Coverage
Mitchell’s NJPW Resurgence Results & Report! (5/11/24)
Will there be a true Paradigm Shift?
Will the Roughneck surpass his Maniac mentor?
While there’s respect between them, Jon Moxley and Shota Umino won’t go easy. After all, they’re fighting for THE IWGP World Heavyweight Championship! Will #SHOOTER bring this title home to NJPW? Or will it stay All Elite with Moxley?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff match – Strong Survivor: Matt Vandagriff VS Adrian Quest; Vandagriff wins.
- Kickoff match – Strong Survivor: Mustafa Ali VS Lio Rush; Lio wins.
- Six Man Tag: The House of Torture VS Rocky Romero, Tomohiro Ishii & The DKC; The House of Torture wins.
- Tom Lawlor & Fred Rosser VS West Coast Wrecking Crew; WCWC wins.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: TMDK VS El Phantasmo & Hikuleo; ELP & Leo win and become the new NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions.
- NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Alex Windsor; Vaquer wins and retains the title.
- Tetsuya Naito & Yota Tsuji VS David Finlay & KENTA; Naito & Yota win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins.
- NJPW World Television Championship: Jeff Cobb VS Lance Archer; Cobb wins and retains the title.
- NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS Yuya Uemura; Takagi wins and retains the title.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship, No Ropes, Last Man Standing: Eddie Kingston VS Gabe Kidd; Kidd wins and becomes the new NJPW Strong Openweight Champion.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley VS Shota Umino; Moxley wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kickoff match – Strong Survivor: Mustafa Ali VS Lio Rush!
It’s been a long time since The Beacon and The Bad Child have faced off, but they’re finally crossing paths again. Both men’s careers are in a Resurgence to be sure, but who proves to be a Strong Survivor?
Ali is rather high off himself as he goes to the ring, and Lio handspring kicks him off the apron! The fans fire up as the TNA X Division Champion flounders around on the outside, and Lio goes out after him! Lio throws hands, they both get in the ring, and the bell rings. Lio CHOPS and fans “WOO~!” Lio CLUBS Ali to a corner, fires off more hands, but Ali shoves him back. Lio run sin, Ali goes up and over, things speed up and Lio hurdles. Lio whips, Ali reverse, Lio reverses, repeat! Lio uses ropes to go up and around to whip, then he redirects! The fans rally for Ali but Lio ducks. Ali comes back, Lio sends him right out! Ali lands on his feet, turns around, into Lio’s DIVE!
The fans fire up again while both men hit railing! Lio gets up and in to build speed and DIVE again! Ali is sent back into railing but Lio wants another! The fans fire up and Lio builds speed, to then build more speed, and he DIVES! Direct hit and the fans cheer the hattrick! Lio puts Ali in and stalks him to a corner. Ali stands up but Lio fires hands! Lio climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count but Ali stops Lio at four to FLAPJACK him off the buckles! The fans rally up as Ali snarls and Lio sputters. Ali has Lio in a facelock, suplexes, but Lio blocks! Ali throws body shots as fans duel, then he whips. Tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER!
Ali then suplexes, for a JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO! Lio toughs it out but Ali talks trash on him. Ali slaps Lio around, drags him up, and the fans rally. Ali bumps Lio off buckles, CHOPS him in the corner, then says, “In Ali We Trust!” The fans are torn but Ali whips Lio corner to corner. Lio slides to a stop, then dodges Ali to go up and over and over again! Lio tilt-o-whirl RANAS Ali into buckles! Then a roll up, spin and ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up and Lio says its time! Lio springboards, but no Rush Hour! Ali hits a LUMBAR CHECK! Shoutout to his old rival, Cedric, then Ali goes up top! 450 SPLASH! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up and Ali is shocked that Lio survives! Ali goes back up the corner, aims again, and 450- NO, he has to bail out as Lio moves! Ali runs back in, into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO, and into a KOJI KLUTCH!! Lio endures, pushes around, has a cover, TWO! Ali has the victory roll, TWO! Both stand, Lio gets around, but Ali trips him! Ali steps through and turns Lio over into a SHARPSHOOTER! The fans cheer that unique way into the hold, and Lio endures. Lio pulls Ali’s hair to pull him down! Then HEEL KICKS! Lio runs, rebounds, RUSH HOUR! Lio hurries up top and aims, for the FINAL HOUR!! Cover, TWO as Ali goes Matrix!!
But then Lio jumps up to POISON RANA!! Cover, TWO!! Ali survives again and the fans rally up. Lio storms over to the corner, climbs up, and the fans rally again. Lio aims, but Ali rolls away to the far corner. Lio hops down, storms up, but Ali YANKS him into a corner! Lio stops himself in time, but Ali blocks his kick! Ali hooks Lio up, backslide, but feet on the ropes!! ALI WINS!!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall
The politician celebrates his win, but Lio knows he cheated to get it! They argue, the ref steps in, but then Ali CLOBBERS Lio! Ali stomps away on Lio, but then Young Lions rush in to break it up! The fans are torn but then the lights go out? House of Torture is in the building tonight… But when the lights come back, Lio’s foaming black liquid from the mouth! He’s laughing and shouting at Ali as the X Division champion gets outta there! Is this a bad omen of what’s coming for Ali and his gold?
NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships: TMDK VS El Phantasmo & Hikuleo!
Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls held onto these belts through The Road to Wrestling Dontaku, but not without some controversy. The Headbanga & Young Guerrilla get one more shot, can they take the titles back? Or will TMDK make this a more decisive victory?
The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if justice is served!
The teams sort out, Mikey starts against ELP. They circle, the fans rally, and the two tie up. Mikey headlocks, ELP powers up and out, but Mikey runs him over! Mikey talks trash, things speed up, but Mikey avoids ELP’s dropkick! ELP avoids the sliding lariat, and both men stare down. They both go after the other’s partner! ELP BLASTS Shane down but Leo ROCKS Mikey first! ELP DROPKICKS Mikey, tags Leo, and the fans rally as they double whip Mikey to a corner. Leo runs in to SPLASH, ELP runs in to clothesline! Feed to Leo for a SIDEWALK SLAM! ELP is up top, AX HANDLE! The fans fire up and the two high-five!
Leo paces around Mikey, brings him up, but Mikey throws body shots! Leo CLUBS away on Mikey, then reels him in to suplex. Mikey fights that and suplexes Leo! Leo fights that, Mikey slips free but Leo elbows him away! Shane tags in to kick low! TMDK double whip, then DOUBLE ELBOW! Leo stays up, runs up, but into a double drop toehold! Then FIST DROP SENTON COMBO! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Shane powers up. Shane shakes out that leg, runs up, but blocks Leo’s boot! Shane CHOPS, but Leo doesn’t flinch. Shane is surprised, so he CHOPS again! Leo still doesn’t flinch! Leo storms up on Shane, Shane winds up and CHOPS!
Leo just sighs and paces around. Leo grabs Shane by the neck, then CHOPS him down! Leo swings on Mikey but Mikey gets away. Leo tags ELP, and ELP CHOPS Shane! The fans “WOO~” but Shane kicks low. Shane whips,. ELP goes up and over and then ducks ‘n’ dodges to roll off Shane’s back! But Mikey trips ELP up! Shane basement dropkicks ELP and Mikey spins him around for a DRAPING DDT! Shane BLASTS Leo off the apron, too! The fans are torn and Mikey tells the ref ELP just fell like that. Mikey puts ELP in for Shane to cover, TWO! ELP stays in this but Shane brings him around for a NECKBREAKER! Shane pushes ELP to a cover, TWO!
Shane pulls on ELP’s arm, twists the wrist, then KICKS ELP in the back! Shane shakes out that stanky leg, but ELP gets up to fire forearms! ELP ROCKS Shane, runs, leaps, but Shane keeps ELP from Leo! Shane shoves ELP back and DROPKICKS him down! The fans fire up, Shane covers, TWO! Shane tags Mikey, Mikey runs at Leo, but Leo gets away. Shane stands ELP up, URENAGE POWER- RANA! ELP sends Mikey away and fakes Shane out to go low! But Shane grabs a foot! ELP ENZIGIRIS Shane, reaches for Leo, but Mikey has a foot! Mikey ducks the enzigiri, but ELP BOOTS him into Shane! The fans fire up, hot tag to Leo!
Leo storms in and he rallies on TMDK! Mikey blocks a boot, ducks a lariat, but the UPPERCUT takes him down! Leo has Shane for a scoop, but Shane slips free! Shane CHOPS, Mikey clotheslines! TMDK double whip, but Leo comes back to DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up with Leo and he aims at Mikey! Mikey staggers up, into a choke grip! But Mikey fights free! Leo swings, Mikey gets around, but Leo fights the back suplex! Leo ROCKS Mikey, Mikey ROCKS Leo, repeat! The forearms fly, the fans fire up, and Mikey gets the edge! Mikey runs, into an ELBOW! Leo runs to JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!
Leo keeps calm and he brings Mikey up. Leo scoops Mikey, tags ELP, POWERSLAM to SPRINGBOARD SWANTON! To LIONSAULT! Leo BLASTS Shane while ELP covers, TWO! Mikey survives but ELP & Leo say this is over! They go to corners and tune up the band! But Shane anchors Leo! Mikey blocks Sudden Death to ROCK ELP! Mikey clothesline Leo, Shane UPPERCUTS! FOREARM! UPPERCUT! LARIAT! Leo stays up, so Shane LARIATS! Leo roars and runs up, but into a BACK SUPELX NECKBREAKER COMBO! ELP returns to BOOT Shane, BOOT Mikey, then runs, but into the URENAGE POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as ELP survives. Mikey tags Shane and TMDK go after ELP together. Mikey scoops, ELP slips free and shoves Mikey at Shane! Mikey ducks so Shane can LARIAT ELP! Shane sits ELP up for Mikey to SLIDING LARIAT! Mikey gets ELP up to scoop, TANK BUSTER!! Cover, LEO BREAKS IT! The fans fire up but Mikey goes after Leo! Leo grabs Mikey by the neck! And then he gets Shane! But TMDK fight free, ROCK Leo, and DOUBLE TROPHY LIFT! Leo fights free and he BOOTS Shane down! Mikey ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into the POWERSLAM! Leo then hauls Mikey up, for GOD- NO, Mikey slips free!
Mikey waistlocks Leo but Leo gets free, and ELP hits SUDDEN DEATH! Almost a Hidden Gap a la Bishamon! ELP dodges Shane, Leo UPPERCUTS him down! ELP builds speed to DIVE onto Mikey! And then Leo gets Shane up! GODSEND!! ELP goes up and then onto Leo’s shoulders! SUPER THUNDERKISS!! Cover, ELP & LEO WIN!
Winners: El Phantasmo & Hikuleo, by pinfall (NEW NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions)
Justice IS served! ELP & Leo take these titles back, but will their Resurgence see them through the Summer? Or will TMDK want to settle the score before the Fall?
NJPW Strong Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer VS Alex Windsor!
The Windy City Riot saw La Primera make it past the highspeed AZM, but now she’s running headlong into Iron Will Windsor! Will Vaquer be able to hold onto the gold when facing someone tough as titanium? Or will the winds of change blow across the Golden State?
The introductions are made, the amethyst colored belt is raised, and we see who is NJPW Strong!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and go shoulder to shoulder in a test of strength. The fans rally as Alex puts the pressure on. Vaquer rolls, but so does Alex! Vaquer steps over to bring Alex down, and she twists the wrist! Vaquer then shifts to have a motorcycle stretch, but Alex powers it back onto Vaquer! The fans rally, Vaquer arm-drags and then wraps Alex up in a straitjacket stretch! Alex fights up, but Vaquer kicks the legs out to pull her back onto knees! But Alex rolls back to put the straitjacket on Vaquer! The fans rally, Vaquer fights up, and she powers out to victory roll! TWO!
Alex escapes, and she ROCKS Vaquer! Alex takes another swing but Vaquer gets around, waistlocks, then spins and wrenches Alex’s arm to YANK it! The fans rally, Alex wrenches back, but Vaquer rolls, handsprings, and wrenches again. The fans cheer this technical exchange, and Vaquer gets Alex’s other arm to wrangle her down! Vaquer isolates that arm to STOMP it! The fans cheer while Vaquer watches Alex get up. Vaquer is right on her with a whip, but Alex ducks ‘n’ dodges to run Vaquer over! The fans cheer and Alex kicks Vaquer. Alex runs, Vaquer stays low then hurdles. Vaquer DROPKICKS Alex and the fans fire up again!
Vaquer runs corner to corner to jump at Alex, but Alex puts her up top! Alex CHOPS, then YANKS Vaquer down! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Alex KICKS Vaquer, KICKS her again, then hauls her up to CLUB her down. Alex clamps onto Vaquer’s arm to then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Alex sits Vaquer up to basement LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up, Alex drags Vaquer up and cravats for a neck wrench. The fans are torn but Vaquer endures and wrenches free. Alex CHOPS, then cravats for some knees! Vaquer still endures and the fans rally up. Vaquer pries free, arm-drags Alex down, then isolates the arm again, only for Alex to avoid the stomp!
Alex mule kicks, SUPERKICKS, and Vaquer falls! Alex covers, TWO! The fans fire up as Vaquer survives, but Alex scowls. Alex runs in at the corner, but Vaquer dodges! Vaquer then fires off HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! The fans fire up, Vaquer goes corner to corner, but Alex dodges! Alex swings but Vaquer spins her around, snap suplex! Vaquer drags Alex up into the headscissor squeeze, then turns her over to RAM her into the mat again and again and again! The fans fire up and Vaquer lets off to cover, TWO! Vaquer is annoyed but she brings Alex down to scrape her face! Then she drops the leg, brother! Cover, TWO!
Alex is still in this but the fans rally behind Vaquer. Vaquer drags Alex up, but Alex HEADBUTTS! Vaquer HEADBUTTS! Alex HEADBUTTS again! Vaquer HEADBUTTS again! They DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Both women wobble, then run in! Vaquer dodges to SUPERKICK! Vaquer runs, but Alex LARIATS her down! The fans fire up while both women fall on the logo at center! A standing count starts, the fans rally up, and both women sit up at 3 of 10. Alex aims from ropes, runs up at Vaquer, but Vaquer gets around, shoves, only for Alex to stop herself! Alex puts Vaquer on the apron, Vaquer ROCKS Alex, but Alex catches the shoulder thrust for a DRAPING DDT!
Vaquer is stuck in ropes so Alex goes up a corner! MISSILE DROPKICK! Vaquer flops out of the ropes, Alex drags her to a cover, TWO! Alex hauls Vaquer up, suplexes, but Vaquer fights free, SOLE FOOD! And then wrench for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Alex survives but the fans rally up again. Vaquer runs, but Alex follows to clothesline at ropes! Then she whips to clothesline again! Then leg lift SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Vaquer survives but Alex steps through, for a SHARPSHOOTER! Vaquer endures, even as Alex sits deep with her at the center of the ring! The fans rally, Vaquer fights around, ROPEBREAK!
