just in time!!
ZSJ eggs Ishii on, and they both throw shots. Ishii gets a Cobra Twist, right to GROUND COBRA! TWO!!! ZSJ escapes, fans rally up again, and ZSJ KICKS! Ishii grabs the leg! ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Ishii HEADBUTTS! ZSJ SLAPS! Ishii SLAPS! DOUBLE SLAP! Ishii GAMANGIRIS!! Both men fall and fans are thunderous again! The ref checks, both ZSJ and Ishii are still in this. They both rise, head for their corners, hot tag to Tanahashi! The Ace runs to CLOBBER ZSJ! Tanahashi BLASTS Shane & Mikey, too! Tanahashi then runs, but he blocks ZSJ’s boot! DRAGON SCREW! Shane gets in, but gets a DRAGON SCREW!
Mikey gets in, but Tanahashi catches him, for a DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ gets around to COBRA- NO, Tanahashi fights it to turn it around! Mikey runs in to CLUB Tanahashi! Okada runs in, Mikey kicks and runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Okada & Tanahashi double whip ZSJ to a corner, then Okada sends Tanahashi in to SPLASH! Okada runs in to clothesline! Okada reels ZSJ in to trip and CATAPULT, but ZSJ ROCKS Tanahashi and NECK TWISTS Okada! Tanahashi runs in, but into a backslide! TWO!! ZSJ has the ARMBAR!! ZSJ shifts to a behind-the-back grip! But Ishii CLOBBERS him!
Ishii stands ZSJ up, ZSJ rears back but Ishii HEADBUTTS him down! Shane ROCKS Ishii! Shane runs, but Okada DROPKICKS him! Fans fire up as Mikey kicks and runs, but into a SLINGBLADE! The Dream Trio fires up! ZSJ stands, into a BOOT! SHOTEI! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Then the TRIO DDT!! Cover, TWO?!? ZSJ survives, but Tanahashi keeps moving. SLINGBLADE! Tanahashi goes up top while Okada & Ishii keep The Mighty out! HIGH FLY FLOP as ZSJ moves!! The Mighty get free, they haul Tanahashi up, but Okada saves him! But then Okada takes the TANK BUSTER!! Ishii runs in, but into a TANK BUSTER!!
The Mighty gets Tanahashi up, for HIGHWAY TO HELL!! ZSJ PENALTY KICKS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Tanahashi survives and no one can believe it, but the fans are thunderous! Mikey & Shane PLANCHA Okada & Ishii! ZSJ has the fans all fired up as he runs corner to corner, to UPPERCUT! And then scoop for ZACK- CRADLE!! DREAM TRIO WINS!!!
Winners: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii (still NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions)
ZSJ is furious, how did he get caught by such a simple move!? But in the end, it wasn’t about being mighty but about being unbreakable! Will anyone ever take the titles from this incredible trio?
But wait! The lights go down, and on the tron… IT’S BRYAN DANIELSON! He tells Okada that they’ve faced each other two times already, and those two times, Bryan has won. But those two times also injured Bryan. First, it was his arm, but what happened? Bryan wrestled another 10 minutes and TAPPED OKADA OUT! “Because no matter how many bones you break, you can’t break my heart and you can’t break my spirit.” But Bryan has revenge on his mind. That is why he is challenging Okada for January 4th, WrestleKingdom 18, the Tokyo Dome! Bryan will get his revenge by breaking Okada’s arm, his right arm, and Okada will never make it rain ever again!
Fans are thunderous with “YES! YES! YES!” Okada gets the mic, and he tells Bryan, “Are you an idiot? Because I’M the one that wants revenge! I’ve broken your arm, I’ve broken your face, but I’ve never beaten you. If you think you can break my right arm, go ahead and try. January 4th, WrestleKingdom 18, huh? I will beat you with a Rainmaker. Bryan… YES.” And so the match is set! Will the New Year be the last time one of these living legends wrestles in one piece?
2023 Super Junior Tag League Finals: Catch 2/2 VS SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru!
TJP & Francesco Akira won the previous match-up against the Murder Machine & Heel Master, but didn’t get to celebrate very long. The House of Torture are sore losers, sore winners, and all-around underhanded, but will they fail to conquer the United Empire? Or will Public Enemy & Nova Fireball win the trophies to then go after the titles?
As Catch 2/2 gets closer to the ring, they slow up, because they know the House likes to attack first. But then they get ambushed from behind by Dick Togo! Fans boo as Yujiro & Evil also run up, and then Sho & Kanemaru go out so that they can stomp away 5v2! Fans boo but nothing can be done as the match hasn’t started yet! The ref reprimands but the mugging continues. Then Sho & Kanemaru put Catch 2/2 in the ring. They stomp away again, but the ref reprimands and the fans tell the extras to go away. Instead, Sho whips Akira to a corner, then sends TJP into him. Sho runs to the corner but TJP BOOTS him away!
Kanemaru runs in but TJP BOOTS him away! Then TJP sets up and Akira launches to DOUBLE SHOTGUN Evil & Yujiro! TJP SOBATS Dick, but Sho & Kanemaru stomp Catch 2/2. Sho & Kanemaru double whip, but Catch 2/2 reverses to DOUBLE DROPKICK! Fans fire up with “CATCH! NI NI!” TJP & Akira both run, but the ref has them stop. The ref tells Evil, Yujiro & Dick to go away, but then TJP whips Akira so he can FLY! Akira goes over the ref to wipe out the entire House! Fans are thunderous and Akira puts Sho in the ring. The bell finally rings, and Catch 2/2 whip Sho to SOBAT, KICK, trip and SHOTGUN!
