Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (12/18/23)
I’m dreaming of a GOLD Christmas!
‘Twas the Raw Before Christmas…
… and all over the show, champions and challengers are going toe to toe! An Intercontinental and two tag team fights, that’s THREE championship matches on one Monday night!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Miracle on 34th Street Fight: R-Truth VS JD McDonagh; Truth wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship, Miz’s Last Chance: GUNTHER VS The Miz; Gunther wins and retains the title, Miz can no longer challenge him.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; Carter & Chance win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
- Ivar w/ Sarah Logan VS Akira Tozawa w/ Maxxine Dupri; Ivar wins.
- Jey Uso w/ Kofi Kingston VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ Giovanni Vinci; Jey wins.
- Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: Finn Balor & Damian Priest w/ Rhea Ripley VS The Creed Brothers; Finn & Priest win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Judgment Day is here!
The fans boo as Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh all make their way to the ring ahead of their very busy night. The stage is set for the Irish Ace facing R-Truth in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight, but first, Damian Priest welcomes us to Monday Night Raw. And more importantly, ALL RISE for The Judgment Day! The fans boo instead. Finn tells the Creed Brothers, “Congratulations, boys. You earned it. You ran the gauntlet and become the #1 contenders to face me and my good man, Damian. For you, the biggest match of your career. For you, probably the biggest night of your life.
“But for us, it’s just another night at the office. Because you’re stepping in the ring with the only TWO-TIME Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions of the World!” Rhea says, “And Ivy Nile… Run your mouth again, and I’m gonna make what I did to your little friend, Maxxine Dupri, pale in comparison to what I do to you. Because it is as simple as this: The Judgment Day, we ran 2023! And we are gonna continue to run 2024!” Dom starts but the fans boo even louder. Dom still says The Judgment Day runs ALL of the WWE! But then here comes Truth! And he wants them all to hold on! They left him behind!
He didn’t know they were opening the show! He loves opening the show. Des Moines, what’s up!? Welcome to Monday Night Raw! The fans cheer and JD tells Truth, “What the hell are you doing down here” Uh, he’s in Judgment Day, dawg. Priest & Finn keep JD cool, but Truth says last week’s beatdown was initiation, right? But he will say, not one to complain, but they kinda crossed the line. A lot of those- er, ALL of them, hurt. Physically and emotionally. And DP, he knows you didn’t mean that when you said you don’t like him. Truth saw it in Priest’s eyes. JD says if it’s getting hurt Truth is worried about, then get outta this ring right now.
Fans boo but Truth says look. Everyone is looking for a fight, right? Rhea wants to beat up Ivy, Finn & DP want to beat up on the Creeds, so Truth needs someone to beat up on! And he looks at JD. Fans fire up for these two, and Truth is seeing the trees, the lights. There’s a lot of animosity here, right? So let’s squash the beef and be a happy family. But they’ll do this as a Miracle on 34th Street Fight. Truth, that was already made official last week! It’s happening! Oh, okay. “Siri, how far is 34th Street?” Truth… This match is happening in this ring, right now! And for the last time, you are NOT in The Judgment Day!
Truth isn’t if he loses. But JD won’t be if he loses! So this is a LOSER LEAVES JUDGMENT DAY MATCH! No! That’s not how- Priest says hold on. Rhea tells him no but Priest likes the idea. The fans do, too! Rhea says forget it. JD says it doesn’t matter, Truth needs a miracle to win anyway. Then let’s do this! WHAT’S UP!? The fans are all fired up, and the others get out of the ring, who (supposedly) gets kicked off the team?
Miracle on 34th Street Fight: R-Truth VS JD McDonagh!
The bell rings, JD storms up but Truth TACKLES JD! Truth fires hands, JD gets up, but Truth ducks and kicks low. Truth runs to SCISSOR- NO, JD dodges, ROCKS Truth, and kicks him at the ropes. JD bumps Truth off buckles, Dom gets him a kendo stick, and JD digs boots in. JD takes the stick takes aim. JD jumps the stick, kicks low and hits the SCISSOR KICK! Fans fire up and Truth takes off his belt! Fans fire up as Truth SPANKS JD out of the ring! Truth goes out after JD, SMACKS him off the Christmas cookies, then stalks behind. JD CHHUCKS a tree! Truth dodges, then hands him a gift, to BOOT it into his face!
Truth drags JD up, Dom coaches JD but Truth puts JD in the ring. Truth hugs it out with Dom, but then Dom POSTS Truth! Fans boo Dirty Dom being a Scrooge, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, Truth throws body shots to get out of a chinlock, then he ROCKS JD! Truth whips JD to a corner, runs in and SPLASHES! Truth then hits a BIG hip toss! Cover, TWO! JD is still in this but Truth says he has an idea. Truth goes out to fetch a TABLE! The fans are loving it but Dom shouts to JD to get up! Truth slides the table in but JD WRECKS him with a dropkick! Fans boo but JD drags Truth up and puts him in the ring. JD storms up on Truth, KICKS him in the side, and fans chant “JD SUCKS!” JD whips Truth, Truth BOOTS back! But Dom trips Truth into JD’s jingle bells! Dom apologizes, then drags Truth out.
But Truth whips Dom into steel steps, and then Dom falls into the tree! Truth uses the fire extinguisher to BLAST JD! JD flails and flounders, and Truth sets up the table! The fans fire up, Truth positions the table just right, and then goes back for JD. JD swings but Truth counter punches! And again! Truth then dodges to flying shoulder! Truth shouts out his childhood hero, John Cena, with the SPIN OUT BOMB! And of course “YOU CAN’T-” JD KICKS Truth from below! But Truth comes back to CALF KICK! Truth resets, “YOU CAN’T SEE ME!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries and aims for the table!
Fans fire up but JD flails free! JD shoves, runs in, but Truth TOSSES him out! Truth goes out the side, grabs the Christmas tree and brings it around, to CLOBBER JD with! JD flounders, Truth puts him back in the ring and brings him to the table. Truth sets JD on the table, goes up the corner, and fans fire up! But JD hops off to ROCK Truth first! JD climbs up, he and Truth throw hands, and then JD HEADBUTTS! Truth falls back, fans boo, but JD sits Truth back up, ripping at the shirt. But Truth SPEARS JD down through the table!! Truth is just on top of JD for the cover, and Truth WINS!
Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall
Even Truth can’t believe it! Truth won and is “still in the Judgment Day!” But will Truth really have his Christmas wish and replace JD in the most dominant faction on Raw? Or will the fun and games be over after tonight?
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance speak.
They ask Chelsea Green & Piper Niven if they feel that. Do they feel the storm that’s coming? Because if they don’t, they will soon. These two are under the electric sky, and will become the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! And guess what? Chelsea & Piper, your time is up, and it is time to party! WOOP WOOP! Will KC Squared truly be the life of the party after tonight?
Nia Jax is here!
The Irresistible Force refused to give The Man her grudge match, because Becky Lynch needs her more than she needs Becky Lynch. But then what does Nia plan on doing next? We find out, after the break.
Raw returns and fans boo as Nia has the mic. But before she can say anything, BECKY is here! The fans fire up as Becky makes her way down to the ring, but Nia storms her way out. Becky gets herself a mic to ask where Nia’s going. Is she scared? She has a mic in her hands, so surely she has something to say. Was it about Becky? Because she can just say it to Becky’s face now. Nia says as much as she would “love” to break Becky’s face again, she has more important matters to deal with. Because before Becky so rudely interrupted, Nia was going to announce that she’s entering the Women’s Royal Rumble.
Oh, great. And the fans don’t care. But maybe they care that she’s here. No? Well, maybe they care that Becky’s here! The fans cheer that. In fact, The Man has come around to Des Moines, and she came here looking for a fight! The fans also cheer that. Nia asks if Becky knows why they’ve never fought. It’s because “they” (management) is afraid of what Nia would do to Becky. Fans boo that, but Nia says face it. Becky is the moneymaker of the company. And if they were to go 1v1, that would end. Look at Becky! She’s the size of Nia’s leg! Nia would literally squash Becky and break her all over again. Is that what she wants?
Becky says Nia has it right, she is the moneymaker. But that is because she will fight anyone, any time, anywhere! So it isn’t “they” who stop this, it is not “they” who are afraid, it is Nia. Because Nia’s entire existence here has been on the back of someone else’s name. First, it was her bloodline. Now it is Becky. Because while Becky goes down as the greatest to ever do it, Nia’s only claim to fame is that she broke the nose of the greatest to ever do it. And so Nia doesn’t want this fight because that all goes away. Then there’s no “woman who made The Man,” just “the woman who lost to the greatest to ever do it.”
But if Nia wants to prove Becky wrong, just fight her right here, right now! Alright, fine! Get a ref! Right now! Let’s go! A ref appears, Nia huffs and puffs her way back, and the fans are all fired up! Nia gets in the ring, but then steps right back out! Fans boo and Nia says, “See how badly you want this? You’re not gonna get it.” Fans boo more but Nia says this happens on HER terms. In fact, this happens in HER hometown of San Diego! Nia VS Becky in two weeks, at Day One. And after Nia breaks Becky and she’s in the hospital with her little daughter, she’ll be saying, “Mommy, why’re you uglier than usual?” And that’s because Nia broke Becky’s face.
Nia taunts Becky as she walks away, but Becky rushes out to attack! Becky jumps on and fires fists! The fans fire up, security rushes out and they pull Becky away, but Nia CLUBS Becky down! Fans boo as Nia leaves, but will the first day of 2024 be the last day Nia runs her mouth?
“Kofi Klaus” visited the arena!
Before the show, he gave out free toys and merchandise to the fans, and even did some holiday twerking. Kofi Klaus is now in the back and he sees DIY! What would they like for Christmas? Well, they’d love the tag titles. Is there a match in there somewhere? No, but here’s a Jey Uso YEET shirt! Oh, Gargano’s son loves Jey! How’d Kofi know? Kofi Klaus always knows! HO HO HO! DIY then moves on to find The Miz preparing for his title match. The Miz sings the theme song, “WE ARE~ WE ARE~! D I Y! M I Z!” Not bad. But while they’ve all had their differences in the past, last week was great. Gargano and Miz shake hands, but Ciampa says no.
Ciampa says it wasn’t great. It was awesome. They shake hands now, and Jackie Redmond walks over. DIY heads out and Jackie says the Intercontinental Championship means so much to Miz. Is he feeling any pressure going into this title match knowing it is his last chance against Gunther? Miz brings up how a few weeks ago, he said we won’t know who Gunther really is until he’s at the bottom of the mountain. But that boulder at the top of the mountain sure seems sturdy. But the foundation is cracking, Imperium is at odds, and the first time we saw a hint of personality was when Miz rattled him!
“The man who is ‘just an entertainer’ ROCKED his foundation, and pushed him to the brink of losing the one thing that makes him interesting.” So Miz plans on finishing what he started by becoming a NINE TIME Intercontinental Champion! So you ask, is there added pressure? Why not ask the man who never wants to face Miz again if there’s any added pressure. With that, the Hollywood A-Lister heads out. Will this be the end of the series? Or just a new beginning?
WWE Intercontinental Championship, Miz’s Last Chance: GUNTHER VS The Miz!
Raw returns and Der Ring General makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if this is truly a skull-crushing finale!
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally up, the two tie up, and Gunther hits a headlock takeover. Miz fights up, puts Gunther on ropes, and the ref counts. Gunther turns things around on Miz, lets off with pats on the shoulder, then dares Miz to bring it. The fans boo, the two tie up again, and Gunther trips Miz, has the legs, but Miz scrambles to the ROPEBREAK. The ref counts, Gunther lets off and smirks. The two reset and the fans rally up more. They tie up, Gunther powers to a clinch and puts Miz on ropes. The ref counts, Gunther lets off, but Miz avoids the chop to CHOP! And KICK! And KICK!
Gunther blocks a kick, CHOPS Miz down, and grins as he looms over Miz. Gunther eggs Miz on, soaks up heat, but Miz drags Gunther down! HEEL HOOK! Gunther moves around, Miz rolls to shift, DECK Gunther, and tie up the legs in an INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Miz puts pressure on the hold but Gunther CHOPS! Miz stays on the hold, stands with it, and he throws down forearms! The fans fire up as Miz fires off! Miz then stands with the deathlock, he eggs Gunther on, and then Miz falls back to SNAP the lock! Gunther flails, reaches out, crawls back, ROPEBREAK! Miz lets go and Gunther even kicks from below.
