Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (11/20/23)
Who truly runs Raw?
Which side are you on?
Survivor Series: WarGames is this Saturday, so tonight on Raw, The Judgment Day battles Cody Rhodes’ super team for advantage!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Nia Jax VS Raquel Rodriguez; Nia wins.
- Becky Lynch VS Xia Li; Becky wins.
- Ludwig Kaiser VS Johnny Gargano w/ Tommaso Ciampa; Gargano wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: Tegan Nox & Natalya VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Maxxine Dupri & Ivy Nile; Nox & Natty win and will challenge Chelsea Green & Piper Niven for the titles.
- Shinsuke Nakamura VS Chad Gable w/ The Alpha Academy; Nakamura wins.
- Men’s WarGames Advantage: Drew McIntyre VS Jey Uso; McIntyre wins the advantage for his team.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drew McIntyre is already in the ring.
Fans boo the Scottish Warrior for what he did last week, but he has the mic to say he is NOT Dominik Mysterio. he has earned the right to talk so they will listen. Everyone is feeling a certain way, they’re a little upset about it. But y’know who is most upset? HIM! McIntyre has been called a coward, a backstabber, #WhyDrewWhy, but he has been the same person this entire time! He hasn’t lied, not to Rollins, not to the fans. If you’ve been paying attention then he doesn’t have to explain himself. And if you turned on him, that’s on you and you were never really a fan so he doesn’t give a damn what you think!
McIntyre gave Jey what he never gave McIntyre when he attacked from behind: he looked Jey in the eye before dropping his arse. And Jey is probably looking for an apology for costing him the tag titles and his big moment. But McIntyre doesn’t remember one single apology to him or anyone else that Jey screwed over with The Bloodline. Fans boo and chant “YOU SUCK!” McIntyre says there must be collateral damage. Cody was part of the match, but it was on him for bringing Jey to Raw. And then on SmackDown, Cody goes after Jimmy & Solo and no one gets on him about ‘Get over!” NO! Why should they, huh!?
Y’know what Jey cost McIntyre? Clash at the Castle, the Bloodline, cost McIntyre the biggest moment of his life in front of HIS family! His family, 16 years he’s been away, sacrificing everything! Birthdays, they understand. Christmases, they understand. His nephews growing up, they understand. But that night, when McIntyre was going to beat Roman, was going to be their moment. But Jey’s family took that from McIntyre’s family! And now you start to understand. Has he lied? Does he make sense? But everyone wants to talk about the million dollar question: Has McIntyre joined Judgment Day?
We’ve watched Drew since he was 22, you should know him by now, he’s been the same person all along. Grand Rapids, yes or no, has McIntyre joined the Judgment Day? It’s hard to say with that chorus of boos, but McIntyre says they don’t know him very well. NO, he is not in the Judgment Day. But he will be on their team for WarGames, though! And why? Because Rhea Ripley gave McIntyre what no one else has given him: Jey Uso stuck in a cage! Now Jey, this is your final warning. It is on sight! He doesn’t know what Jey believes, what God he might worship, where his soul is going, but Saturday, your ass belongs to McIntyre!!
BUT HERE COMES JEY! Fans fire up as Jey stands on stage, mic in his hand. The fans chant ‘YEET! YEET!” and Jey tells McIntyre he needs to let it go. Yeah, he cost Jey the tag titles. So no more talk. How about McIntyre catches this beat down. Or rather, YEET DOWN! And if you wanna see McIntyre catch one, lemme hear ya say YEET! “YEET!!” But as if on cue, the Judgment Day appears from the crowd side. McIntyre smirks as Mami and her boys have his back, but then so does Jey’s team! Seth Rollins makes his way out, followed by Sami Zayn, and of course followed by Cody Rhodes! The fans fire up as #TeamYEET steps to the ring!
But then Adam Pearce rushes out there and says NO! They are not doing this tonight! WarGames is Saturday! And the advantage match tonight, NO ONE is fighting before! If they do, whoever throws that first punch, automatically costs their team the advantage. Is he understood? Fans boo but the teams stay put. Then two pieces of business. Firstly, as McIntyre said, he IS on the Judgment Day’s team for WarGames, that means Cody’s side needs a fifth. And they need to find them by the end of tonight. Secondly, by 9 PM Eastern, and he means that, the teams must decide who is in the advantage match for a 1v1. Understood? 1v1! No outside interference! Fair and square!
So they have an hour, the clock is ticking. Pick a member or Pearce picks for you. McIntyre steps up, sounds like he’s already decided! Fans chant “YEET!” as he stares Jey down, will McIntyre get what he wants out of all this? Judgment Day stands down per Pearce’s orders, but the clock is also ticking on Cody’s team finding that fifth man. Will Cody, Rollins, Sami and Jey be able to think of someone that they can all work with?
Judgment Day regroups backstage.
Finn says Cody’s side is lucky Pearce showed up when he did. Because if not, those fellas wouldn’t even be making it to WarGames! McDonagh agrees, no shot at all. But Priest tells Rhea that while he doesn’t really care for the guy, adding McIntyre to this team is good business. But as the leader of the team, Rhea should’ve really brought it up to him first so they could have discussed it. Rhea says McIntyre is unpredictable, she wasn’t even sure what his decision was going to be, but it all worked out. Did it, though? Well, Rhea thinks so. But she does understand. As the WarGames leader, she really should’ve talked it over with Priest.
That’s all he’s saying. They all just need to be on the same page. Now speaking of McIntyre, where is he? He’ll be here soon, don’t worry. Right, sure. Then while they wait, Priest wants everyone to know that he feels he should be in the advantage match. Rhea says actually, like Priest just said, the team needs to discuss this all together. They will wait on McIntyre, and then talk. Yeah, okay, whatever. Finn reminds Priest it’s like he always: just take it easy.
Nia Jax VS Raquel Rodriguez!
The Irresistible Force brags on and on about how she’s squashed everyone else in the locker room, even though she isn’t the Women’s World Champion. Will she continue to reestablish her dominance? Or will Big Mami Cool show her what real strength is all about?
Raw returns and Raquel makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two rush in! Raquel BOOTS Nia to a corner, RAMS into her, then RAMS again and again! Raquel lets off to just RAM again! Raquel whips to send Nia back to the same corner, and runs in again. But into an URENAGE! Nia huffs and puffs and then KICKS Raquel in the side! Nia stomps Raquel, stands over her, then dribbles her off the mat! Nia mocks Raquel’s back flex pose, then pie faces Raquel around. Nia talks trash, but Raquel throws body shots and haymakers! Fans fire up but Nia throws shots back! They go back and forth, Nia shoves, but Raquel ROCKS Nia!
Nia wobbles, Raquel POUNCES her out of the ring! Fans fire up and Raquel aims from the apron, to CROSSBODY! Down goes Nia, Grand Rapids fires up with Raquel, and she drags Nia up. But Nia shoves Raquel into the barriers! Nia fireman’s carries, to POST Raquel back first! Fans boo while Nia looms over Raquel, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Nia bends Raquel against the post! The ref counts, fans boo, but Nia lets off at 4. Raquel sputters and writhes while Nia storms back into the ring. Nia paces, then drags Raquel up. Raquel still throws body shots! Fans rally but Nia HEADBUTTS Raquel down. Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” and Nia mocks them, “I suck?” Nia clamps onto Raquel with a half nelson, but Raquel fights up! Nia uses her full weight to keep Raquel down, then she thrashes Raquel in a cobra clutch! Fans rally and Raquel fights up again, and she has Nia as a backpack! Raquel roars for the BACKPACK SENTON!
Both women are down, Raquel’s legs perhaps not holding Nia up as long as Raquel wanted. But Raquel fires up, runs at Nia and LARIATS! Nia stays up so Raquel runs again, to LARIAT! Nia is still up, Raquel runs in but Nia HEADBUTTS her down! Nia runs in at the corner, but into a RANA!? Fans fire up for Raquel as she runs in! Nia duck sone, but not the SOUTHPAW! And then the BOOT! Nia falls into a drop zone and fans fire up behind Raquel! She runs in to go up, up and TWISTING VADER! Raquel roars, the fans roar with her, and Raquel wants Nia to get up! Nia staggers up, into a fireman’s carry! But the legs and back give up!
Nia CLUBS Raquel down, then runs to SENTON! Nia grins an evil grin and then she drags Raquel to a corner. Nia goes up, but Raquel gets up under her! The fans are thunderous as Raquel wants this one! Nia holds onto ropes, but Raquel pries her away! But the legs give up, Nia HIP DROPS Raquel! And then A-NIA-LATOR!!! Cover, Nia wins!!
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall
Raquel tried to use her brawn but it wasn’t enough! Nia adds her to the list, will Nia be unstoppable in her return to the world title?
Xia Li trains for The Big Time.
The Exterminator has been sharpening her edge in the gym, beating down a punching back with Becky Lynch’s face on it. Will she tear down The Man when their grudge match comes around?
The Judgment Day is still backstage.
McDonagh says that with Priest as team leader in the cage, they’ve got this. Rhea tells him to shut it. Priest asks where her guy is then. But speak of the devil, in steps McIntyre. McIntyre hears Priest wants the advantage match. Rhea says yes, that is what Priest wants, and Priest is the leader for WarGames. Is there a problem? No, not for McIntyre. He was just thinking that instead of Priest, it should be McIntyre. To be clear, he doesn’t like any of them. But he despises Jey Uso. Then let Priest be clear, he doesn’t like McIntyre because McIntyre cost Priest the World Heavyweight Championship. So just take it easy, okay?
How about Priest takes it easy? No, Priest tells people to take it easy. Well, he sure isn’t taking it easy now, is he? Okay, McIntyre, fine, you want the match? It’s yours. Rhea asks if that is really what Priest wants. Yeah, McIntyre can show his worth. He can win them the advantage. McIntyre says now that is leadership. Priest tells Rhea that McIntyre better get them the advantage. Rhea smiles and says McIntyre will. But the question is, who from the other side will step up to face him?
WWE and Ruffles open the polls!
For the Women’s WarGames match of Damage CTRL VS Charlotte Flair, Shotzi Blackheart, Bianca Belair & Becky Lynch, it will be a fan vote across ALL WWE social media! Choose a side, grab a bag of your favorite flavor, and get ready to watch the fireworks this Saturday!
#TeamYEET talks backstage.
As we all saw, they know Drew McIntyre is in the advantage match. And Rollins says he knows McIntyre like the back of his hand, so he’s gonna get him again! Get him again! No, no, if it’s McIntyre, Jey is doing the same thing tonight. Yeah, but didn’t you hear him? McIntyre wants to hurt Jey! To maim him! To take him outta WarGames! And they need Jey, NEED him! Jey knows but he wants to tell Rollins this. McIntyre talkin’ ’bout family on family. You know how Jey gets down about his family. McIntyre is all Jey’s! McIntyre’s been on Jey since Jey got on Raw, Uce! Let Jey get him!
Rollins thinks, and then says, “He’s all yours.” YEET! The agreement is made, Jey VS McIntyre. Now to the other piece of business: a fifth member. Cody talked with Nick Aldis, and SmackDown’s roster is not off limits? Yes. So Sami has an idea? Oh he does. Rollins does, too. A couple even. Cody says he also has an old friend he can call. He is sure that guy will come through. But for now, Jey has to focus on the match. The team heads out, just who will this fifth man be?
Becky Lynch VS Xia Li!
Speaking of The Man joining WarGames, she’s looking to get spicy with The Exterminator here in Grand Rapids! Will Becky make it through a grudge match with a dangerous opponent? Or will Xia force Charlotte and team to find a new teammate?
Raw returns and Xia makes her entrance, and we see Lyra Valkyria in the crowd. Xia has a shot at Lyra and the NXT Women’s Championship tomorrow night, will Xia build momentum here? The bell rings and fans rally as Xia and Becky circle. They tie up, go around, and Becky pushes Xia, but Xia puts Becky in a corner, The ref counts, Becky shoves Xia back and the fans rally. The two approach, Xia knees low, headlocks, but Becky powers out. Xia runs Becky over and Becky checks her head. She might still be rattled from a few weeks ago. Xia runs, Becky stays low but Xia rolls over and wags her finger. Things keep moving, and Xia CHOPS Becky!
Xia runs up, Becky ducks the kick to trip and Oklahoma Roll! ONE, but Xia sweeps to cover. TWO as Becky goes Matrix to slip free! Fans cheer as things keep moving, and Becky CHOPS in return! Becky then arm-drags Xia, arm-drags again, and Xia goes to a corner. The fans fire up with Becky as she runs corner to corner, but Xia dodges! Xia runs up to step up and ELBOW! Xia then brings Becky out to clinch, but Becky fights the lift! Becky clinches, Xia slips free but then Becky TOSSES her out of the ring! Fans fire up and Becky paces. Xia stands, Becky runs and WRECKS her with a dropkick!
Fans fire up as Becky aims, FLYING FOREARM from the apron! Xia flounders, Becky drags her up and into the ring, but Xia bails out the other side. Becky storms out after Xia but avoids a boot! Becky ROCKS Xia, SMACKS her off the apron, and puts her in. Xia runs up but Becky KICKS her! Xia blocks a kick to ROUNDHOUSE Becky down! Becky falls to the floor and Xia nods as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Xia has Becky in a Camel Clutch! Becky fights up, arm-drags free, and then runs up. Xia clinches, but Becky JAWBREAKERS free! Xia runs in, Becky sends her into buckles! Becky fires forearms, Xia ROCKS Becky back! They throw shots back and forth, but Becky gets the edge with a flurry! Becky UPPERCUTS, SOBATS, and runs, dodges, and CLOBBERS Xia! Xia goes to a corner, Becky runs in, forearm smash! And BECKSPLODER! Xia flounders, Becky covers, TWO! Xia grits her teeth but so does Becky as she keeps cool. Grand Rapids fires up for Becky as she rises, and she drags Xia by an arm!
Xia fights and moves around, then trips Becky into ropes! Xia KICKS Becky in the back, YANKS the ropes to send Becky down, and now Xia runs, LION’S BARRAGE! Cover, TWO! Xia is frustrated, the fans rally for Becky, but Xia reels Becky in. Becky fights the back suplex to shove, clinch and- NO, Xia slips free and shoves! Becky rebounds to kick low! And then BUTTERFLY SUPLEX into an ARMBAR! Becky has that arm, Xia flails and reaches out, and then clasps hands! Xia rolls Becky up, TWO! Becky blocks a kick, dragon sleeper, but Xia knees free! Torture rack and a spin, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
Becky survives and Xia is beside herself! Grand Rapids is thunderous for Becky as she drags herself up in a corner. Xia runs in, but Becky puts her on the apron. Xia blocks a punch to bump Becky off buckles, then she has a SLEEPER in the ropes! The ref counts, Xia lets go at 4! Becky flops forward and Xia climbs up! But Becky ROCKS her first! Becky climbs up after Xia, but Xia throws hands! They brawl, Becky CLUBS away and fans fire up again! Becky stands Xia up, to SUPERPLEX! Becky crawls to a cover, TWO!! Xia survives and Becky can’t believe it! Becky stands and gets the fans all fired up!
Becky clinches, but Xia arm-drags free! HEEL KICK!! Becky flops against ropes, Xia DUMPS her out! Xia wants a knockout or count out, something like that! The fans still rally for Becky and the ref checks. Becky is conscious but is she able to stand? Becky drags herself up with the desk, so Xia goes out after her! But Becky ducks that kick to POST Xia! Both women are down now and the ring count starts! We’re already at 5 of 10 but neither woman is up. They stir at 8, jump up and in at 9.5!! Fans fire up as Becky and Xia glare at each other. They throw forearms back and forth, faster and faster and faster! The fans are loving it!