Fans fire up and TJP bumps Sho off buckles. Sho whips corner to corner, runs in and back elbows, then sits Sho down. Fans rally as TJP scrubs Sho’s face with his laces. TJP runs, but Kanemaru is in the way! So TJP dropkicks him down! But Sho runs up to CLUB TJP and toss him out. Sho then BLASTS Akira, and Kanemaru whips TJP into railing! And DDTS to the floor! TJP clutches his neck but Kanemaru stomps him while he’s down! Kanemaru POSTS TJP, then pulls up floor mats. Kanemaru drags TJP over, DDT to the exposed concrete!! Kanemaru tags in while TJP writhes, and the ring count climbs.
Fans rally for “CATCH! NI NI!” but TJP is still down at 10 of 20. TJP rises, drags himself up with railing, and hobbles over at 15. TJP flops back over! TJP scrambles up, Akira helps, TJP is in at 18! Sho attacks Akira to RAM him into railing! Kanemaru whips TJP into a corner, BOOTS him then scoops, BRITISH FALL! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Kanemaru rips TJP’s neck tape away! Fans rally for TJP but Kanemaru snapmares and headscissors! Kanemaru squeezes tight on the neck! TJP endures, pushes back, but Kanemaru pushes him back down. TJP tries again, but Kanemaru pushes him down again.
Kanemaru turns over to JAM TJP into the mat again and again! TJP endures, fights around, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Kanemaru lets off reluctantly, and Kanemaru kicks TJP around. Kanemaru brings TJP up but TJP throws body shots! And haymakers! Sho storms up but TJP elbows him away! But then Kanemaru CLAWS TJP’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Kanemaru lets off. Fans rally, Sho tags in and he cravats. Sho CHOKES TJP on the ropes like that! The ref counts, Sho lets off and pushes TJP out to the apron. Kanemaru runs up to DROPKICK! Sho then has the legs, and CATAPULT GUILLOTINES TJP!
Sho drags TJP to a cover, TWO! Fans fire up as TJP hangs in there. Kanemaru tags in, he drags TJP up and whips to ropes, to ELBOW TJP down! Kanemaru BOOTS Akira for good measure! Kanemaru then stands TJP up, to DDT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up but Sho tags back in. Sho grins as he looms over TJP, and he drags TJP into a straitjacket stretch. TJP endures, fans rally, and TJP fights up! TJP pries the hold open, bridges and rolls to then hook Sho up, IRON OCTO- NO, Sho powers out to pop-up and ARMBAR! Kanemaru runs in to BLAST Akira! TJP fights around, but ends up in SNAKE BITE!!
Akira sends Kanemaru crashing into railing! And then he runs in to stomp Sho down! Akira coaches TJP, but Sho CLUBS Akira and TOSSES him out! Sho knuckle locks TJP, wrenches and brings him down to kick, KICK, and KICK again! But then TJP blocks the superkick! Only for Sho to rake the eyes! Fans boo but Sho whips. TJP Spider-Mans, slides under, but Sho grabs his hair! Sho kicks, but TJP blocks to slip around and SAIDO! Fans fire up and TJP crawls, hot tag to Akira! The Fireball storms up on Sho to fire off forearms, and a CHOP! Akira whips, Sho reverses, but Akira dodges to come back and clothesline!
Akira keeps going, but he dodges Kanemaru to put him in the Tree of Woe! Akira dodges Sho to dropkick legs out! Then Akira lines it up, jumps off Sho to DROPKICK Kanemaru! Akira then dodges Sho to RANA! The House boys bail out and fans fire up with Akira. Akira goes out to ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit on the House and the fans fire up again! Akira puts Sho back in, goes up a corner, and CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Akira keeps his cool while the fans rally. Akira drags Sho up and reels him in, but Sho bends fingers! Akira clubs free but Sho rakes eyes! Fans boo, Sho waistlocks, but Akira fights the lift!
TJP is back in, and Akira ducks so the SUPERKICK hits Sho! Akira then switches, chicken wings, and TIGER FIRE PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Akira calls to TJP and has the fans start on “CATCH! NI NI!” again. They get Sho up, TJP still tries to Electric Chair Lift!? TJP fights through the pain, but it’s too much! He drops, and Kanemaru SHOVES TJP into Akira! Sho wraps TJP up, STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER!! TJP flops out of the ring, Kanemaru tags in to DROPKICK Akira on the corner! Kanemaru then climbs up to get Akira, for a SUPERPLEX! Sho drags Akira right up to reel him in, POWER BREAKER!! Cover, TWO!!
Akira is still in this for his team, but now Kanemaru puts him in a BOSTON CRAB! Akira endures as Kanemaru sits deep! But Akira powers up! Only for Kanemaru to sit back down! But Akira still fights! Akira reaches out, but Kanemaru drags him back, and focuses on a HALF CRAB! Akira refuses to quit, so Kanemaru SMASHES the leg! FIGURE FOUR! Sho intercepts TJP while Kanemaru thrashes around! Akira reaches out, crawls and brings Kanemaru along, but Kanemaru works to turn him away from ropes! They roll and roll, but TJP goes up! TJP shoves Sho away to MAMBA SPLASH Kanemaru!
TJP flops back out of the ring but Akira is saved! Kanemaru goes to a corner, Akira runs in, but into a BOOT! Kanemaru runs, into a victory roll, STOMP 182! Fans fire up as Akira crawls to the corner, hot tag to TJP! TJP goes up again, for MAMBA- NO, he has to bail out as Kanemaru moves! And then Kanemaru shoves TJP into the ref! And of course that means the rest of the House returns! The ejection only counts if the ref can call it! Fans boo as the House all stomps TJP! Fans tell them to go away again but they don’t care. They drag TJP up, whip him corner to corner, then Dick runs in to ELBOW!