Miz BOOTS Gunther out of the ring! The fans fire up was Miz runs, but Gunther avoids the dropkick to CHOP Miz down! Gunther hauls Miz up, reels him in, but Miz fights the bomb! Gunther tries again, APRON PNOWERBOMB! Miz sputters and fans boo while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and fans fire up as Miz fires haymakers on Gunther! Miz runs, but Gunther BOOTS him down! Miz flops to the apron, sits up in a daze, but Gunther soaks up the heat and mocks the massive nuts. Gunther sits Miz up to KICK! Gunther eggs Miz on, KICKS him again, and Miz winces. The fans rally for Miz, Gunther drags him up, and whips him to ropes. Miz ROCKS Gunther with a forearm! Miz runs to ROCK Gunther again! Miz keeps moving, Gunther CHOPS him down! And KICKS him in the back! Gunther grins as Miz writhes. Gunther looms over Miz, taunts him, “I told you, you do not belong with me in this sacred ring.”
Gunther kicks Miz around while calling him a wannabe. Gunther eggs Miz to get back up, then kicks him around. Fans boo, Gunther sits Miz up to CHOP him down! Miz shakes his head, refusing to stay down. Miz sits up but Gunther brings Miz around, to CHOP! Miz CHOPS back! They CHOP back and forth! Gunther then UPPERCUTS Miz to a corner! Gunther grins, perhaps amused by this fight now. Gunther kicks and knees Miz around in the corner! The ref counts, Gunther lets off and paces. Fans boo but Gunther just soaks it up. Gunther storms up on Miz, and whips him corner to corner. Gunther runs in to CHOP!
Gunther whips Miz corner to corner again, runs back in, but Miz BOOTS him! And BOOTS again! Miz runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Miz shoves Gunther away, the fans fire up and Miz climbs! SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY, but Gunther catches him! Gunther puts Miz on the top rope to CHOP! And Gunther climbs up to STAND on Miz! The ref counts as Miz is bent back! Gunther lets off at 4, to CHOP again! Miz flops to the floor, crawls around the way, but Gunther storms out after him. Fans boo but Gunther storms up on Miz, to CHOP POST! Gunther clutches his hand, he and Miz have to hurry back into the ring, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and fans rally as Miz endures a sleeper! Miz fights up, pries the hold open, and he gets that bad hand! ELBOW BREAKER! ELBOW BREAKER! And then a KICK to the arm! Another KICK! Another KICK! Gunther blocks, trips Miz, and works to turn Miz over! Miz CLUBS the bad arm, pulls on the hand and twists the wrist! Gunther shirts to STF! Then he throws down elbows! CRAVAT STF!! Miz endures, reaches out, claws at the mat, then claws at Gunther’s bad hand! Miz wrenches the arm and hits a BASEMENT DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Gunther shakes the bad hand and goes to ropes.
Miz rises, the fans fire up, and Miz blocks the chop from the left hand! Another DDT! Gunther is dazed and the fans fire up again! Miz feeds off the energy as Gunther goes to ropes. Miz runs in, ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirls to DDT! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and clutches the bad hand. Miz keeps his cool, and he stands to stomp the bad hand! And again! Miz ROCKS Gunther with haymaker after haymaker! Miz wraps the arm around the ropes and pulls! The ref counts, Miz lets off to run, but into a SHOTGUN! Gunther hauls Miz up, GENERAL BOMB! High stack cover, TWO, but into the BOSTON CRAB!!
Miz endures, the fans are thunderously behind him, and he fights his way around! Miz reaches out, Gunther’s bad hand loses grip, Miz gets the ROPEBREAK!! The fans fire up as Gunther lets go in frustration. “This is Awesome!” and Gunther storms up on Miz. Gunther kicks Miz around, pie faces him, and Miz sputters. Gunther CHOPS, and CHOPS, and then eggs Miz on. Miz eggs Gunther on! Gunther drags Miz up, but Miz SLAPS him! Gunther grabs Miz for a SLEEPER! Body scissors, but Miz rolls back, TWO!!! Gunther reels Miz in, Miz fights and the bad arm gives up! Miz BOOTS and SKULL CRUSHNIG FINALE!!! Cover, TWO!!!
Gunther survives and Miz can’t believe it! The fans fire up as Miz rises again, they want that “One More Time!” Miz KICKS Gunther, KICKS him again, and runs, but Gunther LARIATS!! Gunther powered through the pain, and now he goes up top! But Miz is up to ROCK Gunther first! Miz climbs up after Gunther, the fans fire up, but Gunther throws body shots. And CHOPS! But then Miz KICKS the bad hand! Miz climbs up again, brings Gunther in, full nelson and SUPER SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!! But Miz can’t make the cover! He has to crawl over, and Gunther rolls away!! Gunther rolls to safety and fans can’t believe it! Miz can’t believe it!
The ref counts, Miz goes out after Gunther and puts him back in quickly. Miz hurries in, but right into a GENERAL BOMB!! Gunther isn’t done there, he manages a ripcord and LARIAT!! And then Gunther hauls Miz up, gets him up again, GENERAL BOMB!! High stack, Gunther wins!!!
Winner: Gunther, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)
Just as Miz found a way to weaken Der Ring General, Der Ring General finds a way to survive against The Miz! And now, Miz can NEVER challenge for this title again, so long as Gunther is the champion. And at this rate, will anyone else ever be Intercontinental Champion?
Gunther regroups with Imperium.
They applaud his grand victory, and Ludwig Kaiser says it was a joy to watch. Congratulations. Gunther says that as far as he understands, these two have no reason to be jolly. He’s the only one contributing! The whole last year for them was a complete write off. As he deserves, as the legendary champion he is, he is going to step away for a few weeks to recharge. You two stay and grind! Work hard! And finally impress him. Carry on. Der Ring General has given his orders, and in comes Kofi Klaus! Why the long faces, boys? What’s wrong? Kofi, stop. They don’t have time for this nonsense. Pack up y our little presents and get out of here.
Ho-ho-hold on a minute, guys. Just because Gunther Claus put you on his naughty list doesn’t mean you can take it out on everyone else. Even so, Kofi has a gift. Look. Open it up. Ludwig unwraps the gift, and it’s COAL! HAHA! Ludwig throws the coal away and gets in Kofi’s face. Ludwig & Vinci back away, and Kofi says yeah, what’d you think was gonna happen? You gotta be nice the whole year round! Let that be a lesson to you! Kofi knows when they’ve been naughty and when they’ve been nice, so be good for goodness sake!
Shinsuke Nakamura has a story book ready.
It’s The American Nightmare Before Christmas! Nakamura reads: “‘Twas the week before Christmas, and out from my mouth, came a warning to Cody that Shinsuke would pounce. While your daughter is nestled all snug in her bed, and visions of championships dance through your head, Shinsuke is plotting to live out your story, to ruin your plans and extinguish your glory. The Nightmare is over, the Nightmare is through. The mist burns its eyes, for the Nightmare is you! You bastard, you cancer, you prancer, you nitwit! You’re vomit, you’re stupid, you’re father was inbred! My goal is to see that you’re living in fright. Merry Christmas to you, I will be your last fight.”
The King of Strong Style tells Cody- WAIT, CODY FINDS HIM! Cody attacks Nakamura and smack shim off the walls! And then they go out into the rest of the backstage area! Into the road cases, body shots and forearms, then out to the crowd! Fans fire up but security rushes in! Cody pushes through them to continue after Nakamura but now Nakamura hits back! Nakamura snarls, Cody gets loose and ROCKS him! Security drags Cody away and Nakamura flounders to ringside. Cody powers up to RAM the security into barriers! Cody goes up the barriers to AX HANDLE Nakamura down! Then Cody clears the desk!
Security hurries to get Nakamura out of there, but Cody is in the ring! Cody DIVES onto them all! Fans fire up as Cody brings Nakamura back to the desk, SMACKS him off it, then climbs up onto it! The fans are thunderous for Cody as he hauls Nakamura up! But security saves Nakamura! Nakamura gets away, grinning all the way. Fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but when and where will we see this rematch?
Adam Pearce talks with Akira Tozawa.
He wants to make sure they’re both on the same page. Is Tozawa saying 100% this is the match he wants? Tozawa says, “Let’s do it!” Tozawa heads out, will he get whatever it is he wants? As for Pearce, Chelsea & Piper storm in and Chelsea asks why he hasn’t been returning her calls. Is he seriously making them defend their titles against Kayden & Katana? Wait, no. Since it’s the holidays, maybe he could find it in his tiny heart to cancel the match. Please? They’re not feeling well. Pearce tells them that yes, it is the holidays. So no, they still have to. Ugh, Pearce is such a Scrooge! Well, this Scrooge says the match is next, so get to the ring.
Way to ruin Christmas, Pearce! They’re talking to Aldis! Bronson Reed then storms in. He hears Pearce has plans for determining Gunther’s next challenger. He does. Then let’s talk. Pearce agrees to that. Will the Colossal Aussie get in on whatever kind of match Pearce has planned?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance!
The Hot Mess & Scottish Viper want to be champions without putting in the work, and that’s just not how this works. But Christmas is about giving, not receiving, so will KC Squared give the champs an L for the holidays?
Raw returns and the champs make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who gets to put gold under the tree!
The teams sort out and Kayden starts against Chelsea. They tie up, Chelsea hits a headlock takeover, but Kayden headscissors. Chelsea kips free, but Kayden hits the takeover. Chelsea headscissors then CLUBS away on Kayden. Fans boo but Chelsea steps on Kayden. Chelsea takes a bow, then whips. Kayden reverses but Chelsea SLAPS her! Chelsea whips, Kayden ducks under and trips Chelsea, to swivel the hips. Fans fire up, Chelsea runs in, but then blocks Kayden’s hip toss. Kayden blocks Chelsea’s hip toss to arm-drag! And DROPKICK! Chelsea flounders to ropes, Kayden tags Katana. They trip, dropkick, and slingshot SENTON! Cover, TWO!
Chelsea scrambles away to tag in Piper. Fans fire up as Piper and Katana circle. Piper BLASTS Kayden, Katana dodges her, and Katana ducks the boot! But Piper grabs Katana to send her to the corner. Katana slips out, ducks under, slingshots around, and keeps moving, but Piper CLOBBERS her! Fans boo but Piper drags Katana up to scoop. Katana slips free, tags Kayden, wheelbarrow BULLDOG and the springboard SHOTGUN! Piper flounders, Katana tags back in. They get Piper up but Chelsea anchors Katana. Katana kicks Chelsea down but Piper shoves Kayden into her! Piper then has them both down, goes up, DOUBLE VADER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!
Piper & Chelsea are surprised but Katana is still in this, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Piper runs in, but Katana avoids the cannonball! Chelsea tags in and hurries to swing on Kayden. Kayden dodges, then so does Katana, hot tag to Kayden! Kayden runs up to CLOBBER Chelsea! And again! Kayden SPLASHES Piper, too! Then she dodges Chelsea, kicks the legs out and SUPERKICKS! Piper staggers, and Kayden hits a DROPKICK SPLASH COMBO! Cover, but Piper rebounds, so Kayden moves, the SPLASH squashes Chelsea!! Fans fire up as Piper panics! Kayden SUPERKICKS! Kayden runs up to BOOT WASH Chelsea! Then IMPLODER LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!
Kayden is stunned but she refocuses. Chelsea goes to a corner, Kayden hoists her up top. Kayden climbs up after Chelsea, fans fire up, and Kayden goes to suplex. But Chelsea throws hands! Chelsea HEADBUTTS Kayden, leaps, but Kayden gets under! Chelsea comes back, ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO! Kayden survives and Chelsea is furious! Another cover, TWO! Chelsea is beside herself, and she drags Kayden up. Chelsea brings Kayden over, tags Piper, and they reel Kayden in to double suplex, only for Kayden to fight free! But she runs into a COCE BREAKER SENTON COMBO!! Cover, KATANA BREAKS IT!
The fans fire up and Chelsea is fuming! Chelsea whips, Katana reverses and sends Chelsea out! Piper hauls Kayden up, scoops, but Kayden slips free to SUPERKICK! Piper is down, Kayden positions her and tags Katana. Katana goes up, they combine, KEG STAND SPLASH!! Cover, CHELSEA BREAKS IT!! Chelsea almost didn’t get that in time! Kayden runs in, but Chelsea gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Chelsea drags Piper to the corner, tags in, then gets Katana up. Chicken wings and- NO, Katana slips out to CODE BREAKER in return!! Tag to Kayden and they reset! AFETR PARTY!!!! Cover, KATANA & KAYDEN WIN!!!
Winners: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Get the drinks and the glow sticks, it’s time to party! Chelsea was right to be afraid of these two, because she and Piper just lost their titles! Will every night be pumping with Kayden & Katana leading the Women’s Tag Division?
Ivy Nile works out with The Alpha Academy.
Ivy does box push-ups and gets to 100! Incredible! She’s ready for Rhea! And Maxxine thanks her for having her back. No problem. Ivy heard what Rhea had to say, so that’s why she asked Pearce for a match with Rhea. Because Ivy’s goal for 2024 is to become the NEW Women’s World Champion. But she’s gotta go, she has to support The Creeds in their title match tonight. Ivy heads out and the Academy wishes her luck. And that ambition is so good! Gotta love when someone chases down challenges. But then Tozawa says speaking of challenges…! He’s all fired up as he has his match tonight.