Alex lets go in frustration, but she drags Vaquer right up. Alex says Vaquer is a POS, but Vaquer JAWBREAKERS and SUPERKICKS her for it! Vaquer then brings Alex around, tucks her in, but Alex fights free! HEADBUTT! Vaquer stays up, runs up, but Alex blocks to DISCUS LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Vaquer survives again and Alex is losing her cool! The fans fire up as Alex steps through, but Vaquer kicks her away! Alex goes to a corner, runs back in, but only gets buckles! Vaquer runs up, blocks boots, and DRAGON SCREWS! Vaquer sits Alex up in the corner, runs and METEORAS! The fans fire up as Vaquer isn’t done yet! Tuck and PACKAGE BACKBREAKER!! Cover, Vaquer wins!
Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall (still NJPW Strong Women’s Champion)
La Primera pulverizes the Iron Will and holds onto the title! She holds all three of her titles high, will anyone ever take those from her?
NJPW World Television Championship: Jeff Cobb VS Lance Archer!
Two big bad behemoths battle over a belt that’s more about speed and time than size and strength! But then will the Imperial Unit make this a quick Tour of the Islands? Or will the Murderhawk Monster show how fast #EverybodyDies?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see how this kaiju movie short film turns out!
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Archer fires a forearm, runs, but Cobb hits a SPANISH FLY!?! Cobb almost gives himself a brainbuster but he whips Archer, for a TOUR OF THE- NO, Archer slips free! Cobb gets under the lariat, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! Archer tumbles out of the ring, Cobb follows, and he gets Archer back in the ring. Cobb storms up to ROCK Archer, but Archer shoves back. Cobb RAMS into Archer, then whips corner to corner. Archer goes up and over, keeps moving, but Cobb ducks the lariat! Cobb runs in but Archer TOSSES him out! Archer aims from the apron, to CANNONBALL!
The fans fire up with Archer, then he ROCKS a Young Lion! Archer brings this poor soul over to scoop and SLAM him onto Cobb! The fans boo but Archer soaks up the heat. Archer hauls Cobb up, but Cobb throws body shots and CHOPS! The ring count starts, Archer ROCKS Cobb! Cobb ROCKS Archer! Archer kicks low and then APRON CHOKE SLAMS! The count is 6 of 20 while Cobb flops to the floor. Archer grins and we reach 10 of 20. Archer drags Cobb up, to whip him into railing! The count is 15 so Archer leaves Cobb behind! Cobb hurries up and in at 18! The fans cheer but Archer is annoyed.
Archer storms over to Cobb, stomps him then drags him up. Archer puts Cobb in a corner to CHOP! Cobb sputters and Archer smirks. Archer tells the booing fans to shut up, then he swings, but Cobb dodges to CHOP back! Archer ROCKS Cobb, then CLUBS away at the ropes! The ref reprimands, Archer lets off and says this is HIS title now! The fans boo and Archer scares referee Scarlet off! Scarlet says hey, she’s the authority here, leave her alone! Archer drags Cobb up, but Cobb fires body shots! Cobb ROCKS Archer, runs, but Archer follows to CROSSBODY! Archer laughs while the fans are torn.
Archer talks trash, goes back for Cobb, stomps him, then covers, TWO! Archer is upset with the ref again but she cowers away. The fans boo Archer for being a bully, but he drags Cobb up. We hit five minutes, the fans rally for “COBB! COBB! COBB!” Archer tells them to shut up, but Cobb suplexes first! The fans fire up while both behemoths are down! Cobb and Archer stir, rise up, and crawl to each other. Archer pats Cobb on the head, but says he’s tired of Cobb’s crap! Archer ROCKS Cobb with a forearm, but Cobb ROCKS Archer back! Archer ROCKS Cobb, so Cobb ROCKS Archer! The fans chant “MEAT!” with each forearm they throw!
The forearms keep going, even as both men stand! “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Archer CHOPS, Cobb CHOPS, and so fans “WOO~” as they keep going! They even throw LARIATS! “MEAT! MEAT!” Both men fire up, and they DOUBLE LARIAT! DOUBLE LARIAT! DOUBLE LARIAT! “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Archer kicks low, SMASHES Cobb, then runs, but into a SUPERKICK! The fans fire up while Archer leans on ropes. Archer snarls, runs up, but into an URENAGE! FALLING HAMMER! Cover, ONE?!? GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up while Cobb is surprised, but he goes back for Archer.
Archer grabs at Cobb but Cobb fights off the claw! Archer BOOTS Cobb, ripcords, and SCRAPBUSTERS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Archer drags Cobb back up. Archer puts Cobb in a corner, then puts him up top. Archer wants the inverted crucifix! But Cobb fights that and CLUBS away on Archer! Cobb shoves Archer, but Archer comes back with a STEP-UP KNEE! And now the crucifix, for the BLACKOUT BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Into a ghost pin!! TWO!!! Archer escapes and the fans fire up again! Cobb goes to a corner, Archer snarls and runs in to SPLASH! Archer fires up and the fans boo, but he runs back in for another-
NO! Cobb catches Archer and carries him out, ATHLETIC PLEX! Cover, TWO!! We’re past the 10 minute mark so time is still on Cobb’s side. Archer goes to a corner, Cobb fires up and rises up! Cobb runs in but into a BOOT! Archer slashes his throat and says that belt is his! Archer drags Cobb up with a knuckle lock, then CLUBS him. Archer goes up the corner, CLUBS Cobb more, then walks the tightrope! Archer flips the fans off, but Cobb yanks him down! TOUR OF THE ISLAND!!! Cover, Cobb wins!!
Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (still NJPW World Television Champion)
Archer tried to go Old School but he let filler get in the way! Cobb is still the star of NJPW World, will he have the biggest and best “season” of them all? Wait! Tomohiro Ishii walks out here! The Stone Pitbull stares the Imperial Unit right in the eye and the fans fire up! Cobb can tell what Ishii wants, and the fans sure like the idea of this match! Cobb sets the belt down, and he mockingly does a Rainmaker Pose. Ishii says he’ll be back. Will Ishii look to terminate Cobb’s reign and make his own?
NJPW receives a message.
“Bloodied, left for dead, surviving only by the last drop of blood running through my veins. New blood. Evolution. Valiantly, eternal, wreck. Those words define my destiny. The NEVER Openweight Championship IS my destiny! And I don’t care who is victorious tonight, Henare is back! And I’m coming for anybody who holds that championship! I’ll ensure this fight forever and ever and ever! I’m bringing my mana, I’m bringing vengeance, and I’m TAKING that NEVER Openweight Championship! Understand this challenge! Agree to it! RAH! And let’s make it so!” The Face of Fury is back, but at who will his Rampage be aimed?
NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi VS Yuya Uemura!
The Rampaging Dragon is no stranger to the NEVER Openweight Division, but he is no stranger to the KOPW Championship that the Heat Storm now holds. Will Yuya be able to take down one of the toughest men in NJPW to become a rare Double Champion? Or will Takagi earn himself a golden ticket back to the cerulean blue belt?
Each man holds up their titles, the fans cheer, but of course only one is on the line here. The introductions are made, the NEVER belt is raised, and we see who NEVER gives up!
The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two stare down. Takagi and Yuya slowly approach, circle, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Yuya gets around to waistlock. Takagi switches, Yuya switches back, but Takagi drop toeholds. Takagi pushes on the foot, floats to a headlock, but Yuya pops out the back. Yuya headlocks now, but Takagi powers up, only for Yuya to hold on tight! Takagi stands up, pries at the hold, but Yuya grinds Takagi’s head. Takagi still tries, throws some body shots, and pries free. Takagi hammerlocks, headlocks, but Yuya powers out to headlock back! The fans cheer this exchange as Takagi endures.
Takagi throws body shots, then hits a BIG back suplex! But Yuya holds on! Yuya grinds the headlock, but Takagi fights back up. Takagi throws body shots, powers out, but Yuya runs him over! The fans cheer, things speed up, but Yuya drops onto Takagi’s dropdown for a headlock! Takagi fights back up, puts Yuya in a corner, but the ref counts. Yuya and Takagi let off slowly, but then Takagi fires off forearms! Takagi then whips corner to corner, but Yuya goes up! Takagi catches him going over but Yuya hits a takeover! Takagi headscissors, Yuya kips free, and Yuya runs up. Takagi sidesteps to ELBOW, JAB! YUKON LARIAT!
The fans fire up while Yuya flounders away to a corner. Yuya is on the apron but Takagi goes out after him. Takagi brings Yuya up to SMACK him off the apron! Then Takagi follows Yuya around the way to SMACK him off the apron again! Takagi asks if the fans want that again, and the fans cheer! So Takagi fireman’s carries, to SNAKE EYES off the apron! DDT to the floor! The fans fire up more while Takagi stands tall. The ring count starts while Takagi leaves Yuya behind. Yuya is still down at 5 of 20, then at 10. Yuya sits up at 12, slowly crawls over at 15, and slides in at 18! Takagi’s right on Yuya for a BIG suplex! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally as Yuya stays in this, and Takagi keeps cool as he looms over Yuya. Takagi sits Yuya up into a chinlock and he grinds Yuya down. Yuya endures, fights up, but Takagi hits a takeover. Takagi makes it a lateral press, ONE! Takagi still has a half nelson to keep Yuya down but Yuya fights around to a ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Takagi lets off cleanly, and he brings Yuya up. Takagi cravats for a neck wrench but Yuya endures again. Takagi cranks harder but Yuya throws body shots! Yuya headlocks but Takagi hits a snap back suplex! The fans fire up and Takagi gets a leg. Takagi turns Yuya but Yuya scrambles around to the ROPEBREAK!
The ref counts but Takagi has both legs! ROPE GULLOTINE! Yuya sputters and the ref checks on him, but he’s okay to continue. Takagi storms over to KICK Yuya in the back! Takagi then drags Yuya up, has him on ropes, and KNEES him low! And KNEES him again! The fans rally, Takagi assesses the crowd. Yuya? “BOO~!” Takagi? “YAY~!” Takagi is satisfied and he whips Yuya to then KNEE him again! But Yuya suplexes first! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi flounders to a corner and the fans rally. Yuya grits his teeth, rises up, and Yuya runs in at the corner! But Takagi BOOTS first! Takagi runs up, but into an arm-drag! And another arm-drag!
Yuya DROPKICKS Takagi down, then kips up! The fans fire up and Yuya storms around. Yuya aims from a corner as Takagi slowly rises. Yuya runs in to SPLASH! Then he reels Takagi in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Takagi is tougher than that but Yuya fires up again. Yuya goes to a corner and climbs up. Takagi springs up and CHOPS him first! Takagi ridge hand chops again and again! Takagi goes up but Yuya fires forearms! Takagi staggers back, then Yuya CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Yuya keeps calm, and he fires back up. The fans rally, Yuya brings Takagi up but Takagi fights the clinch! Takagi throws elbows but Yuya throws knees!
Yuya lifts but Takagi arm-drags free! Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON feints to DDT! The fans fire up while Yuya is down and Takagi stands. The fans chant “Let’s Go, Shingo!” as he looms over Yuya. Takagi kicks Yuya around, brings him up, and catches the lariat to spin Yuya around, reel him in, and FACEBUSTER! Takagi then drops a KNEE on Yuya’s neck! Yuya writhes, Takagi hauls him up and whips him into a corner hard! Takagi wants the ref to check Yuya, but Yuya says he’s fine. Takagi runs up, blocks a boot, and he clotheslines through! Then YUKON LARIATS! Then scoop and SLAM! Takagi goes up, FALLING ELBOW!
The fans fire up and Takagi isn’t done! He hauls Yuya up to POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! STF!! Yuya endures and the fans fire up! Yuya endures, so Takagi shifts to the JUST FACELOCK! Takagi pulls way back but Yuya still endures! Yuya reaches out, fights around, claws his way over, but Takagi really pulls on the facelock! Yuya still swims his way to a ROPEBREAK! Takagi lets go and the fans rally up again. Takagi brings Yuya up, puts him up top, then climbs up after him. Yuya fires a forearm, then another, then another! Takagi HEADBUTTS back! The fans fire up as Takagi goes to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX!
The fans fire up, Takagi crawls to the cover, TWO!! Yuya survives but Takagi looks to the cameras! The fans fire up as he says, “My time is coming! TOKI GA KITA!” The fans join in on “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi goes to Yuya at the ropes. Takagi brings Yuya up, pump handles, MADE IN- VICTORY ROLL!! ONE!! Takagi escapes as Yuya couldn’t hold on! Takagi hurries to waistlock but Yuya fights the lift! Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Yuya staggers forward, but PELES in return! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi and Yuya crawl towards each other, and they give junkyard dog headbutts! Takagi stands first, but Yuya CHOPS!
Takagi nods and CHOPS back! The fans “WOO~!” as we pass 15 minutes. Takagi eggs Yuya on, Yuya CHOPS! Takagi CHOPS, Yuya CHOPS, repeat! Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, and then CHOPS! Yuya springs up to CHOP Takagi down! The fans fire up with Yuya as Takagi goes to a corner. Yuya runs in to DOUBLE CHOP! Then he reels Takagi in for an URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Takagi stays in this but Yuya stays focused! Yuya roars, rises up, and he brings Takagi up with a cording hold! Then another cording hold! But Takagi fights the Deadbolt! Takagi powers Yuya to ropes and OVERHEAD SUPLEXES! Yuya roars, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but leaps into Takagi’s arms!
Takagi pops Yuya up for a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans are thunderous while both men are down again! Takagi goes to a corner, runs up, and PUMPING BOMBERS! But he isn’t done, he drags Yuya up to pump handle! Yuya fights the lift, but Takagi still hits an USHIGOROSHI! Then pump handle for MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!! Yuya survives but Takagi wags his finger. The fans rally and duel as Takagi rises. Takagi brings Yuya up, pump handles, but Yuya sunset flips! Takagi turns that to a NECK TWIST! The fans rally as Takagi gets Yuya back up, fires boxing elbows, then ROCKS Yuya!
Yuya staggers to ropes, comes back, but into a JAB! HEADBUTT! SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!?!? The fans are thunderous, Yuya staggers around, but into a PUMPING BOMBER!! Pump handle, torture rack, but Yuya slips free! To DEADBOLT!! Bridging cover, TWO!!! Takagi escapes and the fans are thunderous again! Yuya fires up, “This is Awesome!” as Yuya drags Takagi around to the drop zone. Yuya goes up, and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and Yuya can’t believe it! Yuya won’t let that stop him, though, and he gets Takagi up. Yuya waistlocks, then full nelsons, but Takagi fights it!
Takagi elbows Yuya, but Yuya ducks to ROCK Takagi! Takagi wobbles, but he grins as he grabs Yuya by the hair! HEADBUTT!! Yuya HEADBUTTS back?!? Takagi drops but Yuya stays on his feet! Yuya stands Takagi up to run, but into a LARIAT! Takagi runs, but Yuya gets around! O’Conner BRIDGE!! TWO!!!! Takagi escapes Yuya’s best Sanada impression and the fans are electric! Takagi then runs up, but Yuya dodges! PUMPING BOMBER into cradle, TAKAGI WINS!