Yujiro runs in to BOOT! Evil runs in to clothesline and snapmare! They set TJP up for the- WAIT! CALLUM NEWMAN is here, and he ENZIGURIS Dick down! And Jeff Cobb CLOBBERS Evil! Fans fire up as the United Empire strikes back! They RAM Evil and Yujiro all around ringside, but then Dick leaps! Cobb catches him, tosses him to Oleg, and tells Oleg to get that Dick outta here! Oleg obliges, and then Cobb DECKS Evil! Cobb hauls the King of Darkness away and fans fire up again! Kanemaru is mad, but he grabs his whiskey! Kanemaru tags a big swig, then waits on TJP to get up. But Akira gets in to SUPERKICK!
The whiskey goes flying, Sho returns but Akira SUPERKICKS him! TJP sees Kanemaru’s bottle and grabs it. Akira runs at Kanemaru but Kanemaru dumps him out! Kanemaru sees TJP all alone, and he borrows Sho’s KOPW Championship belt. Kanemaru storms up, but TJP WHISKEY MISTS Kanemaru!! Roll up and the ref is there to count, TWO!! TJP staggers to a corner, Sho returns but TJP dumps him out. Akira runs in and TJP helps, RAILGUN DROPKICK! Down goes Sho, Kanemaru runs in, but TJP goes up and over to TORNADO DDT! Fans fire up and Akira has Kanemaru, for SPEEDFIRE!!
Akira calls to TJP and the fans rally up. “CATCH! NI NI!” They 2 BY 2 side by side!! Cover, Catch 2/2 wins!!
Winners: Catch 2/2, by pinfall (2023 Super Junior Tag League Champions)
They come in as the number one seed, and they win as the number one seed! Revenge on the House of Torture was sweet, but will revenge on the War Dogs be golden? Akira gets the mic to speak, but wait, the War Dogs rush out here!! They lost earlier and are still pissed! They CLOBBER Catch 2/2 with the belts!! Fans boo but Connors tells them to shut up. Connors has the mic to say, “Congratulations, Catch 2/2. You got exactly what you wanted. And not congratulations on winning this stupid tournament. Not even congratulations on getting a shot at these boys.” Connors holds up his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag title, then puts it aside.
Connors says this is congrats because now they get to face the two best Juniro Heavyweights of all time on the biggest stage of ’em all! And compared to that, these trophies ain’t sh*t! Drilla SPITS on one and then Connors drops it! Drilla says these last three weeks, all these Super Juniors have been nipping at each other, biting each other’s ankles, all for a chance to face the War Dogs, the ABUNAI INU! But one problem, boys: “We ain’t bitin’ anybody’s ankles. We are rippin’ everybody’s heads off! We’re the monsters of this division! How many times we gotta kill you until you realize you gotta stay dead?!
“All you do, all you do, is bark, bark, BARK! And all we’ve done, all we do, all we’re gonna do forever, WrestleKingdom and after, all we gonna do is BITE. Load ’em up, baby!” The fans boo as the War Dogs stand Akira up, for the DOUBLE GORE! And then they make TJP look as Akira is down! Connors climbs, but here comes Callum again! He has a chair this time, and he gets Connors & Drilla to back off. What happened to the War Dogs? More like puppies! Drilla spits and cusses Callum out, then Connors says, “See you at WrestleKingdom!” The Cowboy & The Criminal take their leave, just as the fans tell them to leave.
As for Catch 2/2, TJP picks up the trophy that was thrown down, and part of the plaque chipped off. The War Dogs may have fired the first shot, but will TJP & Akira fire the last?
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi VS Taiji Ishimori!
The Ticking Timebomb and Bone Soldier Reborn have had a storied rivalry, but this chapter is about settling a score! Will Hiromu no longer be seen as the Best of the Super Juniors? Or can he deny Taiji his revenge?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Bullet Club adds any more gold!
The bell rings and the two rush in! Hiromu sunset flips, TWO! Taiji prawn holds, TWO! Hiromu sunsets but Taiji rolls through to high stack, TWO! Hiromu has the sunset, TWO! The two stand off, Hiromu kicks and whips but Taiji reverses. Taiji runs in, blocks boots, puts Hiromu in ropes and ENZIGURIS! Taiji runs but Hiromu gets loose to elbow him! Hiromu whips, runs in and clotheslines to then snapmare. Hiromu keeps moving but Taiji avoids the dropkick! Taiji whips, Hiromu reverses but Taiji goes Spider-Man. Hiromu runs in, Taiji slips under and around to then RAM into Hiromu and slingshot, but Hiromu ROCKS him!
Hiromu runs and leaps, but Taiji backflips out of the sunset bomb! Hiromu swings, Taiji ducks and waistlocks. Hiromu switches but Taiji wrenches out, to TORNADO ARMBAR DDT to the floor!! Fans fire up while Hiromu clutches his elbow and hurries away up the ramp. Taiji lets him be so he can untie the blue buckle pad. The Bullet Club Special is in effect while fans rally up. A ring count starts, Taiji waits on Hiromu as he sits up at 4 of 20. Taiji then goes out after Hiromu to CLUB the bad arm! Taiji brings Hiromu around and into the ring. Taiji wrenches Hiromu’s arm, hammerlocks, and then RAMS Hiromu into bare buckles!
Fans rally while Hiromu writhes, but Taiji drags Hiromu up. Taiji wrenches, whips, and WRINGS the arm, to then ARM SCREW! Taiji drags Hiromu up into a cobra clutch! Hiromu endures, fights up, but Taiji wrenches, RAMS and fireman’s carries into a SHANKLY GATES! Hiromu endures the wristlock camel clutch, and Hiromu fights to a ROPEBREAK! Taiji lets go, he taunts the fans and storms up on Hiromu. Hiromu CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Taiji CLUBS the bad arm! And again! Taiji runs but Hiromu avoids the boot to roll him up! TWO, BONE- NO, Hiromu fights around, only for Taiji to have the ghost pin! TWO!!