What? With who? HIM…! IVAR?!? Ivar chuckles and Sarah Logan ushers him along. Gable says that when he told Tozawa to go big, he didn’t mean that big. Yes, Tozawa understands. Does he? ARIGATOOO~! Oh boy. Is Tozawa even going to make it to the New Year at this rate?
Katana & Kayden are buzzing backstage.
The other ladies of the division are there to applaud, and then Kofi Klaus walks in! He’s excited to see the NEW W! W! E! Women’s! World! Tag! Team! CHAMPIONS~! But a quick question: what would they like for Christmas? They already got what they wanted. Okay, that’s true. See you later. Kofi heads out, Katana & Kayden say that dreams really do come true. With that said, let’s go party~! Indi & Candice are all for that. But Natalya, Nox, Shayna & Zoey hang back. Natty says since they have new champions, they’ll need new challengers. Shayna says that’s just what she was thinking. Will the Queen of Harts & Welsh Firecracker or the Queen of Spades & Hunter be next in line?
Ivar w/ Sarah Logan VS Akira Tozawa w/ Maxxine Dupri!
Raw returns and Tozawa makes his entrance, the Alpha Queen by his side. The bell rings and Maxxine coaches Tozawa on. Tozawa fires up, runs in, and fires off! Ivar shoves Tozawa away but Tozawa comes back with more! But then Ivar TOSSE Tozawa out! Tozawa gets up, runs back in, SOBAT, SPIN, SLIDE, SPIN KICK! “A THANK YEW~!” The fans fire up but Ivar blocks the whip. Ivar whips Tozawa, runs in, but into BOOTS! Tozawa goes up and leaps, but Ivar catches him! Tozawa still RANAS Ivar into buckles! Tozawa goes up again to leap, but into Ivar’s arms! Maxxine says this is okay, but Ivar pops Tozawa around.
Tozawa slips out the back, waistlocks, but Ivar bucks the O’Conner. Tozawa slides under, ducks ‘n’ dodges, pop-up SATELLITE DDT! The fans are fired up as Tozawa pumps a la Otis! Tozawa runs corner to corner, into the SEATED SENTON! Ivar snarls and checks his chin. Ivar then goes up the corner, fans boo, but Ivar hits the WARBEARD- FLOP as Tozawa moves!! The fans fire up with Tozawa and he rips the shirt! Mostly. Nope, all the way! Tozawa hurries up top, but Sarah distracts! The fans boo, but Maxxine YANKS her down! Maxxine remembers Sarah’s tactics from before, but Sarah remembers the humiliation!
Sarah shrieks and chases Maxxine, but Maxxine sends her into barriers! “A THANK YEW~!” Then Tozawa stands, for the TOKYO TOWER SENTON!! Cover, TWO?!? Ivar is still in this and Maxxine thought Tozawa had this! She coaches Tozawa back up, and he runs in, into the HEEL KICK OF DOOM!! Tozawa is turned inside out, but Ivar isn’t done! Ivar goes up the corner again, but Tozawa trips him! Ivar lands on his Viking long boat! Tozawa hurries up to GAMANGIRI! And then he positions Ivar just right, climbs up after him, and SUPER STEIN- NO! Ivar stops that, hoists Tozawa up for a SUPER POWERSLAM!! Cover, Ivar wins!
Winner: Ivar, by pinfall
Tozawa did go big, but maybe too big! Ivar wins out, will Ragnarök come to 2024?
Seth Rollins is here!
Iowa’s favorite son is home for the holidays, and the fans sing his song! “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” The World Heavyweight Champion may be wearing a Grinch colored leather jacket, but he’s in a great mood as always as he swaggers into the ring, gets the mic, and revels in the fans singing along. “DES MOOOOINES~! Welcome to Monday… Night… Rollins!” And sing it, because he is a Visionary, he is a Revolutionary, he IS Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! And things around here have been heating up for this Iowa boy. And after his little “confrontation” last week, Rollins is feeling more motivated than he ever has to continue to be the BEST WORLD CHAMPION in this entire industry!
And if you thought 2023 was something, wait until you see what they do in 2024! And that starts with Day One Raw, when Rollins defends his World Heavyweight Championship against Drew McIntyre. The fans boo Drew, but Rollins says now now. Say what you want about McIntyre, but at Crown Jewel- Wait! Here comes McIntyre! Rollins sets the belt down and unbuttons the jacket as McIntyre storms into the ring. McIntyre gets a mic but Rollins says before McIntyre even says anything, Rollins hasn’t forgotten that headbutt so tread lightly! McIntyre says he isn’t here to fight. They’ve got their match on Day One, so he’s here to tell Rollins he is proud of him.
McIntyre says there are so many people turning a blind eye, kissing arse when it comes to CM Punk, but not Rollins. Rollins looked Punk right in the eye and told him the truth as it needed to be said. That, my friends, is a real leader. And look at Rollins! He’s on top of the world as champion, on a roll heading into the holiday season, in front of his home crowd and they’re all singing his song. The fans again sing, and McIntyre says it must feel good, huh? World Heavyweight Champion gets to go home and spend time with his family. Recently, McIntyre’s been in a lot of self-reflection, talking about his own family lately, the sacrifices made.
McIntyre had a chance to go home not long ago. He started to see things he didn’t like, started to feel a certain way, started to feel… guilty. He started to see his family getting older, and after 16 years, for the first time ever, McIntyre questioned if this is all worth it. He was sure Rollins couldn’t relate to that, but perhaps he can. Rollins has someone he shares his life with, his wife is in the exact same boat as McIntyre. All the way across the world from her home, chasing her dream, doing what she can, sacrificing every single week and that time with her family. Rollins has been part of those conversations, and maybe had some of his own.
Surely he had the “good” conversations, like wishing to be back for a wedding or something, but there’s the big show coming up and they can’t let the fans down. And the “difficult” conversations, like when a family member is ill. McIntyre’s mom, and her dad, and all they want do is be by their side and hold them. But then the family tells them no, don’t you dare stop. Keep chasing the dream and make it happen. That is what they did. And then suddenly, those loved ones aren’t here anymore. McIntyre tries not to get emotional as he tells Rollins to look him in the eye. McIntyre doesn’t want the title, he NEEDS it!
McIntyre needs the validation of knowing that all these sacrifices were worth it! That the hurt caused wasn’t for nothing. And McIntyre is willing to hurt Rollins for everything. he will do whatever it takes to take that title at Day One. Fans boo but Rollins says here’s the thing. He doesn’t think we know entirely how to feel about McIntyre. Because McIntyre says things like that, Rollins wants to take it to heart and believe. But as of late, McIntyre’s actions and words haven’t lined up. So Rollins doesn’t know whether to believe him or call him out on his crap. But he’ll say this: Rollins respects McIntyre.
Because after Crown Jewel, McIntyre said he would find a way back, would work his way into another opportunity at the title, and he’s done that. But Rollins wants to know. As much as McIntyre needs this, what makes him think the outcome will be any different? McIntyre says he’ll do whatever it takes, that he ‘s not the same person, so what does that mean? He’s willing to cheat? To lie? To hurt people? To take shortcuts? Is that what it is? Yeah, McIntyre has changed. But in many ways, he’s the same. He still wants to point fingers at everyone else. Still wants to shift the blame! McIntyre will do whatever it takes, except the ONE thing that he needs to do! To take responsibility for your actions!
McIntyre needs to look himself in the mirror and face the hard reality that the only person keeping Drew McIntyre from being world champion is Drew McIntyre. Rollins stood in this ring last week, looked a man right in the eye and told him he hates him. Rollins meant that. Rollins is looking McIntyre in the eyes and doesn’t hate him. Rollins pities McIntyre. Merry Christmas, see you in a couple weeks. Rollins drops the mic and heads out. But McIntyre drags him back in! Rollins ROCKS McIntyre, then dodges him to SUPERKICK! McIntyre tumbles out of the ring, Rollins DIVES onto him! Rollins rains down fists, but McIntyre THROWS Rollins into barriers!
McIntyre storms up on Rollins, fires hands, fans sing the song but McIntyre says he doesn’t need anyone’s pity!! McIntyre then gets Rollins up in an Inverted Alabama, for an INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps!! Rollins writhes and clutches his arm! The fans boo but McIntyre shows no remorse. Will Rollins be ready in two weeks for that golden grudge match?
The Creeds get ready for their match.
Time to make dreams come true! Cody Rhodes walks over and shakes their hands. He thanks them for last week. Julius says he can count on them any time. Cody appreciates that. And Cody hopes the Creeds drag Judgment Day around for him, and that they leave as champs. Brutus thanks Cody, and then both Brutus & Julius are hyped up! Will they be able to bring gold back to the Diamond Mine?
Kofi Klaus returns to ringside!
He has another round of free merchandise for the fans! Shirts fly through the sky, but then Imperium attacks! These Grinches beat up on Kofi in the ring! Fans boo as they mug Kofi, then hit a BIG back suplex! They even rip the beard away! Vinci rains down fists, but here comes JEY USO! Jey runs up to fire off haymakers! Fans chant “YEET! YEET!” with every shot! Jey DECKS Vinci, DUMPS Ludwig, and then FLIES out onto them both! Jey stands tall and the fans fire up! Jey helps Kofi to his feet, and Jey calls out Ludwig! “I want you, pretty boy! Let’s go!” Fans fire up for this one, will it be a Merry YEETMAS here tonight?
Jey Uso VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ Giovanni Vinci!
Raw returns and the match is on! Ludwig headlocks but Jey powers up and out. Ludwig runs Jey over, fans boo, but things speed up. Jey drops down, CLOBBERS Ludwig, then ROCKS him with haymakers! The fans chant “YEET! YEET! YEET”! Jey ROCKS Ludwig more, then whips him corner to corner. Ludwig reverses, Jey goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Fans fire up, and they join in on “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey runs, but into a LARIAT! Ludwig snarls, talks trash, and drags Jey around. Ludwig rains down fists, the fans boo, but Ludwig lets off. Ludwig has Jey on ropes, CHOKES him, but lets off to then KICK Jey.
Ludwig taunts Jey, clamps on the chinlock, and he even digs an elbow into Jey’s face! Ludwig ELBOWS Jey down, then stalks him to the corner. Ludwig stands Jey up, whips him to ropes, then CLOBBERS Jey! Fans boo Ludwig while Jey flops out of the ring. Jey gets back in but Ludwig clamps on with a facelock. Ludwig CLUBS Jey, CLUBS him again, but Jey fires hands again! The fans “YEET!” and Jey whips, but Ludwig reverses. Jey hits buckles hard and falls over! The fans boo Ludwig as he flexes. Ludwig stalks Jey to a corner, CHOKES him on the ropes, but lets off as the ref counts. Vinci gets a cheap shot in! Ludwig covers, TWO!
Ludwig paces around, drags Jey up, and Ludwig grins. Fans rally with “UCEY! UCEY!” Jey kicks, Ludwig blocks and even ducks the dragon whip! Ludwig runs up to clothesline Jey up and out! The fans boo, Ludwig runs in to UPPERCUT Jey down! Imperium looms over Jey as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Jey fights up while Ludwig has a chinlock. Jey fires body shots, shoves Ludwig, but Ludwig UPPERCUTS! Jey PELES on return! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Vinci coaches Ludwig, but Jey sits up first. Jey blocks a punch to give a punch! And again! Jey fires off, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops ‘n’ locks and p uts some stank on the HAYMAKER! Fans fire up as Jey whips, but Ludwig reverses. Jey slips out of the pop-up to mule kick, uppercut, kick, but Ludwig says “NEIN!” But the DRAGON WHIP hits! And then the HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Ludwig stays in this but Jey stays focused.
Jey drags Ludwig up, reels him into a fireman’s carry, but Ludwig claws the eyes! Ludwig shoves and fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Cover, TWO! Ludwig is stunned, and he seethes as he looms over Jey. Ludwig gets Jey in a clinch, but Jey slips free to shove and SUPERKICK! Fans fire up as Jey goes up top! But Ludwig gets the ref to check him, Vinci SHOVES Jey down! Ludwig runs up, GAMANGIRI! Cover, TWO!! Jey is still in this and the fans fire up! KOFI KLAUS is back! TROUBLE IN PARADISE for Vinci! The fans fire up, Jey dodges Ludwig and SPEARS!! Jey goes up, USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jey wins!
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall
As if Gunther wasn’t disappointed in his men before, they just got beat by Main Event Jey and Kofi in a skinny-fat Santa costume! But the WWE Universe is bouncing with Jey, will 2024 be the Year of YEET?
The Judgment Day regroups.