Winner: Shingo Takagi, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)
The Heat Storm was strong, but he could not slay the Dragon! Takagi holds onto this title, but he also holds up Yuya’s KOPW belt! Yuya snatches his belt back, but will Takagi look to take it from him for real? However, Takagi must prepare because Henare is coming after him. Will Takagi deny Henare his destiny? Or will the Face of Fury soon become the Face of the NEVER Division?
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship, No Ropes, Last Man Standing: Eddie Kingston VS Gabe Kidd!
The Mad King and the Mad Man have gone back and forth, physically and verbally, but the Windy City Riot really ramped up the animosity. Now there’s quite literally nothing holding them back, not even ropes! Will Eddie hold on to the last piece of what was the Continental Triple Crown? Or will Gabe keep the War Dogs oath of bringing belts and bodies to the Club?
Kidd has Kensei Abbot live and in person to rap the War Dogs theme for his entrance! The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is the last mad man standing!
Young Lions stand in the way until both men are ready. Kidd takes his time putting his robe aside, and he’s ready now. The bell rings, the Young Lions clear out, and Kidd runs up to JUPM KNEE! He and Eddie start throwing hands fast and furious! Kidd fires palm strikes over an dover, but Eddie gives them all back! Kidd ROCKS Eddie, Eddie ROCKS Kidd, repeat! The fans fire up, Kidd SLAPS Eddie, so Eddie SLAPS Kidd! Kidd CHOPS Eddie but Eddie just gets mad! Eddie throws his shirt off and brings the straps down! The fans are thunderous as Kidd CHOPS! Eddie CHOPS back! Kidd CHOPS, Eddie CHOPS, repeat!
The fans “WOO~” as the CHOPS continue back and forth! Kidd then SPITS on Eddie, but Eddie CHOPS him down! Eddie rains down furious fists and forearms! And he just keeps going until he’s good with it! The standing count starts but Kidd rolls off the ring to stand up. Kidd then starts looking under the ring, and he brings out chairs! The fans fire up as Kidd stands. Eddie runs up but Kidd CHUCKS the chair at him! Eddie falls and tumbles to the floor and now the standing count is on him. Kidd steadies himself, Eddie is still down at 7 but he sits up, so Kidd runs up to CLUB Eddie down! Kidd gets the chair, and CHUCKS it at Eddie again!
Eddie flops over and fans boo, but Kidd tells them all off! Kidd flips off the fans so the fans give it back. Kidd runs up to BOOT Eddie, then stomps on him! Kidd digs his foot into Eddie’s face, and we see Eddie is bleeding! The fans rally as Eddie rises and goes to the ring. Eddie staggers around, but Kidd brings his chair, and CHUCKS it at Eddie again! Eddie falls, but Kidd isn’t done with him! Kidd goes under the ring to bring out a chain! Kidd brings the chain to the ring while the fans rally for Eddie. Kidd wraps that chain around his arm, then aims at Eddie. FULL METAL LARIAT! Eddie is down, the count starts, and Kidd soaks up all the heat.
The count is 5 of 10, Kidd drops the chain. We hit 6, then 7, but Eddie staggers to his feet! Eddie flips Kidd off, so Kidd UPPERCUTS him! Eddie drops to a knee, so Kidd BASEMENT DDTS! Kidd lets the count start and he talks a lot of trash. Eddie sits up at 4, reaches out at Kidd, but Kidd ROCKS him! Eddie tells Kidd off, Kidd fires more forearms, then BITES Eddie’s head! The fans boo but Kidd brings Eddie to a corner. Kidd puts one of the crossbars in Eddie’s mouth! Then he digs it into Eddie’s eye!! The fans boo but Kidd lets off and soaks up the heat from the Toyota Arena while Eddie has the ref check him.
Thankfully, Eddie’s eye is still there, but Kidd half nelsons! Eddie fights the suplex, then switches to POST Kidd! That’s really dangerous from this side given the bare buckles! Kidd falls to the floor, the ref checks him, and the standing count starts. Eddie rests for only a moment, and the count passes 5. The count reaches 8 but Eddie sees Kidd crawling. Eddie gets that chain and wraps it around his hand to FUL LMETAL PUNCH Kidd again and again! Kidd is busted open, but Eddie still wraps the chain around him to CHOKE him! Eddie walks the War Dog to the corner, wraps the chain around the post, and tries to HANG Kidd!!
The fans freak out and this is only the first five minutes! Eddie lets go and Kidd sputters before falling over. The count starts again, Kidd gets the chain off him, but Eddie goes looking for stuff. Kidd crawls around at 7, but Eddie has a stop sign! SMACK and Kidd goes down! But this doesn’t stop Eddie, he puts the sign on Kidd to STOMP it onto him! Eddie leaves Kidd behind to go looking for more goodies. The count is past 5 but Eddie brings out a trash can and lid first! Eddie puts the can in the ring, to then SMACK Kidd with the lid! Kidd staggers around, so Eddie SMACKS him again! Kidd scrambles away to the ring and fans want tables.
Eddie goes for the trash can, but Kidd flips him off. So trash can SMASH! Kidd staggers around, into another trash can SMASH! And another! And another! Kidd falls, and Eddie’s headbutting the can! He truly is a mad king! Kidd is down, the count starts, and we pass 5 of 10! Kidd rises at 8, so Eddie storms over! He won’t even let the count continue as he stands Kidd up! Eddie SMACKS Kidd with the chair! Kidd falls again, Eddie roars, and the count begins again. Kidd flounders around at 4, but Eddie keeps the can away from him. SMASH! Eddie mockingly counts but the count has to reset because of that.
Eddie says fine, he’ll really end it now! Eddie drags Kidd up, throws fists right on the wound, then DIGS his fingers in! Eddie stands Kidd up and half nelsons, to HALF- NO, Kidd fights free! Kidd reels Eddie in, SAIDO on the can!! It wasn’t the whole can, but that still hurt! But now it’s a double standing count as Kidd is also down! Kidd rises up but he has the ref stop, because he isn’t satisfied with just this! Kidd goes looking under the ring again, but he doesn’t find what he wants. Kidd ROCKS Eddie with a haymaker, the standing count starts, and Kidd keeps searching. We pass 5 of 10, but Kidd hurries back to Eddie.
Eddie stands, but then flops over onto the trash can! Kidd stands on him triumphantly, but this isn’t done yet. The fans boo, but Kidd stomps Eddie before continuing the search. Kidd asks where it went, doesn’t find it, but he throws chairs in instead. But then he finds a LADDER! That’s not quite it, but Kidd JAMS Eddie with a chair to keep him down! The count starts again, Kidd keeps searching, but he’s gone around the ring quite a few times already. Eddie stands at 7, and Kidd finally finds it! A chair wrapped in barbed wire!! Kidd puts that in the ring, tells Eddie off, and reels him in! BARBED WIRE PILEDRIVER!!!
The fans lose their minds as that is double-edged for someone who wears trunks like Kidd! The standing count starts, both men are down past 5, but Kidd stands at 7! Eddie sits up at 8 but Kidd is on him! Kidd HEADBUTTS, then sits the regular chairs up. Kidd puts the barbed wire chair across them like a bridge, and he tells Eddie to get up. Eddie wobbles as he rises, and the fans chant for “E C DUB!” Kidd fires off palm strike after palm strike, almost toying with Eddie really as he just throws more shots! Kidd DECKS Eddie, then soaks up heat. But he then drags Eddie back up, suplexes, but Eddie blocks!
Eddie wrenches, and MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Kidd sputters, staggers, and Eddie SMASHES him off the barbed wire chair!! Eddie storms around, then DOUBLE STOMPS Kidd onto the barbed wire!! Both men are down and the count begins! We pass 5 of 10, Eddie rises at 7, and he waves off the count. Eddie grabs the ladder and brings it over, to SMACK Kidd on the back! Kidd writhes but Eddie won’t stop there. Eddie sets the ladder aside, brings Kidd up, and clinches! EXPLODER onto the ladder!!! Kidd writhes across the rungs and now Eddie wants the count. Kidd flails and flounders, but he’s still down at 8! Kidd stands at 9, only to flop over!
The count begins but Eddie says hold on. Eddie goes looking under the ring now, and he even wants the ref to help? Because Eddie is bringing out a TABLE! The fans are finally satisfied as the ref helps Eddie set this table up as a bridge from ring to railing! That proves harder than you’d think, so Eddie YANKS railing closer to the ring! The table bridge is completed, though wouldn’t it have been easier just to stand it up? Eddie still goes back for Kidd, brings him up, and URA- NO, Kidd ducks to fire UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT! But Eddie URAKENS! Kidd flounders and the count starts. Eddie stalks Kidd, kicks the trash can aside, then URAKENS again!
The count begins again, Kidd is still down at 5 of 10, but then Eddie changes his mind at 9! Eddie isn’t satisfied, either, and he goes looking for more plunder! Eddie brings out handcuffs!? The fans are going nuts just seeing that, and Eddie shouts at Kidd, “Show me how much you love NJPW!” Eddie cuffs himself, Kidd fights but Eddie cuffs him! They’re attached at the wrist, and Eddie tells Kidd to get up! Kidd rises, and they start throwing haymakers! The fans are thunderous as these two go wild! Eddie HEADBUTTS Kidd, brings him around, and even though cuffed together, he reels Kidd in! But Kidd fights the lift!
Eddie CHOPS Kidd, CHOPS again, and keeps him close with the cuffs. Kidd ROCKS Eddie, CHOKES him with the chain, and then turns Eddie around for a BRAINBUSTER through the table bridge!!! The fans lose their minds and both men are down on the floor! The standing count is rising fast, both men are still down at 5! At 7! At 9! KIDD STANDS, KIDD WINS!!!
Winner: Gabe Kidd (NEW NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)
Eddie raised the stakes to an insane limit, and loses his own gamble! Kidd is bringing this title home to the War Dogs, and both David Finlay and Kensei help him to his feet! Is the Mad Man going to keep his promise by taking everything from NJPW to restore NJPW to what it was?
The War Dogs leave Eddie behind for medics to check, and he makes it back to the ring. The fans cheer Eddie on as he rests on the NJPW Strong logo, but then JACK PERRY makes his way out here? The House of Torture won earlier tonight, but then why is The Scapegoat coming back to the ring? Unless… THE YOUNG BUCKS are here!! Matthew & Nicholas Jackson attack Eddie and stomp him out! The Elite is here because Eddie is part of Team AEW for Double or Nothing’s Anarchy in the Arena! The fans are torn, and many chant “C M PUNK!” at The Elite. But Matt gets the mic to say, “NJPW, it’s been a minute, right?”
Matt says “This guy is an idiot! Who picks a fight on Wednesday night, and then on Saturday, shows up at the hometown of The Young Bucks? Beautiful Ontario, California!” Nick stomps Eddie in the nuts! Matt says now that he’s standing here in this great city, it’s all hitting him. He got the chills! So many great memories here! They had a backyard wrestling company out here, there are people he went to high school with. But now that he’s taking it all in again, he’s starting to realize, this was a great place to live, when they were poor. Just like all the fans! No judgment! Matt stomps Eddie but then apologizes.
Matt says the best thing he and Nick ever did was become multimillionaire executives, take their lovely families, pack their bags, and buy mansions in the “high desert!” Nick says he loves this relationship of AEW and NJPW! It gives him a chance to beat Eddie’s ass at two different shows! How about June 30th, when NJPW and AEW combine and do the greatest show, Forbidden Door! But even sooner than that, in two weeks AEW will be in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, and The Elite will kick Eddie’s ass on PPV! Nick stomps Eddie, then tells Jack that this dumbass audience wants to see them hit their finisher on “this p*ick!”
Jack holds onto the mic for Nick, Matt sits Eddie up, and Jack says let’s all say it together. One, two, three! E V P TRIGGER!! Eddie falls back over and Matt thanks everyone for tonight! They’re not coming back to Ontario, CA, it is beneath them now, goodnight! The Elite stands tall over Eddie, but will it be a much different story when Eddie has Bryan Danielson & FTR backing him up at Double or Nothing?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley VS Shota Umino!
The Maniac took this title off Tetsuya Naito at Windy City Riot and completed a historic trifecta of being the first WWE, AEW & IWGP World Champion ever. Then he made it through “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs on Dynamite and through Ren Narita just last week at Wrestling Dontaku. However, he now faces his NJPW protege in what is The Roughneck’s biggest match yet! Will #SHOOTER be the student that surpasses the master? Or will Moxley show Shota that he’s 100 years too early to beat him?
Moxley poses on the apron, and Shota DROPKICKS him down! The ref reprimands and the fans go nuts, but then the bell rings to put this on record as Shota FLIES! Direct hit and the fans fire up with Shota! Shota whips Moxley into railing, then Shota mocks the Moxley shoulder slink. Shota then goes around the way to cut Moxley off at the pass, and Shota kicks Moxley low. Shota puts Moxley in the ring, CLUBS him on the neck, then CLUBS him again. Moxley snarls and gets in Shota’s face, so Shota bumps him off buckles! Shota stomps a mudhole in, digs his boot in, but lets off as the ref counts, to shove the ref! Shota then stomps Moxley more!
Shota digs his boot in again, the ref reprimands, but Shota lets off. Shota UPPERCUTS, whips corner to corner, then runs in, but Moxley LARIATS first! Moxley then gets Shota up to LARIAT again! And LARIAT again! The fans fire up and Moxley storms around while Shota goes to the apron. Moxley goes out after Shota to bring him to the ramp. Moxley CLAWS Shota’s back, then snap suplexes him on the ramp! The fans fire up while Moxley leaves Shota behind to refresh the count. Moxley pats Shota on the cheek, he’s oddly proud of Shota pulling that move. Moxley puts Shota in the ring, then waits on him to rise.
The fans rally, Moxley runs up, but Shota ducks to ROCK him! Moxley ROCKS Shota but Shota shouts at Moxley! Shota runs, ROCKS Moxley, but Moxley rebounds to BOOT! Moxley says F U, but Shota says Moxley is the no brain mother effer! The fans fire up and Shota runs to ROCK Moxley! Moxley hits back, they fire forearms back and forth, and they each egg the other on! The forearms keep going, the fans fire up with each shot, and then Moxley KICKS a leg! And JABS! And KNEES! Moxley whips, Shota ducks ‘n’ dodges and CLOBBERS Moxley! The fans fire up and Shota gets Moxley up, for a NECKBREAKER!
Shota fires up and the fans are with him as Moxley goes to ropes. Shota storms up on Moxley and whips corner to corner. Shota runs in, to UPPERCUT! Then Shota fisherman’s for the FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Shota’s not quite perfect but he still fires up. Shota storms after Moxley to snapmare, then he clamps on for the HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Moxley taught Shota this move and now he feels this move! Shota fires up again and he brings Moxley up. Shota clinches, but Moxley fights with elbows! Moxley shoves Shota to a corner, runs up and clotheslines! Then CHOPS! Then forearms!