Hiromu escapes but Taiji keeps cool. Taiji storms up on Hiromu, brings him up to CLUB the arm, and again, and again! Taiji runs but Hiromu follows to RANA! Fans fire up while both men are down. Taiji and Hiromu go to opposite corners, and Taiji runs in. Hiromu dodges to clothesline, snapmare and run, basement dropkick! Taiji bails out so Hiromu goes to the apron. Hiromu JOHN WOO DROPKICKS Taiji into railing! Taiji and Hiromu are both down on the outside, but Hiromu stands first. Hiromu puts Taiji in the ring, drags him up and suplexes, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!
Fans rally while both men are down. Hiromu shakes out the bad arm and he brings Taiji back up. Hiromu fireman’s carries but Taiji slips free to shove him into a corner. Taiji runs in, and he blocks boots! He puts Hiromu back in the ropes, ENZIGURIS, runs and SLIDING GERMAN! Fans fire up while Hiromu flops out of the ring. Taiji stalks Hiromu, drags him up, and fireman’s carries! TKO with the railing! Hiromu flops into No Man’s Land and Red Shoes goes out to check him. Hiromu writhes but he’s still in this. Taiji leaves Hiromu behind for the ring count to start. Hiromu sits up at 5 of 20, and fans rally up.
Hiromu stands at 10, gets over railing at 11, and hobbles his way over at 13. Hiromu is in at 15, but Taiji hits COAST2COAST! Taiji then POSTS Hiromu in the blue corner! And hammerlocks the arm, to scoop and SHOULDER BREAKER! Taiji wants Red Shoes to call this but Hiromu refuses to quit. Fans rally for Hiromu but Taiji runs in, only for Hiromu to block La Mystica! Hiromu powers Taiji to a fireman’s carry! TIME- NO, Taiji slips free! Hiromu elbows him, but Taiji hits back! Taiji blocks the superkick, Hiromu blocks the knee! ROLLING ELBOW! Hiromu runs, Taiji follows, but into a SNAP GERMAN!
But Taiji rises! GERMAN SUPLEX for Hiromu! But Hiromu rises! Both men run in to DOUBLE LARIAT!! Both men flop over and fans fire up! Hiromu and Taiji go to opposite corners, drag themselves up, and Taiji runs in! Hiromu OVERHEAD SUPLEXES, but Taiji lands safe on the corner! Only for Hiromu to POWERBOMB him off the corner! High stack, TWO! Hiromu hurries to fireman’s carry and CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Fans fire up with Hiromu and he hauls Taiji up! Fireman’s carry and spin, but Taiji sunset flips it! TWO, but into STYLES- NO, Hiromu fights free, sits up, and he sunset flips! TWO!!
Taiji stands, Hiromu wrenches, but Taiji rolls free of the Hiromu-chan Cradle! Only for Hiromu to fireman’s carry again, TIMEBOMB 1.5! Cover, TWO!! Taiji survives and fans rally up again. Hiromu rises and he tells Taiji, “Just you wait!” Hiromu drags Taiji up, runs, but Taiji dodges the lariat! Only to run into HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Hiromu then hauls Taiji into a dragon sleeper, but Taiji slips around to return the favor! CIPHER UTAKI! But Taiji can’t make the cover! Fans rally up, both men stir, and Hiromu goes to a corner. Taiji stands, runs in, and clotheslines! Then COMPLETE SHOT! Fans rally as Taiji then goes to the apron.
Taiji climbs up the corner, takes aim, and 450- NO, Hiromu moves and Taiji rolls through! Taiji comes back, LA MYST- NO, Hiromu blocks again! And he tucks Taiji in, for a suplex and VICTORY- NO, Taiji drags Hiromu down for BONE LOCK!! Taiji counters Victory Royale right into the hold he wanted! Hiromu fights his way over but Taiji rolls him from ropes! To then suplex and BLOODY- NO, Hiromu rolls through that to fireman’s carry! Fans fire up and Hiromu spins for TIMEBOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! Taiji survives the OG Timebomb and both men are down! Fans fire up and Hiromu rises, shaking out the bad arm.
Hiromu sits Taiji up, runs, but Taiji gets under to send Hiromu at Red Shoes! Hiromu stops himself, Taiji whips Hiromu and pop-up LOW BLOWS!! Taiji then GEDO CLUTCHES! TWO?!?! Hiromu survives what Taiji used to steal the DDT-Pro Ironman Heavymetalweight title! Taiji aims, BANG, and he brings Hiromu up. BLOODY- ARM-DRAG! HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! Hiromu fires up and he dares Taiji to get up! Hiromu drags Taiji up, runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!! But Hiromu still isn’t done, he dragon sleepers and suplexes, TIMEBOMB- TAKEDOWN!? BONE LOCK RETURNS!!! Taiji squeezes the air outta Hiromu!
Fans are thunderous as Hiromu flails, but he’s fading! Red Shoes checks Hiromu, he’s turning red! But Hiromu revives and scrambles for ropes! Hiromu reaches out, Taiji pulls him away from ropes again! BONE LOCK!!! And it’s deep! Hiromu still fights, still reaches out, and he drags Taiji along with him! Fans rally as hard as they can, and Hiromu makes one last lurch to the ROPEBREAK!! Taiji lets go in frustration and fans fire up again! Taiji goes to the other side, aims a finger gun and says BANG, and then he drags Hiromu up. BLOODY- NO, Hiromu slips free! SUPERKICK! But Taiji JUMP KNEES in return!