Priest is laughing, and the others can’t help but grin. JD actually lost to Truth. Dom says it could be worse. Remember when Orton RKO’d him off the cage? Or when Priest had JD by the neck and pinned him to the wall? Rhea says enough. When one of them loses, it reflects badly on them all. Priest says yeah, that makes sense. But tonight, the stipulation was clear. JD lost, he’s out of the group! What? That wasn’t a real stipulation! Truth can’t just make matches! Oh, so it’s JD who does? No… Priest dares JD to say what he wants to say. JD says he meant nothing by it, he just doesn’t want to be kicked out of the group.
Rhea tells Priest that’s enough, and Priest says fine. JD is obviously still in the group. For now. Rhea says let’s get serious. They need to make an example out of those who think they can step to Judgment Day. Rhea talked with Pearce, and if Ivy wants her match, she’ll get it. It’ll be for the Women’s World Championship even, at Day One! Rhea will deal with Ivy, so tonight, it’s about the boys. Finn says no worries, he and Damian will deal with the Creed Brothers, and show them why the Judgment Day are the Undisputed Tag Team Champions! Priest & Finn head out, but Rhea makes JD stay back here. Ow, he still has splinters in his back, y’know…
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: Finn Balor & Damian Priest w/ Rhea Ripley VS The Creed Brothers!
The Prince & Punisher have the gold, but Julius & Brutus have been like diamonds ever since coming to the WWE! Will the Creed Brothers become not just undisputed but Triple Crown Tag Team Champions for the holidays? Or will the only ones celebrating be the Judgment Day?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who has the best Christmas gifts of all!
The teams sort out and Julius starts with Finn. They tie up, go around, and Julius waistlocks to SLAM Finn! Finn gets up fast, and he resets with Julius. Julius waistlocks again, for another SLAM! Finn moves, Julius facelocks and they gator roll into ropes. The ref counts, Julius lets off and Finn is frustrated already. Finn and Priest talk then Finn goes back to Julius. Finn kicks and rocks Julius, whips, but fans chant “Let’s Go, Mami!” Rhea says kiss her butt, but Finn whips. Julius reverses to hip toss Finn down! The fans fire up, Priest runs in but into an arm-drag! And a DROPKICK for Finn! Brutus clotheslines Priest out!
Rhea is furious while Finn and Priest regroup. The Creeds dare them to come back, but Raw goes to break.
Raw returns, and Rhea complains as Julius RAMS Finn in the corner! Julius digs his shoulder in, but lets off at 4. Fireman’s carry takeover, then tag to Brutus. Feed to Brutus’ fireman’s carry takeover, and Rhea is even more frustrated. Brutus whips Finn back into the corner, then the Creeds DOUBLE fireman’s carry takeover! Finn kicks Brutus, fires body shots and CHOPS! Finn whips, Brutus reverses and Finn hits buckles hard! Brutus storms up to KNEE Finn low, then tags Julius. The Creeds KNEE Finn back and forth between them! Then they DOUBLE GUTBUSTER! Rhea is furious but Julius stares Priest down.
Julius drags Finn up, Finn powers out and Priest tags in. Julius ducks the lariat but Priest dumps him out! Then Priest LARIATS Julius down! Fans boo but Rhea taunts Julius. Priest whips Julius into the steel steps! Even Rhea is impressed. Priest gets Julius up and ROCKS him! Priest puts Julius in, storms up on him, and brings him over. Tag to Finn, they mug Julius, and Finn ROCKS Julius. Finn bumps Julius off buckles, RAMS into him again and again, then CHOPS! Finn whips corner to corner, runs in but Julius BOOTS him down! Julius crawls, but Finn anchors a foot! Julius hops, BOOTS Finn away, hot tag to Brutus!
Brutus rallies on Finn< CLUBS Priest, then CLOBBERS Finn! Brutus trips Finn, BRUTUS SMASH! The fans fire up, Brutus hauls Finn up, GUTWRENCH SUPLEX! Finn goes to a corner, Brutus bear crawls then runs in to SPLASH! And then torture rack! RACK SLAM! Cover, TWO! Brutus snarls, Rhea tells Finn to get up, but Finn goes to ropes. Brutus deadlifts Finn but Priest tags in! Priest KICKS Brutus and Finn TOSSES Brutus out! Priest then runs in around the way to POUNCE Brutus up and over the desk! Fans boo but Priest is all fired up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Priest throws forearms with Brutus. The fans cheer Brutus and boo Priest as they go back and forth. Priest gets the edge, which Rhea likes! Priest CLUBS Brutus down, fans boo, but Priest lines up a shot. Brutus turns heel kick into a lift! Priest fights with forearms but Brutus just powers up again! BIG back suplex! Both men are down but crawling for their corners! Hot tags to Finn and Julius! Julius rallies on Finn with big forearms! And an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Kip up, and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY for Priest! Another kip up, and another OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY for Finn!
Julius brings the straps down, and fans fire up for the STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Finn is still in this but Ivy feels how close Julius was! Julius hoists Finn up with an Electric Chair Lift, and Brutus climbs a corner! Priest rushes over to SHOVE Brutus down! Finn sunset flips Julius, TWO! Julius gets up, ducks Finn and DECKS Priest! But then DOUBLE LARIATS take Finn and Julius down! So Rhea CLUBS Ivy! Rhea Electric Chair Lifts Ivy, but Ivy slips free to turn that around on Rhea! Rhea panics as Ivy gives her the ELECTRIC CHAIR SLAM!! And then Julius CLUBS Finn! Electric Chair, tag to Brutus!
Brutus goes up, and BRUTUS BALL comes down!! Cover, PRIEST BREAKS IT! Julius tags in, but Priest choke grips! Julius fights, Priest powers him up, but Julius flips free of South of Heaven! And SHOTGUNS Priest out! Julius kips up, goes up and up, then SUPER CANNONBALLS Priest!! Finn has Brutus, though, and hits a SLINGBLADE! And then a SHOTGUN into buckles! Brutus flops into the drop zone, Finn hurries up top! But Julius springs right up! Priest tags in first and he gets Julius in his own Electric Chair! Finn adjusts, but Brutus trips him! Julius slips down, turns things back around, BRUTUS BALL for Priest!!! Cover, but Finn COUP DE GRACES it apart!!!
The fans are thunderous as all four men are down! Finn goes to ropes, Brutus runs in and CLOBBERS him out of the ring! Julius stands, Priest choke grips! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!!! But he can’t make the cover! Priest crawls, JUDGMENT DAY WINS!
Winners: Finn Balor & Damian Priest, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)
Julius kids out at 3.001, but it wasn’t fast enough! The Prince & Punisher put the Creeds down just long enough to survive with the gold, but how much longer can they keep this up? Will it only be a matter of time before someone ends their reign of terror?
My Thoughts:
An awesome Raw, and it was basically a go-home to the holidays, but also the Day One Raw combo show. Guess not even HHH wants that overly specific branding to go to waste. But we’re getting a borderline PPV/PLE level show with it all the same. Great promo from Becky and Nia to set their match up, but also plugging that Nia is in the Rumble. Great promo from Rollins and McIntyre to hype up their title match, and putting Rollins even more on the defense as he now might have a (kayfabe) bad arm to go with his (mostly kayfabe?) bad back. But given both Heels stood tall, I would think Mr. & Mrs. Monday Night Rollins win out.
Great story time promo from Nakamura that then turned into a brawl with Cody. Was kinda hoping Nakamura would top it off with “C’MON~!” but no, that is more a Face Nakamura thing. But I hope that they up the ante in the Cody VS Nakamura 1v1 rematch that of course Cody wins cleanly to have momentum going into the Royal Rumble. Great stuff with Kofi Klaus all night, especially with how comically shiny his butt was so you could see it when he twerks. Great use of Kofi Klaus to segue into other stories, too, such as with Imperium. Imperium beating Kofi up and then Jey makes the save to get a great win off Ludwig was good, maybe Jey finds his way to the Intercontinental Championship.
Speaking of which, what an awesome, almost PPV worthy title match between Gunther and Miz. Miz’s matches with Gunther have seriously made me go, “Why didn’t Miz do stuff like this before?” Miz’s new levels of athletic moves, technical moves and overall scrappy nature have been great, but it also does serve to make Gunther feel that much more powerful. And Bronson Reed wanting in on this future Intercontinental Championship #1 contender thing is also great, we need to see Gunther VS Bronson at some point, so why not with the next challenge? But now that Miz is done with the midcard title, not sure what he’ll do. He’s on good terms with DIY, but if DIY is to add a third man, it should be Lumis, not Miz.
Great Women’s Tag title match and I am genuinely yet pleasantly surprised Kayden & Katana won. I thought Fyre & Dawn were going to get the titles off Chelsea & Piper, but as Fyre & Dawn make better Heels than Faces because they are spooky scary, it makes sense we get Face tag champs now. This is great for Kayden & Katana, and hopefully they’ll be facing teams from all brands, not just here on Raw. Nox & Natty already had a shot, I feel like Shayna & Zoey are gonna win and be Raw’s next contenders. Fyre & Dawn or Kabuki Warriors will be from SmackDown, not sure if HHHBK want Meta Four’s Lash & Jakara to try while still on NXT.
And of course, awesome stuff from Judgment Day all night. That opening promo segment to lead into the Street Fight was hilarious stuff, because Truth is nothing less. Great Street Fight with Truth getting that win, and great bit of Judgment Day teasing JD about that Loser Leaves stipulation. Great tie in with Diamond Mine and Alpha Academy having their promo. Really good match from Tozawa and Ivar but of course Ivar wins out. And awesome main event for the tag titles. Ivy got to throw Rhea down, and the Creeds almost get Judgment Day. That 3.001 kickout was a great touch, because it shows how closer the Creeds are, but they’re just not there yet. Who knows who gets these belts off Judgment Day, but these matches are only gonna get better from here.
My Score: 8.9/10
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IF YA SMELLALALALALALA~…!
As Cody Rhodes teams with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, FINALLY, The Rock has come back to SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & LA Knight; Miz & Melo win.
- Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae w/ Nia Jax; Tiff wins.
- Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins, by disqualification, and DIY retain the titles.
- Six Man Tag: Cody Rhodes, Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga; changed to…
- Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga; Priest & Braun win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes talks with Nick Aldis backstage.
They shake hands, but the SmackDown General Manager tells the WWE Champion there’s been a change: Cody’s out of the Six Man Tag match. What? Why would Aldis do that? It is out of Aldis’s hands. Wait, Solo Sikoa shows up to do what he did, but they can’t do the Six Man Tag that they advertised? How is this out of Aldis’s hands? Who do they need to talk to so they can do the match? Aldis says there’s no one either of them can call, if you smell what’s cooking. This is coming from The Final Boss, and The Final Boss wants to see Cody in the ring tonight. What business could The Great One have with The American Nightmare?
Drew McIntyre VS Jimmy Uso!
The Scottish Terminator rubbed it in Big Jim’s face that only one of them is going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which Big Jim was able to brush off. But McIntyre harping on how only one Uso is going to WrestleMania was a step too far. These two look to have it out, but is Jimmy just playing into McIntyre’s hands? Or will McIntyre get embarrassed by “the other Uso” this close to that big time match?
Speaking of, Jimmy has a message for Drew as he heads to gorilla. “Everybody know you’re going to Elimination Chamber, right? But Big Jimmy got a question for the Big Easy: Will Drew go onto the Elimination Chamber and win that? Will Drew go onto WrestleMania and win that? Ey, Drew, I think we got an answer for you, Uce. The answer is…” “NO YEET!” Jimmy makes his entrance, the bell rings, and the fans rally behind Jimmy. Jimmy and Drew jaw, and then Drew raises his hands, to say UP YOURS! But Jimmy ROCKS and CHOPS away! Drew puts Jimmy in a corner, Jimmy dodges to CHOP!
Jimmy climbs and he rains down fists! The fans count, Drew dumps Jimmy tot eh apron at 5, but Jimmy GAMANGIRIS! Jimmy goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy hurries to CHOP, then he whips. Drew reverses to send Jimmy to the corner. Jimmy BOOTS back, goes up, and leaps, but into a clinch! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders to a corner, Drew runs up to SPLASH and OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Jimmy flounders again, the ref has Drew hold on, and Jimmy bails out. Drew storms out to get Jimmy and he whips Jimmy HARD into barrier! The fans boo but Drew looms over Jimmy.