Shota grits his teeth and gets in Moxley’s face, even as Moxley fires more CHOPS and forearms! Shota then puts Moxley in the corner to CHOP and forearm on repeat, just as Moxley taught him! But Moxley CLAWS eyes, digs his elbow into Shota’s face, and he sits Shota down so he can stand on him! The fans fire up, the ref counts, and Moxley hops off at 4. Moxley “apologizes” with a bow, then stands Shota up. Moxley puts Shota up top to CHOP! Moxley climbs up after Shota and rains down fists! Fans count to 3 then Moxley BITES Shota’s face! The fans are torn but then Moxley punches more! But Shota slips under to tuck Moxley!
Shota learned this one from Ospreay! CHEEKY NANDOS! Moxley is still stuck, so Shota CHEEKY NANDOS again! Moxley eggs Shota on, Shota feints then CHEEKY NANDOS anyway! Shota drags Moxley down, pulls him into the corner, then SLAMS a leg into the post! The ref reprimands but the fans fire up, and Shota tells Moxley he’s an SOB! Shota SLAMS the leg back into the post! The fans cheer while Moxley tries to crawl away, but Shota gets him again! Moxley is still an SOB and Shota SLAMS the leg into the post again! Moxley hobbles away but Shota CLUBS the bad leg. Shota then whips Moxley hard into railing! Shota runs up to dropkick the bad leg!
The fans fire up again and Shota stalks Moxley. Shota puts Moxley into the ring, aims and runs up, to dropkick the leg again! Shota reloads and runs in from another corner, but he blocks the boot! Shota dropkicks the bad leg again! Then he brings Moxley out for a SHINBREAKER, into a takedown and roll, KNEEBAR!! Moxley endures as Shota pulls back on the leg! Moxley asks where the hell Shota learned this one, and he scrambles around to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Shota lets go at 4. Moxley hobbles, Shota stalks him, and Shota kicks the bad leg! And kicks it again! And then kicks it again!
Shota puts the bad leg int he ropes, pulls on it, but Moxley grabs at Shota. The ref counts, Shota lets off to run, but Moxley TOSSES him to the apron! Moxley runs to BLAST Shota off the apron! Shota rises, Moxley gets the bad leg working, and he builds speed! Moxley DIVES and sends Shota into railing! The fans fire up and Moxley stands on railing to show off a bit. Moxley then goes back to Shota, drags him up, and puts him in the ring. Moxley rolls in, paces around Shota, then drags him up, for an X PLEX! Cover, TWO! Shota’s tougher than that but Moxley drags him up to TOSS him back out.
Shota hits railing and falls to a knee. Moxley goes out to stand Shota up and grind an arm. Moxley CLUBS that arm, then hammerlocks it, to POST it! Shota clutches the elbow and hobbles away, but Moxley goes after him. Wrench and ELBOW BREAKER, then a KNEE down low! Moxley hammerlocks the arm again, to POST it again! Moxley gets in the ring and paces around as the fans cheer. The ring count starts, Moxley lets it climb, and Shota rises at 8 of 20. Shota hobbles over at 10, slides in at 11, but Moxley is right on him. The fans cheer as Moxley shots Shota how those HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS are down! Then he KICKS! ELBOW! KICK! Repeat! Moxley covers, TWO!
Moxley keeps Shota down by digging a knee into the arm, and he bends it back! The fans rally while Shota endures, but Moxley shifts position to push on the arm. Moxley SNAPS the fingers, and Shota scrambles away! Moxley gets in Shota’s face, CHOPS him, then eggs Shota on. Shota stands, Moxley pushes him around, but Shota fires a forearm! Moxley fires it back! Shota shakes his head, shouts and forearms again! Moxley ROCKS Shota right back! Shota staggers, fires another forearm, but Moxley ROCKS Shota again! Shota fires himself up and the fans are with him! Shota fires forearm after forearm, but Moxley KICKS the leg!
Moxley wrenches the arm to a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK, then he drags Shota down! Shota endures, even as Moxley tortures the elbow! The fans rally, Moxley shifts to an ARMBAR! Shota endures, kicks and flails, reaches out with his legs, and finds the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Moxley lets off, and he SLAMS the arm on the mat! The fans continue to rally as Moxley brings Shota up. Moxley puts Shota up top, CHOPS him, then climbs up to join him. DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Shota endures, the ref reprimands, but Moxley still twists the arm! The ref counts, Moxley lets go at 4, then stands Shota up! SUPERPLEX!
Moxley hurries to get Shota back up and in, for a stalling PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans fire up! Moxley SLAMS Shota’s bad arm again, then paces. The fans fire up for Shota but Moxley goes out to look under the ring. After all the violence from Eddie and Kidd, what’s even left under there? Moxley finds a TABLE! The ref reprimands, this isn’t a No Disqualification match! Moxley flips the ref off and sets the table up anyway. The fans duel while Moxley makes sure the table is just how he wants it. Moxley blesses it with a quick prayer, then goes back to Shota. Shota runs up to forearm!
Shota throws more shots but Moxley ROCKS him back! Shota CHOPS, Moxley CHOPS, repeat! Then Moxley HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS again! Moxley runs, but into a DROPKICK! Shota fires up, the fans rally behind him, and he crawls to ropes on one end while Moxley goes to the other. Shota stands, Moxley runs in, but Shota BOOTS! Shota drop toeholds Moxley onto the ropes, then slingshots to APRON DDT! Moxley flounders and the fans fire up with Shota! Moxley is on the apron, and very close to the table he set up. The fans rally with “OI! OI! OI!” for Shota as he makes a lap around the ring.
Shota brings Moxley to the table, throws hands, then CLUBS Moxley onto the furniture! Shota goes up the corner and the fans fire up! The ref says don’t do it, but Shota still MACHO ELBOWS through the table!!! The fans lose their minds as Shota rises from the wreckage! Shota shouts, but then he sits back down. A ring count starts, but Shota stands at 7 of 20. Shota leaves Moxley behind, and Moxley flounders at 11. Moxley sits up at 12, drags himself up at 13, but Shota’s back up top!? Moxley turns around at 15 of 20, staggers at 17, and slides in at 19! Only for Shota to MISSILE DROPKICK him down! And then, EXPLODER! Cover, TWO!!
Moxley survives but Shota won’t let that stop him! Shota hurries to spin Moxley, POP-UP KNEE, and IGNITION! Cover, TWO!! Moxley survives again but Shota just revs up the engines! Kick and DEATH- NO, Moxley wrenches out to CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! But Moxley clamps on the BULLY CHOKE!! The fans rally, Shota rolls Moxley into an STF!! “This is Awesome!” as Moxley now endures! Moxley fights free of the crossface, and gets the BULLY CHOKE back! Shota fights around, stands up, then switches to CROSS RHODES!! Cover, TWO!! Moxley survives but it’s right back to the STF!! The fans fire up again as Moxley endures!
Moxley fights around, drags Shota along with him as he claws his way forward, but Shota drags him back! Shota wants the arms but Moxley resists! Shota traps the arms after all, flips Moxley off, this is just like with Ospreay! Shota rains down forearm after forearm on Moxley’s head and neck! The fans are thunderous as Shota lets off and roars! Moxley flounders around, gets to his feet, and swings wild. Shota storms up on Moxley in a corner, puts him up top, then climbs up. Shota has the arms but Moxley fights that! Moxley wrenches Shota’s hand, for a DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Shota CLUBS Moxley’s leg, but Moxley underhooks him!
The fans freak out, but Shota fights to underhooks, and CLAWS Moxley’s back! Shota gives Moxley extra CLAWS, then he goes to the very top! SUPER DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Moxley survives but Shota won’t be deterred! Shota aims from a corner, for the BLAZE- PARADIGM SHIFT!! But BLAZE BLADE hits on the rebound!!! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as mentor and mentee slowly stir. Shota crawls after Moxley, and he fires a forearm! Moxley gives it back! Shota throws another forearm, so Moxley takes off the wrist tape. Moxley fires a forearm, Shota gives it back!
The forearms keep going, and then the two stand up. Shota fires a forearm, but Moxley says Shota’s just pissing him off! Moxley ROCKS Shota, and Shota says Moxley’s the one pissing him off! The forearms keep going, and they’re picking up speed! The fans fire up, Shota ROCKS Moxley but Moxley KICKS, KNEES and ROCKS Shota! Shota drops to a knee, Moxley aims to KICK! And KICK! And KICK! Shota just grits his teeth! Moxley pie faces Shota, scuffs him, and pie faces again. Shota stands up and the fans are all fired up! Shota winds up, to ROCK Moxley! Moxley wobbles, drops to a knee, and now Shota gives the scuffs and slaps!
Shota kicks and kicks and pie faces Moxley, eggs him on, and Moxley stands. Moxley paces, then he comes back to fire forearms with Shota! The fans rally as they go back and forth again, picking up speed, and then Shota kicks the leg! Moxley kicks Shota’s arm! Shota ROCKS Moxley with elbow after elbow, then a ROLLING ELBOW! Moxley ROCKS Shota, runs, but into a POP-UP UPPERCUT! But Moxley still GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Shota rises to HALF ‘N’ HALF! But Moxley’s up to KING KONG LARIAT! But Shota’s up to SHOTGUN!! Shota and Moxley both stand, the fans are thunderous, and they both run in! Moxley’s LARIAT hits first! Cover, ONE?!?!?
We’ve hit 30 minutes and Moxley is scowling at Shota. The fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this has to end somehow! Moxley rises, Shota flips him off, so Moxley STOMPS that finger! Moxley gets Shota up, DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Shota shocks Moxley and the fans are thunderous again! Moxley is beside himself as he hobbles around and fires back up. The fans are loving this as Moxley drags Shota up and in again. DEATH- NO, Shota slips free to SATELLITE DDT! The fans rally as hard as they can as Moxley goes to a corner. Shota goes to the other, runs in, and BLINDSIDE KNEES! Then TORNADO DDTS!
Shota isn’t done there, he drags Moxley right up to fisherman, EVOLVED DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? Moxley survives and Shota pounds the mat! Shota goes back to a corner, Moxley eggs him on, so he gets BLAZE BLADE!! Shota hauls Moxley up, underhooks, SWINGING DEATH RIDER!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Moxley survives again and Shota is going nuts! Shota reloads one more time, Moxley rises up, and Shota runs in to BLAZE BLADE!!! Shota roars and the fans are thunderous again! But Moxley still WRINGS Shota’s arm! And CURB STOMPS! And then DEATH RIDER!!!! Cover, Moxley wins!!
Winner: Jon Moxley, by pinfall (still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion)
Moxley defied human limitations to survive this shootout! It may not be 100 years too early, but it’s still a few years too early for Shota to surpass The Maniac. But then, how long will Shota have to wait until he is truly the New Ace of NJPW?
As for Moxley, he still shows his student respect by offering a hand. Shota takes it, and Moxley helps him sit up. The fans cheer, and Moxley even kneels down to tell Shota that while he didn’t win this time, he’s on the right track. Shota bows deeply to show respect for his mentor, and the fans also cheer that. Moxley sets the belt down, and he bows in respect to Shota. The fans cheer that, too, but then THE HOUSE OF TORTURE ATTACKS! Evil & Ren Narita beat down Moxley & Shota! The fans boo as Narita CHOKES Shota with the push-up bar! Evil gets the mic, and in English, he says, “Hey, Jon Moxley. F YOU!”
The fans boo more, especially as Evil now lifts up the IWGP World title. “Next challenger is me!” The fans also boo that but Evil says no no no, he is the REAL IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! “So next challenger is you, b*tch!!” And then, just as he did with the NEVER Openweight title, Evil brings out a can of black spray paint, and he vandalizes the world title!! Then he says, “Hey, y’know what? I am the REAL NJPW Pro-Wrestling President! Everything is Evil! <That’s what it is! Remember that!>” The King of Darkness drops the mic as the lights dim. Will Darkness Fall on NJPW once more? Or can Moxley tear down this house of lies?
After Evil & Ren leave, Moxley gets back up so that he can finally speak. “Evil…! I know what you just did, spray painting this belt, was meant to be a very big insult to me, to the fans and to NJPW. And it is. You will pay dearly for it. But I gotta tell you man, this black don’t look too bad. After I beat the s*it outta you, I might keep it like this. So good looking out. Ontario, California, thank you for tonight, this incredible experience you got to be a part of, and NJPW live pro-wrestling show, an authentic NJPW show right here in California, on this side of the Pacific. That’s really something special.
“Every time we come here, we will bust our asses, because you came here tonight and was such a great crowd, gave us something to dig, and we need that energy to beat the s*it out of each other.” The fans cheer that! Moxley tells Evil, “One day, somebody’s gonna hit me and I’m gonna go down, and I’m not gonna get back up. But trust me, today in Ontario, California, is not that day. And Evil, you are not that guy! NJPW, Ontario, California, thank you, we’ll see you next time.” The Maniac rides on, even into the shadows. Will he stare into the abyss and make the abyss flinch first?
My Thoughts:
An awesome night for NJPW in the USA, even though I did still skip stuff. There’s just too much going on with how Best of the Super Juniors was this morning and AEW’s got their stuff during primetime. Great match from Lio and Ali in the kickoff show, and what a wild development for Lio’s character. Great NJPW Strong tag title match, and I was fairly surprised ELP & Leo won. I guess NJPW is okay playing hot potato with these titles, but I still hope we get some huge Winners Take All Fatal 4 as teased during Wrestling Dontaku just last week. And very good NJPW Strong Women’s title match, but I figured Vaquer would retain. Alex Windsor just didn’t have what felt like new champion vibes.
Cobb VS Archer was a lot of fun, though I was worried it was gonna end quick only because Cobb’s Spanish Fly wasn’t as clean as it could’ve been. Great win for Cobb over Archer, which I figured would happen, but I like Ishii stepping up. That is going to be a stiff, hard hitting showdown. Great promo from Henare to preemptively call out the NEVER Openweight Champion, and then an awesome match from Takagi VS Yuya. I figured Takagi would win, but it is intriguing that he teased going back for the KOPW title. Is Yuya sadly just a transitional champion for Takagi to be the NEVER KOPW combo champ?
That No Ropes Last Man Standing was some wild stuff, and I was really surprised Kidd took the title. At the same time, Kidd had to make good on his promise/threat to NJPW as a company, and winning this title was definitely more likely than his taking the NEVER title last week. And then great crossover as The Elite weren’t present on Collision in Vancouver because they were in California! It’s a smart Heel strategy to go after one target while they’re alone and the others are in another city. Eddie better bring this up on Dynamite for good continuity.
And then an awesome main event from Moxley and Shota. Moxley was maybe booked a little too strong surviving so many things, but it’s not like this never happens in pro-wrestling. Shota definitely had the best match of his career, even in losing, but I guess even a Reiwa Three Musketeer has to wait until they can be top champion. Evil going after Moxley was a little surprising but there’s connections here given the beef between Moxley & Shota with The House of Torture. Evil cut a pretty good promo for using English and not Japanese, and while he spray painted the belt, I’m surprised he didn’t steal it like usual.