Xia shoves, spins, but Becky ducks in time! Clinch and MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, Becky wins!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall
That was one wild fight, and perhaps Xia bet too much on her own kicks. Becky used that to get the better of Xia, will Becky and her team be ready for WarGames? Will Xia be able to recover in 24 hours and take down Lyra?
Wait, speaking of WarGames, here comes Damage CTRL! Bayley, Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, Asuka & Kairi Sane all swagger up to the front row, but wait! Bianca, Shotzi & Charlotte are here, too! And they DUMP DMG CTRL over! The fans fire up as a new brawl begins, continuing where SmackDown left off! Becky has Bayley, Pearce brings security! Fans boo and say “LET THEM FIGHT!” Becky TOSSES Bayley out of the ring, Shotzi & Charlotte mug Iyo but Kairi helps Bayley up. Charlotte and Bianca stand with Becky, and Shotzi joins them shortly after. Will this spillover prove who is worthy of the advantage via the Ruffles fan poll?
Giovanni Vinci finds Ludwig Kaiser backstage.
Vinci asks if Ludwig is ready, and Ludwig can’t believe him. Nothing is alright and Vinci knows it! Ludwig doesn’t appreciate Vinci trying to get on Gunther’s good side by interfering in that match last week! Vinci tells Ludwig that Vinci is going to do what is best for Imperium. And Gunther liked Vinci’s move last week. And whatever Gunther says is good is good for Imperium. So that’s what he will do. Ludwig gets mad now, but calms himself down. Der Ring General made Vinci Ludwig’s responsibility, so what Ludwig says goes! And Ludwig says Vinci will stay in the back while Ludwig takes care of Gargano. Understood?
Vinci nods and Ludwig heads out. But is the Impeccable German about to get himself in trouble against Johnny Wrestling?
Ludwig Kaiser VS Johnny Gargano w/ Tommaso Ciampa!
Raw returns as Gargano is in the ring, the Sicilian Psycho by his side. Ludwig now makes his entrance, a bit more swagger in his step with the spotlight all on him. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Ludwig powers Gargano to a corner, but lets off. Gargano avoids the cheap shot to throw hands. Ludwig swings again, but Gargano CHOPS! Ludwig headlocks, Gargano powers out but Ludwig whips and runs Gargano over! Ludwig dusts himself off and stalks Gargano to ropes. Ludwig puts Gargano in a corner to CHOP! Ludwig snapmares to then stomp Gargano, and he swaggers around again.
Ludwig drag Gargano up, CLUBS him, and has Gargano in the corner again. Ludwig ROCKS Gargano with a right, then whips Gargano corner to corner. Gargano goes up and over, keeps moving, and he dodges Ludwig to shove, sidestep and RANA! And DROPKICK! Gargano wrenches an arm, hits an ELBOW BREAKER, and then wrenches again. Ludwig chinbars to turn Gargano around for a throat chop! The ref reprimands but Ludwig ROCKS Gargano in a corner. And CHOPS! Ludwig goes corner to corner, blocks Gargano’s boot, and shouts “NEIN!” But Gargano ENZIGURIS! Ludwig wobbles, Gargano runs at him in the corner now, but Ludwig puts him up top!
Ludwig GAMANGIRIS Gargano and Gargano wobbles up top! Ludwig climbs but Gargano ROCKS and CHOPS him! Ludwig hops down, Gargano FLYING RANAS! Ludwig ends up on the apron, Gargano DROPKICKS him to the floor! Fans fire up with Gargano as he builds speed, to DIVE into an UPPERCUT! Ludwig still shakes out some stars, but he UPPERCUTS Gargano down! Fans boo Ludwig but Ludwig dusts himself off as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ludwig throws down punches on Gargano on the apron. The fans rally for “JOHNNY WRESTLING!” and Gargano fights back! Gargano CHOPS, and ROCKS, and CHOPS again! Gargano fireman’s carries but Ludwig slips into the ring to chinlock! Gargano turns around to RAM into Ludwig! Gargano slingshots, “NEIN!” UPPERCUT! Gargano flops back down, Ludwig drags him up and has him against ropes to then run side to side. But into a SLINGSHOT SPEAR! The fans fire up and Ciampa pounds the apron. The fans rally, Gargano rallies on Ludwig! Gargano gets around, roll up and KICK!
Ludwig bails out, Gargano DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp! Fans fire up and Gargano puts Ludwig in the ring. Gargano slingshots, but Ludwig catches Gargano! Gargano still sunset flips, but Ludwig sits on it! TWO and Gargano completes the sunset! TWO, Ludwig sits up into a BUZZSAW! Gargano goes up a corner, takes aim, FLYING COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO!! Ludwig survives but Gargano keeps cool. Gargano storms after Ludwig, has him up top, but Ludwig throws hands! Ludwig shoves Gargano away, Gargano comes back to block a kick but not the KNEE! And the LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!
Fans fire up and Ludwig is stunned! The fans rally for “JOHNNY WRESTLING!” but Ludwig aims from the corner. Ludwig runs in, but Gargano ELBOWS him! And then baits him in for another roll up, only for Ludwig to block that kick! But Gargano avoids a kick in return, and ENZIGURIS! Gargano runs, but into the tilt-o-whirl SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ludwig grows frustrated, but he paces around. Ludwig waits on Gargano to stand, then clinches, but Gargano slips free! ROLLING ELBOW! ROLLING ELBOW! Gargano runs, ducks ‘n ‘dodges and tilt=o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Fans fire up as Ludwig sits up in a daze!
Gargano runs in, but Ludwig catches him! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, to the PENALTY KICK! Wait, Vinci is out here? Ludwig is upset because this is against direct orders! Vinci says his distracting on Gargano saved him a second ago! But then Gargano GAMANGIRIS! And slingshots, ONE FINAL BEAT!! Cover, Gargano wins!!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall
Vinci has an “I told you so” look on his face, but now Imperium is 1-1 with DIY! Will this come down to a tag team match to settle things once and for all?
Raw shares footage from earlier tonight.
As always, Chelsea Green & Piper Niven are complaining to Adam Pearce. Chelsea says NO WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion should ever have to share a locker room with non-champions. It’s disgusting! The stench of losers is literally rubbing off on their titles, they cannot take it. But Natalya & Tegan Nox walk over to ask Pearce when they’re getting their shot at taking those said tag team titles off Chelsea & Piper. Oh, these two? First off- Kayden Carter & Katana Chance interrupt Chelsea’s complaining to point out that Natty & Nox haven’t even teamed up yet. They deserve a shot first. Pearce says that’s a good point.
Chelsea laughs at KC Squared thinking they deserve anything, either. But then Indi Hartwell & Candice LeRae step in, and Indi says they are a REAL tag team! When are they getting a shot? Chelsea gets upset again so Pearce shouts them all down. Everyone gets their opportunity to earn a shot, okay? Indi & Candice, Natty & Nox, Carter & Chance! But then Maxxine Dupri & Ivy Nile walk in, and Pearce cuts Maxxine off. Where they wondering if they’d get a chance? Then YES, they do, so now it’s a Fatal 4 Way! Ivy says they were really gonna ask about- SHOOOOSH! This is perfect, thank you, Adam. Okay, Fatal 4 Way #1 contender’s match! HAPPY MONDAY!
Chelsea starts again, “First off, I’m gonna have a talk with Nick Aldis about this.” Pearce tells her to tell him hi from Pearce. Chelsea storms up with Piper, Pearce needs a drink. But who will be toasting a big win here tonight? We’ll find out, after the break!
Rhea and Dom talk backstage.
Wait, what the hell are these two doing in Judgment Day’s room? Zoey Stark & Shayna Baszler are on the couch! Zoey says sup, Rhea? They heard so much about the clubhouse, they wanted to check it out. Shayna stares Rhea down, and says she’s seen enough. Shayna heads out, and Zoey says here we are again. Rhea’s so focused on everything else, except the one thing she should be focused on: Zoey. But to be fair, this is all really nice what they did. The decorations, the toys, the knick-knacks. The one that really sticks out is the Women’s World Championship. Zoey wants Rhea to take a long hard look at it, because come Survivor Series, the belt comes home to Zoey.
Rhea says most people wouldn’t survive pulling a stunt like this. But Rhea kinda respects it. But Zoey gets her beating at Survivor Series. Zoey smiles and says good. It’s just how she wants it. Zoey heads out, will Mami make The Hunter become The Hunted?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way: Tegan Nox & Natalya VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell VS Maxxine Dupri & Ivy Nile!
The Hot Mess & Scottish Viper are watching from commentary as all four teams are gathered, fighting for their shot. Who defies the 25% odds to go for the gold?
In this Fatal 4, only two teams are legal at once, so the Queen of Harts steps against the Diamond Pitbull. They tie up, Natty headlocks but Ivy powers out. Natty rolls, Ivy by passes but Natty blocks a hip toss, only for Ivy to block back! Ivy spins Natty to a backslide, TWO! Natty kicks low, brings Ivy over, and tags in Nox. Natty snapmares, Nox runs to PENALTY KICK! Cover, ONE!! Nox tags Natty back in, they bring Ivy around but Ivy wrenches to kick, KICK and whip Natty tot he corner. Ivy runs in to JUMP KICK! Tag to Maxxine, they bring Natty around to roll her up, TWO! Natty gets Maxxine for an armbar, but Maxxine rolls her up, TWO!
Natty wrenches, tells Maxxine to shoosh, but Maxxine rolls, bridges, handsprings and headlocks! Then a spin and drop toehold a la Gable! She then stands to say “A THANK YEW~!” But Natty waistlocks! Maxxine elbows free, reels Natty in, and goes to her corner to tag Ivy. Ivy waistlocks to O’Conner Roll, TWO! Ivy runs in but Natty spins her, RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Natty has the legs, steps through, but Ivy BOOTS her away! Indi tags in off Natty to scoop Ivy but Ivy slips free to shove. Ivy tilt-o-whirls and sunset flips, but Indi stays up. Indi scoops Ivy to SLAM her! Fans cheer as #IndiWrestling then puts Ivy in the ropes.
Indi UPPERCUTS, tags Candice, BOOTS Ivy, and then Candice storms up. She and Indi combine, reverse wheelbarrow for an assisted SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Ivy stays in this but Candice facelocks. Fans rally, Ivy fights up, and she fights to a waistlock. Kayden sneaks a tag, Candice snapmares Ivy and DROPKICKS her, but then Kayden storms in. Candice RAMS Kayden, Kayden BOOTS back, and Katana tags in. Katana ROCKS Candice, Kayden tabletops her, and then KC Squared wheelbarrow back suplex SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Indi is a half step late on that, but KC Squared still send her out of the ring!
Kayden tags back in, and she gives Katana a MONKEY FLIP SENTON into Candice! Fans fire up but Natty & Nox stop KC Squared from flying! KC Squared elbow free of the waistlocks, then whip Natty & Nox out! Now Katana gives Kayden a knuckle lock boost to FLY out onto the group! But Natty drags Katana out to join her! Ivy CLOBBERS Natty! Maxxine goes up!? Fans fire u as Maxxine CROSSBODIES the whole group! “A THANK YEW~!” Craziest of all, Chelsea is speechless as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns as we get hot tags from Candice to Katana and Nox to Natty! The Queen of Harts rallies on KC Squared, and she spins Katana to a POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Natty dodges Katana to springboard sitdown! But Katana fights the step-over! Natty scoops to a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Natty hauls Katana up top, climbs up after her, but Kayden runs in. Nox UPPERCUTS Kayden, then joins Natty. They have Katana but Ivy adds on! DOUBLE POWERBOMB! Katana stayed safe somehow, and Kayden SUPERKICKS Ivy down! Kayden sets Nox & Natty up in the drop zone, then helps Katana get up higher! HANDSTAND SPLASH!! Cover, everyone else breaks it!
The fans are all fired up as all eight women are down again! Indi drags herself back up, TOSSES Maxxine, Ivy TOSSES Candice. Ivy rushes Indi, Indi avoids one kick but not the ENZIGURI! Nox HEADBUTTS Ivy! And reels her in to GOURD BUSTER Ivy onto Indi! But Kayden wheelbarrows Nox, victory rolls and SUPERKICKS! But Candice is up top to MISSILE DROPKICK Kayden! Piper is loving the carnage as Katana DROPKICKS Candice! Natty trips Katana and has the SHARPSHOOTER!! Katana endures, reaches out, but Ivy BULLDOGS Natty! Ivy drags Katana over, has Maxxine tag in off her, then Maxxine dodges Nox!
Maxxine scoops Nox to SLAM her! And scoop SLAM again! Maxxine swivels a la Otis, and then hits the CATERPILLAR ELBOW! Chelsea can’t even as Maxxine then snap suplexes and bridges! TWO!! Nox escapes in time and fans fire up! Maxxine drags Nox up, sends her in, and then SPLASHES! Ivy tags, she runs in to JUMP KICK Nox down! Maxxine tags back in, Ivy and Maxxine double suplex! And they double kip up! “A THANK YEW~!” Maxxine & Ivy then coordinate and go to corners. But Natty YANKS Ivy down! Nox catches Maxxine to roll through, NOX & NATTY WIN!
Winners: Tegan Nox & Natalya, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships)
Chelsea is the most upset she could be about this result! She says she never agreed to any contenders, but she’ll have no choice but to face the Welsh Firecracker & Queen of Harts. Will she rely on Piper to see them through?
Gunther hears his team arguing.
Der Ring General frowns as he storms over and the two pipe down. Explain yourselves. Ludwig says his responsibility, Vinci, was told to stay away so he could do his job. It was going great! He was beating that little chump Gargano- Gunther stops him there to say Ludwig never listens. Ludwig asks what that’s supposed to mean! He- Gunther shouts Ludwig down and explains this to him. Gunther really thought Ludwig could uphold the prestige of the group. But he is disappointing Gunther. Gunther commends Vinci on his initiative. And it gets him thinking… Maybe he put the wrong man in charge.
So now, Ludwig can watch Gunther humble Miz and learn a thing or two. For now, they both can stay in the back. Gunther continues on and Ludwig goes back to arguing (quietly) with Vinci. Will the WWE Intercontinental Champion truly lead by example in his face to face meeting with The Miz?
A ref leads Adam Pearce to another commotion.
This time, the Raw Men’s Tag Division is arguing! New Day is in the middle of everything with DIY, Indus Sher, Imperium, The Creed Brothers and Alpha Academy. Xavier Woods is glad Pearce is here now. We all saw earlier how the ladies got their shot at tag titles, so what about the gentlemen? Yeah, what about us?! But New Day are 11-time champs. Yeah, well how’re they supposed to get to 12 then? Pearce says they’re all reading his mind, but they can’t do this tonight. What? Why not?! Time constraints. But next week, they can ALL enter Tag Team Turmoil, winners getting their shot at the Undisputed Tag Team Championships.
Everyone cheers and Tozawa holds up the Detroit Lions NFL Legacy title as he shouts “LET’S GOOOOOO~!” Then he swivels the hips. Tozawa, that’s naaaasty! Pearce has an aid get this news to Aldis. The assistant nods and heads out, but Nick Aldis says no need. He’s here! Oh, good. Then let’s have a conversation. Yes, lets. The GMs are face to face, what will they discuss?
The Miz heads to the ring!
The Hollywood A-Lister knows Gunther is big, bad and brutal, but he could still take that title away and become WWE’s most decorated Intercontinental Champion ever. We see what Miz and Gunther have to say to each other after the break.
Raw returns and Miz has a mic to say that before Gunther comes out here to suck the life out of the arena, he wants to talk about one word that Miz feels embodies what this industry is all about. Something Miz strives for everything he comes out here, and that word is “respect.” Respect for the WWE superstars that step inside this ring, respect for the part the fans play, from booing to cheering. And respect for every person in the WWE locker room, and that brings Miz to Gunther’s lack of respect for what Miz has done. But then Gunther interrupts with his entrance! Gunther swaggers his way to the ring and steps inside.