The ring count starts, Drew mockingly calls him “Jey,” then puts Jimmy in the ring. Drew says NO MANIA for Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then runs up, only for Jimmy to put him on the apron! Drew blocks a superkick, but not the DRAGON WHIP! Drew drops, Jimmy DIVES! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! Jimmy grins, goes back to the apron, and then aims. But Drew stops the Penalty Kick to THROW Jimmy down! Drew then has Jimmy in the Reverse Alabama Lift! REVERSE ALABAMA SLAM onto the steel steps! Drew stands on the desk to say “NO YEET!” while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Drew revels in the heat from New Orleans, then he leaves Jimmy behind. The ref checks Jimmy, he’s able to continue, so a ring count starts. Drew paces while Jimmy stirs. Jimmy drags himself up using the desk, then lunges in at 9! Drew is annoyed but he rains down fists! Drew stomps Jimmy, then eggs him on. Jimmy rises as the fans rally, but Drew is right on him in the corner. Drew winds up, but Jimmy counter punches! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And whips, only for Drew to reverses. Jimmy goes up, but Drew KICKS him out of the air! Drew then hauls Jimmy up, snap suplex! Cover, TWO!
Drew says okay, Big Jim. He clamps onto Jimmy with a top wristlock and grinds the arm. Jimmy fights up, fireman’s carries, but Drew elbows free. Drew bumps Jimmy off buckles, then hauls him up to the top rope! Drew CLUBS Jimmy on the back, climbs up, then CLUBS Jimmy more. Jimmy fires elbows and Drew drops back. But Drew runs up to CLUB Jimmy again! SmackDown returns to single picture as Drew CLUBS away on Jimmy again! Jimmy keeps taunting “Jey,” then drags him up. Jimmy fights the back suplex! The fans rally, Jimmy fires hands and a HEADBUTT! Jimmy SMACKS Drew off the post!
Jimmy rises to USO IN THE WIND! Down goes Drew and the fans fire up! A standing count starts while both men stir on the mat. They both stand at 5, and Drew swings! Jimmy counter punches, then fires more shots! Mule kick, UPPERCUT, but then Jimmy dodges Drew! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Drew is tougher than that, but Jimmy hurries to a corner. Jimmy aims as Drew goes to the other corner, “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs, but Drew FLYING HEADBUTTS! The Glasgow Kiss stuns Jimmy, and Drew hits a SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Jimmy shows his own toughness, and the fans rally behind him.
Drew paces, then he stalks Jimmy. Drew stands Jimmy up, reels him in, but Jimmy fights the underhooks! Jimmy wrenches, UPPERCUTS, but Drew ROCKS Jimmy back! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, Drew HAYMAKERS! Drew whips, Jimmy reverses and Drew ends up on the apron! Drew ROCKS Jimmy first, then climbs the corner! FLYING- SUPERKICK! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Drew survives, Jimmy’s spear doesn’t hit quite like The Tribal Chief’s. Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally up. USO- NO, Jimmy rolls through as Drew moves! Drew dodges a lariat to NECKBREAKER!
Both men are down, the fans rally, and Drew kips up! Drew scowls as he aims at Jimmy. “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAY- SUPERKICK!! Jimmy hits first! GLASGOW KISS returns! Drew reels Jimmy in, “This is your WrestleMania! This is as close as you get!” Drew shouts Jimmy is nothing, then ROCKS him with forearm after forearm! GLAWSGO KISS! Another Reverse Alabama, but Jimmy victory rolls it! JIMMY WINS!!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Drew is furious, but his own ego caught him there! But then Drew CLOBBERS Jimmy! The fans boo Drew being a sore loser, but he puts Jimmy back in the ring! Drew rains down fists, then he DRIBBLES Jimmy off the mat! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Drew says that was Jimmy’s Mania Moment! Drew will win the Chamber, he will go to Mania, and he will win there! Jimmy means NOTHING to Drew! Drew puts Jimmy up against the post, then takes aim! The fans boo, but refs and producers rush out here! They swarm Drew to keep him from going after Jimmy again. Drew says fine, fine, then takes his leave.
Producers help Jimmy to his feet, but then Drew BLASTS through the refs! CLAYMORE for Jimmy!! The Scottish Terminator hits his target, then laughs as he actually leaves. Will McIntyre make this his Road to WrestleMania?
A car pulls into the parking lot.
And out steps Solo Sikoa. Solo heads inside, and he finds Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga waiting. Solo tells them that last week with Tama, that was an accident. Jacob says yeah, it’s all good, Uce. But keep it 100: If it wasn’t an accident, Solo wouldn’t be standing here right now. Well, good! Glad to see we’re all on the same page. Solo says he will be in the corner during the match for Jacob & Tama. Uh, no, Solo, no disrespect, but Jacob & Tama have been running things on SmackDown these past couple weeks. So tonight, it’s Jacob & Solo running the play? Yadada mean? Yeah, of course. And that right there, Jacob, is exactly why Solo loves him.
Solo says he’ll be back, he has to talk with Nick Aldis. Solo heads out, but will he really just step right back into place from before he lost the ula fala?
Carmelo Hayes is backstage.
R-Truth calls out to Melo, and says for the first time ever, Truth VS Melo! What’s Truth talking about? Duh, they have a match. No, Truth, Melo knows. But they had a match last week. Truth says he has never met Melo in his life, but they have a tag match tonight. What? No, they don’t. Who even made this match? Him. Truth, they are not going through this H1M who’s on first thing again. Melo is H1M. No, him made the match. The Miz!? Miz says he’s H1M. So now there’s two of you? No no no! Melo is H1M, this is The Miz! Yeah, #MeloDon’tMiz! NO! That’s not a thing! Tonight, they are. Who’s Truth’s partner?
Truth says he’s got a guy. A Louisiana legend! In fact, he just got here, so Truth’s gotta go. Laters. Miz says he has been workshopping this, and the fans love it. Think about it: Melo Don’t Miz! Melo Don’t Miz! And we are…! Melo shakes his head. Truth steps in and says Miz just wants Melo to say, “Awesome.” Miz offers a fist bump, Melo says no. Will Melo wish he had missed tonight’s show? Or will Miz actually help H1M get another win?
Zelina Vega speaks.
“My whole life, people have taken one look at me, and they try to define me. My size has never stopped me before. It never stopped me from becoming tag team champion. Or my personal favorite, the history-making first-time-ever Queen of the Ring. That’s me. Make no mistake about it, I’ve never had it easy. I had to scratch and claw to get anything around here. But this is a fresh start. Because I have something to prove. And my dreams are a lot bigger than your measuring stick. It ain’t over until Zelina Vega says it’s over.”
The Miz & Carmelo Hayes VS R-Truth & ???
Miz makes his entrance but Melo kinda steps all over it. So he already missed his cue… But who did Truth find to team with him in the Big Easy? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and Truth makes his entrance. “What’s up?” Well, more like who is his partner? He’ll tell us! His tag team partner is a local legend, born and bred right here in New Orleans! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Louisiana Knight! Wait, he means L A Knight! Yes, Louisiana abbreviated is LA, but that’s not… Oh, Truth… Truth gives Knight a Po’ Boy and some Mardi Gras beads, so Knight embraces it. The teams sort out, and Truth calls out him! Does he mean Miz or Melo? Well, Melo says he is H1M, so that’s who starts. The fans cheer on Knight while Truth and Melo tie up. Melo KNEES low, whips, but Truth reverses.
Melo springboards, FADEAWAY JUMPER! Melo makes his free throw, but Truth drop toeholds! Truth headlocks, Melo powers up and out but Truth whips! Melo turns hip toss into lateral press, TWO! Truth has a ghost pin, TWO! Melo trips to cover, ONE! Truth trips to cover, ONE! Melo runs up, Truth does the splits, and then hits a BIG hip toss! The fans fire up, Truth counts, Melo gets up at TWO, but Truth was just goofing. The ref explains to Truth that he is the ref, not Truth! Melo is annoyed, he runs up on Truth, but Truth wrenches him around! Melo pulls hair but Knight tags in. The fans fire up as Knight fires hands!
Knight ROCKS Melo, whips Melo, but Melo reverses! SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Knight drags Melo up to tag Truth back in, and Truth ROCKS Melo! Melo staggers, but he refuses to tag! Truth arm-drags Melo, then grinds the arm. Melo insists he’s got this, then arm-drags free. Truth staggers up, he and Melo bump heads! Truth staggers around more, and he tags Miz?! Truth forgot The Awesome Truth isn’t a thing anymore! Again! Melo BLASTS Truth off the apron, the fans boo, but Miz tags himself in! Melo is annoyed, but Miz goes to fetch Truth while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again, and Melo has Truth. Truth ROCKS Melo, but Melo holds onto the wristlock! Truth reaches for Knight, Knight reaches for Truth, but Melo holds on. Truth takes a swing, but into an O’Conner Roll! TWO and Melo BLASTS Knight! Truth rolls Melo up, TWO! Melo kicks low, calls his shot, but Truth suplexes for a STUNNER! The fans fire up while both men are down! Truth and Melo crawl, hot tags to Miz and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight rallies on Miz! “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Miz reverses, but Knight lEAPING LARIATS! Knight TOSSES Melo in for good measure!
Knight stomps a mudhole into Melo, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” LARIAT for Miz! KNEE for Melo! Knight scoops and POWERSLAMS Miz! Knight keeps running, JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Knight stays on Miz as he brings Miz up. Knight ROCKS Miz, then ROCKS him again! Knight whips, Miz grabs the ropes. Miz KICKS, then takes a swing, but into a back suplex! Miz lands out, tag to Melo! Miz ELBOWS Knight, but Knight scoops! Miz tilt-o-whirls through, Melo SUPERKICKS Knight down! cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Melo says he’s got this! Melo waits on Knight, then leaps, but NO 48!
Knight kicks low, but NO B F T! Tag to Truth! Knight ELBOWS Melo, Truth runs in! CENA SHOULDER TACKLES! Then the SPIN OUT BOMB! Truth says it’s time! “YOU CANT SEE ME~!” truth runs for the FIVE KNCUKLE SHUFFLE! Truth then fireman’s carries, but Melo slips free! Melo shoves, Truth dodges, and Truth hits the LIE DETECTOR! Truth then gets Melo in the S T R-TRUTH! But Miz CLOBBERS Truth! Knight ROCKS Miz, then LARIATS him up and out! Knight then goes out to THROW Miz into barriers! The fans fire up again, but NAKAMURA ATTACKS KNIGHT!
The fans boo, but the sinister samurai then POSTS Knight!! Nakamura slithers away while Melo keeps the ref’s attention! Truth sees Knight is down, Melo runs up, but Truth dodges! Miz tags in, full nelson, and a FIRST 48 FINALE COMBO?!? Cover, Miz & Melo win!!
Winners: The Miz & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
Well, what do you know? Nakamura aside, Miz and Melo made it work! Okay, they’re both trying to hog the spotlight, but is there a future for Melo Don’t Miz? Will Knight only have more of a reason to take that title off Nakamura now?
Charlotte Flair speaks.
“The GOAT… doesn’t have to call themselves The GOAT. Now, I have crafted a legacy that no one, I mean no one, can touch. And I’m back.” The Women’s Royal Rumble Winner chose Tiffany Stratton, but will The Queen take back her throne? Or will WWE always be on #TiffyTime? Speaking of…
Tiffany Stratton VS Candice LeRae!
The WWE Women’s Champion may have gotten past Nia Jax, but now she knows Charlotte Flair is waiting for her at WrestleMania, and is going to be teaming with Trish Stratus in Toronto! Will she be in Tiffy Top Shape for that Tiffy Trishy dream match? Or will the Poison Pixie be quite the problem all on her own?
Before the match, Tiff grabs a mic while the fans cheer. Tiffy says, “I know, I know. You know it, you know it, and you know it. Ever since I won this title, everybody’s just been so obsessed with me. And last week, I had Nia Jax beat, until Candice LeRae decided to interfere and help her little meal ticket. And at Elimination Chamber, Trish Stratus and I make sure the Unstoppable Force comes to a definitive end!” The fans cheer that, but Tiff says enough about them. Let’s talk Charlotte Flair. The fans boo that name, but Tiff says Charlotte took her sweet old time, grabbed a chair, grabbed a mic, and she looked down on Tiff.
Charlotte chose Tiff as her WrestleMania opponent. In that moment, Tiff’s dream came true! And as she lied down there and looked up at Charlotte, she realized the rumors are true: No one loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair. So at WrestleMania, Tiff isn’t coming for Charlotte’s legacy; that’s all Charlotte’s. Tiff is coming for the spot Charlotte desires the most: The number one spot as the top girl in the WWE! But here comes Nia & Candice to interrupt. Nia has a mic to tell Tiffy, “I Have to say, this is really cute. Like, it’s really cute that you actually think you were gonna beat me last week.”
Doesn’t Candice think that is cute? Candice says yes, it is so~ cute. And Tiff wouldn’t even be standing there if not for little Trish Stratus~. Exactly! And it’s even cuter that Tiff is out here talking about Charlotte when she wont’ even see WrestleMania! Because after Nia & Candide destroy Tiff at Elimination Chamber, Nia is coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Nia & Candice step up to the ring, and Nia says Tiff won’t even see the Grandest Stage of Them All. Tiff tells Nia to just give it up. This title isn’t even hers anymore. And once Tiff beats Candice tonight, Nia won’t have anyone to do her dirty work anymore!