Moxley’s promo in response was good, and it’s funny how he downplayed the belt being defaced. Evil probably won’t beat Moxley, but it’d make sense if he did because he’s a former IWGP World Champion, and he’d also have the whole House of Torture go after Moxley to do it. Perhaps it happens at Forbidden Door, which The Elite also made sure to name drop tonight to remind us it’s coming.
My Score: 9/10
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Have a Holly Jolly Rampage!
The Continental Classic rolls on, and Brody King takes on Komander in hopes of grabbing three more points towards the top of Gold League!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis; Konosuke & Cage win.
- Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy; Lio & Action win.
- Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron; Willow wins.
- AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander; Brody wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Tony Schiavone is in the ring!
Schiavone welcomes out the Blue League’s current points leader, Kyle Fletcher, and of course… Don Callis. But they’re not alone as the rest of the Don Callis Family makes their way out to the ring. Wait, shouldn’t Brian Cage be in New York for Final Battle…? Well anyway, Schiavone says there’s a lot of gold and- Callis takes the mic, and he says, “I have something important to say.” The fans boo and Schiavone excuses himself as Callis says the Don Callis Family are the TRUE One Percenters of professional wrestling! They prove it each and every day!
Murder Machines: The most feared tag team in the world! “Don Callis’ favorite wrestler,” Kyle Fletcher, shows every day why he is THE One Percent! He beat Will Ospreay! He beat Kazuchika Okada! And now, he’s gonna beat Daniel Garcia and win the Continental Classic! Callis hands the mic over to Kyle and Kyle says it might be true that last Saturday wasn’t the best day for Kyle, but anyone watching that match saw the clear bias from the officials in this company! The fans boo as Kyle claims there is an agenda in AEW to see the Don Callis Family NOT succeed. But it doesn’t matter, it changes nothing!
Kyle WILL be the winner of the 2024 Continental Classic. That brings Kyle to Daniel Garcia. “You wanna talk about restoring the feeling, Daniel? I couldn’t care less about your feelings! All I speak are facts! And the fact is, I am the hottest young prospect in this industry, and I will be the future of this whole place!” The fans boo more but Callis says one last thing he wants to say, is when you’re the One Percent, you’re not like the other 99! They are not like all of these fans! They are not like “the boys in the back,” like Mark Davis & Will Hobbs, “a couple of scab workers!” They’re not even in the same business, Hobbs!
And Callis has waited to get Hobbs on a PPV so that the world could watch why they call Konosuke Takeshita “The Alpha.” And Hobbs, YOU are not in the same business as Konosuke, and you find that out at Worlds End! But speaking of, here comes the Powerhouse! Will he and Dunkzilla finish things with the Don Callis Family? Or will the AEW International and ROH World TV Champions get even for last week?
Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage w/ Don Callis VS “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs & Mark Davis!
The teams sort out and Konosuke starts against Hobbs to give the DC fans a preview of Worlds End. Hobbs and Konosuke step up, talk trash, and then the forearms go back and forth! The fans cheer for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” and Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke! Hobbs even shouts “MEAT!” before he whips Konosuke. Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges but then so does Hobbs! Hobbs SPINE- NO, Konosuke flails free and Hobbs says it was that close. Konosuke says to cool off while he paces on the outside. Konosuke steps back into the ring, but he tags to Cage. The fans stay fired up for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as Cage and Hobbs circle.
Hobbs and Cage DOUBLE LARIAT! Neither man falls, so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! And again! And again! Cage kicks low, shouts, “Who Betta Than Cage?” But then Hobbs CLOBBERS him! Hobbs even gets Konosuke to back down with a glare. Hobbs brings Cage up to fire forearms, then he tags Davis. Davis & Hobbs double whip and DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! The fans fire up as Davis stalks Cage to a corner. Davis CHOPS Cage, and CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Cage sputters but Davis scoops to SLAM Cage down! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, ONE! Cage stays in this but Davis bumps him off buckles.
Tag to Hobbs and he brings Cage out. Hobbs and Davis reel Cage in, fans chant “AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE! MEAT MEAT MEAT!” but Konosuke makes the save! Konosuke swings, Hobbs dodges, so the elbow DECKS Davis! Hobbs ROCKS Konosuke, Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage clinches, Konosuke returns, KNEE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP COMBO! Cage covers, TWO! Cage rains down fists, the ref reprimands, but Cage steps off. Cage drags Hobbs up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Konosuke. The Callis Family stomps a mudhole into Hobbs, but then Hobbs CHOPS Konosuke! Konosuke snarls, and he CHOPS in return!
Konosuke ROCKS Hobbs, climbs up, and he rains down fists! The fans count but then Konosuke BITES Hobbs on the forehead! The ref counts, Konosuke lets off, and Hobbs sputters on the ropes. Konosuke tags to Cage and the Family gets Hobbs up. They DOUBLE SUPLEX Hobbs! Cage covers, TWO! Cage drags Hobbs up but Hobbs fires body shots. Hobbs UPPERCUTS but Cage ROCKS Hobbs! Cage ROCKS Hobbs again, Hobbs fires back, repeat! The fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Cage gets the edge, then whips, but Hobbs KICKS him away! Cage swings, Hobbs bobs ‘n’ weaves, to then hit an EXPLODER!
The fans fire up while Hobbs crawls, hot tag to Davis! Davis fires hands on Cage, “MEAT! MEAT!” Davis DECKS Cage, then whips him to ropes. Cage reveres but Davis picks him up, BACKDROP! Davis SENTONS but onto knees! Davis writhes, Cage tags Konosuke! POWER- NO, Davis stops the knee! Davis takes a swing but Konosuke ducks that, to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Davis survives and Konosuke snarls, but Rampage goes picture in picture.
Konosuke rains down fists on Davis, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Konosuke tags Cage and Cage drags Davis up. Cage ROCKS Davis, whips him into a corner, and Davis hits buckles chest first! Cage RAMS into Davis, and RAMS in again, then CHOPS! Davis staggers but Cage whips him to ropes. Davis reverses, to dosido with Cage, only for Cage to CLOBBER Davis! Cage BOOTS Davis down, covers, but Hobbs breaks it! Cage gets mad and the ref reprimands Hobbs, then Cage soaks up heat from DC. Cage stalks Davis to a corner and fires haymakers! The ref reprimands but Cage DECKS Davis! Cage soaks up more heat while he flexes.
Holiday Bash returns to single picture while Davis crawls. Cage storms over but Davis fires hands! Davis CHOPS, CHOPS, but Cage JUMP KNEES! Cage whips Davis, Davis cartwheels and swings on Cage! Cage blocks, waistlocks, but Davis switches! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Davis rises and reaches out! Davis crawls, as does Cage, hot tags to Hobbs and Konosuke! Hobbs LARIATS Konosuke, LARIATS again, then runs up to LARIAT in a corner! Cage runs up but he’s send into Konosuke! Hobbs SANDWEICHES the Family! Hobbs whips, Cage reverses, but Hobbs comes back to CLOBBER him! Hobbs scoops Cage for a POWERSLAM!
The fans fire up but Konosuke runs up! Hobbs scoops him, too! POWERSLAM! Hobbs pumps up and the fans are with him! Hobbs stomps and shakes the ropes, then he goes back for Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Hobbs pops him up, but Konosuke ELBOWS him! Konosuke fires hands, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Hobbs staggers, Konosuke whips him, but Hobbs reverses! SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Davis blocks Cage, but Cage SHOVES Davis onto the cover! Cage then TOSSES Davis out, and he goes back for Hobbs. Hobbs TOSSES Cage! Hobbs grins as he has Konosuke alone. The straps come down, and Hobbs runs up, only for Konosuke to dodge!
Konosuke runs, Cage tags in, and Konosuke BOOTS Hobbs in the corner! Cage runs up to UPPERCUT, GAMANGIRI, and then GERMAN SUPLEX! Hobbs flounders, Cage hauls him up, PUMP HANDLE FACEBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Hobbs survives and Cage is furious! Cage tags Konosuke, the Family gets Hobbs up, and they double wrench to double whip. But Hobbs breaks the double lariat and Davis tags in! Hobbs DOUBLE LARIATS Cage & Konosuke! Davis runs up, they STEREO LARIAT! Konosuke BOOTS Davis and Cage waistlocks Hobbs. Konosuke runs but Davis GAMANGIRIS! Cage SUPERKICKS Davis!
Hobbs SNAP POWERSLAMS Cage! ALPHA ELBOW from Konosuke! Davis GERMAN SUPLEXES Konosuke! Cage fireman’s carries Davis, F5!! Cage runs up on Hobbs but Hobbs dodges! Hobbs LARIATS Cage and himself out of the ring! The fans fire up while Davis rises again! Konosuke also stands, and they run up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Davis GAMANGIRIS, Konosuke ends up in the corner! Davis goes side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! The fans roar as Davis hauls Konosuke up! Konosuke fights the lift, dodges Davis, and comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS finally take both men down! But not for long as they both roar to their feet!
Konosuke swings, and he SWATS Davis’ enzigiri! Konosuke then POWER DRIVE KNEES!! And then, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Callis Family wins!
Winners: Konosuke Takeshita & Brian Cage, by pinfall
The Alpha slam dunks on Dunkzilla, and now he has 8 days to prepare for the Powerhouse! Will Konosuke hold onto his International Championship against Hobbs? Or will taking that title be the perfect payback?
Backstage interview with Willow Nightingale.
Renee Paquette is with the Babe with the Power who is in action later tonight. But first, Renee wants to congratulate Willow to making it to the finals of the inaugural International Women’s Cup. She heads off to Tokyo very soon, how is she feeling about it? Willow is very excited. Inaugural WrestleDynasty, one step closer to the inaugural International Women’s Cup winner, and so it is mind boggling after how- Kris Statlander steps in. Kris tells Willow that there is a lot she should say, but for now, she’ll say good luck at the Tokyo Dome. #BornAgainKristen takes Willow by surprise, will Willow win tonight and have momentum going to the New Year?
Lio Rush & Action Andretti VS Myles Hawkins & Goldy!
The dysfunction in Top Flight Airlines led to The Bad Child & The Sight to See winning over Darius & Dante Martin, meaning they’re next up to face Private Party. Will this be little more than a tune-up for Lio & Action?
The teams sort out, Lio starts against Myles, but then Lio handspring kicks Goldy off the apron! Myles back suplexes but Lio lands out and then dodges! Myles falls out of the ring, Action handspring kicks him down! Lio DIVES onto Goldy! Action DIVES onto Myles! The fans fire up as Action puts Myles in fast. Lio joins Action and they mug Myles. Myles fights back with forearms and CHOPS! Myle runs, but Lio & Action split the difference. Lio spins Myles for Action to mule kick, knee lift and ROLLING ELBOW! Lio fires fast hands, then DECKS Myles! Goldy springboards but Lio & Action dodge! Lio eggs Goldy on, then he and Action split the difference again!
Action runs up, Goldy dodges, but Lio LARIATS Goldy on the other side! Myles whips Lio but Lio hits RUSH HOUR! Action torture racks Myles for a NECKBREAKER! Lio covers, Lio & Action win!
Winners: Lio Rush & Action Andretti, by pinfall
Fast win for this furious duo, but “Oh my gosh, is that Private Party?” Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy make their way out here and DC fires up! The AEW World Tag Team Champions call for “SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!” Lio & Action get their shot in the near future, but wait! Dante & Darius make their way out here? Private Party looks to the tunnels, but Lio & Action CLOBBER them from behind! Dante, Darius & Leila don’t worry about the champs, they stare Lio & Action down. Lio & Action hold up the belts, then throw them at the Martins. The refs keep this from getting any more physical, but will Lio & Action take those belts from Quen & Zay soon enough?
Backstage interview with Harley Cameron.
Renee is now with the “multifaceted” Harley and notes she’s in action against Willow Nightingale tonight. Harley says yes, she IS multifaceted. She wants us to appreciate ALL her facets! Renee says yes, but she has yet to earn a singles win in AEW. Fine, ruin her fun. But then Harley asks if some person off camera is gonna say anything or just stand there. In steps Penelope Ford, and Mrs. Superbad says yes, she was simply observing. But Ford couldn’t help but notice that she and Harley share a lot of similar… facets. Harley asks how much Ford’s cost. Uh, no, not those…
Ford meant that she hasn’t had such a good 2024, either. So from The Bad Girl to the… Harley doesn’t have a good nickname yet. Well, don’t worry about it. Ford will watch Harley’s back and Harley will watch Ford’s. Wait, is something on Harley’s back? No, Harley… Just good luck. FEEL THE WRATH OF HARLEY CAMERON! No, she was being nice to you, Harley. Right, don’t feel the wrath of Harley Cameron. There is nothing on your back, Harley, stop scratching. Wait! W-What? Nothing, sorry. But will Harley be feeling Willow’s wrath instead?
Willow Nightingale VS Harley Cameron!
The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Harley pushes but Willow digs in her heels to SHOVE Harley down. Harley comes back, she and Willow reset and tie up again. Willow puts Harley in a corner, the ref counts, and Willow lets off. DC duels between Willow and Harley, and Harley wants a Test of Strength. Willow accepts the knuckle locks, but then Harley kicks low! Harley runs, wheelbarrows, but Willow turns that into a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer as Willow runs, DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! Willow bumps Harley off buckles, then fires LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans count al the way to TEN!
Willow brings Harley out with a smile, and scoop SLAMS her! Harley flounders, Willow storms up on her for another scoop and SLAM, right as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Willow storms around while Harley staggers up. Willow scoops Harley again, then carries her around to put her in the Tree of Woe! Willow stomps a mudhole in, then lets off to run up! But Harley BOOTS her while upside-down! Harley gets free, ELBOWS Willow, then runs to knee her low! Harley runs with Willow to HOTSHOT BULLDOG! Willow is stuck in ropes, and Harley AX KICKS her! Harley then headscissors Willow to CHOKE her in the ropes! The ref counts, Harley lets go at 4, and Harley soaks up cheers and jeers from DC. Harley stomps Willow, then drags her to the outside. Harley SMACKS Willow off the apron!
Harley paces while Willow flounders, and Harley has her against railing. Harley CHOPS Willow, then brings her around. Willow blocks the bump to SMACK Harley off the apron! Harley turns things around to SMACK Willow off the apron! Harley shoves Willow in, storms up on her, and stands her up for buckle bumps. Harley stomps Willow, digs her boots in, and she thrashes around! The ref counts, Harley lets off at 4, but Willow elbows her in return! Harley RAMS into Willow again and again, but Willow CLUBS Harley! Harley ROCKS Willow, whips her to ropes, and ELBOWS Willow down! Harley soaks up more cheers and jeers while Rampage goes to break.