Taiji runs in, LA MYST- NO, Hiromu slips through to HIROMU-CHAN ROLL! TWO?!?! But barely! Hiromu tries again, HIROMU-CHAN ROLL WITH BRIDGE!! HIROMU WINS!!!
Winner: Hiromu Takahashi, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
From the jaws of defeat, Hiromu snatches victory, and Taiji can’t believe it! Hiromu continues to evolve his moveset, will anyone stop him from proving he is THE Best of the Super Juniors? Hiromu gets the mic to say, “Ishimori-san. Let’s do this again! Glad to have you back.” Taiji Too Sweets that, when and where will the Bone Soldier Reborn be reloaded? And Hiromu says this is the first time he’s actually worn the belt since he won it on January 4th earlier this year. “Once again, I am Hiromu Takahashi the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion!” Fans cheer that.
Hiromu then asks himself, “Who’s the next challenger? If you’re backstage, ready to come out here, please don’t. Also, to the lighting guy, if a wrestler asks you to cut the lights, don’t listen! Please have the courage to refuse. I will name the next challenger for this belt!” Fans like the sound of that! Hiromu continues to say that he really wants to fight “this guy.” Hiromu feels he has to surpass this man. Hiromu calls out DESPERADO! The Rogue Luchador is now on commentary, so he’s already staring Hiromu down. Hiromu promises no one else will get involved, this won’t turn into a Triple Threat or Fatal 4. “Desperado, come up here.”
Fans cheer and Desperado goes from having fun to being serious. He leaves commentary and gets in the ring. Hiromu tells Desperado to face him at WrestleKingdom 18! Then he drops the mic at Desperado’s feet. Desperado picks it up, and says, “Okay.” Fans cheer that! Desperado then says that FYI, he’s kinda seeing two loudmouth Hiromus. Desperado needs surgery to put that back in order. So yeah, don’t expect any warm-up matches along the way. But he will be sure to be in top shape before facing Hiromu. Fans applaud that.
Desperado also hopes to make a few appearances before the big day. And he admits to being a bit worried being called out like that. “The bar has been raised.” And he’s pretty sure there’s an angry Taguchi chomping at the bit to come out here. So assuming Desperado is good to go, he’ll accept that title match. Fans cheer and Desperado hands the mic back over. Hiromu says, “Let’s have some fuuuun~!” Mic drop and Hiromu stares down his other storied rival. Will the Rogue Luchador be shooting straight before the new year? Or will another have to step up to the Ticking Timebomb?
IWGP United States/United Kingdom Championship: Will Ospreay w/ Callum Newman VS Shota Umino!
The American Assassin has defended this title against The Roughneck before, but those losses haven’t broken Shota yet! Will this final time be the charm for #SHOOTER? Or will this just be the final time?
The introductions are made, both forms of this title are raised, and in the end, only one man will walk away with them!
The bell rings and fans fire up as the two stare down. Osaka is strong for Ospreay, but he and Shota circle. They feel things out, back off, then circle again. They tie up, Shota wrenches, but Ospreay spins to wrench back. Ospreay full nelsons, then cravats, but Shota rolls free to wrangle Ospreay to a cording hold. Ospreay stands but Shota wrenches and hammerlocks. Ospreay reaches around but Shota cravats, then headlocks. Ospreay pushes Shota to ropes, but he can’t power out as Shota holds tight! Ospreay powers up to pry the hold open but Shota just clamps it on tighter. Ospreay back suplexes, but Shota lands on his feet! Shota headlocks for a takeover!
Fans cheer this technical exchange, but Ospreay pulls hair. Shota traps an arm, but Ospreay gets that free. Ospreay fights up to his feet, powers Shota to ropes, and Red Shoes calls the break. Ospreay lets off slowly, but Shota blocks the chop! Shota headlocks, Ospreay powers out but Shota runs him over! But Ospreay kips right back up! Shota sees that, but Ospreay still ROCKS him first! Ospreay grins and fans fire up behind him. Ospreay whips, Shota reverses, ELBOWS, and basement dropkicks! Shota fires up and the fans cheer again. Shota stomps Ospreay, brings him up and CLUBS him on the neck.
Shota reels Ospreay in to ROCK him in the back, then CLUB him down! Shota UPPERCUTS Ospreay, goes to a corner with him, and cravats again. Shota cranks the neck wrench, but Ospreay breaks free to ROCK Shota! Ospreay whips, Shota reverses and trips, then steps over, STF! Ospreay scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer, Red Shoes reprimands, and Shota lets go at 2. Shota drags Ospreay up, bumps him off buckles, then stomps him. Shota ROCKS Ospreay, UPPERCUTS him, and whips corner to corner. Shota runs in but Ospreay BOOTS back! Ospreay runs, but Shota ELBOWS! Shota whips, Ospreay RANAS!
Fans fire up as Shota bails out, and Ospreay aims! PLANCHA! Down goes Shota and fans fire up again! Ospreay drags Shota up, brings him around, and ROCKS him! Shota flops against railing but Ospreay brings him up to whip into more railing! Shota falls over, and Ospreay goes looking under the ring. Ospreay brings out a TABLE! Ospreay sets that up by ringside and he drags Shota up. Red Shoes reprimands but Ospreay still reels Shota in. But Shota fights the lift! Shota back drops Ospreay, narrowly missing the table! Red Shoes tells Shota not to, but Shota still looks at the table. Shota reels Ospreay in, but then puts him in the ring.