Candice tells Tiffy that while they’re meant have a match right now, she and Nia are feeling impatient. Nia says they should just get rid of Tiff right now! But the ref steps in and says not gonna happen! Tiff VS Candice will, after the break.
SmackDown returns [Technical difficulties suck] TWO! Candice is frustrated but this is why Tiff’s a champ. The fans rally, but Candice stomps Tiff! Candice scowls at the fans, stalks Tiff, then brings her up. Tiff fires body shots, then she rolls Candice up! TWO, and Candice CLOBBERS Tiff! Cover, TWO, into a ghost pin! TWO! Candice escapes to hit a CODE BREAKER! Both women are down, but Candice scowls again as she crawls over to Tiff. Candice rains down fists, Nia tells fans to shut up, and Candice steps on Tiff’s face. Candice huffs ‘n’ puffs, pushes Tiff around, then scuffs her. Tiff rolls Candice up again, TWO! Candice DECKS Tiff! Cover, TWO!
Charlotte is stoic on commentary as Candice drags Tiff up and puts her in a corner. Candice fires hands, then backs off. Candice runs up to ROCK Tiff again! Candice then runs, but Tiff dodges! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Tiff rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans fire up, Tiff handsprings, BACK ELBOW! Tiff then reels Candice in for a SKY HIGH! High stack, TWO! The fans rally for Tiff, Nia coaches Candice, but Charlotte still seems nonplussed. Tiff and Candice rise, and Candice runs up. Candice puts Tiff on the apron, but Tiff ROCKS her! Tiff bumps Candice off buckles, then goes up, but Candice ROCKS her back!
Candice climbs up, and she fires hands on Tiff! Tiff fights the suplex! Tiff DECKS Candice, then adjusts position, to SANTON- FLOP! Candice ghost pins, TWO!! Tiff escapes, but Candice hits the step-up SENTON! And then a LIONSAUL FLOP! Tiff hurries to fireman’s carry, ROLLING SENTON! And then PRETTIEST MOON- NO, Nia drags Candice out of the ring! The fans boo, Nia tells them to shut up, but Tiff is on the apron! Nia swings, Tiff cartwheels over, and then she DROPKICKS Nia! Tiff Alabama Lifts Candice, to ALABAMA SLAM her into barriers! Tiff stares down Charlotte, tells her just wait for Mania, then she puts Candice in the ring.
Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall
Charlotte gives moderate applause, but Nia CLOBBERS Tiff from behind! The fans boo, but Nia just drags Tiff to a corner. Nia goes up, but wait! Trish is here!! The fans fire up for the legend as she rushes into the ring! Trish avoids a haymaker to CHICK KICK! Then THESZ PRESS for Candice! And then a SPINEBUSTER! Trish helps Tiff to her feet, but Nia grabs them both! Trish fires fast hands on Nia! Candice CHOP BLOCKS Trish! Tiff is still dazed, Nia HEADBUTTS her back down! Nia & Candice mug Trish, and then Nia HEADBUTTS Trish! Trish & Tiff are side by side, and Nia drags them into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!!
The fans boo but there’s nothing can be done! Nia grins as she helps Candice away, will these two trash Trish & Tiff in Toronto? Charlotte steps into the ring, stands over Tiff, and points to the WrestleMania sign. Will The Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie unwittingly do the dirty work of The Queen of Flair?
Cody talks with Damian Priest backstage.
Priest asks why Cody’s boy, The Rock, is here tonight. Cody says given the time of year, his guess is as good as anyone’s. But tonight will surely be eventful. Cody congratulates Priest on entering the Elimination Chamber. Priest says what’s wild is, last year, they both walked out as champions. What sucks is that this year, only one of them can. Now, Priest is man enough and he respects Cody to say that after Chamber, he’s coming for that title. Cody says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Cody heads out, but what business does The Rock have tonight?
Braun Strowman steps in, and he tells Priest that congrats on winning, and good luck in the Chamber. But let’s be honest, Braun had Jacob dead to rights last week. If not for Solo Sikoa, things would look a lot different next week. Priest chuckles and says take it easy, he’s sounding like Drew with the excuses. But it is what it is, Priest just beat Braun to the punch. But that was last week. Tonight, Solo and Jacob, two of the baddest men in the business. Priest & Braun handling business? Oh, they’re handling business. The only business Braun cares about is getting his hands on those two. Priest says Braun definitely will.
Braun heads out, will the Monster of All Monsters and the Archer of Infamy make sure Solo & Jacob #GetTheseHands? Or will the rogues run roughshod all over SmackDown once again?
Backstage interview with Naomi & Bianca Belair.
Byron Saxton is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and brings up last week’s SmackDown, the security footage led us to believe Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez were the ones behind Jade Cargill’s attack. Now, hold on, Saxton. They don’t think, Naomi knows they were. Fair enough. But this Monday, they can get their revenge when they defend the tag titles against Liv & Raquel. How ready are they for this match? Bianca says so ready! They have been waiting for months for an update. Jade has been recovering, she hasn’t been able to call or text, so the GlowEST took matters into their own hands to get revenge.
Bianca & Naomi will handle Liv & Raquel, then move on to Elimination Chamber, where one of them is gonna win to face Rhea at WrestleMania. Not only will you #FeelTheGlowEST on Monday, but Liv feels it tonight! #Let’sGLOW! The champs head out, but will they clear their Road to WrestleMania of any other distractions?
Alexa Bliss speaks.
“When I was away, there was a lot of… change that happened in me. But when I look around, I see this place is still the same. The names and faces may be different, but the desperation and insecurity remains the same. You’ll see Toronto when I turn the Elimination Chamber into something of a playground of my own. I know the Chamber. I love the Chamber. I’ve won the Chamber. And for the other five women, it’s gonna be a Hell like they’ve never experienced before. Need I remind you, this is my division, and I am in charge.” Bliss smiles and says, “See you soon.” The film comes off the reel, but will things get twisted in Toronto?
Naomi w/ Bianca Belair VS Liv Morgan w/ Raquel Rodriguez!
The Big Easy is all about having fun, and they’re fired up for Naomi’s entrance. But wait! Liv & Raquel don’t wait, they attack Bianca & Naomi while the lights are still down! They mug Naomi, but Bianca drags Liv out of the ring! Then Bianca storms in to fire off on Raquel! The fans fire up, but Liv returns to CHOP BLOCK Bianca! Raquel hauls Bianca up for a TEJANA BOMB!! Naomi runs up, fires more hands, but Liv brings Naomi around. Naomi fires hands on her, but Raquel throws her down! Liv runs up, OBLIVION!
Liv & Raquel stand tall, the refs rush out here, but clearly the singles match isn’t happening. Will we be getting something even meaner and nastier between these four on Monday?
The Rock arrives!
His truck pulls into the parking lot, but we’ll see him in the ring, after the break!
SmackDown returns and…
Aldis is chewing out Liv & Raquel for the attack. He doesn’t know what they get away with on Raw, but they can’t pull that crap here. Now get the hell out of his building. Liv & Raquel just laugh that off, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in. Chelsea says have no fear, Chelsea & Piper are here to sub in for Bianca and Naomi at Elimination Chamber. Aldis sighs, and says they’re not missing the Chamber. What? But Chelsea had an outfit picked out! This is a travesty to not have the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup on a Canadian PLE! Does he know who she is? The first-ever, longest reigning, tallest, shortest, prettiest, richest, tannest, sparkliest, oldest, youngest Women’s US Champion! Piper asks what this is aboot, eh?
Aldis says this is them testing his patience. They need to pack their gear and whatever else they want, because they’ll be in action next week on SmackDown in Toronto. And oh, it’ll be a good one. Wait, they need more details! At least an e-calendar notification? Aldis is leaving Chelsea in the dark on what’s coming, will she absolutely hate it?
The Rock heads to the ring!
Wait, what is this New Orleans related remix? The Final Boss steps out on stage, he shows those goosebumps, then continues down the ramp, shaking hands with fans. The Rock hits his signature pose on the corner, but then takes the long way around to pick up a fan’s phone for them before going back into the ring. The fans all cheer for “ROCKY! ROCKY!” and he grabs himself a mic. He waits as the fans continue to chant his name, and then he says, “Ahh, you feel it, don’t you? You feel it. The Rock has got chills up and down his body because you know, on a Friday night, for the Final Boss to get inside his bird and fly all the way here, you know that I’m dropping some ish on you tonight!”
The fans fire up and The Rock smiles. Rock says, “Let’s get this show on the road.” The fans anticipate what’s coming but he says hold on, he’ll do it. “FINALLY! The Rock has come back…” “TO NEW ORLEANS~!” Rock smiles, and he adds, FINALLY, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!! The fans are thunderous to hear that! WrestleMania 30, WrestleMania 34, and now WrestleMania 42!? Yes, next year, 2026, LIVE from the Superdome! One of the greatest cities on Earth in New Orleans, Louisiana! The pyro goes off to commemorate the occasion, and the logo is already on the tron! Rock smiles at that, then he smiles at the WrestleMania 41 Vegas logo.
The fans are losing their minds, as we now know April 11th and 12th, 2026, the Big Easy has the Grandest Stage of Them All. Rock says you damn right holy ish! Oh when the saints go marching in…! Oh how I’d love… Wait, no, this ain’t singalong with The Final Boss! Sit there, shut up, and let The Final Boss sing the song! The fans are torn, but Rock says he sings! Oh how I’d love, to be in that number~! Oh when the saints go marching in~! Okay, that’s good enough. You got him, that was a great duet. The Rock is singing with the largest collection of STD’d trailer trash he has ever seen! The fans can’t believe Rock would do that to them!
Rock says now, dropping this news wasn’t the only gift he was going to drop on us. The Final Boss came here to call somebody out. The Rock will call out a man who he respects, who he admires, and who we all admire. That man is our WWE Champion, the one and only, Cody Rhodes. The fans cheer as The American Nightmare makes his entrance! They sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get Cody’s pyro before he goes to the ring. Cody gets his second “WHOA~ OH~!” and round of pyro, then he steps inside to join The Rock. The fans cheer Cody on, so he holds up the title and the fans cheer even more.
Cody grabs a mic, but Rock says, “That feels good, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s gotta feel amazing, right? They love you, man.” Cody tells NOLA, “I love you, too.” Rock says this is crazy. Pretty much no one knows this, but since after WrestleMania last year, they’ve actually become good friends. No, it’s true, they have. Last time they were together was the Raw Netflix debut. Rock gave Cody his flowers, told Cody he has carried the company like the incredible champion that he is, so thank you, Cody. Rock meant it, and that night, they went to the back, drank tequila for two hours and had a great ol’ time.
They chopped it up, had a blast, but Rock wants to call Cody out here for something important. Here’s the thing… The fans get a bit rowdy as they wait, and Rock says Cody is a great champion. A great WWE Champion. Cody knows that. Again, they’ve become good friends, so over the months, they’ve texted. Even their moms became good friends! Look! Mama Johnson & Mama Rhodes together after WrestleMania 40! It is a pleasure becoming Cody’s friend. But Rock wanted this face to face to tell him a few things. One: Cody has been a great champion, but he needs to understand. Yes, The Rock, The Final Boss, is on the Board of TKO. And TKO owns WWE.
The Rock is the Director of the Board of TKO. Don’t boo that! The Rock’s good friend, Ari Emanuel, who owns everything Endeavor, The Rock joked with Ari, “Can you believe that you own The WWE?” Ari says he doesn’t own the WWE, The Rock does. Rock said no, no, he doesn’t know if he owns the WWE. But The Rock knows he is the most powerful… Cody, you are a great champion. But Rock wants Cody to be something more. Rock wants Cody to be something more than just our champion. Rock wants Cody to be his champion. The fans don’t like where that’s going.
Cody says he did not expect them to become friends, nor their moms to become friends, nor the tequila. Cody didn’t have that on his bingo card. But becoming The Rock’s champion? The Rock of all people should know, Cody is the people’s champion. The fans cheer Cody more, and Rock says yes! Cody is their champion! Of course! The Rock is also The People’s Champion, he loves that about Cody. This is their universe, they were both born into this business. But Rock means something even bigger than just this. Rock knows Cody’s goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to everyone around the world, as many as possible.
The fans cheer, and Rock says that’s Cody. Cody is that guy, and everyone knows it. Cody is on social media, Instagram, millions of followers. Millions, and millions! The Rock has half a BILLION. That’s not a flex. But The Rock is the most followed American man in the world, that’s what he wants for Cody. Rock wants Cody to be even higher. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, he will open doors to possibilities Cody never even imagined. If Cody becomes The Rock’s Champion, every dream he has ever had can come true. Every dream of Brandi’s, of their daughter’s. Think about how Rock brought them to the premiere of Moana 2, in Hawaii.