Gunther smirks at Miz as he then gets himself a mic. Gunther tells “Mike” that he has to clarify something. It isn’t that there’s a lack of respect. Gunther just has zero respect for Miz. And Miz doesn’t understand that this sacred ring is for fighting and competition. Miz is just an entertainer. Miz says Gunther says that like it’s a negative. Yeah, Miz is an entertainer, he is proud of it. Miz is a WWE superstar who gets the job done inside the ring and out! Just like all the superstars that Miz grew up loving! They were larger than life, like “Macho Man” Randy Savage, oooh yeah! “Ravishing” Rick Rude, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, “The Heartbreak Kid,” Shawn Michaels!
Fans cheer those names, and Miz says when Bret “The Hitman” Hart would walk down the aisle and give a kid his sunglasses, Miz would wish he was that kid. Those men all held that Intercontinental Championship, so Miz strived, learned, and battled for 20 YEARS so he could even hope and pray to hold the same title as his heroes. And the reason we still talk about those men, the reason those men are remembered is because they’re not a one note robot like Gunther! Gunther chuckles, and he gives Miz that. He is very entertaining, and Gunther is amused by him. Oh well let Miz “amuse” Gunther even more!
Miz will paint a picture: Miz has been to the top of the mountain and has been knocked down time and time again, only to rebuild himself, reinvent, adapt and change. That is what makes an entertainer immortal. That is what elevates the legacy of that title! Miz will do whatever it takes to survive, whatever it takes to win, because that The Miz! Gunther? We don’t know much about you. Here, you haven’t been at the bottom. And we won’t really know who Gunther is until he hits that bottom. And then and only then will we find out if Gunther deserves Miz’s respect, if he deserves the fans’ respect.
And when Gunther hits the bottom, will he climb up? Or will he be just another cog in the machine with no personality to invest in? Understand that this Saturday at Survivor Series, if Gunther doesn’t respect Miz now, he will beat it into Gunther! And then Miz will be a NINE-TIME Intercontinental Champion! Fans fire up for that one. Gunther smirks again and says Miz wants to talk big, that’s fine. Here is Gunther’s point of view. Everyone here in this arena, and everyone watching at home, thinks on Saturday, Gunther faces The Miz: 20 year career, two-time WWE Grand Slam Champion, future Hall of Famer.
But Gunther wants to give us his perspective. He sees through Miz. Who Gunther really faces on Saturday is someone just like everyone else in this audience here. “Little Mike Mizanin, some little weirdo that got bullied in high school because he idolized all those heroes he just named.” And when Miz graduated, he pursued a career to become a WWE superstar, and finally got to meet all his heroes. And they bullied him, too, to make him understand he does not understand in this sport! Fans boo but Gunther grins. It’s the truth! And so here we are, 20 years later, and things haven’t changed. Miz still does NOT belong here!
Miz still does NOT belong in Gunther’s ring! The only place Miz belongs is behind those guardrails with all the other weirdos that are just like him! Fans boo, and some start a “USA! USA!” chant. Gunther says that’s the smallest form of self-identification. He just told us we are all weak, simple and insecure, like Little Mike. So in conclusion, Gunther thinks Miz hasn’t been bullied enough. Gunther pushes Miz. “You wannabe, do something!” Gunther pushes Miz more, eggs him on, and even pie faces him! Gunther tells Miz to stand up for himself! Fans cheer Miz on, and Miz throws hands! Fans fire up as Miz fires off, but Gunther BOOTS back!
Gunther stands over Miz, picks the belt back up, and then sits Miz up. Have a good look at this! Miz will not- MIZ LOW BLOWS! Fans fire up as Miz smooths his suit and tie out. Miz then says MASSIVE BALLS! SKULL CRUSHING FINALE! Miz holds up the belt over Gunther now! The fans cheer, will the Most Must-See Superstar make this the most must-see title match in Survivor Series history?
Rollins talks with Jey backstage.
Rollins wants Jey to know he meant no disrespect earlier. Jey wants McIntyre, fine, but they need the win in this. Jey knows how important the advantage is in WarGames because Jey was in WarGames. Jey knows how to win WarGames. So go out there, take down McIntyre, get that advantage, and come back in one piece. Jey says he’s got you, Uce! YEET! YEET! Rollins nods, and heads back out. Will Main Event Jey be war ready for the Scottish Warrior?
The Viking Raiders speak.
Sarah Logan calls out “Big” Bronson Reed. “If you put your hand in a wolf’s mouth, you will get bitten!” Ivar says he has weathered the storm of Bronson’s Tsunami, and here he stands! Bronson angered the Norse gods, disrespected Ivar, and now the gods demand a battle! Ivar says in one week’s time, the Earth will shake! Ivar challenges Bronson! A battle of behemoths is coming, will Bronson survive Ragnarök?
Shinsuke Nakamura VS Chad Gable w/ The Alpha Academy!
The King of Strong Style defeated The Stamina Monster, and then he chopped down the tree trunk. Now, still seeking the one that will unlock Nakamura’s true form, he takes on the coach of Alpha Academy. Will it be a perfect 3-0 sweep? Or will Gable finally SHOOOOSH Shinsuke?
Raw returns and Gable makes his entrance, the full Academy behind him. The bell rings and Gable circles with Nakamura. They feel things out, Gable waistlocks but Nakamura drops and rolls. Gable facelocks, gator rolls, and then waistlocks again. Nakamura fights up, pries the hold and reaches out, but Gable SLAMS him down! Gable rolls with Nakamura, but Nakamura fights back up. Nakamura pries free, rolls, and wants the arm! Gable stays on his feet, Nakamura avoids a Penalty Kick but Gable arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Nakamura headscissors, Gable kips free but Nakamura KNEES low!
Nakamura KICKS Gable, then storms up on Gable in a corner. Nakamura stomps and kicks Gable, throws some knees, then lets off. Nakamura stomps Gable more, then gives him BAD VIBRATIONS! The ref counts, Gable stands to have the leg! And DRAGON SCREW! Fans cheer as Gable aims, and he runs in, but Nakamura pops him up top! Nakamura CHOPS Gable, GAMANGIRIS, and then storms back up. But Gable has the HANGING ARMBAR! Gable lets off at 4, sits back up and leaps, but Nakamura gets under. Gable rolls and then copies Nakamura’s “C’MON~!” Nakamura is annoyed, he runs in, but into an EXPLODER out of the ring!
Fans fire up with “A THANK YEW~!” Gable aims from the apron, runs in, and CANNONBALLS Down goes Nakamura, “A THANK YEW~!” The Academy is all standing tall as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Nakamura rises. Gable runs, but into a kitchen sink knee! Nakamura storms up on Gable, puts him on the top rope, and mocks “A THANK YEW~!” to hit the TOP SHELF KNEE! Cover, TWO! Gable hangs in there but Nakamura clamps on with a chinlock. Nakamura grinds Gable down, but the fans rally behind Gable. Gable fights up, powers Nakamura back and throws body shots. Nakamura knees low, fires off a strike fest but Gable dodges to fire some of his own! And a throat chop! Nakamura swings but Gable mule kicks! “SHOOOOSH~!” Gable runs, to ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Gable grows frustrated but he waistlocks Nakamura. Nakamura fights the deadlift and he RAMS Gable into a corner! Nakamura fires off elbows, lets off as the ref counts, then runs in. Nakamura blocks Gable’s boots, puts him in the ropes, KICKS and runs, SLIDING GERMAN! Gable flounders, Nakamura aims from the corner, and he goes up for a FLYING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Gable stays in this and Nakamura gets mad now. Nakamura drags Gable up in a sleeper, then INVERTED EXPLODER! Gable lands on his feet! Gable ducks ‘n’ dodges and picks the ankle to an ANKLE LOCK! Fans fire up but Nakamura BOOTS Gable away!
Gable kicks back, has a crucifix lift, for a CLIFFHANGER DDT! Gable hurries up top, to DIVING HEADBUTT!! Direct hit and Gable covers, TWO!! The Academy is surprised but the fans fire up! Gable snarls and he paces around. Gable wants Nakamura to stand up, and Nakamura slowly rises. Gable reels Nakamura in, but Nakamura fights the O’Conner! A buckle pad goes flying! Nakamura victory rolls, TWO! Gable ducks one kick but not the WHEEL KICK! Fans rally for Gable but Nakamura aims! “YAO~!” KIN- NO, Gable gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Gable still holds on, but Nakamura fights!
Nakamura wrenches free, but Gable just full nelsons! DRAGON SUPLEX!! Gable brings down the straps and the fans are thunderous! Gable drags Nakamura to the drop zone and goes up! MOONSAULT but into BOOTS! Nakamura stands, INVERTED EXPLODER! Nakamura roars, aims from the corner, “YAO~!” KIN- NO, Gable trips Nakamura to an ANKLE LOCK! Nakamura flails, reaches out, but Gable drags him back! Nakamura moves around, reaches out more, and he rolls! Gable stumbles, and watches out for the bare buckle! Nakamura shoves him, Gable still stops himself, but Nakamura full nelsons! Gable drops, Nakamura sits on the victory roll, NAKAMURA WINS!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall
The buckle never made contact, but the fear of it was all Nakamura needed to win! The King of Strong Style has taken down the Academy from top to bottom, but will he find that key to unlock his full potential?
McIntyre heads to gorilla.
The Judgment Day is there to see him off. McIntyre tells them he doesn’t need them out there, so don’t even bother. Priest says that’s good, because they weren’t offering. Okay, they’re on the same page. But then Rhea tells McIntyre to get that advantage, and good luck. McIntyre says he won’t just get advantage, he’ll take Jey out for good. McIntyre heads out, and Priest says he better do it. Will Rhea’s deal with McIntyre pay off for everyone? That main event finally happens up next!
Bronson Reed speaks.
“Ivar, you have the audacity to challenge me. Just remember, last week, I wasn’t the one that backed away and had my witch lady fight my battles for me. You are not a true warrior. You are a cosplayer! And next week, challenge accepted! Your long boat won’t survive the crashing waves of The Tsunami, and you won’t survive Big Bronson Reed!” Will Nashville have to brace themselves for these forces of nature?
Sami and Rollins both see Jey off at gorilla.
They hype him up, saying he’s got this! Yeah, he’ll handle business! YEET! Jey heads out, then Cody steps in. Any luck in getting the fifth member? Rollins says no, not a one. Sami says his guy won’t be able to, either. Nothing for Cody, either? Oh no, his guy picked up. We’re in business. So “he” is in? Oh, he’s in. He’s in! They’re all fired up, but just who is it Cody called?!
Men’s WarGames Advantage: Drew McIntyre VS Jey Uso!
With McIntyre waiting, Jey makes his entrance. The bell rings and fans rally up as the two stare down. Jey and McIntyre step up, and Jey says “YEET!” The hands start flying! They go back and forth, Jey throws body shots then haymakers, then he UPPERCUTS! Fans “YEET!” with every shot, then Jey whips. McIntyre reverses, Jey stops himself, and he UPPERCUTS again! Jey storms up to whip but McIntyre reverses. Jey goes up but McIntyre KICKS him outta the air! McIntyre storms up on Jey, rains down fists, then he stomps Jey down. Jey flounders, McIntyre stalks him to ropes, and McIntyre pulls Jey against ropes!
McIntyre CLUBS Jey with a crossface haymaker, then he stalks Jey to another corner. Jey throws body shots, he backs McIntyre down, and fans “YEET!” again. Jey ROCKS McIntyre, whips him, but McIntyre reverses. McIntyre then CLOBBERS Jey, covers, TWO! McIntyre seethes, he drags Jey around to then STOMP down! Jey flounders, McIntyre snarls, and fans boo as McIntyre stalks Jey to ropes. McIntyre whips but Jey ducks ‘n’ dodges, then TOSSES McIntyre out! Jey DIVES and down goes McIntyre! Fans fire up with Jey, “YEET!” and Jey fist bumps some fans. Jey drags McIntyre up, whips and POSTS him! McIntyre is writhing while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and McIntyre stomps away on Jey in a corner! The ref counts as McIntyre digs his boot in, but McIntyre lets off at 4. McIntyre storms back up on Jey, drags him up and CHOPS him in the corner! McIntyre rips the Yeet shirt away to CHOP! Jey fires off forearms in return! Fans “YEET!” but McIntyre throws Jey to a corner. McIntyre fires hands, whips again, but Jey reverses. Jey runs in, but McIntyre puts him on the corner. McIntyre runs back in but Jey GAMANGIRIS! Jey goes up to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! McIntyre is still in this but Jey keeps his cool. Jey sees McIntyre go outside so he builds speed again!
Jey DIVES, but into a HAYMAKER! McIntyre drags Jey off the apron to then haul him up and RAM him into the barriers! And then the apron! And back to the barriers! McIntyre looms over Jey, drags him back up, and puts him in the ring. McIntyre then puts Jey against the post to dig his boot in! The ref counts, McIntyre lets off at 4, and fans boo as McIntyre storms up to the apron. McIntyre glares at Jey, soaks up the heat from Grand Rapids, and then waits on Jey. Jey slowly rises and McIntyre says this is what he deserves. “Win stupid games, win stupid prizes.” The fans rally for Jey but McIntyre sits him up.
McIntyre says Jey knows what he did, so this has been a long time coming. But Jey SLAPS McIntyre! Jey kicks, McIntyre blocks but the DRAGON WHIP comes around! Both men are down, but Jey crawls to the apron. McIntyre stands and storms his way over, but Jey RAMS into him! Jey RAMS again, then RAMS again! McIntyre sputters as he falls back, Jey slingshots but McIntyre GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS! Jey falls to the floor and McIntyre storms out after him. McIntyre drags Jey up, scoops him, and aims for the desk! SWINGING SLAM over the desk! McIntyre says now that was a yeet! McIntyre has a sinister grin as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and McIntyre staggers. He runs in at Jey but Jey goes up and over, McIntyre POSTS himself! Fans fire up and Jey catches his breath. McIntyre returns but Jey counter punches him! And again! And again! And again and again and again! Jey puts some stank on this one, and he ROCKS McIntyre! Jey whips, McIntyre reverses but Jey slips free of the scoop to mule kick! And UPPERCUT! Jey dodges McIntyre’s lariat to then SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Jey stands back up. But McIntyre fireman’s carries! Jey slips free, dodges and McIntyre ends up on the apron. Jey runs in, but McIntyre DECKS him!
McIntyre goes up a corner, Jey stands, and Jey avoids McIntyre’s leap! Jey runs in, but McIntyre hits a NECKBREAKER! Both men are down, but McIntyre huffs and puffs and kips up! Fans fire up and McIntyre aims as Jey goes to a corner. The countdown is here! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” SUPERKICK from Jey!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and Jey is beside himself! Jey goes to the apron, climbs a corner, and the fans fire up. But McIntyre trips Jey up! McIntyre drags Jey off with underhooks, FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, MCINTYRE WINS!!
Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall (Judgment Day has the WarGames advantage)
McIntyre gets the job done for Judgment Day, and look who is out here now! Rhea is here to cheer McIntyre on as he beats Jey down! McIntyre TOSSES Jey out of the ring, then clears off the desk! McIntyre hauls Jey up, reels him in, but Jey fights free! Jey fires off uppercuts, McIntyre ends up in the ring, and Jey grabs a chair! But Priest CLBOBERS Jey first! Jey gets mugged 5v1, but here comes Jey’s team! Cody has a chair, as does Rollins! They dodge McIntyre, clothesline him out, and the chairs JAM up Judgment Day! And SMACK them down! The fans are thunderous as Judgment Day is sent reeling!
Team Yeet stands tall with all their chairs, but then Cody gets a mic. “I’m so glad that you guys have got the advantage. I’m so glad you have a star the caliber of Drew McIntyre with you, because we are not alone. We found a fifth member. Somebody that I have a legacy with. Y’know who I’m talking about, right? Why’re you looking at me like that? You’re looking at me like I’m prey. We’re not prey! Did you not know with us is the Apex Predator?! Matter of fact, I think all these people know who it is, too!” The fans are thunderously chanting, and Cody says that’s right! You’re not just hearing voices inside your head!