Fans applaud Shota not going to extremes there, and Shota runs in, but into a FLAPJACK! Shota staggers from the ropes, into Ospreay’s BOOT! Ospreay then stands Shota up, to CHOP him! Shota is stinging as he goes to the corner, but Ospreay CHOPS him again! Ospreay digs his boots in, he scrapes and scrubs Shota’s face, then drags Shota up. Ospreay scoops to BACKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Shota hangs tough and fans cheer but Ospreay is annoyed. Ospreay stalks Shota, pushes him around to omoplata an arm, then he SLAPS Shota in the side to get the other arm! Ospreay pulls on that arm, and reclines back onto it! It’s a cradle, TWO!!
Shota gets out of that one and goes to a corner, but Ospreay stalks him. Ospreay gives Shota some Kawada Kicks, then ROCKS him with a forearm! Shota snarls to ROCK Ospreay! Ospreay eggs Shota on and Shota fires off forearms! Ospreay CHOPS! Shota staggers back to ropes, Ospreay whips but Shota ducks ‘n’ dodges and dodges again to CLOBBER Ospreay! Fans rally up, Shota whips Ospreay to a corner, and then he runs in. UPPERCUT, and then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Shota’s not quite perfect but he doesn’t let that bother him. Shota brings Ospreay in but Ospreay blocks the lift!
Ospreay throws elbows but Shota snapmares, and HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! We saw Moxley here earlier tonight, Shota is using one of his favorites! Shota then drags Ospreay up, clinches, but Ospreay slips free. Shota mule kicks, whips, but Ospreay handsprings to NEURALIZER! Direct hit and down goes Shota! Fans fire up again and Ospreay goes to the apron. Ospreay springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Ospreay is annoyed but he says Shota’s done now. Ospreay drags Shota up and reels him in, but Shota fights the lift! Fans rally, Ospreay fires more Kawada Kicks! And a CHOP!
Shota staggers to a corner, Ospreay runs in but Shota dodges! Shota runs back in but into BOOTS! Ospreay goes up but Shota ROCKS him! Shota climbs, Ospreay slips under and tucks Shota in! CHEEKY NANDOS! Shota is stuck up there, so Ospreay CHEEKY NANDOS again! Ospreay taunts Shota, “Is that all you’ve got?” Ospreay SPITS at Shota! Red Shoes reprimands but Ospreay just grins. But then Shota mule kicks Ospreay away! Shota checks, and he has a bloody nose! Shota’s mad now, but the fans rally up. Ospreay CHOPS, but Shota just steps forward! Fans fire up as Ospreay CHOPS again, but Shota still steps forward.
Shota dares Ospreay to try again, so Ospreay CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Shota DECKS Ospreay!! We’ve seen Scary Ibushi, is this Scary Shota?! Shota wipes the blood from his nose on his chest, and then he throws knee after knee into Ospreay! Shota stomps away at the ropes, Red Shoes tells him to stop, but Shota still gives mule kicks while Red Shoes turns him around! Red Shoes finally gets his son to let off on Ospreay, only for Shota to then SLINGSHOT APRON DDT!!! Fans are thunderous as Shota shows such viciousness! Ospreay flops to the floor, Shota lets Red Shoes check him, and fans rally up again.
Ospreay is somehow still in this and Callum coaches him up. But then Shota goes back out, drags Ospreay up and whips him hard into railing! Shota storms up on Ospreay to whip him hard into even more railing! Shota scuffs Ospreay, drags him back up, and whips him again! Ospreay stops himself, but Shota SHOTGUNS Ospreay up and over the railing! Ospreay even tumbles over English commentary’s table! Shota goes out to fetch Ospreay, and he tells fans to move aside. Just like Moxley and Khan earlier, Shota uses Ospreay’s body to go CHAIR BOWLING!! STRIKE! Red Shoes reprimands but Shota just drags Ospreay out of the mess.
Shota makes sure his dad sees that he’s taking Ospreay back. Except wait, they go through No Man’s Land to the timekeeper’s area. Shota asks, “You want tables? You want tables?!” Shota SMACKS Ospreay off the table! Shota says one more time! And he SMACKS Ospreay off the table again! Shota has Abe-san hold onto the belts while he clears off the table and brings it around. Shota CHUCKS the table at Ospreay!! Ospreay falls over and Red Shoes reprimands, but the fans rally up! Shota sets the timekeeper’s table next to the first one, and he says Ospreay started this. Shota puts Ospreay on the apron and goes up to join him.
Red Shoes reprimands again but Shota underhooks! Ospreay holds ropes but Shota CLUBS away. Ospreay LARIATS Shota into the ring! Fans fire up again and Ospreay goes up top. Shota stands, into the BLINDSIDE CHEERIO! Fans rally up again and Ospreay aims from a corner. HIDDEN- UPPERCUT! Shota runs, but into the Tiger Wall Kick! But he ducks the enziguri! But Ospreay slips under Shota, full nelsons, only for Shota to break free with an elbow. Shota ducks the Hook Kick! Shota ROCKS then spins, into the ROUNDHOUSE! Ospreay whips, Shota reverses, but Ospreay avoids the dropkick! STANDING SHOOTING STAR onto knees!
Shota whips again, to DROP- POWERBOMB!! Ospreay covers, TWO!! Shota survives the counter and Ospreay grows frustrated. But the fans rally up behind Ospreay, and he calls his shot. Ospreay springboards, into a DROPKICK! Now Shota counters, and both men are down. Shota and Ospreay rise, and Shota watches. Shota runs in, SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Shota goes to the apron, slingshots, CUTTER! Fans fire up and Shota aims. Ospreay rises, Shota runs in, underhooks, but Ospreay RAMS him to a corner. Ospreay runs back in, Shota dodges to POP-UP KNEE and EXPLODER! Fans fire up and rally behind Shota.