Thank you, by the way, for making that cross a BILLION dollars, fans, Rock loves you. Rock has met the Rhodes family, they’re amazing. But imagine it: Cody’s daughter’s children, their dreams, long after Rock and Cody are gone, all those dreams can come true. Rock just needs Cody to be his champion. The fans say don’t do it! Rock tells Cody to just think about it, though. Rock is a very lucky man, he has it all. Cody also has it all. They’re very fortunate. They’re Mama’s Boys, they’re Girl Dads, they’re lucky men. Fans say don’t do it, Rock tells them to shut up or he’ll slap the syphilis off their face! Rock is trying to have a moment here, shut your mouths!
The one thing that Rock has never had, that he wants more than anything, is a brother. And that is what Cody can be. Last year, WrestleMania, Rock’s goal was to face his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the title. Cody knows, the fans know. Rock talked with his friend, HHH. He talked with Nick Khan, who is his friend. They are also Cody’s friends. Rock knew it wasn’t in the plans, but they talked about moving Cody aside to make what was best for business: Rock VS Roman, WrestleMania 40! What’d Cody do? Cody pitched a b*tch fit! Cody told The Rock he ain’t doing it, and he stood up to The Rock. And y’know what else? Cody SLAPPED Rock!
No one does that and gets away with it. But that is why Cody is special. That is why Cody should be Rock’s Champion. And that is why Rock will take Cody from where he is to a level so far above. Rock will make sure every dream, every desire, for generations to come, it all comes true. Rock’s dad, Cody’s dad, Soul Man & American Dream, they are looking down right now. They were friends, Cody and Rock are friends, Cody should be Rock’s Champion. He doesn’t need to answer Rock tonight. He can think about it, talk with his wife and daughter, as will The Rock. Then Cody can think about it. Meet Rock in Toronto on March 1st to give him the answer.
Fans still say don’t do it, but Rock says it is okay. Before he leaves, this has been an amazing night, this is a hot crowd, thank you all very much. But before he leaves, Rock wants us to know this: The one thing Rock wants more than anything in this world… is that. Wait, the title? Cody’s title? The fans’ title? This is all this is about? No no no no! Brother… Rock doesn’t want the title. He wants Cody’s soul. The fans duel, “NO! NO! NO!” “SELL YOUR SOUL!” Rock pats Cody on the cheek and says see you in Toronto. The Rock leaves, giving Cody a lot to think about. Rock does give one last glance back at Cody, then smirks.
What will The American Nightmare choose: His integrity? Or his aspirations?
WWE Tag Team Championships: #DIY VS Pretty Deadly!
Did Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano got these titles thanks to Kit Wilson & Elton Prince? #YESBOY! Did they survive a couple title defenses thanks to Kit & Elton? #YESBOY! But when Pretty Deadly needed DIY, was DIY there for them? #NOBOY! So now, Kit & Elton are looking to give Ciampa & Gargano their comeuppance! Will we finally get another #SidePlateCheck? Or will Ciampa & Gargano remember for themselves, that if you wanna be champions, you gotta do it yourself?
But as DIY make their entrance, they have mics, and Johnny Wrestling tells NOLA, “Give it up one time for your TWO-TIME WWE Tag Team Champions…! The BTTITW (Best Tag Team In The World), D I Y~!” The fans boo instead. Ciampa says there is no denying that tonight has been electrifying. Gargano says this is a hot crowd. But please, if we could be somber for a second. Guys, this is serious. Two weeks ago, Pretty Deadly embarrassed DIY, and now reluctantly, DIY will return that favor by crushing their hopes and dreams of ever becoming WWE Tag Team Champions. So please, let us all rise to our feet… Yes, you in the LSU jersey, stand up.
Ciampa thanks Wade Barrett, and asks for everyone to remove their hands and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly, beginning… now. The fans boo instead! And then Pretty Deadly make their entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really needed who in this broken relationship!
But then DIY jumps Pretty Deadly! The ref reprimands, DIY whip but Pretty Deadly reverses! DOUBLE DORPKICKS! Then DOUBLE LARIATS send DIY up and out! The disco ball hasn’t even stopped spinning! The fans cheer while DIY throw a fit! They regroup, cool down, and go back to the ring. Gargano distracts Elton, Ciampa CLOBBERS him, and the bell rings. But Elton fires hands on Ciampa! Elton whips, Ciampa reverses and he pulls hair! The ref reprimands, Ciampa throws Elton to the apron and KNEES him down! Tag to Gargano and he aims, SUPERKICK! Elton goes down in a heap, DIY cheers themselves on, and SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns, Gargano tags in, and DIY hits the BACK SUPLEX BOMBO COMBO! Cover, TWO! Elton stays in this but Gargano tags Ciampa back in. Gargano sends Ciampa in, but Elton ELBOWS him away! Gargano runs in, but Elton puts him on the apron! Gargano goes after Kit, but Kit blocks the kick! Kit BOOTS Gargano down, but then Ciampa BOOTS Kit! Elton dodges Ciampa to come back, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Elton and Ciampa are down, sputtering and writhing, and the fans rally up. Elton crawls, Kit rises, hot tags to Kit and Gargano! Kit rallies on DIY with big forearms! Kit whips, Gargano reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS!
Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa in a corner, then LARIATS! Kit runs to LARIAT Gargano! Kit pushes Gargano down, kicks him and hits a TWIST- NO, Gargano slips through to ROCK Kit! Kit yoyos, DOUBLE LARIATS! The fans fire up, Kit tags Elton! They get Gargano up, but Gargano BOOTS Elton! Gargano ELBOWS Kit away, then runs up on Elton! Elton dodges, then gives Kit the boost, DRY MARTI-KNEES! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives but Ciampa is in! Elton fireman’s carries Ciampa, but Ciampa slips free! Ciampa whips, Elton reverses, Kit UPPERCUTS Ciampa! Elton shows off his strength with the GOTCH LIFT PLEX!
Tag to Kit, but IN COME THE PROFITS! Ford SHOVES Kit down, Dawkins mugs him!!
Winners: Pretty Deadly, by disqualification; DIY retain the titles
Not again! Just like they did Motor City Machine Guns, The Profits make sure no one else takes these titles off DIY! URENAGE from Ford to Elton! Dawkins keeps hammering away on Kit, and then Ford POSTS Elton! Dawkins fireman’s carries Kit, to POST him, too! Looking like the All Mighty with that one! Gargano fires forearms in return, but ends up int he POUNCE GERMAN SUPLEX! Then Ciampa runs up into a FLAPJACK! Ford goes up top, then flies in FROM THE HEAVENS!! Direct hit on Ciampa! But wait! MCMG rushes out here, wanting their payback! The Profits brawl with MCMG, but Ford TOSSES Shelley to the apron!
Ford runs up, Shelley goes to kick, but Ford blocks it! Ford LARIATS Shelley down, Dawkins hits Sabin with THE BIG ENDING! The fans are torn as Dawkins whips Sabin, Profits get him for the REVELATION!! And if there’s been any revelation, it is that Ford & Dawkins don’t just want the smoke, they want to burn down the tag division to get it! Will nothing stop them once they’re back in action?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“You got what you wanted, huh? You got your match. You couldn’t, uh… You couldn’t just take the punishment that you deserved, that I’d already given you, and let it go. No, you… You wanted me and you to go again. You wanted to fight me, you want to hurt me, you want to end my career, which would hurt my family, by the way. Which is truly despicable. But what about your family, Sami? Huh? Have you thought of them? What about your family, huh?” Kevin reveals he is right outside the Zayn home! Kevin peers inside to watch Sami, his wife, and his son!
Kevin asks Sami via the video if Sami knows what he’s about to put them through, when they have to watch Kevin end Sami’s career. And what happens then, eh? When Sami can’t provide for them, and everything they have, like this nice house, the shelter, the security, the peace they have, when it’s all gone? And why? What for? Because Sami’s too proud? Because Sami’s selfish? Sami IS selfish. Because Sami is making Kevin do this to Sami’s family. Kevin will never forgive Sami for that. He’ll see Sami in Toronto. “But remember… You asked for this. It’s all your fault.” As if Kevin’s delusions aren’t already grand, will he continue to blame everyone else but himself?
Damian Priest & Braun Strowman VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu w/ Tama Tonga!
Elimination Chamber is on the horizon, and the Road to WrestleMania makes for strange bedfellows. Priest, Braun and Jacob were fighting each other just last week, but Solo’s return really threw things for a loop. Can Priest & Braun give Solo and the Samoan Werewolf their punishment? Or will everything (not) be fine in Solo’s Bloodline?
SmackDown returns as #OneBigSOB makes his entrance. As Solo, Jacob & Tama head to gorilla, we hear from Solo. “Tonight, we handle business. And it starts with Braun Strowman & Damian-” Jacob interrupts with, “Man, c’mon, DP! C’mon, Braun! I thought we did this! So tonight, we about to even up the score. If you ain’t know, I’m all gas, no brakes with it! See, since we touched the scene, we been dropping bodies like bread crumbs! Yadada mean!? FA-TUUU~! Hit my music!” The rogues enter to Jacob’s theme, is this alone proof he’s the new alpha? Or will the match be the last nail in that coffin?
The teams sort out, but Jacob stares down both Priest and Braun. NOLA seems to acknowledge Jacob, but Solo convinces him to stand down. Solo starts against Priest, the bell rings, and the two tie up. They go around, Priest powers Solo back, but Solo powers Priest back. They break, stare down, and Solo talks some trash. Solo shoves Priest, Priest shoves back. They circle again, tie up, and Priest puts Solo in a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off at 4, but Solo stomps Priest’s foot! Solo throws hands, then a HEADBUTT! Priest staggers, but then he ROCKS Solo! And ROCKS him! And HEADBUTTS! That was a mistake!
Solo shakes his head to HEADBUTT Priest! Priest goes to a corner, Solo throws haymakers and body shots on repeat! The ref counts, Solo lets off and says see? Solo and Jacob as one! But Priest THROWS Solo to the corner to fire off haymakers of his own! Priest ROCKS Solo, the fans fire up, and Priest whips., Solo reverses to UPPERCUT! Solo talks smack but Priest ROCKS him again! Tag to Braun and the fans fire up! Braun stares Jacob down, tells him to shove it, then runs up to SPLASH Solo! Braun stares Jacob down again, goes back for Solo, and hits another LARIAT! Braun scoops, Solo slips free, but Braun runs up!
Solo ELBOWS Braun away, tags to Jacob, and Jacob runs in, but Braun dodges! Braun CROSSBODIES! Jacob is right up, but Braun BOOTS him right back down! Solo runs in but Braun TOSSES him! Priest hurries after Solo, Braun CLOBBERS Jacob! LEAPING LARIAT for Solo! Braun then gets on the track, STROWMAN EXPRESS SMACKS a chair out of Tama’s hand! The Good Bad Guy thought he was being sneaky! But then Jacob CROSSBODIES Braun into the timekeeper’s aera! The fans go wild as Jacob rises up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob hauls Braun up, drags him around the way, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him over to SMACK off the desk! Braun staggers, but he ROCKS Jacob in return! And THROWS Jacob into steel steps! Braun drags Jacob up, puts him in the ring, but Jacob SUPERKICKS Braun! Braun falls into the corner, Jacob HIP ATTACKS! Jacob’s all geeked up, then he tags in Solo. Solo soaks up some heat while Jacob HIP ATTACKS Braun again! Solo puts Braun on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, but Jacob gets a HEADBUTT in! Braun flounders, Solo taunts him and eggs him on, but Braun CHOPS him!
Solo HEADBUTTS Braun right down! Solo rains down fists, then lets off so he can put Braun on the ropes. Solo CHOKES Braun again, stops as the ref counts 4, and Jacob gets another cheap shot in! Solo tags Jacob in, then he HEADBUTTS Braun again and again! Jacob runs to BODY CHECK Braun! Jacob fires up, Braun flounders to ropes, but Jacob rains down fists! Tag to Solo, he soaks up heat from NOLA, then he stomps away on Braun! The ref counts, Solo lets off, then he keeps Braun from Priest by anchoring a leg. Tag to Jacob and Jacob climbs up, FROG SPLASH! Jacob roars while Braun writhes!
Jacob looms over Braun but he glares at Priest. Priest gets heated, but Jacob fires hands on Braun as SmackDown returns to single picture. Braun stands, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him again! Jacob runs for another BODY CHECK! And then a SENTON! Cover, TWO! Braun stays in this and he goes to a corner. Jacob snarls, tags Solo in, and the fans boo. Solo runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK Braun! Solo grins as he copies Jacob’s geeking out. Tag back to Jacob and fans cheer! Jacob aims, runs, and HIP ATTACKS! Jacob keeps going, but Braun BOOTS from below!! The fans fire up while both men stagger to their feet.