Because these people here tonight, they’re right! McIntyre dares The Viper to show himself, but Raw goes off the air! If it really is Randall Keith Orton, then will he be sure to strike outta nowhere this Saturday?
My Thoughts:
An awesome Raw, especially for a go-home. For one, they didn’t just stuff this with recaps and promos, and they didn’t just focus on Survivor Series, they also made sure to build things for the Raw After Survivor Series. Solid promos from Ivar and Bronson Reed, though I kinda wished their match had a stipulation on it. Great promos from all the tag teams, both the women and the men, setting up tag title stuff. Great Women’s Tag Fatal 4, with a great showing from all teams but especially Maxxine & Ivy in their first outing together. But I also figured Natty & Nox would win this given how this story with Chelsea & Piper has been going.
Tag Team Turmoil is going to be wild, too, with those six teams going in it. And with Judgment Day defending the titles against The Street Profits this Friday as part of the SmackDown go-home, anything could happen. We could see Street Profits coming out on top to be the champs again, and they with Lashley could show up on Raw to take on any of these teams and it’d be an awesome feud. But I’m confident that Imperium isn’t winning, and not just because they’re Heels while the tag champs would be Heels no matter what. It’s because things are falling apart as Ludwig keeps ending up the disappointment in Imperium, as we saw after he lost to Gargano and then again got chewed out by Gunther. But at the same time, feels like DIY won’t win because they need to settle things with Imperium.
Gunther and Miz also had a great segment, though I do feel Miz came at Gunther from the wrong direction. I haven’t had a problem with anything in Gunther’s personality or promos, his personality is that he embodies the serious side of pro-wrestling rather than the flashy side like Miz and those legends he namedropped. But Miz still delivered perfectly, Gunther’s side of things was some hard hitting stuff, calling Miz a weirdo and all. But great little brawl, and Miz standing tall to end makes the go-home math favor Gunther now, which is what I figured anyway. But Miz will give him a great match both on spots and story beats.
Great match from Nia VS Raquel, good story of Raquel trying and failing to use power against Nia’s size. Awesome match from Becky VS Xia, awesome showing from Xia but Becky winning makes sense given she’s in WarGames. And great move to have DMG CTRL and Becky’s team show up for a brawl. I’m okay with the women staying at 4v4, as I’m not really sure the men needed to go to 5v5. Xia goes into the NXT Women’s Championship match with a loss, but I didn’t expect Xia to beat Lyra anyway. And good promo from Zoey and Shayna with Rhea to build to the title match. Zoey still doesn’t feel likely to win but she shows guts for getting in Rhea’s face.
Awesome match from Nakamura VS Gable, clever thinking of having the bare buckle affect the outcome without anyone running into it. Can’t wait to see who Nakamura goes after to finally mark as the opponent he feels will bring out his best. Feels like it could be Cody Rhodes, or someone that isn’t Seth Rollins on that Face WarGames team. Great stuff out of all that, too, from McIntyre’s opening promo that brings everybody out to how Pearce has them save it all for the main event and Survivor Series itself. The men going to 5v5, whatever, they wanna parallel last year as well as the traditional 5v5 Survivor Series match as much as they can.
McIntyre being on Judgment Day’s side but not in the group is a good move, though, because he doesn’t fit them, doesn’t need them, and is his own kind of Heel. Great promos from the groups to address this stuff, like the tension between McIntyre and Judgment Day, namely Priest. And good stuff from Team Yeet teasing the possibilities (Sami calling Kevin probably, not sure who Rollins pictured), and after an awesome main event with McIntyre winning, it is the perfect situation for bringing Randy Orton back. He can be the final man entering the match, preserving that back for as long as they can, and this probably means the Faces win.
My Score: 8.8/10
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The Road to the Tokyo Dome goes through KOPW!
As 2024 nears an end, Great-O-Khan defends the KOPW Championship one more time, against a former KOPW Champion in Taichi! Who will be THE 2024 King of Pro-Wrestling?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Chase Your Dream Match: Shoma Kato VS Hiromu Takahashi; Hiromu wins.
- Boltin Oleg VS Satoshi Kojima; Boltin wins.
- Triple Threat Tag: Jeff Cobb & Jakob Austin Young VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson VS Ren Narita & Yujiro Takahashi; Narita & Yujiro win.
- DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS El Desperado & Master Wato; Desperado & Wato win.
- Fatal 4 Way: Kevin Knight VS Robbie Eagles VS Francesco Akira VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Eagles wins.
- Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS Bullet Club War Dogs; LIJ wins.
- Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita; ZSJ & Fujita win.
- KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi; Khan wins and is the definitive 2024 KOPW Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
After the Triple Threat Tag…
The House of Torture of course cheated to win, but they wouldn’t leave it at that! They waited until the United Empire and TMDK argued with each other to then attack them all! Yujiro Takahashi CLUBS Oiwa down while Narita shoves Cobb into big Hartley Jackson! And then Narita JAMS Cobb with the pushup bar! The fans boo but Narita JAMS Oiwa up, too! The Souled Out Son of Strong Style is so proud of himself as he holds up his NJPW World TV Championship, but wait. Christmas music starts playing? The fans clap along as surprise! Santa and his reindeer are here! Well, one reindeer. But shouldn’t the House of Torture be on the naughty list?
Santa Claus walks over, and he gets the mic. He sounds familiar as he tells, “Narita-san… You have a Christmas present waiting. Would you like it now?” Narita asks what the heck is going on. Santa steps into the ring and offers Narita the little tiny bag. Narita snatches the bag, then he and Yujiro look at it. The fans asks, “Nani nani? <What is it?>” Narita tells them to shut up. Narita gets the bag open and pulls out… Blue sunglasses! With LED lights! The fans cheer as the lights go down! “E! L! P!” EL PHANTASMO IS HERE! The Headbanga has been battling cancer, but he’s here in Korakuen Hall!
Narita is furious but ELP slides right into the ring! Narita & Yujiro run away, but the fans cheer ELP on as he stands side-by-side with Jado Claus. ELP gets the mic now, and the fans cheer him on. ELP takes a moment before saying, in Japanese, “Cancer. Cancer… I’ve beaten cancer! And I love Korakuen!” But ELP asks Jado-san how to say a certain something in Japanese. He whispers it, but then Narita & Yujiro attack! The fans boo these cowards, but then Narita says Merry Christmas! But ELP BOOTS him, ELBOWS Yujiro, then dodges Narita to SUDDEN DEATH! Jado Claus DECKS the Tokyo Pimp!
ELP again asks Jado, and Jado says on behalf of ELP, that ELP is going to wrestle tomorrow night! And… Then he’ll be at the Tokyo Dome! ELP grabs the NJPW World TV Championship! ELP looks it over, and looks to the crowd, and then to Jado, but then Jeff Cobb and Ryohei Oiwa get in the ring. Cobb asks if ELP’s good. ELP is good. Are they good? Then let’s turn it up a notch! FATAL 4 WAY for the TV Championship! Narita snatches his belt, gets out of the ring, and tells everyone to shut up! The odds just got stacked against the House of Torture, will the New Year have a NEW NJPW World TV Champion one way or another?
Shota Umino & Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita!
Ahead of battling for THE IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, The Roughneck and The Front Man bring some back up! The Ace is also preparing to fight Evil, will he and Shota bring a Once in a Century Paradigm Shift? Or will ZSJ and the Japanese Young Punk prove The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
The teams sort out and Shota starts against ZSJ. The fans cheer this WrestleKingdom preview, and Korakuen duels between “SHOTA! SHOTA!” and “ZAKU! ZAKU!” ZSJ and Shota feel things out, then knuckle lock. ZSJ clinches but Shota fights back with his own clinch. ZSJ slips around to chinbar but Shota wrenches to a wristlock. ZSJ rolls, tries another chinbar but Shota cranks the wristlock. ZSJ bridges, spins, slips around and wrangles Shota! Shota kips up to WRING the arm, but ZSJ UP KICKS! The fans cheer as the two reset. Shota and ZSJ circle, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ then stands on Shota’s hand!
ZSJ has another hand and twists the wrist! Then he has both arms for a motorcycle stretch but Shota fights up. Shota turns things around, and he fights ZSJ as ZSJ tries to turn them back. ZSJ keeps trying, and he pushes through, but Shota spins things right back around! The fans cheer while Shota digs a foot into ZSJ’s back. ZSJ flips, kips up, spins things around, but Shota spins them back! The fans cheer, and Shota spins ZSJ. ZSJ dodges the lariat, Shota blocks a kick, but ZSJ ducks the enzigiri! Shota avoids the Penalty Kick and arm-drags ZSJ, but ZSJ headscissors! Shota kips free, avoids a leg pick, and the fans cheer!
Shota dares ZSJ to go for the leg but the two reset again. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and each man breaks free of one. They back off, and Shota tags in Tanahashi. The fans cheer, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Korakuen strongly supports President Ace. Tanahashi and Fujita circle, tie up, and Tanahashi powers Fujita back. The ref counts, Tanahashi lets off slowly, but then Fujita turns things around! Tanahashi turns things around, and repeat! The ref counts, Fujita lets off slowly, but then both men block a kick! They argue over who lets go first, and eventually agree for a mutual break. They set the feet down, but then Fujita holds on!
Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi, then whips. Tanahashi reverses but Fujita ducks ‘n’ dodges to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Fujita aims from a corner. Fujita runs corner to corner but Tanahashi BOOTS him! Shota CLOBBERS Fujita, then eggs ZSJ on! ZSJ runs up, Shota blocks a kick and he sends ZSJ into Tanahashi’s ELBOW! Shota CLOBBERS ZSJ and the fans fire up. Shota pursues ZSJ to the outside and CLUBS him down! Shota clamps onto ZSJ with a chinlock but the ref reprimands. Tanahashi CHOPS Fujita, but Fujita CHOPS Tanahashi! The fans fire up as Fujita storms back up, but he blocks a boot!
Fujita DRAGON SCREWS Tanahashi’s leg! Fujita kips up, ZSJ sends Shota into railing, and Fujita stomps Tanahashi. The fans rally and Fujita brings Tanahashi up to CHOP! Fujita eggs Tanahashi on, CHOPS him again, then CHOPS again! Tanahashi flounders and ZSJ tags in. ZSJ drags Tanahashi up to UPPERCUT! Tanahashi ends up in the TMDK corner, ZSJ UPPERCUTS him again! ZSJ says, “Mada mada!” and he UPPERCUTS again! Tanahashi falls, ZSJ tags in Fujita, and Fujita brings Tanahashi up. Fujita CHOPS again, and then CHOPS again! Tanahashi is stinging and using the ropes for defense while the fans rally up.
Tanahashi storms up but Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi CHOPS, Fujita CHOPS! Tanahashi falls and Fujita BLASTS Shota! Tag to ZSJ and he grabs a leg. Fujita also grabs one, they drag Tanahashi to center, and then they both go after arms. Then they shift, ZSJ has an arm while Fujita has a leg! Then they both have legs again! Then ZSJ has a leg and Fujita has an arm! Then back to the arms! They both isolate the arms for DOUBLE STOMPS! The fans cheer, the ref reprimands and ZSJ “apologizes” with a bow. ZSJ stands on one of Tanahashi’s legs to then twist the other! Tanahashi endures, even as ZSJ TWEAKS the ankle!
ZSJ twists the foot the other way, flips Tanahashi over, and shifts around to have a headscissor and armlock! Shota stomps ZSJ but Fujita goes after Shota! Fujita TOSSES Shota, ZSJ tags Fujita back in. Fujita stomps Tanahashi, KICKS him in the back, but Tanahashi gets mad! Fujita KICKS Tanahashi but Tanahashi fires up! Fujita KICKS and CHOPS, but Tanahashi fires forearm after forearm! Fujita CHOPS again! Tanahashi grits his teeth but Fujita CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! SHOTEI! Fujita falls but so does Tanahashi! The fans rally up while both men crawl, hot tag to Shota! Shota rallies on Fujita with big forearms and elbows!
Shota whips, Fujita reverses, but Shota dropkicks the legs out! ZSJ runs up and RAMS Shota! Then ZSJ runs, but into Shota’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Shota goes to Fujita. Shota whips corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Shota reels Fujita in, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota doesn’t mind. Shota clinches but Fujita fights the suplex with elbows. Shota runs up, but Fujita wrenches, waistlocks, but Shota ELBOWS free! Shota whips, Fujita reverses and DROPKICKS! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Fujita crawls, hot tag to ZSJ!
ZSJ runs up to BOOT Shota! Shota stays up so ZSJ runs to BOOT him again! And BOOT him again! Shota roars and ROCKS ZSJ! Shota runs to ROCK ZSJ again! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, Shota eggs him on, repeat! Shota UPPERCUTS and ZSJ roars! ZSJ UPPER- NO, Shota hooks the arm, but ZSJ wrenches out of the backslide to PELE the arm! Then ZSJ basement DROPKICKS Shota! The fans fire up while Shota clutches a leg and an arm. ZSJ kicks him around, scuffs him and taunts him. The fans rally, the ref checks Shota, but Shota is okay to continue. ZSJ stands Shota up to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT!
Shota clinches to EXPLODER! Both men are down and the fans rally again! Shota crawls, hot tag to Tanahashi! Fujita runs up, but Tanahashi blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Payback for earlier! Tanahashi runs up at ZSJ in a corner, blocks a boot, and DRAGON SCREWS! Tanahashi put some stank on that one! Then he goes up the corner for a SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! ZSJ stays in this but the fans continue to rally! “GO ACE! GO ACE!” echoes out as Tanahashi runs, but ZSJ catches him into a COBRA TWIST! Tanahashi endures, then throws elbows into ZSJ’s leg. Tanahashi gets free to DRAGON SCREW again!
ZSJ writhes, Tanahashi ties the legs up, but ZSJ kicks at him! Tanahashi blocks a kick to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And now, TEXAS CLOVER- NO, ZSJ fights the turnover and reels Tanahashi into a TRIANGLE HOLD! Tanahashi endures and the fans rally up, but Shota gets in! Shota stomps away on ZSJ, but then Fujita MISSILE DROPKICKS Shota! Fujita brings Tanahashi up but Tanahashi SHOTEIS him down! ZSJ is after Tanahashi but he avoids the shotei! ZSJ SLAPS Tanahashi, then PENALTY KICKS! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives but ZSJ gives him a NECK TWIST! The fans fire up as ZSJ stand Tanahashi up.
ZSJ scoops but Tanahashi fights that, to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! The fans fire up but Tanahashi isn’t done! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi stands ZSJ up again, but ZSJ scoops to ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, ZSJ & Fujita win!
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita, by pinfall
Shota can’t believe The Ace fell, but this is why ZSJ is the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! Will ZSJ do this all to Shota when they’re 1v1 in the Tokyo Dome? Or will Shota prove he’s mightier than The Mighty?
KOPW Championship Three Stages of Hell: Great-O-Khan VS Taichi!
The Dominator has, well, dominated as KOPW Champion for a long stretch of 2024, but the Holy Emperor did close out 2023 with this title. Granted, Taichi says that win, lose or draw, this is his final KOPW Championship match. As such, tonight’s stipulation is a sort of “Best Of” compilation as we go Best 2 Out of 3. Part one: a no ropes Sumo Rules match! Part two: Yoshinobu Kanemaru as special guest referee? Well, he would be a neutral party… And part three, if needed, will be a LAST MAN STANDING MATCH! Will Taichi “retire” from this truly freestyle division standing tall? Or will Khan truly conquer KOPW for the United Empire?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, but Taichi also brings back the trophy for the occasion, and it’s time to end the year in style!