Shota mocks Ospreay, goes up and up and steals SUPER OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives Shota’s imitation but Shota isn’t done with him. Shota drags Ospreay up, half nelsons, but Ospreay switches. Shota elbows free, runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Fans rally as Ospreay rises, and he fires up with “OI! OI! OI!” The fans echo it and Ospreay goes to a corner. Shota rises, Ospreay runs in, HELLUVA KICK! And then a scoop and SLAM! Ospreay goes up the corner, LEAP OF FAITH! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and bails out but Ospreay pursues!
Ospreay calls his shot, goes up a corner, but Shota YANKS him down! And we’re by the tables again! Fans fire up as Shota underhooks, but Ospreay fights the lift! Ospreay gets free to ROCK Shota, and HOOK KICK! Ospreay underhooks now, to TIGER DRIVER through the tables!!! Fans are thunderous and Red Shoes checks both men. Ospreay gets clear of the wreckage but Shota is still down. Shota’s able to continue, though, and the fans rally back up. The ring count starts, and Ospreay rises at 5 of 20. Ospreay stands at 9 to roll in at 10, and Shota sits up at 13. Shota drags himself from the wreckage, to get in at 19!
Ospreay springboards, COAST2COAST! And then springboard, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay snarls and goes to a corner, his arm prepared. Ospreay runs in, but Shota ducks Hidden Blade! Ospreay still kicks and whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO- NO, Ospreay blocks to THROW Shota down, and HIDDEN BLADE!! Cover, TWO!?!? The fans are thunderous again but Ospreay prepares the elbow again. Ospreay waits for Shota to sit up, but Shota crawls his way over to Ospreay. Ospreay lets Shota drag himself up to his feet, and Shota throws a forearm. Ospreay ROCKS Shota right back!
Shota staggers about, and he throws another forearm. And another, and another, but Ospreay just ROCKS him again! Shota slaps himself to fire back up! Shota fires more forearms, but Ospreay ROCKS him, and SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Then SUPERKICK! Ospreay vows to end this, but Shota swings! Ospreay dodges and Shota falls over! Red Shoes checks on Shota but Shota shakes his head. Shota refuses to give up so Ospreay eggs him on. Shota drags himself up, but Ospreay HOOK KICKS him! Shota holds onto the ropes to stay up, so Ospreay HOOK KICKS again! Shota lets go, drops to his knees, and then Ospreay BUZZSAWS! And HEEL KICKS!
Shota flops over and Ospreay looms over him. To HAMMER him with the forearm! And again! And again! But Shota scrambles to ropes! Ospreay drags him back, tries to cover but Shota flails and fights. Ospreay traps the arms, so Shota SPITS at Ospreay! Ospreay takes off the elbow pad, and he HAMMERS Shota! Jon Moxley is here now?! Moxley tells Shota to not take that crap and get his ass up! Ospreay throws hands, Shota still fights, and fans are thunderous! Shota bucks Ospreay free, and blocks his Penalty Kick! Shota swings, misses, and Ospreay HOOK KICKS! Ospreay runs in, into a LARIAT!!
Fans are thunderous again and Moxley tells Shota to keep it up! Shota drags Ospreay into an STF! Ospreay endures, fights, crawls, reaches out, flails, but Shota grabs the arm, COBRA CLUTCH STF! Ospreay still fights, the fans duel, and Ospreay powers his way forward to the ROPEBREAK! Shota lets go in frustration, and Moxley coaches him on. Shota drags Ospreay up, but Ospreay swings! Shota blocks to ENZIGURI! And then dragon sleeper, CROSS RHODES!! Shota drags Ospreay up again, inverted suplex, but Ospreay slips free! Ospreay underhooks and Canadian Racks, but Shota slips free!
Shota backslides Ospreay, but Ospreay rolls through, only for Shota to reel him in! EVOLVED DEATH RIDER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Fans are electric as Shota vows to end this! Shota drags Ospreay up, underhooks, but Ospreay wrenches to MOUSE TRAP! TWO, and Ospreay slips around to lift! Shota fights the bomb, and SATELLITE DDTS!! Fans fire up and Shota roars! Shota aims and runs in, TORNADO DDT! But that’s not all, he rolls Ospreay to underhook, and SWINGING PARADIGM SHIFT?!? Cover, TWO!!! Ospreay survives and the fans are electric again! Moxley coaches Shota, he’s almost there!
Ospreay goes to a corner, Shota runs in, BLINDSIDE KNEE! Shota puts Ospreay up top, climbs up, but Ospreay HEADBUTTS! So Shota UPPERCUTS! Shota goes up again, brings Ospreay to the very top, and underhooks?! Red Shoes is worried, Ospreay resists, but Shota CLAWS Ospreay’s back! Then the underhooks, for a SUPER DEATH RIDER!!! Shota has to crawl over to the cover, TWO?!?!?! Ospreay just barely lurches out of that, and the fans are electric for Shota! Shota aims from the corner, Ospreay sits up, BLAZE- NO, Ospreay just flops over! So Shota returns the favor and he traps Ospreay’s arms!
Moxley says do it! Shota HAMMERS away on Ospreay! Red Shoes wants Shota to hold on so he can check Ospreay. Shota lets off but goes back to the corner. Ospreay is dazed, Red Shoes is going for a standing count! Fans rally up as Ospreay is still down at 5 of 10! Ospreay sputters at 7, sits up at 8 and stands at 9, but kneels! BLAZE BLADE!!! And DEATH RIDER!! HIDDEN BLADE OUTTA NOWHERE!?!? The fans are in disbelief!! Both men are down but the fans rally as hard as they can! Ospreay and Shota stir, and they glare at each other. They crawl forward, and give junkyard dog headbutts!