Holiday Bash returns and Willow CANNONBALLS, but Harley dodges! Willow hits only buckles and she hobbles after Harley. Harley kicks, KNEES, and ENZIGIRIS! Harley roars, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up but Harley grows frustrated. The fans rally while Harley waistlocks, but Willow switches! Harley kicks free to switch back, but Willow ELBOWS Harley back! Willow fireman’s carries, storms around, but Harley pops up! Harley fires down elbows, then victory rolls, TWO! Willow escapes and ROCKS Harley! Fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
Harley survives but Willow roars! The fans fire up as the straps come down! Willow gut wrenches for the BABE WITH THE POWER BOMB!! Cover, Willow wins!
Winner: Willow Nightingale, by pinfall
Willow faced the wrath of Harley Cameron and she prevailed! But then PENELOPE FORD goes after Willow! The fans boo but Ford did say she’d back Harley up. They both beat up on Willow, but here comes Kris! Kris Statlander storms the ring, Harley & Ford run away! Willow is again surprised, but the fans want these two to “Hug It Out! Hug It Out!” Kris says no, she doesn’t feel like it’s the right time. Kris lets Willow have the ring, is this proof that the #BornAgainKristen isn’t just a nickname?
Team Triple J speaks backstage.
Standing alongside Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh, as well as Jeff & Karen Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt says, “They’ve asked us to look back and reflect on 2024, and Jeff, guys, what an incredible series of moments we’ve had in 2024.” The group agrees. From Wembley Stadium to Double J being in the Owen Hart Cup, some true career highlights that he will cherish forever. But Jarrett doesn’t like looking in the rearview mirror, he likes to look ahead. Next week, he’s not bringing resolutions, he’s bringing a game plan for 2025! What does the Last Outlaw have in store for himself and the team in the New Year?
AEW Continental Classic, Gold League: Brody King VS Komander!
While the rest of Gold League stands at 6 points, these two men are struggling to keep up. Will the King of Death join that traffic jam at the front of the block? Or will the Commander of the Skies be a spoiler for Christmas?
The bell rings and we’re on the clock. Brody and Komander circle while the fans bark it up. There are fans who sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Komander as the two tie up. But then Brody picks Komande up with both hands, and puts him on the to rope. Brody pats Komander on the shoulder, and the fans bark more. Komander hops down, not intimidated by Brody’s size. Komander then dodges Brody, DROPKICKS him, but Brody CLOBBERS Komander on the return! Brody eggs Komander on and then scuffs him. Komander gets mad and CHOPS! Brody grins and eggs Komander on. Komander CHOPS, but Brody wants more!
Komander fires up to CHOP, but Brody CHOPS Komander down! The fans fire up and Brody grins. Komander sputters, Brody paces, and Brody drags Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody bumps Komander off buckles, CHOPS again, and Komander flounders away! Brody stalks Komander to the corner, CHOPS him again, and Komander falls over! Brody hauls Komander up, whips him, but Komander goes up and over! Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Brody BACKDROPS Komander! The fans bark while Komander writhes, and Brody drags Komander up. But Komander fires body shots and a CHOP!
Brody KNEES low and Komander drops. Brody CHOPS Komander again! Brody asks, “Are you done?!” Brody whips Komander, but Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to then springboard, but Brody catches Komander with ease! Brody pops Komander up, but Komander pops free, sunset flip, ONE!! Brody drags Komander up and CLUBS him! Komander wobbles, Brody ROCKS him again! Brody drags Komander off the ropes, suplexes, but Komander slips around! SLEEPER! Big men still have to breathe, but Brody RAMS Komander into the buckles! Brody swings, misses, and that bad hand hits post! Komander fires KICKS on the legs!
Komander bobs ‘n’ weaves, kicks, mule kicks and ENZIGIRIS! Brody wobbles and the fans rally up! Komander knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up and up and jumps around! But Brody breaks the grip and DOUBLE CHOPS Komander to the floor! The fans bark it up and the ref checks Komander while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Brody storms out after Komander, who is somehow still in this. Brody drags Komander up, and he whips Komander hard into railing! Brody revels in the DC dogs barking, and Brody stands Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander off his feet, then refreshes the ring count. Brody drags Komander up, and whips him hard into railing! So hard, in fact, that Komander goes up and over! Brody hurries to haul Komander back up, and he suplexes Komander to the floor! Komander writhes more while Brody refreshes the count again. Brody goes back to Komander, scuffs him, and brings him back up.
Komander KICKS Brody, CHOPS, but Brody CHOPS him down! Brody revels in the noise from DC while he stands on Komander’s neck! The ref reprimands, Brody steps off and rolls into the ring. Brody again refreshes the count so he can fetch Komander. Brody puts Komander in the ring, covers, TWO! Komander is still in this but Brody is more amused than anything. Brody paces then brings Komander up. Brody CHOPS Komander to a corner, then revels in the noise a bit more. Brody then digs his boot into Komander, but lets off as the ref counts. Brody drags Komander up to CHOP, but Komander CHOPS! Brody CHOPS Komander down!
Brody digs his boots in again, but the ref counts. Brody steps away, then drags Komander to his feet. Brody ROCKS Komander as the Holiday Bash returns to single picture. Brody eggs Komander on, stands him up, and ROCKS him again! Komander flops against ropes but Brody dares him to keep fighting. Komander staggers up, but Brody CHOPS him! Komander is stinging but Brody ROCKS him! Brody whips, Komander ducks ‘n’ dodges to QUEBRADA, but Brody catches him! But Komander slips down into the STANDING BONE LOCK! The fans fire up but Brody powers up! Brody THROWS Komander right off! SENTON FLOPS as Komander moves!
Komander hurries to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Brody and Komander both crawl to ropes! They both stand, Brody runs up, but Komander swings around, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Brody flops out to the floor! Komander sees that and the fans fire up! Komander builds going side to side, and he goes up and up and CROSSBODIES, but Brody catches him! Brody RAMS Komander into the railing! And then whips him hard into more railing! Brody makes Komander take a seat, then CHOPS him! The fans bark with Brody as he gets space, and Brody runs back in, but Komander ducks! Brody CRASHES into railing!!
Komander has the fans all fired up as he rises! Komander rolls into the ring, the count is climbing, but Brody is rising! So Komander runs corner to corner to go up, up and AWAY!! Direct hit with that escalara cannonball! The fans fire up as Komander rises again! Komander and Brody both head for the ring while fans sing again, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Komander has Brody in the drop zone! Komander goes up the corner, but Brody CLUBS him first! Brody has Komander in the Electric Chair Lift, then goes up the corner!? But Komander fights, shifts, and SUPER SUSNET FLIP POWERBOMBS!!
Brody is in the drop zone again and Komander rises! 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Brody survives and Komander cannot believe it! “This is Awesome!” as Komander rises and goes to another corner. Komander tunes up the band, runs corner to corner, but Brody SLAPS him first! Brody runs but Komander dodges, Brody POSTS himself! Komander is on the apron and he runs up, to SHOTGUN Brody to the floor! Brody sputters, Komander climbs the corner, and the fans are thunderous! Komander springboards to ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Another direct hit and Komander feels so close to his first points in the C2!
Komander hurries to get in the ring, but then slides out to start a new ring count. Komander climbs again while Brody rises. Komander watches Brody slide in, then tightrope walks to CIELITO LINDO!! But that was on Brody’s back! Komander pushes Brody but that’s a lot of dead weight to push! Brody sits up but Komander KICKS him! Komander roars, the fans fire up, handspring- TORTURE RACK! Brody flips Komander around, GONZO BOMB!! Cover, Brody wins!!
Winner: Brody King, by pinfall (gains 3 points; Komander earns 0)
If it wasn’t clear before, this was a painful punctuation mark, Komander is mathematically ELIMINATED from the semifinals. However, Komander’s final C2 match is Dynamite’s Miracle on 34th Street against Claudio Castagnoli! Can Komander be the biggest spoiler of this entire tournament? Can Brody prove to everyone in the Gold League that the House Always Wins?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage here for Holiday Bash, though some clear redundancies from last week’s Winter is Coming edition. We got another group Don Callis Promo, and we barely got anything different from Callis and Kyle. The tag match’s only changes were Cage switching in for Archer, even though Cage is in reality defending his ROH World TV Championship in the Hammerstein Ballroom for Final Battle, and then the Callis Family wins this time so Hobbs and Konosuke can be even going towards Worlds End. Now, Konosuke could very well retain the International Championship at Worlds End because NJPW is totally open to Konosuke Takeshita VS Shingo Takagi being Winner Takes All, AEW International and NEVER Openweight titles on the line together.
Lio & Action of course won their match, but the real purpose was to get a confrontation out of them, Private Party and OG Top Flight, Darius & Dante. Good stuff, and it teases anywhere between a Triple Threat to Lio & Action VS Darius & Dante Round 2. Very good promo from Triple J to set up for something, anything really, for 2025. Fight for the Fallen can even be the start of whatever that plan is as part of the “mother of all streams.” And good stuff with the women’s division tonight. Ford & Harley makes a natural duo now given their names, and Willow and Kris could possibly reunite now that Kris is a Face again. That wouldn’t really make up for the weird fumble in the middle where Tony Khan just wanted Kris to get away from Stokely, but hey, this story itself could be really well done.
And great stuff out of Brody VS Komander, really got the drama going before the end. I mean, we all knew Komander was out of the running before tonight, and was most certainly taking the loss here, but Komander got to really show some grit. And now, five people at 6 points going into the final round, they’re really adding great drama to Gold League. Collision tomorrow and then Dynamite Miracle on 34th Street will be some great stuff, but I still think Ospreay should be one of the semifinalists, the second spot can be whoever they want.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Feel the StrongEST, the FastEST, the RoughEST, the ToughEST, and the BEST Glow!
With Jade Cargill out of action, Naomi is stepping in to help Bianca Belair defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships tonight on SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade; The Bloodline wins.
- Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes; Melo wins.
- Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley; Gargano wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae; Bianca & Naomi win and retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Solo Sikoa is here!
The fans boo as the “Undisputed” Tribal Chief leads the Samoan Werewolf and Good Bad Guy to the ring. Roman Reigns put out the challenge for Tribal Combat, and on January 6th, in Los Angeles, for the first-ever Monday Night Raw on Netflix, it will happen! But first, Solo and his Bloodline go to the ring, and the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells them all, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” The fans boo instead, as expected. Solo lets that slide, and he says, “Roman Reigns sat on his little boat with The Wise Man and decided to challenge me on January 6th to a Tribal Combat match for the ula fala on Monday Night Raw, the debut on Netflix.”
The fans “WHAT?” Solo says instead of saying that, the fans should ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. The fans boo more, but Solo says shut your mouths and listen to what THE Tribal Chief has to say! The fans continue to boo and they continue to chant, “O T C! O T C!” Solo tells Roman that if he wants Tribal Combat, if he wants to take THE Tribal Chief to war, then let’s do it! Solo will leave his Bloodline behind, “WHAT?” Roman will leave his behind, “WHAT?” They’ll leave the Wise Man behind. “WHAT?” Jimmy and Jey, too. So listen and listen carefully: On January 6th, Solo walks in and walks OUT as THE Tribal Chief!
The fans boo more but Solo says on January 6th, he will STILL be the Head of the Table! He will STILL be YOUR Tribal Chief! And he will STILL have the ula fala! So Roman, after Solo beats your ass in LA, Roman can go back out on his little boat, sail off to the Island of Irrelevancy, and Roman can finally ACKNOWLEDGE SOLO. But wait! Drew McIntyre is here!? The Scottish Terminator has already hit Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn, but let’s not forget Solo was chief among those who screwed McIntyre out of the world championship. Solo has Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga stand down as McIntyre goes to the ring.
McIntyre grabs a mic but Solo tells him, “I gotta admit, I was very happy when you kicked my brother, Jimmy, in the face last week. Yes, I was very, very happy. But you better have a damn good reason why you’re interrupting me.” McIntyre says he’ll make it quick because it causes McIntyre physical pain to be this close to Solo and not beating Solo within an inch of his life. You like what McIntyre did to Jimmy? What about Sami and Jey? McIntyre wants to know, when Solo lies in bed at night, is he asking when McIntyre is coming after him? Because Solo is the one that cost McIntyre the title at Clash at the Castle.
Solo is the one who caused McIntyre’s family the pain and misery that caused him more pain and misery! But Solo also stood up to Roman Reigns. The only one to have the balls to stand up to Roman! The rest of them acted tough, acted like they were going to do something, but Roman snapped his fingers, didn’t change one bit. McIntyre’s heart says jump Solo, but McIntyre’s head says he and Solo have the same goal. So here’s what McIntyre is thinking: McIntyre can start working through the hit list, taking out more and more OG Bloodline members, and Solo does one thing for him: Take out Roman for good.
The fans boo but McIntyre says once all that business is finished, then he and Solo can settle theirs. But then JIMMY yanks McIntyre out of the ring! And CRACKS him with the crutch! And again! And then he runs up to CLOBBER McIntyre! McIntyre goes running into the crowd, Jimmy does his best to pursue, but now here comes LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade! The Bloodline has a Six Man Tag on their hands, will Knight even let Solo make it to LA?
Six Man Tag: The Bloodline VS LA Knight, Apollo Creed & Andrade!
The brawl is on, Apollo after Tama, Andrade after Jacob, and Knight after Solo! Solo shoves back, but Knight LARIATS him up and out! Apollo DUMPS Tama and Andrade BOOTS Jacob! Apollo BOOTS Jacob, then Andrade BOOTS him again! Jacob tumbles out but Solo has him stand down! The Bloodline regroups while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and the match is already going as Apollo ducks ‘n’ dodges Tama to then slide under. Tama keeps moving, Apollo hurdles over, drops down, then DROPKICKS! Apollo fires up and the fans are with him, then Apollo gorilla presses Tama! The fans fire up and Apollo marches around. Apollo says this is for Solo, and he DROPS Tama! Tama flounders, Apollo brings him over, and he tags in Knight. Knight fires hands on Tama, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight brings Tama around to whip but Tama reverses. Knight catches Tama for a SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Tama is tougher than that but Knight stomps him.
Tag to Andrade and the unlikely partners mug Tama. Andrade CHOPS Tama, then has him in a corner. Andrade tags Apollo, they double whip Tama to DOUBLE ELBOW! Apollo covers, TWO! Tama stays in this but Apollo drags Tama up. Apollo ROCKS Tama, the fans rally, and Apollo ROCKS Tama again. Apollo tags Andrade back in, they mug Tama, but Tama fires body shots! Tama shoves Andrade but Andrade RANAS on the return! Tama tumbles out, Jacob runs in, but Andrade DUMPS him out! Tag to Apollo, and then Andrade climbs! Apollo builds speed, and Apollo FLIES while Andrade ARIHARA MOONSAULTS!