Sumo Rules!
Both men finish preparations with weight belts and some stretching. They square up, the ref says go and they RAM into each other! The fans rally as both men go for those weight belts to use as leverage. They go around, get very close to the ring edge, but then Khan moves things away. Khan THROWS Taichi, but Taichi stays on the ring so the sumo match continues. They reset and go again! Taichi pushes Khan back with both hands, but Khan digs in his heels! They clinch, go around, and Taichi goes for the edge! Khan pulls on Taichi’s leg to get around, but Taichi uses that to steer Khan to another edge! But Khan hits a fireman’s carry takeover!
Khan drags Taichi up but Taichi fights off the throw! They clinch and fight for control again. They each try to lift with the belt! Khan has Taichi near the edge, but then Taichi has Khan near the edge! Khan is teetering and the fans fire up! Taichi THROWS Khan to the floor, Taichi wins the fall!
Khan: 0; Taichi: 1
Special Guest Referee!
The fans are thunderous as Taichi takes the Sumo Rules fall, but now we go to a much more complicated situation. The ropes have to be put back up, sure, but now the Heel Master of all people is going to be the referee! The time it takes to set up the ropes is a reprieve for both sides, especially Khan as he has to catch his breath and refocus. Once the ropes are up, both men wait in the ring. All that is left is the buckle pads, and of course, Kanemaru himself. Kanemaru gets a proper introduction and entrance before he goes to the ring, and wow, he’s even wearing an official NJPW referee shirt with the lion mark on it.
Referee Kanemaru does his check and he even tells Taka Michinoku to watch himself. Kanemaru does a far less thorough check of Khan than Taichi! Did the Empire pay Kanemaru off?! Kanemaru has Taichi cool off, then whispers something to Khan! The bell rings, the fans rally for Khan, and Khan circles with Taichi. They tie up, Taichi powers Khan to ropes, and Kanemaru calls for a ropebreak. Then he has a fast count! Taichi lets off before 4 and argues with Kanemaru! Kanemaru says that’s his count, deal with it. Khan and Taichi reset, tie up, and Khan puts Taichi on ropes. Kanemaru pays more attention to Taka than Taichi!
The fans can’t help but laugh as Kanemaru finally does count, and now it’s really slow! Taichi protests, but Khan pulls Taichi’s arms. Then he CHOPS Taichi and stops at “3!” Khan then goes after Taichi, wrenches and wristlocks, and Kanemaru is asking if Taichi gives up!? Taichi tells him to shut up, but Khan kicks and CLUBS Taichi. Khan whips, Taichi BOOTS Khan down, then covers! Kanemaru strolls over to count! And it’s so slow! “TWO” and the fans cheer. Taichi is upset, but Khan rolls Taichi up! SO FAST!! TWO!! Taichi is getting pissed but Kanemaru backs away. Taichi stomps Khan, and Kanemaru’s untying a buckle pad?!
Taichi stomps Khan around, Khan leaves the pad there loosely, and Taichi whips. Khan reverses, and SURPRISE! bare buckles! Taka protests but Kanemaru SMACKS him with the pad! Khan plays dumb, and then he stands on Taichi’s lower back. Taichi has the ropes, but Kanemaru kicks the arm away! Khan has Taichi’s other arm, Taichi keeps grabbing for ropes but Kanemaru keeps kicking the hand away! Khan drags Taichi up, brings him around, and ROCKS him in the back! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan Mongolian Chops him on the back! And Mongolian Chops again! And Mongolian Chops again! Kanemaru doesn’t bother counting at all!
Taka protests, Kanemaru warns him, but then Khan hops up to sit on his throne! The fans cheer while Taichi endures, and only now does Kanemaru count! Khan asks hold on, hold on, so Kanemaru stops counting! Khan hops down, and then he puts Kanemaru up on the throne! Khan gets the fans to join in on the “Ohh…! HMPH!” Kanemaru isn’t into it so he hops down. Khan apologizes to Kanemaru, then he kicks Taichi around. Taichi gets up to fire hands! Khan kicks low, whips, but Taichi reverses to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down. Taichi stands, and he drags Khan up into SEITEI JUJIHOU!
Kanemaru might be stuck, he can’t ignore Khan tapping. But then Kanemaru drags Khan over to the ropes! Taichi is frustrated with Kanemaru but Kanemaru says that’s a ropebreak. Taichi storms up on Kanemaru, but then Khan waistlocks! Ripcord and SAYANAGI! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Taichi goes to a corner, Khan runs in, but Taichi dodges! GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up and Taichi snarls. Taichi TAKES OFF THE PANTS! The pants were a bit stubborn, but still. But then Kanemaru “checks” Khan just to stay between him and Taichi! Taichi says move or else! Kanemaru says he’s the ref!
Kanemaru kicks Taichi, CLAWS Taichi’s eyes, then traps his arms! Khan gets up to IRON RIGHT!! Kanemaru “scolds” Khan, then “checks” Taichi. Khan rests in a corner and Kanemaru drags Taichi up for him. Taichi CHOKES Kanemaru! Kanemaru kicks low! Kanemaru whips Taichi into a corner, ELBOWS him, then Khan LARIATS! Khan snapmares and covers, Kanemaru wants more first! Khan sits Taichi up for a BASEMENT DROPKICK! Now cover, TWO!! Taichi survives so Kanemaru hurries to get his whiskey! Khan takes a swig, and Kanemaru sets Taichi up! WHISKEY MIST into Kanemaru! Taichi hits the GEDO CLUTCH, but Kanemaru really can’t count now!
Taichi lets off of Khan since there was no count to be had. Taichi drags Kanemaru up, but Khan WHISKEY BOTTLE SHOTS Taichi! IRON CLAW!! Kanemaru calls for the bell? He just hands the win to Khan without counting, so now we’re all tied up!
Khan: 1; Taichi: 1
Kanemaru has fulfilled the contract, Khan gives him the envelope of money. Khan even makes sure we all see how many thousands that is! Kanemaru heads out, is he going to party hard for the holidays? But that aside, it is time for the final fall!
Last Man Standing!
Taichi gets the mic first, and tells Khan that if that’s how Khan wants to do it, then Taichi will get down and dirty with Khan! No lumberjacks, no special guests, just the straight up ten count, and it can happen anywhere in Korakuen Hall! Khan says bet! The announcement is made for the official rule change, and now we have the final fall! Khan rushes Taichi on the outside, then whips him into railing! And we’re already going into the crowd! Khan throws Taicihi at English commentary, but big Hartley is a solid wall for Chris. Khan then drags Taichi up into the bleachers, and the fans clear out of the way!
Khan CHOKES Taichi with a chair, then lets off to clear chairs out of the way. The Young Lions try to help but Khan gets mad at them and pushes them aside. Khan drags Taichi up, knees him low, and then reels him in! But Taichi fights the sayanagi! Taichi SHOVES Khan, Khan falls to the floor but gets up, only for Taichi to CROSSBODY! Down goes Khan and Red Shoes hurries over. Both men are down but Taichi sits up. The count starts and Khan is still down at 5 of 10! Khan hurries to get up, and Taichi stomps him down! Taichi drags Khan back up into the bleachers, but we go the other way.
Taicih KICKS Khan down, Young Lions keep the fans back again, and Taichi drags Khan along. They keep moving through the crowd, and Taichi shoves Khan into chairs! Khan sputters but Taichi drags him up again. Taichi KNEES Khan, then drags him up. They go back down to floor level, and then Taichi aims at chairs! Taichi whips but Khan reverses and he BOWLS Taichi into chairs! Not quite a strike but he got a good number of those chairs! Khan pops the railing loose from the special corner piece, and he brings that corner piece over! Khan SMACKS Taichi with the steel! Taichi staggers away but he sits in a chair.
Khan starts folding chairs to stack them on the floor. Khan then uses one chair as a leash to drag Taichi over! Khan CLUBS Taichi, adds that one chair to the pile, and then snap suplexes Taichi onto the chairs! Taichi writhes but Khan rises up. Khan roars and the fans fire up! The count begins again but Taichi slowly sits up at 4. Taichi rises up, and he stands at 8! Khan brings Taichi around in a headlock, and they go to the orange bleachers! Khan uses the gate to smother Taichi, then they go up to the higher level! The fans fire up but then fans have to move! Khan KNEES and CLUBS Taichi, then whips Taichi at the exit door!
Taichi tumbles into the hallway! Khan drags Taichi back into the arena and uses the HITSUJIGOROSHI against the chairs! Taichi endures as Khan chokes him, then Khan lets him go! Red Shoes checks on Taichi, Taka coaches him, but the count begins. Khan sits in a chair to relax while he waits. Taichi sits up at 7, and stands at 9! Khan storms up on Taichi to CLUB him on the back! Khan headlocks Taichi, brings him to the other section, and he gets up close to the fans for photo ops. Khan then whips, but Taichi reverses, and Khan is sent into the wall! Taichi leaves Khan behind while the count begins again.
Khan sits up so Taichi KICKS him back down! Taichi drags Khan up, KICKS him again, and Khan falls to his knees. Taichi drags Khan up by his ponytail, and he goes close to the stairs that lead to the back! Khan fights the suplex, and for his life, but then he turns things around! Taichi fights the suplex, throws hands, and then DDTS Khan to the floor! Red Shoes checks both men, then starts the count. Taichi shakes out his arms and sits up at 4. Taichi stands at 6 but Khan is still down at 8! Khan drags himself up at 9! Taichi CLUBS Khan down, then brings him back up. Taichi brings Khan back to ground level, then snapmares him hard for a KICK!
Khan is in agony but Taichi drags him back up. But Khan RAMS Taichi into the railing! Taichi sputters while also sitting in a chair. Khan staggers away to ringside, and he goes looking under the ring. Khan brings out a trolly cart? Khan JAMS Taichi up using his own mic stand, then leaves him behind. Khan brings out a TABLE! Fans rally up as Khan puts the table on the trolly, then he staggers over to Taichi. Khan CLUBS Taichi down, then SHOVES him onto the table trolly combo. Khan has fans clear out, and then he SNOW PLOWS the chairs with Taichi on the cart!! The fans fire up as Khan stands over Taichi.
Khan drags Taichi up, and he brings the table along, too. Khan kicks chairs out of the way as he returns to the upper deck! Khan SMACKS Taichi off the edge, then he clears out space. Khan sets the table up, then he goes up to fetch Taichi. Khan JAMS Taichi up with a chair, then SMACKS him! Taichi writhes, fans rally, and Khan drags Taichi up. Khan vows to end this! IRON CLAW, and ELIMI- NO! Taichi fights Khan off! Taichi stumbles away through the crowd, but then grabs himself a chair. Taichi runs up to JAM Khan right in the face! Taichi then steals Khan’s idea to choke grip and CHOKE SLAM down through the table!!!
Khan writhes and the fans go nuts! Taichi hobbles around while Red Shoes counts Khan. Khan is still down at 5! Still down at 7! 9! KHAN GRABS RED SHOES’S HAND!! Khan survives, and though he has a couple bloody cuts on his back, he crawls his way to the ring. Taichi eggs Khan on and the fans are thunderous! Khan drags himself into the ring, Taichi runs, AX BOMBER!! The fans fire up and the count returns! Khan is still down at 5, stirs at 6, sits up at 7, and he rises at 8! So Taichi just runs up to AX BOMBER!! Khan drops to his knees, flops over, but he’s already pushing himself back up! Taichi runs again, AX BOMBER!!
Khan staggers around but he stays on his feet! Taichi says fine, AX- SAYANAGI!! Khan turns things around, and he AX BOMBERS in return!! Both men are down and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and Khan crawls for ropes at 5! Taichi slowly sits up at 6, and both men go to corners at 7! Red Shoes waits on them to rise up, and then Taichi fires up! Taichi runs up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so Taichi BOOTS! Khan BOOTS back! Taichi URAKENS! Khan MONGOLIAN CHOPS! Taichi SOBATS! Khan BODY BLOWS! Both men drop to knees, but they also grab at each other.
The fans rally as Khan and Taichi slowly rise. They are forehead to forehead, and then Taichi AX BOMBERS! Khan drops to his knees, Taichi BUZZSAWS, but Khan blocks it! Khan ROCKS Taichi with a right! And then Khan reels Taichi in, but Taichi Alabama Lifts! BLACK- NO, Khan fights into a GUILLOTINE! Taichi is stuck in the body scissors!! Taichi flails, even taps out, but that’s not how Last Man Standing works! Khan squeezes tighter and tighter, Taichi fades, and Red Shoes checks! Khan lets Taichi go and the count begins! Khan rises at 6, and Taichi is somehow up at 9!! So Khan clamps on an IRON CLAW!
Khan lifts Taichi, but Taichi slips free! Taichi shoves Khan and ROCKS him! DANGEROUS SAIDO!! But Khan is staggering to his feet?! Khan goes to a corner, flounders along ropes, but he isn’t down yet! The fans rally hard while both men fight to their feet! SUPERMAN PUNCH from Khan! PELE from Taichi! Both men are down again! Red Shoes starts the count on them both, and the fans rally even harder! Taichi is up at 7! Khan grabs Red Shoes at 9 again!! Taichi roars, Korakuen is with him, and he powers up! TENSHI JUJI- NO!! Khan blocks, and he hooks Taichi! Taichi CLUBS away on Khan, but Khan still lifts! ULTIMATE ELIMINATOR!!
Both men are down again and the fans rally as hard as they can! The count is on both men, and they’re both down at 5! At 7! 9! Khan pushes up, but he FLOPS back down!! DOUBLE TEN! IT’S A DRAW!! What does that mean for the belt!? Red Shoes goes out to talk with Abe-san, and then the announcement is made. In the end, with it being 1-1-1, a true draw, it all goes to KHAN!
Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (DEFINITIVE 2024 KOPW Champion)
Khan flips Taichi off, one last insult added on top. Khan is given the belt back, but Taichi grabs his trophy. Taichi steps up to Khan, and gives him the trophy, saying it is rightfully his now. Taichi shows Khan that respect, and Khan returns it with a handshake. Khan “retires” Taichi from KOPW, what will the Holy Emperor look to do in 2025?
As for Khan, he grabs the mic, and he asks Taichi to wait a moment. “You served this title for three years. We will honor your glory!” The fans applaud that, and Khan asks the previous champion to come closer. No, closer. The fans cheer Taichi on as he steps closer to ringside. Khan says Taichi served this title well, so here is his reward. Khan is giving the trophy back? Taichi says no, he gave that to Khan out of respect. Khan says to Taichi and to everyone to listen well. “We are the last KOPW Champion!” Everyone is a bit surprised to hear that.
Khan says, “As an alternative, on January 4th in the Tokyo Dome… as THE last KOPW Champion, We demand that the January 4th match determine the next IWGP World Heavyweight Championship challenger!” The fans are really intrigued by that idea! Khan throws down the belt, and Chris makes sure English speakers understand what Khan is suggesting. The New Japan Ranbo determining a #1 contender? Khan says that these are the words of the final KOPW Champion, The Great-O-Khan! “HAIL US, PEASANTS!” A New Year, a new era? Will Khan’s revolution bring glory to the United Empire?
My Thoughts:
A very good night for Road to Tokyo Dome, though I did skip a lot just because I didn’t have a lot of time today. But luckily I was skimming through, or I would’ve missed ELP’s great return. Congratulations on him beating cancer, and I like that they’re adding him to the NJPW World Television Championship match. It makes sense given ELP’s beef with the House of Torture, and honestly, why not just have ELP win? Not even so much for getting over cancer (though kind of that, too) but because fans love ELP and it’d help him solidify his singles run with Hikuleo long gone for WWE.