Moxley coaches Shota as they just headbutt each other harder! Ospreay and Shota stand, and Shota ROCKS Ospreay with a forearm! And then again! Shota keeps Ospreay up with a wristlock, and Ospreay ROCKS Shota back! The forearms keep going back and forth, and they pick up speed! Faster and faster, then Shota gets the edge! Ospreay wobbles, but he growls and stands up, to fire forearms in return! Ospreay reels Shota in, for a HEADBUTT!! Shota reels Ospreay in, POP-UP UPPER! Just like Claudio! Shota underhooks, but Ospreay wrenches and spins and underhooks, to Canadian Rack! STORM- RANA?!?!? Cover, TWO!!!!
Shota almost had Ospreay and the fans are volcanic! Shota SHOTGUNS, Ospreay comes back with HIDDEN BLADE!!! Cover, ONE?!?!? HOW?!?!? Ospreay kicks, and steals DEATH RIDER!!! Ospreay drags Shota back up, Canadian Rack, TIGER DRIVER 1993!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Shota survives again but Ospreay roars! Ospreay reloads, runs in, HIDDEN BLADE!!! And then STORMBREAKER!!!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!
Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (still IWGP US/UK Champion)
Shota pushed Ospreay to the limit, but it still wasn’t enough to break through to the championship! However, it seems he did finally win Ospreay’s respect. What will it take for the Roughneck to finally have a title?
As for Ospreay, he starts calling out Moxley. Ospreay throws the US edition at him, and Moxley says okay then. Moxley gets in the ring, Ospreay mocks him as a part-timer, and that Ospreay is the one who made this belt relevant. Wait, someone CLOBBERS Moxley! It’s DAVID FINLAY! And he CLOBBERS Ospreay, too! Because he’s using his shillelagh!! Finlay CLOBBERS Callum with it, too! The Rebel beat the Silverback earlier tonight, and now it’s clear he wants to go for bigger prey. Finlay gets a mic while fans boo, and he says, “Aw, did I interrupt something, boys? Moxley, how nice of you to show up.”
Finlay tells Moxley he clearly didn’t get the memo, so he’ll fill Moxley in. “Nobody, and I mean nobody, steps foot in this ring without my permission. Billy Boy, that brings me to you, buddy. You and I have unfinished business, don’t we? I told you I was gonna end you, and I am here to make good on that promise. Now, you two wanna talk about fighting for these two championships at WrestleKingdom? Huh? These championships that you fought tooth and nail to make meaningful, these championships that your names are synonymous with. Hell, you won’t shut up about ‘The belt doesn’t make the man, the man makes the belt.’
“Well here’s the thing about me and these two belts right here. In the United Kingdom, they say I’m American. In the United States, they say I’m Irish. Now I know these belts mean the world to you two, but let me show you how little they mean to me.” Gedo gives Finlay a sledgehammer! And he SMASHES each belt in turn! Fans boo as the plates and gold come off the straps while Ospreay can only watch! Fans boo but Finlay soaks up the heat, and Gedo tells the Japanese fans, “Those belts mean NOTHING to him, ya bastards! Finlay deserves a new belt, made just for him!” What?!
Gedo then continues to say that, “The Rebel takes the F over everything! I need the Rebel! NJPW needs the Rebel! And the world needs the Rebel!” Fans boo, they don’t WANT the Rebel. But will whatever title replaces the US and UK Championships truly represent what Finlay represents? Or will he regret angering the Assassin and the Maniac?
My Thoughts:
A great event here for NJPW, Power Struggle has been turning into one of their big traditions for the year with stuff like this. I skimmed the matches I didn’t write up, and Frontier Zone seemed like another really fun crossover between NJPW and Japanese independents. And duh, the two Young Lions lost to Cobb & Callum. I covered the Fatal 4 Tag because I knew it’d be a lot of wild action and it definitely was. Great win for DespeWato, but apparently this kinda served as a strong way for Desperado to finish his year, given what he told us after the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. Hiromu VS Taiji was awesome stuff, and I figured Hiromu would retain. Him wanting to face Desperado one more time is cool, so I really do hope Desperado makes a strong and quick recovery these next two months.
Khan VS Moxley having that count-out was actually a great way to give us the Falls Count Anywhere, and that was some awesome stuff. It wasn’t quite anywhere in all of Osaka but they used so much of the arena that it was still good enough. Moxley of course wins, he’s going strong in both NJPW and AEW and isn’t gonna lose here. Great Six Man Tag title match, but I figured the Dream Trio would retain since ZSJ is still NJPW World TV Champion. We might get Tanahashi VS ZSJ for that title, but how awesome that we’re getting Okada VS Bryan part 3! Regardless of who wins and loses, let’s just hope Bryan doesn’t get hurt again. If this is his last 12 months, he has to make it through the last 12 months!
Great finals for the Super Junior Tag League, and of course Catch 2/2 won so that we get classic Faces VS Heels for the tag titles. But what a swerve for Connors & Drilla to attack and ruin the celebration, same as Sho & Kanemaru did during the tournament. At this point, it would make a lot of sense for TJP & Akira to win to be the true heroes of the tag division, and also it totally makes sense now why DespeWato lost in the end since Desperado needs that surgery for his vision problems.
And then everything in that main event was awesome. Shota showed his BCC style edge against Ospreay here, with Dad Shoes a bit upset about how he couldn’t stop his son from doing any of it. Moxley showing up to coach Shota was great, too, and while Ospreay retains, it is clear Shota is right at the doorstep of that midcard champion level. The clear set up of Ospreay VS Moxley then being interrupted by Finlay was actually pretty wild, and now it’s some kind of Triple Threat for an Undisputed Midcard Championship, name to be determined later, which is pretty cool. Though, a midcard title constantly changing it’s name? Feels familiar… Like a certain wrestling fanfic series did that…
My Score: 9/10
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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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