Braun SPINEBUSTERS Jacob! Both monsters are down, the fans rally up, and they crawl, hot tags to Solo and Priest! Priest fires hands on Solo, then whips. Solo reverses but Priest SHOUDLER TACKLES Solo! Priest runs to BACK ELBOW! Jacob is back, but Priest dodges to WHEEL KICK! Priest then waits on Solo, but Solo catches Priest! Priest elbows free, but Solo SUPERKICKS! But Priest JUMPING ROUNDHOUSES! Solo comes back, Priest ROCKS him first! Solo swings, but into the FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Solo survives but Priest puts him in a corner. Priest whips corner to corner, then runs, only for Solo to put him on th eapron!
Solo takes as swing, Priest dodges and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest then knuckle locks with Solo, goes up top, and he tightrope walks for some OLD SCHOOL! The fans fire up and Priest powers up the arm! Priest runs, but Solo ducks the Comebacker! Priest fights the fireman’s carry to BELL CLAP, ROUNDHOUSE, and then he reels Solo in! But Tama is on the apron! Priest DECKS Tama, but Jacob HOTSHOTS Priest! Solo hits the URENAGE! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Solo is stunned! Solo snarls, looks to his taped-up thumb, then he drags Priest up. The fans boo but Solo taunts the fans now. SAMOAN- NO! Priest grabs Solo!
But Jacob runs in! Priest ROCKS Jacob, ELBOWS Solo, then he dodges, so Jacob’s SUPERKICK hits Solo! An accident just like last week’s shot to Tama, but Jacob doesn’t seem as upset by it. Priest TOSSES Jacob, then CLOBBERS Solo! STROWMAN EXPRESS CLOBBERS Jacob & Tama!! Priest brings down the straps, the fans are thunderous, and Priest grabs Solo by the neck! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest & Braun win!
Winners: Damian Priest & Braun Strowman, by pinfall
Just as Solo thought it’d be like before, he and Jacob were not on the same page! Priest is rolling towards Elimination Chamber, will this be just what he needs to go back to WrestleMania?
My Thoughts:
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
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Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA LIVE! iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.20.2025
So the first live episode got fairly positive praise from everyone; will this continue the trend?
Filming at Full Sail seems to have set the stage nicely this week! Going into a Live episode we got Moose and The Hardy Boyz on NXT, as well as Jordynne Grace’s involvement with Steph and Giulia giving a little shine to TNA happenings since she’s newly WWE.
This episode should be interesting, we finally see Lei Ying Lee (fka Xia Li) back in action, Rascalz take on Tyson and Tyriek, Tessa should be seeing some action as well…so generally interesting happenings for the second Live iMPACT! of 2025. Let’s see how this one goes down!
No matter where @ManceWarner and @stephdelander go, @TheSamiCallihan WILL FIND THEM!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/mXz9U7m9PL
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Ratings:
- Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin: Rascalz win via Meteora/Swanton Combo – ***
- Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary: Lei wins via Thunderstruck – **
- NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC: Dango wins via The System help – ** 3/4
- Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore: Masha wins via Requiem – N/A
- Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons: Elijah wins via Tombstone Piledriver – *** 1/4
Results:
Oh yeah, and another Hendry concert is…cut off by a commercial, LOLTNA. First Hendry is cut off by AXSTV’s new Anime Hour bumper, and now Primo and Epico are showing up in TNA. I definitely didn’t have this on my BINGO card. The crowd starts chanting “Where’s Carlito”, which they do acknowledge and play off of well. Oh they’re using their shoot names of Orlando and Eddie now…but before they attack the lights go out and we get another guitar strum! ELIAH/ELIAS/EZEKIEL/EBENERZER/EMERY/EL VAGABUNDO – shows up to back up Hendry. Okay I can apologize away the redundant concert since it played into an Elijah debut. The crowd is immediately popping and chanting “This is Awesome” 10 minutes into the show.
Tyson & Tyriek w/Wes Lee vs The Rascalz w/Ace Austin
Treehouse bros take it to the bigger men quickly, a few fast dives, a little MCMG style tandem strikes, Tyson fires and tries to take them out but they Low Bridge him. Tyriek comes in and they try similar things but Tyriek manhandles them both and throws them out of the ring, Trey is the first one back up and Tyriek and Tyson take his damn head off with his Corkscrew Running Euro Upper. Trey finally manages to flip out of the manhandle, tags in Wentz and Wentz goes for the hot and spicy cleaning house spot. Corner to Corner Knee Lifts for both big men, a Rolling Snapmare, into a Superkick for Tyson and Standing Shoot Star on Tyriek but only for two because Wes feints like he’s going to interfere.
Tyson and Tyriek pull off a tandem Assisted Backdrop Driver, but Wentz breaks it up, Tyson gets knocked out, Wentz hits the Tornillo, Wes tries to interfere again after Trey gets perched on the corner buckle but Ace runs around and trips Wes at the last second causing him to faceplant on the apron, Trey hits the Meteora, Wentz hits a Swanton from the other side of the ring and Trey gets the pinfall victory.
It was fast paced, all gas no brakes, but it didn’t overstay its welcome, so it was pretty fun all things considered.
After the match Wes grabs a mic, complains a little but challenges them to a 6 man match as Sacrifice. So we’re THAT’S where we’re getting the expected 3v3.
Fir$t Cla$$ comes out with an entourage of hot chicks and probably influencers or something. The “First Class Penthouse” , Gabby AF, Mafiosa Valentina, and Carolina are apparently known in their own way. Gabby I know was the awful one who did something for Impact a last year and sucked, but she’s part of the Busted Open Network I believe so that’s why she’s around. Two of them look like Noelle Foley and Frank the Clown…oh they actually are. Look at that. I do love KC Navarro as the Hype Man, they have this whole set up of AJ being mad that they haven’t gotten more Tag Title shots, so TNA placated him with his own Piper’s Pit and he’s *pregnant pause* totally happy with that. He says he loved Piper and hated Hogan before it was cool.
This is actually quality content and AJ is cutting a nice promo in this segment. They introduce their first guest, the greatest performer in TNA history, many whole say he’s Phenomenal with a whole lot of style….it’s A-J-Francis.
.@AJFrancis410 is GOING OFF!
Watch #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/NY8HgI02kY pic.twitter.com/kGehtp9iTE
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 21, 2025
Lei Ying Lee vs Rosemary
Things were slow until Rosemary took her into a corner quickly, hit the Upside Down, and we get a lot of Lei trying to avoid Rosemary’s offense. Rosemary goes for a Spear in the corner and Lei forward rolls, starts connecting with a bunch of right hands, backs Rosemary into the corner, goes for 10 Count Punches, pulls her out, Airplane Spin TKO for only a two count. Rosemary tries As Above So Below, Lei shrugs it off, Rosemary tries to go after Lei anyway and eats Thunderstruck! Lei Ying Lee wins!
After the match Rosemary catches Lei on the ramp and hits the Green mist in the eyes. Match was far too short and so many of Lei’s set up moves look better than her finish. We’ve seen Kofi Kingston do it for years so it’s not bad, just the current Knockouts Division are awful and don’t take the move well.
Eric Young and the jabronis come out, EY cuts a very basic power crazed psycho kind of promo, gets the “What” chants from the crowds. EY is trying to recruit Maclin even though Maclin made his line in the sand last week. EY tries to spin it as maybe he took out Josh FOR Maclin instead of in spite of his trust. This really doesn’t seem interesting at all, but that’s probably because I hate the two Jabronis EY is with.
NoDQ Match: Leon Slater vs JDC
I really don’t have any interest in Slater. He’s got no personality beyond “flippy guy with a British accent”.
Dango immediately powders, grabs a chair and goes to swing on him but misses. So Leon is making JDC look dumb by dodging the post chop, using the chair to shield himself from a punch by JDC, and then clapping Dango’s fingers between the chair. So typical System match, look inept for the first few minutes, then take advantage of something to take over. Oh look, Leon takes too long setting up the table, Dango gets in a few pot shots, tries to whip him into the table but Leon leaps over it, and then leaps back over to clobber Dango. Dango is still trying to recover so Leon hits his over the corner post con hilo, and the crowd appreciates it but I’m not interested. Leon panders to the crowd after the big spot and then eats an X-Plex into the chair from Dango.
JDC throws Leon back in, goes for a pinfall that’s only a two and we cut to a commercial. Coming out of the commercial JDC is in control with a Kendo Stick until he isn’t, Leon counters and takes the keno stick, brutalizes Dango a few times then comes off the ropes with the kendo shot for 2. Leon goes for another table, and again, at least the crowd is receptive to this match. Leon sets it up, looks for something off the apron but Dango stops him first until he eats a dropkick to fall onto the table, Leon hits the Swanton 450 through the table on the outside. Does it look cool? Sure. Do I care about dumbass moves? Nope.
Oh thankfully the rest of The System comes out to stop the pinfall, Shield Bomb Leon through the first table, and roll him back in for Dango to win.
The Hardy Boyz come out to try and make the save, but the numbers are against them, so Oba Femi’s music hits! Oba cleans house but doesn’t get his hands on Moose, so they’re at least building the eventual clash between Moose and Oba.
The crowd starts a “Tessa, we comin for you” chant before she even starts talking. Tessa is actually playing off the crowd well, Santino’s music hits and Tessa thinks he’ll help her out with the crowd and Santino calls bullshit basically. Santino says if Tessa doesn’t wrestle next week, she’s fired and Masha’s music hits. Masha decides to step in for Tessa’s enhancement talent match.
Masha Slamovich vs Mila Moore
Jobber tries to attack Masha early but Masha stops her, rocks her and Requiem ends the match.
Masha stares down Tessa, and then Cora Jade attacks from behind and hits Jaded.
Ryan Nemeth comes out to his Abyss music remix. What will Mokuba say today? “MYYYY BIIIGG BBRROOOOTTHHHEEEEER” he repeats at least 4 times and it’s hilariously cringe. He announces that Nic will return at Sacrifice, he literally just came out to give a PSA.
Elijah & Joe Hendry vs The Colons
Hendry starts with Eddie, after a brief tie up it seems like Hendry reads the room and points at Elijah and the crowd wants him in. So Joe tags in Elijah, a little back and forth, Shoulder Tackle from Elijah, Rope Walk with Elijah lays out Eddie and a tag to Joe allows for a quick tandem knockdown, but Eddie powders as the Walking and Talking Duo hold the ring going into the final commercial break.
We come back and Hendry is bouncing Orlando off the ropes as he return a strike, but Orlando is obviously losing, eats a Euro Upper, and then gets walked around in the Stalling Suplex for posterity. Eddie tries a sneak attack but gets caught and Sack of Shit, into Kip Up, turn and then Orlando with the ambush! A few quick short cuts and an Irish Whip/Dropkick combo gives the Colons a near fall. Hendry does get locomotion variation cradles, but eats a Dropkick to stop the attempt at momentum. Orlando stays on Joe, but Joe finally starts to fire up as the crowd starts to get behind him. Euro Uppers make some space, but a Snapmare says no.
Eddie gets tagged in and a quick Leg Sweep into a Front Chancery keeps Eddie in control. As Joe tries to get back up, Eddie turns it into a Guillotine, but finally the Suplex counter connects for Hendry! Simultaneous tags! Elijah bulls over Orlando, catches a Leap Frogging Orlando with the Manhattan Drop as Orlando retreats to a corner, Stinger Splash into Spinebuster for two. Elijah tries to keep up the attacks but Orlando finds a few ways to make space, launches himself from the middle rope and eats the Jumping Knee! Eddie breaks up the pinfall, Hendry takes Eddie out and Elijah hits the Tombstone Piledriver for the win!
Overall Score: 6/10
Well there were more live hiccups than the first episode, and this felt both more epic and less epic at the same time. Elijah and the Colons debuting was a nice way to kick things off, Oba Femi showing up for the save was fantastic. There were a few decent matches, but also a lot of really short and rushed matches. Tessa played off the crowd well, but Masha really is useless on the mic. Lei Ying Lee needs to framed stronger, her matches have done nothing to show off her ability. It just proves that the Knockouts don’t know how to sell a kick to the head because they all take it in the shoulder and fall in corny ways.
Viva La Sam could be something fun if the next 3 weeks are just hand cam footage of him being like “I’m Sami Callihan and I’m gonna kick Mance Warner’s ass”, Elegance Clique getting the rematch with a stipulation is nice to see and while I like Fir$t Cla$$, that segment went a little long for a cornball swerve payoff. It’s one thing to placate the Influencer squad especially when we’ve seen Logan Paul and Ishowspeed do so well in WWE…but these are like Z Tier Influencers that no one cares about. These kind of dorks stream on Kick because they aren’t relevant enough for Twitch, not because they chose Kick over it.
So yeah, the low lights were pretty low, and the highs were a little fleeting, but at least they were pretty fun. Not a bad show, just clunky with noticeable issues and Masha shouldn’t be allowed to speak English anymore. She’s such a charisma vacuum when she’s not rambling in Russian.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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