Really good stuff in the other tune-up matches, such as #DespeWado winning and the chaotic end to the Fatal 4 Way. Eagles won to help him and Fujita have momentum, but there is still more to the Road to Tokyo Dome first. Honestly that tag Fatal 4 could really go any which way they want so I’m not sure how the go-home math would even work. And Gedo of course took the loss against LIJ. Yota Tsuji is aiming for David Finlay and the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, but who knows how things go before we get to WrestleKingdom.
Very good tag match from Shota & Tanahashi VS ZSJ & Fujita, and it was technically a surprise for Tanahashi to take the loss. This works on many levels, as Tanahashi should be figuratively on the ropes going into his match with Evil, and this gives Fujita equal momentum alongside Eagles. And then great main event, Khan and Taichi really went the distance with this one. And it all makes sense after Khan reveals this is the end of the KOPW Division. Khan wants to make the New Japan Ranbo to basically be the Royal Rumble and that is pretty cool. I think they could keep the belt to represent that contender’s status the same as the G1 Climax having a briefcase, because that KOPW belt actually looks pretty nice.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Classic POD is WAR
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Rockin’ around the Christmas Collision!
The Continental Classic continues on Christmas Collision, with crucial points on the line this close to AEW Worlds End! Who will finally take the lead in Gold League?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins.
- Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford; Kris wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia; Garcia wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos; Briscoe wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli; Claudio wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Here are the current Continental Classic Gold League standings!
Claudio Castagnoli: 2-1, 6 points
Will Ospreay: 2-1, 6 points
Ricochet: 2-1, 6 points
Darby Allin: 2-1, 6 points
Brody King: 2-2, 6 points
Komander: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Here are the current Continental Classic Blue League standings!
Kyle Fletcher: 3-1, 9 points
Kazuchika Okada: 2-1-1, 7 points
Mark Briscoe: 2-2, 6 points
Shelton Benjamin: 2-1, 6 points
Daniel Garcia: 1-1-1, 4 points
The Beast Mortos: 0-4, 0 points [ELIMINATED]
Ian Riccaboni is in the ring.
He has Big Boom AJ & Big Justice with him in the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they’re ready to bring the BOOM~! They’re ready to watch the action tonight, and even the final face-to-face of MJF and Adam Cole. AJ says if MJF is gonna bring the doom, then you know he and Big Justice will bring the BOOM~! But tonight, their guy, Adam Cole will bring the BOOM~ too! And of course we have big Continental Classic action! Daniel Garcia VS Shelton Benjamin in a critical showdown, and while Shelton is tough, Garcia is going to bring the BOOM~! Plus, Mark Briscoe battles The Beast Mortos! The Chicken is their guy, time to bring the BOOM~!
In Gold League, we have Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli, and the Swiss Superman is a DOOM~! Let’s go, Darby, bring that BOOM~! And then a match everyone wants to see, the fireworks rematch of Will Ospreay VS Ricochet! If you’re a fan of high-flying wrestling, this is the right night to be right here in AEW! Ricochet and their guy, Ospreay, will bring the BOOM~! But speaking of, that match is up first! The Aerial Assassin joins AJ & Big Justice in giving a BOOM~, but will Ricochet make sure tonight is #OuttaThisWorld?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Will Ospreay VS Ricochet!
Wait, are the fans throwing white streamers or is that… No, yeah, it’s toilet paper! Ospreay laughs at the fans basically calling Ricochet crap. Ricochet throws the toilet paper back! The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The fans fire up for Ospreay as he and Ricochet circle. The fans also sing, “F HIM UP, OSPREAY, F HIM UP!” Ricochet shrugs that off, he and Ospreay tie up, and then Ricochet rolls. Ospreay shoots in, waistlocks, but Ricochet switches. They go around, Ricochet gator rolls with Ospreay, then floats to a headlock. Ricochet wrenches, hammerlocks then headlocks again. Ospreay powers up and out, Ricochet runs him over, but Ospreay kips up!
The fans cheer and Ospreay smiles as he and Ricochet reset. They tie up, go around, and Ricochet wrenches to a wristlock. Ospreay rolls, wrenches and wristlocks, but Ricochet spins and wrenches to hammerlock. Ospreay reaches back, headlocks and hits a takeover. Ricochet rolls to a cover, TWO! Ospreay holds onto the headlock but Ricochet powers up and out. Ospreay runs Ricochet over, Ricochet bails out, and then Ospreay handsprings to fake Ricochet out! The fans cheer as Ospreay superhero lands out, and Ricochet is annoyed. Ospreay holds ropes open for Ricochet, but Ricochet goes around the way to step in on his own.
The fans boo Ricochet being a bad sport but Ricochet ignores that. Ospreay and Ricochet knuckle lock, then Ricochet kicks low! And CHOPS! Ricochet whips, Ospreay reverses, but Ricochet rolls off Ospreay’s back! Things keep moving, Ospreay avoids the handspring to then duck ‘n’ dodges and RANA! But Ricochet handsprings through! The fans fire up, and Ospreay arm-drags Ricochet down! The fans cheer while Ricochet endures the grind. Ricochet fights up and puts Ospreay on ropes. The ref counts, Ricochet and Ospreay slowly let g o, and Ricochet SLAPS Ospreay! Ospreay CHOPS Ricochet!
Ospreay takes a swing, Ricochet ducks under to roll back and RANA! But now Ospreay handsprings through! Ricochet dodges to waistlock but Ospreay bucks the O’Conner. Ricochet arm-drags Ospreay down, but Ospreay headscissors back! Ricochet pops free but Ospreay arm-drags! Ricochet headscissors, Ospreay pops free, and Ospreay handsprings, but Ricochet catches him! Ricochet then THROWS Ospreay into the Tree of Woe, and Ospreay falls down! The fans boo while Ospreay bails out, but Ricochet FOSBURY FLOPS! The fans boo but Ricochet takes the toilet paper to wipe himself, then he SMOTHERS Ospreay with it!
The fans boo that literally disgusting act of disrespect, but Collision goes picture in picture.
Ricochet taunts the fans, then drags Ospreay up. Ricochet puts Ospreay in, soaks up more heat, then KNEE-BOARD SENTONS! Ricochet swaggers to taunt the fans more, then he goes back to Ospreay. Cover, ONE!! Another cover, TWO! Ricochet taunts the fans more, then goes back for Ospreay. Ricochet stands Ospreay up to CHOP, and Ospreay goes to a corner. Ricochet RAMS into Ospreay, RAMS him again, then snapmares to UPPERCUT in the back! Cover, TWO! Ospreay stays in this but Ricochet drags him into a motorcycle stretch. Ospreay endures while Ricochet digs a knee into the back. Ospreay fights up, fights with elbows, then runs, but into a DROPKICK!
Ospreay is down in a daze but Ricochet has to shake out the stars in his own head. Ricochet covers, ONE! Ospreay then uses that one to flip off Ricochet. Ricochet RAMS Ospreay in the back! Ricochet then clamps on with a chinlock, and he digs his knee into Ospreay’s back. Ospreay endures, even as Ricochet JAMS Ospreay. Collision returns to single picture as the fans rally for Ospreay again. Ospreay fires up, fires hands, but Ricochet RAMS him into a corner. Ricochet runs up, RAMS into Ospreay, then goes to the apron. Ospreay takes a swing but Ricochet dodges and gets around him to GERMAN SUPLEX! Ospreay lands out!
Ospreay runs, handsprings, NEURALIZER KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ospreay goes to the apron, takes aim, and he springboards to PIP PIP CHEERIO! Down goes Ricochet, Ospreay covers, TWO! Ospreay stays focused and the fans rally up. Ospreay drags Ricochet up, CHOPS him, then CHOPS him again! Ricochet staggers, Ospreay runs, but Ricochet TIGER WALL KICKS! Forearm, SOBAT, and Ricochet runs, but into a POP-UP, and STYLES- NO, Ricochet sits up, slips free, and he underhooks Ospreay for a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ospreay survives but Ricochet goes up.
Ricochet has to double clutch, the fans let him hear it, but Ricochet still MOONSAULTS! Ricochet lands out as Ospreay moves, and Ospreay runs up, but into an ELBOW! Ricochet handsprings, but into a pop-up, Electric Chair, spin around, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Ospreay is surprised. Ospreay pulls on the elbow pad and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Ospreay aims, but Ricochet bails out! The fans boo but Ospreay storms after Ricochet. They’re both on the apron and Ospreay goes up a corner. Ricochet anchors Ospreay first! Then Ricochet has the Electric Chair Lift!
Ospreay fights free, fights off a nelson, then he KICKS Ricochet! Ospreay runs, but into a pop-up APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans chant “You Still Suck!” but Ricochet adds a SHOOTING STAR PRESS! Ricochet puts Ospreay in, then springboards to 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives, but then Ricochet AX KICKS! Dragon sleeper, inverted suplex, VERTIGO! Cover, TWO!? Ospreay survives and Ricochet is shocked! Ricochet snarls and he aims from a corner. The fans rally for Ospreay but Ricochet loads up. SPIRIT- NO, Ospreay ducks under! Ospreay gets up, Ricochet blocks a kick!
Ricochet V-TRIGGERS, then he reels Ospreay in! But Ospreay fights out of the bomb, but then Ricochet returns the favor! Ricochet suplexes, into STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Ospreay springboards for the OSC- CUTTER FROM RICOCHET!! Ricochet hurries to get Ospreay up, powerbomb into fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! SPIRIT- HIDDEN BLADE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Ospreay and Ricochet both slowly sit up and the fans rally as hard as ever. Ricochet and Ospreay stare down, talk a bit of trash, then stand up. Ospreay draws a line in the sand and dares Ricochet to step up.
Ricochet steps right up, they stand toe to toe, literally! They start firing forearms! The fans cheer Ospreay, boo Ricochet, and Ricochet wobbles! But then Ricochet comes back with forearm after forearm! Ospreay wobbles, but he grins as he rises and roars! Ospreay fires a flurry on Ricochet, then ROCKS him! Ricochet flops over, Ospreay hauls him up! But Ricochet grabs at the ref! Ospreay kicks Ricochet’s arm away, but then Ricochet RAMS Ospreay into the ref! The fans boo but then Ricochet hurries to HOOK KICK! And VERTI- NO, Ospreay slips free to underhook! STORM BREAKER! Cover, but the ref is down!
The fans count, Ospreay would’ve won twice over! Ospreay calls to the ref, the ref sputters around, and Ospreay goes up. But then Ricochet kicks the ref into ropes! Ospreay gets tripped up and the fans boo more! Ospreay is confused as to what happened, but SPIRIT GUN hits the mark!! Cover, RICOCHET WINS!
Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Ospreay earns 0)
The One & Only got away with murder, but there’s nothing that can be done now! Ricochet has NINE points, will he be headed to Worlds End?
Adam Cole heads to the ring!
The fans cheer as the Panama City Playboy returns to the Hammerstein Ballroom, and yes, they join in for the “BOOM~!” and the “ADAM COLE, BAYBAY~!” Cole grabs a mic, but he keeps his eyes on the ramp. That’s because we all know who’s next. MJF makes his entrance, but with a handful of security guards in front of him first. And not even AEW security, that’s his own personal security. MJF grabs a mic and has them cut his music. The fans boo but MJF tells them, “If I wanted your help, I’d ask for it. Sit down and shut up.” The fans tell MJF to STFU, but MJF shrugs that off.
MJF tells Cole that MJF is frustrated. It’s because for the past few months, MJF has had to listen to Cole say MJF is Cole’s biggest enemy! If memory serves, and MJF’s memory always does because unlike the fans here, he isn’t a complete moron… Didn’t Cole turn on MJF? But then does Cole realize he has bigger enemies out there? Like spray tan, cracks in the floor, gusts of win, and maybe… a cavity. Because last MJF heard, Cole’s dentist isn’t seeing him anymore. Cole was already staring daggers into MJF, but now he’s pissed. MJF has Cole calm down, and he tells the fans to shut up so he can shoot straight.
When MJF was the longest-reigning and greatest AEW World Champion of all time, Cole was nothing more than MJF’s cute little sidekick. That ate Cole up inside. Cole wanted to be MJF. Cole wanted #TripleB. But the sad truth is, Cole had many opportunities to win the title before MJF got anywhere near it. It’s almost like when it comes to Cole being elite enough to become world champion, just like his “s*itty little ankle,” Cole blows it. MJF laughs at his own joke, and then tells the fans he is talking, it is not that complicated. But this is why MJF doesn’t buy the hogwash that Cole turned on MJF because MJF would turn on Cole first.
Cole turned because he, like all these shmucks, is jealous of MJF. And who can blame Cole? MJF is rich, handsome, funny, entertaining, and then look at Cole. For crying out loud, Cole used to be ADAM COLE BAYBAY. Now, he’s just a crack baby! Cole asks if MJF is done. Was that the last line? Because it felt like MJF practiced that for two weeks in front of a mirror. But MJF killed it, really. Cole could come back with childish comments to hurt MJF’s feelings, but he won’t. Cole could mention MJF has had two surgeries on that fake head of hair of his while only in his 20s, which is hilarious, but he won’t.
Cole could talk about how MJF pulled some strings to get his girlfriend hired, like the real politician he is, but Cole won’t go there. Cole could talk about how every single time MJF enters a room, everyone waits for him to leave because he is loud, obnoxious and annoying as hell. But Cole won’t go there. Because Cole is not like MJF. They are nothing alike. That is why the friendship was ruined. Because, MJF, the truth is you say Cole is a failure, but in virtually every wrestling company Cole has worked for, he is the longest-reigning champion in so many!
In this very building, Cole bled BUCKETS against Kyle O’Reilly, wanting to prove he was one of the best in the world, and that is exactly what he did! Does Cole have regrets? Sure. Are there things Cole wishes he could take back? Absolutely. But Cole does NOT regret turning on MJF. The only reason it drives MJF insane is because Cole beat MJF to it. That’s MJF 101: Get close to someone, then turn on them. It’s what MJF does. Cole just did it better than MJF, and MJF knows it.
But Cole has been thinking, trying to understand what’s going on in MJF’s head, and he finally figured it out. MJF is terrified of having anyone close to him, because he feels it is a weakness. That hit a chord? Because not only does MJF act like a child, he thinks like a child! MJF knows in his heart that he was going to be the one to turn on Cole first! DAMN RIGHT HE WAS!!! MJF realizes he let the cat out of the bag. MJF says congrats, Cole, he solved the mystery! A regular Scooby-Doo! Great job, Adam.
But you want the truth? Here it is. The fact of the matter is, last year at Worlds End, MJF had every intention on stabbing Cole in the back that night. Cole just got lucky. When #BetterThanYouBaybay started, MJF didn’t give a damn about Cole. Cole was nothing more than a pawn. But MJF will admit, he did eventually start to care. For the first time in MJF’s life, he cared about someone else. Fans mockingly go, “Aww…” But MJF says that is just when Cole became a liability. And since Cole’s “a fragile little freak,” him jumping off that ramp and exploding his ankle made him a distraction!
Distractions, liabilities, emotions, there are no room for those when all you should be concerned with is maintaining the world championship! But Cole doesn’t get it, does he? Last year was a fluke. Cole ain’t the Devil, he just beat the Devil to it. But this year, Worlds End, December 28th, the same show where Cole tried to end MJF’s world, MJF ENDS Cole!! MJF throws down the mic and the fans are torn. Cole smirks and says MJF ends things then? Well, how about Cole ends this? COLE DECKS MJF! The guards rush in, but Cole fights them off! MJF sends more but Cole SUPERKICSK! And SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS!
But then MJF LOW BLOWS Cole! MJF tells the fans to shut up! MJF takes out the Dynamite Diamond Ring! But then The Kingdom rushes out here! MJF runs away from Matt Taven & Mike Bennett, but he vows this ends at Worlds End. We have one week left, is that the last week Cole has in AEW? Or will MJF finally lose the one thing he has left in that diamond ring?
Backstage interview with Kris Statlander.