The fans fire up as Knight then gets in to keep Solo back! Knight dares Solo to try something, but Solo stays back. Knight goes back to his corner while Apollo puts Tama in. The fans fire up as Apollo reels Tama in. Tama fires body shots and switches to a waistlock. Apollo elbows free, but Jacob sneaks a tag! Tama shoves Apollo and Jacob BODY CHECKS Apollo! The Werewolf is all geeked up while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Solo whips Apollo to ELBOW him down! Solo throws up the one but the fans boo. Solo drags Apollo up, bumps him off buckles, and the fans rally. Solo UPPERCUTS Apollo down, then stalks him along the ropes. Solo drags Apollo up but Apollo fires hands! Solo keeps Apollo from his corner but Apollo throws more shots! Solo whips Apollo hard into the Bloodline corner! Tag to Jacob and he looms over Apollo. Jacob drags Apollo up to scoop and SLAM! The fans boo but Jacob runs to SENTON, onto knees! Apollo saves himeslf and both men are down! They crawl, hot tag to Andrade!
El Idolo dodges Jacob, BLASTS Tama then ROCKS Solo! Andrade fires hands on Jacob, runs, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING FOREARM! Jacob tumbles to a corner while Andrade kips up! The fans fire up and chant “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade runs in, CIEN SHADOWES! Cover, TWO!! Jacob survives but Andrade keeps his cool. Andrade goes up a corner, MOONSAULT DOUBLE! Cover, TWO!! Andrade is frustrated now as Jacob survives again! Andrade thinks on what to do, and he brings Jacob up. Andrade fires forearms but Jacob grabs Andrade’s neck! Andrade fights free and fires more shots, but Solo sneaks a tag!
Andrade whips, Jacob reverses, but Andrade KICKS Jacob away! Jacob just roars! Andrade runs up, Jacob FLAPJACKS him into Solo’s HOTSHOT! That combo sends Andrade tumbling out to the floor, and Solo brings him up to POST him! The fans boo as The Bloodline stands tall, and Solo shows off his ula fala. Solo goes back to Andrade and puts him in the ring. Tag to Jacob, and Jacob whips for a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Andrade sputters and coughs while Jacob is geeked up again, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jacob watches Andrade crawl to the apron, and waits for him to go to a corner. Andrade sits up but into the HIP ATTACK! Jacob snarls as he kicks Andrade around. Tag to Solo and he whips Jacob for Jacob to whip him! Another HIP ATTACK on Andrade! Solo scowls at the fans, then talks trash on Andrade. Solo drags Andrade by his foot and brings him over to tag Tama. Tama then slingshot ELBOW DROPS! Andrade sputters more but Tama covers, TWO! Andrade is still in this, but Tama rains down fists on Andrade to keep him down! Tama HAMMERS and CLUBS Andrade, then he talks smack on Apollo and Knight.
Tama kicks Andrade to the Bloodline corner, drags him back up, and then fires a BODY SHOT! Andrade sputters, Tama tags Jacob, and then Jacob whips Tama in for a STINGER SPLASH! Andrade falls over, Jacob clamps claws into the shoulders! Andrade endures, fights up, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down! Jacob clamps the claws on again and really digs into Andrade’s shoulders! Andrade kicks and flails in pain but Jacob just thrashes him around more! Jacob shouts at Andrade but Andrade fights up to his feet! Andrade fires body shots, but Jacob HEADBUTTS him down again! Jacob stalks Andrade to a corner as SmackDown returns to single picture.
The fans boo but Jacob rains down fists in the corner! Jacob then sucker punches Apollo! Andrade sits up, Jacob runs in, but Andrade moves! Hip attack hits buckles and the fans fire up! Andrade and Jacob crawl, Solo shouts for Jacob to get up! Jacob grabs Andrade’s foot and brings him up! Andrade ENZIGIRIS free! Hot tags to Tama and The Mega Star! The fans are thunderous as Knight dodges then CLOBBERS Tama! Tama flounders to a corner, Knight stomps away on him, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” The ref counts, Knight stops at 4, but then he CLOBBERS Jacob! KNEE for Tama! Solo runs up to TOSS Knight!
Knight dodges Solo in the corner and hits a NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up even more and Knight tags Apollo. Knight hits Tama with the BIG back suplex! Apollo goes up top for the FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives but Apollo clamps on with a CROSSFACE! Knight WRECKS Jacob with a dropkick, and the Samoan Werewolf tumbles up and over the desk! Knight goes out to say that’s what Jacob gets, BUT SHINSUKE IS HERE!? Nakamura CLOBBERS Knight into the desk! The King of Strong Style gets away with that while the ref was busy checking Tama! Solo CLOBBERS Apollo, but Andrade whips Solo!
Solo reverses and ELBOWS Andrade! Solo drags Tama to their corner and then tags in. Solo aims at Apollo, HIP ATTACK! Solo hauls Apollo up, URENAGE! And then SAMOAN SPIKE!! Cover, Bloodline wins!!
Winners: The Bloodline, by pinfall
It seems Drew McIntyre isn’t the only one who is surprisingly on Solo’s side. The sinister samurai made sure to strike from the shadows to screw over Knight, will Knight make sure Nakamura comes to regret it? As for Solo, he is rolling towards the Raw Netflix debut, will he not need his Bloodline to retain the ula fala?
Backstage interview with Motor City Machine Guns.
Byron Saxton is with Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin ahead of the emotional grudge match. Shelley takes on his former friend, student, and the man who betrayed MCMG to take those WWE Tag Team Championships. That man is Johnny Gargano, so what thoughts are flowing through Shelley’s mind? Shelley says it is one thought: Payback. Sabin says they’ve known Gargano almost 20 YEARS, and only now does Gargano let the mask fall away to show us the truth. Shelley says it cuts a lot deeper when it’s someone you considered a little brother. Shelley tells Johnny that he makes sure Gargano knows he made the BIGGEST mistake of his life.
Sabin asks Shelley if he’s ready to do this. Shelley says this is something he has to do alone. He wants to see if Gargano is man enough to do the same. Sabin says okay, let’s get warmed up. Shelley wants a 1v1 shootout with Johnny Wrestling, but will Gargano do anything but do this himself?
SmackDown shares footage from after Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Byron Saxton was with Chelsea Green & Piper Niven and said before anything else, congratulations. Chelsea pats herself on the back, Piper pats Chelsea a bit, too, and Byron takes her back through the closing moments. Unpretty-Her on Michin, the bell rings, and we hear Lilian Garcia say the words, “AND NEW Women’s United States Champion, Chelsea Green.” What went through her mind? Chelsea takes out her gum and puts it in “Bryan’s” hand, and then tells him that she always knew this would happen. He might be surprised, and that’s so cute, but she wasn’t. She’s been doing this for ten YEARS, and worked her entire life to be an overnight success.
This is Chelsea’s time! Red, white and Green! Say it with her, Bryan! #RedWhiteAndGreen. So then, let’s talk the historical significance. Chelsea will now go down in the history books as the FIRST-EVER Women’s US Champion, so how does she’s now synonymous with the likes of Harley Race, the first-ever Men’s US Champion? She would say, “Duh.” She’s in the books where she belongs. Probably should’ve been three years ago, but she was released. It should’ve been way back in 2015, but she wasn’t hired. So now is the time. NOW IS THE FREAKIN’ TIME!! Yes, it is her time. What does a Chelsea Green reign look like going forward?
Chelsea says it looks like she’s going to Disneyland, so she’s got a plane to catch. Can they wrap this up? Of course. Have fun in Disneyland. Yes, well-deserved. Piper calls for champagne. Will we never hear the end of this now that Chelsea has gold to go with the ego?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“What happened after Saturday Night’s Main Event was not my fault. There’s a lot of people to blame for it. Cody Rhodes, the referees, Nick Aldis, WWE Management, they’re all to blame. I was screwed out of winning that championship. What happened to me is a travesty, a tragedy! I should be standing here Undisputed WWE Champion, but I’m not. But I took this (the Winged Eagle belt) because I deserve it. And I’m not giving it back until I get what i want. Everyone needs to understand, you can only push a man so much until they snap. But the good news is, I haven’t snapped yet.
“It can all get so much worse, trust me. You don’t want me to snap. So Cody, Nick Aldis, WWE officials, what happens next is on all of you.” The Prizefighter has said his piece, will he hold the championship hostage until his demands are met?
DIY talks backstage.
Ciampa gets it, Gargano’s known MCMG a long time. So it surprises Ciampa that Shelley is so dumb! He wants this grudge match but he can’t win the tag titles back in a singles match. So what’s he doing? Gargano says Shelley wants his payback, that’s obvious. But Shelley wants to challenge Gargano’s manhood?! Gargano is all man! He made a kid! Yeah, Papa John, Daddy Ciampa, of course they made kids. But Shelley did specify that he wants to do this on his own, so Ciampa knows what that means, right? Ciampa has to stay backstage, too. Gargano will handle business by himself. He’s not some naive 18-year-old kid with a dream anymore! Dream came true!
Gargano will go remind Shelley that he’s Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling! So Ciampa can just relax right back here. Ciampa says go get him! Ciampa won’t even move a muscle from here, you can trust him. Can he? Or is this all another facade to lower everyone’s guard?
It’s an all new Grayson Waller Effect!
A-Town Down Under is already in the ring, and fans boo as Austin Theory & Grayson Waller show off the abs. Waller then welcomes us to the Grayson Waller- And Austin Theory…! Effect. The hottest show keeps getting hotter cuz Waller gets scoop after scoop, lads. And tonight is a big scoop! A big, BIG scoop! The first transfer from Raw to SmackDown, it’s the Monster of All Monsters, BRAUN STROWMAN! The fans cheer as Braun makes his way to the ring, and he’s coming out as Santa Braun! Or perhaps, Strowman Claus? Either way, Braun throws free merchandise to the fans, what a gift for Christmas!
Braun empties the bag and then goes to the ring. Turns out, nothing for Waller & Theory! Waller sits behind the desk and thanks Braun for coming. And how nice of Braun to help all the poor here in Hartford. The fans boo and Braun asks if Waller’s really starting this like that. Is he really trying to piss Braun off already? No no no! Braun is right, it really is nice. And this is big! The biggest acquisition in SmackDown history! On the biggest talk show in WWE history! Braun says it doesn’t get any bigger than this, baby! The fans cheer and Waller says before we start, he knows how this goes, sometimes.
Waller just wants us to know that he invested a lot of money into the new set. Maybe we continue to spread Christmas cheer and have a civil conversation. No damage. Well, if Waller runs his mouth, then Braun can promise he’ll wear Waller out using all the stuff in here. Waller says he’s a bit surprised Braun agreed to this. If no one has said before, but Braun is a little intimidating. But the more Waller thought about it, the more it made sense. Even Braun sees the sense in associating with ATDU! The fans boo and Braun says he threw up a little bit in his mouth, and that get a good laugh.
Waller says okay, but SmackDown’s a bit scary right now. Bloodline is going wild, people are getting attacked backstage, and you don’t wanna be alone in the car park. Sorry, parking lot. Braun asks if Waller knows who he’s talking to. No, he didn’t mean anything by it. Waller just figures, it’d be a good idea if Braun looked after Braun for once. And that means setting up the ultimate alliance. Braun Strowman & A-Town Down Under as the same team! They’d be untouchable! The cunning and intelligence of Waller & Theory, Braun’s strength. Get it? Brains & Braun. Braun says he already told Waller to watch his mouth! Does Waller want his set shoved up his-
Wait! Carmelo Hayes makes his way out here! Braun sighs and Melo says no, no, no, cut this out. Melo has a bone to pick with Braun. Aldis thought he was going to humble Melo by setting him up against Braun. Everybody here knows that that wasn’t fair. But newsflash, Nick Aldis, you can’t humble greatness! Melo might lose, but he’ll never quit. So Braun, “you big ugly dumb Santa Claus b*tch,” let’s run this thing back right here, right now! Cuz now, Melo’s ready! Braun says if Melo didn’t learn his lesson last week, Braun will remind him what the Braun Strowman Effect is! Waller & Theory run away as Braun grabs the fake palm trees!
Braun CHUCKS trees at Melo but Melo just laughs. Will Melo not miss the game winner in this rematch? Or will Braun be the one to humble H1M?
Braun Strowman VS Carmelo Hayes!
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Braun chuckles at Melo wanting to tie up. They do tie up but then Melo slips around to KICK the leg! Braun just brushes that off as he and Melo circle. Melo uses the ropes and even the ref as a shield so Braun backs off. Melo comes back, taunts Braun, then drops back to ropes. The ref wants Braun to let off, and Braun does, but then Melo sucker punches him! Melo talks smack, then whips, but Braun blocks! B raun shakes his head, whips Melo, but Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides out. Melo says safe! Melo says he’s smart, but then gets spooked as Braun storms up to ropes!
The ref has Braun stay back, and Melo gets cocky again. Braun signals to the fans that he’s taking a lap and the fans fire up. Braun goes outside, builds speed, but Melo runs! Melo slides into the ring, Braun gets on the apron, but Melo KICKS him! The fans boo but Melo hits the FADE AWAY! Braun flounders, Melo CLUBS and KNEES and repeat! Braun SHOVES Melo out of the ring! Braun shakes it off then storms back up on Melo. Braun YANKS Melo up by his hair! And then he TOSSES Melo across the way! The fans fire up and Braun drags Melo up again. Braun whips, Melo dropkicks the legs out! Braun falls, Melo runs, FADE AWAY, but into Braun’s hands!
Braun pops Melo up, but Melo SPIKE-RANAS! Braun sputters and Melo soaks up heat. Braun rises up like the monster he is! Melo turns around, Braun runs up, but Melo DUMPS Braun out! Melo BOOTS Braun away, then gets cocky again. Melo goes out the side and he runs up a la Braun. But Braun BOOTS Melo right down! The fans fire up and Braun looms over Melo. Braun drags Melo up, whips him at steps, but Melo goes up! Melo leaps, but into Braun’s arms! We’re at 7 of 10 as Melo slips free! Melo SLAPS Braun! Braun grabs Melo by the neck and TOSSES him into the ring! We’re at 10!! MELO WINS!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by count out
Talk about rope-a-dope! Melo steals this win by getting the better of Braun’s anger! Braun scowls at smart-aleck Melo, and he storms in! Melo runs out to the crowd and into the night, but Braun pursues! Will Melo #GetTheseHands one way or another?
Nia Jax and Candice LeRae talk backstage.
They’re both excited for the tag title match tonight, because Nia can become a double champion. Tiffany Stratton walks in and Nia says there she is! Tiff wishes them luck tonight, and cannot wait to be there ringside when the ref raises their hands. Nia gets a guilty look on her face and Candice tells Tiff that they were talking… It’s best if Tiff stays in the back. But hey, she can take some notes if she wants. And if she wants to help, she can prepare champagne, balloons and maybe even streamers. They’re gonna need all that after the big win. So Tiff should get on that while Candice & Nia strategize.
Tiff looks to Nia but Nia just says, “Thanks, Tiff.” Tiff leaves, Nia shrugs off the guilt and says she and Candice are ready. Candice is sure Tiff will have the most beautiful party ready for them. Will the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie succeed in taking the tag titles for their own? Or will it be Bianca & Naomi having that champagne to celebrate?
Melo returns backstage.