Lexy Nair is with the #BornAgainKristen and brings up her trying to make amends with Willow Nightingale last night, as well as making the save when Harley Cameron & Penelope Ford were beating Willow up. Kris says what she and Willow have to discuss is between them. But as far as her and Penelope go, they’ve got a lot of history, and if Ford wants a fight, Kris will give her a fight. Then speaking of history, Kris still has her eyes set on the TBS Championship, can she tells us more on that?
Kris says she looked back on 2024 and she had a downward spiral that started with losing that title. Maybe if she wins it back, Kris will right her wrongs. On that note, Mercedes Mone, you don’t have an opponent for Worlds End so here Kris is. Let her know when you’re ready for round two. Kris heads out, will she prove to everyone that she is still the Galaxy’s Greatest?
Backstage interview with Orange Cassidy.
AEW returns and Lexy is now with Freshly Squeezed. In exactly one week, he will compete against three other men for the AEW World Championship. There are a lot of combustible elements at play, and Cassidy says yeah, we saw that on Dynamite. Jay White, Hangman Page and Cassidy can’t exactly have a conversation. So really, Cassidy wants them to listen. “Between now and Worlds End, Jon Moxley can run and hide. He can hide behind his goons, he can run away in a pickup truck. But when that bell rings in seven days, he has nowhere to go. He will be in the ring with us. Us three. And you both know that we need to remove Jon Moxley from the equation.
“We can. We’ve done it. And after that, us three, we can fight for the AEW World Championship and one of us will become the AEW World Champion. Just something to think about. See you guys on Dynamite.” Cassidy is ready to remove the Maniac from the throne, but will the Switchblade and Cowboy listen to reason?
Kris Statlander VS Penelope Ford!
As Kris just said, she’s calling out The CEO in hopes of one more TBS Championship match. But will the Superbad Girl be more like the Grinch for Kris this Christmas?
The bell rings and the fans rally as Kris circles with Ford. They tie up, Kris powers Ford to a corner, then throws Ford back into the corner! The ref counts, Kris lets off, but Ford shoves her! Kris ROCKS Ford, TOSSES her, then runs up on her. Kris whips, drops down, then hurdles over. Kris CLOBBERS Ford and the fans fire up as she flexes. Kris drags Ford up, reels her in, and suplexes, and she holds Ford up! The fans cheer and Kris goes all the way to TEN, but Ford slips into a SLEEPER! Kris pries the hold open and she brings Ford around for another suplex! The fans fire up as Kris holds Ford up for five before the SLAM! Cover, TWO!
Kris drags Ford up, whips her to the corner, but Ford goes up, only for Kris to Electric Chair Lift! Kris climbs, Ford fights with fists, and she shoves Kris down! Ford steadies herself, then hits a FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford is frustrated but she storms up on Kris. Ford bumps Kris off buckles but the fans rally behind Kris. Ford stomps a mudhole, but she lets off as the ref counts. Kris goes to the apron, but Ford jumps up to drop KNEES on her! The fans boo but Ford soaks up the heat, and Collision goes picture in picture.
Ford brings Kris around to THROW her into railing! Ford soaks up more heat, then drags Kris up and RAMS her into the apron! Ford refreshes the count, then stalks Kris around the way. Ford whips Kris into the steel steps! Kris falls over in a heap but Ford drags her up into the ring. Ford covers, TWO! Kris stays in this but Ford kicks her around. Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes, thrashes around, but lets off as the ref counts. Ford drags Kris up and whips her to ropes, then LARIATS as Collision goes to break.
Christmas Collision returns and Ford CHOKES Kris on the ropes again! The ref counts, Ford lets off and Kris sputters to the apron. Ford runs and goes up, up, and KNEE DROPS on only apron! Kris then SHOTGUNS Ford off the apron! The fans fire up and Kris brings Ford up, to THROW into railing! Kris puts Ford in the ring, the fans fire up, but Ford kicks low. Ford reels Kris in, but Kris suplexes, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ford flounders to a corner but Kris has the fans rallying behind her. Kris runs up to UPPERCUT! Kris goes side to side but Ford dodges the knee! Ford hits a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Ford wasn’t quite perfect there but she watches Kris go to a corner. Ford runs corner to corner, handsprings, but Kris catches her! The fans fire up as Kris GERMAN SUPELXES, but Ford lands out! but Kris goes Matrix to dodge! So does Ford! STUNNER! Ford runs, Kris does her best to follow, but Ford hops up for a POISON-RANA! Cover, TWO!! Kris survives and the fans fire up! Ford is beside herself, but she drags Kris to a drop zone. Ford goes up top, and MOONSAULTS BUT FLOPS as Kris moves! Kris hurries to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! And then GERMAN SUPLEX again! The fans fire up as Kris scoops to tuck Ford in! STATURDAY NIGHT FEVER! Cover, Kris wins!
Winner: Kris Statlander, by pinfall
Ford gave Kris quite the fight, but Kris came out on top! Wait, here comes Mone! Kris did call the CEO out, so Santa Mone says, “Ho, ho, ho ho ho! New York Citaaaay~! Please say hello to your C E O! Kris, after the year I’ve been having, I was planning on taking Worlds End off. I was planning on going to the Ritz in Boston.” The fans boo Boston, but Mone says since it’s the holidays, Mone feels like being nice. She already beat Kris once anyway, so she’ll just beat her twice! At Worlds End, you see that money changes everything, because Mone is the greatest TBS Champion of all time!
The challenge has been accepted, and Mone is looking to be busy before the New Year. Will Kris make her regret it?
Big Boom AJ & Big Justice return to the ring.
They’re getting Christmas Collision ready to bring the BOOM, but out comes Chris Jericho, who is still ROH World Champion after overcoming Matt Cardona last night at Final Battle. And he has Bryan Keith & “Big Bill” Morrissey with him as he asks if AJ has a permit for being here tonight. Did they talk with Mayor DeBlasio? Because they certainly didn’t run this past Jericho. Do they know who he is? Big Justice says yeah, he knows! “You’re a JACKASS!” Jericho is taken aback, but the fans agree with Justice. The Bad Apple says this is why dumbass kids should be sitting and not heard. Jericho says yeah!
And if being a jackass means he’s the King of New York, then Jericho’s the biggest jackass! And besides, Jericho talks for everyone here saying we do not want AJ & Justice here! The fans boo, they disagree with Jericho. But Jericho says they don’t even have Costcos in New York! New Yorkers shop at bodegas. Fans are torn, because they kind of agree. Jericho says his favorite is the Walgreens a few blocks over in Flushing. And speaking of Flushing, that’s where AJ & Justice belong: in the toilet! This is the Hammerstein Ballroom, the House that Jericho built! The fans boo that, it’s the House that Hardcore built.
But Jericho says there’s no time for goofy gimmicks like BOOM~, or bandit masks, or scissoring! Scissor me, Bad Apple~! But then wait! The Acclaimed is here! Well, Anthony Bowens is, at least. Bowens pushes past The Learning Tree and he joins AJ & Justice in the ring. Bowens has the music cut, and he tells Jericho that he doesn’t get why Scissor King is catching strays, but you caught his attention. Jericho is trying to intimidate a man in a walking boot and an 11 year old child while spouting nonsense about being the King of New York. Why doesn’t Jericho do what he has asked so many others in the past: SHUT THE HELL UP!
The fans cheer but Big Bill says, “As the Learning Tree always says, when a man tries to silence another man, he’s probably afraid of the truth.” The fans do cheer Big Bill because he is from New York. Bowens says he has no idea what that means, Bill. But he does know we’re live on TNT, Christmas Collision, Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City! So Chris, why not walk your ass to this ring and get it whipped by the Scissor King?! Jericho says if Bowens wants him to do that, then not tonight. Jericho waves bye, but AJ says hold on, listen up. We know Jericho is running scared, but we know at some point, Bowens will get to bring the-
Bowens stops the Boom? Because he wants to scissor! AJ says okay, and they SCISSOR BOOM~! But is that true? Will Anthony Bowens be the one to tear down the Learning Tree and be a champion?
Backstage interview with The Vendetta.
Lexy is now with Deonna Purrazzo & Taya Valkyrie, and they’ve got a hot streak going. Deonna’s message last week was ominous, but who was it for? Taya says there are so many options. Everyone deserves a slice of The Vendetta. There’s Mercedes, Mariah, Toni Storm, even Lexy could get some, so watch your back. Speaking of Toni, she stumbles in and apologizes for interrupting. She just wants to say hi to everyone, hello. Oh, Deonna, a pleasure. Deonna says she knows who Toni is. R-Really? So cool! Taya says she’ll make a guess: Toni has a tattoo on her leg, a little duck with a knife through it.
Wow, how’d Taya know? Deonna says no no no, she is not doing this again. She does not get what sick crap Toni’s up to, but she is already done with it. So for Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street, Toni VS Taya! Taya says she’ll make Toni forget everything! Toni nervously thanks The Vendetta, and says this is a big opportunity to face someone like Taya. Toni leaves, Deonna and Taya sigh, and Lexy has no idea what to say. Is Toni’s mind unraveling before our eyes? Or is there still a bit of Timeless inside Toni Time?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Shelton Benjamin VS Daniel Garcia!
This showdown was inevitable, but it’s even more fitting after The Standard of Excellence beat up the TNT Champion just because he stood up to the Hurt Syndicate. Will Shelton continue to bring the pain? Or will he not survive Red Death?
The bell rings and Garcia goes right at Shelton! Garcia fires hands but Shelton RAMS him into the corner! Shelton fires hands but Garcia turns things around to fire more shots! The ref counts, Shelton shoves Garcia back, but Garcia runs up to fire hands! Shelton shoves Garcia again, but Garcia gets under the lariat to waistlock. Shelton fights the lift but Garcia shoves him to SLAP! And CHOP! Shelton just grins and he picks Garcia up again! Shelton TOSSES Garcia away and Garcia goes to ropes. Shelton brings Garcia back up, scoops and SLAMS him, then brings him up again. Scoop SLAM! Shelton drags Garcia up and puts him in a corner.
Shelton whips corner to corner hard and Garcia falls! The fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton drags Garcia around, stomps him around, then TOSSES Garcia out hard! Garcia sputters but Shelton storms outside. Shelton brings Garcia up but Garcia fires hands! Shelton RAMS Garcia into the apron, then railing, then back to the apron! And repeat! Garcia falls in a heap and the fans fire up. Shelton grins as he drags Garcia up, to then THROW into steel steps! Shelton leaves Garcia behind and the ring count climbs on Garcia. Garcia drags himself up at 7 but Shelton goes out after him again.
Shelton puts Garcia in the ring, then grabs at him. Garcia grabs ropes but Shelton stomps him. Shelton stands Garcia up to DECK him! The fans cheer but Shelton brings Garcia up again. Garcia fires a forearm, then he CHOPS! Shelton eggs Garcia on, so Garcia CHOPS! Shelton grins, Garcia CHOPS, but Shelton DECKS him again! The fans duel but Shelton whips Garcia to ropes, for a BIG backdrop! Garcia flounders and Collision goes picture in picture.
Shelton stalks Garcia to the ropes, brings him up and around, then puts him on other ropes so he can CHOKE him! The ref counts, Shelton steps off, and Garcia coughs and sputters to a corner. Shelton stalks behind Garcia, stands him up, and winds up to ROCK Garcia! Garcia flounders against ropes then falls to the mat! Shelton stands over Garcia, drags him up and puts him in the corner. Shelton throws hands and Garcia stumbles. Garcia falls, but Shelton stands on him. Shelton stomps Garcia, drags him up, but Garcia fires up! Garcia breaks free to fire CHOPS and forearms on repeat!
Garcia whips, Shelton reverses and Shelton BOOTS Garcia down! Cover, TWO! Shelton is still amused, and he clamps onto Garcia with a chinlock. Garcia endures as Shelton grinds him down, and Garcia fights up, only for Shelton to wrangle him back down! Shelton leans all his weight on the hold and he squeezes tight. Garcia fades but the fans rally, and Garcia gets a second wind! Garcia fights up, Christmas Colilsion returns to siongle cipture, and the fans duel as Garcia fires hands! Garcia runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then SHOTGUNS SHelton down! The fans fire up and Garcia aims from a corner. Garcia runs up, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX!
The fans are torn while Shelton storms around. Shelton waits on Garcia, waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEX! Garcia flops around but Shelton stalks him to the ropes. Shelton goes to the apron, runs up, but Garcia BOOTS him! Garcia takes a swing, but Shelton waistlocks! Garcia holds ropes to fight off the suplex to the floor! Garcia stands up and elbows Shelton away! Then Garcia LEAPS, but into Shelton’s clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY to the floor! Garcia flounders, fans sing, “We Hurt People!” Shelton runs up but Garcia drop toeholds him into a chair! Shelton sputters and the fans rally up. Garcia makes Shelton take a seat, then rains down fists!
The fans count along and Garcia goes to nine, puts up the dukes, then hits TEN! Garcia gets space, runs back in, and he SHOTGUNS Shelton outta the chair! The fans are thunderous as Garcia goes back for Shelton. Garcia drags Shelton up but Shelton pushes him away. Shelton LARIATS Garcia, then rolls into the ring. The ring count starts, the fans help Garcia stand, and the fans fire up! Garcia hurries to the ring, but Shelton BOOTS, only for Garcia to block! DRAGON SCREW! Garcia runs, Shelton gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Even with a bad leg, Shelton has so much strength! Shelton storms up in the corner, but Garcia dodges!
Shelton’s knee hits buckles, and Garcia leg scissor rolls him! Garcia steps through for the DRAGON TAMER!! Shelton endures and the fans fire up! Garcia sits on the hold, but Shelton powers up! Shelton powers out of the hold, has Garcia’s legs, and he turns Garcia over into a QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH! Garcia endures, reaches out, and he army crawls his way forward! But Shelton drags Garcia back! Garcia cradles Shelton! TWO!! Shelton escapes, but Garcia BOOTS him! Shelton SUPERKICKS Garcia! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Shelton covers, TWO!! Garcia barely gets out of that and Shelton is furious!
“This is Awesome!” as Shelton looms over Garcia. Shelton drags Garcia up, but Garcia trips Shelton! Jackknife bridge, GARCIA WINS!!
Winner: Daniel Garcia, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Shelton earns 0)
A Christmas Collision miracle? Who knows! But Garcia is still alive in the C2, but Lashley snatches Garcia into a SLEEPER! The fans boo but MVP hands the pimp cane to Shelton! But here comes Mark Briscoe, and he has a chair! Security wants this to stop before it gets out of hand, and even producers get out here! But wait! Is that Swerve Strickland rushing in from the crowd?! It is! He goes right up top to SUPER SWERVE STOMP the Syndicate and security guards! Garcia gets free of the pile, Mark Briscoe is with him, and now the locker room hurries out here to stop this from getting worse!
The fans chant, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” and Nana eventually hands the mic to Swerve. “Bobby FREAKIN’ Lashley! Didn’t I say I was gonna get my hands on you by the end of ’24? By the end of 2024, I said I was gonna get my hands on you, and that’s what I did, courtesy of the most dangerous man in AEW. Whose house?!” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” Swerve is still aiming for Lashley’s head, will he and Lashley have it out at Worlds End?
AEW Continental Classic, Blue League: Mark Briscoe VS The Beast Mortos!
After getting a couple shockers, The Sussex County Chicken could easily jump up to the front of the block with one more! But will he #ManUp and bring down the menacing minotaur? Or will The Beast be a massive spoiler for Briscoe?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock again. The fans rally and duel while both men fire up. They RAM shoulders, and then fire forearms! The fans fire up as Mark gets the edge, but Mortos swings! Mark dodges to CHOP, then fire forearms! Mark ROCKS Mortos, whips, but Mortos reverses and SPLASHES Mark! Mortos runs but Mark follows to LARIAT! Mark runs, Mortos follows, but Mark dodges to CHOP! And CHOP! And forearm! And Mongolian Chop! Mark fires forearms against the ropes, then roars. Mark runs but Mortos follows to UPPERCUT! The fans fire up, Mortos runs but Mark follows to FOREARM!
Mark runs, Mortos follows, and he slingshots to hook and backslide, TWO! Mark trips Mortos to jackknife, TWO! Mortos gets around, hammerlock and cradle, TWO! Mark slips around to roll Mortos, TWO! Both men stand, both men dodge, and the fans cheer the standoff. The fans cheer “BOTH THESE GUYS! BOTH THESE GUYS!” as they reset. Mark and Mortos run up to RAM shoulders again! And again! Mortos is getting the better of this, and he CLOBBERS Mark! The fans cheer Mortos while Mark goes to ropes. Mortos runs in but Mark TOSSES him up and out! Mortos clutches a leg, stands up, but Mark runs!
Mortos slides in, dodges, and he SPEARS Mark! The fans fire up and Mortos roars while Collision goes picture in picture.
Mark rolls to a corner while Mortos headbutts buckles. Mortos then runs corner to corner to DROPKICK Mark! Mark sputters, Mortos drags him to a cover, TWO! Mark stays in this but Mortos drags him into a chinlock. Mark endures, even as Mortos leans on the hold. Mark fights up as the fans rally, and Mark fires body shots. Mortos THROWS Mark down! Mortos then CRANKS Mark’s neck, then KICKS him in the chest! Cover, TWO! Mark is still in this and he goes to ropes. Mortos storms up but Mark CHOPS! Mortos SMACKS Mark and Mark falls into a corner. Mortos stomps Mark, then digs his boots in!
The ref reprimands and counts, Mortos steps off, then Mortos snapmares Mark so he can step on Mark’s face! Then NECK TWIST! Cover, TWO! Mark stays in this and he goes back to ropes. Mortos waits on Mark to stand, then SMACKS him down! Mark dangles out of the ring in the ropes, but Mortos goes after a leg while Collision goes to break.
Christmas Collision returns and Mortos has Mark in a corner. Mortos whips corner to corner, then runs up to UPPERCUT, CHOP, and HEADBUTT! Mark staggers and the fans rally up for Mortos. Mortos brings down his kneepads, runs corner to corner, but Mark dodge! Mortos hits buckles then falls to the outside! The fans fire up as Mark then WRECKS Mortos with a dropkick! Mark builds speed and he DIVES, direct hit on Mortos! The fans fire up and Mark even hugs a few! Mark tosses a chair into the ring, and fans rally for #DEMBOYS. Mark sets the chair up, but Mortos anchors Mark’s legs! Mortos then SMACKS Mark!
Mortos drags Mark to the apron, Mark fires forearms. Mortos shoves Mark, but Mark fireman’s carries! Mortos fires elbows to get free! Mark REDNECK KUNG-FU UPPERCUTS! Then APRON GERMAN SUPLEXES! Mortos falls to the floor while the fans lose their minds! Mark rises up, takes aim, and he fires the fans up more. Mark goes up a corner, for a SUPER SKY TWISTER! The fans are thunderous and Mark high-fives the front row. Mark then goes back to the ring and builds speed! Mark uses the chair to FLY! Direct hit and Mark even lands on his feet! The fans fire up and Mark hurries to get Mortos back up.
Mark puts Mortos in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Mark takes aim. FROGGY-BOW onto knees! Mortos saves himself there, and then roars! Mortos whips Mark, scoops him, and has the torture rack! BEAST BACKBREAKER! Then Mortos hauls Mark up for a POWER BREAKER!! The fans fire up for Mortos and he DISCUS- NO, Mark dodges, runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Mark survives and the fans fire up again! Mortos snarls, hauls Mark up, and then scoops! But Mark slips free! Mark crane kicks, then underhooks! But Mortos backdrops free! Mark rises, Mortos runs, but into a fireman’s carry!
Mark hits a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Then Mark goes up the corner, and the fans fire up for the FROGGY-BOW!! Cover, TWO?!? Mortos survives but Mark shakes his head. Mark just goes back up top! Mortos sits up and roars! But Mark still FROGGY-BOWS!! And then he underhooks, lifts, JAY DRILLER!! Cover, Mark wins!
Winner: Mark Briscoe, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Mortos earns 0)
And with that, Mark is now even with Kyle Fletcher, who Mark already beat earlier on! That is all the difference between the one seed and the two seed, how will this final round shake out?
Julia Hart speaks.
“Jamie, Jamie, Jamie. I’m no coward. What you call tricks, I call advantages. I suggested that you watch your back. I gave you all the warnings. So I’m not understanding why you feel the need to call me classless and sneaky. I thought I was being more than reasonable. I know you’re strong, but are you smart? Are my ‘tricks’ too much for you? I guess we’ll find out January 1st, Fight for the Fallen. But remember: The House Always Wins.” The Princess of the Black Throne is ready, but will she learn Hayter Hits Hard?
Backstage interview with Mariah May.
Alex Marvez is with the AEW Women’s World Champion and says in one week’s time, it will be Mariah VS Thunder Rosa for the title, in a Tijuana Street Fight! Marvez notes that Mariah not only had some harsh words for Rosa, but for her father, as well. Mariah says, “Aw~, Papa Rosa is gonna be in the front row. Is that to watch the match? Or does Thunder need a new mami?” But speaking of Rosa, she RAMS Mariah right into the door! And dribbles her off it, too! Mariah pulls hair, Rosa tries to choke Mariah, and then Mariah shoves Rosa away. Mariah calls Rosa crazy, but Rosa says she’s not done with Mariah!
Rosa storms after Mariah into the hall, and then to the stage area! Mariah has made it to ringside, Nigel tries to warn her, but Rosa CLOBBERS Mariah! Rosa rains down fists, then stomps away! Rosa SMACKS Mariah off steel steps, then grabs a chair! Mariah sputters, but gets away before Rosa swings the chair! Security rushes out here for the third time tonight, and Rosa LEAPS! The cluster keeps her away from Mariah but fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” Rosa holds up the AEW Women’s World Championship, will she send the “Woman From Hell” back where she came from in order to have the gold again?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Darby Allin VS Claudio Castagnoli!
While The Relentless One has been after each and every Death Rider, he gets one served up to him on a silver platter. But will Darby bring down the Swiss Superman before the final round? Or will Claudio crush Darby’s hopes and dreams this close to Christmas?
But before Claudio even gets in the ring, Darby DIVES out onto him! The fans fire up as Darby fires fast hands! Claudio gets away but Darby pursues, jumps on, and throws more hands! Claudio carries Darby up the ramp to then THROW him down! Darby writhes, Claudio drags him up, and Claudio gorilla presses! Darby slips free, goes to the entry, and then dodges Claudio to send him into the light truss! And then he shoves Claudio into it again! Claudio falls, and now Darby climbs up!? The fans fire up as Darby is up on the camera balcony! Darby SUPER CROSSBODIES Claudio down!
Claudio tumbles down the ramp and Darby sputters while fans lose their minds. The ref checks Darby, his fall was still really wicked. Claudio sits up in a daze as he’s now ringside, and somehow Darby pursues! They both get in the ring, the bell rings, and Darby runs up! But into a POP-UP UPPERCUT!! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio is already frustrated. Claudio drags Darby by his legs, to GIANT SWING~! The fans count as Darby goes around and around, and Claudio goes past TEN, past FIFTEEN, past TWENTY, and all the way to THIRTY!! Darby flounders out of the ring while Collision goes picture in picture.
The ref goes out to check on Darby, and somehow he’s okay to continue. Claudio steps out to fetch Darby, and lift shim up with one hand! Claudio then gut wrenches and carries Darby, to SLAM him onto railing! And DUMP him down! Claudio drags Darby up again, gut wrenches again, and he TOSSES Darby onto the railing! Darby flops back down and clutches his lower back, but Claudio leaves him behind. The ring count begins but Darby sits up. Claudio goes out after him again, and brings him up to CHOP! Darby staggers away to a corner, Claudio storms up and CHOPS again! Darby flops down but Claudio looms over him.
Claudio gets space, runs up, and he UPPERCUTS Darby against railing! Darby stumbles away, Claudio goes to the ring, but Darby rolls in, just to roll back out. Darby earns himself some time, but then Claudio storms out after him. Darby hurries int he ring to get away, but Claudio is after him there, too. Claudio stands on Darby’s hands, then stomps them! Darby writhes, but Claudio stomps his hands more! Darby goes to a corner. Claudio stands him up and CHOPS! Claudio UPPERCUTS, CHOPS, and Christmas Collision returns to single picture. The fans duel, Darby fires hands, but Claudio UPPERCUTS!
Claudio whips, Darby springboards, COFFIN- NO, Claudio catches Darby! Darby fights free, runs, but Claudio runs up! Darby DUMPS Claudio, then runs to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp! The fans fire up again and Darby puts Claudio in. Claudio rolls out the far side but Darby DIVES again! Claudio is sent into railing but Darby goes up a corner! The fans fire up for the SUPER COFFIN SPLASH! Direct hit and both men are down again. The ref starts the ring count, the fans rally up, and Darby refreshes the count. Darby LEAPS onto Claudio for a SLEEPER! Claudio goes to steel steps and he steps up, but Darby squeezes tight!
Claudio steps back down, and he runs into the timekeeper’s area! BACKPACK SENTON through the table! The fans lose their minds again while Claudio leaves Darby behind in the wreckage. Darby stirs, the ref starts another ring count, and Darby crawls. “This is Awesome!” as Darby leaps in at 7! Claudio runs but Darby slips around! O’Conner Roll, TWO, springboard and SPALSH! Cover, TWO! Ghost pin, TWO! Claudio is up, but Darby sunset flips! Claudio stays up, and DOUBLE STOMPS! Claudio deadlifts Darby to then TOSS him out of the ring! Darby hits apron on the way out and fans tell Claudio he’s sick!
Claudio goes out after Darby and drags him up again. Claudio scoops and then POSTS Darby! And POSTS him again! Claudio TOSSES Darby aside, rolls into the ring, but only to refresh the count. Claudio then drags Darby by a leg and brings him over. Claudio SWINGS Darby into steel steps!! Claudio puts Darby in the ring, stands him up, and runs to LARIAT! Darby flips through the air! Claudio covers, TWO!! Darby survives and Claudio is frustrated. The fans rally for Darby but Claudio rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Then Claudio tucks the arms, RICOLA- CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Claudio escapes in time!
The fans rally while both men are down again. Darby and Claudio slowly rise, and Ricochet watches, very amused as Darby is his next opponent in the round robin. Darby crawls to a corner, climbs up, but Claudio UPPERCUTS! Claudio HEADBUTTS Darby, then climbs up again. Claudio brings Darby up and suplexes, but Darby fights around! SUPER SCORPION DEATH DROP!! The fans are thunderous for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” as Darby rises up. Darby climbs to the very top, COFFION DROP onto knees! Claudio saves himself, then he hauls Darby up. Straitjacket and RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Darby survives and shocks Claudio! Claudio argues with the ref but the count was fair! Darby’s just that tough! Claudio goes back to Darby and ripcords him into the RICOLA~ BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?! HOW?!? Claudio goes outside, and he brings out something from under the ring. He also has a chair! The ref takes the chair from Claudio, but Claudio has BRASS KNUCKLES! BRASS KNUCKLE PUNCH!!! Cover, CLAUDIO WINS!
Winner: Claudio Castagnoli, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Darby earns 0)
The Swiss Superman screws over Darby, but then he gets that chair back. But wait, Ospreay slides into the ring! And HE has the brass knuckles that Claudio tossed aside! Ospreay dares Claudio to do something, but Claudio simply leaves. Does this mean Ospreay’s ready to ride against the Death Riders with Darby? Or will we see a Miracle on 34th Street send Ospreay and Darby to Worlds End?
My Thoughts:
A great Collision here as the last one before Worlds End, and therefore a bit of a go-home in itself. While the continued feud of MJF and Cole has still been a bit clunky since they did the double turn, their faceoff did a good job addressing some of that. They got good digs at each other as always, and MJF snapping and revealing “the truth” was their big move to recover this story. We of course got a brawl, and good save by The Kingdom. It feels like MJF still finds a way to hold onto the diamond ring, but c’mon, how fitting is it for Cole to get a diamond.
Good bit with Toni Storm and The Vendetta, and Deonna’s reaction to Toni was great. Deonna is justified in thinking this is still an act from Toni, not a legitimate psychological problem, and Toni VS Taya will be good stuff. Good promo from Kris Statlander, good match from her and Penelope Ford, and of course a good win for Kris. Good promo from Mone to make Worlds End official, but as I’ve been saying, Mone is more likely to lose the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship as part of the big NJPW Tokyo Dome weekend. The irony is, Mina Shirakawa is her challenger and Mina shows up plenty in AEW, so I don’t know how that math is supposed to work.
Good promo from Mariah May as it also turned into a brawl with Thunder Rosa. As it stands, Rosa standing tall holding up the belt means she is NOT winning at Worlds End, but they could still give us a little more from Rosa and Mariah on Dynamite’s Christmas episode to turn the tables. Good promo from Julia Hart to respond to Jamie Hayter, they’ll have a good match. Good promo from Orange Cassidy to try and reason with Jay White and Hangman Page, but that’s all the more reason Moxley likely uses the challengers all against each other like he did on Wednesday. Though, it would be fun if they at least started the match all annihilating Moxley with their finishers, making us think it’ll work out in favor of “Team AEW.”
Good stuff with Big Boom AJ & Big Justice here tonight, both hyping up the show but also interacting with Jericho’s group and even Anthony Bowens. They’re adding some more foreshadowing to The Acclaimed breaking up, and I guess we’re supposed to see this as a positive move, Bowens feuding with Jericho. Unless Bowens is going to be the guy that dethrones Jericho for whatever ROH cable TV debut/return is planned, the Jericho Vortex strikes again. Bowens should be going for an AEW midcard title, but right now, those are all tied up what with the C2 going on and the International Championship being tied up in Worlds End and NJPW plans.
Speaking of the C2, great stuff with all the matches tonight. Shelton VS Garcia was great stuff, and while Garcia gets the win, they’re still giving us some set-up for a TNT Championship match of Garcia VS Shelton. Mark Briscoe of course made the save, but great surprise for Swerve to show up. Lashley VS Swerve for Worlds End just needs to be said, it already feels a given. All that brawling was also a good segue into Mark VS Mortos, and another great showing for Mortos, even in losing. But as Mark has already had all his matches and is at 9 points, Kyle doesn’t even need to win against Garcia, he just needs to draw so that Mark will be out, and Garcia with him.
While Ospreay VS Darby on Wednesday raised the bar, Ospreay VS Ricochet still had great stuff of its own. Plus, Ricochet is bringing out more of his Heel side what with using the ref, and Ricochet’s win puts the pressure on Ospreay for Christmas Dynamite. Now, no offense to Brody King, but I’m thinking Ospreay wins that to take one of the semifinal spots. Darby VS Claudio tonight was also great, but Darby doing his best Sting off the truss was not the best when he gets that whiplash on the floor. I really thought that match was going to be called for concussion protocol, but Darby’s weirdly indestructible.
Claudio still cheats this win so there’s more heat on the Death Riders and Darby is also behind the 8 ball. Ospreay making the save was good, we can definitely have another “Team AEW” VS Death Riders with Ospreay joining Darby and a couple others, but the way they did the order of matches, Claudio’s got a seemingly easy ride against Komander for Christmas. Though, how awesome would it be if Komander pulled off the spoiler? Or if they were really going to add some drama, they should create a situation where the Death Riders end up ringside, violating the Continental Rules of no cornermen and that disqualifies Claudio. Claudio misses out on the semifinals because of a technicality, sending Ospreay and maybe Ricochet to the semifinals.
My Score: 8.8/10
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