And he’s on high alert knowing Braun is still hunting him down. Melo bumps into Legado Del Fantasma, and then Braun storms up! Braun asks where Melo went. Santos Escobar says screw that, he’s no snitch. Braun says not telling is gonna get Santos worse. Angel steps in and says Melo went that way. Braun thanks Angel and storms off after Melo. But then Pretty Deadly asks Braun to please read through their script. Braun slaps the script down and says he doesn’t care about their stupid musical! But then Melo SMACKS Braun with a chair! And SMACKS him again! Melo talks trash before heading out, but Braun gets back up.
Braun is angrier than ever, and he still hunts Melo down! Is there going to be nothing left of H1M after Braun #GetsTheseHands on him?
Johnny Gargano VS Alex Shelley!
Longtime friendships thrown away in order to get ahead is practically cliche in pro-wrestling, but to think Johnny Wrestling would be the kind to do that. Will Shelley make Gargano regret ever treating 20 YEARS like it was nothing?
The bell rings and Gargano runs up! Shelley dodges to fire hands, then he bumps Gargano off buckles. Shelley stomps a mudhole in, then stands Gargano up to dig his forearm in! The ref counts, Shelley lets off, then he climbs up to rain down fists! Gargano YANKS Shelley down! Shelley flounders, Gargano CHOPS Shelley to a corner, then he mocks the MCMG hand pointing. Gargano CHOPS Shelley, ROCKS him, then wrenches him to whip corner to corner. Gargano runs up but Shelley ELBOWS him away! Shelley goes up to FLYING KNEE! And then he CLOBBERS Gargano! The fans fire up as Shelley drags Gargano up.
Shelley wrenches, hammerlocks, but Gargano elbows free! Gargano brings Shelley around to schoolboy ROUNDHOUSE! Shelley sputters, Gargano brings him up, and Gargano says he’s no longer the student. Gargano ROCKS Shelley, stomps away, but stops as the ref counts. Gargano soaks up heat, then shakes out his left hand before he runs up. Shelley puts Gargano on the apron to HOTSHOT! Gargano falls, Shelley aims, and Shelley slingshots to stomp Gargano’s bad hand! Gargano staggers away, but runs back up on Shelley, only for Shelley to jump the sweep! SUPERKICK! Then FLYING KNEE!
The fans fire up while Gargano goes down, and Shelley says that’s what Gargano gets while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Gargano has Shelley in a clinch. Gargano fires body shots, then he hits a JAWBREAKER! Gargano goes to a corner, Shelley runs up, but Gargano BOOTS back! Gargano runs up and slips around Shelley to SLINGBLADE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Gargano is frustrated but he stalks Shelley to the apron. Gargano brings Shelley up, talks more smack, and he fireman’s carries. Shelley slips out but Gargano ROCKS him! SLINGSHOT- SUPERKICK! Shelley takes Gargano out of the air and both men are down! The fans rally up, and Shelley stands to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again!
Shelley CHOPS, whips, then kitchen sink knees! And then PENALTY KICKS! Ghost pin, TWO! Gargano escapes, but Shelley wants the arm! Shelley uses the Garga- NO, Gargano turns chicken wing into roll up, TWO!! Shelley escapes, clinches, and spins Gargano, ASAI DDT! Cover, TWO! Shelley wants the arm again! The fans rally as Shelley drags Gargano up, wrenches and wristlocks, but Gargano ROCKS Shelley with forearms! Shelley CHOPS back, CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Shelley wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! But Gargano ENZIGIRIS! Shelley runs up, Gargano dodges and SUPERKICKS!
Gargano scoops Shelley, takes aim at a corner, LAWN DART! Cover, TWO!! Shelley survives and the fans rally up! Gargano grows frustrated but he brings Shelley around. Gargano wants the arm now! GargaNO Escape, but Shelley says NO to that! They both fight up, end up in a corner, and the ref counts. Gargano lets off, to then ROCK Shelley with a cheap shot! Gargano runs up, but into a BUCKLE SHOT! Shelley shakes out the stars and he goes to the corner. The fans fire up as Shelley climbs, but Ciampa shows up! Gargano GAMANGIRIS Shelley down! But wait, here comes Sabin! Ciampa violated the deal first so Sabin’s not letting him do worse!
Gargano climbs up while Sabin chases Ciampa off, but Shelley SHOVES Gargano! CROSSBODY! Gargano rolls through, and pulls tights! Gargano wins!!
Winner: Johnny Gargano, by pinfall
Distraction tactic and pulling the tights? Gargano has no shame! But he and Ciampa have the WWE Tag Team Championships, so is that all that matters?
Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Naomi.
Byron Saxton is at gorilla with The EST & The Glow, and before they head to the ring, he wants to recap the crazy couple of weeks. The mysterious attack on Jade Cargill, the big win at Survivor Series in WarGames, and now they can solidify themselves as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bianca says these past few weeks have been rough to say the least. And while you can trust Bianca will find out what happened to Jade, you best believe they won’t be stripped of the tag titles. That’s just what the culprit wants and Bianca isn’t going down without a fight. Thankfully, Bianca has a friend who always has her back.
Naomi says yeah, she’s got her back forever! And she can never turn down a good “snatch ‘n’ drag.” But she also knows how important these titles are to Bianca & Jade, and they’re just as important to her. Naomi will go out there and do everything she has to in order to keep the titles. Bianca holds out Jade’s belt to Naomi, but Naomi says no. Not until she’s earned it. Bianca says okay, and the music hits. Naomi is fired up, will this be the StrongEST Glow yet?
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Naomi VS Nia Jax & Candice LeRae!
SmackDown returns as the Irresistible Force & Poison Pixie make their entrance together. The introductions are made, the tag titles are raised, and we see who is truly the strongest duo!
The teams sort out and Bianca starts against Candice. They tie up as the fans rally, and Bianca powers Candice right to a corner. But Candice pulls the braid! The ref reprimands, Candice shoves Bianca, then pie faces her! But Bianca SHOVES Candice to the corner! Bianca runs up but into an elbow! Candice goes up but Bianca ROCKS her! Bianca gorilla presses Candice but Candice scrambles free! Candice hurries away and she tags in Nia. Bianca says bring it and the fans rally for the “E S T! E S T!” Nia and Bianca tie up, Bianca headlocks, but Nia powers up and out. Tiff is watching backstage as Nia scoops Bianca, only for Bianca to slip free.
Bianca runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges and DROPKICKS! Nia rebounds but Bianca avoids the elbow drop! Bianca tags Naomi then sets Nia up! Naomi and Bianca both run the ropes, Bianca handsprings, SPLIT LEG DROP AND MOONSAULT COMBO! Naomi covers, TWO! Naomi hurries back after Nia but Nia shoves her away. Naomi slides under the lariat then mule kicks! Naomi runs but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Nia drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Naomi stays in this for Bianca’s sake but Nia storms back up as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Nia DRIBBLES Naomi off the mat, then stares Bianca down. Nia stalks Naomi to a corner, puts her on ropes, and CHOKES her! The ref counts, Nia lets off, and then Nia drags Naomi over to the corner. Nia traps Naomi while she tags Candice. Nia fires some elbows before backing off, and Candice RAMS Naomi! Candice ROCKS Naomi, sits her down, then stomps a mudhole in. Candice taunts Bianca, drags Naomi to a cover, TWO! Candice CLUBS Naomi down, then clamps on with a top wristlock. Naomi endures while Candice leans on the hold. Naomi fights up, arm-drags free, then hurries for her corner!
Candice scrambles after Naomi and THROWS her by her hair! Candice stomps Naomi to the corner, tags Nia, and Nia runs up to HIP ATTACK! Nia taunts Bianca, drags Naomi up, and clamps on with a cobra clutch! Nia leans on Naomi to grind her down. Naomi endures, fights up, and JAWBREAKERS free! Nia staggers around, but she scoops Naomi! Naomi slips free to the apron and HOTSHOTS Nia! Naomi BOOTS Candice. RAMS Nia, then reels Nia in for a HEATSEEKER! Naomi is down, but she BOOTS Nia away before heading for her corner. Candice hurries and tags in, but Naomi hot tags Bianca!
Bianca rallies on Candice with shoulder tackles and DROPKICK! Bianca kips up, wrenches, and suplexes Candice! SmackDown returns to single picture as Candice slips free! Candice dodges Bianca, Nia sneaks a tag, and Bianca scoops Candice for a GUT BUSTER! Bianca runs at the corner to RAM Candice, then she climbs up! The ref tries to explain but Nia runs up! Bianca backflips up and over! Nia almost squashes Candice, but she turns around. Bianca dodges Nia, but Candice hits a CODE BREAKER! SAMOAN DROP from Nia! Cover, TWO! Bianca survives and the fans fire up! Nia snarls as she drags Bianca into a motorcycle stretch!
Bianca endures and the fans rally up. Bianca fights up but Nia POSTS her first! Nia then mocks the fans with clapping, then she scuffs Bianca. Nia dares Bianca to tag, then she THROWS Bianca by the braid! Bianca goes to ropes, and Nia pulls the braid around them! The ref reprimands, Nia lets off, but Candice gets her shots in! The fans boo but Bianca gets away. Nia soaks up the heat and then brings Bianca around. Nia has the cobra clutch back on and she thrashes Bianca around. The fans rally as Bianca endures, and Bianca fights back up. Nia kicks Bianca but Bianca rebounds to reel Nia in!
Bianca tries to suplex but Nia’s too big! Nia shoves Bianca to the corner, but Bianca BOOTS back! Bianca ELBOWS Candice, runs up on Nia, but Nia picks her up! Nia RAMS Bianca into the corner! Tag to Candice and she climbs. Nia holds Bianca up, Candice MISSILE DROPKICKS Bianca into the SPINEBUSTER! Candice then BLASTS Bianca off the apron, then uses Nia as the step for the STEP-UP SENTON! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives, she’s the toughEST for a reason! Candice is frustrated and she CLUBS away on Bianca! The fans rally for “E S T! E S T!” Bianca throws a body shot but Candice CLUBS her down again.
Candice tags Nia and Nia pulls the braid to keep Bianca back. Nia whips Bianca to Candice but Bianca slips around. Candice standing switches, Nia runs up, but Bianca ducks and Nia clips Candice! Bianca scrambles while Nia checks Candice, hot tag to Naomi! Naomi LARIATS Nia but Nia stays up! So Naomi UPPERCUTS Nia! Nia still stays up! Naomi dodges, goes up the ropes, FLYING CHUCK! Nia wobbles and the fans fire up with Naomi! Naomi reels Nia in but Nia whips her away! Naomi BOOTS from the corner, then goes up! FLYING FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Nia stays in this but Naomi pounds the mat.
The fans rally up, Naoim brings Nia up, but Nia HEADBUTTS her! Nia runs up at the corner, but Naomi dodges to POST her! Nia is down, Naomi goes up! SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT FLOPS as Nia moves! Nia CLUBS Naomi, puts her in the drop zone, then goes up! But Naomi SMACKS Nia off the post! Tag to Bianca, and Naomi gets under Nia?! POWERBOMB!! Naomi drags Nia into the drop zone! Bianca aims for the 450!! Cover, CANDICE BREAKS IT! The fans fire up, Nia is busted open from hitting that post, but here comes TIFFANY! Is she doing what it looks like? Tiff cheers on Candice & Nia, no cash-in yet.
Candice tags in, goes after Bianca, but Bianca RAMS Candice into the corner! Bianca runs but into a BOOT! Candice goes up, TORNADO DDT! Cover, Naomi GAMANGIRIS Candice! Fans cheer “CASH IT IN!” at Tiff but Bianca tags in Naomi. Nia sneaks a tag, and as the Naomi goes after Candice, the ref has to explain. In that distraction, Nia asks for the briefcase! Tiff is conflicted, but she hands it over. But then the ref sees Nia with it! Bianca HANDSPRING KICKS Nia off the apron! Nia falls right at Tiff’s feet! Bianca tags Naomi, then PLANCHAS onto Nia! Naomi has Candice but Candice cradles! TWO!! Naomi KNEES Candice down!
Naomi hurries up, up and SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, NAOMI & BIANCA WIN!
Winners: Bianca Belair & Naomi, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)
Tiff’s hesitation costs Nia, and that means Naomi has earned that title belt! Bianca personally hands it to her and the two celebrate together. Will they hold onto the titles all the way ’til Jade is back in action? Or will a team come along that outshines even the StrongEST Glow?
My Thoughts:
A great episode of SmackDown here, though I think it was also prerecorded. They were in Hartford last week, weren’t they? And I thought that was prerecorded given how Jimmy Uso’s promo was received… But speaking of, good stuff from Bloodline to open. McIntyre calling a true with Solo was a bit of a surprise, but I suppose we should’ve seen that coming with how McIntyre is a Heel and often a hypocrite. Jimmy going after McIntyre was also good stuff, he can clearly still be a factor even with a bad toe. Very good Six Man Tag, too, but I should’ve known Nakamura would interfere and cost Knight’s team. Good win for Solo, and we’ve still got a couple weeks before Raw on Netflix, so the go-home math will still sort out with the first SmackDown of 2025.
Very good promos from MCMG and DIY, and of course Ciampa still went out to ringside despite the “promise” he made. And of course Gargano cheated, but that adds heat to the coming tag title rematch. They might even put that on the first SmackDown of 2025 to hype it up. Especially as I think it’s going to be the first THREE HOUR SmackDown. NBC is willing to do that knowing Raw is going to Netflix, meaning SmackDown will get more time to do more great things, which works with all the belts we’ve got now.
Good stuff with Braun and the Grayson Waller Effect, but of course we set up more between Braun and Melo. Clever move for Melo to win by count out, and of course Melo gets cocky for it. Braun was almost classic Braun with how he shrugged the chair shots off backstage. We’ll of course get one more Braun VS Melo, and maybe someone from Legado or Pretty Deadly screws Braun over given how he treated them. Very good promo from Chelsea after her big win on Saturday, and I’m sure she’ll be celebrating this win in both kayfabe and real-life through the holidays, ready to start her first title feud on January 3rd.
Very good promo from Kevin Owens, but I feel like he had to contradict himself here from what he said during the Raw on Netflix “kickoff show” on Wednesday. Kevin said then that he’s going to act as the defending champion with the holiday house show tour, but he said here he isn’t the champion since he got screwed. Either way, he’ll really play up how he is somehow the victim in all this, making the return of Cody Rhodes all the better. We’ll surely get one last match of Cody VS Kevin, maybe with a big stipulation on it, and then we’ll have a moment of (more than likely) Cody holding up both Winged Eagle and corporate logo championships.
And of course, very good stuff in the two main Smackdown women’s stories. That promo from Nia, Candice and Tiff was really good because you kinda feel for Tiff being treated as the odd one out. And then very good promo right before the match with Bianca & Naomi. I like Naomi wanting to earn the belt, and we got a great tag match. Nia surely got busted open “hard way,” aka legitimately, that post surely has edges you gotta watch out for. But Tiff showing up was of course for the briefcase distraction, not cashing in. Tiff hasn’t been pushed that far yet, that might come with the Netflix debut. But Naomi & Bianca of course retained the titles, that’ll cue up Jade making a return to identify her attacker, and it might be Naomi after all…
My Score: 8.8/10
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